A Funny Feature that Pale People Will Understand

I love this piece! Everyone with a pale complexion must see it. Check out Things Only Pale People Will Understand.

It's perfect. I couldn't have said it better.

Photo courtesy of buzzfeed.com

The Friday Forum - November 8

Acorns - the stuff of life for squirrels and future oak trees. Years ago - maybe eight - I planted an already large red oak because of the large acorns red oaks produce, which are ideal for my furry friends. Each year, I wait for fall to see if my squirrels were blessed with acorns. So far, nothing. I hope for next year. One year, we will see acorns. The tree has grown well. I even up up a fence to protect it from the undisciplined children who live behind me.

The best and biggest acorns in the general vicinity come from chestnut oaks. They grow at the top of a nearby hill. Each year I used to go uphill to collect them and bring some back to my house. There were plenty for their squirrels and mine. This year, I didn't go. Sadly, several neighbors who welcomed me onto their properties to collect acorns passed away. When I think about all the sweet neighbors I used to have, I get sad. Enough of that.

I placed a rather large order at Sephora early yesterday morning. I had filled my cart earlier this week. By the time I got online at 5:00 am, one item was already sold out: a new Guerlain nail lacquer. I'll live nicely without it. I spent too much, but the lure of that 20% discount got the best of me.

During the last two weeks, I have run out of my stockpile of two favorite hair products that were discontinued a long time ago. I was heartbroken, kicking myself for not ordering more when they were discontinued. I have finally run out of my all-time favorite hair spray, Suave Professional's Weather Protection 365. Fortunately, I found a Suave replacement at CVS: Max Hold Hairspray. I like it just fine. I've searched the earth for a suitable replacement for Catwalk's Frisky, a styling product. I can't find one. Potential replacements all have something wrong with them: a funky smell, too much weight, stickiness. My complaints are endless. At this point, I guess I'll have to return to a mousse. To Catwalk, you lost both me and my hair stylist when you discontinued Frisky. Your "replacement" wasn't even close. Isn't it disappointing when a company discontinues your favorite product? From bras to hairspray, it's personal.

I need to put in a plug for Luckyscent. Nearly each month, the company offers a sample pack for a small price - normally around $35. I seldom pass one up. The packs are a great way to try fragrances before you buy - and have an introduction to new houses or new fragrances. Last month, the pack included a sample of Indult's Tihota, and I have fallen in love with it.

Rapa Nui for sugar, Tihota is, quite simply, The One. The One that will call to you every moment you’re not smelling it; The One that you’ve only had hints of in other vanilla perfumes; The One that lasts and lasts; The One that has perfectly captured the essence of the pure nature of fresh vanilla beans and has harnessed it beyond your wildest dreams. It inspires obsessive devotion with its fragrance of smooth, vanilla bean pods dipped in honeyed water and left to steep. The result is the pure magic, an unbridled vanilla, sweet, raw and achingly desirable. Of course, Tihota isn’t the first perfume to focus on the dark sweetness of vanilla… perfumery is filled with vanillas, but this smells like the dream of a master perfumer who was obsessed with vanilla and was finally given free rein to worship the note with no apologies. It is, without a sliver of a doubt, the finest pure vanilla we’ve ever had the honor of carrying, and it’s so beautiful it pains us to put the bottle down.

To say Tihota is delicious would be an understatement. I'm not even a huge fan of vanilla fragrances, but Tihota captured me quickly. I must have a bottle. It was created by Francis Kurkdjian, a perfumer who creates fragrances for his own line, but many others as well. When I wear Tihota, I may smell like dessert, but if that translates into edible, I can't wait to hear the compliments. Just in case you haven't discovered this yet, men seem to love vanilla and other gourmand fragrances.

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.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Photos courtesy of blogs.venturacountystar.com, Suave, and Luckyscent

Favorites: Facial Masks from Chantecaille, Sisley, Natura Bissé, and RéVive

I'm a firm believer in masks. They treat the skin, feel good, and relax me. I will try almost any mask, although my favorites are those that hydrate my skin, even my skin tone, exfoliate, and/or infuse my skin with ingredients that will continue to work after I remove the mask.

I have a few favorite masks - the ones to which I turn regularly. Today, I'll name them. Please remember, I have dry, somewhat sensitive skin. If your skin is oily, the masks I use will not be the best ones for you. Fortunately, there are masks for every skin type - and some masks are suitable for all skin types.

Chantecaille's Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask ($79), shown at the top of this feature, is the one I use most often - simply because I treat it like a night cream, not a mask. I do not remove it. Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask soothes, brightens, and hydrates dry, irritated skin and is especially indicated for over-exposure to the elements. Jasmine is extremely effective in promoting cellular turnover without the potential irritation of acids.

The bulb from a special breed of lily oxygenates and purifies the skin, increasing microcirculation, reducing redness, and noticeably lightening dull complexions. Chamomile helps calms inflammation. Vitamin B5 aids in the repair of damaged tissue. Saccharides work to soften dry skin and contribute long-term moisture. Macadamia oil, rich in nutrients, is highly nourishing and moisturizing. Seaweed helps regulate sebum production for smooth, clear skin. Jasmine aligns the spiritual and physical for a sense of security in the body, a deeply centered and joyous feeling. Rose soothes and uplifts, helping to open the heart and promote a sense of well-being. Geranium has wonderful balancing properties, promotes healing, and stimulates the lymphatic system.

I apply this mask generously, then I leave it on my skin and go to bed. Most of it absorbs quickly. It does its work overnight, and when I awaken, my skin looks moisturized and refreshed. I love it.

Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask ($158) is another favorite. I have to admit that I love every one of Sisley's masks, and I frequently use them all (not at the same time). This one is my favorite. I even love the color of the tube.

Black Rose Cream Mask is the first Sisley mask enriched with anti-aging ingredients. A soothing mask rich in trace elements, vitamins, and plant extracts, it works instantly on the signs of aging and fatigue to restore vitality to the skin.

Smoothing and Plumping Actions
 
Extract of black rose will offer an instant tensor effect, smoothing with antioxidant properties.
Three anti-aging ingredients contribute to smoothing and plumping.

• Extract of alkekengi calyx, which has anti-collagenase and anti-free radical action;
• Extract of padina pavonica to stimulate the synthesis of GAGs;
• Vitamin E acetate to reinforce the skin's natural defenses.

Revitalizing Actions

• Extract of red vine leaf to tone skin and improve radiance
• Extract of chlorella to stimulate superoxide dismutase activity, which protects skin from free radicals
• Essential oil of geranium to stimulate the skin

Soothing and Softening Actions

• Extract of great mullein (new active ingredient) to fight free radicals and soothe the skin
• Shea butter, which protects, moisturizes, and soothes
• Pro-vitamin B5 to soften and moisturize
• Essential oils of rose and magnolia, also for soothing

Nourishing, Moisturizing, and Repairing Actions

• Vegetable glycerine to moisturize
• Phytosqualene, with emollient and moisturizing properties
• Shea butter to nourish and repair

Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask was an instant hit on introduction. Its one I will never be without.

Natura Bissé's Tolerance Enzyme Peel ($150) is a perfect mask for those with sensitive skin. I have used it since its introduction, 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 at first. It contains salicylic acid, an ingredient that burns my skin on contact more often than not. I chatted for a long time with Natura Bissé's National Director of Sales when she was at Neiman Marcus. She assured me that my skin wouldn't react to Tolerance Enzyme Peel, and she gave me samples to try (and later sent more). She 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. How perfect could it be?

RéVive Glycolic Renewal Peel ($295) was inspired by Dr. Gregory Brown's clinical work and the scientific heritage of the  brand. This high-performance, professional peel system for at-home use requires no downtime and produces no lingering redness. This advanced, easy-to-use, two-step, skin-transforming system reveals skin that looks younger, smoother, brighter, more even-toned and overall healthier – immediately and in the future.

The peel set comes with a jar of 30 Professional Cleaning Pads and a bottle of Professional Renewal Gel. There is glycolic acid in both, but at different concentrations. You are supposed to use the complete system one to two times per week at night. I think the instruction to use it at night is aimed at letting your skin rest and renew.

For Step 1, you use the Glycolic Renewal Peel Professional Cleansing Pad by gently sweeping it in circular motions across freshly cleansed skin to prepare the skin for Step 2 of the system. This is a refreshing step.

For Step 2, you squeeze a generous, quarter-sized amount of Professional Renewal Gel into the palm of your hand, and, using your fingertips, gently apply a liberal amount of the gel to your face. Leave it on for up to five minutes and then rinse it off with water. It may tingle a little bit during that five minutes. That tells me the peel is working, but if you feel the tingle is uncomfortable, wash it off at four minutes. It's as easy as that.

Follow with RéVive serum and moisturizer - or your favorite nighttime serum and moisturizer. I would not recommend using a serum or moisturizer with retinol immediately after the peel. RéVive recommends that you use an SPF moisturizer during the day for sun protection and to preserve results from the Glycolic Renewal Peel Professional System. You might also want to consider using the peel on your chest, shoulders, and the backs of your hands to achieve the same smoothing, exfoliating benefits. The glycolic acid in the peel is tempered by moisturizing and treatment ingredients, such as glycerin, pentylene glycol (humectant), arginine, and camellia oleifera leaf extract.

As always, Dr. Brown has created a perfectly crafted product for me - and I suspect his millions of other devotees. Each time I have used the peel, I have been thrilled with the results, which are immediate. My skin feels smooth (you get the imagery) and fresh to the touch, and I can see the results in the mirror. My skin tone is evened, and my skin glows the way healthy skin should. This peel works (unlike other new ones I've tried in the last year). It's pricey, but on a per-use basis, it's much less expensive than going for a peel at a spa, dermatologist's, or clinic.

I could write all night because there are many worthy masks. These are the ones I use most frequently, but they are not the only ones I use. I decide which mask to use based on what I think my skin needs, whether it be hydration, soothing, or exfoliation. I hope you will find one you like. It just takes trial and sometimes error.

 Photos courtesy of the brands mentioned here

NEST Fragrances White Sandalwood Eau de Parfum

NEST's new White Sandalwood Eau de Parfum ($25 or $65) surprised and delighted me. NEST sent me a rollerball to try, and I was thrilled to try it, given my love of all things NEST.

A sophisticated fragrance that combines white sandalwood from India and Australia with creamy almond, white musk, and exotic spices, this alluring fragrance balances sensual woody notes with decadent essences. It's just a tad sweet too, which shouldn't have surprised me, given the sweet nature of sandalwood.

Meticulously formulated by the world’s most accomplished master perfumers, NEST Fine Fragrances offers an extraordinary collection of signature scents. The first were introduced about a year ago.

White Sandalwood is housed in a a gorgeous glass bottle uniquely adorned with the original botanical artwork that inspired the fragrance. This artistic collaboration defines NEST Fragrances’ reverence for a modern, stylistic approach to perfumery. The NEST Fine Fragrances collection was inspired by the 18th century British artist, Mary Delany, who, at the age of 72, created a new art form, mixed-media collage. By cutting shapes of paper, painted to capture nature's colors, Mrs. Delany cut and designed them to mirror the exact likeness of various plants, including flowers. She became famous for having created over 1,000 cut-paper, botanically correct works of art.

Laura Slatkin, creator of the NEST Fine Fragrances Collection, explained, "While her work was highly regarded for her technique, what moved me was the actual beauty of her botanicals. There is an elusive, sensual quality to them that resonated with me. Her botanicals are beautiful works of art, and they inspired me to create my Fine Fragrances Collection. Slatkin selected the Russian artist Alexander “Sasha” Solodukho to interpret Delany’s work for the fragrances’ black glass flacons and outer packaging.

White Sandalwood blends some notes I like (with the exception of "exotic spices," which normally means I won't like a fragrance). The notes are white sandalwood, mimosa, acacia blossom, creamy almond, exotic spices, musk, and cedar. The style is described as sophisticated, exotic, and warm.

The first thing I smell when I apply White Sandalwood is almond. A few seconds later, the other notes cut in, leaving me with a slightly floral, very creamy almond that keeps my nose going back for more. As the fragrance dries down, I'm left with sandalwood and musk. To my nose, the exotic spices are missing (fortunately), and the cedar is barely there. I'd categorize White Sandalwood as a gourmand that will cross borders to please both floral and gourmand fans.

Sandalwood is widely used as a striking note in fragrances. The botanical illustration above is white sandalwood. Both the sandalwood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries. Sandalwood smells somewhat like other wood scents, except it has a bright and fresh edge with few natural analogues. Sandalwood has a rich, balsamic, sweet fragrance with delicate wood notes. The oil has a woody, exotic smell, subtle and lingering, and the color is pale yellow to pale gold. When used in small proportions in fragrance, it is an excellent fixative that enhances the "headspace" of other notes.

NEST's collection of fine fragrances debuted at Sephora in September. That means that this week you can use your V.I.B. discount to discover one or more. Each fragrance in the collection is available in a specially designed 0.27-ounce rollerball or a 1.7-ounce spray. There are two new scents: this one and Dahlia & Vines, which I purchased the minute it opened at Sephora. I'll be buying a bottle of White Sandalwood because the rollerball will not last me forever.

I'd highly recommend you check out White Sandalwood when you shop this week. It's an extremely pleasing fragrance, and it's definitely office-appropriate. I love the entire collection. This one vies with Midnight Fleur for my "favorite" designation.

Photos courtesy of NEST/Sephora; indianpublicmedia.org, and wikipedia

Favorites: Eye Treatments from Dr. Perricone, Kate Somerville, and Le Métier de Beauté

You have asked me to describe my skin care - what I use and why. I thought I'd start today with eye care. Before I tell you what I've been using lately - and I do mean lately - I need to explain a blogger's routine.

I often switch products. A company will send me a product to use, and I normally test skin care for a full month before I will write about it. As a result, it's rare that I use a single product for a year or more. Right now, I am using three products around my eyes - products I have used a year or more - but I continue to test new things. One new-to-me product that impresses me (so far) is Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Eye Serum. I love the glow it gives my under-eye area. It may make its way onto my more permanent list.

I usually wear a serum and a hydrator. I start with Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum ($115). I have been using it for over a year, and I love it. Claimed to be a first in skin-care technology, Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum topically replenishes the skin’s glutathione levels around the eye to dramatically reduce the visible signs of aging in the upper eyelid area and deliver a youthful, more awakened appearance. Additional benefits include dramatic tightness and firmness of droopy eyelids, smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimized redness and dark circles anywhere around the eye. The light, fast-absorbing texture of Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum also enhances make-up application by acting as a primer to help makeup glide on more smoothly and improve its wear throughout the day.

A patent-pending molecule, acyl-glutathione replenishes the glutathione levels in the skin. Glutathione is the chief, master antioxidant that rapidly depletes with age, stress, the environment, and less-than-optimal health. Its replenishment is critical to help the skin defend itself against accelerated aging. Glutathione deficits show up on the skin as fatigue, dullness, severe loss of elasticity, deep wrinkles, extreme loss of hydration, and visible change in skin texture.

Had I participated in the Perricone's test group, I would have been among those who saw dramatic results. I use Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum day and night. My concern was crepiness in the inside lid above the crease, closest to my nose. It happens to everyone with age, but I hate it. This serum clearly and significantly reduced that crepiness.

Dr. Perricone recommends applying the serum directly to the eyelid, working up to the brow bone in gentle patting motions. Also apply it to crow's feet and lower contours of the eye area. It takes only a few moments to absorb and then you can follow it with an eye cream if you wish (I do). There is no fragrance, and it is so lightweight, I cannot feel it on my skin. Additionally, a very tiny amount is adequate for coverage around both eyes; a light-handed pump is all you need. In short, it works!

I have been topping the serum with one of two eye creams/hydrators. One is Le Métier de Beauté's Revive Eye Concentrate ($175), which I adore. Revive Eye Concentrate with Syntoc Actif + HydrationPlus Complexe (to use its extended name) is an innovative eye treatment featuring a hydrating protein-peptide complex that penetrates the dermis to reduce puffiness and improve lymphatic circulation and elasticity. It's designed to repair and plump the delicate skin around the eyes. Using Le Métier de Beauté's exclusive Syntoc Actif delivery system, which delivers the active ingredients directly to the dermis where they are needed, it offers these key ingredients.

• Hesperidin methyl chalcone decreases capillary permeability to reduce edema (water retention that causes puffiness and even worse, slackening skin).
• A state-of-the-art dipeptide improves lymphatic circulation and further reduces edema.
• Palmitoyl tetrapeptide, a regenerating peptide that has been shown to improve elasticity and strengthen the skin around the eyes. It can slow or inhibit glycation and inflammatory damage too.

In the past couple of years, I have found eye creams with peptides to be enormously effective, and I'm a proponent of anti-glycation products. The experience of using Revive Eye Concentrate is extremely pleasing. I really like the pump container, although I'll admit I had to learn to use a light hand. The first few times I pumped, I got too much product. I used the excess around my mouth because I didn't want to waste it. I've got the touch perfected now. The only thing I might request to improve the container is the addition of a window. I'd like to know how much I'm using and when I'm approaching the day I need to buy a new one. One day I'll pump and get a spurt, and it's only then that I know I need to buy more.

The light pink, creamy serum smells like rose hip oil. It's a very light, pleasant fragrance that I smell on application, but not long after. I use it over and under my eyes. The concentrate absorbs rapidly, leaving the feeling and look of moisture on my skin without any greasiness that can interfere with makeup or trap water overnight. I have found that it's perfect for use on its own; I don't need any additional cream around my eyes. I am also enamored with the fact that my concealer or other products do not pill over it.

Even better, it works - really well. Since I started using it, I've noticed two major changes. The crepiness on the inner side of my eyes over the crease has been reduced significantly, making my eyes look younger and better, and the fine lines under my eyes have been blurred. I can crinkle my face (or smile) and force them to reappear, but they have definitely diminished. I've also experienced no puffiness in the morning - even after one nine-hour night sleeping on my side.

Early in my use of this product, I found the effects to be somewhat miraculous, so I tested it. I used a hydrating cream without peptides on one day and nothing on the next, a hide-out weekend day. I certainly noticed a difference. My areas of concern were back. That little test told me two things: 1) I need to use Revive Eye Concentrate every day, twice a day, as directed, and 2) a month's duration may not have produced lasting effects at the cellular level. That stands to reason, given a skin cell's life cycle. I've been using this product for two years. I would recommend Le Métier de Beauté Revive Eye Concentrate to everyone.

Another eye cream I love is Kate Somerville's KateCeuticals Multi-active Repair Lifting & Lineless Cream ($195), shown at the top of this feature. Rich and powerful, KateCeuticals Multi-Active Repair Lifting & Lineless Cream delivers unmistakable anti-aging results. This potent formula uses a proprietary blend of collagen-building peptides (there's that word again) to effectively tighten and lift the look of sagging skin, dramatically reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles with instant relief of dryness and long-term moisturization. Designed to renew and rejuvenate, this powerful formula creates a lifted look and bright, youthful glow. The following description from Kate Somerville describes the cream's merits.

• A proprietary blend of peptides stimulates collagen production, helps prevent the breakdown of elastin, increases skin’s moisture levels, and dramatically reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkle.
• Commiphora Mukul resin extract (from an Indian tree well-known in Ayurvedic medicine) produces a volumizing effect to plump the skin from within.
• Blackberry leaf extract inhibits the breakdown of collagen.
• Natural sugar beet root extract promotes collagen production and long-lasting hydration.
• A unique brightening complex, featuring natural herbal extracts, improves luminosity and evens out skin texture and tone.
• A special blend of soybean lipid extracts repairs the skin’s lipid barrier for long-term hydration.

Why do I love it? For the same reasons I love . It works. Not only that, I like the container, which dispenses just enough and not too much cream for one application. Press on the top and out pops a "dose." My makeup never rolls off in sheets when applied over it. You wouldn't believe how many eye creams can't handle normal color products like concealer or foundation.

I must mention another product that have pleased me enormously when I tested it: HydroPeptide Eye Anti-Wrinkle Dark Circle Concentrate ($60). I am currently testing a new product that's already showing me great results: RéVive Intensité Volumizing Eye Serum ($350).

There you go. Part 1 of my daily skin care. Bored yet?

Photos courtesy of Kate Somerville, Perricone MD, and Le Métier de Beauté's Revive Eye Concentrate

Tom Ford Lip Colors for Holiday 2013

It appears Tom Ford decided that a nude lip was the best accompaniment for his softly smoky eye for Holiday 2013. He has re-introduced two colors: Lip Color Shine in Bare (#05, $48) and Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Peach Absolut (#07, $45).

Bare Lip Color Shine is very sheer and shiny. It leans mauve on my lips, but it looks nude and natural because of its sheerness. It might be ghastly if it were opaque. My swatch photo below was taken in full sun.

Peach Absolu is an peach gloss that offers a warm contrast to a cool smoky eye. I took my photo below in full sun.

This lip gloss had much more pigment than Bare. It's a pretty shiny peach that will serve you year round.

I wanted to show you a photo of both shades together to emphasize the cool vs warm tones of the two. The photos above was also taken in full sun. I think it shows the contrast between the two shine-packed colors fairly well. Take your pick - warm or cool - there's a subdued shade for your holiday look.

If either interests you, call Dustin Lujan at the John Barrett Salon in New York City. I purchased them from him. You can reach Dustin at (212) 872-2714. They offer free shipping now too.

There is even more coming from Tom Ford for the holiday season. Stay tuned.

Update: I think Hillary Duff has the look down pat.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Sunday This and That - Upcoming Sephora Sale

Sephora's big November sale starts this week. I'm very excited about it because I've got my eyes on a few things. If you are a V.I.B., you should have received your discount code by now.

One thing that looks intriguing, but begs for a discount is Marc Jacob's I Lovemarc Collection ($350), a limited-edition holiday set featuring 13 Lovemarc Lip Gels encased in a luxe lacquer box. When you open the stylishly sleek Lovemarc Collection, a limited-edition set, appearing for this season only, you'll experience true luxury, they say. Enclosed in the lacquered jewelry box, you’ll find 12 shiny-black Lovemarc Lip Colors aligned like piano keys, plus the newest addition and center of attention, Marc’s realized vision of the perfect red: Showstopper. From the mysterious Moody Margot, to provocative Little Pretty, you will have an opportunity to discover the variety of true glamor and fall in love with a new shade each day.

You'll also have an opportunity to pick up that Bobbi Brown holiday palette you've been eying. Bobbi Brown's Sequin Shimmer Brick for Eyes ($48.50) will allow you to customize your shadow color with one quick swipe across all 10 shades, or use the bars individually to highlight as you go. Shimmer Brick imparts a soft wash of pearlescent color and is ideally packaged in a slender, mirrored compact. It's perfect for playing up your eyes for all the season's parties.

 Edward's Best ($75) is another pricey item you might want to buy with a discount. The blockbuster lip palette features eight lip colors in Edward's signature creamy formula, including six of his classics plus two limited-edition shades. The master of lip color has unveiled his bestselling lipsticks in a palette that pays homage to his famed Ultra Slick Lipstick. "Kiss and tell the difference with this super-creamy, hydrating formula that drenches your lips in a satin veil of rich, vibrant color. Achieve precise application every time with a full-size lip brush and a huge mirror (signed by Edward) for touch-ups on the go."

Looking for a nice fragrance deal? NEST's Eau de Parfum Coffret ($38) is a deal at its regular price. With a discount, you may feel generous and buy one for a beautiful holiday gift.  Feel radiant with Amazon Lily, romantic with Dahlia & Vines, sultry with Midnight Fleur, elegant with Passiflora, and irresistible with White Sandalwood. Each dab-on fragrance is housed in an attractive mini-glass bottle adorned with original botanical artwork. Packaged in a luxurious gift box, the Eau de Parfum Collection is an ideal way for you to experience each fine fragrance before graduating to a larger bottle. Meticulously formulated by the world’s most accomplished master perfumers, NEST Fine Fragrances is an extraordinary collection of signature scents.

I've started to cruise the site, doing a bit of advance work. There are so many nice things this season. I'm sure you are all doing the same. What's on your list for the sale? Are you ready to spend?

Photos courtesy of Sephora