Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour SPF 15

Where's the glow? By now, I'm sure most of you have read reviews of Chanel Le Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour SPF 15 ($57.50) elsewhere. Some of you may have purchased one - maybe two. It was introduced in other countries before it made its way to the United States. Most reviewers have followed the Chanel line, describing the "custom glow" the powder offers.

Seven effortless shades of this versatile powder let you create a custom glow for any season, any occasion. The sheer, lightweight color can be worn alone or over foundation for natural radiance each day.

A skin-perfecting powder, Les Beiges is light and natural, as advertised, offering a transparent, smooth, soft and natural, easy-to-apply powder. Chanel loses me with the "translucent sheen" it's supposed to have. There are seven shades available in the U.S., so the powders can serve as bronzers, contouring powders, or finishing powders.

A hybrid powder (depending on your skin tone and the shade selected), Les Beiges were inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s passion for freedom - a new makeup approach for “simple, intuitive, and natural beauty.”

The ingredients are said to include a purifying protective cream containing white roses and a cotton composite plant cell extract that will protect the skin from environmental pollution while soothing and calming the skin. Shea butter will offer softness, while the UVA and UVB factors will help prevent fine lines and sun spots. The powders are lightly scented with Chanel's iconic gardenia - very lightly. I like parts of its description. The more UVA and UVB sun protection, the better in my mind.

I have a very large sample in N°10, given to me at Neiman Marcus (probably the same samples Chanel sent out). The color is perfect for my skin. I'm not looking for a bronzer; I have way too many of them.

I think Les Beiges Healthy Glow is a nice pressed powder. It adds a matte, not glowing, finish to my skin. It's great for "powdering my nose" mid-day. I've tried it as a setting powder, and it worked moderately well. It offers no coverage of note, so I could never use it alone, without foundation beneath. The coverage is way too sheer to expect coverage.

I've tried everything I know to do to find the glow that other bloggers have reported. I've applied it with a sponge and brush. I've swept my finger across the surface to get a good look at a concentrated sample of the powder. I've examined the powder's surface in the little compact. I can't find the glow or sheen!

I have concluded that the marketing strategy for Chanel's Les Beiges was brilliant. They managed to make me - and perhaps others - think there was something magical to the product, when, it's simply just another pressed powder - a nice one, but not award-winning. That luminous glow? Let me know if you can find it.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

TATCHA Gold Camellia Beauty Oil

TATCHA's relatively new Gold Camellia Beauty Oil ($125) is, like the rest of TACHA's skin care, a wondrous product. A light and rich beauty oil for face, hair, and body, the camellia oil is infused with licorice extract that gently calms the skin, and young bamboo and green tea fragrances that offer a momentary transport to the Kyoto countryside. TATCHA gave me the opportunity to try this oil, and I've made quite a dent in the 50 ml container.

The benefits of the precious camellia were first discovered thousands of years ago by Japan’s Oshima Island farm girls, who applied the flower’s extract to their skin and hair. The Ama (Japanese female free divers) evolved this ancient beauty secret, coating their bodies with camellia oil to protect their skin during frigid ocean dives. Centuries later, geisha began applying nutrient-rich camellia oil after bathing, a luxurious addition to their daily beauty rituals.

Rich in essential antioxidants and moisturizers that deeply nourish and protect skin, the TATCHA Gold Collection harnesses the timeless gifts of the camellia. Flecks of 24-karat gold add a touch of opulence, celebrating the geisha’s timeless practice of elevating the everyday to exquisite. The result is a sumptuous collection that marries old world wisdom with modern sensuality.

Camellia oil and squalane nourish the skin and seal in moisture, while the 24-karat gold flakes give the skin a sensual glow. I love oils, used a moisturizers or cleansers, and this is the most non-oily oil I've tried. It comes with a dropper so that you can dispense just the right amount into your palm before applying it. When I apply it to my face and neck, patting it in, it's absorbed immediately. I never feel oily after application, and that's not the case with all the oils I use. I don't feel oily after applying TATCHA's Camellia Beauty Oil. It feels like I've applied a fabulous moisturizer, and my skin feels and looks moist and hydrated for about eight hours afterwards. I'm using it at night, but I could easily use it during the day to replace my serums. I love the way it smells as I drift off to sleep. The divine fragrance is comforting because it's got a slightly herbal or subtle medicinal scent to it. It leaves my psyche thinking I've done something good for myself.

I think the reason that it's a great product for all skin types is its quick absorption. You won't feel oily after you apply it. The only think you'll notice is how supple and hydrated your skin looks and feels. I've become quite a TATCHA fan in the last year, and the Camellia Beauty Oil has cemented our "relationship."

One reviewer at TATCHA's Web site called it "heaven in a bottle." That aptly sums up TATCHA's beautiful Gold Camellia Oil. You can find it at TATCHA's Web site and Barneys New York - only the best.

Photo courtesy of TATCHA

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Classic Giveaway Contest

Chantecaille's Brilliant Gloss is made from a hydrating and enriching formula that imparts long-lasting color and brilliant shine. An exclusive "jellified" system creates long-lasting wear; it almost has the look of jelly, with its sheer, colorful movement. Microspheres of organic wheat protein-linked sugars create soft, supple, and plumped lips (without any tingling feeling) for a perfect pout. Among the ingredients, Brilliant Gloss lists green tea extract and vegetal-linked polysaccharides to protect the delicate skin on our lips. Like other Chantecaille makeup, it's fabulous.

Brilliant Gloss is loved in Hollywood too. By now, Everyone knows Angelina Jolie wears it (her favorites are Charm and Love). It was featured in the movie Skyfall in Crystalline. I have one in Classic to give away. A swatch from Nordstrom is shown below.

How can you enter to win this giveaway 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 winners 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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 24, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille and Nordstrom

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick

I tried before Giorgio Armani Beauty's new Rouge Ecstasy Lipstick ($34) was introduced to get some information about it. I failed - again. I'm getting a complex. I can't figure out why PR wouldn't want to spread the word in the United States. It usually helps with sales. If you search the Web, you will find a European review with swatches.

What follows is the marketing information. Rouge Ecstasy is now available online.

With Rouge Ecstasy, the Giorgio Armani laboratories push the boundaries of the exceptional even further with the first "CC" lipstick. CC stands for Color & Care, a new innovative hybrid product that marks the start of a new era in lipstick.

Care: Rouge Ecstasy offers the comfort and softness of a lip balm, leaving lips repaired and beautifully enhanced day after day.

Color: This velvety soft, everyday lipstick coats the lips in saturated, ultra-luminous shades with impeccable hold. Application is simple, precise, and effective.

Rouge Ecstasy is available in 36 luminous shades, a broad palette of intense and vibrant colors to satisfy every desire. All of the Rouge Ecstasy shades are inspired by a particular memory or association for Mr. Armani - from Italy and Milan to the Red Carpet and Hollywood stars.

The red lacquer cases with Armani's magnetic closure look pretty snazzy. There is a film you can watch at this link. It's a little silly.

Since I couldn't get my hands on advance publicity, I don't feel rushed in showing you the colors. I'm going to wait to purchase until I can shop locally and select the colors I like in person.

Update 8/18: I purchased three today at Neiman Marcus. I'll show them to you when the sun returns.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

The Friday Forum - August 16

Late summer provides a landscape of riotous, clashing colors - for example, hot pink crepe myrtles underplanted with colorful, yellow Black-Eyed Susans. While that combination is jarring to my eyes, any color is appreciated. I love to plant watch on my way through Arlington, Virginia, part of my commute.

Speaking of color, last night I visited the Chantecaille Web site, hoping to see new Cheek Crèmes. Immediately, the Wild Horses Palette displayed and raised my hopes. Could it be available early? No! Instead, I was given an opportunity to sign up to be notified. Were the Cheek Crèmes I'm expecting available. No to that too. What a disappointment!

What is new in beauty? Clinique has redesigned its entire eye color display. I saw it last week, and four duos are set aside for me at Neiman Marcus. I'll be going to pick them up tomorrow. If you thought Clinique's color products were "staid," think again. The new eye shadows and liners are gorgeous. I'll be featuring swatches next week.

Estée Lauder has introduced a new, improved Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, the company's most comprehensive, advanced serum ever. The result of groundbreaking Estée Lauder research on "cellular catabolysis in skin, for the first time this powerful formula supports a natural nighttime purification process vital to younger-looking skin. Revolutionary new ChronoluxCB technology combines potent catabolysis and chronolux technologies, adding the power of cellular purification to the precision of synchronization to help skin maximize its natural nightly renewal." I feel like I need to try it. I also need to figure out what that new technology really means. By the way, Advanced Night Repair is Estée Lauder's best-selling skin care, and the company just surpassed the $10B sales mark for the first time.

Marc Jacobs is getting hard to ignore. He just opened his first store dedicated to beauty - fortunately in Manhattan. I can't just drop in. The store features the same 121-unit color cosmetics collection that bowed at Sephora’s 330 freestanding North American doors last week. I really need to get myself over to Sephora to see the collection. For some reason, I haven't been able to get excited when browsing his new creations at Sephora.

Fall will be a ganbusters season for fragrances, with way too many celebrity launches, as well as luxury and uber-luxury releases - all hoping to tempt us to spend. I've got my eyes on a few new introductions, including Rose Velours by Van Cleef & Arpels. I got a sample at Neiman Marcus. The sexy, sensuous new rose opens with luminous top notes featuring Italian bergamot oil and soft violet leaves. The velvety heart combines intense shades of rose absolute with the sweetness of honey and powdery iris absolute. Ambroxan, cedar, and benzoin lend an unforgettable trail to the composition. Rose Velours telegraphs sultry sophistication. I'm not sure that aura matches my personality, but I adore the addictive scent.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Eyes & Cheeks to Go Set. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, August 17, at midnight. You may not have won Powerball, but you have a chance here!

Photos courtesy of anewscafe.com and WWD

The Truth about "Independent Advice" on the Web - An Old Feature Revisited

A repeat from my series of first-hand horror stories...

There are myriad advertising links on Google and other search engines that purport to provide objective advice on skin care products. They are named with site titles that make you think they are independent advisers. "The Truth about..." and "Does Your [insert product name - they are all available] Product Work?" Many of them are a sham.  There is nothing objective about them. Think about it...they are paid advertisements (on the right side in Google) intended to promote the sponsor's products. You read the lead, something like, "Does Sisley Work?" or "Does Creme de la Mer Work?" and think hmmm...I need to check this out before I buy.

These sites often give you their take on the pros and cons of particular products or product lines, with a link to their own "recommendations." I have to admit, I once fell for one of these when I first purchased Dermapril-SP, and now I feel like a sucker.

There's nothing inherently wrong with the Dermapril product - in fact it contains an excellent ingredient, and it works OK. What's wrong is the way the company markets it. That free trial isn't free. They get your credit card number to charge for shipping, and they charge your credit card if you don't return the free trial product fairly quickly. Then they continue to charge you each time they send another automated shipment, even if you aren't finished with the last. I will admit the fine print explains it all, vaguely, but if you are a harried woman in a hurry - and who isn't? - you won't read the fine print. Not only that, there are very few ways to navigate their site or get to what you really want. If you think I've gone off the deep end, read the Web reviews of Dermapril and their marketing practices. Some of the rants are way worse than this one. Just Google "Dermapril-SP complaints."

If you still want to try Dermapril-SP or any other product recommended at one of these sites, here are some tips. After your get your not-so-free sample, or even before, go on the site to cancel. The site will instantly offer you a discount, so take it if you like the product. Here's another drill: You click to leave the Web page, and a window pops up asking if you are sure you want to navigate away from the page. They offer you a discount. That's all it takes. Then, make sure to select a frequency of shipment that meets your needs. You can make it work for you.

When I saw the charge for the free trial on my credit card, I called the company and spoke with one of the rudest customer service reps of all time. He basically told me I can't read. Sorry, I may be rushed, but I feel that my Ph.D. is written proof that I can read. The whole experience was dreadful, and I had to tell him firmly three times, while he continued to insist that I was stupid, to cancel my "subscription." It was frustrating, which is really too bad because the product isn't half-bad. I have since learned that there are better products containing the active ingredient of Dermapril-SP, so I don't miss it.

As I research various products, I find more and more of these sites popping up. Who can you trust? Always read the company's own site; they will be positive, of course, but you can get good information about ingredients and any research they conducted. Often, they include reviews from their customers. Then, head for beauty blogs - real women, real opinions (and the best bloggers are never paid to write their reviews). Check Makeupalley, a site devoted to reviews from real testers: us, - and, of course, beauty blogs.  While the Makeupalley audience can be a bit "young," there are often a few great reviews to be found.

To quote Sergeant Esterhaus on Hill Street Blues, "Let's be careful out there!"

Photo courtesy of Michael Dawson, author of a very interesting book on psychology and shopping.

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle

Right after talking about skin-care samples, I need to tell you a short story about Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle ($140), a skin-care sample that went on my want list with the first use. A Neiman Marcus product specialist for Clé de Peau gave me a deluxe sample (not a packet, a little tube) of this heavenly eye cream. I fell in love with it instantly and am so glad it doesn't cost a paycheck. I will be purchasing it - from the woman who gave me the sample.

I didn't know this product was a newly formulated anti-wrinkle eye balm. It is advertised to improve the unique damage caused by dryness in the skin around the eyes (check) and create a radiant eye contour that can resist wrinkles and dryness. That's the key: radiant. I was instantly struck by pearlescent radiance that this Eye Contour Balm imparts to my eye area. I glow. What I don't understand is why Clé de Peau recommends you use it at night. Who's going to see your glowing, youthful skin while you sleep? I think a man wrote that.

Here are the features and benefits that this stupendous eye "balm" offers.

• Inhibits factors that cause wrinkling in the eye area and blocks factors that aggravate visible wrinkles
• Highly moisturizing formula creates skin that resists wrinkles caused by damaging dryness
• Formulated with pure retinol, a powerful ingredient targeted to smooth and repair wrinkles

Had I known about the retinol, I would have never tried it. Retinol in an eye cream? Maybe for those whose skin tolerates retinol well. Mine doesn't. I don't know what "pure retinol" means. It either has it or it doesn't. The ingredient list on the sample box is so small, I can barely read it. The retinol is way down on the list, meaning it is not in the balm in a significant concentration. Regardless, I have not noticed any burning, redness, or peeling from using this lovely product. I would have by now if my skin were going to react.

Here is Paula Begoun's backhanded compliment (she doesn't love anything she doesn't sell under her own brand). That's why I usually pay no attention to her pronouncements. "Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle (Baume Contour Des Yeux Anti-Rides) is a very good emollient moisturizer that’s suited for dry skin around the eyes or elsewhere. It contains more antioxidants, the cell-communicating ingredient retinol, and skin-identical ingredients than the other Cle de Peau Beaute products, although the price is absurd given that better formulations are available from other companies for a lot less." Yes, I'm sure she will sell you her own product for far less. That's why - as a rule - I don't trust her. She always adds a dig. Is $140 absurd? I don't think so, particularly since I've wasted far more than that on the "latest and greatest" eye creams that didn't work as promised. I am a total sucker for effective eye treatments.

Here's the deal: Clé de Peau Beauté launched its first brightening essence in Japan nearly 30 years ago. Brightening and lightening products are still all the rage in Asia, and the trend is growing here. Now, empowered by its exclusive "Neuro Skin theory," the research of Clé de Peau Beauté Laboratories boasts an exquisite spectrum of beauty products that offer radiance along with their anti-aging properties.

Put this "balm" on the skin around your eyes, and you might gasp, as I did. It adds a protective layer that comes with an illuminating effect. Apparently, there is some luminescent complex in it that creates the effect that makes my skin look fresh and alive. How does it work? I don't know!

In addition to the retinol, which is a proven anti-aging ingredient, it contains bupleurum extract, which is said to enhance the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in fibroblasts - all good. So, if you are interested in a velvety balm that hydrates the skin around your eyes, dramatically improves skin texture, and promotes resilience to counteract the visible signs of aging, while lighting up your eye area, go to your favorite Clé de Peau counter and ask for a sample. I got mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photo courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté