Coming Attraction: Chanel Les Delices de Chanel for Spring 2013

Reader Nemo asked a question about Les Delices de Chanel, which was an Asia exclusive, but now, I've learned, will be shipped to Saks Fifth Avenue Chanel counters on May 6.

There are some stunning pieces within the collection. The eye palette, the limited-edition Ombres Fleuries Délicatesse, contains light green, white, pink, and purple shades.

There are two Rouge Coco Shines: the limited-edition Peach Sugar and Delicious Pink. These may be renamed for the U.S., and I cannot see from this display photo whether we will receive both in this country.

It's also a bit hard to see in this display photo whether we will get the limited-edition Joues Contraste Powder Blush (Fards à Joues Poudre) in Fun, a shiny white with a pearl luster. That may have been developed only for the Asian market.

What I can see are the two Aqualumière Lip Glosses. The colors are Dessert, a bright pink metallic shade, and the limited-edition French Toffee - a gold copper I know I'll want.

It does appear that we will see the Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in Purple Berry (limited-edition) and a limited-edition Illusion d'Ombre Eyeshadow in Eager, a gold beige with a pearl luster finish.

I am still collecting information about this collection from my local Chanel representatives. Bless them for the photos! As I get more information, I will add it to this feature.

Photos courtesy of Chanel

Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Eye Palette from the Lilac Rose Collection

There's one thing about Bobbi Brown's Lilac Rose Collection I think we can all appreciate - no matter what our color preferences may be. The promotional photograph is gorgeous! I love flowers, and I would have days of bliss if this arrangement were in my living room.

I had an opportunity last month to feature the divine Lilac Rose Shimmer Brick. At the time, I wasn't able to get swatch photos of the Lilac Rose Eye Palette ($60). Finally, I have a few to show you! Fresh from the runway, Bobbi has paired heather grey with pops of bright pinks and purples in the Lilac Rose Collection, creating her own twist on this season's prettiest trends.

A modern take on spring florals, this mirrored compact features eight mix-and-match eye shadows in the season's most-wanted looks: heathery neutrals and dusty pinks designed to flatter all skin tones. The palette includes a range of textures, from Shimmer Wash to Metallic shades, for buildable color that blooms beautifully. With a deep charcoal shade that doubles up as an eyeliner too, this floral-inspired palette is our freshest pick for eyes.

With an overabundance of Bobbi Brown Palettes staring at my from my various storage locations and a strong desire for Bobbi to introduce far more single eye shadows, why did I purchase the Lilac Rose Eye Palette? Because it's filled with beautiful taupe shades, along with complementary shades that, for the most part, I can wear.

Here is Bobbi Brown's shade chart.

I took swatch photos in full sun, applying each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator. I swatched each tier - or pull-out drawer - in clockwise order, starting at the top of my arm. I didn't spend much time trying to photograph the ubiquitous Ivory Eye Shadow. It barely shows on my pale arm.

You might see Ivory peeking out above Pale Rose Eye Shadow at the top of my arm. Pale Rose is a matte, very muted/greyed pink. Stormy Grey Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow is the winner of the top tier. It's a beautiful, saturated taupe. Love it! The icy pink at the bottom of my arm is Pink Lily Metallic Eye Shadow.

While I was out snapping photos, I started to lose my sun. Nevertheless, I saw the star magnolia bud, pretty in pink, trying to break free of its sheath. I took the photo above. to show the bottom tier shades. There's a sunnier photo below.

Barely There Eye Shadow at the top of my arm is my kind of shade. It's a very light taupe that is absolutely perfect for my pale face. The coordinating Heather Brown
Eye Shadow below is a gorgeous, lively taupe shade. These two shades are my favorites in the Lilac Rose Palette. Black Chocolate Eye Shadow was a good choice for the palette, with all the taupe and pink colors. It is dark enough to define the eyes, but doesn't have the edge of black. I don't really care for Dusty Lilac Eye Shadow at the bottom of my arm directly above. It's the kind of shade that makes me look tired and my eyes red.

For a short behind-the-scenes look at Bobbi in action as she takes us through her new Lilac Rose Collection, click on this YouTube link. The Lilac Rose Collection is a available at Bobbi Brown counters and Bobbi Brown's Web site.

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

Rouge Bunny Rouge Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara from the Spring Look Set for 2013

Influenced by the magnificent megaplumes [amazing undersea eruptions], Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara (29 euros at Rouge Bunny Rouge, $30.34 at Zuneta) achieves the same impressive effect as false lash extensions, delivering full, thick, long, and perfectly curled lashes to all who covet a mesmerizing gaze. Graduating curves of strong, hollow fibers spiraling around the classic maxi-brush gently and evenly sweep color over every single lash without clumping. Even more difficult to reach, short lashes can be given perfect volume and curl. With colors borrowed from a submerged cosmos, you can adorn your lashes with the abyssal hues of oxblood or carbon black.

Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara - graciously sent to me gratis by Rouge Bunny Rouge - offers effortless glamour, coating the lashes with a film that’s strong yet supple. The addition of a natural jellifying system gives superior flexibility, and the brilliant filmogen complex brings a lasting shine. Panthenol strengthens and restructures, while its non-stop moisturizing action nourishes and prevents breakage. Megaplumes will produce fabulous lashes that are water-resistant, smudge-proof, fade-proof, and transfer-proof - lasting throughout a long day. Wear Megaplumes for or a stunning, impeccable, and sophisticated look, or wear it every day for lashes that won't escape notice. Megaplumes mascara will ensure you "assert a darkly beautiful persuasion."

Here is my new Megaplumes Dramatic Lash mascara in Oxblood Panache - a perfect description for the deep red, jewel-toned shade. It is also available in Tenebrous Boa, a deep charcoal black. When I first saw the shade, I feared that it might make my eyes look red, but, surprisingly, it doesn't. It's extremely flattering, particularly with all my taupe eye shadows.

Here is a shot of the color on my skin. It looks much lighter on skin than it does on my eyelashes. It provides a similar effect to wearing a brown mascara; it provides color and definition, but isn't stark. Believe it or not, it doesn't look artsy-weird either. Once applied, it has only a hint of tint. It looks natural on me. It reminds me a little bit of Le Métier de Beauté's Aubergine Anamorphic Lash Mascara (check out my faux eyelash swatches of Aubergine, and you'll see what I mean).

I have worn it alone and also used it as an overlay on black mascara. It looks great both ways. I can bring out the color by wearing certain shades on my eyes - like pink - but I've examined it in many exposures (indoors, various types of light, outdoors), and I don't think I look like I'm wearing red mascara. It's miraculous.

Let's focus on the formula for a minute. It's divine. This mascara lengthens and separates as well as my everyday favorite, which I have worn for years. I'm extremely clump-phobic and will not wear mascaras that force me to clean up with a comb or brush. I want my application to be fast, easy, and bother-free. Another nice thing? Although it's long-wearing, it isn't hard for me to remove. I dislike mascaras that resist removal.

Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara makes my lashes look long and lush. It builds well too. As an experiment, I applied it to my satisfaction, waited 10 minutes, and then applied a second coat for a little more oomph (something I never do - waiting that long can be disastrous with mascara). It looked great!  That was impressive. After I did my test, I read Rouge Bunny Rouge's directions/tips and found that they recommend waiting until the first coat dries before applying a second. I felt silly, but who reads directions?

As Rouge Bunny Rouge advertises, the brush design allows you to get to the little corner lashes with ease, while coating your long center lashes. I can't tell you about curling since my lashes curl naturally.

This mascara is favorite-worthy. Need more information? Here are Rouge Bunny Rouge's tips for application, with a few observations from me.

• The more you apply, the more dramatic the effect will become, but make sure to let the mascara dry completely after each layer.
• For best and intensive results with the first sweep, start the application at the roots of your eyelashes. Place the mascara brush at the bottom of your lashes and gently stroke forward. Wiggle a bit and completely stroke along the top of the lashes to make sure you coat each lash with mascara.
• If you want to apply mascara onto your lower lash line [I do], do so before you stroke over your upper lash line to prevent messy application [didn't matter - I'm good at it].
• Wipe off excess mascara from the brush before application to avoid clumping [never had to do that].
• If you have any mishaps, use a cotton swab dipped into makeup remover. like RBR's Gentle Cleansing Water, and sweep it over to remove the color.
• Avoid pumping the brush in the tube to prevent the texture drying

All in all? Rouge Bunny Rouge's Megaplumes Dramatic Lash Mascara won my heart. They reference it as a novelty. I've given it a special place in my bathroom, where I don't store and use novelties. Now I want to purchase a black one.

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

Chanel Collection Révélation Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer for Spring/Summer 2013 Plus Summer 2013 Bonus Shots

Inspired by the elegance of Gabrielle Chanel, Collection Révélation makes lip gloss the essential accessory for summer. A fresh palette of best-sellling Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimers ($29.50) presents captivating options. New and beloved shades offer a sophisticated spectrum of color, from simply sheer Ocean Shimmer to intense yet versatile Crushed Cherry. An array of finishes - subtle sheen to sparkly metallic - complements every look with ease.

The prefect accent for lip looks: Taboo, a mesmerizing Le Vernis ($27) shade of iridescent purple with blue-red intensity will accompany the new glosses.

I had to take photos of photos today, and as a result, my photos in this feature are inferior - terrible really. I had store lighting to challenge me. I'm sorry to show them, but I figured they were better than nothing.

Here's how the new glosses look in the training manual. From light to dark, they offer many options. Saks Fifth Avenue had  "lab samples" of three new glosses - one from Collection Révélation and two shades from the Summer 2013 Collection.

In the photo above, Envolée is shown at left, Ocean Shimmer in the middle, and Eden at right. Don't let the colorful tubes mislead you. They are very sheer.

Ocean Shimmer, part of Collection Révélation, is colorless/clear and shimmery. You can see it in the horrible indoor swatch photo directly below. It's the one in the middle.

About all you can tell from this indoor photo of the three lab samples is that they are very shimmery (good) and very light in color (or in the case of Ocean Shimmer, clear). The photo shows Eden (pastel pink) at the top of my arm, Ocean Shimmer in the middle, and Envolée (pastel orange) at the bottom. I took Eden and Envolée outside the store and tried to get photos under heavy clouds. I'm almost embarrassed to show you the dim view of these shades because they are pretty, if very sheer. Eden and Envolée are both limited editions. Eden is described by Chanel as translucent raspberry, and Envolée as coral.

If you can see anything from my photo, it's how very sheer they are. The most colorful is Envolée - by a hair. My apologies again for the photos. I wanted to share them with you. I will get much better photos when the glosses arrive in stores and the sun shines. I took a photo of these two shades in the store.

The colors in Collection Révélation are listed below.

• Ocean Shimmer (clear shine with shimmer)
• Argonite (repromoted clear shine with pink shimmer)
• Plaisir (repromoted milky rose)
• Seashell (repromoted delicate peach)
• Mica (repromoted pink with shimmer)
• Amour (repromoted extreme sparkle pink-coral)
• Rose Sauvage (shimmering rosewood)
• Daydream (intense metallic fushsia)
• Savage Grace (deep shimmering garnet)
• Crushed Cherry (deep burgundy)

I'm not sure what Chanel's thinking is on all the repromoted shades, but I would agree with anyone who asks, "Why create new shades when you have shades that already fit the look of the season?"

Chanel Collection Révélation Lèvres Scintillantes Glossimer for Spring/Summer 2013 has already shipped to stores and should be available shortly - perhaps as soon as next week. If you would like help from the Saks Chevy Chase team, give them at call at (240) 497-5363 or (240) 497-5301. Georgia, Maria, and Loyd will be happy to help you. Otherwise, look for these new colors at your local Chanel counter very soon. I'm sure they will also be available at Chanel.com.

Photo at top courtesy of Chanel; the miserable photos by Best Things in Beauty

What's Coming from Dior for Spring 2013

Yesterday, a team of Dior representatives was gathered to showcase Dior at a beauty event. They gave me permission to take photographs of their book of color copies that shows the upcoming Dior treasures that will be introduced this spring.

Because of their graciousness, I have the opportunity to show you my photos, taken in the store under a makeup light. They certainly aren't magazine quality, but I think they will whet your appetite and leave you hanging out at the Dior counter with me, awaiting their arrival. Here they are, in the order in which I turned the pages. Remember to click on any photo you'd like to see enlarged.

Everything looks fabulous, but the Birds of Paradise Collection is a special stunner! I can't wait.

Update: I'm sorry I couldn't keep up with all your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the sneak peek. I've been off playing with one of my favorite beauty reps.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013

An in-store photo (dark), but at least I got to hold Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013 ($95). I think it's a must-have.

Whether by primitive pigments or modern kaleidoscopic color from Le Métier de Beauté, the mysterious ritual of applying eye makeup has been in historical existence for over 6,000 years. Equally as historic has been the art form of using color to translate emotion or affect ambiance.  With a nod to this history, the Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette provides a formidable catalyst, allowing your imagination to remain the instrument in selecting your look.

The palette was inspired by and pays homage to Mikey Castillo's experience at Spring Fashion Week 2013. He selected the colors to impart the vision of the season, as well as working in some of his favorite hues. Over the last several fashion seasons, there have been certain Le Métier de Beauté shades that have made indelible impressions during their limited-edition availability. In response, this year's spring collection will briefly welcome bck some of those beloved colors in a sleek, elongated compact, where every shade is beautiful and loveable. The eye shadows can be blended, smoked, and layered to breathtaking complexity or worn simply to show off their flat-out good looks - and yours. Mikey said, "No need to use as directed; the only side effect will be allure and excitement!"

Here are the colors, starting on the top row left in the photo above, moving down the left side, jumping to the top of the middle row, moving down again, and finally repeating on the third row.

• Deepest Noir
• Dark Chocolate
• Cinnamon Gold
• Amethyst
• Lilac
• Black Emerald
• Gunmetal
• Tannish Brown
• Gold
• Mauve
• Sapphire
• Pistachio
• Silver Foil
• Beige
• Nylon Stocking
• Rose
• Cyan
• Glass

Mikey did create a few looks using the palette. Le Femme Fatale Look is a smoky eye that he achieved by combining four feminine shades (Gold, Tan, Beige, and Cinnamon) with three masculine shades (Sapphire, Gunmetal, and Dark Metallics). Mikey calls sexy colors masculine and says if you wear only these, you'll have the look of a female impersonator (what a hoot!). In combining the two styles, a woman can appear sexy without compromising femininity and glamour.

In the Oscars Look, the cold jewel-toned shades of La Femme Fatale have been substituted for richer, warmer deep tones, with Rose, Beige, and Cinnamon serving up the feminine balance. Amethyst and Dark Chocolate, a brown/gold-based black, serve as masculine shades. Still smoky, the look can bridge daytime sex appeal with a nighttime affair.

The Executive Look was selected to strike a balance between feminine beauty and professional appearance. The jewel tones of Mauve and Lilac provide diffused and softened sex appeal, while the conservative warm tones of Beige and Tannish Brown lay down the business. The contrast satisfies the important aspects of a polished business wardrobe.

The Ultimate Couche de Couleur Look, Le Métier de Beauté's favorite is a universal look, resplendent on every woman. It's designed to bring out the natural beauty of the wearer. No matter what the color of your eyes, these colors will amplify the iris color and make your eyes twinkle: Tannish Brown, Amethyst, Gold, Silver, Dark Chocolate, Sapphire, Cinnamon Gold, and Rose.

I don't have these look sheets in color, so ask to see them when you go to your favorite Le Métier de Beauté counter to pick up your new palette. Perhaps you'll want to try one of the paint-by-numbers looks.

Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette will be available next week - just in time for the Neiman Marcus Beauty Week. If you plan to order by phone, you should order from Michael Reinhardt at Mazza Gallerie. A little bird told me you will be pleased if you do. You can pre-order (mark my words, this palette will sell out) by calling him at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236.

The Le Métier de Beauté GWP is a liquid eyeliner called Bark. I took a photo in the store yesterday. It's a glowing orange copper. If you don't think you can wear it, ask for tips. They gave me ways to make this color my own.

 Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; photo at bottom courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

AERIN Lauder Floral Illuminating Powder from the Spring 2013 Color Collection

When I purchased the AERIN Multi Color beauty online, I also purchased the Floral Illuminating Powder ($55, shown above) from the Spring 2013 Garden Color Collection. I am a pushover for a pretty compact. This one has touches of gold (that are gone with the first use) and offers a pretty rose pink color for the cheeks.

Like the bright, fresh possibility of an idyllic spring morning, the Floral Illuminating Powder features six soft pastels that swirl into one illuminating shade to brighten any complexion. The luxuriously silky blush dusts the face with subtle radiance. Plus, AERIN's signature rose scent adds a finishing touch of understated elegance.

The compact is as pretty - if not prettier - than it looks online. Like the Multi Color for Lips and Cheeks, it is presented in a pretty pink pouch inside its pink box. The description calls it an illuminating powder and a blush. I would definitely call it a blush.

I took swatch photos in full, morning sun, just as it was about to cloud over. I had to hurry. I applied the powder heavily at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, taking care to roll it over all of the shades in the compact. The larger swatch below was applied with a kabuki brush.

As you can see, the blended color is a very pretty rosy pink. It will work for many skin tones. Except for a few sparse sparkles though, there is nothing about it that I found illuminating. Look carefully at my arm above and below the top swatch, and you will see that my skin is more luminous than the blush. Aside from a few micro-sparkles, there is little about this powder that's illuminating (in today's sense of the term).

The Floral Illuminating Powder has a satin finish - at best. It carries a very pretty, light rose scent that dissipates quickly. I like it - as a blush. As an illuminator, I think it falls short. Plus, it's nowhere near as exciting as the smashing Freesia I featured yesterday. What do you think? Try, buy, or pass?

You can purchase items from AERIN's Spring 2013 Color Collection at the Estée Lauder Web site and at Estée Lauder counters (and online) at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and at AERIN.com.

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

AERIN Lauder Multi Color for Lips and Cheeks from the Spring 2013 Color Collection

I'm sure you know by now that Aerin Lauder launched her own beauty line under the Estée Lauder umbrella last year. Each time I have visited the counter, I have studied it (visually), and so far, nothing has jumped out into my jaded fingers. The makeup is all pretty. I just didn't find something to love. For spring, I found something to love.

Multi Color for Lips and Cheeks ($42) is available in two shades:  Freesia, the one I purchased online (shown here), and Sweet Pea, a pink that I feared would be too light. I took quite a chance on Freesia, which appears to be coral in the photo above from the Web site. I was totally delighted when I saw the cream color on my skin.

Capturing that first day of spring, can't-wait-to-get-outside feeling, AERIN's limited-edition Spring 2013 Color Collection is inspired by the shades of early spring flowers. Enhanced with AERIN's signature floral infusion, this endlessly-wearable collection washes cheeks, lips, and eyes with the shades of the season, from softly delicate to slightly dramatic. It's beauty made easy, stylish, and effortless - it's the perfect fresh start for Spring. 

Spring days grow longer, as does your daily to-do list. Skip a step with one of AERIN's favorite two-in-one essentials. New limited-edition shades are as easy to blend as they are to wear, enhancing any skin tone with a delicate hint of natural color that blooms on lips and cheeks. 

The presentation of AERIN's items is special. Not in your usual black pouch, AERIN makeup is presented in a signature pink pouch with a silky cord. Very classy!

I looked at Freesia with trepidation when it arrived, thinking, "This experiment better go well." Imagine how excited I was when I saw this on my skin.

It's a pink-leaning peach with a sheen that will delight anyone. I think it's exquisite. Who would have ever pegged that compact to produce this color?

I took my swatch photos in full sun, while I was freezing (notice my veins trying to deliver blood to keep my arm warm?). I applied the cream color with a sponge-tipped applicator. It applies and blends beautifully.

The appearance? I don't know about you, but I think I think this is a gorgeous sheer peach blush, highlighter, lip tint - and even eye shadow.

Even though I have written it before, never judge a color by the way it looks in the tube, compact, or packaging. AERIN's Freesia made me a believer in AERIN's line. Next time I swing by the counter, I will test everything there.

You can purchase items from AERIN's Spring 2013 Color Collection at the Estée Lauder Web site and at Estée Lauder counters (and online) at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and at AERIN.com.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Face & Eye Palette in Rose Bliss for Spring 2013

I said I was going to pass on Giorgio Armani's Rose Bliss Face & Eye Palette for Spring 2013 ($88). The Hibiscus shade (orchid on the second tier, far right) was too red for my tastes. I did, however, leave a tiny bit of room for it in my heart when I said I would ask Loyd Cassler to apply it for me. If Loyd could make it look good, it would leap into my arms.

I knew that was risky. Loyd can turn random notes into a song. Last weekend, he sat me down in his Chanel chair and applied all four shades.

Let's start with tier 1, the Rose Bliss Compact face powder with illuminating Micro-Fil technology for long lasting shimmer. Soft and creamy, the weightless powder melts into the skin to create a natural, silken finish. Because my skin is very fair, Loyd used it as a blush on me, and it was soft and stunning. It's very pale, as you can see below in my swatch photos. In fact, it bears no resemblance to the shade in the photo at the top of this feature. In that photo, it appears that someone put Coral Bliss into the Rose Bliss Palette.

In the second tier with the eye shadows, you will find Iced Pearl, Flesh, and Hibiscus. Iced Pearl and Flesh are very pale, with Flesh being especially pretty. Loyd used an eye shadow brush, of course, and applied Iced Pearl all over the lid. Then he topped it with Flesh.The below the crease, he applied a very light layer of Hibiscus. The overall effect was a very flattering ice pink. No wonder Armani says the colors were designed to layer and blend.

After I decided I loved it, he went into prankster mode and said, "Let me show you how it will look if you apply the orchid shade with a heavier hand." He handed me a mirror and told me to watch. He brushed it on, and I immediately pleaded, "Get that off me!" It was hideous. He wiped most of it off with his finger and covered the remaining jolt of color with the Iced Pearl shade. Voila, I had the look I liked restored.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I used sponge tipped applicators to apply the face powder (aka blush for me) at the top of my arm and the eye shades below. Because the shades are so sheer, with the exception of Hibiscus, it was very hard to get decent swatch photos. This is the best I could do.

I wanted to show you the shade of the three eye shadows blended - and applied with a brush. The photo below shows a close-up of how the result looked on my eyelids.

Not bad, huh? The icy pink, combined with the very light, sheer rose blush gave me a pastel look that was magazine-worthy. The white shade took all redness out of my lids, the gold added back a bit of warmth, and the orchid added the icy pink cast. Normally, I cannot wear pink on my lids. It tends to make my eyes look red. This shade didn't.

So, I caved happily. I will wear the Rose Bliss Face Powder often, and I will also use the shimmering white and flesh shadows regularly. The orchid shade will be saved for special occasions when I want to recreate the look Loyd demonstrated.

The new Face & Eye Palettes are limited editions. They are in stock at Saks Chevy Chase, where I purchased mine. I do not know if Armani's spring shades have arrived at Neiman Marcus. The palettes are also available at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site and at Nordstrom online.

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