Rouge Bunny Rouge Silk Aether Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadow in Gossamer Wing

Rouge Bunny Rouge, one of my favorite beauty companies, makes a Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadow (in the U.S. $45 at Beautyhabit) that caress your skin with the ease of a butterfly wing beat, so that your lids appear smooth and renewed while coated with a semi-matte, slightly luminous color. Rouge Bunny Rouge sent me Gosssamer Wing (#085) last summer, and I've been enjoying it since.

All Rouge Bunny Rouge products grow from the Enchanted Garden with a story...
Deep inside one of the Enchanted Garden's dense jungles, surrounded by thick and leafy rainforest, lies the Butterfly Makers' Workshop. As the hot monsoon rains drum down upon its roof, inside there is serene calm, as hundreds of the most skillful tailors labor lovingly over exquisitely fine fabrics, cutting and moulding them with a precision that only a select few can ever manage to attain. Rolls of light and airy chiffon, luxuriant velvet, delicate white batiste, and sparkling brocade are cut, smoothed, and shaped by the expert fingers of the craftsmen. A tailor will close his eyes, and fabric in hand, imagine on a mental canvas the image of a perfect, elegant butterfly. After many hours of work, the outline of smooth wings becomes apparent, absent of the smallest crinkle. It is said that some of the butterflies are so perfect that they burst forth from the fingers of the tailors. Acquiring a life of their own, they mingle with the light and fly away into the rainforest, gently flapping their smooth, silky wings.

How magical! Inspired by these very butterflies that sprang to life, Rouge Bunny Rouge introduced Silk Aether Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadow. The Long-lasting Duo Cream Eye Shadows are an irresistible combination of exceptionally long-wear, non-crease, richly pigmented and smudge-proof qualities in one formula. The extreme long-lasting effect is delivered through synthetic filming polymers, which ensure a perfect appearance all day.

The light, mousse-like texture ensures an effortless application. Best control is achieved by innovative silicon waxes and gels in combination with beeswax. Rouge Bunny Rouge added Para Cress Flower Extract to stimulate natural skin lifting capabilities and Coffee Extract to increase collagen and elastin production while also enhancing the natural skin defenses. The airtight vials protect the precious formula; the soft sponge applicators allow me to pick up the perfect amount of product with each application and also layer it if I want more color. Apply one layer, and you will achieve a satin wash. Apply a stronger application, and the shadow will become opaque, slightly metallic, and a darker hue of the same color.

The packaging is perfect to take along in your makeup bag in case you want to refresh your makeup before a night on the town. However, I've found that this eye shadow says on a very long time, so I don't have to refresh it after work.

Gossamer Wing could not be a more perfect neutral combination for me - for anyone, I'll bet. Rouge Bunny Rouge describes it as a perfect match of a velvety café latte, paired with the most flattering, silky luminous beige.

I applied it using its own sponge-tipped applicator and evened it out without blending it into my arm too much. I took my swatch photo in one of the rare moments today when we had sunshine peeking through the clouds.

The darker shade at the top of my arm is easy to see. The lighter shade, a perfect base or brightening color, is shown below. I can see the lighter shade in the photo; I hope you can. It is a tiny bit more beige than my skin, and it's definitely more luminous (without being sparkly).

Rouge Bunny Rouge offers tips for application. You can line, shade, and contour your eyes sheerly or in a more dramatic way. Use the lighter shade to highlight the inner corners of the eyes and the area underneath the brow bones. Use the slightly deeper shade along the crease to add a natural looking contour. Blend the two shades together to create a flawless nude finish and an even tone along the lids.

For an added boost of longevity, dab and blend a pea-sized amount of Aqua Primer, Mattifying Primer, or Luminous Skin Wand over your clean lid. Follow by applying Duo Cream Eye Shadow for a waterproof, long-lasting base for your favorite powdered eye shadow. For natural looking, bright, and luminous eyes, blend either shade of the Duo Cream Eye Shadow from the lash line to just underneath the brow’s edge using Rouge Bunny Rouge's Large Shader Brush #003.

You can see the ingredients here. To order, hop over to Rouge Bunny Rouge or Beautyhabit.

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

Marc Jacobs Beauty Twinkle Pop Eye Sticks

I always get excited about cream eye shadows, and so it was with Marc Jacobs' Twinkle Pop Eye Sticks ($28). I saw an array of shades at Sephora and ordered five. I will tell you that I was confused by two shades that looked so similar in the little square swatches that I didn't know which one to order. I ordered both. That was probably a mistake because they are almost indistinguishable.

I only swatched one of Volver (#402) and Honey Bunny (#400). Look at them in the tube, and you won't be able to tell the difference. I became impatient for a couple of reasons. When I was taking my photographs, it was 95 degrees outside. I was sitting on asphalt in full sun, trying to figure out the difference. Once you take them out of the box, as far as I can tell, you will never know the name again. Each stick is unmarked. Because my poor butt was burning from the hot asphalt, I gathered them all up quickly and moved into the shade the moment I took the photo above. That's where I discovered that I couldn't tell which was Volver and which was Honey Bunny. You don't need both.

The tubes have a color indication at the top (that's not product), but the two on the left, Volver and Honey Bunny are so close, it's impossible to distinguish them. The other three, from left to right are Au Revoir (#406), Shoshanna (#414), and Leila (#416)

I found them melting as I tried to swatch them, so I swatched very quickly and a bit unevenly. I just wanted to get the eye shadows and myself inside. All the time I was doing this, I was being swarmed by mosquitoes. It was not pleasant - even though these eye shadows are really nice.

On my arm, you will see the champagne Volver at the top; Au Revoir, and exquisite pewter next down; Shoshanna, the turquoise; and Leila, described a rose copper, but fairly orange. There are other shades available. I thought five was enough for me for now.

I will enjoy wearing and playing with these. I love them. I wish the experience of photographing had been a bit more enjoyable, but, hey, it's August.

You can find these beauties at Sephora and Marc Jacobs' Web site. They are definitely worth a look-see. Just don't hang outside in the heat, direct sun, and surrounded by insects as you make your introductions.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

M∙A∙C Pedro Lourenço Cream Colour Base in Hush

Brazilian fashion designer Pedro Lourenço continues to enchant the fashion world with his couture-like sensibility and meticulous attention to detail. The child of fashion designers, Lourenço grew up in São Paulo and has been designing since the early age of 12. M·A·C’s collaboration brings his unique elegance to a color collection that emulates the same delicate balance he achieves in his design work. Daring, saturated hues are juxtaposed against soft, frosted nudes, all encased in limited-edition, black packaging with a chic, velvet finish.

As I mentioned in another feature, I had a spell when I couldn't get photographs.  Either it was raining after work or I was at physical therapy...or something. So, this Cream Colour Base ($22), which I find glorious, is no longer available at the M∙A∙C Web site (see update below). I'm sorry. If I'm going to keep this blog rolling, I will have to set up a photo studio. I'm hoping you will be able to find this item - along with the other I purchased - at a M∙A∙C counter or boutique. That is often the case.

Versatile and multi-purpose, the limited-edition Cream Colour Base in the soft peach of Hush can be applied directly to bare skin or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder. Apply it with a brush, a sponge, or your fingers. I've been using my fingers for fast and even application. 

Although it's a perfect "base," I love wearing it on days when I'm in a hurry, need a little color on my eyelids, and want to swipe and go. The light peachy cream shade gleams, focusing attention on my eyes.

For my swatch here, I applied it with a sponge-tipped applicator (to get even lines) and took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sun. Isn't this gentle peach color gorgeous?

It is very creamy on application, making it easy to apply.Once it sets, it stays put. I have used it as an eye shadow and played with it as a highlighter. It's too bad M∙A∙C offered it in only this shade. I like it so much, I might have tossed my recent frugal rule and ordered one of each.

If you love cream products for the face, see if you can find Cream Colour Base in Hush. It will be worth the hunt. I see that the Powder Blush Duo I purchased is also sold out online. What a shame!

Update: See Sara's comment. Hush is a permanent shade. The only difference with this Pedro Lourenço product is that I paid $2 more for his name on the case. I'm kind of annoyed with M∙A∙C, a company I clearly don't know well. I'm happy you can purchase Hush, but annoyed that M∙A∙C would include a standard product in a special edition collection. Thanks, Sara!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow

Normally, I don't feature products I don't like. I was chatting about that online this weekend with other bloggers. It's not fun to criticize poorly marketed or manufactured products when there are so many good ones. Nevertheless, because Givenchy's new Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow ($23) has received some favorable press, I'll tell you about my experience.

Called a new generation of creamy, waterproof, long-lasting eye shadow, these shadows are anything but creamy. They dry down to a powdery finish (Sephora should have said matte) and are said to last for up to 16 hours of long-wearing, waterproof color. The saturated shades can be layered or mixed to create your own unique signature color or ombre combination. Normally, I adore cream eye shadows, so an offering of new ones caught my attention immediately.

I used the little squares of color at Sephora to select my two shades: Beige Mousseline (#2) and Gris Organza (#7). Neither shade resembles the color online.

For reference, I have copied the color representations from Sephora below, starting with Beige Mousseline.

In the Sephora photo, Beige Mousseline appears to have some gold and peach in it. In my photo with the blue background above, taken in full, mid-day sun, it looks like mud. Sephora's photo of Gris Organza is shown directly below. To me, it looks grey, not the charcoal color you see in my photo. It's a closer representation than Beige Mousseline is, though.

Gris Organza came with its own surprise. I noticed the moment I took it out of the box that it had separated from the pot/jar all the way around. The moment I saw that the product had shrunk, I wondered if it would be fine (like Chanel's creams) or dried out. Unfortunately, it was very dry. See the close-up below. It is going back to Sephora. The product is defective. I might send the beige one back along with it - simply because it looks like mud on my eyelids - not what I expected. The color on Sephora's Web site is much prettier than the real thing.

I decided to show you a swatch photo. Sephora cannot resell the products anyway. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator even though Givenchy recommends you use your fingertips.

I found both shades fairly dry. However, the defective Gris Organza was so dry, it was hard to get enough color out of the pot to make an even swatch. I finally gave up. You can see that one side of my swatch is lighter than the other. You wouldn't believe how hard I worked to get pigment to part from the dry little plug of Gris Organza. Beige Mousseline wasn't that much creamier.

Any sparkles you see in my swatch photo are apparently left over from a product I swatched before these eye shadows.  They are definitely matte. The Non-Blonde, who selected a better shade than I did, says they are waterproof (I can attest to their stubborn refusal to wash off) and long-lasting.

There you have it. I am terribly unimpressed. I almost never return makeup. I think it's fairly unethical to blind-buy and then return an item because I don't like the color. Sephora isn't in the business of selling testers for my convenience. In this case, I think the color misrepresentations and the defective/dry product warrant a return. What do you think?

The Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadows are Sephora exclusives.

Photos courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in Météore for Holiday 2013 (?)

The newest addition to Dior's many eye shadows is Diorshow Fusion Mono ($30). The line was launched sometime this summer, if my memory serves me today. Diorshow Fusion is a cream eye shadow, but it shares its nouveau gel texture with the new-ish pot shadows we've already seen from Giorgio Armani and Chanel. At least my Météore filled the jar.

Météore is featured on the Golden Winter Holiday 2013 display (at least at Neiman Marcus it was), although the color has been available since the Fusion Mono line was introduced. Has it been long enough for me to call it a re-promote? I was told that two shades were being featured for holiday, but only one had arrived. OK, I'll take that at face value, but I'm getting fairly skeptical. Locally, Dior representatives have, in my experience, been frankly dishonest in substituting items on their displays. Maybe one of you can tell me whether it's really considered part of the Golden Winter Collection.

Anyhow, it's very pretty - and the perfect bronze for my pale face. I'll warn you: it is extremely sparkly and metallic. I must wear it under the crease (only). I swatched it in mid-day sunshine, using its own applicator, shown below, to apply it to my arm. The bullet-shaped sponge is very firm, which allows it to "grab" the product lightly and without much waste.

The color of Météore is a delightful bronze. It goes on extremely lightly and must be layered to achieve a reasonable saturation of bronze. That could be good or bad. If you want buildable color, it's perfect. If a lack of saturation is one of your pet eye shadow peeves, you might find it (and its sisters) too much sparkle for the trouble.

I built the color fairly heavily for my swatch photos, and I can do that easily on my eyelids. With each stroke of the applicator, the color intensity increases, but the sparkle never loses its drama.

Here is my problem with Dior's Fusion Mono. It migrates on my lids. Almost as soon as I applied it, it moved from its proper location on my outer lid to the crease outside the lids - and downward. I hate that. I want my eye shadow to stay where I apply it. For that reason, this will be the last of this beautiful line of shadows I purchase.

Mine came from Neiman Marcus, where there was a slot for it on the display. I see it available online with the rest of the Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadows that made their entrance this summer.

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

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow in Initiation from the Nuit Infinie de Chanel Collection for Holiday 2013 - Swatched

Chanel's intensely shimmering long-wear eye shadow offers an innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony, allowing it to be worn as an eye shadow or eyeliner. It includes a specially designed flat, angled shadow/liner brush, which was developed specifically for the unique formula.

It seems that Chanel teases us with a new Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow ($36) shade or two with every major collection - and so it is that Initiation, a limited edition, came to live at my house. The other new shade, Fatal, is lavender - not my color. Gold sure is - in any shade!

Unfortunately, the first thing I saw when I opened the jar was that the color doesn't extend all the way to the jar's sides. Can you see in my photo the machine-cut "plug" of color sitting in the jar? That's not the quality I expect from Chanel. Fortunately, the color is.

I took swatch photos of this metallic shade in full, mid-day sun. I swatched it with its little brush - another silly add-on, like all those sponge applicators. Despite my love for Illusion d'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eyeshadow, I've never been impressed with those little applicators.

Fortunately, Initiation's brown-bronze-gold blend - or antique gold - is an exquisite shade. I apologize again for the cat scratch wound. I tried to blur it out a bit, but it's a fresh reminder that my cat man has sharp claws, even though I trim them regularly.

Enough about the things that aren't perfect. This shade is a stunner. Chanel calls it platinum bronze. That's as good a description as any, but it doesn't convey the depth, the uniqueness, or the twinkle that Initiation leaves on the lids. I think this shade is a gorgeous shade for fall and the holidays. It would even work for summer.

This may become my go-to evening eye color, although I haven't seen Chanel's Ombres Matelassé eye palette in person yet. Everyone loves brown. This is brown with pizazz. Don't think you can't wear it just because or if you are over 40. Just keep it under the crease - or use it as an eyeliner. I learned a long time ago to keep the shimmering shades away from the lid above the crease. That doesn't mean I can't wear them; it just means I need to be careful with application.

The Nuit Infinie de Chanel Collection for Holiday 2013 will be making its way into the store counters this month. It is available at Nordstrom at this link. It does not seem to be available yet on Chanel.com, but should be soon.

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

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Suede from the Navy & Nude Collection Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's velvety-smooth Long-Wear Cream Shadow formula goes on easily - and lasts all day without creasing or smearing. Bobbi brought back Suede, a shade I remember, with her Navy & Nude Collection.

From summering in the city to sailing the high seas, when it comes to warm-weather beauty, less is more. For Summer 2013, Bobbi designed a fresh, nude face that's flattering, sexy, and goes with everything, from a nautical striped tee to a chic slip dress. You'll always look cool when wearing her new colors - even in the weather we've suffered recently. I can't promise you'll look like Katie Holmes, but you can come close.

Suede, a tan shadow, gives the lids a soft, matte finish. It's a perfect counterpoint to navy liner - the way Bobbi recommends you wear it. It's certainly office-friendly and the perfect neutral shade for any skin tone.

I have one Suede Long-Wear Cream Shadow to give away. 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 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 Saturday, August 3, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayon in Rococo

Have you noticed I'm on a Jouer kick lately? I am for several reasons - only two of which are the Friends & Family Sale that lured me to order and how good most of my Jouer "blind buys" have turned out to be. One of the beauties I ordered was Jouer's Crème Eyeshadow Crayon in Rococo ($24). I'm a cream eye shadow addict, so it was a no-brainer to select Rococo. The shimmering French vanilla appeared to be a perfect shade for layering with other shades - cream or powder - and I can wear it alone as well.

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayons are available in five pretty, wearable colors. Applying them is effortless. I apply them directly to my eyelid and then blend with my fingertip or a brush for a rich pearl finish.

The fast-drying formula  is designed to prevent creasing and fading. These pencils have a built-in sharpener, which is really nice for precise application. The Crème Eyeshadow Crayons are waterproof, crease-resistant (truth in advertising), and paraben-free.

I took swatch photos in full, morning sun, applying Rococo straight from the tube in only one layer on my arm. I didn't blend the color.

The color is ivory with a touch of gold. It's beautiful blended with other shades (use a darker one for definition) or all on its own to brighten and open the eyes. I think Rococo is a shade everyone can wear, regardless of skin tone.

Can you see how the color looks different in my two photos? It's the same swatch. I could see through my camera's display that the full sun was giving it remarkable platinum iridescence, so I turned away from the direct sun to get a better color representation.

I like the long wear of this cream eye shadow. It does not crease on me, but I always use a primer. I haven't tested it without. You can wear it as a primer or base coat with powder shadows, an extra-added benefit.

I'm still eying that 50% discount code I have for signing up for the Insider newsletter. In addition to what's already in my shopping cart, I must add another Crème Eyeshadow Crayon. I love this one. I think it's going to be Baroque, described as a shimmering soft gold - even though it looks bronze online. I'll bet the two shades will coordinate beautifully. I know they will blend seamlessly.

You can find Jouer's beautiful products at the company's Web site, select Nordstrom locations, and Henri Bendel (also Skin 6|2 in Las Vegas). Jouer also has an active presence on Facebook, so you may want to like their page to get all the news - and know when the next sale is announced. Make sure to sign up for that newsletter too. You may also get that 50% discount offer.

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

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow - Organza for Taupe Lovers

If you saw this photo, would you think that Jouer's Crème Eyeshadow in Organza ($20) leans lavender? I would. Then, after reading its description, "shimmering lavender taupe," I'd be sure of it. I don't go out of my way to order lavender eye shadows, even though I love cream shadows. Why then did I order it? Honestly, I have no idea. It was months ago, and I was desperate to add another one of these beauties from Jouer to my makeup wardrobe. I had Cashmere, which is gorgeous, and I wanted to try a lighter shade.

Imagine my delight when it arrived. I saw lots of shimmering taupe, and almost no lavender. Even before trying it, I know I was going to love Organza.

Lightweight in texture with a velvety finish, Jouer's Crème Eyeshadows offer a subtle shimmer. They can be worn alone as a shadow, layered to illuminate the eye, or smudged along the lash line to create natural definition. The soft, exquisitely blendable formula ensures easy fingertip application if you wish, but out of habit, I use a cream shadow brush to apply my mine.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun because I wanted to show you the glory of Organza. I did use my finger to swatch. I was being lazy and didn't want to go back inside and up the stairs to get a cream shadow brush. Fingertip application works well.

Organza is a drop-dead gorgeous taupe. I suppose one could stretch and see some lavender in it, but it doesn't produce the eye-reddening that lavender does on me. I love everything about this shade: the color, the soft shimmer, and the wear time. It stays on. Remember, I use an eye primer below my eye makeup.

I positioned myself in front of a pink azalea, trying to see if I could make the shade look lavender. I think the photo directly above shows its taupe deliciousness even more - despite the sun drop-off on the left.

Do you see lavender, taupe, or a mix of both? By any chance, do you have Organza? How does it look on your skin? I'm thrilled to show you another not-new product you may have missed.

I don't write about Jouer often because we don't have a Jouer counter in the DC area. It's sad. I discovered the brand online and was delighted to visit the counter at Henri Bendel the last time I visited New York. I hope to go back to explore more of the line in person. In the meantime, I shop online. Now and then, there's a site-wide discount, and I love those opportunities.

You can purchase Jouer's lovely cream shadows and all of their products at the company's Web site and Henri Bendel (also Skin 6|2 in Las Vegas).

Update 3:11 pm: I just saw this. Enjoy 30% off during Jouer's Friends & Family Sale using promo code: FRIENDS&FAMILY! Hurry, the sale ends TODAY at 8:00 pm PST.

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

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick from the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013

The moment Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks ($28) were introduced early this year, I fell in love. Now, there are two new shades - launched with the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013. I tested both Sunlight Gold and Golden Bronze at Neiman Marcus and forced myself to select only one. Golden Bronze won that face off, although I'll admit I really wanted both. I think gold shadows look good on me.

These Shadow Sticks are a treat for women who love cream eye shadows. Effortless and high impact - that’s the essence of Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks. This do-it-all formula glides on tug-free and can be used to shade, define, smoke up, and highlight the eyes. In subtle to eye-popping shades that last for up to eight hours without creasing, flaking or fading. They weren't kidding when they named these "Long-Wear." I was reminded when I swatched Golden Bronze. The swatch would not wash off with soap and water and lasted all day on my arm. I finally removed the color with an oily eye makeup remover at bedtime.

Bobbi Brown said, “Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick is designed for the modern woman on the move. Just swipe it on and go - it’s that easy." I think she was right. About the new collection, she said, "It's relaxed, easy, and gorgeous - what summer beauty is all about."

A unique blend of oils, waxes, and film formers gives this water-resistant formula excellent eight hour wear. Color-rich emollients provide intense pigment in one easy swipe without flaking or creasing. Supremely smooth, lightweight feel. Antioxidant vitamins C and E protect the delicate eye area, while skin conditioners help create a smooth, comfortable, and lightweight feel that is not oily or tacky.
 

I took swatch photos in full sun. I applied the shades directly from their tubes and did little blending beyond what was required to get even swatches. Look at the color of Golden Bronze!

This is one of the snazziest browns I have. I love the metallic sheen of the finish, and the color is incredibly flattering. It would look great with Sunlight Gold. Did you catch that hint of regret?

You can blend these colors if you do it very quickly. Let it set and nothing will touch the color. It's absolutely budge proof - like a second skin.

The Nude Beach Collection is available now at Bobbi Brown counters and the Bobbi Brown Web site. There were other items I want, but I'm holding off for a wallet refill. There are two colors of the limited-edition Tube Tints that are simply gorgeous, and the Shimmer Nail Polish in Pink Pearl is enchanting.

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

Tom Ford Summer 2013 Beauty Collection Cream Color for Eyes in Escapade - Up Close and Personal

Finally, I can show you the Tom Ford Summer 2013 Beauty Collection, up close and personal, with fresh photos. As I mentioned when I first featured swatch photos, I had to swatch in the store (minding my manners not to use too much product) and get all of the colors they had received onto my arm. Then I had to drive home to photograph them. That process took a toll on my swatches. Now, thanks to Dustin Lujan at the John Barrett Salon's Tom Ford Boutique, I have my first set of purchased items. If you are wondering what happened to my Saks order, just see my comment in bold here.

With a sorry story behind me, I am thrilled to start a series of swatch photo features taken at my house immediately after applying items from this beautiful collection. Let's take a look at Cream Color for Eyes in Escapade (#06, $40). It is a stunning, shimmery peach that coordinates beautifully with the golden tan collection.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I swatched Escapade using a cream concealer brush. I swatched at the top of my arm very heavily - so heavily that I left an unblended oopsie glob in the upper-right corner of the swatch. To show you a more realistic application, I followed with a swatch below - one that's blended as you might apply Escapade in "real life." I wanted to show shimmer phobes that the shimmer is a more like a gleam when the shadow is applied lightly.

I hope you can detect that you can build the color, from a whisper of golden peach to a dramatic kapow. This eye shadow has the texture of a scrumptious soufflé. When you apply it, start with light application and then layer on more if you want bolder color. The layers will not become "crusty."

The white background of the dogwood confused my camera and darkened my arm a bit, but I wanted to show you the photo directly above because it makes the gold in the peach pop.

I adore Escapade and think I'll be using it all summer. It's very pretty on its own - below the crease on me. One could even use it as a highlighter on the eyes or cheeks. Wait until you see the Illuminating Cheek Colors designed for that, though. You are going to flip.

I have not had time to tell you whether this shadow will crease, but based on my experience with other Tom Ford products, I believe it will not. The prices are high, but so is the quality.

As you know if you've been tracking Tom Ford's collection the way kids track Santa Claus with the help of NOAA, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman are making this collection available this weekend or early next week. The flagship Saks has it for sale, but after my experience with them, I wouldn't recommend you order from them. It was not an isolated experience; it was the second.

If you plan to order and need help, please give Dustin a call. He will help you pick out the best colors for your complexion, based on his incredible eye as a makeup artist. You can reach him at (212) 872-2714. By the time I discovered that Saks had failed, Dustin had received the collection, and he made sure I had it in my hands the day after my purchase. I love that guy.

P.S. Sorry for my earlier typos. I was too excited to type.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour - Eight New Shades

Inspired by Laura Mercier's cult classic Caviar eyeliner, Caviar Stick Eye Colour ($24) offers a new technique to create a glam eye look. In a range of eight beautiful shades, this creamy formula provides endless options for a flawless eye. Each convenient stick is long-wearing, transfer-resistant, and crease-resistant. The color glides onto the eyelids and blends easily, with rich color payoff.

The new shades for Winter 2013 are Seashell, Orchid, Sugar Frost, Sand Glow, Mint Snow, Rosegold, Gray Pearl, and Pink Opal. I poked my toes in the fresh water with Sugar Frost and Rosegold (of course). In my photo directly above, Rosegold is shown in the left; Sugar Frost is shown at right.

These wonderful cream eye shadows adhere to my eyelids for a very long time. Once they set, which happens quickly, they don't budge. I love both the shades I purchased - and I love the shades I already have.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched directly from the tubes, making no effort to blend them (they do blend easily). The sun added extra sheen to the already glowing shades. Rosegold is shown at the top of my arm, with Sugar Frost below.

I love using Rosegold to swipe and go. Some glowing color on the lid under the crease accentuates the color of my eyes. Plus, I'm a rose gold kind of gal. I love the color! Sugar Frost is a perfect base color for any other cream shadow. I tried it with Khaki, and it looked fabulous.

You can purchase Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Colours at Laura Mercier counters, and online at Laura Mercier's Web site (where I purchased mine) and Bluemercury - along with other online retailers.

Photo at top courtesy of Laura Mercier; 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