Chantecaille Pride Cheek Shade for Fall 2016

Chantecaille's Pride Cheek Shade ($40) is a silky, smooth powder blush that adds the perfect hint of natural color to your face.  For a limited time, the Pride Cheek Shade will be available in the refillable Pebble Compact. Five percent of the proceeds of its sale will go to Lion Guardians. Pop over to look at their beautiful and inspiring Web site.

Processed with a new technology that produces a light, ultra-fine coated powder, Cheek Shades apply effortlessly and adhere beautifully. Pride is a very soft, demure pink that adds a natural-looking flush of color to all skin tones. Yes, it does have a light overspray. When I swatched, I removed the overspray beforehand.

I took my photos in full, late-morning sunshine. It was very bright outside, so the sun may have "bleached out" the color a bit. I also didn't realize you could see my leg in the mirror! Oops.

I applied the color with a sponge-tipped applicator, heavily in a stripe at the top of my arm and lightly in a circular motion under the stripe. The color intensity you get when using a blush brush will be even lighter.

I think this shade of nude, warm pink is gorgeous. You can layer it if you want more color. The amount I've shown on my arm is perfect for me.

I purchased my Pride Cheek Shade from Chantecaille. It arrived in one day. Pride is also available at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Jeannine Barnes is the product specialist there. You can reach her at (202) 966-9700. Just ask for Chantecaille. I have two of the three Lip Sticks from the collection and will be showing them to you very soon.

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

Chantecaille 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio

In celebration of this milestone year, Chantecaille unveils the limited-edition 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio ($68) – a striking, yet natural, eye palette inspired by animals from the land, sea, and air. Embodying Chantecaille’s commitment to the environment, this limited-edition, philanthropic palette revisits the causes that have remained closest to the Chantecailles’ hearts throughout the years and are still urgent today.

Known as Africa’s gardeners, for the role they play in clearing new paths and dispersing seeds, elephants are being killed for their ivory at the worst levels since the 1980s. With an estimated 38,000 elephants killed annually for their tusks, they are under grave threat - at a rate that, left unchanged, would see elephants wiped out by 2025. Making a vast desert of the land they travel across, increased use of pesticides is also killing the many wild plants key to sustaining their migration.

At risk of disappearing, the monarch migration is the most spectacular two-way migration carried out by an insect. Now on the endangered species list, the monarch butterfly’s fragile ecosystem has been disrupted in recent years. As a result of changing agricultural practices and deforestation, the population of hibernating monarchs was down by 95% in 2013, an all-time low.

Struggling for survival, sea turtles are among the most migratory of all creatures. Traveling for tens of thousands of miles, encountering waste, garbage, and huge drift nets, they give us an accurate reading on the health of our oceans. Persistent over-exploitation and the widespread collection of eggs are largely responsible for their depleted status. Resulting in deaths of tens to thousands of turtles annually, they are also captured in active or abandoned fishing gear. In the midst of danger for years, unfortunately many have been lost due to our lack of action.

The alarming rate of disappearance of these species is extremely critical in 2014. With this palette, Chantecaille continues to focus its efforts on making the situation known with hopes that knowledge will bring solutions. On the horizon we already see action that will change theses problems drastically and help save these highly endangered species.

Proceeds from each Anniversary Trio sold will be proudly donated to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Monarch Butterfly Fund, and WIDECAST to help protect our endangered elephants, butterflies, and sea turtles respectively.

Housed in a refillable collector’s edition gunmetal palette, decorated with Sylvie Chantecaille’s signature, the trio embodies the iconic Chantecaille woman. Effortlessly complimenting the Fall 2014 runway trends, each sophisticated shade symbolizes an endangered species that still urgently needs our help.

Elephant at the left in the palette is a deep, earthy aubergine that can be applied wet or dry to the crease or lash line. Butterfly (middle), a warm buttery vanilla, can be used to smooth and highlight the eyelid or brow bone. Sea Turtle at right is a delicate copper infused with light-reflecting rose gold pearl.

Cruelty-free, paraben-free, lanonin-free, petrochemical-free, fragrance-free, and without any animal or mineral derivatives, the 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio is a perfect palette to purchase to support our natural environment.

I was able to get swatch photos this morning when we had a temporary break in the clouds. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting with the Elephant shade and moving down my arm. I took my photos in "almost-full" sunshine.

The Elephant shade left me deliriously happy. I was afraid from photos that it would be too aubergine, too eggplant. It's not. It's a gorgeous brown with an aubergine undertone that makes it unique.

The vanilla Butterfly shade in the middle on my arm is hard to see because it's the color of my skin. It's a lovely base shade, and I know I will use it often.

The gorgeous Sea Turtle is a hybrid between copper and rose gold - a shade you won't see often. I went from delirious to seeing stars when I tried it. I can see myself using the Butterfly and Sea Turtle shades every day as I head off to work.

Chantecaille could not have created a more perfect trio of eye shades for its anniversary - and a philanthropic endeavor. I was not kidding the other day when I said I needed four. At $68, it's affordable, is refillable, and it comes with a very nice, cruelty-free eye shadow brush. In reality, I'll probably buy only three. Because it's limited, and because I know I will wear it often, I won't want to run out - ever.

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

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille and by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique Pink with a Purpose for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

You can show your support for breast cancer research with an exclusive shade of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Pink Ribbon Honey ($15). The lipstick comes with a limited-edition pink-ribbon makeup bag. Three dollars from every purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I try to be supportive of philanthropy when combined with beauty products, so I ordered this product (from Sephora, I think), based on the photo above that shows the swatch of the Pink Ribbon Honey Lipstick as being a bright, relatively pigmented, lip color. It's not. Despite the fact that I love Almost Lipstick, I was disappointed to discover that this lip color is extremely light and a transparent pink.  While perfect for a teenager, it's not my ideal for a lipstick. Most of you know I love sheer lipsticks, but I do prefer a little pigmentation.

The little makeup bag is cute, but I didn't need another makeup bag. The Almost Lipstick held promise when I unwrapped it. The color in the tube is delicious. It's just a little too light to delight me.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I tried to apply the color heavily to make it appear to be colorful. The photos that follow are the best I could do.

It's pretty, but it has no pizazz. If I had a teenaged daughter, I would give it to her in a heartbeat. It is a sweet color.

I will wear Pink Ribbon Honey. I may keep it in my desk drawer at work when I need a quick moisture fix. However, had I seen it before I purchased it, I might have skipped it. I do feel good that $3 of my purchase went to breast cancer research, and the product was extremely inexpensive.

You can find the limited-edition Pink with a Purpose Almost Lipstick kit at Clinique retailers everywhere.

Photo at top courtesy of Lord & Taylor; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown French Pink Set for Breast Cancer Awareness

Bobbi Brown is proud to introduce this exclusive, limited-edition French Pink set in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bobbi Brown will be donating $10 of the suggested retail price ($45) of this set during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Featuring French Pink Blush embossed with a BCA ribbon in a mirrored compact and a Mini Face Blender Brush topped off with a bright pink handle, the set is a fun way to put on a rosy glow (and show your support).

I purchase Bobbi's Breast Cancer Awareness special every year. This year, I didn't have to think for even a nanosecond when I saw the cheerful pink color. Plus, I am a Face Blender Brush addict. One can never have too many of them.

I wanted you to see the product color. It's darker than I imagined, but still very wearable for most of us. I took swatch photos in full sun. I swatched heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then I used the Face Blender Brush to apply the larger swatch below.

This medium pink is bright, so go easy when applying. It's also shimmery. I like the shimmer, but I know some of you won't.

The pink shade is perfect for brightening up your mood - or perhaps the mood of a friend with breast cancer? It would make a nice gift set. You can find it at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

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

NEST Fragrances PASSION Scented Candle, Supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

I'm not sure what initially attracted my attention: the exquisite color of the candle or a scented candle in the NEST display that I didn't recognize. I gave the "tester" a sniff, then I swooned.

After doing a little research, I learned that Laura Slatkin, Founder and CEO of NEST Fragrances, created the PASSION Scented Candle ($28) to honor the memory and the extraordinary achievements of Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. As October, breast cancer awareness month approaches, the timing of PASSION's release was perfect.

Evelyn Lauder's passion and dedication to finding a cure for and preventing breast cancer by establishing The Breast Cancer Research Foundationare are legendary. Not only did she raise awareness of breast cancer globally, she also inspired leading scientists to study the disease by funding groundbreaking research at renowned medical centers worldwide. "I was inspired to create PASSION after hearing Evelyn’s husband Leonard lovingly announce his commitment to continuing her critically important work [after her death]. They were in this fight together, and NEST Fragrances is pleased to join them in their efforts by supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation with PASSION," said Laura Slatkin. NEST Fragrances is donating 10 percent of the retail price of each PASSION Candle purchased to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

PASSION combines the essences of blooming peony and dewy garden roses with warm sandalwood and a hint of flowering pittosporum, Evenlyn Lauder's beloved fragrance note. This peony is the real thing - so different from the many fragrances that claim to feature peony That's why I swooned with my first whiff. I was transported to a mid-May garden, with pink and white peonies scenting the air around them. I was so impressed, I walked around Neiman Marcus making all my friends experience PASSION. To a one, they all agreed it was divine.

I haven't purchased mine yet. I am waiting to see if the lunatics in Congress shut down the government. As soon as I know the coast is clear, I will be at Neiman Marcus or NEST's Web site with credit card in hand. It's so good, I may be "forced" to buy two - perhaps three since 10% will be donated to charity.

Photo courtesy of NEST Fragrances

Chantecaille Wishes You a Happy World Oceans Day!

Chantecaille is celebrating World Oceans Day with an amazing, limited-edition offer. You can purchase (at the company's Web site) both the Save the Sharks Palette and the Coral Reefs Palette for $120 (a savings of $32). Plus, Chantecaille will donate five percent of the sales to the BLOOM Association and the Marine Conservation Institute.
On World Oceans Day, people around the planet celebrate and honor the body of water that links us all, for what the oceans provide humans and what they represent. You can be a part of this growing global celebration - a tribute really - and indulge your love of beauty with one purchase of extraordinary makeup.

Each of the two palettes provides three eye shades and one cheek shade. I have them (of course) and love them. You can see swatches of Save the Sharks here and the Coral Reefs Palette here.

Passionately committed to saving our sharks, the BLOOM Association has successfully orchestrated a top-level ban on all Hong Kong Luxury Hotels from serving shark fin soup.They need to expand their efforts worldwide. The way shark fins are "harvested" is one of the cruelest things I've ever read.

With the Coral Reefs Palette, Chantecaille has continued its tradition of offering must-have makeup with an environmental benefit. Chantecaille has proudly joined the Marine Conservation Institute in their efforts to protect 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020. The oceans cover 71% of the earth, providing 80% of our oxygen and food for 3.5 billion people; yet less than one half of one percent of our oceans are protected. The health of the ocean is vital, and coral reefs are the alert system. Today three quarter’s of the world’s coral reefs are at risk due to over-fishing, pollution, and global warming. Maintaining 10% of the ocean’s ecosystems as “no-take marine protected areas” is the best chance for coral’s survival.

For this promotion, if you spend $100 at Chantecaille, you will also receive a free Lychee Luminous Gloss, through June 10 or while supplies last. You can see Lychee here.

There is no question that the fate of the oceans is inextricably linked with the fate of the earth and life. If you didn't purchase these gorgeous palettes when they were introduced - or you need back-ups - this is a great time to buy and show Chantecaille that you care too.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge - Swatched

Last week, I showed you Bobbi Brown's new Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge ($25). If you didn't see the feature, please click here. I received mine from Bobbi Brown yesterday. There was a break in the clouds today, and I hobbled outside to take a few photos. All proceeds are going to Dress for Success, so I needed to tempt a few of you.

I took photos in full sun mid-day. I swatched with my finger. It's so creamy, it applies and blends nicely with my fingers. I also used a cream concealer brush to apply it to my cheeks. Magnifique!

I think this is a beautiful pink - warm enough for almost all of us - no matter what our skin tones.

You can purchase this beauty at Bobbi Brown's Web site. If you didn't read my earlier feature, you can read all about this special Pot Rouge there.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Launches a New Pretty Powerful Campaign with Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge

March is International Women's Month, and even though Bobbi Brown Cosmetics celebrates women every day, Bobbi is launching a new Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women and Girls, the first-ever charitable initiative by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. This worldwide movement, launching this Friday, March 8, is dedicated to empowering women and girls with education, resources, job skills, and work experience and will aim to help them "be who they are" - the best they can be.

The campaign will raise funds through the sale of a limited-edition Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge (shown above, $25) and via GlobalGiving. This shade was designed to work with all skin tones. The double-duty cream formula blends easily for a soft, stained finish, while the mirrored flip-top compact allows for on-the-spot application. 

In the United States, every penny of the proceeds from the sales of the Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge will go to Dress for Success, which Bobbi has supported for years. In Bobbi's words, "Makeup along cannot even the playing field for women and girls across the world, but I believe that together, those who create, apply, buy, and wear makeup can."

Bobbi has put together a video introducing the campaign. You can see the video on YouTube. As she said, "Let's rock this one!"

Isn't it amazing that you can treat yourself to this gorgeous pot rouge and contribute at the same time? Even better, you can donate directly at the Global Giving site. Just go to Bobbi Brown's Web site to purchase the Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge. From today (actually March 1) through September 1, 100% of the proceeds of the sale of this special-edition, multitasking lip and cheek color will go to Dress for Success. How can you resist?

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Chantecaille Celebrates World Ocean Day with Petition Drive, Expanded Donations, and a Gift with Purchase

Chantecaille will be celebrating World Ocean Day with a very special gift with purchase, doubled donations to a worthy cause, and a petition drive. I'm so there!  Three offers, three things I'm asking you to consider - and at least one to do.

Starting tomorrow night, June 6 - you'll probably see it posted on Chantecaille's Web site by 9:00 pm, Chantecaille will offer you a complimentary La Baleine Palette, as shown in the photo above, with any $200 purchase. The GWP will be available until Monday, or until supplies run out.

It's time to buy your back-up (or my third for my makeup museum) of the Coral Reefs Palette. If you haven't purchased this must-have palette, now's the time. For every Coral Reefs Palette sold on World Ocean Day, June 8, Chantecaille will double its donation to the Marine Conservation Institute. That's significant!

With the Coral Reefs Palette, Chantecaille continued its generous tradition of offering must-have makeup with an environmental benefit. Chantecaille has proudly joined the Marine Conservation Institute in their efforts to protect 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020. The oceans cover 71% of the earth, providing 80% of our oxygen and food for 3.5 billion people; yet less than one half of one percent of our oceans are protected. The health of the ocean is vital, and coral reefs are the alert system. Today three quarter’s of the world’s coral reefs are at risk due to over-fishing, pollution, and global warming. Maintaining 10% of the ocean’s ecosystems as “no-take marine protected areas” is the best chance for coral’s survival. Five percent of the proceeds from the Coral Reefs Palette will be donated to the Marine Conservation Institute to help meet our goals (not their goals, our goals). On World Ocean Day, 10% of the proceeds will be donated.

If that weren't enough, please make your voice heard - now - by signing Chantecaille's petition to help save the Coral Reefs. If you love beauty and environmental diversity (environmental gems), you'll want to see the endangered coral reefs protected. Signing the petition is the least we can do. You can find the petition at this link. They have a signature goal of 5,000 signatures. Right now, the count is 2,323. Best Things in Beauty readers could put them over the top in one day. Let's do it! Can I count on you? Please let me know in the comments.

With the beautiful GWP, wouldn't it be a good time to stock up on your favorites - or purchase Chantecaille's new introductions, like that gorgeous Radiance Gel Bronzer? I think this will be my third order in the last two weeks. That's how much I love Chantecaille.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Giorgio Armani Acqua for Life Campaign

You know I'm an ardent supporter of beauty companies that adopt worthy causes and make them their own. Last year, I told you about Giorgio Armani Parfums' Acqua for Life Campaign. I'm proud to tell you that the 2012 campaign is rolling.

With your support, Giorgio Armani can raise enough funding for the UNICEF Tap Project to provide millions of days of safe, clean drinking water for children in need. We barely think about the clean water that is delivered so seamlessly to our homes from local utilities. In many countries, clean water is a luxury, and people - children with love and hopes - die for lack of it.

In 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project was born in New York City with a simple concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all funds raised would support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world. The project gained momentum and has grown to raise nearly $3 million in the U.S. to provide clean water for millions of children globally.

Now in its sixth year, the award-winning UNICEF Tap Project, a nationwide campaign sponsored by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, has returned during World Water Week, March 19–25. The UNICEF Tap Project has become a dynamic movement that affords all of us the opportunity to help provide the world’s children with safe, clean water. Through numerous fundraising and volunteer activities, the UNICEF Tap Project celebrates the clean water we enjoy by encouraging celebrity, restaurant, volunteer, corporate, and government supporters to give this vital resource to children in developing countries. The concept is basic and compelling: “When You Take Water, Give Water.” The 2012 UNICEF Tap Project Funds will specifically target children in Togo, Vietnam, Mauritania, and Cameroon.

Giorgio Armani Parfums, recognizing the value of treating the world's children as our own, is participating in the UNICEF Tap Project again this year with the Acqua for Life Campaign. Giorgio Armani Parfums will donate $1 to the United States Fund for UNICEF for each Acqua di Gio Homme and Acqua di Gioia spray cologne or gift set, and 100% of the retail sales price, up to $15.00 per item, for each 10-ml Acqua di Gioia Eau de Parfum Rollerball purchased in the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, or DC through authorized distributors from March 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012. These are beautiful fragrances. If you've been contemplating a purchase, why not do it now? Use the code ACQUA12 at checkout at Giorgio Armani Beauty and receive a limited-edition water and complimentary shipping with any purchase of any 3.4-ounce fragrance purchase or gift set.

Even if you aren't up for buying a new fragrance, Armani will donate $1 for the first 100,000 people who “like” the “Acqua for Life” Facebook page from March 1, 2012 to March 31. How hard is that? I did it in a heartbeat.

You can make a difference, with a single click. Can I count on you for that click?

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Parfums and UNICEF

Bobbi Brown Classics to Go Palette for The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection

Once again this year, Bobbi Brown was a proud sponsor of The Heart Truth Red Dress Collection Fashion Show. The Red Dress Fashion Show brought some of Hollywood’s leading ladies together on one runway to benefit heart health. This year's show took place at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on February 8.

Bobbi created an exclusive, limited-edition Classic to Go Palette in support of The Heart Truth's efforts to raise awareness about women and heart disease. Featuring three universally flattering Eye Shadows, two Lip Colors, and a mini High Shimmer Lip Gloss, this palette is the perfect purse companion. For a day or night look on the go, it will fit just about any occasion.

The palette features a specially designed package and the tagline "Listen to Your Heart." A small quantity of the limited-edition sets was available at www.bobbibrown.com for $25. That's where I bought mine. Today, I can't find it at Bobbi's site, so I'm wondering if it sold out quickly. If it did, it would be a shame because the set is so nice for on-the-go beauty. Maybe Bobbi Brown will make more of them.

It's the top "lip level" that won my heart. The mini Naked Plum High Shimmer Lip Gloss is drop-dead gorgeous. Having a small one to keep in my purse is exciting. The Pale Mauve and Tulle Lip Colors are two of Bobbi's most popular shades. Look at all three in my swatch photo below, taken in full sun (but with a trace of snow on the ground!). Pale Mauve Lip Color is at the top of my arm, Tulle Lip Color is below, and Naked Plum High Shimmer Lip Gloss is at the bottom.

The eye shades are Bobbi classics. You probably won't be able to see Bone Eye Shadow at the top of my arm. I can barely see it. Cement, a fawn shade is in the middle, and Caviar Eye Shadow, a perfect liner, is at the bottom.

Fortunately, these shades are all available at Bobbi Brown counters and Bobbi's Web site. Even if the Classic to Go Palette is sold out forever, you can purchase the individual shades if you see something you like. I already have the full-sized Naked Plum High Shimmer Lip Gloss, but I'm thrilled to have the mini.

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

Chantecaille World Ocean Day Promotion

Chantecaille is celebrating World Ocean Day (June 8) with a promotion from June 5 to June 12. Please help them save blue whales, creatures that symbolize the health of the high seas, which are responsible for producing close to 80% of our planet's oxygen and are now threatened by industrial fishing, acid toxicity, plastic garbage, sonar pollution, and other human interference.

Online only, from June 5-12, Chantecaille is offering a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout. A portion of the proceeds will go to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

One gift per transaction, while supplies last. I have both of the compacts shown above, and I'm mulling an order. Call me crazy, but I have been an environmentalist for a long time. If I hadn't had a job, I might have been one of these brave souls putting themselves in harm's way to save the whales.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Chantecaille for Spring 2011 - Sea Turtle Palette and New Hydra Chic Shades

I'm having one of those breathless moments, as I stare at the Sea Turtle Palette ($79) that Chantecaille will introduce for Spring 2011. The limited-edition palette, inspired by the beauty of green sea turtles and their warm, sandy nesting grounds, reflects the fluid ease, billowy freedom, and insouciant chic of vintage Parisian fashion.

Three eye shades and one cheek shade reflect the golden warmth of new spring neutrals, complemented by a trendy deep, sea-green eye-defining shade. Composed with the finest pearl and pigment particles, the Sea Turtle Palette will create a natural, satin, and sheer veil of color on the skin, leaving us glowing. Chantecaille will donate 5% of the proceeds from the sale the Sea Turtle Palettes to WIDECAST to help ensure the survival of sea turtles (read more below).

To complete your graceful and sophisticated look for spring and beyond, Chantecaille will be introducing three new Hydra Chic ($30) shades. Hydra Chic is a modern, full-impact lipstick that is hydrating and luminous. Natural extracts of papaya and orchid help to soften the lips, while providing antioxidant and anti-aging protection.

I love the Hydra Chic lipsticks, and from the looks of these photos, I am going to need all three of them! I know I will be delighted with these shades.

• Aster - a bright, vibrant floral pink, not too cool and not too warm, to emphasize and brighten your lips
• Canna - a soft peach shade to warm the face
• Willow - a deep beige, snazzy nude

Sea turtles are in danger. They define all that is ancient and magical about our planet, yet they are endangered and struggling for survival. Their numbers have been severely reduced from historical levels. Persistent exploitation, especially of adult females on nesting beaches, and the widespread collection of eggs are largely responsible for the depleted status of the Caribbean species. In addition to intentional harvesting, the turtles are accidentally captured in active or abandoned fishing gear, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of turtles every year. That makes my heart break. On top of that, coral reef and sea grass degradation, oil spills, chemical waste, plastic and other marine debris, high-density coastal development, and an increase in ocean tourism have damaged or eliminated nesting beaches and feeding areas.

Sea turtles once shared the earth with the dinosaurs, and they have been quiet evolutionary participants for eons. Among the most migratory of all creatures, they touch the hearts and economies of over 100 nations. Chantecaille will honor the impressive beauty and stature of these gentle giants with the Sea Turtle Palette.

The company is partnering with Dr. Karen Eckert of WIDECAST, who is focused on saving sea turtles in the waters of the Caribbean. They have a vision to realize a future in which sea turtles and humans can co-exist, with the turtles surviving and thriving. Please check out WIDECAST and join me in applauding Chantecaille for its continued commitment to support marine wildlife, while introducing lust-worthy makeup.

Want to see larger photos? Just click on them!

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille

Chantecaille's Bengali Palette

Ever lusted after something you felt you just couldn't afford at that moment? This is it for me! Chantecaille's gorgeous Bengali Palette ($117) is going to have to wait for another paycheck (I have spent some serious money on new cosmetics this month).

The Royal Bengal Tigers on the blush and highlighter are so classy, and the four "jungle inspired" eye shadows are colors I would wear. With a pearl finish to the colors, this natural-look palette is perfect.

The blush is a radiant peach, and the gold highlighter is a great complement. The Lasting Eyeshades include a luscious jungle green, pale silver, deep brown, and golden copper. All Lasting Eyeshades have a silky, easily blendable texture, allowing them to be applied in varying degrees of intensity - something I really like.

Even better than fabulous makeup (if that's possible), sales of this special-edition palette benefit TRAFFIC, an organization that supports efforts to protect the wild tiger. Had I been the Virginian who won Mega Millions last night, I would purchase the palette today and send a check to TRAFFIC. We can't allow the big cats to die!

Chantecaille has a deep concern for our endangered environment and the many animals at risk. You can read about their philanthropy at this link. I love Sylvie, Olivia, and Alex for it! I met Sylvie and Olivia at Neiman Marcus a few years ago, and they made a lasting impression on me. My kind of women!

You can purchase this palette and compacts that benefit the animal kingdom at the Chantecaille Web site, Neiman Marcus, or locations listed at this link.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille