Tarte Baby It's Bold Outside Giveaway Contest Plus Bonus Gift

Tarte's Baby It's Bold Outside Set ($39 for a $144 value) was another very popular holiday set offered by Tart.  With the same snazzy purple and gold packaging as last week's contest gift, this set for the eyes is hot.

I'm sorry the sun picked up the clear plastic window of the box. I assure you, it's not clouded or wavy. I looked for a better photo at Tarte and Sephora online, but didn't find one because the set sold out so quickly.

Baby It's Bold Outside includes five full-sized SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners in these colors.

• Ash Violet
• Rainforest Black
• Champagne
• Gunmetal
• Gold

It also includes a SmolderEYES sharpener and a full-sized skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Onyx. You may never need an eyeliner again.

You know Tarte is a good-for-you line, formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and synthetic fragrances. It's perfect for application near your eyes.

Like last week's giveaway set, Baby It's Bold Outside was snapped up in a hurry. Fortunately, I ordered one to give away over the holidays, but then somehow forgot about it. My memory loss then, your gain now. I am giving one of these extraordinary, seasonless sets 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, March 2, 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.

Now for the bonus. The winner of this contest will receive the gift samples that come in the Beauty Event bag from Neiman Marcus - with conditions. There are fragrance samples among the contents. I cannot send them outside the United States (I'm not supposed to send them here either). If the winner lives in the U.S., I will include a complete set. If the winner does not live in the U.S., I will have to remove the fragrance samples. Shippers, particularly the United Kingdom's Royal Mail, have been confiscating and destroying fragrances they discover in parcels. There are newly enacted and enforced regulations that are driving everyone who loves perfume into a frenzy.

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

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Neiman Marcus The Book Shopping

A few nights ago, I went through The Book playing a little game. I filled out a spreadsheet, answering the following questions.

1. Do I like it?
2. Would I wear it? Does it fit into my life?
3. Can I afford to buy it?
4. If I had the money, would I buy it?

Do you ever play those games? I think it's fun. Here are some of my entries. I snagged a few photos from the online Book.

I love this Prada handbag ($1890). Blue and green are my favorite colors (this bag is also available in red and orange. I love the shoulder strap. I can't always carry a bag with handles only. I must have a shoulder strap, and I noticed a movement toward them for this season. That makes me very happy. Answers to my questions: 1. Yes. 2. Yes, 3. No. 4. Yes.

Another bag that caught my eye was this one from Gucci ($2,300). I think it's beautiful. Unfortunately, it is python, which is a major negative for me. So, 1. Yes. 2. No (you have to stick to your principles). 3. No. 4. No.

Also in handbags, take a look at the Saint Laurent green one on page 97 of The Book. The calfskin bag ($2,150) is stunning. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. Yes. This issue is laden with accessories that are to-die-for.

This flouncy, gorgeous dress ($1,995) was designed by Prabal Gurung (who?). The blue print silk and cotton dress telegraphs pretty. Click on the photo to enlarge it to see the beautiful print. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. Yes

I love the color block dress from Michael Kors ($1,895). I wouldn't be able to wear it because it's wool, so non-lined parts at the neck and shoulders would leave me in a state of itchiness. However, if it weren't allergic, my answers would be as follows. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. Yes. I would be out looking for the knock-off.

This rather simple dress from Oscar de la Renta ($6,790) is divine. With contrasts of navy and ivory, it suits me to a T. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. No. 4. No. I'm not that crazy.

Here is the Rebecca Taylor light blue lambskin jacket ($995) that made me hyperventilate. I even went to look for it in the store, and it's every bit as beautiful. 1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. Yes (if I stretch). 4. Yes.

After I added up the amounts I could have spent with my answers to #3 and #4, I decided that Neiman Marcus put together some very tempting looks this season. See what you think!

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Coming Attraction: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection for Summer 2013 - Continued

I finally got my hands on the rest of the Bronze Goddess Collection product shots from Estée Lauder. I knew this would happen. As soon as I went ahead with what I had, the rest of the photos are made available to the press. These product photos will make you even more excited about the collection. If you didn't see my original feature on all of these treasures, check it out at this link.

I mentioned yesterday that I was already sold on the Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave ($40). It appears to be a perfect shade for my fair skin - and I know I adore the formula. I want it now!

This Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette in Batik Sun ($48) will haunt me until I get my hands on it.

There you go! Now I think I've shown you all the photos - either in the product groups at the top of this feature or individually in yesterday's post and this one.

P.S. A note about photos...I find it a bit pretentious that bloggers watermark or even add copyrights to photos that are clearly the copyrighted property of a brand. The photos are released to the press, but the ownership rights to them are never released. Many bloggers watermark their own photos in order to protect them from Internet thieves. I am not speaking of that practice (only that of appropriating copyrights). I don't watermark my photos because that has never stopped the copyright infringement I have suffered.

I admire Estée Lauder for making its photos available promptly (pre-release) and for the quality of their color portraits. They are a first-class, five-star company.

Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder

Coming Attraction: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection for Summer 2013

Bask in the glow of summer with a collection inspired by the sultry shades and exotic scents of the Caribbean

This summer, Estée Lauder will indulge the senses with an alluring fragrance and color collection embodying the golden sands, flourishing palm trees, and exotic elements of a remote Caribbean paradise. Introducing the new, limited-edition Bronze Goddess Collection.

Conjuring the intoxicating sensation of shimmering waters, soft sandy beaches, and the scent of tropical air, this seductive and modern makeup look, paired with the warm and inviting Bronze Goddess fragrance, transports all who wear them to the most sublime and luxurious of Caribbean getaways. This multi-sensory experience begins with the Bronze Goddess Color Collection, which features hot and sultry shades born from bold and vibrant color mixes. An array of sunset hues with vivid bursts of color surprise and awaken the senses, while a captivating spectrum of bronze and metallic tones provide a rich and daring makeup look. Eyes seduce with shimmering aquatic hues and glistening golden tones defined by deep, dramatic color. Lips entice through brightly pigmented pinks and corals with a reflective effect, and skin glistens with a bronzed, sun-kissed glow.

There will be a heat wave of color for eyes, lips, and nails. Turn up the heat through a spectrum of summer shadows with new, limited-edition Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette in Batik Sun ($48). I wish I had a photo of it. This palette of brilliant green, gold, and nude shades highlights and dramatize the eyes in luxurious finishes that range from matte to shimmer.

The waterproof formula of new, limited-edition Pure Color Liquid Eyeliner Duo in Black Sands ($29) will define the eyes with a dual-ended, felt-tip wand in smoldering shades of bronze and black for an eye opening affect.

To enhance this purely seductive eye look, Sumptuous Extreme ($25) and the new Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black ($26) will magnify and multiply lashes with intense volume. In one stroke, the synergy of these high-performance mascaras’ lightweight Extreme Bold Volume formula and exclusive Extreme BrushComber, creates lashes that appear outrageously big and amazingly bold.

Complementing the eyes, Estée Lauder will offer impossible-to-resist lips, that shine in sheer fuschia and citrus shades. New, limited-edition Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss ($18.50) in Succulent and Squeeze will feature a metal rollerball applicator and contain a formula of fruit extracts that will make your lips feel hydrated and supple. Lightly flavored with a hint of either passion fruit or guava lychee, these luscious glosses evoke the fresh, tropical scents of summer.

Your lips will entice and excite with Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick ($25) in the new, limited-edition shades of Solar Crush and Fuchsia Fever. Enveloping the lips in
pink and tangerine tones, these vibrant lipsticks will also include a dynamic long-lasting formula for a powerful, fade-proof lip that lasts for hours. To complete this enviably sexy, summer makeup look, a new, limited-edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer ($20) in Hot Spell will add a touch of flashy coral color to nails.

Give skin a warm, sun-kissed glow, with the new, limited-edition Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave ($40) [ooh, I must have this!], the new new Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer Collection ($36), and a new limited-edition Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer ($28.50).

Using True Vision Technology - an innovative “tribrid” technology that creates a unique sensory texture as well as true color finish - Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave will illuminate the complexion and leave your skin with a sexy, polished glow. With blendable and buildable coverage for a finish that goes from subtle and soft to highly pearlized, this ultra-luxurious gelée will also feature a delicate pattern to celebrate the sand and sun of summer.

Housed in an elegant tortoise shell compact, Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer will contain a delicate shimmer that reflects light with buildable coverage to subtly warm your complexion or provide for dramatic facial contouring. This silky-smooth powder, now available in a new and extended line of four shades to complement a broader range of skin intensities and undertones, can be swept onto the face, shoulders, or décolletage to enhance the skin with a beautiful, year round glow.

Alternatively, you will be able to use the weightless and comfortable Luminous Liquid Bronzer, a luminizing formula with uniquely blended bronzing pigments in a pearlized, reflective base for sheer natural-looking radiance. Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer and Luminous Liquid Bronzer are packaged in a new, stylish, and sophisticated island-inspired pattern designed for the bronze goddess in every woman.

Continuing this Caribbean-inspired experience, the cult-favorite Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent ($60) and Bronze Goddess Body Oil ($50), both limited, will capture the beauty, sensation, and enjoyment of sun-drenched beaches in a luscious fragrance collection that will make every woman feel divine.

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent is housed in the classic Bronze Goddess bottle silhouette, re-invented in a semi-transparent golden bottle design. Comprised of luxurious and intoxicating ingredients, this exotic scent is reminiscent of a tropical beach under the constant heat of the sun, with a creamy heart of golden amber that emanates pure summer.

• The Sensuous Heat of the Sun: The core of this radiant amber scent exudes smooth sensuality. The creaminess of coconut milk, sandalwood. and vanilla unwinds with silky warmth. The exotic combination of vetiver and myrrh deepens the sexiness with its embrace.
• The Silky Softness of Warm Sand: Velvety smooth amber, with its warm, mysterious scent, glows at the center, pulsing the uninhibited spirit of summer’s sultry heat through the fragrance. The vibrancy of bright, zesty elements infuses the fragrance with sun-drenched lightness. Juicy mandarin, Sicilian bergamot, and lemon blend with pulpy orange for a mouth-watering sensation.
• The Radiance of bronzed skin: An intoxicating blend of milky flowers adds to the creaminess of the amber signature. Luscious tiare flower and exotic jasmine blend with the tenderness of magnolia petals for an indulgent floral effect. Orange flower buds add a glimpse of sunshine with lustrous floralcy, while fresh lavender adds a breath of softness.

Infused with the classic Bronze Goddess scent, Bronze Goddess Body Oil is enriched with emollient oils and helps to provide the skin with a protective and nourishing barrier. Housed in a clean glass bottle, this silky, lightweight oil is infused with the classic Bronze Goddess fragrance and glides easily onto the skin for the ultimate skin softening experience. The outer packaging of Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent and Bronze Goddess Body Oil Spray will feature a new, stylish, and sophisticated island-inspired pattern designed for the bronze goddess in every woman.

The new Bronze Goddess Collection for Summer 2013 will be available at Estée Lauder counters and the Web site in March. Don't delay in checking it out. My experience is that many of the pieces sell out quickly.

Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder

The Friday Forum - February 22

Yesterday, I drove over to Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie to witness Day One of the Beauty Event. I had expected pandemonium. What I found was "busy," but far from the chaos I've witnessed in prior years (I heard it was hopping mid-day). The Chanel counter was the busiest I saw (sorry the photo is dark - even with flash). Also hopping were Guerlain and Laura Mercier, where makeup applications were being offered.

I was surprised - Tysons is usually a mob scene - but delighted that there was an elegant calm conducive to selective shopping. I hung around for awhile with my friends at Chantecaille, fragrance, and Le Métier de Beauté, and then I had a Le Métier de Beauté facial before dragging myself home. Lying down for 45 minutes was a real treat, which is why I had to drag myself home. Janice Valitutti treated me with the new CHEM60 Pro-Peel & Glow10ai Mask, along with a hand and arm massage, and I could have melted into that massage table.

Ivanka Trump launched her first fragrance, named, true to Trump style, Ivanka Trump. I can't figure out why she launched it at Macy's. While there's nothing inherently wrong with Macy's, it doesn't project the image I associate with Trump.

Ivanka Trump, the fragrance, was created by perfumers Jennifer Mullarkey and Maypierre Julien (who composes fragrances for the house of Givaudan). "The floral-oriental composition has a touch of luminous fruity notes and flirtatious spices making the whole fragrant story even more exciting. Top notes incorporate luminous Italian bergamot, juicy apple, and pink pepper, which highlight sensuality. The heart encompasses jasmine, rose, and peach, while the base closes with golden amber, creamy vanilla, patchouli, and cedar." To me, it sounds like a conventional designer fragrance - not the luxury, original composition I would have expected from her. If you've seen her jewelry, you'll understand.

While the Trump news was interesting, the biggest news in the beauty industry was the resignation of Peter Philips as Creative Director of Chanel makeup. While I tweeted it, I never had a chance to discuss it here.

Chanel released a statement to say, “Peter Philips...has brought his talent, creativity, and vision to Chanel makeup and made women dream, the world over. After five successful years, Peter Philips has decided to return to a more independent position, continuing his work as an artist collaborating with the best photographers, stylists, and models for editorials and projects such as Chanel fashion shows.

“The Chanel Makeup Studio, which has supported him during his tenure, will ensure the continuity, the creativity, and the quality of the Brand's makeup products and collections. Peter Philips has left an indelible mark on Chanel Makeup and his contribution to the Brand is an important part of the Chanel legacy. He will remain a cherished friend and contributor to the House of Chanel."

Vogue UK articulated his impact well. "After five years of coming up with some of the beauty world's favorite nail polish colors (Jade, Particuliere, and Mimosa were all the creations of this wonderful mind), formulating some truly one-of a kind products (grey blush [Notorius], anyone?), and coming up with some of Chanel's most fabulous catwalk makeup looks, Philips is swapping his official title for a contributing artist role...We look forward to seeing what the truly talented Philips does next - as well as eagerly anticipating his fabulously imaginative Chanel catwalk creations as always." We certainly will!

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. Did you take advantage of the beauty event offers at Neiman Marcus or Saks? What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Tarte's beautiful Carried Away With Tarte Collection. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, February 23, so enter now before you forget.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; other photos courtesy of WWD and Vogue UK

Ideas for Using Le Métier de Beauté Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013

When I showed you Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013 ($95), I described some suggested looks designed by Mikey Castillo. Today, I can show you a paint-by-numbers approach for achieving those looks. You will need to click on these shapshots to enlarge them. Otherwise, they aren't readable.

Le Femme Fatale Look is a smoky eye that he achieved by combining four feminine shades (Gold, Tan, Beige, and Cinnamon) with three masculine shades (Sapphire, Gunmetal, and Dark Metallics). Mikey calls sexy colors masculine and says if you wear only these, you'll have the look of a female impersonator (what a hoot!). In combining the two styles, a woman can appear sexy without compromising femininity and glamour.

For the Oscars Look, the cold jewel-toned shades of La Femme Fatale have been substituted for richer, warmer deep tones, with Rose, Beige, and Cinnamon serving up the feminine balance. Amethyst and Dark Chocolate, a brown/gold-based black, serve as masculine shades. Still smoky, the look can bridge daytime sex appeal with a nighttime affair.

The Executive Look was selected to strike a balance between feminine beauty and professional appearance. The jewel tones of Mauve and Lilac provide diffused and softened sex appeal, while the conservative warm tones of Beige and Tannish Brown lay down the business. The contrast satisfies the important aspects of a polished business wardrobe.

The Ultimate Couche de Couleur Look, Le Métier de Beauté's favorite is a universal look, resplendent on every woman. It's designed to bring out the natural beauty of the wearer. No matter what the color of your eyes, these colors will amplify the iris color and make your eyes twinkle: Tannish Brown, Amethyst, Gold, Silver, Dark Chocolate, Sapphire, Cinnamon Gold, and Rose.

Please do remember Mikey's wisdom, "No need to use as directed; the only side effect will be allure and excitement!"

Photos courtesy of  Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013 - Swatched

Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013 ($95) is a must-have for Le Métier de Beauté collectors. I finally got swatch photos today, although it wasn't easy. My photos don't please me. I was promised a sunny day, but there are more clouds than sunshine (at this point in the day), and I wasn't going to take any chances that the cloud cover would increase.

When I guessed the size of each color last week, I used a nickle as my measure. Today, with the palette in my hand, I think each is closer to a "dime plus" in size. It does look like the manufacturer rushed a bit in slipping the color pans into the palette because some of them are tilted.That can be remedied by pushing them down with your finger. That's a small inconvenience for a palette that's an extraordinary value at $95.

I took my photos in full or nearly full sunshine. I would get the shadows aligned on my arm and then watch for the sun to peek out. Then, I would dash outdoors as fast as I can move to snap a few photos, shivering all the while. As soon as I came back in to swatch a few more rows, the sun would come out. I'm feeling like there's a heavenly conspiracy against me today.

Here are the colors, starting on the top row left in the photo above, moving down the left side, jumping to the top of the middle row, moving down again, and finally repeating on the third row.

• Deepest Noir
• Dark Chocolate
• Cinnamon Gold
• Amethyst
• Lilac
• Black Emerald
• Gunmetal
• Tannish Brown
• Gold
• Mauve
• Sapphire
• Pistachio
• Silver Foil
• Beige
• Nylon Stocking
• Rose
• Cyan
• Glass

This is not the order in which I swatched. I applied each row, left to right, with a sponge-tipped applicator (thinner than I usually do in order to fit two rows in each photo. For better or worse, here are my photos.

The top two rows present black, charcoal, silver, and brown shades. Remember, I did not swatch in the order of this list. These shades start at the top of my arm with Deepest Noir and continue down with Gunmetal, Silver Foil, Dark Chocolate, Tannish Brown, and Beige, an odd name for such a pretty, shimmering shade.

In this set, Cinnamon Gold is at the top of my arm. Moving down below it are Gold, Nylon Stocking, Amethyst, Mauve (which is much prettier than it looks here), and Rose. This second set wasn't graced with totally full sun, which dampened the shades a bit.

Lilac (really periwinkle) shows off at the top of my arm in this set, with stunning blues and greens under it. In order below Lilac, from top to bottom, you'll see Sapphire, Cyan, Black Emerald, Pistachio, and Glass (the white shade).

Mikey Castillo created a few looks using the palette, and I was able to get the diagrams from Le Métier de Beauté. I will post them in a few hours.

Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette is available now, just in time for the Neiman Marcus Beauty Week. If you plan to order by phone, you should order from Michael Reinhardt at Mazza Gallerie. You will be pleased if you do. Scroll down to see Michael's step-up gift and give him a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. Make sure to ask for Michael and mention Best Things in Beauty. Ask about the step-up GWP.

Update 2/22: Here is word from Le Métier de Beauté on availability. Nordstrom (select stores) and Nordstrom.com will have the palette. Also for international, it will be available on BeautyBay.com.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty