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

Clé de Peau Beauté La Bohème Collection for Spring-Summer 2014

This month, Clé de Peau Beauté and its Makeup Creative Director Lucia Pieroni introduce a color collection inspired by a free-spirited, romantic beauty look. The "La Bohème Collection" fuses the wild and unconventional ethos of a Bohemian beauty with chic sophistication, creating a collection that celebrates the women of today," said Pieroni.

The Luminizing Face Enhancer ($95 with case) shown at the top of this feature is a new shade, Delicate Pink (#14), that combines soft tones of pale pink and luminous white to deliver natural color and a healthy lit-from-within glow to the complexion. Just dust the powder over the high points of your face to create a natural, radiant contour.

Two Eye Color Quads ($80 with case) were inspired by the hues of romantic peaches and plums. These new colors create a youthful yet bold softness around the eye area. Argan tree oil and exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex keep the colors in place and moisturize for long-lasting wear. The velvety formulation and matte finish offer many possibilities for varying your look. Peach Brown (#211) is shown above. Plum Brown (#212) is shown below.

I am really looking forward to trying these new palettes. I'm accustomed to some gleam in my Clé de Peau colors, so I want to see how the company translates matte.

There are three lustrous, limited-edition Enriched Lip Luminizers ($60 with case). Sweetie Pie (#224) is shown above. Toffee Apple (#225) is shown directly below.

The third shade is Fabulous Fig (#226). All three shades are gorgeous. Infused with Clé de Peau Beauté's unique color complex technology and skin-care benefits, the Lip Luminizer formula harnesses light and increases radiance. I love it. The exclusive Hydro-Wrap Complex EX seals color pigments for maximum hydration benefits and long-lasting wear. Fabulous Fig is shown directly below.

You have the option to buy refills, rather than the cases, for each new item. I usually buy the refills to save money. That works perfectly, except for the lip colors, which are hard to use without the cases.

These stunning new colors are at Neiman Marcus counters. Nordstrom is expecting them shortly. They can also be found at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. I think I need one of everything.

Photos courtesy of Clé de Peau Beauté

BECCA Rose Gold Shimmering Skin Perfector

BECCA's Rose Gold Shimmering Skin Perfector ($38) sold out during Sephora's V.I.B. sale. I was one of the lucky ones who ordered it. That was basically preordained, given my love for rose gold. The lovely, creamy powder luminizer has a geometric embossed finish in a limited-edition "holiday shade." Who on earth would consign this gorgeous highlighting powder to the holidays?

Sephora has already taken down all the information about it, but you can still see a video on Sephora's YouTube channel. This long-lasting, ultra-fine powder offers luminescent pearls to reflect light in "complex ways," ensuring that your skin doesn’t lose its glow when you step inside or out.

I took swatch photos when I still thought you could purchase it. If you like them, let's hope Sephora re-orders and that the sold sign will suddenly flip to available. Plus, you know it's going to show up on eBay. People who purchased it for 20% off will be trying to sell it for full price (or more). Perhaps there is one remaining in a store near you. See the comments for additional sources. Oddly, I had searched for it at BECCA's Web site, and it didn't come up. It's there!  Also at Beautyhabit.

I took my photos in full morning sunshine. You can see how beautifully the powder reflects light. I applied the top swatch heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. The larger swatch below was applied with a dense kabuki brush - and much less heavily, but more intensely than I would apply it to my face.

Is it pretty? I think so - very pretty. Is it the only rose gold highlighter, meaning that you should go straight to makeup jail if you didn't order it? Fear not. The color is actually quite close to the rose gold shade in Bobbi Brown's Nude Glow Shimmer Brick for Holiday 2013. Check out my swatch photos and see what you think.

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

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer - Swatched

I couldn't let the week go by without showing you the three glorious shades of Stila's All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer ($20). Maybe once you see them you'll want to enter this week's giveaway contest. The deadline is Saturday night.

This set grabbed me at Sephora online and wouldn't let go. As a total Stila fan, I wanted it immediately. While I was ordering my set, I decided to order a second, one for me, one for you - at least one of you.

This trio of trial-sized, skin-enhancing liquid shimmers will add a subtle touch of shimmer for a radiant glow. Ideal for all skin types, each formula contains a skin-protecting antioxidant and grape seed oil to condition and nourish the skin. Soft-focus pigments will help diminish the appearance of fine lines and skin imperfections while adding uplifting highlights. These wonderful liquids, like Armani's, can be used over your foundation or tinted moisturizer or mixed into your face lotion or favorite foundation for subtle luminescence.

The three liquid shimmers come boxed, but they aren't separated within the box by any partition. That struck me as odd, but it's a small matter unless packaging is critical to you. Each of the lovely shimmers will fit into a makeup bag with ease. If you don't want to shine at work, but need to glow at that after-work party, they are perfect take-alongs.

The Liquid Luminizers in the set come in three stunning shades: Pink Shimmer, Rose Gold Shimmer, and Bronze Shimmer. I took my swatch photos in full sun. Pink Shimmer is shown at the top of my arm, Rose Shimmer in the center, and Bronze Shimmer at the bottom.

I didn't blend them at all. I painted them onto my arm with their own brush applicators. In my opinion, all three shades are gorgeous. Pink Shimmer isn't really pink. It's a stunning champagne shade.  Rose Gold Shimmer is more peach than I had anticipated, but lust-worthy nonetheless. Bronze Shimmer is what I expected. It's a shade that everyone - from light skins to dark - will want to wear. All three are stunning when blended out on the skin - sheer and glowing.

I'm so glad I purchased this beautiful set, sight unseen. I trust Stila, and I've never been disappointed. If you don't trust your luck (I have only one to give away), you can order the Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer set at Sephora. It's a limited edition, so don't let any grass grow under your mouse.

Update 5/24: Please do not leave your contest entry on this post. It must be on the giveaway contest post to be entered. Sorry if I created any confusion.

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

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer Giveaway Contest

Kapow! This new Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer ($20) set grabbed me at Sephora online and wouldn't let go. As a total Stila lover (I think Stila is under-priced for the quality and doesn't get enough love from bloggers), I wanted it immediately. Not three days from my order processing date (not-so-subtle dig at Sephora)! While I was at it, I decided to order two, one for me, one for you - at least one of you.

This trio of trial-sized, skin-enhancing liquid shimmers will add a subtle touch of shimmer for a radiant glow. Ideal for all skin types, each formula contains a skin-protecting antioxidant and grape seed oil to condition and nourish the skin. Soft-focus pigments will help diminish the appearance of fine lines and skin imperfections while adding uplifting highlights. These wonderful liquids, like Armani's, can be used over your foundation or tinted moisturizer or mixed into your face lotion or favorite foundation for subtle luminescence.

The Liquid Luminizers in the set come in three stunning shades: Pink Shimmer, Rose Gold Shimmer, and Bronze Shimmer. That covers the landscape. If you know me, you know I flip over anything rose gold - makeup, jewelry, clothing, leather, you name it. An extra-added benefit? If you want to know the ingredients, Stila shares freely. Just go to this link. I love the Stila team. If you don't follow Sarah Lucero @StilaPROartist at Twitter, you should. She's "good people."

How can you enter to share the joy? To enter to win this contest (technically a sweepstakes), just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of entrants I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, May 26, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora