Chanel 51, Montaigne Eyeshadow Palette

Look what just arrived from the Chanel Boutique at Bellagio Las Vegas! The 51, Montaigne Eyeshadow Palette celebrates Chanel's new boutique at 51 avenue Montaigne. We can help Chanel celebrate here in the United States by wearing this fabulous new palette, 51, Montaigne Eyeshadow Palette (Ombres Matelassées Palette Yeux) ($80).

I zoomed outside to get some quick photos in this afternoon's bright sunlight. The presentation of the palette inside the Chanel bag was gorgeous. It's really too bad I had to open it!

The shades in the palette are all complementary. I'll have many options for creating looks, with three golds (white gold, yellow gold, and antique gold), one khaki, and one midnight violet-blue.

I applied all five shades heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. I'm reminded of respectful events on television, when commentators realize it's best to let the photos speak for themselves, and they remark that we'll be allowed to watch in silence. That's what I'll do here, allow you to check out the photos, without excess commentary.

The texture of these eye shadows is divine. They are not powdery, and there's no fall-out. The shadows adhere to my skin beautifully.

I'll be back as soon as I can get more close-ups (and darker photos). For now, what do you think? Do you need 51, Montaigne? You can purchase this golden collection now by calling Las Vegas. The gals (Rochelle and Giselle) at the Chanel Boutique at Bellagio Las Vegas are delightful - and so responsive. You can reach them at (702) 765-5505.


Update 3/16: Sabrina at The Beauty Look Book has posted swatch photos. Make sure to check them out.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty; Chanel boutique photo courtesy of avenuemontaigneguide.com

Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection for Spring 2010

Bobbi Brown has put together three new Color Strips Palettes ($60) with pops of colors accompanied by the perfect neutrals that make them work for everyone. Each of the three palettes in the collection has five Eye Shadows and three shades of Pot Rouge, all designed to work together beautifully.

Love color but don't know exactly how to use it? Have you ever purchased shadows that look fabulous in the store - either in the testers or after an artist applied them for you - and can't figure out how to use them once you get home? Bobbi Brown believes that everyone can wear bright shades, and she has made it as easy as paint-by-numbers! Buy one and you get Bobbi Brown's expertise every time you use your new palette.

Here's what Bobbi has to say about Color Strips. “Don’t be afraid of color. Each palette has one bright eye shadow that really stands out. The rest of my hand-picked shades for eyes, lips, and cheeks will make it wearable.”

I've already decided I can't live without the gorgeous Bonfire and Aquamarine palettes! And I will be introducing a color-shy friend to Orchid; she's going to look great in the lavender eye shades.

I love the use of Pot Rouge in these palettes. I'll get three fabulous lip and cheek shades that coordinate with the eye shadows in each palette. I'm already imagining the mix-and-match possibilities! As she always does, Bobbi has thoughtfully included a brush so that you can use your palette on the go.

The Aquamarine palette includes the Eye Shadow shades Lightening Sparkle, Aquamarine Metallic, Storm, Ivory, and Grey Sky, along with the Pot Rouge shades Sand Pink, Pale Pink, and Powder Pink.

The Bonfire palette includes Eye Shadow shades in Bone, Cafe Cream Sparkle, Cognac Metallic, Bonfire Metallic, and Caviar and Pot Rouge shades in Fresh Melon, Tawny, and Calypso Coral.

The Orchid palette includes the Eye Shadow shades White, Dusty Plum Metallic, Orchid Sparkle, Mulberry, and Caviar, along with the Pot Rouge shades Sand Pink, Pale Pink, and Powder Pink.

The Color Strips Collection will be available soon at Bobbi Brown's Web site and at all Bobbi Brown counters. I can report that they are in the store at Nordstrom at Tysons Corner and available at Nordstrom online. I need to hurry over to Nordstrom. Message to impending snow storm: hold off, please! I have beautiful spring makeup to buy!

Update 2/27: I ordered mine at Bobbi's Web site today! Am excited.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Chantecaille Spring 2010 Look - Les Dauphins

This arrived in my inbox last night! I have been enthusiastically checking the Chantecaille counter at Neiman Marcus, waiting for the Spring 2010 Look. Now, I'm waiting for the hours to tick by until I can find out if the colors have actually arrived in the store. I think the look is gorgeous!

What animal (or makeup) lover could resist Les Dauphins ($77)? Each pan in this new quad is embossed with dolphins! The duo shades for the eyes offer warm grays, delicate beiges, and iridescent neutrals. The perfect pink cheek color offers "a universally flattering flush of rosy warmth."

I must have this! How could our impending snow storm deny me? If it's not at the store - or I can't get there - I'll be ordering online at the Chantecaille Web site. Fast! Trust me, friends, this palette is going to sell out!

I'll let you know more as soon as I can get my hands on Les Dauphins (and more) from Chantecaille for Spring 2010.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

YSL Beauty Spring 2010 Eyeshadow Duos

YSL Beauty is featuring two Eyeshadow Duos ($41) in their Spring 2010 collection. My choice, shown at left, was #27 - Golden Pink and Precious Bronze. The other duo is #25, Turquise Blue and Hazy Violet (shown below right). It's pretty, but a little too "colorful" for my tastes.

The new colors are both luminous and radiant. Both duos play with contrasts that work together really well. Want subtle? Go with #27. If you want flashy, #25 is your duo!

YSL's extremely soft powder shadow glides on evenly - always appreciated - and adds an optical smoothing effect. These shadows are pricey, but I think they are worth every penny for their flawless application and long wear. One thing I really dislike about eye shadows is uneven application, which I then have to work to fix. I never have that problem with YSL's eye shadows.

Right now, YSL Beauty is offering free shipping on all orders. You can also find the Spring 2010 Collection at Saks, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's. There are a lot of pieces to love.

Photos courtesy of YSL Beauty

Givenchy Le Prisme Mono Eyeshadow

New at Sephora, Givenchy Le Prisme Mono Eyeshadows ($29) introduce a unique concept. Each little monochromatic compact features four finishes of one color!

Givenchy's Le Prisme Mono shadows can be used to create "made-to-measure results" that range from natural to couture and simple to sophisticated. The formula contains atomized pigments that provide vibrant, stay-true color. Blend the four domes together for a single refined shade, or use each one separately for the look you want. The differences in the finishes are subtle, but definitely detectable.

The shadows are available at Sephora in 11 stunning shades. I ordered #12, Casual Khaki (shown above at right), unseen, and I am thrilled with it. It's a khaki-toned neutral, darker than shown in the photo - extremely wearable for a fair-skinned blond, just as wearable for those with darker skin. The four shadows range from matte to mildly sparkly. I will wear all four.

Now I've got my eyes on Fancy Coffee, Elegant Taupe, and Couture Beige. Hip Grey looks pretty cool too! These shadows are unique, so I know I'm going to go on a binge. I can feel the magnetic forces of Sephora as I write this, and it's only 6:30 am! I may have to pop over there today to see my Sephora guy (he's a sweetie - about the only thing that would make me go to the Sephora store these days vs. order online - but that's another story).

Check them out at Sephora! They are really nice.

Update 1/24: I did go over to Sephora, but they are not in the store yet. Available online!

Photo courtesy of Vogue.com

Dior Lace for Spring 2010 - Dentelle Eyeshadow Palette in Coquette

More on the Dior Lace Collection for Spring 2010!

There are two new Five-Color Eyeshadow Palettes ($57). My choice (and Loyd Cassler's) was Coquette, shown here, a palette of pink, plum, and gray. The name of the compact comes from the very French "coquettish" wink of color.

When I first looked at these shadows, I thought they might be too pink for my tastes. The pinks actually have a touch of peach in them, making them far more wearable on the eyes than true pinks would be. True pinks make me look like an albino bunny. The shades are all soft and sheer, which I like, and the two plum-toned shades (at the left) are tempered with taupe and gray - perfect to make your blue eyes blue!

There are so many combinations you can create with this palette - it's like having two new palettes! The ultra-smooth texture of Dior's Five-Color Eyeshadows allows flawless blending. With my super primer, the shadows last all day, and they don't crease.

There is a second Five-Color Eyeshadow Palette in Pearl Glow. It features shades of indigo, violet, and silver to dress eyes in soft, smoky luminosity. I haven't tried these yet - may have to pop back over to Saks or Nordstrom when I have time to stay and play.

Like most of the spring collections, Dior's is extraordinarily pretty! "Pretty" is the adjective of the season, and it's about time. The choices we have this season are staggering. I'm thinking of going without food so that I can keep buying. I would like to lose three pounds anyhow. (OK, those of you who know me will scoff, but even size 4s feel fat sometimes.)

If you have a Dior event coming up in your area (I hear from Kari at Fabulous Over Forty that Macy's is having a series of events), you should go! The collection is available at Saks, Nordstrom, and wherever Dior cosmetics sold. The Dior Lace Collection will delight you.

Photo courtesy of Saks

Maybelline's Color Pearls Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos Giveaway Contest

Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Pearls Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos merit their "best drugstore beauty" label. Since they are new, I thought it might be fun to do a giveaway contest. I picked up a nice sample of three of them at CVS: Khaki Craze, Bronze Blowout, and Silver Starlet. We will have three winners!

If you didn't read about the Color Pearls Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos at Best Things in Beauty, check out this link.

To enter the contest, e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and put Color Pearls in the subject line. It's that easy! I can't promise that each winner will receive her first choice of color, but please let me know your preference. If you want two chances to win, rather than one, tell me about your favorite drugstore beauty product.

The contest deadline will be Friday, January 22, at midnight. I'll select the winners using a random number generator. I'll even send these eye shadows anywhere in the world, so you can enter no matter where you live!

I'll also be posting this contest at Free!Grechen, a giveaway site you should get to know.

Good Luck!

One more thing, this week (through January 23), CVS has an "extra bucks" special. If you spend $15 on Maybelline Eye Studio or XXL Pro mascara, you will get a $5 extra bucks coupon. It's a good time to buy!

Photo courtesy of Maybelline

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow Quads

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow Quads ($9.99) round out Maybelline's new eye shadow introductions. These color-coordinated quads are available in 12 color families. There's one for every skin tone, eye color, and look.

These new shadows offer sheer, buildable color and lots of sparkle. The photo at the top right is the truest of the two I took (better light); you can see the sparkle in the Give Me Gold pan. The photo at the bottom is Green with Envy.

The quads are available in five color families.

• Neutrals: Give Me Gold, Mad for Mauve, Pink Persuasion, Irresistibly Ivy, and Sunset Seduction
• Browns/Beiges: Copper Chic
• Pinks/Berries: Taupe Temptress
• Blues/Violets: Sapphire Siren, Purple Icon, Spirited Seas, and Legendary Lilac
• Greens: Green with Envy

Most of the colors are sheer and buildable, but with major sparkle - to the point of being glittery. I find their use limited to the eyelid, not the crease or above - for me. Younger women and sparkle lovers can probably get away with sparkle above the lid. I can't. Unfortunately, even with a primer, the Color Plush sparkle ends up in the crease and below my eyes - such as on my cheeks - so I'm not as pleased with these as I am with Maybelline's new Color Pearls Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos. I bought two, and despite their low price, I won't buy more. I just don't have time to keep checking my face and clothing for stray sparkles. I don't think sparkles galore enhance my credibility at work.

You can see and purchase these new Maybelline eye shadow quads at CVS, Target, or wherever you buy Maybelline. Make sure to check out the Eye Studio Color Pearls duos when you look. I love them!

Photos above: top in sunlight, bottom in shade

Best Drugstore Beauty: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Pearls Mineralized Eyeshdow Duos

Maybelline's Eye Studio Color Pearls Mineralized Eyeshadow Duos ($6.99 at CVS) are arriving in drugstores. Available in 10 color-coordinated duos, they are serious contenders for your makeup dollars.

Here's the Maybelline introduction to them.

Our advanced baked technology keeps pearls uncrushed for refined luminosity.

• Seven different pure pigments are swirled together for gorgeous dimensional color.
• Now, a swirl of pearls makes shadow new again!

These are the most enticing Maybelline eye shadows I have ever bought. You can create so many looks with them. Even at full price, you can buy several, particularly if you are a savvy drugstore shopper and wait for a Maybelline BOGO or other special offer. I like to play with new colors without making an expensive investment at department stores, and drugstore shadows give me an affordable opportunity.

The duos are available in five palettes.

• Neutrals: Carbon Frost and Silver Starlet
• Browns/Beiges: Bronze Blowout
• Pinks/Berries: Mocha Mirage and Sinful Sinnamon
• Blues/Violets: Lawless Lavendar, Navy Narcissist, and Tantalizing Teal
• Greens: Khaki Craze and Ivy Icon

There were so many nice choices, I ended up with five of them. So much for moderation! The shadows are shiny and sparkling without any glitter, and they are well-pigmented. You can use them with or without a primer. Without a primer, they provide a sheerer wash of color. The color is a bit more concentrated with a primer.

You can see Maybelline's how-to video at this link if you want some help in deciding how to use the Color Pearls.

The duos shown in my own photos top to bottom here are Silver Starlet, Khaki Crazi, Bronze Blowout, and Tantalizing Teal. Aren't they pretty?

I know that you can find these shadows now at CVS and Target. I'm sure they are or will soon be available at other stores where you purchase Maybelline cosmetics.

Top photo courtesy of Maybelline

Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Shadow Duos

In December, I told you how much I loved Smashbox's HALO Hydrating Perfecting Powder ($59). I recently received my Sephora order for three new Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Shadow Duos ($36), and the love continues.

The anti-aging promise from Smashbox hooked me on buying and trying.

The first eye shadow proven to dramatically minimize the signs of aging in just 10 minutes. Unlike typical shadows that can accentuate fine lines, this advanced formulation of 48 all-natural minerals, pure gold, 11 amino acids, goji berry, a silk peptide-soy complex, and Halo’s patented hydration system smoothe the texture of lids while imparting soft, beautiful color.

My choices from the five duos offered were Bisque/Almond, Buff/Ivy (I can only find this duo at Sephora), and Soft Peach/Cocoa. I love them all! The two duos I didn't order are Petal/Plum (colors don't work for me) and Pewter/Smoke (I want this one too). You can see these color combos at this Sephora link.

Each duo has a lid color and a "crease shade," which can be used not only in the crease, but to accent the outer lid (by making a "V" and blending). The shadows blend easily and look fabulous once applied. They have great all-day staying power. Today I wore Bisque/Almond to work. I applied the shadows 12 hours ago, and they still look great. Granted I wore a primer, but I always do, and not all powder eye shadows maintain their oomph for 12 hours.

I continue to be impressed with the delivery vehicle of HALO products. You turn the container's shaver, and just the right amount is shaved off for your use. That leaves the majority of the product hygienically contained. A little goes a long way, so I could be using these shadows for years! I did have to get one of them started with a toothpick prod into the holes, but that was most likely an effect of its being frozen in transit.

Smashbox says that daily use of these shadows for four weeks will lead to 98% less lid crepiness. After four weeks, 96% of women participating in a trial reported that their eyes appeared more youthful looking. I may not have an opportunity to experience that because I mix it up so often with my makeup colors and brands. I love the idea, though!

The shadows are free of oil, talc, and parabens. These eye shadows have a lot going for them! They are available at Sephora, Smashbox, and Nordstrom online. It's interesting that Nordstrom lists them at $34 - two dollars less than Sephora and Smashbox. A typo? They are also available at Smashbox counters.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Spring 2010 Nude Contrasts Palettes for Eyes

Giorgio Armani has introduced gorgeous eye looks for spring! I purchased both palettes; there's no way I could select a favorite. They are both stunning.

The Nude Contrasts Palettes for Eyes ($58) were featured in Giorgio Armani's spring fashion show. Each offers a play on color and contrast to achieve a modern and subtly smoky look.

Top to bottom, palette #1 is composed with light blue, bare bronze, jet black (really charcoal with a hint of brown), and silver. Palette #2 features bare bronze, nude pink, pure red (really charcoal with a hint of brown - I have no idea where Armani got the pure red description - doesn't look red on me), and gold. I am already mixing the two palettes. The combination of the bare bronze from #1 with the gold from #2 is divine. Clearly, the most common use for the darkest shade in each palette will be as a liner or accent color. I cannot see the difference in the two "charcoal" shades when they are used as liners on my eyes.

The mix-and-match possibilities are endless. The light blue dotted at the center of the lid with a bare bronze base on the entire lid is fabulous. I am having a great time - I feel like I am playing with watercolors!

The colors have a flattering subtle shimmer. They are all sheer and buildable, so if you want more oomph, just layer on more pigment.

Even the shiny cases are classy, with their mirrors inside and Giorgio Armani signature on the top. I won't mistake these for the other Armani items in the jumble of my "daily makeup" counter. The palettes share with the Eyes to Kill palettes the challenge of picking up only one of the colors. When you use a liner brush with the charcoal, it's easy. But to pick up the silver or gold, you need to use a very narrow accent brush - a normal eye shadow brush will be too wide.

Right now, you can order the Nude Contrasts for Eyes from the Armani Beauty Web site. I'm hoping that Saks will have them in store soon. I can't wait to see what wonderful combinations Loyd Cassler creates.

When I delayed and didn't buy a second Eyes to Kill palette in #1, I regretted my procrastination. This time, no delays. This is hoarding-worthy makeup.

Photos courtesy of urcosme.com

Is Green the New Black?

In the December 2009 Vogue, there is a small beauty feature in which Dick Page, Makeup Artistic Director of Shiseido, declares that "green is the new black." Page is quoted as saying "I call it a replacement strategy." In other words, he substitutes an element of a familiar look with an unexpected new shade. For this new smokey-eyed look? Green!

I love green eye shadows - in all shades - but I'll admit they can be hard to work with. If you use a subtle green, it's as easy as taupe. If you want to use brighter shades, you have to be careful.

I asked Loyd Cassler, Armani Beauty expert and makeup artist extraordinaire at Saks, for his advice on wearing green on the eyes. Here are his tips - all good, I think.

• Remember your age. The older you are, the more careful you have to be in creating a green eye. I had to chuckle when he defined the cut-off at just north of 20 years of age.
  
• Consider green an accessory, not the theme, particularly if you are working with the brighter shades.
  
• Use green for pop in the middle of the eyelid, but don't take the color into the crease.
• Consider using it very close to your lashes or as a liner.
  
• Blend it with taupe or grey to tone it down and blur out the edges.

I find taupe- and olive-toned greens easiest to work with, even though Loyd thinks blue-eyed blonds are perfect candidates for teal and mint shades. That's why I found the Armani Beauty Top Coat for the holidays so perfect - it is bronze with an ever-so-subtle green cast. I also find bright greens totally stunning on dark brown and black skin, even though intuitively, the darker gals should be wearing warm shades! I guess I'm a rule breaker.

You can create Dick Page's elegant green eye with three products from the RICHROCKS Holiday 2009 Collection. The Luminizing Satin Eye Color ($25) Pyrite Crystal is a silver that's perfect for using with the liner and mascara from the collection or for blending with a green shadow you may already have (remember Loyd's tip to blend your green in with grey!). Perfect Mascara ($22) in Intense Teal is an inky teal green with a metallic gloss, much like the Armani Top Coat in effect - just a tad brighter. The Golden Green Smoothing Eyeliner Pencil ($20) - a burnished golden green - is simply gorgeous. It reminds me a bit of my favorite Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Stash.

I like this Shiseido Web page for an enlarged view of the RICHROCKS shades (shown to the right). You can purchase Shiseido products at Bloomingdale's and other Shiseido counters.

Wouldn't it be fun to experiment with the new black?

Photo courtesy of Shiseido

NARS Holiday 2009

Love at first sight! NARS sent an e-mail yesterday announcing their Holiday 2009 collection. Prominently featured were these new Soft Touch Shadow Pencils ($24).

Here's what NARS has to say about them.

Soft Touch Shadow Pencils provide easy, portable, long-wearing application. These jumbo-sized pencils have versatile functionality to shade the lid, line, or highlight the eye. Smooth, creamy texture delivers a velvety feel to the eye and makes for easy blending and an ideal base for layering with a powder shadow for increased color intensity.

I'm there. I think I need all three. The colors left to right are: Goddess, Skorpios, and Aigle Noir.

Also introduced with this collection? A new Cream Eyeshadow ($21) in Mousson, a barely green, shimmery taupe color. Since I love cream shadows, and NARS makes some great ones, I can hardly contain myself!

For NARS Multiples fans, there's a new Multiples too - in Luxor ($37). Maybe we'll do a whole Multiples posting, since I must have 10 of them. There's more, of course, including duo eyeshadows, nail polish, and lip pencils.

I'm going out to check my bank balance now. How about you? See anything in the NARS Holiday Collection that makes your heart race?

The new colors are available at the NARS Web site and will be in stores near you soon, if they aren't already.

Update: What better time to buy than now? Sephora has a 20% discount for Friends & Family. Use code FF2009 at checkout.

Photo courtesy of NARS

Best Drugstore Beauty: Revlon's Colorstay 12-Hour Eye Shadow

Today, we start a regular series, Best Drugstore Beauty. It seems right for the times. Although Best Things in Beauty has featured drugstore makeup in the past, we will title the features that way going forward. Today, we offer the first official installment.

Looking for a superior, long-wear powder eye shadow at your local drugstore? Look no further than Revlon's Colorstay 12-Hour Eye Shadow quads! Priced at $6.99 at Drugstore.com, these quads are a bargain. This week, CVS has a BOBO offer on all Revlon cosmetics.

My favorite is Starlight, with fairly true color swatches shown immediately above. These are cool, eye-opening colors that can enhance your everyday look without the drama that can look bizarre in some offices (fashion industry excluded).

The formula is waterproof, and I can testify that it's long-lasting. Remember, though, that I always wear a shadow primer - not only to camouflage any redness in my eyelids, but also to give my shadows "sticking power." I recommend primer to everyone.

These Revlon shadows blend easily, making them a shadow mixer's dream. They also have a great soft texture - some would say creamy.

The Revlon Colorstay quads are available in 19 color families, although your local store may not carry all of them. The Nude Elements quad is warmer, but still subtle, and Neutral Kahkis and Priceless Metals are great fun for trying different looks. What a fabulous way to experiment without breaking the bank! You should find them wherever Revlon products are sold.

Photos courtesy of Drugstore.com

Beauty Shopping at Bloomies - Part 2 Guerlain

Guerlain's Imperial Holiday Collection for 2009 is in the store. The items are gorgeous - the norm for Guerlain these days.

Inspired by the opulence of the past, the packaging is elegant. Actually, everything about the collection is elegant - silver and diamonds, the romance of the past, and beautiful color for the face.

The links here go to Guerlain products, but don't show these new colors yet. I will update the links when the collection appears online.

The Kiss Kiss Glosses ($29) are regal, with a black scroll design painted on the outside of the see-through containers. They are available in three limited edition colors, #807 Perle de Lune (the lightest, barely there shade), #808 Ambre Precieuse (a rosy-brown to my eye), and #809 Rubis Rose (dark, complex brown red). My descriptions may not be perfect, but all three will work for everyone - they are very wearable, shiny gloss colors. The darker two jumped right into my hands and came home with me.

Le Rouge G Jewel Lipstick Compacts ($45) are available in two limited edition colors, #11 Grace and #12 Gems. Both are lovely, but I purchased neither. As I wrote a few months ago, I don't like the unique packaging because of its heft. I want a lipstick I can carry around with me without adding to the weight of my purse. But if you want an elegant lipstick to pull out of your bag, these are right up your alley!

The Ombre Eclat 4 Coleurs ($58) eye shadow compact is gushingly beautiful. Combining soft with intense, luminous with pearl, it takes neutral shades to new heights. Again, a limited edition, #407 Bal de Nuit has dark and light taupe, a pinky peach, and light golden beige. This came home with me.

I was a little disappointed in the Meteorites Powder on display. I swiped a bit on my arm, and I saw glitter. I love shine, but not sparkles on my face. So, despite the beautiful little multi-colored pearls beckoning from their container, it had to stay at the store. There is also a pressed powder compact that appeared to be less sparkly. I would have sampled, but I had spent enough by that point.

Rounding out the collection is gold mascara (won't that give you some nighttime drama!), and a limited edition Shalimar Birds of Paradise ($100) in a silver bottle that is beyond beautiful.

Bloomingdale's had a Guerlain gift with purchase, four deluxe samples of Success Future skin care, and I'm looking forward to the test drive.

The collection is available at Bloomingdale's, and if it's not in store at Saks, Neiman Marcus, and other department stores where you buy Guerlain, it will be soon. If you are local to DC, I know Zelda Arican at Bloomingdale's will take good care of you.

Stila's Kitten for Eyes

Wednesday was a beauty fest. Brown delivered all my week's goodies in one day. Among the treats were my Beautorium box, with John Masters Organics hair and skin care (too exciting!), and the new Stila Smudge Pot special set. Today, I wore Kitten Smudge Pot as a shadow. It was fascinating that I complimented a friend at work on her eye shadow. She was wearing Kitten ($18). Same shade, different people, different skin, different look! Kitten was awarded the 2008 Allure Magazine Editor’s Choice Award for Best Beige Eye Shadow. A beige-gold, it's fabulous. Now, I need to find the powder shadow, which is somewhere in my stash, to "set" the cream Smudge Pot to make it last all day.

Everyone I know loves Kitten - for eyes and lips. You might want to check it out if you are one of the few remaining female inhabitants of Planet Earth who doesn't wear Kitten.

Photo courtesy of Stila.

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad Giveaway Contest

Recently, I discovered Avon's True Color Eyeshadow Quads - delightful coordinating colors in compacts that resemble Chanel's famous and fabulous quads (you can see the Best Things in Beauty posting here). I bought two to start and then bought again I liked them so much! On the second order, I purchased one of my favorites, Island Breeze, for this giveaway contest. Island Breeze, shown in the photo at this link (not the photo to the right) has four great shades: Latte (a nice dark taupe), Island Breeze (pale mint green), Beach Beauty (light peach sand), and Teal Waters (gray-toned teal).

You can create so many looks with these shadows! I just love them - great price, great results.

An Avon Island Breeze Quad could be yours. Just e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com with your age - yep, your age. I'd like to know more about my readers, particularly how old you are. You could fudge the truth, and I would never know, but if you would indulge me, I promise not to tell.

The deadline for entries is midnight, Sunday, October 4. U.S. entries only, please. I will select one winner using a random number generator. I will also be posting this giveaway contest on Free!Grechen, my favorite site for giveaway contests. Good Luck!

Update: I get the giggles every time one of you writes! Thank you.

Photo courtesy of Avon.

Estee Lauder's New Limited Edition Pure Color Eye Shadows

Estee Lauder has introduced new limited edition Pure Color EyeShadows ($17.50), available in 10 matte and 10 metallic shades. I was drawn to the metallics.

A silky new formula for Pure Color looks richer, wears longer, and doesn't crease. The shadows have a lightweight texture, but carry lots of pigment. You can buy one and sweep it from lash line to brow (Ecru Matte or Porcelain Matte would be nice for that on fair skin) or splurge and express your inner artist. They blend easily. I purchased Gold Metallic, Candlelight Metallic, and Amber Metallic. I have my eyes on Copper Metallic for darker accents too.

It's nice that the little compact has a mirror and applicator, however useless the applicator is for makeup mavens, in case you want to keep one in your purse or desk drawer at work. These are worthy of a look next time you shop.

Available at Estee Lauder's Web site (try code FREESHIP30), Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks (it's beauty week), or wherever you purchase Estee Lauder. Bloomingdale's has skin-care bonus offers for Estee Lauder right now - and a lipstick gift in store next week - so you may want to look there.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom.

Stila Smudge Pot Deal - Too Good to Pass Up

Let the good times roll! Like Stila's Kitten shadow? Take a look at this special. For $32, you can get four smudge pots plus a mini liner brush - and free shipping with the code FALLSHIPPING.

Smudge pots are multitasking gel-based liners and shadows. I adore Kitten. The set includes two new shades, Starry Night and Violet, and two best sellers, Kitten and Black. Kitten is a must-have for me and several of my friends. A nude champagne with shimmer, it's the perfect everyday shadow. Who can't use black, and why not get the ultra-trendy violet at the same time?

I'm headed off to order now. This offer ends at midnight on September 27.

Photo courtesy of Stila.

Armani Shopping with Charlestongirl

This was a shopping week. Even though I still haven't won the lottery, I felt a need to get out, talk to "beauty people," and learn some things. That was the happening thing in New York, but I was firmly planted in the DC area. So, naturally, I trekked over to see Loyd Cassler at Saks in Chevy Chase, and we played with the Eyes to Kill Palettes.

Since it was the most neutral, I gravitated to #1 (called Steel Black, it is anything but), and Loyd applied it for me. I had been in do-it-yourself mode when I last saw the palette. Gorgeous shadows! The total effect was natural and flattering - I think it made my eyes look very blue. This is an "everywoman shadow." It jumped into my bag.

Then, he pulled out #3 (called Gun Metal Grey, and while it includes grey, the outer ring looks bright purple). I recoiled a bit, but trusting Loyd completely, I let him apply it over his gorgeous handiwork with #1. He blended the grey and the purple for the outer corners of the lid, and when he was done? Viola! A bit more "drama," but overall still acceptable for daytime. That is one of the reasons I love Loyd - he is an artist who blends color with reality.

One of the other reps came up later and wanted to know what shadow I had on (clearly it looked good!). We giggled and said, "A lot of them." Loyd is so much fun! I have no memory of it, but I suspect I had a hidden love of paint sets when I was a very young child. I do remember that when I was a little older, an uncle gave me a very pricey set of pastels. I treasured them - didn't use them, they were too beautiful to touch.

What was most fun was applying #4, Rouge Iron, as a blusher, as I had said in my first Eyes to Kill posting. It looked good - even on my skin! We did a lot of hand testing (even Loyd would tell you it's a no-no for my eyes), and I can see that #4 could work as an eye shadow for a woman with dark skin who wants a sultry effect. Used as it was intended, as an eye shadow, it's a rusty, brown-based red - not as weird as it looks in the pan. The liner in the center is brown. I prefer it as a blusher.

One really nice thing about these three-shade palettes is that they are $58. Not a hefty price for the high-end cosmetics customer; it shows a recognition that all women are looking for better prices in this environment.

When I left, I thought my need to shop was satisfied for a day or two, but no! The Avon Quads arrived, and I got to see how nice they are. Not only that, they sent a catalog, so my before-bed reading consisted of the Avon catalog and a Beauty Week catalog from Lord & Taylor. I went to sleep dreaming of cosmetics!

Photos courtesy of Armani Beauty.