Giorgio Armani Beauty Crystal Palette for Holiday 2009

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Crystal Palette for Holiday 2009 ($98) arrived last week at Saks in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Thinking that professional photographs of it would show up online within days, I waited to tell you about it.

Wait no longer - I couldn't contain my excitement, so I took my own photos - in less than ideal conditions, given that I always get my best shots outdoors, but it's pouring. Here's are photos of this bejewled beauty taken in the best light I could find inside.

The sleek black case is ornamented with black and "diamond" crystals, making the presentation of this compact elegant. Of course, it comes in its own little black pouch. What's even more impressive to me, though, is the top layer of this two-level compact. The gorgeous shiny highlighting powder is "similarly attired," but with powder crystals. This powder is a stunner - in the case or on the skin! It leaves a holiday sparkle.

It gets better! The eye shadows in the bottom level are four of the prettiest shades I have ever seen combined - simply perfect. Arrayed just like the Armani eye shadow quads, the subtly shiny colors (top to bottom) are - to my eye - a taupe, silver-grey, light teal, and dark chocolate. The darkest color, what I'm calling dark chocolate, can be used as an accent color, a liner, or a regular shadow (you can build this shade from light to dark). The teal is a greyed-teal, perfect for your lid color or as an accent, depending on the look you are trying to create. The taupe is so versatile, I know I'll wear it out. The silver-grey is a perfect highlighter for your eyes. It's love.

Look out, Loyd, I think I'm coming back for another one of these palettes. I am feeling the urge to hoard!

Saks Chevy Chase has the Crystal Palette for Holiday in store; I suspect other Saks stores do too. Remember that it's Friends & Family as Saks this weekend. I'm sure that the Armani Web site and other stores carrying Armani Beauty will have this stunning palette soon.

Pitiful photos by BTiB

Leslie Blodgett's Perfume Diaries

Leslie Blodgett's Perfume Diaries in Bare Skin ($55 for the Eau de Parfum Spray) is finally available at Sephora. A whole bunch of us have been waiting to sample!

Legions of fans know Leslie Blodgett as the inspirational, passionate beauty icon behind Bare Escentuals - the woman who put mineral makeup on the map. Now, Leslie Blodgett is introducing her own collection of fragrances created exclusively for Sephora.

Sephora describes Bare Skin, the first introduction in the diaries, as warm, romantic, and spontaneous. I'll add seductive.

Here's Sephora's description, with my editorial comments in brackets.

Imagine you're on a tropical beach [I'm there]. The warm rays are beating down on you. There is nothing on the agenda for days, save for sunbathing [with sunscreen, please], sipping umbrella drinks [may I please have coconut slices, pineapple flavors and lots of rum in my drinks, and some munchies too? that's how they treated me in Barbados], and sleeping in [can I depart for the beach now?]. Leslie Blodgett captured the ultimate vacation through fragrance with this intoxicating blend [how many umbrella drinks can I have?] of creamy sensuality, dreamy florals, and sexy musks.

Seriously, this limited-edition fragrance has top notes of black pepper, freesia, and anise; middle notes of iris, vanilla orchid, plumeria, and patchouli; and base notes of sandalwood, musk, and labdanum. This is a spicy one, with some tropical and very fragrant florals mixed in. In addition to the spray, there's a solid perfume and a body cream available at Sephora.

You can learn more about the Perfume Diaries, including Leslie's next fragrance introduction, Santa Barbara, at her own Web site. You should also enter Leslie's contest (between October 16 and 23) to win a trip to Hawaii. Just go to her Perfume Diaries Facebook page for more information.

Photos courtesy of Sephora and Leslie Blodgett

Another Fabulous Bobbi Brown Palette for Holiday

The new Bobbi Brown Chrome Palette ($75) is another must-have in my book! This incredible palette puts Bobbi's cool, contemporary take on holiday beauty into one incredible product. The icy, shimmering eye and lip accents will cast an iridescent glow on your face. Inside this chrome-accented palette, you'll find everything you need to deck yourself out for the season: 10 eyeshadow shades, four lip shades, a mini eyeshadow brush, and mini lip brush. Not only that, it's packaged in a gift-ready chrome carton in case you start feeling generous.

Here are the 10 shades for eyes: White, Polar Ice Shimmer Wash, Storm Cloud Sparkle, Iron, Thunder Metallic, Moonlight Sparkle, Cyber Grey Shimmer Wash, Foil Metallic, Chrome Metallic and Charcoal Haze.

For lips, you get Pink Mist Shimmer Lip Gloss, Winter Bronze Glitter Lip Gloss, Berry Glitter Lip Gloss, and Chrome Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss.

I'm swooning over this one! The eye shadows are gorgeous. This photo just doesn't do them justice.

It's available right now at Saks in store and at Nordstrom in stores and online. I hear there are lipsticks coming too. Hopefully, you will be able to find it soon at Bobbi Brown's Web site and other department stores.

Update: The lipsticks came in, and they are very nice. I will post on them soon.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

NARS Holiday 2009

Love at first sight! NARS sent an e-mail yesterday announcing their Holiday 2009 collection. Prominently featured were these new Soft Touch Shadow Pencils ($24).

Here's what NARS has to say about them.

Soft Touch Shadow Pencils provide easy, portable, long-wearing application. These jumbo-sized pencils have versatile functionality to shade the lid, line, or highlight the eye. Smooth, creamy texture delivers a velvety feel to the eye and makes for easy blending and an ideal base for layering with a powder shadow for increased color intensity.

I'm there. I think I need all three. The colors left to right are: Goddess, Skorpios, and Aigle Noir.

Also introduced with this collection? A new Cream Eyeshadow ($21) in Mousson, a barely green, shimmery taupe color. Since I love cream shadows, and NARS makes some great ones, I can hardly contain myself!

For NARS Multiples fans, there's a new Multiples too - in Luxor ($37). Maybe we'll do a whole Multiples posting, since I must have 10 of them. There's more, of course, including duo eyeshadows, nail polish, and lip pencils.

I'm going out to check my bank balance now. How about you? See anything in the NARS Holiday Collection that makes your heart race?

The new colors are available at the NARS Web site and will be in stores near you soon, if they aren't already.

Update: What better time to buy than now? Sephora has a 20% discount for Friends & Family. Use code FF2009 at checkout.

Photo courtesy of NARS

Armani Beauty OMC3 Giveaway Contest Winner

It's so hard to select contest winners! This time, I handed over the entries to three judges, who reported that they had a tough time selecting only one of the fabulous entries. So, once again, we will award two prizes: the OMC3, as promised, to the winner and a beautiful ArmaniSilk High Color Cream Lipstick in a great seasonal color to our runner up.

Drum roll, please...the winner is Anna S. Second prize goes to Pat S. Congratulations, ladies! Both of you have been notified by e-mail. Hope you enjoy your Armani treats!

Just in case you are interested, here were the top three favorite Best Things in Beauty Armani postings to date (in no particular order).

• Armani Beauty Master Class - What Fun! Helpful Hints from Loyd
  
• Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge D'Armani
• Armani Everything Eyeliners

Once again, I want to thank the incredibly generous and talented Armani Beauty Team at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland for this giveaway. Don't forget their offer to extend this week's Friends & Family discount to phone customers; you can read about it at this BTiB link.

We will start another fun giveaway this week. Stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of Armani Beauty

Best Drugstore Beauty: Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum

Long recognized for its effectiveness, the British Boots No7 collection earned its mention in today's Best Drugstore Beauty. Recently, I stopped at Target to chat with the Boots representative, who was featuring No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum ($22.99) - the new, improved version of the original, often sold-out serum.

Here's an edited version of what Boots has to say about their wonder-serum.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum has been tested like no other cosmetic anti-aging product in an independent 12-month trial (that's a long trial by today's "standards"). The findings clearly show that it has genuine, long-term anti-aging benefits. Seventy percent of the volunteers using the product showed a marked improvement in the appearance of photo-aged skin after 12 months of use. This study is the latest step in the company's efforts to provide compelling proof of the performance of its products.

This serum is loved - often sold out. I tried to buy it a few years ago, but, alas, sold out every time I checked! In an effort to figure out why it was so popular, I did a bit of Web research. Mostly, I found gushing comments about its line-reducing properties.

I found this quote from Steve Barton, Senior Development Chemist for Boots No7, at Simply Anti Aging, which I found refreshing and charming.

Let’s be honest here: this is not a miracle cream. It’s not plastic surgery. It will, however, reduce lines and reveal younger looking skin. It does what we tell you it will do: it makes you look the best you possibly can for the age you are.

Wow, Steve, that's a whole lot better than many anti-aging products!

The serum was featured in the October 2009 More magazine. More's testers reported improvements in their skin after only days of use. One tester with rosacea saw a reduction in redness. The serum was also featured in October's Allure. Given the difficulty in finding it when it was first introduced, I hope readers will be able to find it now. The beauty magazines do have a way of creating "runs" on products they feature.

The price is right. Why not give this serum a try? It's gentle and recommended for sensitive skin. I am not "dead-sure" about the serum for me because it contains retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, that can be irritating to my reactive skin. Make sure to use your favorite moisturizer over it.

Boots Protect & Perfect Intense Serum is available at Target, some CVS stores, Amazon, and Drugstore.com.

So, what do you think? Can any of you share your experience with us?

Photo courtesy of Boots

Avon's Smooth Minerals Blush

Recently, Kari reviewed Avon's Smooth Minerals Blush on Fabulous Over Forty. I'd like to second her opinion!

A couple of weeks ago, when I repeat-ordered my True Color Eye Shadow Quads, I decided to try Avon's Smooth Minerals Blush ($10). The price was right, and the colors looked lovely.

Here's an edited version of what Avon has to say about this new minerals product.

New formula with our 100% naturally derived mineral complex. Contains pure mineral pigments…and enriched with vitamins. Free of talc, oil, and fragrance. Great for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Infused with our mineral glow pearls, Avon’s mineral blush illuminates cheeks and helps to bring out the skin’s true vibrance. Featherlight, airbrushed finish for a healthy radiance.

I agree, Avon! These are nice blushers. I purchased two shades: Blushing Mauve and Rose Radiance. Both of these shades worked beautifully on my pale face. What's amazing to me is how little product produces all-day radiance. I started with a tiny amount of product, expecting to layer on more. What a surprise that "tiny" was enough! These may last "forever," or at least until a new mineral blusher grabs my attention. I'll admit that my attention span for makeup can be short - always moving on to the next best thing.

These blushers do have some ingredients I don't like, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and retinyl palmitate. They seem out of place to me in a minerals product. Fortunately, they are well down the ingredient list, so their quantity is probably limited in each blusher.

If you are in the minerals market, you might want to give one of these a try. Available from Avon's Web site or your local Avon rep.

Photo courtesy of Avon

Jo Malone Colognes

Not too long ago, I wrote about Jo Malone Bath Oils. I feel I left the story unfinished. Jo Malone's colognes are the centerpiece of the brand, so today, let's talk about them.

By now, all beauty lovers surely know who Jo Malone is, so I won't recount her incredible history in any detail. She started her career as a facialist using her own products, hand-mixed at home and an instant hit. Her global brand was purchased by the Estee Lauder companies in 1999, but Jo remains the creative director. She was the first to make fragrance combining mainstream.

The Jo Malone philosophy of fragrance combining gives you the freedom to express yourself and your individuality in a fresh, modern way. You can create your own signature scent by combining two - even three - different fragrances. Spray on one cologne, usually the heaviest scent, let it dry, then spray a different, lighter fragrance over the top. Or start with one of Jo's luxurious Body Crèmes in one scent and follow it with a cologne in another. The result will be complex, lasting, and your own.

With several Jo Malone Fragrances, you can have a complete and versatile fragrance wardrobe. For example, Jo suggests women can create evening drama by dressing up the soft and sensual character of White Jasmine & Mint with tantalizing Orange Blossom. The effect will be both elegant and sexy. Men can create "everyday chic" by dressing down spicy Amber & Lavender with a fresh and zesty twist of Verbenas of Provence to exude an air of "casual confidence."

I love Jo Malone fragrances simply worn alone. My favorites are pure expressions of flowers and fruits: Red Roses, Orange Blossom, Lime Basil and Mandarin, French Lime Blossom, Honeysuckle & Jasmine, and Grapefruit. Think I love them? To this day, my fragrance collection looks like a Jo Malone boutique.

My heavenly white floral Tuberose seems to have been discontinued, but I probably have a lifetime supply. Do I combine them? Now and then, but I am so pleased with the fragrances as-is, I haven't felt the need. I spray and go.

When Jo's fragrances were first introduced in the United States, I wore Red Roses almost every day. People stopped me everywhere and asked what it was. I felt like the Red Roses Ambassador, explaining not only the Jo Malone mystique, but also the heavenly old English roses that Red Roses evoked. Actually composed of seven types of roses from around the world, Red Roses is a surprisingly clean, voluptuous scent. With a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint, it unfolds like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.

The only floral I have resisted to date is White Jasmine & Mint. Inspired by a sun-drenched morning in an English country garden, the fragrance captures the scent of jasmine, lily, orange flower, and rose (all favorites of mine) on the morning breeze. It's the unexpected twist of soft and sensual wild mint that makes this floral fragrance a bit eccentric. I can't figure out whether I like it or love it.

You can find Jo Malone's fragrances at the Jo Malone Web Site, where you can always get samples with your order, and at Saks, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. Priced at $55 for 30 ml and $100 for 100 ml, you can purchase a fragrance wardrobe for what some designer fragrances cost for a single bottle.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Jo Malone will donate $15,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in connection with the North American sales of Red Roses Cologne and Bath Oil. Now's a good time to try Red Roses!

If you hurry (ending today!) over to the Jo Malone Web site, you can enter code BCA09 at checkout and receive a fabulous gift of a fragrance combining set (mini candle, cologne, and shower gel), two fragrance samples of your choice, and free shipping with any $150 order. Even without investing that much, you can select samples.

Photo courtesy of Jo Malone

One Young Woman's Account of Melanoma

On Caged Bird Sings, a noteworthy blog post featured on the DCBlogs live feed, Kassy wrote a moving account of her discovery of a "few new freckles," melanoma diagnosis, her supportive friends, and her warning to all women to stay out of the sun. It's recommended reading!

Photo from Caged Bird Sings

Clementine Perfume

Clementine, by Melissa Flagg, is one of those "stealth perfumes" that has flown under the radar for way too long. Despite publicity in recent years, it has escaped mass market notice. That's either ashamed because it's divine, or it's great for me to have a "signature" fragrance. Each time I wear it, someone asks, "What are you wearing?" When I answer, there is no recognition of its name.

With notes of flowering orange blossoms and hints of honeysuckle and night-blooming jasmine, Clementine is a distinctive floral that evokes warm summer nights in heavenly locales. The fragrance originated from Flagg's childhood memory of driving to Palm Springs from Los Angeles as these wonderful floral scents permeated the air.

Available in a rollerball for $28 from Beautyhabit, Clementine is a steal. I see on Beautyhabit that there is a solid version of Clementine on pre-order ($16). That's one list I want to be on!

Through October 31, use the code FALLSHIP for free shipping with a $50 Beautyhabit order. Make sure to check out Beautyhabit's specials page too.

Photo courtesy of Beautyhabit

Chanel's Dramatic Collection Noirs Obscurs

Chanel's dramatic Collection Noirs Obscurs has arrived. If you are in the market for drama, punch, and fashion-forward makeup, this is your "cup of tea." Who wouldn't want to look like the model for this collection? Achieving her look, though, will take some skill. Notice the eyes are her focal point.

The Rouge Allure lipsticks ($30) are dark and dramatic - almost gothic - in Maniac (black red), Hysteria (eggplant black), and Obscure (black brown). If you choose to wear one of these, go easy on the rest of your makeup.

The quad eye shadow in Les Folies Noires ($60) has a quartet of dark colors: intense green, mahogany, midnight blue, and dark violet. In my opinion, these are best used very close to the lash line - even wet as liners.

The Precision Eye Definer ($28) in Demoniac is described as a red-black. My preference with this look is just plain black liner, along with black mascara.

There's an Aqualumiere Lip Gloss ($27), one of my favorite Chanel products, in a new shade: Furious. This is a limited-edition shade of Chanel's fabulous high-shine gloss, and it may be my only purchase from this collection.

The Le Vernis nail color ($23) is available in Diabolic, Vendetta, and Forbidden (don't you love these diabolical names?). All imbued with black, the colors let you partake in the drama without risking the chance of an outre face. These nail colors will be appeal to legions of Vamp lovers.

Anyone wanting to make a break from the natural look or create a dramatic, sophisticated evening look should check out this collection at the Chanel Web site, Saks, Nordstrom, or Neiman Marcus. Anyone buying?

Update: I ended up buying the eye shadows, three of which are very sheer. You can create some nice looks with these - probably for evening in "my life." The gloss is fabulous! The shade is very neutral and pretty. I'm loving it already!

Photos courtesy of Chanel

Best Drugstore Beauty: Revlon's Colorstay 12-Hour Eye Shadow

Today, we start a regular series, Best Drugstore Beauty. It seems right for the times. Although Best Things in Beauty has featured drugstore makeup in the past, we will title the features that way going forward. Today, we offer the first official installment.

Looking for a superior, long-wear powder eye shadow at your local drugstore? Look no further than Revlon's Colorstay 12-Hour Eye Shadow quads! Priced at $6.99 at Drugstore.com, these quads are a bargain. This week, CVS has a BOBO offer on all Revlon cosmetics.

My favorite is Starlight, with fairly true color swatches shown immediately above. These are cool, eye-opening colors that can enhance your everyday look without the drama that can look bizarre in some offices (fashion industry excluded).

The formula is waterproof, and I can testify that it's long-lasting. Remember, though, that I always wear a shadow primer - not only to camouflage any redness in my eyelids, but also to give my shadows "sticking power." I recommend primer to everyone.

These Revlon shadows blend easily, making them a shadow mixer's dream. They also have a great soft texture - some would say creamy.

The Revlon Colorstay quads are available in 19 color families, although your local store may not carry all of them. The Nude Elements quad is warmer, but still subtle, and Neutral Kahkis and Priceless Metals are great fun for trying different looks. What a fabulous way to experiment without breaking the bank! You should find them wherever Revlon products are sold.

Photos courtesy of Drugstore.com

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Holiday Colors

What a Bobbi bonanza it was here this week as my latest purchases arrived! Bobbi Brown's Holiday 2009 Collection is superb, and the new palettes/sets are superstars. There's so much to love!

What I ordered so far: Earth Metal Lip and Eye Palette ($60), Glitter Lip Balm Palette ($40), Goldstone Long Wear Eye Palette ($40), and Velvet Plum Eye Palette ($40), the latter back by popular demand.

What's still on my list? Chrome Eye Shadow ($22) in gold, pewter, and silver.

The Earth Metal Lip and Eye Palette , shown here, is a blockbuster, with six eye shadows and four lip colors. The eye shadows were the seller for me - in shades that will work in all seasons. Nothing wrong with the lip colors - I just prefer mine in tubes. Good that the palette comes with brushes!

The Goldstone Long-Wear Eye Palette, shown below, has two shades of Long-Wear Cream Shadow, one shade of Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, and a dual-ended Mini Cream Shadow/Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush. Since I love cream shadows (and the gel liner!), this was a must-have. There are nice little caps on each, so they won't dry out. Mineral Dust is a new color for me, and I LOVE it. The Glitter Lip Balm Palette, shown below, will be fun to have in my desk drawer. I'll be able to keep my lips comfy and shiny at all times. Crystal Rose, the darkest balm on the left, is likely to be worn down before the other pretty, flexible shades.

I like the Velvet Plum Eye Palette colors because they don't scream "plum" when combined, and they can be applied lightly for a very sculpted, but natural look. Naked Eye Shadow (pink) and Velvet Plum Metallic Eye Shadow are colors I can wear. I have to be very careful with any shadows with "red" tones - they bring out the red around my eyes. I think I told y'all once that Bobbi herself told me not to wear red-toned shadows.

There's more! A Lip Gloss Trio ($40) and a Tube Tint Trio ($28), both of which will make great holiday gifts. I want to see the Lip Gloss Trio before I purchase it, so a trip to the mall is in my future.

I have placed Bobbi Brown on a pinnacle. Each collection is so good, I am forced to dig into an increasingly empty wallet. I never regret it!

Most of these palettes are limited editions, so get them while you can from Bobbi Brown's Web site or a Bobbi Brown counter near you. Right now, your choice of free samples at the Web site includes a mini Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation in your favorite shade. I adore these. They are perfect to carry with you for mid-day touch-ups. There's also a "Surprise Me" selection; I received a deluxe sample of Bobbi's award-winning blusher in Sand Pink, so I'm a happy girl.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

(MALIN + GOETZ) Support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

While the spotlight is on breast cancer this month, we shouldn't forget another silent killer, ovarian cancer. (MALIN + GOETZ) hasn't. A family-owned and operated apothecary in New York's Chelsea neighborhood, the company specializes in easy-to-use two-step regimens that offer head-to-toe pH balance for both women and men. Starting with sensitive skin first, each advanced formula blends trusted natural ingredients with gentle performance to address skin sensitivities, irritations, and allergies resulting from unnecessary product ingredients and harsh chemicals (no detergents, colorants, or synthetic fragrances). Another plus? The company does not test on animals.

In addition to their skin care products, (MALIN + GOETZ) makes gifts, and sales of their Mojito Candle ($48) benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. This delicious candle has top notes of lime, rum, mint leaves, and basil; middle notes of spearmint and chinese mint; and base notes of white musk. Salivating? After 60 hours of burn time, you can use the glass jar for the real thing. I'm tasting the lime as I write!

You can read about the company at their Web site. Their Dark Rum candle is featured in the October Allure with an Editor's Choice Award for Scent. For a list of locations that carry (MALIN + GOETZ) products, click on this link.

In the meantime, let's pause to remember the many notable women who succumbed to this disease - including Liz Tiberis, editor of Harper's Bazaar; Ann Dunham, Barak Obama's mother; and actresses Sandy Dennis, Joan Hackett, Jessica Tandy, and Gilda Radner - along with those who weren't famous, but loved just as much.

Photo couresy of (MALIN + GOETZ)

Hilarious Weekend Entertainment

Maybelline's feminine spoof on The Office, The Broadroom Alice in Imposterland video, is a hoot. Created by Candace Bushnell, it had me laughing out loud (and that's an accomplishment!).

For your weekend entertainment, check out the series and the makeup secrets from the set at The Broadroom.

Photo courtesy of candlefind.com/candle-reviews

BeautyTicket Love

Have I told you lately how much I love BeautyTicket.com? Discounted beauty products and bargains galore - how could a makeup addict not be enchanted?

This week, I ordered again. There were a few pieces, including Vincent Longo Sun, Moon, Stars eye shadow, YSL Pop Stick cream blusher, and Stila Lip Glaze Gloss Stick, discontinued products that I wanted. I had a bit of fun too! I rolled the dice and ordered a five-piece mystery bag for light and cool skin ($15).

What came Thursday was fun - a fascinating mix of products. I started to write it up then, but got carried away with Saks Friends & Family and playing with my new Armani lipsticks.

My mystery bag (and box) from BeautyTicket had the following surprises.

• Bourjois Paris Smile with Style mini 3-D Mobile lip gloss set with a cute little Eiffel Tower cell phone charm (the charm will be a nice stocking stuffer)
  
• Bourjois Paris Aqua Volume Waterproof Mascara in Violet Lumiere
• Bourjois Paris Lipshine in Lovely BRILLE
  
• Hard Candy 10 Years of Gloss - it's pink (Yummy) and huge - may last 10 years!
  
• Beauty Box Eye Shadow in Nipple Twist, a beautiful teal color
• Smashbox Fast Forward Eye Shadow Stick in the gorgeous Screenplay
• Borghese Lip Pencil in Bellini Pink Perle Creme (with sharpener)

All in all, a steal at $15. I know I will use all but one of these products, and the violet mascara will end up in a young friend's Christmas stocking or packed in a contest winner's box (I love to surprise people and send extras).

There are new products every week, so I'm a frequent flier on BeautyTicket.com. Yeah, I know I'm spending money to save money, but that's half the fun! This weekend, BeautyTicket is offering a 15% discount on your entire order with code PEOPLE15 (expires October 11). I may have to order more of those Stila Lip Glaze Gloss Sticks. They are so creamy and pretty!

Photo courtesy of BeautyTicket

Truth in Mascara Advertising?

I think one could properly categorize what follows here as a rant. Why does every advertisement for mascara show a model or celebrity with false eyelashes, trying to make us think that the "mascara did it"?

A great example of egregious ads is the Eva Longoria campaign for L'Oreal Paris mascara. Don't get me wrong - I think Eva is a doll. But why do we need false eyelashes to show that a mascara is great? A You Tube version has a printed disclaimer that Eva is wearing "lash inserts." I've seen no such admission in the print ads.

Another example? Check out the magazine ads for Maybelline's new battery-powered mascara. The model's eyelashes nearly reach her eyebrows. Perfect and fake fringe.

Look at mascara advertisements carefully, and you will find that most of the models are wearing extras. I've been doing the "mental tally" on this for months; that's probably why I'm so worked up. Do they think we're stupid?

HyperLuxe Media Network Weekend Roundup - October 9

The Beauty Chick takes a look a Go Girl's practical line of products.

Beauty Junkies Unite swatches of one of the hottest new nail polish shades, Jade from Chanel!

It's "Armani Everything" at Best Things in Beauty, where you can read all about the new Rouge d'Armani lipsticks and Crema Nera OMC3 and enter a giveaway contest for OMC3 ($185).

Denim Debutante talks about why she didn't go to Fashion Week.

"Match your nails to your emails" Dell and O.P.I. at FeroHHHsh.

Kelly of Gouldylox Reviews sits down with Leslie Blodgett of Bare Escentuals.

Hot Beauty Health is giving you the latest jacket trends for fall!

The Informed Makeup Maven gives away her must-have Napoleon Perdis essentials.

Krasey Beauty explores glamour's Gothic side with Illamasqua Dystopia.

Lipgloss Break is giving away Pure Silk shaving cream.

Check out review and swatches of Chanel Glossimers at Makeup4all.

theNotice tries on Fall's dark lip trend -- and throws some blue and violet into the mix!

Obsession Confessions of Glamour and Love has tips for dry hair and skin in colder weather.

Prime Beauty learns that thin is not always in, with hair at least.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Sicka Than Average wants you to dip into a sea of pink with these BCA-themed fashions and cosmetics.

Visit our Web site for more information about The HLMN or how to become an affiliate.

Chanel's Multiuse Makeup Palette for Face, Lips, and Eyes

Chanel's new Collection Essentielle de Chanel ($85) is really nice. What a little treasure to keep in your desk at work or to minimize bathroom clutter!

Created by Chanel's Makeup Studio in Paris especially for the United States (figure that out), this essential all-in-one makeup wardrobe now features three new must-haves: two cream concealers (for expert color blending) and one cream blush. The exclusive color collection, named Paris-New York, also includes two shades of lip gloss, one cream lip colour, three powder eye shadows, a sponge-tipped applicator, and a soft-bristled lip brush. While the little applicators aren't exciting, they do make this palette portable.

I really like this makeup palette - nice colors - and, of course, I really like Chanel. While I'm not a huge fan of palettes (I prefer my colors in singles), palettes seem to be the way of the world these days. Most palettes offer value - more products than you could get buying the colors individually.

This one from Chanel won't disappoint. You can purchase it at Chanel's Web site or at your favorite Chanel counter. Check it out!

Photo courtesy of Chanel

Saks Friends & Family Plus Special Offer for BTiB Readers

From October 15-18, Saks Fifth Avenue is having its fall Friends & Family event. With a few "luxury" exceptions, you can receive a 10% discount on all beauty and fragrance products, 20% off jewelry, and 25% off most merchandise in store and online. If you order online, use the code FRIENDS3 at checkout.

As a rule, you cannot call a Saks store to order and receive the Friends & Family discount; you have to show up in store or order from Saks.com. However, Best Things in Beauty (BTiB) readers can receive the Friends & Family discount - on anything you order (beauty/any brand, handbags, whatever you need or want) - by calling the Armani counter at Saks Chevy Chase and giving them the code C00000700V6 (those are zeros). This code is only available by calling (240) 497-5206. The Armani Beauty Team will assist you with your purchase, make sure you get the discount, and mail your order (there may be a shipping charge or tax, depending on your state of residence). Pre-sale starts soon, so you can call a few days in advance. Friends & Family days will be hectic.

This is a fabulous deal, particularly for those who don't live near a Saks store. The Armani Beauty Team takes extraordinary care of BTiB readers. I'm so grateful to them for the special giveaways and now this! Amazing customer service!

Start thinking about what you need (new Armani lipstick, anyone?), particularly products that are never discounted. It's a great time to stock up. I'm making my list.

Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue