Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Star Clash Edition Lipstick

YSL's beautiful, limited-edition Rouge Pur Couture Star Clash Edition Lipstick will dress you for the holidays, with gold and silver sparkles and a bullet embossed with stars. It's a fancy lipstick for those who want to look glitzy when they pull it out of their bags to refresh the color.

This collector’s edition of Rouge Pur Couture features six iconic shades for the season. When I examined them to select one, I decided it was time for me to purchase some new nude lip colors. Le Nu, #70, was my choice. All of the shades are intense, and I was afraid that several of them would be too bright for me.

In one stroke, you’ll achieve elegant, rich color that dresses the lips with intense hydration and antioxidant care, leaving lips soft, supple, and smooth. It delivers on that promise.

It looks like I accidentally drew on my background paper again - and I was so careful! Nevertheless, I hope you can see that the packaging and lipstick themselves will attract attention. I took my photos in full, mid-afternoon sun.

This is a good nude shade for me and others with light hair and fair skin. It has enough warm pink color to brighten our faces. I read in a recent StyleWatch that those with fair skin should look for nude lipsticks that carry a soft rose or baby pink to make the whole face glow. This one does that.

You can find this lipstick at YSL counters and at Sephora. It looks like the other available shades are bright. If you can handle bright colors on your lips, give them a try.

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

YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY Glossy Balm Crystal Color - New Shades

I was thrilled when I saw at Sephora that YSL had introduced new shades of my favorite glossy tinted lip balm, YSL VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY Glossy Balm Crystal Color ($34). I ordered three instantly: Belle Cannelle (#14), Rose Candy (#15), and Fraise Ganache (#17). I don't know why I didn't order the fourth, Cherise Desir (#16). It must have been a moment of temporary insanity. I'll go back for it later today.

This balm dresses your lips in a sheer veil of brilliant color boosted with vitamin- and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts. Its ultralight, sensual texture leaves my lips feeling soft and hydrated, although not for up to eight hours, as YSL claims. It is ideal for year-round use, and I use my Sheer Candys in any season. I think I have all - if not close to all - shades. Look at how many I purchased the moment they were introduced in 2011.

Here are my three new shades, shown in numeric order from left to right. I was able to get some photographs during a 15-minute, late-afternoon break in an all-day conference call I struggled to hear via phone. It was actually nice to dash outside for a few minutes on a lovely day.

I swatched these shades in the same order, starting with Belle Canelle at the top of my arm, moving down with Rose Candy, and ending at the bottom with Fraise Ganache. I had to swatch quickly, and it was fairly late in the afternoon, so these aren't the best photos I could have taken.However, given the sheerness of the Sheer Candy Glossy Balms, it's possible more time wouldn't have allowed for better photos.

I love these hybrid lipsticks! They are sheer, but colorful enough to add a polished gleam to my lips. The Sheer Candy's do have a fruity taste. The mango fragrance doesn't bother me at all. However, if you don't like any fragrance on your lips, try before you buy.

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

My Afternoon with Pamela Morgan, National Makeup Artist YSL Beauté

Last Saturday, Pamela Morgan, YSL's National Makeup Artist, made an appearance at Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner Center. You'd better believe I made an appointment! Pamela is one of the most creative artists I know, and she has become a great friend.

I have made clear in the past that I hate photos of myself, but I wanted to show you the results of Pamela's work. I went out to dinner just so that I wouldn't have to go home and wash it off!

I asked her to show me how to use the 5 Colours Couture Palette in #11, Ballet Russes ($60). We had oohed and aahed over it when we first saw it weeks ago. I purchased it, but had not worn it. I asked Pam to use it on me, and she went to work eagerly, using all five shades. Although #11 may be the most flamboyant of the new quints, it is sold out at YSL's Web site. That amazes me.

Pam spent a lot of time on my eyes. Before that, though, she selected lip color for my "look of the day." She chose a Baby Doll Kiss & Blush in a color I would never have selected: #07, Coral Affranchi, shown below. She also selected a Gloss Volupté to make my lips sparkle: #30, Corail Lingot, also shown below.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I swatched the new Baby Doll Kiss & Blush ($40) at the top of my arm, then followed below with the Gloss Volupté ($32). At the bottom, I applied the Baby Doll Kiss & Blush and then overlaid the Gloss Volupté to show you the blended effect.

I would never have believed these shades could be flattering on me, but they were. Pamela has an extraordinary eye.

As always, I found my time with Pamela to be a treasure. If you ever get a chance to book time with her - and you should because she is always traveling - I recommend you do it. In addition to seeing an artist work, you will learn some incredible techniques and enjoy your time in her chair.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

YSL New Souffle Éclat Sheer and Radiant Loose Powder

It's hard for me to get excited about face powder. There are so many good ones, and most serve their purpose to mattify the skin, set makeup, or add a glow. When Pamela Morgan (National Makeup Artist) introduced me to YSL's new Souffle Éclat ($60), she basically admitted the same. Then she told me that she calls Souffle Éclat a miracle blurring powder and loves it.

I was intrigued by the image of blurring. Any powder that could blur the imperfections on my face and leave me looking just a little bit better was magic to my ears - and eyes. Pam proved it to me with an application to my hand.

From the first application, skin’s beauty is highlighted in a luminous veil that ensures a fresh feeling throughout the day. Micro Mother of Pearl particles enhance complexion’s natural radiance, while the airy powder hugs the skin and sets and perfects make-up, delivering a reliably flawless finish. For all skin types, even sensitive and dry skin.

Souffle Éclat is available in four shades. Pam selected Shade 01 for me. It is a light pink to the eye, but applies to my skin as transparent. It's perfect. It's a loose powder, as you can see. Just take off the plastic covering, put on the cap, shake, and a perfect application moves through the tiny openings and is ready to be picked up by your powder brush.

I took swatch photos in full sun. You will think I'm absolutely crazy. Anyone who tries to take a swatch photo of a finishing powder is; but you know me - I'll try anything, even with results that are nearly invisible.

Can you see the powder on my arm? If you can, you have amazing vision. It disappears into my skin because it's a perfect shade for me. Can you see that it blurs my veins at the top of the application? If you can, you have great eyes. The fact is that this powder does have a blurring effect - one that is kind to the skin, like candlelight.

No sparkles, no razzmatazz, just a powder that is lightweight and really has a blurring effect! I was impressed enough to purchase it. That's saying something for a face powder - a product I can often resist. There is enough powder in this jar to last me for life - at least my life.

Shade 01 is only one of four shades. You should check out them all at the YSL counter and select the one that's best for your skin tone. If you don't see the blurring effect, I'll be surprised.

Souffle Éclat is available at YSL counters. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. It's also available online. One source is YSL's Web site.

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

YSL Oriental Collection

Yves Saint Laurent said, "The greatest perfumes are those that take you on the most beautiful journeys." The YSL Oriental Collection offers an invitation to an extraordinary journey through oriental splendor, embodied in a collection of four fragrances with "noble and sophisticated ingredients."

Step inside the secrets of an oriental palace. A place of mystery and intrigue, an expression of the most extreme passions.  Behind the doors of the palace, in the obscure clarity diffused by the moucharabiehs, lies the theater for unbridled passions, a stage for the conquest of bodies and minds. Each of the four new fragrances opens into the finest rooms of this palace, staging women and men unveiling conflicting sentiments.

Majestic Rose Eau de Parfum, a woody floral, reveals the magnetic mystery of a rose. It captures depth with a smoky, woody accord. The perfumer was Alberto Morillas. The top notes that vibrate freshness release an animalic leathery touch of papyrus essence illuminated by the freshness of bergamot and raspberry accords. The heart notes of may rose absolute are warmed by spicy saffron accord. Tobacco facets of the guaiac wood enhance the floral texture. Base notes of intense woods are created by oud wood accord blended with the smoked guaiac wood essence, enveloped by vanilla for its warm and captivating tones.

Noble Leather Eau de Parfum offers an encounter between raw sensuality of leather accord and the softness of tobacco and dried fruits. The perfumer was Julie Massé. Aromatic freshness characterizes the top notes of fuzzy mandarin essence combined with violet leaves and saffron accords. The notes create a warm leathery effect. The intense leather heart notes are softened by an addictive tobacco-dried fruits accord. The base notes are comprised of an ambery woody accord mingled with patchouli (the kiss of death for me) and vanilla absolute for a deeply oriental signature.

Supreme Bouquet Eau de Parfum is a floral amber - one I should love because it's a white flower fragrance soothed by amber woods. The perfumer was Dominique Ropion. The top notes offer luminous freshness with an opening of sparking fruit zests of bergamot essence, with a spicy touch of pink pepper and tangy pear accord. The opulent floral heart notes unfold with the richness of white flowers, a tribute to tuberose, Sambac jasmine, and ylang essence. The woody base notes include amber and patchouli. I am dead sure that if it weren't for the patch, I would purchase Supreme Bouquet.

Splendid Wood Eau de Parfum is a woody, spicy fragrance with the depth of oriental wood lit up by cardamon and incense. The perfumers were Marie Salamagne and Amandine Marie. The spicy, fresh top notes offer cardemon highlighted by saffron and incense. The heart notes provide a floral caress of Sambac jasmine contrasted by the green and fresh character of rose buds and artemesia notes. Mysterious wood base notes build a magnetic intensity around the resinous - almost animalic - facets of oud and the dry and soft character of cedarwood. Cypriol, with its leathery, smoky signature, provides a final touch to this fascinating perfume, which I have noted smells amazing on men.

These are unusual fragrances, not for the faint of heart. They are traditional orientals, created to perpetuate the mystery of oriental scents with the use of today's popular ingredients, such as oud and spices. Each is $250 and currently available from YSL and Saks Fifth Avenue. I would be purchasing Supreme Bouquet if the perfumer had not included my most despised base note, patchouli. Don't let my peculiarities stop you. If you are an oriental fragrance guy or gal, you will find these new fragrances must-tries.

Photo courtesy of YSL

YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks

You asked what Pamela Morgan used on my cheeks (and lips) Saturday: YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks ($40). It's available in 23 shades, but Pam knew exactly what she wanted when she reached for two colors. I purchased both: #9 for the apples of my cheeks and my lips and #12, which she described as the perfect contour shade for just about everyone. The advantage? Buy both and you get two lip colors, one cheek color, and one cheek contour shade.

Rouge Epicurien (#9) is the baby doll pink shown at left immediately above. Mocha Garçonne (#12) is shown at right.

Take a close look at my cheeks, and you can see her magic. She used #12 to contour my cheekbones and added a touch at my temples and jaw line. Pamela has a unique way of applying these colors with the funky applicators. YSL recommends that you dot them onto your cheeks (three dots and then blend). Pamela said that's the best way she knows to mess up the lovely foundation you've already applied. She takes a fluffy blush brush, runs it across the applicator, and lightly sweeps the color in place. Voila! Perfect color without losing foundation (or in my case, the All-in-One BB cream she had applied). Her technique is masterful.

Yves Saint Laurent’s air-whipped mousse formula highlights the lips and cheeks with a sensual, soft matte finish. While I was originally skeptical that the formula might be drying on the lips (due to a former, drying stain YSL had introduced last year), this is an entirely different product. I found it hydrating on my lips and the perfect base for a lip gloss.

I took swatch photos of the two shades in late-afternoon sunshine. I applied them to my arm with their funky little applicator. I placed #9 at the top of my arm, with #12 below.

The #12 shade that Pam uses as a contour shade on nearly everyone is a rose-toned brown. It's fabulous, with a natural appearance that's very sheer. I applied my swatches fairly heavily. When Pam first pulled out #9, I gave it the evil eye, thinking it was too pink. It wasn't, as you can see in my photo. It was the finishing touch on the apples of the cheekbones that she had carefully sculpted with #12. The result was extremely pleasing.

I'm sold. These two-for products are new favorites. Later this week, I'll show you the Gloss Volupté we chose together to top #6 on my lips.

The YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks shades have been available long enough that they are available at all YSL counters and online sources. Now I have my eyes on another one or two.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

All New YSL Couture Palettes and My Day with Pamela Morgan, YSL National Makeup Artist

I'll bet you've seen Pamela Morgan. When I met her, she was a national makeup artist for Guerlain. I used to watch her work at events, and I was always impressed with her artistry - and her personality. Very recently, Pamela joined YSL and is now a national makeup artist for them, traveling the country making women beautiful. If you get a chance to book an appointment with her, do it!

Yes, I am getting shorter by the year. I look like a shrimp next to the statuesque Pamela Morgan. I'm going to have to start carrying a step stool around.

Pamela visited Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria this weekend, right after a wonderful week of training in Paris - and just as all-new YSL products arrived. It will probably take me all week to tell you about them. I want to start with the new Couture Palette 5-Color Ready-to-Wear eye palettes. There are 11 of them. They are replacing the older palettes.

This "stylized" picture from YSL does not do any of them justice. I did a quick take when I saw them and selected three. Pamela and I both thought that they would be the first three to sell out. Then, after our makeup session, I photographed them (below) and chose a fourth that absolutely had to go home with me. Four new eye makeup palettes, and I've got my eyes on a fifth. I selected numbers 2, 3, 4, and 8.

The colors are stunning. Even when they appear to be over the top in the palette, they apply beautifully to create a sophisticated eye. Pam and I had fun playing with some of the colors that appeared to be outré and found them amazingly wearable.

In the photo above, I am wearing #3, shown directly below. The upper-left corner shade is intended to be the base shade; the upper-right shade is intended to be the highlighter; and the three colors, lower right and left and center and labeled "colors." Don't let those or any guidelines stifle your creativity. Wear the beautiful shades any way you like.

I'm sorry about the glaring reflection in the photo above. I normally see those sunspots, but I was blinded by the palette's colors. I took my photos in full, high-noon sunshine, and the sun was bright. I swatched all five shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting at the top left corner and working clockwise, ending with the center shade.

This palette of bronze and complementary tones is absolutely perfect for summer. I cannot tell you how many compliments I got before I left the store. The colors made my eyes pop green, aided by YSL's wonderful Beauté Eyeliner Effet Faux Cils Long-Wear Cream Eyeliner in Black Cherry (or is it Cherry Black?).

One really nice thing about these palettes is that the highlighter colors (second down on my arm) are pigmented. They aren't just glitter and glitz.

I decided to show you the pretty greens in #8 today too. My camera has difficulty with greens, so the photos above shows more grey than green in the palette. Trust me, these are gorgeous greens.

My swatch photos, taken at the same time (high noon) and in the same way as the #3 photos, tell the green story a bit better. I am so thoroughly smitten with these colors, I will be wearing them to work tomorrow. It's going to be a green day.

The green at the top does have some grey in it, making it a most unusual shade. I think it's drop-dead gorgeous. the pink blends into my skin. I can see it in the photos; I hope you can too. The softer green is like a mint teal. Stunning! The antique gold will pay nicely with the greens, and the darker charcoal is the perfect liner. It shows its green in strong light. Sorry, my swatch is uneven on the right.

I think these two palettes are beautiful. I have two more to show you as soon as I can get photos. Today, I used up sunshine time to spend time with Mom, but as soon as I can catch those rays again, I will get photos of #2 and #4. Meanwhile, you need to get over to a YSL counter and see all the new pretty treasures. I'll be featuring them all week.

The Couture Palettes has just arrived at Neiman Marcus, so call your favorite counter before you go. They may be available online. I haven't had time to check every site. Don't forget to take any opportunity to work with Pamela. She is a superstar!

 Two photos courtesy of YSL; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

New YSL Gloss Volupté

Yves Saint Laurent premieres the first lightweight non-sticky lip gloss. A precious liquid, light yet intensely glossy, its ethereal texture is a celebration of pleasure that invites indulgence. “Bouche a Bouche,” the applicator, envelops the lips with this elixir of seduction. In a breath of life, lips are filled with a reflective and radiant color. Golden, Iridescent or Pure…Beautiful. To die for. Encapsulated in a divine jewel, this lip gloss attracts like an irresistible magnet.  

That's pretty high praise YSL wrote to publicize its newest lip gloss, Gloss Volupté - over the top, actually. So I set out to find this latest wonder-gloss and see if it really is the paragon of lip glosses.

The new Gloss Volupté is available in 10 sparkling golden shades, four iridescent shades, and nine "pure" crystal effect shades. Enlarge the photo above by clicking on it. All 23 of the shades are called base shades. Additionally, there are three top coats: #1 Gold (golden radiance); #201 Pure for enhanced shine; and the limited-edition #209, Smoking, for a day-to-night look.

The Light Kiss System is said to instantly transform the texture of your lips on contact (you can't make this stuff up). The gloss leaves an ultra-slim, non-sticky film on the lips (truth). Offering balm-like care, it's said to be 10 times more unctuous than a classical lip gloss.

The unique applicator has a hole in it, as you can see above. It is said to have 3D curves for an intuitive application, a fine tip for precision, and a supple and flexible core for a sensory application. The pout heart along the edge is said to allow for even distribution of the gloss along your lips. For full lips, the enveloping inside 3D curve is perfect for a full and voluptuous lip. For finer lips, the distinct outside 3D curve allows for precision. I'm having trouble typing this with a straight face.

The gloss colors are gorgeous. I purchased two at Neiman Marcus. The photo above is dark. I had to take it in bright overcast conditions. At least the sun came out later - enough for me to take swatch photos. Number 4, Fuchsia Vermeil, a golden shade, is shown above at left; #102, Rose Satine, an iridescent shade is shown on the right. I wanted one pink and one peach shade. The display was overwhelming - so many shades! As I tested the testers on my hand and arm, I was looking for pigmentation.

Many of the shades were very sheer, but I managed to find two that have nice pigmentation. I will be able to wear them without lipstick underneath.

Why are my swatches so uneven? It's that bizarre wand. Just look at my photo of the wand below. It looks like Charlie chewed on it. It has a weird, bent shape, which adds nothing to the ease of application or its precision in my opinion.

Let's look beyond the hyperbole in the marketing copy and the bizarre wand and talk about the new colors. I really love them, particularly Rose Satine - the peach one.

I think these two colors are gorgeous. They feel good on the lips. They apply just fine, but no better than other glosses with more traditional wands.  They offer average lasting power and lots of pretty shine. I could have easily selected more shades. The range is phenomenal.

Be aware that Gloss Volupté has a noticeable taste. I could do without the taste. Unfortunately, it sticks around too long.

It's time to conclude this feature. In the past, YSL's glosses have taken their place among my favorites. It remains to be seen whether the new Gloss Volupté will earn such a coveted spot. I'm reserving judgement until I have more experience with them.

Photos courtesy of YSL and by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - April 12

Yesterday evening, I attended a retirement/going-away party hosted by Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie for Jodie Hawk, retiring Lancôme product specialist - and one of the sweetest, most talented people I know. Jodie was celebrated by many representatives of the store, her Lancôme account executive, and customers - customers who are already making her promise to let them know when she will be in the store for special events. I'm one of her many admirers. Jodie is a special person in so many ways. She has an eye and appreciation for beauty of all kinds - not only Lancôme beauty, but also the heart and soul of everyone she knows. Jodie will be missed, and although she will miss her customers, she's looking forward to helping her very pregnant daughter (who was there, along with many other family members) after the birth of her child. Congratulations, Jodie. We love you.

While I was out and about yesterday, I stopped in at Saks Chevy Chase. They are having a three-day Chanel Escape to Venice event, which started yesterday and will continue through Saturday. "Venice...a destination where water, stone, and sky create a unique and fascinating light. Beauty reigns supreme across the canals. Enchant your senses at this exclusive makeup, skin care, and fragrance event." To book an appointment with one of the Chanel specialists who have flown in for the event, call (240) 497-5363. Things were winding down yesterday when I was there (and took this photo), but I suspect it will be hopping there today and Saturday. Still, if you live in the DC area, I hear they have a few appointments left. Snag one!

What else did I see? The new YSL summer color collection has arrived at Saks. I must return to play with the new quads - neutrals with pizazz. Debbie O'Malley would love to tell you all about the collection.

I found - and purchased - Jo Malone's new Osmanthus Blossom Cologne ($110). If you are a Jo fan, this beautiful fragrance will leave you swooning. I'll feature it over the weekend - and tell you all about it. In the meantime, if you'd like to get your hands on this beauty, give Sydelle St. Jules a call at Neiman Marcus at (202) 966-9700, extension 2249. She's a doll and will take good care of you.

One of the highlights of my week was the arrival at my house of a big gift box from NEST Fragrances. I pulled out the new White Narcissus Collection. Steady my heart, it skipped a beat when I sprayed on White Narcissus Body & Soul Spray. It's serious love. I will tell you all about the beautifully packaged collection this weekend. I've been a bit "down" over the hunt for work. White Narcissus perked me right up.

Did you know that Guerlain will be launching a BB Cream called Lingerie de Peau in May? Called a "beauty booster," it's a Skin-Fusion Multi-Perfecting Makeup with SPF 30 PA +++ ($51). That's another news flash I must cover soon - very soon.

Remember I've been showing you a single bud as it opened on my star magnolia tree? That bud and all of the others were in full bloom this week. Today, I fear, the heavy rains will wash many of them away. Nature seldom cooperates. Two days ago, the temperature at my house was 95. Yesterday, it was 88. I could "feel" the blossoms melting.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest. The winner will enjoy Bobbi Brown's Party Eye Palette. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, April 13. Good luck!

Daffodil photo by annscreativephotograpy.com; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

The Friday Forum - March 16

It's a little too early for tulips, but I can dream. Actually, we regressed back into a chilly spell, so it's not going to be nice over the weekend. Rain and clouds will not coax the flowers out of their buds.

This week has been painful. I went to the orthopedic surgeon mid-week. He prescribed a walking cast for the stress fracture(s) in my foot, i.e., a boot. I am having great difficulty walking in the boot because it throws off my bone-on-bone knee and my back. I ordered a pair of super-duty walking shoes recommended by podiatrists, and I may use it instead of the boot when it arrives. If not, I will wear one shoe on my "good foot" to try to level it with the boot.

I have dropped that boot, which is very heavy, on my "good foot" twice, and it is now bruised and battered. At this point, I hesitate to call it my "good foot." Meanwhile, the fractured foot hurts just as much as it did Monday.

I'm going to hobble over to Neiman Marcus this afternoon to see Mikey Castillo from Le Métier de Beauté. He is at Mazza Gallerie. It will be a nice break from hobbling around my house. I'd rather hobble for beauty. I'll also be able to see if the new Fluid Sheer shades arrived.

Yesterday, I learned that Google Reader will be going away. If you subscribe to my RSS feed that way, please find a substitute. When I find out what to recommend, I'll let you know.

I received an interesting notice about a new beauty magazine out of Australia. Called Heart Beauty Magazine, it will hit newsstands for Easter. Dedicated to "all things beautiful," Heart Beauty will cover new beauty products and services, profile industry leaders, and provide feature stories written by beauty experts.

The "Looks" pages will showcase the work of top creative talents. The first issue includes shoots by Australia's most talented makeup artists and hair stylists. You can subscribe at HeartBeautyMagazine.com.

I read at WWD that YSL Beauté will be launching Baby Doll Mascara, the latest addition to the strong Mascara Volume Effet Cils line.  Hedi Slimane paraded baby-doll dresses on the Saint Laurent runway earlier this month, so the new mascara follows the fashion theme. The Baby Doll name was first used by YSL for a fragrance in 1999.

I hope WWD will forgive me, but I'm going to quote from them.  With minor edits...

Its formula, which has two patents, was inspired by graphene, a carbon crystal with a honeycomb structure, explained Stephan Bezy, International General Manager of Yves Saint Laurent Beauté at L’Oréal, adding: “The way it’s disbursed is ultrathin, ultraresistant, and ultrabendable as well.”

Bezy said for the formulation the L’Oréal laboratories combined a new generation of exclusive polymers, a texturizing agent, and soft waxes, allowing for lengthening and curling effects.

“It mimics this graphene structure, so the way the molecules are layered and combined with each other creates a super-extra-thin film,” he continued. “What’s interesting is that the polymers are transparent, so they allow a perfect dispersion of the pigment. It creates a very even, homogenous color film.” The mascara “is very buildable, but in a very clean way,” said Bezy.

Baby Doll’s elastomer brush also boasts two patents. The wand alternates thick and wide-spaced bristles with finer, more closely spaced bristles to deposit color and define lashes.

At launch, the mascara will come in black, blue, brown and violet. “We decided we wanted to create a Baby Doll attitude,” said Bezy. So the whole look involves a YSL Vernis à Lèvres and La Laque Couture in pink, plus six eyeliners, including two limited-edition versions, in pink and in gold. 

The new mascara will be introduced in the U.S. on March 17 through yslbeautyus.com. On April 15, the entire line is to be available on that site and in Sephora in the U.S. On May 15, the collection will be available in other retailers countrywide.

The international rollout includes: France on April 29, the U.K. on May 22 and Germany on June 1, when there will also be a general launch in Spain after an exclusive in Sephora there starting on May 27. Russia is due to get the line on June 1, and Italy in early June.

In the U.S., Baby Doll will be priced at $30, and in Europe it is to be 33 euros, or $42.90.

Apparently, announcing my short break brought out the spammers. Although it's clear in the introduction to my comments section that I do not welcome and will delete link-laden comments or advertisements for their own blogs from other bloggers, I was deluged with them this week. I deleted them as quickly as I saw them, each time thinking, "Shoot me while I'm down." Either no one reads directions, or they don't believe me.

I'm going to do a flash giveaway tomorrow, so stay tuned. I'm sure you'll want to enter.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Make sure to enter this week's giveaway contest before the deadline, tomorrow, Saturday, March 16, at midnight. Someone will win a beautiful Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush set.

Photo at top courtesy of proflowers.com; magazine by HeartBeauty; YSL photo provided to WWD