Estée Lauder Genuine Glow Reviving Oil Lip Tint

Some people, myself included, have dry lips all year round. We are always on the lookout for a hydrating lip product with longevity. I've found a new one in the Genuine Glow Collection! Estée Lauder Genuine Glow Reviving Oil Lip Tint ($20) is so popular, it keeps selling out on Estée Lauder's Web site. I had to wait weeks on "backorder" for mine.

This lovely tint give your lips just-kissed cherry color, along with just-right, oil-rich moisture replenishment. It feels nourishing yet light on the lips.

The cheery shade is a universal sheer shade that glows well with any skin tone. The pen dispenses just the right amount of product too. I love no-waste packaging. Just twist the pen a few times to prime it - until the lip tint comes up, and then apply it directly to your lips.

When this color is added to my own lip color, the result is a saturated, but sheer, cherry red. I'm thrilled with it. I took this photo in full, noon sun, so the color was a bit washed out by all the light.

You can use it alone, as I do, for a unique, glowing, rosy lip or over or under your lip color for a fuller, glossier lip.

You can try to order it at the Estée Lauder's Web site and wait, or you can look for it at one of the many Estée Lauder's counters. It's worth the hunt.

Photo at top courtesy of  Estée Lauder; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Celebration Collection Makeup Palette for the Lips

I purchased this snazzy Dior Celebration Collection Makeup Palette for the Lips ($65) at Saks Fifth Avenue. Called Palette de Maquillage pour les Lèvres in French, it's a perfect lip kit all in one relatively large compact. I focused my camera on the color and skipped the large mirror and velvet pouch. I knew you'd want to see the gorgeous lip colors.

Dior presents the runway look at your fingertips. Enhance your smile and adorn your lips with the palette's natural, dazzling colors.

On the top row of the palette, you'll find Crème de Rose Lip Balm on the left and Repulpant  Lèvres Lip Plumper on the right. There are two double-ended applicators in the palette  in case you get caught without your professional one while on the go. The Rouge À Lèvres Lipsticks are, from left to right, Mitzah Lilac, Pink Songe, and Star Fuchsia - all gorgeous. There is even a darling little Lipliner Pencil in the kit; it's #773, Fuchsia.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I didn't bother to swatch the Crème de Rose Lip Balm. It's clear on the lips. On my arm, you can see the three gorgeous Rouge À Lèvres Lipsticks at the top, listed from top to bottom in the order listed just above. The clear Repulpant Lèvres Lip Plumper is shown below Star Fichsia, just for fun. You can see it has almost no color. The stunning Lipliner Pencil is shown at the bottom of my arm. The pencil may be small, but the color packs a punch.

Here's a close-up of the three lipsticks. Aren't they gorgeous? They were applied heavily for my photos, but you can apply them more sheerly if you wish. Another photo of the colors in the full kit is shown directly below. Mitzah Lilac isn't really lilac, but it's a beautiful warm pink. Pink Songe isn't really pink. I'd call it carnation, but that's not terribly descriptive. Star Fuchsia is one of the prettiest bright pinks I've seen in a long time. All three colors offer a radiant finish.

Dior actually provides use instructions! I don't need them. I doubt you do either. Despite that, here goes.

1. Prep your lips or hydrate them as often as needed with the Crème de Rose Lip Balm.
2.  Line and define your lips with the Lipliner before applying lipstick (actually, I often do this after I apply lipstick).
3. Adorn them with haute colour from the lipstick collection. Choose from the three dazzling shades to suit your mood. For a natural look, use Mitzah Lilac or Pink Songe. For a couture look, choose Star Fuchsia. 
4. Finish with a touch of Lip Plumper for maximum volume and shine. The Lip Plumper can also be used alone for plumper lips and a natural, glossy look.

I'm smitten with this kit. Ordinarily, in a palette of this type, there's at least one color I'll never wear. I will wear every product/shade in Dior's Celebration Collection Makeup Palette for the Lips, which makes it a great deal.

To purchase it, you may have to call a Saks store. I can't find it online yet. I did find its sister eye palette, which I also purchased and will feature, at Sephora.

Update 10/2: Thanks to a sharp-eyed reader, here's a link to Nordstrom.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Lancôme Color Design Hydra-Balm Summer 2012 Tinted Hydrating Lipbalm SPF 15

A few months ago, in the spring, Lancôme's Bronze Diva summer display started to appear at the counters. At each store, from Saks to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom to Macy's, there was a glaring absence. The slots for Color Design Hydra-Balm ($22) were empty.

I was disappointed. I knew from the name that it would be a hydrating tinted balm, and I wanted it, by golly. One after another, the Lancôme reps explained to me that they had no idea what had happened to it, why it had never been delivered to them. The collection did ship to them in phases, but the Hydra-Balm was missing in action.

For some reason - not Hydra-Balm - I went off to Lancôme's Web site recently (before I lost my Internet connection), and there it was. I couldn't believe it. The coveted product was right there, in three shades. Perhaps it had been all along? I don't know, but I snapped up two shades faster than you an say shopping cart.

These new, limited-edition super-hydrating lip balms enhance the lips with a tint of popping, fresh, sheer color. You an summer-pamper your lips with long-lasting comfort with this shine-boosting balm that smoothes on deep replenishing moisture, along with a veil of SPF 15 sun protection.

Summer is a time for bright lip colors, but for me, they must be sheer. I don't want a lot of color on my lips when I'm hot. I do want some protection. Color Design Hydra-Balm suits me perfectly.

I took these photos on a blazing hot day. You can see the lip colors sweating. So was I. Lotus Blossom (#559) is shown at left, and Cactus Flower (#561) is shown at right. I knew they would be sheer and gorgeous, so the color in the tube of Cactus Flower didn't give me pause. There is a third shade, Desert Primrose, but it appears to be super-light.

I took them inside, put them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to let them cool off, then swatched, with Lotus Blossom at the top of my arm and Cactus Flower below. Both are sheer and offer a tint of color.

One pink, one peach, they will be perfect companions for me as we continue to sit out this heat wave. Today, the temperatures are predicted to be somewhere between 100 and 104. I'll be wearing one of these, trying to stay comfy.

I don't know whether they ever appeared at the department stores, but you can find them at the Lancôme Web site.

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

Stewart & Claire Lip Balm

Stewart & Claire - one of those lines you've never heard about, right? I discovered Stewart & Claire Lip Balm ($5) at Beautyhabit. It caught my eye for a couple of reasons. I once had a boyfriend named Stewart. I was about 18, and I still remember that dreamboat. Then I had a cat named Stuart (named after J.E.B. Stuart). At the time his "brother" was Mosby, the grey ghost. I digress.

Stewart & Claire makes small-batch lip balms, an idea that started over cocktails. While drinking one of Stewart's martinis, it occurred to Claire, a lip balm obsessive (aka addict), that mixing cocktails is like blending ingredients to create lip balm. Claire may have had one too many. After a year or so of tinkering, Claire developed a line of organic, all-natural lip balms that her lips liked better than others on the market. Stewart & Claire lip balms are made by hand in tiny batches, and they are constantly dreaming up new ones. Their lip balms are never tested on animals, which makes them particularly attractive.

Of course, for any kind of alchemy, it's important to start with great ingredients. In the case of the lip balm, Stewart & Claire use organic oils and butters and golden beeswax. They do not use any artificial flavorings. Instead, the scents come from pure essential oils and botanical-infused oils. For sensitive lips, Stewart & Claire offers a Bare balm, with no added scent. I bought that. They also offer seven other flavors. I bought Coconut. It's a beachy scent I love.

The verdict? I love them! The unscented balm, Bare, is made with rosehip seed oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for sensitive or irritated skin.The coconut version is made with extra-virgin coconut and roasted macadamia nut oils, has a subtle tropical scent, and is especially silky. Those with nut or similar allergies should note that Coconut is made with macadamia nut oil. Want another flavor? Check out your options at Beautyhabit! The $5 price makes it worth a try, especially if you are ordering and need a few extra dollars to make the difference between free shipping and a fee for shipping.

I think Clarie "did good." I need Tiki next. As for Stewart's martinis, I cannot comment. It would be fun if they supplied recipes with each balm.

Photos courtesy of Beautyhabit

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm: Available in Eight New Shades

A year and a half ago, Clinique introduced Chubby Sticks Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($16). They were $15 at the time. Either success or inflation led to a price increase, but I love them no less. What's a dollar when a product is this perfect?

These super-nourishing tinted balms are loaded with mango and shea butters to make them smooth, creamy, and a luscious treat for the lips. My dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortable, and Chubby Sticks are perfect for me. Clinique apparently heard the call and added eight new shades, each with a subtle sheen.

The application is quick and easy. The creamy, thick pencil glides across my lips with no drag, leaving color and moisture behind. There is no taste, and there is no discernible fragrance - just a pretty, natural tint that's flattering - and looks like my own, no matter what the shade.

My new shades are Curvy Candy (#14), Pudgy Peony (#15), and Voluptuous Violet (#16). They are shown above in the same order, left to right. I also swatched them in that order, top to bottom, on my arm. I took my photos in full sun. The colors may appear to be washed out from the sun, but what you see below is the way they look on my arm.

You will find that they look more pigmented on the lips than they look on my arm. Your own lip pigmentation will determine how much color they provide. Pudgy Peony, shown in the middle of the three swatches, is the darkest on my lips. It actually shows a lot of color. Voluptuous Violet isn't as crazy purple as it looks in the pencil.

Chubby Sticks leave a gleam on my lips, but they aren't overtly shiny. Evey one of the shades is gorgeous, and because they are so sheer, you can wear colors you might not have expected to work with your skin tone. You can't lose. Pick a few and try them.

Clinique advises that for subtle definition you should outline your lips first, then fill in with natural-looking color. That's too much trouble for me. I swipe (well, maybe draw) and go, as you would with any tinted balm. They are so easy - and so nice - you can't go wrong. Want to create your own Chubby Stick mix? Clinique has a cute tool on its Web site.

Leave it to Clinique to give us more good-for-us beauties. You can find the new colors at Clinique's Web site, Sephora, and Clinique counters (or online sites) everywhere.

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

Dior Addict Lip Balm in Crystal Coral

I always have lip balm with me - in my handbag, desk drawer, bathroom, next to my bed, and usually in my pocket. If my lips don't feel moist, I feel out of sorts. Even though I'm a lip balm addict, I'm selective. I love to wear tinted balms during the day, so I suspect I'll wear Dior's new limited-edition Addict Lip Balm in Crystal Coral ($30) down to a nub in no time.

In a shimmering coral, the color of the year, Crystal Coral (#003) is sunny and beautiful. Because it's sheer, it will look great on everyone. Inspired by runway makeup artists, who begin every application with a smoothing, moisturizing treatment, Dior created Dior Addict Lip Balm, an incredibly smooth balm with intense lip-care action for radiant makeup results. 

A formula enhanced with exceptionally powerful nourishing oils delivers plump and beautiful lips that feel moist for hours. Plus the color will make you look alive, even when you don't feel perky.

My swatch photos were taken in full sun. You can see that the shade is a pinky coral, a hue that works well for me. With the added color of my lips, it offers just enough color to look good on its own. Of course, it can be worn under or over a lipstick, and it's particularly fabulous when paired with a lip stain (try it with YSL's new Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain).

Sephora calls Crystal Coral exclusive, but you can purchase it at the Dior Web site too (as is often the case with exclusives). The pink shades that preceded Crystal Coral are available at Dior.com/beauty, while Sephora is only offering Crystal Coral.

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

Sephora Collection Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm

Sephora Collection's limited-edition Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm ($10) is billed as a moisturizing lipstick with a sheer, neon tint. Sephora says this lip treatment combines the hydrating benefits of a lip balm with the sheer tint of a lipstick. "The pop of neon color will highlight any look, and the long-wearing formula means you can keep your pout both moisturized and flashy from day into night." To quote Liz Crenshaw at NBC Washington, "Buuut...does it really do that?

Let's take a look at this fascinating lip balm/lip color. Check out its Jello-like appearance. That may be the feature of Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm I find most interesting. The transparent bullet in the tube is unique. I ordered Hot Pink, shown above, not knowing what to think about the four shades available when I saw the online color representations.

My swatch photos show Hot Pink on my arm in full sunlight. You'll see a baby pink that translates on the lips as a pink-tinted balm (as advertised). It's pretty, but not earth shattering, and definitely not "hot." On my lips, it doesn't have the shine the sun provided on my arm. On my lips it's boring - unfortunately.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Paradisso Purple, Funky Fuschia, or Crazy Coral. When I went to Sephora last weekend, I wanted to see the other shades. I couldn't find them on the Sephora brand display. One of the hovering sales people asked if she could help me. I responded by saying yes and asking where I might find these shades. She had no idea what I was talking about and punted by saying without hesitation that they didn't have the product. It was bad form in my opinion. She should have asked someone.

Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm is like a lip balm, but more like Chapstick than a tinted balm that's incredibly moisturizing, such as Rosebud Salve in a Tube (which I love). Keep in mind that my lips are moisture starved. Those with more natural moisture may find the hydration more effective. The only active, hydrating ingredient is jojoba seed oil. There are also some normal lipstick chemicals that read like hieroglyphics. I know what they are and do for a lipstick, but I won't bore you with the details.

You can purchase Hot Hues Neon Lip Balm at Sephora online. I don't know if it has arrived at Sephora stores, and I'm unlikely to find out any time soon. I like the one I bought, but I don't see any reason to purchase additional shades. It gets a pass, but not a rave.

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

Lancôme Le French Touche Absolu Nu from Rosaraie des Delices for Spring 2012

Lancôme has introduced a divine "bare lips sensation" lip balm/lip gloss hybrid with its Rosaraie des Delices for Spring 2012. Created by Aaron De May, Le French Touche Absolu Nu ($35) in Cotton Candy (#316) is a limited-edition shade. I can't figure out why it's limited. They could start a trend - perhaps a pricey one - but I'd be buying every new shade introduced.

The packaging, with its mint green diagonal stripes, was inspired by Lancôme's heritage lipsticks - fourth edition. This sheer pink shade was inspired by mouth-watering cotton candy, something I had to have as a child when we went to the amusement park in DC: Glen Echo, which closed long ago. Fortunately, we can still buy cotton candy at parks and fairs if we want an airy pink sugar treat.

Le French Touche Absolu Nu will enhance your natural lip tone in a veil of shiny, translucent color. The first ultra-caring lipstick with Lancôme's Pro-Xylane, it offers a new infinitely light texture, enriched with enhancing sheer pigments to reveal the radiance of beautifully replenished lips. Le French Touche Absolu Nu will adorn your lips with a delicate veil of color. It's right up my alley.

On my lips, it's pink - all pink - baby doll, cool pink. If it were a normal lipstick, I probably wouldn't like it. I'd say it's too light. The problem is that it feels so good, while providing a pop of pink color. Granted, that's not a problem, but it may be one reason you haven't read much "fuss" about it. Some may think it's too light for them. For fair-skinned gals? It's a perfect shot of pink for spring.

A few days ago, when it was frigid, I got arm swatch photos to show you. I willed my body to get rid of the goosebumps, as I ran outside in late-afternoon sun to snap photos. Clearly, my lips have more pigment than my inner arm does. I'll bet yours do too. That means that Le French Touche Absolu Nu will translate to its own shade on you. On me, it's a blue pink, with a color more like my second photo. I tried to get more oomph in the swatch photo above by finding a bright spot that didn't wash out the color.

If it weren't for the $35 price tag, I'd buy more of these. What I hope now is that Lancôme will see the light and make more shades available to us. Le French Touche Absolu Nu provides more color than the usual tinted balm, but much less than the usual lipstick. Additionally, Pro-Xylane restores moisture to the lips for up to eight hours, an extra-added benefit.

What do you think? I bought mine at Neiman Marcus. I've seen it at other Lancôme counters with the spring collection. It's also available at Lancôme's Web site, where there is a promotion. If you spend at least $75, you will receive a seven-piece gift. The totes are cute.

Photo at top courtesy of Lancôme; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

Bliss Fabulips Lip Treatment Set

Now's the time - get your skin ready for winter, especially your lips! The new Bliss Fabulips set ($45), launched in August, is the perfect way to prepare for the first blast of cold, dry air.

Fabulips is the only "one-spa-shop" that cares for your lips to leave them full, healthy, and beautiful in four simple steps. Designed to recreate Bliss's popular and unique fabulips treatment in the spa, this pucker-perfecting kit is like a facial for your lips.

Here's the four-step regimen. First, lift impurities and lip color with the one-of-a-kind foaming lip cleanser. Remove everything on your lips, from lipstick to lunch, with the refreshing cleanser. Apply it, let is set for 20-30 seconds, and then rinse off everything that doesn't belong on natural lips. Then, retexturize. Polish lips and remove dead skin with the deliciously sweet, orange-flavored, gentle sugar lip scrub. Apply it in a circular motion and wipe off with a damp washcloth (or rinse off if you wish). It contains finely granulated sugar and almond and walnut shells to polish the skin on your lips (and remove scaly, dead skin cells).

Rejuvenate with the visibly volumizing instant, mint-flavored lip plumper to help your lips reach their fullest potential. Just click it to dispense the product and apply. A cork tree extract and peptide-packed complex delivers long-lasting lushness. Last, seal the deal with Bliss's luscious, moisturizing softening lip balm (which I'm wearing as I write - it does triple duty). It contains shea butter and jojoba and grapeseed oils to leave your lips feeling hydrated and healthy. The directions say to apply it as needed. For me, that means about every 30 minutes. I am, after all, a lip balm addict.

I received my set from Bliss for review. When it arrived, I was afraid to test it - or anything else. I had burned my lips with something, most likely chili peppers. I was a sad mess. My lips were hurt, blistered, and peeling. Once I recovered, I decided to save the Fabulips goodies for the advent of the cold weather season. I'm glad I did. Now I'm feeling quite pampered.

The boxed set is actually a nice holiday gift, but I doubt you'll be able to part with it. It's a great value. Check it out and see what I mean. You can find it at the Bliss Web site.

If you want to watch a funny Bliss Bachelorette Parody, watch this YouTube video. I'm afraid I'm sharing it too late for the free offer, but if you think the Bachelorette is as dorky as I do, you're going to love it.

Photo courtesy of Bliss

YSL's Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color - Four New Shades

This past spring, I fell in love with YSL's Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color ($30). I purchased every shade. The glossy, tinted balm dresses the lips in a sheer veil of brilliant transparent color boosted with vitamin-laden and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Its ultra-light texture leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated and looking shiny - just the way I like them.

I was delighted that four new shades have been introduced this fall.

• Sweet Fig (#7)
• Iced Plum (#8)
• Cool Guava (#9)
• Tangy Mandarine (#10)

I purchased three of the four, shown at right. I do not have #7, Sweet Fig, pictured above at left. Long story, but it came home with me by accident, so I took its picture.

As in the spring, I'm thrilled to have these new colorful and glossy lip balms. YSL must have known me when it introduced Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy. The shades are so sheer they are wearable by all - no matter what their shade. I even purchased what appears to be orange in the tube, but it's a wearable shade - even for us cool-skin types. I would have purchased the one new shade I didn't purchase if money were no concern. It's pretty, but I had to draw the line somewhere.

Glossy balm. Crystal color. Lips are adorned with a sheer veil of brilliant color. Boosted with fruit extract rich in vitamins and antioxidants, lips become deliciously sensual. The ultra-light texture leaves lips feeling soft and hydrated for up to eight hours and is ideal for year-round use. The juicy, sheer color is perfect for summer while the soothing, moisturizing texture feels sublime.

I took my swatch photos in full sun in alphabetical order, starting with #8 near my wrist and working down to #10. In one photo, my arm faced the sun directly, and in the other, I turned it at a slight angle to show more color. The shade not swatched, #7 Sweet Fig, is a very sheer brick red. How do my three new beauties look? Sheer, pastel, and flattering!

While #8, Iced Plum, and #9, Cool Guava, look almost indistinguishable on my arm, one is more lavender, as you can see in the tube. On the skin and lips, #9, Tangy Mandarine, is a brilliantly flattering ripe peach - so much prettier than it appears at first glance in the tube. That's a lesson. Try these in person; you'll fine the shades much softer on the lips than they appear in the tubes.

As we all expect from YSL, the tubes are gorgeous - classy and functional, with their hint of the color behind the central logo on each. That's a touch that distinguishes these glossy and colorful balms from other brands. I can glance into my makeup bag and select the shade I want in an instant - and I always have at least one of these with me.

I'm a happy beauty addict this week! I purchased my new YSL Rouge Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color shades at Neiman Marcus. They are available at YSL's Web site and will be at other YSL counters soon.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Two Sheer Lip Colors from BITE: SPF 15 Sheer Balm and Lip Shine

BITE Beauty is an alluring collection of lip products, available at Sephora. All of BITE's products feature the super-antioxidant, resveratrol, to protect your lips. Ranging from the lightest to the darkest shades, the long-lasting shades were designed by leading makeup artists. In addition to featuring resveratrol, BITE's formulas have all-star, natural ingredient lists that include organic shea butter, superfoods, and food-grade coloring, making them "good enough to eat."

I've been exploring my way through BITE's products, and I'm very happy with everything I tried. Today, I'm featuring two different products: SPF 15 Sheer Balm and BITE Lip Shine. I'm a sheer lip color worshiper, and I know that I don't sit alone in that pew.

SPF 15 Sheer Balm ($19) caught my eye immediately. The slim tube, transparent color, and SPF protection reminded me of one of my "old favorites," YSL's Gloss Volupté Sheer Sensual Gloss Stick. This soothing Sheer Balm formula features delicious organic mint and blood orange essential oils to refresh and cool the lips. With every application, a micro-delivery of super-antioxidant resveratrol provides age-repairing benefits. Each balm contains the amount of resveratrol found in five glasses of red wine. More has to be better, right?

There are eight shades available, ranging from Sparkling (pale peach nude) to Burgundy (berry rose). They had me at the berry description, so I ordered Burgundy. With transparent lip colors, I like to go darker so that I can see some color on my lips - it lights up my face.

BITE Lip Shine ($20) is a gloss, a translucent lip tint available in 10 illuminating colors. There's something for everyone, from the sheer nude Prosecco to Raspberry, a blue red. As with the balm, I was looking for a little color, so I selected Plum, described as sheer aubergine.

This high-tech gloss is infused with time-release jojoba beads and an antioxidant resveratrol complex that imparts soothing hydration and intense shine. Like the SPF 15 Sheer Balm, each Lip Shine contains a high concentration of resveratrol, but no nasty stuff, like synthetics, polybutene, and petroleum byproducts.

I took a few photos for you - all in full, afternoon sun, but all with my arm turned at slightly different angles to the sun. My photos were taken in front of a Kousa dogwood. Mine is in full, glorious bloom.

I applied SPF 15 Sheer Lip Balm in Burgundy at the top and Sheer Lip Shine in Plum at the bottom of my arm. I think both shades are gorgeous. They are different products, but have very similar levels of pigmentation - or sheerness. It's like describing a glass as half-full or half-empty. Since I selected pigmented shades in sheer lip colors, they have color - on my arm and on my lips. I love that.

On my lips, Burgundy isn't burgundy. Instead, it's the beautiful berry color you see on my arm. Plum Lip Shine is plum-rose or rosy grape, beautiful to my eyes.

The Balm has no discernible taste. The Lip Shine does. It's not one of those bubble-gum tastes, though - nor does it taste like red wine, which would be "interesting." The ingredient list of both says "natural flavor," but I have no idea what it is - and I can't taste it at all in the Balm. Figure that out!

There is retinyl palmitate (far down on the ingredient list) in the Lip Shine; it's not present in the Balm. For that reason, I would buy a second Balm before I buy a second Lip Shine. My regular readers know that's a personal preference. Unless you are also sensitive to retinyl palmitate, you shouldn't care; you might even like having the vitamin A derivative for its anti-aging benefits.

Enticed to try one? I think they deserve a look-see. There are many other BITE lip products to tempt you. I also purchased the Vitamin Gel Trio, which I'll tell you about very soon. All of BITE's beauties are exclusive to Sephora.

P.S. I've started spelling out my blog name in the photo credits because of content theft. BTiB was too vague to indicate to those reading my stolen features on other sites that it's my arm!

Product photos courtesy of Sephora; swatches by Best Things in Beauty

Alima Pure Organic Nourishing Lipbalm

Just in time for summer, a luscious treat for luscious lips! Alima Pure's organic Nourishing Lipbalms ($7) hit the spot. Housed in cute little slim tubes, these are take-everywhere lip treats.

These lovely new lip balms are lip color and treatment in one. Filled with soothing antioxidants, rich pigments, and organic plant oils and butters, Alima Pure's glossy balms are delightful. The company sent me three of them, and I'm coveting more. At $7 each, I won't feel any pain ordering one of each. Each of the three shades I've tried adds what looks like natural color to my lips - like I was born with it. I'm wearing Fig as I write. It's divine. There is a clear one, just in case you want your organic lip balm to be colorless. I can't imagine that, given the pretty colors, but the option is available.

Alima Pure's Nourishing Lipbalm was in development for two years while the company worked to create the perfect combination of incredible organic ingredients from certified producers and premium natural mineral pigments. They wanted the balm feel amazing, smell great, and deliver rich color. They succeeded! Organic white tea and pomegranate antioxidants nourish and protect the lips for hours, and the shades are universally flattering.

Here are swatch photos of Fig, Holly Berry, and Rhubarb, top to bottom. My photos were taken in full afternoon sun. The sun added a lot of shimmer to the shades. They are not particularly shiny or sparkly - just gorgeously glossy. I think the middle shade, Holly Berry, in the photo at left below shows the finish the best. Even with the reflections from the sun, the color renderings in the photos are spot-on. I love all three and wouldn't be able to choose just one. Now I want all the rest of the shades - really! I am a lip balm addict, and why wouldn't a lip balm addict want believable color to go with a moisturizing treat?

While they have a very subtle mint fragrance, it disappears in a heartbeat. I'm fine with the scent. The sticks are soft, and I have messed them up a bit with use. I wouldn't recommend leaving them in a hot car. I'm not sure what they would do, and I am not going to test one of my little treasures by doing that.

Alima Pure is on my "favorite green beauty companies list." If you missed the dazzling Rainforest Collection of gem-toned eye shadows, you can see my swatches at this link.

Alima Pure has a great Web site, filled with information, and their blog is interesting (a great discussion of natural health and beauty). They also have a Facebook site and a Twitter account. Check them out - you won't be disappointed. This is green makeup a makeup snob can love!

Photo at top courtesy of Alima Pure

YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color

YSL's Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color ($30) has landed - at Sephora. I had expected it to arrive at Neiman Marcus in late June or July. Suddenly, it appeared as a temporary Sephora exclusive. I jumped for joy because it's the replacement for my beloved YSL Gloss Volupté Sheer Sensual Gloss Sticks, which I started hoarding the moment I learned they were being discontinued.

This glossy, tinted balm will dress your lips in a sheer veil of brilliant transparent color boosted with vitamin-laden and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Its ultra-light texture leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated - just the way I like them.

There are six shades. Since I was online and didn't have an opportunity to play with them, I ordered all six. I'm glad I did. There isn't one I don't like. Here are the shades, as described by Sephora and YSL.

• 01 Lush Coconut, sheer nude beige with golden shimmer
• 02 Dewy Papaya, sheer fresh peach
• 03 Juicy Grapefruit, sheer fresh baby pink with golden shimmer
• 04 Succulent Pomegranate, sheer bright pink with red undertones
• 05 Mouthwatering Berry, sheer reddish blackberry
• 06 Luscious Cherry, sheer cherry red with golden shimmer

Here is a photo of all six tubes. The tubes are silver in color, as opposed to the golden tubes in which the Rouge Volupté lip colors are housed. That will help me find one of them in my makeup bag in a hurry, particularly since Rouge Volupté Perle in Stellar Pink is with me at all times. Each balm has a representation of its shade in the decorative color band on the tube - helpful for people like me who carry more than one along.

When you read "sheer" with each description, there's a reason. If you are looking for pigmented lipsticks, this is not your lip color. If you want a natural, hydrating color that you can swipe and go, you will adore Volupté Sheer Candy.

To get swatches for you, I applied four or five swipes of each shade on my arm and took my photo outdoors in bright sunlight. I swatched in numerical order from top (near my wrist) to bottom. The photo at left shows that, with one exception, they increase in pigmentation as you move from 01 to 06. The lightest one is 03, Juicy Grapefruit (third from top), which is a barely there pink.

I have had 01, Lush Coconut, at my desk at work for a few days. I love it! The nude color is perfect for a quick touch-up or dose of moisture for my lips, and I've needed almost continuous moisture on my lips since I burned them with something early in the week. Don't let the appearance of the shades in the tube mislead you. All of these, even the one that appears to be orange, are extremely wearable.

I added two photos to show you the shades from slightly different angles. Can you tell I love Sheer Candy? At right, with the sun making the shades reflect in an arc, the shades show off their glossiness. Below, with the sun at a different angle, you can still see how glossy the Sheer Candy shades will be on your lips. You certainly don't need to apply lip gloss over these beauties!

The Sheer Candy's do have a fruity fragrance, much like the Gloss Volupté Sheer Sensual Gloss Sticks (possibly the same). The mango fragrance of its predecessor didn't bother me at all, and this one doesn't either. However, if you didn't like the gloss sticks, try before you buy.

I love them! Right now, you can only purchase YSL's Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color at Sephora. They are scheduled to arrive at YSL counters at the department stores in July.

Top photo courtesy of Sephora

News You Need to Know: YSL and BITE

One's history, one's new: sheer lip colors...

YSL is discontinuing its Gloss Volupté Sheer Sensual Gloss Stick SPF 9 - very soon. I would guess that production stopped long ago, since its replacement is going to hit the counters in April. The replacement sounds divine, but...if you are as addicted as I am to the Gloss Stick, hoard now!

Yesterday, I asked my favorite Neiman Marcus sales associate to pull every color they had left except Tangy Orange. Today, I found that Sephora has only one shade left to sell. Why don't companies warn us? If you like these fabulous Gloss Sticks, it's time to search and buy. The replacement may be stunning - and probably is. The gals in the stores have been trained, and they think it's going to wow us. I just like what I like, and I hate to lose favorites.

Not long ago, I got a very nice sample from Sephora. BITE Lip Rouge ($22) is a multitasking lip color and blush, rich with buildable layers of color and a satin texture. This lip color delivers the super-antioxidant resveratrol, which fights free radicals with potent long-term anti-aging benefits. Each Lip Rouge contains the amount of resveratrol found in five glasses of red wine (so do we or don't we ingest our liptick?). For weeks, Sephora has had an offer of a free sample with the promotion code BITE.

The Geranium sample shade comes in a pot that's generous for a free sample and well worth your selection. The sample was still available last night. Now that I have a few of the samples (perfect for my purse for lip and cheek color on the go), I plan to order another shade. This is a nice tinted balm - worthy of a look-see.

Here's a swatch of Geranium, the shade Sephora sent. It's very pretty. On my lips, it's light pink. I applied the Lip Rouge with my finger and took my photo in outdoor sunlight. When I order one, I will select a shade that is slightly darker - maybe Raisin.

BITE is new to Sephora. In addition to featuring beauty's hottest antioxidant, resveratrol, the all-natural ingredient list of their many lip products includes organic shea butter, superfoods, and food-grade colors, making them good enough to eat. "It's beauty that's better for you."

While I am telling you about Sephora, the company just started a sample promotion. You can select five samples of skin-care products until April 5. No special code is needed. While the samples are the typical packet samples, it's a nice offer. You'll get five samples, and you can still get your BITE sample. You won't even have to look at smelly perfume samples.

I'm toying with making News You Need to Know a periodic feature - appearing when I have news bytes to share ("half-posts" to combine) - so please let me know what you think.

Photos courtesy of Sephora

MELVITA Essentials Lip Stick

MELVITA is a fabulous natural beauty brand. I love their products. Last year, SkinStore, where you can purchase a long list of MELVITA products - usually at a discount, sent me a kit of samples. I don't remember whether MELVITA's Essentials Lip Stick ($10) was in the kit or whether I purchased it. If I purchased it, I made a brilliant choice (in my humble opinion).

This lip treatment is lightly, almost imperceptibly scented with mandarin essence. It was designed to regenerate and effectively protect the lips, leaving them feeling comfortable and intensely hydrated. Since I'm a total lip treatment addict, I have MELVITA's Essential Lip Stick stationed on the dresser in my bedroom. I usually swipe it on each time I walk by.

The Essential Lip Stick:

• Helps to prevent lip drying and damage;
• Contains shea butter and argan butter to repair and soften the lips; and
  
• Has 100% natural ingredients.

In other words, it's pure and clean, so you don't have to worry about layering chemicals on your lips.

The container is cardboard. It's not fancy, but neither is the price. It's recyclable. It's larger/wider than other lip balms. It has a texture in the tube that could best be described as uneven (one reviewer called it bumpy) - it's not slick. The product applies smoothly, though, leaving a nice, hydrating coating on my lips.

Many of the ingredients come from organic farms. Others are derived from natural oils. It's a nice list, which you can see at this link. MELVITA is an amazing company. With a humble beginning as a biologist and beekeeper, founder Bernard Chevilliat set out to preserve the beautiful countryside of the Ardèche Gorges (France). Among his many accomplishments, he designed a production facility to blend into the surrounding landscape, and he installed a wastewater treatment system. The MELVITA production site in Lagorce now covers almost five acres and is focused on making minimal impact to the environment.

"Faced with the combined assaults of industrial chemistry and parasites, the world of bees was already, in my eyes, a reminder of the world’s increasing fragility, because a world without bees would be a world without flowers, fruit, beauty… This was why, from the outset, I wanted to place “nature at heart” of our approach and of our ecological and humanistic concerns," said Chevilliat.

MELVITA is a pioneer in organic cosmetics and has grown to become one of France’s leading brands of natural and organic cosmetics - resolutely organic - because they are convinced that the organic commitment is one of the keys to the future of the planet. Who could argue with that?

You can purchase MELVITA products - all of them fabulous - at SkinStore.com (one of my favorite online sources). SkinStore often has generous discount offers. Right now, by using the code GSG20, you can get a 20% discount on everything in their Spring Guide to Gorgeous.

Photo courtesy of SkinStore