Showing posts with label Summer 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer 2016. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powders from the Sunset Pink Collection for Summer 2016

Bobbi Brown's Sunset Pink Highlighting Powders ($46) are gorgeous. They are available in three shades. Inspired by the golden pink hues of a Telluride sunset, this light-reflective powder delivers high-impact, buildable radiance. Each comes in a limited-edition mirrored compact.

I purchased them online the moment I saw them. My only quandary was whether to order two or all three. I exercised some restraint and ordered Afternoon Glow and Sunset Glow. I decided Telluride was too similar to other light golds I already own.

The photo directly above shows Afternoon Glow on the left and Sunset Glow on the right. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun. The grungy look on Afternoon Glow's compact is actually the sun's reflection. I can't figure out why Bobbi Brown's photo at the top of this feature shows the compacts as having a gold border around the powder. Mine are black.

I applied both Highlighting Powders heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. Had I swatched with a powder brush, the impact of the shades would be much more subtle. Formulated with highly reflective pearl pigments, these Highlighting Powders create a luminous, natural-looking glow. They gleam; they do not sparkle.

Bobbi Brown suggests you use a Sheer Powder Brush (sold separately) to dust Highlighting Powder high on the cheeks, over blush. Finish with a touch on the center of the face - the forehead, bridge of the nose, and cupid’s bow.

Afternoon Glow is shown at the top of my arm, with Sunset Glow below. I think both of these shades are heavenly. I have used them as highlighters, on my eyes, and in the case of Sunset Glow as a blush. They are definitely multipurpose makeup.

You can purchase these highlighters at Bobbi Brown's Web site and all Bobbi Brown counters. I purchased mine from Bobbi Brown online.

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Guerlain KissKiss Shaping Cream Lip Color for Summer 2016

I was desperate for these limited-edition Guerlain KissKiss lipsticks ($37) for Summer 2016. I had featured them in April, but when the summer collections arrived at department stores, no one had them both! I looked everywhere and then turned to Guerlain. The company generously sent them both to me. I do not know whether the stores sold out and had to re-order, or what happened. I know that they are currently available at Nordstrom, where there is a GWP.

These two new, easy-to-wear limited-edition shades give me a stunning summer look! Kiss Blossom (#367) is a tender, romantic pink shade, shown at left above, and Fancy Kiss (#342), shown at right, is a luminous orange shade that is warm and wearable by all - even me.

Here they are at my house, with Fancy Kiss on the left and Kiss Blossom on the right. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sunshine. I swatched them in the same order, with Fancy Kiss at the top of my arm.

Both of these shades are gorgeous on my lips, when lend their pink pigmentation to the sheer, shiny KissKiss colors.

KissKiss surprises us once again by slipping into a precious and graceful little black dress. Its understated case shows off infinitely elegant curves. A tube transformed into a work of art, a sculptural jewel developed like three sleek cubes. Simply chic!

In perfect harmony with feminine curves, the lips immediately regain their fullness and softness thanks to a formula enriched with plumping hyaluronic acid spheres. In parallel, commiphora oil helps smooth the lip surface. Magnifique! These are among my favorite lipsticks.

The entire Guerlain Summer 1016 Collection is exquisite. I have one more piece to show you - one that wasn't introduced until June. I'm already anxious to get my hands on Fall!

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

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Guerlain Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face for Summer 2016

Guerlain's Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face ($54) requires no commitment to a tan. It washes off with soap and water. It is designed to help us achieve a natural-looking, flawless tan for the face.

With this "water," a healthy tan look is just a drop away with this silky-smooth, cooling bronzing water. The ultra-comfortable second-skin texture will delight the skin, but it’s the versatility and the impeccable results will keep us loyal to L’Eau Hâlée. Worn alone or under Terracotta Bronzing Powder, L’Eau Hâlée delivers buildable glow, while simultaneously enhancing and prolonging an existing tan - or creating one we don't have. The tan is said to intensify with every application, and I can't really explain that. (When my Guerlain PR representative returns from vacation, I plan to ask whether it contains a low-dose self-tanner. I do not see one in the ingredients.) L’Eau Hâlée washes off easily with soap and water, so you don't have to make a commitment to your tan. You can be tan by day and fair at night.

This light “Eau” instantly recreates a translucent, naturally sun-kissed complexion with a bare skin effect. The universal color creates a sun-kissed glow that can be adjusted to suit everyone. It's very natural and sheer. Its hydrating formula envelops the skin in freshness. In other words, it's as perfect as it gets for those of us who don't want to use the usually smelly self-tanners on our faces. The scent of L'Eau Hâlée is delightful. It has notes of orange blossom, tonka bean, vanilla, and white musk.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I applied a drop of the cooling water into my palm and used my finger to apply a broad swatch on my arm. You can see how sheer and natural this wonderful faux tan will be on your face. I hope you can see the swatch near the top of my arm.

This color is perfect for me. It looks natural, and it glows. A light application makes me look healthy, with sun-kissed skin that could be a result of a short time outdoors. It's exceedingly pretty.

I purchased my Terracotta L'Eau Hâlée Cooling Bronzing Water for Face at Neiman Marcus. All Guerlain counters should have it, and I see that it's widely available from retailers who sell Guerlain in store and online. Check it out. If you want options, not a full-out tan look, I think you'll find this L'Eau your sunshine in a bottle.

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

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Guerlain Terracotta Pause d'Été Bronzing Powder Duo for Summer 2016

Today, we turn from one of my very favorite cosmetics companies (Chanel) to another: Guerlain. The Guerlain Summer 2016 Collection is superb.

The gorgeous, limited-edition Terracotta Pause d'Été Bronzing Powder Duo ($82) is a collector's piece. Guerlain Terracotta powder, the reference standard in bronzing powders, is currently available in a limited edition, Terracotta Pause d'Eté. The luxurious, environmentally sound wooden packaging (using wood from PEFC-approved sustainably managed forests) contains a wide mirror in the top and a "two-tone powder block": the combination of the best-selling Terracotta shade #03, which naturally warms all complexions, and the "it color" for summer, pink with a slight gold shimmer, to illuminate the skin with a tan radiance.

The colors can either be blended together to warm the complexion and enhance the natural beauty of summer skin or applied separately to achieve your desired bronze intensity. On the skin, the shades meld together to form an adjustable silky veil - so fine that the result is impeccable and remains so all day long.

I took my photo of the palette, showing a snippet of the magnetic cover (which one unscrews after the magnets "find their mates") in full, mid-day sunshine. As you can see, the color portrayed by Guerlain on its Web site is spot on. This is the kind of palette that I want to wear, but also put in my makeup museum. It's gorgeous. I think I need two!

In order to swatch the multi-colored palette, I used a sponge-tipped applicator and made sure to run it over all shades - there are really three of them. My photo directly below was taken with my arm aimed directly at the sun. You can see the direct light in my swatch.

I think this color, when applied directly with a bronzing or powder brush is exquisite. Although it's intended to be used on both the face and décolleté, I've only used it on my face to date. I applied it where the sun would naturally beam, which made me beam. The rose in the shade makes the blended shade beautiful on my fair skin. I'm sure it will be flattering on everyone.


The photo directly above shows the swatch with a little less direct sun. I turned my arm to get more swatch, less sunshine. Either way, I am stunned by the blended color. If I had to describe the blended color using familiar words, I'd call it a rose-leaning copper. You can apply it with more rose and less bronze if you choose.

You don't have to blend the shades; you can use them individually - even the gold roping can be used (with a small brush) as a highlighter. This is a versatile bronzing powder palette, and I think you will love it as much as I do. In my opinion, it's a must-have.

I purchased my Terracotta Pause d'Été Bronzing Powder Duo at Neiman Marcus. All Guerlain counters should have it, and I see that it's widely available from retailers who sell Guerlain in store and online.

I'll show you my other purchases from Guerlain's Summer 2016 Collection in the coming days. Every piece is a treasure.

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

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Chanel Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été - Stylo Yeux Waterproof

What is the perfect complement to your new Les 4 Ombres Multi-effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Empreinte du Désert? Chanel's beautiful, limited-edition Stylo Yeux Waterproof eye pencils ($33) in Oasis (#817) and Sable (#827). These two colors, which I purchased at Neiman Marcus, are glorious. Oasis is the perfect spring grass green (I don't see it as khaki, the way Chanel describes it). Sable is copper.

Chanel's waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist. Color winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. The gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes. How much better does it get?

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sunshine. My camera didn't do a bad job of  portraying the green, but I still edited the green swatch just a tad - to make it look as pretty as it is. It is grass green, not grey-green as my camera saw it. I drew little squares like you see online. I figured that was safer than trying to draw a straight line with no guide rails, like eyelashes.

Picture either one of these shades with the new eye shadow quad and, if you're like me, you'll see eye makeup perfection. These liners apply with ease, whether you prefer a thin line nestled into your lash line or a larger smudgy line for a real pop of color. I also find that they apply easily and lightly for a pretty smudge under the outer third of my lower lash line. They are creamy, so don't press too hard when you apply them.

I purchased these two eye liners from Rahman Malik at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. You can also find them at Chanel's Web site or any Chanel counter. My favorite Nordstrom Chanel product manager at Nordstrom told me the summer collection arrived there today. I suspect you can find the exquisite Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été at your favorite counter now.

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

Monday, May 9, 2016

Chanel Aqua Glossimer (Lèvres Scintillantes) from Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été

The best-loved Chanel gloss returns with a lighter, water-like texture for a splash of shine. I'm thrilled!

Chanel's new Aqua Glossimer (Lèvres Scintillantes) ($30), a brand new gloss on Chanel's Summer 2016 Dans la Lumière de L'Été display, is reminiscent of my old-time favorite Aqualumière Gloss. This new Aqua Glossimer is available in six new shades.

I purchased three and then came home to find that I have a fourth, Sahara - a gift from Chanel. I will have to get photos of Sahara next weekend. Today, I have photos to show you of #606, Rouge Désert; #608, Dzhari; and #612, Adenium. All of the shades are limited editions.

I took photos of the three I purchased in full, mid-day sunshine. They are shown in numerical order directly above: #606 at left, #608 in the middle, and #612 at right. I swatched them in the same order, starting with #606 at the top of my arm.

I usually select the glosses with the most pigment because I use them instead of lipstick. I love these three - one of which was a surprise. #606, Rouge Désert, is shown at the top of my arm. I describe it as a beautifully pigmented rose. Not too warm and not too cool, it's an exquisite shade for all of us. Don't pass on it because it looks orange in the tube. It's not.

The middle shade, #608, Dzhari, appears to be a very dark purple-red in the tube. On the skin and lips, it's more red than purple, and it's stunning. This is the way I can wear red!

The shade at the bottom of my arm, #612, Adenium, is less pigmented than the other two, but has enough color to give my lips a pretty pop of pink. Sahara (#610 and not pictured here) is a lovely peach shade. I promise to get Sahara photos this coming weekend, the first time we may see the sun this week. We are back in a cloud after a pretty Mother's Day.

I love the way these glosses apply evenly and without special effort. The new wand tip is shaped in such a way that you can paint the peaks of your lips with a narrow tip, while fully covering the the rest of your lips with the wider base. Apply these glosses and you'll achieve long-lasting, shining color, with or without lipstick underneath. The feel? Like a dose of your favorite lip balm. I detect no discernible fragrance.

You can purchase these beautiful Aqua Glossimers at Neiman Marcus, as I did, or at Chanel's Web site now. If they are not at your favorite Chanel counter yet, they will be soon. I called Nordstrom today to find out when they will arrive in store. I was told they had shipped and would be at the counter in 1-2 weeks.

Update 5/10: The collection arrived today at our Tysons Corner Nordstrom store. If you call there and order from Diron Carr at Chanel, he will send you a GWP.

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

Chanel Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été - Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour

Two gorgeous color combinations, at least one for everyone! Chanel's Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour ($65) palettes create a desert-rose glow with either shade. These limited-edition duos are versatile, lightweight powders with two shades in each to offer a contouring or highlighting effect with a sheer, natural finish.

I'm lucky to have both palettes. I purchased one at Neiman Marcus. The other was a gift from Chanel. I can go pink and pretty or tan and summery, depending on my mood and wardrobe for the day.


Each compact comes with a plastic lift-out brush pan holding a nice brush as shown above. I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine.

Duo N°02 is shown at left directly above. It's a warm pink blush with a light pink highlighter. Duo N°01, shown t right above, is peach and tan. The duos offer different levels of pigmentation, and you'd be wise to choose your applicator based on the duo you select.

To show you maximum pigmentation, I applied all four shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. I started with Duo N°02. You can see that the light shade is a highlighter - perfect for brighten your cheekbones or eyes. Buff it into your skin, and you will glow. The warm pink - some might say coral - is a beauty. When applied with a blush brush, it's a stunning, cheerful color.

The two brown-toned shades in Duo N°01 provide an instant, believable touch of sun-kissed color. I love the slight peach tint in the lighter color, and the darker brown shade is absolutely perfect for sculpting or contouring your cheekbones. You can also blend the shades (or use them individually) and sweep them over your temples, across your cheekbones and down the hairline to the outer jaw line for a bronze look. I've had fun playing with Duo N°01 in the short time I've had with it.

Want to get Chanel's summer look and application tips for using these treats? Check out Chanel's video at this link.

I purchased the one I bought from Rahman Malik at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. You can also find these new Healthy Glow Multi-Colours at Chanel's Web site or any Chanel counter.

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

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Chanel Summer 2016 Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été - Les 4 Ombres Multi-effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Empreinte du Désert

Inspired by a shimmering desert oasis, Collection Dans la Lumière de L'Été reveals luminous new colors for face, eyes, nails, and lips. Brilliant coppers and sandy browns give soft intensity to the eyes, while pinks and oranges sparkle on the lips. The entire collection is gorgeous! I will be showing it to you this week.

Where to start? Let's focus on the exquisite, limited-edition Les 4 Ombres Multi-effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Empreinte du Désert (#9501, $65). This exclusive creation offers a palette of earth-toned shadows, each embossed with a desert-inspired design. Copper and green shades are styled alongside sepia and brown hues for soft dimension. There are so many combinations of colors we can use with this palette, it could take us through the entire summer and into fall.

The illusion of an oasis in the desert is portrayed in each eye shadow. The neutral shades, with a touch of inviting green, are gorgeous. I could not have selected more beautiful colors. The shades are all "creamy" powders too - so nice that there is absolutely no fallout.

My photos were taken in mid-day sunshine. I applied each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator. As some of you know, my camera does not capture green accurately. The green shade on the skin is exactly as it appears in the quad in real life. Unfortunately, on my arm directly below, it appears to be grey-green.

I couldn't leave you with that impression, so I did something I never do. I edited the photo so that the green color would look more true/accurate. Many bloggers do this regularly. I don't. I want you to see the colors as my camera sees them. I never trust my eyes, but with greens, I know my camera gets goofy. The edited photo is below. The green shade is much closer to true below than it is in the photo above. I had to do it justice!

The shades all shine like I'm sure an oasis would look in a desert. They have some sparkle, but it's not too glitzy. I will wear all four shades during the day, and I'm conservative about what I wear to work.

I purchased this Empreinte du Désert eye shadow quad from Rahman Malik at the Chanel counter at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. You can reach him at (703) 761-1600. Ask for Chanel Cosmetics. He is a total sweetheart, and we need to keep our great product specialists in business. Online shopping is killing them. Now that Neiman Marcus offers free shipping and returns, you can shop by phone without an added cost for shipping.

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

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette for Summer 2016

When I saw Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Multi-Palette ($50) online, it looked pretty. I see that it is now sold out on Estée Lauder's Web site. That doesn't mean the stores don't have it in stock. These Bronze Goddess items always sell quickly.

Here is how it is advertised...
Illuminate. Contour. Blush.
Radiant, sun-kissed color for face, cheeks, and eyes. Use each shade on its own to sculpt and define, or blend shades together for a natural-looking, all-over glow. Let the sun worship you.

Sounded good and looked good to me, but I'm not thrilled with it. There may be two reasons, and only time will tell if the powder is light on pigmentation or whether there was some kind of coating (not an overspray that's easy to break through) on the surface of the three shades that made it hard for me to pick up enough pigment, even with a sponge-tipped applicator. When I run my fingers over the shades, I can get decent color from the highlighter and blush. The contour (bronzer) is very light, but that's good for those with fair skin.

I took my photos in full, mid-day sunshine. I swatched from left to right as I moved down my arm. The shade at the top is the highlighter; the blush is in the middle, and the contour/bronzer is at the bottom in the photo below.

I worked to get even swatches. The highlighter shines like a beacon in full sun. The blush is a very light rose, a nice everyday shade. The bronzer is a tad muddy on my skin. I think I would want to blend the bronzer and blush together. I have not worn these shades yet, mostly because I had little time to experiment before I left for work last week. I fear that these shades will not have enough pigment when applied with a brush. I plan to try to rough up the diamond-like surfaces before I apply them with a brush. It may be the points of the design that are denying me good color payoff.

I'm surprised that 100% of nine reviewers on Estée Lauder's site recommended this product - actually gave it enthusiastic reviews. I can only give it a qualified recommendation. If I partially destroy the surface, I may end up enjoying the highlighter and blush. I doubt I'll wear the bronzer.

I'm sure that some Estée Lauder counters will still have the Glow Multi-Palette. Call first.

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

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Tom Ford Moisturecore Lip Color from the Soleil Collection for Summer 2016

I love Tom Ford's Moisturecore Lip Colors ($55). They meet my criteria for hydration and sheer color. I purchased Pipa, shown above, and Scandola in person at Neiman Marcus.

Here is how Tom Ford describes them...
Two innovative formulas in one lip product. In the center, a liquid core infused with passion fruit oil provides luxurious moisture in a pink pop of color throughout every Moisturecore Lip Color shade. A luminous lip color encases the core, infused with an exotic blend of melon fruit extract, murumuru butter, and plant derived esters that conditions lips. Sprinkled with subtle gold pearl to complement bronzed, summer skin. Shades, ranging from sandy nude to rosy mauve, provide a soft veil of lightweight color that lasts for hours.

I agree. These are beauties, and if it weren't for the price, I would have purchased all of them. The color is long-lasting, particularly for a lipstick with shine.

Here is a photo of Pipa, taken from above in full sun, at my house. My swatch photo of pretty Pipa - also taken in full sun - is shown directly below.

Scandola is more brown. It's a lovely color that suits a neutral look perfectly. The tube is shown directly below, followed by my swatch photo of Scandola. Both were taken in full sun.

As you can see, Scandola is more sheer than Pipa. The nude shade, when added to the pink pigmentation of my lips, is very pretty. It looks peachy.

Sabrina at the Beauty Look Book reported these lip colors to feel "dry" on first application.  They aren't on me, and I thought I had driest lips on Earth. Perhaps the fact that I always have some layer of lip balm on my lips gave them an extra moisture boost? Regardless, go check out her feature because she has all of the shades shown.

I'll be living in these two Moisturecore Lip Colors this summer. You can too. You can find them at Tom Ford Beauty online and at retailers that carry Tom Ford, such as Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. You Tom Ford devotees know where you can find them.

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

Monday, April 25, 2016

Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Gelée Bronzer for Summer 2016

Estée Lauder's Bronze Goddess Collection for 2016 has been released, and, as usual, there are some stellar products in it. It's a nice change from the boring Aerin Lauder color. Get ready, bronzer shoppers; this one's a beauty.

Bronze Goddess limited-edition Gelée Bronzer ($32) is a treasure. The press? "Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious liquid bronzer. Formulated with a unique blend of bronzing pigments in a pearlized, reflective base for sheer, natural-looking radiance. Feels weightless and comfortable. Turn up the heat." Amen! This bronzer is glorious.

I took photos in full, mid-day sunshine - hence the reflections. The tube is fairly small (one fluid ounce), but it only takes a small quantity to impart a lovely, sheer bronze shade to your face. My swatch photo was created with a tiny dab of the liquid/gel bronzer. You can layer it for more intensity, but no amount of layering will make it opaque.

From the swatch photo, you can see that the color is sheer and natural. It won't really cover your imperfections; you can see my veins through it (sorry). That's its beauty. It lets your own skin shine through the lovely, natural bronze color. This shade should work for almost everyone. It's not muddy, and it's not pink. I love it!

The formula is oil-free, so it will delight those with oily skin, as well as those, like me, whose skin is dry. It literally floats onto my skin on application - nice and even when applied with fingertips or a synthetic brush. It makes me look naturally alive and sunned. I apply it on the highlights of my face where the sun would hit if I didn't wear sunscreen.

I ordered mine online from Estée Lauder, and I have other new items from the collection to show you. You can find the Bronze Goddess Collection wherever Estée Lauder is sold. I'll warn you, though, that the limited items often sell out quickly. If you want one, buy with haste.

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

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Tom Ford Radiant Moisture Soufflé from the Soleil Collection for Summer 2016

I would have passed by Tom Ford's limited-edition Radiant Moisture Soufflé ($98) had Debbie O'Malley not pointed it out to me. It looked just like any other moisturizer. Debbie put in on her arm, and I had an instant wow reaction.

Here is what Tom Ford has to say about it, slightly edited...
Replenish, hydrate, and illuminate skin with a rich, luxurious, whipped cream that instantly re-energizes the skin's appearance apres-soleil. Featuring Tom Ford's exclusive infusing complex, this rich soufflé formula returns radiance and vitality to fatigued skin. Small golden pearls enhance a natural glow, while the skin feels flooded with moisture. Plump and vibrant with youthful energy. The Tom Ford infusing complex infuses the skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin cells replenish their natural energy. It fundamentally rejuvenates the complexion, so it looks and feels brighter, fresher, and less tired. High-performing antioxidants help protect the skin, creating a vital-looking face. The skin is left looking renewed, resilient, and smoother.

That's not why I purchased it. There are plenty of fabulous, luxurious moisturizers out there. I didn't need another. This one leaves a glow - a real, visible glow on the skin as it moisturizes. Look at the gleam on my arm in the photo below.

The shine makes my face look younger. I know some women work really hard to get rid of shine. I have to add it to revitalize my dry skin. Radiant Moisture Soufflé gleams in direct light, but it also adds a glow in indoor or indirect light. I was quite taken in the store, and now that I've used it, I'm pleased with its moisturizing qualities. It has a nice mix of ingredients - nothing particularly earth-shattering, but good ones.

Bobbi Brown has a product that also leaves a gleam: Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm ($65). It's another skin-boosting moisture balm that helps energize tired, dull skin to bring back its natural glow. It's less expensive, so if you'd like to try one of these - and you have dry skin - either should make you happy. They have different textures (Tom Ford's has an edge on lightweight). I like them both.

You can purchase Radiant Moisture Soufflé from the Soleil Collection for Summer 2016 from Neiman Marcus, the Tom Ford Web site, Sephora now (I assume), and other stores that carry Tom Ford Beauty. Debbie said it's a limited edition, so if you want one, buy it before it disappears.

Photo at top courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty; swatch photo by Best Things in Beauty

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Tom Ford Lip Color Sheer in Sweet Spot for Summer 2016

Tom Ford's Sweet Spot Lip Color Sheer ($52) is a beautiful summer shade. We had a conversation at the counter about the shade(s) the Soleil Collection model was wearing, and we think it was three (editorial license). This may have been the base shade. No guarantees.

Here is what Tom Ford Beauty has to say about Lip Color Sheer...
Harmonizing, sensuous shades of shimmering nudes and hot, vivid colors, the limited-edition Lip Color Sheer Collection delivers an irresistible effect that compliments sun-kissed, summer skin. A decadent mix of vitamins C and E and shea better helps lavish the lips with saturated moisture. The distinct, beveled Lip Color Sheer bullet is packaged in a retro-chic, ivory and gold Tom Ford case.

After testing the shades, I chose Sweet Spot. I got home really late today and have virtually no time to write, so I will make this feature short. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun. I swatched directly from the tube onto my arm - right in front of that beautiful dogwood. I love this shade!

In the past, I didn't think I could wear a lip shade with this much coral or orange in it, but I can. It looks warm and summery. This one shines, even in indirect light, and it is not thoroughly sheer. It is pigmented for a "sheer" lip shade.

I'll show you the Moisturecore Lip Colors I purchased very soon. THEY are sheer.

Tom Ford Beauty is sold online and at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Blomingdale's, and Sephora. If you need help, I highly recommend Debbie O'Malley. She's a pro. You can reach her at (202) 966-9700, extension 2253.

Top photo courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Tom Ford Pink Sand Cream Cheek Color from the Soleil Color Collection for Summer 2016

I wasn't going to purchase Pink Sand Cream Cheek Color ($65) from Tom Ford's Summer 2016 Collection. It looked coral, and I didn't think I needed it. Then I shopped with Debbie O'Malley, and she showed me how it looks on skin. Sold! It's pink, as described in the name, and it's gorgeous. It just shows how deceptive online photos can be. Look at the difference between Tom Ford's photo at the top of this feature and my photo below.

Mine is pink! Pink Sand is a gorgeous shade in the compact and on the skin.

Tom Ford describes it this way...
Instantly brightens face with a healthy glow and natural burst of color. The pearlescent shades give cheeks a gorgeous luster and a radiant finish. Packaged in an ivory and gold Tom Ford Soleil compact.

I took my swatch photos in full, mid-day sun. I swatched the cream with a sponge-tipped applicator to apply it to my arm with medium intensity.

This color makes me deliriously happy. It's pretty; it gleams; and it can be layered to achieve any level of color intensity I want. How much more can a pink lover want? Oh, it stays put too.

If you passed, like I did, based on the online photo, try it in a store - or just order it. I know it's pricey, but the compact is large. It will last you a long time.

If you don't have a Tom Ford advisor you like, give Debbie O'Malley at call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2253. You will love her.

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