Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm - Three Shades

I decided it was time to invest in some "new" Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Balms ($17). Yes, there was a nice GWP. First featured here in February 2013, I was ready for some new shades. You can translate that to mean I love them.

These lip pencils provide a soft cushion of color that's not quite opaque, but close. Let's call them semi-opaque - not too intense, not at all wimpy. Loaded with mango and shea butters, these wonderful sticks will make your lips pop with color and feel comfortably soft and smooth. I selected three shades - two of which are new to me and one that's a repeat because my original is worn to a nub.

My new purchases are shown below. In left to right order, they are Curviest Caramel (#01) shown above and below at left; Chunkiest Chili (#02), shown in the middle below; and Broadest Berry (#07) - a repeat purchase. Berry shades and I have a "thing."

Sorry the sun chose to focus on those shiny silver bases. It left the tubes slightly out of focus, but I think I made up for it with swatches, which I swatched in numerical order, starting with #01 at the op of my arm and ending with #07, my repeat fave.

I took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sunshine. I applied each shade moderately - not too light, not too heavily. As you can see at the top of my arm, Curviest Caramel, which is characterized as a nude, is really a warm pink "on the nude side." It's a perfect color for me; I don't look very good in beige lip colors. I need for them to lean toward pink or peach.

Chunkiest Chili, in the middle, was an experiment. I will admit I wasn't sure if it was a good shade for me. Also characterized as nude (a misnomer, I think), it is a very warm rose. It's actually quite flattering, so I guessed well. I won't claim to have planned its lovely look.

I'm still in love with Broadest Berry, show at the bottom above. Categorized as violet, I'd call it a berry shade - something like wild raspberry. It's lovely on the lips, adding a vivid color that's believable.

Loaded with mango and shea buttersl these lip pencils make my lips feel comfortably soft and smooth. They are great for throwing in my purse for color on the go. The price at $17 is a steal. I know that many of you have expressed your preference to spend your money anywhere but Clinique. There is some perception that Clinique is for kids. I don't agree. I see Clinique as being the same as its Estée Lauder "cousins." It's well known that beauty companies tweak very little from line to line when they introduce new products. I like to think of Clinique as being the bargain of the family.

I purchased my new Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms from the Clinique Web site. You can find them at every retailer - in store and online - that offers Clinique products.

P.S. I had planned to publish this feature today, before my feed e-mail went out. I'm sorry I didn't make it. Work or fatigue can get in my way. Today it was work. 

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

M·A·C Patentpolish Lip Pencil

Recently, and for the first time in a long time, I purchased a few M·A·C items. I seldom try because the brand's most exciting pieces sell out the day they are introduced. I was surprised to be able to order two new lip pencils. Maybe no one wanted them (big smile).

The color and shine of a gloss, the precision of a lip pencil - now in one color stick. M·A·C Patentpolish Lip Pencil ($20) instantly achieves a luscious shine with a single swipe. Effortless twist-up keeps application clean and simple, with no need to sharpen. Enjoy color in a range of 12 new shades - from bright corals to soft, rosy pinks and natural nudes - that stay bright and true on all skin tones.

I ordered Pleasant (shown at left above) and Spontaneous (shown at right). Both are pretty colors. I love the finish they leave on the lips.

I took my swatch photos in full sun. Pleasant is a bright cherry shade. Spontaneous is a warm mauve-pink. I love these pencils. Pencils seem so easy. The Patentpolish Lip Pencils provide a liquid look - almost like patent leather.

I think the range of colors in this collection provides something for everyone. Check it out. It didn't sell out the day it was released. You may still be able to buy one from M·A·C's Web site, a M·A·C boutique, or a M·A·C counter.

Photos at top and bottom courtesy of M·A·C; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Enchanted Winter Garden Eye & Lip Pencil Bouquet for Holiday 2013

Clé de Peau Beauté's beautiful Bouquet Floral Wintry Eye & Lip Pencils from the Enchanted Winter Garden Collection for Holiday 2013 ($95) feature three eye pencils and two lip pencils for endless makeup possibilities. I thought the set was beyond clever when I first saw it. I loved the mix of lip, eye, and highlighting pencils. Now that I've used the pencils, I think the set is magnificent.

From an unknown place comes a call to exquisite beauty, and along the path appears an enchanting winter garden. In a moment of awe, colorful flowers bloom in ice. Sparkling and gem-like, each precious petal reflects a drama all its own. With formulations that mirror the brilliance of a new beginning, and a revelation of the splendor that is yours.

This limited-edition of eye and lip pencils was inspired by the allure of flowers glistening in ice. Each pencil provides a distinct light-reflecting finish to enhance your desired look. Since it's Clé de Peau, it looks good. From the packaging to the graduated color on the pencils themselves, to the choice of colors, these pencils look special.

I was told that the pretty floral box was cut from a very large sheet of paper - almost like a giant print - so each design is unique. I didn't inspect boxes to verify that, but it sounds plausible. I like the design. However, the action starts inside the box.

I love these colors. The taupe pencil on the left is worth its weight in gold. Both lip pencils work for me, giving me a light option and a dark one. Right now, I have the darker one applied all over my lips, with a gloss on top. The look is really pretty. I like all of them.

Let's take a closer look. I drew lines on my arm - too thin, I can now see - moving in the same order in which the pencils are shown above. I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun.

The top three eye shades provide a unique trio. Even though it looks lavender at the top of my arm, the top shade is very taupe. I'd call it 3/4 taupe and 1/4 lavender. The best news is that it looks fabulous on my eyes. I've been wearing it as an eye shadow over the whole lid up to the crease.

The burnt orange shade will make your blue or green eyes pop. I've grown much less afraid of these shades as I've seen the results. I like this one as a liner. The champagne shade is utterly fabulous for the inner corner to highlight the eyes and open them. Of course, you can use this shade anywhere on your face. That's why it's so handy.

The two lip pencils, one rose and one warm pink, give you options - whether you choose to use them as lip pencils or lip colors. The darker one goes on my lips with a fall look, like a stain. I add the effect of flowers on ice with a sheer, sparkly lip gloss.

These pencils are all very long-lasting on my eyelids and lips. They apply like a creamy dream, but stay put once they set. Someone with very oily eyelids may have a different experience. That's why you'll need to try them, if possible, before you buy. My dry skin grabs on and holds on.

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. I have found the holiday collection online at Nordstrom. I suspect you will be able to find it at all Clé de Peau Beauté sources soon. If you stop by the counter, you can see the rest of the items in the collection. The blush and these pencils were all I could afford for now.

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

NARS So Famous Set Giveaway Contest

 

Another recent "find" in my makeup museum is the limited-edition NARS So Famous Set ($44). I bought two many moons ago and set one aside - and then forgot about it.

The set includes three products.

• 0.16 oz Deep Throat Blush (peach with shimmer)
• 0.08 oz Bettina Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (natural rose beige sheen)
• 0.14 oz Mini Orgasm Multiple (peachy pink shimmer)

The Mini Orgasm Multiple is worth its weight in gold. Imagine an Orgasm Multiple that will fit into your makeup bag in your purse. This little darling is fabulous! You can use it on eyes, cheeks, and lips. The Deep Throat Blush is a gorgeous pinky-peach, and although it has a bit of shimmer, it's perfectly wearable (unlike Super Orgasm, which is just too glittery for my taste). I like the Bettina Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. It's a warm-toned neutral, perfect for this spring's peachy shades. It's a nice "fat" lip pencil - easy to use.

I have one set to giveaway. How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, June 15, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears. Tonight, I was off saving a baby squirrel.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

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