Clarins Colour Accents Powder and Blush from the Ombre Minérale Fall Color Collection

I get excited when I see a new Clarins color compact. The moment I saw this new Clarins Colour Accents Powder and Blush ($35), which I think is a limited edition, I felt that familiar urge to purchase. I was online, and you know how that went. I have zero self-control.

This powder/blush hybrid "features four harmonious shades to bring instant illumination to every skin tone and complexion." The translucent powder blends easily to smooth the skin and even out imperfections - or to use as a blush or even a contouring powder by pale faces like me.

I like (not love) it, so keep that in mind as you read my description. I'm having trouble describing this Clarins Powder and Blush with the right balance. Perhaps that's because I'm ambivalent about my state of like.

The blended powder is not especially colorful. I took my swatch photos in full sun. I applied the shades - blended across the compact - at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and with a blush brush below. Both applications were heavy - really heavy. That's as it should be for a shade one can use as a face powder.

The problem for me is that it's much too dark to use as a face powder. I can't imagine applying this shade all over my face. The color, when blended, is pale tan or beige. It's too dark for me to use as a face powder, but perfect as a neutral blush. I like to use neutral-toned blushes when I wear colors like purple. Pink blushes are a total no-no with purple jackets (in my opinion).

I had thought that the pink stripes in the compact would add a pink cast to the powder. Wrong. Additionally, I did not find it illuminating, as advertised. It has a matte finish.

This color is tan with a peach undertone. Where's the pink? Lost in the fray. Those little stripes make the compact pretty, but they don't add much pink to the skin. I actually tried to over-represent the pink as I was swatching. It didn't help.

Who will be the perfect customer for Clarins' Colour Accents Powder and Blush? Someone with a medium or darker skin tone who prefers warm shades and wants a face powder that will even skin tone and blur imperfections. Or someone whose skin is so light that this product will serve as a great contouring shade or blush. That's a limited market. Clarins could have done something more exciting.

I purchased my Clarins Colour Accents Powder and Blush at the Clarins Web site. It's part of the Ombre Minérale Fall Color Collection.

It's available at Clarins counters, including Bloomingdale's and Macy's.

Photo at top courtesy of Clarins; photo at bottom courtesy of Macy's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clarins Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipstick from the Ombre Minérale Fall Color Collection

Clarins Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipstick...
An unrivaled formula that delivers long-lasting lip color, shine, and hold that lasts for hours. High-fidelity Pearl technology ensures that color and shine stay true for hours while this creamy, rich texture provides nourishing skin care benefits to lips. A wide range of colors to choose from to create your own glamorous look. 

Seeing new Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipstick ($24.50) shades for fall - the Ombre Minérale Color Collection for Fall 2012 - I dove in. I purchased Fig, shown at the top of this feature and on the left in my photo above, and Orchid Pink, shown on the right. Both are limited editions. Both are so gorgeous I gasped when they arrived.

I swatched in full sunlight. The photos show the shades pretty well, although it may have lightened their appearance just a tad. They will definitely be just a bit darker on your lips, which have their own pigmentation.

Fig is shown at the top of my arm, with Orchid Pink below. Both lipsticks are sheer, shiny, and hydrating - my kind of lip color.

How could one choose between them? I had to work hard to keep my hand from ordering Dark Cherry and Spiced Orange, the other two new shades. I could be on the road to Dark Cherry. After seeing these two in person - and knowing how they look online - I'm confident their sheerness will mitigate the darkness in the tube of any of the shades.

I will keep one of these new shades with me at all times over the next few months, probably  Fig because it works with all colors. The hydrating formula suits me nicely, so I can use it to give my lips a drink.

I ordered my Rouge Prodige True Colour & Shine Lipsticks from the Clarins Web site. It was easier than seeking out a Clarins counter.

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

Chanel Ombre Contraste Voile Sculptant Yeux et Joues in Notorious

I was able to pick up my Chanel Ombre Contraste Voile Sculptant Yeux et Joues (Sculpting Veil for Eyes and Cheeks) in Notorious ($43) at Saks this week. I had pre-ordered it for the beauty event (my complimentary dark green tote is gorgeous!).

When you first see Notorious, you will think it looks bizarre. Play with it, as I did with Loyd Cassler, and you will discover its magic - the same magic Peter Phillips showed on the models at his March Ready to Wear show.

Notorious is described as a eye shadow/blush "hybrid." It was released on Chanel.com and promptly sold out. Then it arrived with the Fall 2012 Collection at some of the stores that received that collection rather late, like Saks Fifth Avenue. You can call Loyd or Georgia at Saks Chevy at (240) 497-5363 if you'd like to order one.

The color of Notorious is the same color you see in the compact above. It's a lavender grey/silver that you'd expect to impart a corpse-like look. Amazingly, it's a beautiful shade for contouring the cheekbones, which I could have figured out on my own. Loyd showed me how to use it on my eyes.

To apply it to the cheeks, he used a kabuki brush and dotted it just below my cheekbone fairly close to my hairline (further out than the hollow of my cheeks). Then he pulled the color forward, blending as he went. He applied blush as usual, but drew it down over the Notorious, blending until the application was seamless. Wow! I had cheekbones as never before.

On my eyes, Loyd applied the Route des Indes de Chanel Illuminating Powder with Shimmer on my eye lids. Then he used Notorious and applied it in circular motions over the ball of my eyes outside of the center line. That applied a punch of color, which he blended across the crease, leaving the lavender grey in the crease and on the outside third of my lid. He did not take it into the crease in the inside corner of the eye, but he knows to avoid that area on me.

I was astounded at how good it looked. Without help from Loyd, I would never have tried the combination of shimmery gold with Notorious.

You are going to wonder how the color shown in my swatch photos can be so flattering. I'm sure you can imagine the unique shade on the eyelids, but the cheeks may be harder to visualize. You'll just have to trust me. It works. If you want to see it modeled, check out Messy Wands. I'm a lily white pale face; she has a light Asian skin tone. I can see it more clearly on her face than I could see it on mine after Loyd had blended it as he taught me how to use it.

I took my swatch photos in full sun, but I purposely took one that was direct and one indirect so that you could see that the shade is not as shiny as it appears in the top photo, which took advantage of the sun's reflection. Notorious has a slight sheen, but is closer in finish to the photo directly above.

Just remember: blend, blend, blend. You can create your own magic if you take the time to blend.

I think Notorious is a must-have for makeup addicts, and at this point, you'll find it difficult to find. Give Loyd or Georgia a call as soon as possible it you want one. Otherwise, call your favorite Saks Chanel counter quickly.

Update 9/30: I forgot to tell you yesterday that you can use Notorious to fill in your brows. I wouldn't have believed it until Loyd showed me.

Second update 9/30: Georgia just assured me she can get Notorious for anyone who still wants one. Give her a call at the number above. Make sure to ask about the gift card "deal" that will get you free shipping.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit from the Nouvelle Vague Collection for Fall 2012

Le Métier de Beauté's Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit ($95) from the Nouvelle Vague Collection for Fall 2012 has arrived, and it's on trend and stunning. If you didn't see my coming attraction for Fall 2012, you can find it here. Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie has received Breathless, and I picked up mine today.

Knowing that it might cloud over before I could get home from DC, I took a photo of Breathless in the store. Then I ran outside - to the entertainment of passersby, I'm sure - to get swatch photos as I stood on the Wisconsin Avenue sidewalk.

A carefully crafted fusion of fall's must-have crimson and red lip tones, the Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit will literally do just that - take your breath away. Blending classic Hollywood glam and ravishing 60’s edge, the sumptuous shades will leave you seeing red and craving more. From top to bottom, you'll find Cinema, a velvety, ultra-rich true red; Existential, sparkling mauve with rose effervescence; Beau, deep berry crimson with a matte finish; and Celluloid, a glimmering, creamy flushed red.

I swatched on my arm in the same order as the shades are presented in the Kaleidscope, from top to bottom. I used those dinky, disposable lip brushes they have at store counters. I managed to find a sunny spot outside.

Cinema, shown at the top of my arm, is an intense red that leans blue - although not very blue. Existential, my favorite of the shades, did not photograph well. It is a drop-dead gorgeous sparking rosy mauve. It's worth the entire price of admission. Beau is pure red, but leans orange on my skin. Celluloid, at the bottom of my arm, is a beautiful cherry red. It's my second favorite in this palette dedicated to red tones - the lip colors of the season.

You can apply these colors more sheerly than you see them here, and you can layer them as you please, creating new shades. I will try to play with them again and show you some pretty combinations.

I don't know which stores have received Breathless. I was in Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria yesterday and did not see it. I know you can call the counter at Mazza to purchase it. Michael Reinhardt or anyone from Le Métier de Beauté would be pleased to help you. You can reach the counter at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Isis Lip Chic for Fall 2012

Chantecaille introduced two new Lip Chics ($35) with its fall collection: Amour, which I have already featured here, and Isis. Isis is shown above on the right. You may be tempted to think, "Oh, just another brown lipstick," when you see its photo. That would be a mistake.

Here's a photo I snapped in full sun. It's not even as flattering as Chantecaille's photo. Once you see the swatches, you'll understand why I love Isis!

This highly emollient lip formula offers the even coverage of a lipstick with the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss - my kind of lip color. It feels great on the lips. Add collagen, which gives the lips a boost, and your lips will have a decidedly more youthful, full appearance. Isis is a shimmering light bronze, reminiscent of the colors of the African savannah during the dry season.

I took these swatch photos in full sun. It looks like I wasn't as careful as I try to be to get an even swatch, so my apologies. Look at the color! It's a light bronze, as Chanteaille advertises, but it's so pretty! It has a rose hue that surprised me - just enough rose to take it out of that perfectly brown category and make it unique and flattering. Actually, I like many brown lipsticks, but I may be in the minority of fair-skinned gals who do.

Isis is very much like Amour in its "my lips but better" appearance. I think you're going to like it!  It adds warmth without opaque color - my kind of lipstick.

I purchased my Isis Lip Chic from Chantecaille's Web site, and I'll be purchasing another one from Jeannine Barnes at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie when she gets her stock. You will be able to find this beauty at all Chantecaille counters very soon, if not now.

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

Chantecaille Elephant Fun Cheek Shade for Fall 2012

Yabba dabba doo! My Elephant Fun Cheek Shade ($38) arrived this week. It's everything I expected - and more!

How quickly could I write a blog feature? Not in the five minutes I had earlier (for those who read the first version of this feature). I'm back now, having had bilateral shots of cortisone in my spine, and I'm raring to describe the elephant blush.

The little Elephant Fun Cheek Shade is small, but elegant. It feels like a polished talisman in my hand. Open it up, and you'll see the stunning elephant, who will, unfortunately, disappear with use. He'll be gone before you've used it a week. Still, he's irresistible.

Take a look at this swatch! I took my photos in full sun, and I applied the blush heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. Keep that in mind when you see the concentrated color in my swatch photos.

As you can see here, the shade is warm peach with a twist. It's not pure peach, but I wouldn't call it coral either. Chantecaille calls it soft apricot. That works for me. It has hues of pink and coral in it, and the lighting and clothing, along with other makeup, can enhance its appearance. You'll notice that my swatch photos were taken in different outdoor lighting, and that made a slight difference in the appearance of the shade.

The gold overspray will be gone in a heartbeat, so don't count on shimmer. I tried to avoid it with the new compact when I applied the swatch to my arm.

Here are some other things you should know. Chantcaille's Cheek Shades are made with micro-particles that contribute to their exquisite colors and featherweight texture. Processed with a new technology that produces a light, ultra-fine coated powder, Cheek Shades go on matte and adhere beautifully to the skin, yet blend so well they leave no perceptible surface.

Fitting for the elephant blush, it's cruelty-free - it has no animal, lanolin, or mineral derivatives. Even better, five percent of the proceeds from this blush will be donated to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization that rescues, fosters, and release baby elephants orphaned by ivory poaching (which is out of control and threatens the elephant population in addition to being so cruel it makes me cry).

I've adopted two baby elephants and will adopt more in the future. Read the organization's Web site, and I'll bet you'll have an elephant of your own soon. It will break your heart, but gladden you that someone cares.

I purchased my Elephant Fun Cheek Shade from Chantecaille's Web site, and I'll be purchasing another one from Jeannine Barnes at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie when she gets her stock. You will be able to find this beauty at all Chantecaille counters very soon, if not now.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chanel Le Crayon Blue Aérin Precision Eye Definer from the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection

Chanel's limited-edition Le Crayon Blue Aérin Precision Eye Definer ($29) from the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection dramatically defines the eyes with an intense, luminous blue. The versatile crayon includes a built-in smudge applicator on one end for the perfect smoky-eye look. I prefer to wear my liners in a thin line close to the lash line, so I seldom use the smudgers.

The blue is a beautiful dark blue shade - not navy, not cobalt, not sky. If anything, it's close to Monaco Blue, Pantone's projection for next spring's #1 shade. Maybe a little lighter. You are going to see this shade across the board in Spring 2012 fashion.

My swatch photos were taken in full sun, which can wash out colors at times. I think the swatches may be ever-so-slightly lighter than the liner looks on my eyelids, but not much. I tried to draw Chanel's double C's. You can see that art is not my forté.

Blue Aérin is what I would call a medium periwinkle blue. It provides a punch to any eye look. I like it. I looks great with neutral eye shadows (I'm not into matchy matchy with my liners; I prefer some contrast when I'm wearing something colorful).

As with most of the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection, this Precision Eye Definer is out of stock at Chanel.com, where I purchased mine. However, it may still be available at your favorite Neiman Marcus. A savvy reader learned that Nordstrom expects to sell the collection later this fall. You have options for finding it.

Will you wear this color? Apparently, a lot of Chanel lovers voted yes.

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

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Apparition Long Wear Luminious Eyeshadow from the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection

I was disappointed when I found Apparition, Chanel's limited-edition, gorgeous deep blue Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow ($36) sold out at Chanel.com. While talking with Lizette Settepani, Chanel's regional representative in my area, I told her how much I had wanted it. She said it has sold out within a day just about everywhere. Then she found me one! I was thrilled.

Apparition did not disappoint. It's a gorgeous color - much prettier than it looks in the pot. It's shown at the top of this feature in Chanel's photo and directly above in mine. The little applicator that is shown with it comes in the box. The applicator has an edge that allows you to apply the shadow as a liner, and it has a flat surface that's great for on-the-go shadow application.

A new vision of elegance – an intense grey-blue shade offers chic shimmer with long-lasting versatility. The innovative gel texture, presented with a specially designed brush, can be worn as eye shadow or eyeliner. Part of the limited-edition Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection.

Now that I've worn Apparition, I'm even more excited to have one. Here is another description, offered for an earlier collection, by Chanel.

This intensely shimmering long-wear eyeshadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Each shadow includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula.

Make sure to keep the cap on these shadows tightly in place. They will dry out if you don't. I will for sure. I don't want to lose this beauty. I took swatch photos in full, morning sun. Look at the color!

I think it's one of the prettiest blues I have - primarily because it's so touched with grey. It's a subdued blue, not one of those in-your-face blues that make me look like a peacock. It's an elegant blue, a Chanel blue. The shimmer gives it life and makes it eye-catching.

If you want one, you may have to jump through hoops. I got my help from a Chanel regional guru. If anyone could find it, Lizette could. If I were still looking, I'd call the Chanel boutiques first. Then, I would start calling every Chanel counter I could, asking each Chanel representative to check the store's online inventory. Someone must still have one!

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

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Color for Fall 2012

There are eight new Rouge Dior Nude ($32) "Lip Blush" shades. Among them, I'm sure there's something for everyone. In my case, there were two I had to have, and I was being judicious. Greige (#169) is shown above.

Nude does not end with a flawless complexion. Dior presents a collection of lipsticks that take nude to the next level. A collection of eight radiant lip-blush shades instantly hydrates, plumps, and smoothes lips for an elegant finish.

Dior bucked this fall's red lip trend with this collection. Brilliant! Even more brilliant is Dior's plan to donate 100% of the proceeds of Greige #169, Natalie Portman's favorite, to Free the Children, a charity that funds secondary education for girls in Kenya.

In my photo directly above, Greige (#169) is shown on the left - odd name for a lipstick, isn't it - and Esquisse (#572) is shown on the right. I selected these shades after testing the colors at Neiman Marcus. Greige was an easy choice, given the donation Dior would make to charity. Esquisse was an easy choice because the rose-toned nude is a divine shade. As an aside, I am very confused by Nordstrom's Web site, which assigns Esquisse a different number, 572. See below.

Greige is shown at the top of my arm, with Esquisse below. My photos were taken in full, morning sun. Aren't they pretty? I'm not sure I'd call Esquisse nude, but who's quibbling? Added to the natural pigment in my lips, Esquisse is actually dark on me. It's the darkest of the eight shades, and it's as dark a shade as I can wear comfortably.

These lipsticks offer saturated color and a very tiny amount of shine. The shine you see in my swatch photos resulted from direct sun exposure. These lipsticks do have that "traditional lipstick" fragrance - what I call vintage Dior. However, it's not obnoxious, and it dissipates pretty quickly.

I found mine at Neiman Marcus, where they had just arrived. The new nude shades are all shown in one of the left-most columns in the display. They are also available at all Dior counters and online sites.

Good call, Dior! Thanks for giving those of us who don't wear vibrant red lips a stylish alternative.

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

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Uber Basics Collection

Inspired by Bobbi Brown's seventh book, Pretty Powerful Beauty Stories, Bobbi has introduced the Pretty Powerful Uber Basics Collection filled with shades for every woman. This collection gives all of us, no matter what our skin tones, the essentials we need to go from Pretty to Pretty Powerful, day to night.

Highlighting the simplicity of Bobbi’s Uber Basic look, the collection is organized into four color stories, with a corresponding Eye Shadow, Sparkle Eye Shadow, Blush,
Rich Lip Color, and High Shimmer Lip Gloss.

There's a new Sparkle Eye Shadow ($28). Sparkle Eye Shadow is a featherweight formula that instantly lights up eyes with a unique combination of shimmering pearls and glitter in a translucent base. Creamy-soft powder shadow glides on smoothly and clings to lids for crease-free, long-lasting wear. These four new beautifully sheer shades illuminate eyes with subtle shimmer and shine. The shades are Bone, Cement, Taupe, and Black Chocolate. I think I "need" all of them.

A sophisticated collection of subtle to dramatic Eye Shadow ($21) shades shades, Bobbi's exclusive silky, matte formula glides on easily and always looks natural. The shades are Bone, Cement, Taupe, and Black Chocolate. Really. That's what the press release says. The shade names are the same as the new Sparkle Eye Shadow shade names.

New Rich Color Lipsticks ($24) provide a lightweight and incredibly emollient lip color formula. The colorless and translucent base, coupled with a special gel system allows for intense color release and true color projection. The soft, smooth texture melts onto the lips for a truly comfortable wear that lasts for hours. The new, universally flattering shades are Uber Pink, Uber Beige, Uber Suede, and Uber Nude Beige.

You already know about High Shimmer Lip Gloss ($23). The formula features a special mix of pearls in a clear base for the ultimate in shimmer, shine, and color. Plus, it’s good for lips, thanks to moisturizing emollients and vitamins C and E, which
condition and offer antioxidant protection. High Shimmer Lip Gloss is perfect for a night out on the town, special occasions, or simply when you’re in the mood for something fabulous. I wear it ever day. The shades in the Uber Basics Collection Uber Suede (a new shade), Pastel, Bare Sparkle, and Naked Plum (a favorite of mine).

As Bobbi Brown says, nothing makes a woman look prettier than a pop of blush. It’s an instant lift and the quickest way to add a healthy glow to the face. Each color in the collection is designed to “tint” the cheeks, giving skin a radiant but natural glow. The silky formula glides on smoothly and evenly, imparting a matte finish that offers long-lasting wear. The Blush ($25) shades are Pretty Pink (new), Pink Rose (new), Nude Pink, and Plum. I need the new ones.

The Uber Basics Collection will be available this month at all Bobbi Brown counters and at the Bobbi Brown Web site. The collection had not arrived at Neiman Marcus tonight. I was there for the Harper's Bazaar Beauty Event preview.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Neiman Marcus Fall Beauty Event Starts September 6

The Art of Beauty, Neiman Marcus' fall Beauty Event starts Thursday, September 6, and runs through September 16. The tote bags - well, two of them - are gorgeous. With a $100 purchase in store or online, you'll receive a tote with a few samples inside. Having seen these bags, I must tell you that I think the blue, which is really navy, and the silver are fabulous. I find the acid green a little too too - even if all shades of green are "in" for fall.

As you know, this is the time to purchase the things you've wanted or to stock up on the staples of your beauty routine. There are many gifts with purchase (GWPs) in the department, and many of them are fabulous. That said, the "price of admission" for a GWP is usually high. To see them all, go to this link.

I'll show you some of my favorites here, and I'll give you the names and phone numbers of my favorite representatives who would be pleased to assist you.

Everything RéVive makes is fabulous. It's one of my favorite skin-care lines. This cute little silver bag has four products (deluxe samples) inside: 0.25 oz Intensite Creme Lustre, 2 oz Tonique Preparatif, 0.20 oz Masque de Yeux, and 0.5 oz Fermitif Neck Renewal Cream. If you purchase $350 worth of RéVive products, which is easy to do, you will receive this nice sampler. Give Anna Befanis a call at the Tysons Galleria store at (703) 761-1600, extension 3296.

Another favorite of mine is Sisley, and I must stock up on my favorites because I want this gift. Sisley's GWP is always fabulous, and this year's is no different. In the cute floral-print bag, you'll find the following goodies, several of which I use regularly.

• Lyslait, 30 ml
• Tonique Aux Fleurs, 30 ml
• Hydra-Global Tube, 10 ml
• Sisleya Contour Des Yeux Tube, 2 ml
• Sisleya Global Fermete Tube, 3 ml
• Phyto-Svelt Global Tube, 15 ml
• Fluide Hydratant Eau De Cologne Sachet, 10 ml
• Phyto-Teint Eclat N°2 Sachet, 2 ml 

Call Loula Ayoub at Tysons at (703) 761-1600, extension 3230 or Vicki Hamilton at Mazza Gallerie at (202) 966-9700, extension 2288. You must spend $350 to earn this fabulous gift.

The Le Métier de Beauté GWP is a travel-sized Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer in #2. It will be yours with a $125 purchase. As many of you know, Peau Vierge is a product unlike any others. I'm sorry that the gift is only available in shade #2. While #2 works for most women, it's too dark for me (sad). I'm a #1. There are plenty of other things I'd like to have, and who knows, maybe this GWP will show up on my blog in a weekly giveaway. For help with Le Métier de Beauté, call Michael at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. Try Sabrina Autera at (877) 634-6269 at Westchester or Sara Wren at King of Prussia at (610) 962-6200.

Chantecaille's GWP is a pretty pink bag with three deluxe samples and a sample of Chantecaille's Tiare fragrance. It will be yours with a purchase of $175. The deluxe samples are Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser, Stress Repair Concentrate, and Biodynamic Lifting Neck Cream - all products I love. Give Jeannine Barnes a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289.

The Edward Bess GWP if amazing. With a $125 purchase, you'll receive this gorgeous cream illumintor. Since we don't have a counter here, I'll be ordering Edward Bess online. I want this beauty!

There are many wonderful fragrance GWPs. Explore and then call Francesca Camacho or Wendy Grigelis in fragrance at Tysons at (703) 761-1600, extension 3303, or Jason Layden at Mazza at (202) 966-9700, extension 2385.

Every one of the representatives I've named is superb and will go above and beyond to help you. You might want to mention Best Things in Beauty - not that it's necessary, but I'm sure you'll be pegged a special beauty customer if you do.

What I've shown you doesn't scratch the surface. Have I whet your appetite? Mine is certainly revved. I'll start shopping in earnest tomorrow night at a preview. I need a few things, and I'm sure I'll purchase a few new-to-me products just for fun. I want that navy bag! Actually, I'd like to have the silver one too.

Update: Lancôme anyone? Call Jocelyn at Tysons or Jodie Hawk at Mazza. For Natura Bissé, call Denise Thomas at (703) 761-1600, extension 3305. Fresh? Call Alison Kauffman at Tysons. Jo Malone? Call Sydell at Mazza. I have so many "bests," I can't list them all. Feeling badly about that. I'll add more later. I must leave for work!

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Chantecaille L'Elephant Palette - Swatched

Chantecaille's palettes always excite me. They're gorgeous. Each new one makes me  wonder how Chantecaille will top it the next time - and they do. The latest, L'Éléphant Palette ($82), provides a demonstration of the amazing creativity of the Chantecaille team. Everything about it is stunning, from the design of the palette, with the elephant on the front of an elegant dark green case, to the colors within. Add to that the celebration of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - a charity I've avidly supported since I discovered it - and I'm delirious. This introduction is one of the best palettes of of 2012. Ask me at the end of the year, and I may tell you it's the best.

L'Éléphant Palette (refillable) was inspired by the fall runway trends and the tireless efforts of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Chantecaille created L'Éléphant Palette, a lustrous eye palette that fuses trendy colors from the catwalk and the Kenyan grasslands with simplicity in an innovative and wearable way.

The palette features Ivory, a soft, pearly beige inspired by the African elephant's tusks, at the top left. Grasslands, at top right, is a trendy green inspired by the color of the lush savannah grass after the rainy season. Red Earth, lower right, is the eye color of the fall runways - a strong copper that mimics the rich, red color of the African cliffs. Iron Ore is a glistening deep grey liner with flecks of gold. It mirrors the way the mineral shimmers in the bright African sunlight.

I was thrilled to have a chance to play with L'Elephant last week at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie - thanks to Jeannine Barnes. As I swatched the shades, trying desperately not to "ruin" the elephants, I was struck by how down-to-earth they are. Each of the four shades could be a standalone, but together, they offer more than four eye shadows. In the truest sense of the word, they offer a collection, with the shades providing many ways to create complementary looks.

I ordered the palette the second I learned it was available at Chantecaille's Web site. Here is my palette, safely living with me now. This will be the first. I need one to use and one for my makeup museum. Oh, why delude you? I will probably purchase four of them. I've already pre-ordered the second from Jeannine.

I swatched the shades in clockwise order, using a sponge-tipped applicator. I swatched heavily. My photos were taken in full, early morning sun. I'm nearly drooling as I write this feature. Every one of the shades is special.

The Ivory is perfect for my skin tone. For me, it will be both base and highlighter. It blends into my skin tone so well, you may find it hard to see at the top of my arm. Grasslands has to be one of the best green eye shadows I have ever seen. I know that's a sweeping endorsement, and I mean it. It's a green that is totally wearable, and it should reassure green phobes that green is good.

Red Earth is copper on my skin - a copper that looks great with my blue eyes. It has no muddiness in the color. It dazzles. The big surprise of the palette (to me) was Iron Ore. The shade is drop-dead gorgeous. It's supposed to be "the liner shade," but it's light enough that I'll be able to use it as an accent shadow. I fear you won't see the complexity of the color in my swatch photo. I think it's is a hybrid between brown and grey. It's not simply grey, and those little gold flecks give it a life. I may try to get color close-ups later with friendlier lighting.

I am so totally smitten with L'Elephant, I'll babble if I write much more about the superb colors. For now, I'll leave you with the information about Chantecaille's philanthropy. Five percent of all proceeds from L'Éléphant Palette will be donated to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of my favorite charities. I've adopted orphaned elephants, donating to help the trust take care of them. I have a special place in my heart for them. Would you support them too, please?

Chantecaille first became aware of the Kenyan-based David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust through a very moving article in National Geographic. Established in 1977 by David Sheldrick's wife, Dame Daphne, the trust embodies her life-long mission and devotion to rescuing and fostering orphaned elephants in Kenya. A pioneer in understanding elephants, Daphne was the first person to successfully hand-rear a newborn fully milk-dependent African elephant.

Dame Daphne's keen ability to identify their needs for survival, from the formula they drink to the emotional nurturing they require, has helped save African elephants from extinction. Her life's work has proven that elephants and humans are extremely similar, from their emotions to family structure. Both species share a mutual need for support and love, with baby elephants taking up to four years to be weaned and needing almost 10 years of care before they are able to join their wild elephant families. Since the trust was established in Tsavo National Park, over 80 elephants have been successfully released back into the wild.

Elephants are the planet's largest living land mammals; they symbolize strength, wisdom, and intelligence. Sadly, the threat to elephants from ivory poachers is greater than ever, with an estimated 38,000 African elephants killed annually, a rate that, if left unchanged, will see elephants wiped out by 2025. Please don't buy ivory!

To help save this species from extinction, in addition to their contribution for every palette sold, Chantecaille has printed a QR code on the back of the palette box. Scan the QR code with a smart phone's QR scanner app to be directed to the screen that provides a link to foster an orphaned elephant. On the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's interactive site, you can choose an orphan based on origin and age. As a foster parent, you will receive a fostering certificate with a detailed profile and photograph of your adopted orphan. You will also be granted access to your baby elephant's Keeper's Diary, which is filled with daily calendar entries and monthly photos. Along with the update, you will be sent a collectible, monthly watercolor of your adopted elephant hand-painted by the talented Angela Sheldrick. I can personally tell you it's a rewarding experience.

Today, you can purchase L'Elephant Palette at Chantecaille's Web site. It will be at store counters very soon.

Three photos courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty