Guerlain Terracotta Terra Magnifica Bronzing Powder Contrast Highlighter Face and Décolleté for Summer 2016

Guerlain's Terracotta powder is available at Neiman Marcus in a “Contrast and Highlighter” limited edition ($78) called Terracotta Terra Magnifica Bronzing Powder Contrast Highlighter Face and Décolleté. Irresistible, in an ultra-large size for a face and décolleté use, it will last forever. It was introduced June 15. I mentioned it in my summer preview.

With a new packaging design, the Terracotta bronzing powder duo is the most desirable summer collector's piece: the combination of the best-selling Terracotta shade #03, which naturally warms all complexions, and a sand shade with a slight gold shimmer. The colors can either be blended together to warm the complexion and enhance the natural radiance of a tan or applied separately to sculpt and highlight the face. On the skin the result is impeccable and remains so all day long.

The metal collector's case, with a screw-on top, is reusable after the powder is finished. While the powder is consistent with prior year's products, the case is totally different. For example, there's one in my bathroom that has a magnetic top.

I took all of my photos at my house after I purchased this beauty at Neiman Marcus. I had full sun, but it was late afternoon.

The surface of this bronzer is gorgeous. I love the design with the sun's rays. I swatched across all shades, including the golden highlights, with a sponge-tipped applicator. I applied the swatch at the top of my arm relatively heavily, and I used the same applicator to apply a much less intensive swatch below.

As you can see, this bronzer is golden. It should work for most skin tones, and I'll bet it's gorgeous on tanned skin. You can probably also see in my photo that it's sparkly. The sparkles are evident in direct light. The powder is described as follows.

• A unique combination of pigments to banish dullness and set the complexion glowing.
• A formula that does not dry out the skin and offers long-lasting comfort.
• Powder microlayers form an ultra-fine film that follows the facial contours perfectly, preserving the skin's natural finish. Can be applied without the risk of marking clothing.

I'm pleased to have this beautiful "statement piece." If Neiman Marcus is to be believed, it is exclusive to them and their sister company Bergdorf Goodman. (I have found such claims to be misleading in the past when stores get a product in advance of others, so it's only exclusive for a month or so).

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

Guerlain Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face for Summer 2016

Guerlain's Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face ($54) requires no commitment to a tan. It washes off with soap and water. It is designed to help us achieve a natural-looking, flawless tan for the face.

With this "water," a healthy tan look is just a drop away with this silky-smooth, cooling bronzing water. The ultra-comfortable second-skin texture will delight the skin, but it’s the versatility and the impeccable results will keep us loyal to L’Eau Hâlée. Worn alone or under Terracotta Bronzing Powder, L’Eau Hâlée delivers buildable glow, while simultaneously enhancing and prolonging an existing tan - or creating one we don't have. The tan is said to intensify with every application, and I can't really explain that. (When my Guerlain PR representative returns from vacation, I plan to ask whether it contains a low-dose self-tanner. I do not see one in the ingredients.) L’Eau Hâlée washes off easily with soap and water, so you don't have to make a commitment to your tan. You can be tan by day and fair at night.

This light “Eau” instantly recreates a translucent, naturally sun-kissed complexion with a bare skin effect. The universal color creates a sun-kissed glow that can be adjusted to suit everyone. It's very natural and sheer. Its hydrating formula envelops the skin in freshness. In other words, it's as perfect as it gets for those of us who don't want to use the usually smelly self-tanners on our faces. The scent of L'Eau Hâlée is delightful. It has notes of orange blossom, tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I applied a drop of the cooling water into my palm and used my finger to apply a broad swatch on my arm. You can see how sheer and natural this wonderful faux tan will be on your face. I hope you can see the swatch near the top of my arm.

This color is perfect for me. It looks natural, and it glows. A light application makes me look healthy, with sun-kissed skin that could be a result of a short time outdoors. It's exceedingly pretty.

I purchased my Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face at Neiman Marcus. All Guerlain counters should have it, and I see that it's widely available from retailers who sell Guerlain in store and online. Check it out. If you want options, not a full-out tan look, I think you'll find this L'Eau your sunshine in a bottle.

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

Guerlain Terracotta Pause d'Été Bronzing Powder Duo for Summer 2016

Today, we turn from one of my very favorite cosmetics companies (Chanel) to another: Guerlain. The Guerlain Summer 2016 Collection is superb.

The gorgeous, limited-edition Terracotta Pause d'Été Bronzing Powder Duo ($82) is a collector's piece. Guerlain Terracotta powder, the reference standard in bronzing powders, is currently available in a limited edition, Terracotta Pause d'Eté. The luxurious, environmentally sound wooden packaging (using wood from PEFC-approved sustainably managed forests) contains a wide mirror in the top and a "two-tone powder block": the combination of the best-selling Terracotta shade #03, which naturally warms all complexions, and the "it color" for summer, pink with a slight gold shimmer, to illuminate the skin with a tan radiance.

The colors can either be blended together to warm the complexion and enhance the natural beauty of summer skin or applied separately to achieve your desired bronze intensity. On the skin, the shades meld together to form an adjustable silky veil - so fine that the result is impeccable and remains so all day long.

I took my photo of the palette, showing a snippet of the magnetic cover (which one unscrews after the magnets "find their mates") in full, mid-day sunshine. As you can see, the color portrayed by Guerlain on its Web site is spot on. This is the kind of palette that I want to wear, but also put in my makeup museum. It's gorgeous. I think I need two!

In order to swatch the multi-colored palette, I used a sponge-tipped applicator and made sure to run it over all shades - there are really three of them. My photo directly below was taken with my arm aimed directly at the sun. You can see the direct light in my swatch.

I think this color, when applied directly with a bronzing or powder brush is exquisite. Although it's intended to be used on both the face and décolleté, I've only used it on my face to date. I applied it where the sun would naturally beam, which made me beam. The rose in the shade makes the blended shade beautiful on my fair skin. I'm sure it will be flattering on everyone.

The photo directly above shows the swatch with a little less direct sun. I turned my arm to get more swatch, less sunshine. Either way, I am stunned by the blended color. If I had to describe the blended color using familiar words, I'd call it a rose-leaning copper. You can apply it with more rose and less bronze if you choose.

You don't have to blend the shades; you can use them individually - even the gold roping can be used (with a small brush) as a highlighter. This is a versatile bronzing powder palette, and I think you will love it as much as I do. In my opinion, it's a must-have.

I purchased my Terracotta Pause d'Été Bronzing Powder Duo at Neiman Marcus. All Guerlain counters should have it, and I see that it's widely available from retailers who sell Guerlain in store and online.

I'll show you my other purchases from Guerlain's Summer 2016 Collection in the coming days. Every piece is a treasure.

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

Chanel Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été - Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour

Two gorgeous color combinations, at least one for everyone! Chanel's Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour ($65) palettes create a desert-rose glow with either shade. These limited-edition duos are versatile, lightweight powders with two shades in each to offer a contouring or highlighting effect with a sheer, natural finish.

I'm lucky to have both palettes. I purchased one at Neiman Marcus. The other was a gift from Chanel. I can go pink and pretty or tan and summery, depending on my mood and wardrobe for the day.

Each compact comes with a plastic lift-out brush pan holding a nice brush as shown above. I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine.

Duo N°02 is shown at left directly above. It's a warm pink blush with a light pink highlighter. Duo N°01, shown t right above, is peach and tan. The duos offer different levels of pigmentation, and you'd be wise to choose your applicator based on the duo you select.

To show you maximum pigmentation, I applied all four shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. I started with Duo N°02. You can see that the light shade is a highlighter - perfect for brighten your cheekbones or eyes. Buff it into your skin, and you will glow. The warm pink - some might say coral - is a beauty. When applied with a blush brush, it's a stunning, cheerful color.

The two brown-toned shades in Duo N°01 provide an instant, believable touch of sun-kissed color. I love the slight peach tint in the lighter color, and the darker brown shade is absolutely perfect for sculpting or contouring your cheekbones. You can also blend the shades (or use them individually) and sweep them over your temples, across your cheekbones and down the hairline to the outer jaw line for a bronze look. I've had fun playing with Duo N°01 in the short time I've had with it.

Want to get Chanel's summer look and application tips for using these treats? Check out Chanel's video at this link.

I purchased the one I bought from Rahman Malik at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. You can also find these new Healthy Glow Multi-Colours at Chanel's Web site or any Chanel counter.

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

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette for Summer 2016

When I saw Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette ($50) online, it looked pretty. I see that it is now sold out on Estée Lauder's Web site. That doesn't mean the stores don't have it in stock. These Bronze Goddess items always sell quickly.

Here is how it is advertised...
Illuminate. Contour. Blush.
Radiant, sun-kissed color for face, cheeks, and eyes. Use each shade on its own to sculpt and define, or blend shades together for a natural-looking, all-over glow. Let the sun worship you.

Sounded good and looked good to me, but I'm not thrilled with it. There may be two reasons, and only time will tell if the powder is light on pigmentation or whether there was some kind of coating (not an overspray that's easy to break through) on the surface of the three shades that made it hard for me to pick up enough pigment, even with a sponge-tipped applicator. When I run my fingers over the shades, I can get decent color from the highlighter and blush. The contour (bronzer) is very light, but that's good for those with fair skin.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I swatched from left to right as I moved down my arm. The shade at the top is the highlighter; the blush is in the middle, and the contour/bronzer is at the bottom in the photo below.

I worked to get even swatches. The highlighter shines like a beacon in full sun. The blush is a very light rose, a nice everyday shade. The bronzer is a tad muddy on my skin. I think I would want to blend the bronzer and blush together. I have not worn these shades yet, mostly because I had little time to experiment before I left for work last week. I fear that these shades will not have enough pigment when applied with a brush. I plan to try to rough up the diamond-like surfaces before I apply them with a brush. It may be the points of the design that are denying me good color payoff.

I'm surprised that 100% of nine reviewers on Estée Lauder's site recommended this product - actually gave it enthusiastic reviews. I can only give it a qualified recommendation. If I partially destroy the surface, I may end up enjoying the highlighter and blush. I doubt I'll wear the bronzer.

I'm sure that some Estée Lauder counters will still have the Glow Multi-Palette. Call first.

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

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Gelée Bronzer for Summer 2016

Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Collection for 2016 has been released, and, as usual, there are some stellar products in it. It's a nice change from the boring Aerin Lauder color. Get ready, bronzer shoppers; this one's a beauty.

Bronze Goddess limited-edition Gelée Bronzer ($32) is a treasure. The press? "Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious liquid bronzer. Formulated with a unique blend of bronzing pigments in a pearlized, reflective base for sheer, natural-looking radiance. Feels weightless and comfortable. Turn up the heat." Amen! This bronzer is glorious.

I took photos in full, mid-day sunshine - hence the reflections. The tube is fairly small (one fluid ounce), but it only takes a small quantity to impart a lovely, sheer bronze shade to your face. My swatch photo was created with a tiny dab of the liquid/gel bronzer. You can layer it for more intensity, but no amount of layering will make it opaque.

From the swatch photo, you can see that the color is sheer and natural. It won't really cover your imperfections; you can see my veins through it (sorry). That's its beauty. It lets your own skin shine through the lovely, natural bronze color. This shade should work for almost everyone. It's not muddy, and it's not pink. I love it!

The formula is oil-free, so it will delight those with oily skin, as well as those, like me, whose skin is dry. It literally floats onto my skin on application - nice and even when applied with fingertips or a synthetic brush. It makes me look naturally alive and sunned. I apply it on the highlights of my face where the sun would hit if I didn't wear sunscreen.

I ordered mine online from Estée Lauder, and I have other new items from the collection to show you. You can find the Bronze Goddess Collection wherever Estée Lauder is sold. I'll warn you, though, that the limited items often sell out quickly. If you want one, buy with haste.

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

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Radiant Bronze Light

You might ask me, "Why did you buy the one for medium to dark complexions?" I don't know! I think I made a mistake. I purchased two of the same shade, and I'm pretty sure I meant to buy one of each. It was last year, so who knows?

Anyhow, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Radiant Light ($50) can be made to work for any skin tone. Just use your brush properly because it is very pigmented. I'll have to order the lighter shade, Luminous Bronze Light, for comparison. This purchase had to be the result of one of my sleepy, late-night online trips to Sephora. However, it makes for a nice feature for those with darker complexions than mine.

As usual, my photo directly above shows the true color of the powder bronzer in the compact. It is definitely not as orange as the Sephora and Hourglass photos show. If you look carefully, you can see some micro-sparkle pigment in it, and this shows up on the skin - but only in strong light. Indoors, it offers a beautiful sheen to the skin.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun, and I used my usual sponge-tipped applicator to apply it. The first thing I noticed is that it is extremely pigmented. I played with it indoors with a fluffy powder brush, and it applied with much less pigment to my face. The color works that way, even on my fair skin.

