Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in #301 from the Celestial Beauty Collection for Fall 2014

Here's Clé de Peau Beauté's Eye Color Quad in #301 ($55), the third of the three I purhcased.  This one is "interesting." I usually look for palettes to have coordinating shades, often ranging from a light base shade to a dark accent or liner shade. This quad features four hightllighters.

I'll go straight to the swatch photos to "make my point." I took my photos in full, late-morning sunshine. I swatched from left to right as I moved down my arm. I swatched using a sponge-tipped applicator, applying each shade relatively heavily so that you could see the shimmering shades well.

The pink at the left in the quad is a nice, light pink - not too blue, but nor warm either. What appears to be light gold in the palette is actually an ivory/flesh tone on my skin.

The white shade is bright white. It jumps off the skin with its whiteness. The only shade with a suggestion of "real color" is the antique gold. It's very pretty, but seems disconnected from the other three shades.

My impression is that Clé de Peau created #301 to accompany every other quad in the collection, offering highlighters and plenty of options. Naturally, one can create a pale eye with this quad, and that might be beautiful on Asian skin tones. I'd like to see it used.

You can find the new Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quads at very few sites so far. I purchased in store at Neiman Marcus. They can be found online at Saks in the What's New section. Otherwise, keep checking your favorite source for Clé de Peau Beauté. The collection should arrive within two weeks. Nordstrom told me they expected it in store late this week.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in #305 from the Celestial Beauty Collection for Fall 2014

Next up in my three-hit run at the Clé de Peau counter is Eye Color Quad #305 ($55 for refill). I was immediately drawn to it, primarily because of the three brown shades. I call it my second favorite of the three, but it may overtake my current favorite, #302. Those greens and browns may have a go at it for my affection.

There's not a lot I can tell you about these new quads that I haven't already mentioned. So I'll go straight to the swatch photos. I took my photos in full, late-morning sunshine. I swatched from left to right as I moved down my arm. I swatched using a sponge-tipped applicator, applying each shade relatively heavily so that you could see the shade well.

You see why I love these shades? The shimmering tan shade at the top is cool (in tone) and totally gorgeous. It works beautifully with each shade in the palette. The dark copper/bronze, like so many other palettes featuring copper, is unique in its shade. That's nice in the sea of copper and bronze that has surrounded us recently.

The shimmering taupe is exquisite. Simply exquisite. Taupe lovers unite! This shade alone makes the palette worth the entire $55. The dark deep brown charcoal accent shade can be worn as a liner. I see in "real life" a touch of plum in it. You can't see it in my photos, but that plum snuck in is consistent with the many lavenders in this collection. It is very sparkly too.

I will show you the remaining quad I purchased tomorrow. For now, after a day that started at 4:30, a full day of work, a trade of my car for a loaner at the dealer (my key needs an exorsism - really!), and a physical therapy session, I'm pooped.

You can find the new Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quads at very few sites so far. I purchased in store at Neiman Marcus. They can be found online at Saks if you use the link above. Otherwise, keep checking your favorite source for Clé de Peau Beauté. The collection should arrive within two weeks. Nordstrom told me they expected it in store late this week.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in #302 from the Celestial Beauty Collection for Fall 2014

I purchased three new quads from Clé de Peau Beauté's fall's Celestial Beauty Collection. They had arrived at Neiman Marcus. There are eight available. I might have purchased more, but a majority of the quads offered at least one lavender shade, and lavenders are not my best colors.

Take a look above at #302 above, and you will see that the only difference between the old design and the new one is that Clé de Peau has finally seen the light and made all four shades equal in size. Besides the silly case price, the only thing that bothered me about Clé de Peau eye shadow quads was that they were less then generous with the tiny sliver size to the extreme right in the old quads. I have not yet detected any major difference in formula, although I've only had these new eye shadows for a few days.

I always purchase Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quads ($55) in refills. The plastic containers are perfectly functional, with a lid, and I don't want to pay an additional $25 for a case. It seems so unnecessary.

I'm glad I was able to get photos this morning because it has been totally clouded over since about noon. I took my photos in full, late-morning sunshine. I decided to start this series with my favorite of the three I purchased, #302.

I swatched relatively heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting at the left of the palette and moving toward the right as I worked my way down my arm. All four shades shimmer. The light, ivory pink at the left in the palette is very pretty. It's more flesh-toned than pink on the skin.  The olive green is unique and glorious. I love it! I think it's the centerpiece of this quad.

The darker pink is an interesting hybrid between heather pink and beige. It will work well for most skin tones, and it definitely does not lead to an albino bunny look. The metallic shade, far right in the palette, will reflect an undertone of green when worn with green; however, it's actually a charcoal grey.

I haven't had a lot of time to wear these eye shadows, so I'll report in a subsequent feature on wear time. It seems average to me at the moment.

I'm not sure where you can purchase this collection. Even Neiman Marcus did not have the entire collection - just the eye shadows and mascaras. Keep checking your favorite source for Clé de Peau Beauté. It should arrive within two weeks. Nordstrom told me they expected it late this week.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - July 18 - Clé de Peau Beauté for Fall 2014 (Edited)

I seldom get this frustrated over makeup, but I am frustrated today that I cannot find the whole Fall 2014 Clé de Peau Beauté collection in any one store. I made quite a few phone calls yesterday and succeeded in finding the eye shadows at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria. I hope to get over there late this afternoon.

There are apparently 12 new eye shadow quads (edited - there are eight). Some of them look suspiciously like quad I already have (edited - because they were!), but I'm very anxious to see and play with them. Perhaps they improved the formula, like Chanel did? I'm leaving these Clé de Peau photos up because they are beautiful - as pretty as anything else I could use to jazz up this Friday Forum.

The photos here are the last (spring) collection, which Clé de Peau unfortunately still has labeled "new" on its Web site. I think when a truly new collection hits the counters, the Web site should be updated.

I may pass on the lips this season (edited - later I saw that the new lipsticks are not these thin-line ones). I find the refills hard to use without the tube, and the tube costs extra.

Anyhow, I'm very excited about the fall collection, as well as what's coming from other companies for fall and holiday. I got a sneak peak at Chanel's holiday collection, and I can only tell you to save your money. You are going to want one of everything - and I've got some Chanel friends who would love to help you part with your money (wink).

This makeup has helped take my mind off the tragedy of the Malaysian Airlines plane crash, which horrifies me.  What kind of sick mind set could lead people to shoot down a civilian airliner? How on earth did humans become so heartless? If the pro-Russian rebels did it, what did they hope to gain?

On to a happier subject, it's time for our weekend sharing, 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.

Update: I went to Neiman Marcus. Score! I saw all eight of the new Clé de Peau Beauté quads and selected three, #301, #302, and #305. I found it interesting that a majority of the quads had at least one lavender shade in them - clearly a trend. That disappointed me, given my personal preferences. The photo above shows my selections. There are three new lipsticks, but only the testers have arrived. I have my eyes on one of them. As soon as I can, I will swatch these new fall quads for you.

No need to comment further on the spring photos. I'm leaving them up for eye candy.

Photos courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté

Clé de Peau Beauté Enriched Lip Luminizers from the La Bohème Collection for Spring-Summer 2014

Clé de Peau Beauté introduced three Enriched Lip Luminizers from the La Bohème Collection for Spring-Summer 2014: #224, #225, and #226. Sweetie Pie, #224, is shown above. Toffee Apple, #225, is shown below right, with Fabulous Fig, #226, at left.

This color collection was inspired by a free-spirited, romantic beauty look. La Bohème fuses the wild and unconventional ethos of a Bohemian beauty with chic sophistication, creating a collection that celebrates the women of today," said Makeup Creative Director Lucia Pieroni.

With unsurpassed luster, these luxuriously enriched lipsticks use exclusive spotlight technology to capture light and maximize radiance. These fresh, new shades are delicately translucent in subtle colors that make an understated impact.

The limited-edition Enriched Lip Luminizers are $60 with case, and I do buy the lip cases because the lip colors are extremely hard to use without them). You have the option to buy refills,

I think all three shades are gorgeous. Infused with Clé de Peau Beauté's unique color complex technology and skin-care benefits, the Lip Luminizer formula harnesses light and increases radiance. I love it. The exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex EX seals color pigments for maximum hydration benefits and long-lasting wear.

I took swatch photos in full sun. Fabulous Fig is shown at the top of my arm. I think Fabulous Fig is drop-dead gorgeous. Sweetie Pie is shown in the middle. It is a very light pink on me. I was so surprised at how it looked, I had to take it out of the case to verify I hadn't switched it with Toffee Apple, which is shown at the bottom of my arm.

If I spent more time with the shades before I purchased them, I would have skipped Sweetie Pie. It's nice, just not as exciting as the other two. Maybe I find it a little too sweet. What do you think? Does one of the three colors sing to you?

Clé de Peau Beauté's stunning Spring-Summer 2014 Collection is available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Photos at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in Plum-Brown (#212) from the La Bohème Collection for Spring-Summer 2014

Clé de Peau Beauté introduced two Eye Color Quads (#55 in refill, $80 with case) with its La Bohème Collection for Spring-Summer 2014. I showed you #211 the other day; today is my first opportunity to show you Plum Brown (#212). The new colors were inspired by the hues of romantic peaches and plums. These new colors create a youthful yet bold softness around the eye area. Argan tree oil and exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex keep the colors in place and moisturize for long-lasting wear. The velvety formulation and matte finish offer many possibilities for varying your look.  Plum Brown (#212) is shown above.

I purchased both (in refills) at Neiman Marcus. I guess I'm a cheapskate, but I will not pay $25 for a ho-hum case. It's the eye shadow I want, and since I don't travel, the chintzy little plastic case "does me" just fine. The #212 refill is shown at my house below, sans plastic. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun.

This shadow collection highlights and defines the eyes with the ultimate in color sophistication and luxury care. Light-reflecting technology enhances natural eye-area contours. The finish is silky and flawless, resistant to smudging, creasing, and fading.

The subtle colors weren't easy to swatch. I had to apply the two left-most colors heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. If you are a Clé de Peau fan, you already know that the gorgeous logos disappear with the first use. I wish they hung around longer; I think they are classy.

The pink at left in the quad almost matches my skin. It's very hard to see at the top of my arm. The mauve-pink shade coordinates beautifully with all the other shades.

The violet color is a good blue-toned lavender, especially for people like me whose eyes don't take well to red-lavender shades. The mauve, the smallest in the quad, is a great eyeliner color. It does make my eyes look red. Hopefully, you don't suffer the same problem. If I had to select only one of the two palettes, now that I've tested them, I would have chosen #211. You know I love neutrals and shy away from plums.

As I said earlier, I was really looking forward to trying these new palettes. I'm accustomed to some glimmer and gleam in my Clé de Peau colors, so I was anxious to see how the company translates matte - the marketing description of the shades. I'm happy to report that they are not flat matte. I'd say they have a satin finish (silky works too), one that shows me some life when the sun or light hits them directly.

Clé de Peau Beauté's stunning Spring-Summer 2014 Collection is available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. I have more to show you from La Bohème - soon, I hope.

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in Peach-Brown (#211) for Spring-Summer 2014

For spring, Clé de Peau Beauté introduced two new Eye Color Quads ($55 in refill, $80 with case). The new quads were inspired by the hues of romantic peaches and plums. They are subtle, extraordinarily wearable colors.  These new colors create a youthful, no-drama softness around the eye area. Argan tree oil and exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex keep the colors in place and moisturize for long-lasting wear. The velvety formulation and matte finish in both offer many possibilities for varying your look. I purchased both (in refills) at Neiman Marcus, and I'll start show and tell with Peach Brown (#211), shown above in a case.

This shadow collection highlights and defines the eyes with the ultimate in color sophistication and luxury care. Light-reflecting technology enhances natural eye-area contours. The finish is silky and flawless, resistant to smudging, creasing, and fading.

I guess I'm a cheapskate, but I will not pay $25 for a ho-hum case. It's the eye shadow I want, and since I don't travel, the chintzy little plastic case "does me" just fine. The #211 refill is shown at my house directly below, sans plastic. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun.

The subtle colors weren't easy to swatch. I had to apply them heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. If you are a Clé de Peau fan, you already know that the gorgeous logos disappear with the first use. I wish they hung around longer; I think they are classy.

The pink, the largest color at left in the quad, is a pink that gives light and life to the eyelids without making you look like you have a disease. The beige shade is a beautiful base color - one you can wear to work on a day when you only have time for one swipe before you charge out the door. It evens the skin tone and adds a slight gold highlight - even though it offers no sparkle.

The warm brown shade is an interesting color. It has, to my eye, a slight mahogany - perhaps autumn bronze -  tinge to it, fortunately not enough to add a red hue to your eyelids. I'm struggling for the right description of the color. It serves perfectly as both an eyeliner and a crease/contour shade. Why the peach shade is the smallest in the quad mystifies me. I would have provided more peach and less brown in designing the quad. What do you think? Which of the two rightmost colors would you choose for the #3 placement?

I was really looking forward to trying these new palettes. I'm accustomed to some glimmer and gleam in my Clé de Peau colors, so I was anxious to see how the company translates matte - the marketing description of the shades. I'm happy to report that they are not flat matte. I'd say they have a satin finish (silky works too), one that shows me some life when the sun or light hits them directly.

Clé de Peau Beauté's stunning Spring-Summer 2014 Collection is available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. I have more to show you - soon.

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté La Bohème Collection for Spring-Summer 2014

This month, Clé de Peau Beauté and its Makeup Creative Director Lucia Pieroni introduce a color collection inspired by a free-spirited, romantic beauty look. The "La Bohème Collection" fuses the wild and unconventional ethos of a Bohemian beauty with chic sophistication, creating a collection that celebrates the women of today," said Pieroni.

The Luminizing Face Enhancer ($95 with case) shown at the top of this feature is a new shade, Delicate Pink (#14), that combines soft tones of pale pink and luminous white to deliver natural color and a healthy lit-from-within glow to the complexion. Just dust the powder over the high points of your face to create a natural, radiant contour.

Two Eye Color Quads ($80 with case) were inspired by the hues of romantic peaches and plums. These new colors create a youthful yet bold softness around the eye area. Argan tree oil and exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex keep the colors in place and moisturize for long-lasting wear. The velvety formulation and matte finish offer many possibilities for varying your look. Peach Brown (#211) is shown above. Plum Brown (#212) is shown below.

I am really looking forward to trying these new palettes. I'm accustomed to some gleam in my Clé de Peau colors, so I want to see how the company translates matte.

There are three lustrous, limited-edition Enriched Lip Luminizers ($60 with case). Sweetie Pie (#224) is shown above. Toffee Apple (#225) is shown directly below.

The third shade is Fabulous Fig (#226). All three shades are gorgeous. Infused with Clé de Peau Beauté's unique color complex technology and skin-care benefits, the Lip Luminizer formula harnesses light and increases radiance. I love it. The exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex EX seals color pigments for maximum hydration benefits and long-lasting wear. Fabulous Fig is shown directly below.

You have the option to buy refills, rather than the cases, for each new item. I usually buy the refills to save money. That works perfectly, except for the lip colors, which are hard to use without the cases.

These stunning new colors are at Neiman Marcus counters. Nordstrom is expecting them shortly. They can also be found at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. I think I need one of everything.

Photos courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté

Clé de Peau Beauté Enchanted Winter Garden Eye & Lip Pencil Bouquet for Holiday 2013

Clé de Peau Beauté's beautiful Bouquet Floral Wintry Eye & Lip Pencils from the Enchanted Winter Garden Collection for Holiday 2013 ($95) feature three eye pencils and two lip pencils for endless makeup possibilities. I thought the set was beyond clever when I first saw it. I loved the mix of lip, eye, and highlighting pencils. Now that I've used the pencils, I think the set is magnificent.

From an unknown place comes a call to exquisite beauty, and along the path appears an enchanting winter garden. In a moment of awe, colorful flowers bloom in ice. Sparkling and gem-like, each precious petal reflects a drama all its own. With formulations that mirror the brilliance of a new beginning, and a revelation of the splendor that is yours.

This limited-edition of eye and lip pencils was inspired by the allure of flowers glistening in ice. Each pencil provides a distinct light-reflecting finish to enhance your desired look. Since it's Clé de Peau, it looks good. From the packaging to the graduated color on the pencils themselves, to the choice of colors, these pencils look special.

I was told that the pretty floral box was cut from a very large sheet of paper - almost like a giant print - so each design is unique. I didn't inspect boxes to verify that, but it sounds plausible. I like the design. However, the action starts inside the box.

I love these colors. The taupe pencil on the left is worth its weight in gold. Both lip pencils work for me, giving me a light option and a dark one. Right now, I have the darker one applied all over my lips, with a gloss on top. The look is really pretty. I like all of them.

Let's take a closer look. I drew lines on my arm - too thin, I can now see - moving in the same order in which the pencils are shown above. I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun.

The top three eye shades provide a unique trio. Even though it looks lavender at the top of my arm, the top shade is very taupe. I'd call it 3/4 taupe and 1/4 lavender. The best news is that it looks fabulous on my eyes. I've been wearing it as an eye shadow over the whole lid up to the crease.

The burnt orange shade will make your blue or green eyes pop. I've grown much less afraid of these shades as I've seen the results. I like this one as a liner. The champagne shade is utterly fabulous for the inner corner to highlight the eyes and open them. Of course, you can use this shade anywhere on your face. That's why it's so handy.

The two lip pencils, one rose and one warm pink, give you options - whether you choose to use them as lip pencils or lip colors. The darker one goes on my lips with a fall look, like a stain. I add the effect of flowers on ice with a sheer, sparkly lip gloss.

These pencils are all very long-lasting on my eyelids and lips. They apply like a creamy dream, but stay put once they set. Someone with very oily eyelids may have a different experience. That's why you'll need to try them, if possible, before you buy. My dry skin grabs on and holds on.

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. I have found the holiday collection online at Nordstrom. I suspect you will be able to find it at all Clé de Peau Beauté sources soon. If you stop by the counter, you can see the rest of the items in the collection. The blush and these pencils were all I could afford for now.

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Rosy Frost Blush from the Holiday 2013 Enchanted Winter Garden Collection

The new Clé de Peau Beauté caught my eyes immediately, and after I absorbed its overall beauty, I went straight for the limited-edition cream blush in Rosy Frost ($55). I could probably be called a cream blush fanatic, although I prefer to think of my love as a sophisticated appreciation for the merits of makeup that looks like it belongs on my face.

Here is the new display - unfortunately reflecting me (white sweater and all from Saturday). The new Enchanted Winter Garden Kit ($195) is pretty, but not me. I can't pay that kind of money for three eye shadows I won't wear. However, if you love lavenders, you will find the palette irresistible.

Clé de Peau Beauté brings you an exquisitely creamy blush designed to blend into your skin with a soft texture and rich, luminous color. It accentuates your natural contours, giving your cheeks an enchanting wintery glow.

It certainly does. Alanna warned me that a little goes a long way, so I am applying it with a light hand. She was right. Given the intense rose shade, I need to apply only a very light touch to transform from pale to blushing. My photo was taken in full sunlight, and I think it's too red. The color shown in Clé de Peau's own photo at the top of this feature provides a better representation of the blush color.  Even the pot is pretty.

I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator to apply a swatch to my arm. I probably should have grabbed a brush to get another type of photo, but I got distracted. This swatch was applied in the medium intensity range - not ultra-lightly, but definitely not as heavily as I often apply swatches for photos.

If you want color that is more subtle than this, apply less. It helps to apply a fresh dose of moisturizer right before you apply it if you want much lighter color on your cheeks. The moisturizer will give it even more slip than it already has and allow you to apply it for very transparent coverage. Once it sets, it should stay with you all day.

I think the color is a knockout. I haven't had it long, but based on my current, very light usage, this pot may last forever. It's so good looking, I'll be pleased to see this charming blush among my favorite blushers with its peerless rose-colored jar.

I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. I have found the holiday collection and Rosy Frost Blush online at Nordstrom. I suspect you will be able to find it at all Clé de Peau Beauté sources soon. What do you think? Will this beauty go on your have-a-look list?

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Contour Balm Anti-Wrinkle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté

Coming Soon: Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick

Clé de Peau Beauté's Extra Rich Lipstick (Rouge à Lèvres) has been reformulated, according to the Clé de Peau Beauté representative at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. It's said to be a harmony of rich color and refined texture, as stirring as a rose in bloom, as seductively soft as a perfect petal.

This elegant, moisturizing lipstick is said to infuse the lips with luxurious color, texture, and skin care for a look of radiance like never before. Newly designed for Extra Rich Lipstick, the packaging feels as luxurious as it looks. The older packaging is shown above because I can't find a photo of the new faceted tube.

Jennifer Moon, the Clé de Peau representative, gave me a sample card. With a spectrum of 30 shades in three finishes, satin, silk, and velvet, it looks intriguing. Like most Clé de Peau Beauté lip colors, the color bullet is sold separately from the case (or holder). The Refill (color) is $40, and the holder is $25. Unlike the eye shadows, you really need both for the lipsticks, making Extra Rich Lipstick a very pricey lipstick.

I took swatch photos of 103, 203, 303, and 311 - top to bottom on my arm - in full sunshine. I applied each color with a concealer brush.

These colors range from everyday shades (for me) to full-on glam color. They are very creamy and, if you look closely, carry a bit of sparkle. I didn't notice the sparkle until I used a paper towel to wipe the swatches from my arm before I washed them off. It was at that point that I saw tiny sparklies. I think they give the colors radiance without overt shimmer.

The lipsticks have not arrived. I cannot find mention of the new forumulation anywhere. I'll be pretty unhappy to learn that this information was bogus. The shade names, numbers instead of the older letter-number combination, make me think the new formulation is the real thing.

I will be the first in line to reserve 103, shown at the top of my arm. I think it's gorgeous. There are so many shades, though, I may have to see them all before I decide.

The sample card shows very tiny renditions of all the colors, grouped by category. They look gorgeous. There was no sense in trying to photograph it because the border is black. I can't wait to see the collection in person. If you would like to see what's coming, stop by your favorite Clé de Peau counter.

Update 7/27: Silly me for doubting! The lipsticks have arrived at counters, and they are gorgeous.

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in #210 from the Mediterranean Beauty Collection

Last week, I was able to show you Clé de Peau Beauté's Mediterranean Beauty Collection. Eye Color Quad ($55 or $80) in #209. Today, we'll check out #210. Both add a touch of blue - although different hues - to a neutral palette. If you'd like, you can see a short film featuring La Beauté Mediterranéé at the Clé de Peau Web site. Radiance becomes you!

A new collection inspired by a sunlit Mediterranean sky and clear blue sea stretching to infinity. A white hot sun blanching the earth. Bathe in its aura. Glow with its captivating radiance and limitless beauty. Lips are lustrous. Eyes glisten like jewels, reflecting the lucidity of the sea. The look expresses the pure energy and stunning allure of the Mediterranean.

I purchased both new quads from the Mediterranean Beauty Collection at Neiman Marcus. As with all the new items, I opted for the refills, so you will see a plastic container below. The compact adds an extra $25, which adds up when you buy one of the quads. Since they take up less space when stacked in my bathroom, I'm perfectly happy with the refills.

Layers of light in whispers of color. More than eye shadow, it's the feeling of light and translucence. Soft shades combine with skin-care benefits to achieve delicate depth and refinement.

The skin-care benefits to which Clé de Peau Beauté refers are argan tree oil, which provides smooth application and hydrating wear, and Clé de Peau's proprietary advanced moisturizing Hydro-Wrap Complex. Somehow, the ingredients the company uses combine to produce luxurious makeup.

Quad #210 reinforces Clé de Peau's blue seas theme with one blue shade to add contrast to the neutrals. I took swatch photos in full, afternoon sun. I applied all four shades heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator.

I swatched from left to right in the palette, top to bottom on my arm. The gold shade at the top of my arm is a perfect gold, a nice pigment that applies evenly to the skin, providing a perfect sheen. It's a light gold, which adds a nice contrast to the darker browns and blue.

The copper-toned brown provides a bit of subtle sparkle that flatters the eyes. The true blue is vibrant. Blue and brown has always been one of my favorite clothing color combinations. Now I'll see if these two bring that combination to fore among my favorite eye looks.

The brown at the bottom of my arm is applied heavily. As a result, it looks muddy. It's a prettier shade when applied lightly - appropriately. It does look great as an eyeliner, as it was intended to be used, given its size in the palette: small. Wear brown mascara, not black, and you'll have a fresh, new, beachy look.

Of the two new Eye Color Quads, #209 is my favorite. It's lighter and better suited to my pale complexion. I think this one, #210, was designed for woman who like or can wear more color.

I'd recommend you stop by a Clé de Peau Beauté counter and explore the magnificent new colors. Or, check them out online at the Clé de Peau Beauté Web site. I have photos of the new Enhanced Lip Luminizers and promise I'll post them very soon.

Photo at top courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty