Happy Bastille Day!

Happy Bastille Day!

Bastille Day is the French National Day which is celebrated on July 14 of each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation - and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy that preceded the First Republic during the French Revolution.

I hope my readers and friends from France have a wonderful day! We'll be celebrating your Independence Day with you.

Photo courtesy of freegreatimages.com

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! I try to remember that our Fourth of July holiday isn't just about cookouts, fireworks, friends, and family. We commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776, from the Kingdom of Great Britain - today one of our greatest allies and best world friends.

"If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worthwhile." — Samuel Eliot Morison, American historian (1887-1976).

The United States of America - and the freedom we hold dear - has been threatened by wars and terrorism. Today we celebrate our freedom and recommit to protecting the freedom of others who would live our dream. Think about it. It's a remarkable day.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Merry Christmas!

Every Christmas, I used to set up the nativity scene, arranging the characters perfectly. The wise men were arriving on their camels. The people and animals - along with the baby Jesus - were placed just so. As soon as I turned my back, a cat joined the scene. The figures were knocked over and spread from here to there, just so our little darling could be part of the action. It didn't matter which cat over the years; they all did it. This silly photo reminds me of those days, but this cat was much tidier. It looks like the scene was staged around him.

Christmas Eve, a day of anticipation, last-minute preparations, or both. It's almost as magical as Christmas Day! When I was growing up, we trimmed our Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. My father would wire the tree to hooks on the baseboard so that it wouldn't tip over (say, if a cat decided to climb it), and we would drag out the ornaments - antique and new - to turn it from a beautiful tree into a splendid one. With the Nativity scene, cat, and all the packages under the tree, it was the focus of our living room until New Year's Day. Today, I will hang my wreath on the door in memory of our family tradition.

I know I said Friday I would write over the holidays. I haven't kept that promise well. Despite ordering online and having phone orders delivered by Santa's elves, I found I had many more things I had to purchase in stores: food gifts, wrapping bags, ribbon, cards, and more. I had to pick up The Countess Kaleidoscope Eye Kit, which has arrived. I also had to fit in a few unplanned doctor's visits. I had to work through yesterday. Now it's Christmas Eve, and I am just beginning to wrap and deliver presents. I have already taken Mom out to lunch. I am still waiting for one box that was promised to arrive by today. At this point, I'm fearful that it won't. UPS has already been there twice today.

LES CADEAUX SONT COMME LES CONSEILS : ILS FONT PLAISIR SURTOUT A CEUX QUI LES DONNENT... Emile Henriot

I spent part of my morning donating to some favorite charities, such as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. I had already sent gifts to Recycled Doggies. Those gifts give me so much satisfaction. I hope you will remember the animals when you make your end-of-year donations.

Thank you for reading Best Things in Beauty. You have been my joy this year! I hope your Christmas brings you love, comfort, and joy.  Even if you don't celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, it's a festive time of year - a national holiday, a day of dinners with family and friends, a day of reflection and memories. Merry Christmas!

Photos courtesy of bibliobloglibrary.com and Jardins D'écrivains

Tom Ford Beauty Ice Queen Eyeshadow Quad for Holiday 2013

The more I play with Tom Ford's Ice Queen Eyeshadow Quad palette ($78), the more I like it. Today, I was able to get decent swatch photos. Yesterday, the sun played peek-a-boo with me until I went for my annual physical (everything is fine except for a sinus infection). By the time I got home, it was too late to try to take makeup photos. I must disclose that a dear friend in the industry sent me this palette.

Tom Ford believes that his eye color quads are the centerpiece of his collections. I'm not sure I'd agree with that, but I do appreciate their carefully edited beauty. Designed with four opulent, complementary shades that achieve multiple looks, from a bold, smoky eye, to a sexy splash of color and everything in between, the quads have been enormously popular.

Formulated with advanced color processes, the four luxurious finishes - sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer, and matte - offer a spectrum of intensity and effects and deliver incredible shade fidelity and outstanding adhesion. Two custom applicators are included (and one is actually a little brush).

I can see why Ice Queen looks blue to people, but it's not - not even the dark shade in the lower right corner. This palette is all about a silver queen.

I took my photos this morning, long before our day started to cloud over. Charleston, my big baby, oversaw the operation as he enjoyed the sunshine. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator.

The very white shade in the top left corner of the palette is bright white. That's actually the name of the paint color that graces my walls. The sheer/sparkle shade in the top right is very sparkly and, while slightly pigmented, is more of a topper shade to add glam to your eyelids than a shade I'd wear alone. As a result, you see a rather uneven swatch on my arm.

The charcoal is just that, not blue.  Don't even think about it as blue. It's charcoal. Does it lean blue? Perhaps - a deep, dark, midnight blue - but the overall effect is charcoal. I do think it would complement a blue look beautifully.

The shade in the lower left corner of the palette is my favorite. It's a shade that does have a touch of blue in it, but in no way looks blue on the eyelids. It looks white.

These are definitely cool, winter shades. I think they are fun, but I won't be wearing them to work. They are a bit too dramatic for work wear. Wear them at night, and you will definitely glow. Perhaps you can be an ice queen - even if you're the life of the holiday party.

 If you want to order from this collection, call Dustin Lujan at the John Barrett Salon in New York City. You can reach Dustin there at (212) 872-2714. They offer free shipping now too! I think by now, everyone knows (and loves) Dustin.

Photo at top courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman; ice queen photos by goodwallpapers.com and superbwallpapers.com; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Celebrated on May 5, the holiday had its roots in Mexico. It was originated in the United States by Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. Today the date is observed in the U.S. as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

It's a great day for the Cinco de Mayo rose and Mexican music, dance, food, and drink. I could use a margarita now. With lots of salt, please.

Photo courtesy of gatsbysgardens.blogspot.com

Happy Bastille Day!

Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, celebrated on the July 14 each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly Le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy which preceded the First Republic during the French Revolution. Festivities and official ceremonies are being held all over France. We wish our French allies a wonderful holiday! We'll be celebrating with you in spirit.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Happy Independence Day

Sending all of you wishes for a happy July 4th! I wish I could add a photo and write more, but with no Internet connection and no MiFi, I am severely limited in what I can do. Currently, I'm limited to my iPad, and even that is slow and has spotty connections. The joys of storm damage!

There are still many without electricity, so I do feel fortunate to have power. The utilities have failed entirely at communications, but the linemen from Virginia and other states, as far away as Florida, have helped immeasurably. They are to be commended. They are working long hours in brutal heat to help us. There's an out-of-state truck parked at the end of my road now. I have no idea why, but so be it.

I just spent the last two hours at stores restocking Mom's refrigerator and freezer. Her power returned last night...yea!

I appreciate all your kind messages. I hope I'll be back soon.

Happy Bastille Day!

Happy Bastille Day!

Bastille Day is the French National Day which is celebrated on July 14 of each year. In France, it is formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and commonly le quatorze juillet (the fourteenth of July). It commemorates the 1790 Fête de la Fédération, held on the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The anniversary of the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison was seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation - and of the reconciliation of all the French inside the constitutional monarchy that preceded the First Republic during the French Revolution.

I hope my readers and friends from France have a wonderful day! We'll be celebrating your Independence Day with you.

Photo courtesy of cafleurebon.com

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! I try to remember that our Fourth of July holiday isn't just about cookouts, fireworks, friends, and family. We commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776, from the Kingdom of Great Britain - today one of our greatest allies and best world friends.

"If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worthwhile." — Samuel Eliot Morison, American historian (1887-1976).

The United States of America - and the freedom we hold dear - has been threatened by wars and terrorism. Today we celebrate our freedom and recommit to protecting the freedom of others who would live our dream. Think about it. It's a remarkable day.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Whether it's a holy day for you or a holiday opportunity to celebrate with friends and family, I hope you enjoy your day.

I saw my Easter bunny recently. My garden is often populated with darling bunnies. They do a great job munching on weeds - and the occasional herb. I hadn't seen one in months (because I was inside so much this winter?), but last week, a big bunny was out and about. I guess someone told him it was Easter. I hope he lays low when the foxes are around.

I wish hats were in style around here. They seem like the perfect accessory for Easter. Fancy hats are still appreciated in the United Kingdom, within the African-American community, and in the deep South. They know how to wear hats! I love seeing the ladies, all decked out in their pastel outfits, wearing coordinating hats to church on Easter Sunday. These days, many of us wear wide-brimmed hats to garden or at the beach to keep the sun off our faces. You can't even find fine, fancy hats in the stores - the kind Kate Middleton has been photographed wearing. Am I alone in my wish for a resurgence of fashionable hats?

We will be eating my mother's favorite Easter meal today: ham with all the usual sides. Think I'll break out a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate spring and the rebirth of nature's beauty.

Enjoy the day!

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

The "Whys and Wherefores" of the Next Two Weeks

On December 28, I will be losing the knee with which I was born - the one that performed with strength and stamina through my sporting days. It supported me as I ran, jogged, power walked, played tennis and racquetball, led cheers, practiced gymnastics, worked in my garden, and trudged through hills, forests, and streams trying to gain conservation easements to save pristine land and wildlife habitat. My legs, and thus my knees, are a part of my history. I'm sentimental about losing part of me.

The problem with joints is that they wear out. I'm not sure God expected us to live as long as we do these days, and our knees and hips are going kaput long before the rest of us. No one ever told me that I would end up a bent-over little old lady, unable to walk normally, if I ran for exercise. The delightful sense of freedom that comes with flying through the air on a beautiful day makes one feel invincible. Years later, when the rush is gone, the pain sets in as the knee joints start to deteriorate. There are many causes for the pain - I had them all - torn cartilage, frayed cartilage, no cartilage (my last set of x-rays showed bone on bone, just as severe as it gets), bone spurs, inflammation. You name it, I've had it - or have it. My knee should be preserved and shown to track teams as a warning for what lies ahead.

I'll go "bionic" on December 28. I've been trying to make my house as clutter-free as a pack rat can stand, but it has been an uphill battle. Charlie and I can hop around piles of unread books or magazines with ease. Who doesn't like to refer to a three-year-old Allure now and then? Those old Escada catalogs? They were like museum pieces. Gone! My to-read pile? Higher. All those eye shadows? Can't part with them; just got them out of harm's way. A metal walker, the one I might be using for a week or two after I get home, won't be as limber. It should be an interesting time when I first come home from the hospital. I am pretty sure I'll be going up and down the stairs on my butt. I did that after arthroscopic surgery - works like a charm.

I am tying to decide whether to give away all my gorgeous pencil skirts. This is how my knee will look soon after the surgery. Not pretty! I've seen knee replacement scars many years out, and they never fade into oblivion. I guess it will be dark pantyhose for me if I choose to wear a knee-length skirt again.

I enjoy success stories, like Liza Minnelli's. The legendary entertainer underwent a knee replacement earlier this year, but is now back working and delighted by how quickly she regained her strength and energy.

“I’m running around like a wild woman,” she said. “You know it’s quite traumatic, having a full knee replacement. But I’m back in dance class every day, plus I go to the trainer. The strength is getting really great, and I’m touring all over the place. My god, I’m everywhere!”

That's what I want! I want to run around everywhere, and while I may have to get the right knee done before I'm able to be my zippy old self. I used to be the fastest walker in any group; I'm determined.

Why am I telling you all this? With the competing demands of getting organized for Christmas, working (I have a "real job"), and getting everything ready (I've banked my blood, picked up my post-surgery prescriptions, seen more physicians and assistants than I can count), I will probably publish only one beauty post per day this week. Then, unless I can find the time to schedule some features to publish while I'm in the hospital, the blog may go unattended for three days. We'll see. I can't take my iPad to the hospital. It's a thief magnet. It might be interesting, though, to see what I'd write while on morphine.

I'll "see you" a lot this week - just not as frequently as I usually do. Just wanted you to know what's up. If for some reason you take off for the holidays without any access to Internet service, I hope you have a fabulous time. Please let us all know in the comments if you've got anything special planned. In the meantime, I am going to make sure to get some new catnip toys at the local pet supply store. Just another thing to do.

Photos by USAtoday, answerbag.com, and showbizspy

Pro Makeup Artist Guest Blog: Viva La Rouge

Iris Moreau is a makeup artist who has graciously written a second guest post for Best Things in Beauty. Since I'm a red lipstick phobe, I asked Iris to help us, those who are comfortable with red and those who aren't (like me), rock red lips for the holiday season. Read on for her fabulous advice.

I love red, and nothing says “festive and fun” better than a beautifully applied red lip. The holidays are coming, and what better time to break out a racy red lipstick? Many women shy away from red lipstick, but when applied correctly it's stunning and makes a bold statement. Pair it with a gorgeous little black dress, (or little red dress!) and you’ll pack a powerful punch.

Here are a couple of tips to help you get the most va va voom out of your red lips.

Choose a color that works with your skin tone.

You Have Dark Skin and Dark Hair...

Choose a blue-based red (try M·A·C Ruby Woo or Estée Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Rich Red). Gals with darker hair and skin tones can support strong colors without looking harsh. Also, the darker your skin, the more color you will need, or you will end up looking washed out on your lips.

You have Pale Skin and Dark Hair...

You can get away with some yellow/orange-based reds (try Dolce & Gabbana’s Classic Cream Lipstick) as long as they do not have very prominent orange undertones. If you have cool, pink tones in your skin, the blue-based reds will work well for you because they are the “truest reds” (try Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick in Exces de Rouge or Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick 14 Passion).

You have Dark Skin and Light Hair...

If you’re skin is golden brown, then reach for a yellow/orange lipstick first (try Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick Fire and Ice). However, if you have naturally dark skin and you have lightened your hair, don't be afraid to experiment with yellow/orange tones; just remember to go darker so your lipstick doesn't disappear when you apply it. Keep I mind, if your skin is naturally very dark, you should try a blue-based shade first (try Russian Red by M·A·C). Then see if you can find a good deep yellow/orange shade (try Jungle Red by NARS).

You have Pale Skin and Light Hair...

It's hard, but never impossible, for pale beauties to wear red lipstick. You can wear a glossy or sheer red and look fabulous! Stick to the blue-red or raspberry shades if you have pink (cool) undertones in your skin. Try Chantecaille Patina Brilliant Gloss. If you have yellow (warm) undertones, you can try a true red or coral-red. Try Giorgio Armani Beauty Sheer Lipstick in Red (#6). Just make sure to look in the mirror before you leave home! You want one dramatic feature, not two, so go easy on the smoky eye or blusher when you're wearing red lipstick.

That's good advice no matter what your skin and hair colors. When wearing red lips, keep the rest of your makeup to a minimum. A precise line of liquid black eyeliner drawn close to the lash line and a sweep of mascara is really all you need to set off your gorgeous crimson lips. This look is timeless and oh so reminiscent of Hollywood's classic glamour girls.

Set your pout. To avoid having your lip color feather and bleed all over your chin, napkin, and clothing and keep it on your lips (where it belongs), try this pro makeup artist tip and your color will last for hours. Apply your lipstick, then place a tissue directly on your lips. Dip a powder brush in loose translucent powder and dust over the tissue. Just enough powder will transfer through the tissue to set your lipstick. Re-apply one more coat of lip color, blot lightly, and you’re good to go!

Remember, it’s all in the attitude and wearing a red lip screams “sexy, seductive, siren.” So be bold, have fun, and wear your red with confidence!

Happy Holidays, Ladies!

Happy Holidays to you too, Iris! You've given me the confidence to go red (at least for a few parties), and now I know a new trick for setting any lip color - not just red. Isn't Iris the best? Interested in more from Iris? Did you see her first feature here? If not, just click on this link. Make sure to check out her blog too: The Makeup Artist Blog.

Photo at right above courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day! I try to remember that our holiday isn't just about cookouts, fireworks, and family. We commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4, 1776, from the Kingdom of Great Britain - today one of our greatest allies and best world friends.

The United States of America - and the freedom we hold dear - has been threatened by wars and now terrorism. Today we celebrate our freedom and recommit to protecting the freedom of others who would live our dream. It's a remarkable day!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

Whether it's a holy day for you (there's Passover too!) or a holiday opportunity to celebrate friends and family, I hope you enjoy your day.

I saw my Easter Bunny yesterday evening. My garden is usually populated with darling bunnies. They do a great job munching on weeds - and the occasional herb. I hadn't seen one in months, but yesterday a big bunny was out and about. I guess someone told him it was Easter. I hope he lays low when the red foxes are around.

We will be eating my mother's favorite Easter meal: ham with all the usual sides. Think I'll break out a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate spring and the rebirth of nature's beauty.

Enjoy the day!

Photo of Vintage Postcard, made in Germany, A.S. B. 196, courtesy of Bygone Books

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! May the luck of the Irish be with you today and every day!

Remember to wear green today. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! Here are some green-themed products and offers to put you in the mood.

Interested in a new green fragrance? Bond No. 9 High Line ($145 or $220) is now available (you can read the BTiB post here). The scent starts off with a prairie grazing weed - purple love grass - mixed with citrusy bergamot and zesty Indian rhubarb. The perfume’s floral heart is composed with red-leaf rose, Lady Jane tulips, and grape hyacinth. Its lingering base notes combine bur oak - from the sheltering tree that thrives in New York - with imported sea moss, musk, and teakwood to evoke the Hudson River’s proximity.

How about a green eye shadow? Even if you don't want to cover your lid entirely with green, you can use the shadow as a liner close to the base of your lashes or "paint a pop" of green in the center of your lid.

The Armani Beauty Maestro Eye Shadows ($29) are among my favorites. The formula contains pure silk-like powders to create a soft, lightweight texture that glides onto the eyelids in a silken veil of color - the application is even and easy to blend. Three different finishes replicate the breathtaking effects Giorgio Armani achieves with silk in his clothing: #15 is matte and gives smooth, deep color; #13 is satin to create a lustrous sheen; and #14 illuminates with iridescent deep teal shimmer. All three are gorgeous, and as you might imagine, I have all three! I'll be wearing #13 today.

Don't forget the green nail polish! Choices abound.

Let's not forget the earth-friendly products we now call "green." Beautorium is celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a drawing. Three Green Beauty Selection Kits worth over $100 each will be given away. You can enter their contest by becoming a Beautorium fan on Facebook or following @Beautorium on Twitter - or both. Sign up today, and you will receive special offers in e-mail. Beautorium is a standout company - one of the best natural and organic beauty sites on the Web!

How will I be celebrating? I will prepare my hair with John Masters Organics shampoo and conditioner that I bought from Beautorium. I'll be wearing my latest green fragrance, Armani's green eye shadow, a green tourmaline on my hand, and, of course, a touch of green in my clothing. I may have to go looking for some green beer too! Hope you have a fun day!

Photos courtesy of life123.com, Armani Beauty, and Beautorium

Peace on Earth, Good Will toward Men

On Christmas Eve, 1968, American astronaut William Anders, aboard Apollo 8 in its third orbit around the moon, took a photograph of the Earth that the late photographer Galen Rowell called "the most influential environmental photograph ever taken." Wouldn't it be a fitting gift if we could have peace on our planet and restore its environmental richness?

Photo courtesy of NASA

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Hanukkah to all!

It's a magical time. Eat, drink, and be merry!

Best Things in Beauty will be on vacation tonight and Christmas day - no posts, but maybe a tweet or two. I still have two presents to buy - catnip mousies - and many to wrap. I'll be back Saturday morning, raring to tell you about all the new products I'm trying.

I hope you have a joyous holiday! Be safe and keep warm. Cherish those you love. I've had two Christmas reminders that you never know when you will lose them. I'm looking forward to catching up with friends over the next few days - and cooking prime rib. The chef always gets to drink champagne with a touch of framboise while she cooks, so she will be happy!

Photo courtesy of hongkait.com

Snow Storm - Shopping at Home

Retailers in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast have to be dying. In the DC area, our prediction for snow accumulation is now at 16-24 inches - with a blizzard warning for the day. The consensus is that we will break a 70-year record for December (and possibly my back as I shovel).

Anyone who planned to shop may have to hit the online sites, many of which are prepared for procrastinators. There are free and expedited shipping offers flying into my inbox, so I will update this posting all day with beauty offers - and maybe a few others that look interesting - after I head outside to put bird and squirrel food at the feeding stations.

YSL Beauty still has Friends & Family. They are offering free two-day shipping to ensure that you get your items in time for Christmas. Use code FF2009.

Bobbi Brown has free two-day shipping with any order through December 21. Use code 2DAY9 at checkout.

Prescriptives is offering free two-day shipping and a free sample trio of three best sellers with any purchase. The offer is good until December 22. Use code SHIP2DAY at checkout. What are the samples? Colorscope Lip Gloss in Sassy, Lash Envy Volumizing Mascara, and Double-sided Eye Pencil.

Ulta has extended free shipping through Sunday on orders of $25 or more. Use code 33069.

MAC us offering free two-day shipping if you place your order today.

Place your order at Lancome, and you will receive it by December 24. Not only that, through Monday, you will receive a six-piece sample collection with any $40 purchase. Use code HOLIDAY bonus at checkout.

With a $100 order until 1:00 pm PST December 21, Beautyhabit will give you two-day shipping when you select ground. Use code BH2DAY.

Target is offering delivery by Christmas if you spend $50 through December 21.

Michael Kors will upgrade shipping on orders over $100. Use code UPGRADE at checkout.

At Sephora, enter code UPS2DAY and select UPS 2nd Day Air shipping to get your gifts by December 24. Offer good through December 21.

Estee Lauder has free second-day shipping. Use code FREE2DAY. Order by 3:00 pm ET on the 22nd, select 2nd Day Service. Order by 1:00 pm on the 23rd, select overnight.

Free shipping from Ralph Lauren through December 20. Use code RLSHP9.

Bare Escentuals is offering free rush shipping with a $100 purchase. Use code HURRY at checkout. It's valid through December 20.

Levenger - great gift site - guarantees delivery by Christmas. Choose FedEx 2nd Day no later than noon December 22. No additional charge to you. There's a sale running too!

Free express shipping from Shu Uemura with any order over $50. Use code EXPRESS at checkout through December 20.

Photo courtesy of redtag.ca

Laura Mercier Club Couture Holiday Collection

The holiday color collections continue to roll out. Laura Mercier's Club Couture Collection is advertised as an elegant, but bold look inspired by the runway - where uptown chic meets downtown cool with a focus on the eyes. Despite the marketing hype, Laura Mercier designs products for "real women." No wonder she has so many fans.

Here are the products from the new collection that are most intriguing to me.

Foiled Eye Colour ($22) is an innovative, wet-dry baked powder formula in polished shades of V.I.P. Silver and V.I.P. Gold for a shimmering metallic look.

Lip Colour - Shimmer ($22) provides creamy long-lasting coverage with moisturizing, anti-aging, antioxidant, and plumping ingredients to enhance the lips. Designer Beige is the new color.

Lip Glacé ($22) is available in a pretty new pink shade, After Hours. This high-shine, pigmented lip gloss provides rich color and brilliant shine to create the appearance of fuller lips.

Lip Colour - Crème ($22), with the same properties as the shimmer lipstick, is also available in a new delicate baby pink shade, Pink Label.

I can't get at all excited about the Full Faux Eyelashes ($18), but surely there is someone out there who wants to try them!

There's more. You can check out this new collection on Laura Mercier's Web site, where complimentary shipping is available. Saks, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus all carry Laura Mercier if you want to cast your eyes on the collection before you decide on a purchase. If you do go shopping, check out the great Laura Mercier value sets that are currently available.

Photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

NARS Holiday 2009

Love at first sight! NARS sent an e-mail yesterday announcing their Holiday 2009 collection. Prominently featured were these new Soft Touch Shadow Pencils ($24).

Here's what NARS has to say about them.

Soft Touch Shadow Pencils provide easy, portable, long-wearing application. These jumbo-sized pencils have versatile functionality to shade the lid, line, or highlight the eye. Smooth, creamy texture delivers a velvety feel to the eye and makes for easy blending and an ideal base for layering with a powder shadow for increased color intensity.

I'm there. I think I need all three. The colors left to right are: Goddess, Skorpios, and Aigle Noir.

Also introduced with this collection? A new Cream Eyeshadow ($21) in Mousson, a barely green, shimmery taupe color. Since I love cream shadows, and NARS makes some great ones, I can hardly contain myself!

For NARS Multiples fans, there's a new Multiples too - in Luxor ($37). Maybe we'll do a whole Multiples posting, since I must have 10 of them. There's more, of course, including duo eyeshadows, nail polish, and lip pencils.

I'm going out to check my bank balance now. How about you? See anything in the NARS Holiday Collection that makes your heart race?

The new colors are available at the NARS Web site and will be in stores near you soon, if they aren't already.

Update: What better time to buy than now? Sephora has a 20% discount for Friends & Family. Use code FF2009 at checkout.

Photo courtesy of NARS