Dior Sérum de Rouge Lip Treatment from Fall 2010 Collection

Sérum de Rouge ($32) by Dior has earned a place among my favorite lipsticks. With 10 times more active skincare ingredients than other lipsticks, including Dior's own, Sérum de Rouge features an amazingly creamy texture to moisturize, smooth, and pamper your lips day in and day out. Enriched with mango butter and other natural extracts, this nourishing treatment is said to boost your lips' microcirculation and collagen levels and enhance their appearance with gorgeous, luminous color.

I had already fallen in love with Sérum de Rouge when I happened upon the Fall 2010 Collection display at Nordstrom. Six shades were shown, and I wasn't sure which shades were new. As an aside, I have learned I can't trust that the colors on a new display are actually new colors. It seems that sales associates just stick other colors on a display when they sell out of the new ones (one of my pet peeves). So, I can't be totally sure that the four colors I purchased (yes, four!) are all new. There were six shades on the display, and all of them were gorgeous. There were no Dior specialists to be found. So, I did my thing and tried them all on my arm. It took every ounce of my self-restraint and willpower (what little I have) to resist the two I didn't purchase.

Here are the shades that came home with me, listed in the order of my arm photo, top to bottom.

• #560 Radiant Pink Serum
• #470 Pearly Pink Serum
• #880 Plum Serum
• #870 Ruby Serum
  

I think - but am not 100% sure - that the shades featured in the Dior collection for fall include Radiant Pink, Pearly Pink, Ruby, Pink, and Plum. That would mean that Pink Serum is the only new one that I didn't purchase? I don't know what the sixth one on the display may have been - can't remember.

I love Sérum de Rouge because it feels great on my lips (extremely moisturizing) and looks sheer and colorful. That may seem contradictory, but some have more color than others. The SPF formula is an extra-added bonus. Dior says that after one month of daily use, Sérum de Rouge increases the hydration of our lips by 40%, adds 24% more smoothness, and helps regain curves and firmness. I don't know about those statistics. They are nice, but not important to me. I simply love the colors, look, and feel!

Want a lighter-than-air, luscious lip color? Check out the Dior Fall 201o display at your local department store. There's a lot more to see - lavenders galore! I was captivated by the Sérum de Rouge shades.

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom

Dr. Nicholas Perricone Cold Plasma Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Rose Mary!

The generous folks at Perricone MD are sponsoring a Best Things in Beauty giveaway contest for a fabulous skin-care treatment: Cold Plasma ($150)! You read at Best Things in Beauty that Dr. Nicholas Perricone won a 2009 WWD Beauty Biz Award for Prestige Product Breakthrough of the Year in the skin category for Cold Plasma. I have been using both Cold Plasma and Cold Plasma Eye, and I am impressed with their performance. I'm happy with the way my skin looks!

This revolutionary treatment is designed to help enhance your current anti-aging routine through the power of "biochemical individuality." Cold Plasma works through a patented ionic (i.e., charged particles) suspension carrier system that allows your skin to "extract" from Cold Plasma’s formula according to your individual, unique needs. This personalized system, called biochemical individuality, is a self-selection process charged by phospholipids, major cell membrane components. Phospholipids are fat derivatives that help lock in moisture because phosopholipid bilayers have hydrophilic (attracted to water) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (mix poorly with water) tails facing inward toward each other. The phospholipids in this formula help direct needed nutrients where they can be effectively used through the cell membrane. This means that if any of the ingredients aren’t needed, they just won’t be used. Pretty cool, huh?

Beyond the unique delivery system, the key ingredients/technology behind this product include:

• Advanced neuropeptide technology to give anti-inflammatory effects, which assist in slowing 10 signs of aging;
• DMAE to help stimulate nerve function, thus causing muscles under the skin to tighten, providing a lifted and firmer appearance to sagging skin;
• L-tyrosine, an amino acid that brightens skin to help radiate a youthful glow; and
  
• DHA, an essential amino acid, to support the preservation and hydration of skin.

All that without parabens, fragrance, sulfates, mineral oil, fillers, or artificial colorants!

So, how can you enter to win this award-winning product from Dr. Perricone? Two steps. First, leave a comment with this posting explaining why you want or need Cold Plasma for your skin. After you comment, feel free to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

The most compelling entry will win. Since I'm such a softie, I will enlist a small panel of independent judges to select the winner. Then our generous contest hosts will send Cold Plasma to the lucky winner.

The deadline for entries will be midnight on Tuesday, July 27. The contest is limited to U.S. and Canadian residents. I will be announcing this contest posting at Free!Grechen, my giveaway contest partner.

Can't wait to try Cold Plasma? You can order a free, deluxe sample of Cold Plasma at Dr. Perricone's blog! All you have to do is pay the USPS shipping of $4.95.

Dr. Perricone has written a new book called Forever Young. In the book, he explains how he discovered the technology that underlies Cold Plasma, including his efforts to isolate charged particles and suspend them in a highly absorbent and penetrative base for maximum absorption into the skin - and how the nutrients in Cold Plasma directly stimulate glycosaminoglycans, the precursor to collagen and elastin. Dermatologists have been looking for years for effective ways to stimulate the skin's natural levels of glycosaminoglycans, and Dr. Perricone scored when he found a way!

The book is available for pre-order right now, only at Amazon. If you pre-order the book now, you can get a free Concentrated Restorative Treatment, a $75 value! Check out this link for details. I'm going to pre-order; I love free stuff!

Back to the contest...Good Luck! Make sure to leave a comment here to enter.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Nicholas Perricone

Exclusive Follower Giveaway Contest Winners

Before I announce the four lucky ladies who were selected by random.org to win the follower giveaway contest, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your kind messages about Best Things in Beauty and your anniversary love. Reading your comments and messages was so much fun - thank you! Thank you for your kindness and for stopping by so often!

Now, the moment you've been waiting for - the winners, all selected by random.org. I couldn't have done it. I wanted to send a prize to all of you. If I ever win the lottery, you are going to be a happy group.

Congratulations, Jules, Clarisse, Selene, and Abby! You have all been notified by e-mail.

Jules, you won the Too Faced Leopard Love Complexion Perfection Kit.
Clarisse, you have a Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect and YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils headed your way.
Selene, you won the Laura Geller cheek and eye colors: Apricot Berry and Water Lily/Wood Forest.
Abby, you won the Armani Blushing Fabric in Pink Chiffon.

I wish I had more prizes to send out! The best I can do is promise another follower giveaway in a few months. I love all of you - and I want to give you special opportunities to win my contests. Keep entering. You never know when random.org will call your number!

This afternoon, we'll start a new giveaway contest for a hot skin-care product - one I use and highly recommend. Come on back!

Photo courtesy of Giackop Design

Jennifer Aniston's Lolavie Fragrance Launch

Jennifer Aniston's new fragrance, Lolavie, launches this Wednesday at Harrods. This is one of three promotion photos published at Mail Online.

Lolavie, which translates roughly as "laughing at life," is launching Wednesday at Harrods in London, where the perfume will be sold exclusively.

The ads were shot at Aniston's favorite holiday getaway spot in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. My question: Was it necessary for Aniston to bare her body, no matter now toned, to sell her fragrance?

Perhaps it's a lovely fragrance. It's described as "sexy and clean, floral but not too flowery." Not sure how that translates. I wish her luck with the launch. I just wish she had kept her clothes on.

Photo courtesy of Mail Online

Bobbi Brown Beach Shimmer Brick Compact

I've told you I'm obsessed with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick Compacts, right? I consider myself a "collector." Look at what I just got. Yes, for the second time - I told you I'm obsessed! Bobbi Brown introduced a new Shimmer Brick - this time called Beach to go with her Beach Club Collection. I purchased it earlier this season and just bought it again! You can never have too many Shimmer Bricks.

Bobbi’s Beach Shimmer Brick Compact ($38) is hand-made in Italy and features five bars of warm, pearlized shimmer to create a beautiful seaside glow. Run your Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush or the Powder Brush across all five shades and lightly dust the powder over your cheeks and forehead - wherever you want a summer glow. Or wear just one or two shades on your eyes for a flattering, subtle glimmer. The shades are darker and warmer than Beige Shimmer Brick, another favorite of mine.

Town & Country magazine, the source for everything elegant, named Beach Shimmer Brick one of the summer's "Best Bronzers." I would agree! Depending on how you apply it, Beach is either a sunny, peach-bronze blusher or a bronzer. It works for my fair skin because I apply it lightly. It makes my blue eyes pop, which I have to admit I love. The shades will work for just about anyone who knows how to use a makeup brush to achieve the look she likes. Hint: big, fluffy brush for a hint of color; slightly tighter brush, like Bobbi's Blender Brush, for a moderate application; and a rigid brush to apply more concentrated pigment on your face. Use any eye shadow brush to apply the ribbons of color on your eyelids.

I haven't worn the shades as eye shadows yet, but I will. Give me time, now that it's summer. Earlier in the season, I wasn't in a beach or bronze mood. Now I am.

I laid eyes this weekend on photos of Bobbi's introductions for the fall and holiday, and I am so excited. I'll share the information with you soon.

You can buy Beach Shimmer Brick at Bobbi's Brown's Web site. I'm sure it's available at all Bobbi Brown counters.

Update: I just finished playing with the two shades at the top on my eyes, using the gold on my lids and the light brown in the crease. Wow! It's so much fun to rediscover makeup I set aside "for later." Now I have two of these gorgeous compacts.

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

M∙A∙C In the Groove Mineralize Eye Shadows

Seemingly lost in all the hoopla over Stereo Rose Mineralize Skin Finish, which basically sold out with pre-orders, are some very nice limited-edition Mineralize Eye Shadows ($19.50)! They were introduced with the In the Groove Colour Collection.

In the Groove is described as a "modern, flowing, and fabulous way with bold, kaleidoscopic colour combined with boho charm and up-to-the-minute catwalk style. Shadows are matte, sans glitter and in the trio format. Creamy lips play perfectly off Mineralize satin-smooth eyes. Turn on and groove out!"

Mineralize Eye Shadow offers three coordinating shades baked together in a single pan. The shadows create an exceptionally sheer and lightweight look, with what M∙A∙C calls a rich velvety-matte finish. There are nine color-coordinated trios available.

I purchased Cool, Calm & Collected, with satin beige, pearly green, and satin deep green shades. What's just a little odd is that the Mineralize Eye Shadows are described as being matte. My arm photo, taken intentionally in indirect light, shows that the pearly green shade - shown in the middle of my arm photo - shimmers. There's no sparkle, but it's not matte. Even the satin beige shade has a tiny gleam. I don't care how they were described. I find the colors and finish gorgeous. These are greens that are easy to wear. The center color in the trio can be used to accent the center lid to add a pop if you only use the colors on the two sides.

Some of the trio shades are just a little too groovy for my tastes. My favorites of those I didn't purchase are Soften the Mood, Making it Easy, and Love to Love. You can see them at M∙A∙C's Web site or your favorite M∙A∙C counter. If you stop by Nordstrom, you will find some beautiful M∙A∙C Look in a Box Beauty Exclusives. There are two noteworthy sets: Miss Violet and Tawny One. Both are $59.50. They are worth a look-see.

Photo at top courtesy of M∙A∙C

The Case of the Melting Face - How ESPA Came to the Rescue

There's nothing like a sense of humor when discussing a troublesome beauty issue. I laughed out loud when I read the promotional headline for ESPA's fabulous products for summer. The Case of the Melting Face! How many of you find your makeup melting in heat and humidity? It has been so hot here that a few minutes outside to walk to a restaurant for lunch can leave me a sticky mess.

For ladies who have to step outside and face the heat at some point during their day - and don't want sweaty skin and drippy or disappearing makeup - there aren't many options. Forget about plastering on face powder and looking like a patchy mess (I can't get that image of Nicole Kidman, mistreated by her makeup artist, out of my mind). You can help combat the heat with products from ESPA!

Before you leave the house, use ESPA 24 Hour Balancing Complex ($58). This special complex is the perfect moisturizer for summer because it has a gel consistency that feels cool and refreshing on application. The complex actually decreases sebum production so you perspire less, and the essential oils of tea tree and lavender kill any bacteria to stop blemishes from forming. Use it and your skin will remain tight and refreshed – for 24 hours! It's suitable for oily, combination, and slightly dehydrated skin.

There are two ESPA Floral Spafresh products you can use throughout the day. ESPA Floral Spafresh ($30-$44) is a gentle freshener that soothes, hydrates, tones, and revitalizes the skin. Use it as a toner or take it with you and dab it on in the car while running errands. The scent is so light and fresh, with rose, elderflower, tangerine, and neroli, it's refreshing and cooling. ESPA sent me a travel size Floral Spafresh, and I love it!

Foral Spafresh Spritzer ($35) is a non-drying toner can be spritzed right on top of your makeup throughout the day, refreshing skin instantly without messing up your carefully applied skin, eye, and lip makeup. The uplifting floral scent also keeps you smelling shower fresh – a lovely bonus!

The Floral Spafresh line is suitable for all skin types, but particularly nice for us dry and sensitive types. Not a floral gal? There's an Herbal Spafresh with essential oils of lavender, tea tree, rosemary, and English peppermint for antiseptic and calming properties.

No matter what products you select from ESPA, you can be assured that you are purchasing quality. The ESPA product range has been carefully formulated to deliver outstanding results for the face, body, and mind. They offer a complete range of over 85 products harnessing the best of aromatherapy, phytotherapy, and thalassotherapy (medical use of sea water as a form of therapy). They consider purity, potency, and proven therapeutic qualities as essential when creating exceptionally effective products that naturally deliver long-term benefits. And, they will help you keep your sanity this summer!

You can feed good about helping our environment when you purchase ESPA products.

ESPA believes that purity counts. In the development of their products, they strive to use ingredients that are as natural, pure, potent, and effective as possible. All their precious plant extracts, restorative essential oils, and deeply nourishing marine elements are ethically sourced, and all the raw ingredients they use are from sustainable supplies.

Additionally - important to me - ESPA is against animal testing. They do not test their products on animals and have never done so. The raw materials they use in their products and packaging do not contribute to habitat devastation of endangered animals, and their product range is suitable for vegetarians.

Check out the ESPA Web site (US link) or call 1-877 ESPA USA. There are many spa products to tempt you. The Floral Spafresh I've been using is a keeper. Lucky enough to have a beautiful ESPA spa near you? Go! Pamper yourself now and then.