Estée Lauder Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColor in Sultry Caramel for Spring 2012

There are three Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColors ($28) on Estée Lauder's Spring 2012 display. I love the formula, and I decided after swatching them at Bloomingdale's that I "needed" #02, Sultry Caramel ($28). I think you'll see below why Sultry Caramel jumped into my arms (and shopping bag).

The three shades of Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColor for spring are Sultry Caramel, Sensuous Nude, and Sublime Nectar (limited edition). They offer addictive, natural shades of golden bronze, seductive natural, and soft coral that deliver a "new sensation in lip color." Even though the spring press release claims all three shades are new, and the sales woman swore that to be the case, I purchased Sensuous Nude last summer.

The patent-pending, world-first Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColor formula fuses a creamy, luscious outer shell with a liquefied core in a lip-loving elixir with True-Vision color technology to create an unprecedented, luxurious sensation for the lips. My lips love this succulent, voluptuous formula that drenches them in shine and moisture. I can wear this lipstick alone or top it with Pure Color Gloss - or any gloss - for added shine.

In an interview, Tom Pecheux said that wearing Sensuous Rouge "is almost like wearing a matte lipstick on the contours of the lips and a very creamy lipstick in the center so it creates a very sensual look to the lips. The center of your lips will appear moist, yet the color won't run, and the strong shell of the lip color is going to help contour and provide the best shape to the lips." He said that if you want to achieve a more subtle look with just a touch of color, you should apply it with your finger and tap the color around your lips to make the color more transparent. When you want to create more of a statement lip, you should use a lip pencil in addition to the lip color to reach perfection. I find using it directly from the tube without a liner (low maintenance) makes my lips look and feel fabulous.

The patented process of "core within core technology" delivers two high-performing formulas with one swipe.

• Shell - firm, pigment-rich shell provides an easy application to highlight the curves of the lips
• Core - jellied, glossy core boosts shine and moisture
  

Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColor contains an exotic blend of fruit extracts, including red raspberry seed oil, passionfruit, and murumuru and shea butters, to ensure your lips feel nice and moist. It has a subtle warm vanilla scent. For those who didn't appreciate the fig scent carried by Estée Lauder lip colors, there's a new option. I think I prefer the fig, but I can ignore the vanilla because the lipstick looks great and feels good, and the scent dissipates quickly.

There's brown lipstick, and then there's brown. Some browns are enormously flattering on me; some aren't. Sultry Caramel falls on the flattering end of the brown spectrum. It has a lot going on in its color.

One late afternoon about a week ago, I was able to get swatch photos in late-afternoon sun. They accurately portray Sultry Caramel on my skin. It's brown, with a touch of bronze and peach, and a fabulous, light-reflecting gleam. Add the light rose pigment in my lips, and the shade is a flattering, brilliant brown on me.

I find Sensuous Rouge Lipstick colors to be lively. That's probably because of the light-catching pearls in the formula, said to create a luminous finish. The coverage is medium, and the wear is excellent. I think you'll like the finish and feel.

Pure Color Sensuous Rouge LipColor is available at the Estée Lauder Web site and all Estée Lauder counters. Look for the spring display.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Raychel Wade's Bouquet de Jardin Colour Collection for La Prairie

Recently, I featured Raychel Wade's stunning new Bouquet de Jardin color collection for La Prairie. It's a burst of color, wrapped in luxury. This week, I had an opportunity to visit with Raychel, one of my favorite beauty experts. We caught up on her collection, and she showed me how she would use Les Calla Lilies Eye Colour Ensemble on me.

Raychel founded Cheek to Chic Makeup Consulting in 2002. Her charismatic personality, combined with her eye for color, skillful application, and simple - yet beautiful - makeup quickly earned her a loyal clientele. Raychel identified a niche in the cosmetics market for makeup application and education with a real focus on personalized attention. She became the Colour Ambassador for La Prairie in 2009 (I think I've got the year right). While she has consulted on La Prairie's color since then, she created her own collection for La Prairie's spring/summer launch. She has been working hard too. Raychel has already created the holiday collection for this year and is finishing the spring 2012 collection. You have seen Raychel's work in national magazines, on Fashion Week runways, and on television. She's one of the best.

I asked Raychel about her inspiration for Bouquet de Jardin. She has had a photograph of a peony on her desktop and said that peonies represent the many shades of spring to her. She loves the way a single peony can have as much impact as a vase full.

The collection aptly paints a canvass of pinks and plums for cheeks and lips, with soft, romantic shades for the eyes. Raychel wanted to create a color palette that would be universally flattering to all skin tones. I'd say she succeeded. She was using Les Calla Lilies on a gal with Mediterranean skin when I saw her this week, and it was extraordinary. On me? Entirely different, but just as flattering.

Raychel has the eye to ensure that the shades she chose for the collection, and the variety of finishes, would all coordinate perfectly. She wanted to provide a spring wardrobe. You don't have to wear all the shades together every day; there are many looks. Mixing and matching with your current favorites is allowed (she writes with a smile). Raychel and I talked about colors from other lines this week - colors I like. She asked about the Dior gloss I was wearing (always has that eye for color!). I had it on primarily because it fits perfectly in the pocket of my jeans - and it's a pretty shade.

I was wearing Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Plum Glow (from her collection) when I met with Raychel. If I can brag for Raychel, it looks fabulous. The blush applies like silk and leaves behind a natural glow that is going to work for almost everyone (not sure about the darkest skins). The punchier shade, Mauve Glow, is best for when I want to look "cheeky," with an emphasis on my rosy cheeks instead of my eyes or lips.

I asked Raychel about the shades in Les Calla Lilies quad. I told her that when I had seen them at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie in February (at their blogger party), my first impression was "too pink for me." I discovered the second I applied them on my skin that the colors are much more brown than they appear in the pans. Raychel confirmed that she's not a "purple girl" either and that the shades were designed to offer warm and cool tones that work for everyday wear. La Prairie says the shades go effortlessly from light and natural to fun and flirty. I agree.

She used the two palette shades on the left in the photo above, with the lighter shade on the lid and the subtly shimmering brown-mauve in the crease. It looked great even before she used the brown-plum shade as a liner. Suddenly, I was "all dressed up." It's too bad I had nowhere to go.

There are four looks in La Prairie's booklet for Bouquet de Jardin. I will get scans of them and feature them next week. I think you'll enjoy seeing the many different faces of the new collection. I'll also share some of Raychel's "Secrets of the Trade."

My photo above doesn't do justice to Raychel. She's beautiful inside and out - such a warm person. Her dress and jewelry were a gorgeous accompaniment. I was surprised that she wasn't wearing peony shades, the theme of the collection. Maybe that would have been too campy? Her pretty long hair was pulled back in a pony tail, which emphasized her classic features and gorgeous necklace. Raychel does have an eye!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty and La Prairie

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Intense

Giorgio Armani Beauty announced Eyes to Kill Intense to its e-mail distribution list today, with a photograph of all of the shades in the pot. You can enjoy complimentary shipping with code MEGANETK. Registered members will also receive two free samples with a purchase of $75. Head over to the Web site to see the colors! If you click on a shade that interests you, a larger rendering with pop up.

I have seen swatches of these shades on other blogs, and they are not all true. You can see swatches of the six shades I purchased here; they are true to color. Maybe not works of art, but true.

If you really want a specific color, it's best that you go shopping for these lovelies at a counter. If you live in the DC area, I recommend you seek out Loyd Cassler at Saks Chevy Chase or Kathy Shoreman at Neiman Marcus Tysons. They will both help you select colors that will make you glam.

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Lancôme Color Design Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow & Liner Palette - The Greens

Earlier in the month, I featured two of Lancôme's Color Design Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow & Liner Palettes ($48). You can see those features here and here. I promised to show you more, so today, let's look at Teal Fury and Jade Fever. Seems fitting, with St. Patrick's Day coming up tomorrow, and I had a special request from Annette.

To recap, each palette has a schematic on the box and on a plastic overlay within the compact to ensure you know how Lancôme intended the colors to be used. At the top, there is an all-over-base. Below, there are three color blocks, from left to right: lid color, crease color, and highlighter. At the bottom of each palette, there's a liner shade that coordinates with the other colors. I don't think you should feel constrained to use the colors the way Lancôme suggests. I'll suggest why below.

Lancôme says its new palettes provide five simple steps to contour, sculpt, and brighten your eyes. "From day to night, or soft to dramatic," you'll have what you need to customize your perfect eye look. These shadows present Lancôme's newest generation of silky luster powders for smooth application and pure, luminous color. They are said to wear for eight hours, without creasing or fading. I found that to be true.

At right are the swatch photos of Teal Fury shadows, with the liner photo below. These blue-greens are gorgeous colors. All of my photos were taken in full sun, and the shadows and liners were applied with a sponge-tipped applicator. The pink base shade, shown at the top of my arm, is a pretty, icy pink, a perfect complement to the green and blue shades that fill Teal Fury. You could use this base shade as a highlighter. The other photos were swatched left to right. There are two teal shades - a lid shade that pops and a crease shade that's subtle - basically one for every mood. The crease shade is gorgeous on the complete lower lid. It paints a teal smoky eye - love it! Why restrict its use to the crease? The blue highlighter is icy. It's a pretty shade and can be combined with the greens for a teal look on the lid. I would have to use it carefully as a highlighter, perhaps only on the center of my eyelid. I can see it applied evenly on the lower lid under the crease for a wash of shimmering blue.

Somehow I managed to forget to swatch the liner shade from Teal Fury when I took my original photo, so I went back and got a second photo to show you that the charcoal liner is very subtly shaded by teal. It's a pretty color that coordinates perfectly with the shadows in the palette. You can go "everyday" with the subtle teal and liner, or play up a snazzy look with one or more of the blue-green shades and pop your eyes with the liner. This compact allows you to create many looks.

Swinging to a more neutral, but still colorful look, Jade Fever was designed for the green lover who doesn't want to shout. I fall into that category! The top shade is a neutral golden beige. My swatch photo shows it at the top of my arm. It's a perfect base shade for the rest of the shadows in the palette. I am enormously impressed with the base shades in the Color Design palettes I purchased. They are all gorgeous and will be useful no matter what colors I layer with them.

From left to right in my swatch photo, there is a celery green lid color, a muted khaki crease shade, and a yellow gold highlighter. The liner is a deep brown to my eye. Aren't these pretty? If you wanted to get a look for St. Patrick's Day (and be able to wear it to work), this is your Lancôme Color Design palette.

Now, I have shared photos of Teal Fury, Jade Fever, Bronze Amour, and Taupe Craze. I also purchased Midnight Rush (a palette that's based on blues and greys - probably my least favorite of the bunch, even though it's very pretty). I think Lancôme has a hit on its hands. These are beautifully crafted palettes.

You can purchase these lovely new palettes from Lancôme's Web site, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Sephora (where I bought these two), and, I assume, any other Lancôme counter.

Palette photos courtesy of Nordstrom

Givenchy Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet in Candide Garden

Givenchy introduced a new Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartet for Spring 2011. Candide Garden ($56) is definitely worth checking out. The shades are very pretty, and they coordinate nicely. Don't let the photo at the left scare you; the colors produce a pretty daytime look.

The Harmony in Candide Garden n°78 offers brown and orange tones for pretty eyes, awakened by a touch of fresh spring green. Thanks to the powder atomizing technique, the powder particles are smaller and more even for a smooth, uniform finish and colors that stay vibrant all day long. With this new product, Givenchy has introduced a new "clap & slide" case. Open then slide out the lower drawer. In one step, you have access to eye shadows, a mirror, and three applicators.

NAÏVEMENT COUTURE is a small collection. For someone with my coloring, this is the best piece. The eye shadow shades are pretty in the compact and pretty on the eyelids. I now own quite a few of Givenchy's Le Prisme Eyeshadow Quartets, and I'm happy with all of them.

Here is a swatch photo of the four shades. I applied each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator, but I still had trouble getting the two lightest shades to "pop" on my arm. The shades are subtle, which makes them gorgeous on my eyelids, but hard to show you. My photo was taken in full sun.

I swatched from the brown in the top left clockwise around the quad. The brown is a pretty, pure, medium brown. The shade that appears to be orange in the compact is a sheer and very wearable orange-toned peach. The lime green is, like other lime greens for this spring, amazingly flattering. The light peach pretty much disappears into my arm, but it's there if you look closely. It's a beautiful base shade.

There's a lot of tangerine in the NAÏVEMENT COUTURE collection - spot on for one of spring's big trends. If you would like to see Candide Garden, you can find it at Sephora, the exclusive U.S. retailer for Givenchy.

Photo at top courtesy of Givenchy

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Eyeshadows for Spring 2011

Yesterday was eye shadow nirvana here. Kathy Shoreman from Neiman Marcus delivered my six new Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadows ($32). You may remember that Armani introduced a preview of these eye shadows for Holiday 2010, three shades with lots of sparkle for the festive season. There's a photo of the holiday shades at left.

Now, the Spring 2011 Collection of Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadows has arrived, and my excitement is unrestrained. I got an iPhone photo from Kathy yesterday with every shade swatched on her arm, from wrist to elbow. I selected my initial purchases from her swatches. Neiman Marcus received 11 shades in their shipment.

Eyes to Kill has a unique, high-tech approach to blended color with these new shadows. The innovative hybrid texture, which is not a powder, nor a cream, acts like a smooth, lasting color film. The formula is composed of an unprecedented association between binder elements and pearls that creates exceptional luminosity, depth, and intensity of color. A high-resistance bi-polymer enables the formula to perfectly fit the contour of the eyelid, with cushiony suppleness, for comfortable, long wear.

Armani says you can apply these shadows dry or wet to obtain any finish from satin to lacquer, subtle to dramatic. I'm working to achieve subtle. Offering 24-hour wear, the new Eyes to Kill shadows are waterproof and sweat-proof. They slide on and stay on. You can apply them with fingers or a brush, although I think the Giorgio Armani brush gives me more control. Armani's Color-Fil color matrix formula blends and layers without creasing or flaking, and these shadows are extremely long-lasting. Even their shine sticks around.

The shades I purchased are the lightest shades, and they offer high-wattage intensity. I have swatched them for you. My photos were taken in sunlight. I applied the shadows with a sponge-tipped applicator, which gave them a little more oomph than you will get using a brush. My first photo at right shows Numbers 6, 8, and 9, top to bottom. I would describe the shades as copper, pink, and rose gold.

My second photo at left shows Numbers 11, 12, and 16, top to bottom. I would describe the shades as white, silver, and silver-grey.

These shades are intense on my eyelids. I am going to have to learn to apply them with a light hand to achieve a look that doesn't shout. I'm sure I can do that! I will definitely write a progress report after I have had more time to play with them.

The mélange of colors in some of the pots is fascinating. For example, when you look in the pot of #12, you see flecks of pink mixed in the silver. The complexity of the shades comes, I think, from the various pigments that contribute to the end result.

Speaking of pigments, all of these shadows list Carmine CI 77289 as a possible ingredient. If you are sensitive to red dyes, you should try a shade before you purchase it to make sure that your skin will not react negatively. Unfortunately, there's no way to know from the box which shades actually include the red dye.

All of the Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadows are packaged in pots, with screw top lids that you should close well after using. Additionally, there is a protective black cap that you should keep on the shadow to prevent it from drying out. Take care of these shadows, and they should last you a very long time.
Currently, these shadows are not offered on the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site, although I expect that to change momentarily. You can purchase them at Neiman Marcus, where I did, or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Update 4:00 pm: I got official photos of some of the new shades, which Giorgio Armani Beauty is calling Eyes to Kill Intense (good name!). Khaki, #6, which I described as copper, is shown above left. Champagne, #8, is shown above right.

Rock Sand, #9, is shown immediately above left. Moonlight, #12, is shown below.

These shade names are not on the boxes of the Eyes to Kill shadows I purchased yesterday. I like names and am happy that Giorgio Armani Beauty has started to use them.

We are checking to find out exactly which shades have the carmine dye in them. Stay tuned here at Best Things in Beauty.

Update 3/9: These are now available at Giorgio Armani Beauty's Web site.

Photo at top and individual shade photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

Givenchy Blush Gelée (Jelly Blush)

Yes, I purchased from Givenchy's 2011 Spring Summer Collection, NAÏVEMENT COUTURE. The "story" Givenchy used to describe the collection may be the strangest (and possibly most insulting) marketing pitch I've ever read from a beauty company. It did nothing to inspire me to purchase the collection - or buy anything from Givenchy again. You can find my initial reaction here.

I decided to give the makeup a try, just to see if the marketing people were on a train that the creators of the makeup hadn't boarded. I bought two pieces. I like one and love the other. This morning, I'll show you the one that earned a "like" from me. Mind you, it's not "love," because I don't like the fragrance.

The limited-edition Blush Gelée ($33) had caught my eye. Called "a new beauty sensation on skin," this blush was created by Nicolas Degennes, who wanted to create a playful must-have product that would offer a new "beauty sensation on skin." Blush Gelée is a fresh and soft jelly texture that easily melts into the cheeks for a natural and buildable result. With a unique integrated soft foam applicator (all the rage right now) and a very soft, spongy end that slightly touches the skin to leave the ideal touch of "emotion" on cheeks, Blush Gelée should appeal to those who love cream blushes. A skin-like buildable result : a very natural fresh rosy glow on cheeks, for a healthy “pinched cheeks” look.

There is only one shade available, Candide Pink. It's a rosy blue-pink, which works nicely on my skin. It may not be flattering on gals with warm or olive skin. I took my photo in morning sunlight outdoors, and I applied the blush with its spongy applicator. Basically, you squeeze the tube to move the product into the applicator. It's easy to control the amount on the sponge. I did not blend it out because I wanted you to be able to see the shade well in my photo. I think it's very pretty.

I also like the way it behaves like a stain; it's long-lasting - a little too long-lasting for my taste. I can't get it off my cheeks or my arm (soap and water and heavy-duty makeup remover didn't do the trick). Gals who have trouble with oily skin or melting makeup may love that feature.

It is not as shiny as it appears in sunlight. It's not matte, but it's not shimmery either. It's a nice blush with a nice applicator.

Here's the rub. It smells. Like many Givenchy cosmetics, it has a scent that smells like cheap perfume. The scent does not fade quickly, which means it's going to stay with you for the first few hours while you are wearing the blush. I'm tempted to return it to Sephora, something I rarely do. I don't think I'm going to be able to wear it - only because of the fragrance. Too bad! When are cosmetics companies going to learn that we want to choose our fragrances ourselves?

If you would like to see Givenchy's Blush Gelée, you can find it at Sephora, the exclusive retailer for Givenchy.

Photos at top courtesy of Sephora and Givenchy

Bobbi Brown: Heather Pink and Lilac Rich Lip Color and Pale Peony Rich Color Gloss

I've been holding out on you! I assure you it wasn't intentional. I have had so much to tell you about lately, I totally forgot that I purchased some nice Bobbi Brown lip colors when I went to the blogger party at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie two weeks ago.

Bobbi Brown's limited-edition Peony & Python Collection, a collaboration with Tibi (cult label about which I know little), is exciting. The Peony & Python Beauty Case ($40) is Bobbi’s spring "must-have accessory." Designed exclusively for Bobbi Brown by Tibi’s Amy Smilovic, this take-anywhere zip-around case in a runway-inspired Peony & Python print will hold all your makeup essentials from brushes to palettes for travel or in your (large) handbag. I was given a case by the Bobbi Brown representatives at Neiman Marcus that night. I felt so special! Most makeup cases don't excite me. This one's so pretty, it did.The collection has its own limited-edition Rich Lip Color SPF 12 in Lilac. I featured Rich Lip Color here, where you can see swatches. At the time I wrote that feature, Lilac wasn't available. It was introduced with the Peony & Python collection, and it's gorgeous.

Rich Lip Color SPF 12 ($22) is lightweight, but intense. Hard to believe that those two contrasting adjectives apply, but they do. Bobbi's latest formula combines pigments with a clear base to deliver pure, crisp color with just one swipe. Plus, it's creamy and moisturizing, so lips feel as good as they look. Rich Lip Color is available in 13 beautiful shades. I now have five of them - Lilac from the new collection, those I wrote about in February, and Heather Pink. I finally got my hands on Heather Pink at Mazza.

I also purchased Rich Color Gloss in Pale Peony ($22), another limited edition, that night. A pink with medium pigmentation, it's a perfect complement to the rest of the collection.

Here are my swatches at left. My photo was taken in outdoor sunlight. Heather Pink is at the top. It's a rosy shade with a hint (just a hint) of brown that makes it "real." Lilac, in the center, is drop-dead gorgeous. I think I look really good in this color, and I am so pleased to have purchased it. The gloss, Pale Peony, will delight anyone who has been frustrated in the past with the brush applicators in Bobbi Brown's glosses. It's a doe-foot! Word has it there will be three shades (at first) with the new applicator. From my perspective, the faster the switch over, the better. I never liked those brushes, which always splayed, no matter how careful I was when placing them back in the tube. This is a very positive development. Oh, and the gloss is as gorgeous as Lilac - don't you think?

The night of the party, I received a lovely Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara ($24) in Plum. I haven't tried it yet, but I will soon. Black would be a better shade for me. I didn't purchase the Peony & Python Palette ($50), even though it's a knockout. A couple of the shades aren't "me." That won't mean you won't love the palette. Check it out.

This collection was inspired by Bobbi's favorite flowers, peonies. Peonies are pretty close to the top of my list too. Anyone who sends me flowers with peonies in the mix wins my heart. I did receive some after my surgery. They were a tremendous pick-me-up.

You can purchase the collection at Bobbi Brown's Web site and Bobbi Brown counters. I'll bet there will be something in this collection you can't live without.

Product photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event for Spring 2011

It's time for Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! From tomorrow, February 24, through Sunday, March 6, in stores and online, you will receive a tote with a few samples inside with every purchase of $100 or more in the beauty department (cosmetics and fragrance). Additionally, most of the brands have gift with purchase specials. Depending on how much you spend with the brand, you may get a nice sample set too.

The GWPs range, in my humble opinion, from fantastic to ho-hum. I wouldn't spend $300 for something I didn't need just to get a few samples. On the other hand, if you are interested in trying something that is in the GWP, you should go for it!

This is the perfect time to visit Neiman Marcus if you have one in your area. The product specialists and sales associates are ready to help you. If you live near the Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie, I suggest you go see Sunny Choi Noble, a sales associate who can steer you to all the best product specialists. If you live near Tysons Galleria, please visit with Kathy Shoreman, who will do the same. Both are knowledgeable and will not try to sell you something that's not right for you. I love them. You can call Sunny at (202) 966-9700, ext 2265. You can call Kathy at (703) 761-1600, ext 3282.

If I try to name all my favorite product specialists at the two stores, I know I will forget someone. If there's a brand that interests you, just leave a comment, and I will recommend a contact for you. Remember, if you don't have a local Neiman Marcus, the gals in the DC area can still help you. Give them a call.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

NARS Tainted Love Set

NARS has made some fabulous sets this season, none nicer than the Tainted Love Set ($59). A $78 value, Tained Love will ignite your passion for pink. Angelika Lip Gloss pairs with a new, limited-edition Angelika Multiple to enliven your eyes, lips, and cheeks in a cotton candy hue with shimmering silver and gold sparkles. To coordinate, your nails make a statement with vibrant, shocking pink Schiap. An $80 value, Tained Love was irresistible - for me - and I don't usually wear nail polish. The Nail Polish going to a good home. I had to add the Angelika Multiple to my collection.

At left is a photo of each piece nestled in the packaging - before I pulled them out and started to play. These aren't mingy little samples - you get a lot for your money.

The Angelika Multiple and Lip Gloss are shown on my arm below right. My photo was taken in sunlight indoors. I applied both products directly from their tubes, and I did not blend out the Multiple.

You can see the pretty sparkles in the Angelika Multiple swatch at right. You also see some brilliance from the sunlight gleaming on arm, but there are definitely micro-sparkles in the color. Not too many - not enough to make you look like a disco ball - but they are visible. The Angelika Lip Gloss, part of the Spring 2011 Collection, is a gorgeous, cool-toned candy pink. It has a lot of pigment, which will give you color without lipstick underneath. Nice pinks!

I doubt I need to tell beauty mavens about the Multiple or NARS Lip Gloss. The Multiple is François Nars' original multipurpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips, and body. I have just about every color. The Lip Gloss is an acquired taste. Once you acquire it, you'll find yourself acquiring a lot of pretty glosses!

Here's another shot (at left) with much less sunlight on my arm. Hopefully, you can see the richness of the girly-girl pinks. They are extremely flattering.

The Nail Polish coordinates beautifully with the Multiple and Lip Gloss. NARS Nail Polish is free of toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP. It still gave me a jolt of scent when I applied it, but that "unpleasantness" went away very quickly.

It's been a long time since I applied polish. I didn't stop because of the fragrance; I stopped because wearing nail polish was incompatible with gardening. NARS Nail Polish offers a long-wearing formula that provides a tough, durable chip-resistant finish and has added ultraviolet protection to prevent polish discoloration. Who knows? Maybe if I had tried it while I was actively gardening, I wouldn't have sworn off polish, which usually chipped on the first day I wore it.

Schiap is shown on my nail at right. This photo was also taken indoors in bright light. I didn't have any Scotch tape handy, so I painted a stripe on my nail (and removed it with Deborah Lippmann's The Stripper). That's one pass on my nail. It covers well, but you could add a second coat for more vibrant color. The polish is an elegant, glossy pink - guaranteed to draw attention to your hands - or toes!

What do you think? I love this set - even the polish (I have to remember to give it to its promised recipient). I bought my Tainted Love Set at Neiman Marcus, where it sold out the instant it arrived. It's also available at the NARS Web site and Nordstrom.



Photo at top courtesy of NARS

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils - Part 2

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils ($24) have been the talk of Twitter, and they have been featured on many blogs, including mine and The Beauty Look Book (Sabrina wrote a three-part series; click here for Part 1). The buzz over these glorious lip "sticks" has been intense, with beauty mavens lusting for them or sharing the shades they purchased. In my original order, I bought two. Then when my Neiman Marcus got them in stock, I bought two more. Today, I will update my original feature by showing you my newest shades.

First, a recap. These are glossy lip pencils with a smooth, buttery texture. They coat the lips with stunning, glossy, nicely pigmented color and moisturizing ingredients, including vitamin E, hyaluronic acid spheres, and phytosterol esthers. They don't contain the bad actors we all like to avoid, like phthalates, sulfates, parabens, petrochemicals, and synthetic fragrances. They are so much nicer - in my opinion - than the matte pencils that NARS introduced previously. I like a little shine, so I'm definitely biased toward the Velvet Gloss Pencils.

My first two were Baroque and New Lover. You can see swatches here. My second two are Frivolous and Club Mix. I'm thrilled with them; they are very different shades from my earlier selections.

Frivolous is shown at the top of my arm, with Club Mix below. My photo was taken indoors in sunlight. Frivolous is a very natural peachy-pink-nude shade. It may be the lightest of all of them. It's perfect for a casual look. Club Mix is a plum-grape-rose mix. On the lips, which have a little color, it's slightly darker.

I think all four of the shades I purchased are fabulous. I would recommend these lip pencils to everyone. They are gorgeous colors, have a perfect amount of shine, and feel great on my lips. Their color is long-lasting too.

You can purchase them at the NARS Web site, Sephora, and at your NARS counter now. I bought my first two at Sephora and my second two at Neiman Marcus.

Photo at top courtesy of NARS

La Prairie Colour Launches for Summer 2011: Bouquet de Jardin and Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20

Last week, I was privileged to attend a blogger event at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Galleria. I came away with exciting information! I couldn't wait to share all the news with you. There's way to much to tell you about La Prairie's introductions for spring and summer (between now and May), so I am breaking up my news into two (maybe three) posts. I really don't know how to prioritize fabulous over gorgeous, so I'll start with the makeup and move on to skin care later.

I met Raychel Wade, La Prairie's Colour Ambassador, last year. Her charismatic personality, combined with her eye for color and simple techniques, has earned her a loyal clientele. Raychel has assisted with the creation of past La Prairie colour stories. This year, she created her own, Bouquet de Jardin Summer Colour. It's a stunning collection. I wanted to leave Neiman Marcus with the cream blushes, both of which are drop-dead gorgeous.

Les Calla Lilies is a limited-edition Cellular Treatment Eye Colour Ensemble ($70). A quad with four coordinating shades, all in a variation of rosy peony, are beautiful on the skin. I played with them at the store, and I think these are colors that are going to flatter a wide range of skin tones. As always, La Prairie's makeup offers benefits to the skin, in addition to beautiful color.

To finish your eyes, there's a limited-edition Luxe Eye Definer in Bronze ($50). The liner has a smudger on one end, which is convenient. The shade coordinates perfectly with the Eye Colour Ensemble, but it's also a shade you will want to wear with all your neutral shadows. I love bronze liner, and this one is the cat's meow.

There are two new Cellular Radiance Cream Blush ($70) shades, and both are lust-worthy. I was so sad that I would have to wait months to get my hands on them.

The first shade, shown at left, is the limited-edition Mauve Glow, the darker of the two. The lighter shade is Plum Glow, shown below right, and it will be part of the permanent collection. Both shades are going to work for me.

Cellular Radiance Cream Blush is a luxurious, creamy blush that blends like a dream to allow you to layer as much as you desire without caking or streaking. It's one of the nicest cream blushes I have ever used. The colors I own are exquisite, and it glides across my cheeks, even when applied with my fingertips. At $70, it's pricey, but the pan is very large, and the color is unparalleled. I'm not sure how a fickle beauty addict could run out of it.

The limited-edition Luxe Lip Definer in Petal Pink ($50) is one of the prettiest pink lip liners I have seen lately. I think it's going to match my lips perfectly, so I am going to have to buy it. With color on one end and a lip brush on the other, it will be a handy addition to the makeup bag I keep with me at all times.

I'm not at all surprised that Raychel has designed a dynamite collection. She knows color! For more about Raychel, check out my feature about her, written last April.

Not part of Raychel's collection, but also launching in May, is Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20 ($100). This is an incredible, treatment-laden tinted moisturizer. It has a lot of pigment, so it offers more coverage than your typical tinted moisturizer. I tried it in the store, and I loved it! It will be available in four shades. I was the lightest, a yellow-leaning ivory.

I have so much to tell you about La Prairie's skin care. I have one product to test, the new Cellular Power Infusion. I will start testing that tonight, so I will hold off on featuring it until I finish the vial. There's much more, though. I will show you very soon, if not later today.

Photos courtesy of La Prairie

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge for Spring 2011

One hit followed by another - that is how I think about Shiseido now. The new introductions for Spring 2011 are fabulous. From skin care to makeup, there's something for everyone. Women everywhere are going to love the new Shimmering Rouge ($25), a sheer lip color that feels and looks great. There are 13 new shades. Make sure to get yours before the stores start to sell out of the most popular shades!

I'm a sheer lipstick addict, and the moment I saw Shimmering Rouge at Sephora, I ordered three shades. After I received them, Shiseido sent me a fourth. I felt very special to have these four new goodies in my makeup bag. Shiseido says they offer sheer, brilliant color that infuses lips with lasting moisture and fullness. "Lips have never looked so all-day sensuous." I don't know about the sensuous part. "Sensuous" is not high on my priority list on most days, but I care as much about looking good as most glamour girls. I can verify the rest of the description!

Apply these lipsticks, and you will be immediately pleased by how you look. I put on Discretion (RD713) first, and I jumped for joy. You know I love sheer and transparent lip colors. They can be semi-sheer or completely sheer; I love their natural look. Wearing them makes you look like yourself, only better. I know that's becoming a hackneyed description, but it's true.

All of the shades add semi-sheer, gleaming (not glittery or sparkly), and just-pretty color to the lips. At right, there's a photo of my four shades (so far). My photo was taken indoors in sunlight. From top to bottom, the shades are Iron Maiden (RS308), Lounge (RD709), Discretion (RD713), and Sizzle (OR405). If you compare these shades to the Sephora color swatches, you'll see significant color differences.

Hands down, my favorite among four great shades is Discretion. The mauve-rose shade is perfect for my coloring, and I adore it. I was surprised at how much I like Sizzle, the shade Shiseido sent me. Normally, I wouldn't gravitate to a shade with "OR" (meaning orange family) in its preface. I think this peach shade is gorgeous on the lips. Iron Maiden is bright blue-pink. If you can wear blue-pinks, you will like this one. Lounge is a hard color to nail in a description. It has elements of apricot, rose, and brown. On the lips, it's a very natural color.

Shimmering Rouge has a very reasonable wear time for a sheer lipstick. I don't mind reapplying throughout the day. I would rather have the brilliant, glowing, unfaded color than a long-lasting lipstick that looks like a stain in an hour - and feels like chalk. Another benefit to Shimmering Rouge, there's no detectable fragrance or taste - yippee!

Next Shimmering Rouge purchases? I am sure to order Champagne (PK311), Desire (RD406), Golden Dragon (RD601), and Iced Rose (RS312). I had a hard time selecting only three on my first pass, but I knew I would get a better feel for the shades after trying a few. I may be headed to Sephora online today. I'm feeling housebound anyhow. I will show them to you when they arrive.

You can purchase Shiseido makeup at Macy's, Nordstrom, Sephora, Bloomingdale’s, Saks, and Dillard’s. To get more information or to find a store location near you, just pop over to the Shiseido Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Shiseido

Clé de Peau La Beauté Éblouissante Collection for Spring 2011

Clé de Peau Beauté's La Beauté Éblouissante Collection for spring is compact, but rich. A loose translation of "éblouissante" is brilliant - a perfect description for the colors.

There are two new Eye Color Quads, three new shades of Touche de Rouge lipstick (see feature below), and four new shades of Rouge à Lèvres (Extra Rich Lipstick). Today, I will recap the new colors. I think I have better swatch photos of the Eye Color Quads than I grabbed earlier in the week.

The Eye Color Quads ($55) are #206, at top in the photo at left, and #207. The overlay with Clé de Peau's logo gives them a very classy look, but you will lose those logos as soon as you use the shadows. No matter, these sheer, shimmering shades are luscious.

My swatch photos were taken outdoors in full sun. The shadows were applied with sponge-tipped applicators. The first quad, 206, is swatched at right. The base color on the left side of the palette is shown at the top, and I swatched left to right (for both quads). The base shade is almost skin-toned, so I had a very hard time getting it to show up in the photos I snapped. In the pan, it appears (to me) to be slightly darker than my skin tone, but once it's applied, it's pretty close. I hope you can see that it has slightly more beige-pink in it than my skin has. The next shade is grey, although it appears taupe in the pan. On my skin, it translates to a gorgeous, shimmering, light grey. The copper shade offers punch to the palette. It coordinates perfectly with the narrow band of light, camel brown that's on the right of the palette and at the bottom of my photo. I will have many combinations to explore as I wear these shadows.

The equally gorgeous 207 is shown at left. The base shade, shown at the top of my arm is rose gold, and the next shade below is a much lighter version of it. These are two of the prettiest rose golds I have ever seen. The two grey shades have a hint of ice blue, making them very interesting. Don't these four shades coordinate beautifully?

There are four new Rouge à Lèvres ($60) shades. Extra Rich Lipstick, inspired by nature's temptress, the rose, creates a creamy, rich texture that intensely moisturizes the lips with every application. It's filled with ingredients to soothe the lips, including vitamin A acetate to help prevent and diminish lines and retain moisture (creating full, smooth-looking lips); and Clé de Peau's exclusive Transparent Red Powder, a special pigment with spherical powders that allows it to retain its vibrant, translucent color over time without dulling.

On top of that, the baguette diamond shape allows you to achieve a precise and beautiful finish - as if the lipstick were applied with a lip brush. The corners of the baguette shape are designed to draw smooth, natural lines and fill in the corners and edges of the lips.

The four new shades are R7 and R8 and T6 and T7. T6 and T7 were perfect for my coloring, so they live at my house now. They are shown on my arm, with T6 at the top and T7 below. My photo was taken indoors in sunlight. Beyond being gorgeous, these shades are saturated (without being opaque), shiny, and, in my opinion, gorgeous. The two I didn't purchase are in the red family. I'm partial to the Ts. They suit me nicely.

I told you about the new Touche de Rouge ($52) shades yesterday, so there is no sense in my gushing again. Just scroll down to read that feature or click here.

I am unequivocally smitten with Clé de Peau's La Beauté Éblouissante Collection for Spring 2011. I feel like I stumbled into a gold mine. Make sure to look for the new colors when you go shopping at Nieman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, or wherever you purchase Clé de Peau.

Photo of Amanda Seyfried by Clé de Peau Beauté