The Friday Forum - March 11

What an eventful lunchtime I had today! After a meeting at Tysons, I zoomed over to Bloomingdale's to see Pamela Morgan, YSL's National Makeup Artist, and now their fragrance guru as well. She showed me a set of the new-ish fragrances that Bergdorf Goodman is carrying, and I was enchanted with almost every one of them.

The Patchouli? Not for me. Don't even get that stuff near me. All of the rest, in my opinion, are divine. I'm wearing Saharienne, which was first presented in 1968 and relaunched in 2011. Fragrantica describes it as a blend of the contrasts of hot desert aromas and fresh tones that are desirable in the summer as the hottest of all fresh waters. Sparkling and invigorating notes of lemon, Italian bergamot, and mandarin give way to the core made of white flower petals, orange leaf, galbanum, and black currant bud. The base is warm and sensual due to the spiciness of pink pepper and ginger, and their is a powdery effect as it dries down. Heavenly.

After smelling all of them, I think I want four. How am I going to pull that off?

As I left Bloomingdale's and got in my car, who should walk by but Loyd Cassler! I haven't seen Loyd in years - since he left Saks Fifth Avenue as "Mr. Armani." I was thrilled to jump out and have a five-minute chat, which we hope to continue on the phone. He is now with Algenist and spends a good bit of time managing the brand in the greater Maryland, DC, and Virginia region. I'd love to see him again soon. We have a lot of catching up to do.

I want to give you a warning about an advertisement you may have seen here or on Facebook. Do not purchase from the scammers that call themselves Dress Lily. I am in the process of a very tedious process with them to return a mis-advertised item. It turns out they are in China. Because of their unresponsiveness, I have filed my first-ever PayPal dispute. Just don't even consider their products. I have blocked their advertisements from showing up here ever again.  There is even a Facebook page called People Scammed by Dress Lily.

It's time for The Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope you are ready to share.


Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Mediterranean Palette Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Mamavalveeta03! Val won the Giorgio Armani Beauty Mediterranean Palette. Random.org finally selected an early entrant - yea!

Our good friends from the Giorgio Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, donated this week's giveaway contest prize - and it's a great one. Four beautiful eye shadows and a fabulous bronzer grace this elegant mirrored compact. See my May feature with swatches of the Mediterranean Palette ($85). I am so grateful to the Saks Armani Team for this exciting giveaway contest!

We can count on Armani to design gorgeous bronzer/eye shadow palettes, and this year's edition, shown to the left, continued the magic. These palettes are unique because they work for everyone - for my fair skin, as well as those with dark skin and everyone in between. Armani's palettes are like a paint kit in one elegant compact. The eye shadow shades in this one are metallic copper, sea green, pale chiffon, and deep teal - seasonless colors. The bronzer is also a perfect shade for any season.

To enter to win this week's giveaway contest, just leave a comment here once. If you've ever tried - and loved - Armani Beauty products, please let us know which ones. We've got to spread the love.

After you comment, feel free to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

You can "earn" a second entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest soon, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. You can earn a third entry by following the blog - either here or on Twitter (any entrant who is already a follower will automatically earn the follower point).

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, October 30, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. 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.

Here is more "fine print." This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the palette for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I won't be able to replace it with another palette for an overseas winner. We'll see how this works. My shipping issues have occurred when I've shipped overseas - the packages to the U.S. and Canada always arrive without incident. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail services do right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

Good Luck!

Thank you, Loyd Cassler, Giannina Davis, and Nimati Nazhat for this stunning palette. You're the best! One Best Things in Beauty reader is going to be very happy - and pretty - gal.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family

It's Friends & Family time at Saks Fifth Avenue. If you have a Saks near you, the event starts on Thursday, October 21, and runs through Saturday in store (I think). The discount in the beauty department is only 10%, but any discount is welcome these days!

This is the time to purchase those expensive beauty staples you use every day. I'll be stocking up on La Mer and Sisley skin care, and of course, I'll be purchasing the Giorgio Armani Beauty holiday sets if they arrive. There is a whole new line of YSL lipsticks I want to consider, and I need one of the new Guerlain Rouge G lipsticks that has sold out at Neiman Marcus. I'll wander by the fragrance department too, dragging Loyd Cassler with me to shop.

Friends & Family used to be a secret event. You had to be appreciated by someone in the store to be told. Now, it's open to everyone - certainly more democratic. At the Saks stores local to me, the event coincides with the cancer charity shopping events, so there's a double-good reason to shop later this week. Will you be there?

Update 10/24: Friends & Family ends today, Sunday, October 24.

Photo at top courtesy of Saks

Tim Quinn Event at Saks Chevy Chase

You heard it here first. Tim Quinn, Celebrity Makeup Artist for Giorgio Armani Beauty, wants to be a spy. After attending the premiere of Fair Game, the new thriller starring Naomi Watts as Valerie Plame and Sean Pean, who played Valerie's husband Joseph Wilson, Tim decided it would be fun to be a spy. He also thinks that a makeup artist would make a great spy because women tell makeup artists all their secrets. Love it - Tim the spy! If you have secrets, be careful what you tell your favorite makeup artist, gals.

As always, Tim was busy at the event today at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland. When I walked in after work, every customer seat was filled, and Tim and Armani's fabulous Rhona Samuels (and a few others actually) were making sure everyone left looking pretty.

Spread over two floors (!), the Armani team, including my local friends from Saks, were all showing off the newest Giorgio Armani Beauty colors. I asked Loyd Cassler if he would touch up my eye makeup. After he did, we went upstairs to get Tim's opinion. He liked it!

Loyd used the latest Night Viper Eye Shadow Quad, mixing the icy brown and silver shades to cover the lower lid. Then, he used the dark brown shade for the outer half of the crease. He used a black pencil to line my eyes right above my lashes and under my lower lashes on the outer half (smudged a bit). He also applied the liner on the waterline of my top lid. Then, he did something I'd never seen. He applied black liner on the outer edge of my lower lid (above the lashes) in three upward strokes and blended it, making it look like a deep shadow. It really emphasized my eyes. The lighting in the store for photos was dreadful; this is the best we could do for an eye close-up. You really can't see Loyd's eyeliner handiwork; I thought it looked great. Looks like we could have used a little concealer in the inner corners next to my nose!

Tim's favorite look for fall? Plum lips, using Rouge d'Armani #602, a gorgeous plum, with a navy blue liner on the eye. The navy liner was inspired by Armani's spring fashion collection - one that featured navy. Tim said the navy liner will carry into spring looks. I'm ready! I adore navy liner.

It was a fun visit. I've attached two photos: one of world-famous Tim and "little me" (we had to prop me up on a cushion to prevent me from looking like a "munchkin" next to Tim), and the other of my fabulous and talented friends from the Saks Fifth Avenue Armani Beauty team. Isn't the way Loyd's head is framed below by the display model's lips hilarious? That was not planned, just like his emergency need for a seamstress earlier in the day.


Left to right are Giannina Davis, Loyd Cassler, and Nimati Nazhat. You can still call Saks Chevy Chase for an appointment during the event. Tim will be in the store late tomorrow afternoon and all day Saturday. I hope Rhona will be there too!

I'll tell you more about the holiday collection in tomorrow's Friday Forum.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Event with Tim Quinn - and Lexi's Makeover

Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland just had a very special two-day Giorgio Armani Beauty event featuring the always-charming and extremely talented Tim Quinn, Armani Beauty's Celebrity Face Designer. My friend Lexi and I went on Friday. I had fun talking to Tim and watching him make all the ladies glamorous. I was able to get this photo of Tim with Loyd Cassler (manager of the Saks Armani Beauty team and makeup artist extraordinaire) when I arrived - just as the team had returned from lunch and right before it got crazy in there! By the time I left, there were 10 women getting their makeup polished at any given time.

I decided it would be fun to show you a makeover - this time courtesy of Loyd and Tim. They teamed up to take Lexi from her usual pretty self to alluring. To the left is Lexi's before photo, greeted by Loyd when she arrived. She was wearing a tiny amount of makeup. Loyd went to work with concealer and foundation. He used High Precision Retouch #2 to brighten her eyelids. Then he mixed Fluid Sheer #3 with Luminous Silk Foundation #5 in his hand and applied the combination with a brush to even out Lexi's complexion. He filled in her brows using the Eyebrow Defining Pencil in#3.

Loyd provided a brow tip worth sharing. When you use a brow pencil, first take your fingers and pull up the brow. Use the pencil turned flat to apply color to the brow on the inside of the arch. Then use the point of the pencil to apply color from the arch toward the hairline, all the time pulling up on the brow. This provides a natural look, particularly since your brows are thicker closest to your nose and thin out on the other side of their arch.

Next, Loyd applied two bronzers to sculpt Lexi's face. First he used Sheer Bronzer in #1 to contour her face and make her cheekbones pop. Then he used what was left on the brush to go down the center of her face. He said you should remember not to go straight from the bronzer pan to the center of your face - the result will be too much color. He used the warmer tone in the Bronze Mediterranean Palette as an allover highlighter to warm her complexion. He even used it on under her chin and on parts of her neck to give her a radiant glow.

Loyd finished his half of Lexi's makeover with Sheer Blush #10, which is one of my all-time favorites. I was wearing it that day, and Loyd explained to Lexi that she could apply it as softly as I had or a bit more dramatically, which he did because she was about to be photographed.

Tim took over at that point to make Lexi's eyes striking and glamorous. He was so sweet; he remarked that Lexi was so pretty she didn't need makeup. As I watched Tim work, I was struck by how he was able to wear that white jacket all day without getting a single makeup smudge on it - amazing! I also coveted his navy blue Armani sneakers. They were so stylish, and they looked so comfy!

Tim used the new Bronze Mediterranean Palette at our request. He worked his magic with the beautiful green shades - blending, blending, blending - then lined Lexi's eyes with Smooth Silk Eye Pencil in #3 on the top lid and lower waterline. He applied Eyes to Kill Mascara, Armani's super-hit, which was just released in a waterproof formula. He finished her eyes with few more dabs of concealer - this time #3 - and the incomparable Crema Nera Reviving Eye Cream, which is intended to be applied over your makeup to highlight your eyes while it hydrates.

Lexi's eyes were a knockout when he finished, so he used softer colors on her lips, making Lexi pretty in pink with Armanisilk Lipstick in #16 and Lip Shimmer Lip Gloss in #62. He also used Smooth Silk Lip Pencil in #1 after he had applied lipstick and gloss.

He touched up her brows a bit, and voila - she was stunning! I asked Lexi to look down so I could show you her pretty green-shaded eyes. If you think you can't wear green on your eyelids, think again! This photo shows how sheer and wearable the green shades in the new palette really are (BTiB swatches).

The finished look? A little hard to see in this photo of Lexi and Tim. Trust me - she was dazzling!

I couldn't leave "merely fabulous" alone, though. I thought it would be fun to see Lexi with a stronger lip look and knew it would photograph really well. Loyd selected shades that coordinated with her coral clothing, using Sheer Lipstick and Lip Shimmer Lip Gloss. See what a difference it made below. Lexi thought her lips were a bit too dramatic for her tastes, but Loyd and I loved the look. Immediately below is Loyd posing with Lexi for her final photo (where the lighting was better), and you can see the full effect of Tim's and Loyd's artistry.

It's always fun to watch Tim Quinn, Loyd, and the rest of the team work. I wandered around watching transformations of women of every age (from teenagers to 60-70), skin type, eye color, and ethnicity - whether they wanted a natural look or one they could wear to a party that night. Armani Beauty's makeup and skin care products have something for everyone and every occasion. No matter what your skin tone or tastes in color may be, there are perfect shades and textures for you. The talented makeup artists at the event demonstrated that repeatedly. That's why I have a closet full of Armani Beauty products.

I have just one more photo to share with you, the talented Armani Beauty team at Saks - some of my favorite people! If you ever get a chance to visit with them, I know you'll have fun. Even though it's all about beauty, we always manage to share a laugh or a great story. I consider them my friends. As I write this, I hope they are relaxing after finishing a busy weekend, and I know there are a lot of happy women at home playing with their new makeup treasures.

A special thanks to Tim (love him and hope to see him again soon), Loyd (love him and will see him again next week), and the team - and, of course, to Lexi, who agreed to be our lovely makeover model!

Armani Everything - Maestro Eye Shadows

The foundations, the latest palettes, and new products from Giorgio Armani Beauty get all the attention. The quiet workhorses of the brand often please enormously and without fanfare. I hope to change that today with my latest installment of Armani Everything!

With fanfare...The formula of Maestro Eye Shadow contains pure silk-like powders to create a soft, lightweight, and sheer texture that glides onto eyelids in a silken veil of color. Three different finishes replicate the breathtaking effects Giorgio Armani achieves with silk: matte gives smooth color; satin creates a lustrous sheen; and sparkling illuminates with iridescent shimmer (but no glitter). We are talking totally fashionable and wearable colors here.

Maestro shadows can be worn individually or blended together to create an infinite variety of perfect, personalized effects. Loyd Cassler at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland is a blend master, blending on the brush to create colors that are complex and gorgeous. I have watched him so many times. He'll take a dab of pink, add a dab of gold, and end up with a color that "doesn't exist" in any shadow I've ever seen! In the pink and gold case, the result was a glowing taupe. Maybe artists can figure it out. I can't. I always think it's a miracle when I watch him work.

I'm going to show you the photos of the available shades from the Armani Beauty Web site, but I have to warn you that these little swatches aren't all "true." For example, #26 is a much deeper brown "in the pan" than shown here. Perhaps these swatches are intended to show you how the shadows will look on your eyelids, rather than how they look in the pan.

Last week on my lunch hour, Loyd Cassler and I swatched a lot of the Maestro shadows. There were some that were so neutral (skin-toned) that we couldn't make them show up in a photo. Those went un-photographed. Maestro #1 was like that - a skin-toned pink that just disappeared on my skin. It is a great base color, but it wouldn't show up in the camera's lens - even wet. There were also a few shadows that we couldn't swatch because Saks had run out of testers and was waiting for this week's shipment. All photos here were taken in intense indoor light at the Armani counter.

We had to wet most of the shadows we did swatch. Armani's shadows offer such sheer, buildable color that we decided in a hurry to wet the brush to paint them on my arm. As a result, the shades you see here are more concentrated than they are when applied dry. At least you can get a sense of the infinite number of shades. If you are an artist, like Loyd, you can also figure out how to blend them to create your own customized colors.

Immediately below is what I'll call set 1. The shades, left to right are 9, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2. Don't miss the beautiful light gold at right, #2. Shades #2, #3, and #4 are "staples" for me - totally gorgeous.

Immediately below is set 2. The shades, left to right are 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, and 10. Shade #10, 11, and 12 all have a lavender appearance in the pan, but you can see how different they are in intensity on my arm. The greens are very sheer when not wet down. I love them.

Immediately below is set 3. The shades left to right are 28, 27, 20, 18, 17, and 16. Shade #28 is another one of my staples, and #27, while appearing dark in the pan, is a beautiful bronze. I used shade #16 the other day as an accent color to touch up my eye shadow. It's a bluish gray that is very sheer when applied dry. Loyd liked it, which I consider a stamp of approval!


Immediately below is set 4. The shades left to right are 33, 34, 35, 37, and 38. Shade 36 wouldn't show up on my skin, so we didn't photograph it. It's yellow-toned, a perfect base color, but not a great color for pictures. Notice #35! It's an exquisite green-toned brown - and sheer, of course. A beautiful accent color on my fair skin!

I can wear every one of the shades except #5. It has too much orange for my coloring. I think it would look great on someone with olive or chocolate skin.

