Chanel Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder

Chanel's Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder ($80) has been exclusive to Nordstrom, a beauty feature of the Anniversary Sale. I was given an extra-special courtesy when I was allowed to purchase it slightly before the end of pre-sale (I do not carry store cards). Then I forgot to take photos. Duh!

This lacy luxury is a very special girl. She comes wrapped in a fold-over pouch with an elastic band to keep her in place. There is a place for her brush in the pouch. Her box is even large, giving her the aura of a collector's piece.

We tried the tester on my skin before I purchased Dentelle Précieuse Illuminating Powder. It looks beautiful on my pale face. I do wonder how it will appear on very dark skins. It might disappear because it is pastel and soft when applied. I think it's magnificent on my skin.

Note the difference in color between my photo, directly above, and the Nordstrom/Chanel photo at the top of this feature. The real color is closer to the Nordstrom/Chanel photo, but lighter. I was not wearing pink, nor were there any pink flowers near me when I snapped my photo in full sun. That pink cast is a mystery.

We'll let the swatch photos prove that. I took them in full, early afternoon sun. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the powder extremely heavily at the top of my arm. Then I used a kabuki brush to show you a moderate swatch below. The nice thing about this powder is that I can achieve any look I want by varying the brush I use. I prefer to use a fluffy cheek brush to apply a sheer veil, which suits my everyday look quite well.

You can see the beautiful, soft gold shade in both swatches. I do not see the pink on my skin. Do you?

I think it's a perfect gold for everyone. It was a nice choice on Nordstrom's part. As you can see, it is sparkly, but not overly so. It's pretty and girly, not garish or glittery. It stays on too. I'd estimate five-hour wear. It does not make it all day when applied lightly.

"But of course," some will say to me. What do you expect when Nordstrom teams up with Chanel?

I'd like to see this highlighter distributed to all the Chanel counters so that everyone can take a look and see whether it will make a nice addition to their makeup wardrobes. I just tried to find it on Nordstrom's Web site and couldn't. I'm wondering if it sold out there. Surely the stores still have it available.

If you would like to see more photos, check out Sara's at Color Me Loud. I found it interesting that she also captured the pink tone in the compact.

I love my new illuminating powder. It stands out among the hundreds I already have. That's an achievement!

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

Coming Attraction: Nordstrom Beauty Anniversary Sale, July 19 through August 4

Nordstrom is excited to host the 2013 Anniversary Event featuring exclusive, limited-edition must-haves in-store and online. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale features one-of-a-kind beauty offerings and amazing deals from coveted brands.

Nordstrom Beauty experts hand-pick these must-haves from over 100 fragrance, cosmetics, hair care, skin care, and men’s grooming brands to develop unique and true bang-for-your buck deals created solely for the sale. These exclusive beauty offerings are only available during this special time of year, so get your hands on them while you can. There are a few deals without prices; that means I did not receive them.

Ring in the 2013 Anniversary Sale in all Nordstrom stores nationwide and online at Nordstrom.com while supplies last. You can also shop the sale early from July 10 through 18 by becoming a Fashion Rewards member. Gain early access and learn more at Nordstromfashionrewards.com.

Amore Pacific Recovery Brightening Set: $450 ($700 value). This set will rejuvenate skin, even in the worst conditions.

• 1.7oz Time Response Cream
• Full-sized Age Spot Brightening Pen
• Full-size Treatment Enzyme Peel
• Two Luminous Effect Brightening Masks

blowpro The Perfect Shower Cap: $10 ($18 value). Available in an exclusive, limited- edition print, this shower cap is designed to shield blow-dried hair with a 100% terry liner, leaving strands safe and dry.

Bobbi Brown Telluride Glow Collection: $85 ($153 value). Bring out your natural glow with this exclusive set.

• Smoky Brown 6-Shadow Palette
• Telluride Bronzer
• Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
• High Shimmer Gloss in Bellini
• Extreme Party Mascara

Cartier Declaration for Men: $85 ($155 value). This Cartier Declaration for men set offers an EDT, After Shave Emulsion, and an All-Over Shampoo that will spoil any man rotten.

Chanel Brush Set: $125: Includes six essential mini brushes. Achieve any makeup look in no time.

• Foundation Brush
• Kabuki Powder Brush
• Large Eye Shadow Blush
• Flat Contour and Eyeliner Brush
• Lash and Eyebrow Brush
• Angled Lip Brush

Chantecaille Skincare Color Set: $248 ($340 value). Indulge at home or on-the-go with this set, packaged in an adorable travel bag.

• Full-sized Vital Essence
• Full-sized Stress Repair Concentrate
• Travel Jasmine Lily Healing Mask
• Deluxe Gloss in Mirth

Clarisonic Colored Mia2s: $149 ($199-$209 value). A beauty insider must-have, pick up the Clarisonic Mia2 in fun exclusive colors, including Jade, Orchid, Persimmon, Ikat or Mosaic at an unbeatable value.

Clinique Even Better Set: $76 ($105 value). The best just got better with this essential value set.

• Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
• Even Better Skintone Correcting Moisturizer
• 1 oz 7 Day Scrub

Deborah Lippmann Space Oddity Trio: $29 ($36 value). Create five different combinations with three great mini's in fun, exclusive shades.

• Baby I’m A Star
• Planet Rock
• When Lightening Strikes 

Dior Beauty Exclusives: $26 - $61. Create show-stopping looks with these shades, exclusive to Nordstrom Beauty.

For Lips...

• Addict Extreme in Fortune ($31)
• Addict Gloss in Merveille ($29.50) 

For Eyes

• 5 Couleurs Star Edition in Constellation ($61)
• Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Blue ($28.50)

Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Face Peel: $89 ($140 value). Relive the benefits of this Alpha Beta peel again and again, thanks to this Peel Deal. The kit boasts 45 applications and five travel packets.

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream: $175 ($256 value). Celebrate Elemis' 10-year anniversary with this limited-edition Jumbo Pro-Collagen Marine Cream that hydrates skin, as well as improves suppleness, firmness, and elasticity.

Jimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum Set: $98 ($148 value). Exclusive to Nordstrom Beauty, this provocative, white floral-inspired scent is now available in a limited edition set during the Anniversary Sale. It includes a 3.4 oz and a bonus 1.3 oz fragrance.

Kate Somerville Essential Kit: $98 ($204 value). This will soon become your essential kit with these popular items.· Gentle Wash

• ExfoliKate
• Nourish
• CytoCell

Kiehls Créme de Corps Value Set: $75 ($107 value). Pamper skin with this iconic, luxurious body cream that provides rich-all day hydration. It includes both a one liter and 2.5 oz size. 

Kooba for Ahava Set: $45 ($130 value). This collection includes an on-trend wristlet designed by Kooba and best-selling Ahava skincare offerings.

• Deadsea Water Mineral Body Exfoliator (6.8 oz)
• Deadsea Water Mineral Body Lotion (3.4 oz)
• Deadsea Water Minderal Hand Cream (1.3 oz)

Lancome Exclusive Gifts with Purchase: $49.50 qualifier ($142 value). With your purchase of $49.50 or more, choose from the following that comes housed in a chic embossed floral purple or grey cosmetic bag. Your choice of the skincare duo.

• Ultime Night Serum BX and Absolue Premium BX Absolute Replenishing Cream
• Renergie Lift Multi-Action Reviva Serum and Renergie Lift Multi-Action Day
• Lifting and Firming Cream
• Makeup Essentials Color Design Lipstick
• Subtil Blush in Rose Romantique
• Hypnose Drama Mascara

La Prairie Age Defense Set: $280 ($403 value). You won’t believe your eyes or your skin after spoiling yourself with this kit.· 1.7 oz of Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30

• .5 oz of Cellular Eye Contour Cream
• 1.7 oz of Foam Cleanser
• 2.0 oz Cellular Refining Lotion

Laura Mercier Flawless Colour Favorites for Face, Eyes & Lips Set: $85 ($146 value). Equipped with the must haves for face, eyes, and lips for any occasion.

• Palette with four shadows and navy liner
• Full-sized Cherub Gloss
• Baked Bronzer
• Deluxes of Foundation PrimerFull Blown Volume Mascara

L’OCCITANE Gift Sets: $38-$80. Enjoy two different luscious gift sets from L’OCCITANE.

Best of L’Occitane Set: $38 ($60 value)

• Verbana Shower Gel
• Lavender Foaming Bath
• Almond Shower Oil
• Shea Butter Hand Cream
• Shea Butter Foot Cream

Almond Oil Set: $48 ($78 value)

• Almond Shower Gel
• Almond Milk Concentrate
• Almond Delicious Soap
• Almond Delicious Hands

Nordstrom Cosmetics Offerings: $15.90-$28.90. Both a great value and price point, Nordstrom Beauty provides high quality cosmetic offerings.

Nordstrom Python Fantasy Brush Set: $28.90 ($42.95 after the sale). Includes eight essential brushes for face and eyes that are housed in a beautifully crafted purple python print canister.

• Powder brush
• Spoolie brush
• All Over Eye brush
• Angled Crease/Blend brush
• Concealer brush
• Angled Brow/Liner brush
• Lip brush
• Eyeliner brush

Nordstrom Fantasy Makeup Palette: $28.90 ($42.95 after the sale - $150 value). Includes 92 colors that provide your eyes, cheeks, and lips with everything they need for endless beauty looks.

• 43 neutral and natural eye shadows (1.8 oz. each)
• 32 pop-color eye shadows (1.8 oz. each)
• Four super-shimmery eye shadows (1.8 oz. each)
• Eight lip glosses (0.9 oz. each)
• Four blushes (0.67 oz. each)
• One bronzer (0.24 oz.)
• Four brushes

Nordstrom Manicure Set: $15.90 ($24.95 after the sale). Achieve a perfect manicure anywhere with this set embossed in a purple python print.

• Faux-Python Fabric Clutch
• Cuticle Pusher
• Tweezers
• Nail File
• Nail Clipper
• Angled Nail Clipper
• Scissors

Nordstrom Trio Makeup Bag Set: This three-piece limited-edition set comes in a savvy print and is the perfect gift for any makeup junkie.

Philosophy Gift Sets: $50-$200. The beloved Philosophy brand has exclusives for everyone, from shampoo and body wash to face cleansers. Choose from a Philosophy Living Grace Trio or Amazing Grace Trio ($72, $144 values).

• Jumbo-size 32 oz Full Body Emulsion
• Jumbo-size 32 oz Shampoo, Bath, Body and Shower Gel
• 5.8 oz Satin Finish Body Oil

Microdelivery Duo: $59.50 ($128 value!).

• Jumbo-size 32 oz Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
• Deluxe four oz Microdelivery Peel

Trish McEvoy Beauty Collections: $100-$195. The Power of Makeup Planner Collection Rose: Everything needed to achieve perfect and effortless makeup.

• Petite Makeup Planner
• Eye Base Essentials Bare
• Intense Gel Eyeliner Arabian Nights
• 24-Hour Eye Shadow and Liner Quartz
• Luminous Peals Eye Shadow Plum
• Lash Curling Mascara
• Instant Eye Lift
• Medium Refillable Double-Decker Compact
• Even Skin Portable Foundation Shade 2
• Even Skin Portable Foundation Shade 3.5
• Sponge
• Petite Makeup Wardrobing Page
• Golden Bronzer
• Face Shaper Highlight
• Face Shaper Blush
• Translucent Finishing Power
• Lip Color Sexy Nude

Power of Skincare Collection I: Achieve beautiful skin with this AM and PM skin care routine, at home or on-the-go.

• Gentle Cleansing Wash (1 oz.)
• Even Skin Beta Hydroxy Pads
• Beauty Booster Eye Serum
• Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30
• Even Skin Vitamin C Cream
• Skin-care bag

YSL Must-Have Set: $75 ($127 value). This kit includes all the essentials to take you from drab to fab.· Full size Touche Eclat Pen N2

• Full-sized Glossy Stain N7
• Mini Mascara Babydoll Mascara N1
• 5 ml Beauty Sleep
• Mini Crayon Yeux N1
• 30 ml of Makeup Remover

What's just as exciting as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale? The Nordstrom Beauty Bash! On July 19 and July 20, guests at select Nordstrom stores will be able to celebrate the Anniversary Sale exclusives and enjoy light refreshments, gift bags with deluxe samples, complimentary beauty services, and more. To find a Beauty Bash near you, visit www.nordstrom.com/beautybash.

Be sure to follow Nordstrom Beauty for upcoming news.

• Twitter: @NordstromBeauty
• Facebook: facebook.com/nordstrom
• Instagram: @Nordstrom
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/nordstrom
• Blog: blogs.nordstrom.com/beauty

Note: With a few editorial changes only, this was copied straight from the press release. After inquiring, I learned that the release highlights some of the top offerings and that it would be 20 pages if everything had been included. There will be more offerings, but these are the only ones included in the sneak preview at the moment. Therefore, I have no additional details.

Logo courtesy of Nordstrom

Weekend Rant - July 2

I hadn't planned to write this rant. Nordstrom set me off. The last time I was in the store, my friends in the beauty department started telling me about the Anniversary pre-sale and how I could come in on July 5 and buy new treasures. Yes, they know I write a beauty blog.

Today, I called my favorite counter manager to make an appointment to come in. Quickly in our conversation, he told me I had to have a Nordstrom credit card to be eligible to "pre-order." I don't. Years ago I learned a lesson with credit cards. Keep the number to a minimum. I try to use my AmEx card for everything. I get one bill; it's convenient; and I can keep track of my purchases online in one fell swoop (really good for a gal who tends to spend too much). Besides that, AmEx has amazingly good customer service and fraud protection. Nordstrom doesn't. Take my word for it; I could tell you a story that is on record with the police department.

Apparently, last year, Nordstrom's credit card holders who had been asleep at the switch complained. They came in on the first official day of the Anniversary Sale, and all the great offers were sold out (they sold out in pre-sale). They complained. So, Nordstrom, in its infinite wisdom, decided that they would reward them this year. Only cardholders would be eligible to purchase during pre-sale.

The rest of us who might spend more than their average cardholder in a year? Out of luck. So sorry. One ding-a-ling who worked there suggested to me that I should open a credit card, just for this event. No thanks! I've chosen a better way to manage my affairs.

I received a loud and clear message from Nordstrom. They don't care about my business. They have no way to distinguish between those who spend and those who happen to hold Nordstrom's credit cards. It's sad, but it's OK. Most of what they sell can be procured elsewhere. The good news is that I won't be stretching to pay my bills this month!

If I can't purchase on July 5 with their cardholders, I won't purchase at all. It's a matter of principle. To their credit, when I tweeted my dismay, Nordtrom replied quickly that I didn't have to use their card, just have one. Huh? I replied, and the response I got was, " We apologize. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help."

I would never ask a store to change its policies for me (that would be crass, and few deserve special treatment), so it appears there's nothing they can do to help. I hope that someone at Nordstrom carefully considered the potential consequences of the new policy. If not, they need a good (better?) customer relationship management consultant.

What do you think? Has Nordstrom lost its luster? The store used to be known for customer service. Am I just whining?

Photo courtesy of thinktravel.asia

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives: Laura Mercier Portable Beauty Collection

I continue my series on Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives with Laura Mercier's Portable Beauty Collection ($65). I'm trying to bring you some of the sets that I haven't seen on 100 beauty blogs. The Anniversary Sale starts in two days. There's a lot to see! Before Friday, you can pre-order the Beauty Exclusives in the store or online. If you pre-ordered, I'm told you can pick up your purchases now.

The collection includes a split-pan Eye Color Duo in Sparkling Guava and Kir Royal; a professional double-ended All Over Eye Color/Smudge Brush for a flawless application; a universal split-pan Cheek Color Duo in Rose Petal and Mauve Second Skin; a double-ended Lip Glacé in Glimmer and Violet; and a Long Lash Mascara in black to add the finishing touch. All of the items are sleekly housed in a pretty dark blue cosmetic bag, perfect to take anywhere!

My arm photo shows, top to bottom, the two cheek colors, the two eye colors, and the Lip Glacé in Violet. As you can see, the two cheek colors are pink-toned. The two eye colors are very different. Kir Royal is a lavender mauve, while Guava is a peach-toned neutral. The Lip Glacé in Violet is a blue-pink shade, light and pretty. I didn't take a photo of Glimmer. It's a topper shade, meant to enhance either your lipstick or gloss.

All of the shades look good on the face together, alone or blended. I really like the double-ended All Over Eye Color/Smudge Brush. I think you will too.

The set, exclusive to Nordstrom, is said to be a $164 value. The products are full-sized (or nearly so), which is particularly attractive.

Don't overlook this one when you go shopping!

Top photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives: Quatour Boutons de Chanel

Quatour Boutons de Chanel ($65) is an eye shadow quad everyone can love! With neutral shades ranging from matte to satin to shimmering, it gives you many possibilities for creating gorgeous eyes. It's a Nordstrom Beauty Exclusive for the Anniversary Sale. The sale starts Friday, so it's not too late to pre-order it.

Yes, those double "C's" are pretty, but they won't stick around long after you start using this compact. At the first use, they are gone. Don't purchase this for the monograms. Its appeal is in the neutral shades!

Apply the shadows dry as I do for subtle shadowing. A slightly moistened applicator will give you a more intense shade. According to Chanel, organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. I find that Chanel shadows stay put. Could this be the reason?

Here are swatches of the shades, starting at the top left in the quad and moving clockwise. At the top on my arm photo is the light shade, shown in the top left of the quad photo above. You can see in the swatches that all four neutral shades are gorgeous. They are all different, not just variations on a theme. This is a terrific set of eye shadows. Who couldn't wear them?

Despite the quick disappearace of the double "C's," I am very happy I ordered this beauty! You can too. Just don't let any grass grow under your feet. Nordstrom often sells out of its Beauty Exclusives.

Top photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives: YSL Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss

I think this year's Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives, offered for the Anniversary Sale, are the best ever! This week, I'll be featuring some of the fabulous makeup offers. It's not too late to pre-order, and your items will be sent directly to you. How's that for convenient sale shopping? I received a big box with some of the items I pre-ordered on Friday. It was like "Christmas in July."

There are three Yves Saint Laurent Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss ($30) shades - all exclusive to Nordstrom. Each will dress your lips in a smile of shimmering gold. These YSL glosses form a mirror-like effect, sparkling with mother-of-pearl (and gold). They are formulated with a complex of nourishing oils (nigelle and cameline) to protect your lips with a comforting, shimmering shine.

My arm photo shows the shades. They don't have names - just numbers, #31, #32, and #33 (top to bottom). Numbers 31 and 32 look very similar on my arm. You'll have to trust that #31 is darker than #32, even though they are in the same color family. I had to paint on several layers of #32 to make it clearly visible in the photo. The applicator is a brush.

I'm a lip gloss addict, and YSL glosses are among my favorites. I own - and wear - almost all of the shades. They are stunning on the lips, with or without lipstick, and they feel good too. Naturally, I ordered all three of the Nordstrom exclusives.

There is a Yves Saint Laurent Ombrés 5 Lumieres Palette available too. I have not received it yet, but when I do, I'll swatch it for you. In the meantime, here's the photo to whet your appetite.

Want to shop all the Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives? You can see them at your local Nordstrom, or you can shop online. Just go to this link.

Photos courtesy of Nordstrom