The Friday Forum - July 1

It's hard to believe it's July. Just yesterday, I was sure we had days to go before July started. I'm seriously out of synch with the calendar.

Last weekend, when I thought I would get makeup photos, I didn't have a spare second. All day Saturday, after my hair appointment at 8:00 am and a quick trip to Neiman Marcus, I spent the rest of the day getting my kitchen ready to accept a new dishwasher. Saturday morning, cousin Bob and I met early at Mom's house to start the process of moving her new dishwasher into my house. Nothing went according to plan. Nothing.

He had to start by ripping up the kitchen floor at Mom's to get under the dishwasher to shorten the legs. Then he was able to remove it. Minor setback. Kitchen floor ruined, but who's counting?However, when he got to my house, he ran into problems. My dishwasher had been "hard-piped" into the water system with copper pipes. They don't do that anymore. They use flexible hosing for the inbound and outbound water. He had to cut out copper and get fittings onto the remaining copper to connect the new dishwasher. It took hours. He finally finished the whole ordeal 4.5 hours after he started. I was so tired, I feel asleep right after he left. He had planned to take the old dishwasher to the county "dump" for me, but didn't have time. So I have had a dishwasher in my driveway, awaiting a special pick-up by the county. Did I get lucky! My regular trash guys hauled it off this morning. I was stunned. I'm sure they broke the rules, but I will tip them the next time I see them. My house looked like one of those homes where old appliances are thrown out back to rot over time. It would have been a nice picture for the Fourth of July weekend. I was thinking I could stick a flag on it.

Home maintenance can be quite a chore when your house starts to age. In the last month or so, I've had a fan replaced in my heat pump (really not cheap), a plug in the condensation output pipe fixed in my air handler in the basement, screen panels replaced or patched on the porch (I cannot have Charlie continue to bring me little gifts of wrens), and a fuse in the microwave replaced. I am hoping that's my spate of bad house luck for the next few months.

Now I have to get a mover to bring some furniture over from Mom's house so I have somewhere to put her china and crystal. Oh, and there's the grandfather clock - not a cinch to move.

We are supposed to have a sunny Saturday, so I'm counting on taking photos tomorrow. I'm staying home - no side trips to Neiman Marcus. Charlie will be happy. I have so many things to show you, although in a way I'm glad my lack of photos forced me to focus on some fabulous skin care this past week.

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

I want to tell you again how grateful I am for the many expressions of sympathy I have received. Although some of your e-mails left me in tears, I was grateful to know that you are out there in the blogosphere caring about my loss.

Photo courtesy of spyderonlines.com

The Friday Forum - January 22

This is what we are expecting, with snow starting within the hour and turning into a blizzard overnight. The forecasters have predicted two feet of snow, but some have said we may get closer to three feet. With high winds, many are expected to lose power. It will be disastrous for many - even after the snow ends Saturday night. They are calling the impending snow historic.

I have a full tank of gas (had to go to three stations to get it). There's nothing I can do if my power goes out and I can't get out of here by car. Charlie and I will have to hunker down under the covers. My mother and her caregiver are moving out of her house. It's in a wooded area, and it doesn't take much to lose power there.

FYI: The Chanel Spring 2016 eye shadow quad has arrived in stores. I have not had time to get to one to swatch it. Yesterday, I had to make several trips to Mom's house, and I had a doctor's appointment. I promise to swatch it as soon as the roads are safe.

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

If you don't hear from me during the weekend, you will know I have no power and no Internet. Wish us luck in the DC area, please. Good luck to you if you are also in the path of this storm.

Photo courtesy of weatherbook.com

The Friday Forum and Guerlain's Marcus Monson

It's Friday, so it must be time for The Friday Forum. First, though, let me tell you briefly about my visit with Marcus Monson, Guerlain's Celebrity and National Makeup Artist. He is shown above consulting with a long-time customer whose makeup he did after mine. Some of you, Eileen in particular, have been singing his praises for years, and now I can join the choir. My session with him was fun, and his expertise as a makeup artist drew many compliments as I left the store. I will tell you the products he used in another post. It's ashamed I had nowhere to go last night.

Right now, I want to thank Karen Somers at Neiman Marcus for inviting me to the event. I understand Marcus is at the Mazza Gallerie store today, so if you are in the DC area, I'd recommend that you call the store to see if there are any open appointments. He is a master of his art.

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

Just a few of the features coming up here in the next few days (I need bright sunlight for photos to use in makeup features): Chanel, Guerlain, and Moroccan Oil. Hope to see you in the comments.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - January 8

We are back in a fog. It looks a bit like the picture above here. At least it's not terribly cold.

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

I wasn't able to get to counters this week. I hope to go tomorrow, in the rain. If I see something special, I will chime in within the comments section.

Just a few of the features coming up here in the next few days (I need sun for photos to use in makeup features): Chanel, Jo Malone, and Moroccan Oil.

Photo courtesy of beingwoven.org

The Friday Forum - August 22

Catawba is one of my favorite crepe myrtles. Mine is huge now. It's an upright, small tree that has grown to a mature height of 15 feet tall and wide; it has deep purple blooms and orange-red fall foliage. I love my tree.

Today is the Friday Forum, but I don't have time to give you much of an introduction. I didn't want to skip it, though, because it's your opportunity to share!

I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter one or both of the two giveaway contests here: TATCHA and Rouge Bunny Rouge.  Just scroll down to find them.

Happy weekend!

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

The Friday Forum - June 28

The one (and only) nice part of my drive to and from work is my route through neighborhoods dotted with fabulous hydrangeas, daylilies, and other delights of June. Plants make me happy. It's the little things. Does anything brighten your commute?

The commute has been hell. DC is known for it's brutal traffic. There's a downtown stretch of my new trip that is stressful, as pedestrians lollygag across an intersection in the heat, with no demonstrable knowledge that they are using the entire light cycle, preventing all of the cars from entering the intersection. Sometimes, only one car can proceed through the intersection, adding minutes to what should be a simple trip. On an ideal day, my trip is about 30 minutes. Yesterday in pouring rain, it was over 60. My whole body relaxed when I crossed the border into Virginia. Even though still miles from home, I felt at home.