You can see how dark this shade is when applied fairly heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. It's perfect for medium and dark complexions. Hourglass describes it as "a warm bronze shade fused with Radiant Light, a golden beige powder, to mimic a summer glow. Ideal for medium/deep complexions."

If this color is good for you, I think you will love Radiant Bronze Light. It adheres to the skin nicely, providing long wear with no fallout. It really is radiant. If you are fair and buy it anyhow, just use your expert brush skills and lightly sweep the brush over the powder to pick up a beautiful, warm, natural-looking tan shade.

You can find Hourglass Ambient Bronzer at Sephora and Hourglass Cosmetics online.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Sepia Highlighting Palette for Spring/Summer 2016

Giorgio Armani Beauty recently introduced Sepia, the new Spring/Summer 2016 collection, inspired by the sepia photographs of the past. Its highlighting and contouring palette, lipstick, and nail polish shades revisit warm, earthy tones said to be suited to all skin types.

The beautiful multi-purpose palette in the collection is called Sepia Highlighting Palette ($88). The Sepia Palette, featuring a "highlighting-contouring powder," envelops the skin in a veil of subtle light and smooths out imperfections, while delivering the signature Armani glow in a texture that is silky smooth, light, and soft. The powder boosts the adherence of the pigments and brightens the complexion with a soft, sepia touch.

Being an Armani devotee, I had to have it. It arrived a few days ago, and I was able to get photographs in full sun. We are having lovely weather.

How does Armani suggest you use it? For a natural look, brush over the palette to blend both shades together. Apply over the face with downward strokes for a natural glow with an allover application. For a more sculpted look, use each shade to contour features. Use the lighter shade on upper cheekbones, brow bone, and along the nose, and the deeper shade along the nose, jawline, and under cheekbones. The latter is almost impossible to do, given the thin stripes of the darker shade. So, I'm using it as a bronzer built for blondes (or those with fair skin), and it's perfect!

I took swatch photos in full afternoon sun. I applied the powder fairly heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, blending the two shades together. I selected two photos to show you. The first is posed in front of a Japanese maple, which is showing its lovely sepia color before it turns red.

This powder is not sparkly, despite the way the sun shines on my arm. I'd call the finish silky (maybe lustrous), with a very slight sheen. It is a great shade to wear during the day. I like to apply it with a blush or bronzer brush, using the "double-three" method, sweeping it over my temples, across the lower part of my cheekbones, down the hairline, and across the outer third of my jaw line on each side of my face. It looks so natural on me because it is light.

Here is a second photo, a close-up taken in front of a holly tree. My arm isn't as shiny because I held it at a different angle to the sun. This is probably the more true of the two photos of the same swatch.

I am not sure why Giorgio Armani Beauty chose to call this powder a highlighter and refer to it for contouring. I can use it for contouring, but I think it will disappear as a contouring shade on anyone with a medium or dark complexion. Naturally, the shade darkens if you can manage to get more of the sepia shade on your applicator, perhaps by running it down the center of the palette from top to bottom. If you do have a medium or dark complexion and try it, I'd love to know if it looks like a highlighting shade. It might.

I have to qualify my recommendation for the Sepia Palette. It's beautiful, particularly for those with fair skin. If you are darker, I suggest you try before you buy.

Top photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Attraction: Guerlain Summer 2016 Collection

I have been "sitting on" Guerlain's Summer 2016 Collection press release until I got the go-ahead to share it with you. Now that Guerlain's Summer 2016 Collection is scheduled to ship to stores next week, I can show you what's in store for your summer. Start saving your money!

Feel the Sun…
Encapsulating the essence and ever-lasting presence of the sun, Guerlain Terracotta Summer 2016 celebrates the delight we all feel when we are playing under the summer’s blue sky, laying on a white sand beach, or lounging poolside fixated on the crystal clear water. It’s been more than 30 years since Guerlain created the first-ever bronzer. Fast forward to today...the Terracotta Summer Collection is inspired by the sunny terraces of the French Riviera. This Summer Collection is a dazzling summer line that continues its rick tradition.

TERRACOTTA PAUSE D’ÉTÉ (shown above, $82) is a bronzing powder for the face and décolleté. For good reason, it's the star of the collection. This mesmerizing palette features colors that capture the sun’s intensity to illuminate skin with dazzling radiance. This bronzer and blush rolled into one is available in one universal harmony of pink, coral, and gold, married to add a fresh touch of color to your skin. The emblematic Guerlain double "G" logo is situated in the heart of the compact, surrounded by intertwining gold sailing ropes, is as beautiful to look at as it is to use. The large compact is encased in a magnetic wooden case (like some that preceded it) derived from sustainably managed European forests (FSC-certified), with a wide mirror within. This looks like must-have to me. Who am I fooling? I should just admit that I want the entire collection.

TERRACOTTA L’EAU HÂLÉE ($54) is a cooling bronzing water for the face. It washes off with soap and water and is non-transferable. It is designed to help us achieve a natural-looking, flawless tan for the face. With this "water," a healthy tan look is just a drop away with this silky-smooth, cooling bronzing water. The ultra-comfortable second-skin texture will delight the skin, but it’s the versatility and the impeccable results that will keep her loyal to L’Eau Hâlée. Worn alone or under Terracotta Bronzing Powder, L’Eau Hâlée delivers buildable glow, while simultaneously enhancing and prolonging an existing tan. The tan will intensify with every application. L’Eau Hâlée washes off easily with soap and water, so you don't have to make a commitment to your tan.

Guerlain debuts its iconic (and one of my favorites) lipstick in two new easy-to-wear limited-edition shades for a stunning summer look! Kiss Blossom is a tender, romantic pink shade, and Fancy Kiss is a luminous orange shade that looks warm and wearable by all.

MY TERRACOTTA LIMITED EDITION ($53) is a bronzing powder for a natural and long-lasting tan. Dressed in a bright, reusable, red silicone sleeve, My Terracotta epitomizes summer. The powder delivers a natural sun-kissed glow for a mistake-proof and long-lasting finish with an irresistible fragrance. It's available in one shade, #02.

These Summer Collection products will be available by May 1, 2016 at Bloomingdale's, Dillard’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman, Guerlain Boutiques and, of course, Guerlain's Web site.

As an extra-added bonus to the collection, TERRACOTTA TERRA MAGNIFICA ($78.00) will become your after-summer palette. This makeup masterpiece will be infused with varying golden hues set alongside a changing seasonal complexion. It will only take seconds to illuminate your skin and sculpt your face with this treasure.

Housed in a modern case with an unexpected screw cap containing a large mirror inside, there is no chance of sand getting inside this must-have summer and fall essential. This Terracotta after-summer palette will be available June 15th exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Guerlain Boutiques. If you plan to shop the boutique, I recommend calling the Guerlain Boutique at the Breakers in Florida to reserve yours in advance of the rush.

There you have it - the collection we have all been eagerly awaiting. Which pieces will be on your wish list?

Photos courtesy of Guerlain

Guerlain - New Shades of Terracotta, The Bronzing Powder and Long-Lasting Natural Tan

I mentioned just last week how much I love Guerlain's Terracotta Bronzing Powders ($53). Now, I'm thrilled to tell you that Guerlain has created four new shades to give you three weeks of sun in three seconds - and more flexibility in the color you tan.

Since 1984, the legendary Terracotta Bronzing Powder has claimed its permanence in women’s vanity cases and hearts. It is continuing to stake its claim in history with a new contemporary design inside and out and an expanded range of shades that match every skin tone. Guerlain has drawn upon over 30 years of expertise and innovation to bring its iconic legendary texture for a naturally bronzed glow. One Guerlain Terracotta powder is sold every 25 seconds worldwide! It remains a cult product synonymous with “bronzer.”

The features and benefits of Terrcotta Bronzer...

• Radiant, blendable finish leaves skin with a healthy glow
• Enhances skin and illuminates the overall complexion
• Long-lasting formula, enriched with moisturizing ingredients
• New powder design with an embossed solar pattern 

Legendary scents can evoke deep emotions, and the new fragrance of Terracotta is one that brings forth memories of happiness, serenity, beauty, and wonder. Notes of tiare flower, freesia, orange flower extracts, jasmine, rose, iris, tonka bean, and vanilla gently come together to deliver a fresh feeling to the skin. The scent is divine. As a rule, I don't care for scented makeup, but I make an exception for this one. It's divine.

The tanned skin of blondes takes on rosy tones, while that of brunettes develops golden tones. These tones are reflected in the Bronzing Powders. The new shades are marked with an asterisk.

00 Blondes*, 01 Brunettes, 02 Blondes, 03 Brunettes, 04 Blondes*, 05 Brunettes,07 Dore*, and 09 Intense*.

Terracotta The Bronzing Powder is available at select locations and online at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomingdale's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Guerlain boutiques. I have an appointment with Guerlain on Thursday and can't wait to see the new 00.

Photo courtesy of Guerlain

M·A·C Extra Dimension Bronzing Powder in Delphic from the Alluring Aquatic Collection

The last piece I purchased from M·A·C's Alluring Aquatic Collection - the  Face Collection - was Extra Dimension Bronzing Powder in Delphic ($33). I had two choices, Delphic, described as a soft brick tan with a touch of fine shimmer; and Aphrodite's Shell, a golden bronze, also with a touch of fine shimmer. Given the swatch photos on M·A·C's Web site, I think I ordered the wrong one for my skin. However, I'm pleased with Delphic.

A liquid-powder bronzer with prismatic reflections. Highlights the face in the golden bronze shimmer of Aphrodite’s Shell and soft tan of Delphic. The cool, creamy, near-fluid formula creates a luminous well-defined finish. It provides 10-hour wear, and of course it comes in the beautiful teal packaging, accented with raindrops.

I took swatch photo of Delphic in full sun. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply it very heavily at the top of my arm, then I used a kabuki brush to apply the large swatch below.

You can see that Delphic, when applied relatively normally, gives a golden tan to the skin. It does have a subtle shimmer, but it doesn't make me look in any way like a disco ball. It's flattering. My skin can go either way (gold or pink). Delphic will give me that golden touch that looks like a real kiss from the sun.

Aphrodite's Shell appears to have more pink in it, and it might have been a better shade for me. I'll go looking to see if it's available anywhere. I ordered it online at Nordstrom, which has both shades available. Once I see whether it really is a better shade for me, I'll probably give Delphic to one of my friends.

M·A·C is sold out of the entire Alluring Aquatic Collection. Try Nordstrom online (or in stores) if there is something you would like to purchase. It may be your best bet.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Telluride Illuminating Bronzing Powder from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing Powders ($38) are the cat's meow. To me, they are a hybrid between blusher and bronzer - the perfect two-for. Bobbi introduced Telluride with the new Raw Sugar Collection, an enticing group of summer colors that tempted me to pull out my credit card online.

I was already a fan of these Illuminating Bronzing Powders. I have Santa Barbara and Tawny Brown, both great colors. I think Maui and Antigua is somewhere here too. Bobbi Brown's soft matte, silky-smooth Bronzing Powder gives skin an instant look of a natural tan, and it's perfect for contouring too. Bobbi suggests using Bronzing Powder year round to get a sun-kissed look. I've always liked Bronzing Powder because there are light shades that are appropriate for my pale skin.

You can see that the photo of Telluride at home is move mauve than the online photo - and that's a good thing from my perspective. I love this color. This ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. The powder glides on evenly and gives the skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow. Bobbi recommends applying it with her Bronzer Brush, a good idea, but you can use any blush brush or powder brush.

I was a little disappointed in my swatch photos, which I took in full, lunchtime sunshine. They look lifeless, even though the Telluride color is so natural on my skin. I guess the satin finish, which doesn't sparkle in bright light, makes it look fabulous on the face, but a little dull in swatch photos. I can have a dynamite photo or a dynamite bronzer.

I adore this mauve-brown color. The rose in the shade is perfect for the undertones of my skin. I'm sure it's not the best of the six shades for everyone, but it's darn nice on me. If you have pink undertones, I suspect you will feel the same.

For Bobbi Brown's tutorial on its use, go to this link. It's a simple explanation for using bronzers.

Over the coming week, I'll show you the other pieces I purchased from the Raw Sugar Collection. I think it's one of Bobbi's best in months.

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

Tom Ford Unabashed Eye and Cheek Compact for Summer 2014

I purchased Tom Ford's Unabashed Eye and Cheek Compact ($95) reluctantly. It appeared to have a few colors I would like, but the cobalt blue in the press photo (above) gave me pause. I was finally able to take photos to show you why my initial reluctance was reinforced by the real thing.

Tom Ford's limited-edition palette imbues a sultry, effortless summer look with a refreshing twist of color. Eyes are enveloped in a blend of soft pearl and satin finish neutrals and a bold accent of cobalt. Cheeks are illuminated with light rose and peach coral shades for a warm and sexy glow. Packaged in a retro-chic, ivory- and gold-colored Tom Ford case.

