Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Maestro from the Eccentrico Collection for Holiday 2013

There are three new Lip Maestro ($32) shades that were introduced with the Eccentrico Collection for Holiday 2013.

• #302, Clash
• #303, Dazzling
• #502, Eccentrico

Even though it was apparent they were very bright, I selected two, purchasing them without trying them, because I was in a super-hurry and I was unable to swatch them because the testers had not arrived. My new Lip Maestros are shown directly above. Dazzling is on the left, and Eccenterico is on the right.

I assumed that these colors would not be as bright on my lips as they are in the tubes. That was a really bad assumption! These colors are the brightest lip colors I have ever tried - and among the ugliest.

These Lip Maestros have already gone into my all-time big mistake bin. We all make mistakes, right? These two shades are beyond atrocious on me - so bad I wouldn't even give them to my friends.

Here's the evidence. My swatch photos were taken in full sun. The shades look very bright on my arm. That's because they are. The color is extremely saturated and very flashy. Unfortunately, they make me look like a clown. I can't find the words to tell you how bad they look on me. The only way I can wear them is as stains: apply, then wipe off as much color as I can.  The remaining color isn't half-bad if I apply gloss over it. That's not the way to enjoy your makeup.

I am conservative. I'll admit that. If you aren't, and you are used to wearing very bright colors on your lips, you may like these new shades. I don't. I don't plan to leave my house looking like a piñata.

I'm so surprised at my beloved Armani Beauty. In my humble opinion, these new holiday colors are a total miss. You can find them at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site and Armani counters if you are braver woman than I am.

Now I have to go off and figure out why Blogger is putting color on my arms (dark spots) that isn't there. I am not as mottled as my photos make it appear. The originals don't look this way. A new mystery I didn't need - to go with lip colors I didn't need.

Update: Many thanks to Appu! I turned off Google+ photo "enhancement," which I never set, and my photos look right now. The photo directly above is the same as one that looks mottled above. Rather than switch them both out, I wanted to show you how different they look. This was supposed to be helpful, Google?

Photo at top courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Lip Crème Lip Glosses: New for Spring 2013

Le Métier de Beauté has introduced three new Lip Crème ($36) shades, which are available now at my local Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie and will be available shortly at other  Le Métier de Beauté sources. It stopped snowing, and I was able to get photos just a few minutes ago. My photo above shows Dulce de Leche, Morrocan Sunset (yes, "Moroccan" is misspelled on the name on the tube - I will spell it correctly below), and Pink Berry Crème.

Lip Crème Lip Gloss is a hybrid of gloss and lipstick. The formula combines chic color, intense emollients, and antioxidents to soothe and nourish the lips. The effect is an alluring blend of rich shine and creamy texture that envelops the lips in a beautiful, feather-light sheen. Lip Crèmes are perfect for an intense color payoff with added shine and gloss. Everything Le Métier de Beauté attributes to their Lip Crèmes is true.

• Luxurious, highly pigmented color
• Lacquer sheen finish
• Trendy shades
• Creamy texture and easy application
• Vitamins and antioxidants to help you keep your lips supple and beautiful

I took my swatch photos in full, glorious sunshine - that is, hopefully, melting the snow on my driveway and walkway. I shoveled, but my efforts left a very thin layer that must melt with the sun. I don't believe in using salt; it's bad for the environment.

Dulce de Leche is shown at the top of my arm. It is a warm nude that is very light on the lips - a bit too light for my tastes. I can wear it, but it wouldn't be my first, second, or third choice. Moroccan Sunset is absolutely gorgeous. It is a brown rose on my skin. It's actually much prettier in person than it looks in the photos. Pink Berry Crème is a stunning rose, brilliant on the lips. I'll describe it as medium in coloration. I'd love it even more it it were just a tad darker, but I'm not complaining. I purchased two Pink Berry Crèmes.

With the glaring snow outside, it was a little bit difficult to get swatch photos that were color-true. These are pretty good, I think. I won't even show you the ones with the snowy backgrounds.

I'll be back in a few minutes to show you the new shades of Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss. I am sure that these new lip colors are on their way to all Le Métier de Beauté counters. You can wait for them to arrive at your favorite counter (or online site) or give Michael Reinhardt at call at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, where I purchased mine. His phone number is (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit

Le Métier de Beauté's Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit, exclusive to Neiman Marcus, has arrived ($95). It's even prettier than I had anticipated. I know I've said it before, but this could be the perfect lip kit.

A deviously divine mix of function, flame, and form, Le Métier de Beauté [I fixed their online name error] introduces the newest Holiday Kaleidoscope Lip Kit, "Bauhaus." Each distinctive hue blends together effortlessly for a dimensional pout, mirroring the bold Bauhaus notion of combining unique parts for a collective whole. Lips will be left with a total package, mixing statement and sophistication.

The shades, from top to bottom, are:

• Linaire - a lustrous gold-infused rose petal,
• Criterion - a gilded amber-peach,
• Esthetique - a shimmering vintage rose,
• Shilhouette [sic] - a Cimmerian cloak of sheer amethyst, with a name that is probably spelled incorrectly.

"Cimmerian" means very dark or gloomy - not an attractive name for a lip color, but in person, it's gorgeous. I pre-ordered Bauahus at the Neiman Marcus Web site, where it was originally advertised as an online exclusive. Not the site says it's available in stores as well. Over the weekend, I learned that Michael Reinhardt had them in store at Mazza Gallerie. I drove right over to ensure I'd have one to show you.

I took the photo directly above with clouds overhead. You can see them in the shiny silver top of the Kaleidoscope. I had all but given up on getting swatch photos when the sun popped out. I applied the shades to my arm, top to bottom in the Kaleidoscope on my arm from top to bottom and dashed outside to get photos.

While the four shades in Bauhaus look intense in the kit, they are all sheer and stunning when applied. I think Bauhaus is exquisite. The light Linaire at the top of my arm is a beautiful shade. Just a smidge on the cool side of warm, it's a pink magnet. I love it.  The nude Criterion, called amber-peach by Le Métier de Beauté, is a pretty nude that leans peach. While it may not set the world on fire, compared to the other three shades, it does provide a warm counterbalance that is perfect for layering.

Steady my heart, the shimmering rose Esthetique is dashing. The color lights up my face, and it's sheerness makes it a go-anywhere shade. The oddly named Shilhouette isn't gloomy at all. I had expected a sheer deep purple. What I got is way better. The shade is a warm pink with a touch of lavender that should please everyone. I want another Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit! I suspect I'll use this one so often I'll run out of my favorite shades right around the time this limited-edition beauty becomes the object of a treasure hunt - like so many "vintage" Kaleidoscopes have become.

You can purchase Le Métier de Beauté Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit at the Neiman Marcus Web site. Or you can call Michael Reinhardt, who managed to acquire it for his customers in time for his special event this weekend featuring Erin Lockhart. You can reach Michael at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. He expects to receive the Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in time for Erin's appearance.

Update 12/12: Overnight, I received an e-mail from Neiman Marcus telling me that the Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit that I had pre-ordered had been delayed. Remember, it was to be an online exclusive. I have no idea what's what, but I cancelled my order since I was able to purchase one from Michael Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie.

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

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Nymph - New for Fall

Shiseido's new Lacquer Rouge ($25) liquid lipstick was inspired by Japanese Laquerware. One coat provides intense color and deep luster. This rich liquid lipstick leaves lips as smooth as lacquer. The applicator fits closely against the lips for a comfortable, even application that does not bleed. Lacquer Rouge improves dry, rough, or peeling lips with continued use, leaving them smooth and deeply moisturized through its Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE (whatever that is).

Make no mistake - when Shiseido says intense color, expect intense. On my first glance at the display at Bloomingdale's, I chose the color I felt I could wear (remember, I'm a dark lip color phobe). I selected Nymph (RD305), which is outlined in the shade selection photo below.

Even though it looks "relatively light," like a mauve rose, on the lips it's intense. Take a look at my swatch photos, taken in full, late-afternoon sun.

Here's Nymph, one of the lighter shades. You can expect a lot more color from the rest of the shades (with the exception of Portrait (RD203), which has similar intensity). I was not inspired to buy more than one, but if you love a strong lip, Lacquer Rouge will delight you.

Nymph makes my eyes pop blue (as opposed to green, which they can do). Lacquer Rouge is extremely lightweight on my lips, applies quickly and easily (one coat is right!), feels fabulous and hydrating, has a subtle shine, and is long-lasting. Although the rose shade of Nymph is as dark as I can wear comfortably, it's a keeper. I love it.

I purchased mine at Bloomingdale's, where the display encased the lip colors like little treasures. I had to get help to test them; I was afraid I'd break something. You can also purchase Lacquer Rouge at Nordstrom, Macy's, and all the other stores with Shiseido counters, as well as Shiseido's Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido; others by Best Things in Beauty