Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette

Clinique's new online-exclusive Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palette ($33) comes in six color coordinated shades. I had a hard time narrowing my choice, but I am happy with it. I selected Defining Roses.

Each is a versatile cheek sculpting compact with natural-looking shades that blend and build beautifully. Use each separately to color, contour, or highlight. Or swirl them together for a quick easy glow. Use the mid-toned shade as a blush, the deep-toned shade to contour, and the lightest shade to highlight. For a quick, easy glow swirl brush over entire palette and dust over apples of cheeks. The powder color is long-wearing and oil-free.

I took my own photos in full, mid-day sun. You can see some sparkle in the shades above, but that sparkle doesn't translate on the face into a glitter bomb.

I swatched all shades using a sponge-tipped applicator. The stripe swatch at the top of my arm is a blend of all shades combined. It gleams! I love the color. Under that swatch, I applied the lightest color (almost undetectable on my arm, but look for a very light pink), the "top" shade next down, and the lower right shade at the bottom of my arm. I really like all of the colors and will use them alone and blended.

You can order this beauty or one of the other colorways at Clinique's Web site. I'm thinking of purchasing a second one.

I have had trouble getting my blogging routine back in gear. The guy who copied my files onto this new computer did not copy Snag-It, a program I use all the time. I tried out the Windows 10 feature for photos, and it put a black border around Clinique's photo at the top of this feature. I hated that, so I fooled around with Paint and got what I wanted. I must get this and other problems resolved.

P.S. I had ordered Defining Nectars from Clinique. They sent Defining Roses. I'm happy with their mistake.

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

Clinique Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer

I wanted to try Clinique's new Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer ($18). I am a pushover for sheer lip colors, and the built-in primer intrigued me. Clinique's description caught my eye, so I ordered one sight-unseen.

A pretty pop of bold yet see-through color + a smoothing primer in one coat. Luxurious yet weightless formula with built-in primer glides on effortlessly, wears for up to eight hours. Keeps lips comfortably moisturized instantly and over time.

I had to select a shade. After reviewing six, I chose Melon Drop Pop, shown above. The lipstick bullet on Clinique's Web site made the shade look orange, but their swatch made the shade appear to be pink. I tossed the dice and ordered it, and I'm very happy with Melon Drop Pop. On my lips, it's a warm pink, definitely not orange.

For a sheer lip color, it is extremely long-wearing. I assume the primer in the ingredients helps it stay on. It is not extremely moisturizing, nor is it dry. I'd call its hydration excellent for a long-lasting lipstick and average for all types of lipsticks.

There is something else about it I like. I can use the shiny metal cap of the tube as a mirror. I know it wasn't designed that way. It just works.

Here is a quickly taken swatch photo, snapped in full, mid-day sunshine (weeks ago - it has rained for nine straight days). I applied the swatch directly from the tube. Look a the pretty color! Without the pink pigmentation of my lips, it leans peach. You can see that on my arm. However, factor in the pigmentation of my lips, and it shines like a beautiful warm pink beacon.

Clinique offers a non-sheer version in a wide range of shades: Lip Colour + Primer. You can check it out at Sephora. The colors of these are described as saturated. Go with your preference. I'm a sheer gal.

I'm glad I purchased it. The price is great, and I will get a lot of wear from it. I purchased mine from Sephora online. You can also find it at Clinique and any Clinique counter. Neiman Marcus gave up their Clinique counters, which I think is a shame.

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

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm - Three Shades

I decided it was time to invest in some "new" Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Balms ($17). Yes, there was a nice GWP. First featured here in February 2013, I was ready for some new shades. You can translate that to mean I love them.

These lip pencils provide a soft cushion of color that's not quite opaque, but close. Let's call them semi-opaque - not too intense, not at all wimpy. Loaded with mango and shea butters, these wonderful sticks will make your lips pop with color and feel comfortably soft and smooth. I selected three shades - two of which are new to me and one that's a repeat because my original is worn to a nub.

My new purchases are shown below. In left to right order, they are Curviest Caramel (#01) shown above and below at left; Chunkiest Chili (#02), shown in the middle below; and Broadest Berry (#07) - a repeat purchase. Berry shades and I have a "thing."

Sorry the sun chose to focus on those shiny silver bases. It left the tubes slightly out of focus, but I think I made up for it with swatches, which I swatched in numerical order, starting with #01 at the op of my arm and ending with #07, my repeat fave.

I took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sunshine. I applied each shade moderately - not too light, not too heavily. As you can see at the top of my arm, Curviest Caramel, which is characterized as a nude, is really a warm pink "on the nude side." It's a perfect color for me; I don't look very good in beige lip colors. I need for them to lean toward pink or peach.

Chunkiest Chili, in the middle, was an experiment. I will admit I wasn't sure if it was a good shade for me. Also characterized as nude (a misnomer, I think), it is a very warm rose. It's actually quite flattering, so I guessed well. I won't claim to have planned its lovely look.

I'm still in love with Broadest Berry, show at the bottom above. Categorized as violet, I'd call it a berry shade - something like wild raspberry. It's lovely on the lips, adding a vivid color that's believable.

Loaded with mango and shea buttersl these lip pencils make my lips feel comfortably soft and smooth. They are great for throwing in my purse for color on the go. The price at $17 is a steal. I know that many of you have expressed your preference to spend your money anywhere but Clinique. There is some perception that Clinique is for kids. I don't agree. I see Clinique as being the same as its Estée Lauder "cousins." It's well known that beauty companies tweak very little from line to line when they introduce new products. I like to think of Clinique as being the bargain of the family.

I purchased my new Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms from the Clinique Web site. You can find them at every retailer - in store and online - that offers Clinique products.

P.S. I had planned to publish this feature today, before my feed e-mail went out. I'm sorry I didn't make it. Work or fatigue can get in my way. Today it was work. 

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

Clinique Pink with a Purpose for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

You can show your support for breast cancer research with an exclusive shade of Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Pink Ribbon Honey ($15). The lipstick comes with a limited-edition pink-ribbon makeup bag. Three dollars from every purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I try to be supportive of philanthropy when combined with beauty products, so I ordered this product (from Sephora, I think), based on the photo above that shows the swatch of the Pink Ribbon Honey Lipstick as being a bright, relatively pigmented, lip color. It's not. Despite the fact that I love Almost Lipstick, I was disappointed to discover that this lip color is extremely light and a transparent pink.  While perfect for a teenager, it's not my ideal for a lipstick. Most of you know I love sheer lipsticks, but I do prefer a little pigmentation.

The little makeup bag is cute, but I didn't need another makeup bag. The Almost Lipstick held promise when I unwrapped it. The color in the tube is delicious. It's just a little too light to delight me.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I tried to apply the color heavily to make it appear to be colorful. The photos that follow are the best I could do.

It's pretty, but it has no pizazz. If I had a teenaged daughter, I would give it to her in a heartbeat. It is a sweet color.

I will wear Pink Ribbon Honey. I may keep it in my desk drawer at work when I need a quick moisture fix. However, had I seen it before I purchased it, I might have skipped it. I do feel good that $3 of my purchase went to breast cancer research, and the product was extremely inexpensive.

You can find the limited-edition Pink with a Purpose Almost Lipstick kit at Clinique retailers everywhere.

Photo at top courtesy of Lord & Taylor; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique Nightcap All About Shadow Duo

If you haven't read about Clinique's totally revamped eye color line, scroll down here at Best Things in Beauty. I've been presenting the information about All About Shadows this week. Today, I'd like to spotlight Nightcap ($20), a duo that instantly grabbed my attention. Then, I'll hold off for a few days before I show you the rest of the duos I purchased. Over the weekend, I'll show you more of the looks Clinique sent me.

I'll skip straight to swatch photos of Nightcap, which I took in full sun. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator. For all of the information about these beautiful new eye shadows (and liners, plus a new primer), just scroll down.

The silvery shade that takes up most of the real estate in the duo has a touch of green in it. If you look very closely at the left side of the swatch, you might be able to see it. The same goes for the "charcoal" shade. It also leans green. It's a shade I already know is very hard to capture with my camera. I don't doctor pictures (other than to blur spots on my arm when I have bruised myself), so what you see is what my camera saw.

I think Nightcap is a gorgeous duo. The quality is as good as it gets. The shadows apply like the nicest "creamy" powders. The colors hold up all day.  The slight shimmer on the duos I've selected is very flattering. I'm thrilled with all of them.

The new All About Shadow colors are available at all Clinique counters and Clinique's Web site. Let us know what colors tempt you.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique All About Shadow - All New, Starting in Taupe Heaven with Starlight Starbright

Most women want eye color with pop that takes seconds to apply, but lasts all day without fading away. These luxurious new Clinique eye shadows provide a rich, creamy formula with high-intensity pigment and intense color. The "form and function" of Clinique's new All About Shadow provide a rich color payoff in a single stroke.

Special "Fusion Layering" and "Variable Milling" technologies were used to create a lush, creamy application that makes the eyelids appear smoother while delivering rich, true color. A blend of good-for-your-skin ingredients, including Astrocaryum Murumuru seed butter and vitamin E, creates the ultimate creamy and silky powder texture. The smooth formula glides on easily and stays put throughout the day. I have been so impressed with the new shadows, I went a little crazy at the counters. I have so many to show you!

Available in all finishes, from matte to high shimmer, All About Shadow is offered in Singles, Duos, and Quads. To increase the wear of All About Shadow from eight hours to 12 hours, Clinique has introduced All About Shadow Primer for Eyes - the perfect first step for achieving eyes that dazzle. This new primer significantly improves color retention, reduces creasing, and extends wear up to 12 hours when applied under All About Shadow. For a more casual look, All About Shadow Primer for Eyes can be worn alone to achieve a perfected and natural look. The doe foot wand makes application easy. The primer is available in four shades to reach a broad range of skin tones: Very Fair, Moderately Fair, Medium, and Deep. I haven't tried it yet because I just restocked my favorite primer and added Tom Ford's new primer to my stable - but I will get to it.

To add more intensity to any eye look, Clinique’s top-selling Quickliner for Eyes Intense builds definition while lasting from day to night. This fabulous eyeliner provides non-fading, long-wearing color with a smooth, liquid-liner-like payoff that stays put for 12 hours. It's available in six new shades: Intense Truffle, Intense Clove, Intense Peridot, Intense Peacock, Intense Aubergine, and Intense Amethyst, as well as two limited-edition colors,  Intense Sable, and Intense Cobalt. I think it was Cobalt that made my hyperventilate. Quickliner for Eyes Intense is now available in 15 gorgeous shades.

The beautiful range of colors drew me to the new display at Clinique counters. I've picked out colors at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. You will have to click on the photo above to see the extraordinary range of shades. Even then, you can't experience their beautiful texture and finishes from these swatch photos.

Today, I'd like to show you one of the first duos I purchased: Starlight Starbright (a duo, $20). It was obviously made for taupe/neutral shadow lovers. It comes with an overlay on the mirror, suggesting how you might want to apply the two shades to create a beautiful look. You can easily peel off the overlay.

I took swatch photos last week. I swathed fairly heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photographs in full sun. The shade on the left is shown at the top of my arm, and the smaller shadow is shown below.

I think these subtly shimmering shades are exquisite. The light taupe is a perfect base shade, and the darker taupe is my kind of definition color. This must be a very popular duo because it was sold out (already) at one store where I shopped and still in stock at another. While I'm sure it will be restocked, I wanted it "now."

I have many swatch photos to show you. I did say I went a little crazy. Who wouldn't with gorgeous shades and fabulous prices? Stay tuned this week as I show you more and provide some of Clinique's application tips. I love this new eye color line!

The new All About Shadow colors are available at all Clinique counters and Clinique's Web site. You should check them out.

Photos at top by Clinique; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick Flash Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Camelia Andrasescu!

I just decided to run a flash giveaway contest overnight. What should it be? I found this beautiful Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Raspberry Rush ($15) in my "Clinique box" and knew one of you might like to have it.

Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick is the creamiest, richest, smoothest lip color you can imagine. Clinique's revolutionary gel formula delivers the shine of a gloss with the comfort of a lipstick, drenching your lips in moist, lush color that glides on like soft butter and feels luxuriously smooth.

Here's a Nordstrom online swatch of Raspberry Rush. Doesn't it look luscious?

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.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be tomorrow, Sunday, June 9, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner the next day. 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. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

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!

Yes, I left the "q" out of Clinique earlier. Think my fingers failed me. 

Photos courtesy of Sephora and Nordstrom

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

Perhaps the original Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Balms were too light for your tastes (they were perfect for me). Maybe you're ready for a change. Either way, the new Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms ($16) are an exciting introduction. They provide a soft cushion of color that's not quite opaque, but close.

Loaded with mango and shea butters, these wonderful sticks will make your lips pop and feel comfortably soft and smooth. The eight vibrant shades all called my name. I had to exercise overwhelming discipline to select only three on my first round, an online order at Clinique.com.

After agonizing over it for a few minutes, I selected 06 Roomiest Rose, 07 Broadest Berry, and 08 Grandest Grape. They are shown directly above in that order.

I took my swatch photos in morning sunlight. I think you could agree that all three colors are stunning.

Roomiest Rose t the top of my arm is gorgeous. What a pure rose! I'd love to have a vase of real roses in that color. Broadest Berry, in the middle, is that brown rose to which I always gravitate. It's a perfect color for me.

Grandest Grape, shown at the bottom in my swatch photos, is a grape-leaning, cool-toned rose. Magnificent!

These lipsticks (literally) are very pigmented. These three are plenty dark on me. They are not as shiny as they appear in my swatches, primarily because of the direct sun. If you want shine, you should add a lip gloss over them.

I definitely want to try another one - probably Chunkiest Chili. You can purchase them at Clinique's Web site, where you can buy two (for lips or eyes) and get free shipping with the code CHUBBY. They are also available at all Clinique counters (and their equivalent store online sites).

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

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint For Eyes

When Clinique's new Chubby Stick Shadow Tints For Eyes ($16) arrived at counters and online, I hesitated. I was trying to be frugal - not very successfully. I love my Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms, so I don't know why I was holding out. I finally ordered four online.

As an aside, when did companies born and bred in the United States start spelling "color" as "colour," the European way? Does it strike you as a little pretentious? Am I weird to notice or think that?

There's nothing weird about these wonderful cream shadows in handy sticks.There's a lot to love, starting with the colors and ending with the extraordinary long wear. When I applied them for my swatch photos, I could not wash them off with soap and water. It took a long-wear eye makeup remover to remove every last trace. That is always my first tip that they will say on my eyelids all day - or more.

Sheer wash of lightweight, creamy color slips on. Layerable and long-wearing. Versatile, too. Glide one on for a swift wash of color. Contour with another to add depth, and yet another to highlight. There's no need to stop at just one.  Appropriate for sensitive eyes and contact lens-wearers.

You can apply these Chubby Sticks sheerly, but I find they give you a pop for your $16 - more color, less sheer. Now I'm wondering if I should stop by the Clinique counter and purchase a few more. Maybe during Neiman Marcus Beauty Week?

Here are the four I purchased, from left to right: 01, Bountiful Beige; 03 Fuller Fudge; 05 Whooping Willow; and 06 Mighty Moss. All four offer fabulous color.

I do have a bone to pick with Clinique's quality assurance. Look at the amount of product exposed above the tube. This is how they arrived - everyone different. There is no way to roll the excess back into the tube. Each tube has a different starting point. Not only that, the silver caps do not fit tightly, so they keep falling off. Whoever does Clinique's QA gets a fail.

It's a good thing the shadows are fabulous! I took swatch photo of these shades in full sunlight, applying them in the order shown above on my arm, top to bottom.

Bountiful Beige is a very pretty fleshy peach with a gleam. It's a perfect base shade or a color you can wear when you want to swipe and go. The sun hit it directly in my swatch photo, lighting it up. Fuller Fudge is a fabulous copper brown.

Whooping Willow is the color of moss. I love every shade of green, and I find this one particularly enticing. It's the one that should have been called Mighty Moss. The real Mighty Moss at the bottom of my arm is drop-dead gorgeous.  The shade is hard to describe. Here are some of my attempts: weathered emerald and green-tilt teal. I don't know what to call this shade, other than breathtaking. What would you call it?

Clinique groups the 12 shades into looks. Three of the four I purchased are members of "In the Nudes." Mighty Moss belongs to "Go for the Gold." as is Bountiful Beige. There is overlap in the groups.

I always liked Mighty Mouse, but at my age, I think Mighty Moss is a more appropriate crush. These are very cool eye shadows.

You can purchase them at Clinique's Web site, where you can buy two (for lips or eyes) and get free shipping with the code CHUBBY. They are also available at all Clinique counters (and their equivalent store online sites).

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

Clinique Runway Coral: Pizazz Made Simple

Direct from Fashion Week in New York City, Clinique's limited-edition Long Last Lipstick in Runway Coral ($15) is a stunner. This coral lipstick was created by Global Colour Artist Jenna Menard for Karen Walker's Spring/Summer 2012 fashion collection.

Karen wanted the models to look youthful and pretty, with a sophisticated twist. So Menard kept the eye look simple and went for a strong, vibrant lip (a la Angelina Jolie). She chose bright coral because it's less predictable than red. Clinique's labs created the perfect shade. It worked with the fashions, and it worked with the models' skin tones. You can see how she created Runway Coral at this link.

Runway Coral is not a shade in my comfort zone - exactly why I ordered it from Clinique's Web site. Bright lips? You won't see me sporting them very often. Coral? Not me. However, I'm smitten with this beautiful lip color. I won't wear it often, but there are occasions that call for a vibrant lip color. I can pull out Runway Coral and be right in style with this year's orange tones vying for "look at me" attention.

Here are two swatch photos taken in full sun. Yep; it's bright. Yep; it's coral. Does it look good with my cool-toned, fair skin? Yes, amazingly. I never thought I'd be able to wear a coral lip.

I do have to take care that it doesn't scream against my other makeup or clothing. It's bright. I think Runway Coral may have shaken me out of my comfort zone - just a tiny bit. I've worn it as a stain (applied, blotted, and "enhanced" with a lip gloss) and as a lipstick (at night). I think it looked pretty darn good. No one recognized me, I'm sure.

Runway Coral is/was an online exclusive at Clinique's Web site. I ordered mine about a week ago. I just checked and it's currently listed as sold out. I hope Clinique responds to the demand and makes more of them.

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

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm: Available in Eight New Shades

A year and a half ago, Clinique introduced Chubby Sticks Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($16). They were $15 at the time. Either success or inflation led to a price increase, but I love them no less. What's a dollar when a product is this perfect?

These super-nourishing tinted balms are loaded with mango and shea butters to make them smooth, creamy, and a luscious treat for the lips. My dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortable, and Chubby Sticks are perfect for me. Clinique apparently heard the call and added eight new shades, each with a subtle sheen.

The application is quick and easy. The creamy, thick pencil glides across my lips with no drag, leaving color and moisture behind. There is no taste, and there is no discernible fragrance - just a pretty, natural tint that's flattering - and looks like my own, no matter what the shade.

My new shades are Curvy Candy (#14), Pudgy Peony (#15), and Voluptuous Violet (#16). They are shown above in the same order, left to right. I also swatched them in that order, top to bottom, on my arm. I took my photos in full sun. The colors may appear to be washed out from the sun, but what you see below is the way they look on my arm.

You will find that they look more pigmented on the lips than they look on my arm. Your own lip pigmentation will determine how much color they provide. Pudgy Peony, shown in the middle of the three swatches, is the darkest on my lips. It actually shows a lot of color. Voluptuous Violet isn't as crazy purple as it looks in the pencil.

Chubby Sticks leave a gleam on my lips, but they aren't overtly shiny. Evey one of the shades is gorgeous, and because they are so sheer, you can wear colors you might not have expected to work with your skin tone. You can't lose. Pick a few and try them.

Clinique advises that for subtle definition you should outline your lips first, then fill in with natural-looking color. That's too much trouble for me. I swipe (well, maybe draw) and go, as you would with any tinted balm. They are so easy - and so nice - you can't go wrong. Want to create your own Chubby Stick mix? Clinique has a cute tool on its Web site.

Leave it to Clinique to give us more good-for-us beauties. You can find the new colors at Clinique's Web site, Sephora, and Clinique counters (or online sites) everywhere.

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

Clinique Almost Lipstick - New Shades

Clinique's legendary Almost Lipstick ($15) is available in six new shades. Almost Lipstick merges transparent pigment with the unique, natural tone of your lips to create something wonderful and yours alone. It's sheer, glossy, and gorgeous.

I bought seven shades a few weeks ago - all six new ones and a refresher tube of the iconic Black Honey. Think I like the formula? I hadn't seen the new shades in person (they appeared at Clinique online before I saw them at Neiman Marcus). I couldn't choose, so I ordered all of them. I knew how sheer and wearable they'd be. One of these lovely shades will go into my handbag, one will go in my bathroom, and the rest will rotate in as I need them. I'm set for a few years.

Here are all my new Almost Lipsticks. My photos were taken in full, afternoon sun. The shades on my arm are listed below, from top to bottom.

• Black Honey (#06) - Clinique's signature shade, described as deep, blackened raisin
  
• Tender Honey (#35) - very sheer nude
  
• Chic Honey (#35) - marvelous mauve
  
• Luscious Honey (#37) - baby pink
  
• Lovely Honey (#38) - warm pink
  
• Spicy Honey (#40) - pink with a touch of peach
  
• Flirty Honey (#41) - baby pink, very similar to Luscious Honey

The sun's rays bounce off the shades in full sun. Indoors they provide a soft tint and shine that make your lips look naturally pretty. I think that's why Moms everywhere let their young pre-teens wear Almost Lipstick. I've never grown out of it - probably never will.

It feels great on the lips (better than balm) because it's emollient-rich and very lightweight. It works its magic without any stickiness or tackiness. The bullets are soft, ensuring that the color glides onto the lips effortlessly. Almost Lipstick belongs in my genius category. The shades are perfect for spring's transparent looks. Given the $15 price tag, everyone can afford to try one.

I bought my latest fix online at Clinique. All the new shades are now on a display at your favorite Clinique counter.

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

Coming Attraction: New Clinique Almost Lipsticks

Last week, Clinique offered me a limited-time preview of the new line of Almost Lipsticks in the shade Luscious Honey ($15). I checked tonight because I couldn't "get to" ordering until now. The preview shade, Luscious Honey, was still available! I ordered it, with free shipping. I hope my order goes through.

Clinique will introduce seven sheer new shades to its Almost Lipstick line-up. The new colors were inspired by the brand’s cult Black Honey signature color statement - one I love. The new lipsticks will be available worldwide in January 2012.

Black Honey was introduced in 1971 as a new lip gloss shade and launched as an Almost Lipstick in 1989. Earlier this year, it inspired an entire make-up collection, featuring violet and berry hues for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. I think I've bought everything.

The new Almost Lipstick colors feature natural nudes, pinks, violets, and reds. The shade names are Tender Honey, Luscious Honey, Spicy Honey, Shy Honey, Flirty Honey, Lovely Honey, and Chic Honey. Take a look at this photo. They all look luscious.

“The ultra-sheer formula is a great way to experiment with different colors and introduce yourself to shades you’ve never worn before,” noted Jenna Menard, Clinique’s Global Color Artist. “Sometimes women are hesitant to try a pink, red, or nude lip – Almost Lipstick can be the perfect stepping stone into other color families.”

She added, “When I work with women, I tweak and mix shades that will be custom to them. Almost Lipstick works with your own natural coloring, and the shades will allow you to have a color that’s essentially custom to you the second it’s applied. Choose any shade and it will instantly be your own.”

That's the beauty of Almost Lipstick. I can't wait to get Luscious Honey - followed by the rest of them next month.

Update: 12/20: I got a back-order e-mail after my confirmation. Bummer! I'll have to wait at least two weeks.

Photos courtesy of Clinique and The Moodie Report

Tomorrow: Clinique's First-Ever Limited-Edition Face Palette

I couldn't resist sharing this morning's e-mail with you. Available online tomorrow, December 2, Clinique's set for eyes, cheeks, and lips looks lovely. What do you think?

Update: Neiman Marcus has this palette available! Call Kathy Shoreman at (571) 212-8399.

Photo courtesy of Clinique

New: Clinique Black Honey Shimmering Tones Powder

New and exclusive to Sephora, Clinique's limited-edition Black Honey Shimmering Tones Powder ($29.50) was a must-have for me. I love everything Black Honey!

Long a cult favorite, Black Honey shimmers in this beautifully blended powder. It instantly creates a sheer, subtle radiance that will look fabulous on everyone, just like the classic that inspired it.

The checkerboard pressed powder is presented in a fun black honey colored compact, rather than the usual Clinique silver. It will be easy to spot in my makeup pile-up.

The powder itself thrilled me. It offers three colors that, when blended (the only way to use them effectively), provides a gleaming, unique rosy brown mauve shade. The shade is so hard to define I had to string together three color terms. All of you makeup lovers know Black Honey, so I'm fairly confident you'll understand.

You can see the three shades in the compact photos above. One is a fleshy pink, the second is a light plummy mauve, and third is a deeper plummy mauve with a lot of brown in it. I suppose you could use the shades individually with an eye shadow brush if you want to, but that wasn't the purpose of the powder.

I took a few swatch photos in full sun to attempt to show you the shade. I applied the powder very heavily with a dense blush brush at the top of my arm and very lightly below. The powder gleams. It shimmers, but not in a sparkly way. If you swipe your fingers across the colors, you'll see that the shimmer must come from micro-fine powders - so fine that there's no single sparkle within the effect. It gleams like sunlight's reflection on water. Lightly applied, it's perfectly daytime-appropriate.

Black Honey Shimmering Tones Powder is enormously flattering. Black Honey has always been "every woman's color." There's something about the rosy brown that mimics our skin tones, blush tones, lip colors - no matter what our coloring. If you've never tried Black Honey, you have a new opportunity. You can find this beauty online at Sephora.

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