Tom Ford Unabashed Eye and Cheek Compact for Summer 2014

I purchased Tom Ford's Unabashed Eye and Cheek Compact ($95) reluctantly. It appeared to have a few colors I would like, but the cobalt blue in the press photo (above) gave me pause. I was finally able to take photos to show you why my initial reluctance was reinforced by the real thing.

Tom Ford's limited-edition palette imbues a sultry, effortless summer look with a refreshing twist of color. Eyes are enveloped in a blend of soft pearl and satin finish neutrals and a bold accent of cobalt. Cheeks are illuminated with light rose and peach coral shades for a warm and sexy glow. Packaged in a retro-chic, ivory- and gold-colored Tom Ford case.

The case is white with gold trim - and huge. No one could complain about the amount of product in this $95 compact. The colors I was really looking forward to what appeared to be a shimmering taupe in the upper left corner. I knew the blue would be useful only as an eyeliner. The grey looked nice, as did the cheek colors. Unfortunately, the "shimmering taupe" is nothing but shimmering. It offers a glittering light gold - no taupe.

I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched all of the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, working in clockwise order. The "shimmering taupe" is at the top of my arm. What a nearly transparent, glitter fest! I was crushed with the disappointment. I have plenty of glitter eye shadows. I'll admit they are useful as toppers, but one doesn't need a wardrobe of them.

That shade was the make-or-break shade for me. Most of the others can be easily duplicated in my huge collection. They are beautiful, but not unique. The glitter shade does have a touch of gold in it, but it bears no resemblance to what I see in the compact. Sob!

The golden shade is supposed to be a bronzer/cheek shade. I don't see myself using it that way. I will use it as an eye shadow. The blush, a gorgeous warm pink, is the star of the compact. Fortunately, there is an ample amount of it. I'm sure I will wear it down to the bottom of the compact.

The cobalt blue would have no use to me except as an eyeliner. Even then, it's flashy - not my style. I will give it an A+ for last. It clings to the skin and lasts all day.

The taupe-grey shade is very pretty and will be a staple in my wardrobe over the next few months. I think it's a perfect daytime shade. Would the blue liner look good with it? Absolutely, as long as you are comfortable wearing flashy makeup. I can see a woman with chocolate skin wearing the blue as an eyeshadow. It could be snazzy. I'd love to find a model. I may ask a friend of Indian heritage, who has darker skin than I do, to give it a try. I want to see how it looks on her.

What did I buy for $95? A large compact with three shades I will wear and two that will look nearly as pristine as the day I pulled the compact from its brown fabric pouch. Translated statistically, it scores a 60%: not great, but not bad. I guess I expect more from Tom Ford.

I also purchased Solar Gold, which I will show you very soon. For more photos, see Sabrina's The Beauty Look Book.

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

Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette for Fall 2013 - Swatched

Fall 2013 will embody a minimal and serene elegance through timeless iconic pieces with a sober luxury. The tone is set through materials of fur (faux, I hope), leather, cozy knits, and textural tweeds in more forgiving styles with volume, menswear influences, longer hemlines, and oversized coats. The trending colors will be warm earthy browns, rich neutrals, black, white, camel, and pops of red.

Inspired by the grounding and moody shades of nature in winter, paired with the simple sophistication of purity and strength, makeup will be a light wash of eye shadow in shades from the earth: warm browns, copper, and ash, emphasized by black eye liner. The lips create the perfect counterpoint in soft nudes or rich reds.

Inspired by the magnificent beauty and free spirit of wild horses, Chantecaille has created a striking, palette that effortlessly compliments the Fall 2013 runway trends. Four shades fill the refillable Wild Horses Palette ($83).

• Black Stallion, a midnight black liner with a whisper of shimmer, inspired by the elusive Black Stallion
• Palomino, a soft, creamy beige eye shade, inspired by the golden coats and glistening blonde manes of Palomino horses
• Mustang, a warm chestnut brown eye shade illuminated by flecks of gold, inspired by the iconic, wild Mustangs of the West
• Freedom, a flattering sunset pink that creates a soft, windswept-flush

The Wild Horses Palette benefits the Humane Society of the United States. Embodying the spirit of freedom, wild horses have graced the American landscape for centuries, reminding us of our deepest connection to the Earth. Sadly, in just the past 40 years, over 22 million acres of wild horse habitat has been lost in the U.S. to make room for cattle, fracking, and mining industries. By conserving land for wild horses, we not only help save countless herds, we help save our environment from the polluting extractive industries that are destroying it. Ensuring that wild horses are able to roam freely means keeping a part of our Earth untouched and unexploited. I would have purchased any new Chantecaille palette, but this "cause" warms my heart.

I was lucky to be home today, dialed into an all-day conference call in Missouri when my palette arrived from Chantecaille. I had ordered it Saturday. It's pictured above. The second my call ended, I zoomed outside to get swatch photos to show you the gorgeous colors.

I remember that some had commented that it looked in the advance photos like Tiger in the Wild. Now that I have it, I can say that it's totally unlike Tiger. I applied all shades heavily, breaking through the overspray with my sponge-tipped applicators, to try to get true shade depictions. My photos were taken in full, late-afternoon sunshine.

The color at the top of my arm is shown top left in my palette: Palomino, a soft, creamy golden beige shade. I think it's as pretty as golden beige gets. The second color down is the top right color in the palette:  Freedom, described as a flattering sunset pink. I would not describe it that way. To my eye, it's a pastel brick shade, a hybrid between red and copper - and unlike anything in Tiger. I would never describe it as pink. Anyhow, as a cheek color, it's fabulous for fall.

Black Stallion, a midnight black liner with a whisper of shimmer, is the third shade down on my arm, lower right in the palette. True to description, it's a perfect liner for any look.

The copper shade at the bottom of my arm is, amazingly, Mustang, described as a warm chestnut brown illuminated by flecks of gold. I might call it a golden chestnut with an emphasis on golden. It's stunning.

I have had not time to play with the palette, but Chantecaille has never disappointed me. I'm sure the Eye Shades will offer me the top-notch quality I have learned to expect from Chantecaille. Their shadows never irritate my eyes, wear well all day, and look fabulous. The cheek color can be worn on your cheeks or eyes. The palette is gorgeous, with its beautiful horses on each shade. The compact has horses on the top (as you can see in the top photo). Even the box has a beautiful horses motif - worth a photo.

I can't wait to hear what you think! The palette has not arrived at most Chantecaille counters. It wasn't scheduled to be available until September. However, it did arrive at Chantecaille's Web site, so I pounced. Perhaps I galloped right to Chantecaille's site to order it.

If you would like to watch Chantecaille's videos that accompany the season and explain the Wild Horses campaign, just pop over to the Web site.

Please note: the palette delivered to me had the colors "rearranged" from the original press photo at the top of this feature.
Photos at top and bottom courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Eyes & Cheeks to Go Set Giveaway Contest

This limited-edition Bobbi Brown Eyes & Cheeks to Go Set ($75) was a Nordstrom exclusive. It makes it easier than ever for a woman to do her makeup on the go with the Chrome 3-Pan Palette. The set features two unique shade combinations of Eyeshadow Quads and - for the first time ever - Bobbi's best-selling Pot Rouge in customizable form. All 3-Pans come with a clear protective cover and can be popped out and inserted into Bobbi's customizable palettes. The set also includes a mini eyeshadow brush for application.

Remember that this was one of my weekly giveaways about a month ago? The winner never claimed her prize. So, I decided to start over.

On the left, the Warm Eye Quad includes Bone Shimmer Wash, Copper Sand Shimmer Wash, and Gold Dust Metallic and Espresso Eyeshadows.The Cool Eye Quad on the right includes Navajo Metallic, Gunmetal Shimmer Wash, Rockstar Metallic, and Navy Eyeshadows. The Pot Rouge is Blushed Rose.

I have one of these fantabulous sets to give away. How can you enter to win this giveaway 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 winners 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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 17, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Bobbi Brown Eyes & Cheeks to Go Set Giveaway Contest

This limited-edition Bobbi Brown Eyes & Cheeks to Go Set ($75) was a Nordstrom exclusive. It makes it easier than ever for a woman to do her makeup on the go with the Chrome 3-Pan Palette. The set features two unique shade combinations of Eyeshadow Quads and - for the first time ever - Bobbi's best-selling Pot Rouge in customizable form. All 3-Pans come with a clear protective cover and can be popped out and inserted into Bobbi's customizable palettes. The set also includes a mini eyeshadow brush for application.

On the left, the Warm Eye Quad includes Bone Shimmer Wash, Copper Sand Shimmer Wash, and Gold Dust Metallic and Espresso Eyeshadows.The Cool Eye Quad on the right includes Navajo Metallic, Gunmetal Shimmer Wash, Rockstar Metallic, and Navy Eyeshadows. The Pot Rouge is Blushed Rose.

I have one of these fantabulous sets to give away. How can you enter to win this giveaway 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 winners 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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 27, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears.

Update 7/26: My thanks to Marsi for the edit. You can tell I have no idea what day it is.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Le Métier de Beauté Galore Collection, Exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue

Le Métier de Beauté's new Galore Collection features brilliant blushing and bronzed shades for the face and rich jewel tones for the eyes. It was inspired by the glamour and opulence of precious stones. Galore is exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue at stores with Le Métier de Beauté counters. It may also be available at Saks.com, although I haven't looked.

Use the blush and face powders to contour and highlight cheeks for a summer-ready look and the deep, cool shadows to adorn your eyelids with a bit of sparkle. These highly-pigmented True Colour Eye Shadows can be mixed and layered using Le Métier de Beauté's signature Couches de Couleur application technique for complex, multi-faceted looks, or they can be worn alone for an instant wash of gorgeous color. The chic black palette with a huge mirror comes with a nice Eye Shadow Brush for perfect powder application on the go.

“These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of.” This quote was attributed to George Elliott, but the grammar is suspect.

The shades in the palette overlap some of the shades in other recently released palettes. For example, all four blush and bronzer shades are in Zeitgeist and Castaway, and swatches can be seen here.

I believe the price is $125. The Galore Collection is in pre-sale now at Saks. What do you think?

Photos courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

How to Apply the Chantecaille Fall 2013 Look Using the Wild Horses Palette

I don't have all the official U.S. press photos of Chantecaille's Fall 2013 Collection yet (I keep asking!), but I can share with you a great YouTube video of Casey Hastings demonstrating the look, based on the new Wild Horses Palette.



I met Casey at the Chantecaille counter at Bergdorf Goodman when I asked for help touching up my makeup before a party. She did a fabulous job. I was excited to see this wonderful video from Chantecaille.

I'll have much more for you soon. The collection will not launch until September, so there's plenty of time for the anticipation to build.

Photo of palette courtesy of Chic Profile

Le Métier de Beauté Zeitgeist Blush/Eye Palette, Exclusive to Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase

Just when I was bummed that I didn't order the Temptalia Collection in time, Le Métier de Beauté has introduced a new treasure to salve my wounds. They are celebrating the launch of a new Le Métier de Beauté counter at Bloomingdale's in Chevy Chase, Maryland - a 20 minute drive from my house.

A departure from its Kaleidoscope palette design, the very limited Zeitgeist Blush/Eye Palette ($125) offers eight shades - four for cheeks or lips and four for eyes. Zeitgeist was featured on Le Métier de Beauté's Facebook page with swatches. As of 10:00 am this morning, it had not arrived at the store. They are hopeful for today.

The following shades are in the palette. I hope to show you my swatches later today or as soon as I can get my hands on the Zeitgeist, if not today.

The blush/bronze face shades (top row from left to right):

• Dusk
• The Factory
• Coral Reef
• Punta Cana

The eye shadows (bottom row from left to right):

• Oyster (highlighter)
• Tanned Sheen
• Sparkling Violet
• Granite Smoke

Zeitgeist will be available only at the Chevy Chase Bloomingdale's. If you want one, call (240) 744-3779 and ask for the counter. If you all the store's main number, dial to select the beauty department, then dial "0" because Le Métier de Beauté is too new to be included on the pick list. If you pre-order today or tomorrow, you will receive a Precision Liquid Liner as a GWP.

If you are in the DC area, head over to the Bloomies in Chevy Chase. Janice is there today doing consultations and makeup applications.

Update 2:30 pm: Zeitgeist has landed at Chevy Chase.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Chantecaille Save the Sharks Palette for Spring 2013

Chantecaille's graphic and alluring new, limited-edition Save the Sharks Palette ($83) fuses trendy colors from the Spring 2013 catwalks with the freshness of the oceans in a bold yet feminine way. Featuring three eye shades with shark names, it's simply stunning: Great White, an allover sandy beige; Grey Reef, a glistening sandy taupe-grey; and Black Tip, a deep ocean blue.

The palette includes a Sea Anemone Cheek Shade, a golden pink-coral color that is universally flattering on all skin tones. The Cheek Shade was inspired by the underwater gardens of the tropical seas.

Chantecaille, known for its philanthropy, is passionate (as I am) about saving the sharks. The BLOOM Association has successfully orchestrated a top-level ban on all Hong Kong Luxury Hotels that were serving shark fin soup, for which sharks are slaughtered. Five percent of proceeds from the Save the Sharks Palette will be donated to the BLOOM Association to ban unregulated shark fin trade. You can help by never ordering the soup in restaurants.

I purchased my palette at Chantecaile's Web site the second I discovered it. I didn't even know it was coming. When it arrived, I did a little happy dance. It's even prettier than it looks on Chantecaille's site.

I took swatch photos the second the sun came out this morning. It got even better. I need to hoard this palette, as I do with all Chantecaille palettes. I wish I weren't short of cash every January.

I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply these exquisite shades. They look good in the palette, but they are extraordinary on the skin. I blended across the shark's fin as I swatched. The Great White highlighter (labeled as such) is a perfect ivory shade for highlighting or use as a base shade. The Grey Reef isn't really grey. Instead it's a fantabulous subtly shimmering taupe with a twist. This is one of those shades I will wear through (called hit pan by some). Serious palpitations when I tried it on.

The Sea Anemone Cheek Shade isn't really coral either. It looks pink to my eyes when it's applied to the skin. It's a very warm pink - as promised, one that should work for every skin tone.

The Black Tip Eyeliner is very deep blue. In my photo,you may see a hint of purple. It's not. It's midnight blue.

Every palette Chantecaille introduces is magnificent. I don't know how they do it, except for talent, creativity, and a knack for knowing what we will all love. This palette continues Chantecaille's own beauty of combining superior products with a great cause. For that, they stay at the top of my favorites list - year after year. I'm still wearing my favorite tigers multiple times per week. Come to think of it, these colors are similar to the shades in the Tiger in the Wild Palette.

I have not seen Save the Sharks in the stores yet (although it may be there), but you can order it from Chantecaille, where the shipping will be free. My recommendation? Buy at least one.

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

Bobbi Brown Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette for Holiday 2012

The best of the two palm-sized holiday gift palettes from Bobbi Brown is, in my opinion, the Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette ($30). Looking for a new look? This palette offers a perfectly edited selection of eye and lip shades that are fresh, fun, and quintessentially Bobbi. Featuring three Eye Shadows including the limited-edition shade, Eclipse (that doubles as an eyeliner); two Lip Colors, including Atomic Pink, a limited-edition shade sure to make lips pop, plus, a mini Lip Gloss that easily clicks right into the compact. Small, but cute - and a great gift for the makeup lover.

Here are the pretty shades included in Atomic Pink. Just click on the photo to enlarge the shades and descriptions.

I took a few photos in full sun to show you that this palette is a bright beauty. With the exception of the Pink Cloud Lip Gloss, all components were swatched with sponge-tipped applicators.

Pink Cloud is shown at the top of my arm. Below, Pale Mauve is on the left, and Atomic Pink is on the right. As you might expect, you cannot even see the White Eye Shadow on my arm. You can see Cement, and it's extremely pretty. Eclipse Eye Shadow at the bottom of my arm, is a great black. I can't use it as a shadow (too dark for my skin), but it makes a very nice eyeliner.

Even if you don't see yourself needing the Atomic Pink Lip & Eye Palette, you might want to pick on up to give to a traveler (perfect for the woman on the go) or to use as a stocking stuffer or office gift. It's a pretty little set.

You can find it at Bobbi Brown's Web site, other online sites, and all Bobbi Brown counters.

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

Clé de Peau Beauté Palette de Voyage for Holiday 2012

Clé de Peau has introduced a stunning makeup palette just in time for the holidays. The limited-edition Palette de Voyage ($180) stopped me in my tracks at Neiman Marcus.

A daring voyage. An escape from the everyday. A chance to explore. An exciting opportunity - perhaps a chance to discover unknown facets of your beauty. Embark upon a voyage inspired by this season's makeup and be transported by all the wondrous types of beauty there are.

Despite a cadence that reminds me of Brad Pitt's Chanel N°5 advertisements, the makeup speaks for itself. The color selections are festive, yet perfect for everyday.

The palette,which was created especially for Holiday 2012, contains the following goodies, all packed in an elegant, snap-shut dark blue case.

• A new Eye Shadow Quad
• The Mascara deluxe sample
• Extra-Rich Lipstick in R5
• Cheek Color #3
• Powder Eyeliner & Eyebrow Powders
• Three applicators

I swatched the palette in batches in late-afternoon sun. I had to dash up to my neighbor's house because my own garden was shaded after the sun had dipped below the tree line.

I started with the gorgeous new eye quad. Introduced for this palette, it's as pretty as it gets. I swatched the quad shades left to right. Then I swatched the brow and eyeliner powders, which are shown at the bottom of my arm.

The gold is a beautiful shade with a stunning sheen. The peachy pink? A shade Clé de Peau has mastered before and presents in glamorous fashion in this palette. The chocolate bronze? Exquisite. One of my favorite shades, the golden beige, is one of the smallest helpings in the palette. I want more of it!

The brow shader is a fabulous shade for me. Because it's a powder, it's easy to apply only where needed, while controlling the depth of color. The eyeliner at the bottom of my arm is a fabulous shade when you don't want black, and it complements the colors in the eye shadow quad perfectly.

In my second batch of photos, I swatched the Cheek Color #3 and the Extra-Rich Lipstick in #5. The photos were taken at the same time of day - late.

The beautiful blush at the top of my arm is a pink-peach blend that should be perfect for almost everyone. It offers a sophisticated sheen that makes the color lively. The pretty red lipstick is the color of the season. Not too blue, not too warm, it's a holiday red that will thrill red lipstick lovers.

The mascara is black - as expected. The applicators? You'll want to use your own unless you are traveling - and this all-in-one set is a perfect take-along.Don't miss that cute little bow that's included separately in the box. It makes a tailored box feminine.

I know Palette de Voyage is pricey. When you add up the price of a Clé de Peau Beauté eye shadow quad, blush, lipstick (remember this one is not full-sized), and deluxe sample mascara, along with brow and liner powers, I think it's a justifiable price. I suspect I'll use the eye shadows and blush most often. I'd call this palette absolutely perfect if Clé de Peau had included a lip gloss.

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

Bobbi Brown Uber Nude Lip and Eye Palette for Holiday 2012

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Uber Nude Lip and Eye Palette ($30) was an easy pick for me. I love neutral shades, and the little compact looked attractive. I purchased it online from Nordstrom.

Your go-to gift: Monday to Sunday, this pocket-sized palette has it covered with Bobbi's most timeless, tried-and-true colors for eyes and lips. With three Eye Shadows, two Lip Colors, plus a mini Glitter Lip Gloss, this compact includes everything you need to achieve a classic, but modern look.

The photo below shows the colors that come in the palette. Just click on the photo to enlarge it.

I took swatch photos in full sun over the weekend. I used sponge-tipped applicators to swatch, except for the Mini Nude Glitter Lip Gloss, for which I used its own wand. "Mini" is a great description of the gloss. It's seriously small.

The nude shades didn't photograph especially well. The Mini Nude Glitter Lip Gloss is shown at the top of my arm. It's a very pretty, shiny, sheer peach shade with a touch of pink. I applied the two lip colors from the left side of the palette in the second row on my arm. Uber Beige Lip Color is shown at left on my arm. It's described as pale nude beige, but I'd call it medium-toned peach. You may have difficulty seeing the Blushed Heather Shimmer Lip Gloss to its right. I'm sure you can see the shimmer, but the gloss is beyond sheer - not nearly as colorful as it looks in the palette.

The next row down on my arm shows the eye shades. On the left side, I applied Navajo, a pink-toned white. It's nearly impossible to see on my arm because it matches me so well. I'm not enthusiastic about the Downtown Eye Shadow. It's muddy on my face. If I blend it with Navajo, I can wear it, but it doesn't excite me. The Expresso Eye Shadow is a very dark brown liner that coordinates perfectly with the other shades in the palette.

Who should buy this palette? Not Bobbi Brown collectors, like me, who are Navajo'd or Expresso'd out. I wish Bobbi Brown would stop repeating her usual basics in every palette. It's getting old. How hard is it to put a new twist on the basics?

The market for this palette will likely be travelers, who want an all-in-one kit, or first-time Bobbi Brown buyers - the future addicts for the brand. The Uber Nude Lip and Eye Palette would also be a nice gift for the girl who is just starting to wear makeup if mom wants her to keep her in age-appropriate shades.

If you are a buy-everything Bobbi fan like me, you can skip this one. You already have most of it in one palette incarnation or another. Still want to buy? You can find it at Bobbi Brown's Web site, other online sites, and all Bobbi Brown counters.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Nude Shimmer Makeup Palette in #1 for the Holiday Collection 2012

Giorgio Armani Beauty has introduced two new limited-edition palettes for Holiday 2012. The two classic Face & Eye Palettes ($88) are offered in #1 and #2. Palette #1 is featured here. I hope to show you #2 tonight. I purchased both palettes at Saks Fifth Avenue, where they had just arrived.

Today's feature is the Nude Shimmer Palette, shown on the right above, with what Armani calls Beige Shimmer Powder joining Light Taupe Satin and Taupe Satin Eye Shadows, along with a Beige Lip Wax for sheer, natural elegance.

These beautiful palettes feature an oval-shaped, black lacquered double-tiered case with a magnetic closure inspired by the Rouge d'Armani Lipsticks. On the first tier, you'll find a feather-light powder with micronized particles of Micro-Fil technology to illuminate the skin with the signature Armani glow. On the second tier, you'll find two eye shadows in soft hues and a shimmering illuminator - also formulated with Micro-Fil technology.

The photos directly above show the Nude Shimmer Palette (#1), with its light flesh beige-pink shimmering illuminator on the top level and two taupe eye shadows accompanied by a sheer nude lip color on the second.

The colors are subtle and entirely appropriate for your day look. They'll also take you into night when you want the emphasis to be on your lips as you wear one of this season's intense lip colors.

I took my swatch photos in full sun. I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator - even the illuminating powder at the top of my arm, which is applied heavily - and drooled as I applied these enormously flattering shades. This palette is a taupe lover's dream.

The light beige-pink highlighter is gorgeous. No better way to describe it. When applied with a fluffy brush, it adds the glow for which Armani is so well-known. The two eye shades are "me kind of shades." They flatter my eyes, focusing attention on my eye color, not my eyelid. Wait until you try them; you'll see how beautifully they pair.

You'll have to trust me that they Beige Lip Wax provides a sheer peach look to the lips. Check out the model on the left below to see the effect you'll get on your lips. It is light without being pasty.

I love this palette! As usual, Giorgio Armani Beauty has anticipated what I'd like for Christmas and delivered it in November.

Tonight, as I watch election coverage, I'll show you the Snow Shimmer Palette in which a Face Shimmer in Snow Shimmer Powder is paired with Light Grey Satin and Grey Satin Eye Shadows and Rouge Lip Wax for sophisticated winter style.

You can find Armani's new palettes at Saks Fifth Avenue. I'm sure other stores must have received them, but I didn't find them yesterday on a quick Internet tour. Give the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site a few days, and they will appear.

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Caviar and Oyster Palette for Holiday 2012

Strong and smoky or soft and pretty? There's no need to choose with Bobbi's beautifully-edited selection for the limited-edition Caviar and Oyster Palette ($75) for the holidays. Featuring eight eye shadows and a luminescent, glittering skin enhancer, this mirrored palette makes it easy to create plenty of party looks. Taking a cue from the look of something pretty against something edgy, the set includes rich caviar and pearlescent black shades. The standout star of the season, Ballet Sparkle, a shimmer highlighter, is so sheer it can be worn on both eyes and cheeks to shine your face with party lights.

Here is a description of the shades, straight from Bobbi Brown's Web site. Just click on the photo to enlarge it.

The palette is jazzy. Some of the shades are very sparkly. Surprisingly, I like most of the shades - a lot. The palette has two pull out drawers that hide the Ballet Sparkle highlighter. Pull them out to the side, and you'll see the full offering.

I swatched the left side of the palette first. I used a sponge-tipped applicator and applied the shades heavily. I took my photos in full mid-day sun. For each of the eye shadow "drawers," I swatched clockwise starting with the top left. However, I didn't bother with the White Eye Shadow. I couldn't see it on my arm, and I knew that if I couldn't see it, you wouldn't either.

Sandy Pearl Metallic Shadow at the top of my arm is an interesting shade. It's almost fluid in its appearance. I love it. In a take it or leave it contest, it would be one of my top two eye shades in Caviar and Oyster. The dove Grey Sly is matte and blends beautifully with the other shades. The sparkly light pink-white Pink Opal is pretty, but I have other shades just like it. Nevertheless, it's useful for nighttime.

I think three of the shades on the right are gorgeous. The Shimmering black Plum Steel (shown at the top of my arm) isn't plum at all. It's a beautiful shimmering charcoal. Pearl Oyster is a sheer ivory. It's a nice topper for other shades. If used alone, it doesn't offer much color. Rich Caviar makes a great liner. It's too dark for me to wear as an eye shadow. Heather Grey at the bottom of my arm is matte and unexciting.

Pink Ballet in the center of the palette is a stunner. I applied it heavily at the top of my arm and then used a brush to show you how it looks when applied lightly. Valerie Fleming, Bobbi Brown Product Specialist, gave me an interesting tip for using Pink Ballet. She said to apply it with the fingertips, patting it on the area you want to glow. I haven't tried it yet, but I suspect that will give you the color shown at the top of my arm. If you want to reach Valerie for Bobbi Brown makeup tips (or to order), call her at Neiman Marcus at (703) 761-1600, extension 3301.

Overall, I think Caviar and Oyster is a gorgeous palette for night life. It's too sparkly to use in the daytime, but I think it provides a stunning festive look for special events. Make sure to layer the sparkly shades over any other eye shadow if you need more color than the sheer shades provide.

I purchased my palette at Neiman Marcus. Nordstrom has it too. If you wish to order at Bobbi Brown's Web site, you'll have to wait until November. Figure that out.

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