Lancôme Holiday 2012 Color Collection Blush Highlighter in Moonlight Rose

Lancôme's limited-edition Holiday 2012 Color Collection Blush Highlighter in Moonlight Rose ($42) is gorgeous, however it doesn't look at all like the promotional photo above, which I found at Nordstrom and Lancôme. It looks as light as I see it in my own photo below. It's eye-catching on the holiday display. It will draw your eyes right in to explore. It's actually much jazzier than the Lancôme-provided photo shows.

This illuminating/highlighting powder gives the skin a light-reflecting, luminous glow. Wear alone or pair with other cheek products (that's what I recommend) to create beautiful dimension on your face. It blends easily over the skin for a shimmering, festive look. The color is long-wearing and fade-resistant. I think it's a glorious color.

I took swatch photos in full sun - one in very bright light and the other in less direct light - and they both show the shine. It's a sheen, not a glitter bomb, so many will like it. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the top swatch heavily and a dense blush brush to apply the larger swatch below.

The pastel, cool pink makes a beautiful illuminator for women who can wear cool tones. It's icy blue-toned pink. Apply it lightly for a snow-like soft frosting or more heavily for serious brightening.

The beautiful Lancôme rose pattern was the clincher for me. The case is plain black with a small gold Lancôme rose (as opposed to the holiday eye shadow case that I will show you this week), but the case opens up to reveal a glorious rose. I couldn't resist.

Hanaa's holiday look features more colorful items from the collection. If she is wearing The Blush Highlighter in Moonlight Rose, it was layered over a deeper blush - or perhaps used to light up the center of her face.

Moonlight Rose is available, but selling out quickly, at Lancôme counters everywhere. It is available online at Nordstrom and Lancome-usa.com.

Photos at top and bottom by Lancôme; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Almost Bare Collection for Holiday 2012

Bobbi Brown's Almost Bare Collection ($85) is exclusive to Neiman Marcus - at least for now. These kits have a way of showing up at Bobbi Brown's Web site months after they are available only at Neiman Marcus. Sometimes, I find them at the outlet.

I thought you might want to see it. It would make a nice holiday gift. Bobbi borrowed from a name, "Almost Bare Collection," that she used in 2011. Don't be confused by that; this one holds an entirely different set of products.

Six items are housed in a pretty nude-pink-peach makeup bag. Naturally, the Almost Bare Rollerball is included. The Uber Beige Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks - itself worth $25) is the perfect shade for that nude look that flatters the model on the display. The piece that really caught my eye was the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Pink Bellini. I really want that eye shadow. It's a beauty. The gloss - I think it's called Bare Sparkling Shimmer - is a pretty light peachy nude. Don't quote me on that one; I had to call back to the store, and no one was staffing the counter. Another product rep helped me with that name.

The mini mascara and travel brush won't be recognized for originality, but they are useful in a kit you might grab and go.

You can find it at Neiman Marcus.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Holiday 2012 Nail Lacquer Duos in Deck the Nails and Bright as Night

Deck the Nails
Customized nail color at your fingertips

This holiday Le Métier de Beauté is unveiling two new nail polish transformers: Moon’s Glow and Tinsel Town. Adding a twist to every nail shade, paint these lacquered overlays over any color to add a stunning twist. Worn alone, the iridescent shades mix glimmering tones of gold, green, and silver for an attention-grabbing, holographic effect. Infuse a shimmering play on color or coat your nail tips in the most versatile lacquers of the season.

The Deck the Nails shades shown above are Moon's Glow on the left and Tinsel Town on the right. Moon’s Glow is a golden gleam lacquered overlay. Tinsel Town offers a subtle shimmer lacquered overlay with crisp celadon undertones.

Le Métier de Beauté uses the term "lacquered overlay" to describe a versatile nail lacquer that can be worn alone or layered over color for a multitude of nail looks. The company's Nail Lacquers are formulated to be "3-Free" - without formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). They are also Proposition 65-compliant. Wonderfully fortified with strengthening proteins and hydrators, these beautiful Nail Lacquers are chip-resistant and highly pigmented for rich, glossy, long-wearing color. Each is priced at $18.

Bright as Night
Classics for Christmas

The Bright as Night shades offer a bold coat of perfection. Le Métier de Beauté sheds light on the "naughtiest" emblems of the holidays. Christmas Town and Dream Maker, two new vibrant polishes ring in the brightest and best. These eye-catching shades make this color-packed duo a must for the winter season.

Christmas Town, a rich emerald, is shown above on the left. Dream Maker, a violet with navy blue undertones, is shown on the right. Each is also priced at $18.

The two collections will be available this month at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. I would love to have the Deck the Nails Collection - just because it's unique. The Bright as Night shades are so me, it's amazing.

Photos courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Eye Kit for Holiday 2012 - Swatched and Applied

Le Métier de Beauté's limited-edition Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Eye Kit for Holiday 2012 arrived - and is it extraordinary! I had the privilege of its first application by Erin Lockhard. She layered all the shades, and I was stunned by how beautifully they blended.

I have to write this feature very quickly because I have a friend coming by to go to lunch in just a few minutes. I will probably come back and embellish the post a bit later. In the meantime, let me give you my first impression: the synergy of these shades will surprise  and delight you. The top two, brown and silver don't seem like natural partners, do they? You must see them blended to believe.

I took my swatch photos in full, afternoon sun (hence the shadows). I swatched the shades heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator in the same order on my arm that they are presented in the Kaleidoscope.

The shimmering copper brown is simply gorgeous. It the first shade Erin applied sheerly to my lid, and we marveled at how good it looked. It's a perfect shade for swipe-and-go. Then she layered the silver shade over it, and it suddenly had pizazz.

I had my doubts about the burgundy shade. On the lid, though, near the lashes and blended with the other shades, it became much more brown and much less red. The midnight grey is elegant. With just a smidge of blue - to remind you of a starry night - it's exquisite.

I must tell you more about my makeup application. Erin applied individual lashes to enhance my own, and everywhere I've gone since I left her hands, I've received compliments - all from makeup artists. She is a master at applying individual lashes to glam your look in no time. No wonder celebrities love her.

Our photo shows the best store lighting we could find before I left. Shadows galore, but I wanted to give you a look at Erin's handiwork. She's a pro's pro!

Living proof? I ambled around Neiman Marcus before I went over to Saks to pick up Chanel's spring collection. I couldn't believe the compliments. It has been years - I'm sure, years - since makeup artists I don't know stopped me as I walked by and commented on my eyes. First, all my friends at Neiman Marcus were awestruck by Erin's work. then, I was cruising around Saks with Loyd, who had already said he wanted eyelash lessons from Erin, when the Laura Metier artist said as we walked by, "Your eyes are stunning." I turned around, and he was talking to me. Wow! Later at lunch, my friend noticed. It was a head-turning day. All thanks to Erin Lockard. Shadows by Le Métier de Beauté

The new Kaleidoscope Lip Kit named for Dr. Tina West will arrive this week. If you want to reserved one, make sure to call Michael Reinhardt at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. I believe the new palette, which he designed, will be exclusive to his store.

Update 12/10: The shade names in this Kaleidoscope, top to bottom, are:

• Axiom, a bronzed umber,
• Graphic, silver liquid metal,
• Crucible, rich pomegranate,
• Genre, deep gun-metal grey.   

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette for Holiday 2012

The best of the two palm-sized holiday gift palettes from Bobbi Brown is, in my opinion, the Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette ($30). Looking for a new look? This palette offers a perfectly edited selection of eye and lip shades that are fresh, fun, and quintessentially Bobbi. Featuring three Eye Shadows including the limited-edition shade, Eclipse (that doubles as an eyeliner); two Lip Colors, including Atomic Pink, a limited-edition shade sure to make lips pop, plus, a mini Lip Gloss that easily clicks right into the compact. Small, but cute - and a great gift for the makeup lover.

Here are the pretty shades included in Atomic Pink. Just click on the photo to enlarge the shades and descriptions.

I took a few photos in full sun to show you that this palette is a bright beauty. With the exception of the Pink Cloud Lip Gloss, all components were swatched with sponge-tipped applicators.

Pink Cloud is shown at the top of my arm. Below, Pale Mauve is on the left, and Atomic Pink is on the right. As you might expect, you cannot even see the White Eye Shadow on my arm. You can see Cement, and it's extremely pretty. Eclipse Eye Shadow at the bottom of my arm, is a great black. I can't use it as a shadow (too dark for my skin), but it makes a very nice eyeliner.

Even if you don't see yourself needing the Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette, you might want to pick on up to give to a traveler (perfect for the woman on the go) or to use as a stocking stuffer or office gift. It's a pretty little set.

You can find it at Bobbi Brown's Web site, other online sites, and all Bobbi Brown counters.

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

Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glacé Collection for Holiday 2012

Every year, Laura Mercier creates a limited-edition Mini Lip Glacé Collection ($38) for the holidays, and every year I purchase one - sometimes two. They are a nice buy, possibly a $64 value as described at Sephora. I'm never sure how they calculate those values. No matter. The set is fabulous.

This year's set of four high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip glosses offers rich, long-lasting color and brilliant shine for creating the appearance of fuller lips.

This set features a sampler of four bestselling shades to give your lips some extra holiday sparkle, gloss, and shine - a bit of lip luxury. Wear the shades solo for a soft-shimmer tint, mix them together to create your own personal shade, or layer one with with your favorite lipstick. You'll find these little wonders very satisfactory.

The set contains four mini Lip Glacés in Blush, Baby Doll, Rose, and Bare Beige. Here's a close-up taken at my house in full sun. The swatch photos were taken at the same time in the same order.

I tried to get one full-on sunshine photo (below) and one turned slightly at an angle to the sun to show how shiny these lovely colors are without help from the sun (above).

There isn't a discardable shade in this set. From peach to warm pink, rose pink to golden beige, these are every-woman shades in a set that was carefully edited to appeal to all of us.

I purchased my set at Sephora, where it is said to be exclusive. You can also find other Mini Lip Glacé Collections at Laura Mercier's Web site and store counters. Make sure to give them a look-see.

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

Clé de Peau Beauté Palette de Voyage for Holiday 2012

Clé de Peau has introduced a stunning makeup palette just in time for the holidays. The limited-edition Palette de Voyage ($180) stopped me in my tracks at Neiman Marcus.

A daring voyage. An escape from the everyday. A chance to explore. An exciting opportunity - perhaps a chance to discover unknown facets of your beauty. Embark upon a voyage inspired by this season's makeup and be transported by all the wondrous types of beauty there are.

Despite a cadence that reminds me of Brad Pitt's Chanel N°5 advertisements, the makeup speaks for itself. The color selections are festive, yet perfect for everyday.

The palette,which was created especially for Holiday 2012, contains the following goodies, all packed in an elegant, snap-shut dark blue case.

• A new Eye Shadow Quad
• The Mascara deluxe sample
• Extra-Rich Lipstick in R5
• Cheek Color #3
• Powder Eyeliner & Eyebrow Powders
• Three applicators

I swatched the palette in batches in late-afternoon sun. I had to dash up to my neighbor's house because my own garden was shaded after the sun had dipped below the tree line.

I started with the gorgeous new eye quad. Introduced for this palette, it's as pretty as it gets. I swatched the quad shades left to right. Then I swatched the brow and eyeliner powders, which are shown at the bottom of my arm.

The gold is a beautiful shade with a stunning sheen. The peachy pink? A shade Clé de Peau has mastered before and presents in glamorous fashion in this palette. The chocolate bronze? Exquisite. One of my favorite shades, the golden beige, is one of the smallest helpings in the palette. I want more of it!

The brow shader is a fabulous shade for me. Because it's a powder, it's easy to apply only where needed, while controlling the depth of color. The eyeliner at the bottom of my arm is a fabulous shade when you don't want black, and it complements the colors in the eye shadow quad perfectly.

In my second batch of photos, I swatched the Cheek Color #3 and the Extra-Rich Lipstick in #5. The photos were taken at the same time of day - late.

The beautiful blush at the top of my arm is a pink-peach blend that should be perfect for almost everyone. It offers a sophisticated sheen that makes the color lively. The pretty red lipstick is the color of the season. Not too blue, not too warm, it's a holiday red that will thrill red lipstick lovers.

The mascara is black - as expected. The applicators? You'll want to use your own unless you are traveling - and this all-in-one set is a perfect take-along.Don't miss that cute little bow that's included separately in the box. It makes a tailored box feminine.

I know Palette de Voyage is pricey. When you add up the price of a Clé de Peau Beauté eye shadow quad, blush, lipstick (remember this one is not full-sized), and deluxe sample mascara, along with brow and liner powers, I think it's a justifiable price. I suspect I'll use the eye shadows and blush most often. I'd call this palette absolutely perfect if Clé de Peau had included a lip gloss.

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

Chantecaille Lip Chic in Nocturne from Les Fêtes Collection for Holiday 2012

The last piece I have to show you from Chantecaile's Les Fêtes Holiday 2012 Color Collection is Lip Chic ($35) in Nocturne. Chantecaille's Lip Chic is a best-selling, highly emollient lip formula that offers the even coverage of a lipstick with the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss. Added collagen gives the lips a boost, leaving them fuller and with a decidedly more youthful appearance, without any irritation. Lip Chic is one of my favorite lipsticks. I wouldn't leave home without one. I've purchased a large percentage of the shades so I have one for every occasion.

Nocturne is one of those colors that surprises you. It looks cherry red in the tube. Right? Check out the swatches below and see one of the prettiest pinks you can imagine. I purchased it at Neiman Marcus and ran out the door without even trying it. Friday was a crazy busy day.I got home and found it was even more gorgeous than I expected.

I took my photos in full sun at the same time I photographed Brilliant Gloss in Glamour. I had expected a similar shade - particularly from the online swatch - but was thrilled with Nocturne. It's my kind of color. What did I do? I quickly went online and ordered more.

Just look this color! It's festive pink. On the warm side, it's a shade that will make many of us very happy - and look fabulous.

Since it's a holiday shade, it had to be photographed in front of a holly tree laden with berries. The top swatch photo shows the true color on the skin. The photo directly above shows how it will shine in strong lighting.

On Chantecaille's Web site, Olivia's look for the lips was created by applying Nocturne Lip Chic directly to the lips, starting in the middle and working the color outward. Then, her lips were shaped with Impression Lip Definer, drawing from the edges inward. Her lips were finished with a liberal application of Glamour Lip Gloss for added shine. That's why they look so much darker than Nocturne.

The result? One of the prettiest lips for holiday I've seen so far.

Right now, you can purchase all pieces from Les Fêtes Holiday 2012 Color Collection, including Nocturne, at Chantecaille's Web site and Chantecaille counters where the holiday collection has arrived (call first before you leave home). I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, where you can call Jeannine Barnes, Chantecaille representative, at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289, for help. The collection is available in store and online at other Chantecialle retailers, such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. This collection is definitely worth a look.

Bottom photos courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Glamour for Holiday 2012

Chantecaille's Brilliant Gloss ($33) in Glamour adds a festive touch to the Holiday 2012 Collection. I think it suits its name.

Brilliant Gloss is a non-sticky, addictive lip gloss with vegetal-based, cross-linked sugars that naturally and safely plump the lips. An innovative system of elastic polymers and shiny emollient oil creates long-lasting wear, plus the gloss is enhanced with green tea to protect and calm lips. Worn by many, from the famous Angelina Jolie to the not-famous Charlestongirl, it's a fabulous lip gloss.

Shown here on Olivia Chantecaille, Glamour is a beautiful cherry red. It's a red I can wear, particularly since it's semi-sheer. I don't know what lip color she is wearing underneath Glamour in the photo above.

I took swatch photos in mid-afternoon sun. I had a hard time getting Glamour to adhere to my arm. It is, after all, made for the lips. That's why the color looks uneven in my swatch photos.

Apply Glamour to your lips with its brush wand, and your lips will be adored with a sheer, shiny, and luscious rose. Glamour lights up my face and makes my eyes pop blue.

I am seriously smitten. I need another one - or maybe two more. They arrived in limited numbers at Neiman Marcus, but I see that Glamour is available at Chantecaille's Web site. I wouldn't delay. You'll want one for the holidays. It would be ashamed if I and other Chantecaille fanatics beat you to all of the stock available. I fully expect to see Glamor marked as "Notify Me" in the near future.

Right now, you can purchase it at Chantecaille's Web site and Chantecaille counters where the holiday collection has arrived (call first before you leave home). I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, where you can call Jeannine Barnes, Chantecaille representative, at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289, for help. I've seen that Glamour is available online at other stores, such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.

Photos at top courtesy of Bloomingdale's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Les Fêtes Trio for Holiday 2012 - Swatched

Finally, I have my hands on Chantecaille's limited-edition Les Fêtes Trio ($74). I'll tell you a confessional story about it below. For now, focus on the festive shades.

Chantecaille characterizes these eye shadows as having a high percentage of pearls and micronized pigments that create pure color and eye-catching shimmer. They provide liquid-like shine and light to instantly brighten the eye area. With their weightless, oil-absorbing and easily buildable formula, they should suit everyone.

The mirrored, limited-edition palete contains a tiny dual-ended sponge applicator for times when you don't have a brush handy. The outside of the gunmetal grey case has a snazzy pattern that will make your new palette stand out among the others in your collection.

The shades are all illuminating on the eyelids. They capture and reflect light, and will be perfect for your holiday parties. Moonstone on the left is described as a soft pearl color with hints of pink and gold. Diamond is called a silvery slate hue infused with diamond-dust sparkle. Pink Sapphire is a radiant, effervescent rose that can be used on lids or cheekbones.

I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full, afternoon sunshine. On my arm, you'll see Moonstone at the top, Diamond in the middle, and Pink Sapphire on the bottom.

On my skin, Moonstone is an icy pink. It provides a sheen that can be worn with the other shades in the palette or many other eye shadows in your makeup bag. Diamond is a chameleon. In bright lighting conditions, Diamond appears to be a super-sparkly grey-brown. In other conditions, you can see a hint of lavender or mauve, giving the shade a complexity that's stunning. My camera picked that up - even in bright sunshine. I'm surprised. To my eyes while I was snapping these photos, the shade looked more grey.

Pink Sapphire is a medium-toned, ever-so-slightly warm pink. Although pinks can be hard for me to wear, this one looks good. It's brightening on my eyes and glorious on my cheeks. I've even tried Moonstone at the top of my cheekbones, using it as a highlighter, and it's stunning.

One more thing about the shades. I find Diamond's glittery "look out of character" for Chantecaille. It successfully pushes the boundaries I expect from the company's makeup - colors that will take you anywhere. You'll find you have to build the color to realize its promise. On the first pass with a brush, you may see only tinted glitter. Continue to build the shadow, and you'll achieve the color that makes it so pretty.

Here's my ditzy confession. I thought I had ordered Les Fêtes Trio from Chantecaille's Web site. My box came, and I didn't open it until I could get outdoor photos. Was I surprised when I opened it, expecting to dash outside with it! Inside the box was my third Les Pétales de Rose. I must have been multitasking when I ordered. I quickly called my favorite stores and found that the entire new holiday collection had arrived at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, so I bounded over there to buy it. I had little spare time, but I was not going to go without Les Fêtes Trio another day. Am I disappointed to have three Les Pétales de Rose compacts? Not a bit! I adore it.

You can purchase Chantecaille's Les Fêtes Trio for Holiday 2012 at Chantecaille's Web site, and it should be at all Chantecaille counters soon. I believe it's available at select Saks stores, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales - all in addition to Neiman Marcus.

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

Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette for Holiday 2012

I have my favorites from Bobbi Brown's lovely, festive holiday collection, and the Rich Caviar Eye Palette ($47.50) is right up there with those Tube Tints.

With six mix-and-match shades this eye palette truly strikes it rich. Featuring everything you need to take eyes from day to night including Bobbi's beloved base shadow in Bone and the palette's namesake shade in Rich Caviar. Complimentary colors include metallic and sparkle textures, perfect for building intensity. A Mini Dual Ended Shadow/Liner brush completes the set-all it needs now is a bow.

Rather than repeat Bobbi Brown's shade descriptions, I cut them in above. Yes, the palette has one of those obligatory repeats, Bone Eye Shadow. It's shown at the top of my arm in the swatch photos, but I doubt you'll be able to see it. It would be so nice if Bobbi Brown would invent a few new base shades to prevent the palette fatigue that has descended on some loyal customers.

I swatched the palette clockwise, starting with Bone, and ending with Olive Tree Sparkle Eye Shadow. I used a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full sun.

Bone, at the top of my arm, is bone. Enough said. I'm tired of it, even if it is a terrific, brightening base shade. Candle Light Gold Metallic Eye Shadow, second own, is gorgeous! The shimmering gold (not metallic as I define metallic), is beautiful. Do you ever wonder why makeup companies misspell words in their product names? Or fail to use proper punctuation? Would Candlelight have made more sense? After all, I'm sure Bobbi saw the flattering glow of candlelight on the face. There's nothing dim about Bobbi's Candle Light. It's a charmer.

Wheat Eye Shadow is another standard palette filler. It's a bit too warm for my tastes, but I work around it with other shades. I don't think of it as ash beige, which has a cool connotation to me. You really don't see its warmth well in my palette photo below, but you can see it on my skin. Incidentally, my own palette photo does not reflect the Rich Caviar greens well. Use Bobbi Brown's photo at the top of this feature as your reference.

Rich Caviar Eye Shadow is a perfectly described as a rich black brown. For me, it's a liner shade - and a nice one too because it's not as harsh as black black. The bottom two shades on my arm, along with Candle Light, make the palette for me. Black Topaz Metallic Eye Shadow is a shimmering charcoal with a hint of green in it - don't look for much green. I know it's called deep green with gold pearl, but on my skin, it translates as charcoal that leans green. I provided a close-up so you could see exactly what I mean by that. I see the hint of green with my eyes, but my camera didn't.

The shade at the bottom of my arm, Olive Tree Sparkle Eye Shadow, is a shimmering golden green-beige. Steady my heart, it's stunning. Shades like Olive Tree can make a palette for me - and this one does with four stars, maybe five.

All of the shades in the Rich Caviar Eye Palette are pigmented (no sheer, sparkly duds here). I think this is the the best eye palette in Bobbi Brown's holiday collection and think you will enjoy it - even if you already have 50 Bone Eye Shadows and enough little brushes to open a store.

You can find the Rich Caviar Eye Palette at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown in-store and online sites.

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