Givenchy Poudre Croisière Healthy Glow Powder

Givenchy's new Poudre Croisière Healthy Glow Powder ($50) is a talc-free bronzer made of a baked gel. I purchased Ambre Croisière (#3), the only shade that was originally available at Sephora, the exclusive retailer.

In a way, it's good that Extrême Croisière (#4) wasn't displayed when I ordered Ambre Croisière. The online photo is extremely enticing, and I would have had to make an agonizing decision - gold or brown? Online, Extrême Croisière appears to be a cooler shade of brown. I tried to resist when I saw it this week. I succumbed. By Monday, I should have #4 too. I will do a comparison photo to help you select a shade.

Totally weightless and invisible on the skin, this creamy formula provides ultimate softness and a light-as-air natural finish. With a consistency that's easy to blend, this bronzer can be applied alone with the Givenchy Kabuki brush or over Mister Radiant. Use it year-round to smooth pores, even the skin's texture, and provide a healthy glow.

Here's Ambre Croisière. Isn't the pattern attractive? I like the looks of it. It is described as golden tan, and I think that's accurate. Extrême Croisière - the one I ordered last night - is described as bronzed light brown. Because the powder is sheer and buildable, I suspect I'll find it equally delightful.

I took this swatch photo in full sun. I applied Ambre Croisière crazy heavily at the top of my arm, using a sponge-tipped applicator. I used a dense blush brush to apply it below, still heavily, but not unreasonably heavy. I wanted to be able to show you the hue.

I think Ambre Croisière is a pretty golden shade. While it looks muddy in the top swatch on my arm, the blended color on my face is golden and pretty. It offers glowing, gleaming, but somehow natural color (no sparkle). I have worn it as a warming and contouring powder, and I've worn it as a golden brown blush (brown tones look really good when you're wearing purple).

I hope I like Extrême Croisière as much as I like Ambre Croisière. I felt a little obsessed making another $50 online purchase. You know how much I hate spending money (just kidding).

You will find this lovely new Givenchy Poudre Croisière Healthy Glow Powder at Sephora online. I ordered a few more new Givenchy products; I'll show them to you when they arrive.

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

Shiseido Spring 2012 Looks by Dick Page

There are three Shiseido looks for Spring 2012 - all by the master artist Dick Page, and all gorgeous. Deep Metallic, Cool Pinks, and Electric Blue all offer something special. At least one element (or more) of each look appeals to me.

Dick Page calls the Deep Metallic look, shown above, a fun, rich, monochrome look with warm, deep metallic detail on both lips and eyes. To create the look, start with Luminizing Satin Face Color in your own shade across the cheeks. Page used Orchid (RD401) on the model, along with High Beam White (WT905) just under the cheekbone. Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Techno Gold (GD803) the new Sunshower (OR313) were blended seamlessly on the eyelid and inner corner. The upper lash line was defined with Sable (BR709) using a fine brush.

The model's warm, rich lips were created with the new Butterscotch (BR317) Shimmering Rouge. The lashes were the finishing touch in the new Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black. I would love to recreate this look on my own face.

The Cool Pinks look is one I'd have to duplicate selectively. While it looks gorgeous on the model, those pink eyes would make me look like an albino bunny. Page described the look as "A fun, fresh, luminous makeup. Cool pinks on the eyes and lips, lit up by white highlights."

The base for the look was Luminizing Satin Face Color in Carnation (PK304). As with the Deep Metallic look, High Beam White (WT905) was used just under the cheekbone. Shimmering Cream Eye Colors were layered, starting with the new Pale Shell (PK314) on the upper eyelid and crease, with Magnolia (PK302) applied deep in the crease, and the Shimmery Mist (WT901) applied up to the brow bones and in the inner corners.

The new Sorbet (PK315) Shimmering Rouge adorns the lips. Of course, the new Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black was used to finish the look.

The Electric Blues look is a "fun, elegant take on a classic combination of pink and blue." The "blue is light and clear, the pink is deepened to lustrous violet," according to Page.

For this look, Page used Luminizing Satin Face Color in Tea Rose (RS302) in an oval shape across the cheeks. The cheekbones were highlighted with Soft Beam Gold (BE206). The model's eyes were decorated with Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Ice (BL215) on the upper lid up to the crease and on the lower lash line. Angel (BL711) was used on the upper and lower lash lines, as well as on the corner of the eyes in a crescent shape. Her eyes were completed with Perfect Mascara Full Definition in Black.

The divine lip color is Shimmering Rouge in a new shade, Venus (RS619). A lip liner was used for additional definition.

What do you think? You can find all of the new products at Shiseido's Web site, where shipping is free with a purchase of $50 or more. You can also find the colors - new and "old" at Sephora. I've put my wish list together.

Photos courtesy of Shiseido

Giorgio Armani Beauty Regenessence [3.R] Youth Regenerator Giveaway Contest

Giorgio Armani Beauty's Regenessence Youth Regenerator ($140) is a powerful concentrated serum with the trademark [3.R] technology. The serum provides a super-strength dose of the active ingredients for accelerated skin regeneration.

• Linseed extract regulates extra-cellular communication.
• Vitamin CP aids with collagen regeneration.
• ProXylan remodels the skin matrix.

This serum provides 24-hour hydration and is designed to be worn day and night - by itself or layered underneath the Regenessence [3.R] Multi-corrective Rejuvenating Cream. It's your first step toward Armani's signature luminous skin. The [3.R] "complex" is the first advanced regenerative skincare. Inspired by advanced regenerative medical research pioneered by Dr. Peter Lorenz, Regenessence 3.R technology targets the three levels of the skin with three powerful ingredients.

The results? Based on a self-assessment by 50 women immediately, after six days of use, and after one month of use...

In one hour, wrinkles were reduced by 71%. In six days, skin had been rebalanced, and radiant improved by 88%. In one month, participants felt they had lost six years of aging.

We are going to do an "unscheduled," quick giveaway. I have one Regenessence [3.R} Youth Regenerator 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 Giorgio Armani Beauty

The Natura Bissé Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial

Yesterday, I experienced the ultimate in luxury: the Natura Bissé Pure Air Bubble with a Diamond White Facial, compliments of Natura Bissé and Neiman Marcus. I came home feeling relaxed and pampered, and my skin looked 100% better than when I arrived. This morning, it looks like I experienced an overnight miracle. My skin looks 200% better - maybe more. It is amazingly smooth, firm, and even-toned; the little expression lines under my eyes are gone; a nagging puffy pocket from sinus congestion is gone; and the dehydration that I've been suffering this month appears to be a thing of the past. The tag line for Natura Bissé is "My skin. My secret." It won't be a secret when I go to work. I look eight years younger.

The 99.9% Pure Air Bubble is a fairly spacious, isolated area specifically designed to enhance treatments, increase the efficacy of treatment products, and transport the client to a state of complete tranquility (check!). The innovative bubble of pure, sterile air (free of contaminants and allergens) is said to improve clarity and energy and detoxify the skin, helping the Diamond White Facial provide maximum results.

The Bubble02 used by Natura Bissé was developed by a Spanish company for athletes, those with respiratory allergies and asthma conditions. The pure air oxygenates every cell in the body (so it's a whole-body experience), but is very beneficial for the skin. Natura Bissé has exclusive rights to the Bubble02 for beauty purposes. I think it made every part of my body feel good.

The Diamond White Facial is a renewing treatment that clarifies and evens skin tone, revealing a fresh and brightened complexion. The facial offers the advanced ingredients in Natura Bissé's products to minimize melanin and gently exfoliate, lightening the skin and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. An anti-inflammatory effect soothes the skin, providing rapid anti-aging results that last.

When I arrived, I saw something like a compact, round, white tent with a generator-like devise that was pumping air into the bubble. Space-age in appearance, it looks like a novelty - until you experience it. Was I concerned that the bubble would make me lightheaded? Honestly, yes, I didn't know what to expect. What I did know was that my Natura Bissé friends, Denise Thomas, Natura Bissé specialist at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, and Michael Ann Guthrie, National Sales Director for Natura Bissé, wouldn't lead me astray. Once I entered the bubble, aesthetician Alexis put me completely at ease. All she had to do was remove my makeup with The Cure All-In-One Cleanser (she used Natura Bissé's Cleansing Sponges), apply The Cure Hydro Gel Toner, and I was putty - even before she applied the Glyco Extreme Peel.

After that? Alexis applied Diamond Collection products (primarily) and a few treatments that are used only for spa facials. Every so often, I detected the relaxing scent of lavender. The Pure Air Bubble ensures that each product used was super-effective - more effective than "normal" because the pure air facilitates absorption. The environment, free of pollutants - even indoor air pollution - induced my feelings of serenity. All of my little anxieties had been set free about five minutes into the facial.

My Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial lasted an hour. In addition to the facial, Alexis did a neck massage, arm massage with Diamond Body Cream (which provides exceptional hydration for a softer, sculpted, and firmer skin) and a lower leg and foot massage. When it was over? I didn't want to move. I haven't been that relaxed in a long time. Even better, I was stunned when I looked at my face in the dressing room mirror. My complexion was even, plumped, and lineless.

I've known for more years than I can count that the Natura Bissé products I know and love are top-notch. No matter what your skin concerns, Natura Bissé has a solution for you. It's a line that has earned a legion of celebrity fans, including Rachel Roy, Oprah, Beyonce, Melissa George, Nicolette Sheridan, Madonna - the list is very long. Just as long is the company's list of international skin care awards, from Vogue and Elle, to name just two.

Despite what I already knew, my Natura Bissé Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial was kind of life-changing. Yesterday, I learned a couple of things. Pure Air is a trip - a skin-care and pampering high. I don't remember being as relaxed as I was in the bubble in well over a year - even after massage therapy (which is pretty darn good). My other lesson? Natura Bissé can fix your parched late-winter skin in an hour or less. Here I am after a night's sleep (too little actually), and my skin looks totally hydrated. I've been layering the best moisturizers I have in my house during the last two weeks, trying to banish the late-winter blahs, but nothing has worked well. One hour in the bubble, and I'm "cured." I'm still on a cloud - the Natura Bissé cloud. Who said clouds were just for weather watchers and tech geeks?

I believe that the Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial is fully booked for this visit to Neiman Marcus (if you're local, you could check by calling Denise at (703) 761-1600, extension 3305) Here are the takeaways.

• If someone every offers you a chance to experience Natura Bissé's Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial, do it! You know the old Monopoly fate...Do not pass Go, do not collect collect $200. Go directly to jail. You'll have missed a truly memorable experience. Make friends at your Natura Bissé counter. Ask about the bubble.
  
• If you've never tried Natura Bissé skin care, stop by a counter for a consultation. There are collections for many different skin types and conditions. There will be at least one that's right for you.
  
• There are two new Natura Bissé miracles for spring: Tolerance Enzyme Peel (a two-minute exfoliating treatment), developed specifically for sensitive skin, and Eye Recovery Balm (which I used last night before I went to sleep). I'll tell you more about these great new products as soon as I've tested them more thoroughly. I think you'll love them.

Many thanks to Neiman Marcus for introducing us to the Pure Air Bubble. I'm already looking forward to the bubble's next visit!

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus

Savvy beauty shoppers know that Neiman Marcus Beauty Event is approaching - soon. From Thursday, February, 23, through Sunday, March 4, the event offers you the opportunity to take home a tote, including an assortment of beauty samples, with your cosmetics or fragrance purchase or $100 or more. At a special event at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie last week, I received the gold bag, and I love it. You now how it is with some of these totes. They make perfect giveaways to your cleaning lady, right? Not this tote! I'm going to use it.

The samples in the bag include some of my favorites. Electron, the latest fragrance from A DOZEN ROSES, joins Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino to help you define your scent style. Who doesn't like Kate Somerville's Clinic-To-Go Pads? While none of the "free" samples are generous, they offer a nice assortment of products.

For those who plan to spend with abandon, I'm looking at a three-page, fine-print list of gifts with purchase. Many of them have a high spending bar. If you plan to buy the brand anyhow, why not stretch a little to get the gift?

My favorites include gifts from Bobbi Brown ($150 minimum purchase - all subsequent amounts here in parentheses are the minimum purchase to receive the gift), Cartier ($125), Chantecaille ($150, I need to call my favorite rep), Clé de Peau Beauté ($300), Clinique ($65), Elie Saab ($100), Fresh ($100 or $125), Kate Somerville ($200), Le Métier de Beauté ($125), Maison Francis Kurkdjian ($185), Natura Bissé ($300), NEST (limit unknown), RéVive ($650), and Sisley-Paris ($300).

The list is long. Make sure to check it out at your favorite Neiman Marcus. Do it soon. Popular stores have been known to run out of the totes.

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Clé de Peau Beauté Enriched Lip Luminizer for Spring 2012 and Beyond

Clé de Peau Beauté's reformulated Enriched Lip Luminizer ($35) is available in 20 shades (#201 through #220)! Envision me at the Clé de Peau counter trying to select only two or three in my new quest to refrain from buying everything in sight. I came away with three, although I could easily have purchased 10. These lip colors have it all.

Just like the pricing model for the Eye Color Quads, the Enriched Lip Luminizers (Rouge Éclat Confort) can be purchased in refill packaging or with a case. Because it's a little more difficult to travel with lipstick that isn't well-protected, I purchased one case ($25) and three lip colors. The refills are protected with a clear plastic cap. They are absolutely fine for my bathroom, but might get damaged rolling around in my handbag.

This rich, lustrous lipstick brings lips into the spotlight and maintains a luxuriously moist, just-applied feeling for hours. They are said to improve the condition and fullness of the lips with continued use. Inspired by desserts that capture the eye, these irresistible lip luminizer colors bring "deep satisfaction." Sigh!

Here is a photo of the case. Take the clear plastic cap off the "refill" and pop it into the case. Voila! It's easy. Don't buy more than one case unless you think you'll be traveling with multiple shades - unless you've got more money than Bill Gates.

The three shades that "won" in my marathon selection contest are shown above. From left to right, they are #207, #216, and #209 (I transposed the numbers on my original post). I wanted a range of colors, and these, sampling coral-rose, pink, and mauve appealed to me.

My swatch photos were taken in full sun. Sorry about my painting skills. I was outside when I noticed the uneven top swatch of #207, but was caught without a Kleenex. I'm not sure why it looks so red in my photos. It's more like watermelon rose with a touch of coral.

The Enriched Lip Luminizers are available in a range of intensities, from very sheer colors to shades with more pigmentation. There were many sheer colors I could have purchased. I didn't test one that wasn't appealing in some way. I went for colors that were semi-sheer, but with very nice pigmentation. These three colors look fabulous on my lips.

Enriched Lip Luminizer, the replacement for Clé de Peau's Extra Silky Lipstick, provides extreme hydration to the lips with moisture-wrapping oil, argan oil, and the exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex. Extra Silky Lipstick was the winner of Allure magazine's October 2011 Best of Beauty Award for Best Top Splurge Lipstick. Now that we can buy the lip color without the case, it's not such a splurge.

I can highly recommend these gorgeous lip colors. See if you can purchase just one. I guarantee you'll spend some time at the counter trying to select the perfect shade - or three. All Clé de Peau Beauté counters should have Enriched Lip Luminizer now, along with the new Luminizing Face Enhancers and Eye Color Quad.

Photos at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad for Spring 2012

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad (Ombres Couleurs Quadri) for Spring 2012 ($55) can be identified by its number: #208. Like every other Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad I own, it's stunning. I'll bet all neutral eye shadow lovers will agree.

About the price...Clé de Peau Beauté does not provide compacts with its Eye Color Quads. You'll pay $55 if you want the eye shadow (called a refill), and the case for the palette, with a mirror and two small applicators will set you back an additional $25. I think $55 is "enough." As a result, I never buy the lovely cases. I make do with the protective plastic cover on the "refill," which you can see immediately below. Actually, my Clé de Peau Beauté quads take up much less space in my bathroom than those that are "fully equipped."

I gasped when I saw these colors! Then I gasped when I tried them. Although #208 has been introduced for spring, these colors are seasonless. I'm thrilled to own this beauty.

Light upon radiant light, overlapping in layers of translucence. Softly diaphanous, each shade takes on increasing depth that captivates with sophisticated elegance. A smoky brown palette creates sheer drama, subtle radiance, and natural shading.

Clé de Peau Beauté's light-reflecting technology is combined with a finish that's silky and flawless, placing their eye shadow quads among the most desirable. Argan oil ensures a smooth application and wear, while an exclusive advanced moisturizing ingredient, "Hydro-Wrap Complex," gives the powder a hydrating creaminess. The shadows adhere to the lids nicely, resistant to smudging, creasing, and fading. Once you apply them for the day, they will stick with you until you're ready to remove them (unless you rub your eyes, cry like a baby, or go swimming).

I applied all four shades heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator for my photos, which were taken in full sun. The largest shade at the left of the palette, shown at the top of my arm, is a shimmering taupe with a twist. It has an ever-so-slight peach hue on my skin. It's unique. I'd like to have a baking pan full of this shade. It's so pretty, I'm considering a hoarding purchase. I can swipe this shade on my lid below the crease and go. For beauty in a rush, it's divine.

As we've come to expect from Clé de Peau, the harmony of the four shades is magnificent. The second shade is milk chocolate. I applied it way too heavily for these photos. Applied normally, with a brush, it provides a sheer veil of brown for the crease or the outer corner of the lid above the lashes. It's a perfect brown for my fair skin. The third shade, intended to be a liner, is a muted dark chocolate. The fourth shade complements the first "showcase shade" perfectly. It's a mauve-grey-taupe hybrid that's beautiful. I wish there were more of it, another reason to hoard #208, don't you think?

The gold oversprayed design on the quad will disappear on first (or second use). All four shades shimmer, even after it's gone. The shimmer is subtle and perfectly appropriate for day wear - more like a gleam on the lids. I'm excited by #208.

I purchased mine at Nordstrom Tysons, where I met a new friend, Claudia Amarra, the Clé de Peau Beauté manager. Clé de Peau Beauté's Eye Color Quad and the rest of the new collection for Spring 2012 has also arrived at all of the counters, including Neiman Marcus, where the Beauty Event starts on Thursday. There is a Clé de Peau gift with a $300 purchase. I've already purchased my new items, so I won't be able to reach that level. It's a high price for "admission."

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty