Coming Attraction: Guerlain Terra Azzurra Summer 2012 Makeup Collection by Emilio Pucci

A beautiful summer is a summer when the warm sunlight blends with the scents of the Mediterranean.

The Guerlain by Emilio Pucci Collection embodies the union of two prestigious houses in perfect synergy. This exceptional makeup collaboration draws its inspiration from summertime in the Italian Riviera, with its light-hearted and energetic dolce vita attitude that welcomes the warm, sea weather. Created by Guerlain Creative Director, Olivier Échaudemaison, and Pucci’s Image Director, Laudomia Pucci, the collection embraces summer with delightfully sunny shades and vibrant bursts of color. The common thread of this second collaboration is a motif inspired by an iconic print, “Winter Capri,” taken from the Emilio Pucci archives. Exclusively retouched for this collection, this signature print, a blue flower interlaced with swirls and flames, adds a joyful and elegant Pucci touch to the Guerlain summer products.

The Terra Azzurra Bronzing Powder & Blush ($75), shown above, is the star of the collection. This exquisite powder and blush combines two success stories: Guerlain’s legendary Terracotta powder and Emilio Pucci’s iconic prints. The world of beauty and fashion unite in a single case to beautifully enhance the complexion. Half bronzer and half blush, this hybrid powder has a lightweight formula and offers a universal harmony of four shades. The outer case pays tribute to the paneling of a Riva yacht with an ebony-colored varnished wood. The Bronzing Powder & Blush is presented in an accessory pouch with the Pucci motif - the ultimate summer accessory.

Météorites Perles d'Azur ($58), the must-have multi-colored little pearls, are adopting their summer wardrobe! Encased in Pucci-adorned packaging, Météorites Perles d'Azur is enriched with a corrective blue pearl to create a flawless complexion. Formulated like the classic Météorites Perles, the Perles d’Azur beautifully adapts to the demands of the sun by combining six colors that even out and correct every skin tone.

• Corrective effect: blue and pink counter the warm tones in tired complexions
• Skin-evening effect: beige and orange warm up the complexion and create an even tan.
• Illuminating effect: ivory and white gold are light reflectors without a whitening effect.

Météorites Pucci Collector's Brush ($38), an elegant kabuki-style powder brush, is designed to work perfectly with Météorites Perles d'Azur pigments to pick up just the right amount of Terra Azzurra Powder. The chic, midnight blue brush is stored in a Pucci print pouch.

Écrin 4 Couleurs Eye Shadow ($59) in Capri (#13) - a sophisticated brown metallic case encloses warm-toned shadows that will electrify your eyes! These soft, light powders caress the eyelids with a velvety touch for a natural or sophisticated result that is mesmerizing.

Le 2 Mascara ($36), the iconic Le 2 Mascara will embrace summer with an elegant blue shade that will open up the eyes and give the lashes bold length, curl, and definition. The color for summer? Blu 2 Pucci, #14.

Khôl Kajal ($36), the cult favorite, returns for summer in an intense indigo blue. Apply it along the waterline to enhance the eyes instantly or draw a line along the upper lashes to add a modern sophistication. Look for Blu Acqua, #02.

Terracotta Gloss ($30.50) will light up the lips with sensual shine in three, radiant, limited-edition shades named after iconic Pucci silk scarves.

• #10, Porto Fino, an incredibly shiny coral pink to set off a sun-kissed glow to perfection
• #11, Porto Ercole, a sensual brown to highlight a spice-toned complexion
• #12, Porto Azzurro, an "unruly" indigo blue, as transparent on the lips as it is vibrant in the tube

Terracotta Nail Polish ($22) will arrive in two bold shades that will make your nails stand out. These irresistible polishes are a must-have for a subtle touch that will perfectly complement a day at the beach or a cocktail party. Shade #01, Paradisio, is a cheery, luminous coral pink with a high-lacquer finish. Shade #02, Riviera, is a powerful electric indigo blue with a subtly metallic finish.

I pre-ordered my favorites from Bergdorf Goodman, where the collection should be available for the April gift card event. Additionally, it's slated to arrive beginning in May at selection locations of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, and Bloomingdale's.

Photos courtesy of Guerlain

Lancôme Color Design Palette in Desert Sunset from the Bronze Diva Collection for Summer 2012

Lancôme is featuring a beautiful new Color Design Palette on its Bronze Diva display for Summer 2012: Desert Sunset ($49.50). How could I leave it at Saks?

Infinitely luminous and sensationally smooth, this limited-edition, all-in-one, six-shadow palette will brighten your eyes with shades of golden pink, orange, copper, and brown. Inspired by the desert sun and exotic mirages, this versatile new palette will allow you to create a full eye look for day or night. 

Wouldn't these shades catch your eye? The whole summer display is gorgeous, and I want more pieces. For now, I'll have to be content with the eye shadow palette. The other pieces I wanted had not arrived at Saks. A stick cream bronzer and two brilliant liquid eyeliners, along with Hydra-Balms are still calling my name.

I swatched the palette clockwise from top left to bottom right. I swatched all shades heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I took my photos in full, late afternoon sun.

The shade at the top of my arm is the base shade. It has a creamy texture and isn't shimmery. It's called Light Beige, but I'd call it Light Pink. The pink shade, called Pink Coral, does shimmer and is a gorgeous pink. I see no coral in the shade. I can wear it without looking like an albino bunny.  The peach, called Shimmer Pink Peach, doesn't have as much shimmer as the other shades, but it is shimmery - not glittery - shimmery. If it has a pink hue in it, I have to wonder about the individual who "saw" that when naming the shade.

The perfectly named Deep Brown has a touch of charcoal in it. I love the shade. Copper is a vibrant shade; it will make blue and green eyes pop. The shimmering white gold (boringly called Beige) is a great highlighter.

The shadows have a nice creamy texture, allowing for easy application and adherence to the skin. Most of the shades apply lightly and sheerly with a brush. Layer them for a more dramatic look.

Lancôme suggests you create a warm eye for summer by applying the soft peach tone all over the lid as a base and then applying the copper shade to the lid, extending the color up to the crease. For a smoky eye, apply the bronze shade across lower lid and up to the crease. Sweep the deepest shade around the lash line, then sweep the gold shadow from the brow down to the crease color to highlight under the brow bone. You can line your eyes with the deep brown shade, applied wet or dry.

Use them however you like; these are pretty colors that will give you a beautiful complement to the eyeliners, bronzers, and lip colors for Summer 2012.  Lancôme's new collection is definitely worth a look-see. I recognized some of the items as repromotes (for example, the large Tropiques Minérale Bamboo Bronzer Compact), so make sure you know what you have from 2010 and 2011 before you choose. I'll buy more of the Bronze Diva Collection - the new releases - when they arrive at the store.

The collection should be currently available at a Lancôme counter near you. I purchased this palette at Saks and found it online at Macys.com.

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

Coming Attraction: Chanel Rouge Coco & Rouge Coco Shine for Summer 2012

Here's a photo of the Chanel promotional picture of the Rouge Coco & Rouge Coco Shine lipsticks for Summer 2012. I'm looking forward to seeing (and purchasing) these. The Rouge Coco Shines are my favorites. All new shades for summer are expected to arrive in stores during May.

Inspired by a modern attitude, Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, will reveal three new shades of Rouge Coco ($32) and three new shades of Rouge Coco Shine ($32). Both of these lipsticks have earned a devoted fan base, not only for their exceptional moisturizing benefits, but also for their beautiful range of elegant, infinitely wearable shades. From shiny rosewoods to deep plums, the new selections will offer us the perfect combination of ease and elegance and provide even more options for flattering, everyday makeup looks. Oh so Chanel!

The new shades of Rouge Coco are Avant-Garde (pink brown), Magnolia (pink), and the limited-edition Culte (plum brown). Rounding out the Rouge Cocos featured for summer are three repromoted shades: Gardénia (soft pink), Camélia (pink), and Madémoiselle (rosewood).

The new shades of Rouge Coco Shine are Style (luminous beige), Sourire (intense pink), and the limited-edition Effrontée (rosewood). Three shades will be repromoted, meaning you are likely to see them on the Chanel displays: Aventure (shimmering pink), Liberté (sheer apricot), and Boy (natural rose).

The new shades are shown in the photo above.  Will you be in line with me?

Photo courtesy of Chanel

New: Natura Bissé Tolerance Enzyme Peel

When I experienced my Natura Bissé Pure Air Bubble Diamond White Facial, I was introduced to a new product, Tolerance Enzyme Peel ($150). I have used it since that time, and I'm totally smitten. This enzymatic peel for delicate skin must have been made for me - and possibly you?

Tolerance Enzyme Peel is an exceptionally effective and gentle exfoliator that was developed "based on cutting-edge cosmetic engineering with a blend of ingredients that emit ultra-soft vibrations and provide a multi-sensory experience."

Tolerance Enzyme Peel gently pampers the skin with a non-aggressive (granule-free) micro-exfoliation of the most damaged layers of the skin, revealing an even, smooth, soft, and luminous appearance. Ideal for all skin types, especially the most sensitive and delicate skins, Tolerance Enzyme Peel is formulated with prickly pear (opuntia ficus) and papaya (carica papaya) extracts that exfoliate and renew the skin from within by stimulating a natural self-exfoliating process. The peel also includes a botanical extract of chamomile that soothes, decongests, and maintains the skin’s natural pH balance and a sugar extract from bio-fermented zea mays along with other derma-soothing and moisturizing ingredients that will help you maintain a porcelain complexion. It does this without without causing any inflammation, redness, or feelings of discomfort. I can attest, through use, that it's ideal for the most sensitive and delicate skins. It was designed to work for all skin types.

I was afraid to try Tolerance Enzyme Peel. It contains salicylic acid, an ingredient that burns my skin on contact more often than not. I chatted for a long time with Michael Ann Guthrie, Natura Bissé's National Director of Sales, when she was at Neiman Marcus during "the bubble." She assured me that my skin wouldn't react to Tolerance Enzyme Peel, and she gave me samples to try (and later sent more). Michael Ann was absolutely, totally, 100% correct. Not only did it not irritate my sensitive skin, it improved it. What's totally amazing is that it "does its thing" in only a few minutes, which will leave anyone who says exfoliation is too much trouble at a loss for words.

Here are the benefits, according to Natura Bissé.

• Non-aggressive exfoliation
• Upon application to skin, the gel texture adheres to the epidermis and perfectly lifts off the dead cells
• Allows for exfoliation in the more delicate areas of the face (eye contour and lip area)
• Your skin is left smooth and velvety; its texture is visibly refined
• Deep sensation of well-being; your face breathes and glows with a natural radiance
• Ideal treatment to alternate with Natura Bissé's fabulous Glyco Extreme Peel during the resting periods
• Does not cause photosensitivity, but using sunscreen during the treatment (an SPF 30 at a minimum) is recommended

The experience of using Tolerance Enzyme Peel is extremely pleasant. Apply it with average thickness all over your face (and neck if you wish). Massage the product with ascending circular movements until the texture liquefies on the skin. That takes about a minute or less. Once the peel liquifies, you can wash it off, but you really should continue to gently massage your face for a short time, ensuring you dislodge any dead skin cells and dissolve impurities. Natura Bissé recommends that you then perform gentle friction maneuvers using the tips of the fingers, area by area, and always holding the skin. You don't have to perform that step (in my opinion); a gentle massage wherever you applied the product works just fine. Remove the excess product with a sponge moistened with warm water - or just wash it off as I do. It's easy to use, fast, effective - and best of all, gentle.

How does my skin look after I use Tolerance Enzyme Peel? Smooth, even-toned, pore-free, and glowing. It leaves me with a healthy, rosy glow (not red), a glow that I don't have naturally. My skin feels smooth and clean, without any dryness that might be caused by stripping the skin's moisture. It's a miracle!

I am absolutely in love with Natura Bissé's new Tolerance Enzyme Peel. It launched in February. By now, I'm sure Natura Bissé regulars will have tried it. If you haven't - for whatever reason - you must. This peel, designed for sensitive skin, will delight you, no matter what skin type you have. Can exfoliating be fun? It is now.

You can purchase Natura Bissé products at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, or you can shop at Natura Bissé's Web site (where there is currently an amazing gift with purchase). Definitely swing by the next time you see a Natura Bissé counter. Ask for a sample of Tolerance Enzyme Peel. I think you're going to love it as much as I do.

Photo courtesy of Natura Bissé

Coming Attraction: Soleil Tan de Chanel Luminous Bronzing Powder for Summer 2012

As longer days and warm, breezy nights herald the start of summer, Chanel will embrace the season with the Summer 2012 Collection by Peter Philips, Creative Director of Chanel Makeup. Philips has chosen to replicate the natural glow of sunbathed skin with luminous bronze, gold, and copper tones.

The Luminous Bronzing Powder ($60) will be available in two shades, each comprised of seven unique stripes of color, including a luminous gold. The bronzers will lend subtle hints of warmth and shimmer to every complexion.

A soft peach palette will bring a fresh glow to lighter skin tones, while a deeper pink harmony will lend radiance to darker skin tones. Blended together, the shades will create a seamless bronzing effect. Used on their own, the gold powders will illuminate the complexion, while the darker shades will sculpt the face when gently swept across the natural contours.

I have my eye on the lighter peach palette. You? The Luminous Bronzing Powder will ship to Chanel counters in mid-April. Stay tuned. I've got more summer previews coming up.

Photo courtesy of Chanel

BY TERRY Blush Terrybly Ultimate Radiance Blush in Erotic Pink

BY TERRY's Blush Terrybly Ultimate Radiance Blush ($75) in Erotic Pink (#2) is a beauty. Everything about the blush is elegant, from the oversized indigo blue carton through the purple satin drawstring pouch to the heavy zamak compact with a cleverly shaped brush to sit inside. Designed to sit in the palm of the hand, like a talisman to magically enhance your charm, the compact feels like something you'll want to use to glamorize your day. Some luxury-priced makeup doesn't wow with its presentation. Blush Terrybly does. Fortunately, this blush isn't simply about presentation. It combines gorgeous color with unique technology to prompt your skin to look its best.

Three of the seven pretty shades of Blush Terrybly reached out to grab me at our local SPACE.NK boutique. I'll show you Erotic Pink below, but first a few words about the technology behind the blush. Blush Terrybly boasts BY TERRY's Freshtone Technology, a proprietary formulation that concentrates vitamins and amino acids to boost cheekbone volume by stimulating the adipocyte skin cells (fat cells - really). The effect on the cheeks is uniquely lifting and volume enhancing. Basically, volume equals smooth, plump, and young skin.

The technology also boosts fibroblasts and promotes collagen stimulation, helping to slow the aging process by stimulating skin renewal. With the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, Blush Terrybly actively protects the skin against free radical damage.

The radiance that characterizes Blush Terrybly is a result of micro-prism and mineral pigments that make the skin glow. There are also silicon polymers for a smooth application. The blush is lightly fragranced with the divine scent of rose.

The pretty rose pink you see in the compact comes to life on the skin, with a pastel, natural color that sings spring. The powder is so nicely textured (no fall out from this one), it resisted my blush brush on first use. I "roughed up" the pretty surface of each compact - just a little - with a sponge-tipped applicator to encourage the compact to give up its treasures.

For my swatch photos, I applied Erotic Pink at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator at the top and with a dense blush brush below. Both applications were heavy. Sorry about my veins in the top photo. I try to get photos where they aren't so visible, but sometimes the best color renditions come hand-in-hand with my circulatory system. Maybe Erotic Pink excited my bloodstream (could the name be suggestive?).

This color is gorgeous on my skin - a rose pink that glows without shimmer. I love the way it makes me look. Does it make my cheekbones look more plump? I don't see it, but perhaps with continued use, I'll have a resculpted face with to-die-for cheekbones. For now, I'm perfectly satisfied with a beautiful blush.

I purchased my BY TERRY Blush Terrybly Ultimate Radiance Blush in Erotic Pink - along with two other shades - at the SPACE.NK boutique within Bloomingdale's at Tysons Corner Center. I'll show you the other two shades soon.

I've also got some big news for you. During Bloomies' beauty event, April 17-29, Best Things in Beauty readers will receive a deluxe Nuxe gift - a mask, toner, and mini body oil - with any purchase over $75 from the Tysons Corner SPACE.NK. They will provide free shipping for your purchases too. The gifts for BTiB readers will be offered in addition to the regular Bloomindale's gifts with purchase during the event. I will tell you all about the event later this week. For now, keep that special offer in mind if I show you something from BY TERRY that tempts you.

Photo at top courtesy of SPACE.NK; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Edward Bess All Over Seduction in Afterglow Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Lovethescents!

All Over Seduction ($38), an illuminator by genius beauty guru Edward Bess, magically creates naturally luminous skin and a radiant complexion. With its incredibly smooth finish, you can use All Over Seduction to highlight the eyes, cheeks, and lips for a glowing look that's lit from within.

The formula's light-reflecting pigments optically enhance the skin for an incredibly radiant complexion and impart a dewy veil of luminosity that lasts all day. It's available in two shades: Sunlight (champagne) and Afterglow (golden). It was one of the first Edward Bess purchases I ever made, and it was responsible for hooking me on Edward's luxurious makeup.

I have one All Over Seduction in Afterglow - the golden shade, perfect for summer - to give away. How can you enter to win this contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, April 7, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. I will carefully pack and ship the prize (as I always do). I cannot insure the prize for overseas shipment - it's amazingly expensive to do so because of the way I have to send insured mail. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it with another prize just like it. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail service does right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Edward Bess