The case is white with gold trim - and huge. No one could complain about the amount of product in this $95 compact. The colors I was really looking forward to what appeared to be a shimmering taupe in the upper left corner. I knew the blue would be useful only as an eyeliner. The grey looked nice, as did the cheek colors. Unfortunately, the "shimmering taupe" is nothing but shimmering. It offers a glittering light gold - no taupe.

I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched all of the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, working in clockwise order. The "shimmering taupe" is at the top of my arm. What a nearly transparent, glitter fest! I was crushed with the disappointment. I have plenty of glitter eye shadows. I'll admit they are useful as toppers, but one doesn't need a wardrobe of them.

That shade was the make-or-break shade for me. Most of the others can be easily duplicated in my huge collection. They are beautiful, but not unique. The glitter shade does have a touch of gold in it, but it bears no resemblance to what I see in the compact. Sob!

The golden shade is supposed to be a bronzer/cheek shade. I don't see myself using it that way. I will use it as an eye shadow. The blush, a gorgeous warm pink, is the star of the compact. Fortunately, there is an ample amount of it. I'm sure I will wear it down to the bottom of the compact.

The cobalt blue would have no use to me except as an eyeliner. Even then, it's flashy - not my style. I will give it an A+ for last. It clings to the skin and lasts all day.

The taupe-grey shade is very pretty and will be a staple in my wardrobe over the next few months. I think it's a perfect daytime shade. Would the blue liner look good with it? Absolutely, as long as you are comfortable wearing flashy makeup. I can see a woman with chocolate skin wearing the blue as an eyeshadow. It could be snazzy. I'd love to find a model. I may ask a friend of Indian heritage, who has darker skin than I do, to give it a try. I want to see how it looks on her.

What did I buy for $95? A large compact with three shades I will wear and two that will look nearly as pristine as the day I pulled the compact from its brown fabric pouch. Translated statistically, it scores a 60%: not great, but not bad. I guess I expect more from Tom Ford.

I also purchased Solar Gold, which I will show you very soon. For more photos, see Sabrina's The Beauty Look Book.

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

Guerlain Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, 30th Anniversary Edition, for Summer 2014

I couldn't wait to get my hands on Guerlain's Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush ($76), the special 30^th Anniversary Edition. Now that I have, I'm even more hyped about it than I was when I first saw the press photos. It's magnifique! The compact is absolutely gorgeous, from the magnetic cover to the powder itself, and the look on the skin is as good as it gets (considering my own skin).

Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush is a limited edition, and I predict it will sell out quickly (I've been wrong in the past about such things, but not often). If you have an interest, purchase or pre-order it immediately. I had pre-ordered mine from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas, so it was shipped to me the moment it arrived at the store.

Twist off the glorious magnetic wooden cover with its own sun design, and you'll see this large, elegant quad of summer colors embossed with a vibrant golden sun. Its appearance is stunning - sure to draw compliments if you pull it out for a touch-up to show it off in public.

I took swatch photos in full, very late-afternoon sunshine. I swatched a "stripe" at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I used a blush brush to apply a larger swatch below. Both are heavy applications. I blended all four colors and made sure to pick up some metallic "sunshine" too. I did not swatch each individual color - all matte: summer peach, sunset pink, and a brown/tan. Because the compact is large, you can easily use the colors individually. I'll try that later. I wanted to show you this makeup museum piece right away.

You will see some sparkles in my swatches, but I think they result from the central sun. I've read that there is an overspray, but I'm not sure about that. If there is, those sparse sparkles will disappear with use. I know many of you prefer matte or satin bronzers, and I think this one fits the bill.

The powder itself is finely milled and compacted well, so it applies lightly. You have to work at it to over-do an application. It does not leave a powdery mess after you swipe it, no matter what applicator you use.

You can see that the blended color is a beautiful, light, golden tan. It looks natural on my face when applied to the high points. I leaves no mud behind, just a stunning sun-kissed effect. Had I wanted to make the color pinker, I could have used more pink. The same is true for all the colors, giving us ultimte flexibility.

It's too bad I had goosebumps when I snapped these photos. You can see on my arm how cold I was. We had a sudden turn from 86 degrees on Sunday to a sleet storm Tuesday evening. The weather may be telling me that Sun Celebration's time hasn't come, but I'm not buying that. I'll be wearing it the moment I want to look healthy and happy. Tomorrow?

I knew that anything Guerlain would name its 30^th Anniversary Terracotta piece - drawing special attention to its golden franchise - would be good. I had no idea it would be magnificent.

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