Le Métier de Beauté Pale Shelter Kaleidoscope from the Spring 2014 Kaleidocope Program

Le Métier de Beauté's Pale Shelter Kaleidoscope from the Spring 2014 Kaleidoscope Program arrived about a week ago. It surprised me. I had purchased the spring program so long ago (I think), I forgot it. In came a Kaleidoscope, with a note from Rich (printed?), and I was flabbergasted.

Naturally, I tore into the box, where I found an unusual Kaleidosccope called Pale Shelter on the bottom. I do not believe there were any instructions for use, but it's always possible I accidentally ditched them. Who needs instructions, anyhow? Unfortunately, I have no color names.

I'm supposed to receive another Kaleidoscope this month - the second in the program, which is sold out. However, there is a current Summer 2014 Program that you can purchase here. I feel kind of badly showing you something you can't purchase, but you never know what will turn up on eBay (or on a blog sale, if you shop them).

Pale Shelter's label on the bottom looked like it had spent some time in storage, getting scratched and mistreated. The powders in the swing-out arms, however, are pristine. My first thought when I started to test the colors was, "This is a very nice basics or neutrals palette." My second thought was, "How typical that a palette designed by Mikey Castillo would have a lavender shade in it." I think he is fixated on lavender/plum/red shades. Fortunately, this lavender - whatever it's called - is nice and neutral.

I took this angled shot of Pale Shelter to try to show you a bit of all the colors. You will note that the top drawer is split, holding two shades. That's an innovation for Kaleidoscopes, and I think it will serve Le Métier de Beauté extremely well. Not everyone wants a full pan of, say, lavender.

I swatched all the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting at the bottom of the Kaleidoscope on my arm and working toward the split pan at the top. I took my photos in full sun. At this point, and with what we went through during the last week, I can't remember whether it was morning, noon, or late afternoon! That little detail has vanished into the recesses of my brain that hold meaningless facts.

Look at how the grass greened up in a week! All winter, my grassy backdrops looked dead. Now there's fresh green life.

The yellow at the top of my arm is a cream, I think. I assume it's supposed to be used as a concealer or base shade. It's nice, although just a little too yellow for my skin. I'll use it wisely. The lavender is below it. Although it is "browned down" a bit, you can still see the red in it. I love Mikey, but don't get me going on his love for red around the eyes. Then we would have to talk about layering and blending, and I'm too tired for that this evening.

The shimmering copper-taupe blend (third shade down on my arm) is gorgeous. It's a color I can fully embrace. I love it. The two shades below, which I swatched in thinner stripes because they look like eyeliners, are charcoal and "muddy brown." The charcoal is a good shade. The brown is definitely mud on my skin.

Overall, I think Mikey might have had a warm-skinned, West Coast beauty in mind when he created Pale Shelter. I think anyone with warm-toned skin will find this Kaleidoscope an everyday reach-for palette. For me, with my cool-toned, pale skin, it will always be a second choice to the many Kaleidoscopes I have. There are some, particularly the ones designed by Michael Reinhardt, that suit my skin color better. I wish Le Métier de Beauté would let me design the perfect Kaleidoscope for pale blondes!

As I mentioned, it's too late to order Pale Shelter. If you can stand the suspense of buying into a surprise program, sign up for the Summer 2014 series. It could be fun!

P.S. Word has it that Pale Shelter might make a for-sale appearance at Camp Gorgeous at Neiman Marcus in June. Nag your favorite Le Métier de Beauté rep if you want one. Just don't quote me.

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tom Ford Lip Color Sheers for Spring 2014

The new Tom Ford Lip Color Sheers ($49) for Spring 2014 are gorgeous. Of the eight available shades, I selected three: 02, Pink Dune; 04, Summer Fling; and 07 Paradiso. They are shown in that order above, from left to right. Because they are sheer, it was almost a given that I would be smitten.

Harmonizing sensuous shades of shimmering nudes and hot, vivid colors, the limited-edition Tom Ford Sheer Collection delivers an irresistible effect that complements sun-kissed, summer skin. A blend of shea butter and vitamins C and E helps lavish the lips with saturated moisture. The distinct, beveled Lip Color Sheer bullet is packaged in a retro-chic, ivory- and gold-colored Tom Ford case.

I took swatch photos of them this past weekend. It was very cold out when I did that, so you can see a map of my veins along with the colors. What a bonus!

Pink Dune, shown at the top of my arm, actually shows up on my lips. It's a pink-tinted nude on me. Summer Fling definitely offers more pink pigmentation. It is cool-toned with medium intensity, while Paradiso, shown at the bottom in my photos, is a vibrant pink on me. It's about as dark as I'd wear for an everyday look. The photo below is a bit washed out, but it was the best I could do with all that blinding snow reflecting the sunshine. I'm not complaining about sunshine.

These lip colors have a fragrance. It is light, but be warned if you don't like to taste or smell in your lip color. They offer average wear. They sure feel good, though.

The Lip Color Sheers are accompanied by four new nail lacquer shades to make up Tom Ford's Spring 2014 Collection. You can see the nail lacquers in a collection photo at Chic Profile. Since the collection has been on counters for weeks, I'll bet Tom Ford fans have already made their selections.


Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Lip Chic - Primrose and Wild Rose - New Shades for Spring 2014

Primrose and Wild Rose Lip Chic ($35) are perfect sheer shades for greeting spring with a pastel glow.

As I've written many times, Lip Chic is a hybrid lipstick that combines the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss with the rich, even coverage of a lipstick. It applies with an incredibly soft, lightweight texture as it helps to smooth and firm the lips.

This exceptionally comfortable formula is easy to apply in an even finish that is shiny but never sticky - it's hydrating. Lip Chic leaves lips decidedly more youthful in appearance.

I love Lip Cheek, so I was thrilled that I could select from two new shades. I saw them at the counter at Neiman Marcus and decided I had to have both. I suspect any sheer lipstick lover will have a dilemma choosing only one. There are four Lip Chics on the spring display, so make sure you are looking for these two, not the other pretty re-promotes shown with them.

I made a bit of a mistake before I photographed them. I had applied a body moisturizer all over my arms before I remembered that I needed a surface to which they would adhere. As a result, the color on my arms looks a bit uneven. Blame that on me, not the lipsticks.

Wild Rose is shown at the top of my arm, with Primrose below. I had no green backdrop for the photos - mostly snow - so please forgive. That white stuff is not the best for showing makeup. Plus, I was freezing. My heart was pumping extra hard to keep by body warm!

Primrose, combined with my natural lip pigmentation, looks like a light, cool-toned pink on me. A touch of blue brings out the blue in my eyes. Wild Rose will be the favorite for everyone looking for more pigmented color. It's also a cool tone - a kiss-me pink.

I am pleased to own both. I suspect I'll wear Wild Rose the most often, but either will do just fine for a protected, hydrated, shiny lip that I can apply without needing a mirror. Wear time is average (for me).

There is a darker photo below. It shows how the colors look with a stark white background. I love the shine - the only reason I included this map of my veins.

You can find Chantecaille's Spring 2014 colors at all Chantecaille counters. Remember, the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event starts in two days, so you'll want to take advantage of the gifts with purchase.

Photos courtesy of Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Save the Bees Palette for Spring 2014

What a glorious day! The sun is shining, and the sky is blue. That plus Chantecaille's refillable Save the Bees Palette ($83) will brighten anyone's day.

I finally got a chance to get outside to take photos. The conditions for clean photography aren't good. It was hard to find any backdrops that weren't bright, white silvery snow. The snow reflected light a bit too much. I did my best.

This refreshing eye and cheek palette artfully fuses the natural beauty of the bees’ habitat with the Spring 2014 runway trends. Five percent of proceeds from the Save the Bees Palette will be donated to The Xerces Society to help protect bees and our environment.

The Palette features Honey, a glistening golden highlighter for both eyes and cheeks; two new eye shades: Sky, an eye-opening sheer blue, and Beehive, a versatile grey beige; and Nectar Blush, a flattering warm coral-pink. These shades will work for all of us.

I think the colors could not be prettier. Although the metallic bees will disappear with a wipe or two of your brush, they leave behind beautiful memories - and an incentive to do everything you can do to save the bees.

Acting as nature’s pollinators, bees have played an extremely vital role in our terrestrial ecosystems for millions of years. Unfortunately, in the past century, a number of bee populations have become extinct as a result of disease outbreak, monocultures like corn and soy, and repeated use of dangerous pesticides. Other species are declining rapidly Their dramatic decline not only threatens our harvests and livelihoods, but serves as a serious warning sign that our environmental attitude and practices must change.

What can we do as individuals? Saving the Bees only takes a few simple everyday changes, such as:

• Plant wildflower seeds;
• Eliminate pesticide and herbicide use (this gardener did so years ago);
• Purchase local honey from community beekeepers;
• Sign the Pollinator Pledge; and
• Bring back the pollinators (click here to learn more).

Of course, you can purchase Chantecaille's Save the Bees Palette to donate to The Xerces Society to help protect bees and our environment.

Honey, the golden shade at the top left in the palette, is shown at the top of my arm. Although it is technically a highlighter, I find it a stunning golden eye shadow. Beehive, second down on my arm is one of the most beautiful cool taupes I've ever seen - or used. I have a feeling it will become my everyday go-to taupe. That means, of course, that I will have to purchase a few more Save the Bees Palettes. Sky, a beautiful accent shade, brightens the eyes. It's almost white, so don't worry about the "blue eye shadow" stigma. The blush, Nectar, is a perfect warm pink, one that flatters the other shades, as you can see in the photo of Olivia Chantecaille shown at the top of this feature.

All of these shades leave an elegant glean, without glitter or micro-particles - my favorite finish. It's forgiving for all age groups.

Can you see show Olivia (or her artist) used Sky on the inner corners of her lids to brighten up her look? I'm guessing her lids were covered with Honey, then Beehive was used to top it in the outer half of her lids. The light cheek, composed with Nectar, added a finishing touch to her always beautiful countenance.

For the most part, my favorite palettes were all made by Chantecaille. I love the company's makeup because it fits my lifestyle. I'm not saying that I wear Chantecaille exclusively, but it has become a regular part of my beauty routine - both the skin care and the color.

Even the box of the Save the Bees Palette is lovely.  Too bad my reflection on the cover marred its perfect beauty. I love the image; this is one box I will be saving.

I should have shown you Save the Bees weeks ago. Mother Nature conspired against me, but it's a spring palette, after all. Today's sunshine reminds me that spring is not too far off. I hope you'll take a look here, even though you've probably seen photos taken in indoor studios.

The Neiman Marcus Spring Beauty Event starts February 19 and runs through March 2. Chantecaille has beautiful new colors for eyes and lips to start your season off right. The gift is a medium-sized ivory mock croc cosmetic bag with deluxe sizes of Bio Lifting Neck Cream, Bio Lifting Mask, Mirth Lipgloss, and Black Faux Cils Mascara with a qualifying purchase. If you need help, give Jeannine Barnes a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289. You will also be given the Beauty Event tote with any purchase in Beauty of $125 or more.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Sheers from the Effetto Nudo Collection for Spring 2014

Giorgio Armani Beauty's three new Rouge d'Armani Sheers (#314, #514, #614, $34 each) turn nude into light. They were reinvented for a very sheer, glossy mouth to illuminated the lips with pearly pink, coral, and plum shades. Agonizing over a choice on Armani's Web site, I first selected the coral and plum shades. The pink one looked extremely light - maybe too light. However, I caved before I completed my order, so I bought all three.

I was finally able to get photos of them last week. Taken in full, mid-day sunshine, they show how tubes can be deceiving if you don't read descriptions. These are sheer shades, as their name suggests. In this season's case, they are very sheer.

The coral shade, #314, is shown at the top of my arm. The barely pink shade in the middle is #514. My favorite, the plum, is #614. All three offer a radiant finish to your lips with very sheer color. Fortunately, it's not goulish - not even the light pink. Think of them as tinted lip balms.

I did apply the sheer shades to my arm heavily, going over and over my swatches to get as much color/pigment as possible for these photos. On the lips, they leave a sheer tint, with #614 leaving the most color. The peachy #314 comes in second in pigmentation.

I like them. They are hydrating, shiny, and perfect for mirror-free application on the go. However, I do understand that others will find them to be almost invisible on the lips. Your own lip pigmentation and feelings about uber-sheer lip colors may be your deciding factors.

You should be able to find the new Rouge d'Armani Sheers at Armani Beauty counters. I ordered my pieces from the collection on the Armani Beauty Web site.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fluid Sheer Enhancing Fluid #13 from the Spring 2014 Effetto Nudo Collection

I love Giorgio Armani's Fluid Sheers - I have from the first introductions years ago. I always have to have every single color - even the ones that don't look like naturals for me. They are magical! As you might imagine, then, the newest innovation, Fluid Sheer Enhancing Fluid (#13, $62), enticed me.

Fluid Sheer Radiant Pigment, enriched with kaleidoscopic pearls, is used to enhance the complexion on the cheekbones or to blend with foundation for a warmed and radiant complexion or as an eye shadow primer - even an eye shadow, blusher, and bronzer, depending on the shade. It's an amazing multitasker. The #13 color effect travels from pink to gold depending on the angle of the light, for a sculpting, luminous effect. The new shade is translucent and universal, bringing to the complexion a soft, delicate radiance and a healthy glow.

The first thing I noticed when it arrived from Armani Beauty (I purchased it on the Web site), was that it was a pearly white - rather than a very light golden beige, as shown in the press photo above. That didn't matter to me. As I said, I purchase every Fluid Sheer shade.

On my skin, #13 applies as an almost white shade - like milk - but when blended, it takes on the tones of my skin, which I find totally amazing. I could see a teeny tiny bit of pink-peach and a bit of gold in #13 once I blended it. Still, it retained its pearly finish, yielding a grand, radiant color on my skin.

My swatch photos were terrible. You know me: I'm always trying to capture subtleties with my camera. I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine, and many were washed out. I applied a droplet straight from the pump dispenser at the top of my arm and another on my finger, which I then used to blend the color into my skin in a larger swatch below. I snapped one photo that I was willing to publish.

Isn't it miraculous how a white droplet can blend to a pearly gold? I think Mr. Armani is the only designer who can expertly make transparent fabrics and makeup that move and morph with the light.

I rejected the rest of my swatch photos, and I won't be able to pull of a re-do. The sky looks like snow, which is predicted for the overnight and morning hours. I have had it with clouds and snow, and it's only the first of February. Today, I had hoped to get the spring Chantecaille photos taken. It's not going to happen. At least I have swatch photos of the new Rouge d'Armani Sheers that I'll be able to show you tomorrow. I hope you won't be bored by the time I can get swatch photos of all my new treasures.

Last weekend, the collection was not available at my local Neiman Marcus. By now, I'd be surprised it you can't find it at all Armani Beauty counters. If you are hunkered down at home, you can always purchase from the collection at the Armani Beauty Web site - like I did.

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty Belladonna Highlighting Palette in Champagne from the Spring 2014 Collection

The Giorgio Armani Privé Fall Winter 2013/2014 Paris show marked the return of a central theme in the Maestro's work: Nude. More than just a shade, the make-up look interpreted by Linda Cantello for "Nudo" is an evanescent color philosophy that goes back to 30's elegance with a touch of Hollywood glamour. After introducing it in fashion and cosmetics, Giorgio Armani has not innovated with a "peau d’ange" nude - translucent, luminous, feminine, and glamorous, reinvented in modern romanticism.

The Belladonna Highlighter Palette in Champagne ($88) caught my eye immediately. The emblematic palette is an unprecedented, universal illuminating powder. Its shade and texture deliver pure, nude, virtually bare light, for an evanescent "peau d’ange" effect of infinite finesse. The powder features micropearl technology, printed in an ultra-fine flower pattern. The new gel-based formula is prepared using a cold-cast technique and melds immediately with its case, for a feel between powder and cream. It offers a texture that is both dense and incredibly light. The pattern designed in the powder is inspired by a flower with light, subtle petals, with a romantic, feminine, enigmatic tulle fabric. The powder is meant to be applied to the face and décolleté or used as an eyeshadow. Linda Cantello used it in the "Nudo" show to halo the eyes with soft, velvety light. Most of my favorite highlighters are Armani, so I was really anxious to try this one.

As you know, I received it weeks ago. I had no opportunity until today to photograph it. I learned with the first application that it is very, very sheer and sparkly. As you can see, the compact is gorgeous. Open it to a floral design and swoon at its beauty. A brush (rather useless), is tucked into a bottom level.

I took all of my photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I used the brush shown above to add a larger swatch below. See how sheer the powder is?

The swatch at the top of my arm was applied very heavily. I did my best to show some color. No one would apply this highlighter with such effort. The larger swatch below is barely visible. I might have had more luck with a better brush - perhaps a kabuki brush?

Acknowledging that this palette might offer more color to darker skin tones, I'm reluctant to offer any sweeping conclusions. On my skin, it adds little more than sparkle. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts if your skin tone is medium to dark.

I can't wait to try it on my eyelids. I think it's going to be gorgeous if applied heavily.

Last weekend, the collection was not available at my local Neiman Marcus. By now, you should be able to find it at Armani Beauty counters. I ordered my pieces from the collection on the Armani Beauty Web site.

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

Bobbi Brown Uber Pinks Collection

Did you see this? It arrived in my e-mail box this morning from Bluemercury. I lifted their copy with minor edits because I am in a two-day conference call. I wanted to show you something to enjoy today. Let's reward them with an order.

Bobbi Brown Antigua "Be Pretty" and Pink Peony "Be Bold" Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($38.00)
This ultra-soft and smooth pressed formula packs a blend of sheer powder and micro-pearls (for a seamlessly glowing finish all over the face). Part of Bobbi’s Uber Pink Collection, this pair of limited-edition compacts feature Pretty Powerful phrases embossed right into the powder - for a real mood lift. Anyone looking for a natural-looking glow plus a pop of soft pink. Choose Antigua when you want to “Be Pretty” and Pink Peony when you want to “Be Bold.”

Bobbi Brown Uber Pinks Nail Polish ($15.00)
A pop of pink for nails? Whatever suits your mood -  now in two limited-edition shades as part of Bobbi’s Uber Pink Collection. It's for mani-pedi fans looking for just the right pink to polish up their fingers and toes.

Bobbi Brown Classic Lip Gloss ($25.00)
Formulated with soothing botanical extracts - including avocado, jojoba and chamomile oils, and aloe extract - to keep lips soft and supple. Scented with a hint of vanilla. The new shade is Baby Pink.

Bobbi Brown Lip Color ($25.00)
Bobbi’s classic lipstick: rich, full coverage with a soft, matte finish. The new shades are Neon Pink and Pink Kiss.

Photos courtesy of Bluemercury

Giorgio Armani Beauty Effetto Nudo Collection for Spring 2014

I'll tell you about my last few days before I show you Giorgio Armani Beauty's gorgeous new spring collection. On Friday,  Dominion Virginia Power went to my mother's house because her power went off late morning. They found a line that had to be replaced and did so. Unfortunately, in fixing it, they sent a power surge through every electrical device in her house: 240 volts through the 120 line!

We couldn't figure out what was wrong - she had lights, but little else - so I got the power company back late Friday night, and they continued to claim that it was something in Mom's house, denying it could have been s surge. Needless to say, the electrician I found online Friday night showed up at 9:00 am Saturday, and the surge was definitively diagnosed. The surge fried her furnace (yes she slept with no heat overnight in very cold temperatures - she wouldn't leave), FIOS, microwave oven, washing machine, clock radio, all telephones, and a few other things like her clock radio. It has been a time-consuming and costly few days getting in repairmen or buying new appliances. A blown transformer or circuit board basically melts you nice electronics. I had a surge protector put on her house, but I understand they can't really prevent these kinds of powerful surges.

I got the Armani photos and press release right before all that happened, and I have not had a second to put them up. My apologies. I wanted you to see them right away. I think the carefully edited collection is superb. My pieces are ordered and on the way.

The Giorgio Armani Privé Fall Winter 2013/2014 Paris show marked the return of a central theme in the Maestro's work: Nude. More than just a shade, the make-up look interpreted by Linda Cantello for "Nudo" is an evanescent color philosophy that goes back to 30's elegance with a touch of Hollywood glamour. After introducing it in fashion and cosmetics, Giorgio Armani has not innovated with a "peau d’ange" nude - translucent, luminous, feminine, and glamorous, reinvented in modern romanticism.

Effetto Nudo unveils this neo-nude by Armani, shimmering with elusive shades. A subtle balance of undefinable tones between shade and light, cold and warm.

The Belladonna Highlighter Palette in Champagne ($88) caught my eye immediately. The emblematic palette is an unprecedented, universal illuminating powder. Its shade and texture deliver pure, nude, virtually bare light, for an evanescent "peau d’ange" effect of infinite finesse. The powder features micropearl technology, printed in an ultra-fine flower pattern. The new gel-based formula is prepared using a cold-cast technique and melds immediately with its case, for a feel between powder and cream. It offers a texture that is both dense and incredibly light. The pattern designed in the powder is inspired by a flower with light, subtle petals, with a romantic, feminine, enigmatic tulle fabric. The powder is meant to be applied to the face and décolleté or used as an eyeshadow. Linda Cantello used it in the "Nudo" show to halo the eyes with soft, velvety light. Most of my favorite highlighters are Armani, so I can't wait to use this one.

I love Fluid Sheer, so the new Fluid Sheer Enhancing Fluid (#13, $62), a Giorgio Armani Beauty innovation, excited me. Fluid Sheer Radiant Pigment, enriched with kaleidoscopic pearls, is used to enhance the complexion on the cheekbones or to blend with foundation for a warmed and radiant complexion or as an eyeshadow primer. The color effect travels from pink to gold depending on the angle of the light, for a sculpting, luminous effect. The new shade is translucent and universal, bringing to the complexion a soft, delicately pink radiance and a healthy glow.

Like the black feather necklace seen at the Armani Privé show, Smooth Silk Eye Pencils ($34) contrast to magnify the Effetto Nudo look. The navy blue (#1), chestnut (#10) and brown (#11) accentuate the nudo effect by playing with contrasts. Their lines structure this evanescent makeup look.

For your lips, Flash Lacquer (#314, #514, #614, $30) and Rouge d'Armani Sheers (same numbers as above - go figure, $34) turn nude into light - reinvented for a sheer, glossy mouth. The lips are illuminated into pink, coral, and plum shades in a crystal nude sensation with Flash Lacquer or a slightly pearly effect with Rouge d’Armani Sheers.

"The purest looks are actually the most difficult to achieve because they are very subtle, built with the right colors and the right textures, very simply," said Linda Cantello International Makeup Artist with Giorgio Armani. Given my first look, I'd have to agree. I placed my order and hope it arrives quickly so I can show you this beautiful collection.

You can see this beautiful collection at the Giorgio Armani Beauty Web site.  That's where I ordered my pieces - probably the first of two orders!

Photos courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty

The Rest of the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014

There are pieces in the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014 that I chose not to purchase sight unseen. Most of them didn't appear to have been made for me. I wanted to show them to you because they may be perfect for you - of fill an empty space in your beauty wardrobe.

The Ecrin 4 Eyeshadows ($63.00) in the limited-edition Les Tendres offers a harmony of Ecrin 4 Couleurs eye shadow, composed of four different and specially selected textures to allow you to mix and match for endless combinations. Les Tendres, draws inspiration from the season: iridescent ivory, satiny nude and matte violet-plum shades express an ode to nature and renewal, while a metallic aquatic green adds vibrancy. It's beautiful, but won't be on me. I think it was made for women with dark skin. We fair-skinned blonds look terrible in plum shades , and I see two plums that are off limits for me (think albino bunny). The pink is a maybe. The only color that revs me is the beautiful washed green. As much as I love Guerlain's eye shadows, this one was an immediate no.

Equally unappealing to me, is Ecrin 2 Duo Eyeshadow ($44.00) in the limited-edition shade Two V.I.P. (#09). Guerlain’s new duo eye shadow is the perfect accessory for creating statement looks. Inside the slender gold case are 2 stunning colors - one a pure color and one a luminous veil. Guerlain combined a dazzling violet with an elegant taupe. It's possible I could spring for this duo, but I will have to see it first. Like the quad, I think it will be beautiful on darker skin tones.

I was intrigued by the new Météorites Brush ($42.00), but given the size of my brush wardrobe, I had to pass. The stunning natural pink bristles of the Météorites Brush are longer and softer, perfectly complimenting the new Météorites Pearls. This luxurious brush sweeps lightly over the pearls, taking only the exact quantity of powder required. The pure white handle reflects the promise of luminosity.

Additionally, there is a fascinating new Eyebrow Kit ($52.00) in a permanent shade, Universel (#00). The indispensable finishing touch for radiant eyes, Guerlain’s new Eyebrow Kit structures and styles all eyebrows for a tailored yet natural look. Light, medium, and dark powder shades can be mixed and blended to create a matching shade for every brow line, while the pearly-pink beige highlighter is swept under the brows to emphasis the eyes’ natural beauty. The kit also contains a double-sided applicator, making it a complete eyebrow kit for any look or occasion. If I didn't have full brows, I think this kit could be useful for me. I suspect it will be very popular.

Finally, there is a new, permanent Maxi Lash Mascara ($30.00) in Moka (#03). Guerlain’s Cils d’Enfer Maxi Lash Mascara guarantees gorgeous eyes every time. Simple to use, easy, and flattering, a combination of three polymers volumizes, lengthens, and strengthens for captivating eyes. Never clumpy, Maxi Lash can be layered to create just the right volume for each moment. Scented with an ultra-feminine violet fragrance and housed in a beautiful gold case, Maxi Lash is a must-have for enviable lashes. I may purchase one when the collection arrives at Neiman Marcus. I love brown mascaras.

Guerlain’s Météorites Blossom collection will be available beginning January 2014 at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman - and, of course, at the Guerlain Boutiques and online sources.

Photos courtesy of Guerlain

Guerlain Gloss d'Enfer in Star Dust from the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014

Guerlain has introduced "matching" limited-edition Gloss d’Enfer ($30.00) and Le Vernis ($25.00) shades with the Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014. I decided to give the Star Dust Gloss d'Enfer Maxi Shine (#900) a try, ordering it sight-unseen from the Guerlain Boutique.

Like the reinvented Météorites, the limited-edition spring lip gloss and nail lacquer shade captures the brilliance of star dust. Like a magically iridescent ray of pure starlight, the season’s new nail enamel and gloss shine with a surreal glow. As top coats, they work to enhance color, adding a perfect diamond shine.

In the press photos, the gloss looks blue in the tube. To my eye, it appears to be sparkling white. You will see in the swatch photos below that it's a clear topcoat that sparkles like the stars scattered in a clear night sky.

My photos were taken in full, late-morning sun. You can see that Star Dust offers no color, just magnificent shine. It feels as glorious on my lips as the other Guerlain Gloss d'Enfers do - weightless, extremely hydrating, and comfortable. If you want to glow this season, you'll need a classy shine gloss. Will this be your pick?

I haven't seen the collection in my local stores. When I do, I'll try to get swatch photos of the Star Dust Le Vernis.

Guerlain’s Météorites Blossom Collection will be available beginning January 2014 at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman. The Guerlain Boutiques and some department stores are already showing it.

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

Guerlain Rouge Automatique from the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014

Guerlain’s Rouge Automatique provides hydration and long-lasting color with one simple movement - a push of the lever. Luminous color with a second-skin texture is revealed from within a chic Art Deco cylinder. There are two new, limited-edition shades for Spring 2014: #171, Attrape Coeur, a spicy and cheerful pink; and #144, Insolence, a vibrant fuchsia.

While these lipsticks are not the stars of the collection, they offer two new brights to awaken our senses and pull forward the tropical colors of the cruise collections that will make their way to stores in a few days.

I purchased both, sight unseen, from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas. Insolence, called a vibrant fuchsia by Guerlain, is shown in my photo above on the left. Attrape Coeur, described as a spicy and cheerful pink, is shown at right. I feared that Insolence would be too dark for me, but I can wear it at night. I used to shop with Ronda (before she moved to Armani), and my current adviser, Jonathan, is really a fragrance guy. I'm still "training" him to know what will work perfectly for me. He really tries, which I appreciate enormously since he has never seen me.

My photos were all taken in full, mid-afternoon sun. It was a glorious day to take photos of pretty lipsticks. My swatch photos show the full sun blazing on the colors.

Insolence is shown at the top of my arm. I would not call it fuchsia. It is much more attractive and wearable than fuchsia, which can be harsh and too blue on many women. Insolence is a cherry-rose red, a red for women who aren't comfortable in red.

Attrape Coeur is a warm pink - perfect for the season that will greet us when the last winter greys have gone south. It's my favorite of the two colors, one I may carry along with me. Does its name sound familiar? That's because Guerlain has used the name "Attrape Coeur" for fragrance and eye shadow. The name means heart catcher. I think the pink above could capture my heart.

Guerlain’s Météorites Blossom Collection will be available beginning January 2014 at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman. The Guerlain Boutiques and some department stores are already showing it.

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

Guerlain Météorites Pearls from the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014

Last year, a Guerlain PR representative told me that the Météorites were being reformulated. The new Météorites were planned to be an improvement over those that have been created before. At the time, I thought, "How does one improve something that's perfect?" It will be up to us - Guerlain's customers - to determine whether the new Météorites Pearls ($60) are an improvement over those we already know and love. They have been added to the permanent color line.

According to Sephora, the new formula supposedly has "enhanced softness that makes it easier to pick up the powder with a brush...and also incorporates "stardust technology" to give the skin a subtle brightening glow." There are three new shades, Clair (#2), Medium (#3), and Doré (#4). They are shown below with Clair at the left, Medium in the middle, and Doré on the right.

I purchased all three from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas - sight unseen. My love for the Météorites Pearls is unbounded, so I had to have all of them. What surprised me was that there is only a subtle difference in the shades on my skin - despite the huge difference in the colors in each pot.

Here is what Guerlain has to say about the new Météorites (more or less, with my comments added). Each shade of Météorites Pearls begins with the same legendary combination of three colors that adapt to every skin tone and work harmoniously to beautify the skin. Mauve catches the light, pink refreshes, and yellow counters dullness and corrects redness. These delicate round pearls continue to be shaped by hand, with craftsmanship mastered by only four people in the world [imagine that!]. Softer than ever, the new pearls allow for an easier application [how could application be easier, when it was already a piece of cake?] and a more visible effect with every brushstroke [I think I need to differ there]. These precious pearls are contained in a metal tin, now marked with a new emblem of a reinterpreted rosette that was created with a light gradation of pinks.

• Clair offers a harmony of green pearls for extra redness correction, white pearls to reflect the light, and champagne pearls to adapt to the skin and gently illuminate it.
• Medium offers a nude harmony containing beige and champagne pearls to naturally reflect light and even the complexion, along with peach pearls to add a unique glow to the skin.
• Doré offers the most smoldering harmony. This shade incorporates chocolate pearls with satin shimmers and vivid fuchsia pearls that revive radiance. Unifying beige pearls were added for deliciously beautiful skin.

I love Guerlain's Météorites - always have. I can't count the variations I own. They are all little treasures. I think the Météorites Pearls are among the best finishing powders in the world - definitely in the top three. However, I'm not convinced (yet) that this new formulation is so unique, so divergent from the original, that it merits any term like "revolutionary." How could they offer "a more visible effect with every brushstroke" when they are barely distinguishable on my skin? Take a look at the swatch photos below, remembering that only a wackadoodle blogger would try to make them show up on fair skin in full sun.

I applied them heavily with a kabuki-like brush, with #1 at the top of my arm, followed on the way down by #2 and #3. What do you see? I see a glow from the micro-sparkles and barely perceptible differences in color. Clair glows at the top of my arm because that's where the sun is usually the brightest. I can barely see Medium. Doré provides a bit of warmth to my skin and is great for contouring.

Like Guerlain's previous Météorites Pearls, they are beautiful when used over the face, with or without foundation. For anyone who cares, the packaging is similar to the old, with the sponge atop the pearls, holding them in place and offering something you could use as an applicator in a pinch by blotting the powder into the skin.

I will be very curious to know what you think. It's always fun to purchase new Guerlain colors, and I'm happy to have these three new treasures. Am I becoming blind to subtleties?

For now, look for the arrival of Guerlain's Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014 at your favorite counter. The collection has not arrived yet at my Neiman Marcus stores in the DC area. If you would like to order from the Guerlain Boutique, give Jonathan a call at (702) 732-7008.

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

Guerlain Météorites Blush from the Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014

Guerlain’s Spring 2014 Météorites Blossom Collection has begun to arrive in stores. I purchased my pieces from the Guerlain Boutique in Las Vegas. They should have arrived Tuesday, but thanks to UPS, my parcel didn't arrive until yesterday.

Here is Guerlain's description of the Météorites Blossom Collection, slightly edited. "The collection celebrates the reinvention of the legendary Météorites Pearls, whose light-diffusing properties minimize flaws and add brightness to the skin. More than 25 years after its invention, Météorites Pearls has emerged with a new constellations of colors to revive light and boost radiance. For the first time ever, Météorites Pearls incorporates Guerlain’s new, revolutionary "Stardust Technology," a spherical pigment contained within each pearl. This formulation diffracts light upon contact to offer the ultimate in luminous skin. Météorites Blossom celebrates this revolutionary technology, as well as the romantic colors of the new constellations, through images of light and infinite radiance."

Because I needed time to test out the new Météorites - those precious pearls of powder - I decided to show you the new, limited-edition Météorites Blush ($42) today. These two cream blushes melt into the skin instantly, leaving a satin finish with Guerlain's signature delicate violet scent. Pink (#01) is a delicate, baby pink shade. It is shown at left in my photos. Cherry (#02), shown at right in the photos, provides more oomph in color with a cheerful fuchsia. The cute little round blushes are encapsulated in a white and silver case, which pays homage to the Météorites bubbles.

When I first heard the description of Cherry, I feared that it might be too dark for me. I took a chance, and I'm glad I did. It blends out beautifully.

My swatch photos were taken in full mid-day sun. I used my fingers to apply the color. Pink is shown at the top of my arm, with Cherry below. I made no attempt to blend the shades.

I like the way these shades apply with just about any tool. I have tried a cream blush/foundation brush, fingertips, and a sponge. All worked well. Pink is probably the best color for fair skin - if you can only buy only one. It offers a bit of warmth. Cherry will take care of our friends with darker skin tones. Naturally, you can mix the shades if you want a color in between.

The Météorites Blushes adhere to my skin all day, with no fading. They have a nice creamy texture that is forgiving and facilitates easy application. Guerlain should make them permanent.

For now, look for the arrival of Guerlain's Météorites Blossom Collection for Spring 2014 at your favorite counter. The collection has not arrived yet at my Neiman Marcus haunts in the DC area. If you would like to order from the Guerlain Boutique, give Jonathan a call at (702) 732-7008.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty