Givenchy Le Prisme Blush Glow in #41 Lune Rosée for Fall 2011

Here's some color for gals who need help with that blushing beauty look! Givenchy's linited-edition Le Prisme Blush Glow ($44) for Fall 2011 was created by Nicolas Degennes to provide a one-shot "glow" to complete the Fall Collection's lunar look.

The shades in #41 Lune Rosée look tropical to me with tangerine, bright pink, rosy mauve pink, and soft poppy pink in the palette. The four domes in four different colors allow you to create a custom look or just blend with wild abandon. The compact, like many Givenchy compacts, has two levels - one for color and another for a fairly decent blush brush. The innovative "clasp and slide system" allows you to simultaneously access the powder, brush, and mirror. The shades coordinate well with the rest of the face collection for fall. I'll show you one of the eye shadow palettes later today.

The powder in the Prisme Blush is atomized to create particles that all have the same shape and size and that are smaller than those found in any traditional blush. This creates an extremely homogenous, light texture, resulting in an incredibly silky finish. The colors stay vibrant throughout the day.

You could select the colors you want to mingle with this palette, but I usually go for it, blending all four shades. It's easier. This blush yields one of the prettiest pinks I've seen lately. It's a complex shade - not pure pink, but not overly warm or cool. I think it's drop-dead gorgeous.

I know I won't do justice to it with my photos, but I want you to see it applied heavily two ways: with a sponge-tipped applicator and with a dense brush. In both swatches, I blended all four shades on the applicator to apply to my arm. My photos were taken in full morning sunshine. The first time I applied the blush to my face, I had one of those "yippee" moments. Can you see how pretty it is? It does shimmer, but the sunshine added just a touch of extra shimmer to my arm.

I adore this blush! I realize I'm gushing. It's just so pretty. Naturally, you will apply it to your face, as I did, with a lighter hand. Wait until you see it. You will glow.

If you choose, you can apply a single shade (a little tougher than blending) or pick up only two of the shades, swiping either horizontally or vertically with your brush. Don't use the blush brush that comes in the compact unless you intend to blend all four shades; it's too wide.

The powder does have a fragrance, as all Givenchy makeup does. This one is light, fortunately, and it dissipates relatively quickly (not right away). I would prefer an unscented blush, but to wear this shade, I'll put up with Givenchy's mistaken notion that we want our makeup to smell perfumed.

Sephora is the exclusive retailer for Givenchy in the United States. Since this is a limited edition, order now to ensure you get one. It has my seal of approval. It's love!

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

Lancôme Maison Lancôme Gentle and Long-Lasting Powder Blusher from 29 St Honoré for Fall 2011

Lancôme's Maison Lancôme Gentle and Long-Lasting Powder Blusher ($40) is part of the 29 St Honoré Fall 2011 Color Collection by Aaron de Mey, named after the company's original Parisian boutique at 29 St. Honoré. The stamped powder is a little work of art. It's extremely pretty.

Maison Lancôme in #01 is an extremely gentle pure pink color when all the shades are blended. When you use the top layer, which has an overspray on the design of the lamp post and Eiffel Tower, it definitely adds shimmer. That shimmer will diminish with use.

I was surprised by how light this blusher is. It reminds me of Chanel's new Pink Cloud. You can control how pink it is with some careful brush work, but if you swirl your blush brush around all the shades, you'll get a very light pink.

I know the moment I tried Maison Lancôme that it wouldn't photograph well, and I was right. I took 20 swatch photos and those included here were about the best I can do. The shade is so light, it barely shows on my skin. If your skin is darker than mine, it may be more visible.

First I used a sponge-tipped applicator and applied it very heavily at the top of my arm near my wrist. The blue arrow at the top of this photo points to that location. Then I took a dense blush brush and swirled it around all the shades in the compact. The blue arrow at the bottom of the swatch points near the center of that large swatch.

Hard to see, right? It's even hard to see in person. The blush adds a light pink color that's pretty, but it's more like a pink-tone face powder than a blusher.

Would I have bought Maison Lancôme if I had tested if first? Probably not, for the same reason I didn't purchase Chanel's new Pink Cloud. I have plenty of light pink powders, including some lovelies by Giorgio Armani Beauty. I didn't need more.

If you need one, you will find Maison Lancôme to be a pretty option. I purchased mine at Lancôme's Web site. I saw the 29 St Honoré Fall 2011 display at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, so it should be available at Lancôme counters.

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

Chantecaille New Classic Palette for Fall 2011

Chantecaille's New Classic Palette ($85) for Fall 2011 is gorgeous. I'm smitten. I know already that it's joining my Tiger in the Wild Palette as a staple in my makeup wardrobe. The New Classic Palette captures the polish, glamour, and timeless elegance of the ladylike fashion trends for the fall season. Don't forget, it's all about Lady Chic!

Three eye shades, Valerian, Thistle and Lavender (the rich plum shade) will allow you to create multiple looks with layered washes of easy neutrals anchored with the deep plum tone. While the Lavender shade is technically classified as a liner in the palette, it can be applied sheerly to create a smoky eye look. Pearlescent Valerian’s subtle shimmer can be used to as a base shade or to highlight the brow bone or the inner corners of the eye. It's gorgeous and elegant pink on my skin. Chantecaille calls the neutral Thistle the perfect silver grey lid shade for both day and night. On my skin, it's an exquisite shimmering taupe.

The brightening peach-pink cheek color in Rose provides a classic peach flush, one that coordinates beautifully with the eye shades in the palette. Enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, it will also give your skin a nourishing treat when you wear it.

Because Valerian and Thistle shimmer, I had a hard time getting perfectly representative swatch photos. I took many yesterday and more this morning in an attempt to show you the shades without too much reflection from the sun. I'll show you a few and hope that you can see how pretty the shades are - and how nicely they coordinate. As usual, I applied each shade heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. I swatched the palette clockwise, starting with Valerian at the top of my arm and finishing with Lavender at the bottom. I took my photos in full sun.

Valerian, the pink shade at the top of my arm, is the hardest to see in my photos. It doesn't appear to provide much contrast to my skin, but I can assure you that it's drop-dead stunning on the eyelids. It shimmers, lighting up my eyes with a shade of pink I can wear (which makes me very happy). Then there's the taupe Thistle, one of my all-time favorite eye shadow shades. I just don't see the grey in Thistle (and I don't think I'm losing my eyesight). On my skin, I see a subtly shimmering taupe - one that leans toward the milk chocolate shade range, not the grey one. Chantecaille "did good" when they paired Thistle with Valerian.

The blush shade, Rose, is peachy on me. I think peach tones look better with icy pink and plum or purple shades. If you apply too many pink tones to your face at one time, or if you are wearing rich purple or lavender clothing, you don't want to look glaringly pink. A fabulous Chantecaille rep and I discussed that one day when I was wearing purple. The peach tone complements the eye shadows very well. It does not shimmer as much as my photos suggest. I'd wear it on my eyes with Thistle too, just because I think it would be pretty.

The Lavender liner/shadow is a very deep plum. On my skin, it looks charcoal in most lighting, with just a hint of plum. It's a great shade for anyone, even those of us who find plums difficult to wear.

Hopefully, I've whet your appetite to go see the New Classic Palette for yourself. I'm sure the shades will flatter you, no matter what your skin tone. One cool aspect of the palette is that the compact is refillable. Take good care of it; it will be with you for a long time!

You can purchase the New Classic Palette at Chantecaille's Web site (where I purchased mine). A special gift with purchase started today (with purchase of $200). I believe that the Chantecaille counters should receive their stock this week - or very soon. I'll provide an update when Neiman Marcus receives their stock.

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

Celebrity Hair Stylist Patrick Melville on Color Trends and Cutting Tips

AVEENO checked in with celebrity hair stylist Patrick Melville, who shared his thoughts and tips for hair cuts and color trends. There's a lot of information packed into his two-minute video. Give it a whirl.


As an AVEENO and Recyclebank Ambassador, I receive some great information. I like to share it with you. If you want to see a larger version, click on this link.

Photos courtesy of AVEENO

Chantecaille Brow Definer

I'm lucky. I have full brows, and I seldom need a brow definer. In fact, I suspect makeup artists of overselling or painting by numbers when they apply one to my brows without inquiring. The great ones look at me and say, "You eyebrows don't need any color."

Every now and then, unfortunately, I get a little wild and crazy and pluck a few hairs with unintended consequences, leaving what I see as a thin area. I had one of those occasions a few weeks ago. When plucking, you need to be careful to understand where the little hairs end, not just focus on where they emerge from their follicle. Pluck too many strays right under your brow line, and you can end up with bald spots.

When I overdid it the last time, I reached for an old Chanel brow pencil. Unfortunately, after many years, it had dried out and was totally kaput. I threw it out and stored the need for a new pencil in short-term memory. I was shopping at Chantecaille.com when I recalled that memory, so I ordered a Brow Definer ($22).

Chantecaille's Brow Definer comes in four shades, and one of them, Ash Blonde, is absolutely perfect for me. Brow Definer is the ultimate tool for creating a modern brow. It allows you to create a smooth line, fill in sparse areas, and define the arches. The application is purposeful, easy, and neat. The long-lasting, non-greasy texture is achieved with a carefully calibrated blend of vegetable oils, along with vitamins E and C for extra moisture and protection without any "grease." I'm particularly impressed with the precise tip and firm lead, both of which guarantee a clean and easy application. I can draw little hairs, making my brows look totally natural.

I drew a couple of lines on my arm and took a photo in full sun to show you two things: the color and how finely you can create lines. I also drew in a thicker line on my arm to show you a decent representation of the Ash Blonde shade. It's hard for those of us with fair features and blonde hair to find a great shade.

Chantecaille has you covered no matter what your hair color. Oak Brown is perfect for brunettes; Cedar Red will take care of redheads; and Ebony Black will work for those with very dark brown or black hair.

You can purchase Chantecaille Brow Definer at the Web site or at your favorite Chantecaille counter. It's not a new product, although Ash Blonde comes in a new pencil color. Remember it tomorrow or the next time you need just one more item to get one of Chantecaille's fabulous gifts with purchase.

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

Chanel N°19 Poudré Eau de Parfum

When I was in graduate school in the early 70's, I took care of two crazy cats whose owners had gone to France on vacation. They brought me back a French thank-you gift, a bottle of Chanel N°19. It was such a luxury for a graduate student. Even better, I loved it!

I can't believe that I might have used the full bottle, but I can't find it. When a pack rat can't find a bottle of perfume, you know it has to be gone or buried where it doesn't belong (maybe in a box of books that made multiple moves with me?). If I still had that bottle, I could compare it to the newer, reformulated versions of N°19 - an activity I would find fascinating. Maybe I should go search the basement.

According to basenotes, the original had top notes of galbanum, bergamot, neroli, and hyacinth; middle notes of rose, orris, jasmine, narcissus, muguet, and ylang-ylang; and base notes of musk, sandal, oakmoss, leather, and cedarwood. My memories tell me it was a bright, fresh, zippy, direct green floral with a soft, powdery dry-down. At the time, more sophisticated analysis was the last thing on my mind. I was concentrating on my studies (and I was glad to be relieved of those crazy cats).

When I learned that Chanel would be introducing a new, supposedly more modern version, called N°19 Poudré ($85 or $115), I was delighted. I started haunting Chanel counters and stumbled on a tester bottle at Saks Fifth Avenue. Every time I stopped by that store, I sprayed. So, I had a few nice opportunities to test it before I got my own bottle.

It launched on August 19, Coco Chanel's birthday. Locally in the DC area, it is exclusive to Saks until October. I purchased mine from Loyd Cassler at Chevy Chase last Friday. I've worn it all weekend, and I'm delighted with it.

A few of us have chatted on Twitter about N°19 Poudré. There's a lot of interest. Because I can't get my hands on my original N°19, I will concentrate on my impressions of the new fragrance, with only a few recollections from those deep recesses of memory that a classic scent can summon.

N°19 Poudré is a powdery green floral that is far softer than the original. It is extremely pretty, but definitely less assertive. It's balanced, comfortable and easy to wear, and the iris dominates the other floral ingredients, like the jasmine. It's like a little sister to the original - in a good way, one that I think may attract a new audience.

The perfumer who created it, Jacques Polge, told WWD that it contains new, interesting musks. Poudre also said that iris rhizome, the central note in the new fragrance, is hard to source and can be affected, like many natural ingredients, by soil, climate, and the long, labor-intensive process that yields the oil. Chanel grew its own irises, Iris pallida and Iris germanica, in Grasse, France and combined old-time perfumery with new technology in producing N°19 Poudré. I think they succeeded in creating one of the prettiest iris fragrances I've tried in a long time.

The notes of N°19 Poudré include iris, neroli, galbanum, jasmine, white musk, vetiver, and tonka bean. There may be other notes. I've compiled these by reading many other blogs. Forget the notes, and what you'll sense is a fresh, soft, powdery, and very pretty floral. It's actually far less "modern" than the marketing had led me to expect. I find it old fashioned in an endearing way.

There is a beautiful and informative short film about N°19 Poudré and its development at Chanel's Web site. Anyone interested in this beautiful fragrance should watch it. You can purchase N°19 Poudré at Chanel or at Saks. In October, it will be available at all Chanel counters.

Photo at top courtesy of Chanel; old print in public domain; iris photo courtesy of blogger-index.com

Collection Essentielle de Chanel Lumière Romantique Giveaway Contest

You know you've hoarded too much makeup when you find a perfectly lovely Chanel multi-use makeup palette for face, lips, and eyes that you bought, but never tried. This Collection Essentielle de Chanel Lumière Romantique was tucked away in a bag with things I had squirreled away for the day I needed them. I'm sure the bag has been sitting here for a couple of years, but the makeup is no worse for wear.

When I found it, I had an instant desire to use it. Sanity prevailed, and I decided to give it away. Surely, I thought, someone might enjoy it more than I would!

Inside the Chanel box, the winner of this contest will find a velveteen pouch with a fold-over flap that opens to reveal three tools: a blush brush, an eye shadow brush, and a sponge-tipped applicator. The Fard à Lèvres, Blush Joues, and Poudres Douceur Yeux shades are all soft and pretty. They should look good on anyone.

Interested? Here's the "fine print" for the contest.

There are a few simple steps to enter. First, all you really have to do is leave a comment on this feature. After you comment here, 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 extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest in your tweet. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. Only one tweet will be counted as an entry. I appreciate multiple tweets, but it's not necessary.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 27, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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 won't be able to replace it with another. 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.

Good luck!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty, taken right before it started raining