Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe another year has passed. I'll bet most of us are thinking about 2012 and what the past year brought into our lives - good or bad, personal or worldwide. I can tell you I'm hoping 2013 will be better for everyone.

In the United States, we've seen unthinkable tragedies, most recently the shootings in Newtown and Webster, and natural disasters. It will be another year or more before many of superstorm Sandy's victims can put their lives back together. I hurt for them.

Politically, we've seen another round of elections, but little has changed. Radical ideologues have prevented our country from coming together to compromise on things as simple as helping out the middle class and ensuring that the elderly continue to have a quality Medicare program - one in which doctors are willing to participate. I'll bet you old style town halls could have figured this out by now, but the lights are mostly off on Capitol Hill. As I prepare for a night's sleep, I know we are diving off the so-called fiscal cliff. Why?

So many people don't have jobs. There are reasons for some (e.g., skills that are no longer needed, B.A.'s in philosophy), but not all. Why? I think the dysfunctional House and Senate create anxiety for American businesses. They can't tell which end is up, so they hold back on spending. I can't say 2012 has been a good year for the United States.

We lost so many historic figures in 2012. Whitney Houston, Mike Wallace, Maurice Sendak, Nora Ephron, Sally Ride, Neil Armstrong, Andy Williams, Jack Klugman, Larry Hagman, Don Cornelius, General Norman Schwarzkopf, Dick Clark...I could keep going. Many of them left us way too early, making their loss even more heartbreaking. Will New Year's Eve ever be the same without Dick Clark?

I hope the United States and NATO pull out of Afghanistan in 2013. We aren't wanted there, and centuries have shown that our continued presence, and loss of good men and women, won't change a thing. There will be no sustainable economic, political, or human rights changes in that country, so why bother to stay to "train" people who are killing their trainers? Sorry, I realize I'm getting political, but I want our military men, women, and dogs to come home. Now there's Syria. Why don't the Arab states of the Middle East go try to fix that civil war? Why are we and our allies always called to intervene? The brutality of the current regime has been hard to watch, but watch we must.

At least it's been a good year for our favorite royals, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Will and Kate). We are as thrilled as our friends in Great Britain that a royal baby is on the way. I wish Kate well and hope the rest of her pregnancy will be smoother than the early months. I think that news, the Queen's diamond jubilee, and the Olympics were good for our closest ally.

Fortunately, we misinterpreted the Mayans, and we're looking forward to 2013. I'm wising for a great year from personal perspective. I'd like to lose my back and hip pain and find a new, fun consulting job. The one I had ended this month with the end of a contract. I want Mom, Charlie, and Savannah to be well and enjoy their lives. Do you think it would be greedy to want to win the lottery?

There's more, of course - bigger hopes that I fear won't be realized in a year. I'd like to live in an era when animal abuse becomes a thing of the past, everyone starts to care about our environment and plays an active role in saving the Earth. Human rights abuses become a thing of the past, peace reins, and a cycle of prosperity overtakes the world. I'd also love to see a few political leaders emerge - real, inspirational leaders. You have to have hope.

What about you? Care to join me in musing on 2012 and 2013?

iStock photo

The Best of 2012 - Makeup

I have agonized over writing this feature - even procrastinated. I know that as soon as I click on the "Publish" button, I will think of products I should have included. I will feel many emotions: guilt, annoyance with myself, inadequacy, you name it. It's hard to edit a banner year - one in which I've discovered some amazing beauty products - into a few favorites. Plus, I ask the question, "Who am I to judge?" I'm just one person among millions who loves makeup. I have peculiarities others may not share. Isn't it a bit arrogant to list the "Top 10" or "Top 20" like I'm some kind of expert? Trust me, I'm not.

I decided to separate out makeup, skin care, fragrances, and other (nails, hair, etc). I can't make comparisons between Guerlain Météorites and niche fragrances. They don't compute for me. Today, I'll start with makeup, and as the week progresses, I'll feature the other categories. I encourage you to add your favorites from the year in the comments - if you didn't already do it on the Friday Forum, or if you forgot something you should have listed.

In the category of foundation and concealer, prepping the canvas, my selections were not difficult. Giorgio Armani's Maestro Fusion Makeup and Maestro Eraser Concealer are without peers. This new wonder-foundation and concealer are really a new makeup category - as light as water, but waterless, imparting no makeup feel, but a moist sensation. If you try one thing on my list, the Maestro Fusion Makeup should be your selection. It won't give you heavy coverage, but it will give you the signature Armani glowing look and light-as-air feel. If you want a concealer with more coverage, try Chantecaille's. For an eye primer, nothing beats the Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Shadow Base.

In the illuminator category, Guerlain's Météorites Cruel Gardenia Illuminating Iridescent Powder was a standout among the hundred or so illuminators I purchased. Others must have agreed. It sold out in a flash.

For face powders, I could not select only one. I adore Chantecaille's Les Pétales de Rose and Guerlain's recently introduced Perles du Paradis Météorites. I am also smitten by Poudre Signée de Chanel. Chantecaille's HD Perfecting Powder should be in everyone's makeup bag.

I've got a similar problem in the blush category. I need different blushes for different seasons, outfits, and mood. My favorites include  Chantecaille's Elephant Fun Cheek Shade, Chanel's Fleur de Lotus Joues Contraste Blush, and Chantecaille's Cheek Crèmes. I also adore Bobbi Brown's hybrid Rose Gold Shimmer Brick. It's not strictly "just a blush." It's a highlighter, eye shadow, cheek shade, and overall brightener. For a blush collection in one kit, you can't beat Le Métier de Beauté's Kaleidoscope Blush Kit.

Lipstick is just too hard. I'll mention a few of my favorites, but for each I select, there's another one I love equally. Surprisingly, I've nearly worn out Chanel's En Vogue Rouge Coco Shine. It's not a traditionally "me" shade, but it's enormously flattering. I also love Chantecaille's Lip Chics in Nocturne, Sunrise, and Amour. I am totally smitten with my new Le Métier de Beauté Lip Envy by Tina West Kaleidoscope Lip Kit.

If I thought lipsticks would be too hard, lip glosses are even harder. I use lip gloss so many times each day, they tie with mascara for that don't-leave-the-house-without honor. I cannot possibly name all the lip glosses I fell for this year, but I will share some highlights. Guerlain's two KissKiss Lip Glosses for fall, Sable Snow and Grenade, are gorgeous. Chanel's Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss in Troublant is a keeper. I love the subtle shade of Rouge Bunny Rouge's Sweet Excesses Glassy Gloss from the Mistral Collection. All four of YSL's Golden Glosses for summer are on my list: Golden Shell, Golden Pebble, Golden Pearl, and Golden Sand. Plus, where would I be without Le Métier de Beauté's Jan's Jewel or Cebu or All About Me? When the limited-edition Le Métier de Beauté Lip Crèmes are announced, jump, pre-order, and do it quickly.

How on earth will I showcase just a few eye shadows, particularly when my favorites are often one from this palette, one from another, and many singles? My favorite new palettes of the year are Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Palettes. There is at least one for every complexion. My favorite of them is #3, Pantelleria. Other favorites are Chantecaille's Coral Reefs Palette and Le Métier de Beauté's Eagles Envy Kaleidoscope Eye Kit. I just can't keep going on eye shadows, or I'll be writing all afternoon. You can add in every rose gold shade introduced (e.g., by Trish McEvoy and Bobbi Brown).

Most of you know that I use Maybelline's DEFINE-A-LASH Mascara. I tried several fabulous new mascaras, including Chanel's Le Volume de Chanel, which is extremely nice. I keep going back to Maybelline. It's not new, and I will be heartbroken if the company ever discontinues it.

Best of the new eyeliners? My favorites are Chantecaille's Gel Liner Pencil, Chanel's shimmering, pastel liners, one of which was Khaki Platine, and the Giorgio Armani Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils for spring.

There were so many other fabulous products this year. I'm already feeling guilty for neglecting to mention tens of them. Isn't it a joy that we had so many fabulous choices?

Top photos courtesy of atlargeinc; other photos by Best Things in Beauty or courtesy of the brands

Sunday This and That

Even though I try to reserve Sunday This and That for Sundays, I'm writing this vent Saturday night, while the annoyances, hostility, wonder, and passion are fresh. My friend Kara and I went to Tysons Corner Center today - four days after Christmas, which should have been "safe" for two little old ladies. Well, one little old lady and one mall veteran who has seen everything one could possibly see there.

My right knee and right hip decided to abandon me in unison today, and I found walking very painful. Not just difficult, painful, and anyone watching me walk could see I was having trouble. (I'm really glad I got that hip MRI. I'm actually hoping it will show that there is something wrong with my hip. You can replace hips. If it is referred pain from my degenerating spine, it will push me to make a decision about back surgery.  That, however, is not directly relevant to this story.)

We arrived at the mall around 2:00 - not the wisest decision - but we were both busy in the morning (the safe time to go). The parking lot was already a contest, so my friend Kara dropped me off at the Nordstrom door and found a parking space. How did she do it? She saw a man walking toward his car and offered to give him a lift if she could have his parking space. Genius! I would have been looking for a suitable date, but she's happily married.

Kara met me at the Bobbi Brown counter, as we had arranged, where I was enjoying a touch-up by Vernon. Diron was at lunch. One of the two new Cheek Stains I thought were being held for me was already sold out, so we walked (limped?) down to Bloomies. I had to stop to get a pinaberry smoothie. Kara had iced tea. We were fortified. I got my Cheek Stain at Bloomingdale's. Kara checked out the Louis Vuitton boutique, where the most impressive sighting was a tall, model-thin, gorgeous blonde speaking Russian. She gave the whole place cachet.

Have you noticed that Bloomies gives you a choice of receiving your receipt via e-mail? I think that's terribly cool. I always lose track of receipts, but I never lose an e-mail.

The long walk from there down to Macy's, where we both had to return gifts that weren't given, was excruciating. Between my knee and hip, I was not up for dodging children running amok, rude people who had to walk five abreast, people who could not keep their distance (is a foot too much to ask?), and those who don't understand the keep-to-the-right "rule." By the time we got to Macy's, I thought I might need a stretcher to get back to the car. While I waited for Kara to return her purchases, I browsed the beauty department (of course). Macy's had set up mid-aisle displays that were plexiglass, impeding foot traffic around them and leaving a two-foot space between the displays and the counters. I was already in the space when a large, burly, and definitely rude man barged past me. What was I to do?  Fall into the Clinique counter? I turned to my side, trying to avoid a chest to chest confrontation, but he kept coming. I must have had a snarl on my face because his polite companion (another man) stepped aside after seeing what his friend had done to me and waiting the two seconds for me to pass. This event surpassed all the times men have run over me "boarding" as I tried to get off an elevator. Chivalry? It's dead. Manners?

At least I had time to sit, recompose, and peruse the Dior Spring Collection before we headed back to Nordies. It was a slow walk, but anyone who didn't like it could go around us. I was walking as fast as I could.

Nordstrom should have been an oasis compared to the mall's "public areas," but it also was very crowded. The store is having its extravaganza men's sale, so the floor was busy. At least I could sit at Bobbi Brown and enjoy Diron's company for awhile. Kara and I also had a lovely late lunch at the café on the first floor. Not only sitting with a good friend, but also having a beer improved my mood. I used to love to shop! What has become of my hobby?

As we left for the car, Kara kindly left me at the door to walk the quarter mile to get her car. I watched people coming and going and was appalled. OK, now I know I'm too old - or something. I people watched. The get-ups on some of the teens were astounding. They looked like streetwalkers. Who let them leave home with those skin-tight clothes, like leggings with nothing to cover their posteriors? Why do teenaged boys need to waste the energy to pop the "disabled doors" to leave the store? Did no one teach them that we are supposed to conserve energy? Why did I feel my feet were in danger of being trampled as I sat and waited? I moved, walking out to the drive where Kara and I were to meet. From there, I watched the chaos in the parking lot. Cars everywhere, gridlocked, their owners looking for a parking space - any space - holding up all the cars behind them. One cowboy driving a large pick-up truck was notable. He looked like a character on one of those redneck shows that seem to have become popular. Somehow he turned that truck around in the middle of a drive lane, hindering traffic in all directions because he decided, I guess, that his chances of parking were better elsewhere. That left me wondering why the mall doesn't have the farthest sections reserved for trucks that don't belong in spaces measured out for cars.

Finally, Kara arrived (it took about 15 minutes for her to drive down one floor and the length of that side of the mall) and saved me. We inched out of there wondering how "our Tysons Corner" had become a city of its own, bustling with clashing cultures, general chaos, me-first attitudes, radios blaring, horns honking, and every shopper's version of hell. The rent-a-temp who was supposed to be helping traffic move into and out of the mall parking? He was resting in his car.

It felt a lot better after writing all that out. Have you ever felt the same way? Did you brave a mall this week? Was everyone polite, well-behaved, and in the holiday spirit?

I found these photos today at workchic.com, where a shopper had similar experiences, perhaps without the pain. You can find her post at this link, explaining why she does all her shopping online now. I may be headed that way.

Bobbi Brown Pink Oyster Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Pink Oyster Shimmer Brick was introduced as an Asia-exclusive product. The Pink Oyster Collection was Bobbi Brown's first color collection designed especially for the Asian market. We got the Beach Shimmer Brick in the United States; Japan got this stunner created for ladies who aren't sun worshipers.

I managed to get my hands on two of them - one for me and one for one of you - at the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. It has been one of my best-ever sources for country-exclusive palettes.

 This Shimmer Brick is darn-near perfect for my fair skin. I believe these colors will work nicely for all but the darkest skin tones. One Makeup Alley contributor with medium-toned skin wrote, "My mom got this for me in Pink Oyster (Asia exclusive). At first I was a bit unsure as to whether it would work on my skin because I am a medium tan (NC40) and dont have the oriental skintone to carry off such light colours. I have to say - it really does show!! I use it on my cheekbones with some bronzer below, and it just sort of lifts my face and gives it an "ethereal" glow. I would definitely buy it again." So would I, if I ever see it again in Leesburg.

The depth of color you get from running a brush over Shimmer Bricks is fabulous. They are highlighter, blusher, and eye shadow in one compact. I seldom pick and choose from the strips of color. I just run Bobbi's Face Blender Brush from top to bottom, or swirl it in a circular motion and apply. I love the slightly shimmering effect, and the Pink Oyster spectrum of colors is gorgeous. I love using the top bars on my eyes.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)?  Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, January 5, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Claudio Riaz Eye Shade 15

When I went shopping with Gaia, The Non-Blonde, in May, she purchased Claudio Riaz Eye Shade 15 ($28). It haunted me for months. This fall, I broke down and ordered it. Does it look as good on me as it does on Gaia? I don't think so, but it's a nice shimmering hunter blueish green shade to have for this time of year.

As always, the color representations at the Claudio Riaz Web site are off. I never would have ordered #15 if presented with the Riaz photo at the top of this feature. I would order it (and did) after seeing it at Barneys in person (and drooling), and I refreshed my memories of its beauty when I snapped the photo directly above.

This green has some blue in it, making it complex and unique. I wanted to show it to you applied heavily and moderately because it's actually many different shadows, depending on how you use it. Applied heavily, it offers high-wattage color. Applied lightly, it's another color altogether.

I took my photos in full sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator for the heavy application at the top of my arm and the lighter one below. You can see the exquisite color "full bore" at the top of my arm. The color reminds me of photos of the Agean Sea.

Call me crazy - but this mixture of blue and green brings the sea to my mind. Apply it with a lighter hand, and you'll get a shade that starts to smoke, one I'd use for a smoky eye any night. Apply it very lightly, and you'll see more grey and less blue-green. It's a stunning eye shadow - extremely blendable and long-lasting too.

I've told you before how thoroughly unimpressed I am with Claudio Riaz packaging. It is cardboard, which wouldn't be terrible if it were easy to open. I feel like I have to push the tray out of its case with a little too much effort, so I am always worrying about dropping it. I did break down and purchase one of Riaz's empty palettes, but I haven't filled it yet. I'll do that someday when I have nothing to do.

You can purchase Claudio Riaz Eye Shade #15 at Barneys New York or at the Claudio Riaz Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Claidio Riaz, middle courtesy of allposters.com, and the rest by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Pink & Red Collection for Winter/Early Spring 2013

With this collection, Bobbi Brown took an unconventional approach to the season’s traditional color palette. The Pink & Red Collection isn’t about matching your lips, cheeks, and nails. It’s about deliberate mismatching. Bobbi said, "I love pink and red worn together. It’s a very modern mix (and perfect for Valentine’s Day)." She paired four products with pink and red shades.

The limited-edition Sheer Color Cheek Tints ($25) must be mine. Nothing makes a woman look prettier than a pop of blush. Bobbi’s Sheer Color Cheek Tint gives cheeks a tint of healthy, natural-looking color. The translucent, lightweight formula glides on smoothly and blends evenly onto skin. Bonus: it’s packaged in a chic, swivel-up stick for easy, on-the-go application. For a just-been-kissed look, apply Sheer Color Cheek Tint to the apples of the cheeks and blend down and back towards the hairline using your fingers. The new shades and Sheer Pink and Sheer Cherry.

Also with a new, limited shade, Creamy Matte Lip Color ($24) is a unique matte lipstick formula that combines the look of a classic matte lip with incredible wearability. Creamy, moisturizing, and highly pigmented, it glides comfortably onto lips, but feels extremely lightweight. Comfortable-on-skin film formers and an extremely high concentration of pigments deliver true color that lasts for up to eight hours. The new shade? Hot. Heart is also featured with the collection.

Sheer Lip Gloss ($23) is super sheer and wearable. The translucent finish makes bold color easily wearable and is designed to enhance the lips. Wear it on its own for sheer color or swipe it on top of lipstick for extra shine. The new, limited-edition shade is Cherry and looks gorgeous. Pretty in Pink rounds out the pair.

Bobbi's limited-edition Nail Polishes ($18) add an accent or accessory for the nails. A splash of these new nail colors on fingers and toes completes any look and fits any mood.The new shades? Pink Valentine and Valentine Red.

Even though the promotional information said the Pink and Red Collection will be available in January 2013 at all Bobbi Brown counters and at www.bobbibrown.com., it is available now at Nordstrom.

Update 12/29: I went over to Nordstrom to pick up the pieces I wanted. They had already sold out of the store's supply of Sheer Cherry. I was able to get it at  Bloomingdale's - the biggest virtue of malls.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

The Friday Forum - December 28

I tried a new technique with my pill-averse baby this morning. I figured that if he were totally relaxed, he would be surprised when I pried open his mouth to pop in his pill. Wrong! He spit it out quickly, thinking, I'm sure, that I didn't notice the pill on the bed. Later, when he slept after breakfast, I tried to surprise him again during his nap. Spit it out. Third try was a charm. He looked totally disgusted that human had out-foxed cat.

I'm late putting up today's Friday Forum because I went over to the hospital for two MRIs this morning. I had one of my lumbar spine and one of my right hip. If anyone had told me that MRIs were open on both ends, I wouldn't have bothered with open MRIs all these years. It was a piece of cake. Good thing - I'm sure these two won't be my last.

Since we are closing in on many "Best of 2012" features (from television to blogs), I thought I'd ask you to post your favorite beauty products of 2012. I plan to post mine for the holiday, but I don't want you to be influenced by my selections. What knocked your socks off this year? It didn't have to be introduced this year, but had to be discovered (by you) this year. This should be fun.

It's that weekly time anyhow, when we chat the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest. The Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Foiled Waterproof Eyeliner Set is beyond cool. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, December 29, at midnight.

iPhone photo by Best Things in Beauty

Guerlain Météorites Perles du Paradis from the Spring 2013 Color Collection - Live and in Person

Guerlain's Spring 2013 Collection Météorites, Perles du Paradis ($70) looked so scrumptious, I had to have them. I had ordered them, but my fave Guerlain retailer had not received them - and I was more than ready. So, I "sprang" over to Nordstrom and purchased them there.

To illuminate skin with an angelic halo, Guerlain’s legendary pearls got a boost, introduced in an extra-large (spheres), limited-edition size. This devilishly beautifying spheres feature six skin-toned and pastel shades. The traditional correcting colors - blue and green - have been replaced by pink to brighten dull areas and silver to reflect ambient light and ensure one-of-a-kind radiance.

As expected dark zones disappear, grayness is erased, and fatigue vanished. When you apply Météorites, the face lights up and shimmers subtly - revitalized and instantly awakened, as if by magic. This sheer, refreshing effect embellishes absolutely every type of complexion. It's somewhat miraculous. The soft, caressing, pale pink powder is topped with a large powder puff. I really wish Guerlain had left out the decorative puff because it takes up half the container.

The photo directly above shows what I saw when I removed the puff: a container only half-full with the magical little balls of pastel powder. I tried to get photos to show you how empty of product the container really looks without the puff, so I held it and tilted (see below), being extremely careful not to spill any of the contents. You do not receive a container filled with Météorites as shown in the promotional photo at the top of this feature. That's disappointing because the shades are so luscious.

I compared the per-ounce contents to other Météorites. Perles du Paradis is labeled as having 1.86 ounces. I checked the Pucci Collection Perles d'Azur, and the weight was 1.05 ounces. The new one has a big puff; the summer set contains a nice, thin sponge that took up much less space, so the void was less noticeable.

It's always very difficult to show the shade of finishing powders in swatch photos, but I gave it a try in full sun. I applied Météorites Perles du Paradis with a kabuki brush.

You can see the beautiful icy pink powder on my arm, but you may not be able to see the randomly dispersed micro-sparkles. I know some of you don't like to see sparkles in your face powder, but I think these are brightening and glorious.

I absolutely adore Perles du Paradis. I just wish there were more perles. I can't afford to purchase a second one right now, and I fear I'll run out of these. What to do?

Guerlain’s Spring 2013 Color Collection is available at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Bergdorf Goodman - and, of course, the free-standing Guerlain boutiques.

Photo at top courtesy of Guerlain; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tarte The Perfect Pink Holiday 2012 Exclusive Cheek Stain in Shimmering Pink

Wouldn't you know? I got mine last week, having paid full price, and now it's on sale. You can purchase Tarte's The Perfect Pink Holiday Exclusive Cheek Stain for $21 instead of $28.

Give a little tint this holiday season with this limited-edition Tarte.com exclusive cheek stain in “the perfect pink.” Tarte’s award-winning and best-selling Cheek Stain gives you a gorgeous, natural pink  flush in a creamy gel consistency.

This lightweight "glow-getter" imparts a natural sheen, like someone just pinched your cheeks, but better. Get the look of love and an instant pop of soft and dreamy color by applying this to the apples of your cheeks. Unlike traditional stains that are hard to apply, this goof-proof tint melts into skin easily and gives you 20 seconds of blending time before it sets in place for all day wear.

The first one I ordered and received was a disappointment. You know how Tarte tops its Cheek Stains with a plastic, protective covering? You simply lift them off carefully and you're good to go. Except...when I carefully lifted the covering, the whole column of color lifted off with it. There was no way I was going to remove it without destroying the product, which had fused to the lid. I called Tarte, they e-mailed me a postage-free return label, and promised they would overnight a replacement. I did get a replacement, but it was about five days after they should have received the return.

You can see the flaky product on the edges where I pulled the cap off of this one. It's fine. If I had taken my finger and smoothed it down, it would not be noticeable. Note to Tarte: You really should design those plastic gizmos so that they "latch" to the plastic container, not adhere to the product. The packaging is the only thing about this Cheek Stain that isn't perfect.

Shimmering Pink was designed for the Holiday season, but it's a year-round delight, as well as being a superb shade for spring. I took my swatch photos in full sun in shivering, windy cold. I can see that my arm starting to show goosebumps. I did not blend the stain - just applied it straight from the tube using the tube. The sheen offered by this beautiful pastel pink blush is gorgeous.

It may be too light for those with dark skin, but on pale or medium skin, it blends into healthy glow. I think it's very pretty. Because my photos were taken in full sun, the color appears a bit more iridescent than it is in "real life" - applied and blended properly.

For anyone who didn't purchase one before Christmas, it's now a steal. Check it out at Tarte's Web site, where you can find some other amazing deals.

Photo at top courtesy of Tarte; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

YSL Beauté's Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm from the Spring 2013 Makeup Collection

There are two new YSL Beauté Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balms ($30) for Spring 2013: Framboise Craquante (#12) and Moka Griotte (#13). When they arrived at Saks, without the rest of the collection, I grilled the YSL rep to make sure they really were brand new shades. I have purchased every other Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm, and I wanted to make sure I didn't have these shades.

It seems a little odd to be featuring spring today. It's cold and grey outside. So far this morning, we had sleet, rain, freezing rain, and snow. Hopefully, it will switch over to all rain very soon. It's a good thing I got photos a few days ago.

I fell in love with YSL's Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm when it was introduced. The glossy, tinted balm dresses the lips in a sheer veil of brilliant transparent color boosted with vitamin-laden and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Its ultra-light texture leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated and looking shiny - just the way I like them. The juicy, sheer color is perfect for any time of year; its soothing, moisturizing texture feels sublime.

Framboise Craquante (#12) is the pink shown at left above; Moka Griotte (#13) is on the right. I swatched with  #12 at the top of my arm and #13 below.

You can see they are very sheer. These tinted lip balms provide just enough color, while making my lips feel spoiled. I can wear every shade because they are sheer - even the corals!

Moka Griotte looks particularly stunning when combined with the rose pigment in my lips. I wore it yesterday. I love these tinted balms so much, I'm wondering if I should start to hoard them. You know how companies discontinue your favorite everythings? My bras, for example.

What's totally unfair to U.S. shoppers is that there is a third, surprising shade that is exclusive to Selfridges. Selfridges is not anywhere near my shopping haunts. It's called Frosted Mint (#11), and it's light turquoise blue. You can see it at MakeUp4All. I really want it.

I found my Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Lip Balm from the Spring 2013 Makeup Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue at Chevy Chase. I see that Nordstrom has them too, so I suspect they are arriving at counters everywhere.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Merry Christmas!

As the sun starts to set on Christmas Eve, accompanied here by rain, snow flakes, and sleet, Santa may need to use his GPS to get around. I heard that NORAD is tracing Santa's journey. Volunteers at an Air Force base are monitoring maps showing Santa Claus' progress and have answered more than 24,000 phone calls from children wanting to know everything from old Saint Nick's age, to how reindeer fly (I'd like to know that answer), to when they can expect their presents.

According to USA Today, phones have been ringing nonstop at Peterson Air Force Base, headquarters of the North American Aerospace Command's annual Santa-tracking operation. Dozens of helpers at NORAD are taking calls and tracking Santa's location on large projection screens. They're posting updates for nearly 1.2 million Facebook fans and 104,000 Twitter followers. The stories are really touching.
One little boy from Missouri called 877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) to ask when Santa delivered toys to heaven, said volunteer Jennifer Eckels.The boy’s mother got on the phone to explain that the boy’s sister had died this year. “I think Santa headed there first,” Eckels told him. I hope he had plenty of toys for the sweet victims of the Newtown, who just arrived.

Charlie hasn't been feeling well, so I've been running back and forth to his doctor's - first with a stool sample, then to pick up medications. I don't know how an indoor cat gets a bacterial infection, but he managed. Poor little guy is miserable, spending a fair amount of time sleeping on the carpet outside his bathroom. He wants to be close to his box. I feel almost as bad as he does. You know how it affects you when your furry kid is sick, and you can't explain why - or fix it right away.

Otherwise, I must go wrap (or bag) presents. UPS just arrived with a last-minute Land's End order with several gifts for Mom. Plus he brought a little gift for me: an ultra-deluxe sample of Guerlain's new Orchidée Impériale The Cream. Rhonda at Guerlain's boutique in Las Vegas send it, promising that it would not be heavily fragranced. She's right. I can't wait to try it.

Tonight, I'm going over to a friend's party (the snow is not accumulating), and tomorrow I'll be at my Mom's house. I was given potato duty, so I took several recipes over and asked her to choose. She went for the simple au gratin recipe, so that's what I'll be cooking to accompany the prime rib. I hope someone is preparing the French green bean casserole (yes the one with the crispy French's onions - I love it).

Christmas can be a bit melancholy. A group of local residents paid tribute to the Newtown victims at the Washington Monument today, singing carols in their memory. If you'd like to go to YouTube to hear one of my all time favorite Christmas carols sung by Barbara Padilla, check out this link. It's incredibly hard to sing - hard to believe I used to be able sing it (when I had a child's voice). I'll never forget that this song brought tears to my father's eyes. Remembering that brings tears to mine, along with so many memories.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebration. Merry Christmas! I'll be back in a day to show you some beautiful new makeup.

Update Christmas Morning: Charlie is feeling a bit better - after only one pill, which amazes me. He also has probiotics for his food, but he is NOT keen on them. They must have a taste or smell to him. Because he feels better, so do I. I think I had a lot of anxiety yesterday because my baby was so sick.

iStock photos

Do You Believe in Magic? No? Bobbi Brown's Retouching Powders May Change Your Mind

This season, Bobbi has reinvented the corrective powders of the past, giving them an updated look and feel for the future. Inspired by the color pigments used for years by professional makeup artists, the new Retouching Powder ($36) instantly makes your skin look better - yet it’s said to be completely undetectable. Depending on the shade you choose, you can correct color, add warmth, hide redness, or brighten dullness. It’s like having your very own magic wand.

Developed with a sheer, light-transmitting base, this innovative lightweighting powder instantly brightens and illuminates skin while reducing excess oil. Launched in six color correcting shades, Retouching Powder helps diminish the appearance of dark spots, dullness, redness, and imperfections. Two new brushes offer effortless application and customizable coverage. The result is smooth and flawless skin.

I saw the new line of powders at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie last weekend. My eyes leapt to the little jars with their colorful contents. I had to try one immediately, so I selected Rose (shown below). It looked so pretty in the jar. It looked good on my skin too. It added warmth and a slight touch of color to my makeup-free skin that day. I could see a tiny touch of sparkle, much like the Guerlain Météorites. After talking with the Bobbi Brown rep, I understood that Bobbi recently said that no one is too old for sparkle. It's all about the way you wear it.

How do they work? Color-correcting shades help diminish the appearance of dullness, imperfections, and redness. Plant-based ingredients, Zea Mays Starch and Zinc
Stearate, and natural mineral powders help soothe and calm skin while absorbing excess surface oils to reduce shine. A sheer light-transmitting base instantly makes the skin look radiant, and it reduces the appearance of dark spots. Finely milled, super-soft powder looks almost invisible on the skin for a smooth, flawless finish.

How to apply the Retouching Powders? After applying foundation, gently sweep Retouching Powder on face using the new Sheer Powder Brush ($42) for a light application. Or use the new Full Coverage Face Brush ($42) for a heavier application to brighten, even, and correct your skin tone.

The Retouching Powders and new brushes will be available at Bobbi Brown's Web site in January. They are at the counter now - at least at Neiman Marcus. I'm going back to play to try to narrow my selection down to one. That day, I wanted five of the six!

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Guerlain KissKiss Gloss for Spring 2013

Re-promotes, but who's counting? I adore Guerlain's KissKiss Glosses ($32). These two shades, featured with the Spring 2013 Color Collection, are beautiful. Frizzy Mango (#849) is shown on the left. I featured it in this January 2011 feature. It was part of the Spring 2011 Collection. Cherry Pink (#870) is shown on the right. I featured it in January 2012; it was part of the Spring 2012 Collection. Great colors never die. They just reappear at the perfect time or live on in our memories.

Both of these lip glosses are pigmented, so you get color with your sparkle and shine. Their fabulous non-sticky formula keeps my lips moisturized, while water-resistant and magnifying esters ensure long-lasting effects with a boost of volume. The flat, smooth brush provides accurate application.

KissKiss Gloss is available in three different formulas: Petal Effect gives sheer coverage, Pearl Effect gets a boost of pearly essence, and Gloss Effect provides a subtle sparkling finish. I can't begin to tell you which formula these two are because it is not imprinted on the box or tube. If I had to guess, I'd say Gloss Effect, particularly with Cherry Pink.

I took swatch photos in full sun - today. It was delightful to be promised a full day with sunshine. The rest of the week?  Clouds are in our forecast. I swatched both glosses using their own brushes. Fizzy Mango is shown at the top of my arm, with Cherry Pink below.

Are these shades gorgeous or what? Look at that sparkle! I love it. It's provides an elegant razzle dazzle to your looks, whether worn alone or over your favorite lip color. This is one way to enliven all those velvet-finish lipsticks you purchased this fall because they are the "in thing."

Frizzy Mango is a sparkling peach with a touch of pink. I continue to think it should have been named Fizzy Mango. Cherry Pink is described by Guerlain as a gourmand pastel. I'd call it a vibrant fuchsia pink

They won't take a bad photo. I like using the holly backdrop, but I took photos all over my garden. Guerlain's KissKiss glosses showed me scrumptious color and shine in every location.

I purchased mine from the Guerlain boutique in Las Vegas. I've given you their phone number in recent prior posts. Just scroll down. Make sure to ask for Rhonda. She is wonderful. If you need to order from afar, she will take great care of you, sending samples, which many online retailers don't do. Of course, most of us have our favorite Guerlain counters in our local department stores - Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's. Most of them now have the full Spring 2013 Collection in stock. It has not yet appeared at Sephora.

Photos by Best things in Beauty

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Foiled Waterproof Eyeliner Set Giveaway Contest

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE has turned out one divine product after another. One of the latest is their Foiled Waterproof Eyeliner Set ($30), six highly pigmented, mega-metallic, waterproof eyeliners. I have one set to give away.

Inspired by Pantone’s 2013 Plus Series Metallic Book, this season is all about the rich gleam of rose gold, the chilled shine of silver, and the fiery glow of bronze. This boxed set offers six gorgeous metallic eyeliners for a multitude of looks with major impact. The smooth formula contains polymers that effortlessly glide on color and lock pigment in place with a waterproof seal, and the ultra-creamy texture is perfect for blending or creating a precise, stylized line. The colors are Silver, Rose Gold, Charcoal, Purple, Gold, and Chocolate Brown.

The extraordinary partnership between Sephora, the beauty authority, and Pantone, the global color authority, continues to deliver the trendiest shades of the season - from precious metals to fiery bronze, in superb formulations and finishes. I've been ultra-impressed with this line.

How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)?  Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, December 29, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in #202

Not brand new, but featured with Clé de Peau Beauté's holiday display, the Eye Color Quad in #202 ($55) attracted my attention as I shopped at Neiman Marcus a few weeks ago. I tested it in the store, but did not purchase it that day. It nagged me for at least a week, so I went back to purchase it. Normally, I am not attracted to blue shades. They don't look "right" with my blue eyes - solely my own opinion - and when I shop, the blues seldom stop me in my tracks. #202 did. It haunted me until I finally went back to purchase it.

These blues are different - special. I have always loved the combination of blue and brown in clothing. Clé de Peau Beauté used three of the colors in one of my favorite Armani jackets and offered them to me in an eye shadow quad. I'm thrilled to have #202.

Clé de Peau Beauté uses a light-reflecting technology that always looks good on the eyelids. Plus the finish of their quads is silky and even, resistant to smudging, creasing, wandering, and fading. The shadows contain argan oil to ensure smooth application and wear and and exclusive Clé de Peau Beauté advanced moisturizing ingredient the company calls Hydro-Wrap Complex. I adore Clé de Peau's quads. Some of the recently released singles have been glitter bombs - which is a shame. The quads, on the other hand, are glorious eye shadows.

I took my swatch photos in full sun. As usual, I applied all the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. I swatched from left to right in the palette, starting at the top of my arm near my wrist.

Even though the traditional Christmas colors are red and green, I adore blue themes at this time of year. This one's perfect. the beautiful, shimmering, pastel periwinkle shown at the top of my arm is stunning on the lid. The peachy flesh tone is as pretty as it gets. Combined they are exquisite.

The deeper blue actually works on me! I am using it as an accent shade in the outer corner. Those with darker skin could use it all over the lower lid or in the crease. The brown was carefully selected to serve as the perfect counterpoint to the beautiful blues and a pastel peach that lights up my face.

I broke my own rule against "buying backwards." I don't like to purchase items that aren't brand new because my blog statistics tell me that my readers love to see the newest collections. If you don't own #202, you owe it to yourself to go to a Clé de Peau counter and try it.

As always, I purchased the refill. Clé de Peau Beauté does not provide a case with your $55 eye shadow. Since the plastic case in which the shadows are sold protects the shadows just fine, I skip the cases so that I can purchase more makeup. I'd love to have a case someday, but I'll have to have nothing else on my wish list. Wonder if that will ever happen?

You can find this beautiful quad at all Clé de Peau Beauté counters. It's also available online. Check here if you shop at Nordstrom.

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom; other photos by Best Things in Beauty