The Friday Forum - November 25

Am I shopping today? Not yet! I'm feeling extremely lazy. I'm secure in knowing that there are fabulous online deals and discounts, and I'm reluctant to go in a store and be tempted to buy things I don't need - the inevitable outcome of shopping. I will eat those words if I end up at Tysons Galleria today. The Neiman Marcus Scent Event is still underway, and I don't have the GWP yet.

Today I awakened from my Thanksgiving feast coma very early, so I watched funny animal videos on my iPad. I enjoyed Catvertising, shared on YouTube by Daly Beauty. Then I watched Mishka, the talking Husky again. Mishka has her own Facebook page now. I think I'm going to have to "like" her because I love her.

I can't wait to hear about your shopping this weekend, so please make sure to leave a comment and let us know what you picked up for yourself. Earlier in the week, I called the Caron boutique in New York and pre-ordered a few bottles of their pricey perfumes, including Tuberose (see yesterday's Weekend Shopping Deals feature). I also ordered a sample of fragrances from the new Dawn Spencer Hurwitz site. That's enough for one week for me, especially with my special CREED bottle on its way.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. 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 have moved on.

I wanted to take a moment to address all the "furor" around Le Métier de Beauté's Come One, Come All Kaleidoscope that was exclusive to Nordstrom Montgomery Mall. I have received a lot of correspondence about it, both in e-mails and in blog comments (the most recent asking me if Dustin's new palette contains re-promoted colors). I've done some "due diligence" on the process Tawni used to select shades for Come One, Come All, and I think it was an unfortunate coincidence that she selected two shades that were identical (or almost identical) to two of the shades in Silk Road, which is still available at counters. It was definitely not a ruse by the company to "use up" unpopular shades, as one observer put it. I'm afraid more than a few of you without access to a local counter have become wary of ordering (and paying shipping costs for) duplicates of colors you already own. I understand that, and I've passed your concerns on to my contacts at Le Métier de Beauté. I know they want happy customers. Maybe some day soon, I'll be able to offer more words of reassurance about the line we all love.

Three reminders...

The YSL Beauté Ombres 5 Lumières (5 Colour Harmony for Eyes) giveaway contest ends tomorrow, November 26, at midnight. Make sure to enter before you go shopping!

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. Please remember to buy something from a local, small business. American Express is asking millions of people to Shop Small at their favorite local stores to help fuel the economy. What a great idea! Here's a link where you can learn more. American Express wants to help you make a difference. You can get a one-time $25 statement credit when you register an eligible American Express Card and use that card for a purchase of $25 or more at a small business on November 26. Just click on that link above to register your card. It's a great deal for everyone!

The Beauty Bloggers Charity Auction starts Monday, November 28. It's a lovely opportunity to purchase something you'd love to have and support Doctors Without Borders at the same time!

Photo courtesy of Esquire