Bobbi Brown Eye Luxe Collection Giveaway Contest

I seem to be on a Bobbi Brown contest roll, but this one is too good to save for later. Bobbi Brown's Eye Luxe Collection ($100) is filled with everything you need to create spectacular eye looks. It's currently available as an online exclusive at Bobbi Brown's Web site.

All eyes will be on you with this undeniably sexy palette of sparkling and high-shimmer shadows. Bobbi's show-stopping Black Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara conditions lashes while staying smudge- and flake-free. Four travel-sized brushes (Mini Eye Shadow, Mini Angle Eye Shadow, Mini Smudge and Mini Eye Liner) make it easy to dust, smudge, and line your way to standout eyes. The makeup bag is pretty cool too.

Here are the colors in the collection.

Add to these a full-sized mascara and four fabulous brushes, and you've got a great set.

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

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, January 19, 2013, 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.

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!

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Rouge Bunny Rouge When Birds are Singing... Long-lasting Eye Shadow in Olive Violetear

I needed a Rouge Bunny Rouge fix, so I went shopping at Beautyhabit and came up with Long-lasting Eye Shadow in Olive Violetear. I love every variation of green, and decided a smoky olive with a satin finish would be perfect for winter. Even better, I found that I could purchase a refill for $19, as opposed to the $27 I would spend for the compact. I was thrilled with the packaging of the refill. How often can one say that?

Clearly, the refills are offered to insert into the empty palettes for sale, but they are, in my opinion a great way to try colors without the expense of purchasing the compacts (as I do with Clé de Peau). A flip-top protector is packaged in a darling little Rouge Bunny Rouge-printed envelope that's too nice to discard. Like everything else Rouge Bunny Rouge does, this is classy. Not only that, there is a wonderful story that accompanies the Long-lasting Eye Shadows.

The firefly festival is eagerly awaited all year in the Enchanted Garden. For then on this very special day, the best voices of the bird world feed on these tiny fireworks that embellish their voices and then gather to perform a single concert together. Their jubilant musical notes are inscribed in a syrup of figs and milk and preserved in tiny pots to be enjoyed the year round.

Like this golden froth of musical syrup, "When Birds are Singing..." Eye Shadows are a time-defying exotic enigma. This is plumage to adorn you in shades as deliciously mellow as soft silence that flows, or as brilliantly potent as jeweled notes. So addictive are these morsels that you'll be causing your own kaleidoscopic ripples every time you wear them.

Discover a new powder eye shadow with an astonishing lightweight, creamy touch and unprecedented adherence. This formula creates pure dynamic iridescence while it maintains second skin effect. It offers extended eight-hour wear that will stay perfect and look freshly applied all day. Orange-derived flavonoid improves blood microcirculation, enhances luminosity, and serves as a free radical scavenger.

Let's get right to the color of Olive Violetear. I took photos in full sun, applying the shadow with a sponge-tipped applicator. I can see the olive (or khaki) in this taupe-olive shade. I hope you can too. I think it's drop-dead gorgeous - an olive that looks natural and offers life without shimmer.

Olive Violetear is a perfect shade for day or night. Apply it lightly for day or layer the color at night. I think you will be very pleased. Try pairing it with a base shades of from all spectrums, and it will take on those magical qualities you can only find in the Enchanted Garden. Glorious!

I purchased my Rouge Bunny Rouge When Birds are Singing... Long-lasting Eye Shadow in Olive Violetear at Beaituhabit. It is available to international purchasers at Zuneta. Or find a store locator at Rouge Bunny Rouge.

All photos except the refill packaging (courtesy of Beautyhabit) by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Indelible Inks Eyeliner - The Winged Eye has Taken Flight for Spring

Color packed lids are back with vengeance. Playful and modern, eye-popping peepers are just the beauty fix needed to go from a case of the winter blues to full on spring awakening. Painting runway favorites from Miu Miu and Dior and Donna Karen to Chanel, it’s safe to say the cat's eye is making a glamorous, color-filled comeback.

“The winged-eye has taken new flight for Spring!” says Mikey Castillo, Director of Color for Le Métier de Beauté. “Brilliant navy and amethyst hues give the classic cat eye a modern twist – worn with a nude lip, it’s the perfect springtime look.”

Just in time for the season, Le Métier de Beauté has introduced Indelible Inks Eyeliner ($28). Featuring two haute hues – Artemis, a cool, must-have almost midnight navy and a long-time favorite of mine and Castelia, a flirty deep purple – these eye-catchers are the ‘it’ shades of Spring. “Paint onto lids using the chic applicator brush for a playful hit of color,” says Mr. Castillo. “To crank up the drama, use Le Métier de Beauté’s Flat Liner."

Look at Artemis on my arm! I think it's the perfect blue.

Add even more glamour to your gaze and wing out in full color. Mikey suggests taking your colored eye look to the next level with a complementing shade of mascara. Feeling blue? “Artemis pairs beautifully with our Midnight Mascara,” says Mr. Castillo. Loving the purple trend? “Aubergine Mascara and Castelia Liner is a perfect match for lids!” A colorful stroke of genius, Indelible Inks Eyeliner will take any beauty look to new heights this spring.

Why is it so popular?

• Highly pigmented color for long-lasting, intense lines
• Fast-drying, no-budge waterproof formula that’s smear- and smudge-proof
• Chic brush and ultra-fine tip for precise application of thick or really thin strokes - your choice

Several of you sharp-eyed makeup shoppers noticed it recently on Neiman Marcus's Web site. It will arrive at counters at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Saks and Nordstrom stores this month.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

The Friday Forum - January 11

I was watching the morning shows on television and heard some of the silliest red carpet predictions I've heard in a long time. To hear the guest from Marie Claire tell it, we will be seeing hideous gowns (in my opinion) in black and white (OK, that one has possibilities), bold ruffles, and prints - all based on what the big-time designers showed at their latest shows. The examples flashed on the screen were the polar opposite of Hollywood glamour. I must disagree with the "expert."

So, here is my prediction. We will see breathtaking color; clean, simple lines that flatter a woman's curves; embellishment, a bit of red, and gorgeous shades of gold. There will be black and white, but they won't be paired. Come to think of it, we seldom see celebrities dressed in bed sheets - although it has happened. Remember that shower curtain dress? I spent some time this morning in a search for that dress and finally found it on Michelle Williams.

I'm wondering what that darling nine-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis will wear. At her last red carpet event, she wore Ralph Lauren. That movie - Beasts of the Southern Wild - have you ever heard of it? Am I totally culturally deprived?

I'll be watching the fashion (and makeup) at the Golden Globes on Sunday. I love these shows - not usually the shows themselves, but the red carpet and occasional prize shots, like Angelina Jolie touching up her lip gloss with Chantecaille. I find it difficult to tweet continuously and watch the show, so I'll probably go easy on the tweets and concentrate a little more this time. By the time I've tweeted a comment, the camera has moved on. I will try to write a wrap-up feature the next morning. Let's all try to select our favorite hair and beauty looks, not just gowns. Could be fun. We can join Vogue. Check out Taylor Swift at the top of this feature above with a twisted up-do paired with copper-colored smoky eyes.

Turning to makeup, so far, I think the new collections are beautiful. Most spring colors work for me, so I look forward to their arrival. So far, I've been very happy with what I've seen. Some of the colors may be a little "young" for me - such as turquoise eyes - but I'm enjoying the looks and the fun. I've even got some summer collection photos to show you. While I'm usually conservative, summer is a time when I am willing to wear colorful eye looks and sun-kissed shades.

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.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Ultimate Party Collection - just in time for some of the biggest parties of the year. The deadline for entering is tomorrow, Saturday, January 12, at midnight.

Photos courtesy of Vogue and http://gofugyourself.com

Coming Soon: Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Spring 2013 Pop Collection

“This Spring I love the mix of vivid shades with nudes. Women are traditionally drawn to color, but afraid of it. This way they can play and customize to their own desires. At the Giorgio Armani Spring/Summer 2013 show. I used the soft grey tone to create a muted graphic shape, then a thick liner was drawn with Swimming Pool Turquoise blue, and then blended with the taupe. That gave a soft pop of glamorous, sensual color. Any woman can wear it," said Linda Cantello, International Makeup Artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics and creator of the spring collection.

Two new, limited-edition Face & Eye Palettes ($88) for face and eyes will be available soon in a glossy white, double-tiered case to slip into your handbag for makeup that's always fresh and simply perfect. On the top tier, Sheer Blush adds a feminine glow. Micro-fil technology  was used to create a velvety matte finish. On the second tier, three shimmery satin eye shadows offer you choices for blending and layering with intense colors.

The Coral Bliss Palette offers Sheer Blush in Coral and eye shades of Open, Shimmer Greige, and Swimming Pool Turquoise. The Rose Bliss Palette (sorry, I don't have a photo yet) offers a Sheer Blush in Rose and Iced Pearl, Flesh, and Hibiscus for the eyes.

There will be two new, limited-edition  Rouge d'Armani Sheers ($32): Beige Rose (#101) and Beige (#100). They will make your lips luminous, sheer, and naturally enticing. The light and creamy formula features a shine moisture polymer on the surface of the lips for up to eight hours, while the translucent base keeps the colors true. The modern, sophisticated lipsticks are presented in sleek black-lacquered cases.

Spring will bring three new shades of Face Fabric ($49). Pale porcelain (#0.5) will offer seamless, semi-matte finish to the ultra-fair. Two medium nudes will also join the line-up, #3.5 and #4.5.

Additionally, two limited-edition shades of Blushing Fabric are being introduced. The second-skin blush will provide vibrant shades for spring. High Density Orange (#8) and Fuchsia (#9) will create a pop of color that transforms into a soft flush when it makes contact with the skin.

The Spring 2013 Pop Collection will be available this month at Giorgio Armani's Web site and at Armani counters at fine department stores.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Cosmetics

Anne Hathaway at the National Board of Review Gala

Wella Stylist Sascha Breuer created an edgy, rocker chic pixie for Anne Hathaway at the National Board of Review Gala in New York City earlier this week. I had wondered how she would grow her hair out after she cut it for Les Misérables. I think she looks darling - even though I think long hair is more glamorous and eye-catching on her.

Here is how her pixie look was created was created by Sascha Breuer for Wella Professionals.

Here are Sascha’s tips on how to recreate this look.

• Blow dry hair while shaping with it to one side with fingers to ensure the natural texture stays intact.
• Spritz the hair evenly with Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Spray for added “gut.” Don't ask me what gut is.
• Once the hair is completely dry, use a ceramic straightener on individual sections to enhance the hair and bring out the straighter, rock-chic feel of the look.
• Mist some Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray directly on your fingers and define single strands without weighing your hair down. “This way, the spray stays on really light and your will let your hair look and feel natural, even though it has a strong hold level,” says Sascha. 

The products used were Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz Beach Texture Spray and Wella Professionals Stay Firm Finishing Spray.

Love Hathaway's look in a Saint Laurent tux, Givenchy custom vegan shoes, and a Jill Milan clutch. Now I must see the movie. Hathaway was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. I expect to cry through a good bit of it, so I'll go alone and sob.

Photos courtesy of Wella Professionals

Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in Pink Melon and Framboise for Spring 2013

Chantecaille's Luminous Gloss ($34) is loved for its superior adherence, rich texture, and dramatic brilliance. Its innovative formula contains shiny polymers that create a fluid 3-D, glass-like effect. You may get up to six hours of wear from Luminous Gloss (I can't, but my lips absorb anything moist).

There are two new shades for spring: Pink Melon, shown above, and Framboise, shown below. Both of them are staggeringly beautiful - and right on trend for the coming spring's looks. What do you want to bet one goes with Angelina Jolie to the awards ceremonies this year?

I love them both. Pink Melon is a soft, sparking pink that is just colorful enough that I can wear it without lipstick underneath. It makes my blue eyes pop. Framboise is a gorgeous rose - a shade that always makes me feel glamorous.

I took photos in full sunlight, which always enhances the shine in a shiny lip product. These are shiny indoors too. Pink Melon is shown at the top of my arm, with Framboise below. Today, it feels like spring outside. If only we could continue winter this way.

Pink Melon is a warm pink, almost nude pink, shade. It may be a little too pastel to wear in January, but I'll turn to it when the tulips bloom. Framboise, "raspberry" in French, is an "any time of year" shade. No lipstick required. It imparts just enough color to my lips to brighten up my look.

When Chantecaille releases new glosses, I leap. I start singing "I Feel Pretty" from West Side Story. Isn't that a wonderful feeling?

I purchased my new Luminous Glosses at the Chantecaille Web site, where ground shipping is free for all purchases.

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

Chantecaille Lip Chic in Rose Délice and Daphne for Spring 2013

Chantecaille's Spring 2013 look is all about pretty. This look on Olivia Chantecaille is stunning as well as bold. She's wearing Rose Délice Lip Chic on her lips. For the rest of her look, check out this link.

Chantecaille seems to out-do everyone when it comes to interpreting the shades of the season. Two new Lip Chics ($35) should be on everyone's wish list: Daphne, shown above, and Rose Délice, shown below. They interpret the peachy-pink-nude and pink trends as no one else has.

Lip Chic, part gloss and part lipstick, is brilliant. I love everything about Lip Chic, and I know many of you are as hooked as I am. Lip Chic is a best-selling, highly emollient lip formula that offers the even coverage of a lipstick with the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss. Added collagen gives the lips a boost, leaving them fuller and with a decidedly more youthful appearance, without any irritation. Lip Chic is one of my favorite lipsticks. I wouldn't leave home without at least one. I've purchased a large percentage of the shades, so I have one for every occasion - and several at each lipstick "station" in my house.

Daphne (shown at left directly above) is a demure, pearlized pink that reflects spring's romantic, pastel trend. Rose Délice (shown at right) is a bright, couture pink that offers a bolder look. These two shades will take your look from winter to spring with excitement. I suspect many of you will be using them now. Who can wait for spring?

I took swatch photos in full sun, with Daphne at the top and Rose Délice below. Both shades glisten with beautiful shine and a dewy hydration that looks as good as it feels on the lips. The coverage is perfect - even and with just enough sheerness to offer a natural look that has staying power.

I'll be back this afternoon to show you the two new Luminous Glosses. They complement the Lip Chics perfectly. Nicely done, Chantecaille!

You can find Chantecaille's new spring color at the Web site and, I'm told, Chantecaille counters now. I didn't make it over to the mall yesterday. Maybe later today? I purchased my Lip Chics from Chantecaille online.

As I took photos of these Lip Chics, I had a visitor. There must be new neighbors who think their darling black kitty is safe running the neighborhood - and she's definitely not. She is always exctied to see me, but she makes taking photos a bit challenging, particularly when I'm trying to prevent lipsticks from rolling. I was glad when she decided to take a sun bath on the hood of my car.

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

Laura Mercier Arabesque Collection for Spring 2013

Laura Mercier was inspired by the "spirit of light and movement to create a color palette that is soft, ethereal, and beautiful." I swear the makeup gods got together for spring and decided we would have pink or pastel eyes, with pink lips and cheeks. The Arabesque Collection, though, is soft, not bold or intense as some of the others.

The Free Spirit Baked Eye Powder Palette ($48) in shades as soft as a gentle breeze. Apply them dry for a pastel look, or dampen your eye shadow brush for a little oomph.

The Crème Cheek Colour in Oleander ($24) caught my eye instantly. I want it! The cheek color is available in two new shades, this one, Oleander, and Praline, which I'll bet is equally gorgeous, particularly for those with warm-toned skin. Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colours provide a long-lasting, natural cheek color formulated to provide translucent, buildable coverage for a soft, velvety finish. They are spectacular.

The new Crème Smooth Lip Colour ($26) in Arabesque looks like a gorgeous light, slightly warm pink nude. It sings on the model for the collection. Said to have a semi-lustrous finish, the cushiony, lightweight texture "feels comfortable, while pure olive oil and vitamin E nourish the lips.

There are two new Lip Stains ($20) in the Arabesque Collection: Shy Pink and Mulberry. Shy Pink is soft and delicate, while Mulberry is a red-plum-brown hybrid. Laura Mercier's Lip Stains provide the visual effect of a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lip gloss, the latter making them extremely attractive. The long-term color with a satin, balmy finish leaves the look of effortless polish and understated sophistication.

A new Lip Glacé in Bare Pink will top your lipstick with the lightest of pinks. The brilliant shine should please everyone. This is a time-tested lip gloss formula with legions of fans.

There's more: a limited-edition En Pointe Nail Lacquer, two new Eye Pencils in Stone Grey (what else for spring?) and Midnight Bleu (can I live without Midnight Bleu?). I have no idea how I'm going to be able to afford all the pretty new colors for spring. If you could only purchase two items from this collection, what would you buy?

You can see the whole Arabesque Collection for spring at Laura Mercier's Web site. I absolutely must get to a counter later today. The mall is very close to the dealership where my car is having its 15,000 mile service today. Perhaps I can take a side trip on the way to get it.

Photos courtesy of Laura Mercier