The Friday Forum - September 23

Today, I spent the better part of my morning with Sarah Lavache, one of Bobbi Brown's best Makeup Artists, at an event at Nordstrom Pentagon City organized by Diron Carr, Bobbi Brown's manager there. Sarah spent about an hour working on my face, and I was enormously pleased with the results.

She used the Party to Go Lips & Eyes Kit ($42), a palette that I might not have selected before Sarah applied it to my eyes. After I saw the results, I came home with it! Unfortunately, even though Diron recorded all of the colors Sarah used on me, I accidentally left it behind. I'll have to call in a bit and ask him to save it for me.

If you ever get a chance to jump into Sarah's chair, do it! You will love the results. I was very happy with her handiwork on my eyes today.

I was invited to attend Victor dE Souza's fashion show during the just-concluded New York Fashion Week. I wasn't able to go because the show was in the evening, and there wasn't any way I could get a train back to DC on the same day.

Dustin Lujan, Victor's partner, kindly sent me a video so that I could see the show I missed. Just click on this link to see the show highlights. Besides the fashion - and the fabulous animals that adorned many of the pieces - Dustin's makeup was the star of the show for me. I have been talking to Dustin about the next pieces he will introduce now that his lipstick collection is established. The models were wearing the mascara and eye shadows that will be introduced next. I strained to look as closely as possible to try to discern the eye shadow shades. It was difficult see them in the video, but I know that with Dustin's master touch, they will be beautiful.

Please watch the video to experience the fashion show from the comfort of your home of office. Victor is on the cusp of worldwide fame. You'll be able to say, "I knew him when."

The Saks Fifth Avenue Beauty event started yesterday, and the tote GWP is really nice. I spent more than I should have, but the bonus was that gorgeous tote. Although the Neiman Marcus beauty event has officially ended, Michael Reinhardt is extending it at Mazza Gallerie for Le Métier de Beauté through Sunday. So if you missed it by accident, give Michael or Andy a call at that counter at (202) 966-9700.

I've been sorting beauty products for features here on the blog, and I must have about 50 pounds of gorgeous products to show you. Next week, I've got to get busy taking photos, and I may have to try to write more than one feature per day. Several generous companies have sent me their new collections, and I want you to see them as soon as possible.

It's time for the Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope to see you in the comments.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powders from the Sunset Pink Collection for Summer 2016

Bobbi Brown's Sunset Pink Highlighting Powders ($46) are gorgeous. They are available in three shades. Inspired by the golden pink hues of a Telluride sunset, this light-reflective powder delivers high-impact, buildable radiance. Each comes in a limited-edition mirrored compact.

I purchased them online the moment I saw them. My only quandary was whether to order two or all three. I exercised some restraint and ordered Afternoon Glow and Sunset Glow. I decided Telluride was too similar to other light golds I already own.

The photo directly above shows Afternoon Glow on the left and Sunset Glow on the right. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun. The grungy look on Afternoon Glow's compact is actually the sun's reflection. I can't figure out why Bobbi Brown's photo at the top of this feature shows the compacts as having a gold border around the powder. Mine are black.

I applied both Highlighting Powders heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. Had I swatched with a powder brush, the impact of the shades would be much more subtle. Formulated with highly reflective pearl pigments, these Highlighting Powders create a luminous, natural-looking glow. They gleam; they do not sparkle.

Bobbi Brown suggests you use a Sheer Powder Brush (sold separately) to dust Highlighting Powder high on the cheeks, over blush. Finish with a touch on the center of the face - the forehead, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow.

Afternoon Glow is shown at the top of my arm, with Sunset Glow below. I think both of these shades are heavenly. I have used them as highlighters, on my eyes, and in the case of Sunset Glow as a blush. They are definitely multipurpose makeup.

You can purchase these highlighters at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased mine from Bobbi Brown online.

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

Bobbi Brown Retouching Face Pencil

No matter how good my foundation is, I cannot keep it on every part of my face all day long, especially on extended days. I do (for the most part) keep my hands off my face, but there's my Kleenex addiction, which is firing up with the early tree pollen as I write. I have seasonal allergies, and the Kleenex I use regularly wipes my makeup off my lower nose. My red nose comes with the allergy turf.

I always carry a touch-up product with me. I used to have wonderful little sample-sized Bobbi Brown cream foundation (with mirror and sponge) in my best shade, Warm Ivory. Alas, I have used them all up. I don't think I'll ever find those little treasures again. I asked a Bobbi representative if she had any left about two years ago. She thought she did, but I never heard back from her. In their absence, I've been using Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation Stick, but it's heavier and larger than I prefer for my handbag.

Bobbi Brown was clearly reading my mind when she developed the new Retouching Face Pencil ($32). This miracle creamy-matte pencil fills in makeup spots I've wiped off, but also lightens shadows, covers dark spots, and neutralizes redness for a retouched-yet-natural-looking finish.

The Retouching Face Pencil features a full array of shades that are designed to make it easy to perfect all skin tones. Each shade glides on comfortably and blends seamlessly for the most skin-like finish. You can use it on bare skin as an all-in-one skin perfector, or layer it over foundation, as I do, for added coverage where you need it most for a natural-looking finish. There is also an Illuminate Pencil you can use to create a subtle strobing/highlighting effect. Just swipe on the high points of the face and blend in with your fingers. I'm a happy gal. This product is ultra-light in my makeup bag, and it's always there when I need it.

My only complaint? I wish Bobbi Brown had named and matched the shades to her foundation colors that are common across types of foundation. I had to figure out which one to order online. For me, it was a toss up between Porcelain (would it be too light?) and Extra Light (would that be too pink or too dark?). I selected Porcelain at Sephora's Web site, and my guess was perfect. I need foundations that are yellow-based in order to mask the redness of my nose. You can see the slight yellow tone in my swatch photo below.

I drew the swatch onto my arm with the pencil, and I did not blend it at all. Had I blended it, I doubt you would have been able to see the swatch on my arm. My photos were taken in full afternoon sun.

As an extra-added bonus, Bobbi Brown included a sharpener in the box. You would think that would be common sense for makeup companies, but I can't tell you how many pencils I have that did not come with sharpeners. At Armani counters, you can ask for them, but at most counters, they are not available for free. Since pencils come in all sizes, I think that's crazy.

The Retouching Face Pencil is available at Sephora, where you can see the wide range of shades. I think I'll try the Illuminate Pencil next. I highly recommend this little wonder for anyone who needs a foundation touch-up during the day.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Attraction: Bobbi Brown Valentine's Day Collection for Spring 2016

Bobbi Brown is introducing a new enticing red and pink collection this spring. I remember her pink and red collection from 2013. Now, three years later, we can celebrate these stunning colors once again.

Bobbi's new collection, inspired by Valentine's Day, presents an unconventional approach to the traditional color palette with a collection that isn't about matching your lips and nails, but rather deliberately mismatching them. These pinks and hot reds are a modern mix for a look that's wearable and "kissable." The new collection presents shades of Rich Lip Color, Lip Gloss, and Nail Polish.

The Rich Lip Color ($27), a lightweight, full-color lipstick, delivers bold color and rich hydration with a smooth feel. Two colors are available in the collection: Blazing Red and Ibira Pink.

The Lip Gloss ($26) will sweeten your lips with a high-shine dose of pink or red. Bobbi's lip gloss treats your lips to soothing botanical extracts, including avocado and jojoba, to keep them looking soft and supple. The new shades are Pink Lily and Hollywood Red.

The Nail Polish ($15) will add a splash of flirty colors to your fingers and toes. The shades in this collection are Pink Peony and Cherry Tomato.

The Valentine's Day Collection will be available at Bobbi Brown's Web site beginning next month. I assume it will also be available at Bobbi Brown's Department and Specialty Store counters too.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Bronze Brightening Blush and Pink Brightening Blush from the Surf & Sand Collecton for Summer 2014

Among Bobbi Brown's beautiful Surf & Sand Collection, you'll find stripes, which Bobbi perfected years ago with her Shimmer Bricks. Since then, she has experimented with stripes of different widths. Her wildest strips were probably the gold and silver ones in her holiday Party Palette from a few years back. The stripes in her new limited-edition Bronze Brightening Blush ($45) and limited-edition Pink Brightening Blush ($45) are tame and extremely flattering on the skin -  they offer a touch of summer color.

Speaking of summer, look at the steam from humidity on the mirror on the Bronze Brightening Blush at left above. Do you think it was hot outside at high noon when I took that picture?

I have very little time to write today, so let's go right to the swathes. I used a sponge-tipped applicator and ran it across all three shades, applying the bronze at the top of my arm and the pink below. Both applications were heavy. Then I took a kabuki brush and applied the blended bronze shade below the stripe swatches. I applied the two stripes heavily.

The bronze is a beautiful, gleaming color, and when applied appropriately. Tthis lightly pearlized blush delivers a soft wash of lit-from-within color. It looks natural. Bobbi recommends that you apply it with her Blush Brush, and I agree. That brush will add color lightly, giving you the opportunity to add more if you wish.

The pink is extremely sheer and light. Also offering pearlized color, it's best on women with fair skin. I don't see it adding much of a glow to those with darker skin. Maybe I'm incorrect, so tell me if I am.

I think these are beautiful compacts - stripes and all - and I am pleased to have them. Right now, Bobbi Brown has an incredible deal on her Web site. Spend $100+ on your order and you will receive a $25 bonus card to spend later. That'a basically a 25% discount. Not bad!

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

Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color - New Shades for the Season

Bobbi Brown added new shades to her Sheer Lip Colors ($26) for the season. Naturally, I jumped right in when I saw there were new options for me. I selected three new shades: Sunlit Pink (#18), Peach Sorbet (#20), and Pink Taffy (#21).

The sheer lip look of the season is a lightweight formula that delivers an effortless wash of color plus nourishing shine. The best part? Formulated with luxurious shea butter, murumuru butter, and apricot kernel oils, Sheer Lip Color rejuvenates and nourishes the overall condition of the lips instantly and over time. This beautiful lip color glides on smoothly and evenly and yields hours of feather-free wear. Available in a range of creamy and shimmery shades, the the hardest part of using  Sheer Lip Color is having to choose your favorite colors.

Here are my three new shades, Sunlit Pink (#18), Peach Sorbet (#20), and Pink Taffy (#21) from left to right. I'm sorry they aren't evenly lined up. They were rolling around on me as I tried to get a photograph of the three little soldiers.

I will skip right to the swatch photos to show you how pretty they are. I swatched in numeric order, starting at the top of my arm with Sunlit Pink (#18). My photos were taken in full, early afternoon sunshine. It was very bright outside.

I absolutely adore Sunlit Pink, despite the fact that I would have called it rose bronze. It's more brown than pink. It's gorgeous on the skin and the lips. The shimmer adds volume to my lips. It has plenty of color while remaining sheer. I'm smitten!

The shade in the middle, Peach Sorbet (#20) is also a little oddly named. I see it as a warm pink. I do see peach tones in it, though. Like Sunlit Pink, it's gorgeous on the skin and the lips. The shimmer adds volume, and it offers plenty of color while remaining sheer.

The lightest shade, Pink Taffy (#21) is very sheer. A baby pink, it's pretty, but not the stunner like the other two.

If you'd like to see my earlier feature on Bobbi's Sheer Lip Colors, click here. You can find these lovely lip colors at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown counters.

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

Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette ($48.50) offers 10 shimmering shades for the eyes in beachy bronzes and warm sugar tones - Bobbi's go-to hues when the weather heats up. From her Raw Sugar Collection, this limited-edition palette leaves the eyelids with a soft wash of pearlescent color.

I always purchase these little "shimmer bricks" for eyes. I think they are a great deal, and when I saw this one, loaded with rose gold and neutral shades, I flipped.

Inspired by Bobbi's love of the toasted-brown, shimmering shades of raw sugar, this palette captures the look of sandy shores and beach bronze beauty.

I took swatch photos in full sun. As you can see from the mirror on the palette, there were clouds in the sky, but I had enough breaks to get decent swatch photos.

I did not have time to swatch every shade, so I swatched three shades or combinations - all with a sponge-tipped applicator - and then I ran an applicator across all of the shades to see how they look blended. I started at the top of my arm with the second shade from the left; then I swatched the "lightest shades' in the middle, mixing two; then I swatched the brown shades at the far right in the palette, mixing the last two. Finally, I ran the applicator left to right over the whole palette. The combination of all shades left the beautiful bronze color at the bottom of my arm.

As you can see, these shades are perfect shimmers. They provide an "adult shimmer" that gleams, without any glitter. The finish is lovely for summer.

The Raw Sugar Shimmer Brick Eye Palette provides so many options, I can't do the math. I will enjoy using the shades this summer.

I purchased mine sight unseen from the Bobbi Brown Web site. I have seen the full Raw Sugar Collection in the stores too, so you should be able to find the entire collection at your favorite counter.

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

Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar Shimmer Nail Polish from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown has introduced two new, limited-edition shades of Shimmer Nail Polish with her Raw Sugar Collection: Raw Sugar and Golden Beige. I seldom get carried away with new nail polish shades. I can't wear them all! However, the magnetic color of Raw Sugar and its reasonable price ($15) combined to lure me into a purchase.

Dress up nails with long-lasting shimmer (it's Bobbi's favorite way to accessorize hands and toes). Pearlescent color casts nails in the starring role with a range of chic, shimmering shades.

I think this shimmering bronze is gorgeous. I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. What I see on my "fake nails" color wheel is a rose bronze. The color attracted me like a moth to light. I love rose gold, now I am looking at rose bronze, and I'm excited. I'd like an eye shadow next, please. Maybe even a bronzer.

You all know my nail polish application skills are not properly called skills. I did my best - two coats here - but I still didn't get an even application. Blame me, not the product! I have earned the nail polish application klutz title fair and square.

Despite my application failures, this color is, in my humble opinion, extraordinary. It's a limited edition, so don't delay in purchasing it if it grabs you like it has me.

The Raw Sugar Collection is available at Bobbi Brown's Web site, where there is a special gift now (overnight shipping through today along with a travel-sized SPF 50 Protective Face Base with any $50 order with code LONGWKD), or your favorite Bobbi Brown retailer.

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

Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown introduced four, limited-edition Tinted Lip Balm ($20) shades with the Raw Sugar Collection. She had me at Tinted Lip Balm - my kind of lip color. I blind-ordered from the Bobbi Brown Web site and forced myself to order only two. My selections were Pink Raspberry and Pink Popsicle. I am going to have to cover my eyes when I walk past the Bobbi Brown counter. I'm sure I am going to covet the other two shades, both browns, which I love.

Pink Popsicle is shown at left immediately above, and Pink Raspberry is shown at right. All of my photos were taken in full, mid-day sun.

This favorite lip formula from Bobbi Brown has returned in barely-there balm that offers deep moisturize and sheer color (that lasts longer than many sheers). Any woman who wants soft, smooth lips with a hint of fuss-free color for summer will love these Tinted Lip Balms. I still have my shades from Bobbi's earlier introduction. I think I purchased all of them, which means it would have been hard for this fickle blogger to use them all up before moving on to the next sheer sensation.

The color-true formula packs the perfect blend of emollients to comfort and moisturize the lips, while beeswax and candelilla wax help provide longer wear. Plus, vitamins C and E deliver nourishing antioxidant protection.

Because the Lip Balms have a flat top, my arm applications weren't as "neat" and rectangular as I would like. They apply easily to my lips, followed by a smack, but my bony arms were a different story. Pink Popsicle is shown at the top of my arm. It's described by Bobbi Brown as a sheer pinky-red. I'm not sure I'm buying that description. I'd call it a warm pink. I see no red in it. I think the color is gorgeous, despite its description.

Pink Raspberry, shown below on my arm, is described by Bobbi Brown as a sheer, bright red-pink. I can agree with that. The shade has a lot of red in it, but because it is sheer, it doesn't look red on my lips. It looks like I've kissed a popsicle. Too bad it wasn't named with the word "popsicle" because it reminds of of how kids look after they have eaten a berry delight.

The new Tinted Lip Balms are beautifully hydrating. They look good and feel good. The only thing that might have made them even better would have been a bit of SPF protection.

If you see me in the store with my eyes averted from the Bobbi Brown counter, you will know I'm trying not to "see" the brown shades. Wish me luck!

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

Bobbi Brown Telluride Illuminating Bronzing Powder from the Raw Sugar Collection

Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronzing Powders ($38) are the cat's meow. To me, they are a hybrid between blusher and bronzer - the perfect two-for. Bobbi introduced Telluride with the new Raw Sugar Collection, an enticing group of summer colors that tempted me to pull out my credit card online.

I was already a fan of these Illuminating Bronzing Powders. I have Santa Barbara and Tawny Brown, both great colors. I think Maui and Antigua is somewhere here too. Bobbi Brown's soft matte, silky-smooth Bronzing Powder gives skin an instant look of a natural tan, and it's perfect for contouring too. Bobbi suggests using Bronzing Powder year round to get a sun-kissed look. I've always liked Bronzing Powder because there are light shades that are appropriate for my pale skin.

You can see that the photo of Telluride at home is move mauve than the online photo - and that's a good thing from my perspective. I love this color. This ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder is formulated with a unique and innovative blend of sheer powder and micro pearls. The powder glides on evenly and gives the skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow. Bobbi recommends applying it with her Bronzer Brush, a good idea, but you can use any blush brush or powder brush.

I was a little disappointed in my swatch photos, which I took in full, lunchtime sunshine. They look lifeless, even though the Telluride color is so natural on my skin. I guess the satin finish, which doesn't sparkle in bright light, makes it look fabulous on the face, but a little dull in swatch photos. I can have a dynamite photo or a dynamite bronzer.

I adore this mauve-brown color. The rose in the shade is perfect for the undertones of my skin. I'm sure it's not the best of the six shades for everyone, but it's darn nice on me. If you have pink undertones, I suspect you will feel the same.

For Bobbi Brown's tutorial on its use, go to this link. It's a simple explanation for using bronzers.

Over the coming week, I'll show you the other pieces I purchased from the Raw Sugar Collection. I think it's one of Bobbi's best in months.

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

A New Kate for Bobbi Brown: Kate Upton

The beautiful Kate Upton is the newest face of Bobbi Brown. She is a stunner - a lovely choice, I think - not to speak of sexy too.

Everything starts with confidence: it's the secret that makes a woman most beautiful. That's why we chose Kate Upton - the epitome of stunning confidence and beauty - to be the face of Bobbi Brown this season.

You can find Kate's complete look at this link. I love her natural look, from hair to makeup. She looks like the girl next door, only better.

Read the latest from Bobbi. "OK, you probably feel like you already know Kate. After taking the fashion world by storm in 2011 and gracing the covers of Vogue, GQ, and Sports Illustrated - to name just a few - Kate’s joined the ranks of iconic American beauties and become a household name.

I knew Kate’s public face, too, but when I met her in person, it was quickly clear that Kate is really something special. She exudes confidence, warmth, and authenticity - her skin glows, and you can immediately tell that she’s the sort of person who really loves her life. She’s also a maverick who has carved her own path to success. I was an instant fan.

In a recent Vogue profile, a friend said of Kate, “Two things are extremely attractive: health is beauty, and confidence is beauty.” I couldn’t agree more. I’ve always believed that everything starts with confidence - it’s the quality most central to a woman’s beauty. Kate radiates positive energy and is healthy and comfortable in her own skin. That’s pretty powerful.

I couldn’t be happier to announce our partnership with Kate Upton as the newest face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. I think you’ll agree that Kate has a gorgeous face for makeup. Take a peek at how we put her look together and stay tuned for much more."

xo,
Bobbi

Watch here. Then go get your glow on too.

Bobbi Brown Bronze Eye Palette from the Nude Glow Collection

The assortment of beautiful new eye palettes at Bobbi Brown counters is dizzying. I stood at the counter at Neiman Marcus, wondering, "How many can I afford?" "How many will I really use?" Those questions turned out to be my decision criteria.

There were multiple palettes on the Nude Glow and Nectar and Nude displays. Had I had unlimited funds, I would have selected several. Then I asked myself, which one or ones would I use the most? Several of the Nude Glow palettes offered two matte shades, which are not my favorites for several reasons: 1) I have plenty of neutral, matte eye shadows, and 2) I find them rather lifeless on my skin.

The limited-edition Bronze Eye Palette ($50) stood out. It had only one matte shade and offered three shimmering shades that were quite wearable. You can see my very own palette below.

Luminosity for eyes meets skin tone-enhancing color - Bronze Eye Palette features four perfect hues for medium skin tones in a mix of matte and sparkling textures: Gold Bar Sparkle Eye Shadow, a beige gold; Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, a warm copper bronze; Toast Eye Shadow, a toasted peach; and Rich Bronze Eye Shadow, a golden brown. Go figure! It was created for medium skin tones. I can't buy that. I have fair skin, and the colors look great on me. So there. Who thinks up this guidance?

As usual this week, my swatch photos were taken in full sun as I was surrounded by snow - not ideal photography conditions. I was freezing, so you may note the goosebumps on my arm. The things I do for this blog!

I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply all shades (heavily), and I took the photos in full, mid-morning sunshine. I started my application at the top of my arm with Gold Bar Sparkle Eye Shadow at the top of my arm and moved clockwise around the palette, finishing with Toast Eye Shadow at the bottom. Incidentally, I'm not terribly fond of Toast. It's a little muddy on my skin, but the other colors are good for looks I like. I'll play with Toast. Maybe I can learn to love it.

Gold Bar Sparkle Eye Shadow is heavy on sparkle and light on pigmentation. You can see how sheer it is. Still, it leaves a pretty effect on the eyelid, so I won't hold its sheerness against it. Naturally, you can use it to top any eye shadow shade to give it a lift.

As you can see directly above in a darker photo, Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow is drop-dead gorgeous. The warm copper bronze makes me dream of spring. The same is true for Rich Bronze Eye Shadow. The golden bronze is a gorgeous accent or crease shade - perfect to warm up your look.

Bobbi Brown says these eye shadow shades work with your skin tone, practically blending on their own, to bring brightness and lightness to any look all in a polished silver compact. How to use it? The company suggests starting with a classic Bobbi eye - light allover shadow, medium lid shadow, dark liner - then layer Sparkle Eye Shadow on top. How will I use it? Most often I will combine Amber Shimmer Wash with Rich Bronze Eye Shadow for a warm look that will sweep me away to a tropical island.

The new Bobbi Brown eye shadows are available at all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased the Bronze Eye Palette at Neiman Marcus. You can also find it at the Bobbi Brown Web site.

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

Bobbi Brown Uber Pinks Collection

Did you see this? It arrived in my e-mail box this morning from Bluemercury. I lifted their copy with minor edits because I am in a two-day conference call. I wanted to show you something to enjoy today. Let's reward them with an order.

Bobbi Brown Antigua "Be Pretty" and Pink Peony "Be Bold" Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($38.00)
This ultra-soft and smooth pressed formula packs a blend of sheer powder and micro-pearls (for a seamlessly glowing finish all over the face). Part of Bobbi’s Uber Pink Collection, this pair of limited-edition compacts feature Pretty Powerful phrases embossed right into the powder - for a real mood lift. Anyone looking for a natural-looking glow plus a pop of soft pink. Choose Antigua when you want to “Be Pretty” and Pink Peony when you want to “Be Bold.”

Bobbi Brown Uber Pinks Nail Polish ($15.00)
A pop of pink for nails? Whatever suits your mood -  now in two limited-edition shades as part of Bobbi’s Uber Pink Collection. It's for mani-pedi fans looking for just the right pink to polish up their fingers and toes.

Bobbi Brown Classic Lip Gloss ($25.00)
Formulated with soothing botanical extracts - including avocado, jojoba and chamomile oils, and aloe extract - to keep lips soft and supple. Scented with a hint of vanilla. The new shade is Baby Pink.

Bobbi Brown Lip Color ($25.00)
Bobbi’s classic lipstick: rich, full coverage with a soft, matte finish. The new shades are Neon Pink and Pink Kiss.

Photos courtesy of Bluemercury

Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2013

I am a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick addict. There isn't one I haven't loved, and I've purchased every one of them - ever. I have a little museum of Shimmer Bricks at my home.

As you might imagine, I was thrilled when I saw the advance publicity for Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Nude Glow Shimmer Brick ($45) for Holiday 2013. It offers four distinct colors and the lure of a mixture of all four shades. While it doesn't offer the traditional stripes, it does offer great choices for individual colors - unlike the Party Shimmer Brick for 2011. It was nice, but can't hold a candle to this beauty. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Give the gift of "glow" with this limited-edition Shimmer Brick - sure to make faces light up instantly. A shimmering quartet of pearlescent colors highlight the skin for lit-from-within luminescence (think of it as candlelight in a compact). Each shade also doubles up as an eye shadow.

I have to tell you upfront that this new Shimmer Brick is even more luscious than it looks in photos. I am smitten and fighting the urge to buy another, maybe two more. I want to break my "no back-up rule" so badly.

I took swatch photos of each shade, starting with the gold at the top left and moving clockwise. I swatched the individual shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then, using what was left of my arm below the elbow, I applied a large swatch of all four shades blended with a very dense blush brush. My photos were taken in very full sunlight.

I think every shade in Nude Glow is a shimmering treasure.  The burnished gold at the top of my arm is a perfect gold for the holiday season - or anytime you want to look like a golden goddess. What most surprised me was that the shade next to it in the top row, which appeared pink, is really rose gold. Holy moly, I hit the jackpot. I wasn't expecting rose gold, one of my very favorite shades, and I got it.

The next shade down on my arm is champagne in color. Perhaps a very light rose champagne. I mixed it with the rose gold shade and the result was magnificent. The hybrid brown-rose shade at the bottom of my arm is just as pretty as the other three. As I write, I'm "this close" to ordering my second Nude Glow. I'm on a slippery slope.

The photo above shows all four shades blended evenly together and applied heavily. The result is hard to describe. Is it a brown-toned rose gold? How would you describe it? Whatever words you use, it's really pretty.

Here are Bobbi Brown's tips for application...
Sweep the Face Blender Brush through all four shades of Shimmer Brick Compact and dust lightly on cheekbones after blush. Focus on applying shimmer on the top of cheekbones - where light naturally hits the face - for the most flattering look. To add a highlight to your eyes, use your fingertips to apply the lightest shade in the compact just under the brow bone.

Fingertips? Limited to the brow bone? How boring! Each of these shades looks fabulous on my lids below the crease.

I love the look of Bobbi Brown's compacts when this logo is used. It looks classy to me.

You can find the Bobbi Brown Nude Glow Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2013 on Bobbi's Web site and at all Bobbi Brown counters. I'm sure it's available online at all corresponding online retailers, such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

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

Bobbi Brown French Pink Set for Breast Cancer Awareness

Bobbi Brown is proud to introduce this exclusive, limited-edition French Pink set in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Bobbi Brown will be donating $10 of the suggested retail price ($45) of this set during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Featuring French Pink Blush embossed with a BCA ribbon in a mirrored compact and a Mini Face Blender Brush topped off with a bright pink handle, the set is a fun way to put on a rosy glow (and show your support).

I purchase Bobbi's Breast Cancer Awareness special every year. This year, I didn't have to think for even a nanosecond when I saw the cheerful pink color. Plus, I am a Face Blender Brush addict. One can never have too many of them.

I wanted you to see the product color. It's darker than I imagined, but still very wearable for most of us. I took swatch photos in full sun. I swatched heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then I used the Face Blender Brush to apply the larger swatch below.

This medium pink is bright, so go easy when applying. It's also shimmery. I like the shimmer, but I know some of you won't.

The pink shade is perfect for brightening up your mood - or perhaps the mood of a friend with breast cancer? It would make a nice gift set. You can find it at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

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