Dolce & Gabbana Animalier Bronzer

In case you didn't know, one of my favorite friends in the beauty industry (and a superb makeup artist) changed companies recently and is now with Dolce & Gabbana at Saks Fifth Avenue's flagship store in New York. I'll be shopping there a lot more now that I have someone inside the company who knows my face and what will look good on me. Like I need a new obsession.

I called my friend last week, and we talked about items I might like. He recommended the Animalier Bronzer ($57). He said that many had incorrectly described it as a re-promote, but it's new. It has been tweaked from D& G's first incarnation with an animal print.

The Animalier Bronzer incorporates opulent shades for the eyes and complexion, encased in specially created leopard print packaging, and adding a new dimension to the irresistible luxury of Dolce & Gabbana makeup. The palette is inspired by the colors of the original leopard print, "while touches of glistening gold and fiery red [red?] provide the perfect dramatic accents." A nice touch, it is made in France - not China or Taiwan. Not that I have anything against China and Taiwan, but I prefer to have my luxury makeup made in Europe or the United States.

You can tell the moment you pick up this bronzer that it was made to feel luxurious. It's heavy. The animal print is replicated on the box as well as on an insert with application instructions (placed in a leopard print envelope). The velveteen pouch holds the compact and has its own compartment for the flat brush that will do in a pinch. Actually, some may carry this in their handbags and will find the brush useful. I'm all about lightening the load in my purse (given the state of my spine), so I am sure I'll be leaving it at home.

My friend shared with me a little secret that I found fun. As D&G admits in the application instructions, the animal print is an overspray. He said to use it as an eye shadow while it's intact. Darn, was he right! It's a gorgeous shade on the eyes. The bronzer is pretty nice too. [This is the point at which I resist adding a little smiley face.]

I accidentally rubbed my finger across the lower-right corner of the "virgin" palette when I opened it to take this photograph. You can see how easily the overspray starts to blur and then come off. That means your new eye shadow will be temporary, but it was an extra-added benefit anyhow, right?

I took swatch photos using a sponge-tipped applicator at the top of my arm and a kabuki brush below. The shade at the top has some of the overspray print in it, while the larger swatch below is pure bronzer. My photos were taken in full sun - something that has been scarce here for almost a week.

The top shade is a really pretty brown eye shadow. The overspray is too dark for a bronzer on my skin, but the cool brown is gorgeous. The bronzer shade (apparent after you easily break through the overspray) is a medium brown - not too warm, not too cool - which is why, I'm sure, D&G portrays it as perfect for all complexions. It looks natural, when applied lightly, on my super-pale skin.

The finely milled powder applies like a dream and blends beautifully with blush or highlighter. I can't find anything not to love.

I think you will find this bronzer a superstar. Give it a try. It's exclusive to Saks. You can call the New York store at (212) 940-4949. I'll be showing you more from the line as soon as the sun returns. I have an eye shadow duo and liner that are pretty.

Look at this pretty travel brush set D& G is offering.

Photos courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Best (and Worst) Fashion and Beauty at the 2013 Golden Globes

It's so much fun reading and watching opinions on the "looks" at the Golden Globe Awards. You'll never find universal reactions. Here are mine, many awarded with BTiB medals to recognize the best looks. Feel free to chime in with your reactions in the comments section.

I'm feeling pretty good about my predictions for the fashion - as opposed to those from the "expert" from Marie Claire.  I wrote, "We will see breathtaking color; clean, simple lines that flatter a woman's curves; embellishment, a bit of red, white, and gorgeous shades of gold. There will be black and white, but they won't be paired." I think I came much closer than she did. The two notable prints the expert predicted were both, in my opinion, fails. More on that below.

Stacy Keibler wore an Armani Privé Fall 2013 black velvet column gown featuring silver piping in horizontal stripes, accentuating the column silhouette, and ending in a cascading train. With our without George Clooney's arm, she would have caught my eye. She seems so "real" too. While chatting with Ryan Seacrest, Stacy shared that the dress was “fresh off a plane from Paris.” That remark, plus her sleek, straight, schoolgirl hair, and fresh makeup (including Armani's Lip Maestro and Luminous Silk Foundation, I'm told), allowed her to earn one of my BTiB medals.

Jodie Foster - I've never seen her more beautiful. The first thing that caught my eye on the red carpet was her Giorgio Armani gown. I'd kill for that dress. I'd invent an occasion to wear it. The diamond bracelet wasn't shabby either. Like Keibler, her hair was straight - an easy bob that moved with her and blew in the outdoor breeze. It was hard to get a good glimpse of her smoky eyes, but her eye shadow looked stunning on television. She earned a BTiB medal.

Forget her acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award, when she confused some and surprised others. Everyone has and deserves their own forms of expression. No matter what words she used, she conveyed to her own satisfaction what she wanted to say. Bravo, Jodie! I admired her lifetime of work before; now I bow to her good soul. The show ended with Amy Poehler's quip, "We're going home with Jodie Foster."

Anne Hathaway was a picture of Chanel sophistication in her columnar white gown. It needed little additional adornment. Again, simple hair, simple jewelry, and a magnificent, BTIB medal look. She wore the statement look of the season, a red, matte lip.

I've read comments that she doesn't have the body for the gown. Malarkey!  The gown would have looked all wrong with curves. She wore it to perfection.

I told you I'd be watching for makeup and hair, and designer and Fashion Star mentor Nichole Richie's hair caught my eyes early and big-time. So did her gown. I loved everything about her look except for the ultra-blue eye shadow (the reason I'm not awarding a medal). Richie wore one of my favorite dresses of the night - by Naeem Khan. Her old Hollywood-inspired waves were gorgeous. Suave Professionals Stylist Jenny Cho created the look. I'll share how it was created in a few days. Some may disagree, but I think the blue eye shadow didn't work. I think she would have glowed in a white-silver blend - or a toned-down look that would let her hair and beaded gown shine.

Year after year, Claire Danes dazzles on the red carpet. This year, her appearance was more impressive than ever; she gave birth three weeks ago. She killed it in a red Versace dress with a plunging neckline. Her hair? Simple with a loose wave.

To hide the need for a root touch-up (which has hardly been her highest priority), she used an old, but effective trick of randomly alternating her part. It worked. She looked lovely and deserves a BTiB medal for so many reasons.

Naomi Watts' casual side-swept, retro up-do was sensational. Everything about her look clicked. She was wearing a Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2013 oxblood gown with a keyhole detail, open back and dramatic train. In typical Posen style, the gown was fitted to perfection, hugging Naomi in all the right places. She styled the look with Casadei heels, a gold Ferragamo clutch, and ruby earrings that were magnificent. Her makeup accented her blue eyes, her Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation made her skin stunning, and her rose pink lipstick was perfect. She gets a BTiB medal.

I must mention at least one man who caught me eye? Bradley Cooper! That slightly scruffy face, brilliant blue eyes, and carefully coiffed carefree hair paired perfectly with his Tom Ford tux. Oh yeah, he gets a BTiB medal. I just want to touch his hair. I felt the same way as the hilarious woman who heads the Foreign Press Association, who said to him from the stage, "Call me, baby."

There were so many stars who were at their best. Helen Mirren has never looked prettier. Her Bagley Mischka gown was a killer, but her hair style took at least 10 years off her appearance. Her (and others') long sleeves were perfect for the chilly night.

She needs to stick with this look, and I'm going to try it. She gets one of the few glam hair style of the night BTiB awards. Nicole Kidman gets another. While I didn't really care for her Alexander McQueen gown, I loved her flippy hair style and simple makeup that accentuated her unquestionable beauty.

There were so many other women who were at the top of their game - Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta, Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen,Olivia Munn in Giorgio Armani, Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta, and more. It's ashamed I don't have all day to write. I'd love to show you more beautiful looks.

I had mixed feelings about Jessica Chastain's look. Her hair and makeup were stunning. The gown? Not so.

The Calvin Klein gown was a beautiful color, but the loose, almost dowdy fit of the plunging V was less than flattering. I loved her ruby red lips with her center-parted red hair, and her eye makeup flattered her without wearing her. The color of the gown was perfect for her. The fit was its failure.

There were some looks I disliked - some intensely. Unfortunately, the talented Lena Dunham's was one of them. Why? It wasn't her pretty Zac Posen gown. It was her tattoos. They were exposed and distracting on her arm and back. They looked trashy. As I tweeted last night, she showed young ladies the perfect reason to skip the tattoos.

Unlike the majority, I really disliked the triple-tiered boob look of Jennifer Lawrence, provided by Dior Haute Couture. It was low on her body, structured, and way too retro for the night.

I did like her Chopard earrings, and her casual up-do was very flattering. She also showed great taste by wearing Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation. I couldn't get past that dress.

Who told Lea Michelle she had to contrast with her Elie Saab dress? She looked silly, when she should have (and could have) been a bombshell. Supposedly, that's a tan from a trip to Hawaii. Hasn't anyone ever told her about sunscreen and wrinkles?

Poor little Lucy Liu was worn by her Carolina Herrera draperies. It's hard to believe that I could find the worst-dressed in a Herrera dress, but that's the way I saw it last night.  Another perpetual winner, Halle Berry, wore a cut-out Versace print and looked like a patchwork quilt. If Lucy Liu was wearing the draperies, Halle Berry was wearing the wallpaper.

I never thought I'd find myself placing Halle Berry on a worst-dressed list. She does not need to mimic the Angelina Jolie leg. Her figure speaks for itself.

I'll wrap up with the stars of the show: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I think they set the bar for future awards shows. I only wish we could have seen more of them. I'd gladly have watched for an additional 15 minutes last night if they had had more air time. Both were glamorous, with Tina in glittering navy and Amy in a burgundy short-sleeved gown. Total class = two BTiB medals.

Photos from all over the place, including the Huffington Post

Sunday This and That

What gloomy day! I awakened to fog that was supposed to burn off by 10:00-11:00 am. It's still hanging in with a vise-like grip at 1:30 pm, leaving me with no hope that the predicted sunshine will materialize.

I checked out the makeup counters yesterday. I went to Nordstrom because Neiman Marcus had almost nothing new when I was there mid-week (I did find a few new things there, but very little). I've noticed over the years that right before their annual inventory, stores hold off on receiving new makeup - I assume to keep their stock down. It has happened too many years in a row for me to ignore the phenomenon. Plus I've been given some covert suggestions from those in the know that is indeed the case.

I found the new Lancôme In Love Spring 2013 Collection at Nordstrom, and I purchased nothing. It struck me that the company had aimed this collection at a much younger age group. I hope that's not the start of a trend, but having Emma Watson as the face does make me wonder.

Look at the strange way they displayed the color block blushes  - as two, rather than one. In order to test the colors the way I'd likely use them, I had to pick up both colors from each color-block palette and blend them together to see the "end result." Both were bright and, in my opinion, garish. Péche Joue-Joue is orange, and Pommettes d'Amour is an unnatural pink. The only thing on the display that almost caught my wallet was the limited-edition Midnight Rose Baume in Love. It looks purple in the tube, but applies as a beautiful tinted lip balm.

Estée Lauder has introduced a set of fabulous new cream eye shadows. I think I purchased five. They are divine. I had hoped to get photos of them today, but the fog is getting thicker, not burning off. Definitely check them out the next time you go beauty shopping.

I learned that there are two new Tom Ford fragrances "on the way." Sahara Noir was given out at the Emmy's this year in a gift bag. It will come in 50ml (1.7oz) and 100ml (3.4oz) at the traditional price range of $105/150, however the pricing structure could change to the new $110/160. From what I've been told, it will release somewhere around Valentine's Day, although that's nowhere near concrete. The packaging is similar to that of all the other Tom Ford signature fragrances, with a ribbed box and is closer to the new Tom Ford Noir look. The box is close to a rose gold shade. Some think it's the best of the Signature Collection - although that's always subjective.

The bottle looks exactly like White Patchouli, except that its completely gold. The box is also all gold. It is will debut at Tom Ford Kuwait. The top notes are Italian bergamot, mandarin orange, violet, ginger, and basil. The middle notes are grapefruit blossom, orange blossom, tobacco, and black pepper. The bottom notes are Indian amber, Tibetan patchouli, cedar, oakmoss, and leather. A friend who was able to test it noticed a licorice note that could be benzoin. It's definitely an oriental floral and is a new direction for Tom Ford. I sure hope the patchouli isn't detectible.

The second, Shanghai Lily, will be a Private Blend. The information abut it has been hush-hush. I am told that the bottle color will not be brown like most of the line. I was given no details on notes, but apparently the marketing strategies have been revealed. It will debut at Tom Ford Shanghai with a huge launch, alone with new lip and nail colors. The focus will be on Shanghai lily, champaca absolute, and jasmin rouge as they have the strongest ties to Asian culture. It sounds lovely.

Oscar de la Renta, who has hit the ball out of the park with his recent fragrance collection, has a new introduction: Something Blue. I have a decant on the way. The fragrance, which was just launched at Saks Fifth Avenue and will also be rolled out to Bloomingdale’s. The juice, formulated by perfumer Frank Völkl of Firmenich with Ann Gottlieb, echoes the wedding theme. “It’s a white floral that’s opens with a sparkly, fresh start of linden blossom and mandarin,” de Bourbon said, adding that “the heart is stephanotis,” a white flower often called the “bridal veil” and used in wedding bouquets (courtesy of WWD). It sounds divine.

In another new fragrance, Serge Lutens has chosen to capture a city - Berlin - in a bottle. The new scent, called La Fille de Berlin, aims to conjure a thorny wild spring rose - powdery and peppery. I've ordered a bell jar from a U.S. personal perfume shopper who goes to France frequently. I hope I like it!

We're still awaiting the new Chantecaille Gel Liner Pencil in Geode, a cool, silvery pyrite that I must have. It's part of the Spring 2013 Color Collection. It will be priced at $33 and is expected any moment. The fabulous pencil, with a gel liner in an extraordinary shade at one end, with a brush at the other, is sure to please many of us. I'll tell you tomorrow about the new Chantecaille skin care.

There are several stores in the DC area that have either renovated their beauty departments or are in the process. I think the renovation and expansion trend shows the power of beauty. Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria made way for a large Tom Ford section, with all of the makeup items available. Nordstrom will soon undergo a large renovation, adding new brands there and moving the location of others. Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase is almost finished with a huge expansion that will give premiere brands "showcase" space and add new-to-the-area brands, including Frédéric Malle (I'm very excited!). Maybe retailers finally realized that the DC area is not a beauty backwater.

iPhone photos by Best Things in Beauty and courtesy of WWD, Fragrantica, brainharmonycenter.com, and Chantecaille

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