The Friday Forum - December 21

Cats sell jewelry - believe me. If I were rich (and right now I'm anything but), I'd head over to Cartier for one of this baby big cat's baubles.

This morning when I opened my New York Times, I saw the darling boy with Cartier's famous tank watch. I'd prefer the one shown above (I think). Cartier ads get my vote for the best luxury ads ever.

I've noticed that other jewelry giants are starting to follow Cartier's lead. I wonder how long it will take beauty companies to find their own signature cats. My hope is that these animals are treated as treasures and cared for in a way that allows them to lead a life of luxury.

I have to so some shopping today. Yesterday, I dashed over to Saks Chevy Chase. I ended up staying longer than I had planned, lingering over the fragrances. I came home with two - for myself. I'll have to tell you about the new one later. The second was the Hanae Mori Butterfly I have wanted. After I purchased it, I realized I should have looked for it at a discount site. Oh well, I had fun shopping.

Today's shopping should be fast. I need something for Mom. She is extraordinarily difficult when it comes to shopping. She is one of those in-between sizes, says she needs/wants nothing, and usually finds something wrong with everything I give her. One year recently, I gave her a personal chef. Seriously! I hired a guy to go to her house and cook her a week of meals on each visit, packaging them all appropriately to make sure they would stay fresh. Even though I tried to keep the menus mainstream American, it didn't work. First, she didn't like the idea of having someone in her kitchen. Second, she said he left grease all over the kitchen's surfaces - something that I could not confirm. So I discussed it with him, and he agreed to cook at his house. Then, even though it was delicious, she complained that the food was so-so. I had to "disengage" the guy. I felt awful about that, given that I'd kill to have a personal chef - an expense I wouldn't have undertaken for myself. Anything for Mom, though. Needless to say, but this year it will be a nightgown or something boring.

I need to pick up a few gifts for my next-door neighbors, but I can buy gourmet foods for them. Balducci's is a favorite destination. Plus there's tomorrow's farmer's market, which carries many non-perishable items. There is one vendor that sells homemade vinegars that are fabulous. I also need a gift for Mom's caregiver. Jewelry?

I will stop shopping to observe a moment of silence this morning at 9:30 am. That's the least I can do in memory of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. I also want to thank God for the rescue of Richard Engel and his crew members. It could just as easily gone another way. I've always marveled at his bravery in bringing us the news from some of the world's most dangerous places.

If you finished all your holiday shopping before October, don't tell me. You will make me feel like the ultimate schlub that can't get her act together. My excuse is Best Things in Beauty. It's a time sink. Let us know how the shopping is going. The last weekend promises to offer serious gridlock at the malls - a great reminder to shop small and local. It's too late for many of those online offers (although I've received some deals with overnight shipping heavily discounted).

Did you watch the Miss Universe pageant? I was at a party, and the hostess turned on the TV, so we ended up watching it. We started on Telemundo, but switched to NBC after we figured out we were watching in Spanish. I believe there is a serious Kate Middleton hair style trend going. Almost every contestant had long, wavy hair. What were the guys in the room noticing? Well, you know.

Let's talk about your week of beauty. It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. I love this part of our week. Have you selected your favorite holiday collection - and purchased a few new treasures? 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.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Sephora's Draw the Line Eyeliner Sampler. For some reason, it hasn't drawn much interest, increasing your chances to win! The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, December 22. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Cartier

Chanel Ligne Graphique de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner Intensity Definition

Chanel's Les Expressions de Chanel Collection was supposed to launch the limited-edition Ligne Graphique de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner Intensity Definition ($34). It didn't. At the time, we were told that the launch has been cancelled. Suddenly, though, it was for sale - at Chanel.com and Chanel counters (Saks Chevy Chase has it).

I ordered one of the three shades: Platine (#20). The others are Noir Noir and Purple. I'm trying to figure out whether I order black or both with my next purchase - if it's still available.

Precise lining and defining are effortless. This new, long-lasting liquid liner offers deep color with extreme shine - and a delicate bristle design allows flawless results.

I am thrilled with everything about Platine. The ultra-thin brush allows me to effortlessly apply a smooth, even, and very thin line at the base of my eyelashes.This liner is extremely budge-proof and long-lasting.

I took my swatch photos in full sun. You can see the brilliance of this silvery shade that has an ever-so-slight pink hue to it (in only some lighting conditions). It's gorgeous on its own. I learned from Georgia at Saks that it's equally stunning when paired with a black liner. Apply your black liner in a very thin line nestled into the base of your lashes. Then apply Platine where you would normally apply a black liner above the base of your lashes.

I could not be more pleased with this fabulous eyeliner. It's one of the best liquid eyeliners I've used.

You can find it at Chanel's Web site and, apparently, Chanel counters everywhere. Even if you purchase basic black, I think you'll love the way it "handles."

Update two days later: I decided to see how long this eyeliner would stay on my arm without scrubbing. It survived showers and after two days, I had to scrub it off to take some swatch photos. That's long-lasting!

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

Guerlain Météorites Perles du Paradis from the Spring 2013 Color Collection

Guerlain's Spring 2013 Collection Météorites, Perles du Paradis ($70), looks so scrumptious, I spring for the door when I hear my UPS guy come. I ordered mine from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas, and they were not in stock yet at the time. Even Neiman Marcus locally did not have the piece last week. So, I continue to wait for the exciting day when these stunning little colored balls, created for spring, but perfect for the holidays, arrive.

To illuminate skin with an angelic halo, Guerlain’s legendary pearls are getting a boost and coming out in an XXL limited-edition size. This devilishly beautifying compact features six skin-toned and pastel shades. The traditional correcting colors - blue and green - have been replaced by pink to brighten dull areas and silver to reflect ambient light and ensure one-of-a-kind radiance.

I'm expecting dark zones to disappear, grayness to be erased, and fatigue to vanish. When you apply Météorites, the face lights up and shimmers subtly - revitalized and instantly awakened, as if by magic. This sheer, refreshing effect embellishes absolutely every type of complexion. It's somewhat miraculous. The soft, caressing, pale pink powder puff, which I probably won't use) is topped with an elegant black bow in tribute to women’s inherently feminine flair.

I think I'll call Las Vegas later today (we have a three-hour time difference) to find out whether my Perles du Paradis arrived at the store and shipped out to me. I'd rather know now than continue to await my UPS guy so eagerly. He doesn't arrive much before 7:00 pm - and sometimes much later.

Photo courtesy of Guerlain

YSL Beauté Rouge Volupté Shine Pure Color Lipstick SPF 15 for Spring 2013 - Part 1

I had been waiting for YSL Beauté's Rouge Volupté Shine ($34), so when the collection arrived at YSL's Web site, I ordered almost all of them. Yep, sounds crazy, but I knew I would love Rouge Volupté Shine, so I considered it my Christmas present to myself.

I'll admit to being a devoted Rouge Volupté fan. I wear YSL's gorgeous, hydrating, flattering lipsticks more often than any other line. The original Rouge Volupté, Perle, and Sheer Candy are all a mainstays in my bathroom and makeup bag. Now I can add Shine. YSL's Rouge Volupté lipsticks all look great and feel great. I recommend them to anyone who wants lipstick advice because there's a formula and look for every need. I'm thrilled to add the Shines to my "best of" lipstick list.

In this feature, I'll show you three of the new Rouge Volupté Shines. Kind of a teaser, I know, but I will have to write about Rouge Volupté Shine in multiple posts. I would overwhelm you with all of the shades in one endless feature. This is a lipstick to savor. Let's do a few at a time.

Introducing Rouge Volupté Shine. Give in to the temptation of dazzling color. Succumb to a unique sensorial experience with extreme comfort and luminous shine. Hyaluronic acid microspheres help seal in moisture for eight hours of hydration. Antioxidants and emollients help condition and soften lips.

That's it for the promotional text online. I'm sure YSL Beauté knows these sheer, shiny lipsticks will sell themselves. My photo above shows three shades that I pulled randomly out of the shipping box. The shade on the left is #06, Pink in Devotion; the shade in the middle is #08, Pink in Confidence; the shade at right is #09, Nude in Private. I have many of the darker shades and will show you a few of them in Part 2.

I took my swatch photos in full, morning sun. I applied all three shades directly from the tubes. I swatched top to bottom on my arm in the order shown directly above from left to right.

I see stunning, shiny, and sheer colors I will live in. The Shines have the familiar, comfortable, very light YSL fragrance I don't notice when I apply YSL's Rouge Voluptés. The taste/fragrance dissipates quickly.

Pink in Devotion, shown at the top of my arm, is a gorgeous rose. I think it's pure - not too cool, not too warm - a shade everyone will love. Pink in Confidence, shown in the middle is a warm pink, the kind of color I can swipe and go no matter what I'm wearing.

Nude in Private may be one of the prettiest nude shades in my lipstick wardrobe. It looks peach on my arm. On my lips, I can call it a peach-leaning nude. It's a fabulous shade - another one I think anyone can wear.

I'm excited about showing you the rest of the shades. Parts 2 and 3 will have to wait for another day. I'm hoping for sunshine. We were supposed to have a sunny day today, but the skies are now grey.

I understand that these amazingly gorgeous new lipsticks will not arrive at YSL counters until February, so if you want one or more, head over to YSL's Web site now.

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

Guerlain Écrin 4 Couleurs Long Lasting Eyeshadow from the Spring 2013 Color Collection

Two new, limited-edition Écrin 4 Couleurs Long Lasting Eyeshadows ($59) have been introduced with the Spring 2013 Color Collection.

• #501 Attrape-Coeur, a dazzling palette in which mauve, violet, and white illuminate the prima donna purple (shown below)
• #502 Coup de Foudre, exquisite shades of green, silvery patina, and bronze-khaki team up with vibrant coral (shown above)

I purchased Coup de Foudre. I cannot resist greens. Attrape-Coeur is very pretty, but unfortunately, lavenders bring out the red in my eyes. The look of recent tears is not a pretty sight. For those who can wear these shades, #501 is going to be a sold-out palette before too long.

The two exciting, colorful new harmonies dress up the eyelids like never before. The four silky powders in each case can be freely mixed and matched, without worrying about applying them in any particular order. [Is that a dig at another company? Probably not. Guerlain is way above that kind of thing, but it did tickle my funny bone]. In a subtle play of light and shadow, of contrast and graduated intensity, each hue has just the right texture and nuance - velvety and delicate, slightly iridescent, or downright metallic - so they can be blended or layered to perfection, creating incomparable radiance under the unique springtime light.

I am thoroughly delighted with Coup de Foudre (#502). Green is one of my favorite colors, and when any makeup line offers me new greens, I jump. When I received Coup de Foudre, I realized how appropriately named it is. The French term is translated as "bolt of lightning" or "love at first sight." How did they know?

I took swatch photos in full, morning sun to show you how gorgeous these four shades will be on your eyelids. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, as I usually do - in this case heavily, but not markedly so. I started at the top left and swatched clockwise.

I nearly hyperventilated when I saw the colors. Quick, get me a vat of the shimmering bronze-hued khaki shade at the top. (Please, Guerlain. Let's talk. There must be something I could do in trade. Edit press releases? Sell makeup?) I think that shade may be one of the prettiest greens I own. Think it looks good on my arm? You should see it on my eyelids!

The coral is a bit strange. It reminds me of the beautiful blush in Chantecaille's Tiger in the Wild, which is my everyday go-to palette. After playing with this palette, I can see that I'll have two uses for it: 1) applied ever-so-lightly as a base shade on the lid below the crease (it looks stunning with the greens), or 2) using it as a blush. I must use an eyeshadow brush that deposits a minimum amount of coral pigment on my lids.

The deep-dark green looks green in bright lighting or a green-hued charcoal in darker settings. It will serve as the perfect liner with these shades or, if applied properly, as an accent shade. If you want to add drama at night, use it as your primary color for a smoky eye. You will attract admiring glances, I'm sure.

The spring-like shimmering, silvery mint green is beauticious (I looked it up; it means viciously beautiful). That sums it up. Combining it with the dark shade above it on my arm yields a very pretty "I'm special" look.

I'm so excited about Coup de Foudre, I'd love to have another one. However, I've spent so much on beauty products this fall, I would have to hit the street corner with a cup and a sign that would read something like, "Help a makeup addict maintain her addiction." While that might draw a few chuckles, I doubt it would raise much money.

I purchased my Guerlain Spring 2013 Color Collection items from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas, and I highly recommend them for extraordinary service. Beauty Advisor Rhonda Hethcoat at the boutique has earned my loyalty. Give her a call at (702) 732-7008 if any of the spring collection interests you. How could it not?

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

Lancôme Holiday 2012 Color Collection Blush Highlighter in Moonlight Rose

Lancôme's limited-edition Holiday 2012 Color Collection Blush Highlighter in Moonlight Rose ($42) is gorgeous, however it doesn't look at all like the promotional photo above, which I found at Nordstrom and Lancôme. It looks as light as I see it in my own photo below. It's eye-catching on the holiday display. It will draw your eyes right in to explore. It's actually much jazzier than the Lancôme-provided photo shows.

This illuminating/highlighting powder gives the skin a light-reflecting, luminous glow. Wear alone or pair with other cheek products (that's what I recommend) to create beautiful dimension on your face. It blends easily over the skin for a shimmering, festive look. The color is long-wearing and fade-resistant. I think it's a glorious color.

I took swatch photos in full sun - one in very bright light and the other in less direct light - and they both show the shine. It's a sheen, not a glitter bomb, so many will like it. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the top swatch heavily and a dense blush brush to apply the larger swatch below.

The pastel, cool pink makes a beautiful illuminator for women who can wear cool tones. It's icy blue-toned pink. Apply it lightly for a snow-like soft frosting or more heavily for serious brightening.

The beautiful Lancôme rose pattern was the clincher for me. The case is plain black with a small gold Lancôme rose (as opposed to the holiday eye shadow case that I will show you this week), but the case opens up to reveal a glorious rose. I couldn't resist.

Hanaa's holiday look features more colorful items from the collection. If she is wearing The Blush Highlighter in Moonlight Rose, it was layered over a deeper blush - or perhaps used to light up the center of her face.

Moonlight Rose is available, but selling out quickly, at Lancôme counters everywhere. It is available online at Nordstrom and Lancome-usa.com.

Photos at top and bottom by Lancôme; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Guerlain Shine Automatique Hydrating Lip Shine from the Color Collection for Spring 2013

If I were rich, I'd have two of every shade of Guerlain's Shine Automatique Hydrating Lip Shine ($35). Want a little sparkle in your life? Here's the answer. This moisturizing and long-lasting lipstick combines bold color with pearly particles to give your lips a subtle, elegant shine. Wear it, and your lips will be soft, smooth, and luminous.

Guerlain has introduced two new shades for Spring 2013. Flirt (#761) is shown above at right. When I saw it in the store, I feared I would not be able to wear it. It's a purple-rose hybrid, and the color is intense. Here is a swatch photo below, but I do not think this swatch on my arm adequately represents the shade on my lips. You have to remember that most lipsticks will be darker on your lips because your lips add their natural pigmentation.

The sun did its work too well when I took this swatch photo. This shade is much darker on the lips than it appears on my arm. I would describe it as a deep purple or plum rose. It is borderline on my comfort zone. I like to wear a gloss over it to lighten the color. I realize that may seem kind of crazy, but I don't like to lead with my lips.

The second new shade, the lighter Rendez-Vous (#762), is shown at left in the photo at the top of this feature. While officially described as purple, I would instead call it a blue-toned pink.

Rendez-Vous confirms the message delivered by the new Rouge Automatiques that we'll be thinking pink in the coming season. I took swatch photos at different times - all in full sun. This may be one of the best, directly above. The sparkly cool pink is stunning. While the sun enhanced the sparkle, you can be sure that you'll achieve a beautiful, subtle shine, when you wear this gorgeous shade.

I would love to have an opportunity to get better swatch photos of these two lipsticks. Unfortunately, the sun departed Friday night and hasn't returned. My next best hope will be Wednesday, I hear.

Guerlain’s Spring Color Collection is available starting now at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomingdale's and Bergdorf Goodman. The collection is arriving in phases. I purchased my Rouge Automatiques and Shine Automatiques from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas - then I purchased extras at Neiman Marcus. Think I'm smitten?

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