Bobbi Brown Bronze Brightening Blush and Pink Brightening Blush from the Surf & Sand Collecton for Summer 2014

Among Bobbi Brown's beautiful Surf & Sand Collection, you'll find stripes, which Bobbi perfected years ago with her Shimmer Bricks. Since then, she has experimented with stripes of different widths. Her wildest strips were probably the gold and silver ones in her holiday Party Palette from a few years back. The stripes in her new limited-edition Bronze Brightening Blush ($45) and limited-edition Pink Brightening Blush ($45) are tame and extremely flattering on the skin -  they offer a touch of summer color.

Speaking of summer, look at the steam from humidity on the mirror on the Bronze Brightening Blush at left above. Do you think it was hot outside at high noon when I took that picture?

I have very little time to write today, so let's go right to the swathes. I used a sponge-tipped applicator and ran it across all three shades, applying the bronze at the top of my arm and the pink below. Both applications were heavy. Then I took a kabuki brush and applied the blended bronze shade below the stripe swatches. I applied the two stripes heavily.

The bronze is a beautiful, gleaming color, and when applied appropriately. Tthis lightly pearlized blush delivers a soft wash of lit-from-within color. It looks natural. Bobbi recommends that you apply it with her Blush Brush, and I agree. That brush will add color lightly, giving you the opportunity to add more if you wish.

The pink is extremely sheer and light. Also offering pearlized color, it's best on women with fair skin. I don't see it adding much of a glow to those with darker skin. Maybe I'm incorrect, so tell me if I am.

I think these are beautiful compacts - stripes and all - and I am pleased to have them. Right now, Bobbi Brown has an incredible deal on her Web site. Spend $100+ on your order and you will receive a $25 bonus card to spend later. That'a basically a 25% discount. Not bad!

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

Dior Beauty Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink from the Summer 2014 Transatlantique Collection for Neiman Marcus

Each store received its own Transatlantique Collection for Summer 2014. I had fun shopping at Saks. Then I did it again at Neiman Marcus. Trying to be frugal, I selected only one piece, Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink ($56). It beckoned to me from another counter!

The limited-edition Transatlantique Color Collection was inspired by Christian Dior’s love for travel and the brand’s spirit for timeless elegance and playfulness. The collection boasts classic, elegant shades contrasted by bold pops of color.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder mimics a fresh glow. It's a luminizing product that combines pigment with shimmer to create a natural, fresh look. "A gentle blush of color sculpts and contours, creating a dazzling, complexion-enhancing glow."

The compact comes in a very large box, accompanied by the small kabuki brush you see here. With one stroke of the Kabuki brush (or more, if you wish), your skin blushes gently, catching the light and revealing a sculpted face. The color is gorgeous: a pastel pink that leans cool without being too blue.

I took my swatch photos in full, late-morning sun. I applied the powder with a sponge-tipped applicator, which I "ran" over all the colors in the compact. Then I used the kabuki brush that comes with the compact (in a very large Dior box) and applied the large swatch below.

I'm using this gorgeous pink as an illuminating blush. I apply it with a light hand because it is very pigmented.

The texture of this finely-milled powder is soft and very blendable on the skin. Once you blend it, it seems to melt into the skin, never looking powdery. I am thrilled that I purchased it.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink is supposed to be a Neiman Marcus exclusive, but you can find it at Nordstrom too. I can never figure out why one store thinks they have an exclusive, but others have the same product. I've given up trying.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Nail Lacquer from the Bright Ribbon Collection for Summer 2014

When the Bright Ribbon Collection was launched recently, my eyes went straight for the Rouge d'Armani Sheers. After ordering two, I lingered at the Nail Lacquers ($20). Something about #302, a coral that is "so not me," commanded my attention. It telegraphed, "I am the coral of the season; you will never regret purchasing me." So, I put aside my natural attraction to pink and ordered a coral shade. I'm glad I did! Armani's #302 is exquisite.

This rich, thick polish creates an exception creamy shine with long-lasting color. The flat and wide brush sets a clean drop at the base of the nail and easily stretches color to the nail tip with one stroke. Even I can do it. The transforming "gel on brush" prevents dripping for a clean, precise application. The application is easy, and the application is long-lasting. What's not to love?

I took swatch photos on the color wheel in full sunshine. I applied two coats. More would have been overkill. This nail lacquer covers well.

Is this not a shade that screams summer? I think it's a fingertip shade - and a shade for your toesies - to draw attention while still telegraphing Armani elegance.

I have a hard time applying Nail Lacquer, but I find that Armani's shades apply easily, neatly, and evenly. There are six new shades in the Bright Ribbon Collection - including turquoise and pastel grape. This is the only one I've tried. I purchased it at the Armani Web site. It's also available at Giorgio Armani Beauty counters.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick from the Bright Ribbon Collection for Summer 2014

The online-exclusive Bright Ribbon Collection from Giorgio Armani Beauty brings us translucent, bright colors for lips and nails. Most of the shades remind me of Italian Ice treats.

Featuring a creamy texture, feather light and translucent, as hydrating as a balm. The brilliant bold color is wearable and chic.

I purchased two lip colors: #305, a coral with its share of pink; and #509. Both appeared online to be a bit more bold than they are in person. That's because the shades are extremely sheer.

The coral #305 is shown at left in my photo above, with the pink #509 to the right. There are a total of six shades available, and now that I've purchased two, I'm thinking I need at least one more. You can see Armani's swatches at this link. I may spring for the crazy purple #604.

I took swatch photos in full, late-afternoon sun. As you can see #305 at the top of my arm is much more colorful than #509, shown below. On my arm, #509 offers very little color, however the pink is amplified on my lips by the natural pigment of my lips. It's still very light, though. It provides a perfect sheer, summer look. Given a choice of only one, I'd opt for the coral #305. I think it's gorgeous, with its sheer shine and tropical color.

I purchased one of the nail lacquers, and I'll show it to you as soon as I can get photos. In the meantime, check out these Bright Ribbon online exclusives at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site. If you like pastels as much as I do, I'll bet you'll find a treasure. They have no fragrance, which I know will please many of you.

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

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen in N° 01

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen is the face of Chanel for the Spring-Summer 2014 launch of Les Beiges Healthy Glow to hit the counters. The Les Beiges line includes Chanel's limited-edition Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen ($65) and the All-in-One Healthy Glow Fluid. With their sunscreen, both are perfect for summertime.

I was lured to the Chanel counter by the new display. I immediately saw Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in N° 01, with its three pretty stripes. I knew the moment I saw it that N° 01 was the shade for me. If you would like to see N° 02, head over to The Beauty Look Book.

Chanel's photo of N° 01 is shown directly above. It is not that colorful. The lightweight, multi-stripe powder can offer a palette of effortless effects - depending on your skin tone. The powder can act as a highlighter, sculpting powder, bronzer, and blush - all with a sheer, natural finish and broad-spectrum sun protection.

A hybrid powder (depending on your skin tone and the shade selected), Les Beiges were inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for freedom - a new makeup approach for “simple, intuitive, and natural beauty.” Les Beiges represent a new, versatile concept for Chanel. We saw our first collection last year, and the latest has finally made it to the shores of the United States.

The ingredients include a purifying protective cream containing white roses and a cotton composite plant cell extract that protects the skin from environmental pollution while soothing and calming the skin. Shea butter offers softness, while the UVA and UVB factors help prevent fine lines and sun spots. The powders are very lightly scented with Chanel's iconic gardenia.

I seem to have purchased more than my share of face powders lately - especially the ones that are nearly impossible to swatch and photograph. This powder adds a pretty glow - or translucent sheen - to my face, something last year's powders did not do. I wasn't overwhelmed with my first purchase last year. With the new N° 01, I see the glow. Given its perfect match to my skin tone, the shade also provides totally transparent, light coverage along with its SPF 15. The active ingredients are octinoxate and titanium dioxide. I love it as a finishing powder.

These swatch photos may be the most difficult photos I've ever taken. I did everything I could to make N° 01 show up on my skin. It is such a perfect match that all you can see in my photos is a glow from the microfine powder. When you examine the powder, you will see that it has barely detectible micro-shimmer in it.

To swatch, I took a sponge-tipped applicator and swatched heavily in a row at the top of my arm. Then I used a kabuki brush to blend all three colors and add a larger swatch below. My photos were taken in full, afternoon sun. If you look extremely carefully, you can see that the powder "lights up" my skin in the sunlight. The shade I selected adds little color - just a slight warmth.

I can select the peachy stripe across the bottom of the compact and achieve a light peach glow that's kind of pretty. Blended, the shades melt into my skin as if they belong there. For me, there is no reason to select individual shades when applying the powder.

The compact comes with a brush inside. It will do in a pinch, but I wouldn't recommend you use it for any serious sculpting.

The new Les Beiges Collection is available at Chanel.com, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and other Chanel counters. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photo at top and one compact photo courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette ($48.50) offers 10 shimmering shades for the eyes in beachy bronzes and warm sugar tones - Bobbi's go-to hues when the weather heats up. From her Raw Sugar Collection, this limited-edition palette leaves the eyelids with a soft wash of pearlescent color.

I always purchase these little "shimmer bricks" for eyes. I think they are a great deal, and when I saw this one, loaded with rose gold and neutral shades, I flipped.

Inspired by Bobbi's love of the toasted-brown, shimmering shades of raw sugar, this palette captures the look of sandy shores and beach bronze beauty.

I took swatch photos in full sun. As you can see from the mirror on the palette, there were clouds in the sky, but I had enough breaks to get decent swatch photos.

I did not have time to swatch every shade, so I swatched three shades or combinations - all with a sponge-tipped applicator - and then I ran an applicator across all of the shades to see how they look blended. I started at the top of my arm with the second shade from the left; then I swatched the "lightest shades' in the middle, mixing two; then I swatched the brown shades at the far right in the palette, mixing the last two. Finally, I ran the applicator left to right over the whole palette. The combination of all shades left the beautiful bronze color at the bottom of my arm.

As you can see, these shades are perfect shimmers. They provide an "adult shimmer" that gleams, without any glitter. The finish is lovely for summer.

The Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette provides so many options, I can't do the math. I will enjoy using the shades this summer.

I purchased mine sight unseen from the Bobbi Brown Web site. I have seen the full Raw Sugar Collection in the stores too, so you should be able to find the entire collection at your favorite counter.

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

Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown introduced four, limited-edition Tinted Lip Balm ($20) shades with the Raw Sugar Collection. She had me at Tinted Lip Balm - my kind of lip color. I blind-ordered from the Bobbi Brown Web site and forced myself to order only two. My selections were Pink Raspberry and Pink Popsicle. I am going to have to cover my eyes when I walk past the Bobbi Brown counter. I'm sure I am going to covet the other two shades, both browns, which I love.

Pink Popsicle is shown at left immediately above, and Pink Raspberry is shown at right. All of my photos were taken in full, mid-day sun.

This favorite lip formula from Bobbi Brown has returned in barely-there balm that offers deep moisturize and sheer color (that lasts longer than many sheers). Any woman who wants soft, smooth lips with a hint of fuss-free color for summer will love these Tinted Lip Balms. I still have my shades from Bobbi's earlier introduction. I think I purchased all of them, which means it would have been hard for this fickle blogger to use them all up before moving on to the next sheer sensation.

The color-true formula packs the perfect blend of emollients to comfort and moisturize the lips, while beeswax and candelilla wax help provide longer wear. Plus, vitamins C and E deliver nourishing antioxidant protection.

Because the Lip Balms have a flat top, my arm applications weren't as "neat" and rectangular as I would like. They apply easily to my lips, followed by a smack, but my bony arms were a different story. Pink Popsicle is shown at the top of my arm. It's described by Bobbi Brown as a sheer pinky-red. I'm not sure I'm buying that description. I'd call it a warm pink. I see no red in it. I think the color is gorgeous, despite its description.

Pink Raspberry, shown below on my arm, is described by Bobbi Brown as a sheer, bright red-pink. I can agree with that. The shade has a lot of red in it, but because it is sheer, it doesn't look red on my lips. It looks like I've kissed a popsicle. Too bad it wasn't named with the word "popsicle" because it reminds of of how kids look after they have eaten a berry delight.

The new Tinted Lip Balms are beautifully hydrating. They look good and feel good. The only thing that might have made them even better would have been a bit of SPF protection.

If you see me in the store with my eyes averted from the Bobbi Brown counter, you will know I'm trying not to "see" the brown shades. Wish me luck!

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

Bobbi Brown Telluride Illuminating Bronzing Powder from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing Powders ($38) are the cat's meow. To me, they are a hybrid between blusher and bronzer - the perfect two-for. Bobbi introduced Telluride with the new Raw Sugar Collection, an enticing group of summer colors that tempted me to pull out my credit card online.

I was already a fan of these Illuminating Bronzing Powders. I have Santa Barbara and Tawny Brown, both great colors. I think Maui and Antigua is somewhere here too. Bobbi Brown's soft matte, silky-smooth Bronzing Powder gives skin an instant look of a natural tan, and it's perfect for contouring too. Bobbi suggests using Bronzing Powder year round to get a sun-kissed look. I've always liked Bronzing Powder because there are light shades that are appropriate for my pale skin.

You can see that the photo of Telluride at home is move mauve than the online photo - and that's a good thing from my perspective. I love this color. This ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. The powder glides on evenly and gives the skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow. Bobbi recommends applying it with her Bronzer Brush, a good idea, but you can use any blush brush or powder brush.

I was a little disappointed in my swatch photos, which I took in full, lunchtime sunshine. They look lifeless, even though the Telluride color is so natural on my skin. I guess the satin finish, which doesn't sparkle in bright light, makes it look fabulous on the face, but a little dull in swatch photos. I can have a dynamite photo or a dynamite bronzer.

I adore this mauve-brown color. The rose in the shade is perfect for the undertones of my skin. I'm sure it's not the best of the six shades for everyone, but it's darn nice on me. If you have pink undertones, I suspect you will feel the same.

For Bobbi Brown's tutorial on its use, go to this link. It's a simple explanation for using bronzers.

Over the coming week, I'll show you the other pieces I purchased from the Raw Sugar Collection. I think it's one of Bobbi's best in months.

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

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow from the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection

This summer, Estée Lauder captivates the senses with a sultry limited-edition color look in the new Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection. This modern yet sensual makeup look is inspired by a symphony of color born from the enchantment of long stretched beaches of white sand that turn golden as night falls.

A truly divine experience, the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Color Collection features a spectrum of subtly nude hues accented by exquisitely rich colors from soft corals to deep blackberries and lavishly gilded metallics. Eyes glisten with nudes and metallic sparkle. Lips are glossed and brightened with luscious color. Cheeks glow as if kissed by the sun.

Last week, with Mom in the hospital, I had to get my beauty shopping fix online. I specifically went over to Estée Lauder's Web site to see the latest Bronze Goddess beauties. What grabbed my attention? Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow ($28) and one other item I'll show you later - when I can get photos.

Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow offers a cream cheek color that smooths on with a soft, subtle sheen that you can build to a luminous radiance. It's a beautiful sun-kissed color, designed for every skin tone. I was extremely pleased when I opened and tried it.

This new, limited-edition Cheek Glow provides a natural, healthy, and sun-kissed touch of color for our cheeks. Designed to complement all skin tones, this cream blush offers an ideal touch of color, while it illuminates complexions from day to night. The innovative and luxurious blush has a skin-loving, moisturizing formula that is undeniably creamy and sets beautifully on cheeks for a perfectly blushed look. The blendable and buildable coverage also creates finishes from subtle and soft to dramatic and perfectly pinched. I was particularly pleased that it is easy to apply a subtle wash of color or build the color for a little more oomph.

I applied Bronze Goddess Cheek Glow pretty heavily - at the top with a sponge-tipped applicator (totally unnatural) and below with my finger). My photos were taken in full, late-afternoon sun.

I think this warm, rosy pink-peach hybrid is absolutely heart stopping. I could not believe my good fortune that I had blind-bought such a flattering summer shade. I fell in love instantly, and I suspect I'll stay in love until I have used every last trace of this cream treasure. This is one of the prettiest cream blushes I own.

What do you think of this color? Do you like it as much as I do? Pardon me while I gush. Do you think I should break my rules and order another one?

I limited myself to two pieces from the collection, but I'm very tempted to go back for more. You can see the entire collection at the Estée Lauder Web site.

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

Lèvres Scintellantes Glossimer in Happy from the Reflets D'été de Chanel Summer 2014 Collection

Mix. Match. Mismatch. Bolder is better with this candy-bright collection, featuring playful shades to coordinate or clash for a sweet summer look. 

I have to admit that I got my first look at Chanel's Reflets D'été de Chanel Summer 2014 Collection weeks ago. I studied all the colors and came away with one: Lèvres Scintellantes Glossimer in Happy (#186, $29.50).

I wanted one of the five glosses that might show up on my lips. The glosses all offer transparent candy pops of color. The nail colors are pretty, but lately I haven't had the time for nail lacquer. There was an eye shadow, the limited-edition New Moon, that spoke to me, but not loudly enough for me to purchase it. Overall, I found this collection to be better for others than me.

I took photos of Happy in full, mid-day sun. You can see from the difference in color between the tube and the applicator that the tube does not represent the color well. In my swatch photos below, you'll see a very sheer candy pink.

The pigment in my lips adds some rose to the shade, but it is very transparent, like a Gummy Bear. It was one of the "darkest" colors in the collection. Happy is a cheerful color; it was perfectly named.

You can see Chanel's Summer 2014 Collection at this link. I read somewhere that the pieces in the collection were all sold out. That's not true. You can order from Chanel.

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

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Tonka Impériale for Summer 2014

Guerlain's beautiful new Rouge Automatique ($36) in Tonka Impériale, #602, was created for the Summer 2014 Collection. This limited-edition nude is another milestone nude. I love it, even more so because I bought it blind.

Automatically fashionable: as coveted as an it-bag. As glamorous as stilettos. Automatically innovative: on first glance, you will love the elegance of this structural case. Then, you are smitten with its unprecedented opening system: click, clack, and away you go. You open and close it with just one hand. A second-skin texture and impeccable coverage. Boosted colors thanks to the crystal pigment that reveals luminous, bright and pure shades, with no white effect. Remarkable hold that combines immediate comfort and lasting radiance. Automatically colorful: a flight of reds, oranges, pinks and beiges.

My photos were taken in full sunshine. I wanted to show you how pretty this nude is, with its undertones of a warm pink.

Isn't this a gorgeous warm, summer color? I am totally smitten. I have very few favorite nude lipsticks, and Tonka Impériale has jumped into the selective favorites group. This Rouge Automatique adds a subtle shine and does have a subtle scent, which disappears quickly. The wear is average. That seems to differ within the line from one color to the next.

I purchased my Guerlain treasure from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas. I see that Tonka Impériale is available at Nordstrom online, so it has probably arrived at Guerlain counters by now. I've had mine for weeks.

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