Le Métier de Beauté Neiman Marcus Fall 2013 Kaleidoscope Eye Kit: Carnaby Street - Updated with Pro Photos

I'm so excited that I can show you Le Métier de Beauté's photos of Carnaby Street. My in-store photos of photos were less than exciting.

Le Métier de Beauté Neiman Marcus Fall 2013 Kaleidoscope Eye Kit ($95) is Carnaby Street. Take a trip back to swinging London with a Kaleidoscope Eye Kit inspired by the famed Soho shopping district that was the center of the mod and hippie movements of 1960's London. This pretty collection of eye colors "screams of fashion-forward sophistication."

The colors are much prettier than they look in the Kaleidoscope photo. Cameo at the top is a shimmering peachy pink. Anorak is a warm, glinting taupe. They had me with these top two shades. Then they moved on with fabulous pizazz.

Jackie is a sophisticated matte mauve. I'll have to see it to know if I can wear it alone (unlayered). Dandy, at the bottom, is a stunning teal (strangely called midnight navy - so we will have to see it in person).

This Kaleidoscope is exclusive to Neiman Marcus and will be available during Beauty Week, which will be here before you know it. Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie will have amazing GWPs. If you spend $125 and purchase a Le Métier de Beauté lipstick, you will receive another one for free (at least at Mazza). If you spend $300 at Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a full-sized Peau Vierge Dark Spot Corrector, which I have learned is also a pore minimizer and retexturing serum.

To pre-order (this one will sell out), call (or visit) Michael Reinhardt or Chae Edwards at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. You can reach them at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Chanel Séduction Quadra Eye Shadow from the Jeux de Regards Collection

Although it has been available for weeks (and months in other countries), I had to convince myself to buy Chanel's limited-edition Séduction Quadra Eye Shadow (#42, $59) from the Jeux de Regards Collection. Both quads weren't "perfect" - in other words, neither left my heart pounding. The blues of Fascination left me fairly cold. They are pretty, but I have enough of those shades and rarely wear them. Séduction has three colors I love and one I suspect I'll never wear. It won the coin toss.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-afternoon sunshine. I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting with the top-left "red" shade and moving clockwise around the quad.

All four shades offer a gleam or subtle shimmer (even the brown, which other bloggers have called matte) - I really like the finishes. The red looks like it has a lavender hue in it. It's a gorgeous shade for a blush. Maybe I'll give it as try on my cheeks.

The ivory is a stunning base shade. It shows up against my pale beige skin. The brown is a fairly true chocolate brown that can be applied sheerly for very pretty definition. The peach is a perfect, ripe peach.  With a golden shimmer, it verges on a peachy copper. I love it.

What do you think? Will you be on the lookout for it - or pass? You can find it at all Chanel counters and Chanel's Web site. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - August 30

I have so much to tell you, I don't know where to start. I had the opportunity, courtesy of Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie, to see what's new and what's coming in the beauty department. I'll use today's Friday Forum to get started and continue later today and tomorrow.

Since La Prairie really knows how to set up an exhibit - always with exquisite flowers, silver trays, and elegant presentation - I'll start by introducing you to some new products that excited me. La Prairie is one classy company. My brochures were sealed in a silver envelope, and I came home with deluxe samples.

There are two new additions to the anti-aging collection: Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Contour Cream ($190) and Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Perfection à Porter ($150), both of which I want now. La Prairie has zeroed in on my two biggest concerns: eyes and nasolabial folds. Here is the press on the new products.

Streamline your beauty routine with the multi-tasking Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Contour Cream, a rich, highly moisturizing formula designed to treat the age-sensitive contours of the eyes and lips. A patented, encapsulated amino acid complex begins working immediately to fill wrinkles and hollows in the eye area with an action similar to "lipo-filling." Puffiness and dark circles recede, while an anti-discoloration complex works to prevent future darkness around the eye with marine-derived glycosaminoglycans. For the lip area, a volume-enhancing ingredient inspired by nature works its magic to smooth the skin around the lips as tropical fruit acids exfoliate and stimulate for a younger, fresher look.  The enclosed metal-tipped contouring wand dispenses the emollient cream, soothing the skin, while evenly distributing the formula. The end result? Lines (aka wrinkles) are filled, nasolabial folds are smoothed, and volume is added to age-related, hollowed areas. Moisture is replenished and maintained. The light fragrance is divine.

Anti-Aging Eye and Lip Perfection à Porter will treat your eyes and lips with on-the-go packaging. Designed with both form and function in mind, a chic white leatherette case houses a sleek silver compact containing two separate compartments: an eye cream-gel in one and a lip balm in the other. This elegant beauty accessory is a must for an anytime fix.

Three innovative line smoothers work together to fill in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while a unique light diffuser further disguises signs of fatigue and aging around the eye area. In addition, marine and vegetal extracts work to correct visible signs of aging and reduce the appearance of dark circles around the eyes. For the lips, a derivative of an essential plant oil and dehydrated hyaluronic acid microspheres work together to restore plumpness, while emollients and a hydrating complex ensure that our lips won't flake or chap.

I have ingredient descriptions for these products and will share them when I feature reviews. I must also tell you about three fabulous new La Prairie products scheduled to arrive at counters in October and November.

Before I sign off this morning, I'll give you a sneak peek at Le Métier de Beauté's new Hydra-Crème Lipsticks. Again, I'll apologize for photos of photos taken indoors. They are all I have to show you right now.

The Hydra-Crème Lipsticks are available in 16 new shades. Here's the press.

Stunning, healthy lips are yours with Le Métier de Beauté's new Hydra-Crème Lipsticks. The buttery, ultra-moisturizing formulation glides smoothly and evenly over lips for maximum comfort; long wear; and rich, brilliant color. Shades are a gorgeous mix of mattes and sheers, past favorites, and new, on-trend hues.

• Emollient, hydrating formula that won't slide
• Delivers voluptuous, full-coverage color to lips
• No mineral or animal derivatives

Translated, that means that Le Métier de Beauté's lipsticks have been reformulated. Some of your favorite colors today will remain available, but others will be gone forever once they sell out. You might want to stock up on your favorites now. Once again, I apologize for these miserable photos.

I'll be following up the Friday Forum with the scoop on new products from Sisley (the color will knock your socks off), Bobbi Brown, Dior, Kate Somerville, and Chantecaille Holiday. Where to start?

It's time for 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.

Just to prove how much money I spend at Sephora, I was recently awarded with VIB Rouge status. I received a lipstick - a dinky deluxe sample of BITE for VIB Rouge. I also got a Beauty Studio All-Access Pass for in-store services. I never use them. I'm really not impressed.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for the latest Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, August 31, at midnight. Good luck!

Update: This weekend, through September 2, Beautyhabit is offering a 20% discount with code BYESUMMER. Unfortunately, Chantecaille appears to be excluded. However, the discount is fabulous, and I just purchased a boatload of fragrance. 

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Neiman Marcus Fall 2013 Kaleidoscope Eye Kit: Carnaby Street

The best I can do today is show you a photo of a photo taken in the evening indoors with no flash. How's that for three strikes against a good photo? I will go back tomorrow and try to get a photo (of the photo) outdoors if the sun is shining.

Le Métier de Beauté Neiman Marcus Fall 2013 Kaleidoscope Eye Kit ($95) is Carnaby Street. Take a trip back to swinging London with a Kaleidoscope Eye Kit inspired by the famed Soho shopping district that was the center of the mod and hippie movements of 1960's London. This pretty collection of eye colors "screams of fashion-forward sophistication."

The colors are much prettier than they look in my photo. Cameo at the top is a shimmering peachy pink. Anorak is a warm, glinting taupe. They had me with these top two shades. Then they moved on with fabulous pizazz.

Jackie is a sophisticated matte mauve. I'll have to see it to know if I can wear it alone (unlayered). Dandy, at the bottom, is a stunning midnight navy.

This Kaleidoscope is exclusive to Neiman Marcus and will be available during Beauty Week, which will be here before you know it. Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie will have amazing GWPs. If you spend $125 and purchase a Le Métier de Beauté lipstick, you will receive another one for free. If you spend $300 at Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a full-sized Peau Vierge Dark Spot Corrector, which I have learned is also a pore minimizer and retexturing serum.

To pre-order (this one will sell out), call (or visit) Michael Reinhardt or Chae Edwards at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. You can reach them at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. I will publish a better photo as soon as I can get one.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique Nightcap All About Shadow Duo

If you haven't read about Clinique's totally revamped eye color line, scroll down here at Best Things in Beauty. I've been presenting the information about All About Shadows this week. Today, I'd like to spotlight Nightcap ($20), a duo that instantly grabbed my attention. Then, I'll hold off for a few days before I show you the rest of the duos I purchased. Over the weekend, I'll show you more of the looks Clinique sent me.

I'll skip straight to swatch photos of Nightcap, which I took in full sun. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator. For all of the information about these beautiful new eye shadows (and liners, plus a new primer), just scroll down.

The silvery shade that takes up most of the real estate in the duo has a touch of green in it. If you look very closely at the left side of the swatch, you might be able to see it. The same goes for the "charcoal" shade. It also leans green. It's a shade I already know is very hard to capture with my camera. I don't doctor pictures (other than to blur spots on my arm when I have bruised myself), so what you see is what my camera saw.

I think Nightcap is a gorgeous duo. The quality is as good as it gets. The shadows apply like the nicest "creamy" powders. The colors hold up all day.  The slight shimmer on the duos I've selected is very flattering. I'm thrilled with all of them.

The new All About Shadow colors are available at all Clinique counters and Clinique's Web site. Let us know what colors tempt you.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique All About Shadow Singles - All New

Yesterday, I had an opportunity to tell you about Clinique's new All About Shadows, which are available in singles, duos, and quads.Today, I'd like to show you two beautiful singles I purchased: Pacific Coast and Silver Lining. The luscious Pacific Coast is shown above. Silver Lining is shown directly below. Can you believe these gorgeous shadows are only $15?

To recap, these luxurious new Clinique eye shadows provide a rich, creamy formula with high-intensity pigment and intense color. The "form and function" of Clinique's new All About Shadow provide a rich color payoff in a single stroke.

Special "Fusion Layering" and "Variable Milling" technologies were used to create a lush, creamy application that makes the eyelids appear smoother while delivering rich, true color. A blend of good-for-your-skin ingredients, including Astrocaryum Murumuru seed butter and vitamin E, creates the ultimate creamy and silky powder texture. The smooth formula glides on easily and stays put throughout the day. I really love Clinique's new shadows - both for the range of colors and for the quality formula.

I took swatch photos of Silver Lining (at the top of my arm) and Pacific Coast (below). I applied them with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full, morning sun.

I think they look good together. Silver and seafoam teal green are a natural combo. I'll be using Silver Lining frequently as a base shade. Pacific Coast is a gorgeous pop shade.

Clinique Global Colour Artist, Jenna Menard, created six looks using Clinique All About Shadow. With each look, Jenna Menard expertly illustrated how Clinique’s makeup can be used to create modern, of-the-moment looks from classic to bold. She encourages women to play with the broad range of intense color available in the new shadows. You will note at the counter that they shadows come with suggestions for skin tones. I found them helpful.

Here is a look she created using Pacific Coast. “Achieving a colourful eye look is all about using the right techniques. With this look, I focused on layers of bold colors in like-shades to show women how they can confidently wear any color. Layering different shades in similar colours creates an interesting depth of color, rather than using a single bold hue.”

Jenna used All About Shadow Primer for Eyes in Medium and began by applying the primer across the lid using the doe foot wand and blending with her finger. The she used Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Peacock and Cream Shaper for Eyes in Black Diamond, layering the liners on the upper and lower lash lines and smudging with the Eye Contour Brush.

She also used All About Shadow in Nightcap Duo (another duo I purchased and will show you this week), sweeping the Eye Shader Brush into the darker shade shadow pan and taping to remove excess powder. Apply to lid starting at the lash line and blending up to the crease.

She used All About Shadow in Pacific Coast, blending the teal shadow along the lash line with the Eye Contour Brush. She blended up into the darker Nightcap shadow using the Shadow Brush. Finally, she used All About Shadow in the Smoke and Mirrors Quad, using the Eye Definer Brush to swipe the darkest shade from the Quad along the lower lash line to intensify the look.

She finished with Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Black (one of my favorites) - and one to which I might return after I run out of my discontinued Maybelline mascara.

In case you are interested, she used Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posy and Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whoppin’ Watermelon to keep the focus on the eyes.

The new All About Shadow colors are available at all Clinique counters and Clinique's Web site. You really ought to check them out.

Photos at top by Best Things in Beauty; look photo courtesy of Clinique

Clinique All About Shadow - All New, Starting in Taupe Heaven with Starlight Starbright

Most women want eye color with pop that takes seconds to apply, but lasts all day without fading away. These luxurious new Clinique eye shadows provide a rich, creamy formula with high-intensity pigment and intense color. The "form and function" of Clinique's new All About Shadow provide a rich color payoff in a single stroke.

Special "Fusion Layering" and "Variable Milling" technologies were used to create a lush, creamy application that makes the eyelids appear smoother while delivering rich, true color. A blend of good-for-your-skin ingredients, including Astrocaryum Murumuru seed butter and vitamin E, creates the ultimate creamy and silky powder texture. The smooth formula glides on easily and stays put throughout the day. I have been so impressed with the new shadows, I went a little crazy at the counters. I have so many to show you!

Available in all finishes, from matte to high shimmer, All About Shadow is offered in Singles, Duos, and Quads. To increase the wear of All About Shadow from eight hours to 12 hours, Clinique has introduced All About Shadow Primer for Eyes - the perfect first step for achieving eyes that dazzle. This new primer significantly improves color retention, reduces creasing, and extends wear up to 12 hours when applied under All About Shadow. For a more casual look, All About Shadow Primer for Eyes can be worn alone to achieve a perfected and natural look. The doe foot wand makes application easy. The primer is available in four shades to reach a broad range of skin tones: Very Fair, Moderately Fair, Medium, and Deep. I haven't tried it yet because I just restocked my favorite primer and added Tom Ford's new primer to my stable - but I will get to it.

To add more intensity to any eye look, Clinique’s top-selling Quickliner for Eyes Intense builds definition while lasting from day to night. This fabulous eyeliner provides non-fading, long-wearing color with a smooth, liquid-liner-like payoff that stays put for 12 hours. It's available in six new shades: Intense Truffle, Intense Clove, Intense Peridot, Intense Peacock, Intense Aubergine, and Intense Amethyst, as well as two limited-edition colors,  Intense Sable, and Intense Cobalt. I think it was Cobalt that made my hyperventilate. Quickliner for Eyes Intense is now available in 15 gorgeous shades.

The beautiful range of colors drew me to the new display at Clinique counters. I've picked out colors at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. You will have to click on the photo above to see the extraordinary range of shades. Even then, you can't experience their beautiful texture and finishes from these swatch photos.

Today, I'd like to show you one of the first duos I purchased: Starlight Starbright (a duo, $20). It was obviously made for taupe/neutral shadow lovers. It comes with an overlay on the mirror, suggesting how you might want to apply the two shades to create a beautiful look. You can easily peel off the overlay.

I took swatch photos last week. I swathed fairly heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photographs in full sun. The shade on the left is shown at the top of my arm, and the smaller shadow is shown below.

I think these subtly shimmering shades are exquisite. The light taupe is a perfect base shade, and the darker taupe is my kind of definition color. This must be a very popular duo because it was sold out (already) at one store where I shopped and still in stock at another. While I'm sure it will be restocked, I wanted it "now."

I have many swatch photos to show you. I did say I went a little crazy. Who wouldn't with gorgeous shades and fabulous prices? Stay tuned this week as I show you more and provide some of Clinique's application tips. I love this new eye color line!

The new All About Shadow colors are available at all Clinique counters and Clinique's Web site. You should check them out.

Photos at top by Clinique; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tom Ford In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette for Fall 2013

Tom Ford's In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette for Fall 2013 ($60) will please many - I suspect those with darker skin than mine. The colors are gorgeous peachy-pink shades. This trio was also a gift to me from a sweet, generous friend.

As you already know, I couldn't get good swatch photos until Saturday. Even before I took them, I had worn two of the shades to work. I like both shades (I wore the two from left), but to my eyes, they weren't meant to be paired. They are both very light on my pale eyelids, and they left a slightly pink hue over my primer. Pink is not a good color for me because it brings out any red in my eyes. I must pair or layer it with a darker shade, like taupe or grey.

I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. My photos were taken in late-morning sun. Here are swatch photos so you can see what I mean.

The shade at the top of my arm is the one on the left in the trio. As you can see, it's a pastel, almost chalky pink. The shimmering shade in the middle is a very pretty taupe-peach hybrid. I expected it to look great with the top pink shade, but it didn't offer me the contrast I love. The effect on my lids was very light with no definition. I will wear this shade as my base color next time.

The sparkling peach shade at the bottom on my arm is glittery - a gorgeous color, but one you'll need to apply using the same directions I provided for She Wolf. I was able to achieve decent color for my photos because I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, which also lays down enough color if you pat the color in the compact and then pat or swipe it onto your eyelids. A regular eye shadow brush would not have laid down even color - just glitter. A friend who is a superb makeup artist told me that you must apply the uber-sparkly side with a short-haired, stiff eye shadow brush and pat the color on, stippling, making it one with your skin. It helps to use a primer. That way, you get the color, not just a layer of glitter. I'll wear it at night. It's so pretty, it needs a festive occasion.

 I love In the Pink, despite my personal issues with the colors. I have paired the shades with other Tom Ford shades and shadows from other brands, and I've been very pleased. Isn't it funny? I love the shades, but not with one another.

Why do I think gals with darker skin than mine will adore In the Pink? The contrast between darker skin tones and these colors will be magnificent. I'm thrilled to have the shades to wear with other palettes, even if I won't be using them to create a single In the Pink look.

What do you think about In the Pink? It is scheduled to be available at all Tom Ford Counters in September. Is it on your list?

If you want one now, give Dustin Lujan a call at (212) 872-2714 at the John Barrett Salon in New York City (I don't think he works Mondays). You can be the first in your town to have one.

I'll show you the eye base next. Getting photos of that ought to be a challenge. Dustin told me it's very clear.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler Giveaway Contest

Sephora's new, limited-edition Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler ($25) looks as nice as the previous sets. it includes six lip favorites in perfect pinks and natural nudes. This lip kit features the best glosses, sticks, glazes, and balms from Sephora’s favorite brands. Perfect for gift giving or as a treat for yourself, this collection has all you need for luscious lips.

This new set contains the following lip colors.

• 0.10 oz Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bare Pink
• 0.07 oz Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Dolly
• 0.14 oz NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight
• 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment
• 0.05 oz Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb
• 0.10 oz Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in Glitzy 

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 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.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 31, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

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! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Tom Ford She Wolf Ombré Eye Color Trio for Fall 2013

My favorite of the Tom Ford Eye Color Trios introduced for Fall 2013, She Wolf ($60) was an astounding gift to me from a dear, sweet friend in the industry. The hybrid brown-grey colors are perfect for fall, offering both daytime, modern shades and nighttime pizazz in one palette.

As you know, Tom Ford earned his eye color reputation with his quads. Now, with the introduction of two trios for fall, he is expanding options for us makeup addicts. I finally got a day with brilliant sunshine yesterday, giving me a chance to take swatch photos of this beauty.  I was so frustrated when it arrived last week, but the late-day lighting was all wrong for good photos. Then it rained the next day. Saturday was my salvation.

I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. My photos were taken in late-morning sun.

I didn't need such a heavy application of the grey-brown hybrid shade on the trio's left side. It's an intense shade with a stain finish. I'll use it lightly for contouring or with a thin liner brush for a lovely liner. It's one of those in-between shades that goes with just about any look.

The shimmering middle shade, a blend of mocha or mushroom and grey, coordinates perfectly with the shade at the top of my arm. I've been wearing it (around the house so far) with the orchid shade in the Orchid Haze quad. I expect it to also blend nicely with the shades in In the Pink, Ford's other trio for fall.

The color of the third shade (at right in the palette) is a beautiful golden taupe - not at all like it looks in the compact. The color is beautiful, but it's a bear to apply.

The sparkly shades in the two new trios are very much like the sparkly shades in the new Guerlain duos. You have to apply them correctly to get pigment (color) to accompany the glitter. For my life - and age - they are way too sparkly to wear during the day. I will wear them during the evening if the occasion is right.

I'm going to repeat the advice I provided for Guerlain's sparkly new shades because it is exactly the same. I was able to achieve decent color for my photos because I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, which also lays down enough color if you pat the color in the compact and then pat or swipe it onto your eyelids. A regular eye shadow brush would not have laid down even color - just glitter. A friend who is a superb makeup artist told me that you must apply the uber-sparkly side with a short-haired, stiff eye shadow brush and pat the color on, stippling, making it one with your skin. It helps to use a primer. That way, you get the color, not just a bunch of glitter. (He works for another line, and is a superb artist.)

I love this color, so I will not let it languish in the compact with barely a dent. I'll have to make it a cause to go out more often so I can wear it.

She Wolf is scheduled to be available at all Tom Ford Counters in September. If you want one now, give Dustin Lujan a call at (212) 872-2714 at the John Barrett Salon in New York City. I'll publish In the Pink swatches next.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tom Ford Orchid Haze Eye Color Quad for Fall 2013

I showed you a quick photo of Tom Ford's new Eye Color Quad, Orchid Haze (#13, $78), a few days ago. Now I have swatches. I did not want to put up bad swatch photos earlier, so I waited until today, a beautiful day with gleaming, brilliant sunshine.

This is a new quad. There are two Asia exclusives that have been introduced with the fall collection: Lavender Lust and Seductive Rose. Dustin Lujan at the John Barrett Salon selected the best of the three for me. I trust him completely. I bought Orchid Haze without seeing a photo.

Like Tom Ford's other quads, the eye shadows in this beauty offer top-notch quality. The powders feel like cream as I run my applicators over them. There is no fallout on my face, and the colors color-true all day. That said, I will rave over the shades in this quad. I was afraid it might be too lavendar-licious for me - way too purple - based on the name. It's not, in fact I got two beloved taupe-toned shades with it.

I swatched in clockwise order, starting with the beautiful, shimmering peach-taupe blend in the upper-left corner of the quad at the top of my arm.  Is that color gorgeous or am I delusional? I nearly jumped for joy when I applied it. In the same color family, but darker, the complex taupe-peach-chestnut hybrid shade is equally gorgeous. After I swatched these two colors, I declared the quad entirely worth the $78. I'll be wearing these shade to work.

The third shade (lower-right corner in the quad) is a liner shade for me. The eggplant color looks good with the other shades when used as a liner nestled into my lash line. I cannot wear this color when applied sheerly and used as a contour shade. It makes me look like I have a wicked hangover or fatal disease. Those of you who can wear eggplant shades will love its vibrancy.

The only shade that merits the use of the term "orchid" is shown at the bottom of my arm. It's a lovely blend of heathered lavender, pink, and taupe. I can wear it - yea! It does not look ghastly pink on my eyelids. It's beautiful when used as a base "hazy" shade with the "brown" shade in the quad. I won't limit its use with other shades in the quad. It is everyday useful.

I expect, but have not verified, that this quad is a "permanent" addition to Tom Ford's stable of quads - as permanent as anything can be in makeup. I'll let you know if I guessed incorrectly. It is scheduled to be available at all Tom Ford Counters in September. If you want one now, give Dustin a call at (212) 872-2714.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - August 23

Friday - finally! Here's a photo of a hydrangea in my side yard. It's always a late-summer stunner. If you look closely, you will see the blossoms starting to mature and turn pink.

Haven't the latest color introductions been exciting? I feel rejuvenated when there are counters laden with new launches. I wanted to start showing you the new Clinique eye colors yesterday, but Tom Ford's arrival bumped Clinique to the weekend. I heard the weather forecast, and it appears I'll have a bright, sunny day tomorrow for taking swatch photos of my new Tom Ford and Clinique goodies. It's very cloudy and about to rain now. Plus I'm at work.

I also have several new fragrances to feature - ones that will tempt you, I'm sure. Remember, this fall will be a bonanza for fragrance fans.

The latest fashion designer to announce a beauty collection is Tory Burch. She will be joining the Estée Lauder Cos. stable. There will be a Tory Burch fragrance that opens with grapefruit, pink pepper, cassis, mandarin and neroli. The hear notes include peony, mimosa, jasmine, tuberose, sweet alyssum, and carrot seed. It's drydown of vetiver, cedarwood, sandalwood, and white musk sounds nice to me. Burch told WWD about her capsule color cosmetics collection and a bath and body line. “I wanted to do a capsule that was quick and easy,” Burch said. “I don’t have a lot of time to get ready in the morning, so we did a lip and cheek in one - that’s how I often do it, I’ll put lipstick on my cheeks [as blush] if I only want to bring one thing out with me.” Burch has carried some of the fragrance notes through to her cosmetics: the lipstick and lip and cheek tint are both lightly scented with cassis, grapefruit, and mandarin.

The products are scheduled for a September 26 launch, after an online presale beginning September 6. The fragrance and bath items will be sold at 31 Bloomingdale’s doors, nine Holt Renfrew locations, Tory Burch’s 85 boutiques, and toryburch.com only. The color cosmetics will be available only at Burch’s boutiques and on her Web site.

I'm really surprised there hasn't been much interest in my giveaway contest this week. Chantecaille's Brilliant Gloss in Classic is really pretty. Remember that the deadline to enter is tomorrow, Saturday, August 24, at midnight. Free is free, after all.

I did get a comment I didn't understand. One poster wrote that this was the second time she had entered in two weeks. I wasn't sure what that meant. Did it mean, "I've entered twice now and haven't won yet?" I hope not. Unfortunately, giveaway contests are a game of chance. While the odds are bettter than Powerball, there can be only one winner (usually) out of hundreds of entries. I always feel bad about that.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Tom Ford Fall 2013 Eye Colors - Live and in Person

I came home from work today and found my Tom Ford order at my door. I had ordered from the best place to order: Dustin Lujan at the Tom Ford Salon in New York City. Dustin always gets Tom Ford's collections a couple weeks earlier than most department stores. You can reach Dustin at (212) 872-2714.

I am not sure I can get great swatch photos this late in the day, but I did take a few photos to whet your appetites. Hopefully, I can get good swatch photos tomorrow.

The trio shown at the top of this feature is In the Pink.  The trio shown in the middle is She Wolf. The new quad, which was not an Asia exclusive, is Orchid Haze. There are two palettes available that were Asia exclusives. I'll sort that out later. Aren't they gorgeous? I have not photographed the eye base yet. Dustin told me I needed it because it's fabulously brightening.

Even before swatching, I'm in love.

Update 5:00: I did go outside to take quick swatch photos of In the Pink - applied very heavily. I couldn't resist. I don't think this swatch photo is as true as it should be, so I will wait until tomorrow to try again.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette for Fall 2013 - Swatched

Fall 2013 will embody a minimal and serene elegance through timeless iconic pieces with a sober luxury. The tone is set through materials of fur (faux, I hope), leather, cozy knits, and textural tweeds in more forgiving styles with volume, menswear influences, longer hemlines, and oversized coats. The trending colors will be warm earthy browns, rich neutrals, black, white, camel, and pops of red.

Inspired by the grounding and moody shades of nature in winter, paired with the simple sophistication of purity and strength, makeup will be a light wash of eye shadow in shades from the earth: warm browns, copper, and ash, emphasized by black eye liner. The lips create the perfect counterpoint in soft nudes or rich reds.

Inspired by the magnificent beauty and free spirit of wild horses, Chantecaille has created a striking, palette that effortlessly compliments the Fall 2013 runway trends. Four shades fill the refillable Wild Horses Palette ($83).

• Black Stallion, a midnight black liner with a whisper of shimmer, inspired by the elusive Black Stallion
• Palomino, a soft, creamy beige eye shade, inspired by the golden coats and glistening blonde manes of Palomino horses
• Mustang, a warm chestnut brown eye shade illuminated by flecks of gold, inspired by the iconic, wild Mustangs of the West
• Freedom, a flattering sunset pink that creates a soft, windswept-flush

The Wild Horses Palette benefits the Humane Society of the United States. Embodying the spirit of freedom, wild horses have graced the American landscape for centuries, reminding us of our deepest connection to the Earth. Sadly, in just the past 40 years, over 22 million acres of wild horse habitat has been lost in the U.S. to make room for cattle, fracking, and mining industries. By conserving land for wild horses, we not only help save countless herds, we help save our environment from the polluting extractive industries that are destroying it. Ensuring that wild horses are able to roam freely means keeping a part of our Earth untouched and unexploited. I would have purchased any new Chantecaille palette, but this "cause" warms my heart.

I was lucky to be home today, dialed into an all-day conference call in Missouri when my palette arrived from Chantecaille. I had ordered it Saturday. It's pictured above. The second my call ended, I zoomed outside to get swatch photos to show you the gorgeous colors.

I remember that some had commented that it looked in the advance photos like Tiger in the Wild. Now that I have it, I can say that it's totally unlike Tiger. I applied all shades heavily, breaking through the overspray with my sponge-tipped applicators, to try to get true shade depictions. My photos were taken in full, late-afternoon sunshine.

The color at the top of my arm is shown top left in my palette: Palomino, a soft, creamy golden beige shade. I think it's as pretty as golden beige gets. The second color down is the top right color in the palette:  Freedom, described as a flattering sunset pink. I would not describe it that way. To my eye, it's a pastel brick shade, a hybrid between red and copper - and unlike anything in Tiger. I would never describe it as pink. Anyhow, as a cheek color, it's fabulous for fall.

Black Stallion, a midnight black liner with a whisper of shimmer, is the third shade down on my arm, lower right in the palette. True to description, it's a perfect liner for any look.

The copper shade at the bottom of my arm is, amazingly, Mustang, described as a warm chestnut brown illuminated by flecks of gold. I might call it a golden chestnut with an emphasis on golden. It's stunning.

I have had not time to play with the palette, but Chantecaille has never disappointed me. I'm sure the Eye Shades will offer me the top-notch quality I have learned to expect from Chantecaille. Their shadows never irritate my eyes, wear well all day, and look fabulous. The cheek color can be worn on your cheeks or eyes. The palette is gorgeous, with its beautiful horses on each shade. The compact has horses on the top (as you can see in the top photo). Even the box has a beautiful horses motif - worth a photo.

I can't wait to hear what you think! The palette has not arrived at most Chantecaille counters. It wasn't scheduled to be available until September. However, it did arrive at Chantecaille's Web site, so I pounced. Perhaps I galloped right to Chantecaille's site to order it.

If you would like to watch Chantecaille's videos that accompany the season and explain the Wild Horses campaign, just pop over to the Web site.

Please note: the palette delivered to me had the colors "rearranged" from the original press photo at the top of this feature.
Photos at top and bottom courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge Ecstasy - My First Shades Swatched

I looked and found Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick ($34) at Neiman Marcus, and spent a lot of time selecting four shades. Why four? Because I love the feel and look of these classy lipsticks, and there are 36 tempting shades. I was only able to purchase three of the four I selected. One pretty pink, #509, Boudoir, had already sold out at Tysons. No matter; I'll get it somewhere else.

With Rouge Ecstasy, the Giorgio Armani laboratories push the boundaries of the exceptional even further with the first "CC" lipstick. CC stands for Color & Care, a new innovative hybrid product that marks the start of a new era in lipstick.

Care: Rouge Ecstasy offers the comfort and softness of a lip balm, leaving lips repaired and beautifully enhanced day after day. The ingredients include shea butter, jojoba oil, and other moisturizers.

Color: This velvety soft, everyday lipstick coats the lips in saturated, ultra-luminous shades with impeccable hold. Application is simple, precise, and effective - straight from the tube.

Rouge Ecstasy is available in 36 luminous shades, a broad palette of intense and vibrant colors to satisfy every desire. All of the Rouge Ecstasy shades are inspired by a particular memory or association for Mr. Armani - from Italy and Milan to the Red Carpet and Hollywood stars. The red lacquer cases with Armani's magnetic closure look pretty snazzy.

The magnetic cases are almost impossible to line up neatly for photographs. They keep moving on me as they attract one another, and eventually, I lose all patience. I staggered these tubes, not perfectly, and snapped a photo at lunchtime. My photo above shows, from left to right, #501, Peony; #508, Daybreak; and #510, Dolci.

When I started testing the colors, I quickly found that they range from very light to very dark. The very light shades look pasty in the tubes, but are anything but on the skin. I test on my arm first, then I test the shades I like on the pads of my fingers, which approximate the pigmentation of my lips.

I took swatch photos of these three lipsticks in early-afternoon sunshine. #501, Peony, is shown at the top of my arm with Daybreak ($508) in the middle and Dolci (#510) below.

I love all of these colors. Dolci may be on the dark side for me - I'm wearing it now - but I wanted to purchase one in a darker range. I also wanted one with some coral in it, so Peony was my choice. The most sheer, mauve pink Daybreak is my favorite of these three. I know, how can one choose a favorite of three exquisite shades?

I'm not sure how Armani achieved the vivid pigmentation with the balm-like feel. As usual, Armani has offered us an innovation in color. These lipsticks feel fabulously moisturizing on my lips. They offer a subtle gleam on the lips (the shine you see in my photos is sunlight). As for impeccable hold? Maybe not. They give me good wear time, but it's not extraordinary. I am very tough on lipstick. Either I talk to often, or have peripheral loss through my use of Kleenex. I eat and drink too. All of these activities are tough on lipstick hold.

I'm thrilled with Rouge Ecstasy! You can find it at Giorgio Armani Beauty's Web site, where I may purchase #509, and at Neiman Marcus. I have not seen it at Saks yet, only because I haven't been to Chevy Chase in over a week.

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

Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH Discontinued!

In one of its most disappointing decisions ever, Maybelline has discontinued DEFINE-A-LASH. My rock, my staple for countless years, this mascara never seems to have caught the general public's attention. I've praised it any number of times, most recently last year here.

I cannot count the number of times I've been asked by beauty professionals (makeup artists, brand representatives, models - you name it) what mascara I was wearing. It has to be north of 100 times. The looks on their faces when I tell them I wear Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH range from knowing smiles to gasps.

It's so much better than Great Lash, Maybelline's iconic mascara. Meanwhile, Great Lash is still sold, while the shelves are clearing out of DEFINE-A-LASH.

Why am I telling you? I just ordered on Amazon and drugstore.com 36 units, eight in each color (very black, soft black, and brownish black). I figure that will get me through withdrawal. I would have cleaned out my local CVS, but they were so much cheaper online. One site had them for $3something.

If you want to stock up to postpone withdrawal, buy now, buy quickly. Once they are gone...I can't bear to think about it.

Update February 27: Apparently, some of the Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH mascaras were discontined, and some were not. It is very hard getting the straight scoop. Apparently, the black formulas (waterproof and regular) are still available, but brown black is history. Frankly, if you go look in drugstores, the stock left can be found as low as it gets to the floor. I suspect it will be all be discontinued eventually. See what your own favorite drugstore stock is still available. At least a few color/formulas are sill available. That's better than nothing.

Photo courtesy of drugstore.com