Chanel Collection Libre Synthetic de Chanel for Holiday 2016

Chanel's Collection Libre is an unexpected holiday collection that celebrates the modern yet sophisticated elements of beauty. Chanel Global Creative Makeup and Colour Designer Lucia Pica experiments with striking contrasts - a clash of colors, textures, intensities, and light - to capture a contemporary edge and thrilling moment in time.

Here are the product highlights.

Les 5 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette ($80), a limited-edition palette called Architectonic inspired by urban architecture, a modern palette that gives structure to the eyes with mirror-like silver, concrete grey, and gunmetal blue eye shadows in matte to shimmery textures.

Joues Contraste Powder Blush ($45) is the staple blush in a bright pink shade called Hyperfresh that can be used lightly for a soft accent of color or built up to make a statement.

Calligraphie de Chanel Waterproof Intense Cream Eyeliner in Hyperblack ($35) is a modern way to line the eyes. This long-lasting gel liner creates a super-black, vinyl finish for a striking look. It has a a specially developed brush for precise application.

Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour ($37) will impart fresh, bright shades of burgundy pink and strawberry red to the lips for the season. The shades are called Ultraberry and Ultrarose.

Rouge Allure Gloss Colour and Shine Lipgloss in One Click ($34) offers softer Super Nude and Super Coral tones to create the look of polished brilliance.

Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour ($37) is the best-loved, long-wearing lip color in a shocking Curious Orange that pops on the lips.

There are four featured nail shades: Les Vernis is Liquid Mirror (silver) and Hyperrose Glass (transparant pink), and Pink Rubber (a powdery pink). All are $28.00.

I took other photos of the holiday shades in the Neiman Marcus Café, but I cannot find them right now. If I can dig them up, I'll add them to this feature. I know there has been much conversation about this holiday collection, so I wanted to show you what I had as soon as possible.

The collection will be available in department stores, specialty stores, and at Chanel's Web site (now) in November 2016.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty (lip photos are from lab samples)

Coming Attraction: The Guerlain Shalimar Holiday 2016 Makeup Collection by Natalia Vodianova

This coming holiday season, Guerlain invites you on a unique journey into the heart of the East with an eight-piece makeup collection developed in partnership with supermodel Natalia Vodianova. The collection includes a new Shalimar iridescent spray for Body and Hair powder, plus Guerlain's must-have’s for achieving the perfect holiday party looks.

The collection includes these eight future superstars.

SOUFFLE D’OR DE SHALIMAR ($98). The famous Shalimar bottle is revisited in deeper blue with the Guerlain signature and a blue atomizer with metallic blue thread. Inside is an extra-fine pearly loose powder subtly perfumed with Shalimar Souffle de Parfum notes: bergamot, orange blossom, and vanilla. Apply to face, hair, body, and décolleté for a subtle golden highlight.

TERRACOTTA TERRA INDIA in 00 ($55). Packaged in lacquered Shalimar blue, Terracotta Terra India – whose pattern has been inspired by Indian drawings - is Guerlain’s classic Terracotta powder in shade 00. The powder, decorated with golden shimmer, offers a healthy glow.

MÉTÉORITES Perles de Légende ($65). This cult color-correcting formula, housed in a beautiful gold and sapphire limited-edition case inspired by India, creates a perfect, fresh, and radiant complexion thanks to a new and unique harmony of pearls.

L’OR EYELINER ($34). A long-lasting intense gold eyeliner that creates a stunning highlighted eye look. It comes in a silky texture for an easy and flawless application.

PRECIOUS LIGHT ($52). A light, pearly, and blendable texture to apply on light zones for an instant and subtle glow to illuminate the complexion in wintertime.

DUO EYESHADOW SHALIMAR in GOLD AND SAPPHIRE($46). Two vibrant colors inspired by precious stones: gold and sapphire with a creamy, metallic finish that will enhance the eyes for the holiday season.

ROUGE G Exceptional Complete Lip Color in #821 Rouge Saphir ($56). As unique as a jewel, a collector's edition of Rouge G lipstick with a precious blue stone on the case. The lipstick itself is an intense ruby red shade (in keeping with the red "color of the season).

KISSKISS in ROSE INDIEN ($37). Guerlain’s beloved KISSKISS formula in an intense fuchsia inspired by Indian pigments.

I saw a photo of the MÉTÉORITES Perles de Légende in the catalog Saks Fifth Avenue produced for its beauty event, which starts tomorrow. I was immediately smitten. Out of the eight pieces in this collection, I know I want at least six. I'm wondering where I will get the money. I need a new job soon!

Here are some lovely tips for using these new pieces from Supermodel Natalia Vodianova.

SOUFFLE D’OR DE SHALIMAR
“In addition to face and hair, I apply this powder on the back of my hands and on my wrists. So when I move them, a subtle scent emerges.”

MÉTÉORITES Perles de Légende
“I specifically chose these three colors of pearls because they remind me of the colors of the mosaics in the Indian palaces. The pink pearls revive the natural color of the cheeks and the freshness of the complexion; blue pearls correct irregularities of the skin and dark circles; and the gold pearls warm and illuminate cheekbones.”

TERRACOTTA TERRA INDIA in 00
“My application advice: use the three (3) gesture invented by Olivier Echaudemaison. Draw a three on each side of the face, from the forehead to the cheeks and then to the chin following the facial contour, and smoothing it down along the neck.”

L’OR EYELINER
“Do not hesitate to apply a fine line of the gold eyeliner over this collection’s eye shadows; it really makes my blue eyes stand out!”

PRECIOUS LIGHT
“To illuminate your features, apply this color on your cheeks, on the outside corner of your eyes, the bridge of your nose, or on your Cupid's bow.”

I'll be very happy if I can emulate her application techniques and end up with even a fraction of her blonde beauty.

The Guerlain Shalimar Holiday 2016 Makeup Collection by Natalia Vodianova will be available on October 1, 2016 at Guerlain Boutiques and select store and online location at Nordstrom, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, and Dillard’s. See anything you must have?

Photos courtesy of Guerlain