I cannot explain the variation between these colors and those on the Armani Web site. Some look totally different. I was so amazed by that, I made a second trip over to Saks to make sure I didn't mess up my notes! I'll see if I can find out why this week and let you know later. I can assure you that these are the shades (by number) that are available at Saks. Remember, there were a few we couldn't photograph.

Armani Beauty's Maestro Eye Shadows can be used to create any look you want to achieve - from everyday pretty to intense and dramatic. You can get a lesson later this week if you live near DC. It's a big week for Armani Beauty fans in our area. Tim Quinn, Armani's Celebrity Face Designer, will be making an appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland. You can still book an appointment. I hear there are a few time slots left. Just call (240) 497-5206. You owe it to yourself. Giorgio Armani's cosmetics are luxurious, and Tim is a master makeup artist - rated of the best in the world! Will I see you there? I'm going Friday afternoon. Looking forward to meeting some of you!

If you don't have an Armani counter near you, check out the Armani Beauty Web site!

Giorgio Armani Beauty Face Fabric Radiance

Another new makeup introduction from Giorgio Armani Beauty, Face Fabric Radiance ($48), is a variation of Armani's incredibly popular Face Fabric. Face Fabric, Armani's cream-to-powder foundation was reformulated with an exclusive MicroFil light fluid pigment for seamless application as your sheer second skin. The result: a radiant luminescent glow.

I like Face Fabric, but I love Face Fabric Radiance! For my skin - and this is definitely a preference based on skin type (dry) and skin color - Face Fabric, with its matte appearance was a little dull on me. When I wear it, I need to add a highlighting product. I use Face Fabric foundation only in the summer. I will be able to wear Face Fabric Radiance year-round. It adds a very subtle glow that I love. It still has the qualities that made Face Fabric an award-winning foundation. It's lightweight and allows your natural skin tone to attend the party. It just adds a little more, well, "radiance."

I purchased my shade, #1 Fair, yesterday. It's also available in #2, Medium, and #3, Medium-Dark, and these numbers and descriptions make perfect sense. If you read my last post on the Blushing Fabric Second Skin Blush colors, you'll understand the joke about shade numbers and names. I hope this becomes a permanent part of the Armani foundation family - with even more shades. It's lovely.

You can purchase Face Fabric Radiance at the Armani Beauty Web site, Saks Fifth Avenue, and other Armani Beauty counters. Loyd Cassler at Saks told me that even without testers available, it's selling out quickly.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Armani Beauty Maestro Mascara Giveaway Contest Winners

We have four lucky winners, and all (well almost all) have been notified by e-mail.

Congratulations to Kathy (brown mascara), Bunny B (black), Mim (brown), and Liz (black)! You'll have Armani lashes soon - and a few samples too. I have sent each of you an e-mail requesting your address. Except - Kathy, do I have your e-mail? It may be the early morning "thing," but I can't find it. Would you open your Blogger profile to me?

All the entries were interesting! As usual, I wish I could send a mascara to everyone who entered. Some of you are such faithful readers - thank you. Random.org selected the four winners. I would never be able to choose.

Here are a few eyelash tips. Anyone who wants longer or fuller lashes should try Lash Allure MD, a new prostaglandin-free lash-enhancing product. Watch their Web site for sales. You can even win one there. There are other new products, such as RapidLash, in this exciting new category. Want a great mascara at a drugstore price? I still think Maybelline Define-A-Lash is the best on the market. It comes in several different formulations, and all are noteworthy. And there are so many Maybellilne BOGOs that you will be able to buy two for about $8! Have straight lashes? Eyelash curlers really work! Make sure to buy a good one, keep it clean, and be careful when using it. Apply your mascara after you curl your lashes. Finally, always - without fail - remove your mascara before you go to bed. Sleeping in mascara can damage your lashes.

We owe this contest to the incredibly generous Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland. If you live anywhere near DC, please swing by and say tell Loyd and the gang that you "know all about them." If you want to try Armani products but need help, feel free to give them a call at (240) 497-5206. Tell them Best Things in Beauty sent you. You'll get an expert consultation by phone.

We jump-started a new giveaway contest on Friday. One lucky winner will receive a whole set of Gillette Venus products to help her go bare for summer. Have you entered yet? So far, I only see four entries. I'm amazed. I'll be reviewing these fab Gillette products early this week. A set for the winner and a set for me arrived via FedEx. Think about it: A moisturizer you can use in the shower and no slathering needed after you finish!

To all of you, my love and thanks for reading Best Things in Beauty - and subscribing! I really appreciate all of your kind e-mail messages. I started this "labor of passion" last summer, and now I'm hooked. You make the difference!

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Dior Addict Lipcolor in Pink Embroidery for Spring 2010

Dior's Lace Color Collection for Spring 2010 is brimming with pretty new colors. My favorite lipstick is #663, Pink Embroidery ($26). It's the rightmost of the two lipsticks on the lower-left side of the photo here.

Dior Addict is a creamy lipstick with a new and improved formula that offers weightless, high-impact color. I love its smooth texture. It will make your lips look vibrant and feel nourished.

Pink Embroidery is a mauve-leaning pink - as pretty as any of the spring lipsticks I've seen so far. It was one of my four purchases from the Lace Color Collection, although I'm still lusting after the Crème de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm. I'm certain I'll go back to Saks for the lip balm - maybe today. It has a petal pink shade and features a delicate rose scent. So much for restraint!

Another new lipstick is Pink Bustier. It's gorgeous too. You have to see them to choose!

The new Dior spring collection is available at Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus. It's available at Sephora too. This is a lovely collection. I'll be describing my new five-color eye shadow next!

I have to confess that Loyd Cassler, Armani makeup artist extraordinaire, knows my tastes so well that he selected my new Dior makeup for me before I even arrived at the store! The items were selling out or going fast, and he know I wouldn't want to miss some of them. Having a personal makeup shopper is luxurious! Every one of his selections was perfect!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Giorgio Armani Beauty - New Eye Pencil

A new Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye Pencil ($26) arrived at Saks with the Nude Contrast Collection for Spring 2010. Naturally, I came home with it. I'll be telling you about the rest of my new treats this weekend.

The Eye Pencil is waterproof and changes into a liquid when you touch the pen tip to the skin. The black #1 color is an intense black. Loyd and I decided it's so dark it's almost a blue-black. The Saks computer says a dark blue version is on the way, but it hasn't arrived.

When I went to Saks at Chevy Chase this week, Loyd Cassler applied the pencil in a very thin line, working under my top eyelashes, pushing it onto my lid at the lash base, not into the rim. Before the pencil "dried," I blinked - couldn't help it - so we cleaned up the lower inside rim with quick swipe of a Q-Tip. The liner took less than a minute to dry, and then it became unmovable. The result? My lashes looked incredibly thick, with no appearance of wearing a liner. Too cool!

Of course, you can apply the liner over the top lashes, but be prepared to draw quickly. Once this liner dries, you cannot smudge it. Loyd and I both applied it to our wrists, let it dry, and then tried to wipe it off. Almost no color transferred to the tissue.

The liner is a little hard to remove if you apply it as artfully as Loyd did. It does not wash off completely with makeup remover, but I found that my OCuSOFT Scrub Eyelid Cleanser did a fine job of removing every last trace.

You can purchase this new eyeliner at Armani counters at Saks now. I'm sure the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site will offer it soon. I like it and can't wait to see the blue color.

Even though I have applied them myself, I was curious to see what mixtures Loyd would cook up for me using the Nude Contrasts Palettes for Eyes. I didn't have a lot of time, so he quickly "did his magic" with palette #1, mixing the light blue and bare bronze on the Armani Eye Shader Brush and applying the mixture to my eye lid. Then, he applied the bare bronze in a sideways "V" onto the outer eyelid and crease, blending so that the colors melted into each other. The shadows and the new liner were all I needed to leave with a whole new look. He's so talented!

Make sure to look for the Nude Contrasts Palettes for Eyes. They are gorgeous.

Photo courtesy of cosme.net

Is Green the New Black?

In the December 2009 Vogue, there is a small beauty feature in which Dick Page, Makeup Artistic Director of Shiseido, declares that "green is the new black." Page is quoted as saying "I call it a replacement strategy." In other words, he substitutes an element of a familiar look with an unexpected new shade. For this new smokey-eyed look? Green!

I love green eye shadows - in all shades - but I'll admit they can be hard to work with. If you use a subtle green, it's as easy as taupe. If you want to use brighter shades, you have to be careful.

I asked Loyd Cassler, Armani Beauty expert and makeup artist extraordinaire at Saks, for his advice on wearing green on the eyes. Here are his tips - all good, I think.

• Remember your age. The older you are, the more careful you have to be in creating a green eye. I had to chuckle when he defined the cut-off at just north of 20 years of age.
  
• Consider green an accessory, not the theme, particularly if you are working with the brighter shades.
  
• Use green for pop in the middle of the eyelid, but don't take the color into the crease.
• Consider using it very close to your lashes or as a liner.
  
• Blend it with taupe or grey to tone it down and blur out the edges.

I find taupe- and olive-toned greens easiest to work with, even though Loyd thinks blue-eyed blonds are perfect candidates for teal and mint shades. That's why I found the Armani Beauty Top Coat for the holidays so perfect - it is bronze with an ever-so-subtle green cast. I also find bright greens totally stunning on dark brown and black skin, even though intuitively, the darker gals should be wearing warm shades! I guess I'm a rule breaker.

You can create Dick Page's elegant green eye with three products from the RICHROCKS Holiday 2009 Collection. The Luminizing Satin Eye Color ($25) Pyrite Crystal is a silver that's perfect for using with the liner and mascara from the collection or for blending with a green shadow you may already have (remember Loyd's tip to blend your green in with grey!). Perfect Mascara ($22) in Intense Teal is an inky teal green with a metallic gloss, much like the Armani Top Coat in effect - just a tad brighter. The Golden Green Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil ($20) - a burnished golden green - is simply gorgeous. It reminds me a bit of my favorite Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Stash.

I like this Shiseido Web page for an enlarged view of the RICHROCKS shades (shown to the right). You can purchase Shiseido products at Bloomingdale's and other Shiseido counters.

Wouldn't it be fun to experiment with the new black?

Photo courtesy of Shiseido

Armani Beauty Blending Blush Duo

Have you tried the Blending Blush Duo ($60) from Giorgio Armani Beauty? It's the ultimate in cream blushers, with two fabulous shades in each compact. Why two? Loyd Cassler at Saks uses the lighter shade to soften the edges, making the blusher look like a second skin.

The Blending Blush Duo is aptly named because it blends and layers so nicely. The Micro-fil cream texture allows the blusher to morph into fluid color on contact with the skin. The result? Soft, flushed, and natural color that subtly highlights and sculpts the face and cheeks.

The blush duo is perfect for women with dry skin because it doesn't sit on the surface of the skin like some blushers. When the Armani Team says it morphs into the skin, they are not exaggerating.

The duo is available in four shades combos. I'll bet there's one that's perfect for you!

• 01 - Pink Rose/Sand
• 02 - Coral/Warm Sand
• 03 - Terra Cotta/Mocha
• 04 - Rosewood/Raspberry

The last time Tim Quinn applied my makeup at Saks, he selected Blending Blush Duo in 01 - Pink Rose/Sand, a compact I already had. When he was done, I had prominent cheekbones and just the right amount of color on my cheeks. Someone who didn't know that one of the best makeup artists on earth had just applied my makeup might have thought I always looked that good. The effect was really natural and pretty.

Quality cream blushers will enhance your appearance if applied correctly, and this one's no exception. Start with a light application and layer as needed, blending well for a seamless look. It's that easy! I use Armani's Blender Brush ($47), but you can use any foundation brush to apply cream blushers.

I especially like the fact that there are two shades in the Blending Blush Duo, allowing me to use only one or blend them together. Depending on the look I'm trying to achieve, I can sculpt and/or add a glow. If I want a bronze look, I can use the brown-toned shade alone - just like a bronzer. If I want to add color to my cheeks, I can use the bright shade alone (Pink Rose most often for me) or modulate the brightness of the color by mixing it with the brown-toned shade. Depending on how you mix, you can achieve a "wardrobe of color" with just one compact.

I have purchased two of the Blending Blush Duos - the colors are versatile, and I love to mix and match. I highly recommend these blushers!

You can purchase them at the Armani Beauty Web site, Saks Fifth Avenue, and wherever there is an Armani Beauty counter.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Armani Beauty Sheer Shimmer #5 Illuminating Powder

This beauty showed up at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland in October - with the holiday collection - even though we think it's slated as a Spring 2010 introduction. Giorgio Armani Beauty's Sheer Shimmer #5 Poudre Enlumineur ($42) is the perfect illuminating powder.

Despite its very light color (it is more of a nude pink than this photo shows), it works beautifully with many skin tones. On my light skin, it adds an undeniable glow. So nice that I have already bought two! I'll admit to hoarding. The Eyes to Kill #1 palettes are history, and I had wanted a second. I've learned my lesson!

Loyd Cassler at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland showed me how Sheer Shimmer #5 works on just about any skin tone. He even mixed it on his brush with a bronzer and put it on his own skin (he still has a bit of a tan). His skin went from "merely great" to luminous. I was impressed.

I love this powder. Another winner from Armani Beauty!

You can purchase it at Saks in Chevy Chase, so I assume that other Saks Armani counters have it too. It's not available yet on the Armani Beauty Web site, but watch for its arrival in January.

P.S. The holiday eye and face palette (called Black Lace or Crystal Palette) is selling out. Don't delay if you want one.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Armani Beauty Top Coat in Gold

Armani's little multipurpose charmer will surprise you! This Top Coat ($28), part of Giorgio Armani Beauty's Holiday Crystal Collection, is intended to be worn over mascara. Although it's called "Gold," it's really a bronze color and quite subtle for a top coat.

When it arrived at Saks in Chevy Chase, Loyd Cassler was raving about it. My first reaction was, "I don't need colored eyelashes." Silly me! The top coat, applied over my mascara, was gorgeous - something I would actually wear. It made my lashes shimmer. Then, the real surprise: Loyd showed me how to use it as a liner and a shadow. The color is gorgeous - bronze with just a bare hint or cast of olive in it (to my eye).

To use as a liner or shadow, he stuck a thin stick (the kind that has cotton on the other end that they use for testing) into the tube and applied a small amount of product to his palm. Then he went to work with a liner brush or shadow brush to apply the product where he wanted it. Loyd is a true artist! The results were fabulous.

This Holiday Crystal Collection was just announced on the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site. It has been available at Saks since October, and one of the products that was selling out was the Top Coat. I'm glad I got mine.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Event at Saks with Fran Zacarias

Fran started his Armani career (although not his beauty industry career) with Armani fans at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland. This week, he returned home for a special event. While I was there, I think he spent more time greeting old friends, who were thrilled to see him, than actually doing consultations! Everyone has missed Fran (actually it's Francisco, but to his friends, it's Fran).

Fran is now a member of Giorgio Armani's national face designer team. He travels nationally, often with Tim Quinn, hosting special events for Giorgio Armani Beauty, working on Armani fashion-related events, training, and promoting the line as well as experimenting and evaluating new products.

Fran was "off doing a face" as Loyd Cassler and I played with colors. Fran and I had already caught up on his latest travels and Armani products - the new ones and those to come. It was so nice to see our hometown guy! Here's what the two selected for me: the Armani lover with fair skin, blue eyes with a touch of green, and fairly light blond hair. I was glowing when I left the store. Looking good makes me feel good!

I was already wearing foundation, specifically Armani's Hydra Glow foundation, so we didn't bother with a "base coat." However, Loyd did take some Face Fabric ($45) to touch up my nose area, the first place my makeup melts away. Could be the Kleenex that's always with me? One really nice thing about Face Fabric is that it can be applied over existing makeup seamlessly. Although it's a fabulous foundation, it's also a great touch-up product. (Just in case you are wondering, Hydra Glow has been discontinued, but I ordered 10 when I heard the product was about to disappear. If you love something, you don't want to let go, right? You can still get one shade of Hydra Glow at Nordstrom.)

Loyd decided to apply the new holiday Beauty Crystal Palette (or Black Lace Palette) ($98), which I had bought the moment it arrived at the store (see Best Things in Beauty story). Of course, his application took a twist I hadn't tried. He wrapped the teal shade around my eyes, using a light touch directly under my lashes. Instead of looking teal green, it looked lightly smokey and played to my eye color. He finished with a very thin line of Liquid Silk Eyeliner ($30) in matte charcoal at the base of my lashes - to match my grey leather jacket.

Then, he applied the highlighting powder from the palette on the high points of my skin. Nice!

He put the new mascara top coat over my Eyes to Kill Mascara ($28). Instead of looking bronze, which you expect from mascaras with color, the top coat gave my lashes some punch. It was just the right finishing touch. But...we weren't finished. The next stage was an all-over application of the new light pink highlighting or finishing powder, also part of the holiday collection. By then, I was glowing. I love it when everyone starts to gather and comment on how great the makeup looks. Some women might think, "Harrumph, I'm supposed to look good, not the makeup." But really, friends, we were at a makeup event!

Being the director that I am, I surveyed the finished product and decided that I had an end-of-day need for some concealer under my eyes. After a funny exchange between Loyd and Fran ("Concealer...no, Corrector...Concealer...no Corrector"), Loyd used High Precision Retouch ($35) concealer, and I was "done" except for my own lipstick and gloss, which I applied because I'm a germ phobe and won't use lip testers.

I said my goodbyes to the guys and the rest of the Armani team and headed off into the rush-hour traffic, wishing I had a party to attend. I didn't want to simply go home and wash off my new look. Now that's a good makeup session!

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and Nordstrom

Clinique's Black Tie Violets Holiday Collection

There are some gorgeous new and re-introduced colors in Clinique's Black Tie Violets Holiday 2009 Collection. The Shimmering Stripes Powder Blusher in Tuxedo Plums ($29.50) grabbed my attention when I saw the new display at Saks. There's something about multi-colored blushers I really like. Maybe it's the complex color they impart when the colors are mixed or the choice of the darker or lighter side, depending on the look I'd like to achieve. There is also a limited-edition Powder Brush ($30) that is perfect for applying this beauty.

The Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad ($25) in Black Tie Violets spans the full range of violet shades, from pink to deep plum. While I can't wear these shades, Loyd Cassler suggested they would be gorgeous on women with dark skin.

The collection features two lip colors, and one of them, A Different Grape ($14), is one of my all-time favorites. There are three Full Potential Lips Plum & Shine Glosses ($17.50). The colors featured are the limited-edition Bloomberry, Double Plum, and Luscious Lilac. I was "shopping for charity," so naturally I bought two!

The display also features Starry Plum Cream Shaper for Eyes ($14.50) and other items to complete your plummy look.

While you are Clinique shopping, make sure to check out all of the value and gift sets available. The Black Tie Violet items are in store at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom and should be available at Clinique.com and other department stores very soon, if they aren't already.

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom

Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Giveaway Contest

The spectacular Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland has done it again! Today they donated a newly introduced Rouge d'Armani lipstick ($30) for our latest giveaway contest.

Red lipstick is the color of the season, so Loyd thought #400, a bright red, would make the perfect giveaway. You can read all about this new creamy and long-lasting lipstick at this Best Things in Beauty link.

For a chance to win this beautiful lipstick, just e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and mention Rouge d'Armani in your subject line. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 19 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. We will use a random number generator to select the winner.

I will post this contest on Free!Grechen, a cool site for giveaway contests. Good Luck!

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani

At long last, after months of anticipation, Rouge d'Armani ($30) has hit the stores! It's everything I expected and more - another great Armani Beauty lipstick.

Rouge d'Armani is available in 18 shades grouped in four color families: Beige, Brown, Red, and Pink/Plum. The Beige shades have mother of pearl instead of white pigments, giving them greater transparency. The warm Brown shades promise a vibrant, bronze glow. The Reds, without mother of pearl, are intense and pigment-rich. The Pink/Plum shades provide a wide spectrum of pinks, from delicate lilac to intense fuchsia. The new lipsticks add long-lasting color with moisture, a rare feat for a long-wear lipstick.

There is a lot of pigment in these semi-matte lipsticks - remember that when you select a shade. At first glance, some (not all) of the shades appear lighter than they really are on the lips. I was surprised, given the shade shown on the bottom of each case, that I choose some of the lightest ones - I need a little color. All of the six I purchased were in the light to middle tones: three pinks, one brown, and two beige shades for me. I'm not a red lipstick gal, but the reds will be very pretty - on someone else.

I love these new lipsticks! From the classy case, with its magnetic snap, to the gorgeous colors, these are the first long-lasting lipsticks I have ever liked. As I write, I am wearing #500, one of the pinks. It has been on me for hours, survived a long drink of water, and is still vivid. I should have predicted this because the colors didn't wipe off my wrist easily with a tissue when I was testing them at Saks in Chevy Chase. Loyd Cassler at Saks noticed the same thing. It takes a serious makeup remover to get them off, and that's a good thing. Armani promises eight hours of wear. I haven't owned these for eight hours yet, but I can report on wear time later. It's a tall order for a lipstick to survive my napkin obsession at mealtime.

The Rouge d'Armani lipsticks have a very soft and creamy texture. Historically, dry textures have kept me from embracing long-wear lipsticks. Most feel like chalk on my balm-addicted lips. These feel great, even without Armani's fabulous Lip Shimmers. I did add a Lip Shimmer over #500 in its second hour, not because I had to for comfort, but simply because I love a blast of shine. Shine does make your lips appear a bit larger. I was also playing with color. I wanted to see how Lip Shimmer #21 would transform the color of #500. There will be an endless array of combinations to try. I'll be having fun for the next few weeks!

You can purchase Rouge d'Armani at Saks Fifth Avenue, on the Armani Web site, or at your favorite source for Armani Beauty products. If you are in the market for long-lasting lip color that feels good, or simply want a new color for the season, these new Armani lipsticks will fit the bill.

P.S. The gorgeous Armani Holiday 2009 collection has also arrived at Saks in Chevy Chase. I'll tell you about it soon.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Armani Beauty Master Class - What Fun! Helpful Hints from Loyd

We had an "evening out" with Loyd Cassler, left, and Giannina Davis, standing in photo below, our friends from the Saks Armani Beauty Team! Six gal pals met after work Thursday at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland to learn and play in a private setting away from the sales floor, with all kinds of goodies to eat and drink. We had a blast! I think it was really cool that everyone showed up for work the next day wearing their new makeup and lookin' good.

The class took about two hours. During that time, Loyd stepped us through the whole routine - from skin care to the finishing touches. Each table had lots of brushes and other essentials (like cotton swabs) - and all the skin care and makeup you could need to "get pretty," no matter what your skin tone. We were a challenging class, I'm sure, with half African American, two pale faces (Libbie and me), and a medium-toned brunette, spanning all age groups.

Loyd demonstrated each step, using one of us as a model (alternating so everyone got a turn), and the rest of us followed his lead. I think Loyd's been holding out on me - I even learned something!

I'll share a little of what we learned at the class. You apply the Crema Nera Mineral Soothing Lotion with your hands! No cotton pads - just pour a few drops in your palm, rub your hands together, and blot the lotion onto your face. Good grief...I've been using it the wrong way!! You actually apply the Crema Nera Reviving Eye Cream over your concealer and/or foundation, patting it under your eyes. This allows the cream to do its thing - adding its reflecting properties without impediments. Amazing how that lights up your eyes. I watched Loyd do the same with a lovely redhead the next day, during the "Tim Quinn" Beauty Week event, and her whole look brightened. Very cool!

Armani Beauty makes fabulous makeup brushes, and I have them all. Loyd recommended that budget-conscious beauty addicts buy two Blender Brushes and use one for foundation and concealer (or Fluid Sheer) and the other for eye shadows or blusher. That's all you really need if you want to go minimal. Wash them as needed or once/week.

We worked with the Maestro Eye Shadow Quads, which are so flexible. Your skin tone determines the results. I have to admit, though, that we pale faces were coveting the way #3 (Earth) looked on our dark-skinned friends. Everyone in the class was impressed with the new Eyes to Kill Mascara, which lengthens and separates lashes magnificently.

One of my favorite products, Fluid Sheer, surprised everyone. Rouge (#4) is a great, sheer blusher no matter what your skin tone. Fluid Sheer can be a highlighter, bronzer, foundation "corrector," blusher - you name it. Use it under, over, or mixed with your foundation, or use it alone. And the beige-toned Lip Shimmers (#45 and #57) were quite a hit. Everyone liked the more neutral lip with a fancy eye.

As much as I would like to tell you we were privileged, the Amani Beauty counter at Saks Chevy Chase (and also at some other Saks stores) will set up a master class for you. Find out, and if your store is as good to you as ours is, grab your friends and make a date!

Another Tim Quinn Appearance Alert, New Armani Lipsticks and More

Armani Beauty followers know that Tim Quinn is Armani's National Director for Creative Artistry. Tim will be available for makeup consultation and application appointments at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland for two days, September 25 and 26. Tim will show you how to use Armani products to "put your best face forward." If you want to see the new Fall colors, including the upcoming new Rouge d'Armani lipsticks (more on them below), and you live anywhere near Washington, DC, I highly recommend that you plan a session with Tim. He's fabulous - and as I said in an earlier post, fun too!

To make an appointment, call Armani Beauty at (240) 497-5206 and ask to make an appointment with Tim for Friday or Saturday. Want to learn more about him? Read part of his Armani Beauty bio on Best Things in Beauty.

You can join the elite group of celebrities who have worked with Tim! If you can't make this event, but live in our area, you have another fun option to learn about Armani Beauty products. You can pull together your friends and have a private class with Loyd Cassler "off the sales floor." The private classes are a blast, and Loyd is fabulous. If you have been reading Best Things in Beauty, you know I think the world of him and his talent.

In fact, the Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland has donated our first two September giveaways, and you are going to be stunned at what will be available. I am (too bad it's a total conflict to enter one's own contest)!

The Rouge d'Armani lipsticks promise long-lasting comfort - eight hours of comfort, moisture, and hydration with rich impact and satin shine. The lipsticks will be available in 18 shades in the nude, bronze, red, and pink/plum families. I've picked out 10 shades I think I can't live without. I'm saving up.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty.