Chantecaille Lip Screen Tint SPF 15 for Summer 2013 - Ibiza and Sardinia

Chantecaille's new Lip Screen Tints SPF 15 ($36) have finally arrived at counters. I had been waiting for weeks. They were available at Chantecaille's Web site, but I couldn't qualify for free shipping. I have a mini Chantecaille store here, so there was nothing else I could add to my order. Really. So I waited - for many weeks. Finally, they arrived at Neiman Marcus! Jeannine Barnes texted me the minute they came - bless her. I dashed over to purchase them.

These sheer shades - Ibiza (on left directly above) and Sardinia (on right) - are very pretty. They were inspired by the Islands of the Mediterranean. I featured Sardinia when the tester arrived, but I wasn't able to show Ibiza at that time. There was no tester, and Mai had been substituted in the display as a placeholder (one of my pet peeves).

Lip Screen Tint SPF 15 offers a hint of shine and a whisper of polished color in a sophisticated lip-pampering, broad-spectrum SPF treatment. The high-performance formula contains an ultra-healing botanical blend of rose and honey. Initially, it is available in only two shades: Ibiza, a muted pink, and Sardinia, a bright coral.

Once I finally had them in my possession, I was able to take swatch photos at home. I tried to apply them with equal intensity (same number of swipes across my arm. My photos show Ibiza at the top of my arm with Sardinia below.

Ibiza is a very sheer pink. I can barely see it on my lips after I've applied it. If you are looking for "definite color," select Sardinia. It is a very light coral, and it's actually more sheer than the tester I saw and photographed in May. Although coral, it has enough rose in it to look fabulous with my cool-toned skin.

This second photo is a little washed out from the bright sunlight. Both shades fell great on the lips and offer moderate lasting power. I am pleased that they offer protection from the sun's rays. I figure that as long as I can feel them on my lips, I've got sun protection. I've been wearing both since I purchased them. While Ibiza doesn't offer much color, it does give me that desirable sun protection.

The high-performing and extremely comfortable formula contains an ultra-healing botanical blend of rose and honey. Packaged in a chic shiny silver tube, it's the perfect accessory for your summer look.

Finally, you can purchase the new Lip Screen Tints with SPF 15 at Chantecaille counters. You can also find them online at Chantecaille's Web site. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

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

Dior Diorblush Cheek Crème from the Summer Mix Pop Art Collection for Summer 2013

After spending weeks looking unsuccessfully for Dior's Pop Art collection at Neiman Marcus, I found it at Bloomingdale's. There they were - the four Cheek Crèmes ($30) I had been anxious to see and try. There are plenty of other pieces in the collection, but I honed right in on the Cheek Crèmes.

From a pop of color on your cheeks, lips, and nails to a dramatic cat's eye, Dior has you covered with exciting limited editions and the newest  hero products. Born backstage, made for you.

There are four beautiful shades of these fabulous cream blushes. They are all shown directly above. From left to right, they are Capri, Bikini, Pareo, and Panama. It took me all of a nanosecond to select Bikini for myself.

I swatched all four for you in full sunshine outside the store. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply them. I started at the top of my arm with Bikini, then followed with Capri, Pareo, and Panama. I swatched relatively heavily because these cream blushes apply very sheerly.

With my cool-toned skin, I was attracted to the three pink-rose shades. The orange Panama is not me, but is sure to look great on warm-toned complexions.

Bikini is one of my dream shades: pink-rose-watermelon and luscious. My second choice would have been Capri, the lighter pink. Pareo is bright and will look great on medium complexions. So will Panama.

These cream blushes stay on forever. I left them on my arm when I left  Bloomingdale's. A few hours after I got home, I noticed they were still there, so I washed them off (oh sure) with soap and water. They were still on my skin. Curious, I left them there overnight. When I awakened the next morning, they were still on my arm! I finally removed them mid-day when I pulled out the heavy-duty makeup remover. To say they are long-lasting may be an understatement. Anyone who fears cream blushes will melt during the heat of summer should give these new Cheek Crème a whirl.

They have a lovely texture and apply lightly on the cheeks. You can build the color to the intensity you want. They are easy to apply with your fingertips, a sponge, or brush. I can't find anything wrong with them.

If you'd like to see these treasures, you can find them online at Macy's and definitely in store at Bloomingdale's. I am not sure about other sources. I checked out Nordstrom online and didn't find them.

Photos at top courtesy of Macy's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Soon: Chantecaille Cheek Crème for Summer 2013

I realized that it has been so long (January) since I showed you Chantecaille Cheek Crèmes ($25) for Summer 2013, I should feature them again. These are cream blushes you will really want to try.

Two new Cheek Crème shades will be introduced in July.  These blushes have a velvety soft cream texture that melts into the skin, transforming into a powder finish for a natural glow-from-within look. They will be sold as refills, which is why you see the colors depicted separately from the color-ready compact above. Playful is a pink coral, and Dashing is a burnt rose. I think I'm going to need both.

Achieve the look of a natural summer flush with Chantecaille’s luxurious Cheek Crème. The velvety, soft cream blush melts into skin, transforming into a soft powder finish for a natural glow. Designed for easy application, the creamy formula glides on smoothly for gentle, buildable color. The compact’s convenient mirror guarantees effortless on-the-go application.

The antioxidant-rich formula is infused with white lily bulb and peach extracts to shield delicate skin from harmful environmental pollutants. Siliconic elastomers in emollient oils deliver a subtle touch of luminousity.

In an effort to be more environmentally responsible, Chantecaille has proudly re-launched all eye and cheek shades for refillable-only packaging, such as the new mirrored Pebble Compact ($11). Its innovative magnetized strip allows you to remove, rerecycle, and replace your favorite Chantecaille shades effortlessly.

These Cheek Crèmes will be available in July at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Frédéric Fekkai Salons, Neiman Marcus, Space NK, and select Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue locations. They will also be available online at Chantecaille.com and Bliss.com - Nordstrom.com too, perhaps.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

Clarins Splendours Summer 2013 Colour Collection

Clarins has introduced a beautiful, compelling Splendours Colour Collection for Summer 2013. It's tempting me to make my way to a Clarins counter. We'll see if you also hear the counter beckoning. Make sure to click on any photos here you wish to enlarge. Of course, we could be lazy and simply shop the collection at the Clarins Web site.

Besides looking cool, Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm ($26) offers the magical combination of crystalline transparent color and the comfort and repairing action of a balm that smoothes, shapes, and plumps for super-soft lips. There are four breezy, easy-to-wear summer tints. A pigmented core delivers soothing moisture and luscious, natural-looking color in Crystal Rose, Crystal Mandarin, Crystal Gold Plum, and Crystal Berry.

Splendours Shimmer Body Oil ($32) is infused with golden, micro-particles. It illuminates, nourishes, and scents the skin without oiliness, giving you a summer glow.

The Splendours Summer Bronzing Compact ($35) promotes an instantly sun-kissed, even. and natural-looking complexion. Whether you desire the perfect “touch” of sun or a look that's "très soleil," Clarins' new bronzing compact sets the tone for glowing summer skin with three sheer sun-drenched powders in a chic compact. At the very heart, a tiny golden treasure brings the dazzling look of sunshine to your skin.

The Splendours Colour Quartet & Eye Liner Palette ($42) is a beauty, with a harmony of four eye shadows, Copper Gold, Pale Gold, Pink Gold, and Brown, with an Intense Plum Eyeliner designed to give the look a smoldering new edge. The eye shadows offer highly-concentrated mineral pigments that deliver long-lasting results.

There's more! Wonder Waterproof Mascara ($25) will coat your eyelashes from root to top, making them look longer. The Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel ($22) Crystalline transparent color combined with the comfort of a balm.

New gel texture lip gloss is said to visibly plump up the lips with glides-on shine for a luscious “wet lip” effect. The gel is a Clarins Laboratories innovation that has a "delicious blackcurrant fragrance."

The collection is available at Clarins online. I haven't been to a store in a week, so I've got to try to make some time tomorrow to go look.

Photos courtesy of Clarins

Chantecaille Lip Screen Tint SPF 15 for Summer 2013

Chantecaille is introducing a new Lip Screen Tint SPF 15 ($36) with its summer collection. These beautiful sheer lip colors offer a hint of shine and whisper of polished color, combined with a serious SPF lip treatment. When I was in the store swatching, I believed the shades above were the new shades. They were in the right display slots. I was only partially correct. I'm sorry. The only one that appears to have been correct was Sardinia.

The high-performing and extremely comfortable formula contains an ultra-healing botanical blend of rose and honey. Packaged in a chic shiny silver tube, it's the perfect accessory for your summer look.

There are three glistening shades inspired by the islands of the Mediterranean Sea.

• Ibiza - muted pink
• Sardinia - bright and extremely wearable "coral"
• Neutral - apparently a clear SPF

I took swatch photos of the three on the display outside Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. My photos were taken in full mid-day sunshine. Sardinia is shown at the top of my arm and at left in the display photo above. The existing Mai - not a new shade, but like Ibiza, I'm told - is in the middle in both photos. Neutral, shown at right above, may or may not be at bottom on my arm. The tester actually says only SPF 15.

After looking at the testers, I was sure that my favorite would be the pink - the one it turns out I haven't seen. Imagine my surprise when I nearly drooled over Sardinia. While it could be called coral, it has enough rose in it to look fabulous paired with my cool-toned skin. I feared that you wouldn't be able to see Neutral is expected to be clear.

I love the way Sardinia looks and feels. They are perfect for a casual summer. I've got Sardinia on my list for Camp Gorgeous, but I fear it won't arrive in time. I just learned that Sardinia is shipping to the stores today, and Ibiza will ship Monday.

If you'd like some help with the Camp Gorgeous event, give Jeannine Barnes at Neiman Marcus a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289. The Chantecaille Web site doesn't show all the new summer colors. If you want one of the limited numbers Jeannine will receive, call her tomorrow. Don't wait!

Update: Chantecaille just posted on Facebook a 10% discount on its site for purchases between now and June 3. Use code SMR10 at checkout.

Update #2: This feature was modified after I learned that only one of the colors in the display unit was "right color." I am sorry. After swatching at two stores, I wasn't expecting that.

Update #3: This is the Chantecaille GWP for Camp Gorgeous. I promise, no more updates.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty; last photo by Jeannine Barnes

Chantecaille Shine Eye Shade in Flax - New Chantecaille Eye Shadow Colors

Chantecaille had a stealth introduction of new eye shadow shades three or four weeks ago. I saw no announcements and no press. I did see a few new shades on the Chantecaille display this week - along with the two existing Cheek Crèmes. The two we expect for summer will arrive mid-summer, I have learned.

I'm still sorting out what's new and what's not. I have verified that there are new eye shadows, including Flax Shine Eye Shade ($25), which I purchased. It is shown in the center of the top row in the photo above and in my photo below. From speaking with Chantecaille representatives, I've learned that the summer colors are arriving sporadically. Some have been delivered to the stores; some are still on the way.

On the left above, the summer display shows two existing Cheek Cremes The four eye shadows, in clockwise order, are Flax, Almond, Azurine, and Marigold. I'd like to have all four. There are about eight new eye shadow shades, including Iron Ore, Olivia, Driftwood, Carnelia, and Emerald, the last a re-promoted shade.

Flax is my kind of eye shadow. The Shine Eye Shades are a supremely light-textured shadow with a wonderful pearlescent glow. New technology allows for the incorporation of a high density of tiny particles of real pearl into the color pigments, creating a crease-proof consistency.

Worn on its own, it washes the skin with a film of liquid shine. Shine Eye Shade also mixes easily with matte shadows for a more muted effect. As we expect of Chantecaille, Shine Eye Shades are cruelty-free and do not contain animal or mineral derivatives.

I took swatch photos of Flax, a beautiful antique, gilded bronze. I swatched heavily with a sponte-tipped applicator and took my photos in full, mid-morning sunshine.

I think Flax is drop-dead gorgeous. It adds a burnished bronze to the lids, with a perfect subtle gleam to make your eyes the center of attention.

This is the same swatch in my two photos, even though the lower photo makes the color look lighter. It's all about the angle of the sunshine when I take the photos.

I can see Flax as a beautiful counterpoint to any of the new shades on the display. I'm going back over to Neiman Marcus to add to my collection.

You noticed, I'm sure, that Flax was sold as a refill. This seems to be the way of the world these days, selling individual eye shadows without a compact. You can create your own customized compact by purchasing an eight-pan refillable palette for $52, a three-pan palette for $42, or use your favorite shadow in a single compact for an additional $11. The separation of the color from the compact makes these Chantecaille eye shadows much more expensive. What used to cost $28 for color and compact now costs $36 for both. I fear that may put off some shoppers - fear because I love Chantecaille. I won't purchase the compacts. I will use the refills, just as I do with Clé de Peau Beauté and Rouge Bunny Rouge. I can stack them, and the shadows actually take up less space in my bathroom when housed in their plastic "envelopes."

If you'd like some help, give Jeannine Barnes at Neiman Marcus a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289. Even the Chantecaille Web site doesn't show all the new summer colors, although Flax is there and for sale. I'll have more to come here on Chantecaille's Summer 2013 Collection.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

By Terry Hyaluronic Blush from the Summer Splash Collection

By Terry's Summer Splash Collection is filled with beautiful colors and multiple new products. I was shopping at the SPACE.NK boutique at Tysons Corner Center and grabbed a few photos of the Hyaluronic Blush, which jumped right out at me. "Try me!"

To use its proper name, Hyaluronic Blush Hydra-Veil Print Flush Ultra-Stay Fresh Glow ($42) is available in two shades: Peach Posh and Blushberry - both gorgeous. I'd be hard pressed to choose only one, so I took swatch photos to "think about it" this week.

This hyaluronic acid foam-enhances the cheeks and prominent facial areas with fresh, eye-catching and ultra-lasting sheer color. Its formula is composed of "a high-tech color technology" that offers a perfect balance between coverage and transparency while holding color on the skin - like a temporary tattoo, according to By Terry. I'm not sure that's a nice analogy for a gorgeous blush.

Whipped hyaluronic acid provides the whippped finish of the gel-cream hybrid. Galanga leaf extract helps treat imperfections. Mother of pearl pigments give the color a subtle sparkle, and the blush provides a beautiful aqueous matte veil on the skin - the combination leading to what By Terry calls matte iridescent.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun, outside the store, and I had no idea how they would look on the blog. I didn't have much to deal with outside the store, so I selected a small spot of shrub roses (surrounded by concrete and sidewalk). While they aren't the best, my photos show the two shades fairly accurately.

I tried to apply them heavily with my fingers. I found that led to a gloppy appearance, so I blended them into my arm - just enough to show you their sheerness, but to keep enough color to differentiate them on the skin. Peach Posh is shown at the top of my arm, with Blushberry below.

Both shades are absolutely gorgeous when blended into the skin - not at all helpful when deciding which one to purchase. I think Peach Posh is better for fair complexions, and Blushberry, a brown rose, is probably the best choice for medium to dark complexions.

I'm sure you can see the sparkles. I found them pretty. By Terry calls the finish matte iridescent. Can you have a sparkly matte? I think not, but it's a perfect description of the matte finish dotted with little sparklies.

I love the whipped texture and blendability of these blushes. I can tell you based on my swatching experience that they will last a long time on the skin. It took a few washings to remove them from my blending fingers. The new Hyaluronic Bronzing Hydra-Veils shown on the display (above) have the same divine texture.

You can find By Terry at the SPACE.NK Web site or in the boutiques. I'm lucky we have a SPACE.NK inside Bloomingdale's here.

Photos courtesy of By Terry and by Best Things in Beauty

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Eye Palette from the Sea Pearls Collection for Summer 2013

Bobbi Brown's new Sea Pearls Collection is gorgeous. Her inspiration for the collection was the ocean - from the luster of sea pearls to the aqua green translucence of sea glass. The collection is about delicate washes of color that highlight and illuminate.

No piece does that better than the limited-edition Shimmer Brick Eye Palette ($45). Look familiar? It's very much like a palette Bobbi Brown introduced about two years ago. I'm looking now for its name. It also was a stunning collection of pastel shades - all offering pastels that will make your eyes glow.

Taking their cue from under-the-sea hues, these ten shimmering shades are sure to create an array of enchanting eye looks. Simply use your fingertip [any thin brush will do] to swipe each color separately - then apply it to the eyelid - or glide across a group of shades to create your own signature mix. Imparts a soft wash of pearlescent color straight from the sleek, mirrored compact so it's perfect for playing up your eyes in seconds flat.

I'm a Shimmer Brick collector, so I ordered this one online the moment I saw it. I wasn't up for swatching each color, so I selected four that moved me and took photos in full, afternoon sunshine. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to swatch. All of the shades are sheer, so I had to swatch heavily.

I chose to show pinks and greens. The shade at the top of my arm is the second from left in the palette. It's a sandy pink. The second two shades are two of the three greens - always attractive to me. The bottom shade is the pink at the far right in the compact.

All of the shades are shimmering, but they offer a sheen on the eyelids. Because they are sheer, you can choose to apply a subtle wash of color or amp up the brightness by layering.

I'm pleased with the Shimmer Brick Eye Palette from the Sea Pearls Collection. I haven't even begun to discover the shades and all the potential combinations, but I thought you might like to see some early swatch photos.

I have not seen the Sea Pearls Collection at the stores yet, but you can purchase it at Bobbi Brown's Web site. For a limited time, if you spend $65 there, use the code SEAPEARLS for a full-sized lip gloss, your gift with purchase.

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

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick from the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013

The moment Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks ($28) were introduced early this year, I fell in love. Now, there are two new shades - launched with the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013. I tested both Sunlight Gold and Golden Bronze at Neiman Marcus and forced myself to select only one. Golden Bronze won that face off, although I'll admit I really wanted both. I think gold shadows look good on me.

These Shadow Sticks are a treat for women who love cream eye shadows. Effortless and high impact - that’s the essence of Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks. This do-it-all formula glides on tug-free and can be used to shade, define, smoke up, and highlight the eyes. In subtle to eye-popping shades that last for up to eight hours without creasing, flaking or fading. They weren't kidding when they named these "Long-Wear." I was reminded when I swatched Golden Bronze. The swatch would not wash off with soap and water and lasted all day on my arm. I finally removed the color with an oily eye makeup remover at bedtime.

Bobbi Brown said, “Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick is designed for the modern woman on the move. Just swipe it on and go - it’s that easy." I think she was right. About the new collection, she said, "It's relaxed, easy, and gorgeous - what summer beauty is all about."

A unique blend of oils, waxes, and film formers gives this water-resistant formula excellent eight hour wear. Color-rich emollients provide intense pigment in one easy swipe without flaking or creasing. Supremely smooth, lightweight feel. Antioxidant vitamins C and E protect the delicate eye area, while skin conditioners help create a smooth, comfortable, and lightweight feel that is not oily or tacky.
 

I took swatch photos in full sun. I applied the shades directly from their tubes and did little blending beyond what was required to get even swatches. Look at the color of Golden Bronze!

This is one of the snazziest browns I have. I love the metallic sheen of the finish, and the color is incredibly flattering. It would look great with Sunlight Gold. Did you catch that hint of regret?

You can blend these colors if you do it very quickly. Let it set and nothing will touch the color. It's absolutely budge proof - like a second skin.

The Nude Beach Collection is available now at Bobbi Brown counters and the Bobbi Brown Web site. There were other items I want, but I'm holding off for a wallet refill. There are two colors of the limited-edition Tube Tints that are simply gorgeous, and the Shimmer Nail Polish in Pink Pearl is enchanting.

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

Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tint from the Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013 - Swatches

How I love color in stick form! When I saw the e-mail announcing Bobbi Brown's Nude Beach Collection for Summer 2013, I went straight to look at the limited-edition Sheer Color Cheek Tints ($26). I put two of them in my shopping cart, but didn't purchase because I wanted to dash over the Neiman Marcus to see if they had arrived - and could be tested there. The whole collection was there. The photo directly below was taken with my iPhone with flash. It shows the entire collection.

In the past, I've purchased every Sheer Color Cheek Tint Bobbi Brown has introduced. They are sheer, so shades you might think won't work for you will. I thought Nude Beach would be too dark for me. It's not.

Our beloved blush formula is back with a newly designed, more luxurious look. Featuring the same easy twist-up application, this sheer, tinted formula glides on smooth and blends in beautifully for a fail-proof flush of natural looking color on cheeks every time. Both O Magazine and Cosmopolitan feature the new Sheer Color Cheek Tints in the February 2013 issues. They are also featured in Self and Lucky Magazines (May 2013).

After testing all three shades at the store, I purchased Nude Beach (#11, described as golden pink bronze), Summer Pink (#12, bright pink), and Sunlit Nude (#13, described as golden pearl pink). They are pictured above in that order, from left to right.

I took swatch photos in full mid-day sun. I applied each shade directly from the tube to my arm, explanation for the uneven application. When applying to your face, you simply blend these very sheer beauties with your fingers or a synthetic brush. Swatching heavily for photos left me no room for normal blending. I wanted to show you the colors well.

Sunlit Nude (#11) at the top of my arm is the most sheer of the three. I see the color as a golden peach. It's extremely forgiving, so apply freely and achieve a subtle sun-kissed look. The finish is glowing, but not sparkly - despite that sun spot you see on my arm.

Summer Pink (#12) is perfect for pink lovers like me. It's a great blush. It also provides a sheer, glowing finish.

The moment I applied Nude Beach (#13), I saw that the finish is sparkling - different from the other two. The sparkle is subtle - almost like a sheen, but probably slightly over that threshold. Nude Beach is a true bronze shade, with just a hint of rose in it. You have to look very hard to see the rose.

I'm happy with my three new Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tints. They are available now at Bobbi Brown counters and the Bobbi Brown Web site. I have one more fabulous item from the collection to show you - very soon.

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

Dior Jelly Lip Pen in Gaïa from the Birds of Paradise Collection for Summer 2013

Dior launched three new, limited-edition shades of its Jelly Lip Pen ($26) with the Birds of Paradise Collection for Summer 2013: Gaïa (#656, shimmering watermelon pink), Carioca (# 636, shimmering pink apricot), and Copacabana (#516, shimmering nude beige). I was taken with Gaïa even before I knew it was named after Gaia from The Non-Blonde.

This lip color in a pencil delivers hydration, shine, and rich pigment. A true beauty multitasker, the exclusive jelly-like formula offers an all-in-one treatment to deliver the hydration of a balm, the high-shine of a gloss, and the pigment of a lipstick. This jumbo pencil sharpens with a simple twist and is ideal for easy, smooth, touch-and-go application.

Dior calls the Jelly Lip Pen colors saturated. I'll have to disagree there, given that they offer sheer, shiny, hydrating color. However, I'll never ague with sheer, shiny, and hydrating. I will warn you that Copacabana is virtually clear on the lips. The champagne color basically disappears on my lips.

I took swatch photos of Gaïa in full, morning sunshine. It's a rosy pink, and it does add a fast-and-easy my-lips-but-better look to my lips. You can see on my arm that it's not entirely sheer; it slightly covers the veins in my arm.

Watermelon pink is a perfect description of the shade. I love it! For a quick touch-up or a casual lip, Dior's new Jelly Lip Pens offer a fabulous option.

You can find the new Dior Birds of Paradise Collection at Dior counters, and it is a available online at Nordstrom and Sephora. I'll warn you that it might be easiest to order online. When I tried to buy Gaïa at Neiman Marcus, not one full week after its arrival, it was sold out. I purchased it from Nordstrom online.

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

Guerlain Météorites Perles Les Ors Light-Diffusing Primer from the Terra Ora Collection for Summer 2013

Guerlain's new primer, the sheer, luxurious, limited-edition Météorites Perles Les Ors Primer ($71), uses a combination of three different gold pearls to reveal a brighter complexion. White pearls illuminate the skin, while pink and yellow pearls add a golden glow and a subtle shimmer. The lightweight gel texture makes this primer perfect for setting makeup in warmer weather, but you can use it on its own to enhance the skins’ natural radiance and make your skin look dewy.

I wasn't going to purchase it. I have the Météorites Perles primer that combines pink-toned pearls, and it's lovely. Did I need another? I guess the answer is yes. After reading Eileen's description of its effect on her face, I caved. My readers are superb enablers.

This is an elegant primer. Unlike some, it wasn't designed to correct your skin tone or make you sparkle. I like to think of Guerlain as "adult makeup," and this primer fits neatly into that category. It will enliven your skin; add a barely-there golden tint to your skin (I mean barely there or extremely sheer); and extend the wear time of your foundation.

The direct sunshine took all the gold out of the cap. It looks almost silver in the photo above, but it's gold, matching the theme of the collection.

It's very hard to take swatch photos of a product so sheer, but I tried anyhow. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun. I applied an unblended drop to the top of my arm, using the pump-top applicator. I like the pump top because it allows me to dispense only what I need and no more. I also applied a second pump below and spread it lightly with my fingers to show you the color and glow. I did not blend it in entirely; otherwise I think there would have been little left to see.

The golden shade should be apparent. When I saw it in the store, my first thought was that it would make a fabulous accompaniment to the Tom Ford summer collection. Naturally, it complements Guerlain's collection as well. You can see that it adds a slightly peach golden glow to my skin. However, when blended fully and covered with foundation, the shade is hard to detect. I prefer to wear it with Giorgio Armani's Maestro Fusion Makeup, which provides coverage, but is sheer compared to many other foundations.

Somehow, the clear serum and pearls in the bottle combine to provide this summer-toned glow. I have no idea how they mix. Guerlain's magic?

When you apply this classy primer, it will leave your face feeling damp for a minute or two, so I'd recommend you wait before you apply your foundation, BB cream, blush, or whatever. If you don't need or wear other products, blend the primer well and leave your face alone for a minute to allow it to dry. Once it dries on me, I see only a slightly dewy, golden look to my skin. The appearance is very subtle.

Météorites Perles Les Ors Light-Diffusing Primer is not a liquid highlighter. You could wear it under one, though, to give the highlighter a better last. It has Guerlain's beautiful, signature violet scent, which I love. I've noticed that the fragrance dissipates very quickly, so those who dislike fragranced makeup might like it.

I'll quote Eileen in finishing here. "I like Guerlain's primers, so I did not hesitate to buy Météorites Perles Light Diffusing Primer Les Ors. It is gorgeous and can actually be worn alone. It gives a beautiful unifying glow to the skin and helps defeat areas of redness. Marcus [everyone's favorite Guerlain makeup artist] ollowed it with LdP in 02, but I don't need any foundation right now."

Does your skin need a boost? Give it a try. Guerlain’s Terra Ora Collection is available at select locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Bergdorf Goodman - and of course at the Guerlain Boutiques. I purchased my Météorites Perles Les Ors Light-Diffusing Primer at Bloomingdale's.

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