Giorgio Armani Beauty Runway Fall/Winter 2016 Collection

Giorgio Armani is launching backstage makeup developed for his runway show - a look every woman can wear. Each new season for the past two years, the Armani Runway Lab has given Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist, the tools to create the new colors imagined by Mr. Armani backstage. The following information came from the Armani press release.

An exclusive and limited makeup collection, directly inspired by the fashion show, is being made available to women so they can make the latest runway makeup their own. This season, every woman will be able to wear the look from the Armani Runway.

Bohemian Chic and Timeless Velvet
The Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 2016 collection features black velvet heightened with floral prints. This soft, delicate and durable fabric, matte and iridescent at once, captures the light like none other and offers a multitude of highly inspiring facets. New shapes combine precise lines with the bohemian feel of fabrics swarming with jacquard brushstrokes, splashes of color, gradations of tone, and stylized flowers.

Makeup as seen on the catwalk is naturally soft and luminous. The pure complexion enhances mysterious eyes accentuated by lids that cast endless reflections of light. Lips are subtly tinged with an irresistible lavender nude that complements the perfectly elegant fleshy beige color of nails.
The Armani Runway Fall/Winter 2016 collection is composed of three products: 1) a palette with a sheer powder and a trio of eye shadows; 2) an Eye Tint liquid eye shadow; and 3) a Rouge d’Armani lipstick.

The Runway Palette ($120)
Featuring fabric hot off the runway, this season's eye and face palette is wrapped in silk muslin with floral prints stylized in nude, lavender, and black, as shown above.

This precious collector's palette has two tiers. The first tier reveals a silky and luminous universal sheer powder to mattify the complexion and highlight facial features. The second tier contains a trio of eye shadows in deep, delicate shades, ranging from matte velvet black to shimmering champagne and satiny mauve greige. Applied on the lids and below the eyes, they brighten and bring out the eyes.

Eye Tint – A Source of Light ($40)
Layered with the eye shadows from the Runway Palette, Eye Tint leaves an illuminating veil of iridescent champagne on the eyes. It can also be applied beneath the brow arch and in the inner corner of the eye for a heightened illuminating effect.

Inspired by MAESTRO Fusion Makeup, Eye Tint blends onto the skin smoothly for a "no-makeup" feel. Its pure, intense, and indefinable color guarantees long wear (16 hours), while retaining a light, fresh "bare lid" effect. Its extra-thin "Smart Eye Color Film" ensures flawless adherence to the eyelid. Its highly workable texture is easy to blend before drying and provides a cream-like sensation of comfort.

Rouge d'Armani ($40)
Lips are given a sensual touch of mauve beige to enhance their natural color. Rouge d'Armani lipstick deposits just the right subtly delectable tone of lavender nude on the lips.

Used every day by makeup artists around the world, this couture lipstick is now a must-have for even the most demanding women. Its gentle, lightweight formula promises exceptional color hold and comfort for six hours straight.

A Fashionable Case
Strengthening the unique ties between fashion and this exclusive makeup line, the Armani Runway products slip into a precious and elegant pouch made with the fabric of the Giorgio Armani Fall/Winter 2016 collection. It's really pretty! The pouch for the palette is the same as those shown above with the lipstick and Eye Tint.

Linda Cantello, Giorgio Armani International Makeup Artist, said, "For this collection, I took the fabric and was inspired by the colors; there is a blend of grey, lavender colors. The advantage of having the Runway Lab backstage is that we created a very shiny wet-looking Eye Tint that we didn’t have before."

The Runway Collection should have been available at Armani Beauty counters and online in mid-August. I've been checking every week because I want it. I'll let you know when I find it.

Update 9/21: The collection is in-store at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria and Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Star Clash Edition Lipstick

YSL's beautiful, limited-edition Rouge Pur Couture Star Clash Edition Lipstick will dress you for the holidays, with gold and silver sparkles and a bullet embossed with stars. It's a fancy lipstick for those who want to look glitzy when they pull it out of their bags to refresh the color.

This collector’s edition of Rouge Pur Couture features six iconic shades for the season. When I examined them to select one, I decided it was time for me to purchase some new nude lip colors. Le Nu, #70, was my choice. All of the shades are intense, and I was afraid that several of them would be too bright for me.

In one stroke, you’ll achieve elegant, rich color that dresses the lips with intense hydration and antioxidant care, leaving lips soft, supple, and smooth. It delivers on that promise.

It looks like I accidentally drew on my background paper again - and I was so careful! Nevertheless, I hope you can see that the packaging and lipstick themselves will attract attention. I took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sun.

This is a good nude shade for me and others with light hair and fair skin. It has enough warm pink color to brighten our faces. I read in a recent StyleWatch that those with fair skin should look for nude lipsticks that carry a soft rose or baby pink to make the whole face glow. This one does that.

You can find this lipstick at YSL counters and at Sephora. It looks like the other available shades are bright. If you can handle bright colors on your lips, give them a try.

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

Chantecaille Lip Sticks from the Protect the Lions Collection for Fall 2016

My last purchases from Chantecaille's Protect the Lions Collection for Fall 2016 were two Lip Sticks ($36). Full color release combined with a delightfully creamy texture makes Chantecaille Lip Stick both glamorous and incredibly comfortable. It's infused with natural beeswax, vitamins A and C, and emollient amino acids. The new shades are, left to right above, African Violet, a dramatic berry with subtle, cool undertones; Mirage, the perfect beigy nude; and Sunset, a warm, sophisticated coral. I purchased the latter two. African Violet is too bold for me.

Mirage is shown directly above at left, and Sunset is shown at right. I took my photos in full, noontime sunshine.

I  took several swatch photos, and they all look a bit uneven. You can see the colors on my arm perfectly well, but my drawing skills could have been more perfect. I was hurrying because when I photograph lipsticks in the heat, they start to soften quickly, making it hard  to get even swatches. You may even be able to see where I tried to square off the swatches with my finger, blurring the color a tad.

I think Mirage and Sunset are beautiful shades. They complement the Protect the Lions Eye Palette shadow colors perfectly. Both look great with my coloring, and I'm sure they will be pretty on most skin tones.

Chantecaille's Lip Sticks are available in 17 shades. I decided to take a screen shot of African Violet to show it to you below. On the lips, it's a bright, bold, fuchsia-toned berry that will draw attention to your lips - a great evening shade.

I purchased my Lip Sticks from Neiman Marcus. Jeannine Barnes is the product specialist who helped me. You can reach her at (202) 966-9700. Just ask for Chantecaille. You can also order any pieces from this collection from the Chantecaille Web site.

Photos at top and bottom courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tom Ford Velvet Bloom Collection for Fall 2016 - Velvet Orchid Lip Color

The Tom Ford Beauty Fall 2016 colors have started to arrive at Neiman Marcus, and I've already plunged into the lip colors and compact powders. My first selection jumped right out at me. There are two shades in the Velvet Bloom Lip Color Collection, and after a very quick swatch, I knew that #59, Velvet Orchid ($60), was perfect for me. I added it to the day's purchases in a heartbeat. The other shade in the collection, Velvet Bloom, wasn't "me."

Part of a nine-piece, limited-edition collection, that includes fragrances, lipsticks, and blushes, Velvet Orchid is a stunning shade for fall.

I have always worn and loved rosy plum lip colors, and Velvet Orchid, with it pearlescent/satin finish, looks fabulous on my lips. I suspect many of you will draw the same conclusion. It feels lighter than air on my lips and applies evenly for a flattering shade for fall - or now. It makes my eyes pop blue.

I took swatch photos in late-morning, full sunshine - one in front of the green dogwood leaves directly above and one in front of a lavender crepe myrtle. The close-up above shows a shine from the sunlight, and the photo below is probably more true because I backed off the swatch to show the pretty flowers of the crepe myrtle. Both show the pearlescent satin finish that is "Tom Ford flattering."

The case, with its rich blue and gold coloring (jewel-toned blues are one of the "it" colors for fall), is heavy and luxurious. The lipstick is fragranced, but the fragrance dissipates quickly enough to satisfy my dislike of heavily fragranced lipsticks.

I have three of the new lip contour duos to show you this week, along with a powder that will highlight anyone's face with a glow that coordinates with the aura of this small collection, the first for fall that will be followed by other beauties that are likely to fall onto your must-have lists.

I purchased my Velvet Orchid Lip Color at Neiman Marcus. I suspect all of the stores that feature Tom Ford Beauty will have it available soon, if they don't already. I think it's time for Tom Ford fans to make their way to a counter. I have not seen this collection on Tom Ford's Web site yet. I'm sure it will arrive any day. If you'd like to have yours sent from Neiman Marcus, give Debbie O'Malley a call at (202) 966-9700. Ask for her at Tom Ford Cosmetics.

Photo at top courtesy of Tom Ford; orchid photo courtesy of Pinterest; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Soon: Chantecaille Protect the Lions Collection for Fall 2016

Chantecaille's Fall 2016 collection is a love letter to the majestic nature of lions. Watching a lion move through the bush is an electric experience. Their gorgeous coats gleaming in the sun, their easy, languid power. Exuding pride and confidence, these creatures are truly the rulers, responsible for the balance within the animal kingdom.

Chantecaille's recent trip to Africa inspired the season’s palette: the red earth, shimmering sand, and matte, rocky terrain became an elegant suite of rich, earthy hues that enhance the eyes, lips, and cheeks and reflect the natural beauty of the captivating landscape. The color story also synchronizes with the fiercely feminine, understated chic earth tones seen on many Fall 2016 runways.

Each season, Chantecaille's philanthropic relationships broaden our eyes to a changing world, one where humans encroach on the natural habitats of animals. Our impact is felt worldwide, and we find so much inspiration  in the impassioned people who seek to reverse this damage. A true passion for lions led Stephanie Dolrenry and Leela Hazzah to leave their homes in the Midwest and Egypt and settle in Kenya. Both have devoted their careers to lion conservation, and their perseverance with groundbreaking conservation methods in Kenya’s Amboseli National  Park and the foundation of The Lion Guardians are proof of their true love for these animals.

After immersing themselves in the local Maasai culture, where young men are traditionally raised to be lion hunters, Dolreny and Hazzah have redirected the focus of the tribe to understand the nuances of living in harmony with the lions. By teaching the Maasai youth to speak Swahili and English and employing them to use GPS technology to track the local lion population, they have showed the tribes that attuning themselves to the animals and respecting their patterns and habits is the only way to live together with the majestic creatures. What has resulted is a cherished relationship between the Maasai and the lions and an empowered generation of tribes people, who, with the resources of education and technology, have evolved from lion hunters to become lion guardians.

The Protect The Lions Eye Palette ($85) was inspired by the African landscape and their beautiful lions. Eyes are softly sculpted with washes of creamy beiges and velvety grays. Flecks of shimmering copper anchored by majestic burgundies set the eyes aglow. Skin is left luminous with a slight flush of demure pink on the cheeks.

The shades are...

• Sand, a creamy beige infused with flecks of gold African Topaz;
• African Topaz, a glistening copper;
• Amboseli, a glistening shade inspired by the beautiful, rich burgundy color of the earth in Amboseli National Park (this mesmerizing shade enhances all eye colors); and
• Rock: a silky, matte, neutral grey.

Pride Cheek Shade ($40) is a silky smooth powder formula that adds the perfect hint of natural looking color. Of course, it's embossed with an exquisite lion face.

The shade? What more natural name could it have than Pride? It's a soft, demure pink that adds a natural flush of color to all skin tones.

I should stop here and tell you that five percent of the proceeds of each eye palette and cheek shade sold will be donated to the Lion Guardians to help them continue their work to save the lions, among the most majestic creatures on Earth.

Full color release combined with a delightfully creamy texture makes Chantecaille Lip Stick ($36) both glamorous and incredibly comfortable. It's infused with natural beeswax, vitamins A and C, and emollient amino acids. The new shades are, left to right, Mirage, the perfect beigy nude; African Violet, a dramatic berry with subtle, cool undertones; and Sunset, a warm, sophisticated coral.

The Luster Glide Silk Infused  Eye Liner ($29) is an innovative, long-lasting eye liner that combines the effortless application of a pencil with the dramatic definition of a liquid liner. Falls brings us a new shade: Amethyst, a silky smooth, burgundy infused with light-catching pearl that adds instant drama and definition to the lash line. It coordinates perfectly with the eye palette.

Many of you know that I live in Chantecaille makeup. More often than not, the eye shadow I apply in the morning was made by Chantecaille. Today, I'm wearing the Sharks. The colors work well for me, and they last all day. I'm more than a fan. I'm obsessed with Chantecaille. I can't wait to get my hands on these new colors.

The good news? We don't have to wait long for this gorgeous collection to arrive at counters! It will be available in August 2016 at Barney’s New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom locations and Chantecaille.com.

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille

Chanel Rouge Allure in Rouge Ingénue from Fall 2016 Le Rouge Collection N°1

Do you remember when I showed you this coming attraction photo I took in the Neiman Marcus Café of the fall Chanel lipstick lineup before it was released? It emphasized red, the theme of Le Rouge Collection N°1 for Fall 2016 - with one exception. Look at that nude lipstick, Rouge Ingénue ($37), that snuck in there (second from left). It looked a bit out of place. It's a Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour (#168), and I'm wearing it as I write.

This next-generation Rouge Allure dresses lips with unmistakable attitude. A new formula with concentrated, ultra-thin pigments offers radically intense, long-wearing color with full coverage and a satin finish. It leaves the lips supple and protected with lasting comfort.

I knew I wouldn't be purchasing Chanel's intense red lipsticks, and I really didn't expect to purchase Rouge Ingénue either. However, as I played with the collection with Nicki Hashemi at Neiman Marcus, I swatched Rouge Ingénue. Suddenly I was looking at a nude with a touch of peach that looked like it belonged on my face. I was stunned. I'm not a big fan of nude lipsticks (although I decided recently to become more open-minded and try a few new ones). They often wash out my coloring - or at least add nothing flattering to it.

I zoomed outside this morning and took a picture of it before the clouds move in for the day. I believe you can see the pretty peach tone in the lipstick bullet (I hate that term!). It applied exactly as it looks in the photo. I hope you can see in my swatch photo below that the peach is a distinguishing characteristic.

Chanel calls it a dusty beige. I wouldn't. I see nothing dusty about this pretty color. Does that term "dusty" imply muted, heathery, or even dirty to you? The satin finish has a slight sheen to it. I prefer more shine, but I can always add some with a nude gloss.

I'm sure you Chanel fans know that Rouge Allure feels great on the lips. It's creamy and lasts a moderate amount of time (there are few truly long-lasting lipsticks on me).

If you want to stray from fall's red pack, try out Rouge Ingénue. It is a perfect lipstick to offset your very fancy eyes pained in Candeur et Expérience.

Le Rouge Collection N°1 has arrived at Chanel counters. For those of you who don't have easy access to one, please call Nicky Hashemi at (202) 966-9700. Use my name. Ask for the Chanel counter. If you want to order online, just hop over to this Chanel link.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Color for Summer 2016

I was desperate for these limited-edition Guerlain KissKiss lipsticks ($37) for Summer 2016. I had featured them in April, but when the summer collections arrived at department stores, no one had them both! I looked everywhere and then turned to Guerlain. The company generously sent them both to me. I do not know whether the stores sold out and had to re-order, or what happened. I know that they are currently available at Nordstrom, where there is a GWP.

These two new, easy-to-wear limited-edition shades give me a stunning summer look! Kiss Blossom (#367) is a tender, romantic pink shade, shown at left above, and Fancy Kiss (#342), shown at right, is a luminous orange shade that is warm and wearable by all - even me.

Here they are at my house, with Fancy Kiss on the left and Kiss Blossom on the right. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sunshine. I swatched them in the same order, with Fancy Kiss at the top of my arm.

Both of these shades are gorgeous on my lips, when lend their pink pigmentation to the sheer, shiny KissKiss colors.

KissKiss surprises us once again by slipping into a precious and graceful little black dress. Its understated case shows off infinitely elegant curves. A tube transformed into a work of art, a sculptural jewel developed like three sleek cubes. Simply chic!

In perfect harmony with feminine curves, the lips immediately regain their fullness and softness thanks to a formula enriched with plumping hyaluronic acid spheres. In parallel, commiphora oil helps smooth the lip surface. Magnifique! These are among my favorite lipsticks.

The entire Guerlain Summer 1016 Collection is exquisite. I have one more piece to show you - one that wasn't introduced until June. I'm already anxious to get my hands on Fall!

Photos at top and bottom courtesy of Guerlain; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick Collection

My Dress, My Style, My Lipstick! Guerlain has introduced its magnificent La Petite Robe Noire Nail and Lip Collection (I'll show off the nail products in a later feature). The collection is a fresh, unexpected, and slightly scented array of irresistible shades inspired by the alluring namesake fragrance, La Petite Robe Noire. The upside-down heart shows that it belongs to the House of Guerlain and reminds us of La Petite Robe Noire's original perfume bottle.

Two Guerlain signatures on the lipstick casing overlap to create the ultimate couture detail - one on the transparent case in shiny silver and the other engraved below in the body of the black mechanism. Each shade is beautifully showcased through the transparent glass, allowing for no mistake as to what shade is within. Love that!

Although I featured a new lipstick collection just Monday, I need to show you Guerlain's magnificent La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick Collection. It's fun, lively, and enticing.

Alone in front of her wardrobe, La Petite Robe Noire's namesake is deep in thought. She would need something to add the finishing touch to her inimitable style and twist all her wonderful dresses, that little added extra, that je ne sais quoi to bring out her femininity and reveal her true personality: mischievous, Parisian, spectacular, seductive, elusive, and yet with a distinctive presence. What she needs is, of course, color! Color just like her - scented color for an added dimension to her unique style.

I was absolutely delighted when I received six shades from this collection from Guerlain. The innovative company has created an absolutely essential and utterly irresistible La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick in a deliciously shiny texture to dress up your style with luscious color! The lipsticks are available in vibrant shades in an unexpected texture.

• The lightweight texture reveals the lips’ natural radiance, leaving them supple and comfortable.
• The coverage is buildable, thanks to its thin film: one layer to offer a glimpse of the sensual texture of the lips, two layers for a casual chic daytime look, and three layers for a more dense and sophisticated finish - a glamorous evening look.
• Inspired by La Petite Robe Noire, the formula is deliciously, but lightly, perfumed and delicately flavored for an unforgettable taste on your lips;
• These lipsticks have an ultra-shiny finish and pure and luminous colors thanks to a cocktail of pure and extra-luminous pigments that are coated with a specific resin that delivers a shiny lacquer effect.

There are 20 fantastic shades that Guerlain has grouped into three categories.

• Star Shades (four)
• Her Easy Chic Shades (eleven total, although some are available only in Asia and Russia)
• Her Trendy Pop Shades (10 shades, with the same constraint. Hmm, who do I know in Asia or Russia?)

My First Lipstick, #001, is a very light pink, the ideal lipstick for young girls and for all women who prefer a natural look. The soft pink is subtly set off with a veil of shimmer with an innovative texture. Also in this category, Black Perfecto, #007, shown below, is a surprising shade, a fake-black that can be applied alone or as a top coat for an elegant rock finish. Applied alone, the eosin that it contains reacts to the pH of the lips and reveals a tailor-made soft purple. It is perfect as a top coat that “smokes” any shade applied before it. That’s the secret of the rock style of La Petite Robe Noire, the most Parisian of all.

Guerlain sent me these two, plus Leather Blazer (#013) and Red Bow Tie (#022) from the Her Easy Chic group and two from Her Trendy Pop group: Poppy Cap, #020, and Red Teddy, #021.

Here are the six shades I love, lined up from left to right in numerical order. I took my photo in full, mid-day sunshine, which has been rare, and a wind that wouldn't give me a break. As soon as I could get the tubes to stop moving, I snapped photos.

The six shades, as presented above from left to right follow.
#001, My First Lipstick - very light pink with shine galore
#007, Black Perfecto - as described above (reminds me of the iconic Black Honey)
#013, Leather Blazer - a gorgeous brown with pink undertones
#020, Poppy Cap, a lovely coral
#021, Red Teddy - a rose pink shade
#022, Red Bow Tie - a very wearable red (many of you know I'm very conservative when it comes to reds)

I swatched them in the same order on my arm, starting with My First Lipstick at the top and ending at the bottom with Red Bow Tie. The Star Shades at the top of my arm are very light and shiny. The other shades have more pigmented color, although all are bright and shiny. I really love them - sheer and shine add up to a perfect lipstick in my eyes.

Although Guerlain is perfectly clear that these lipsticks are scented, I - the one who prefers her lipsticks unscented - can barely detect the scent. I don't smell it on my lips and barely taste it. The subtle taste dissipates quickly. To me, it does not taste like I'm wearing a scented lipstick after about 10 minutes. I have to admit I'm not a big fan of La Petite Robe Noire fragrance; it has patchouli in it (not my cup of tea). The lipstick fragrance is described as a fruity floral with accents of bergamot, rose, and raspberry, inspired by the delicious notes of La Petite Robe Noire. This is a scented lipstick I'll wear with great pleasure. Has Guerlain converted me?

There are a few shades I think I need to purchase. Mauve Gloves, Lilac Belt, and Plum-Brella look like must-haves. Oh my, what's a lipstick lover to do?

Check out all the gorgeous shades at Guerlain's Web site, where you will find large color representations. I'm going to have to find out their availability at our favorite in-store and online shopping sites. I do know the lipsticks will launch in the U.S. at Nordstrom next week.

Photos courtesy of Guerlain and by Best Things in Beauty

New and Exciting: Victor dE Souza Lipsticks by Dustin Lujan

It was worth the wait. I have known for a long time that Dustin Lujan was developing a new cosmetics line, starting with a lipstick collection. Dustin chose to align his new beauty brand with his partner, fashion designer Victor de Souza, and so Victor dE Souza Beauty was born. I am so thrilled for my sweet friend Dustin.

The long-awaited launch occurred in New York City on April 28. The party, hosted by Victor and Dustin, featured five models - from students to media strategists - and eight-foot tall banners showing their glam shots wearing Dustin's lip colors. Over 150 guests attended. I wish I could have been one of them. Unfortunately, it was impossible for me to work the full day and add on a round trip to New York before it was time to work the next day.

Beauty has always been an important focus for de Souza, coming from a family in which both sisters are skilled makeup artists. Victor has worked with some of the top makeup artists in the world, including Francois Nars and and Dustin Lujan, to make shocking and beautiful images for his fashion shows, making the makeup a centerpiece along with his fashion designs. Cosmetics were a natural transition for his portfolio; his father was one of the top chemists in Argentina. As he grew up, he and his sisters tested makeup formulas.

As a creature of design, Victor collaborated with Dustin, former creative director and development consultant for several top, luxury beauty houses, to work on Victor's own beauty line. Max Factor's design from the 1920's was one of the main inspirations of Dustin's designs, using all-metal packaging that is sleek and heavy. The upgrade to the classic inspiration was the metal spike on the top of each case, adding a modern edge resembling the pawn of a chess piece to combine classic, contemporary, and intellectual design factors.

The lipstick formula, developed by Dustin, consists of an ingredient called Hyla-Bubble, exclusive to Victor dE Souza Beauty. Hyaluronic acid is trapped in micro-bubbles and released when the lips are pressed together, replenishing moisture and redepositing color to the lips. This ingredient attracts and holds up to 1,800 times its own weight in water to fill the space between collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Dustin spent over 10 years developing this masterful formula.

The lipsticks come in three different formulas. All are priced at $68. All shades stay on forever. To get them off my arm, I had to use soap, water, and makeup remover. That's unusual. The shades must have a long-lasting tint in their formula, making them highly resistant to transfer and color loss.

• Prismatic Lipstick, which offers extra moisture and shine
• Satin Lipstick, for the most sensitive lips with a true-to-life "lip finish"
• Matte Lipstick, for a moisture-intense matte lip with flair and life

I purchased one of the shades, and Dustin graciously sent me all of them. I was able to take swatch photos this past weekend. I took the lipstick photos in full, mid-day sunshine and grouped them by formula.

The first photo above shows the two Prismatic Lipsticks. Doom Generation is shown on the left, and Liquid Sky is shown at right. I was lucky to get photos at all. It was incredibly windy, and the lipsticks kept moving around on me.

The swatch photo for these two Prismatic Lipsticks is shown directly above. The two Prismatic shades could not be more different. Liquid Sky is a very slight, shiny pink, and Doom Generation is a deep plum. It makes a statement.

The next grouping of colors (directly above) shows the Satin Lipsticks. Mysterious Skin is shown at left, and Stage Fright is shown at right. It was Stage Fright that really caught my eye in Dustin's model's photos. It gave me palpitations. Shown below on student Kyla Malbon, it was an instant must-have.

My swatch photo of the two Satin Lipsticks is presented directly below. Mysterious Skin, a peachy nude is shown at the top of my arm, and Stage Fright, which appears to be coral, is shown below. Both shades are definitely affected by your own lip pigmentation, in most cases making them more pink than they appear on my arm.

The Matte Lipsticks surprised me. They are not dull mattes. You can even see in my swatch photos below that they reflect light, giving them a spectacular finish.

Even though they were moving around with the wind, I managed to focus on Female Trouble at left, Raspberry Reich in the middle, and the ultimate red, The Hunger, at right. My swatch photo, with the lipsticks shown in the same order as I moved down my arm, is shown directly below.

From the fuchsia Female Trouble, to my favorite of the three, a rosy pink Raspberry Reich, to the perfect red, The Hunger, these shades were designed to provide a pop to your face.

Here is a cute photo of Victor and Dustin, taken at the launch party. I don't have to tell you who's who because so many of you know and love Dustin.

Although the cases are gunmetal grey, I love the photo above, provided by Dustin. It shows how classy these lipsticks are - even without color.

You can purchase these Lipsticks from Victor dE Souza Beauty online. If you don't follow Dustin on Facebook, you really should. In a run-up to the launch, he posted photos of the models wearing each shade. They are masterfully edited, showing the flair of both Victor and Dustin.

What's next for Victor dE Souza Beauty? What one makeup product does every woman need - besides lipstick - on a deserted island? Mascara! I may be spilling a secret, but I knew you would ask me. Before long, Dustin and Victor will have developed a full, luxury beauty line, with worldwide distribution.

What do you think?  Do you have a favorite shade? Will one or more go on your must-have list?

Update 5/18: In my original feature, I mixed up Raspberry Reich and The Hunger. I'm sorry. The Hunger is the perfect red. I have confirmed this with Dustin, who didn't notice at first either (so I don't feel like such a ditz). Thanks to "Anonymous" for pointing out the confusion. I have corrected the copy above.

Photos courtesy of Victor dE Souza Beauty and by Best Things in Beauty

Clinique Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer

I wanted to try Clinique's new Pop Glaze Sheer Lip Colour + Primer ($18). I am a pushover for sheer lip colors, and the built-in primer intrigued me. Clinique's description caught my eye, so I ordered one sight-unseen.

A pretty pop of bold yet see-through color + a smoothing primer in one coat. Luxurious yet weightless formula with built-in primer glides on effortlessly, wears for up to eight hours. Keeps lips comfortably moisturized instantly and over time.

I had to select a shade. After reviewing six, I chose Melon Drop Pop, shown above. The lipstick bullet on Clinique's Web site made the shade look orange, but their swatch made the shade appear to be pink. I tossed the dice and ordered it, and I'm very happy with Melon Drop Pop. On my lips, it's a warm pink, definitely not orange.

For a sheer lip color, it is extremely long-wearing. I assume the primer in the ingredients helps it stay on. It is not extremely moisturizing, nor is it dry. I'd call its hydration excellent for a long-lasting lipstick and average for all types of lipsticks.

There is something else about it I like. I can use the shiny metal cap of the tube as a mirror. I know it wasn't designed that way. It just works.

Here is a quickly taken swatch photo, snapped in full, mid-day sunshine (weeks ago - it has rained for nine straight days). I applied the swatch directly from the tube. Look a the pretty color! Without the pink pigmentation of my lips, it leans peach. You can see that on my arm. However, factor in the pigmentation of my lips, and it shines like a beautiful warm pink beacon.

Clinique offers a non-sheer version in a wide range of shades: Lip Colour + Primer. You can check it out at Sephora. The colors of these are described as saturated. Go with your preference. I'm a sheer gal.

I'm glad I purchased it. The price is great, and I will get a lot of wear from it. I purchased mine from Sephora online. You can also find it at Clinique and any Clinique counter. Neiman Marcus gave up their Clinique counters, which I think is a shame.

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