Marc Jacobs Beauty Twinkle Pop Eye Sticks

I always get excited about cream eye shadows, and so it was with Marc Jacobs' Twinkle Pop Eye Sticks ($28). I saw an array of shades at Sephora and ordered five. I will tell you that I was confused by two shades that looked so similar in the little square swatches that I didn't know which one to order. I ordered both. That was probably a mistake because they are almost indistinguishable.

I only swatched one of Volver (#402) and Honey Bunny (#400). Look at them in the tube, and you won't be able to tell the difference. I became impatient for a couple of reasons. When I was taking my photographs, it was 95 degrees outside. I was sitting on asphalt in full sun, trying to figure out the difference. Once you take them out of the box, as far as I can tell, you will never know the name again. Each stick is unmarked. Because my poor butt was burning from the hot asphalt, I gathered them all up quickly and moved into the shade the moment I took the photo above. That's where I discovered that I couldn't tell which was Volver and which was Honey Bunny. You don't need both.

The tubes have a color indication at the top (that's not product), but the two on the left, Volver and Honey Bunny are so close, it's impossible to distinguish them. The other three, from left to right are Au Revoir (#406), Shoshanna (#414), and Leila (#416)

I found them melting as I tried to swatch them, so I swatched very quickly and a bit unevenly. I just wanted to get the eye shadows and myself inside. All the time I was doing this, I was being swarmed by mosquitoes. It was not pleasant - even though these eye shadows are really nice.

On my arm, you will see the champagne Volver at the top; Au Revoir, and exquisite pewter next down; Shoshanna, the turquoise; and Leila, described a rose copper, but fairly orange. There are other shades available. I thought five was enough for me for now.

I will enjoy wearing and playing with these. I love them. I wish the experience of photographing had been a bit more enjoyable, but, hey, it's August.

You can find these beauties at Sephora and Marc Jacobs' Web site. They are definitely worth a look-see. Just don't hang outside in the heat, direct sun, and surrounded by insects as you make your introductions.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Marc Jacobs Beauty Remedy Concealer Pen

I've been dipping my toes into Marc Jacobs Beauty, choosing wisely, I think, and so far I've been very happy with my selections. I really didn't want to get "hooked on" another makeup brand. I already have too many on my must-buy list.

I was intrigued by Remedy Concealer Pen ($39). soI purchased one sight unseen in the lightest shade, 00 Stand Corrected. I am extremely happy with it.

This an all-in-one eraser, brightener, and corrector works as advertised: it remedies the signs of aging, dehydration, and fatigue, while brightening the skin around the eyes. One of Marc’s favorite products, they say, Remedy Concealer Pen is the perfect fix for the sins of a carefree youth (guilty) or just the aftermath of last night (not guilty). Formulated with advanced pigments, powerful antioxidants, and Remedy Complex, a unique blend of hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, this next-generation concealer brightens, hydrates, and soothes the skin while providing the coverage you need for a fresh, bright-eyed finish. The patented palladium applicator cools on contact to reduce puffiness, and one click is all it takes for the perfect amount of product.

Remedy is available in nine shades - from the lightest that I purchased, 00 to the darkest, 7. I guessed and guessed well. The one thing I really like about the applicator is not the metal applicator, but the window that shows me the color and how much product I have left. I really like those user-friendly touches.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I applied Stand Corrected without blending it. That photo is shown directly above. As you can see on my arm, Stand Corrected leans yellow.

After I took unblended swatch photos, I blended the swatch with my finger and took more photos. The blended photo above shows that Stand Corrected almost blends into my skin perfectly. The yellow tone takes any redness away from around my eyes. It's a very nice shade for me.

I use Remedy under my eyes. I'm still enamored with the Edward Bess Illuminating Eyeshadow Base over my eyes. Remedy is easy to apply, covers nicely, and lasts all day. I have found a new favorite.

Have you tried Marc Jacobs Beauty Remedy Concealer Pen? Do you like it as much as I do? You can purchase it at Sephora or select Marc Jacobs boutiques.

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

Marc Jacobs Beauty Lovemarc Lip Gel in Have We Met?

Dipping another toe into the Marc Jacobs water, I found a lipstick I love: Lovemarc Lip Gel ($30) in Have We Met? I need more of these!

Lovemarc Lip Gel is a color-saturated, long-wearing, gellified lipstick with a sleek shine finish. Just like most lipsticks advertised as long-wearing, I get average wear time from it. However, I don't have unrealistic expectations. A few hours, and I'm happy.

Fall in love with Marc’s irresistible, gellified lipstick. Full of pure pigment, this long-wearing lipstick has an irresistibly touchable texture. Unlike traditional waxy lipsticks, Lovemarc’s cutting-edge, gellified formula delivers the utmost in creaminess, comfort, and color payoff. An infusion of monoi butter - a velvety cream made from the tropical tiare flower - provides intense hydration, while myrrh extract works to reduce the signs of aging. An innovative 3-D plumping agent adds gentle volume. The vivid shades were all inspired by Marc’s favorite movies.

Very subtly scented with vanilla, Lovemarc will delight you. I can barely smell the vanilla. As a rule, I don't care for scented lipsticks, but this one is barely scented, and the scent dissipates quickly.

The warm, shimmering pink of Have We Met? is gorgeous. I took swatch photos in full, morning sun. How could anyone resist this gorgeous shade?

Besides offering beautiful color, a pretty shine, and creamy, comfortable hydration, the lipstick comes in an elegant black tube with a magnetic snap. I think Role Play, a dusty rose, may be my next purchase. There will definitely be a next purchase.

You can find Marc Jacobs cosmetics at Sephora and select Marc Jacobs boutiques. I purchased mine at Sephora (online) during the sale.

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

Marc Jacobs Beauty Lightshow Luminizing Powder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New MARC JACOBS Splash Scents

Inspired by the "decadent indulgences of a patisserie," MARC JACOBS has introduced three new MARC JACOBS Splash Scents ($68)! These new limited-edition splashes (that spray) "awaken the senses and entice the palate." Fresh and inviting, crisp, and delectable, the three fragrances are designed to be the perfect warm-weather treat.

The splash fragrances are all appropriately colored: Apple (green), Pomegranate (pink), and Biscotti (gold). I tested them all and selected Apple. Pomegranate was a close second and is the favorite of my friend Chris Coles at Nordstrom.

Maybe my nose is deficient, but Apple doesn't smell like apples to me. It is very green, light, and fruity - truly lovely. I just don't smell apples - even Granny Smiths. Pomegranate is also fabulous. It's sweet, but has a note that makes it a bit masculine. I think it's the amber. Biscotti just isn't my "cup of tea." As a rule, I don't want to smell like a cookie or cupcake. That's one of the reasons vanilla-based or other foodie fragrances don't usually appeal to me.

I found these fragrance notes at The Moodie Report. The Apple Splash is described as fruity, fresh, aromatic, and energizing. Composed by Givaudan’s Yann Vasnier, it features notes of apple juice, lemon, grapefruit, rosemary, jasmine, magnolia, coriander, and cardamom.

Pomegranate is said to create a fresh sensation, while capturing the radiance of an exotic fruit. It was created by Patty Hidalgo of Fragrance Resources. It features notes of pomegranate, mandarin flowers, bergamot, rhubarb, violet, musk, vanilla, and amber.

Biscotti is said to deliver a savory aroma with a touch of citrus. It was developed by Richard Herpin of Firmenich. The notes are freesia, bergamot, orange flower, pistachio blossom, and vanilla.

Splashes are intended to be light. This one defies the odds and lasts about five hours on the skin. I think that's impressive for a splash. While I usually spray them on myself, I have a friend who sprays them on his pillow cases and sheets. Since they often come in generous bottles, that's not as extravagant as it sounds.

You can find these at Nordstrom. If you want a reminder that spring is coming, as we hear forecasts of two feet of snow for this coming weekend, check them out!

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom