Tom Ford Pink Sand Cream Cheek Color from the Soleil Color Collection for Summer 2016

I wasn't going to purchase Pink Sand Cream Cheek Color ($65) from Tom Ford's Summer 2016 Collection. It looked coral, and I didn't think I needed it. Then I shopped with Debbie O'Malley, and she showed me how it looks on skin. Sold! It's pink, as described in the name, and it's gorgeous. It just shows how deceptive online photos can be. Look at the difference between Tom Ford's photo at the top of this feature and my photo below.

Mine is pink! Pink Sand is a gorgeous shade in the compact and on the skin.

Tom Ford describes it this way...
Instantly brightens face with a healthy glow and natural burst of color. The pearlescent shades give cheeks a gorgeous luster and a radiant finish. Packaged in an ivory and gold Tom Ford Soleil compact.

I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched the cream with a sponge-tipped applicator to apply it to my arm with medium intensity.

This color makes me deliriously happy. It's pretty; it gleams; and it can be layered to achieve any level of color intensity I want. How much more can a pink lover want? Oh, it stays put too.

If you passed, like I did, based on the online photo, try it in a store - or just order it. I know it's pricey, but the compact is large. It will last you a long time.

If you don't have a Tom Ford advisor you like, give Debbie O'Malley at call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2253. You will love her.

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

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil

It's been a long time since I purchased a Josie Maran product. I think the novelty wore off, and I stopped buying. However, when I saw Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil ($18) online at Sephora, I was newly intrigued, so I decided to give Josie a whirl again. I wish I hadn't.

Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil is a colorful formula inspired by Josie’s bestselling argan infinity intensive creamy oil, now in tints for lips and cheeks. I purchased Limitless Pink, one of the lightest shades. It's described as medium pink. This product is made for those looking for a pop of dewy, natural color that can be used on lips and cheeks.

Described as hydrating, nourishing, and argan oil-infused, this tinted treatment "tarts as a cream and melts into an oil for a pop of natural-looking, never-greasy color. The formula is 97 percent natural and petroleum-free." Maran says it's ideal for use on all skin types and all skin tones.

“I love putting my Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil on my lips and cheeks to battle dryness and keep them soft. So I thought, why not make a tinted version to add a kiss of color? I’m in love with these cute color wonders. The tint is transparent, so it looks natural, but the popping pigment brightens up lips and cheeks instantly,” said its creator, Josie Maran.

I took swatch photos in full sun, applying a tiny bit of product to my fingertip and then swirling it onto my arm. I noticed immediately that it has a texture similar to an ointment. It's heavy, like Vasoline or an ointment.

While the warm pink color you see on my arm is beautiful, it does not translate this way to my lips or cheeks. When applied to my lips, it feels like Vasoline - very heavy. I assumed the texture would guarantee some longevity to the color. Wrong! The product stayed on my lips for hours, but the pretty pink color was gone in 10 minutes. I don't understand how the color "went poof" while the underlying vehicle stayed in place. After 10 minutes, I might has well have had Vaseline on my lips.

I had an entirely different experience when I applied it to my cheeks. Limitless Pink is dark on me and very hard to blend. It dries on contact. In order to blend it, I have to mix it with moisturizer.

If I can't wear it on my lips or cheeks, I fear that I have to give a fail to Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil. That's ashamed. The color on my arm is pretty, and I admire Josie Maran for her commitment to eco-friendly cosmetics.

You can purchase all of Josie Maran's products at Sephora and at her own Web site.

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

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Color

I love cream blushes, and I love cream blushes in sticks. They are so convenient. I was playing online recently and saw Laura Mercier's Bonne Mine Stick Face Color ($32) at Nordstrom. I immediately ordered two shades: Pink Glow and Peach Glow.

Wake up your skin with a healthy glow. These sheer, blendable sticks give skin natural-looking color with a “no-makeup” radiance that looks soft and sun-kissed. Luminous shades for cheeks and face transform skin into radiant, glowing skin. Four luminous shades.

Pink Glow is shown above. What a gorgeous rose shade! The sheer, blendable formula gives you that no-makeup radiance with a natural, soft and sun-kissed look.

I was more than disappointed when I pulled these beauties from the Nordstrom box. Peach Glow fell right out of the tube. Not only did it have some damage around the edges of the top, it had melted at some point, perhaps in transit, and it was no longer attached to the wind-up mechanism. It's too bad that I have to send it back, although I will ask that it be replaced. It's a beautiful color on my skin.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I applied the shades directly from the tubes, and then I blended them lightly with my fingers. Pink Glow in particular came out of the tube a bit too dark for my skin. I would blend them into my skin anyhow, so I don't think the need to blend the color is relevant to anything.

Pink Glow is a stunning rose pink. I would gush, but I'll leave that to you pink lovers. Peach Glow is slightly more subtle. It's extremely natural on the skin, and I'll bet the shade will work for nearly everyone. There are two other shades available: Bronze Glow and Coral Glow. Both appear to have been created for darker skin tones.

I remember that Laura Mercier offered color sticks in the past. They were called Illuminating Sticks, and they were wonderful. Now, we have a bit more color, making them perfect for use as blush in addition to being "glow sticks."

 Apply the colors to your skin where a healthy glow is desired. Laura Mercier recommends you touch the color onto apples of of your cheeks then softly blend the color up your cheekbones and toward your temples until your desired coverage is achieved. Works for me!

You can find Bonne Mine Stick Face Color at Laura Mercier's Web site, Nordstrom (where I purchased mine), and other Laura Mercier counters.

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

YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks

You asked what Pamela Morgan used on my cheeks (and lips) Saturday: YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks ($40). It's available in 23 shades, but Pam knew exactly what she wanted when she reached for two colors. I purchased both: #9 for the apples of my cheeks and my lips and #12, which she described as the perfect contour shade for just about everyone. The advantage? Buy both and you get two lip colors, one cheek color, and one cheek contour shade.

Rouge Epicurien (#9) is the baby doll pink shown at left immediately above. Mocha Garçonne (#12) is shown at right.

Take a close look at my cheeks, and you can see her magic. She used #12 to contour my cheekbones and added a touch at my temples and jaw line. Pamela has a unique way of applying these colors with the funky applicators. YSL recommends that you dot them onto your cheeks (three dots and then blend). Pamela said that's the best way she knows to mess up the lovely foundation you've already applied. She takes a fluffy blush brush, runs it across the applicator, and lightly sweeps the color in place. Voila! Perfect color without losing foundation (or in my case, the All-in-One BB cream she had applied). Her technique is masterful.

Yves Saint Laurent’s air-whipped mousse formula highlights the lips and cheeks with a sensual, soft matte finish. While I was originally skeptical that the formula might be drying on the lips (due to a former, drying stain YSL had introduced last year), this is an entirely different product. I found it hydrating on my lips and the perfect base for a lip gloss.

I took swatch photos of the two shades in late-afternoon sunshine. I applied them to my arm with their funky little applicator. I placed #9 at the top of my arm, with #12 below.

The #12 shade that Pam uses as a contour shade on nearly everyone is a rose-toned brown. It's fabulous, with a natural appearance that's very sheer. I applied my swatches fairly heavily. When Pam first pulled out #9, I gave it the evil eye, thinking it was too pink. It wasn't, as you can see in my photo. It was the finishing touch on the apples of the cheekbones that she had carefully sculpted with #12. The result was extremely pleasing.

I'm sold. These two-for products are new favorites. Later this week, I'll show you the Gloss Volupté we chose together to top #6 on my lips.

The YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks shades have been available long enough that they are available at all YSL counters and online sources. Now I have my eyes on another one or two.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow from the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection

This summer, Estée Lauder captivates the senses with a sultry limited-edition color look in the new Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection. This modern yet sensual makeup look is inspired by a symphony of color born from the enchantment of long stretched beaches of white sand that turn golden as night falls.

A truly divine experience, the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection features a spectrum of subtly nude hues accented by exquisitely rich colors from soft corals to deep blackberries and lavishly gilded metallics. Eyes glisten with nudes and metallic sparkle. Lips are glossed and brightened with luscious color. Cheeks glow as if kissed by the sun.

Last week, with Mom in the hospital, I had to get my beauty shopping fix online. I specifically went over to Estée Lauder's Web site to see the latest Bronze Goddess beauties. What grabbed my attention? Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow ($28) and one other item I'll show you later - when I can get photos.

Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow offers a cream cheek color that smooths on with a soft, subtle sheen that you can build to a luminous radiance. It's a beautiful sun-kissed color, designed for every skin tone. I was extremely pleased when I opened and tried it.

This new, limited-edition Cheek Glow provides a natural, healthy, and sun-kissed touch of color for our cheeks. Designed to complement all skin tones, this cream blush offers an ideal touch of color, while it illuminates complexions from day to night. The innovative and luxurious blush has a skin-loving, moisturizing formula that is undeniably creamy and sets beautifully on cheeks for a perfectly blushed look. The blendable and buildable coverage also creates finishes from subtle and soft to dramatic and perfectly pinched. I was particularly pleased that it is easy to apply a subtle wash of color or build the color for a little more oomph.

I applied Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow pretty heavily - at the top with a sponge-tipped applicator (totally unnatural) and below with my finger). My photos were taken in full, late-afternoon sun.

I think this warm, rosy pink-peach hybrid is absolutely heart stopping. I could not believe my good fortune that I had blind-bought such a flattering summer shade. I fell in love instantly, and I suspect I'll stay in love until I have used every last trace of this cream treasure. This is one of the prettiest cream blushes I own.

What do you think of this color? Do you like it as much as I do? Pardon me while I gush. Do you think I should break my rules and order another one?

I limited myself to two pieces from the collection, but I'm very tempted to go back for more. You can see the entire collection at the Estée Lauder Web site.

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

Guerlain Météorites Blush from the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014

Guerlain’s Spring 2014 Météorites Blossom Collection has begun to arrive in stores. I purchased my pieces from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas. They should have arrived Tuesday, but thanks to UPS, my parcel didn't arrive until yesterday.

Here is Guerlain's description of the Météorites Blossom Collection, slightly edited. "The collection celebrates the reinvention of the legendary Météorites Pearls, whose light-diffusing properties minimize flaws and add brightness to the skin. More than 25 years after its invention, Météorites Pearls has emerged with a new constellations of colors to revive light and boost radiance. For the first time ever, Météorites Pearls incorporates Guerlain’s new, revolutionary "Stardust Technology," a spherical pigment contained within each pearl. This formulation diffracts light upon contact to offer the ultimate in luminous skin. Météorites Blossom celebrates this revolutionary technology, as well as the romantic colors of the new constellations, through images of light and infinite radiance."

Because I needed time to test out the new Météorites - those precious pearls of powder - I decided to show you the new, limited-edition Météorites Blush ($42) today. These two cream blushes melt into the skin instantly, leaving a satin finish with Guerlain's signature delicate violet scent. Pink (#01) is a delicate, baby pink shade. It is shown at left in my photos. Cherry (#02), shown at right in the photos, provides more oomph in color with a cheerful fuchsia. The cute little round blushes are encapsulated in a white and silver case, which pays homage to the Météorites bubbles.

When I first heard the description of Cherry, I feared that it might be too dark for me. I took a chance, and I'm glad I did. It blends out beautifully.

My swatch photos were taken in full mid-day sun. I used my fingers to apply the color. Pink is shown at the top of my arm, with Cherry below. I made no attempt to blend the shades.

I like the way these shades apply with just about any tool. I have tried a cream blush/foundation brush, fingertips, and a sponge. All worked well. Pink is probably the best color for fair skin - if you can only buy only one. It offers a bit of warmth. Cherry will take care of our friends with darker skin tones. Naturally, you can mix the shades if you want a color in between.

The Météorites Blushes adhere to my skin all day, with no fading. They have a nice creamy texture that is forgiving and facilitates easy application. Guerlain should make them permanent.

For now, look for the arrival of Guerlain's Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014 at your favorite counter. The collection has not arrived yet at my Neiman Marcus haunts in the DC area. If you would like to order from the Guerlain Boutique, give Jonathan a call at (702) 732-7008.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Intonation and Chamade from the Notes du Printemps Collection for Spring 2014 (Updated)

I decided that since I seemed to be the only person on earth who didn't care for Chanel's first round of cream blushes that I would give them a second chance with the two shades introduced for spring. Intonation is shown above (#69), and Chamade is shown below. They both cost $38, and both are limited editions.

I determined at the counter at Neiman Marcusm where I purchased these, that I could sheer them out, despite their vivid look in the compact. It takes a bit of work, but it's doable.

Chanel provides this short description of Le Blush Crème de Chanel. "This innovative powder-cream formula offers an enticing new way to blush with sheer yet vibrant pigments for instant luminosity. The silky texture offers a long-wear satin finish - soft and comfortable for every skin type - and is simple to apply with fingertips or a brush." Or a sponge, I must add.

Intonation is the peachy coral that follow's Chanel's spring color trend. It is the lighter of the two, and, therefore, my favorite. It's easy to blend out to a shade that someone with fair skin can wear without fear. Chamade is a little more difficult. It's rose, but darker. It demands much more care from me.

I swatched both with a sponge-tipped applicator. Intonation is shown at the top of my arm, with Chamade below. My photos were taken in full, late-morning sunshine. I did not attempt to blend out the shades for these swatch photos.

Despite their similarity in the compact, they are very different shades. I haven't had a lot of time to play with them, but I can tell you to apply them very lightly - you can always build color, but it's hard to take it away. Make sure your cheeks are very well moisturized.

The Notes du Printemps Collection for Spring 2014 has arrived at Chanel counters. These blushes are also available at the Chanel Web site. If you loved the original shades, you will love these. If, like me, you found them too vivid, give Intonation a chance. I think it's a very pretty color. What do you think?

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Rosy Frost Blush from the Holiday 2013 Enchanted Winter Garden Collection

The new Clé de Peau Beauté caught my eyes immediately, and after I absorbed its overall beauty, I went straight for the limited-edition cream blush in Rosy Frost ($55). I could probably be called a cream blush fanatic, although I prefer to think of my love as a sophisticated appreciation for the merits of makeup that looks like it belongs on my face.

Here is the new display - unfortunately reflecting me (white sweater and all from Saturday). The new Enchanted Winter Garden Kit ($195) is pretty, but not me. I can't pay that kind of money for three eye shadows I won't wear. However, if you love lavenders, you will find the palette irresistible.

Clé de Peau Beauté brings you an exquisitely creamy blush designed to blend into your skin with a soft texture and rich, luminous color. It accentuates your natural contours, giving your cheeks an enchanting wintery glow.

It certainly does. Alanna warned me that a little goes a long way, so I am applying it with a light hand. She was right. Given the intense rose shade, I need to apply only a very light touch to transform from pale to blushing. My photo was taken in full sunlight, and I think it's too red. The color shown in Clé de Peau's own photo at the top of this feature provides a better representation of the blush color.  Even the pot is pretty.

I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator to apply a swatch to my arm. I probably should have grabbed a brush to get another type of photo, but I got distracted. This swatch was applied in the medium intensity range - not ultra-lightly, but definitely not as heavily as I often apply swatches for photos.

If you want color that is more subtle than this, apply less. It helps to apply a fresh dose of moisturizer right before you apply it if you want much lighter color on your cheeks. The moisturizer will give it even more slip than it already has and allow you to apply it for very transparent coverage. Once it sets, it should stay with you all day.

I think the color is a knockout. I haven't had it long, but based on my current, very light usage, this pot may last forever. It's so good looking, I'll be pleased to see this charming blush among my favorite blushers with its peerless rose-colored jar.

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. I have found the holiday collection and Rosy Frost Blush online at Nordstrom. I suspect you will be able to find it at all Clé de Peau Beauté sources soon. What do you think? Will this beauty go on your have-a-look list?

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

New Chantecaille Cheek Crème Shades for "Summer 2013" Have Arrived

I showed you the new Chantecaille Cheek Crèmes ($25) for Summer 2013 in June. They have finally arrived. I purchased both at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie this past weekend.

Two new Cheek Crème shades were to have been introduced in July.  I have no idea what happened to cause the delay. Now that they are here, I can verify that these blushes have a velvety soft cream texture that melts into the skin, transforming into a powder finish for a natural glow-from-within look. They are sold as refills, which is why you see the colors depicted separately from the color-ready compacts above. Playful is a pink with a touch of coral, and Dashing is a burnt rose.

There is no way I could have chosen only one, however, I was unable to purchase a compact - not even one. Chantecaille had not sent enough of them to the store. I'll pick two up eventually.

Achieve the look of a natural summer flush with Chantecaille’s luxurious Cheek Crème. The velvety, soft cream blush melts into skin, transforming into a soft powder finish for a natural glow. Designed for easy application, the creamy formula glides on smoothly for gentle, buildable color. The compact’s convenient mirror guarantees effortless on-the-go application.

The antioxidant-rich formula is infused with white lily bulb and peach extracts to shield delicate skin from harmful environmental pollutants. Silicone elastomers in emollient oils deliver a subtle touch of luminousity.

In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, Chantecaille has proudly re-launched all eye and cheek shades for refillable-only packaging, the new mirrored Pebble Compact ($11). Its innovative magnetized strip allows you to remove, recycle, and replace your favorite Chantecaille shades effortlessly. The only problem is that the total price of the color and the compact is now higher. I guess we pay to be environmentally responsible.

When I swatched them in full sun, using a brush for the heavy swatch at the top of my arm and my finger for the "normal" application below, I found the creams to be much softer than I expected. Be warned: they are soft, and a little goes a long way.

Playful is shown directly above and below. The swatch at the top of my arm is really intense because I was surprised by how much product my brush picked up with one swipe. The warm pink color is gorgeous, and as you can see, it looks like a natural blush when applied normally.

Dashing, shown immediately below, is the darker of the two shades and just as gorgeous. If you look at the color in the "plastic" container, you might think it is very dark. As you can see in my photo, it blends out nicely for a "burnt rose" shade that's perfect for fall. I think you're going to love the new additions to the Cheek Crème "family."

These Cheek Crèmes are available at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, and select Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue locations. They will also be available online at Chantecaille.com and Bliss.com - Nordstrom.com too.

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

Dior Diorblush Cheek Crème from the Summer Mix Pop Art Collection for Summer 2013

After spending weeks looking unsuccessfully for Dior's Pop Art collection at Neiman Marcus, I found it at Bloomingdale's. There they were - the four Cheek Crèmes ($30) I had been anxious to see and try. There are plenty of other pieces in the collection, but I honed right in on the Cheek Crèmes.

From a pop of color on your cheeks, lips, and nails to a dramatic cat's eye, Dior has you covered with exciting limited editions and the newest  hero products. Born backstage, made for you.

There are four beautiful shades of these fabulous cream blushes. They are all shown directly above. From left to right, they are Capri, Bikini, Pareo, and Panama. It took me all of a nanosecond to select Bikini for myself.

I swatched all four for you in full sunshine outside the store. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply them. I started at the top of my arm with Bikini, then followed with Capri, Pareo, and Panama. I swatched relatively heavily because these cream blushes apply very sheerly.

With my cool-toned skin, I was attracted to the three pink-rose shades. The orange Panama is not me, but is sure to look great on warm-toned complexions.

Bikini is one of my dream shades: pink-rose-watermelon and luscious. My second choice would have been Capri, the lighter pink. Pareo is bright and will look great on medium complexions. So will Panama.

These cream blushes stay on forever. I left them on my arm when I left  Bloomingdale's. A few hours after I got home, I noticed they were still there, so I washed them off (oh sure) with soap and water. They were still on my skin. Curious, I left them there overnight. When I awakened the next morning, they were still on my arm! I finally removed them mid-day when I pulled out the heavy-duty makeup remover. To say they are long-lasting may be an understatement. Anyone who fears cream blushes will melt during the heat of summer should give these new Cheek Crème a whirl.

They have a lovely texture and apply lightly on the cheeks. You can build the color to the intensity you want. They are easy to apply with your fingertips, a sponge, or brush. I can't find anything wrong with them.

If you'd like to see these treasures, you can find them online at Macy's and definitely in store at Bloomingdale's. I am not sure about other sources. I checked out Nordstrom online and didn't find them.

Photos at top courtesy of Macy's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Zeitgeist Blush/Eye Palette, Exclusive to Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase

Just when I was bummed that I didn't order the Temptalia Collection in time, Le Métier de Beauté has introduced a new treasure to salve my wounds. They are celebrating the launch of a new Le Métier de Beauté counter at Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase, Maryland - a 20 minute drive from my house.

A departure from its Kaleidoscope palette design, the very limited Zeitgeist Blush/Eye Palette ($125) offers eight shades - four for cheeks or lips and four for eyes. Zeitgeist was featured on Le Métier de Beauté's Facebook page with swatches. As of 10:00 am this morning, it had not arrived at the store. They are hopeful for today.

The following shades are in the palette. I hope to show you my swatches later today or as soon as I can get my hands on the Zeitgeist, if not today.

The blush/bronze face shades (top row from left to right):

• Dusk
• The Factory
• Coral Reef
• Punta Cana

The eye shadows (bottom row from left to right):

• Oyster (highlighter)
• Tanned Sheen
• Sparkling Violet
• Granite Smoke

Zeitgeist will be available only at the Chevy Chase Bloomingdale's. If you want one, call (240) 744-3779 and ask for the counter. If you all the store's main number, dial to select the beauty department, then dial "0" because Le Métier de Beauté is too new to be included on the pick list. If you pre-order today or tomorrow, you will receive a Precision Liquid Liner as a GWP.

If you are in the DC area, head over to the Bloomies in Chevy Chase. Janice is there today doing consultations and makeup applications.

Update 2:30 pm: Zeitgeist has landed at Chevy Chase.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Coming Soon: Chantecaille Cheek Crème for Summer 2013

I realized that it has been so long (January) since I showed you Chantecaille Cheek Crèmes ($25) for Summer 2013, I should feature them again. These are cream blushes you will really want to try.

Two new Cheek Crème shades will be introduced in July.  These blushes have a velvety soft cream texture that melts into the skin, transforming into a powder finish for a natural glow-from-within look. They will be sold as refills, which is why you see the colors depicted separately from the color-ready compact above. Playful is a pink coral, and Dashing is a burnt rose. I think I'm going to need both.

Achieve the look of a natural summer flush with Chantecaille’s luxurious Cheek Crème. The velvety, soft cream blush melts into skin, transforming into a soft powder finish for a natural glow. Designed for easy application, the creamy formula glides on smoothly for gentle, buildable color. The compact’s convenient mirror guarantees effortless on-the-go application.

The antioxidant-rich formula is infused with white lily bulb and peach extracts to shield delicate skin from harmful environmental pollutants. Siliconic elastomers in emollient oils deliver a subtle touch of luminousity.

In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, Chantecaille has proudly re-launched all eye and cheek shades for refillable-only packaging, such as the new mirrored Pebble Compact ($11). Its innovative magnetized strip allows you to remove, rerecycle, and replace your favorite Chantecaille shades effortlessly.

These Cheek Crèmes will be available in July at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, and select Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue locations. They will also be available online at Chantecaille.com and Bliss.com - Nordstrom.com too, perhaps.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel for Fall 2013 - Second Look

When I played at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie this morning, I gave the Le Blush Crème de Chanel shades another look. I am sticking with my first impressions. With the exception of Inspiration, they are too dark/bright for me and very hard to blend out to bring down the intensity. They don't even have the creaminess to blend easily.

Nicki Hashemi, whose coloring is much darker and bolder than mine, demonstrated how she applies them, with a sponge applicator. I watched as she worked pretty hard to blend Affinité. I don't want to struggle with my makeup, especially when I can use one of Chantecaille's or Le Métier de Beauté's gorgeous cream blushes so easily. Nicki did recommend one particular Chanel brush for a light, easy application: the Blending Foundation Brush #7 ($54). I do not own that brush, so there's no way for me to validate her advice. I trust that she's right because it makes sense.

Here are in-store photos of the testers. I took the photos in twos, and find it curious that Inspiration, the shade I can wear and purchased, is represented twice on the display (preprinted), and Destiny is missing.

I still want to see and test Destiny. The brown-toned shade may work for me.

I was really looking forward to these new blushes, so I'm bummed that they are too dramatic for my tastes.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty; brush photo courtesy of Chanel