Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave from the Bronze Goddess Collection for Summer 2013

 

Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Collection is arriving at stores. I purchased part of the collection yesterday at Neiman Marcus, just a few hours after it had arrived. The limited-edition Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave ($40) was the piece that had given me palpitations when I first saw the press photos. Now I can report that it has met my expectations.

I love every Illuminating Powder Gelée that Estée Lauder has introduced, and I'm thrilled to add to my growing collection. This one will enhance your Bronze Goddess look. Defying expectations - perhaps from the name of the collection and history with prior collections - Heat Wave will illuminate your complexion and leave your skin with a sexy, polished glow. With blendable and buildable coverage for a finish that goes from subtle and soft to highly pearlized, this ultra-luxurious gelée features a delicate pattern to celebrate the sand and sun of summer. Just looking at it makes me think of summer.

Remember Shimmering Sands, the Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée from Summer 2012?  The shining bronze shade has a similar pattern, but blended copper, rose, and gold for a bronzed look that's stunning. I still have mine - love it. Heat Wave is much more subtle. It's gold through and through. I think the swatch photos will convince you that it has serious pizazz.

In person, Heat Wave is gold, not rose gold as it appears in my photos directly above, and not beige as it appears in Estée Lauder's photo at the top of this feature. I took my photo with high clouds, and I'm wondering if the sky dulled the color. You can see how milky the sky looked in the mirror of the compact. The photo is definitely a little dark, but I didn't want to artificially lighten it.

My swatch photos are color-true. I applied the swatch with Heat Wave's own sponge applicator. I built the color to get some contrast with my pale arm.

Heat Wave is all gold. It produces a high-wattage gold when you build the color, as I did for these photos, or a subtle gold if you use a light hand on application. It shakes, shines, and shimmers and will rock your summer look. It's not a shrinking violet, but don't let that scare you. The color is gorgeous. It's a perfect illuminator.

You can see that it's sheer (even after I built up the color), so your own skin tone will affect how it looks on you. Mine adds a touch of pink that was visible in photos I decided not to publish because they might be misleading. Someone with olive-toned skin will get a subtly different effect.

I'm trilled with Heat Wave!  It and the Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette in Batik Sun are going to delight you. The collection embodies the golden sands, flourishing palm trees, and exotic elements of a remote Caribbean paradise. Heat Wave is the perfect complement to the hot colors in the color story. I have more to show you - as soon as I can get the sun back.

For now, the Bronze Goddess Collection will be filtering into the stores over the next few days. It's available online at Macy's. I don't see it at EsteeLauder.com or NeimanMarcus.com, but it should be availalble at those sites - as well as at Nordstrom online - shortly. If you would like to order it now, during the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event, call Marilyn Schubert at (703) 761-1600, extension 3286.

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

Sisley Paris Botanical D-Tox Detoxifying Night Treatment

Sisley has introduced a new detoxifying night treatment, Botanical D-Tox ($240), a one-month treatment that works while you sleep. Our sleeping time is said to be the most favorable time for cellular regeneration, necessary to combat the signs of aging. That's why you use Botanical D-Tox at night.

The predecessor product (Sero-Botanique) to Botanical D-Tox was extremely effective, but it had a strong odor - natural, but strongly "medicinal." The odor turned me off. I love natural fragrances, but it was just too strong for my nose. Who wants to go to bed feeling assaulted? (Sorry, Sisley!) This new product has a refreshing, natural botanical fragrance, due, no doubt, to the lavender, rosemary, and sage. The scent relaxes me.

Botanical D-Tox is highly concentrated in plant extracts. It intervenes globally at three major levels of the skin's detoxification chain. It performs its magic with a long list of main components, some of which were tested ex vivo and some in vitro.

• Peptidic rice extract (a new Sisley ingredient) promotes the detoxification of cells by stimulating the elimination of damaged proteins.
• Einkorn wheat extract combats the oxidative stress that accelerates the aging of our skin.
• Ginkgo biloba extract promotes cutaneous micro-circulation.
• Rosemary extract stimulates and tones.
• Hop extract revitalizes the skin.
• Sage and rosemary essential oils purify and help the skin regain its optimal tone.
• Matricaria chamomile flower extract softens and smoothes.
• Marjoram essential oil calms the skin.
• Lavender essential oil possesses balancing properties (and its fragrance puts me in the mood to sleep).
• Vegetable glycerine moisturizes.
• Shea butter nourishes.
• Sunflower oil loosens dead skin cells and surface "gunk"

Sisley calls Botanical D-Tox a "shock treatment" for your skin. That sounds a bit dramatic.  What is really does is remove the toxins from your skin, purifying it, and stimulate your skin's natural defenses against oxidative stress.

This fluid, fresh, non-oily emulsion is designed to be used as a one-month treatment by applying it after cleansing before bed time to the face, neck, and chest area on its own or under your usual night cream. It's moisturizing enough that you don't need to cover it with moisturizer, but you can if your skin is very dry.

Who is it for?
Botanical D-Tox was created for everyone who needs an intensive anti-aging treatment. If you feel your complexion has dulled or you have noticed accentuated lines or stress in your face, you will love this one-month luxurious treatment. It will restore your good looks.

I have extremely sensitive skin. I've used it with no side effect - only fabulous results for one week (Sisley representatives gave me enough samples for a week). I noticed an improvement in my skin after the first night of use. It's also said to be suitable for those with oily skin because it's non-comedogenic.

The treatment is ideal for city dwellers, who are exposed to more air pollution than those who live in rural areas. It's particularly useful for night owls, who tend to neglect their skin and sleep time.

What results can you expect?
From the very first days of use, you skin should be more beautiful, and your expression lines (don't we all prefer to call them that?) will be relaxed. Your skin should be energized and better prepared to benefit from your usual daily skin care.

How often should you use it? 
It's a pricey treatment (although no pricier than other luxury treatments from lines like La Mer). If you are going to invest in it, how long should your investment last? One bottle will take care of your one-month treatment, and you may have some product left. That will depend on how heavily you apply the emulsion. I found that I needed very little to cover my entire face and neck - and that's unusual because my face slurps products. My Sisley representatives recommend that you consider repeating the one-month treatment every three to six months, depending on how you feel your skin looks. It's up to you.

You can find this wonder-product at all Sisley counters. If you have questions or want help, call Loula Ayoub at Tysons at (703) 761-1600, extension 3230, or Vicki Hamilton at Mazza Gallerie at (202) 966-9700, extension 2288. They would be happy to help you - they are good people.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Dior Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder from the Neiman Marcus-Exclusive Pink Champagne Collection

I stumbled on the gorgeous Dior Pink Champagne Collection at Neiman Marcus. It's a  limited-edition collection of shimmering pink and gold tones that will give your skin a luminous and radiant look. It's exclusive to Neiman Marcus, which explains how I had missed these fabulous pieces. I purchased three (although, with adequate funding, I would have purchased all of them). Today, I'll show you the Nude Shimmer Instant Illuminating Powder ($44).

This compact almost reached out and grabbed me. When I saw that the applicator was the same type Estée Lauder has been using for its revolutionary Illuminating Powder Gelées, my intuition told me that the formula of the product would be similar. I was right - and deliriously happy.

The first instant radiance enhancer by Dior, for a vibrant, ultra-modern nude complexion that captures the light. The makeup professional's magical trick: a subtle combination of transparency and pearly shimmer applied gently on rounded parts of the face (cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose, chin) to capture light and create a complexion dazzling with beauty.

That marketing speak is no exaggeration! This illuminator is fabulous. I'm amazed Dior rolled out such a stunner at only one retailer. They have gold here - literally.

I took swatch photos in full sunshine. I applied the gel-powder hybrid (I'll call it that) to my arm with its own applicator, covering a large section of my arm near my wrist. As I swatched, I almost drooled. Nude Shimmer is an extraordinary, sheer shade that's going to be perfect for everyone. It lets your own skin tone shine.

Look at the sheen! It doesn't sparkle; it glows. Even in full sunlight, you don't see sparkles, micro-glitter, or any of the particles we relate to shimmers. Instead, you see a moist, illuminating sheen that lights up the skin - in this case my arm, but I have tried it on my face, with equal excitement. The color leans gold, but my skin adds some pink. I love the result.

This new product is a must-have for gals who want to glow. This collection is available online at NeimanMarcus.com. If you would like to work with a Dior representative, call (703) 761-1600 and ask for the Dior counter (extension 3787), then ask for Ewa McDonald (pronounced Eva). Or you could call a fantabulous sales associate, Marilyn Schubert at the same phone number, requesting extension 3286. I'll be back before too long with the Twinset Duo and the Dior Vernis.

Photos at top courtesy of Neiman Marcus; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Attraction: Giorgio Armani Beauty Flash Lacquer Lip Gloss

Giorgio Armani Beauty will be launching a new lip color called Flash Lacquer ($29), a lip gloss that looks revolutionary. I don't have a great photo, but here's what we know.

It will offer the highest reflection ever created with a lip gloss. The new elastic shine formula fills in the lips to create an extremely smooth surface. For the first time, light reflects on every point of the lips.

It provides crystal-like shine. A new generation of select, crafted oils enables the purest transparent ingredients. The base is no longer yellow (the norm), but as pure as crystal.

Flash Lacquer offers a new generation of comfort. The new approach to formulation allows the use of different light emollient oils to optimize comfort and hydration. It's said to have zero stickiness.

A combination of elastic polymers has replaced the shape and shine memory complex used to jellify the oils in a lip gloss. For the first time, the ingredient giving substance to the lip gloss truly fuses with oils, instead of absorbing them like a spongy powder. The ingredients are micro-connected, creating a continuous elastic weave. This revolutionary formula combines two exceptional properties.

1. Thanks to a very low viscosity, the lip gloss surface is perfectly smooth.
2. The lip veil always reshapes after a movement.

If you aren't dazzled by new technology, the color range will excite you. Flash Lacquer will be available in 36 shades!  I saw swatches in a training book, but no one would let me copy them.

There will be 12 Pure Attitude Lacquers. From candy corals to neon pinks, from the perfect red to the most glowing beiges, self-sufficient colors are blended in a pearl-free base strong color that brings attitude. The pure finish ensures elegance. The shades are 100, 106, 107, 300, 301, 400, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, and 524.

There will be 12 Pearly Japanese Enamels. From oriental plums to cherry blossom rose, from spring corals to precious light wood hues, pretty and fragile colors fuse with a high proportion of micronized pearls. Kimono-balanced shades bring tenderness and pearly finishes ensure sophistication. The shades are 102, 103, 200, 302, 303, 500, 501, 503, 525, 526, 527, and 600.

There will be 12 Sparkling Midnight Shimmers. From madre perla to gold carat beiges, from shimmering red plums to black pearls, strong rich colors blend with luminescent pearls. Precious stone colors bring timeless style and multifaceted reflections ensure a daring statement. The shades are 108, 109, 202, 406, 505, 528, 529, 601, 607, 608, 700, and 701.

I'm betting we will find way more than one Flash Lacquer to love. If you'd like to see a photo of Lea Michelle wearing Flash Lacquer Lip Gloss in a 526, a Pearly Japanese Enamel shade at this year's People's Choice Awards, check out this link. I stumbled across it on the Web. Those celebrities get early access to everything!

Flash Lacquer will be available sometime between March and May, 2013. The conservative May estimate is Armani's. I can't wait! It will be available at Giorgio Armani Beauty's Web site and Armani counters everywhere. When I can get photos, I'll share them immediately.

There are other new Giorgio Armani Beauty products on the way. I'm very excited.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Diorshow Mono Wet & Dry Backstage Eyeshadow

I'm just a bit late to the party, but I finally saw and selected four of the new Diorshow Mono Wet & Dry Backstage Eyeshadows ($29). Actually, I selected five, but somehow, in the crowded confusion that was Neiman Marcus on a Beauty Event Saturday, I came home with two of one I had selected instead of five distinct shadows.

With their irresistible embossed "logomania" motif, the single-shade eye shadows by Tyen, Creative Director of Dior Makeup, set the tone for fashion-forward eyes. Choose from two groups of colours to create a natural, playful, or sophisticated look.

Timeless essentials, the Nude shades, create discreet, flawless eyes for perfect no-makeup makeup. Misty, seductive and bewitching, the palette of Smoky shades provides endless variations on the mysterious and sublime.

To vary the effects, these highly desirable colors can create two finishes: a very light halo applied with the dry applicator for day wear or a wet version for intense and vibrant color with magnetic shimmer for evening.

With eight shades from which to choose, I quickly zeroed in on my kind of colors. From left to right above, they are Camouflage (477), Panama (566), Ribbon (623), and Grége (726). Nude (506) is the shade that didn't make it home with me.

These are nicely textured eye shadows, with beautifully even coverage. The sparkly ones aren't too sparkly. They are sophisticated, as advertised.

I took swatch photos in full sunshine. I swatched heavily (and dry) with a sponge-tipped applicator in the order shown above, starting with Camouflage at the top of my arm.

Camouflage is a fabulous color - a hybrid of grey and green to my eyes. I love it. It's my favorite of the four I purchased. The brown, Panama, is a chocolate brown that is a good shade for most women. I wouldn't apply it as heavily on my eyelids, and because I'm fair, it may be relegated to the outer V or for use as a liner.

Ribbon is a shimmering pink that makes a perfect base shade for all of the colors. I selected Grége because it's unique. It reminds me of the color of hosiery for some reason. While The Non-Blonde found it disappointing when used dry, it was plenty dark for my skin. I agree with her that it's a great crease shade for the office (well, she didn't exactly say that, but you get the idea).

For a grouping of neutral colors with some pizazz, this Dior Collection is a success. There are some colors, such as the black Khôl, that strike me as poorly conceived. If you want a black eyeliner, buy one. Had it been in a palette, it would have made more sense. On its own, it's too artsy. The Velvet shade will appeal to anyone who can wear a smoky plum.

All Dior counters should have these new eye shadows now - or in the very near future. You can see and order them at Dior's Web site.

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

Guerlain Terracotta Skin from the 2013 Terracotta Collection

Delivering the corrective coverage of a foundation with the sheerness of a powder, Guerlain's Terracotta Skin ($51) allows for a flawless complexion in one step. The silky, lightweight cream powder is composed of soft-focus elastic particles that reflect light in all directions making enlarged pores, fine lines, and other imperfections less noticeable. Apply one dab of this sheer, velvety foundation and smooth it over your entire face. The result is unified, corrected skin enhanced with a healthy glow.

Terracotta Skin is available in three shades.

• 01 Nude (new)
• 02 Blonde
• 03 Brunette

I had to try the new 01 Nude shade, so I was thrilled when I saw it at Neiman Marcus. 
When I tried it in the store, I was impressed. The color was perfect. Since I purchased it, I have worn (and examined) it indoors and out, and I'm stunned at how perfect the shade is for pale faces.

I consider Terracotta Skin a tinted moisturizer that offers light coverage. When you look at my swatch photos, you will see a teeny tiny cut on my arm that is visible through the blended product. It is sheer.

What thrills me about Terracotta Skin is that it's a "bronzing tinted moisturizer" that doesn't look like mud on my skin. I'll be wearing it on all of those spring, summer, and autumn days when I want some color, but don't want to look like John Boehner.

I took my swatch photos in full sun after applying a small amount of the product to my arm and blending it with my finger. You may wonder why I bothered with photos. I wanted you to see the subtle warmth and color it adds to my skin. No mud, no fake look - just a pretty tint.

Crazy to try this photography sleight of hand with such a sheer tint. I can see it. I hope you can too. Focus on how nice and gentle this tint appears on my pale skin. No one will look at me and think fake. It looks natural.

I love this little, wondrous tube! The gurus at Guerlain were on top of their game when they realized how many of us pale faces would love this product with a lighter shades. Like a contented cat, I'm purring.

Guerlain's 2013 Terracotta Collection will be available beginning in March at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Bergdorf Goodman. My local Neiman Marcus stores received the collection early - perhaps because of Beauty Event.

I talked to the Guerlain boutique in Las Vegas yestserday. They would be pleased to take your reservation for this piece or anything else from the collection. They hope to receive it this week. Give Beauty Advisor Rhonda Hethcoat (or anyone there if you can't reach her) a call at (702) 732-7008. They will put you on the reserve list.

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

Estée Lauder Mad Men Collection for 2013

Last year, Estée Lauder launched its first wildly successful Mad Men Collection, a limited-edition makeup collection inspired by the award-winning AMC drama Mad Men. The launch was timed to coincide with the premiere of Season Five, and now a second, limited-edition collection will launch to celebrate the two-hour season premiere of Season Six on Sunday, April 7, at 9:00 EST/8:00 CST.

The Sixties. It was a happening. Flower Power. Mini Skirts. Pop Art. With sheer, shimmery pastels for lips and nails – seductive yet innocent. Cheek colors so sheer they looked shockingly nude. Luxuriant lashes (real and fake). Starry kaleidoscope eyes. Turn on. Tune in. Drop everything. It’s Mad Men time again.

Last year's collection was beautiful and glamorous. This year's looks even better - if that's possible.

The See-Thru Blush in Light Show ($50) provide sheer, sexy, creamy color, exactly what I love. Last year's Man Men blush was a cream blush; this year, it's powder. It captures the cheeky, fresh-faced, Sixties look perfectly. Estée Lauder suggests you add extra to your forehead, temples, and chin for more rosy lights.

Inspired by the rock concert light shows and see-through, cut-out fashions that made the Sixties swing.Compact case and carton are replicas of actual designs from Estée Lauder's Sixties-era collections.

The Rich Rich Lipstick in Pinkadelic ($30) offers a creamy, satin finish and smooth, rich lip color. The Pinkadelic shade captures the soft-lipped, sexy-innocent Sixties look perfectly. As with the other pieces in the collection, the lipstick case and carton are replicas of actual designs from Estée Lauder's Sixties-era collections. Pinkadelic was named after one of Estée Lauder's most popular Sixties lip formulas.

Last year, the lipstick was small - smaller than the usual size one would expect. I suspect this one will also be small. That won't stop me from purchasing this beautiful color.

The Mad Men Collection Nail Lacquer ($24) in Pink Paisley is a perfect ladylike shade that captures the sexy-innocent Sixties look perfectly.

Polished and chic. Smooth glossy color, long wear. Carton is a replica of an actual design from Estée Lauder's Sixties-era collections.

I'm so there. You can be too. You can pre-order the Mad Men Collection at Estée Lauder's Web site. Don't delay. This collection sold out quickly last year. Funny story, but I gave away my pieces from last year. I have so much makeup, and a reader really wanted them. No one will ever pry these from my hands.

Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder

Enter to Win Prizes from Suave Professionals

How would you like to win $100,000? That will buy a lot of beauty products if you are the grand prize winner of the ShineSweeps!

Nicole Richie strikes a pose above as she helps kick off the Suave Professionals new Moroccan Infusion line and launch of the Shine Suite on Suave.com. At the Shine Suite, launching yesterday, February 25, 2013, everyone has access to the latest beauty and fashion trends, including behind-the-scenes content from “Fashion Star,” and exclusive interviews with mentors and designers. Visitors can also enter for their chance to shine with instant giveaways, weekly prizes, and a grand prize of $100,000!

As a mentor on NBC’s “Fashion Star” (which premiers Friday, March 8), Nicole Richie has an insider perspective on style and beauty and wants to make them accessible to everyone. That’s why she’s partnered with Suave Professionals for the second year and is inviting women to check out the Suave's ShineSweeps page for ways to unlock beauty secrets and fashion trends and have a chance to win free product, cool prizes, and even $100,000.

You can't win if you don't play! I always think of Lady Luck, a hilarious spokesperson for the Virginia Lottery when I write that. She's right, though. I entered.

Photos courtesy of Suave Professionals

Guerlain Terracotta 4 Seasons Tailor-Made Bronzing Powder in 00 Nude

"Terracotta Bronzing Powder is a woman's best friend when the sun’s rays are scarce. The secret to a radiant complexion and a flawless natural-looking glow, this irresistible bronzer can be customized at will. It’s an irresistible ally to any woman wishing to be kissed by the sun.” - Olivier Echaudemaison, Creative Director

The ultimate cult bronzing powder, one Guerlain Terracotta product is sold somewhere in the world every 20 seconds. The sheer magic of this legendary makeup line is its ability to duplicate the illusion of sun on skin with an astoundingly natural-looking glow. Often imitated but never equaled, its secret formula strikes a subtle balance between color and transparency, creating a flawless natural look that lasts all day.

The Terracotta 4 Seasons Bronzing Powder ($75), a centerpiece of the 2013 Terracotta Collection, allows women to create a tailor-made palette for each season. Each powder contains four shades, which can be mixed and blended to create natural color for all times of the year. To enhance the 4 Seasons experience, Guerlain has added four new harmonies of coordinated shades to better accommodate women’s varying complexions. With a total of six shades, Guerlain ensures that all women, fair or dark, can indulge in the pleasure of a Terracotta glow.

I purchased the new 00 Nude shade at Neiman Marcus (shown above). I was eager to get my hands on it. It met my expectations for a great bronzing powder for fair skin. I adore it. Nothing wrong with 02 Natural Blondes, but I wanted something lighter. I got my lighter shade, thanks to Guerlain.

I took swatch photos in full sun with a milky blue sky. I swatched heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, picking up all four shades evenly. Had I wished, I could have changed the color - for example, emphasizing pink - with a different mix. I created the larger swatch below using a dense face blender brush.

I love this neutral shade! It's not too cool, not too warm - exactly perfect for a light, sun-kissed look. I've applied it to my face in two ways: using it for contouring (magnificent) and sweeping it over the high points of my face (such as cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of my nose).

The finish of the 4 Seasons Bronzing Powder provides a sheen, with just a hint of sparkle. You won't look like a glitter princess when you wear it, but you will glow.

Because Guerlain is offering new shades, you must visit your favorite Guerlain counter to check them out. I think my local Neiman Marcus may have received the Terracotta Collection a bit on the early side, but keep checking. I purchased other pieces from the 2013 collection and can't wait to show you. This gorgeous line-up will be available beginning in March at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Update: These bronzers have sold through very quickly at Neiman Marcus. I talked to the Guerlain boutique in Las Vegas this afternoon. They would be pleased to take your reservation for this piece or anything from the collection. They hope to receive it this week. Give Beauty Advisor Rhonda Hethcoat (or anyone if you can't reach her) a call at (702) 732-7008. They will put you on the list.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Who Was Wearing Armani Beauty at the Oscars?

The gal with the golden voice, and now an Oscar Winner for the Best Original Song (a first for a James Bond theme), Adele was wearing Armani Beauty last night to enhance her pretty face.

For Adele's Academy Award visage, makeup artist Michael Ashton created a modern take on a classic look, focusing on her flawless complexion and high-volume [enhanced] lashes.

She was wearing the extraordinary Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup in #4. Ashton also used Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder in #4 on her.

Ashton createe a luminous complexion by massaging Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup into Adele's skin. Then he added a sheer veil of Lancôme Teint Miracle Instant Retouch Pen near the inner tear ducts of the eye and high planes of the face. He used a large, soft powder brush to dust her T-zone with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder and used Smashbox Contour Powder to accent her cheekbones.

He also mixed it up on her eyes, using Giorgio Armani Brow Defining Pencil in #3 and Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Quad in #6. He used Maybelline's Studio Gel Eye Liner in Black and Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara.

According to Michael, beautiful brows can make any eye. Brush them into place using clear brow gel and then, using feather strokes, fill and define with Giorgio Armani Brow Defining Pencil. Create a sultry eye by highlighting and contouring the socket with Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Quad #6. Then extend the eye line with Maybelline Gel Liner and pump up the lashes with Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara. Your eyes will be the focus of your face, just as Adele's were.

For decorated but understated lips, he filled Adele's lips with Giorgio Armani Lip Liner #12. Then he finger-pressed Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro #500 onto her lips and finished by adding a touch of Sisley's White Diamond Gloss. She was a picture of radiance!

Other beauties wearing Armani makeup were Kerry Washington, who wore Lip Maestro; Jennifer Hudson, who was wearing Eyes to Kill Intense #25 and Rouge d'Armani in #202; and Sally Fields, who was also wearing Rouge d'Armani in #101.

You know when there's a red carpet, you'll always find Giorgio Armani's gowns and his makeup.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Fashion at the Oscars - February 2013

I understand they dropped the name "Academy Awards," figuring it was old and stuffy. Apparently, they also dropped good taste with the juvenile jokes host Seth MacFarlane delivered, and they made no pretense of adding some zip to move the show along. I bailed at 11:00 when I could no longer keep my eyes open.

Speaking of a long show, the opening was way too long. The doozy was the song, "We Saw Your Boobs," which seems to have amused the men in the audience, but clearly annoyed most of the women. Piers Morgan tweeted, "This is unbelievably, unacceptably, gob-smackingly, hilariously inappropriate. Keep going..." That's one way of looking at it. Mine was, "Who thought the boob song was a great idea?" Other creepy jokes and routines did nothing but add time to the show.

That said, let's get to the fashions. For the most part, it was a glamorous night. Selecting the 10 best dressed women would be very difficult, with so many shining on the beautiful night. Here were some of my favorites - by no means all.
 

I loved Jessica Chastain's Armani Privé gown. The color suited her perfectly. Did you notice how many pale-skinned women wore pastel gowns? One who usually does - and gets washed out - is Nicole Kidman. Last night, she was shining in a L'Wren Scott gown and Fred Leighton jewelry

I thought Anne Hathaway was glowing in her Prada gown and Tiffany jewelry. Such a class act! Some were sure her gown exposed her nipples, but those critics have never taken a tailoring class and surely don't understand the concept of darts and seams. Perhaps the onsite observers saw something we couldn't see on television, but I doubt it.

Amy Adams was glorious in an Oscar de la Renta gown and Mouawad jewels. She pulled off her full skirt a bit better than poor, but beautiful Jennifer Lawrence, who fell on her way up the stairs to accept her award. What happened to those men who were always there in the past to ensure that such mishaps wouldn't occur?

Lawrence was a vision in her Dior Haute Couture gown. As the face for Dior, you knew she would wear something from the house. She stunned.

Lawrence looked just as pretty from the back as she did from the front. Look for necklaces to be worn backwards. I think she started a new trend. Want to see how her hair was styled by Peter Butler using Leonor Greyl products, check out this video.

Amanda Seyfried was a picture of pale lavender loveliness in her Alexander McQueen gown. With her lavender eye shadow. she glowed.

When I first saw Zoë Saldaña, all I could whisper was, "Wow!" She mixed it up with an Alexis Mabille Couture dress, Neil Lane jewelry, Roger Vivier shoes, and a Salvatore Ferragamo bag.

Charlize Theron, another blonde beauty, took over the red carpet in her Dior Haute Couture gown and Harry Winston jewelry. Wasn't her dance with Channing Tatum during the show fantastic?

Has Jane Fonda ever looked better? At 75, she proved that we never have to look as if we were aging. Fonda wore Versace and Chopard with Jimmy Choo shoes and a clutch.

Naomi Watts glittered in a custom Giorgio Armani sequined gown in gunmetal grey.

Steady my heart, Jennifer Hudson was glorious in a sexy blue Roberto Cavalli gown with a Jimmy Choo clutch. This may have been her best look yet - in a contest of bests. She belted out her song from Dreamgirls. Made me well up as I thought about all that she has experienced since then.

Others whose style struck me as glamorous included Kerry Washington (who bucked the pastel trend), Jennifer Aniston in red, Adele (who returned to her signature black), 19-year old Corinne Bishop (daughter of Jamie Foxx), Catherine Zeta Jones (sexy in gold),Stacy Keibler, Sandra Bullock, Selma Hayek, Halle Berry, and Louise Roe.

Who could forget the darling Quvenzhané Wallis with her signature dog purse? The next Annie, she's one to watch.

On my what-the-heck list were Renee Zellweger (she didn't look like herself, and the back of the Caroline Herrera gown was ill-fitting), Kristen Stewart (girl, if you need crutches, use them; limping out to present looked ridiculous), Sally Fields, Melissa McCarthy, Brandi Glanville (we saw her boobs), Helena Bonham Carter (as usual) - really, there weren't any total disasters.

It was a glamorous night. Just as I thought, the celebrities have been saving it for the Oscars.

Most photos courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter

What's Coming from Dior for Spring 2013

Yesterday, a team of Dior representatives was gathered to showcase Dior at a beauty event. They gave me permission to take photographs of their book of color copies that shows the upcoming Dior treasures that will be introduced this spring.

Because of their graciousness, I have the opportunity to show you my photos, taken in the store under a makeup light. They certainly aren't magazine quality, but I think they will whet your appetite and leave you hanging out at the Dior counter with me, awaiting their arrival. Here they are, in the order in which I turned the pages. Remember to click on any photo you'd like to see enlarged.

Everything looks fabulous, but the Birds of Paradise Collection is a special stunner! I can't wait.

Update: I'm sorry I couldn't keep up with all your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the sneak peek. I've been off playing with one of my favorite beauty reps.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty