Today's "I Wants" Featuring Une Nuit a Bali

Just kill me now. When I was shopping last week during Beautyhabit's sale, I didn't have their catalog in hand. Thus, I didn't know about Une Nuit a Bali. Now, I've received my orders (yes pleural), and I'm seriously interested in Une Nuit a Bali - after the discount has vanished, of course.

La Parfum is $100. Could you resist this description?

The flower of flowers - It may have been a dream... but the memory is revived when your skin exudes a floral note of ylang-ylang and jasmine. An intense accord unfolds into a subtle woody and powdery elegance.

• Head notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Saffron
• Heart notes: Ylang-Ylang, Indian Jasmine, Wysteria, Tuberose
• Base: Benzoin Tears, Amber, Vanilla, Oud, Sandalwood

The only thing that gives me pause is the oud, which is often too skanky for my tastes. I must order a sample! There is a dry oil too. Trying to kick myself in the butt. Not as limber as I used to be.

Did you order anything during the sale?

Photo courtesy of Beautyhabit

The Friday Forum - September 6

I wish I had the time - took the time - to make flower arrangements to brighten my favorite spaces. Unfortunately, I don't. Then, there's the "Charlie problem." He believes that anything that once grew in the ground and is green has been brought in for his munching pleasure. I don't want him to get sick or poisoned because I wanted to beautify my home.

Right now, I have a gorgeous, huge yellow chrysanthemum plant in the copper container at my front door. The plant is just starting to bloom. Would I have taken the time to purchase it? No, but one of my two best friends left it as a gift yesterday. I was thrilled when I got home from work.

This week has been a slow beauty week for me. After spending all day Monday cleaning my bedroom (you wouldn't believe the boxes of beauty products I have now stashed away), I was not in the mood for more beauty products. I did order some fragrances, and I can't wait for them to arrive. I was also hoping to hear that Carnaby Street had arrived at Neiman Marcus. That would have snapped me out of my doldrums. I'll pop over to Neiman Marcus Mazza tomorrow - for several reasons. I want to pick up two of Estée Lauder's new metallic trios. Yes, they are neutrals.

This week, I read an article in the New York Times Magazine. It has nothing to do with beauty. Actually, it is "all about ugly" and its many manifestations. It is a powerful article, written by a women who was kidnapped in Somalia and held what seemed like an eternity. "12 Minutes of Freedom in 460 days of Captivity" left me feeling unsettled. I didn't realize its full impact until I felt a tear running down my cheek. Although it has little to do with Syria, it gave me a window on a world I don't want us "in" - now or ever. See if it has the same effect on you that it had on me.

I didn't do a weekly contest this week, and I'm trying to decide how and when I will continue with them. As you know, I use Random.org to select the winners. Many of the entrants never read my blog, aren't subscribed, and may never come back. They are strictly what I call "contest people." I started the contests years ago to give something back to you - something that I sense is happening infrequently. Now, I'm not sure how to proceed. So, I took a little break. I'd welcome your suggestions for contests. I will tell you it's extremely hard to verify subscriptions, impossible for those like Feedly. I was thinking of randomly selecting someone who comments each week and posting a note to please contact me "because you just won a giveaway." Do you have any ideas?

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. 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.

Photo courtesy of fineflowers.com

Bobbi Brown Bobbi & Katie Collection for Fall 2013

I thought this photo, with the tables turned on Bobbi Brown, was really cute. I got a look at the Bobbi & Katie Collection last week at Neiman Marcus, and I really liked it. Did I purchase the limited-edition Bobbie & Katie Palette ($68)? No, but it wasn't because I don't like it. I think it's beautiful. I've been forced to purchase less - that's all. It's a tough adjustment.

This fall, Bobbi Brown and Katie Holmes join forces to create the ultimate makeup lineup for today’s modern woman: the Bobbi & Katie Collection. Form meets function in the creative duo’s new palette for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Combined with a brush set and cosmetic case perfectly sized for your purse, it’s everything you need for beauty on the go.

Inspired by one of Katie’s favorite journals and reflecting her classic fashion design sensibility, this 10-well face palette is housed in a cloth-bound case that opens to reveal an interior mirror, eight Eye Shadows, two Pot Rouges, and one Mini Eye Pencil. Shades ranging from nudes to pinks to browns are designed to complement all skin tones, and work for day to evening looks. Here are the shades.

• Eye Shadow Shades: Pink Chiffon Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Brown Sugar Metallic Eye Shadow, Pink Quartz Metallic Eye Shadow, Black Cocoa Metallic Eye Shadow, Ballet Sparkle Eye Shadow, Stone Eye Shadow, Antique Rose Eye Shadow, Cream Eye Shadow
• Pot Rouge Shades: Pretty Powerful Pink, Raspberry
• Eye Pencil: Chocolate

It's a nice, coordinated assortment of colors. I especially like the Pot Rouge shades and the neutral eye shadows, which look like they were made for me.

The collection also includes a limited-edition Bobbi & Katie Mini Brush Set ($65). Designed for modern women on-the-go like Bobbi and Katie, this is the ultimate space-saving, multi-tasking set.

The downtown chic brown cosmetics bag contains four Mini Brushes in one zipper-pocket that are perfect for creating any look with the Bobbi & Katie Palette. A separate zipper-pocket is sized perfectly to store the Bobbi & Katie Palette for a complete beauty to-go package. You’ll never leave home without it. The set includes minis of two of my favorite full-sized Bobbi Brown brushes. Everyone should own a Blender Brush.

• Mini Face Blender Brush
• Mini Eye Shadow Brush
• Mini Eye Sweep Brush
• Mini Smokey Eye Liner Brush

Right now, Bobbi Brown counters and Bobbi Brown's Web site have this new Bobbi & Katie collection available, along with other new beauties Bobbi Brown fans should check out. Plus, there's more coming - exciting new makeup. I am testing a new mascara and will have a feature for you soon.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Sisley's New Abundance of Colorful Riches for Fall 2013: City Muse

Last week, I had an opportunity to see Sisley-Paris' new color story for fall: City Muse. I was totally smitten and can't wait for the new collection to arrive at counters. I think we can expect to see the stunning colors arrive this month - hopefully in time for Neiman Marcus' Beauty Event.

Most of my photos (with the exception of the one directly above) were taken indoors at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. There are many new colors you will want to check out.

The unique Phyto-Ombre Glow eye shadows (I'll bet they will serve beautifully as highlighters too) caught my eyes immediately. Silver Glow, Pearl Glow, Gold Glow, and Amber Glow all went on my to-buy list. I didn't get a price, but I think it's between $40 and $50 each.

Mother of pearl is in the formula to catch the light from every angle and deliver breathtaking radiance to the eyes. Breakthrough color control with its talc-free, residue-free formula offers ultra-luminescent and thoroughly pure color with a translucent finish. These shadows can be worked in infinite ways for many looks, from intense metallic to subtle shimmer.

I learned that these cream-to-powder shadows are meant to be applied with our fingers. I tried it in the store, and my fingers applied them perfectly. I spent the rest of the evening lopsided, wearing Silver Glow on one eye and Gold Glow on another.

L'Orchidée Rose is much like the Palette Orchidée Highlighter Blush with White Lily ($108) that was introduced in Spring-Summer 2012. It's much lighter in color, though. While you can't see that in my dark photo above, if you enlarge the photos at the top of this feature, you'll see. It's drop-dead gorgeous.

I'm assuming it brings to the forefront the same qualities as its predecessor. Freshness and warmth blend together for a luminous, translucent, and gorgeous finish. L'Orchidée Rose combines the latest technological advances in makeup with Sisley's skin-care expertise. It's feather-light, silky, blendable texture adheres perfectly to the skin, thanks to a complex of esters, mother of pearl, and silicone that ensure a perfect second-skin appearance and buildable coverage. The powder will enhance luminosity and add softness to the skin.

Incredibly lightweight, the L'Orchidée Rose powder has a special coating to provide translucency and light. The colors will remain pure and radiant with wear, thanks to micronized pigments. Extract of white lily provides a moisturizing and emollient effect to leave the skin velvety smooth, enhance the complexion, and provide skin-care benefits.

The three powder eye shadows you see in the photos above are re-promotes - great colors for fall: Midnight Blue, Black Diamond, and Ultraviolet. There are two lip glosses in the collection: #8, Pink, and #9, Plum. They are priced at $55.

I wasn't expecting a blockbuster color collection from Sisley for fall. Now, I'm counting the days until I can purchase the colors. I want all four of the Phyto-Ombre Glow eye shadows and L'Orchidée Rose - at the very least. There is also new Sisley skin care I mentioned recently. I'm giving my samples a workout and will let you know what I think. Early results are excellent.

Look for this beautiful collection soon at Sisley counters. I'm saving up.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Happy Labor Day!

On Labor Day, we celebrate the achievements of American labor. On this Labor Day, we wish there were more Americans with jobs. We wish that our federal government could see its way to make it law that companies pay (barely) living wages. I'd pay an extra $1 so that a fast food employee could go off food stamps. Actually, I've read that I'd only need to pay an extra five cents to ensure a decent hourly wage for many low-paid employees.

The first Labor Day celebration was in New York City on September 5, 1882. The legislature of New York had considered a bill to establish a regular holiday, but Oregon was the first to pass it on February 21, 1887. First proposed as “a street parade to exhibit to the public the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations,” Labor Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1984, when Congress made the first Monday in September a federal holiday.

Today, Labor Day seems entwined with family, friends, food, and festivities. I'll be thinking about all of the people without jobs - especially accomplished people my age who face age discrimination. It's a difficult time for many Americans and a good time to think about how everyone can help. Can't we put the country back to work in decent jobs? Do we have to outsource all that customer service work? Does anyone enjoy trying to explain a telephone problem to someone on the other side of the world?

Let's remember its purpose. Happy Labor Day!

Update: I spent my whole day cleaning, which was hard labor - much harder than my regular work. As a result, I wasn't able to write an afternoon feature. I'm sorry, but I do feel freed of some clutter.

Photo courtesy of bilerico.com

Sunday This and That

Pied A' Terre Antiques and others (this was posted on Pied A' Terre's page) post the most beautiful photos on Facebook. From castles to gardens, antiques to flowers, the photos leave me feeling serene - and comfortable that some people still appreciate the finer things in life.

I mentioned Friday how terribly boring Sephora's new VIB Rouge status is. You wouldn't believe the 1.5" lipstick they sent me to welcome me to the program. It's red, naturally, so someone who wins a contest here will find it in her box. I'll never wear it. I'm unimpressed with my new access to Sephora's Beauty Studio. I've never been, and I have pretty good reason to believe I don't need their services. Since I seldom visit the crowded and dirty store at Tysons, I doubt I'll ever use myAll-Access Pass. Unless this program gets better in a hurry, I'd advise you not to stretch for the privilege

This weekend's sales are extraordinary. I already mentioned Beautyhabit's 20% discount through tomorrow. Use the code BYESUMMER. There are other fabulous sales. Beauysak is also offering 20% off with the code LABOR20 through September 3. New London Pharmacy is offering a 20% discount through tomorrow. Use the code LABORDAY20.

Sephora and b~glowing have new markdowns in their sales. Beautorium is offering a tiered discount. Spend $60 and save 10% with code SAVE10. Spend $100 and save 15% with code SAVE15. Spend $200 and save 20% with code SAVE20. I'm thinking about stocking up on John Masters hair products. SkincareRX has a rather odd rebate program, but you can save 22% with code LDAY22. There are many other weekend sales, so make sure to check your favorite shopping sites. Most of the sales are publicized on the home page. TATCHA has a great deal on their sampler sets.

Starting today and running through the month, Le Labo and Luckyscent are offering the City Exclusives to everyone. That means, for example, that you don't have to travel to San Francisco to buy Limette 37. I plan to take advantage of this rare offer. I've got my list lined up. You have time to order samples to see what you might like and then place an order before this September opportunity ends.

The Neiman Marcus Beauty Event starts September 11 and runs through September 22. This month, if you spend $125 in the beauty department, you will receive a leopard-print tote bag with nine samples. The bag comes in brown, red/orange, and purple. I picked up a brochure in the store, and it has a coupon for a sample of Sisley-Paris' new SUPREMŸA Yeux at Night. I have finished my first sample and love it! Make sure to ask for one, even if you don't have the coupon. They will run out quickly. There is also a coupon for a sample of Estée Lauder's new and improved Advanced Night Repair II. Ditto - ask for it.

I have much more to tell you about my introduction last week to new beauty products. I'll show you Sisley's fabulous new City Muse color collection, Bobbi Brown's Smokey Eye Mascara, and more. I'm excited about fall. I also selected two of Estée Lauder's new metallic eye shadow palettes, and I can't wait to pick them up to show you. I also have some beautiful new fragrances to introduce.

I need to go back and amend some of my features about Perricone products to ensure that everyone knows that although many of them are effective, they develop a skanky odor after a few months of use. I used to use Cold Plasma (eye and face) products. I loved them. I had to stop when their odors turned to fish tanks after three months. Actually, I had to return one because it had that fish odor the moment I opened it, which means it sat in the store under warm lights for months before I purchased it. I was really disappointed when my Nutritive Cleanser, which I keep in my shower, turned last week. It is now unusable. The formerly pleasing smell is now disgusting. It never gets terribly hot in my bathroom because I do not close the door when I shower. Why bother when you live alone?

I want you to keep this in mind when you read glowing reviews of Perricone skin care. They are coming from writers who haven't had the time to evaluate the long-term use of the products. So far, my beloved Acyl-Glutathione products haven't turned, but I use the small containers very quickly.

I have never had my other favorite skin care products turn rancid within a reasonable length of time/use, so this problem seems to me to be a Perricone problem. Even entirely natural products keep better than the good doctor's.

I know I had more to tell you, but my body is telling me it's nap time. I'll be back later with Happy Labor Day wishes!

Photos courtesy of  Pied A' Terre Antiques and Le Labo

Coming Attraction: Chantecaille Holiday 2013 Collection

I had an opportunity too see photographs of Chantecaille's Holiday 2013 Collection last week at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie - probably my favorite place to shop. Despite the dark photos (some taken in the store, some at home), I wanted you to get an early look at what's coming.

As with other Chantecaille Holiday Collections, there is a Diamonds Eye Shadow Trio ($60) at a bargain price. The perfect eye-catching accessory for any holiday party, the neutral shades will make you sparkle. The unique glistening hybrid formula feels like a silky cream and delivers pure color, capturing the sophisticated shimmer of the world's most striking diamonds.

Also on the color front, three Lip Sticks ($33) will be featured - one new shade and two re-promotes.

Agave, the new color, promises a delicate pinky nude shade that will be perfect for my fair coloring. Cerise is a festive, bright holiday red, and Cassia is a flattering blue red.

A red Lip Definer ($24) will accompany the three lipsticks. Desire, a true red, looks like a shade that will be festive and bright, while effortlessly defining and contouring the lips with long-lasting color.

Already a fan of Chantecaille's skin care, I am thrilled about the new Gold Energizing Eye Recovery Masks ($195).  The powerful 24K gold-infused masks help protect DNA, boost collagen production, and plump deep wrinkles, revealing a smoother and more luminous eye area. There are eight treatments in the set. I was told the best time to apply a mask will be right before a special occasion. The results promise to be miraculous.

When Chantecaille sends me the photos for holiday, I will feature this exciting collection again. For now, you've got time to savor the anticipation.

Photos of Chantecaille's photos by Best Things in Beauty