Has Packaging Ever Changed Your Mind about a Product?

It may have been the silliest purchase I've made in years. The Pat McGrath Skin Fetish sets ($72)showed what appeared to be pretty products on Sephora, but they also showed a bag full of sparkling paillettes. I wasn't thinking clearly about how I would remove the products from the bag without leaving a trail of paillettes. Now that I have both sets - sold out on Sephora - I'm faced with a dilemma. Do I keep them and dig the products out of the bag over the trash bin outside, or do I return them? Do I sell them on eBay?

Over the weekend, I seriously considered returning them. I am not in favor of returns unless a product was  misrepresented or causes an allergic reaction. Sephora online is not there for us to try and return. I should be the kind of customer Sephora loves, and I would hate to ruin that reputation. Every time I looked at those bags, though, I shuddered.

I wonder...if I were to return them, would Sephora be happy to have unopened products they would resell? Or do they junk returns? I wish I knew.

This morning, I decided. I will keep them and open them carefully over the trash bin. I will swatch them for you as soon as I regain my interest in taking photos. If you have ever been depressed, you'll understand why things that gave me pleasure don't at the moment. I could have opened them over the weekend, but we had sustained winds of 20 mph, and I envisioned paillettes blowing all over my driveway or lawn - to be tracked into my house after I feed the birds, squirrels, and the cutest baby fox I've ever seen. Or worse, to be dumped by the large machine that dumps the trash bins into the big waste disposal truck, despite my best efforts.

I'll let you know. Was anyone reading brave enough to tackle the packaging?

PPhotos courtesy of Sephora

Sunday This and That - Upcoming Sephora Sale

Sephora's big November sale starts this week. I'm very excited about it because I've got my eyes on a few things. If you are a V.I.B., you should have received your discount code by now.

One thing that looks intriguing, but begs for a discount is Marc Jacob's I Lovemarc Collection ($350), a limited-edition holiday set featuring 13 Lovemarc Lip Gels encased in a luxe lacquer box. When you open the stylishly sleek Lovemarc Collection, a limited-edition set, appearing for this season only, you'll experience true luxury, they say. Enclosed in the lacquered jewelry box, you’ll find 12 shiny-black Lovemarc Lip Colors aligned like piano keys, plus the newest addition and center of attention, Marc’s realized vision of the perfect red: Showstopper. From the mysterious Moody Margot, to provocative Little Pretty, you will have an opportunity to discover the variety of true glamor and fall in love with a new shade each day.

You'll also have an opportunity to pick up that Bobbi Brown holiday palette you've been eying. Bobbi Brown's Sequin Shimmer Brick for Eyes ($48.50) will allow you to customize your shadow color with one quick swipe across all 10 shades, or use the bars individually to highlight as you go. Shimmer Brick imparts a soft wash of pearlescent color and is ideally packaged in a slender, mirrored compact. It's perfect for playing up your eyes for all the season's parties.

 Edward's Best ($75) is another pricey item you might want to buy with a discount. The blockbuster lip palette features eight lip colors in Edward's signature creamy formula, including six of his classics plus two limited-edition shades. The master of lip color has unveiled his bestselling lipsticks in a palette that pays homage to his famed Ultra Slick Lipstick. "Kiss and tell the difference with this super-creamy, hydrating formula that drenches your lips in a satin veil of rich, vibrant color. Achieve precise application every time with a full-size lip brush and a huge mirror (signed by Edward) for touch-ups on the go."

Looking for a nice fragrance deal? NEST's Eau de Parfum Coffret ($38) is a deal at its regular price. With a discount, you may feel generous and buy one for a beautiful holiday gift.  Feel radiant with Amazon Lily, romantic with Dahlia & Vines, sultry with Midnight Fleur, elegant with Passiflora, and irresistible with White Sandalwood. Each dab-on fragrance is housed in an attractive mini-glass bottle adorned with original botanical artwork. Packaged in a luxurious gift box, the Eau de Parfum Collection is an ideal way for you to experience each fine fragrance before graduating to a larger bottle. Meticulously formulated by the world’s most accomplished master perfumers, NEST Fine Fragrances is an extraordinary collection of signature scents.

I've started to cruise the site, doing a bit of advance work. There are so many nice things this season. I'm sure you are all doing the same. What's on your list for the sale? Are you ready to spend?

Photos courtesy of Sephora

SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Ombre Dual Lipstick Fire and Earth

Sephora's SEPHORA+PANTONE UNIVERSE Ombre Dual Lipstick Fire and Earth ($22) grabbed my attention when I was browsing Sephora recently. They are said to have been inspired by natural elements.

This deluxe, double-ended lipstick features a coordinated duo of glossy and shimmery formulas. Each color, texture, and finish is inspired by one of the four elements to create a harmonious lip look. The matte-shimmery shade (how can you have matte-shimmery, Sephora?) allows for a layer of velvety color with a sparkly finish while the glossy shade adds brilliant shine to highlight thge lips. The creamy, velvety texture glides easily onto lips so you can blend or layer shades for a multidimensional look.

Because I've been impressed with the "Pantone Universe" collection from the get-go, I decided to order one. Both looked nice, so I flipped a coin.

Here is what came: two not-full-sized lipsticks in a kludgy container that I had to figure out. Basically, you have to push on the opposite color you want (as indicated on the bottom) to push out the color you do want. It's a bit counterintuitive.

Here are the two shades in Carnelian/Deep Claret. They are meant to be used alone or blended. Naturally, I took swatch photos in full sun (late day in this case), swatching Carnelian at the top of my arm, Deep Claret below, and then the two shades mixed at the bottom.

It is terribly unlikely that I will wear Carnelian alone. Stranger things have happened, so time will tell.

Deep Claret is a pretty rose. The two shades combined provide the nicest option in my opinion. The lipsticks have a nice formula, feeling creamy and with normal wear time. They are formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

All in all? I'm not displeased, but I wouldn't rave about them. The Fire and Earth lipsticks are limited editions and available only at Sephora.

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

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler Giveaway Contest

Sephora's new, limited-edition Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler ($25) looks as nice as the previous sets. it includes six lip favorites in perfect pinks and natural nudes. This lip kit features the best glosses, sticks, glazes, and balms from Sephora’s favorite brands. Perfect for gift giving or as a treat for yourself, this collection has all you need for luscious lips.

This new set contains the following lip colors.

• 0.10 oz Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bare Pink
• 0.07 oz Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Dolly
• 0.14 oz NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight
• 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment
• 0.05 oz Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Rhubarb
• 0.10 oz Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in Glitzy 

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 31, 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.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sunday This and That and Sephora News

I love it when the crepe myrtles start to bloom. They have a long summer season, showing off their beauty as other flowering plants start to wilt from the extreme heat. Hot it has been!

This morning, we had a little excitement - well, Charlie did. He got up around 4:00 am and started being really obnoxious, making enough noise to make my last hours of sleep fitful. At one point, he was digging various things out from under the bureau (was it a message I needed to clean better?). It was only after he started played in the bathtub that I got really curious and went into the bathroom to see what he was doing. He was playing with a new friend, Mr. Mouse. Mr. Mouse was terrified, but looked uninjured. I grabbed a cup and, after a few fruitless attempts, with Charlie getting in the way, I scooped him up, covered the cup with a rigid catalog, and took him outside, where I liberated him. Mr. Mouse seemed OK as he scurried away into the mint under the shrubs. It was a riot watching Charlie sit on the toilet for 30 minutes afterward keeping an eye out for his new toy, Mr. Mouse.

I'll give you a quick update on my malware woes. My guru disappeared from the scene for a few days, and I was panicked. Fortunately, he came back yesterday. Perhaps he was off for a few well-deserved vacation days. Anyhow, reader Katherine had recommended I try ComboFix, freeware that promises to rid your computer of known malware, spyware, and other bad actors and remove them. I ran ComboFix yesterday evening, and (knock on wood) I haven't had a redirect since. Kuttus, my guru, also sent me some additional code to use with an OTL run, and I did that late last night. Today, I have not had a link redirected - yet. Could it be that we've had a successful exorcism?

I went over to Nordstrom yesterday to check out the Anniversary Sale. I was seriously interested in the Attilio Giusti Leombruni shoes. There are only two brands these days that I can wear from Day 1 with comfy feet: AGLs and Aerosoles. When I got to the upscale shoe department, I learned that every AGL on sale had sold out during pre-sale - another reason to hate Nordstrom's pre-sale policy. Nordstrom encourages customers to open credit cards and potentially go into debt - rather than live on cash at hand - and rewards them with early sale access. It doesn't matter if you spend more than those cardholders in a year. You are out of luck when it comes to the annual to-do. Yeah, they offer a debit card too, but since my debit card number was stolen there, I'm not confident they can protect my security, especially since they thought that card number theft was an inside job.

After my shoe department disappointment, I went down to Beauty and was incredibly unimpressed by the Anniversary Sale exclusives. There was a relatively nice Bobbi Brown Telluride Glow Collection. I might have purchased it in flusher days. I got to see the new Dior color. I think I already got the best pieces. I was not at all excited over the Dior Fusion Mono Eyeshadows. The colors were boring for this makeup addict, and they were too metallic for my tastes. I flirted with the new powder shadows, but they were so similar to shadows I already own, I lost interest quickly. I think I already own the best of the Mystic Metallics Collection.

I did a quick drive-by of Clarins and found the summer collection still featured. Then I headed for Clé de Peau, where I found the new Extra Rich Lipsticks! They were everything I expected and more. With 30 shades in three finishes, satin, silk, and velvet from which to choose, I played with colors for 30 minutes. It took that long to narrow my selections down to two. These are pricey lipsticks. I couldn't buy more than two. I'll show you my two choices tomorrow. I'm absolutely sure I'll go back for more before too long.

The biggest beauty news of the week was Sephora's announcement that it is revamping its Beauty Insider Program. I found out at WWD, from which I lifted this news. "More memberships, more rewards, and more points" was the message when Sephora executives revealed the company's relaunched Beauty Insider program, including a new premium membership level.

Sephora’s Beauty Insider Program is made up of two tiers. At the base is Beauty Insider, which provides the customer with birthday gifts, seasonal promotions, product rewards, gifts, and member-only classes. The second tier is VIB (Very Important Beauty) Insider, for which consumers qualify once they have spent $350 in a calendar year. This tier includes all beauty insider benefits, first dibs on new products, seasonal VIB-only gifts, advance access to sales, and private VIB-only shopping events (I like this because Sephora doesn't practice credit card "extortion.") The new tier, called VIB Rouge, launched on July 23 and offers frequent shoppers even more incentives. This premium level is reserved for customers who spend $1,000 or more in a calendar year and provides members with all Beauty Insider benefits, all VIB benefits, free shipping on all orders, unlimited access to The Beauty Studio, exclusive Rouge events, and surprise gifts. 

To kick off the program’s relaunch, Sephora will feature a few new incentives between August 12 and 18. When Beauty Insiders purchase new items, they will receive double points. VIBs will receive triple points, and VIB Rouge members will receive quadruple points. Also, the points earned are eligible to transfer to friends and family to score 5,000- or 10,000-point rewards. A select few will qualify for prizes like a trip for two to Paris with Make Up For Ever or the Marc Jacobs beauty collection tucked away in a fall 2013 Marc Jacobs handbag. I think I'll be making my trip to Sephora to check out the Marc Jacobs collection soon.

What do you think about that? Will the enhanced program make you even more likely to buy from Sephora? The stores might be messy, but Sephora online shopping is the bomb (as the kids say admiringly).

Remember I featured TATCHA’s GOLD Camellia Lip Balm recently? For a limited time, you can enjoy this treasure with every purchase of $300 or more (a $36 value) at TATCHA's Web site.  Enter the code GOLDCRUSH at checkout, and the balm will be yours for free. The offer is valid through August 7.

Update 7:30 pm: After a redirect-free day, I just got redirected. I'm crestfallen.

Photos courtesy of Southern Living and WWD

Sephora Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler Giveaway Contest

Sephora assembles the best sampler sets! This Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler ($25) is going to be hard to give away. I gave away one in the fall, bought a second, and have now decided to give away the second. What can I say? I'm fickle.

This set of six perfect pink and nude lip products ranges from glosses, treatments, tints, and shines. This essential multi-branded kit has all you need for luscious lips (including two full-sized products). Give Me Some Lip is valued at more than $79 (not sure how). It’s the perfect gift or treat for yourself - or you could save it and delight someone with a lovely gift.

Here's what's in the kit.

• 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment (sheer berry rose)
• 0.12 oz Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Child (sheer nude)
• 0.1 oz BITE Beauty Lip Shine in Vintage (sheer mauve)
• 0.1 oz Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Baby Doll (soft pink shimmer)
• 0.1 oz Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Hope (warm rose)
• 0.5 oz Sephora Collection Glossy Gloss in Precious Pink (very sheer pink with iridescent shimmer)

 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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

Anyone who has commented here in the last month will receive a fourth entry. I will know.

The deadline for entries will be tomorrow, Saturday, March 23, 2013, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color Theory Sculpting Blush Flash Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Lovethescents!

The flash giveaway I promised! I have one gorgeous Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color Theory Sculpting Blush ($24) to give away. A futuristic pressed powder blush that delivers comfortable wear and pure hues inspired by the Color of the Year.

Wear powder perfection with this lightweight blush featuring a duet of complementary tones especially formulated to harmonize with emerald looks. This powder is enriched with actives to preserve skin elasticity and packed with brown seaweed extract for a soft and supple complexion. The slim compact includes a hidden mirror that snaps magnetically in place for easy application anywhere, anytime.Very cool! The shades are Dusty Pink and Pink Mist.

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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

Anyone who has commented here in the last month will receive a fourth entry. I will know.

The deadline for entries will be tomorrow, Sunday, March 17, 2013, at 5:00 pm EDT. 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color Theory Shadow Block - Elemental from the Emerald Collection

The moment I saw this piece from the Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Emerald Collection, I wanted it. After what seems like months of waiting, the Emerald Collection is finally available. I dipped my toes in the water with the Color Theory Shadow Block - Elemental ($26). There are two other Shadow Blocks, one of which is calling my name.

Like its predecessors, this palette rivals any luxury eye shadow palette in packaging and quality. The emerald and white fitted box is special. Plus, I love the magnet closure. Here is a photo showing the clear top swung open.

The three shades in this palette are Emerald Shimmer (to celebrate the Color of 2013), Appleblossom, and Camel. I'm not really sure which shades are Appleblossom and Camel, but I'm going to assume that the darker matte neutral shade is Camel and the sparkling lighter neutral is Appleblossom. Two of the three shades in this palette are exquisite, but I think a better choice could have been made with the matte color.

Enhance and invigorate your eyes with this shadow palette that delivers a pearlized, sheer finish for a more natural look. The reflective properties of diamond dust and micro-fine platinum powder diffuse light, creating a luminous soft-focus effect. The neutral tones featured in this palette draw out a new facet of Emerald, highlighting the Color of the Year as a perfect everyday accent. No matter how you wear Emerald - from subtle to dramatic - its universally flattering tone complements and intensifies every iris.

I took swatch photos yesterday in full, morning sunshine. I swatched each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator.

The Emerald shade is drop-dead, exuberantly exquisite. I can't imagine how it could get prettier.  What a kockout!

What I am assuming is Camel is muddy on my skin. I can blend it with Appleblossom to give it some life, but I don't like mud on my eyes. If you can wear very warm light browns, you will feel differently about it, I'm sure.

The shimmering golden beige is gorgeous. I could live in it. It sets off the Emerald so perfectly that I'm thrilled they live together in the same palette.

The Emerald Shade is available in different finishes in other palettes. For example, Emerald Glitter is featured in the Shadow Box Eclipsed, and "plain" Emerald lights up the Shadow Box Bionic. There's also a Color Code Prismatic Shadow Block single eye shadow in Emerald. So many choices! I think I may have the best one, but the only way to find out whether I need more is to order them online or go to a Sephora. Hmm...I have a few things to return. I think I have a new mission.

Don't you think this palette is worth every cent of the $26 price, plus more - despite the muddy shade hiding among two beauties? You can find the Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Emerald Collection at Sephora.

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

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Color of 2013: Emerald

Pantone's Color of the Year for 2013 is Emerald, 17-5641. I'm excited. I will enjoy seeing a year with an emerald undercurrent in beauty and fashion.

United by a passion for color, Sephora and Pantone combine their expertise to become beauty’s leading authority on color. Sharing an affection for how color can transform a face, mood, or even an attitude, this breakthrough beauty partnership will change how you wear, feel, and think about color. You’ll be introduced to playful shades that will inspire experimentation and exhilarating new products you’ll impulsively want to sweep on. It will reawaken and reinvigorate your own passion for color—or ignite a newfound love.

I'm ready. I've signed up at Sephora to receive notice of the new PANTONE UNIVERSE products as soon as they are posted. You can too, or browse the emerald products that have already launched at this Sephora link.

Photos courtesy of Sephora

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Foiled Waterproof Eyeliner Set Giveaway Contest

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE has turned out one divine product after another. One of the latest is their Foiled Waterproof Eyeliner Set ($30), six highly pigmented, mega-metallic, waterproof eyeliners. I have one set to give away.

Inspired by Pantone’s 2013 Plus Series Metallic Book, this season is all about the rich gleam of rose gold, the chilled shine of silver, and the fiery glow of bronze. This boxed set offers six gorgeous metallic eyeliners for a multitude of looks with major impact. The smooth formula contains polymers that effortlessly glide on color and lock pigment in place with a waterproof seal, and the ultra-creamy texture is perfect for blending or creating a precise, stylized line. The colors are Silver, Rose Gold, Charcoal, Purple, Gold, and Chocolate Brown.

The extraordinary partnership between Sephora, the beauty authority, and Pantone, the global color authority, continues to deliver the trendiest shades of the season - from precious metals to fiery bronze, in superb formulations and finishes. I've been ultra-impressed with this line.

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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, December 29, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Favorites Draw the Line Eyeliner Sampler Giveaway Contest

Sephora Favorites Draw the Line Eyeliner Sampler ($28) is the perfect black eyeliner wardrobe that includes three full-sized products and three deluxe-sized liners for creating countless looks. I have one set to give away.

Just like the perfect little black dress, this perfect black eyeliner set is sure to turn heads! Flick, drag, sweep, or smudge with cream, liquid, or pencil. This set features three full-sized eyeliners - from Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Cream Liner, Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liner, to Sephora Collection Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner in Black Glitter) - and three deluxe liners (Buxom Insider Eyeliner in Black Jasper, Kat Von D Tattoo Liquid Liner in Trooper, and Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil). With multiple formulas and finishes to choose from, you can create multiple looks with just a flick of the wrist. It’s the perfect set for a beginner to practice and figure out what formula she likes best, or for the gal who has already decided that black eyeliner defines her life.

The set contains the following products.

• 0.12 oz Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Midnight Black
• 0.025 oz MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Mat Black 0L 
• 0.007 oz Buxom Insider Eyeliner in Black Jasper
• 0.007 oz Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper
• 0.058 oz Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Perversion
• 0.011 oz Sephora Collection Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner in 09 Glitter Black

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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, December 22, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Favorites Glitz & Glam Party Sampler Giveaway Contest

This contest has ended. Congratulations to MamaVal!

Another dazzling makeup collection, Sephora's Glitz & Glam Party Sampler ($45) features nine of Sephora’s most glittering products, along with a chic metallic clutch. I have one to give away, so I made it the Best Things in Beauty Cyber Monday contest.

Perfect for the holidays, this kit has a gorgeous assortment of festive products to create any party-ready look, including three full-size products. Take it all anywhere you go in the included distressed metallic zippered clutch.

What comes in the set?

• 0.09 oz Stila Duo Shimmer Powder in Kitten
• 0.018 oz Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color - Wet/Dry in Black Karat
• 0.02 oz bareMinerals Eyecolor in Good Fortune
• 0.125 oz SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour in Looks Like Rain Dear
• 0.11 oz Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara in Black
• 1 oz NARS Body Glow
• 0.17 oz Lorac 3D Liquid Lustre Gold
• 0.15 oz Bare Escentuals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Trail Blazer
• 0.01 oz Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Starfish 

This contest will run along with the Laura Mercier Flawless Face Book posted earlier. 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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, December 1, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Favorites Super Stars Beauty Essentials Giveaway Contest

I love these Sephora sets and drooled a bit when they arrived. Ordered, however, to use as giveaway prizes, I continue to post them. This is one of the best: Sephora Favorites Super Stars Beauty Essentials ($75).

One of you will win eclectic, must-have, limited-edition kit that features a hand-picked assortment of Sephora’s bestselling products, including five full-sized items. From mascara to eyeliner, fragrance to blush, this kit for any makeup junkie or beauty newcomer is valued at more than $186. The amazing collection includes five full-size products: Benefit They’re Real Mascara, NARS Orgasm Blush, Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner, Buxom Dolly Lip Polish, and Sephora Collection Baked Microsmooth Eye Shadow Trio. Also included are a Chloé Rollerball, Kate Somerville Beauty To Go Exfolikate, Josie Maran Beauty To Go Argan Oil, Hourglass Beauty To Go Mineral Veil Primer, and a mini Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder - all in Sephora’s juiciest kit yet.

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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 24, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Gleaming Lipgloss Set

Sephora's darling little Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Gleaming Lipgloss Set ($26) could be called bargain beauty. The set of five metallic, mega-shine, multidimensional lip glosses is a treat.

Inspired by Pantone’s 2013 Plus Series Metallic Book, this season is all about the rich gleam of rose gold, the chilled shine of silver, and the fiery glow of bronze. This collection of glamorous glosses provides pearlescent pigments in three-dimensional form: fantastic pop, brilliance, and shine. These glosses are hydrating, non-sticky, and packed with a variety of vibrant and subdued finishes. Containing a new generation of polymers, their advanced coating formula allows for a flexible veil that moves with lips for long, comfortable wear. The convenient, portable vials (read that ultra-tiny) are the perfect an on-the-go solution, leaving room for a library of shades in your makeup bag or purse.

I love these glosses. Like all of the Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE makeup I've purchased, these little glosses will hold their own when compared to luxury lip glosses. Compare them in quality, and I think you'll find them competitive.

The photo showing them in their case is an illustration of a camera lens blinded by the white packaging. A clear top serves as the cover. As cute as it is, I had to ditch the packaging. I have little space left in my makeup bag or my bathroom.

The colors are Boysenberry, Magenta Haze, Bright Rose, Baked Clay, and Rose Dawn. Since the colors on my arm don't match the colors in Sephora's promotional photo at the top of this feature, I must have shuffled them a bit. Since the tiny square tubes aren't marked with their shades, you'll have to reference the packaging to know what's what. Each shade matches a Pantone color

Boysenberry, top left on my arm, is a stunning grape. I think that's Magenta Haze next to it. Bright Rose is under Boysenberry on my arm. It's pastel rose on the lips. Baked Clay is the stunning brown. Rose Dawn is the almost-clear shade that is the only shade at the bottom of my swatches.

Sephora says, "Be dazzled." I think I am. This Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Gleaming Lipgloss set will make a nice gift, if you can part with it. It's too cute.

As I'm sure you know, Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE collections are exclusive to Sephora.

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

Sephora's V.I.B. Sale is On!

Sephora's V.I.B. sale has started. I was taken hostage and forced to shop. Twenty percent is 20%. Sephora stole all my blogging time, which was already compressed by fatigue and a busy work project.

I was sleep-deprived after election night. I couldn't stay up while "inconsequential" state after state came in, and I knew states like mine, where people waited in line to vote until 11:00 pm, would be delayed in reporting. I wanted to see the Ohio results, though, so I asked a night owl friend to call and awaken me the moment Ohio was called. He did, and I had to turn the TV back on at about 11:15. I watched for an hour, waiting for more news - or perhaps a glimpse of the candidates. Nothing much happened - except wild celebrations (they were waving flags from trees in front of the White House) - so I went back to sleep around 12:30 and got up at 4:00 to watch again. That was enough to leave me struggling to stay awake yesterday. I drank a lot of Diet Coke. On top of that, my right knee swelled - from waiting in line to vote, I assume - so I had to sit around with ice on it most of the day.

Add my shopping time to the dense clouds we had yesterday, and I have no photos for you today - despite the fact that I have a lot of nice new makeup to feature. I do expect to take my camera and a few new goodies to work with me today so that I can covertly snap a few photos outside in the cold at lunchtime. If the sun reappears.

If you are a V.I.B. at Sephora, make sure to use the code CELEBRATE with your order. I filled my basket last night. One of the items I wanted was sold out when I went back in to order it at 5:00 am. Wow! Don't delay if there is something you want. Order it! If you change your mind later, you can always return it. 

Have you ever noticed that Sephora withholds from posting certain new items until the sale ends? I am dead sure, after years of observation, that the new eye shadow quads from Edward Bess will go up online the moment the sale ends. I could have ordered them from New York, but I didn't want to pay the $12+ postage.

Happy shopping! Come on back and let us know what you ordered. Vicarious shopping is fun.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Favorites Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Melissa!

Sephora assembles the best sampler sets! This Give Me Some Lip Lip Sampler ($25) is going to be hard to give away. I may buy one for myself when the V.I.B. sale starts.

This set of six perfect pink and nude lip products ranges from glosses, treatments, tints, and shines. This essential multi-branded kit has all you need for luscious lips (including two full-sized products). Give Me Some Lip is valued at more than $79 (not sure how). It’s the perfect gift or treat for yourself - or you could save it and delight someone with a lovely gift.

Here's what's in the kit.

• 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment (sheer berry rose)
• 0.12 oz Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Child (sheer nude)
• 0.1 oz BITE Beauty Lip Shine in Vintage (sheer mauve)
• 0.1 oz Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Baby Doll (soft pink shimmer)
• 0.1 oz Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Tint in Hope (warm rose)
• 0.5 oz Sephora Collection Glossy Gloss in Precious Pink (very sheer pink with iridescent shimmer)

Whoever wins will have to tell me how that Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss looks. I've been so tempted to purchase one.

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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 10, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Sephora Collection Urban Luxe All Over Powder Palette - It's on Sale!

I purchased Sephora's Urban Luxe All Over Powder Palette at full price: $14. Now it's on sale for $7. It's a bargain; I'd jump over to Sephora to order it if I were you. It's gorgeous.

The photo online was interesting, but by no means compelling. Something caught my eye, and I'm so glad. Perhaps it was the color description: "shimmering golden, cream, bronze, and brown tones." Use the shades for blush, bronzing, highlighting, and/or contouring. I use them on my eyes too.

This versatile palette creates both contoured and highlighted looks with a luminous, all-over glow. The pearly shades incorporate a light, transparent base that allows the brilliance of pearls to amplify, while the glitter adds a subtle sparkle. Colors can be combined or used individually to generate different looks, depending on personal preference and what is perfect for you when you’re on-the-go. Infused with vitamin E and aloe to soothe and protect the skin, this must-have palette produces brilliant, iridescent, and multidimensional color, leaving an especially radiant finish.

All true and more! I've been holding out on you for a long time - enough time for it to go on sale. I'm not sure why I overlooked this compact in my photo library. I really love it.

I took swatch photos in full sun, and I applied the shades in a few different ways with a sponge-tipped applicator. It has been awhile since I swatched, so I can't remember exactly what I blended and what I didn't. I'm fairy sure that the shade at the top of my arm is the blended shade of all the colors in the palette. I think the result of blending is stunning. The second two swatches are where I get fuzzy. I think the middle shade is a blend of the top two shades in the compact, and the bottom shade is a blend of the bottom two. Please don't hold me to that. You can use the palette to achieve these colors - and more, depending on what colors you pick up with your brush.

Sephora suggests the following uses.

• Use dry for a natural, sheer, luminous finish.
• Use a large blush brush to create all-over glow.
• Use a contour brush to create a more defined, highlighted look.

I highly recommend this bargain from Sephora. I think the Sephora Collection Urban Luxe All Over Powder Palette was a bargain at $14, and it's an amazing find at $7. Sephora has really upped its game with its own collection. You know where to find it.

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

Sephora Favorites In the Glow Set Giveaway Contest

If you win this contest for Sephora's In the Glow ($45) set, You'll shimmer, gleam, and glow with nine of Sephora’s bestselling complexion enhancers, including a sweet selection of blushes, bronzers, and luminizers. I love the Favorite sets Sephora introduces. They offer so much to try at a bargain price.

This coveted nine-piece set contains three blushes, three bronzers, and three luminizers. Choose from an array of different finishes - from creams to powders to liquids. Create the perfect glow and choose from Nars Laguna Bronzer, Too Faced Choc Soleil Bronzer, Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic, Benefit High Beam, Bare Minerals Pure Radiance All Over Color, Lorac Perfectly Lit, Tarte Glisten Amazonian Blush, Stila Peony Convertible Color, and Tarte Flush Cheekstain.

• 0.13 oz Benefit High Beam
• 0.08 oz Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder
• 0.17 oz Tarte Natural Cheek Stain in Flush
• 0.07 oz Stila Convertible Color in Peony
• 0.11 oz Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Splendor
• 0.106 oz Lorac Perfectly Lit Oil-Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight
• 0.02 oz bareMinerals All Over Face Color in Pure Radiance
• 0.14 oz Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic
• 0.08 oz Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna 

I think this particular set is fabulous. Now that I've decided to give it away, I may order a second one for myself.

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 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 early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, November 3, 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.

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!

Photo courtesy of Sphora

Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Alchemy of Color Face Palette

Yowsers, this is pretty! Sephora + PANTONE UNIVERSE Alchemy of Color Face Palette ($30) reminded me of a new color "brand within a brand," but with a lot more pizazz. I hope you get my drift because I'm not going to fess up. Let's just say I haven't purchased any of those other brand's items.

Once again, Sephora has introduced extraordinary color makeup in a luxury magnetic-closure compact - this time with six shades to highlight, contour, sculpt, and define your look for the season, or any season. This new Alchemy of Color Face Palette will appeal to everyone, but especially to makeup "collectors."

Fall under the spell of the Alchemy of Color Collection, an enchanting collaboration between PANTONE UNIVERSE and Sephora that marries the shades of the season with exclusive formulation and finish. This versatile palette of silky, soft formulas contains light and dark shades with both matte and pearly finishes to create a natural-looking glow. Achieve a perfect flush with the high-pigment blushes and then wear a beautiful, sheer glow thanks to the airy, ultra-transparent base of the highlighting formulas. 

If you check out Pantone's Fall 2012 colors, you may wonder how Alchemy of Color fits in. Rose Smoke and Honey Gold are probably the connection. I wouldn't be excited by a face palette featuring French Roast. Maybe on the eyes, but...

I ordered this palette from Sephora sight-unseen, and I could not have been more pleased when it arrived. These colors are brilliant - even if my photo directly above is a bit dark. Sometimes, the brilliance of white distracts my camera, and there's a lot of white in this compact's case.

I took swatch photos in an unconventional way. You can see in the palette that there is a narrow strip of color at the top left and bottom right. I blended that color with the shade next to it. So, on my arm, you will see four shades - two of them are blended. I took my swatch photos in full sun, and I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator.

I drooled. Fortunately I was outdoors. You must consider that this palette costs $30, a bargain. I buy a lot of luxury makeup, and Alchemy of Color is extremely competitive with most of it.

The top shade on my arm is one of the blends. It's a gorgeous copper-rose. The pink below (upper right in the palette) is a warm pink on my skin - one with plenty of pigmentation. It's a pretty blush.

The shimmering, icy pink is a blend of the two side-by-side pinks in the bottom row. The bright, shimmering gold is simply stunning. You can apply these colors dry, as I did above for my photos, or wet for even more brilliance and longer wear.I like them dry because they offer enough wattage for my complexion. I like subtle color.

These colors apply perfectly - no duds in the bunch. I'm in love. Whoever hooked up with PANTONE UNIVERSE at Sephora deserves a raise.

This new palette is exclusive to Sephora. I purchased mine online. What do you think?

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