I love my new colleagues. They are all smart, get-it-done people who are dedicated to the mission of contributing to caring for veterans by helping with the health care infrastructure. That's pretty cool.

I can tell Charlie has missed me. He's been clingy this week. I hope a time will come when I can work from home a bit. Right now, I'm still getting oriented to the work, spending lot of time listening and absorbing.

You probably noticed I had no new makeup to show you this week. I haven't been able to get close to a store. Plus, we are still in that in-between season when there really aren't new introductions. The tester for Le Métier de Beauté's Castaways arrived at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, and I will get photos tomorrow - my first chance to go there. I can tell you that it's much prettier than the original press photo I posted.

I am still waiting for the official, U.S. press photos of Guerlain and Chantecaile's fall collections. Both will be exciting, and I'm anxious to show you what will be in store. I must have Wild Horses - want it now.

I do have several new fragrance introductions to feature, skin care, and a new and promising teeth whitening system. While such features don't draw the audience makeup does, I think they are just as important to beauty as makeup.

About a week ago, the NY Times published a feature about sunscreens in makeup. New FDA rules require that any SPF claiming “broad spectrum protection” must protect against both UVA and UVB rays.The Times tackled the question about SPF 15 in many makeup products. Is it enough? The answer is a definite no. Companies are working to increase the sun protection in foundations. The paper cited AmorePacific, a Korean company, which introduced the CC Cushion Compact with one of the highest SPFs around: a broad spectrum 50+. “Sure, you’ll use Banana Boat or Coppertone for the beach, but you don’t want that on your face daily,” said Esther Dong, an officer with the company. She said the company had spent much time and money coming up with a stable formulation that would pass American standards and deliver smooth, weightless color.

Many brands are featured in the article, and I highly recommend it if you'd like to have a good understanding of how the industry is tackling FDA compliance. From removal of all SPF claims to stepped-up research and development, companies are making it more clear to us what we should expect from our makeup. Consumers are likely to benefit from better products and better information.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Chantecaille's amazing HD Perfecting Powder. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, June 29, at midnight. If you don't enter, you can't win (Virginia's Lady Luck).

Sorry I must run off quickly. It's time to shower and start my daily routine. I hope to have new colors to show you over the weekend, so please come back.

Photos courtesy of hydrangeas.com and the NY Times

The Friday Forum - June 7

It is pouring outside and expected to rain even harder as the day progresses. The remnants of Hurricane Andrea will bring heavy rains, gusty winds, and a threat for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes up the East Coast today. What a way to celebrate my mother's ninety-first birthday!

I just took her a pretty flower arrangement: white roses and lavender alstroemeria. I was pleased to find an artistically designed arrangement at the grocery store. I would have sent flowers by my favorite floral artists at Art with Flowers, but, sadly, they closed on April 31, another casualty of the recession. I miss them already.

I continue my search for the right job, and I've been busy in the last week with contacts, meetings, and interviews. If you noticed a drop-off in my attention lately, that's why. In the frustrating process of hunting for new work, I've met some interesting people doing great things, and I hope I'll be able to join them. I love a challenge!

During the last few months, I've thought a lot about blogging and whether I can - or even should - continue. Beauty blogging has changed so much. When I started, four short years ago, there were plenty of good beauty blogs, but I saw a niche and thought I might be able to fill a gap. Now, with Lord-only-knows how many beauty blogs in existence (seriously, I think too many - does every teenager need one?), and with readers having only so much time to devote to reading about beauty products, it's hard to feel accomplished. It's hard to earn your visits.

My statistics tell me that many readers stop by my blog every day - anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 (fewer of you on Saturdays than Mondays, for example). Those numbers far exceed my initial expectations, and I am so grateful to all of you. I've tried very hard to keep up with the latest and greatest in beauty, and it has been very expensive. Most "normal" people would think it's lunacy to buy so much makeup. Very few bloggers receive gratis products for review from the brands I cover, and I'm not usually one of them. I don't have 100,000 visitors/day.

I have never "monetized" my blog to much extent. Monetizing means many things, but can include selling lots of ads or placing affiliate links all over the blog's posts. Affiliate links can look like ads (many of the display ads you see on blogs are really affiliate links - the company (e.g., Sephora) did not choose to pay the blogger for the space), or they can be links within a feature that direct the reader to a site where a product can be purchased. Every time you click on those links, the blogger makes money. It's not much per click, but it can add up.

I never embed affiliate links in my features. I put links in features to show you more about the product or where to buy it. Period. I do not want you to wonder whether you are "enriching" me or "supporting my blog" (a common ruse) if you click on links. You do see Google ads on my sidebar and one text advertisement that brings me a few skin-care products/year (barter). I don't chase after affiliate ads because I think too many usually make blogs look junky.

Every day, I am offered opportunities to accept or write sponsored posts. Many bloggers love sponsored posts because they charge the sponsor for them - anywhere from $25 to $500 (or more). Sell a few sponsored slots each week, and you could make plenty of money to buy beauty products - or pay the rent. I just can't do that. Selling space on my blog is not me. I assume you visit to read what I have to say, not what someone else pays me to say - or what someone else wants you to think is editorial copy when it's really advertising copy. In fact, many sponsors absolutely hate the requirement for labeling sponsored advertisements and try to get around it by asking the blogger to use another term, for example, partner.

Many bloggers continue to gnash their teeth over the FTC guidelines requiring them to clearly label the source of the products being reviewed (something I have always done within features), the fact that they use affiliate links to make money, and sponsored posts. Advertising must also be labeled (something I've done from the get-go). To me, that's full disclosure, but there are bloggers who resent the rules, feeling that if magazine don't have to do it, why should they? I think what some really resented was the clear requirement for disclosure - not all, just those who felt their path to the big payout was endangered. There are many bloggers (and I'm not just talking beauty) who blog for money, not fun. It's a business, not a hobby. There's nothing wrong with that as long as it's clear to readers.

Another thing about blogging that has started to concern me is the ugliness that underlies some of the fakey kiss-kiss among bloggers. You can't see most of it - and that's for the best. Those who hold themselves as the standard have the same warts as those they criticize. They complain that other bloggers make all bloggers look bad. I don't believe that's true, although I've seen bloggers stage hissy fits that don't sit well within the industry. The stories I could tell you... Yes - you might point out the resentment that bloggers have created in fashion, elbowing their way backstage in some cases, and annoying those who were "there first." There has been plenty of industry chatter about this. In the end, the best, most observant fashion critics survive, and the rest land on the wayside.

Every day, I am spammed by social media outfits that try to tell me I'm not making enough money from my blog. I should be using certain key words, adding this and that, using their search engine optimization techniques to monetize my blog, and so on. One writes every single day! I've marked her e-mails spam, but they keep getting through Google. I don't care about SEO! The sad fact is that many beauty bloggers do care. They prater about it endlessly.

I've rambled on - I've always been good at free association - but my point is that I'm occupying space in an industry in which I sense a change. I don't know whether I'm ready for the ride forward. I'm not making an announcement - just letting you know what's on my mind these days as I try to figure out if I can and should continue to publish Best Things in Beauty. It's a big investment, not only of time, but also money. If I were to stop, what would I miss? You, my faithful readers, and the wonderful people in the beauty industry (brand representatives at headquarters and the stores) and their PR folks - many of whom have become friends. I don't want to let anyone down.

So please cross your fingers (and toes) for my job search if you like Best Things in Beauty. If I don't find work soon, my decision may be based solely on whether I can afford to support it in the manner I prefer.

My regular giveaway - this week for a NARS Blush Bronzer Trio I found in "storage" - will end tomorrow, Saturday, June 8, at midnight. Don't forget to enter.

This week's extravaganza giveaway for Le Métier de Beauté's brand new Summer Night's Dream Kaleidoscope Eye Kit runs though Sunday night at midnight. Le Métier de Beauté generously donated the Kaleidsoscope, and the contest is open internationally. If you met the criteria for entering, but didn't tweet, I'd recommend you tweet anyhow. It might improve your chances. Good luck! It's a beautiful prize. If you don't win, it should arrive at Bergdorf Goodman momentarily. I'm not sure what day we will be able to announce the winner, so stay tuned.

Photo courtesy of redbubble.com

The Friday Forum - May 31

My body is angry with me. After getting help pulling ivy off my house and clearing some invasive plants from my garden, I had a pile of yard waste in my driveway that was roughly three feet high and 10 feet long. I had to move it from my driveway about a block up the the county's collection point. Each day this week, I dragged, hauled, and carried until my back and knee cried uncle. My neighbors helped finish the task yesterday. This morning, the county took it all away, making me extremely happy I will never see it again.

Now, as I "prepare" to go over to Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie to see what Michael Reinhardt at Le Métier de Beauté and Jeannine Barnes at Chantecaille have in store for Camp Gorgeous, I'm wondering if I need a walker.

The onset of extremely hot weather has me thinking about sunscreen this week. There have been many posts in the blogosphere - most spurred by press attention or e-mails from vendors - during the last week, one reason I didn't write yet another feature on sunscreen. What you need to remember is that it must be applied frequently, an SPF over 50 is basically a waste of your money, you must wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects from UVA and UVB rays, and the experts frown on spray sunscreens. I actually like sprays for touch-ups. Most spray users don't apply them evenly, so they aren't as effective as they should be. Spray with abandon!

By now, you have probably seen the Cosmetic Executive Women's Beauty Insider's Choice Awards for 2013, but just in case you haven't, here's the list.

Indie Beauty Award: Julep

Best Seller Award Mass: Makeup L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail
Best Seller Prestige Skincare: Estée Lauder Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum.

Fragrance launch of 2012 (mass and class): Lancôme La vie est belle

Bath and Body Mass: Eucerin Professional Repair Lotion Extremely Dry Skin Lotion
Bath and Body Prestige: Bliss Fatgirlsixpack
Acne Treatment: Glamglow Super-mud Clearing Treatment

Anti-Aging Mass: Avon Anew Clinical Pro Line Eraser Treatment A-F33

Anti-Aging Prestige: Philosophy Full of Promise Treatment Duo for Uplifting Days and Volumizing Nights

Cleanser and Scrub: Fresh Rose Cleansing Foam

Eye Treatment Mass: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment
Eye Treatment Prestige: Lancôme Génifique Eye Light-Pearl

Lip Treatment: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy

Moisturizer Mass: Neutrogena Naturals Multivitamin Nourishing Moisturizer
Moisturizer Prestige: Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

Skincare Tools: NuFace Trinity Skin Boosting System with Microcurrent and Red LED

Sun Product: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Triple Defense Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50+++

Hair Care Product: Ojon Rare Blend Oil Total Hair Therapy
Hair Coloring Product: Rita Hazan New York Foaming Color Gloss in Tones Down Brassiness
Hair Styling Product: Ojon Super Sleek Restorative Blowout Perfector

Eye Product Mass: Maybelline New York The Mega Plush Mascara by Volum’ Express Mascara

Eye Product Prestige: Dior Diorshow New Look Mascara
Face Product Mass: Sonia Kashuk for Target Chic Luminosity Bronzer in Goddess

Face Product Prestige: Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting

Lip Product Mass: Sonia Kashuk for Target Satin Luxe Lip Color with SPF 16
Lip Product Prestige: Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick

Men’s Grooming: Jack Black Dry Erase Ultra-calming Face Cream

Nail Product: Sally Hansen Salon Insta-gel Strips

Men’s Scent:Viktor & Rolf: Spicebomb (Perfumer: International Flavors & Fragrances)

Women’s Scent Mass: Coty Closer by Halle Berry (Perfumer: Firmenich)
Women’s Scent Prestige: Marc Jacobs (Perfumer: Firmenich)

A few of these awards surprised me. Several left me amazed. The selection of Elilzabeth Arden's Prevage sunscreen may lead me to try.

Did you do any Memorial Day beauty shopping? I did, with restraint. Jouer's sale was impossible to ignore.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Aquallilies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, June 1, at midnight. Good luck!

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - May 24

It's the season for roses now, and they are so pretty. This David Austin rose in my garden has gotten leggy. It will be pruning time soon. That should make it bloom again, a real treat since the fragrance is swoon-worthy.

If you've left a comment here in the last few days, you'll see I enabled comment moderation. Between spam and the haters on the Internet - the majority of whom are anonymous - I decided, like so many bloggers before me, that it was best to screen comments. This week as we all cried for the victims of Oklahoma City, some full-of-herself, probably undereducated troll¹ decided to scold everyone who called for storm shelters and safe rooms, citing a political blog satire as her source. I immediately deleted her comment, so then she left one on a makeup feature complaining like a five-year-old that her comment had been deleted. I don't have time for that immature intrusion here - or anywhere else for that matter. Dear Ms. Troll, anyone who claims to have strong opinions should cite legitimate sources to back them up. There's quite a difference between facts and opinions. It's also clear that you don't read well. As for your threat to stop reading Best Things in Beauty, perhaps you should. My readers are classy women, with taste, style, intelligence, and compassion.

This isn't the first time hate comments have happened. It happens on all blogs. With comment moderation, it will be the last here. My readers deserve better. Sometimes there's a fine line between snark and a comment that should be published. When that happens, I usually consult another blogger for an independent opinion.

As I read the hater comments on The Voice postings on Facebook (can't people all acknowledge that the finalists are all good?), I realized that the Internet comments have become a way for the disaffected, miserable souls of the world to voice their unhappiness that everyone doesn't agree with them. They remind me of the Westboro Baptist Church, despicable people who protest at the funerals of our soldiers. This week, Fred Phelps Jr., the son of Westboro Baptist Church "minister" Fred Phelps, linked the devastation from the F-5 tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma to the Oklahoma Thunder's support for openly gay NBA basketball star Jason Collins. Really? To me, the members of that so-called church are terrorists - real life reflecting the ugliness of the Internet. One of the saddest things I've witnessed is a soldier's funeral at Arlington Cemetery. Why would anyone try to hurt the family?

I am trying to approve comments as quickly as possible, but I do sleep (not always well lately). Nighttime comments will suffer a time delay, particularly for those who are in Europe or Asia. My apologies, but I've been reviewing and approving them as soon as I get up, using my iPad in bed. I had a slew of them to approve this morning. Actually, I won't miss the morning ritual of deleting spam, often nonsensical posts with a link. While I was writing this feature, I got a spam comment directing readers to a site on growing hair. It was posted on the Camellia Face Oil feature.

One comment I didn't approve this week because it was off-topic was a good question from Leora. Can anyone help her out? I believe her fave was a limited edition, gone for good. I can't find it here at home, though, to do comparisons.

Totally off topic need help - I have a quick question maybe you can help me out since you seem to know your stuff. My FAVORITE eyeliner was the Giorgio Armani La Femme Bleue in Leaf Green. Do you know any color by any brand that even comes close to that, since I cant find not even one left not even on eBay. Thanks.

Last weekend, I had a good cry as I watched the YouTube tape of the first interviews with the police officers who came upon and freed Amanda Berry, Michelle Knight, and Gina DeJesus. If you haven't seen this and want to know what happened the moment those women were freed, check out this link.

Switching subjects, did you know that Jennifer Aniston is a co-owner of Living Proof? There is was in Bazaar, which I was reading at the hair salon last night. Was I the last one to know that?

Remember that Guerlain's limited-edition Terra Nerolia ($69.00) bronzer will make an appearance within the next week! This exquisite oversized face and body bronzer showcases a dazzling sun icon comprised of shimmering peach, bronze, and gold shades. When marrying the three shades together with each brushstroke, the gold infuses throughout, resulting in a subtle satiny sheen. In line with the Terracotta collection, Terra Nerolia is scented with the alluring tiare flower. If you want to pre-order from the Guerlain boutique, give Rhonda a call at (702) 732-7008. If you are on the East Coast, remember that they are on Pacific Time.

Remember your sunscreen this weekend! It's supposed to be sunny here, so an SPF 50 would be appropriate. I heard that you can only count on a two-year life span for sunscreens, so if you plan to be outdoors, remember to pick up a new one today.

Important discount announcement...
Beautyhabit is offering a 20% discount this weekend on all color (makeup). Use the code SUMMERCOLOR through May 27. You can use it on Rouge Bunny Rouge!

This week's giveaway contest ends tomorrow, Saturday, May 25. If you'd like to enter to win YSL's Effect Faux Cils Crème d'Eyeliner in Jade Black, just leave a comment. Good luck! Just because, I think I'll do a flash giveaway over the weekend - for all of you who stay home and read blogs. You deserves some excitement!

¹ In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or ugly off-topic messages in an online community. We're not talking about supernatural beings in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; other photo courtesy of Guerlain

The Friday Forum - May 10

There's a riot of color out there! I saw a garden not too far from my house and jumped out of my car to take pictures. I wonder what the residents were thinking if they saw me.

What a miraculous week in Cleveland! Three women and a child, kidnapped, tortured, and violated for 10 or more years, gained their freedom. I've been glued to the news - simultaneously elated and disgusted. I don't think there is a legal punishment horrible enough for men who are as evil as the accused. I hope the best for those three woman and young girl. I know they are drawing strength from their families and medical professionals. They have a long recovery ahead of them.

This morning, there was news of another miracle. A woman was pulled alive from the rubble in Bangladesh - after 17 days.  While her rescue doesn't temper the horrible tragedy of the loss of over 1,000 lives due to negligence, it does - along with the situation in Cleveland - remind us that we should never give up hope.

I must offer an apology for the Clinique feature I published this week and subsequently deleted. When I went to the Clinique press site, the most recent upload was about a bronzing powder, posted in May. I made the assumption that Clinique was maintaining its site. The other Estée Lauder brands do. Silly me. They haven't updated it for a year (seriously pitiful). That powder was launched in May 2012 and has subsequently disappeared from existence. If you are interested in a great bronzing powder, you should be able to find what you want from Guerlain. With the addition of new shades this year, Guerlain covers the full range of skin tones pretty well.

Once again, we seem to be in between cosmetic launches. Every few weeks, those of us haunting the stores are finding nothing brand new. That's probably a good thing for me. My wallet is strained, although I'd be thrilled if Tom Ford would introduce another summer collection. I am so stoked by his new colors.

I'm still expecting Chantecaille Summer, but no inquiries over the last week have gone unanswered. As an aside, if you go to the Chantecaille Web site, you will see three Cheek Crèmes displayed as new. They aren't. I had a Chantecaille disaster last weekend when I accidentally knocked the glass bottle of Eau de Rose de Mai onto the tile floor of my bathroom. I had quite a job cleaning all the shards of glass off the floor. My bathroom certainly smelled good that day, though.

As most of you already know from my Tweets, Le Métier de Beauté has been running a Lids for Lou Gehrig's Disease philanthropic auction every day this week to benefit the ALS Foundation. Shoppers are able to bid on the last of selected Kaleidoscopes and other items by visiting the company's site. All proceeds are being donated to the ALS Foundation. There is also a Sample Saturday promotion you can enter to win Le Métier de Beauté samples. Like LMdB's Facebook page and enter to win at this link.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

I will probably slip in a flash giveaway this weekend, so make sure to check back. In the meantime, don't forget to enter this week's giveaway for the gorgeous Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye & Cheek Palette. I'm excited about this one. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, May 11, at midnight. Good luck!

Update: I was out taking photos and a baby bird (cowbird, I think) was looking for food with his mother close behind. He was fearless. Walked right up to me. Mom needs to teach that kid some fear.

Update #2: I am useless today. I meant to ask a question. You know how you get those little poll pop-ups when you buy something online? You are promised a chance to win $50, right? I never answer them. I think it's a ruse. Have you EVER won anything after filling one out?

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - April 26

It's such a pretty time of the year, and the Virginia bluebells in my garden remind me how much I love this area in the spring.

I'm sleepy this morning. I worked hard trying to find work this week, so I was already tired when I went to bed. My cat Savannah is epileptic and had a seizure about midnight last night. She was in the guestroom, and the commotion awakened me. I got up and put her in the carrier so she couldn't hurt herself dashing around. Then I got up at 3:00 and let her out. Earlier this month, she had started to have cluster seizures, one every few hours. That's dangerous, so I took her to her doctor. After a very expensive test, her doctor had increased her phenobarbital dose, and she was doing well - until last night. This morning, I added a little valium to her meds to keep her from having a cluster of seizures. I'll probably give her the valium this evening too.

The most amazing thing happened. She is afraid of Charlie, so she never comes to sit in my lap. This morning, I sat down on the bed to watch the news, and she not only came in, she sat on my leg and went to sleep. Charlie behaved and went back to sleep on his pillow. I felt so badly for her, I sat there for over an hour so that she might learn again that it's OK to join us. That's why I'm very late getting to the Friday Forum.

The news always seems bad these days. This morning, I've learned that a fire engulfed a hospital outside Moscow, killing 36 patients and two staff members; a building housing garment factories collapsed in Bangladesh on Wednesday, killing at least 230 people, according to CBS, and many more are missing; and the explosion in West, Texas still weighs on our hearts and minds.

I have so many thoughts about these industrial tragedies. So many are preventable. In the United States, our regulatory structures are ignored in the name of profits. I think we are culprits in foreign garment factories, reminiscent of the industrial revolution, when safety was second to profits. Those overseas garment factories are making cheap clothing for U.S. brands. When will they take responsibility for ensuring that their contractors provide safe workplaces?

We can't change other countries, but we can ensure that our own workplaces are safe and that our U.S. companies police their foreign contractors. I used to work in occupational health and safety, in the days when our regulators weren't hamstrung by bought buffoons on Capitol Hill. We must hold U.S. brands accountable for their outsourcing. Apple got the message. When will clothing manufacturers? Some of the clothing manufactured there was headed for the U.S. The world has to do a better job of establishing ethical regulations and monitoring compliance. Don't even get me started again on West, Texas. If those first responders rushed in without knowing the explosive potential of that facility, what happened and why? Too many tragedies. It has been such a month of sad news. OK, rant over...for now.

WWD announced that Lancôme has teamed with fashion designer Alber Elbaz to conceive a limited-edition collection, called Hypnôse Show. The collection includes mascaras, eye palettes, and false eyelashes. It is due to hit counters worldwide on June 15. Elbaz said the idea was to rework “in a different way, with a different perspective” Lancôme’s best-selling mascaras. Am I excited? Nope. I don't want or need a dorky-looking mascara. Remember that Elbaz has been mentioned as a successor to Karl Lagerfeld. Based on this look, you'd never believe that could happen.

For those of you looking for an alternative to Google Reader, which is being ditched by Google, and Hellocotton, I think I can recommend an alternative. Feedly allows you to build your own set of favorite sites. I joined, but could not find a badge to add to my site. What I have discovered is that Feedly members can select the sites the want on their personalized pages, and their feeds will update automatically. I have to admit I haven't tried it yet, but many recommend it. I plan to give it a workout this weekend.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contests. AVEENO is giving away a wonderful prize to one U.S. reader. I love those hair care products, and I'm really surprised there aren't more entries. I am giving away Urban Decay's Naked Flushed palette. The deadline for both contests is tomorrow, Saturday, April 27, at midnight. Just comment to enter.

I'll be back soon with more new Tom Ford and Guerlain goodies.

Photos courtesy of sierrapotomac.org and WWD

The Friday Forum - April 12

Yesterday evening, I attended a retirement/going-away party hosted by Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie for Jodie Hawk, retiring Lancôme product specialist - and one of the sweetest, most talented people I know. Jodie was celebrated by many representatives of the store, her Lancôme account executive, and customers - customers who are already making her promise to let them know when she will be in the store for special events. I'm one of her many admirers. Jodie is a special person in so many ways. She has an eye and appreciation for beauty of all kinds - not only Lancôme beauty, but also the heart and soul of everyone she knows. Jodie will be missed, and although she will miss her customers, she's looking forward to helping her very pregnant daughter (who was there, along with many other family members) after the birth of her child. Congratulations, Jodie. We love you.

While I was out and about yesterday, I stopped in at Saks Chevy Chase. They are having a three-day Chanel Escape to Venice event, which started yesterday and will continue through Saturday. "Venice...a destination where water, stone, and sky create a unique and fascinating light. Beauty reigns supreme across the canals. Enchant your senses at this exclusive makeup, skin care, and fragrance event." To book an appointment with one of the Chanel specialists who have flown in for the event, call (240) 497-5363. Things were winding down yesterday when I was there (and took this photo), but I suspect it will be hopping there today and Saturday. Still, if you live in the DC area, I hear they have a few appointments left. Snag one!

What else did I see? The new YSL summer color collection has arrived at Saks. I must return to play with the new quads - neutrals with pizazz. Debbie O'Malley would love to tell you all about the collection.

I found - and purchased - Jo Malone's new Osmanthus Blossom Cologne ($110). If you are a Jo fan, this beautiful fragrance will leave you swooning. I'll feature it over the weekend - and tell you all about it. In the meantime, if you'd like to get your hands on this beauty, give Sydelle St. Jules a call at Neiman Marcus at (202) 966-9700, extension 2249. She's a doll and will take good care of you.

One of the highlights of my week was the arrival at my house of a big gift box from NEST Fragrances. I pulled out the new White Narcissus Collection. Steady my heart, it skipped a beat when I sprayed on White Narcissus Body & Soul Spray. It's serious love. I will tell you all about the beautifully packaged collection this weekend. I've been a bit "down" over the hunt for work. White Narcissus perked me right up.

Did you know that Guerlain will be launching a BB Cream called Lingerie de Peau in May? Called a "beauty booster," it's a Skin-Fusion Multi-Perfecting Makeup with SPF 30 PA +++ ($51). That's another news flash I must cover soon - very soon.

Remember I've been showing you a single bud as it opened on my star magnolia tree? That bud and all of the others were in full bloom this week. Today, I fear, the heavy rains will wash many of them away. Nature seldom cooperates. Two days ago, the temperature at my house was 95. Yesterday, it was 88. I could "feel" the blossoms melting.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest. The winner will enjoy Bobbi Brown's Party Eye Palette. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, April 13. Good luck!

Daffodil photo by annscreativephotograpy.com; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - April 5

You know that hellebores nod toward the ground, right? If you do, then you know what I had to do to get this shot in my garden a few days ago.

There's not a lot on the beauty agenda this weekend. Neiman Marcus has InCircle coming up next week. As usual, there will be gifts with purchase throughout the department.

Michael Reinhardt let me know what he will have for his Le Métier de Beauté shoppers at Mazza Gallerie. There will be a facial clinic on  Thursday, April 11, including the opportunity to experience the new Ultra Hydration Eye Mask for instant gratification. The InCircle GWP will be a full-sized Colour Core in your choice of one of the top four shades - a great gift that can be yours with a purchase of $125.  Michael will have an exclusive step-up gift for those who spend at least $250. He also has the Melange de Colour Eye Palette, so if you weren't able to purchase one, now is your chance. You can call him at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236.

I'm sure you will be hearing from your favorite sales associates in the next few days. I got a message from Sisley, but I'm not in a position right now to spend much. I am saving my pennies for the arrival of the Tom Ford summer collection on the 15th.

For fragrance lovers, the big news this week is that The Fragrance Foundation has announced its "Best of 2013" finalists. The winners will be announced at The Fragrance Foundation Awards 2013 on June 12 in New York. Here are the nominees.

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Luxury
ALIEN Essence Absolue by Thierry Mugler (Clarins Fragrance Group)
Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilée (Beauté Prestige International)
Bond No. 9 Central Park West (Laurice & Co./Bond No. 9 New York)
Chanel Coco Noir (Chanel)
Florabotanica by Balenciaga Paris (Coty Prestige)
Gucci Premiere (P&G Prestige Products)
Hermès L’Ambre Des Merveilles (Beauté Prestige International)
Jivago Rose Gold (Ilana Jivago Inc.)
Miss Dior Le Parfum by Dior
Tom Ford Café Rose by Tom Ford Beauty

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Prestige
Coach Poppy Blossom by Aramis & Designer Fragrances (The Estée Lauder Companies)
Dahlia Noir EDT (LVMH Fragrance Brands)
Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme (P&G Prestige Products)
DOT Marc Jacobs (Coty Prestige)
Issey Miyake Pleats Please (Beauté Prestige International)
Jimmy Choo Eau De Toilette (Inter-Parfums Luxury Brands)
La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain
L.I.L.Y by Stella McCartney
MARCHESA Parfum d’Extase by Sephora
Midnight Fleur by NEST Fine Fragrances

Fragrance of the Year: Women’s Popular
Christina Aguilera Red Sin (P&G Prestige Products)
Forever Red by Bath & Body Works
GAP Established 1969 (Inter Parfums USA)
Halle Berry Closer (Coty Beauty)
Justin Bieber’s Girlfriend (Elizabeth Arden)
Pink Friday Nicki Minaj (Elizabeth Arden)
Seduction Dark Orchid by Victoria’s Secret
So Elixir Purple (Yves Rocher Amérique du Nord inc.)
Unplugged for Her (Avon Products, Inc.)
Victorinox Swiss Army (Victoria Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc.)

Fragrance of the Year: Men’s Luxury
Annick Goutal Nuit Etoilée (Beauté Prestige International)
Bond No. 9 New York Musk (Laurice & Co./Bond No.9 New York)
Colonia Intensa Oud by Acqua Di Parma
Ermenegildo Zegna Essenze Italian Bergamot by Aramis & Designer Fragrances (The Estée Lauder Companies)

Fragrance of the Year: Men’s Prestige
Acqua di Giò Essenza by Giorgio Armani
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême
Code Ultimate by Giorgio Armani
Dolce & Gabbana the one for men Sport (P&G Prestige Products)
ENCOUNTER Calvin Klein (Coty Prestige)
Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge (P&G Prestige Products)
Montblanc Legend (Inter-Parfums Luxury Brands)
Play Sport by Parfums Givenchy
Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf
Tom Ford Noir (Tom Ford Beauty)

Fragrance of the Year: Men’s Popular
GAP Established 1969 (Inter-Parfums USA)
James Bond 007 (P&G Prestige Products)
Paris for Men by Bath & Body Works
Perry Ellis Aqua (Falic Fashion Group)
Playboy VIP for Him (Coty)
ROCKS by Original Penguin (Falic Fashion Group)
Unplugged for Him (Avon Products, Inc.)

Best Packaging of the Year: Women’s
Amazon Lily by NEST Fine Fragrances
Betsy Johnson Too Too Pretty (Inter-Parfums USA)
Brooks Brothers Miss Madison (Inter-Parfums USA)
Chanel Coco Noir (Chanel)
Donna Karan Woman by Aramis & Designer Fragrances (The Estée Lauder Companies)
Flora Garden by Gucci (P&G Prestige Products)
Florabotanica by Balenciaga Paris (Coty Prestige)
Gucci Premiere (P&G Prestige Products)
Issey Miyake Pleats Please (Beauté Prestige International)
Pink Friday Nicki Minaj (Elizabeth Arden)

Best Packaging of the Year: Men’s (due to a tie there are 11 finalists)
Acqua di Giò Essenza by Giorgio Armani
Bond No. 9 New York Musk (Laurice & Co./Bond No.9 New York)
Code Ultimate by Giorgio Armani
Dolce & Gabbana the one for men Sport (P&G Prestige Products)
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport (Beauté Prestige International)
James Bond 007 (P&G Prestige Products)
Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge (P&G Prestige Products)
Montblanc Legend (Inter-Parfums Luxury Brands)
Playboy VIP for Him (Coty)
Unplugged for Him (Avon Products, Inc.)
Victorinox Swiss Army Forest (Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc.)

Media Campaign of the Year: Women’s
Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme (P&G Prestige Products)
Donna Karan Woman by Aramis & Designer Fragrances (The Estée Lauder Companies)
Gucci Premiere (P&G Prestige Products)
Issey Miyake Pleats Please (Beauté Prestige International)
J’adore by Dior
Justin Bieber’s Girlfriend (Elizabeth Arden)
Lady Gaga FAME (Coty)
Pink Friday Nicki Minaj (Elizabeth Arden)
Victoria’s Secret Angel Gold (Victoria’s Secret)
Wonderstruck Enchanted Taylor Swift (Elizabeth Arden)

Media Campaign of the Year: Men’s
Acqua di Giò Essenza by Giorgio Armani
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extrême
Code Ultimate by Giorgio Armani
Dolce & Gabbana the one for men Sport (P&G Prestige Products)
ENCOUNTER Calvin Klein (Coty Prestige)
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport (Beauté Prestige International)
James Bond 007 (P&G Prestige Products)
Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge (P&G Prestige Products)
Montblanc Legend (Inter-Parfums Luxury Brands)

Interior Scent Collection of the Year
AERIN Home Fragrance Collection by NEST Fragrances
After Midnight Candle Collection by NEST Fragrances
Cider Lane Home Fragrance Collection by Bath & Body Works
i.relax Aroma Diffuser by Oregon Scientific
R. Nichols Candle Collection by R. Nichols Candles
Ralph Lauren Home Fragrance Collection by Maesa
Sa Majesté La Rose by Belle Fleur New York
The American Boardwalk Candle Collection by Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Line of the Year
Crabtree & Evelyn West Indian Lime by Crabtree & Evelyn
Forever Red by Bath & Body Works
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport (Beauté Prestige International)
PINK Wild & Breezy by Victoria’s Secret

Fragrance Hall of Fame
A*MEN by Thierry Mugler (Clarins Fragrance Group)
Annick Goutal Petite Chérie (Beauté Prestige International)
Jivago 24K (Ilana Jivago Inc.)
Red Door by Elizabeth Arden

A few of my favorites are on the list of nominees, but a few astound me. Enough said by me. Are you wearing any of these new fragrances?

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's Pastel Shadow Option Palette. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, April 6, at midnight.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - March 29

All over the United States and Europe, people are wondering what happened to spring. After a mild winter in the DC area, suddenly it's cold, cloudy, and even snowy. Fortunately, the snow hasn't amounted to much here. Event when I had four inches in my back yard, my little street was only lightly covered in shaded spots.

Still, the early daffodils persist. They are hardy souls - like the other early spring bulbs.

This has been a very slow beauty week for me. I haven't visited any stores, primarily because we are in an introduction lull. The summer collections will arrive at counters any day. April will be a busy month.

I've taken the opportunity to rest my foot and try to make some sense of the clutter that has built up since it started hurting. I try to sort my mail at the recycling bin when it arrives - even before it makes its way into my house, but I'm not always successful. Who wants to stand outside and sort mail when it's raining?

It's Good Friday, and I know many of you are preparing for Easter Sunday. Passover had begun. Many schoolchildren are on spring break. This is a busy time; I can see it in my blog's visit statistics. I'll try to come up with some irresistible things to show you over the weekend. One thing that caught my eye - perhaps because of the Easter egg colors - was an advertisement for new Stila colors. The two eyeliners, while not terrible practical, look beautiful.

Periwinkle and Turquoise Smudge Sticks are perfect shades for spring. They were inspired by water and sky - and maybe a few Easter eggs.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest for Tarte's five-piece LipSurgence set. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, March 30 at midnight. I'm thinking of running an additional flash giveaway over the weekend, so make sure to check back.

Happy Easter!

Top and last photo courtesy of Stanford, Stila; snow photo by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - March 22

From hellebores to early daffodils to blooming plum trees, there's botanical evidence that it's spring. You'd never know it by walking outside. My star magnolia is trying to bloom, but the flowers are staying tucked into their buds. They know it's cold - not bitter cold, but dismaying cold. That poor groundhog lost his credibility this year. I guess the good news is that late frosts may not destroy the flowers - when they arrive. The other good news is that the immediate DC area is not covered with snow, as I know a great part of the country is.

Today is World Water Day! To celebrate this charitable recognition of the importance of clean water to life, Giorgio Armani Parfums has introduced a new fragrance: Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche ($58). I am supposed to have a sample on the way, and I had hoped to be able to give you a first-hand impression today. I'll have to do that later.

Actually, the whole month of March is World Water Month. UNICEF has a major role this month by raising funds to provide at least 200 days of clean, safe drinking water to children. What we take for granted is a luxury in some countries.

Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche blends sweet, delicate jasmine with subtle and floral green tea accents. The top notes burst to reveal grapefruit, ylang ylang, and cedarwood.  The middle notes develop to include mandarin, water jasmine, and a brown sugar accord. Lastly, the base notes passionately envelop the skin to lay forth bright primofiore lemon, a whisper of jasmine accord. and a hint of soft musk. I think it sounds luscious. Armani calls Eau Fraîche "a refined, tender, and fresh interpretation of Acqua di Gioia, revealing a vibrant femininity in perfect harmony with nature."

For every purchase in March of Acqua di Gioia Eau Fraîche, Acqua di Gioia, Acqua di Giò, and Acqua di Giò Essenza in March, Giorgio Armani Parfums will donate $5 to support the UNICEF Tap Project. Armani will also donate $1 for the first 50,000 people who "like" their Acqua for Life Facebook page from March 1-31, 2013. I like the idea of buying for beauty - the beauty of philanthropy.

I think I mentioned (perhaps in comments) that I'm very interested in CC creams. While BB creams are nice, they were targeted at a younger age group than mine. CC (color corrector) creams are being designed for everyone. Chanel has one on the way (isn't a double "C" the perfect product for Chanel?), and Clinique's will arrive at counters in April. The new Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($35) is intended to neutralize blotchy redness, turn sallow skin peachy, and make ashy skin luminous and bright, while and providing long-term hydration for the skin and sun protection. Six shades will be offered. I'll tell you more about it when I get my hands on one.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest for Sephora's Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, March 23, at midnight. The sampler is a fun way to try some new looks.

 Photos courtesy of northcoastgardening.com, Giorgio Armani Parfums, and Clinique

The Friday Forum - March 16

It's a little too early for tulips, but I can dream. Actually, we regressed back into a chilly spell, so it's not going to be nice over the weekend. Rain and clouds will not coax the flowers out of their buds.

This week has been painful. I went to the orthopedic surgeon mid-week. He prescribed a walking cast for the stress fracture(s) in my foot, i.e., a boot. I am having great difficulty walking in the boot because it throws off my bone-on-bone knee and my back. I ordered a pair of super-duty walking shoes recommended by podiatrists, and I may use it instead of the boot when it arrives. If not, I will wear one shoe on my "good foot" to try to level it with the boot.

I have dropped that boot, which is very heavy, on my "good foot" twice, and it is now bruised and battered. At this point, I hesitate to call it my "good foot." Meanwhile, the fractured foot hurts just as much as it did Monday.

I'm going to hobble over to Neiman Marcus this afternoon to see Mikey Castillo from Le Métier de Beauté. He is at Mazza Gallerie. It will be a nice break from hobbling around my house. I'd rather hobble for beauty. I'll also be able to see if the new Fluid Sheer shades arrived.

Yesterday, I learned that Google Reader will be going away. If you subscribe to my RSS feed that way, please find a substitute. When I find out what to recommend, I'll let you know.

I received an interesting notice about a new beauty magazine out of Australia. Called Heart Beauty Magazine, it will hit newsstands for Easter. Dedicated to "all things beautiful," Heart Beauty will cover new beauty products and services, profile industry leaders, and provide feature stories written by beauty experts.

The "Looks" pages will showcase the work of top creative talents. The first issue includes shoots by Australia's most talented makeup artists and hair stylists. You can subscribe at HeartBeautyMagazine.com.

I read at WWD that YSL Beauté will be launching Baby Doll Mascara, the latest addition to the strong Mascara Volume Effet Cils line.  Hedi Slimane paraded baby-doll dresses on the Saint Laurent runway earlier this month, so the new mascara follows the fashion theme. The Baby Doll name was first used by YSL for a fragrance in 1999.

I hope WWD will forgive me, but I'm going to quote from them.  With minor edits...

Its formula, which has two patents, was inspired by graphene, a carbon crystal with a honeycomb structure, explained Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté at L’Oréal, adding: “The way it’s disbursed is ultrathin, ultraresistant, and ultrabendable as well.”

Bezy said for the formulation the L’Oréal laboratories combined a new generation of exclusive polymers, a texturizing agent, and soft waxes, allowing for lengthening and curling effects.

“It mimics this graphene structure, so the way the molecules are layered and combined with each other creates a super-extra-thin film,” he continued. “What’s interesting is that the polymers are transparent, so they allow a perfect dispersion of the pigment. It creates a very even, homogenous color film.” The mascara “is very buildable, but in a very clean way,” said Bezy.

Baby Doll’s elastomer brush also boasts two patents. The wand alternates thick and wide-spaced bristles with finer, more closely spaced bristles to deposit color and define lashes.

At launch, the mascara will come in black, blue, brown and violet. “We decided we wanted to create a Baby Doll attitude,” said Bezy. So the whole look involves a YSL Vernis à Lèvres and La Laque Couture in pink, plus six eyeliners, including two limited-edition versions, in pink and in gold. 

The new mascara will be introduced in the U.S. on March 17 through yslbeautyus.com. On April 15, the entire line is to be available on that site and in Sephora in the U.S. On May 15, the collection will be available in other retailers countrywide.

The international rollout includes: France on April 29, the U.K. on May 22 and Germany on June 1, when there will also be a general launch in Spain after an exclusive in Sephora there starting on May 27. Russia is due to get the line on June 1, and Italy in early June.

In the U.S., Baby Doll will be priced at $30, and in Europe it is to be 33 euros, or $42.90.

Apparently, announcing my short break brought out the spammers. Although it's clear in the introduction to my comments section that I do not welcome and will delete link-laden comments or advertisements for their own blogs from other bloggers, I was deluged with them this week. I deleted them as quickly as I saw them, each time thinking, "Shoot me while I'm down." Either no one reads directions, or they don't believe me.

I'm going to do a flash giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned. I'm sure you'll want to enter.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Make sure to enter this week's giveaway contest before the deadline, tomorrow, Saturday, March 16, at midnight. Someone will win a beautiful Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush set.

Photo at top courtesy of proflowers.com; magazine by HeartBeauty; YSL photo provided to WWD