Charlotte Ronson A Summer's Kiss Face and Body Glow

Fashion "it" girl Charlotte Ronson is best known for combining her effortless sense of style with her chic downtown designs. Charlotte is "bringing the same sensibility to her new beauty collection." Inspired by her friends and family, the line takes its direction from the different looks and lifestyles of her inner circle. There's a multi-tonal eye shadow palette for Nicole Richie; a weightless, nonstick gloss for her DJ sister Samantha; and a luminous light-filtering powder for Rashida Jones.



The entire collection is designed around her muses - their different routines and diverse beauty - appealing to a wide range of women who want to look pretty on-the-go without trying too hard. Every product seamlessly transitions from day to night and is especially portable and easy to use. Plus, the formulas are infused with light-adjusting technology so you look flawlessly radiant in every cast of light, no matter what spotlight you find yourself under.



I was surfing Sephora and saw Ronson's A Summer's Kiss Face and Body Glow ($18). As a total illuminator junkie, I had to have it. The price was right, so into my cart it went.



When it arrived, I was extremely happy with my initial tests. The color is a bronze gold with just a hint of rose gold. My first impression was, Wow!" The liquid illuminator/bronzer definitely adjusts its shimmer and glow based on the lighting.



Here are two swatch photos of a heavy application at the top of my arm, with a lighter, more normal one below. I applied both swatches with a concealer brush and took my initial swatch photos in full sun.



I decided to test A Summer's Kiss for longevity by leaving the swatch on my arm and going off to run errands. I went to CVS, got some things for my mother, delivered them, and came directly home. At no time during my foray did the inside of my arm get an excessive workout. The product didn't fare well on my arm. By the time I got home, there was little left.



The swatch photo at right was taken with some clouds overhead that moved in while I was gone. As you can see, the color wore off significantly. There was some color and some sparkle left, but the pizzazz was gone.



Interestingly, the color persists nicely on my face. With sunshine or strong indoor light on my face, A Summer's Kiss is a pretty, gleaming, shimmering medium-toned bronze-gold. With less light, it shows me less gleam and more color. It's cooling when I apply it.



The active ingredients, listed at Sephora, include:

• Nano-fine titanium dioxide and alumina: work synergistically to create a soft-focus effect by absorbing, reflecting, and scattering light;
• Multidimensional pigments: creates differentiating shimmer and luminosity effects;
• Capric/caprylic triglyceride and xctyl palmitate: help keep the skin soft, supple, and moisturized; and
• Vitamins C and E: strong antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.

My conclusions about A Summer's Kiss? It's a pretty facial illuminator or shimmering bronzer in a color most of us can wear, and the price is very reasonable. It only fails the test as a body bronzer. You only need a tiny amount of product to achieve a pretty look, so the three-ounce tube should last a long time if you are wearing it only on your face.



Charlotte Ronson's A Summer's Kiss Face and Body Glow is exclusive to Sephora. I bought mine online. You can see Ronson's complete collection at Sephora.



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

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Philosophy Divine Illumination Blushing Bronzer Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to MamaVal!

Philosophy's Divine Illumination Blushing Bronzer is a three-in-one multitasking satin-finish illuminating powder. It will give you a fresh, lively blush of color and make your face glow with the warmth of a subtle bronzer. It's available in four shades. I have one to give away in Light.



This lovely powder is perfect for anyone who wants instant color and vibrance and the perfect blend of blush and bronzer in one sweep. It's suitable for all skin types.



Why is it different? This blushing bronzer is designed to give you the perfect balance of blush and bronzer in one easy sweep for a classic, fresh glow. Featuring a unique blend of shades, this product was created to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect bronzer and blush for your skin tone. Micro-fine pigments help the color blend seamlessly and evenly for a silky, satin finish that won't settle into fine lines or imperfections. Use it on your cheeks or anywhere you want a healthy, happy glow that looks lit from within.



How can you enter to win? Here's the "fine print."



There are a few simple steps. First, all you really have to do is leave a comment on this feature. After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com 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).



You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers.



You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I have tweeted the contest, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. Only one tweet will be counted as an entry. I appreciate multiple tweets, but it's not necessary.



The deadline for entries will be Saturday, August 13, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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 won't be able to replace it with another. 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.



Good luck!



Photo courtesy of QVC

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Guerlain Mosaic Tan-Enhancing Bronzer for Face and Décolleté

I am such a pushover when it comes to pretty compacts! When I saw Guerlain's Mosaic Tan-Enhancing Bonzer ($69) while surfing Sephora, it went into my cart immediately. The limited-edition bronzer for face and body arrived a few days after I placed my order. It's HUGE.

This summer, Guerlain introduces an ultra-chic limited-edition essential accessory for your tan. The secret of its radiance? A mosaic of sun-kissed shades with ochre and gold tones to illuminate your look. Apply Terracotta Mosaic to the face, shoulders, neck, and décolleté to enhance any tan with a subtle shimmery effect.

What did I find the first time I applied it? You don't need to have a tan to achieve a flattering sun-kissed look. The many shades in the compact are captured in Sephora's photo (at top) better than mine (at right). With multiple shades of brown, threaded with gold, the mosaic shades blend on the skin to offer a pretty light tan shade that's buildable. Brush it on lightly, and you will glow. Apply it with a heavier hand, and you'll look like you spent your holiday at the beach.

Here are a couple of swatch photos, taken in sunshine. To ensure I got enough color for the photos, I used a sponge-tipped applicator and ran it across the shades in the compact, left to right, making sure to hit all the colors. There's a heavy swatch at the top of my arm and a lighter one below. When applied with a brush, the shade is even lighter, making it wearable by us pale-faces as well as gals with darker skin or those who have been working on a tan.

There is some shimmer in the color, but not the kind that will make you look unnatural or sparkly. It's a pretty sheen. There is also a fragrance in the powder. It's not overwhelming to my nose.

This was a good blind pick at Sephora. While the price seems steep, the compact is huge. I imagine it will last me almost five years! Mosaic Tan-Enhancing Bronzer is available online only at Sephora.

For those of you who are Sephora V.I.B.'s, V.I.B. weekend starts today. Use code VIBHATBOX at checkout, and you will receive an eight-piece deluxe sample set with any $35 purchase. Double points too. If you are a V.I.B., you should have received an in-store coupon in your e-mail.

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

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Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Roshana!

Named InStyle's Best Bronzing Powder for 2011, Guerlain's Terracotta Bronzing Powder creates a natural-looking tan, whatever your complexion. Its unique texture has always been Guerlain's not-so-well-kept secret. It leaves no harsh lines of demarcation, only a sheer, natural, radiant, luminous tan. Its formula, enriched with moisturizing ingredients, doesn't dry out the skin. It will leave you with a sun-kissed glow.

"With tiny flecks of gold, peach, and a hint of rose swirled in, this powder gives skin a Bali (not Broadway) glow and won't muddy fair complexions," makeup artist Nick Barose told InStyle. I'd say that's a great description.

I hear #02 is the most popular shade because it's universally flattering. Courtesy of a friend in the industry, I have one to give away. I think that's pretty exciting. Let's have fun with this giveaway contest. You might want to tell us why you want/need this bronzer in the comments. I want it "just because" is a perfectly acceptable reason. I have the I-wants all the time.

How can you enter to win? Here's the "fine print."

There are a few simple steps. First, all you really have to do is leave a comment on this feature. After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com 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).

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. Only one tweet will be counted as an entry. I appreciate multiple tweets, but it's not necessary.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 30, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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 won't be able to replace it with another. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail services do right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

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NARS Sweet Disposition Mini Multiple Set Giveaway Contest

During our last holiday season, NARS released a fabulous collection of three mini Multiples for eyes, lips, and cheeks in shades that shimmer, highlight, and sculpt. The Sweet Disposition Holiday Mini Multiple Set ($40) has three fabulous shades: Orgasm, Luxor, and Malibu. I must have purchased four sets (extreme love), and I have one set to give away.

I love NARS Multiples, and the mini sizes are perfect for throwing in my handbag. Essential for your year-round glow, the cult-favorite and iconic Multiple is ideal for creating shimmering accents and dynamic highlights for all skin tones, and the creamy formula blends effortlessly. These multitasking masters are a must-have for on-the-go glamour and glow. These three shades give you everything - a highlighter, a pretty peachy pink shade that's a perfect blusher, and a bronze shade that you can use for many purposes. Just perfect!

Last year, I took a swatch photo to show you how pretty the shades are. From top to bottom, Malibu (pink-toned brown), Luxor (iridescent pink), and the world-famous Orgasm (peachy pink with shimmer). I applied each without blending (yes, I got a little messy there at the bottom), and my photo was taken in full sun. Aren't these nice?

How can you enter to win? Here's the "fine print."

There are a few simple steps. First, leave a comment on this feature. After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com 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). That's all you have to do to be entered.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) or my Twitter account, @BTiBeauty. That will earn a second entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. Only one tweet will be counted as an entry. I appreciate multiple tweets, but it's not necessary.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 9, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. 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. If it's lost or stolen in transit, I won't be able to replace it with another. I'll do my best on this end; let's see if your mail services do right by you on the other end if we have an overseas winner.

Good luck!

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom

More about → NARS Sweet Disposition Mini Multiple Set Giveaway Contest

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder in Bronze

Tarte's new Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder in Bronze ($28) is goof-proof! Want a bronzer you can't overdo? Check! Want a bronzer that will leave you looking like you had a week at the beach, without the expense? Check! Prefer to use makeup that's good for your skin? Check! Tarte has you covered.

Like the original, this micronized clay finishing powder mattifies the skin, minimizes the appearance of pores, and replenishes all skin types, while adding a natural touch of bronze to your complexion. This silky smooth finishing powder glides on evenly and imparts a healthy, natural warmth. The skin-smart Amazonian clay, nature's perfect ingredient, acts as a total skin balancer by reducing dryness and flakiness, improving clarity and texture, and removing surface oil to mattify skin for a soft and flawless lit-from-within finish. I know it seems counterintuitive that the powder could leave a matte finish while giving you a glow, but it manages - somehow. It even works to replenish and rehydrate the skin, with Tarte's Amazonian clay, natural pigments, and skinvigorating ingredients. It's formulated without mineral oil, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic dyes or fragrances. Good for your skin - good for your looks!

The container has a plastic insert with one hole in the middle. You are supposed to press on both sides of the sifter hole to dispense the powder. It was designed to release just the right amount of powder for one application, without leaving you to worry about getting powder all over the place. Just use a fluffy brush and apply the powder all over the skin, or wherever you want to glow (the high points of the face, jawline, neck).

That little hole didn't suit me, so I started trying to pry the insert out of the container with a very small screwdriver. It was tenacious; Tarte designed it to stay there! I succeeded, but unfortunately chipped a small piece out of the lip of the screw top. No matter, once the cap is re-attached, there will be no drying inflow of air. Why did I do that? Because I'm pretty good at sweeping just the right amount of powder onto my brush, shaking off the excess, and applying it with ease. That worked for me quite well when applying this powder. That's not to say you should take my lead. The little dispensing hole should work for most because a little goes a long way. However, if you want to do your own thing, and if you have more patience than I do (take your time), you can flip out that little plastic insert without chipping anything!

The color is a beautiful sunlit bronze. Here's a photo of the powder, which you can see has a golden, matte bronze tint. I applied a swatch of the powder to my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and struggled to get a photo that would show you that it has just a teeny tiny hint of pink/peach in it. That's what makes it so perfect for my skin! Many of us, particularly those with light coloring, tan naturally with a pink/peach hue. Tarte's Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder in Bronze looks natural on my face.

My swatch photo was taken in full sun, and I applied the bronzing powder to my arm very heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. The slight shimmer you see is sunlight. The yellow you see is a bruise. Concentrate on the left side of the swatch photo, and you'll see the beauty of the shade. I hope you can see the slight pink-peach tone of the bronze. It's so pretty!

I already deemed 2011 the year of the bronzer. Here's another one that should send every makeup-loving gal to the store for peek. Don't let this one disappear before you get there. I'll bet you come home with it! It's a great value and competes extremely favorably with bronzers twice the price. I'm lucky - Tarte sent mine for a look-see. I'll be using it often.

You can purchase Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder in Bronze from Tarte, Sephora, Ulta, QVC ($42 there, with a brush included), and beauty.com. You really need to try it.

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

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Paul & Joe Beauté Limited-Edition Collection for Summer 2011

Very recently, I dipped my toes into the Paul & Joe Beauté line. Paul & Joe Beauté is a collection of makeup, skin care, and accessories designed by Paul & Joe fashion designer Sophie Albou. I don't know why I had dismissed the line as being a little "young." Maybe it is, but I was smitten with the gorgeous sea blue colors of the Summer 2011 Collection and decided to try a couple of items. Doesn't the scene above want to make you dip your toes in the ocean?

According to b~glowing, Paul & Joe cosmetics are for women who are totally self-aware and fueled by an inner confidence. Paul & Joe makeup and skin-care products are said to create women who are brimming with so much determination to enjoy life that they may seem a little hedonistic - savvy, stylish, and not afraid to address their needs and desires. Women who have these qualities, and at the same time project charm, passion, and compassion. These are the women for whom Paul & Joe Beauté is made. Who could argue with that?

I ordered three items. Naturally, I wanted the Bronzer B - Siren 001 bronzer/blush compact ($40). It looked like the signature piece in the collection, with the breathtakingly cute sea life design nestled into a baby blue compact that includes a mirror and a fairly useful brush for travelers, shown in my photo below left.

The oil in Bronzer B allows the powder to glide on smoothly and evenly leaving a luxurious veil of sun-kissed color, while the water-repellant properties ensure perfect coverage of skin imperfections and blemishes. This perfectly paired duo is just the burst of color your skin needs to look suntanned and stunning without standing in the sun all day.

Yes, I know I have quite a few new bronzers - enough to last a lifetime. I saw Bronzer B as a hybrid, a mix of a blush and bronzer, and I was right. Fair-skinned gals can use it as a bronzer, but anyone with light- or medium-toned skin will consider it a pretty, summer blush. For those with dark skin, I think it will get lost. When I received it, I had no idea why the directions say we should sweep the color over the entire face. I thought that would be a little too colorful.

My swatch photo is muddied by my bruised arm (sorry). I applied the powder with a sponge-tipped applicator at the top of my arm so that I could get enough pigment to show you that it's a very light peach shade with just a hint of brown (no pink). The green arrow points at that swatch. I also applied the powder with its brush in a large swatch below the arrow. I hope you can see the subtle peachy color in the center of my arm. It's very light. The color near the edge of my arm (at the right in photo) is bruising from my "Chanel fall." It's darker than the blush. Bronzer B has a glow, but no shimmer.

Is this piece a must-have? No, I wouldn't go that far. It's a very nice summer blush for me. I will use it as a blusher and to add color to the high points of my face. Maybe I could sweep it over my entire face; it's so light, it wouldn't look like a bronzer mishap. It will be hard to overdo the color.

After one sweep of my brush, the Paul & Joe logo was gone. The sea creatures are stamped into the powder, so they will stick around a little longer. The pretty blue compact will be around as long as the powder, but it is plastic. If you purchase Bronzer B, don't drop it on a ceramic tile floor - or leave it where a rambunctious Bengal can get to it.

You can find Paul & Joe Beauté at b~glowing, Beautyhabit, and DermStore. I'll show you the eye shadows I purchased either later today or tomorrow. What say you? Have you used Paul & Joe?

Photos at top courtesy of b~glowing; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick for Body Giveaway Contest

Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick for Body ($75) is a luxurious, radiant "bronzing/illuminating" powder that can be used to create head-to-toe glamour. The lightweight, silky powder can be used on arms, legs, décolleté, or anywhere you want to glow - including your face! The deluxe oversized compact features three shimmering bars of color. It's easy to select only one of the shades if you want because the compact is large.

I love mine (one of my all-time favorite shimmer bricks) and was able to find one for a giveaway contest. Actually, I purchased two when I found it - one for my "stock" and one for one of you. This Shimmer Brick for Body sold out at some of the stores and remains hard to find, although it's available at Bobbi Brown's Web site and Neiman Marcus (Bloomingdale's too, I think). There might be an outcry if the company discontinues it without a replacement!

How can you enter to win this contest? Easy! Just leave a comment here once. After you comment, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com 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).

You can "earn" a second entry by tweeting this contest. Just make sure to include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) in your tweet. I will tweet the contest later today, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry. You can earn a third entry by following the blog - either here or on Twitter (any entrant who is already a follower will automatically earn the follower point, but you can save me time by telling me you're a follower in your comment). I can't track followers through a third-party service, so you need to be on Google's list for me to verify the entry.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, June 18, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. 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 will be open to anyone anywhere in the world. I will ship the prize uninsured (the insurance costs way too much). I will also provide proof of shipping, if necessary. I will take a chance that both mail systems - the winner's and mine - will deliver the box without loss, theft, or destruction!

My contests are a way to give back to you for all the friendship you bring me. Thank you - and good luck!

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

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Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzing Glow Liquid As If It Were Summer Still...

I received Rouge Bunny Rouge Bronzing Glow Liquid As If It Were Summer Still... ($99.26) at the start of summer. Even so, I appreciate the wishful thinking of its title, imagining that feeling we experience as autumn's chill descends, like a curtain on the last act of summer.

I delight in the descriptions provided for Rouge Bunny Rouge's products on Zuneta's Web site. I can't compete with the whimsy!

When the Sun-God cries tears of joy, each precious drop is collected by the Fire Sprites in the Enchanted Garden. These precious drops are sent to all corners of the realm to bring the light and delight of summer, in all seasons, in all weathers.

The Order of Rouge Bunny Rouge recreated this liquid enchantment in a bottle to polish your skin to a natural, even, and radiant blissed-out halo of warmth. The subtle softness of the golden micro-particles contained within its heart will burnish you to glistening silk, all laid out on a reserved bed of summer.

Anoint yourself, with this delicately exotic liquid, to remind you of spinning until light-headed under the dreamy light of the sun on a mid-summer's day. Gloriously glamorous and inexorably captivating, you'll be transformed into a Sun Angel, even in the midst of the greyest winter.

This liquid formula of the future will magnify your youth and summer glow timelessly. Giving a transparent, extremely luminous and smoothing finish. The health and beauty of the face and body are emphasized beyond comparison, by a natural lighting effect.

This Bronzing Glow Liquid illuminates while it bronzes. The glow it provides is gorgeous, and you can apply it sheerly for a touch of warmth or layer it for a bronze goddess look. Because the intensity of the application is up to each user, this bronzer will work for everyone who wants a summer glow. The shade is an incredible, luminous, shimmering brown. There isn't a trace of orange. It looks pretty on my pale skin, and I'll bet it would look equally good on medium and dark complexions. I enjoy a laugh when my chocolate-skinned friends tell me they need a bronzer. They have no idea how envious I am of their ageless, gorgeously warm skin.

Not only is Bronzing Glow Liquid great for a glow, it's packed with ingredients that are good for our skin. It contains hyaluronic acid and a mix of triglycerides to moisturize and smooth the skin. Grape seed oil will help restore the elasticity of the skin. I love makeup that multitasks. I also love makeup that looks nice in its packaging and container. Each Rouge Bunny Rouge gem is cleverly decorated with a design from the Enchanted Garden.

There is no question that Bronzing Glow Liquid As If It Were Summer Still... is pricey. Basically, it's $100 U.S. dollars. A little goes a very long way, so I doubt anyone could use a whole bottle in less than a year, particularly if the product is limited to the face, neck, and décolleté. I wouldn't recommend using it as a full body bronzer. I think it's too expensive for that, even if the Product Application Guide at Zuneta shows it being applied to a model's arms, discusses using it over the whole body, and incidentally mentions the face. However, there's plenty in the bottle if you want to go full-on bronze.

The bottle has a long "paddle" inside for drawing out the product. You can use the tip of the paddle to apply a dab to your palm and apply it from the palm with either your fingers or a brush.

I wanted to show you a swatch photo. My swatch was "messy." The contents of the bottle expanded a bit in transit (as liquids often do during air travel), so I took a dab of this liquid gold from the rim of the bottle with my finger to spread on my arm. My photo was taken in full sun, but the shimmer you see is the bronzer. I applied it heavily for this photo.

I've tried Bronzing Glow Liquid on my face, applying it lightly to the high points of my face, as well as my neck and my chest. I think it looked fabulous, and it did not transfer to my clothing. I let it dry before I dressed.

I've become such a Rouge Bunny Rouge addict. As I've mentioned recently, Zuneta's customer service, helping me (or you) select colors online is superlative. The shipping from the U.K. is free to U.S. customers who order enough. I haven't had any trouble achieving the free shipping level. I've done it multiple times! There's even more Rouge Bunny Rouge to come here at Best Things in Beauty - more of the Enchanted Garden...maybe a few more Fire Sprites. If you missed my earlier features, just scroll down (a few pages).

You can find the Rouge Bunny Rouge Web site at this link. They have a Facebook page here. Head over to Zuneta to browse and order. Just remember, with the currency exchange, you can expect to pay a little more than you might normally pay for exclusive, luxury cosmetics in the U.S.

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

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Lancôme Bronze Sensations for Summer 2011

Lancôme has new bronzers for summer 2011 - to help you go from zero to sun-kissed in minutes. There's something for everyone with the new Star Bronzers. Star Bronzer Long Lasting Bronzing Powder Natural Glow ($35) has a soft shimmer, while Star Bronzer Long Lasting Bronzing Powder Natural Matte ($35) offers those who prefer a matte bronzer just as many shade choices. It's been the season for fabulous new bronzers!

Natural Glow is available in three shades: 01 Lumière, 02 Solaire, and 03 Riche. This sheer silky-light powder delivers a natural sun-kissed glow in any season. The light-reflecting pigments ensure a radiant, glowing result. The lovely, smooth texture blends effortlessly and evenly for a beautiful glow.

Natural Matte is equally pretty! The blend of mineral pigments and absorbent micro-spheres ensures long-lasting smoothness and a perfect matte finish for your skin. Like its sister bronzer, if offers a fine texture that blends effortlessly, and Lancôme says the finish does shine or dull throughout the day. Natural Matte is also available in three shades: 01 Suntan, 02 Sunkiss, and 03 Sunbath. Cute names!

Both bronzers are suitable for all skin types, oil-free, and fragrance-free (yea!). Lancôme promises they will not promote acne.

As you would expect, so far I've purchased the lightest shade in each formula. I wanted to show you my photos of the two compacts to illustrate the difference in their finish. Suntan, the Natural Matte one is shown at left. Lumière, the slightly shimmering Natural Glow bronzer is shown above. I call Natural Glow shimmering because I can see subtle shimmer in the compact and on my skin. It's not at all over-the-top, and I think even matte lovers may find Natural Glow enticing.

I waited until very late in the day to get outdoor swatch photos for you. I had, after all, had a makeup trip to heaven earlier in the afternoon. For my swatch photos, I applied each bronzer with a sponge-tipped applicator, heavier than I would apply it on my face. I applied Suntan at the top of my arm and Lumière below it. Even though they are both the lightest shades available, Lumière is the lightest of the two. You wouldn't realize that by just looking at the compacts.

I doubted my own photos when I looked at the swatches. I knew I had applied Suntan (matte) at the top of my arm, with Lumière below. However, the compacts tell a different story. I double-checked everything today - just to ensure I wasn't on some kind of makeup high when I took my photos. I know I tried to apply the bronzers with the same number of applicator swipes. If you look carefully, you can see that the bottom swatch does has shimmer, while the top one doesn't.

The two photos were taken in different, but fading, light. Because I love both bronzers, I wanted to go ahead and show them to you. Suntan is perfect for contouring, and Lumière adds a pretty glow that I've swept all over my face. Natural Glow is so natural, I think even shimmer phobes will like it. Neither appears to be orange on me - a common problem with bronzers on my fair skin tone.

The starburst pattern stamped into these new bronzers makes them as pretty in the compact - at least for now - as they are on the skin. I think Lancôme has a hit on its hands. You can find the new Lancôme collections for summer at Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor, Saks, other Lancôme counters, and Lancôme-usa.com. I had not found the colors at Nordstrom Tysons as of Tuesday.

Don't forget Camp Gorgeous at Neiman Marcus through this weekend. Friends & Family is ongoing at Lord & Taylor. They are offering a 10% discount in the beauty department. If you didn't get the card, ask for the discount anyhow.

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

More about → Lancôme Bronze Sensations for Summer 2011

Gleam with GLEAM Body Radiance

GLEAM Body Radiance ($40) is one of the nicest lightly shimmering body tints I have ever used. I was contacted by a sweet PR guy about GLEAM, and he told me that GLEAM Body Radiance was created by Melanie Mills (the former Emmy Award-winning head makeup artist for Dancing with the Stars), and it had been used on the celebrity contestants and dancers for years. My first thought was, "Too flashy for me!" I lead a relatively simple life. My curiosity had been piqued, though, and I sent him my address for samples. When they came, I flipped.

It really is an amazing product. The show's producers have recently made it mandatory that all participants on Dancing with the Stars use the product! The line became available nationwide this month. One of its nicest features (among nice features) is that it comes in four different shades and can be used on every skin tone and type (it has been used by everyone from Kirstie Alley to Kim Kardashian to Jennifer Hudson).

Melanie is a talented gal. She's been doing face and body makeup, not only for Dancing, but also for other shows and celebrities, including Jennifer Grey, Brandi, Susan Lucci, Jane Seymour, Kelly Osbourne - and many more. She has worked at the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and American Music Awards. While I didn't know her, she is clearly a well-known professional. I had to wonder if the artist touching up Lauren Alaina's legs, after the darling girl's "pantyhose ripped," was using GLEAM Body Radiance. Lauren's legs looked better than ever.

GLEAM Body Radiance is a body makeup that hydrates, perfects, and nourishes while imparting a glowing, velvety radiance to the skin. It enhances and perfects the skin's appearance and fills wrinkles to provide an airbrushed look. Even more exciting, it contains all-natural ingredients - vitamins and botanicals - that slow the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Because it's available in four shades, there's a perfect shade for each of us.

GLEAM Body Radiance is made with water and olive oil, jojoba seed oil, safflower seed oil, the antioxidants Japanese green tea and white tea, aloe leaf extract, and brown seaweed (a hydrating marine extract that stimulates synthesis of hyaluronic acid and increases elasticity). That lineup will excite any skin-care fanatic.

GLEAM can be used on the face (I know where I'll be using Light Gold), neck, and all over the body. With four shades available, there's one for everyone. It should be used on dry, clean skin, with no other lotions or products for maximum transfer-resistant efficacy. I have used it, and I'm pleased that it did not stain my clothing. It is not waterproof. GLEAM Body Radiance is lightly scented with a hint of vanilla - it smells fresh and clean. It's extremely subtle and will not clash with your fragrance. If you plan to wear it while sunning, it's best to spritz an oil-free sunscreen over it once GLEAM has set.

Light Gold is an ethereal ray of sunlight, the lightest formulation of GLEAM, with a pale yellow base that counteracts ruddy and reddish skin undertones. It has a pure, creamy finish for light to medium skin tones. It will camouflages stretch marks, scars, and other light imperfections and impart a subtle dewy glow. I love it on my face.

Rose Gold is Melanie Mills’ signature color and her personal favorite - mine too. This shade is the original color created by Melanie for the “golden glow” that all Dancing with the Stars celebrities and pro dancers have worn for the camera. Melanie wanted this creamy potion to emulate real rose gold and be like liquid metal for the skin.

Bronze Gold is pure bronze, like a shining statue, and has a yellow-orange undertone. Bronze Gold is the third deepest shade, perfect for medium to deep skin tones.

Deep Gold is a pure, luminous chocolate soufflé, with red velvet undertones, that never looks ashy on darker skin. Beautiful and rich, this deep metal shade delivers a glow for the most melanin-rich skins, helping to hide pigment patches, scars, stretch marks, and dark knees and elbows.

I applied all four shades with my finger and barely blended them for my swatch photos, taken in outdoor sunlight. If I were to blend them well, I could wear even the darkest shade. In fact, the first one I tried, Deep Gold, is the darkest, and I was blown away by the gorgeous tint it left on my skin. I realized I could finally be bronze goddess - without sun exposure. Why didn't they have products like this when I was in college, baking my skin with baby oil and sun, trying to look tan like the rest of the girls?

The swatch photo above left shows, from top to bottom, Light Gold, Rose Gold, Bronze Gold, and Deep Gold. I am going to be penniless after I purchase the full sizes of all four shades. Maybe you will have more discipline than I do. I love GLEAM!

I zoomed in on Light Gold and Rose Gold in the photo at right. I get weak in the knees over rose gold makeup (and jewelry), and the Rose Gold shade did it to me too. It's hard to find words to describe its beauty. I think you can see in the photo why I find Light Gold a perfect illuminator for my face.

I didn't want to leave you dark-complexion gals out, so I also took a close-up of Bronze Gold and Deep Gold for you. I love the rose tint in Deep Gold. I think that's why I like is so much, even though it wasn't designed for my pale skin.

Remember, I barely blended these shades for the swatch photos. I wanted to get maximum impact for the photos. Once you blend them, your skin will have an incredible appearance. Be careful; you could get hooked on GLEAM!

You can purchase it from the GLEAM Web site. Please see the comments for more information. GLEAM Body Radiance is also available at three California retail shops. Go look!

Photos at top courtesy of GLEAM Body Radiance; swatch photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - Compact Soleil in St. Barth's

Want to look this good? You can with a little help from Chantecaille! Perfect skin and teeth won't hurt, but the elegant makeup is all Chantecaille. The Summer in St. Barth's shades have launched.

Over the next few days, I'll be showing you how to duplicate the eyes, cheeks, and lips from the Summer in St. Barth's look. Today, let's take a look St. Barth's Compact Soleil ($45) bronzer. Olivia Chantecaille (above) is wearing St. Barth's, which imparts a beautiful, sun-kissed look that's light and perfect for those who fear bronzers. St. Barth's is a sheer brown that will leave us pale faces with a natural look, one that doesn't scream, "Bronzer!" The shade was inspired by Chantecaille's Le Tigre Bronzer.

St. Barth's was lightly dusted on the highest points of Olivia's face with Chantecaille's Face Brush - on her cheekbones, chin, and forehead. She's also wearing BIWA Poudre de Perle, which I will show you as soon as I can get good photos.

Don't let the look of this bronzer in the compact - or its photo online - influence your impression of the shade. It's one of the most wearable bronzers I have ever purchased. No special technique, such as a very fluffy brush and light hand, is needed to get the right touch with St. Barth's. It's goof-proof.

Compact Soleil captures the wonderful effects of the sun without any of the harmful effects of UV rays. This incredibly natural-looking bronzer is the result of the latest micronizing technology that creates an ultra-fine powder with a silky, glowing finish. Gingko biloba and wild rose work together to heal and protect the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. It's cruelty-free, with no animal derivatives, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.

I took my photos outdoors in sunlight. You can see the reflections on the pretty silver-toned compact in the photo above. St. Barth's is sheer and flattering. I decided to use a sponge to apply swatches for my photos. There's a heavy application at the top of my arm and a lighter one below. Keep in mind that I applied both more heavily than I would normally apply the bronzer. I hope you can see that this shade is divine. There isn't even a smidgen of orange in it.

I can see some tiny sparkles in the compact, but St. Barth's applies a gleam - an indescribable glow - no fireworks. That's fabulous for convincing your admirers that the sun-kissed glow is natural.

The texture is the fine, creamy powder we expect from Chantecaille. It adheres perfectly. It has definitely joined the "wear me" pile among the best bronzers in my life. Compact Soleil in Capri had already gone there. St. Barth's has joined it!

After having so many makeup artists apply bronzer to my face, making me look healthy, helping my cheekbones pop, and making my square jawline recede a bit, I've become a bronzer convert over the last year. When you find the right one, you'll join me.

You can find Compact Soleil at Chantecaille's Web site. It arrived at Neiman Macus (where I bought mine) within the last few days, so I'm sure your Chantecaille counter will have it soon. This bronzer is a must-try for anyone with fair skin. Try it; if it's too light for you, one of the other Compact Soleil shades should be perfect. I'm looking forward to the next Chantecaille event at Neiman Marcus!

Update: There will be a Chantecaille event on June 11 at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria with Eddie Hernandez (call Kathy Shoreman at 703-761-1600, extension 3282).

There will be a gift with purchase for Camp Gorgeous, Sunday, June 5, through June 12 at all Neiman Marcus stores.

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

More about → Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - Compact Soleil in St. Barth's

Le Métier de Beauté Flawless Kaleidoscope Face Kit

I've been holding out on you, but not on purpose. I knew I had taken photos of the Flawless Kaleidoscope Face Kit ($95) before I used it. I have had the Flawless Face Kit for many months. I just needed to find the photos - easier said than done. Given our recent bronzer talk, I knew the timing was right to find the pictures. This weekend, my elaborate search and recovery mission succeeded, with a little help from Charlie Rascal-Scamp. You have no idea how hard it is to get that pretty face to sit still and pose - even for a feature I told him was about a Face Kit!

This Kaleidoscope Face Kit combines Le Métier de Beauté's favorite face formulas in the clever Kaleidoscope internal stacking system exclusive to the brand. It's the perfect way to create the ideal makeup canvas on the go in a portable, compact kit. Do I use it on the go? Nope! It's firmly rooted at home. I wouldn't endanger this beauty by taking it along.

The four face formulations in the Flawless Face Kit are universal shades are (top to bottom) in the swivel-out compact photos.

• Classic Flawless Face Finish Translucent Compact Powder: A lightweight, ultra-fine milled powder that provides a soft, matte finish
• Highlighter in Whisper: Ideal for that final touch on cheeks and eyes to help illuminate and perfect the complexion, or mixed with Echo to create an entirely different shade
  
• Radiance Powder Rouge in Echo: A universally flattering blush shade with a hint of natural color
• Bronzer: For a gorgeous, sun-kissed, healthy look

The Flawless Face Finish Translucent Compact Powder shade is the shade shown in the swatch photo at top of this feature. For some reason, my own photo, above Charlie, gave it a pink cast. It's not pink. You might be able to see on my swatch photos below that it's beige - darker than my own skin tone, but definitely wearable for me and many others. Remember that I apply colors very heavily on my arm to make them pop in photos. These swatches were applied with a sponge-tipped applicator, and the photos were taken in full sun.

The lightweight, finely milled compact powder gives a radiant, soft matte finish. Silky powders enriched with vitamin E reduce shine and even skin tone, leaving a natural yet flawless appearance. You can apply this powder with a fluffy brush for a finishing touch, a sponge for a heavier application, or a wet sponge for full coverage.

The Whisper highlighting powder, shown below the finishing powder on my arm, is a gorgeous golden peach on my skin. Even if you have cool-toned skin, you will find that it leaves a perfect highlight on the skin. The color is great for summer.

Radiance Powder Rouge in Echo is one of the nicest powder blushes I wear. I've been trying to buy it as a single for at least four months. It must be incredibly popular. It has been out of stock at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria for that long! Since I have one in my Face Kit, I keep waiting, but I'm starting to panic. I wouldn't want to be without this pretty pink shade. Also, the oil-free formula makes it a perfect choice for summer.

Then, there's the bronzer...it looks a lot better on my face than the heavy application appears on my arm. It's brown. There's no mud in this bronzer, although it's a warm brown shade with a subtle shimmer. Applied with a fluffy brush, the shade adds a touch of healthy radiance. I like to mix it on my brush with Whisper or Echo.

Even though it was introduced last year, you can still find the Flawless Face Kit. I know Neiman Marcus has it, and it's available online at Nordstrom. If you missed it, you might want to grab one before they are all gone.

I'm going to go find Rascal-Scamp to make sure he hasn't broken through the screen to go out and eat grass. Replacing screen panels gets expensive.

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom; Charlie and swatch photos by Best Things in Beauty

More about → Le Métier de Beauté Flawless Kaleidoscope Face Kit

Chantecaille Compact Soleil

How is it possible that I had never purchased a Chantecaille bronzer until a few weeks ago? I am an avid Chantecaille fan, and I have so much wonderful makeup and skin care from Chantecaille. I think my enthusiasm for this year's latest and greatest bronzers led me to try one that's not brand new, but from a company I love.

When I was browsing at Chantecaille online, I clicked on "cheeks" and studied Compact Soleil ($45). Here's what I learned.

Compact Soleil captures the wonderful effects of the sun without any of the harmful effects of UV rays. This incredibly natural-looking bronzer is the result of the latest micronizing technology that creates an ultra-fine powder with a silky, glowing finish. Gingko biloba and wild rose work together to heal and protect the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. It's cruelty-free, with no animal derivatives, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.

There were three shades from which I could choose: Capri, which appeared to have a touch of rose (a plus); Tahiti, which appeared light and interesting, but was out of stock; and St. Barth's, listed as a new shade. St. Barth's appeared to be too dark and too brown for my fair skin. I wanted that online special (which has since ended, but was available when I was shopping), so I added Capri to my shopping bag. Ah, the sheer joy of anticipating a new arrival! You know how that feels. As soon as you complete the transaction, you want UPS to materialize at your door.

Carpi arrived pretty quickly, and I fell in love with it just as quickly. I don't really see rose in it, but I can't compare it to the two shades I don't own. I will look next time I go to Neiman Marcus. I am curious about the other shades, especially Tahiti. I just can't believe I never tried them. I was probably too focused on other extraordinary Chantecaille items. There's nothing like the month of May to awaken an interest in bronzers!

I decided to apply Capri with a makeup sponge for swatch photos, and I took the photos in sunshine in my garden, but from different angles. I applied it ridiculously heavily at the top of my arm, just so that you could see the concentrated shade, with a slightly blended representation below. No one would apply a bronzer as heavily as I did for these photos - I hope.

I love the color, texture, and finish. It is matte, so there are no sparkles to gleam in outdoor lighting. It does have an indescribable glow. The color is pure tan - no mud in sight. I see no rose on my skin either, although I do see an ever-so-slight rose tint in the heavy application in my photos. On my face, when applied properly, it's a gorgeous shade.

The texture is the fine, creamy powder we expect from Chantecaille. It adheres perfectly and imparts a natural appearance. I am impressed. It has definitely joined the "wear me" pile among the best bronzers in my life.

After having so many makeup artists apply bronzer to my face, making me look healthy, helping my cheekbones pop, and making my square jawline recede a bit, I've become a bronzer convert over the last year. Look out world! I will be trying even more of them.

You can find Compact Soleil at Chantecaille's Web site. I assume it's at the counters too. That's where I plan to see how the other two shades look.

Update 5/24: I just learned that St. Barth's is not darker and is perfect for fair skin! It's a new product inspired by Le Tigre Bronzer. I bought one a few days ago. Love!

Photo at top courtesy of Chantecaille

More about → Chantecaille Compact Soleil

Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 with Mini Makeup Bag

I've been in a bronzer kind of mood lately, and I'll bet some of you are too as the weather warms. I like Clinique - the company usually offers great quality at a great price - so when I heard that the line had a new, limited-edition bronzer, I asked Kathy Shoreman and Alexandra Tuluceanu at Neiman Marcus to make sure I got one.

Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 with Mini Makeup Bag ($29) trades in Clinique's popular "almost" name. The sheer bronzing duo protects with broad-spectrum SPF 15, while giving you full control over your bronze look, from sun-kissed to suntanned for a natural look. It's oil-free, which matters to many. Not only that, it comes with a little brush inside the compact for on-the-go use, and you can carry yours in the cheery makeup bag with your lip gloss or whatever you want to have at hand. It's a cute set.

The important part, the bronzer duo, comes in one shade: light/medium. This is a bronzer for women with fair or light-medium skin - or young women who are looking for a light touch with their makeup (don't get me going on some of those teenagers I see at the mall). Almost Bronzer won't do much for anyone with darker skin. I don't know why Clinique didn't introduce a darker shade or two to give women a choice. Their Web site has only light/medium, and even though Alex was expecting a darker shade to arrive at Neiman Marcus, it hasn't yet.

Here's a photo of my duo, taken in full sun. The sparkles you see in it are there, but it's barely shimmering - it offers more of a radiant glow. There's even a reflection of me in this photo, which I didn't see when I took it. See the shadow across the lighter shade?

I took a few swatch photos for you. I applied Almost Bronzer ridiculously heavily with a sponge-tipped eye shadow applicator to get enough pigment on my arm for the photos, taken in full sun. Naturally, we makeup addicts would use a fluffy brush or bronzing brush to dust the bronzer on the high points of our faces or where we want a contour. I swiped straight across both duo shades to give you the blended shade - or what you'll get unless you carefully select a small brush and swipe up and down, rather than across.

Hopefully you can see that the color is good for fair ones, and it's not sparkly (and I know some of you don't want shimmer in your bronzer). Applied naturally, it adds a light golden touch to my face - one that makes me look healthy, as opposed to bronze. The SPF is an extra-added benefit. The sunscreen ingredient is titanium dioxide (9.8%). There are also hydrators in the ingredients, such as glycerin and sodium hyaluronate.

The bronze case is pretty too! The bag? Not me, but someone will enjoy it. Don't you love having extras to give your friends? I save these bags up and put them out at work with a "please take" sign. They get claimed quickly.

You can find Almost Bronzer at Clinique's Web site, Neiman Marcus, and other Clinique counters. I got an e-mail from Clinique this morning offering a gift with purchase at their site. Use the code SUMMER at checkout for free shipping and minis of City Sun Block and Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Grapefruit.

Photo at top courtesy of Clinque

More about → Clinique Almost Bronzer SPF 15 with Mini Makeup Bag