Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Nymph - New for Fall

Shiseido's new Lacquer Rouge ($25) liquid lipstick was inspired by Japanese Laquerware. One coat provides intense color and deep luster. This rich liquid lipstick leaves lips as smooth as lacquer. The applicator fits closely against the lips for a comfortable, even application that does not bleed. Lacquer Rouge improves dry, rough, or peeling lips with continued use, leaving them smooth and deeply moisturized through its Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE (whatever that is).

Make no mistake - when Shiseido says intense color, expect intense. On my first glance at the display at Bloomingdale's, I chose the color I felt I could wear (remember, I'm a dark lip color phobe). I selected Nymph (RD305), which is outlined in the shade selection photo below.

Even though it looks "relatively light," like a mauve rose, on the lips it's intense. Take a look at my swatch photos, taken in full, late-afternoon sun.

Here's Nymph, one of the lighter shades. You can expect a lot more color from the rest of the shades (with the exception of Portrait (RD203), which has similar intensity). I was not inspired to buy more than one, but if you love a strong lip, Lacquer Rouge will delight you.

Nymph makes my eyes pop blue (as opposed to green, which they can do). Lacquer Rouge is extremely lightweight on my lips, applies quickly and easily (one coat is right!), feels fabulous and hydrating, has a subtle shine, and is long-lasting. Although the rose shade of Nymph is as dark as I can wear comfortably, it's a keeper. I love it.

I purchased mine at Bloomingdale's, where the display encased the lip colors like little treasures. I had to get help to test them; I was afraid I'd break something. You can also purchase Lacquer Rouge at Nordstrom, Macy's, and all the other stores with Shiseido counters, as well as Shiseido's Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido; others by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Golden Jungle Essentials for Radiant Eyes and Lips for Fall 2012

Carine Roitfeld, former editor of Vogue Paris, is one of the most respected women in fashion and beauty. She applied her uncanny abilities to create a stunning collection for Fall 2012, Dior's Golden Jungle Color Collection, which has started to arrive in stores. The collection features Daria Strokous posed in a Fall 2008 couture leopard print hat and captivating neutral makeup captured by world-famous photographer Steven Meisel. I love leopard prints - as long as no leopards were harmed to create them - and think the photos are appealing.

Dior's Golden Jungle Essentials for Radiant Eyes and Lips ($70) in #002, Golden Browns, is the centerpiece of a the collection. It reached out and grabbed me as I strolled through Neiman Marcus looking for new makeup. Any cat would.

My photos were not taken in full sun. As a result, they aren't as bright as I'd like. With two days of rain and clouds, I've been handicapped in my plans to photograph all the fall makeup I've purchased. I even considered holding off on showing you any of the new colors, but I was itching to publish something. So, here we go...

To protect the lip gloss, the silver compact has a door. It's flipped up in the photo above and down in the photo immediately below. That's a nice touch we've seen before from Dior. I like it for travel anywhere away from the bathroom counter.

The panther print eye shadow includes shades of black, brown, and shimmering gold. Because of the design and size of the individual colors, I find it almost impossible to use all three shades individually. I'm impatient when I apply eye shadow. I don't want to meticulously use three different brushes to "get the look." My swatch photos show how I'll use the panther shadows.

The swatch at the top of my arm shows all three shades blended together. Because of the lighting, it shows in these photos as medium brown, but you can make the blended shade a copper brown if you use more gold in the blend. I tried to use all three colors evenly.

The middle shade on my arm is the golden shade alone. As you can see, it's very light. It's a perfect base shade and can be used as a non-shiny highlighter.

Dior's photo at the top of this feature shows an artistic mixture of the eye shades. I think it's spectacular. Just be ready to work a bit with the colors to achieve that look.

The lip gloss is an extremely pretty, shimmering light peach - a perfect shade to coordinate with the neutral eye shades. While it doesn't add a lot of drama to the lips, you won't want that when you've made your eyes the center of attention.

I purchased my Golden Jungle palette at Neiman Marcus, where the pieces in the collection - most pre-ordered - were selling out this weekend, and they just arrived. For some reason, the Dior collections sell out the fastest. I'm glad I was able to get what I wanted. I've got more to show you: two gorgeous palettes and a me-color lipstick. Stay tuned and pray for sunshine, please.

I'll put a Mom update in the comments. Thank you, everyone, for your concern.

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

NARS Beach Lover Giveaway Contest

NARS Beach Lover ($49) is a five-piece, travel-sized set for eyes, lips, and cheeks. I have one of these beauties to give away.

The set includes iconic NARS shades for an idyllic summer glow, including a limited-edition shade of Laguna lip gloss. I actually purchased this for myself, but decided I have too much new makeup and need to share - even this - with my readers.

The set contains the following nicely sized items.

• 2 x 0.085 oz Blush Duo in Hungry Heart, Orgasm (gold ivory/ peachy pink with golden shimmer) 
• 0.07 oz Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Skorpios (iridescent copper) 
• 0.14 oz Lip Gloss in Laguna (bronze) 
• 0.57 oz Illuminator in Laguna (brown with golden shimmer)

I'd really like to see the Laguna Lip Gloss. I hope that we can get a photo from the winner!

How can you enter to win this Shimmer Brick 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 entrants 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 this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 28, 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.

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

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Preview: Guerlain Fall 2012 Color Collection

Fasten your seat belts.  Guerlain's Autumn/Fall 2012 Color Collection is arriving at counters, and you'll want to go along for the ride. It's a beautiful collection.

Only some of the colors arrived at Neiman Marcus with the display. I'll start showing you what I was able to purchase as soon as the sunshine returns. You can revisit the early publicity at this link.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow - Round 2

I liked my first two MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadows ($20) so much I bought two more. The first time I ordered two "safe" shades, 20E, a pearly taupe, and 28E, golden beige. If you click on the link directly above, you can see my swatch photos-. This time, I ordered two of the "darker" shades - still neutrals, but with more color: 26E (at left above) and 22E (at right).

Aqua Shadow is a pencil eye shadow that is smudge-proof, long-lasting (they will stand up to the heat of summer), and easy to apply. I love pencils that work well, and these do. I think the 12 shades in both matte and pearl finishes offer something for everyone. While that rich, matte green (8E) may appeal to some, it's too bold for me. I think my newest colors are still conservative.

Aqua Shadow’s intensely pigmented, waterproof formula provides immediate, rich color that will not smudge, crease, or fade. Created with silica powder, its ultra creamy texture glides effortlessly on the eyelid and blends easily for an even result. Incredibly simple to use, Aqua Shadow quickly creates a multitude of dynamic and colorful looks.

I took swatch photos of my newest Aqua Shadows in "almost full sun." It was one of those days when I had to stand outside waiting for each time the clouds cleared to get photos. That's why one of my photos is lighter than the other.

Shade 26E is shown at the top of my arm. It's described as pearly peach. That works for me, but it's so luminous, it deserves a description with more pizzazz. Shade 22E, shown below on my arm, is pearly (or shimmering) copper-toned brown.

I think both of these shades are gorgeous, and I'm very pleased I ordered them. They don't crease on me (remember, my eyelids are dry, and I use a primer). Actually, they are so long-lasting, I have to use a long-wear eye color remover to take off every last trace. That's a heat-resistant eye shadow!

If you love shadow sticks, you owe it to yourself to buy at least one of the MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadows. You can find them at Sephora, where I purchased mine.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - July 20

I love agapanthus. I can grow them unless we have a wicked cold winter. That didn't happen last winter, but I lost mine a few winters ago. I think it was the one when we had six feet of snow. The cool blue is refreshing and coordinates beautifully with daylilies. I'm always envious of Florida gardeners in agapanthus blooming season.

This has been a crazy week. Mom is not doing well, and I'm worried. She's extremely weak and confused. A couple of weeks ago, her blood calcium dropped. That's not a good thing. Her doctor increased her vitamin D dose, and, two weeks later, on Monday, her blood calcium was too high. I am taking steps to withhold vitamin D to bring the calcium back into range, but it's not happening fast enough for my comfort level. Unfortunately, Mom's doctor went on vacation and "can't be reached." I don't like the fact that the doctors covering for her don't know Mom from Adam's house cat. Nurses and physicians, help! Her blood calcium was high, but not grossly high. How fast can I expect it to come down by withholding Calcitriol? BTW, she has no thyroid or parathyroid glands - one reason balancing her is so difficult. Anyhow, you may have noticed that I only posted one feature yesterday. That's why. I've been at Mom's house for a long time after work this week. I'm thinking I may have to take Mom to the ER later today just to get help. At the very least, I have to ask a lab go to her house to get a metabolic panel.

I am frustrated that I can't show you photos of the newest Estée Lauder Violet Underground Collection. I don't know where others have gotten the photos, but I will not "steal them" from another blogger. My usual Estée Lauder source has not made them available, even though the display of the collection is dotting the counter landscape. The collection is "interesting" - actually very pretty for anyone who can wear those colors. The only pieces that "sing to me" are the lip colors.

I was very pleased to be able to show you the Chantecaille Fall 2012 Collection. It's the best one I've seen, and I'm thrilled that The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, one of my favorite charities, is the beneficiary of this fall's L'Éléphant Palette.

Anyhow, I hope to catch up this weekend. I have plenty to show you, from skin care and fragrance to makeup.This weekend, I will be returning one item that arrived this week from Sephora. The two lipsticks I received looked like someone had opened them and run the tips into the covers. Heat? Maybe, but I don't want makeup that looks sampled or used. Walls brought up melting lipsticks in the comments this week. It's unfortunate that some products cannot survive the mail trip in 100-degree heat. When it's that hot, those UPS and USPS trucks are even hotter. No wonder things melt. My favorite chocolate maker, Fran's Chocolates on the West Coast, will not ship ground during the summer. Glad a local gourmet store has my grey salt caramels!

I'm excited about the Sisley master class I'll attend Saturday. Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria is having a special event with national trainer Anita Bahramy (I adore her and can't wait to see her again). It's a master class and will be held off the floor before special, personalized one-on-one's are provided. If you're local to the DC area and have ever wondered about this fabulous line - skin care, makeup, and fragrance - it would be a great time to go learn. Just call the Sisley counter at (703) 761-1600, extension 3230, to make an appointment. I'll be there. I wouldn't miss an Anita visit.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for the Sephora Favorites Glitz & Glam deluxe makeup sampler. Someone is going to win a cool set of products to make her glow. The deadline is Saturday, July 21, at midnight.

Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

NARS Fall 2012 Color Collection

Designed by NARS founder and Creative Director François Nars, the NARS Fall 2012 Color Collection features a blend of bold, modern shades and celestial shimmers. For the campaign, Nars chose to photograph iconic '90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy. Having worked with Kristen in the past and for his first book, X-Ray, he felt that her beautiful, often otherworldly look completely epitomized the fall collection.

The Fall 2012 Color Collection is at once bold and breathtaking: Icy shimmer enhances modern colors to create a stunning, ethereal effect. Eyes are piercing in smoky jewel tones accented with lavender and amethyst sparkle. Skin glows subtly in nearly nude pink with a whisper of silver. Lips are strong in striking metallics or soft in warm brandy and rose shades. Grey nails lend final sophistication to a look that’s exhilarating, evocative, and, as always, strictly NARS.

To achieve the makeup look featured in the campaign image, Kristen’s skin was perfected with Siberia Sheer Matte Foundation and set with Snow Loose Powder to create an immaculate complexion. Next, the Undress Me Multiple was applied to the hollows of her cheeks and blended toward the temples with fingertips.

Kristen’s top and bottom lashes were thickly lined in Black Moon Eyeliner Pencil. Next, the entire lid was colored in with the pencil in a half moon shape, from the lash line to the base of the brow bone and out towards the temple. The pencil color was then blended with a fingertip to create a smooth base. Next, the iridescent amethyst shade of High Society Trio Eyeshadow was applied to the lid and the color extended to the brow bone and towards the outer corner of the brow. The edge of this shade was blended into the lavender shade of High Society Trio Eyeshadow, then both sides of Vent Glacé Duo Eyeshadow were combined and applied to the lower lash line atop Black Moon. The eyes were lined with Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and finished with two coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.

Kristen’s lips were lined and filled in with cinnamon Papua Lip Liner Pencil, blended for a softer effect, and topped with Belize Lip Gloss. Storm Bird Nail Polish on her nails completed the look.

Here are photos of the items that I ordered from the NARS Web site. They became available on July 14. I had hoped they would arrive today, but they didn't. Undress Me ($39), shown above, is nearly nude pink with silver shimmer. This Multiple can be used on eyes, cheeks, lips - anywhere a luminous glow is desired. "Dare to go bare," says NARS. I will, just as soon as I receive mine.

Vent Glacé ($34), French for “icy wind,” is the name of this intriguing Duo Eyeshadow, which features a stormy combination of platinum and silver smoke. Wear each shade solo, layered, or one as a base and the other as a highlighter for a seductive, shimmering effect.

There's another piece that caught my eye, Outlaw Blush ($28), but I haven't ordered it - yet. I'd love to see it first. Swatches will do. It's described as a soft rose-tone blush laced with golden shimmer for a dangerously alluring flush. It looks gorgeous. I'll be looking for it, although I'm completely bummed that the closest Neiman Marcus is deep-sixing the counter.

Here's a Q&A with François Nars - all about fall.

What is the mood of the Fall 2012 Color Collection?
Sophisticated, modern, edgy… It’s perhaps an unexpected mix of colors and textures that together signal a fresh new take on fall color.

What are the must-have products for fall?
The Trio Eyeshadow, definitely. High Society is the centerpiece of the collection and supplies countless looks. I also love the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil because it’s the perfect marriage of lipstick and gloss: great color and super-moisturizing, but not ever sticky. The new shade, More, is an extremely flattering auburn that will look good on everyone. And, of course, the Undress Me Multiple - it’s a beautiful color and really a multifunctional product.

Lavender shimmer seems, at first glance, more of a spring or summery shade. How do you make it appropriate for fall?
The pairing of lavender with forest green absolutely takes it from a warm weather color to one appropriate for cooler seasons. Also, since it’s a shimmer, there’s an icy quality to it that I equate with cooler temperatures. I’ve always felt strongly that there should be few rules when it comes to makeup, and this is a good example of that philosophy. Lavender shimmer can be worn beautifully any time of the year.

The new Undress Me Multiple is gorgeous. Can you suggest some ways to use it?
All our Multiples can be worn on eyes, cheeks, and lips, under and over foundation, and pretty much any other way you can imagine. Undress Me, in particular, is beautiful in the hollow of the cheeks. It also makes a wonderful highlighter for brow and cheekbones, as well as a glowing base for eyes and lip color.

Here is the High Society trio he mentioned. Three aristocratic shades - lavender, matte forest green, and iridescent amethyst - can be mixed and matched to create a near limitless range of options. Wear each alone or use one as base, another to highlight, and the third as a liner. NARS advertises this trio as a social season’s worth of posh looks in one compact. With the exception of the green, the High Society shades are not my colors. Are they yours?

Take a look at the full collection photo near the top of this feature. Is there a color or piece you must have?

Photos courtesy of NARS