Lancôme Glow Subtil Silky Creme Highlighter

I saw Lancôme's Glow Subtil Silky Creme Highlighter ($30) at Sephora online and knew I had to try it. This photo of Glowing Lights, described as Gold Mine, did it. There are five shades, so I sprang for two. Glowing Lights was the only one that had a mix of shades, which looked intriguing.

This buildable cream highlighter with light diffusing particles is said to deliver a natural-looking, soft-focused glow. Glow Subtil's silky cream highlighter gives a delicate, refined glow to the skin that highlights and illuminates your natural skin tone.

The highlighter allows for a vibrant, luminous color that adds a touch of radiance or can be layered for an intense glow so you can create a custom, soft-focused glow without a chalky or glitter-packed finish. It gleams. Enriched with a unique blend of skin-conditioning agents and light-diffusing particles, this easy-to-apply cream formula melts into your skin while remaining non-greasy and non-tacky.

Lancôme says this highlighter is infused with film formers and light diffusing ingredients that allow for superior color adherence and a flawless, soft focus finish. A special blend of dispersed elastomer and pigments work together to give the formula its bouncy spring. Indeed it has a bouncy spring in the pot.

Unfortunately, either Sephora sent me a flawed Gold Mine or UPS beat the heck out of it on the way to my house. That's Glowing Lights on the left and Rosegold Lights on the right. I thought briefly about exchanging Glowing Lights for an undamaged one, but then it hit me. With the product broken up, I could show you how very thin the actual product is in the deep pot. Look carefully,  and you will see the bottom of the pan a tiny fraction of an inch under the biggest break. You sure don't get much for your $30. I don't have a ruler handy, but I'd guess the pot stands an inch tall.

Here is a close-up in case you can't see just how shallow the product is. I think that's pretty chintzy. I didn't notice that the weight is 0.14 of an ounce. Regardless, it's a beautiful highlighter, so I kept it. I found I could mend the breaks partially with a sponge-tipped applicator by putting pressure on the fissures - one of which is as deep as the pitifully thin product.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine on Saturday and used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the highlighters relatively heavily. Aren't the colors gorgeous? Glowing Lights is shown at the top of my arm, with Rosegold Lights below. I think both shades are exquisite.

You can apply them lightly for a soft-focus glow or more heavily to taste. I would apply Rosegold heavily and use it as a blush. It's beautiful that way. If you choose to try that, use Gold Mine or any other gold highlighter above your blush at or slightly above the peak of your cheekbones.

There are some swatches shown on both light and dark skins on the Sephora site. They are not accurate. You can see that by comparing my two swatches to theirs. Why do they bother?

Here is my wrap up on Lancôme Glow Subtil Silky Creme Highlighter. It's a lovely highlighter with a reasonable price - until you find out just how little you get for your $30. If you can stand that, I'd recommend you try at least one. What are the chances that Sephora or UPS will break yours too?

I purchased mine at Sephora. I would assume you can also buy it from Lancôme, but I didn't find it online. I will check out the counter next time I pop into Neiman Marcus.

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

Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipcolor in Fall in Rose

Sephora showed a new shade of Lancôme's Rouge in Love Lipcolor ($26) during the sale. I sprang for Fall in Rose because I like the Rouge in Love formula. I'm pleased with my new shade. It's not love, but it's a definite like.

This high-potency, featherweight lip color is advertised as offering six-hour wear. Of course, it doesn't. No lipsticks last six hours on me. I don't expect it, though, so I pay little attention to the marketing claims for wear time.

What's true is that Rouge in Love's offers the look of a brilliant gloss while delivering the comfort and soothing qualities of a lip balm. Categorized by mood, the collection includes: "Jolis Matins” or "pretty morning," a range of ready-to-wear, fresh day shades that add brilliance to the lips due to the precious mother-of-pearls; “Boudoir Time,” trendy, punchy, evening-appropriate "it" shades that give color to the lips thanks to the intense contrasted mother-of-pearls; and “Tonight is My Night,” sophisticated, pure intense shades to give depth to lips for a deep lacquered effect and luminous color created by gold mother-of-pearl. Fall in Rose is a Boudoir Time shade, categorized with the pinks and berries. It's supposed to be a pop shade for cocktail hour. I guess.

Fall in  Rose provides medium coverage. The color is formulated with a new generation of polymer, including shiny silicone that creates the brilliance of a gloss. I would not call it a berry pink as Sephora did. It's much closer to fuchsia on my skin (and lips).

I'd wear Fall in Rose any time of day, as long as I want a bright pink. If I were to evaluate the categories based on this one shade, I would say Lancôme missed. Plus Sephora's little swatch is way off. That said, the Rouge in Love Lipcolors are my favorite Lancôme lipsticks, so the categories mean little to me. I select colors I think I will like. I seldom select fuschia shades (on purpose), so I might have chosen Roses in Love instead. I'd like to select it in person.

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

The Friday Forum - May 3

This is such a pretty time of year. I saw clumps of tulips at a church up the road and happened to have my camera with me. I hopped out of my car to snap a few photos. I must remember this color combination to plant my own stand of tulips for next spring.

Not long ago, Lancôme USA was in the news when the FDA ordered the company to remove its claims that some of its skin care could "boost the activity of genes" or "stimulate cell regeneration" to reduce the signs of aging. Now the company is in the news again, but the story is hysterically funny.

Reader Rosemary sent me an article from Yahoo that had me in hysterics when I read it. The story starts with the title, "Woman Sues Lancôme for Makeup Not Lasting Long Enough." The story starts, "One Orthodox Jewish woman is suing makeup giant Lancôme (owned by parent company L'Oreal), claiming that its "24-hour" foundation doesn't last a full 24 hours, preventing her from looking flawless through the Sabbath, reported the New York Post. Right there, I started thinking, "Why is her religion relevant?" Did they need to call it out?

Then I read on...
Rorie Weisberg of Monsey, New York claims she was tricked into believing that the company's new Teint Idole Ultra 24H provides a full day and night of "lasting perfection" as the product's Web site states. Her lawsuit reads: "The 24-hour claim was central to plaintiff's purchase decision, as a long-lasting makeup assists with her dual objectives of compliance with religious law and enhancement to her natural appearance." According to court papers, Weisberg "is an Orthodox Jew and abides by Jewish law by not applying makeup from sundown on Friday until nighttime on Saturday." Weisberg, who views the 24-hour promise as key in helping her abide by Jewish law, alleges that the $45 foundation "faded significantly" overnight. [I assume she was in bed sleeping overnight.] Her suit seeks unspecified damages from Lancôme and L'Oréal on behalf of herself and all the people who brought the product. She also wants Lancôme to create a "corrective advertising campaign."

I can see that campaign now. Lancôme warns that sleeping in your makeup may affect its longevity. Don't take our ads literally. Get pretty, get real.

No wonder those criminals in the Bronx can't get a court date. I've read everything now. My life is complete. The article goes on to mention other misleading advertising claims by cosmetics companies. You might enjoy it. Click on the Yahoo link. It's good entertainment.

I do think there ought to be a mechanism to throw out frivolous lawsuits before they waste the time of our judicial system. As for Ms. Weisberg, she needs to get a life, use great skin care, and stop worrying about foundation. Look out if she tries a BB cream that's not right for her. I hope the judge finds her liable for stupidity, makes her pay Lancôme's court costs, and fines her. Still laughing...only in America.

Estée Lauder will be launching a new fragrance in the fall: Modern Muse - the company's first major women’s fragrance since 2003. WWD reported today that Modern Muse was designed by Firmenich’s Harry Fremont and built around two key accords: sparkling jasmine and sleek woods. The first accord combines exotic mandarin, tuberose, fresh lily, honeysuckle nectar, dewy petals, jasmine sambac, and jasmine sambac China absolute. “Using two different forms of jasmine gives us a textured, layered effect, which adds depth to the juice,” said Karyn Khoury, Senior Vice President of corporate fragrance development worldwide for the Estée Lauder Cos.

The same approach was with the sleek woods accord, which includes two different forms of patchouli, along with Madagascar vanilla, amber wood, and soft musk. The sparkling jasmine is intended to impart a feminine side to the strength of the woods. The collection includes the fragrance and accessory products and will begin to appear at counters in September. The face will be Arizona Muse.

I'll be interested in getting a whiff, but if the fragrance is strongly woody, I probably won't like it. The floral notes sound beautiful.

I got all the information on the new Rouge Bunny Rouge Mascara and will be publishing it today, so please come back. Also remember this week's giveaway contest: a Sunday Riley Blush. Make sure to enter by the deadline, tomorrow, Saturday, May 4, at midnight.

Let us know: if you were the judge in the Weisberg case, what would you have to say to Ms. Weisberg?

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; other photo provided by Estée Lauder to WWD

Lancôme Blush Subtil Palette in Nectar Lace - Face Sculpting & Illuminating All-in-One Contour, Blush & Highlighter

Because Lancôme's Blush Subtil Palette in Nectar Lace (#126, $42), a Face Sculpting & Illuminating All-in-One Contour, Blush & Highlighter, is categorized in the corals/reds, I wouldn't have given it much attention. My eyes usually zero in on the pinks and berries.

Last week, Cheryl Ganzer, a great makeup artist who was working at a Lancôme event, chose Nectar Lace for my blush, and I was smitten. It looked great! You may like this three-pan palette too when you see what it really looks like. My palette photo below is color-true. It makes me wonder about the Lancôme shot. This difference alone should explain why I passed by Nectar Lace while shopping online.

Sensationally Smooth. All-in-One Blush Palette to sculpt and enhance your best features. Artistry is made easy with three simple steps to contour, blush, and highlight your complexion. For any skin tone, any face shape - your complexion is naturally enhanced. Define your face, enhance, or diminish any features for a complexion that is illuminated and brightened.

I was engaged in a fun discussion during the Tom Ford event, so I paid little attention to Cheryl as she brightened my face. I think she only applied the blush, but she could have slipped on a bit of the highlighter.

There is a contour color on the left. Lancôme suggests you sweep the contour shade under your cheekbones - and if you can't find the spot, purse your lips to located the natural countour area beneath your cheekbones. The blush pan in the middle should be applied to the apples of your cheeks. The highlighter shade can be applied on the upper cheekbone and around the outer or inner corners of the eyes, uncer the brow bone, or wherever you want to glow.

I took swatch photos in full mid-day sunlight. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I applied the swatches relatively heavily.

I love the contour shade at the top of my arm. It's a nice light brown - not too cool, not too warm. The blush, is stunning. It is coral, but I see a lot of pink in it. It looks sunny and bright on my face. The highlighter is a pretty gold that isn't too sparkly.

I think these colors are luscious! I am so happy that Cheryl selected them for me. Otherwise, I would never have known that the roses, Rose Flush and Framboise Flirt, weren't the only colors for me.

Next time I have color family choices at Lancôme's Web site, I'll go to the counter and check them out. I may find buried treasure. You can find the Blush Subtil Palettes at wherever Lancôme is sold. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

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

Lancôme In Love Spring 2013 Color Collection

For spring, Lancôme is featuring intense color "to capture and compliment every woman's inner vibrancy." I got the e-mail announcement, so I assume you did too.

The Blush in Love ($49) captured my attention. It is available in two shades: Péche Joue-Joue (peach toned) and Pommettes d'Amour (categorized as a red).

Péche Joue-Joue (#10) is shown directly above. Pommettes d'Amour ($20) is shown below. Because of their price, I want to see them in person.

They are available at Lancôme's Web site, along with the rest of the spring collection. Looks like I'm going to have to make a trip to the mall.

Photos courtesy of Lancôme

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

Lancôme Color Design Infinite 24H Crease-Free Luminous Eye Shadow

I was shopping online at Lancôme a few weeks ago. I wanted to make sure I could get the five lipsticks they generously send me for my birthday every year. It's the best customer birthday present on the Web! I decided to try more colors of Color Design Infinite 24H Crease-Free Luminous Eye Shadow ($24.50). I love my selections!

A revolution in eye shadow.  Luminous eye color stays true for 24 hours without creasing. Now, a unique creamy-powder texture creates effortlessly luminous, lasting looks. Purity of color meets exceptional long wear, for infinite intensity. Available in 15 shades.

I think it's no mistake that Lancôme's pot eye shadow is packaged exactly like Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense. It comes in a pot with an interior black plastic insert to keep it moist. The insert has a little handle. Additionally, it has the same spongy texture in the pot. They are both L'Oreal companies. Originally, I thought Lancôme's use of Armani's packaging was tacky - somehow diminishing both brands. Now I am reconciled to that issue. If eye shadow palettes from many different brands can come in a rectangular palette with a mirror inside, there's no reason that two pots from L'Oreal cannot have striking similarities. I haven't compared the ingredients, but I'd put money on a huge overlap.

I ordered these four. Continuous Creme is shown at top left, Eternal Gold at top right, Electrifying Sparkle at bottom left, and Timeless Taupe at bottom right. Continuous Creme is a very light beige matte. On me, it leans pink, but online it's described as yellow-beige. That's the way it looks in my photos. The other three are shimmering (or metallic) stunners.

My swatch photos were taken in full sun, and, as usual, I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the shadows heavily (not ideal - a cream shadow brush would have been better by being flexible). Each of these shades has something special to offer.

Continuous Creme is not exciting. It's a base shade. You can barely see it at the top of my arm. However, we need base shades, and this a nice one. The color covers the natural redness in my eyelids and provides a non-distracting canvas for other shadows.

The gold shade is fabulous. I think it falls between pure gold and antique gold on the shade spectrum.  It looks great under the crease all by itself - the way I like to wear gold.

It's a shame you probably can't see the green hue in Electrifying Sparkle, described online as a green silver sparkle. Trust me, it's there and makes this shade unique. It's perfect for fall.

The Timeless Taupe at the bottom of my arm, is a lovely taupe with a slight mauve hue. The metallic finish distracts from the complexity of the color. If you are a taupe lover, you should definitely consider this eye shadow - unless you have trouble with red dyes. I can see how Timeless Taupe might irritate someone with red dye allergies.

How are these shadows unique - different from a thousand other shimmering shades? They are extremely long-lasting. The darker the shade, the longer they will survive on your skin. Fortunately, you can remove them with a long-wear eye makeup remover (no Clorox required). Be assured, they will stay put once they set on your eyelids.

You must make sure to keep the little inserts that protect the moisture in the shadows and screw the lid on tightly after use. If you don't, these shadows will dry out. One of the shades I received was already a little crumbly on arrival. It applies well, but I had to pack down the product I disturbed with the alien sponge-tipped applicator.

You can find these beauties at any Lancôme counter or at Lancôme's Web site where I purchased mine. If you need help, I can recommend Jodie Hawk at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie (202-966-9700) or Jocelyn Malinowski at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria (703-761-1600).

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

Lancôme Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir

Lancôme's Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir ($350) is pricey. That makes it a problem that I love it. Here's how it's marketed.

An exceptional elixir exists. It contains up to two million Lancôme Rose native cells. Experience Lancôme’s revolutionary skincare innovation and our most powerful regenerating ingredient, Lancôme Rose Native Cells. Extracted from the heart of the rare and resilient Lancôme Rose using an exclusive, state-of-the-art biotechnological process, these native cells are proven to extend their own exceptional properties to enhance skin’s regenerative potential. 

Oddly, though perhaps not so oddly after the FDA's recent actions, there is a footnote online on the claim for regenerative potential. I can't find the actual note. Could it be that Lancôme has already removed the copy that claims cellular actions?

Absolue L’Extrait is said to help reveal firmer, more elastic, and more radiant skin. Jocelyn Malinowski, Lancôme representative at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, gave me samples that were sufficient to use this lovely serum-like moisturizer for two weeks. I loved it! Then I turned around and purchased the product. Never say that samples don't sell.

According to Lancôme, a Fermogenesis process allows the Lancôme rose native cells captured in each jar to nurture the skin. There are supposed to be two million of these rose cells in each jar (which makes me wonder how many of these roses are required for production!).

Forget the marketing claims and stick with me for a moment. This serum/hydrator feels great and makes my skin look good. It absorbs quickly, with a heavenly rose scent; leaves a soft, velvety feel; and it imparts an even tone and the radiance of healthy skin.

Jocelyn said you can use Absolue L'Extrait as your serum, day cream, and eye cream. All you need to add is a sunscreen for day. I started using it cautiously, then I got daring and used it as an eye cream. Love!

Lancôme recommends elaborate application instructions, basically starting with application of a pea-sized amount and ending with dual use of the gold-tipped wand (warmed by warm water) to first massage the skin in upward, circular strokes, then moving to upward gliding strokes. I don't have that kind of time. I apply this lovely extrait with my fingers and call it a day (or night).

If you have any questions and would like to know more about Lancôme's Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir, give Jocelyn a call. Maybe she can send you a sample. You can reach her at (703) 761-1600, extension 3282. Make sure to ask for her. She is the only Lancôme representative at the store.

Of course, you can read up online. There is a short video at this link.

Photo courtesy of Lancôme

The FDA Gets Tough on Skin Care Claims

I knew it was only a matter of time before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a close look at the anti-aging claims being made for skin care. I've discussed those claims here before, wondering how skin care could be billed as penetrating the surface of the skin to repair skin cells or alter their functioning. Those claims are reserved for FDA-approved drugs, but many beauty companies have made them, with seeming immunity.

Yesterday, the FDA announced that Lancôme USA, a unit of L'Oreal, has claimed that some of its skin care could "boost the activity of genes" or "stimulate cell regeneration" to reduce the signs of aging.

Any product that is intended to alter the structure or function of the human body and its cellular functioning is classified as a drug, according to a warning letter posted on the FDA's Web site yesterday. Companies are not allowed to sell "drugs" in the United States without demonstrating to the FDA that their products are safe and effective - as drugs. Lancôme has not submitted the appropriate data required to market their products as drugs, but, according to the FDA, their marketing is making claims reserved for drugs. They aren't alone. Beauty companies have skated precariously close to the edge on the requirements for years.

I've asked many skin-care companies how they were able to make the claims they did, and the universal response has been something like, "We work very closely with the FDA." Some companies made nuanced claims in writing while their representatives have explained drug-like effects.

L'Oreal said it was committed to complying with all laws and regulatory standards. "We are aware of the FDA's letter to Lancôme and will respond to their regulatory concerns in a timely manner," a company spokeswoman said.

Some of the products mentioned in the letter, dated September 7, include Genifique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream and Absolue Eye Precious Cells Advanced Regenerating and Reconstructing Eye Cream. Lancôme describes the Genifique Repair cream, which costs $98 for a 1.7-ounce container, as "our first night care that boosts the activity of genes." The company cites an in-vitro test on genes to back up the claim.

The FDA gave Lancôme 15 days to adjust its advertising claims and said that failure to do so could lead to enforcement actions, such as seizure of the products and injunctions against their manufacturers and distributors. This action will have repercussions far beyond Lancôme. There will be any number of skin-care companies scrambling to adjust their claims. Can you imagine what changing all that skin-care marketing is going to cost?

Update 9/15: Talked to someone in skin care from New York. He was not aware of the FDA's actions, but when we talked about what it would cost (marketing, packaging, training, etc.), he said it was going to be staggering industry-wide.

Photo courtesy of Lancôme

Lancôme Blush Subtil Palette from the Midnight Roses Fall 2012 Collection

Lancôme's Blush Subtil Palettes ($42) from the Midnight Roses Fall 2012 Color Collection are so pretty you'll want at least one. I couldn't make up my mind, so I purchased two. Available in three colorways in Pinks-Berries and three in Reds-Corals, there is bound to be one that's perfect for you.

Sensationally Smooth. All-in-One Blush Palette to Sculpt and Enhance Your Best Features.  Artistry is made easy with three simple steps to contour, blush, and highlight your complexion.  For any skin tone, any face shape - your complexion naturally enhanced.  Define your face, enhance or diminish any features for a complexion that is illuminated, brightened, and lifted.

Skip all the marketing lingo, and what you'll face is a gorgeous palette with three shades: a contour/bronzer shade, a blush, and a highlighter. It really is all-in-one cheek design.

I purchased #323, Rose Flush (shown at left directly above), which offers a matte tan contour shade, shimmering rose pink blush, and iridescent pale pink highlighter. I thought there was nothing prettier until I tried #359, Framboise Flirt (shown at right). The only difference in the shades is that Framboise Flirt is ever so slightly darker, and the contour shade is slightly more golden.

The proof of their similarities and differences lies in the swatch photos. I swatched both palettes with sponge-tipped applicators and took my photos in full sun. I'll apologize for the scratch on my arm, which isn't pretty, but needs to heal.

The Rose Flush swatches are shown above. The bronzer/contour shade is a perfect shade for pale faces; the pink blush is drop-dead gorgeous; and the pink highlighter, although hard to see on my arm, is stunning.

The Framboise Flirt swatches are shown below. It has subtle differences and might be best for those who love pinks, but need a little more color. I hope you can see that all three shades offer a little more color payoff.. I'd reach for either palette.

After the beautifully edited colors, the nicest feature of these Blush Subtil Palettes is the creamy texture of the powders. While I was first testing them, I started to wonder if they were creams, not powders. That texture gives the shades a "binding" power that will ensure that your artistry stays with you all day. These palettes are luxurious.

I thought it might be fun to purchase one of the Reds-Corals, but I need to see Nectar Lace, the lightest, in person. I purchased my two at Lancôme's Web site - another wonderful blind buy from Lancôme. You know I like something when I want more!

The Midnight Roses Collection is dramatic. With red lip colors and black red nail lacquer, it parallels other fall/holiday collections in intensity. Many of the shades are too intense for my tastes, but if you like red, you're in for a treat. I'm very curious about Le Lipstique, a pencil lip color with a wide range of shades, but I need to see it in person before I buy. There's a visit to the counter in my future.

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

Lancôme La Laque Fever Ultimate Lasting Full-Color Lipshine

While browsing Lancôme's Web site when I purchased the gorgeous Hydra-Balms, I saw La Laque Fever Ultimate Lasting Full-Color Lipshine in Ô So Coral ($26.50). Into my bag it flew! It was introduced to ring in the Spring 2012 season.

This fabulous lip lacquer combines vibrant concentrated color and unprecedented shine in one stroke. From the moment of application, densely pixilated pearls deliver multi-dimensional shine that truly holds, so you’ll be touch up-free for eight hours, according to Lancôme. Nothing lasts eight hours on my lips, but I do get decent wear from Ô So Coral, and the color is luscious.

Described as a rosy-coral, it was an easy choice among the four shades featured for the season. The others vary in the orange family, from peachy coral to deep peachy coral. I liked the idea of some rose in my peach, although I don't see much rose in it. I'd call it a juicy, ripe peach.

It was so hot out when I took the photo above, I can now see my lens fogged. Now, the temperature is 103, and there isn't a chance I'm going outside for a re-do. I almost collapsed walking around the farmers' market looking for my pickle vendor this morning.

I took my swatch photos in full, morning sun. This delightful peach shade is perfect for this time of year. I love the color and shine. They mingle to yield a radiant effect on the lips. Pastel, peach, and perfect for July.

There is a newer set of La Laque Fever glosses that launched summer, the Argentine Tango Collection. The colors range from brown to bright coral-red - pretty, but this one suited me better. Whatever your coral tastes, Lancôme has a new lip gloss that will please you.

I purchase mine online at the Lancôme Web site. They should all be available at counters. I've seen them on the display.

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

Lancôme Color Design Hydra-Balm Summer 2012 Tinted Hydrating Lipbalm SPF 15

A few months ago, in the spring, Lancôme's Bronze Diva summer display started to appear at the counters. At each store, from Saks to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom to Macy's, there was a glaring absence. The slots for Color Design Hydra-Balm ($22) were empty.

I was disappointed. I knew from the name that it would be a hydrating tinted balm, and I wanted it, by golly. One after another, the Lancôme reps explained to me that they had no idea what had happened to it, why it had never been delivered to them. The collection did ship to them in phases, but the Hydra-Balm was missing in action.

For some reason - not Hydra-Balm - I went off to Lancôme's Web site recently (before I lost my Internet connection), and there it was. I couldn't believe it. The coveted product was right there, in three shades. Perhaps it had been all along? I don't know, but I snapped up two shades faster than you an say shopping cart.

These new, limited-edition super-hydrating lip balms enhance the lips with a tint of popping, fresh, sheer color. You an summer-pamper your lips with long-lasting comfort with this shine-boosting balm that smoothes on deep replenishing moisture, along with a veil of SPF 15 sun protection.

Summer is a time for bright lip colors, but for me, they must be sheer. I don't want a lot of color on my lips when I'm hot. I do want some protection. Color Design Hydra-Balm suits me perfectly.

I took these photos on a blazing hot day. You can see the lip colors sweating. So was I. Lotus Blossom (#559) is shown at left, and Cactus Flower (#561) is shown at right. I knew they would be sheer and gorgeous, so the color in the tube of Cactus Flower didn't give me pause. There is a third shade, Desert Primrose, but it appears to be super-light.

I took them inside, put them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to let them cool off, then swatched, with Lotus Blossom at the top of my arm and Cactus Flower below. Both are sheer and offer a tint of color.

One pink, one peach, they will be perfect companions for me as we continue to sit out this heat wave. Today, the temperatures are predicted to be somewhere between 100 and 104. I'll be wearing one of these, trying to stay comfy.

I don't know whether they ever appeared at the department stores, but you can find them at the Lancôme Web site.

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

Lancôme Rouge in Love High Potency Lip Color

Lancôme's newest lip color is Rouge in Love High Potency Lip Color ($25). Here's how Lancôme introduced it.

True love stays, never fades. Finally, the long-wear lip color you love to wear. This collection of radiant, high-potency colors, with up to six hours of wear, is surprisingly featherlight, offering delightful comfort. Discover the lip color that describes you best, and let your lip color speak to uncover your mood, any time of the day.

The astounding 21 shades are categorized in three moods...

Jolis Matins (Pretty morning) - ready‑to‑wear and luminous fresh day shades that recreate daylight on the lips with mother of pearl for subtle and soft brilliance. Jolis Matin shades are identified with the letter "M" in the shade number.

Boudoir Time - Trendy, punchy "it" shades that give color to the lips thanks to intense, contrasted mother of pearl. These shades offer an intense, bright color reflection. They are perfect for evening. The Bourdoir Time shades are identified with the letter "B" in the shade number.

Tonight is My Night - offers sophisticated, intense, and luminous shades to give depth to the lips and brighten a night out with a deep lacquered effect. The Tonight is My Night shades are identified with the letter "N" in the shade number.

You know me; I'm a Jolie Matins kind of gal. The first color I selected was #217M, Delicate Lace. It belongs to the Browns-Neutrals family and is described as a nude, mauve rose. The other color families are Dark Brown, Pinks-Berries, and Red-Corals. Each shade within these color families is also categorized into one of the three "moods."

Many of the other shades are more intense - and might overwhelm my workday face. Delicate Lace is absolutely perfect for my skin tone and preferences. Because Rouge in Love offers full-coverage lip color, I can't wear (comfortably) shades that are too intense. Delicate Lace looks like it was made for me. Long-wear color is facilitated by a new generation polymer, which makes this ultra-light lipstick extremely comfortable. An "oil-concentrated deposit on the lips" offers the comfort of a balm. Shiny silicon creates the brilliance of a gloss, allowing a one-step process for out-the-door brilliance.

If you have any doubts about Delicate Lace, take a look at these swatch photos, which were taken in full sun. Not only is the color gorgeous, the shine is magnificent. You may wonder why I'd make room for another mauve-rose-pink lip color. Feel this one on your lips, and you'll understand. Factor in the excellent wear time, and you'll want to give Rouge in Love a whirl.

I purchased my Delicate Lace at Neiman Marcus. The new lip colors are available or will be available soon at all Lancôme counters. You can also find them at the Lancôme Web site. I'm going to be checking out additional shades. Lasting Kiss and Sweet Embrace are calling my name.

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

Lancôme Le French Touche Absolu Nu from Rosaraie des Delices for Spring 2012

Lancôme has introduced a divine "bare lips sensation" lip balm/lip gloss hybrid with its Rosaraie des Delices for Spring 2012. Created by Aaron De May, Le French Touche Absolu Nu ($35) in Cotton Candy (#316) is a limited-edition shade. I can't figure out why it's limited. They could start a trend - perhaps a pricey one - but I'd be buying every new shade introduced.

The packaging, with its mint green diagonal stripes, was inspired by Lancôme's heritage lipsticks - fourth edition. This sheer pink shade was inspired by mouth-watering cotton candy, something I had to have as a child when we went to the amusement park in DC: Glen Echo, which closed long ago. Fortunately, we can still buy cotton candy at parks and fairs if we want an airy pink sugar treat.

Le French Touche Absolu Nu will enhance your natural lip tone in a veil of shiny, translucent color. The first ultra-caring lipstick with Lancôme's Pro-Xylane, it offers a new infinitely light texture, enriched with enhancing sheer pigments to reveal the radiance of beautifully replenished lips. Le French Touche Absolu Nu will adorn your lips with a delicate veil of color. It's right up my alley.

On my lips, it's pink - all pink - baby doll, cool pink. If it were a normal lipstick, I probably wouldn't like it. I'd say it's too light. The problem is that it feels so good, while providing a pop of pink color. Granted, that's not a problem, but it may be one reason you haven't read much "fuss" about it. Some may think it's too light for them. For fair-skinned gals? It's a perfect shot of pink for spring.

A few days ago, when it was frigid, I got arm swatch photos to show you. I willed my body to get rid of the goosebumps, as I ran outside in late-afternoon sun to snap photos. Clearly, my lips have more pigment than my inner arm does. I'll bet yours do too. That means that Le French Touche Absolu Nu will translate to its own shade on you. On me, it's a blue pink, with a color more like my second photo. I tried to get more oomph in the swatch photo above by finding a bright spot that didn't wash out the color.

If it weren't for the $35 price tag, I'd buy more of these. What I hope now is that Lancôme will see the light and make more shades available to us. Le French Touche Absolu Nu provides more color than the usual tinted balm, but much less than the usual lipstick. Additionally, Pro-Xylane restores moisture to the lips for up to eight hours, an extra-added benefit.

What do you think? I bought mine at Neiman Marcus. I've seen it at other Lancôme counters with the spring collection. It's also available at Lancôme's Web site, where there is a promotion. If you spend at least $75, you will receive a seven-piece gift. The totes are cute.

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

Lancôme La Roseraie Illuminating Smooth Powder for Spring 2012

For spring's pastel theme, Aaron De May created a stunning collection (and look). Lancôme's Roseraie des Delices Collection for Spring 2012 offers pinks, tangerines, and greens. The collection offers a garden of delights. I've read that the look was inspired by the rose garden of Lancôme's founder and the pastel mix of Ladurée macaroons. The flower-laden look, featuring Hanaa ben Abdesslem, reeled me in as the thought of those macaroons made my mouth water and the roses offered serenity.

La Roseraie (“Bed of Roses”) Illuminating Smooth Powder ($42) compact is the latest, limited-edition must-have of the spring season. I think it's the centerpiece of Lancôme's Les Roseraie des Delices Spring 2012 Color Collection. The very light texture of this multidimensional powder eases application and gives a transparent pink flush to the skin. The bright rosy pink and pastel shimmer combination is a perfect all-in-one product for cheeks and face, as long as you like to sparkle.

The dual shades in the powder, light pink and rose, can be used alone or blended for a light pink finish to the cheeks or face. The light pink carries a lot of sparkle in its pearl crystals, so expect a little pizazz when you wear it. In Lancôme's photo above, La Roseraie appears to be warmer in color than it is in mine. To my eye, my photo represents the two shades more accurately (although I've seen many photos that make the shades look warmer). I think these are cool pink tones.

The lighting wasn't ideal the day I got my photos. Even with brighter light, it would have been difficult to show you a bright pink powder on my arm. La Roseraie, when blended, is pastel pink. On my skin, it adds a very light pink glow.

For my swatch photos, I applied the blended shade at the top of my arm and the darker rose pink alone below. I used a sponge-tipped applicator, ensuring I would get plenty of pigment for the photos. In "real life," we'll all use a powder or blush brush to apply La Roseraie, and the effect will be lighter than you see on my arm.

Because the sun was obscured by clouds when I took my photos, you can barely see the definite sparkle in the blended swatch. It's there, so if you gravitate toward matte and satin-finish shades, you should try before you buy. I may restrict its wear to evening. I'll have to see if the sparkles diminish as I wear off the top layer of powder - something I haven't done yet.

I think it's a beautiful compact in a beautiful collection. I'll have more to show you later. I purchased my La Roseraie at Neiman Marcus. It should be available at Lancôme counters now. You can also find it at Lancôme's Web site with the rest of the spring collection.

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