Guerlain Le Crayon Yeux Water-resistant, Long-lasting Eye Pencil in Khaki Driver for Spring 2016

When Marcus Monson was here last, he used this Guerlain Khaki Driver (#05, $31) water-resistant, long-lasting Eye Pencil on me. It was gorgeous. He applied a very thin line right into the base of my eyelashes, making them look fuller than they are. The color looked khaki if you looked for color, but it could have passed for a soft black when viewed through the lens of my lashes. Of course, I wanted it.

Guerlain sent me this gorgeous eye pencil in the package with ENJOY. I was so pleased to receive it and thrilled to see that it comes with a sharpener. Some of you know that I'm not happy with pencil products I can't sharpen. This dual-ended pencil even has it's own smudger on one end, perfect for those who want to use it for its color - even a smudged smoky eye - instead of a defined eyeliner.

I hope you can see the khaki color in the photo directly above. It's definitely green, but a dark khaki with a kohl look and feel.

Guerlain describes the pencil this way...
Guerlain redefines the typical eye pencil and introduces its first-ever all-in-one liner and khol pencil with a water-resistant and long-lasting formula. With minimal effort, this gentle, creamy-smooth Eye Pencil glides on for a seamless application. Whether going for a dramatic look or something a bit more natural, this new pencil and blending tip create beautifully defined and contoured eyes in an instant.

The indispensable look accessory, Guerlain's Eye Pencil, kohl and contour, allows every makeup result, from a simple elegant sweep to a sultry smoky eye. Thanks to its gliding texture including intense pigments, it can be used as liner in eye contour, as kohl in the inner eye, or even over the entire eyelid. It is long-lasting, no-transfer, and water-resistant; it unfailingly withstands heat and tears of emotion.

I can definitely testify to it's long-lasting characteristic. Even though I used my OCuSOFT eyelid scrubs the next morning, my liner remained intact. I loved the even, thin line that remained, giving me a second day of lush-looking lashes. I can also assure you that it glides on effortlessly. Although creamy, once it sets, it's there to stay.

I took a swatch photo in full, noontime sunshine. The sparkles you see on my arm are leftovers from an eye shadow I had not fully removed over the eyeliner swatch. Sorry - I didn't see them until I looked at the photo online. Khaki Driver is not glittery or sparkly.

I've mentioned before that my camera has difficulties with greens, and this one is no exception. While this color is fairly accurate, it's not spot-on. Nevertheless, I hope you can see how lovely and totally wearable this khaki is.

This Eye Pencil comes in five new colors, including Khaki Driver. The other four are 01 Black, 02 Brown, 03 Purple, and 04 Navy Blue. I've got to check out that navy blue next time I go to the counter.

You can purchase it from your favorite Guerlain source, including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and online sources, such as Sephora. I'd recommend you check it out.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Guerlain Ecrin 1 Couleur Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Silky Powder in ENJOY for Spring 2016, Limited Edition

I wanted this limited-edition ENJOY eye shadow (#13, $34) when it was first introduced with the Spring 2016 Collection but I was being frugal and had to pass. Then, Guerlain sent it to me for review, and I was thrilled. It's a beautiful shade for any time of year, but it's special right now as the daffodils are starting to bloom.

ENJOY is the Spring Limited Edition of the iconic eye shadow Ecrin 1 Couleur. With this shade, Guerlain offers a new buttercup shade to creates light and a delicate halo to illuminate and intensify your eye look. Nested in a new shiny metallic rose gold (some would say gleaming copper) compact, the powder invites us to see the world in color.

Incorporating Guerlain's trademarked Lastever technology, the pigments are coated in a gel allowing them to stay put all day long without settling into creases or fine lines. ENJOY is an essential must-have to use to your heart’s content. Use it as a base; use it layered or blended with other shades; or use it as a highlighter. I have found that it's gorgeous when used with any shade that has a touch of periwinkle in it - opposites on the color wheel. It reminds me of the garden mixture of violets and buttercups. It also makes my eyes pop blue. It also looks great with any copper shade.

As you can see in the photo above, the eye shadow comes with a dual-ended sponge-tipped applicator. It's handy if you want to take the compact along, but it's also useful to apply the shadow heavily. For my swatch photo below, I applied it moderately, knowing the noontime sun would wash out the color a bit.

You can still see how wearable this shade is. It can be applied sheerly for a wash of yellow, or more heavily for a yellow pop. The shade provides color, but also highlights the eyes, whether you apply it on the inside corner of your lid, all over the lid, or even under the brow bone to reflect light.

I'm thrilled with it. If you need a gleaming yellow addition to your eye shadow wardrobe, you can find ENJOY at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and any source in store or online where Guerlain color is sold. It has a perfect name. I think you'll enjoy it as much as I am.

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

Rouge Bunny Rouge Dazzling Sip Tinted Luxe Balm from the Euphony of Lace Collection for Spring 2016

The moment I saw the e-mail announcing the new Rouge Bunny Rouge Dazzling Sip Tinted Luxe Balms ($31), I asked about them. There are no lipsticks that delight me more than those that are sheer and shimmery. Totally unexpectedly, Rouge Bunny Rouge offered to send them to me, making me one of the most grateful bloggers on Earth. They arrived on a sunny day. I knew I could get photos if I hurried. I think my hands were trembling as I opened the box. It's a wonder I didn't cut myself. I left Charlie playing with the pretty RBR tissue paper as I dashed outside to try them and take photos. I've been wearing them ever since.

These beautiful new lip colors are part of Rouge Bunny Rouge's Euphony of Lace Collection for Spring 2016. The beautiful model is wearing the new Spring Harmony eye shadow palette, the Foundation Essence I featured in January, and the darkest of the Tinted Lip Balms, Specs of Cerise. To see how she got the look shown above, pop over to the Web site, where you will find step-by-step directions.

The three shades are shown directly above. From left to right, they are:

• Pinch of Nude, a juicy and transparent juicy beige, nude that adds shimmer with little color for your casual days;
• Sip of Pink, a transparent and luminous soft raspberry-pink with light peach undertones; and
• Specs of Cerise, a transparent and luminous red - like crimson-red cherries.

The balms offer dazzling, sheer treatment colors with anti-aging, intensely moisturizing, and repairing properties. They have a delicate scent that dissipates quickly, leaving behind all of the hydration and shine. They feel light and creamy on the lips. As we age, our lips lose color, elasticity, and volume; the unique Tinted Luxe Balm formula is exclusively aimed at making a difference. The shimmer will make your lips look plump. It doesn't get better!

Rouge Bunny Rouge says that Tinted Luxe Balm is based on a powerful active complex designed to bring back the original volume of our lips within four weeks of daily use, all while smoothing fine lines, nourishing, and brightening the lips. An Ecocert-approved, patented active complex derived from natural sunflower oil intensely hydrates and softens (clinically approved). I haven't had them for four weeks to testify to this effect, so I'll have to get back to you later. In the meantime, I'm enjoying them for their sheer, shiny look.

Adding to the glamour of Rouge Bunny Rouge color, there is a story, of course. This sybaritic balm is inspired by the Dragon-guarded Fountains of Indulgence in the Enchanted Garden.

It's a soothing yet scintillating mélange of exuberance and healing that quenches your lips with richness while glinting them with a light veil of precious pearls. This sumptuously luxuriant balm melts creamily, dispelling cold and fatigue, making your lips as soft to the touch as the unopened buds of spring, while also polishing them with a dewy gleam. Your shining smile will sweep everyone around you into the heart of the Water Faeries’ abode, where you can swim unabashed in your own bubble of contentment.

Luxury care, with a reflection of pearls. An innovative lip balm that nourishes, restores, and protects with a Triglyceride-packed formula. With specially selected actives: an emollient complex, rice bran oil and vitamin E for antioxidant and emollient properties. Aloe adds moisture and promotes natural healing. A structured, full-bodied cream glides on smoothly and melts onto the lips. The immediate results are healthy lips with a brilliant veil of precious pearls.

The transparent shimmer at the top of my arm is Pinch of Nude (#091). The middle shade is Sip of Pink (#092). The shade at the bottom is Specs of Cerise (#093). I applied all three shades directly to my arm (one pass) from the tubes and took my photos in late-afternoon sun. I love them all. I would have purchased all three.

You can purchase Dazzling Sip Tinted Luxe Balms from Rouge Bunny Rouge and Beautyhabit. Rouge Bunny Rouge was offering a buy two, get one free offer in February, but I don't think it's still valid. Beautyhabit has a special offer on their page. With your $85 or more Rouge Bunny Rouge purchase, you will receive a Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipstick in Tongue Tickles - a beautiful shiny pale carnation pink with a white shimmer (a $29 value) Use the code LACE. The offer expires March 25, 2016 or as long as supplies last.

Photos courtesy of Rouge Bunny Rouge and by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum Plus Chantecaille Lip Chic for Spring 2016

Chantecaille's Lip Chics ($36) for Spring looked very pretty in the promotional photo, but they are even better in person. I swatched them yesterday at Neiman Marcus. I wanted you to see the three new shades.

Chantecaille's Lip Chic is a hybrid between a lip gloss and lipstick - my kind of lip color.  It combines the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss with the rich, even coverage of a lipstick. The exceptionally comfortable formula is easy to apply and creates an even finish that is shiny and beautiful. Lip Chic leaves lips looking fuller and decidedly more youthful in appearance - and never irritated. Lip Chics apply with an incredibly soft, lightweight texture and helps smooth the appearance of the lips.

Gaia is shown at the top of my arm. It's a soft, shimmering earthy caramel. Wild Poppy, shown in the middle, is a sheer, vibrant poppy red with a touch of coral. Red Juniper is a classic and sophisticated berry red. My photo was taken in full sun.

I was afraid that Wild Poppy might be too coral for me, but it's not - it's beautiful. Gaia is my kind of nude/brown shade, and Red Juniper is the only kind of red I can wear. It has enough sheerness that I look bright and natural, not like a kid  playing grownup.

Now I want all three of these shades, which can be found at Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frederick Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's locations, and Chantecaille's Web site.

We had a snow storm Monday of this week (5-6 inches), that washed away with heavy rains the next morning. Now, the predictions are for a 60+ degree weekend. It's already pothole hell here. I imagine that some roads will be impassable by next week. I look for the holes, but some catch me by surprise. I see a re-alignment job in my future in the spring.

It's time for The Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope you are ready to share, especially since it's still Beauty Event in the stores.

Photos couresty of Chantecaille and by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette for Spring 2016

Chantecaille's Spring 2016 Collection is all about the beauty of nature. It channels the grounding feeling of serenity when you are truly lost in the beauty of nature. Inspired by blooming fields of wildflowers, the look is romantic, bohemian, and effortless. 

Imperfections are blurred, and cheeks are glowing with a flattering flush of coral. Eyes are effortlessly enhanced with a wash of pale, silvery sage anchored by earthy browns. A delicate touch of shimmering cream puts focus on the eyes and plays against a burst of bold, juicy color on the lips for a youthful look that is modern and refreshing. - Chantecaille

The centerpiece of the Spring 2016 collection is the limited-edition Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette ($83, refillable). It is shown above and directly below.

The shades in the palette are Leaf at the top left, a unique, pale, pearly sage green that instantly brightens the eye area on the lid or lash line; Magnolia at top right, a delicate and slightly iridescent pearl white; Bark at bottom right, a semi-matte rich gentle brown to define and contour; and Wild at bottom left, a fun, playful coral that adds a flush to the cheeks.

I finally got a day without a cloud in the sky and was able to get swatch photos for you. I used sponge-tipped applicators and took my photos outside Neiman Marcus.

I remember that there was a question about the Sage. Is it green or grey? It's actually either or both. The appearance depends on the lighting. When I swatched it on my arm, my eyes saw sage green, but my camera has trouble with subtle greens, and I think it looks a bit too grey in my photos.

Magnolia is a perfect base shade. You can see it looks light pink on my arm. The brown Bark is indeed a gentle brown - not nearly as dark as it appears in the compact. The Wild blush is a beautiful warm pink coral. Naturally, you would not apply it as heavily when using it as a blush as I applied it to my arm to show you the shades.

I think this is a beautiful palette, another in a succession of treasures from Chantecaille. With each season, the company adopts a non-profit cause to help the environment and wildlife. This year it's TRAFFIC.

Chantecaille uses botanicals sourced from around the world. It's important to the company that the natural ingredients they use are harvested in socially and ecological ways. The beauty and health-care industries demand for wild plant ingredients is increasing. Unfortunately, some plants are being harvested in a non-sustainable manner. Houpu Magnolia is one such example. Once, thousands of magnolia trees grew wild all over China. Demands for the trees bark, prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and used abundantly in Chinese medicine as well as the cosmetic industry has contributed to the plant being extremely rare in its native habitats in China.

Chantecaille created Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette to increase awareness of TRAFFIC's work to improve the outlook for wild plant species and the livelihoods of people around the world through supporting the widespread adoption of the FairWild Standard. Embossed with a magnolia, this limited-edition complements the delicate watercolor hues seen on the 2016 runways. Five percent of the proceeds of each palette sold will be donated to TRAFFIC to support their wild plant conservation work.

I also swatched this season's Lip Chics. They are much prettier in person than they are in the promotional photos. I will show them to you very soon.

Chantecaille's Spring 2016 Collection will be available this month at Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frederick Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's locations. You can already purchase it at Chantecaille's Web site.

If you would like to work with a Chantecaille representative at Neiman Marcus for Beauty Week, give Jeannine Barnes a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289. She will take very good care of you. I've known her a long time, and I can make that promise without hesitation.

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille and by Best Things in Beauty

Chantecaille Spring 2016 Collection

Chantecaille's Spring 2016 Collection is all about the beauty of nature. It channels the grounding feeling of serenity when you are truly lost in the beauty of nature. Inspired by blooming fields of wildflowers, the look is romantic, bohemian, and effortless. 

Imperfections are blurred, and cheeks are glowing with a flattering flush of coral. Eyes are effortlessly enhanced with a wash of pale, silvery sage anchored by earthy browns. A delicate touch of shimmering cream puts focus on the eyes and plays against a burst of bold, juicy color on the lips for a youthful look that is modern and refreshing. - Chantecaille

If you've been reading Best Things in Beauty in prior seasons, you know I am a total Chantecaille devotee. I purchase just about everything the company introduces, and I wear Chantecaille makeup of one kind or another almost every day. I predict now that I'll need a backup of the new Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette ($83, refillable) shown immediately below.

Chantecaille uses botanicals sourced from around the world. It's important to the company that the natural ingredients they use are harvested in socially and ecological ways. The beauty and health-care industries demand for wild plant ingredients is increasing. Unfortunately, some plants are being harvested in a non-sustainable manner. Houpu Magnolia is one such example. Once, thousands of magnolia trees grew wild all over China. Demands for the trees bark, prized for its anti-inflammatory properties and used abundantly in Chinese medicine as well as the cosmetic industry has contributed to the plant being extremely rare in its native habitats in China.

Chantecaille has created Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette to increase awareness of TRAFFIC's work to improve the outlook for wild plant species and the livelihoods of people around the world through supporting the widespread adoption of the FairWild Standard. Embossed with a magnolia, this limited-edition complements the delicate watercolor hues seen on the 2016 runways. Five percent of the proceeds of each palette sold will be donated to TRAFFIC to support their wild plant conservation work.

The shades in the palette are Leaf, a unique, pale, pearly sage green that instantly brightens the eye area on the lid or lash line; Magnolia, a delicate and slightly iridescent pearl white; Bark, a semi-matte rich gentle brown to define and contour; and Wild, a fun, playful coral that adds a flush to the cheeks.

The Luster Glide Silk Infused Eye Liner ($34) is a perfect complement to the palette. It has a groundbreaking formula that captures the ultra-gliding, even application of a liquid liner in an easily controlled pencil that can be sharpened. You will want Earth, a deep espresso brown to wear with your Magnolia eye shadows.

Three Lip Chics ($36) round out the collection. Lip Chic is a lightweight, glossy lipstick that has a rich, soft texture with the shine and subtle plumping effects of a gloss. Available in three new shades for spring, the cushiony formula leaves lips feeling ultra-soft and looking shiny without any sticky feeling.

Gaia (was it named after The Non-Blonde?) is a soft, shimmering earthy caramel. Red Juniper is a classic and sophisticated berry red. Wild Poppy is a sheer, vibrant poppy red with a touch of coral. I must try Gaia as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Many thanks to Chantecaille for giving us this beautiful introduction. The Spring 2016 Collection will be available this month at Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frederick Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, select Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's locations. You can already purchase it at Chantecaille's Web site.

Photos courtesy of Chantecaille

TATCHA Has Introduced a 23-Karat Gold Illuminated Lipstick in A Plum Blossom

I'm so excited, I can barely contain myself! TATCHA has introduced a brand new, limited-edition lipstick: A Plum Blossom ($55). It will be available this season only.

From TATCHA...2016 Limited-Edition Lipstick

What it is
This lipstick brings a youthful, cool plum pink blush to lips with a fine hint of 23-karat gold for a creamy, lustrous finish to flatter any complexion, day or night.

Why it’s different
Inspired by the iconic pink Japanese Plum Blossom peeking through a snowy Kyoto morning wrapped in golden light. Plum fruit and silk extracts richly hydrate lips.

Who it’s for
All skin tones. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing. Dermatologist tested.

Formulated without
Mineral Oil, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, Pthalates, Urea, DEA, or TEA.

Who is it for? Me! I would guess most of us. Are you as excited as I am?

Just pop over to TATCHA to see the ingredients and order.

Photo courtesy of TATCHA

Chanel Les Sautoirs de Coco Collection for Spring 2016 - Part 1

Inspired by Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel’s love of pearls, a glorious new makeup collection glimmers with iridescent and luminous shades of white, pink, and soft grey, while classic black elements bring an unexpected contrast to the soft color range. In short, the collection is stupendous.

How could you pass the display without stopping to play with the Perles et Fantaisies Highlighter ($70)? It stopped me in my tracks. Because my skin is so light, Rahman, the Chanel representative who has darker skin than mine, offered to model it in the store. He blended the pink and pearl shades, and you can see the results below. He applied the swatch very heavily with his finger. You could get a heavy application with your finger or a sponge-tipped applicator. Naturally, if you use a brush, you will achieve a more glowing, less colorful effect. I think I'm going to crawl in a hole and die if I can't find the money to purchase this palette.

The other piece in the collection that will shop enthusiasts in their tracks is #258 Les 4 Ombres Tissé Ombre de Lune ($61.00), an eye shadow quad that I want very much.

Because I was playing with color in the store, I used their small applicators to apply swatches to my arm, and I took my photos indoors - never optimal. Nevertheless, I think you can see that all four of the shades are beautiful. I started swatching at the top right with the silver shade, moved on to ivory, to the charcoal, and ending with the pretty peach. I hope you can see the shine in the silver, and the glow in the ivory and peach shades. The charcoal makes a perfect liner shade with the other colors. I need this quad too.

I will try to get better swatch photos later. I also want to swatch the two gorgeous, pigmented shades of lip gloss, so I have a great reason to go play with Rahman at Tysons Galleria or Nicki at Mazza Gallerie.

You can see the entire Les Sautoirs de Coco Collection at Chanel's Web site. I believe you will have a hard time resisting the urge to pull out your wallet. You can find this collection at Neiman Marcus, and (I believe) Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and other select department stores.

Photos courtesy of Chanel and by Best Things in Beauty

Chanel Spring 2016 Beauty Collection - Part 2 with Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eye Shadow in Tissé Beverly Hills

At long last, the eye shadow quad from Chanel's Spring 2016 collection, Les 4 Ombres Tissé Beverly Hills (#262, $61) has arrived. Actually, it came over the weekend, but no one without a snow plow was out on our roads for days. I'm sure you will remember that the rest of the Spring 2016 collection arrived without it. Is it worth the wait? Your own preferences will answer that.

I took my photos in the store at Neiman Marcus, so they aren't as brilliant as I'd like. Indoor lighting is not ideal for the photos I take. Outside, there were no backgrounds without white snow (except my now salty car), and snow doesn't provide a nice background. Anyhow, the quad was difficult to remove from its slot on the display, and I didn't want to be a nuisance.

Between these two photos, I think you can see the four shades pretty well. These colors are vibrant. I am conservative. I don't think Chanel had me in mind when it designed these eye shadow shades. Pfew! Money I don't have saved!

I swatched the shades clockwise, starting at the upper left with little applicators that Neiman Marcus had on hand. Just yesterday, I took my own sponge-tipped applicators out of my handbag. I should know not to do that. I needed them, but you do what you have to do to get swatch photos.

My photo isn't very sharp. This is the best I could do indoors. I'm sorry. You can see that the bright violet at the top of my arm is a powerful, colorful highlighting shade. The beige shade has a bit less pigment and can also be used as a highlighting or brightening shade. I would apply it as a base color. You can blend these two shades together to bring down the violet tones. The next shade is a dark plum. I applied it relatively heavily to show you the shade. Given my fair skin, I could only use it as an eyeliner. The turquoise shade is a very pigmented, pretty spring and summer color. It reminds me of Mediterranean seaside photos.

When I purchase eye shadow quads, I want them to offer me at least three wearable shades out of four. Tissé Beverly Hills does not. There is nothing wrong with it - it's just not my "type." I believe these colors would be gorgeous on someone with olive-toned or dark skin. I'm sure a makeup artist could make these shades work on me, but I don't have one in my house when I'm getting ready for work. I'm a slap-dash kind of gal when I am pressed for time. Would I wear these shades in the evening? Probably not. I avoid lavenders and purples because they bring out the red in my eyes.

I know some of you have been waiting to see this eye shadow quad, so here it is. Chanel's Tissé Ombre de Lune quad that just arrived is much more pleasing to my eyes. I swatched it and will show it to you very soon.

You can purchase Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eye Shadow in Tissé Beverly Hills from Chanel.com, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, or wherever you shop Chanel.

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

Coming Attraction: Bobbi Brown Valentine's Day Collection for Spring 2016

Bobbi Brown is introducing a new enticing red and pink collection this spring. I remember her pink and red collection from 2013. Now, three years later, we can celebrate these stunning colors once again.

Bobbi's new collection, inspired by Valentine's Day, presents an unconventional approach to the traditional color palette with a collection that isn't about matching your lips and nails, but rather deliberately mismatching them. These pinks and hot reds are a modern mix for a look that's wearable and "kissable." The new collection presents shades of Rich Lip Color, Lip Gloss, and Nail Polish.

The Rich Lip Color ($27), a lightweight, full-color lipstick, delivers bold color and rich hydration with a smooth feel. Two colors are available in the collection: Blazing Red and Ibira Pink.

The Lip Gloss ($26) will sweeten your lips with a high-shine dose of pink or red. Bobbi's lip gloss treats your lips to soothing botanical extracts, including avocado and jojoba, to keep them looking soft and supple. The new shades are Pink Lily and Hollywood Red.

The Nail Polish ($15) will add a splash of flirty colors to your fingers and toes. The shades in this collection are Pink Peony and Cherry Tomato.

The Valentine's Day Collection will be available at Bobbi Brown's Web site beginning next month. I assume it will also be available at Bobbi Brown's Department and Specialty Store counters too.

Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Guerlain Rose aux Joues Blush Duo in SMILE for Spring 2016, Limited Edition

I mentioned Guerlain's limited-edition Rose aux Joues Blush Duo in SMILE for Spring 2016 when I reported on my session with Marcus Monson, Guerlain's Celebrity and National Makeup Artist. I promised to show you swatches, which I got today in bright sun with an air temperature of 25 and a wind chill of 9 degrees. I took my photos very quickly because I was not wearing a coat when I swatched the blush. My photos are not as good as they might have been had I not been shivering. When you rely on sunshine, you have to take it when you can get it.

Here is how Guerlain presents it [with slight edits]...
Discover spring limited-edition Rose aux Joues, a Blush Duo is offered two colors: a satiny red and an extremely delicate pink to express your joy in this new season. In its new shiny metallic red pack, the word SMILE appears in the powder: SMILE is an invitation to use this new Duo Blush to reveal your joyful face.

Its Pink Booster pigments capture natural light and enhance your complexion's natural pink hue in perfect affinity with your skin. Rosy cheeks with a delicate glow, as if you had just spent a day in the fresh air [I did], with a lightweight imperceptible finish. A feat made possible by the Duo Blush Rose aux Joues which brings a pink flush to your cheeks with a single sweep of the brush.

So true, with no exaggeration! It is a beautiful color to make your cheeks look naturally pretty. To apply, smile and apply Rose aux Joues with the little pink-bristled brush that comes with it or your own blush brush. Make sure to smile when you apply blush to know where to put it. Apply the blush evenly on the rounded part of your cheekbones, extending to the temples. When Marcus applied it on me, he blended the two shades together on his brush and applied them over my smile. Then he took a narrower brush and applied just the light pink shade over my smile along my cheekbones - where you would normally apply a highlighter. The result was glorious.

I was absolutely frozen when I took my swatch photo. I will apologize for my goose bumps. I should have come inside to apply the swatches to my arm. I did it as quickly as I could. The wind today is brutal. I used a sponge-tipped applicator and applied each color individually in strips at the top of my arm. Then I used another applicator and blended the two shades evenly. The resulting color is shown in the larger swatch at  the bottom in the picture.

It's a conservative blush - the way I like my blushes to be. However, you can layer on more color or use the darker shade more heavily it you want it to pop. This powder blush is all about the application.

I am thoroughly delighted with SMILE, and yes, it does make me smile. I think of winter as the season of death, and this winter has given us way too many deaths already: David Bowie, Glenn Frey of The Eagles, Alan Rickman, Celine Dion's husband René Angélil, Natalie Cole, Craig Strickland, and Lemmy Kilmister among them. I am sure that we will be hearing about the homeless dying outdoors soon. It's nice that one of our favorite cosmetics companies has given us a reason to smile and be positive. Spring will come.

Don't forget, this blush is a limited edition. If you want one, try to purchase it soon wherever Guerlain is carried. I bought mine at Neiman Marcus. You can also shop online at Guerlain's site or your favorite online source.

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

Diorskin Nude Air Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink for Spring 2016

When Dior says "limited edition," they really mean it. At every store where I have asked, I was told they received three of each limited-edition item in the collection. Three! That's exclusive, but crazy. They are leaving money on the table. I went last weekend to the Dior counter at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie and purchased the last Glowing Pink Illuminating Powder ($58) they had. The gold one on display had already sold out.

To describe the full collection, Dior offered this...
Dior cultivates the art of a beautiful glow in what are now considered must-haves, inspired by the techniques of professional makeup artists and the products they use backstage, like Lip Glow, the Colour Reviver Lip Balm. This spring, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, reinterprets the art of a gorgeous glow with a luminous makeup collection that teams new Backstage Pros essentials with eyeshadows and lipsticks in colours inspired by the flower gardens of Granville.

If I had had unlimited resources, I would have come away with more from the collection. There is a beautiful eye shadow and liner duo. I forced myself to select only one piece, and this was it.

The compact comes with the kabuki brush shown above. The two pieces sit in a moulded plastic case inside the blue Dior box. I took my photos for this feature in full, frigid sun.

The powder itself is not as pink as it appears on Dior's Web site. That's one reason why I really love it. There is a lot of beige in Glowing Pink.

On my skin in full sun, the powder does show its girly pink face, and it sparkles a tiny bit. However, inside, it looks like a beautiful sheen on my skin. I applied it heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator to take the swatch photo below. If you apply it softly with a powder brush, you will achieve a beautiful pink glow.

I think this powder is stunning. If you are interested in it, call before you go to a store. Most of them have sold out. I see it on Dior's Web site, but it's shown as "momentarily unavailable." I have no idea whether that means they intend to produce more of it, or whether that's French for sold out.

If you like a glowing pink finish on your skin, you really should try to find it. I think you will love the  gorgeous glow it provides.

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

Guerlain Spring Glow Collection 2016

I haven't seen the sun in well over a week. In the DC area, we are living in a warm cloud. Other parts of the country have had tragic weather. I think it's time to think spring, and one of my favorite brands, Guerlain, came through for me with photos of their spring collection. They lifted my spirits with dreams of beautiful new treats - and immediately my wishlist grew.

In 1987, Guerlain launched their Météorites: the first loose illuminating and color-correcting powder that came in the form of multicolored pearls. One stroke of the brush, and these pearls released a perfecting halo to bathe skin with light and glow with ideal radiance.

There is no mistaking the enviable radiance of a women’s skin when she looks well rested, healthy, and vibrant. She has that certain "je ne sais quoi." For spring, Guerlain will reveal the secret to her ethereal glow with a joyful, luminous, and colorful 2016 Spring Collection.

I haven't seen any of these products yet. They are due to launch in January. I'll be stalking the Guerlain counter! If I don't get a new job soon, I'll be shedding tears at the counter.

The Météorites Primer ($74.00) is an essential skin-perfecting primer and ultimate radiance booster. Météorites Primer reveals correcting and perfecting pearls of light in a fresh gel formula. Mattified and unified, the complexion will be beautifully enhanced before makeup application. Here is what Guerlain has to say about this primer.

• Highly concentrated pearls containing multicolored micro-shimmer particles amplify light reflection to create a luminous, color-corrective halo of light for the face.
• Absorbent powders neutralize excess sebum, while a special polymer helps to fade imperfections and smooth fine lines for a long-lasting matte and even complexion.
• Enriched with the Météorites signature Stardust technology that transforms invisible UV light into visible and soft-focus perfecting light to blur imperfections and provide exceptional radiance.

Météorites Voyage Powder Compact ($179.00), Guerlain’s most precious powder, features a universal shade comprised of five different micro-pearl colors to correct and illuminate all skin tones. These light, sheer powders bathe the skin in a veil of light, increasing radiance and luminosity. Hand-selected and weighed, the pearls are compressed to create a powder that perfectly fuses with the skin. Its ultimate color-corrective shimmer, enriched with pink and white pearls, directs light to enhance facial features. The Météorites signature Stardust technology transforms the invisible UV light into visible and soft-focus perfecting light to fade imperfections and illuminate the face. Who can resist this stunning new jewel-like silver case adorned with such detail and artistry? To apply, sweep the Météorites powder with a brush by tracing a letter “G” formation to highlight the contours of the face. Or use your fingers or a sponge for a heavier application where you want to glow.

Écrin 1 Colour Enjoy Long-Lasting Eye Shadow ($34) is a limited edition, and from the looks of it, it will also sell out quickly. Guerlain’s newest collector eye shadow is a stunning neutral buttercup yellow nestled in a metallic champagne case. It will be hard to resist. Worn solo or with a playful mix of color, your eyes will instantly be illuminated with a soft swipe of this irresistible shade. I think it will be one of your standby colors. Use it when you are in a hurry to open up your eyes, or use it as a base with other shades to create a customized look.

With Le Crayon Yeux Water Resistant Long-Lasting Khol Liner ($31), Guerlain redefines the typical eye pencil and introduces its first-ever all-in-one liner and khol pencil with a water-resistant and long-lasting formula. With minimal effort, this gentle, creamy-smooth eye pencil will glide on with a seamless application. Whether going for a dramatic look or something a bit more natural, this new pencil and blending tip create beautifully defined and contoured eyes in an instant. There are five new shades: #01 Black, #02 Brown, #03 Purple, #04 Navy Blue (steady my heart), and #05 Khaki.

Rose Aux Joules Smile Blush Duo ($62) will be a limited edition. You can accessorize your makeup bag or vanity with this perfect pairing of blush shades housed in a chic metallic red compact and beautifully engraved with “SMILE.” To apply, mix the two shades to color the cheeks, or create contrast by using the satiny red shade on the cheekbones, while enhancing the cheek bones with the delicate pink shade for a glowing effect. I predict this piece will also sell out quickly. Guerlain's entire holiday collection was gone in an instant. You will have to be on your toes when these pieces arrive at the counter.

KissKiss Lipstick ($37) is one of my favorites. Since its relaunch in 2014 (thank you, Guerlain!), KissKiss lipstick has quickly become a beauty essential for me and the little black dress in any woman's wardrobe. KissKiss will welcome spring in two alluring shades: Darling Baby (#371), a light and luminous pink; and All About Pink (#372), a light and lustrous fuchsia that will create a very desirable pout. I love it because it's so hydrating. Additionally, I am seeing a very pink trend for spring.

You will be able to find this collection beginning January 2016 at the Guerlain boutiques, as well as select in-store locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s, Sephora, Nordstrom, and online. Keep your eyes open!

Photos courtesy of Guerlain