The Friday Forum - August 12

Le Métier de Beauté finally launched its new mascara, Precision Lash Extreme Mascara. I've used it; it's very nice, particularly for those who are rabid about lash separation.The smudge-proof formula is designed for long-lasting, intense wear, all while conditioning your lashes. The anti-clump brush separates and defines lashes to create a full, wide-eyed look. It is available in one shade: Chat Noir (black). Here's the rip. It's $42! There is no way I will pay $42 for a mascara when I can have a perfectly nice one from Chanel of another luxury brand for $32. Actually, some of you know I wear drugstore mascara for about $8, which is economical, since I toss them after about six weeks.

Nevertheless, if you are in the market for the latest and greatest, call Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus at (202) 966-9700, and he can ship one right out to you.

I'm much more interested in the new Hourglass Curator Lash Instrument, designed with the ability to “tight line” (deliver pigment to the very base of the lid) in mind. Because you don’t have bristles, you have a lot of freedom with the wand’s slim stainless steel applicator, which is cut with threads like a rounded screw and designed to catch and coat lashes without the fluffy partition of a traditional brush. The custom-engineered tip also makes for easy cleaning between uses.

Artistry-inspired and engineered with high precision threading and a sleek stainless steel tip, the Curator Lash Instrument is designed to give you a full 360° range to evenly coat each and every lash from base to tip, creating beautifully defined lashes from any angle. This unique bristle and brush-free tool gets to the very base of the lash line, truly transforming your lashes.

The stainless steel tip is double-cut at a 40° angle to deposit the perfect, most uniform amount of product without clumping, completely enveloping each lash from base to tip, giving you the most sophisticated, defined lashes.

• Expertly engineered to be used from any angle for precision application to even the smallest lashes, while also reaching the very base of the last for a natural tightlining effect. Can even be used vertically to separate lashes and for exact pinpoint application of product.
• Designed specifically to be used with Curator [mascara and base] formulas and an essential addition to any collection of makeup brushes and tools.
• Ideal for makeup artists who wish to clean the instrument between each use.

This product is designed only to be used with the Curator Ascent Extended Wear Lash Primer and Curator Realist Defining Mascara Formula. You can find them here.

The wand, which officially hit stores August 5, pairs with a two-step product system—a sheer, lifting, extended wear lash primer and an inky black Defining Mascara Formula—that layers to create the kind of separation that makes your old-school lash comb seem suddenly obsolete. The price? $78! That blows away $42, but there's artistry and innovation I can see with the new Hourglass product. I can't wait to try it. Have you?

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 to see you in the comments.

Photos courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté and Hourglass

Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase for Neiman Marcus InCircle

I had planned to tell you today about my exciting visit with Marcus Monson at Guerlain. Then I realized that this feature about Le Métier de Beauté's Gift with Purchase (GWP) for Neiman Marcus InCircle, which starts on April 13, was time-sensitive. So, I re-ordered my features; I'll tell you about Marcus tomorrow when I get home from work.

If you spend $350 with Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a makeup bag filled with lovely goodies.

• Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick (appears to be full-sized) - mauve or plum
• Outré Lip Crème (full size) - a rich medium pink suited for all skin tones
• Lure Illuminating Face Powder (generous, but a tad smaller than full-sized) - gold
• Cinamatic Mascara (Le Métier de Beauté's new mascara formula) deluxe sample - black
• A surprise skin-care sample (exclusive to Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie)

The bag appears to be leather, but given that it was made in China, it's probably not. As you can see in my photo, it has a zip top to keep all our makeup safely tucked inside. Plus, it's long enough to accommodate our makeup brushes.

I took swatch photos of the contents, with the exception of the surprise skin care, late this afternoon in full sun. I applied the lip products directly from the tubes, used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the Illuminating Face Powder, and swiped the mascara across my arm. All were applied lightly. I had to take showcase my neighbor's gorgeous redbud tree, so it served as the background.

I started at the top of my arm with Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick. Isn't the plumy-pink color gorgeous? Any shine you see on my arm was from the direct sunlight. The gloss below is Outré Lip Crème. The combination of the two is beautiful - especially for me, someone who likes shine on my lips. The addition of the Lip Crème makes my lips feel comfortably hydrated.

The Lure Illuminating Face Powder is a pretty, sparkly, subtle gold. It's perfect for a night-out highlighting powder, and it looks great on the face with the lipstick and lip gloss.

Mascara swatches are hard to do on my arm, so don't blame Le Métier de Beauté for my uneven swatch. It's black, but a soft, matte, natural-looking black. It's a perfect go-to for any time of day. I'm anxious to try the new formula.

Most GWPs are stingy - especially for a purchase of $350. You often get samples that are gone after a day's use. Le Métier de Beauté is making sure that you go home with products you can use for months. I suspect the only gift you will run out of is the mascara. It might last a week if used daily.

If you don't have a favorite Neiman Marcus Le Métier de Beauté counter, or if you want to ensure that you get the surprise exclusive to the Mazza Gallerie store, give Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug a call. Their number is (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. Make sure to ask for one of them. Pre-sale has started, so you can call anytime starting tomorrow. The store closed for the day today at 6:00 pm. Remember that shipping is free.

Michael has also arranged some special events for InCircle, so if you are local, make sure to ask about Hylton Lea's visit next weekend, as well as facials next Sunday. Both will be by appointment. Hylton will be providing customers with his expert touch, 20-minute "facial rescue" at the counter. After your skin is "saved," Michael or Andy will be on hand to give you the finishing makeup touch for your special day or evening. It's wonderful for those of us who can't get by the store on a weekday that you can get a facial on a Sunday.

A master aesthetician, the one Michael personally uses, will provide you with a luxurious hour-long facial. She is in such demand that it has taken a year to get her booked for this event. The facial is complimentary with a purchase of two skin-care items. The facial will be wonderful opportunity to learn about Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous skin care.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

Bobbi Brown will be introducing a new Smokey Eye Mascara next month (I think). It is available in a super-saturated extreme black shade that comes from richly pigmented, khôl-like kajal - perfect for topping off a smoky eye. I was given a full-sized one at a blogger event at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, and I've had a few weeks to play with it.

Smokey Eye is a dramatic mascara, one that's a bit too dark for my fair appearance during the day, but perfect for night. Lately, I've switched over to a charcoal, soft black, or brown-black shade for a more flattering, natural look. I know makeup artists will disagree with me, but I feel a little "out there" when I go to work with a vampy eye.

Bobbi Brown says Smokey Eye Mascara allows you to build volume, lash by lash, so lashes look longer, thicker, and more individually defined. You can layer it without the glop factor. The night I learned about it, the Bobbi Brown representative had on five layers! Her lashes looked great.

The cylindrical brush delivers clump-free volume and will reach even the shortest and hardest to reach inner lashes. Right now, I have a few short lashes grouped in the middle of my right eye, and they were covered with one sweep.

Even though my lashes are plentiful and long, the hairs are thin. Voluminizing mascaras often clump - even when advertised to be clump-free. This new mascara performs nicely, without any clumping as long as I comb its wand deeply through the lashes as I apply it.  If I find any of them stuck together when I'm finished, I run a lash comb through them to separate them. That works well. I am wearing Smokey Eye Mascara right now, and my lashes are my face feature of the day.

I think anyone looking for a black-black mascara that will amp up her lashes quickly and easily will want to try Bobbi Brown's new Smokey Eye Mascara. Right now, there is an advance promotion running at Bobbi Brown's Web site. Until the end of September, you will receive a 10-day supply of Smokey Eye Mascara with any order. That's a nice deal.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH Discontinued!

In one of its most disappointing decisions ever, Maybelline has discontinued DEFINE-A-LASH. My rock, my staple for countless years, this mascara never seems to have caught the general public's attention. I've praised it any number of times, most recently last year here.

I cannot count the number of times I've been asked by beauty professionals (makeup artists, brand representatives, models - you name it) what mascara I was wearing. It has to be north of 100 times. The looks on their faces when I tell them I wear Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH range from knowing smiles to gasps.

It's so much better than Great Lash, Maybelline's iconic mascara. Meanwhile, Great Lash is still sold, while the shelves are clearing out of DEFINE-A-LASH.

Why am I telling you? I just ordered on Amazon and drugstore.com 36 units, eight in each color (very black, soft black, and brownish black). I figure that will get me through withdrawal. I would have cleaned out my local CVS, but they were so much cheaper online. One site had them for $3something.

If you want to stock up to postpone withdrawal, buy now, buy quickly. Once they are gone...I can't bear to think about it.

Update February 27: Apparently, some of the Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH mascaras were discontined, and some were not. It is very hard getting the straight scoop. Apparently, the black formulas (waterproof and regular) are still available, but brown black is history. Frankly, if you go look in drugstores, the stock left can be found as low as it gets to the floor. I suspect it will be all be discontinued eventually. See what your own favorite drugstore stock is still available. At least a few color/formulas are sill available. That's better than nothing.

Photo courtesy of drugstore.com

Coming Attraction: Chantecaille The Wild Horses Collection for Fall 2013

Fall 2013 will embody a minimal and serene elegance through timeless iconic pieces with a sober luxury. The tone is set through materials of fur (faux, I hope), leather, cozy knits, and textural tweeds in more forgiving styles with volume, menswear influences, longer hemlines, and oversized coats. The trending colors will be warm earthy browns, rich neutrals, black, white, camel, and pops of red.

Inspired by the grounding and moody shades of nature in winter, paired with the simple sophistication of purity and strength, makeup will be a light wash of eye shadow in shades from the earth: warm browns, copper, and ash, emphasized by black eye liner. The lips create the perfect counterpoint in soft nudes or rich reds.

The Wild Horses Palette will benefit the Humane Society of the United States. Embodying the spirit of freedom, wild horses have graced the American landscape for centuries, reminding us of our deepest connection to the Earth. Sadly, in just the past 40 years, over 22 million acres of wild horse habitat has been lost in the U.S. to make room for cattle, fracking, and mining industries. By conserving land for wild horses, we not only help save countless herds, we help save our environment from the polluting extractive industries that are destroying it. Ensuring that wild horses are able to roam freely means keeping a part of our Earth untouched and unexploited.

Inspired by the magnificent beauty and free spirit of wild horses, Chantecaille has created a striking, yet natural palette that effortlessly compliments the Fall 2013 runway trends. Four shades will the refillable Wild Horses Palette ($83).

• Black Stallion, a midnight black liner with a whisper of shimmer, inspired by the elusive Black Stallion
• Palomino, a soft, creamy beige eye shade, inspired by the golden coats and glistening blonde manes of Palomino horses
• Mustang, a warm chestnut brown eye shade illuminated by flecks of gold, inspired by the iconic, wild Mustangs of the West
• Freedom, a flattering sunset pink that creates a soft, windswept-flush

Five percent of all proceeds from the palette will be donated to the Humane Society and its efforts to save wild horses.

The fall collection will also include Persimmon Hydra Chic ($34), a trendy, bold tomato red with a flattering burst of orange (sorry about the fuzzy photo). The ultra-moisturizing, botanical formula delivers up to six hours of long-wearing color with a satin smooth finish.

Natural papaya and orchid extracts help soften the lips while simultaneously providing antioxidant and anti-aging protection. Raist, a natural sugar derivative, allows the luxurious texture to melt onto lips with a comforting and hydrating sensation.

Supreme Cils Mascara ($52), Chantecaille's new smudge-proof mascara, will be resistant to water and humidity and offer serious staying power. The brush’s unique snowflake-shaped bristles are designed to grab and coat every lash with the volume enhancing formula. With a single swipe, lashes of all lengths will be thickened and separated for eye-catching fringe without any clumps. Unlike other long-wearing, water-resistant mascaras, Supreme Cils’ Rosewater-infused formula can be gently and easily removed with warm water.

Chantecaille will also be introducing Le Stylo Ultra Slim ($34), the ultimate tool for creating the expertly defined eyes seen on all Fall 2013 runways. Inspired by Chantecaille's best-selling Le Stylo, this sleeker generation’s water-resistant formula will deliver intense, saturated color to the lash line - completely effortlessly. The innovative liner’s calligraphy brush-like tip will allow for easy application with astonishing control and precision. Thick strokes taper elegantly, sculpting and defining eyes to create a range of versatile looks, from a glamorous 1960’s-style cat's eye to a simple, lash-enhancing line.

The Fall collection will be cruelty-free and paraben-free, without lanolin or any animal or mineral derivatives. It will be available in September 2013 at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Space.NK, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, and select Nordstroms, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s locations. It will also be available on Chantecaille.com.

Photos courtesy of Chantecalle

Chanel Mystère Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow from the Superstition Collection for Fall 2013

There was a lot to see and "play with" on Chanel's Fall 2013 Superstition Collection display, so I went over the Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie to swatch, photograph, and purchase. I think Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Mystère (#43, $59) is the centerpiece of the collection - the one piece that will stop shoppers in their tracks.

Here it is on the display. The missing single eye shadow in the first photo is Gri-Gri, a taupe so beautiful, it came home with me. I will get swatch photos soon so that all of you taupe lovers can see that it's worth a purchase.

Mystère is definitely a fall palette. The shades, described by Chanel as golden khaki, golden ivory, matte khaki, and silver taupe, complement each other beautifully - even if their color descriptions aren't spot on.

I think Chanel edited the eye collection for fall with precision. You can use the new Khaki Mascara, shown below, on your lashes, and line your eyes with the beautiful Khaki Prècieux Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer, shown at the bottom of this feature - my pitiful in-store "C" showing it applied lightly.

I swatched each of the eye shadows in Mystère with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting with the gorgeous rich, deep khaki in the upper left-hand corner and moving clockwise around the palette. I took my photos outside Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie store in full, late-morning sun.

This quad delights me. The charcoal khaki, with a golden hue, is intense and perfectly suited to a fall or night eye. This swatch you see is one pass with the applicator, so it's intense, but you can easily blend it out for your seductive, smoky, nighttime look. The golden ivory below it was described well. Unlike some shades in this ivory range, it offers plenty of pigmentation for an even application of your base shade (or highlighter).

The third shade down is the one that Chanel must have described as matte khaki. I find it to be a hybrid khaki taupe/brown shade. It's not matte either. It offers a satin finish - even a slightly sparkly finish. The color is complex and fabulous to my eyes. It's love.

The silvery taupe is worth the entire price of admission. It's the type of shade that leaves me speechless, beyond the first OMG. Although I didn't come home with it today, it will be joining my makeup museum next week, I'm sure (I needed to come home and check my balance...hate this newfound, frugal makeup budget). Did you know that Mystère was available last month on Chanel's Web site? Where was I? Sleeping at the keyboard, no doubt.

Mystère is, in my humble opinion, one of the best quads Chanel has introduced in the last three years. Teaming it with the Khaki Mascara and a golden khaki liner was pure Chanel genius. It's a limited-edition Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow, so if you are interested, don't waste any time securing yours. Nicki Hashemi, Chanel representative at Neiman Marcus, would be glad to help you. She's a doll - and a talented artist. You can call Nicki at (202) 966-9700, extension 2236.

The Khaki Prècieux Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer closes this feature with a "C." I hope to add it to my collection. It's a golden khaki - totally different from 2011's Khaki Platine. If you are as much of a khaki fan as I am, you may have trouble leaving it behind at the store. I'm sorry my indoor swatch photo isn't enticing. The liner is.

Have you seen Mystère? What did you think? Did it come home with you? Will you be ordering it? I'll be back later with more from Superstition.

Update: It's mine. I'm going to save it for fall. It will be hard to keep my hands off it.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Rouge Bunny Rouge Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara - The Rest of the Story

Yesterday, I featured Rouge Bunny Rouge's Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara ($29) without the benefit of any press information. They graciously sent me the information overnight. Given the time difference, I was asleep when the e-mail came. Thus, I present the rest of the story - and what a story it is.

Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara is a true all-rounder for "otherworldly," luminous lashes. Rouge Bunny Rouge's unique formula includes silk protein to ensure wonderful flexibility and a natural feel while it restructures and protects your lashes. In combination with the three natural compounds, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, and beeswax, it imparts a soft texture for flexibility, volume, and superior luminosity. A new fiber brush guarantees enhanced dimension of your lashes - separating, lengthening, curvaceously curling, adorning with a sleek, glistening, and deeply intense color. Rouge Bunny Rouge calls it the perfect mascara for silky, long, fluttery lashes.

You know all Rogue Bunny Rouge products are accompanied by an enchanting story. Here is the story for Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara.

There’s a place in the Enchanted Garden where plant life is embellished in every way, bequeathed by more than just nature’s hand. Legend tells of an ancient creator who, eager to intensify his world, called forth centipedes from deeply rooted trees, flying fish from underwater leaves, and the queen of the bees from the heart of her hive. They carried with them on leg, fin, and wing, beads of wax from their natural habitat. Once collected and melted over fiery flame, the solution, even if brushed on the tiniest sapling, immediately imbued a burgeoning in all directions, appeasing the creator that his beautifying work was efficiently done. Even now in the Enchanted Garden when fruit or blossom flourishes, it’s whispered only the fabled liquid could have caused transformation in such a marvelously, spellbinding way.

Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara will be available in two shades: Titanian (luminous black) and Almandine (the luminous brown I featured yesterday). See swatch photos and my impressions of this gorgeous mascara here. With sensitive eyes in mind, Rouge Bunny Rouge forumlated Ubiquitous to be fragrance- and alcohol-free.

The launch date for Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara is May 10. I was privileged to receive a press sample early. I think you'll love it.

Photo courtesy of Rouge Bunny Rouge

Preview: Rouge Bunny Rouge Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara in Almandine

Do I feel lucky! Rouge Bunny Rouge sent me their new mascara: Ubiquitous Magnitude Mascara in Almandine (#077). I've been using it for a few days, and I'm thrilled with it. I probably shouldn't be featuring it today because I don't have all the specifications for it, but I always try to show you the latest and greatest from my favorite brands. I'm excited!

Magnitude Mascara is exactly what its name suggests, a volumizing mascara that will amp up your lashes. The color, Almandine is one of the deepest, most natural brown shades I've ever used. See what you think. It reminds me of the most luxurious dark chocolate.

I took my swatch photos in full, morning sunshine. I did not have to work hard to create a swatch on my arm. Magnitude Mascara rolled onto my arm with ease. No doubt, the fairies in the Enchanted Garden worked their magic. Plus, the wand is designed to apply a good coat in one swipe to add volume and length to your lashes.

Look at the rich, cool-toned brown color! Almandine is definitely brown, but unless I'm delusional, I can see an ever-so-slight red hue in it - really hard to detect. There is a garnet called Almandine, which is a very deep red - sometimes indistinguishable from brown (photo immediately below). Almandine garnets could be the source of the name. So could almonds.

This is a perfect brown for gals who don't want the sharpness or edge of black, but still want their eyelashes to direct your gaze into their eyes. As a pale-faced blonde, I find brown mascaras perfect for a more natural look than black. This brown is so deep, I don't really see brown when it's applied. I see lashes that look like mine, only better.

It's hard to find the perfect brown mascara. I know because I've been searching for a long time. Some look too brown - therefore unnatural. Whose eyelashes are really the shade of a Snickers bar? My lashes are light black (dark charcoal may be a better descriptor) with light tips. The light tips make them disappear, even though they are long. People notice my nice long lashes, but only if I'm wearing mascara.

Almandine doesn't look brown on my lashes. It looks like a soft black - definitely not a harsh black. When I examine it outdoors, it looks natural, but I can see that it's there. My lashes are enhanced with length and volume.

Almandine Magnitude Mascara does not appear to be waterproof, which suits me just fine. I might term it water-resistant. I don't need waterproof mascara for most occasions, and I don't need the extra work to remove it. Yes, waterproof mascaras are perfect for certain days, times, and people. Day to day, though, I don't need and prefer not to use waterproof mascara.

I wrote to Rouge Bunny Rouge for the price and product details. When I get the information, I will share it with you. I searched the Rouge Bunny Rouge, Zuneta, and Beautyhabit sites - all Rouge Bunny Rouge retailers - and I couldn't find Magnitude Mascara available yet. I know it's coming soon.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty; almondine photo courtesy of cs.cmu.edu

Le Volume de Chanel Mascara - New Shades

I took this photo of a photo of Chanel's Le Volume de Chanel at Saks when I did my indoor speed snapping with the training materials for the spring and summer collections. Originally, Le Volume de Chanel ($30) was introduced in one shade: Noir. Now, it's available in Bleu and Prune, designed to add captivating color to your eyes.

The high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush color in a single stroke. Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive new Snowflakes brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect. I've been quite taken with Le Volume de Chanel in Noir. It glams up my look.

Last weekend, I took swatch photos of both new shades. I had the incredible luck of fun sun, so I gave it a try. Swatching mascara shades isn't particularly easy - or me at least. I have to paint many coats of the mascara to get enough color onto a flat surface (my arm). Mascara brushes were not designed for that.

It's pretty easy to identify Bleu at the top of my arm, with Prune below. Both shades seem to be hot right now. Bleu is a medium, indigo blue. Prune is a dark, burgundy red to my eyes.

Combined with dark lashes, both shades provide a tint when used alone. I prefer to use them as an overcoat, applied over black mascara.

Even though the two new shades shipped in February, they arrived at Saks only recently. I can never figure out "who gets what when."

You can find the new Le Volume de Chanel shades at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom online. I did not do a comprehensive search, but did not see them on Chanel's Web site. What do you think? Would you use one of these? Which one?

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

Rouge Bunny Rouge Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara from the Spring Look Set for 2013

Influenced by the magnificent megaplumes [amazing undersea eruptions], Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara (29 euros at Rouge Bunny Rouge, $30.34 at Zuneta) achieves the same impressive effect as false lash extensions, delivering full, thick, long, and perfectly curled lashes to all who covet a mesmerizing gaze. Graduating curves of strong, hollow fibers spiraling around the classic maxi-brush gently and evenly sweep color over every single lash without clumping. Even more difficult to reach, short lashes can be given perfect volume and curl. With colors borrowed from a submerged cosmos, you can adorn your lashes with the abyssal hues of oxblood or carbon black.

Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara - graciously sent to me gratis by Rouge Bunny Rouge - offers effortless glamour, coating the lashes with a film that’s strong yet supple. The addition of a natural jellifying system gives superior flexibility, and the brilliant filmogen complex brings a lasting shine. Panthenol strengthens and restructures, while its non-stop moisturizing action nourishes and prevents breakage. Megaplumes will produce fabulous lashes that are water-resistant, smudge-proof, fade-proof, and transfer-proof - lasting throughout a long day. Wear Megaplumes for or a stunning, impeccable, and sophisticated look, or wear it every day for lashes that won't escape notice. Megaplumes mascara will ensure you "assert a darkly beautiful persuasion."

Here is my new Megaplumes Dramatic Lash mascara in Oxblood Panache - a perfect description for the deep red, jewel-toned shade. It is also available in Tenebrous Boa, a deep charcoal black. When I first saw the shade, I feared that it might make my eyes look red, but, surprisingly, it doesn't. It's extremely flattering, particularly with all my taupe eye shadows.

Here is a shot of the color on my skin. It looks much lighter on skin than it does on my eyelashes. It provides a similar effect to wearing a brown mascara; it provides color and definition, but isn't stark. Believe it or not, it doesn't look artsy-weird either. Once applied, it has only a hint of tint. It looks natural on me. It reminds me a little bit of Le Métier de Beauté's Aubergine Anamorphic Lash Mascara (check out my faux eyelash swatches of Aubergine, and you'll see what I mean).

I have worn it alone and also used it as an overlay on black mascara. It looks great both ways. I can bring out the color by wearing certain shades on my eyes - like pink - but I've examined it in many exposures (indoors, various types of light, outdoors), and I don't think I look like I'm wearing red mascara. It's miraculous.

Let's focus on the formula for a minute. It's divine. This mascara lengthens and separates as well as my everyday favorite, which I have worn for years. I'm extremely clump-phobic and will not wear mascaras that force me to clean up with a comb or brush. I want my application to be fast, easy, and bother-free. Another nice thing? Although it's long-wearing, it isn't hard for me to remove. I dislike mascaras that resist removal.

Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara makes my lashes look long and lush. It builds well too. As an experiment, I applied it to my satisfaction, waited 10 minutes, and then applied a second coat for a little more oomph (something I never do - waiting that long can be disastrous with mascara). It looked great!  That was impressive. After I did my test, I read Rouge Bunny Rouge's directions/tips and found that they recommend waiting until the first coat dries before applying a second. I felt silly, but who reads directions?

As Rouge Bunny Rouge advertises, the brush design allows you to get to the little corner lashes with ease, while coating your long center lashes. I can't tell you about curling since my lashes curl naturally.

This mascara is favorite-worthy. Need more information? Here are Rouge Bunny Rouge's tips for application, with a few observations from me.

• The more you apply, the more dramatic the effect will become, but make sure to let the mascara dry completely after each layer.
• For best and intensive results with the first sweep, start the application at the roots of your eyelashes. Place the mascara brush at the bottom of your lashes and gently stroke forward. Wiggle a bit and completely stroke along the top of the lashes to make sure you coat each lash with mascara.
• If you want to apply mascara onto your lower lash line [I do], do so before you stroke over your upper lash line to prevent messy application [didn't matter - I'm good at it].
• Wipe off excess mascara from the brush before application to avoid clumping [never had to do that].
• If you have any mishaps, use a cotton swab dipped into makeup remover. like RBR's Gentle Cleansing Water, and sweep it over to remove the color.
• Avoid pumping the brush in the tube to prevent the texture drying

All in all? Rouge Bunny Rouge's Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara won my heart. They reference it as a novelty. I've given it a special place in my bathroom, where I don't store and use novelties. Now I want to purchase a black one.

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

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Multidimensionnel Mascara from the Été Papillon de Chanel Collection for Summer 2013

Chanel is introducing some wowza mascaras with its Été Papillon de Chanel Collection for Summer 2013. Inimitable Multidimensionnel Mascara ($30) was inspired by butterflies to make your lashes flutter and flirt in five captivating shades: blue green, lime green, bright yellow, electric blue, and white.

In a single stroke, Inimitable Mascara delivers it all: volume, length, curl, and precise separation. A sophisticated formula and unique brush design combine to deliver lush, long-wearing color so precisely that each lash, even the finest, is perfectly defined and separated. Pro-Vitamin B5 hydrates and conditions lashes to keep them supple and healthy looking. 

Saks at Chevy Chase had received lab (pre-production) samples of the mascaras, and they made them available to me for photos. As you know, I had to take my photos indoors with poor lighting. Nonetheless, you can see the colors above as well as I saw them in the store.

My photo shows, from left to right, Aqua Blue, Blue Note, Zest, and Lime Light. The latter isn't really lime green. It's more like a soft green with a hint of blue in it. With the exception of black, these are all limited-edition shades.

My friends at Chanel and I talked about how to wear these zany colors. They said that they are intended for the tips of your eyelashes. Only the most adventurous are likely to wear them on their own.

As I mentioned this morning, the dazzling colors of butterfly wings inspired a joyful look for summer with the enchanting Été Papillon de Chanel Collection. Peter Philips envisioned electric shades of blue, pink, and platinum to make the lashes, eyelids, and fingertips glow.

Will you be a free spirit and buy one? My favorite is Aqua Blue. I swatched it on my arm, but the sample was drying out, so my photo is unusable. Aqua Blue is a novelty, but I think it might be pretty with my eyes.

The Été Papillon de Chanel Collection for Summer 2013 should be available at your favorite Chanel counter in late April or early May.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - March 16

It's a little too early for tulips, but I can dream. Actually, we regressed back into a chilly spell, so it's not going to be nice over the weekend. Rain and clouds will not coax the flowers out of their buds.

This week has been painful. I went to the orthopedic surgeon mid-week. He prescribed a walking cast for the stress fracture(s) in my foot, i.e., a boot. I am having great difficulty walking in the boot because it throws off my bone-on-bone knee and my back. I ordered a pair of super-duty walking shoes recommended by podiatrists, and I may use it instead of the boot when it arrives. If not, I will wear one shoe on my "good foot" to try to level it with the boot.

I have dropped that boot, which is very heavy, on my "good foot" twice, and it is now bruised and battered. At this point, I hesitate to call it my "good foot." Meanwhile, the fractured foot hurts just as much as it did Monday.

I'm going to hobble over to Neiman Marcus this afternoon to see Mikey Castillo from Le Métier de Beauté. He is at Mazza Gallerie. It will be a nice break from hobbling around my house. I'd rather hobble for beauty. I'll also be able to see if the new Fluid Sheer shades arrived.

Yesterday, I learned that Google Reader will be going away. If you subscribe to my RSS feed that way, please find a substitute. When I find out what to recommend, I'll let you know.

I received an interesting notice about a new beauty magazine out of Australia. Called Heart Beauty Magazine, it will hit newsstands for Easter. Dedicated to "all things beautiful," Heart Beauty will cover new beauty products and services, profile industry leaders, and provide feature stories written by beauty experts.

The "Looks" pages will showcase the work of top creative talents. The first issue includes shoots by Australia's most talented makeup artists and hair stylists. You can subscribe at HeartBeautyMagazine.com.

I read at WWD that YSL Beauté will be launching Baby Doll Mascara, the latest addition to the strong Mascara Volume Effet Cils line.  Hedi Slimane paraded baby-doll dresses on the Saint Laurent runway earlier this month, so the new mascara follows the fashion theme. The Baby Doll name was first used by YSL for a fragrance in 1999.

I hope WWD will forgive me, but I'm going to quote from them.  With minor edits...

Its formula, which has two patents, was inspired by graphene, a carbon crystal with a honeycomb structure, explained Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté at L’Oréal, adding: “The way it’s disbursed is ultrathin, ultraresistant, and ultrabendable as well.”

Bezy said for the formulation the L’Oréal laboratories combined a new generation of exclusive polymers, a texturizing agent, and soft waxes, allowing for lengthening and curling effects.

“It mimics this graphene structure, so the way the molecules are layered and combined with each other creates a super-extra-thin film,” he continued. “What’s interesting is that the polymers are transparent, so they allow a perfect dispersion of the pigment. It creates a very even, homogenous color film.” The mascara “is very buildable, but in a very clean way,” said Bezy.

Baby Doll’s elastomer brush also boasts two patents. The wand alternates thick and wide-spaced bristles with finer, more closely spaced bristles to deposit color and define lashes.

At launch, the mascara will come in black, blue, brown and violet. “We decided we wanted to create a Baby Doll attitude,” said Bezy. So the whole look involves a YSL Vernis à Lèvres and La Laque Couture in pink, plus six eyeliners, including two limited-edition versions, in pink and in gold. 

The new mascara will be introduced in the U.S. on March 17 through yslbeautyus.com. On April 15, the entire line is to be available on that site and in Sephora in the U.S. On May 15, the collection will be available in other retailers countrywide.

The international rollout includes: France on April 29, the U.K. on May 22 and Germany on June 1, when there will also be a general launch in Spain after an exclusive in Sephora there starting on May 27. Russia is due to get the line on June 1, and Italy in early June.

In the U.S., Baby Doll will be priced at $30, and in Europe it is to be 33 euros, or $42.90.

Apparently, announcing my short break brought out the spammers. Although it's clear in the introduction to my comments section that I do not welcome and will delete link-laden comments or advertisements for their own blogs from other bloggers, I was deluged with them this week. I deleted them as quickly as I saw them, each time thinking, "Shoot me while I'm down." Either no one reads directions, or they don't believe me.

I'm going to do a flash giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned. I'm sure you'll want to enter.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Make sure to enter this week's giveaway contest before the deadline, tomorrow, Saturday, March 16, at midnight. Someone will win a beautiful Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush set.

Photo at top courtesy of proflowers.com; magazine by HeartBeauty; YSL photo provided to WWD

Bobbi Brown Eye Luxe Collection Giveaway Contest

I seem to be on a Bobbi Brown contest roll, but this one is too good to save for later. Bobbi Brown's Eye Luxe Collection ($100) is filled with everything you need to create spectacular eye looks. It's currently available as an online exclusive at Bobbi Brown's Web site.

All eyes will be on you with this undeniably sexy palette of sparkling and high-shimmer shadows. Bobbi's show-stopping Black Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara conditions lashes while staying smudge- and flake-free. Four travel-sized brushes (Mini Eye Shadow, Mini Angle Eye Shadow, Mini Smudge and Mini Eye Liner) make it easy to dust, smudge, and line your way to standout eyes. The makeup bag is pretty cool too.

Here are the colors in the collection.

Add to these a full-sized mascara and four fabulous brushes, and you've got a great set.

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 Google 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.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, January 19, 2013, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. 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. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

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!

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Flash Giveaway Contest: Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara Deluxe Sample

The noon hour has struck. This contest is now closed. Winners will be announced soon.

Last weekend, I featured Chanel's new Le Volume de Chanel Mascara ($30). It's formulated with a combination of natural waxes to increase volume. The brush is innovative - Chanel's patented "Snowflakes" brush - offering unique long and short bristles that evenly coat and separate lashes while building volume. You can see my feature at this link.

Sounds good, but does it really do that? Yes! As a rule, I don't like volumizing mascaras (I wear lengthening ones). Volumizing mascaras usually glop my eyelashes together - no matter what the marketing says. Le Volume de Chanel Mascara doesn't glue my lashes together. It provides the color I like (black - Noir) from root to tip with one coat. It's a buildable mascara, so those who desire more coverage or volume can apply a second coat without clumping. I found I only needed one coat to create a smashing effect. I am very happy with Chanel's new mascara.

I have two deluxe samples of Le Volume de Chanel to give away (I may even have three if I can find where it's hiding). We're going to do a flash contest. All entries must be received by noon Eastern Standard Time tomorrow, Sunday, November 11.

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 Google 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.

The deadline for entries will be Sunday, November 11, at noon EST. That afternoon, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winners. I will e-mail the winners on Sunday afternoon. The winners 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 sample is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it. I'll be sending the samples to the winners in padded envelopes.

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!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Chanel's Le Volume de Chanel Mascara ($30) is available in very limited quantities for a short time until November 26 when it launches officially. If you want one, the Chanel team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, has 23 available. Call Georgia, Loyd, or Marie at (240) 497-5363. You can reach Georgia via e-mail at Georgia_Marmaras@s5a.com. After this initial preview allotment has sold out, Le Volume de Chanel will not be available until Black Friday.

Elegance is elevated to the extreme with the new Le Volume de Chanel Mascara, a high-precision mascara that provides instant volume and intense color. In  a single stroke, its innovative formula expands and plumps lashes to their fullest for a bold, yet elegant statement.

This new mascara is formulated with a combination of natural waxes to increase volume. The brush is innovative - Chanel's patented "Snowflakes" brush - offering unique long and short bristles that evenly coat and separate lashes while building volume.

Sounds good, but does it really do that? Yes! As a rule, I don't like volumizing mascaras (I wear lengthening ones). Volumizing mascaras usually glop my eyelashes together - no matter what the marketing says. Le Volume de Chanel Mascara doesn't glue my lashes together. It provides the color I like (black - Noir) from root to tip with one coat. It's a buildable mascara, so those who desire more coverage or volume can apply a second coat without clumping. I found I only needed one coat to create a smashing effect.

I'm wearing Le Volume de Chanel as I write, and I keep looking in a mirror, admiring my eyelashes. This one's a winner.

Saks Chevy Chase received 24 of them. I bought one of the just-unpacked beauties. I know many of you have been waiting for this latest mascara innovation from Chanel. Now's your chance - if you want one before Black Friday. Just call the phone number above. Naturally, there are other counters that received a limited supply for the preview. I just don't know where they are. I noticed Nordstrom shows it on their Web site, but it's not available. In fact, I got my photo from their site.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH - A Superb Mascara

I cannot count the number of times I've been asked by beauty professionals (makeup artists, brand representatives, models - you name it) what mascara I was wearing. It has to be north of 100 times. The looks on their faces when I tell them I wear Maybelline DEFINE-A-LASH range from knowing smiles to gasps.

Those who are surprised often confuse DEFINE-A-LASH with Maybelline's iconic Great Lash Mascara, a staple in many makeup artists bags. I'm sure you've used or seen those pink and green tubes.

I think Maybelline's DEFINE-A-LASH is the best drugstore mascara available today. In fact, it beats out most high-end mascaras by a long shot. Why? Because of performance and price. Why would I pay more for a mascara that cannot compete with one that costs between $7.50 and $8.00 and is frequently available at a weekly special discount, such as a BOGO?

DEFINE-A-LASH is available in four formulations. The one I use all the time is the Washable Lengthening Mascara, shown here in its funky lime green tube. Also available are Waterproof Lengthening Mascara (in lime green) and two waterproof equivalents in dark red. There is a Washable Volume Mascara that adds volume as it lengthens and a waterproof version in case you need super-strength holding power (I don't). My regular washable mascara holds all day.

All four formulas are available in Very Black, Soft Black, and Brownish Black. I have all three colors and use them all for different effects. The one I use most often is Very Black - even though I'm fair.

The best qualities of these mascaras are that: 1) they do define lashes beautifully, leaving no clumps at all, 2) they add length without fibers, 3) they last all day without flaking, smudging, or loss on the lashes, and 4) the flexibility of the wand makes it easy to coat lashes, even the little ones on the inside corner (more on the wand below). My lashes look as good at the end of the day as they did immediately after application.

My lashes are long - not particularly thick, but not sparse. They have some dark coloring, but are blond at the ends. They need mascara. DEFINE-A-LASH provides the color I need, emphasizes the length of my lashes, and separates as I apply it, courtesy of its nifty wand. The result? Lashes that are my best feature.

I know you're accustomed to reading about high-end cosmetics here. As far as I'm concerned, Maybelline's DEFINE-A-LASH is a high-end mascara masquerading as a mass market product. I can't tell you how many "makeup snobs" I've converted to this economical wonder-product.

If you want or need more oomph than I do, I would recommend the volume product in the dark red tube. If you want your eyelashes to look great, but with no "mascara appearance," start with the "lengthening" mascara (they all lengthen, so the distinction is a bit misleading). I know a savvy guy who wears this mascara because it appears so amazingly natural.

As you might imagine, this mascara is perfect for recession budgets at about $7.59 online (try drugstore.com) or about $8.00 at drugstores. There are so many BOGO offers, I stock up when I can get two for the price of one so that I never run low. I change out my mascara every month. At this price, I can afford to! I also live in fear that Maybelline will discontinue DEFINE-A-LASH. That happens to everything I love.

I have only one very minor complaint, and it hasn't stopped me from living in this mascara. Sometimes, you will get a wand that is too flexible. It's nearly impossible to get it back in the tube. When that happens, I return it to CVS and get an instant replacement. So, there's really no risk at all. I encourage you to try this wonderful mascara. You may not go back to the $30 ones.

Photo courtesy of drugstore.com

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara

Now, renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux has created a breakthrough new mascara based on his secret backstage technique for a beautiful, wide-eyed look. A worldwide first, the new Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara ($28) brings a dual approach to your lashes, combining two contrasting shades and two distinct brushes for instantly lifted, beautiful eyes. Boldly dress your upper lashes in rich black and define your lower fringe with a more subtle hue for an intense eye-brightening effect.

“My favorite woman is a woman who looks like herself at her best,” said Tom Pecheux. “I love eyes that are made up without looking too made up. This is a trick I’ve been using backstage and on ad shoots for years. The simple trick of using two different shades - darker on top, lighter on the bottom - works to really open up the eyes.”

For a truly modern, fashion-inspired, enhanced eye-opening look, pair this innovative mascara with Estée Lauder’s new, limited-edition Double Wear Stay-in-Place Dual-Ended Eye Pencil Duos and eye-brightening, limited-edition Pure Color Eyeshadows, all part of Estée Two Tone Collection for eyes.

Sumptuous Two Tone Eye-Opening Mascara is a sleek, dual-ended mascara that houses two distinct shades and two unique brushes for both top and bottom lashes.

• Top lashes - Achieve bold drama on upper lashes with the exclusive BrushComber brush, which defines, lifts and thickens even the sparsest lashes with bold, weightless volume while providing a lustrous, rich bold black shade to lashes.
• Bottom lashes - Subtly define and add soft luster to lower lashes with a tiny micro-brush specifically designed for hard-to-reach lashes, accentuating and defining them with a softer, more subtle, smudge-proof hue.

Sumptuous mascara’s unprecedented "Bold Volume" formula has ultra-light, lash thickening fibers, which lift and fill in even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl. It is said to be ophthalmologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers.

The new mascara is available in three eye-opening shades that make it possible to play with a range of looks from refreshingly natural to more bold and dramatic.

• Bold Black/Rich Brown
• Limited-edition Bold Black/Rich Blue
• Limited-edition Bold Black/Rich Plum

It should be available at your favorite Estée Lauder counter now. It is available at the Estée Lauder Web site.

Photo courtesy of Estée Lauder

Too Faced Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System

Too Faced has a new product, Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System ($35), designed to give you the length and volume of false lashes with three simple steps. The three-step lash extension system includes two products: an activating mascara base and top coat and the Flexistretch nylon lash fibers. Does it work? Kinda sorta.

The look of false lashes has never been easier or more affordable with this do-it-yourself system that's an alternative to messy false lashes and expensive lash extensions. The activating mascara base and top coat is designed specifically to melt and seal the Flexistretch nylon fibers into long, thick, dramatic lashes without the risk, mess, or commitment of other false lash alternatives. Unlike traditional fiber mascaras, Better Than False Lashes allows you to dial up the lengthening fibers so you easily get better, longer, thicker, more dramatic lashes instantly.

Too Faced kindly sent me Better Than False Lashes to test. I may be dense, but I was a little confused when I read the directions. Step 1 is a priming step, which actually turns out to be a full-fledged mascara application. Step 2 is a build step in which you apply nylon fibers to your lashes over the mascara (base and top coat). More on that below. Step 3 is a sealing step; you finish by sealing the fibers to the lashes with the same mascara you used in Step 1. I had to try it to understand how it worked - and that there were two products for three steps - obvious from the box, but not intuitive.

I am blessed with long lashes, and all it takes is a nice lengthening mascara to make them pop. I am very impressed with the Too Faced "Activating Mascara" I use in Step 1. My lashes look fabulous after the first step. Step 2 gets a little weird. When I use the mascara wand to apply the nylon fibers, I feel like something's wrong with my technique. I have a hard time getting the fibers to stick to the mascara (they are dry), and occasionally I get what looks like a little cotton ball on my lashes. The cotton ball will flick away easily with another pass of the wand. The lesson here? Apply Step 2 as fast as possible before the mascara applied in Step 1 dries (and it dries very quickly). Otherwise, the little fibers have nothing to grab them. Step 3 is basically a second coat of mascara, and that ought to make your lashes look more full and potentially longer, with or without the fibers.

I don't plan to show you photos of my lashes (hate close-ups), but you can see a great review with before and after shots, published by my sweet blogger friend Musings of a Muse. Unfortunately, you can see the little white fibers on her lashes. I don't know whether she was unable to cover them completely with Step 3 (mascara) before she took her photos, but she loves Better Than False Lashes.

Even though Too Faced says that the product was ophthalmologist-tested and approved for use by those who wear contact lenses, I'm skeptical. I can feel the extra coating on my lashes for about an hour after application. My lashes feel heavy. I'm sure I'd get used to that eventually, but I don't like the feeling of having something with weight on my lashes. The little fibers have fallen into my contacts on occasion. My eyes are extremely sensitive to foreign bodies. The tiniest speck can feel like a rock to me. If you try this product and wear contacts, make sure to apply the product before you put in your contacts. Also seal the fibers into your lashes by coating them extremely well. If you can see white fuzz, you haven't finished sealing.

I have mixed feelings about Better Than False Lashes. It does work in the sense that it adds length and volume. Too Faced claims a 98% increase in volume and a 42% increase in length. I see small increases on my own lashes. I suspect the results you get will depend on the length and thickness of your lashes. Another plus is that the product can be removed easily with water - no heavy-duty eye makeup remover is required. I do not think Better Than False Lashes is ideal for contact lens wearers, based on my personal experience. Tread carefully if you have sensitive eyes.

For now, Better Than False Lashes is available only at Sephora. The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive. I seldom read customer reviews because...well, I'll keep the snarky reason to myself. I read them this time because I wanted to know what others thought of this unique lash product. Think you'll try it?

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Ahead in Beauty: Noir G de Guerlain Mascara

I spread the word about Noir G de Guerlain Mascara in October, after reading a preview in WWD. Today, Guerlain sent out the press information, so it's a good time to remind you that this exceptional, refillable mascara will be available in January.

Noir G is the first mascara to combine the extravagant luxury of Guerlain's jewel case with an extraordinary new formula for perfectly defined eyes. The beautiful case guards a mascara that combines the power of color with extreme intensity. The lush texture is said to make it easy to achieve an intense, dramatic lash look without any risk of smearing, smudging, or clumping. Like a magic wand, the groundbreaking Noir G goes one step further than a normal mascara with a refillable applicator, making it convenient to refresh the case with a new one as soon as you need it.

“There are two products for which you absolutely need a mirror: lipstick and mascara,” said Olivier Echaudemaison, Global Creative Director for Guerlain. “We have now solved both.”

The formula is unique. Three carbon black pigments offer an unprecedented level of intense black. The optimal size of these pigments allows for better dispersion within the formula, while a magnifying effect amplifies the intensity and depth of the black and glossy finish. Guerlain says these pigments are the purest black pigments that can be found in mascara today.

The formula plumps and thickens every lash, and the stretch quality (stretch must be the latest advance in mascara) allows the mascara to lengthen even the smallest lashes. A blend of waxes coats the lashes to extend and add volume. The waxes are set in position by film-forming polymers. The blend of waxes allows the formula to be supple during application and then firm up to set the lashes. A proprietary polymer is added in the water portion of the formula, and when the mascara dries and the water evaporates, the particles of this polymer create a protective and setting film. This keeps the mascara from flaking or smudging. The formula also promises lash regeneration, using artemia salina, a cell revitalizer that stimulates the production of keratin for lash strengthening and growth.

To use Noir G, just pull on the case, and with one click, the hidden mirror is revealed. Add a quick twist, and the brush appears for exceptional application. The fiber brush is soft and supple for perfect, fast, and even application on the lashes. Narrow (yea!) and extremely easy to handle, it catches and wraps every lash above and below to reproduce the "unprecedented effect of a blow-dry."

The mascara is said to be scented with notes of peach, rose, jasmine, and white musk. That's where it gets really interesting to me! A mascara with notes that sound divine? I can't wait to see and smell it.

The mascara will be available initially only in black. “Mascaras in colors like purple and blue are an accessory,” said Echaudemaison. He pointed out that black is universally wearable.

The mascara and compact together will retail for $49. Refills will be $26. In the U.S., Noir G de Guerlain will debut December 26 at Saks Fifth Avenue and roll out in early January to about 150 department and specialty stores, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman. Will you be watching for it?

Photo courtesy of Guerlain