Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2013

I am a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick addict. There isn't one I haven't loved, and I've purchased every one of them - ever. I have a little museum of Shimmer Bricks at my home.

As you might imagine, I was thrilled when I saw the advance publicity for Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Nude Glow Shimmer Brick ($45) for Holiday 2013. It offers four distinct colors and the lure of a mixture of all four shades. While it doesn't offer the traditional stripes, it does offer great choices for individual colors - unlike the Party Shimmer Brick for 2011. It was nice, but can't hold a candle to this beauty. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Give the gift of "glow" with this limited-edition Shimmer Brick - sure to make faces light up instantly. A shimmering quartet of pearlescent colors highlight the skin for lit-from-within luminescence (think of it as candlelight in a compact). Each shade also doubles up as an eye shadow.

I have to tell you upfront that this new Shimmer Brick is even more luscious than it looks in photos. I am smitten and fighting the urge to buy another, maybe two more. I want to break my "no back-up rule" so badly.

I took swatch photos of each shade, starting with the gold at the top left and moving clockwise. I swatched the individual shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then, using what was left of my arm below the elbow, I applied a large swatch of all four shades blended with a very dense blush brush. My photos were taken in very full sunlight.

I think every shade in Nude Glow is a shimmering treasure.  The burnished gold at the top of my arm is a perfect gold for the holiday season - or anytime you want to look like a golden goddess. What most surprised me was that the shade next to it in the top row, which appeared pink, is really rose gold. Holy moly, I hit the jackpot. I wasn't expecting rose gold, one of my very favorite shades, and I got it.

The next shade down on my arm is champagne in color. Perhaps a very light rose champagne. I mixed it with the rose gold shade and the result was magnificent. The hybrid brown-rose shade at the bottom of my arm is just as pretty as the other three. As I write, I'm "this close" to ordering my second Nude Glow. I'm on a slippery slope.

The photo above shows all four shades blended evenly together and applied heavily. The result is hard to describe. Is it a brown-toned rose gold? How would you describe it? Whatever words you use, it's really pretty.

Here are Bobbi Brown's tips for application...
Sweep the Face Blender Brush through all four shades of Shimmer Brick Compact and dust lightly on cheekbones after blush. Focus on applying shimmer on the top of cheekbones - where light naturally hits the face - for the most flattering look. To add a highlight to your eyes, use your fingertips to apply the lightest shade in the compact just under the brow bone.

Fingertips? Limited to the brow bone? How boring! Each of these shades looks fabulous on my lids below the crease.

I love the look of Bobbi Brown's compacts when this logo is used. It looks classy to me.

You can find the Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2013 on Bobbi's Web site and at all Bobbi Brown counters. I'm sure it's available online at all corresponding online retailers, such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

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

Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

The introduction of a new Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is always cause for celebration. As a Shimmer Brick collector, I am thrilled with Bobbi Brown's new, limited-edition Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick ($42). Perhaps I'm biased, but I think it's magnificent.

Handmade in Italy, this award-winning editor's favorite highlights the skin - cheeks, eyes, anywhere - with five bars of pearlescent shimmer in Bobbi's freshest take on spring florals. Featuring bright pink, golden pink, and icy pink pearl pigments, it's perfect for light or medium skin tones. I'm not sure what it will look like on very dark skin tones. My guess is a highlighter - and five fabulous eye shadows.

I believe that the Shimmer Bricks are Bobbi Brown's greatest achievement as a cosmetics artist. While some would say her foundations and brown lipsticks are her crowning glory, I'm sticking with the Shimmer Bricks. If I could give awards for all-time makeup bests - you know, awards people might notice - Bobbi Brown's multitasking Shimmer Bricks would get an award.

Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick continues Bobbi's long tradition of shimmering, highlighting color in shades that are perfect for a cool, rosy look. I swatched the blended shades to show you the color you'll achieve if you run your brush over all five shades. You can see those swatches here.

I have one to give away. How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). Please tell us your all-time favorite Shimmer Brick, if you have one. 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.

If you have left a comment at Best Things in Beauty over the last two weeks, you will automatically receive a fourth entry. I need to find a way to reward my regulars. Don't worry about telling me in your entry. I will know.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, April 20, 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!

P.S. I keep thinking that if I run at least one contest every week, sooner or later random.org will get around to selecting all my readers. Unfortunately, that could take years. Keep entering, please! I'll keep buying prizes as long as I can afford it.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick

The introduction of a new Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is always cause for celebration. As a Shimmer Brick collector, I drove right over to Bloomingdale's when I found out that Bobbi Brown's new Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick ($42) had arrived. I was rewarded with this beauty!

Handmade in Italy, this award-winning editor's favorite highlights the skin - cheeks, eyes, anywhere - with five bars of pearlescent shimmer in Bobbi's freshest take on spring florals. Featuring bright pink, golden pink and icy pink pearl pigments, it's perfect for light or medium skin tones. I believe that the Shimmer Bricks are Bobbi Brown's greatest achievement as a cosmetics artist. While some would say her foundations are her crowning glory, I'm sticking with the Shimmer Bricks. If I could give awards for all-time makeup bests, Bobbi Brown's multitasking Shimmer Bricks would get an award.

Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick continues Bobbi's long tradition of shimmering, highlighting color in shades that are perfect for a cool, rosy look. I haven't had time to swatch each color individually. I did swatch with the blended shades to show you the color you'll achieve if you run your brush over all five shades.

I used a sponge-tipped applicator to show the blended shades at the top of my arm and a dense blush brush for the larger swatch below. I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine, which emphasized the shimmering finish.

To me, the icy pink shade is glorious, magnificent, stunning, glamorous, and definitely flattering. Give me time, and I can add at least 20 other superlatives. Appropriately named Lilac Pink, this Shimmer Brick, when used as a highlighter, will offer a cool tone to contrast with your warmer shades for spring.

I like to use Shimmer Bricks as blushers or blush toppers or highlighters. I blend the shades more often than I use them individually, but I love the way I can select only one shade and use it on my eyes. If the sun is shining tomorrow, I will swatch each shade individually for you.

I purchased my Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick at Bloomingdale's. Since that day, I haven't looked for it at other Bobbi Brown counters. I'm sure it will arrive soon. It is not yet available on Bobbi Brown's Web site (as of this morning).

Photo at top courtesy of Bloomingdale's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Pink Oyster Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Pink Oyster Shimmer Brick was introduced as an Asia-exclusive product. The Pink Oyster Collection was Bobbi Brown's first color collection designed especially for the Asian market. We got the Beach Shimmer Brick in the United States; Japan got this stunner created for ladies who aren't sun worshipers.

I managed to get my hands on two of them - one for me and one for one of you - at the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. It has been one of my best-ever sources for country-exclusive palettes.

 This Shimmer Brick is darn-near perfect for my fair skin. I believe these colors will work nicely for all but the darkest skin tones. One Makeup Alley contributor with medium-toned skin wrote, "My mom got this for me in Pink Oyster (Asia exclusive). At first I was a bit unsure as to whether it would work on my skin because I am a medium tan (NC40) and dont have the oriental skintone to carry off such light colours. I have to say - it really does show!! I use it on my cheekbones with some bronzer below, and it just sort of lifts my face and gives it an "ethereal" glow. I would definitely buy it again." So would I, if I ever see it again in Leesburg.

The depth of color you get from running a brush over Shimmer Bricks is fabulous. They are highlighter, blusher, and eye shadow in one compact. I seldom pick and choose from the strips of color. I just run Bobbi's Face Blender Brush from top to bottom, or swirl it in a circular motion and apply. I love the slightly shimmering effect, and the Pink Oyster spectrum of colors is gorgeous. I love using the top bars on my eyes.

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 5, 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

Bobbi Brown Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

This contest had ended.

This isn't my first giveaway of a Bobbi Brown Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick Compact. Even though it was a limited edition that sold out at Bobbi Brown counters and her Web site, I find one or two now and then at the Estée Lauder Cosmetics Company Store at the Leesburg Premium Outlets. Platinum Pink is one of my all-time favorite Shimmer Bricks. I find one; I buy it.

Shimmer Bricks give you highlighter, blusher, and eye shadow shades in one compact. Although I seldom pick and choose from the strips of color, I love the fact that I can. Normally, I just run Bobbi's Face Blender Brush from top to bottom, or swirl it in a circular motion and apply the vibrant shade to my cheeks. I love the slightly shimmering effect, and the Platinum Pink spectrum of colors is gorgeous any time of year. This week, I have one to give away.

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, December 8, 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!

Stay tuned for more giveaways this month. It's holiday time - a great time for gifts!

Photo courtesy of QVC

Bobbi Brown 24 Karat Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition 24 Karat Shimmer Brick ($24) provides five bars of pearlescent shimmer that highlight the skin for a lit-from-within glow. Each bar also doubles up as an eye shadow - a feature that makes all Shimmer Bricks treasures.

You can see my feature, with swatches at this link. The gorgeous gold, when blended, is radiant on my skin. The shade is almost rose gold. The two pink/rose-toned stripes of color add a rose hue to the gold. The result isn't exactly rose gold (like Bobbi's Rose Gold Shimmer Brick), but it leans pleasantly in that direction. I'm very "fond" of this Shimmer Brick - so fond I decided to give one away.

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, November 17, 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!

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown 24K Shimmer Brick

The introduction of a new Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is always cause for celebration. I was thrilled when I saw the limited-edition 24K Shimmer Brick ($42) at Bobbi Brown's Web site. I ordered two in less time than you just took to read these first two sentences. I always order at least two of every Shimmer Brick. They are my favorites from Bobbi Brown.

Give the gift of gold with our 24 Karat Shimmer Brick, that is. Five bars of pearlescent shimmer highlight the skin for a lit-from-within glow. Each bar also doubles up as an eye shadow.

The multi-use quality of Shimmer Bricks enhances their appeal. Use them on the cheeks, all over the face, on areas you want to highlight, or on your eyes. They will light up your face. You get five shades - or one. You can use the stripes selectively, increasing the number of shades you can use (although I seldom do).

The 24K Shimmer Brick may surprise you - as it did me. I didn't see the high-wattage gold coming until I swatched it. I swatched it two ways: with a sponge-tipped applicator dragged top to bottom in the compact across all five shades (at the top of my arm), and with a kabuki brush that I swirled around all the shades in circular motions (below). I took my photos in full, unfiltered sun, so the color reflects the direct sunlight perfectly.

Look at the gorgeous gold! The Shimmer Brick is radiant on my skin. The shade is almost rose gold. The two pink/rose-toned stripes of color add a rose hue to the gold. The result isn't exactly rose gold (like Bobbi's Rose Gold Shimmer Brick), but it leans pleasantly in that direction.

I applied both swatches heavily, which none of us will do when wearing this Shimmer Brick on our faces. I might use the colors this way on my eyes, but not on my cheeks.

The control is yours when you apply Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks. You can use a light hand and add a subtle glow to your skin, or you can apply the colors heavily for high-wattage results. Used lightly, the shades are office-friendly. Used with a heavier hand, and the shades become your evening go-to.

I like to use Bobbi's Face Blender Brush to apply Shimmer Bricks, but many brushes will work just as well. When I'm using the shades on my eyes, I use an eye shadow brush.

I'm so glad I purchased two of these new 24K Shimmer Bricks. Think I need a third? They have them at Neiman Marcus, so I think it's safe to assume that they are available at all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased mine online at Bobbi Brown's Web site. If you like Shimmer Bricks as much as I do, make sure to get yours before they sell out.

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

Bobbi Brown Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick Compact was a limited edition that sold out at Bobbi Brown counters and her Web site. I bought three of them, contributing in a teeny tiny way to their popularity! Platinum Pink is one of my all-time favorite Shimmer Bricks.

The depth of color you get from running a brush over Shimmer Bricks is fabulous. There are multiuse highlighter, blusher, and eye shadow shades in one compact, although I seldom pick and choose from the strips of color. I just run Bobbi's Face Blender Brush from top to bottom, or swirl it in a circular motion and apply. I love the slightly shimmering effect, and the Platinum Pink spectrum of colors is gorgeous.

A few weeks ago, while shopping at the Estée Lauder Cosmetics Company Store at the Leesburg Premium Outlets, I found a few Platinum Pink Shimmer Bricks. After my eureka moment, I bought two of them. One will go to a lucky Best Things in Beauty reader.

How can you enter to win this Shimmer Brick 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 entrants 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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 4, 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.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

I'm going to run two contests this week, so make sure to check back tomorrow. I'll have a new surprise for you.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Party Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Escritora!

In a departure from the bands of stripes we've come to love in our Shimmer Bricks, Bobbi Brown's Party Shimmer Brick ($40) features only two glamorous shades: gold and silver. The high-luster combo of silver and gold will brighten your face and give you a sparking glow.

This piece was the centerpiece of the Party Time Collection for Holiday 2011, and I was lucky to score one for this contest at the Estée Lauder Company Store last week. The pure gold and silver shades can be used on the eyes or face - and can be used alone or blended. Gold and silver should never be confined to the winter holidays. I wear them year round.

How can you enter to win this Shimmer Brick 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 entrants 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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 14, 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.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Barneys

Bobbi Brown Wild Rose Shimmer Brick Compact Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's new, lust-worthy Rose Gold Collection for Spring 2012 featured two stunning Shimmer Bricks. It was a feast for those like me who ha been awaiting a new Shimmer Bricks. I featured the limited-edition Wild Rose Shimmer Brick ($39) in January.  If you missed it, pop over to this link.I had difficulty getting photos at the time, but they will give you a clue to the gorgeous pink glow Wild Rose creates. Anyhow, I have one to give away.

Handmade in Italy, this award-winning editor's favorite highlights skin with five bars of pearlescent shimmer. You can apply the Shimmer Bricks over blush. My skin is so pale, I often skip the blush and just wear the Wild Rose Shimmer Brick. Try wearing Wild Rose both ways to decide whether you need the additional color a blush will provide. Each bar in the compact also doubles up as eye shadow.

How can you enter to win this 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 entrants 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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, June 2, 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.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

P.S. I did an one-day trip to New York yesterday, taking Amtrak up and back. I shopped with The Non-Blonde, and we both attended a party at MiN New York featuring Sergio Momo, creator of Xerjoff Fragrances, as the guest. As soon as I can recover some energy - without back pain - I'll tell you all about the day. I am so glad I went. I wish my spine felt the same way.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick for Body ($75) is a luxurious, radiant "bronzing/illuminating" powder that can be used to create head-to-toe glamour. The lightweight, silky powder can be used on arms, legs, décolleté, or anywhere you want to glow - including your face! The deluxe oversized compact features three shimmering bars of color. It's easy to select only one of the shades if you want because the compact is large.

I love mine (one of my all-time favorite shimmer bricks) and was able to find one for a giveaway contest at the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. This Shimmer Brick for Body sold out at some of the stores and remains hard to find, although it's available at Bobbi Brown's Web site with a brush (this prize does not include a brush). This is such a beloved product, there might be an outcry if the company discontinues it without a replacement!

How can you enter to win this 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.

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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, May 19, 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.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Tawny Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

I've told you I'm obsessed with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Compacts, right? I consider myself a "collector." I buy every one of them! Not too long ago, I found a little supply of Tawny Shimmer Brick at the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. Snapped one up in a heartbeat. Then I found I had quite a supply of Tawny Shimmer Bricks (it would be too embarrassing to admit how many). As a result, one of you will hit the jackpot with this gorgeous shade, no longer available at Bobbi Brown's Web site or at Bobbi counters.

Handmade in Italy, Shimmer Bricks are lightly shimmering, brush-on powders that reflect radiance and light on skin to create a soft glow. Tawny is for anyone who wants to give her skin subtle highlights with a warm, pinky glow. The beautiful shades in the compact can be used individually on the eyes or swirled together to create a flattering highlighter or blush for the face.

How do you use it? Sweep a brush through all five shades and dust lightly on the cheekbones after applying blush - or in place of blush. Focus on applying shimmer on the top of the cheekbones, where light naturally hits the face. To add a highlight to eyes, use a small eye shadow brush to apply the lightest shade in the compact just under the brow bone. If you can wear brown-pink tones on your eyes, you can wear these shades as shadows. They impart a flattering, subtle glimmer.

How can you enter to win this 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.

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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, March 17, 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.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo source unknown

Bobbi Brown Sandstone Shimmer Brick Metal Compact Giveaway Contest

Remember Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Metal Compacts? They were exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and sold out long ago. Except...I found a stock of these little stunners at the Estée Lauder Company Store at the outlets in Leesburg, Virginia.

When the three Bobbi Brown Mini Shimmer Brick Metal Compacts ($45) were introduced, I thought they were adorable. While they weren't the greatest value, ounce for ounce, compared to the "regular" Shimmer Brick Compacts, I purchased two when they were new. They were called travel-sized and came in a cute fold-over travel pouch. That made sense to me. I didn't need convincing, though. I'm a Shimmer Brick "collector" (people collect art; I collect makeup). I have bought multiples of most of the Shimmer Bricks, and since some have been limited editions, I'm glad I did. Each shimmering, brush-on Shimmer Brick creates a soft glow, with color that lasts all day. They are blusher, bronzer, highlighter, and eye shadow in one product.

I have one Mini Shimmer Brick Metal Compact in Sandstone (shown above) to give away. How can you enter to win this 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.

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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, February 25, 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.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Bobbi Brown Wild Rose Shimmer Brick from the Rose Gold Collection for Spring 2012

Bobbi Brown's new, lust-worthy Rose Gold Collection for Spring 2012 has arrived! There are two Shimmer Bricks in the collection. It's a feast for those like me who have been awaiting a new Shimmer Bricks. The Party Shimmer Brick - as pretty as it was - didn't count as a "real" Shimmer Brick. I featured the Rose Gold Shimmer Brick last week. If you missed it, pop over to this link. Today, it's time for the limited-edition Wild Rose Shimmer Brick ($39).

I've wanted to show you this warm pink wonder since I purchased it last week. The problem has been a total lack of sunshine, my best lighting condition for taking makeup swatch photos. Today, I took photos in two adverse conditions: inside through a window and outside, with reflected light from the snow/ice cover. The sky is completely overcast. As a result, I'm not happy with any of the photos, but the "show must go on." I hope you'll give the makeup the benefit of any doubts raised by my photography.

Wild Rose is a shimmering, powder blush and highlighter in one. It can be used anywhere on the face, including the eyes. The pink stripes in Wild Rose provide five pink and rose shades that, when blended, provide a gorgeous pink glow on the skin. Wear them alone or blended, you'll be pretty in a vivid sun-drenched pink.

Let's start with the outdoor photos shown directly above and below. I applied a stripe at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator swept across all five shades in the palette. The swatch below the "stripe" on my arm was created with a heavy application of the powder, across all shades, using Bobbi Brown's Face Blender Brush. Both swatches were heavily applied.

I brightened the photos above and below with a photo editor. Otherwise, they would have appeared dim and gray. Brightening the photos washed out the Wild Rose color, so be aware that the color is a bit more intense.

Wild Rose leaves a luscious pink glow on my skin. Just as I plan to hoard the Rose Gold Shimmer Brick, I've also decided I need a second Wild Rose. This is my kind of makeup. I heard at Neiman Marcus yesterday that they have already sold all but two of the Rose Gold Shimmer Bricks they received.

The photo at right was taken indoors through my living room window. I can't remember whether the flash went off, but it looks like it did. That light on my arm came from something, and it certainly wasn't sunlight. The flash photo does illustrate the beautiful glow that Wild Rose provides as it reflects light. You can apply it heavily for a shimmer or lightly for a glow. It layers beautifully for ease of application.

Wild Rose is deeper in color intensity than Rose Gold, and it offers more saturated rose color. Both Shimmer Bricks look great on my pale skin. If you have darker skin and may be worried that Rose Gold is too light, Wild Rose is your color.

You can apply the Shimmer Bricks over blush. My skin is so pale, I often skip the blush. Try wearing Wild Rose both ways to decide whether you need the additional color a blush will provide.

With apologies to Bobbi Brown for these terrible photos, I'll hold off on showing you the lip colors in the spring collection until the sun returns. I hope I've shown you enough to entice you to take a look at the two new Shimmer Bricks. I think Bobbi scored a home run.

Bobbi Brown's Rose Gold Collection has arrived at Neiman Marcus locally. It is not yet available on Bobbi Brown's Web site (as of this morning). I don't know if it has arrived at Nordstrom stores, but it's available at the Nordstrom online site.

P.S. If the sun ever returns, I'll get better swatch photos and post at least one.

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom; other photos, such as they are, by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Rose Gold Shimmer Brick from the Rose Gold Collection for Spring 2012

Bobbi Brown's new, lust-worthy Rose Gold Collection has arrived! I had been counting the days, assuming it would launch in February, when my sales associate e-mailed to let me know that it was on the counter at Neiman Marcus. We picked out my purchases on the phone. I'm as thrilled with the collection as I expected to be. There are two Shimmer Bricks (more to come) and stunning lip colors.

I don't think there's a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick I've ever missed. I've hoarded some of them, and this new, limited-edition Rose Gold Shimmer Brick ($39) is bringing out my hoarding instinct. It's amazingly gorgeous. The only question today is how many I will ultimately purchase.

I had to take my photos with high overcast (or hazy sun) conditions. The sun was not bright enough for optimal swatch photos, but given the option of holding this feature a week (the weather forecast is gray and wintry), I snapped what I could get. I wanted you to have the opportunity to visit your favorite Bobbi Brown counter this weekend.

I'm attaching multiple photos to this feature. Each time I zoomed outside in the cold, tempted by sunlight that beckoned through my windows, I hoped for the best. Please ignore the goosebumps.

I applied the swatch at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator swept across all five shades in the palette. The beauty of Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks is that they offer five shades you can use singly or mix and match to create your own combinations for face and eyes. The swatch below the "stripe" on my arm was created with a heavy application of the powder, across all shades, using Bobbi Brown's Face Blender Brush.

The blended rose gold color makes me deliriously happy. I love the shade. I love the shimmer. I love the finish. I love the intensity. Rose Gold Shimmer Brick falls on the light end of the intensity continuum, which pleases me. We can always layer color, adding more to suit our tastes, but we can't subtract it quickly (Loyd Cassler trick: layer foundation over the cheek color when you've overdone it).

This blended warm pink shade with golden highlights should appeal to everyone. I wish I had taken a swatch photo of the fourth stripe from the top of the palette. Ooh la la! I'll leave it for you to discover its magnificence when you buy your new Rose Gold Shimmer Brick. This is must-have makeup, and because it's a limited-edition, you won't want to waste any time in getting yours. Remember, I'll be out there hoarding, and I doubt if I'll be the only one.

Bobbi Brown's Rose Gold Collection has arrived at Neiman Marcus locally. It is not yet available on Bobbi Brown's Web site (as of this morning). I don't know if it has arrived at Nordstrom stores, but it's available at the Nordstrom online site.

Photos at top courtesy of Nordstrom; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Party Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2011

In a departure from the bands of stripes we've come to love in our Shimmer Bricks, Bobbi Brown's Party Shimmer Brick ($40) features only two glamorous shades: gold and silver. The high-luster combo of silver and gold will brighten your face and give you a sparking glow.

The Party Time Collection for Holiday 2011 arrived at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, complete with this Shimmer Brick - the centerpiece of the collection - beautiful dual-ended eye liners (I purchased one), lipsticks and lip glosses (including gold and silver high-shine glosses), and eye shadow quads that will provide you with all the color you'll need to sparkle at your holiday parties. There's a brush set housed in a pretty silver case too. It's party time!

I've barely begun to experiment with my Party Shimmer Brick. The pure gold and silver shades can be used on the eyes or face - and can be used alone or blended. I swatched the palette for you, taking my photos in full sun.

At the top of my arm in the photo at right, I applied a "stripe" of each shade (heavily) with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then, using a sponge-tipped applicator again, I blended out the shades a bit below, showing the gold above the silver. If you apply these shades with a brush, they are much more sheer on the face, but that would be nearly impossible for me to photograph.

Like other Shimmer Bricks, the Party Shimmer Brick does sparkle, but it's not a "glitter bomb" at all. When applied with a brush, either color alone or both blended together will give your face a pretty, highlighting sheen with the glimmer of precious metals. This Shimmer Brick offers shine and polish.

Doing a warm look? Lightly sweep the gold shade across your face or use it as a highlighter on the feature(s) you want to spotlight. Going for a cool look instead? Use the silver. Want a neutral glow? Mix the shades and apply wherever you wish - you'll look party-perfect and polished.

I never miss a Shimmer Brick Compact, and I wouldn't have missed this one. I saw its photo months ago, and I've been waiting eagerly for it to arrive in stores. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. I'm sure it will be available soon at all Bobbi Brown counters and on Bobbi Brown's Web site.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Tawny Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest Winner

Congratulations to Jenny (notified by e-mail)! She won the Bobbi Brown Tawny Shimmer Brick giveaway contest. I think she's going to be a happy gal when she sees it. She said in her comment that she had never tried a Shimmer Brick. Oh my, I think I am about to corrupt her.

Jenny lives in Canada. That's all I know about her. I hope she has a store that carries Bobbi Brown nearby. Once she wears Tawny, I think she will want a second set of stripes.

It's pretty obvious to me that you gals like makeup, so I will try to stock up next time I go the the Company Store. I think I can get there sometime in the next month.

We will be starting another giveaway contest later today. Come back. In the meantime, thanks very much for reading Best Things in Beauty! I love to read your comments.

Photo courtesy of QVC

Bobbi Brown Tawny Shimmer Brick Giveaway Contest

I've told you I'm obsessed with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Compacts, right? I consider myself a "collector." I buy every one of them! Not too long ago, I found a little supply of Tawny Shimmer Brick (shown at left) at the Estée Lauder Company Store in Leesburg, Virginia. Snapped one up in a heartbeat. Then I found I had quite a supply of Tawny Shimmer Bricks (it would be too embarrassing to admit how many). As a result, one of you will hit the jackpot with this gorgeous shade, no longer available at Bobbi Brown's Web site or at Bobbi counters.

Handmade in Italy, Shimmer Bricks are lightly shimmering, brush-on powders that reflect radiance and light on skin to create a soft glow. Tawny is for anyone who wants to give her skin subtle highlights with a warm, pinky glow. The beautiful shades in the compact can be used individually on the eyes or swirled together to create a flattering highlighter or blush for the face.

How do you use it? Sweep a brush through all five shades and dust lightly on the cheekbones after applying blush - or in place of blush. Focus on applying shimmer on the top of the cheekbones, where light naturally hits the face. To add a highlight to eyes, use a small eye shadow brush to apply the lightest shade in the compact just under the brow bone. If you can wear brown-pink tones on your eyes, you can wear these shades as shadows. They impart a flattering, subtle glimmer.

How can you enter to win? Here's the "fine print." Just leave a comment here once. After you comment, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com 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).

You can "earn" a second entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. You can earn a third entry by following the blog - either here or on Twitter (any entrant who is already a follower will automatically earn the follower point, but you can save me time by telling me you're a follower in your comment). I can't track followers through a third-party service, so you need to be on Google's list for me to verify the entry.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, April 2, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest will be open to anyone anywhere in the world. I will ship the gloss uninsured (the insurance costs as much as the compact - or more - and I can't insure a small Priority box - rules, annoying USPS rules). I will also provide proof of shipping, if necessary. I am going to take a chance that both mail systems will deliver the box - yours and mine - without loss, theft, or destruction! Let's see how it works if we have an "international winner." So far, my luck with international shipping hasn't been very good. I want to keep trying because there are so many of you out there reading my blog (and I'm grateful).

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of QVC