Tom Ford Shimmer Shot in Spin Spin Sugar

Tom Ford's anticipated Shimmer Shot ($45) launched last week. Available in two shades, Spin Spin Sugar and Lust for Life, it's a gorgeous liquid illuminator. Ordinarily, I would have purchased both shades, but in my new frugalality, I bought only Spin Spin Sugar.

From Tom Ford, slightly edited...
Polished radiance is essential to the Tom Ford face. The lightweight, liquid texture can be used on any skin tone to create ultimate luminosity. Pearlescent glow highlights and defines bone structure, creating perfectly balanced symmetry. Blends flawlessly onto the skin for instant glow. Blends perfectly into your foundation for a contoured look. Light is softened and diffused for a smooth finish. Packaged in an easy-to-use piston pump [which I like]. Apply on the bridge of the nose, highpoints of cheeks, on the chin, and under the eyebrow arch - really anywhere you want to draw light.

The other shade, Lust for Life, looked very tan, and I would need to see it before purchasing. It is expected to arrive at Neiman Marcus in days. I ordered from the Tom Ford Web site.

I took a few swatch photos in full, late-afternoon sunshine, selecting the best. I tried to apply a dot at the top of my arm, with a slightly blended swatch below, but it ran before I could get outside. So my swatch was finger blended, but heavier at the top than below.

The color of Spin Spin Sugar is going to be slightly different on different skin tones. On me, it's a pearly ivory with an ever-so-slight touch of pink. Is it revolutionary? No, but it sure is nice. It applies easily and dries quickly.

I'd be glad to answer any questions. There's not much more I can tell you. I would purchase it again. I'm already fond of it, especially its pearly glow. If you'd like to order from Neiman Marcus, give Debbie O'Malley a call at The Tom Ford counter at (202) 966-9700. She's a great helper.

Photo at top courtesy of Tom Ford; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

New: Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder in Devotion

New this spring, Laura Mercier's Face Illuminator Powder ($44) caught my eye on Sephora instantly. It comes in four shades, three of which are new, but Devotion called to me. I was not disappointed. This gleaming powder adds an instant touch of radiance. Plus, I read at Allure that she designed the Devotion shade for fair skin tones!

Laura Mercier said, "I developed this product to help women create a radiant look for themselves using a performance makeup artist tool that allows a buildable layer of shine - from subtle illumination to extreme radiance." That's exactly how it works.

This long-wearing, buildable, and versatile highlighting powder can be used anywhere on your face or body. It provides a natural-looking, radiant, allover glow. I'm not sure how the red algae ingredient in it adds to the radiance or texture, but that's certainly a popular ingredient these days.

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder highlights the skin with pure light-reflecting pigments for a color-true, multidimensional, and luminous finish that complements all skin tones. Its non-dusting texture allows for excellent color payoff and applies smoothly and evenly onto the skin without dragging across dry areas. The unique formula brings a stunning gleam to the complexion for an instant glow that is said to last up to eight hours.

I took my compact photo in full sun. As is normally the case, my photo is more true than the online photo. I had a feeling that the pink would be stupendous, and it is. There's nothing wrong with the color shown at the top of this feature, but it's not true.

I applied a swatch with moderate intensity with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photo immediately below in the same bright sun in which I photographed my Devotion compact. As you can see in the swatch photos, Devotion is fairly sheer, and it gleams - no glitter or sparkle - it adds a sheen to my skin. It's brighter in full sun, but it still gleams in indirect light or indoors.

I took a shade photo to prove it. See the glow below. Same swatch, two vastly different lighting exposures.

I think the shade photo shows how the powder gleams evenly on my fair skin, even without direct light.

I think you will like Devotion if you can wear pale pink. If you can't, there are two other new shades you can consider, both warm gold: Seduction and Addiction.

You can find Laura Mercier's new Face Illuminator shades at Sephora, where I purchased mine, at Laura Mercier's Web site, and at Laura Mercier counters. There is a new shade for everyone.

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

Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase for Neiman Marcus InCircle

I had planned to tell you today about my exciting visit with Marcus Monson at Guerlain. Then I realized that this feature about Le Métier de Beauté's Gift with Purchase (GWP) for Neiman Marcus InCircle, which starts on April 13, was time-sensitive. So, I re-ordered my features; I'll tell you about Marcus tomorrow when I get home from work.

If you spend $350 with Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a makeup bag filled with lovely goodies.

• Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick (appears to be full-sized) - mauve or plum
• Outré Lip Crème (full size) - a rich medium pink suited for all skin tones
• Lure Illuminating Face Powder (generous, but a tad smaller than full-sized) - gold
• Cinamatic Mascara (Le Métier de Beauté's new mascara formula) deluxe sample - black
• A surprise skin-care sample (exclusive to Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie)

The bag appears to be leather, but given that it was made in China, it's probably not. As you can see in my photo, it has a zip top to keep all our makeup safely tucked inside. Plus, it's long enough to accommodate our makeup brushes.

I took swatch photos of the contents, with the exception of the surprise skin care, late this afternoon in full sun. I applied the lip products directly from the tubes, used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the Illuminating Face Powder, and swiped the mascara across my arm. All were applied lightly. I had to take showcase my neighbor's gorgeous redbud tree, so it served as the background.

I started at the top of my arm with Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick. Isn't the plumy-pink color gorgeous? Any shine you see on my arm was from the direct sunlight. The gloss below is Outré Lip Crème. The combination of the two is beautiful - especially for me, someone who likes shine on my lips. The addition of the Lip Crème makes my lips feel comfortably hydrated.

The Lure Illuminating Face Powder is a pretty, sparkly, subtle gold. It's perfect for a night-out highlighting powder, and it looks great on the face with the lipstick and lip gloss.

Mascara swatches are hard to do on my arm, so don't blame Le Métier de Beauté for my uneven swatch. It's black, but a soft, matte, natural-looking black. It's a perfect go-to for any time of day. I'm anxious to try the new formula.

Most GWPs are stingy - especially for a purchase of $350. You often get samples that are gone after a day's use. Le Métier de Beauté is making sure that you go home with products you can use for months. I suspect the only gift you will run out of is the mascara. It might last a week if used daily.

If you don't have a favorite Neiman Marcus Le Métier de Beauté counter, or if you want to ensure that you get the surprise exclusive to the Mazza Gallerie store, give Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug a call. Their number is (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. Make sure to ask for one of them. Pre-sale has started, so you can call anytime starting tomorrow. The store closed for the day today at 6:00 pm. Remember that shipping is free.

Michael has also arranged some special events for InCircle, so if you are local, make sure to ask about Hylton Lea's visit next weekend, as well as facials next Sunday. Both will be by appointment. Hylton will be providing customers with his expert touch, 20-minute "facial rescue" at the counter. After your skin is "saved," Michael or Andy will be on hand to give you the finishing makeup touch for your special day or evening. It's wonderful for those of us who can't get by the store on a weekday that you can get a facial on a Sunday.

A master aesthetician, the one Michael personally uses, will provide you with a luxurious hour-long facial. She is in such demand that it has taken a year to get her booked for this event. The facial is complimentary with a purchase of two skin-care items. The facial will be wonderful opportunity to learn about Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous skin care.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Diorskin Nude Air Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink for Spring 2016

When Dior says "limited edition," they really mean it. At every store where I have asked, I was told they received three of each limited-edition item in the collection. Three! That's exclusive, but crazy. They are leaving money on the table. I went last weekend to the Dior counter at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie and purchased the last Glowing Pink Illuminating Powder ($58) they had. The gold one on display had already sold out.

To describe the full collection, Dior offered this...
Dior cultivates the art of a beautiful glow in what are now considered must-haves, inspired by the techniques of professional makeup artists and the products they use backstage, like Lip Glow, the Colour Reviver Lip Balm. This spring, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, reinterprets the art of a gorgeous glow with a luminous makeup collection that teams new Backstage Pros essentials with eyeshadows and lipsticks in colours inspired by the flower gardens of Granville.

If I had had unlimited resources, I would have come away with more from the collection. There is a beautiful eye shadow and liner duo. I forced myself to select only one piece, and this was it.

The compact comes with the kabuki brush shown above. The two pieces sit in a moulded plastic case inside the blue Dior box. I took my photos for this feature in full, frigid sun.

The powder itself is not as pink as it appears on Dior's Web site. That's one reason why I really love it. There is a lot of beige in Glowing Pink.

On my skin in full sun, the powder does show its girly pink face, and it sparkles a tiny bit. However, inside, it looks like a beautiful sheen on my skin. I applied it heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator to take the swatch photo below. If you apply it softly with a powder brush, you will achieve a beautiful pink glow.

I think this powder is stunning. If you are interested in it, call before you go to a store. Most of them have sold out. I see it on Dior's Web site, but it's shown as "momentarily unavailable." I have no idea whether that means they intend to produce more of it, or whether that's French for sold out.

If you like a glowing pink finish on your skin, you really should try to find it. I think you will love the  gorgeous glow it provides.

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

Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder

Chanel's Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder ($80) has been exclusive to Nordstrom, a beauty feature of the Anniversary Sale. I was given an extra-special courtesy when I was allowed to purchase it slightly before the end of pre-sale (I do not carry store cards). Then I forgot to take photos. Duh!

This lacy luxury is a very special girl. She comes wrapped in a fold-over pouch with an elastic band to keep her in place. There is a place for her brush in the pouch. Her box is even large, giving her the aura of a collector's piece.

We tried the tester on my skin before I purchased Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder. It looks beautiful on my pale face. I do wonder how it will appear on very dark skins. It might disappear because it is pastel and soft when applied. I think it's magnificent on my skin.

Note the difference in color between my photo, directly above, and the Nordstrom/Chanel photo at the top of this feature. The real color is closer to the Nordstrom/Chanel photo, but lighter. I was not wearing pink, nor were there any pink flowers near me when I snapped my photo in full sun. That pink cast is a mystery.

We'll let the swatch photos prove that. I took them in full, early afternoon sun. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the powder extremely heavily at the top of my arm. Then I used a kabuki brush to show you a moderate swatch below. The nice thing about this powder is that I can achieve any look I want by varying the brush I use. I prefer to use a fluffy cheek brush to apply a sheer veil, which suits my everyday look quite well.

You can see the beautiful, soft gold shade in both swatches. I do not see the pink on my skin. Do you?

I think it's a perfect gold for everyone. It was a nice choice on Nordstrom's part. As you can see, it is sparkly, but not overly so. It's pretty and girly, not garish or glittery. It stays on too. I'd estimate five-hour wear. It does not make it all day when applied lightly.

"But of course," some will say to me. What do you expect when Nordstrom teams up with Chanel?

I'd like to see this highlighter distributed to all the Chanel counters so that everyone can take a look and see whether it will make a nice addition to their makeup wardrobes. I just tried to find it on Nordstrom's Web site and couldn't. I'm wondering if it sold out there. Surely the stores still have it available.

If you would like to see more photos, check out Sara's at Color Me Loud. I found it interesting that she also captured the pink tone in the compact.

I love my new illuminating powder. It stands out among the hundreds I already have. That's an achievement!

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

Laura Mercier Bonne Mine Stick Face Color

I love cream blushes, and I love cream blushes in sticks. They are so convenient. I was playing online recently and saw Laura Mercier's Bonne Mine Stick Face Color ($32) at Nordstrom. I immediately ordered two shades: Pink Glow and Peach Glow.

Wake up your skin with a healthy glow. These sheer, blendable sticks give skin natural-looking color with a “no-makeup” radiance that looks soft and sun-kissed. Luminous shades for cheeks and face transform skin into radiant, glowing skin. Four luminous shades.

Pink Glow is shown above. What a gorgeous rose shade! The sheer, blendable formula gives you that no-makeup radiance with a natural, soft and sun-kissed look.

I was more than disappointed when I pulled these beauties from the Nordstrom box. Peach Glow fell right out of the tube. Not only did it have some damage around the edges of the top, it had melted at some point, perhaps in transit, and it was no longer attached to the wind-up mechanism. It's too bad that I have to send it back, although I will ask that it be replaced. It's a beautiful color on my skin.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I applied the shades directly from the tubes, and then I blended them lightly with my fingers. Pink Glow in particular came out of the tube a bit too dark for my skin. I would blend them into my skin anyhow, so I don't think the need to blend the color is relevant to anything.

Pink Glow is a stunning rose pink. I would gush, but I'll leave that to you pink lovers. Peach Glow is slightly more subtle. It's extremely natural on the skin, and I'll bet the shade will work for nearly everyone. There are two other shades available: Bronze Glow and Coral Glow. Both appear to have been created for darker skin tones.

I remember that Laura Mercier offered color sticks in the past. They were called Illuminating Sticks, and they were wonderful. Now, we have a bit more color, making them perfect for use as blush in addition to being "glow sticks."

 Apply the colors to your skin where a healthy glow is desired. Laura Mercier recommends you touch the color onto apples of of your cheeks then softly blend the color up your cheekbones and toward your temples until your desired coverage is achieved. Works for me!

You can find Bonne Mine Stick Face Color at Laura Mercier's Web site, Nordstrom (where I purchased mine), and other Laura Mercier counters.

Photos at top courtesy of Laura Mercier; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Beauty Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink from the Summer 2014 Transatlantique Collection for Neiman Marcus

Each store received its own Transatlantique Collection for Summer 2014. I had fun shopping at Saks. Then I did it again at Neiman Marcus. Trying to be frugal, I selected only one piece, Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink ($56). It beckoned to me from another counter!

The limited-edition Transatlantique Color Collection was inspired by Christian Dior’s love for travel and the brand’s spirit for timeless elegance and playfulness. The collection boasts classic, elegant shades contrasted by bold pops of color.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder mimics a fresh glow. It's a luminizing product that combines pigment with shimmer to create a natural, fresh look. "A gentle blush of color sculpts and contours, creating a dazzling, complexion-enhancing glow."

The compact comes in a very large box, accompanied by the small kabuki brush you see here. With one stroke of the Kabuki brush (or more, if you wish), your skin blushes gently, catching the light and revealing a sculpted face. The color is gorgeous: a pastel pink that leans cool without being too blue.

I took my swatch photos in full, late-morning sun. I applied the powder with a sponge-tipped applicator, which I "ran" over all the colors in the compact. Then I used the kabuki brush that comes with the compact (in a very large Dior box) and applied the large swatch below.

I'm using this gorgeous pink as an illuminating blush. I apply it with a light hand because it is very pigmented.

The texture of this finely-milled powder is soft and very blendable on the skin. Once you blend it, it seems to melt into the skin, never looking powdery. I am thrilled that I purchased it.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink is supposed to be a Neiman Marcus exclusive, but you can find it at Nordstrom too. I can never figure out why one store thinks they have an exclusive, but others have the same product. I've given up trying.

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

Chantecaille Liquid Lumière in Luster and Brilliance

Every so often, a makeup introduction comes a long that leaves me wishing I could still do cartwheels. Chantecaille's Liquid Lumière ($39) is one of them. Available in two shades - both of which are irresistible - it will make you gleam in a summer rose gold or a natural gold.

As I mentioned yesterday, this brand new luminizer/illuminator that is available in Luster and Brilliance. Who could choose between gorgeous and gorgeous? I couldn't, so I ordered both.

Velvety smooth and buildable, Liquid Lumière blends effortlessly to leave skin feeling hydrated and supple, while gleaming with a healthy glow.

• A luxuriously lightweight highlighting fluid that instantly illuminates skin while delivering long-term anti-aging benefits
• Micro-sized, light reflecting pigments blur imperfections to instantly brighten and even out skin tone
• Packaged for portability, the powerful complexion “pick me up” can be applied throughout the day for a boost of radiance and luminosity

Liquid Lumière leaves the prettiest, most natural, transparent gleam you can imagine. I hope it delights you as much as it thrills me. It's sophisticated, luxurious, and versatile. You can wear it anywhere on your face where you want a touch of light or brightness without glitter or a made-up look - under or over makeup or alone. I think it's going to be a very popular new tool in our makeup wardrobes.

I took swatch photos in full, late-afternoon sun. I used my finger to apply the creamy liquid luminizers. I blended them in slightly, but didn't want to blend too much or I would have started to lose the color. I swatched Luster at the top, with Brilliant below.

These colorful gleaming swatches show how beautiful Liquid Lumière is on the skin. Although you may think you see sparkles, particularly in the gold due to the sun, they appear to be evenly pigmented, gleaming radiance on the skin. Luster, at the top of my arm, is a stunning rose-peach hybrid that is so flattering I stand in the mirror and gush. Brilliance is the gold for women who don't want to look like a disco ball.

You can see in this second photo that the colors are quite sheer. My veins are visible through the swatches. These luminizers will enhance your skin, not cover it up.

I am blown away by how much I love these little tubes of sunshine. They are small at .8 fluid ounces, but the fair price makes it palatable to buy back-ups (for those of us who have already decided we don't want to live without these treasures).

I purchased mine at the Chantecaille Web site. I will be at Neiman Marcus tomorrow and will find out if the new Chantecaille products have arrived at counters.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille New Skin-Care and Color Products and a New Web Site Look

Chantecaille's wonderful Webmaster has revamped the Chantecaille Web site, giving it a clean new look and even more gorgeous photos than it had before. It's worth an Internet trip to check it out. I noticed that the Special Offers page was missing, but he assured me that it will return the moment there is a special offer. I felt better when I learned that I hadn't accidentally missed anything. One nice feature is the continuous offer of free shipping for orders over $99.

There are three new products I want to show you. I have all three, but I have not had sunlight after work to take photos of the luminizers. I may get those photos later today - I hope - so you won't have to wait long.

The new wonder cream is La Crème à la Rose de Mai ($210). The exquisite Rose de Mai imbues its rare and delicate scent to this very modern and moisturizing cream. An intelligent formula protects, repairs, and detoxifies the skin, leaving it radiant and clear, while new technologies help the body use its own resources by teaching it to draw energy and moisture from within.

• Rose de Mai Essence extracted from one of the world’s rarest roses, Rose de Mai essence, infuses the formula with a uniquely uplifting aroma.
• Rich in vitamin C, it also possesses powerful anti-aging properties.
• Dolicos (sweet pea stem cells) protects the cell and DNA from damage created by UV, pollution, and stress; reenergizes the essence of the cell by boosting its energy.
• Pre- and Pro-Biotic Complex protect the immune system of the skin, stimulates the skin’s primary defense barrier, and helps prevent harmful bacteria from entering.
• Wild pansy extract acts as a dual action hydration regulator and increases the skin’s internal water regulation.
• Niacinamide helps stimulate collagen synthesis, strengthens skin’s moisture barrier and inhibits the production of melanin.
• Matrixyl 3000 provides a combination of anti-aging peptides that help minimize fine lines, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve the skin’s elasticity and tone; it enhances cellular longevity and DNA repair.
• Raspberry stem cells offer both soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, provide long-term DNA protection, and repair while preventing collagen dehydration.
• The cream is composed with 85% natural ingredients, including a healing base of pure rosewater
• It offers an aromatherapy experience, soothing and uplifting, promiting a wonderful sense of joy.

I'm wearing this cream now, and I love everything about it. While the initial rosewater fragrance disippates quickly, the nourishing and hydrating properties stick me me all day. I'm already impressed with it.

Liquid Lumière ($39) is a brand new luminizer/illuminator that is available in two shades: rose gold (Luster) and gold (Brilliance, shown in tube below). They are both gorgeous. Fortunately, I was able to purchase both. Who could choose between gorgeous and gorgeous?

Velvety smooth and buildable, Liquid Lumière blends effortlessly to leave skin feeling hydrated and supple, while gleaming with a healthy glow.

• A luxuriously lightweight highlighting fluid that instantly illuminates skin while delivering long-term anti-aging benefits
• Micro-sized, light reflecting pigments blur imperfections to instantly brighten and even out skin tone
• Packaged for portability, the powerful complexion “pick me up” can be applied throughout the day for a boost of radiance and luminosity

Liquid Lumière leaves the prettiest, most natural, transparent gleam you can imagine. I hope it delights you as much as it thrills me. It's sophisticated, luxurious, and versatile. You can wear it anywhere on your face where you want a touch of light or brightness without glitter or a made-up look. I think it's going to be a very popular new tool in our makeup wardrobes.

I will show you swatch photos as soon as possible. In the meantime, check out these wonderful new additions to my beauty routine at Chantecaille's Web site. I have not been in a department store for two weeks, so I don't know if these products have arrived at Chantecaille's counters yet.

Update 5:00 pm: I got the Liquid Lumière photos. I will post them later this evening. They are magnificent!
Later: I am wiped out. First thing tomorrow, I promise.

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille

Chanel Jardin de Camélias Illuminating Powder from the Jardin de Camélias Collection

This exclusive creation, a sheer "ivory powder" enhanced with pink highlights, delicately illuminates the face with an imperceptible halo. Dusted over the cheekbones and across the high points of the face, the highlighting powder captures and reflects light for an exquisite radiance. In tribute to Mademoiselle Chanel’s favorite flower, a camellia is delicately embossed across its surface. This beautiful Jardin de Camélias Illuminating Powder ($70) is part of the limited-edition Jardin de Camélias Collection. I thought today, with our fresh six inches of snow on the ground, was the perfect day to feature it.

Most of you know I ordered from this collection blind. It is exclusive to Chanel.com At the time I ordered, I wondered how the almost-white powder would look on my face - and on those with darker complexions. Today, I can tell you it looks great on me, but I have reservations about how it will look on women with medium to dark complexions. I'm hoping one of you will tell me.

Have you noticed that one of the biggest trends for spring is white or nearly white eye shadow? Did you see it gracing the faces of actresses at the Academy Awards last night? This illuminating powder is as perfect as it gets for creating the bright-eyed look that is all the rage. On the face, it creates the soft glow of a pearl in candlelight, a woman's best friend.

As usual, I attempted the impossible: taking swatch photos on my pale skin, hoping you will see the color of Jardin de Camélias. I took my photos in full sun. I swatched heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I used a brush to create the larger swatch below. I made no attempt to blend the powder.

Fortunately, the slightly pink tint in the white Jardin de Camélias shows at the top of my arm, where I applied it very heavily. I can see it in the larger swatch below as well. At least my attempts weren't fruitless. (Sorry about the ugly Band-Aid; it's not as bad as the bruise.)

When I apply this powder on my face, it applies as white. I have to blend it lightly to lose the white overcast and transform it into a gleam. I think the slight pink hue helps. It is not at all sparkly on me, so those who love illuminators without micro-flecks will adore it.

I think of Jardin de Camélias Illuminating Powder as a novelty. I can create the same look with other products I have in my makeup museum. Nonetheless, I am pleased to own it. The compact is black with white double Cs, and it opens to a beautiful embossed camellia.

Jardin de Camélias is available at Chanel online, along with the rest of the Jardin de Camélias Collection. I've got more to show you, so stay tuned.

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

Marc Jacobs Beauty Lightshow Luminizing Powder

I have finally dipped my toes into the Marc Jacobs line. I did it with a 20% discount at Sephora, the exclusive retailer (with the exception of Marc Jacobs' own stores). One of the first items I selected was Marc Jacobs Beauty Lightshow Luminizing Powder ($59).

I was really surprised when my Sephora order, placed at 5:00 am Thursday arrived on Friday. That was the fastest service ever. My small-sized box was jam-packed with goodies. One of the first I checked out was this limited-edition illuminator, inspired by Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2013 runway show.

This multidimensional powder flatters all skin tones by diffusing light and minimizing imperfections. The formula provides a subtle glow with a universal blend of three complexion-brightening shades, dusted with gold accents for a radiant, glowing complexion. Spherical polymer emollients provide a creamy texture for a sensual, velvety finish and exceptionally long wear.

Note the color difference between Sephora's photo, probably provided by Marc Jacobs, and mine. I was pleased to see the less flashy shade than the brassy one I expected.

On my skin, this illuminator is fairly tame.  I took my swatch photos in full, morning sunshine. I mixed the white gold and yellow gold shades together. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply it heavily at the top of my arm and a dense kabuki brush to apply a much larger swatch below. As you can see, the color is a golden beige. It's actually perfect for my skin.

I like the subtle glow it adds to my skin. It's sparkly, but not over the top. Some have called the shade rose gold. I disagree. Do you see any rose in it?

It's not too late to pop this beauty into your cart if you are still Sephora shopping. It's nice, although not unique or especially distinctive. Bear in mind that my opinion is colored by my treasure trove of gold highlighters. Perhaps I've reached a saturation point.

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

Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Spellbound from the Dark Spell Collection for Fall 2013

Laura Mercier's Dark Spell Collection, at counters now, is described as mystical, seductive, and captivating - a look that demands attention. The display got my attention when I saw the new Face Illuminator ($42) in Spellbound. I promptly purchased it. I can't resist rose gold.

A beautiful face illuminating hybrid product with a soft rose gold shimmer perfect for highlighting. The unique formula based on high pearl levels provides buildable long-wearing color.

When Laura Mercier is on, she is as great as it gets. Spellbound is exquisite. At the same time I saw it, I also played with her new Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Color. It's a good example of Laura Mercier when she's off - in my humble opinion. Only one of the many shades appealed to me: Sin. It was sold out, so clearly it appealed to other Laura Mercier fans as well. If you like matte lip color, you may adore these new lip colors. I don't like matte or flat, so my opinion is extremely prejudiced and possibly unfair.

On the other hand, Spellbound is so enticing in the compact, with its waves of color, that you will be drawn to try it when you see it. What you will discover is one of the prettiest highlighting powders of the year. It deserves an award. It's the queen of the collection, most of which is dark and seductive, but sadly not "me."

When the sun made its re-appearance yesterday, I was finally able to get swatch photos for you. None of them do justice to this drop-dead fabulous shade, which, like a chameleon, will probably look a bit different on different skin tones. I think it adjusts to my skin tone and to lighting conditions.

To swatch, I applied it at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then I took a very loose, fluffy blush brush and swatched (sorry, unevenly) under my stripe swatch. That was the wrong brush, but my intention was to show you how it might look when applied with a much lighter hand. You can see that the more color you add, the more prominent the rose in this golden shade becomes. I did not buff or blend the color for my swatches.

You can wear this stunning shade anywhere on your face. Use it as a blush or mix it with your blush to create your own unique shade. Use it as a highlighter, sweeping double "C's" over your upper face (tell me in the comments if you don't understand that). Use it as an eye shadow anywhere on your lids. Use it under and/or over your eyebrows. Use it as an illuminating bronzer (depending on your skin tone). It is extremely versatile. As The Non-Blonde pointed out, you can use just about any applicator with Spellbound. Gaia is the brush expert, and she recommended a few brushes for an ideal application.

This Face Illuminator is a powder, but it acts like a cream. Let's call it a very creamy powder. The texture is fabulous - and accommodating. If you feel you didn't apply enough color on your first try, add more. Spellbound layers beautifully and plays well with other makeup colors.

I don't often recommend that you rush right out to purchase new color, but I'm close to making a recommendation that Spellbound is a necessity. Let's call it a necessity for anyone who loves rose gold as much as I do. Laura Mercier was definitely "on" when she created Spellbound.

You can find it at her Web site and at all Laura Mercier counters. I purchased mine at Bloomingdale's.

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

Tom Ford Summer 2013 Beauty Collection Skin Illunimator in Fire Lust - Up Close and Personal

Tom Ford's limited-edition Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust ($65) was inspired by the look of skin bathed in summer evening light that creates an irresistible, translucent glow. Inspired and recreated, I think. Its peach-pink shade will flatter every skin tone while moisturizing and soothing the skin. Its highly micronized pearls diffuse light for a natural enhanced, sun-kissed look.

I took swatch photos in full, afternoon sun. I applied two swatches to my arm using a cream concealer brush. The stripe at the top of my arm was applied relatively heavily, and the larger shade shows it blended out, but not completely. I was worried about getting enough color for a photo. It's very sheer.

This golden peach shade gives my skin a beautiful gleam, a glow, just like that summer evening light that inspired its creator. The wonderful thing about this liquid illuminator is that you have full control over the intensity of the color. You can apply it to look like a blush that's lit from within. You can apply it lightly on the high points of your face to give them a glow, and you can use it above or below foundation. You can mix it with your foundation or moisturizer to add radiance with just a touch of color.

I selected swatch photos that were taken with different backgrounds and light intensities so that you could see Fire Lust's range of looks. I cannot praise it highly enough. Just think about all the superlatives you use for your favorite makeup and apply. I feel lightheaded when I search for the perfect word.

The collection was available at some locations early, such as the John Barrett Salon ((212) 872-2714), which has a Tom Ford boutique. It should be available at full Tom Ford Beauty counters this weekend. That means your favorite Neiman Marcus will have it. I believe Bergdorf Goodman is holding it for an event that starts Monday (which is a miss from my perspective). I purchased Fire Lust at Neiman Marcus. It has sold out already at the Neiman Marcus Web site, so don't let any grass grow under your feet. Purchase it now if you want it.

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