Chantecaille Mulberry Luminous Gloss for Fall 2014

They really should have named Mulberry Luminous Gloss ($34) Charlestongirl's Gloss. It doesn't get any prettier, and it could not be more "me." I like pigmented lip glosses that I can wear without lipstick, and this one is perfect.

I was so stunned by Mulberry Luminous Gloss when I tried it for the first time, I hopped online and ordered two more. Not only that, I'll buy another one from my favorite Chantecaille representatives at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. That way, I'll have one for my bathroom, one for my makeup bag, and two for back-ups. Sometimes, a product is so good, you have to break the no-back-ups rule.

Luminous Gloss is an extraordinary lip gloss formula that offers up to six hours of long-lasting shine. Rich texture, dramatic brilliance, and innovative shiny polymers create a fluid 3-D glass-like effect for volume and shine with superior adherence. Water-binding agents hydrate and smooth the lips.

Mulberry is described as a sheer burgundy with flecks of light-reflecting gold and called an approachable way to wear the bold berry lip seen on the fall runways. In the cluster of mulberries above, there is only one berry that contains this glorious color, which is well described as berry, but not burgundy, I think. Let's call that creative license in naming.

The sun cooperated a bit today, and I was able to get photos of this stunning lip gloss.

I applied the lip gloss directly to my arm, using the flexible doe-foot applicator. I was able to snap some afternoon swatch photos when the sun stuck its nose out from around the clouds.

I love everything about this color, from the rosy berry shade to the shiny flecks that are especially apparent in bright light, to the long-lasting wear. It's the cat's meow - a compliment to the animal-loving Chantecaille family.

I've mentioned before that lip colors should be tested on your finger pad. The pigment in your fingertip mimics the pigment of your lips much better than your arm. I took a photo on my finger to show you how you might expect Mulberry to look on your lips. It actually looks slightly lighter here, a hue I can only attribute to the sun's angle.

Chantecaille's Luminous Gloss is loved for its superior adherence, rich texture, and dramatic brilliance. You may get up to six hours of wear from Luminous Gloss. I can't, but my lips absorb anything moist. I'm OK with re-applying anything this pretty periodically throughout the day.

Mulberry is available now at Chantecaille's Web site, where I purchased my first three. You'll find it in August (no later than September) at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom locations. Neiman Marcus tells me it has already shipped to them, and they hope to have it this week.

Photo at top courtesy of Chantecaille; mulberries courtesy of amazonconcepts.com; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Summer 2014 Transatlantique Collection for Saks Fifth Avenue - Sunrise and Beige Songe

When I was at Saks Fifth Avenue this past weekend, I ran right into Dior's Saks-exclusive Transatlantique Collection for Summer 2014. There were some extremely tempting pieces on the carefully edited display. Nail colors, lip colors, eye colors and a Nude Tan Shimmer Powder - eye-catching colors. Some of the pieces will eventually be available at other stores; others won't. I purchased three pieces. Today, I'll show you the lip colors that captured me.

The Limited Edition Transatlantique Color Collection was inspired by Christian Dior’s love for travel and the brand’s spirit for timeless elegance and playfulness. The collection boasts classic, elegant shades contrasted by bold pops of color.

Rouge Dior Couture Colour & Voluptuous Care Lipstick ($34) in Sunrise is a new, limited-edition shade - a beautiful, warm sunrise pink. It's shown in my photo directly below.

Dior Addict Gloss Mirror Shine Volume & Care ($29.50), shown below in Beige Songe, is also a new, limited-edition shade. The soft, sandy, shimmering beige was designed to complement Sunrise.

I fell in love with these shades at the counter. My love grew when I got home and started playing with them - alone and together. I took swatch photos in full sun, with Sunrise at the top of my arm and Beige  Songe below.

As you can see, they are both deliciously shiny. They offer the same qualities that have kept me in Dior lip colors for many years. They feel good and look good. What more can I expect?

I adore the pink shade of Sunrise. Could you find a dupe out there? I'm sure. Why, though, when Sunrise is so classy for spring. I'll wear it year round, but those who love to change out their colors with the seasons will find Sunrise a beautiful addition for spring and summer.

Beige Songe isn't distinctive, but it's a great neutral. It proves very subtle color when worn alone, but adds a sheer, luminous glow to top any lipstick in any color.

You can purchase these lip colors today at Saks Fifth Avenue at counters and online. I'll show you the stunning, high-wattage shimmer powder tomorrow. I couldn't resist.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty