Saturday, August 9, 2014

The New Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick Collection - Live and In Person

Here is a photo of the new Guerlain KissKiss display at the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas, taken by my sweet friend, Johnathan, who make sure I got my seven new KissKiss ($37) lipsticks faster than the speed of light. Yes, seven. I shouldn't have stopped there, but I had that feeling of old-age poverty nagging at me again.

I wasn't able to take photos of any of them yesterday, but this morning, there were some breaks in the clouds that I used to my advantage. Now, of course, it's bright and sunny outside, so I may go out and get photographs of the other three. I selected four pink and rose shades to show you today.  With luck, tomorrow I'll show you the other three, which include that gorgeous Peach Fizz I featured in my preview.

The iconic KissKiss is a proof of a perfect osmosis between the worlds of beauty and art. Crafted by designer Hervé Van der Straeten, its understated case shows off the elegant curves of three sleek cubes. In 2014, KissKiss is changing its dress code, encasing itself in sleek black for an eternally chic look. The original gold shines through on top, demanding attention. For the first time, KissKiss will show its iconic name through a stamp on the color itself - a symbolic pause between an application and a promise.

My photo above (somewhat dark due to those darn clouds) shows, from left to right, Fabulous Rose (#363), Pinky Groove (#364), Baby Rose (#368), and Rosy Boop (#369). I selected a few of the shades I ordered, using the photos Guerlain had sent me, and Johnathan selected a few. I love them all.

Interestingly, the new KissKiss shades come in a variety of finishes, from satin to subtly sparkling. They are not as sheer as the old KissKiss lipsticks were. Some will love that; others may not. I would call them pigmented, but not intensely so.

An ultra-smooth texture, KissKiss’ unique formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres, which gives KissKiss an incredible lip-shaping and plumping effect. Commiphora myrrha oil and mango butter ensure that lips are smooth and hydrated. KissKiss’ fine, even, and rich creamy texture provides a vibrant finish with impeccable hold.

I took my swatch photos in "sort-of" full sun, in numeric order, starting at the top of my arm with the stupendous Fabulous Rose (#353) and ending at the bottom with Rosy Boop (#369). They are all in the same "Pinks" family, which is listed at the bottom of this feature. The other families are the Reds, the Beiges, and the Oranges. There are 25 shades in all.

Fabulous Rose is shown above. The moment I saw the press photo, I knew it would be mine!

My favorite? Without a doubt it's #363, Fabulous Rose, at the top of my arm and shown in the tube above. That shade looks good on me - natural, but dressy. The brightest? Pinky Groove, which is a blue pink and probably not for everyone. It makes my eyes pop blue, though, so it's a keeper. The warm shades are the last two, Baby Rose (#368) and Rosy Boop (#369). As you can see, Baby Rose is light, and Rosy Boop offers more color. I love both of them. I had asked Johnathan to help me pick out some warm pinks, which I've learned in the last few years look good on me. I also asked him to make sure that the shades I ordered all had a little sparkle to them.

Despite their membership in the same color family, they all look different on my lips. They feel "moderately hydrating." I might be delirious if they had more slip, but then they wouldn't offer long wear. You have to compromise if you want a lipstick that's going to stay put - and they do stay put. I added a clear Guerlain gloss over one to give me that gooey lips feel I like, and it worked nicely.

I'm thrilled to have my first introduction to the new KissKiss Collection. Why do I call it my first introduction? I'm sure that once the displays appear at my local Neiman Marcus stores, I'll be forced to select at least one more - left behind simply because I hadn't had the opportunity to see it.

If you want to order now, call Johnathan at Las Vegas at (702) 732-7008. Keep in mind that Las Vegas doesn't have to charge you tax! That adds up for me because I buy so much Guerlain. The KissKiss Collection will be available starting this month at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and the Guerlain boutiques; and starting September at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Dillards, Sephora, and Nordstrom.

Photo at top courtesy of Johnathan at Guerlain; Fabulous Rose photo courtesy of Guerlain; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Friday, August 8, 2014

The Friday Forum - August 8

I always delight in the colors of August. With the crepe myrtles blooming, along with hydrangeas like the one above in my backyard, it's beautiful here.

WWD has published the top 100 beauty company list, as they always do this time of year. What's most interesting about it is "who owns whom."Did you know that the world's largest beauty company, L'Oreal, owns Urban Decay? Did you know that Procter & Gamble owns Dolce & Gabbana fragrance and makeup? I guess I'm a beauty geek because I find the relationships interesting.

This fall, there will be another celebrity color line hitting the market. Brooke Shields is collaborating with M·A·C to create new color palettes (and other items). The palettes are large and were designed to offer a full complement of shades and finishes. I saw a photo and was not terribly impressed. I'll withhold judgement until I can see the real thing.

I'm very excited that Natura Bissé will be introducing products for younger women. Aiming for the 30+ age group, "Essential Shock" is a collection that would interest a younger demographic interested in offsetting premature aging. Of course, the collection will appeal to any age group that wants to purchase top-notch anti-aging treatment. It will be available in August. The company also plans to extend its Diamond range with the Diamond Life Infusion Retinol Eye Serum in October, which is targeted toward an older consumer. The forthcoming Diamond Life Infusion Retinol Eye Serum is designed to build collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, lift the eyelid, and reduce capillary leakage and under-eye shadows. I'm curious about adding retinol to an eye product. That will be a "wait and see" for me. I just don't know how my eyes might react to retinol.

Here's your "Can you believe it?" for the week. In September, Sephora will launch a new initiative called Store to Door. If a customer wants to purchase a makeup shade or product that’s not available or they don’t want to carry their bag home (seriously?), a Sephora associate will place the customer’s order via iPod Touch and it will be delivered to their home in three days or less for free. What do you think about this hybrid in-store/online service?

It's time for our weekend sharing, the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? We have all seen the upcoming Tom Ford collection, so I think we can skip that 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.

Happy weekend!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Marc Jacobs Beauty Twinkle Pop Eye Sticks

I always get excited about cream eye shadows, and so it was with Marc Jacobs' Twinkle Pop Eye Sticks ($28). I saw an array of shades at Sephora and ordered five. I will tell you that I was confused by two shades that looked so similar in the little square swatches that I didn't know which one to order. I ordered both. That was probably a mistake because they are almost indistinguishable.

I only swatched one of Volver (#402) and Honey Bunny (#400). Look at them in the tube, and you won't be able to tell the difference. I became impatient for a couple of reasons. When I was taking my photographs, it was 95 degrees outside. I was sitting on asphalt in full sun, trying to figure out the difference. Once you take them out of the box, as far as I can tell, you will never know the name again. Each stick is unmarked. Because my poor butt was burning from the hot asphalt, I gathered them all up quickly and moved into the shade the moment I took the photo above. That's where I discovered that I couldn't tell which was Volver and which was Honey Bunny. You don't need both.

The tubes have a color indication at the top (that's not product), but the two on the left, Volver and Honey Bunny are so close, it's impossible to distinguish them. The other three, from left to right are Au Revoir (#406), Shoshanna (#414), and Leila (#416)

I found them melting as I tried to swatch them, so I swatched very quickly and a bit unevenly. I just wanted to get the eye shadows and myself inside. All the time I was doing this, I was being swarmed by mosquitoes. It was not pleasant - even though these eye shadows are really nice.

On my arm, you will see the champagne Volver at the top; Au Revoir, and exquisite pewter next down; Shoshanna, the turquoise; and Leila, described a rose copper, but fairly orange. There are other shades available. I thought five was enough for me for now.

I will enjoy wearing and playing with these. I love them. I wish the experience of photographing had been a bit more enjoyable, but, hey, it's August.

You can find these beauties at Sephora and Marc Jacobs' Web site. They are definitely worth a look-see. Just don't hang outside in the heat, direct sun, and surrounded by insects as you make your introductions.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Monday, August 4, 2014

Chantecaille Bliss Cheek Shade for Fall 2014

Embossed with the signature Chantecaille rose to celebrate the company's 15-year anniversary, this limited-edition Cheek Shade in Bliss ($38) is housed in a portable and refillable "pebble." Made with micro-particles that contribute to the featherweight texture, Cheek Shades create a subtly convincing blush of color. Enriched with anti-aging vitamins A, C, and E, the color adheres beautifully to the skin and blends so well it leaves no perceptible surface.

Of course, I ordered it - even knowing that it would likely be very light and sheer. Light pink and sheer work on my skin. I was also taken by the embossed rose, knowing it would "fade" (flatten) with use.

Cheek Shades are made with micro-particles that contribute to their exquisite colors and featherweight texture. Processed with a new technology that produces a light, ultra-fine coated powder, Cheek Shades go on matte and adhere beautifully to the skin yet blend so well they leave no perceptible surface. That is certainly true of Bliss.

Bliss is very light. It is a warm pink - despite its appearance in the compact. I swatched at the top of my arm very heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator and then used a brush to apply a large swatch below. I took my photos in very late-afternoon sun. This is a beautiful blush, particularly for use when you don't want your cheeks to be the center of attention. You might want your eyes or lips to command attention.

I love this color. It works for me, and I think it should work for many of you. For me, it's a year-round shade. That said, I think one will be enough. I'm already doubling up on other pieces from the collection.

Bliss is available now at Chantecaille's Web site, where I purchased mine. You'll find it in August (no later than September) at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom locations. Neiman Marcus tells me it has already shipped to them, and they hope to have it this week.

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

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Chantecaille Mulberry Luminous Gloss for Fall 2014

They really should have named Mulberry Luminous Gloss ($34) Charlestongirl's Gloss. It doesn't get any prettier, and it could not be more "me." I like pigmented lip glosses that I can wear without lipstick, and this one is perfect.

I was so stunned by Mulberry Luminous Gloss when I tried it for the first time, I hopped online and ordered two more. Not only that, I'll buy another one from my favorite Chantecaille representatives at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. That way, I'll have one for my bathroom, one for my makeup bag, and two for back-ups. Sometimes, a product is so good, you have to break the no-back-ups rule.

Luminous Gloss is an extraordinary lip gloss formula that offers up to six hours of long-lasting shine. Rich texture, dramatic brilliance, and innovative shiny polymers create a fluid 3-D glass-like effect for volume and shine with superior adherence. Water-binding agents hydrate and smooth the lips.

Mulberry is described as a sheer burgundy with flecks of light-reflecting gold and called an approachable way to wear the bold berry lip seen on the fall runways. In the cluster of mulberries above, there is only one berry that contains this glorious color, which is well described as berry, but not burgundy, I think. Let's call that creative license in naming.

The sun cooperated a bit today, and I was able to get photos of this stunning lip gloss.

I applied the lip gloss directly to my arm, using the flexible doe-foot applicator. I was able to snap some afternoon swatch photos when the sun stuck its nose out from around the clouds.

I love everything about this color, from the rosy berry shade to the shiny flecks that are especially apparent in bright light, to the long-lasting wear. It's the cat's meow - a compliment to the animal-loving Chantecaille family.

I've mentioned before that lip colors should be tested on your finger pad. The pigment in your fingertip mimics the pigment of your lips much better than your arm. I took a photo on my finger to show you how you might expect Mulberry to look on your lips. It actually looks slightly lighter here, a hue I can only attribute to the sun's angle.

Chantecaille's Luminous Gloss is loved for its superior adherence, rich texture, and dramatic brilliance. You may get up to six hours of wear from Luminous Gloss. I can't, but my lips absorb anything moist. I'm OK with re-applying anything this pretty periodically throughout the day.

Mulberry is available now at Chantecaille's Web site, where I purchased my first three. You'll find it in August (no later than September) at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom locations. Neiman Marcus tells me it has already shipped to them, and they hope to have it this week.

Photo at top courtesy of Chantecaille; mulberries courtesy of amazonconcepts.com; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Coming Soon: Giorgio Armani Beauty Eye & Brow Maestro

I don't have a lot of information yet about Giorgio Armani Beauty's Eye & Brow Maestro. It was designed to be a four-in-one product: Brow Shaper, Eye Shadow, Eyeliner, and Hair Touch-up. Yep, you read that right!

It's waterprooof and offers 20 hours of wear time. It is said to provide a 100% natural finish. It comes with the applicator shown.

I'm intrigued. My eyes went straight for the gold, but even the mauve under it looks promising. I can't wait!

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Chantecaille 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio

In celebration of this milestone year, Chantecaille unveils the limited-edition 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio ($68) – a striking, yet natural, eye palette inspired by animals from the land, sea, and air. Embodying Chantecaille’s commitment to the environment, this limited-edition, philanthropic palette revisits the causes that have remained closest to the Chantecailles’ hearts throughout the years and are still urgent today.

Known as Africa’s gardeners, for the role they play in clearing new paths and dispersing seeds, elephants are being killed for their ivory at the worst levels since the 1980s. With an estimated 38,000 elephants killed annually for their tusks, they are under grave threat - at a rate that, left unchanged, would see elephants wiped out by 2025. Making a vast desert of the land they travel across, increased use of pesticides is also killing the many wild plants key to sustaining their migration.

At risk of disappearing, the monarch migration is the most spectacular two-way migration carried out by an insect. Now on the endangered species list, the monarch butterfly’s fragile ecosystem has been disrupted in recent years. As a result of changing agricultural practices and deforestation, the population of hibernating monarchs was down by 95% in 2013, an all-time low.

Struggling for survival, sea turtles are among the most migratory of all creatures. Traveling for tens of thousands of miles, encountering waste, garbage, and huge drift nets, they give us an accurate reading on the health of our oceans. Persistent over-exploitation and the widespread collection of eggs are largely responsible for their depleted status. Resulting in deaths of tens to thousands of turtles annually, they are also captured in active or abandoned fishing gear. In the midst of danger for years, unfortunately many have been lost due to our lack of action.

The alarming rate of disappearance of these species is extremely critical in 2014. With this palette, Chantecaille continues to focus its efforts on making the situation known with hopes that knowledge will bring solutions. On the horizon we already see action that will change theses problems drastically and help save these highly endangered species.

Proceeds from each Anniversary Trio sold will be proudly donated to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Monarch Butterfly Fund, and WIDECAST to help protect our endangered elephants, butterflies, and sea turtles respectively.

Housed in a refillable collector’s edition gunmetal palette, decorated with Sylvie Chantecaille’s signature, the trio embodies the iconic Chantecaille woman. Effortlessly complimenting the Fall 2014 runway trends, each sophisticated shade symbolizes an endangered species that still urgently needs our help.

Elephant at the left in the palette is a deep, earthy aubergine that can be applied wet or dry to the crease or lash line. Butterfly (middle), a warm buttery vanilla, can be used to smooth and highlight the eyelid or brow bone. Sea Turtle at right is a delicate copper infused with light-reflecting rose gold pearl.

Cruelty-free, paraben-free, lanonin-free, petrochemical-free, fragrance-free, and without any animal or mineral derivatives, the 15 Year Anniversary Eye Shade Trio is a perfect palette to purchase to support our natural environment.

I was able to get swatch photos this morning when we had a temporary break in the clouds. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting with the Elephant shade and moving down my arm. I took my photos in "almost-full" sunshine.

The Elephant shade left me deliriously happy. I was afraid from photos that it would be too aubergine, too eggplant. It's not. It's a gorgeous brown with an aubergine undertone that makes it unique.

The vanilla Butterfly shade in the middle on my arm is hard to see because it's the color of my skin. It's a lovely base shade, and I know I will use it often.

The gorgeous Sea Turtle is a hybrid between copper and rose gold - a shade you won't see often. I went from delirious to seeing stars when I tried it. I can see myself using the Butterfly and Sea Turtle shades every day as I head off to work.

Chantecaille could not have created a more perfect trio of eye shades for its anniversary - and a philanthropic endeavor. I was not kidding the other day when I said I needed four. At $68, it's affordable, is refillable, and it comes with a very nice, cruelty-free eye shadow brush. In reality, I'll probably buy only three. Because it's limited, and because I know I will wear it often, I won't want to run out - ever.

It is available now at Chantecaille's Web site, where I purchased my first. You'll find it in August (no later than September) at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman
Marcus, Space NK, select Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom locations. Neiman Marcus tells me it has already shipped to them, and they hope to have it next week.

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille and by Best Things in Beauty