Chanel Rouge Allure in Rouge Ingénue from Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1

Do you remember when I showed you this coming attraction photo I took in the Neiman Marcus Café of the fall Chanel lipstick lineup before it was released? It emphasized red, the theme of Le Rouge Collection N°1 for Fall 2016 - with one exception. Look at that nude lipstick, Rouge Ingénue ($37), that snuck in there (second from left). It looked a bit out of place. It's a Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour (#168), and I'm wearing it as I write.

This next-generation Rouge Allure dresses lips with unmistakable attitude. A new formula with concentrated, ultra-thin pigments offers radically intense, long-wearing color with full coverage and a satin finish. It leaves the lips supple and protected with lasting comfort.

I knew I wouldn't be purchasing Chanel's intense red lipsticks, and I really didn't expect to purchase Rouge Ingénue either. However, as I played with the collection with Nicki Hashemi at Neiman Marcus, I swatched Rouge Ingénue. Suddenly I was looking at a nude with a touch of peach that looked like it belonged on my face. I was stunned. I'm not a big fan of nude lipsticks (although I decided recently to become more open-minded and try a few new ones). They often wash out my coloring - or at least add nothing flattering to it.

I zoomed outside this morning and took a picture of it before the clouds move in for the day. I believe you can see the pretty peach tone in the lipstick bullet (I hate that term!). It applied exactly as it looks in the photo. I hope you can see in my swatch photo below that the peach is a distinguishing characteristic.

Chanel calls it a dusty beige. I wouldn't. I see nothing dusty about this pretty color. Does that term "dusty" imply muted, heathery, or even dirty to you? The satin finish has a slight sheen to it. I prefer more shine, but I can always add some with a nude gloss.

I'm sure you Chanel fans know that Rouge Allure feels great on the lips. It's creamy and lasts a moderate amount of time (there are few truly long-lasting lipsticks on me).

If you want to stray from fall's red pack, try out Rouge Ingénue. It is a perfect lipstick to offset your very fancy eyes pained in Candeur et Expérience.

Le Rouge Collection N°1 has arrived at Chanel counters. For those of you who don't have easy access to one, please call Nicky Hashemi at (202) 966-9700. Use my name. Ask for the Chanel counter. If you want to order online, just hop over to this Chanel link.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Milk Makeup Highlighter in Radiant Finish

Ever since a friend went to work for Milk Makeup, I've been curious about it. I decided to check it out on Sephora and order a few pieces. He was excited, and excitement was contagious.

Driven by creativity and designed by industry insiders, Milk Makeup is inspired by its home: Milk. A cultural hub in NY and LA, that sits at the crossroads of fashion, music, photography, art, and film. A place where trends are born and a platform for the next generation. Milk Makeup is fun, eco-conscious, and cool. Their multifunctional, high-tech formulas are built for the girl on the go.

The Milk Makeup team includes Milk co-founder Mazdack Rassi, seasoned Milk Girl and creative director Georgie Greville, beauty and fashion editor Zanna Roberts Rassi, product developer and COO Dianna Ruth, and makeup artist, Frank B. All aspects of the line are developed in-house at Milk's downtown NYC home. Never heard of them? Me either, but it doesn't matter. No one has an exclusive on good ideas.

I selected Milk's Highlighter in Radiant Finish ($24), a universal highlighter to brighten up the skin.  Milk Makeup’s Highlighter features a blendable micro-shimmer with natural oils for added hydration. Infused with mango butter, peach nectar, and avocado, and combined with Milk Melt Technology, it absorbs instantly on contact with body heat, leaving the skin with a glowing appearance.

Milk Makeup is a paraben-free, eco-conscious, innovative product line made of the best possible ingredients. They see beauty in originality, authenticity, and design multi-use products for self-expression. This product is vegan and cruelty-free.

I took my own photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I applied the highlighter to my arm, directly from the container.

I was impressed. The color is subtle and beautiful - truly radiant. It adds life to my skin, and it makes me look young again. It can be worn with makeup of any color scheme. The flesh-toned glow it adds is gorgeous on my cheekbones and brow bones, the only places to which I have applied it so far.

The Milk products are inexpensive, and there appears to be something for everyone. This will not be my last purchase! You can find Milk Makeup at Sephora or Milk's own Web site.

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

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Candeur et Expérience from Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1

Chanel's Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Candeur et Expérience (#268, $61) from the Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1 was not designed for the timid. When I first saw it in print, I thought there was no way I would purchase it. Then, after a professional application, avoiding the red shade on my eyes, I was sold. Amazing how those things happen to beauty mavens.

Because this quad isn't your everyday palette, Chanel offers suggestions for how to use it.

A is supposed to be your highlighting shade, allied over the entire lid. B should be used to shade and contour. C, the brick red, is also suggested for shading and contouring. D is a shade you can use to intensify. On me, we used it as an eyeliner.

As usual, my photo taken in full sunshine is displays the colors more accurately than Chanel's photo above. The shades have more life in them than Chanel would leave you thinking on their Web site.

I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full late-morning sunshine. I swatched clockwise, starting with the upper left warm brown and finishing with the dark red.

All three browns are warm. I especially like the two on the top level. They are vibrant. The red, when layered with the browns gives you the effect shown on the model (Kristen Stewart) at the top of this feature. It blends to produce a copper shade.

My eyelids are particularly sensitive to red dyes, so we applied the red shade as a blush on me - very lightly. Our application was much lighter than I was able to achieve with a sponge-tipped applicator, but it was hot outside, and I didn't feel like running into wash the oily eye makeup remover off my arm and start again with a thin layer of moisturizer. So what you see is an uneven application. I hope you get the idea of an intense color that can be moderated with your blush or powder brush for a lovely autumnal shade.

It's actually pretty on the face, but I think I'd opt for Rouge Profond when given the choice. I hope you can see that the colors - no matter how you use them - coordinate nicely to produce the avant garde effect for which Ms. Pica had aimed. If you want to watch a film on application, hop over to this link and click on the tutorial. It appears my computer still isn't entirely ready to roll. I can't get it to play (ARGH!).

Le Rouge Collection N°1 has arrived at Chanel counters. For those of you who don't have easy access to one, please call Nicky Hashemi at (202) 966-9700. Use my name. Ask for the Chanel counter. If you want to order online, just hop over to this Chanel link.

Photos at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - August 5

Perhaps you've heard. Neiman Marcus reported earnings that exceeded the same period last year. What did they do? They gave all of their employees in Beauty and Fragrance (hereinafter Beauty) a salary cut. I'll explain, but first a few facts.

There's a reason the Beauty department is the first one you see when you enter a store through the main entrance. It's true at all department stores. Beauty makes up a huge percentage of the store's profits. Depending on the store, employees are paid in various ways: 1) entirely by the store, 2) partially by the store and partially by the vendor, e.g., Le Métier de Beauté, or 3) entirely by the vendor. Neiman Marcus gave everyone who is paid in categories 1 and 2 a salary cut of about 15% starting August 1 and told the employees they should make up the difference by selling anything in the store, not just at their counter, for a 3% commission. One friend told me he would have to sell about $500,000/year to make up the salary he would be missing. Was this done in all departments? Nope. Just Beauty. Figure that out.

Suddenly, former sales associates (not product specialists) are now called concierges. Don't make me laugh.

These employees are all being encouraged to become personal shoppers. Don't be surprised if your favorite cosmetics product specialist offers to shop the store with you, selling you your wardrobe, gifts, accessories, and whatever you want. Don't be surprised if he or she offers to place your online order for you. Don't be surprised if suddenly employees become more aggressive. They need the money they made just a month ago! Many of them need the money to survive.

I do not think it's fair to increase your business profits by punishing your best people (along with a few duffers) - taking money out of their pockets and transferring it to shareholders. I am wondering how this will work. It will certainly pit employees in categories 1 and 2 against those who are entirely vendor-paid. As I understand it, Neiman Marcus does not have the power to tell vendors what to pay their employees.

If you were reading the comments this week, this is the reason I asked you to shop for all of your Neiman Marcus needs with your favorite Beauty associates. They just got screwed. I'd love to know your reactions.

It's time for the Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope to see you in the comments.

I received a lot of new products this week, and I'm looking forward to a sunny day so that I can take photos. This morning, I spent hours driving 40 minutes each way to get my new computer set up correctly. I'm not happy. Nevertheless, I think the problems are solved for good.

Photo of the Grinch courtesy of theguardian.com

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rouge Profond from Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1

Chanel's Fall 2016  Le Rouge Collection N°1 has a mantra, "Let Red Rule." Indeed it does, Chanel's Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer Lucia Pica gave free reign to the power of red in her debut collection for face, eyes, lips, nails, and cheeks. At first I cringed, but as I started to play with the colors, I became smitten with their flexibility and expression of the perfect color for fall and winter.

The display will grab you. It shows red (mostly) in all of its incarnations. Red has an association with power, desirability, and femininity - something it has always had and never lost. Those with my fair coloring have to be careful with it. Although makeup artists disagree, I always feel like I'm a few degrees off kilter when I wear it on my face. Nevertheless, Nicky, the Chanel Product Specialist at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, talked me into trying the blush, and as she applied it lightly on my cheeks, it was an instant hit. Without the tryout, you never could have convinced me I could wear this shade of red on my face.

Rouge Profond (#320, $45) offers buildable coverage, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a flattering radiance to the cheeks. It has a remarkably silky texture that ensures easy application of seamless color. Applied high on the cheekbone, or near the eyes (but not too close), it instantly lifts and softens the face for a more youthful look. Immediately after Nicki applied it to my face, I got a compliment from a shopper at another counter on how good I looked. That certainly sealed the deal.

As you can see in my photo immediately above, the color is intense. As usual, my photo, taken in full sun, shows the true color of the blush. Chanel's photo, right above, is too coral.

I took my swatch photo, applying the blush heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator in a stripe at the top of my arm, and then smudging what was left on the applicator into a circle below. I can achieve a much lighter look with a blush brush, but I wanted you to see a heavy application to understand the true color of Rouge Profond.

The red tone is hard for me to describe. I'd say it's neutral - neither cool nor warm - with a tiny touch of brick in dark lighting scenarios. The lighter swatch above shows that the blush actually makes you look like you pinched your cheeks to draw out your own coloring. It's a beautiful shade for fall and will accentuate your wardrobe choices.

Had you told me I would purchase Rouge Profond, I would have scoffed. In Nicki's expert hands, it looked like it was made for me. I am thrilled with it. I also purchased the nude lipstick and the eye shadow quad. I'll show you both when I can get photos.

Le Rouge Collection N°1 has arrived at Chanel counters. For those of you who don't have easy access to one, please call Nicky Hashemi at (202) 966-9700. Ask for the Chanel counter. If you want to order online, just hop over to this Chanel link.

Photos at top courtesy of Chanel; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Attraction: Guerlain Fall 2016 Collection

Guerlain has a spectacular collection for this fall, and I feel privileged to show it to you. After overcoming a frustrating computer problem, I'm ready to write.

The new eye shadows, Guerlain Palette 5 Couleurs ($69) offers six new, trend-setting and comprehensive eye palettes that allow us to be as daring as our moods. Each compact contains five perfectly graduated shades to enhance your eyes with just one swipe to create the desired look - from natural to bold. This easy-to-use range of shades contains a base to even and illuminate, two nude tones to subtly enhance, and two smoky sophisticated shades that intensify every look. Applied separately or layered, the shades deliver unfailingly chic results.

The technology of these palettes offers ultra-fine, light-reflecting pigments for brighter, illuminating color that can create numerous effects. Depending on the shade, the finish may be matte, satin, or metallic with a luminous finish so that eyes appear more lively and vibrant.

For a nude look, apply the illuminating base shade #1 to the eyelid, arch of the eyebrow, and inner corner of the eye. Layer shade #2 over the eyelid. Blend in shade #3 as an accent in the outer corner, one of my favorite techniques.

For a bold look, sweep the illuminating shade #1 over the eyelid, arch of the eyebrow, and inner corner of the eye. Layer shade #4 over the eyelid. Then apply shade #5 at the lash line on the outer corner. Blend as an accent in the same corner to smudge - another of my favorite techniques.

Marcus Monson told me about these new palettes in the spring, and I've been waiting eagerly to see them. I'm smitten by the photos, and I'm sure I know that I want all of them! I must win that lottery. These $3 payouts are not going to cut it.

Guerlain L'Art du Trait Precision Felt Eyeliner ($43) is an absolute essential for creating captivating eyes. Unmistakably modern and classic, this ultra-black, high-precision felt eyeliner glides on perfectly to delivery faultless lines and impeccable coverage from the very first sweep of the pen. Smudge-proof and stay-true, it even resists tears and water for up to eight hours.

Two new KissKiss lipsticks will complete your look. To add the ultimate finishing touch, these autumnal shades perfectly match the eye shadows and overall tones of the fall look. An ultra-smooth texture, KissKiss' unique formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres, giving KissKiss a lovely plumping effect. Commiphora myrra oil and mango butter ensure softness and incredible hydration. The two shades, Fall in Nude and Fall in Red, have a creamy texture and satiny vibrant finish with impeccable hold. I'll be in line for both - even the red. I live in KissKiss lipsticks.

If you want to see larger photos of these lovelies, just click on the photos. The collection will be available in September at Guerlain Boutiques, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, Sephora, and online. See anything you want?

Photos courtesy of Guerlain

Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette

Clinique's new online-exclusive Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette ($33) comes in six color coordinated shades. I had a hard time narrowing my choice, but I am happy with it. I selected Defining Roses.

Each is a versatile cheek sculpting compact with natural-looking shades that blend and build beautifully. Use each separately to color, contour, or highlight. Or swirl them together for a quick easy glow. Use the mid-toned shade as a blush, the deep-toned shade to contour, and the lightest shade to highlight. For a quick, easy glow swirl brush over entire palette and dust over apples of cheeks. The powder color is long-wearing and oil-free.

I took my own photos in full, mid-day sun. You can see some sparkle in the shades above, but that sparkle doesn't translate on the face into a glitter bomb.

I swatched all shades using a sponge-tipped applicator. The stripe swatch at the top of my arm is a blend of all shades combined. It gleams! I love the color. Under that swatch, I applied the lightest color (almost undetectable on my arm, but look for a very light pink), the "top" shade next down, and the lower right shade at the bottom of my arm. I really like all of the colors and will use them alone and blended.

You can order this beauty or one of the other colorways at Clinique's Web site. I'm thinking of purchasing a second one.

I have had trouble getting my blogging routine back in gear. The guy who copied my files onto this new computer did not copy Snag-It, a program I use all the time. I tried out the Windows 10 feature for photos, and it put a black border around Clinique's photo at the top of this feature. I hated that, so I fooled around with Paint and got what I wanted. I must get this and other problems resolved.

P.S. I had ordered Defining Nectars from Clinique. They sent Defining Roses. I'm happy with their mistake.

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