Chantecaille New Classic Palette for Fall 2011

Chantecaille's New Classic Palette ($85) for Fall 2011 is gorgeous. I'm smitten. I know already that it's joining my Tiger in the Wild Palette as a staple in my makeup wardrobe. The New Classic Palette captures the polish, glamour, and timeless elegance of the ladylike fashion trends for the fall season. Don't forget, it's all about Lady Chic!



Three eye shades, Valerian, Thistle and Lavender (the rich plum shade) will allow you to create multiple looks with layered washes of easy neutrals anchored with the deep plum tone. While the Lavender shade is technically classified as a liner in the palette, it can be applied sheerly to create a smoky eye look. Pearlescent Valerian’s subtle shimmer can be used to as a base shade or to highlight the brow bone or the inner corners of the eye. It's gorgeous and elegant pink on my skin. Chantecaille calls the neutral Thistle the perfect silver grey lid shade for both day and night. On my skin, it's an exquisite shimmering taupe.



The brightening peach-pink cheek color in Rose provides a classic peach flush, one that coordinates beautifully with the eye shades in the palette. Enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, it will also give your skin a nourishing treat when you wear it.



Because Valerian and Thistle shimmer, I had a hard time getting perfectly representative swatch photos. I took many yesterday and more this morning in an attempt to show you the shades without too much reflection from the sun. I'll show you a few and hope that you can see how pretty the shades are - and how nicely they coordinate. As usual, I applied each shade heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. I swatched the palette clockwise, starting with Valerian at the top of my arm and finishing with Lavender at the bottom. I took my photos in full sun.



Valerian, the pink shade at the top of my arm, is the hardest to see in my photos. It doesn't appear to provide much contrast to my skin, but I can assure you that it's drop-dead stunning on the eyelids. It shimmers, lighting up my eyes with a shade of pink I can wear (which makes me very happy). Then there's the taupe Thistle, one of my all-time favorite eye shadow shades. I just don't see the grey in Thistle (and I don't think I'm losing my eyesight). On my skin, I see a subtly shimmering taupe - one that leans toward the milk chocolate shade range, not the grey one. Chantecaille "did good" when they paired Thistle with Valerian.



The blush shade, Rose, is peachy on me. I think peach tones look better with icy pink and plum or purple shades. If you apply too many pink tones to your face at one time, or if you are wearing rich purple or lavender clothing, you don't want to look glaringly pink. A fabulous Chantecaille rep and I discussed that one day when I was wearing purple. The peach tone complements the eye shadows very well. It does not shimmer as much as my photos suggest. I'd wear it on my eyes with Thistle too, just because I think it would be pretty.



The Lavender liner/shadow is a very deep plum. On my skin, it looks charcoal in most lighting, with just a hint of plum. It's a great shade for anyone, even those of us who find plums difficult to wear.



Hopefully, I've whet your appetite to go see the New Classic Palette for yourself. I'm sure the shades will flatter you, no matter what your skin tone. One cool aspect of the palette is that the compact is refillable. Take good care of it; it will be with you for a long time!



You can purchase the New Classic Palette at Chantecaille's Web site (where I purchased mine). A special gift with purchase started today (with purchase of $200). I believe that the Chantecaille counters should receive their stock this week - or very soon. I'll provide an update when Neiman Marcus receives their stock.



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

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Chantecaille Brow Definer

I'm lucky. I have full brows, and I seldom need a brow definer. In fact, I suspect makeup artists of overselling or painting by numbers when they apply one to my brows without inquiring. The great ones look at me and say, "You eyebrows don't need any color."



Every now and then, unfortunately, I get a little wild and crazy and pluck a few hairs with unintended consequences, leaving what I see as a thin area. I had one of those occasions a few weeks ago. When plucking, you need to be careful to understand where the little hairs end, not just focus on where they emerge from their follicle. Pluck too many strays right under your brow line, and you can end up with bald spots.



When I overdid it the last time, I reached for an old Chanel brow pencil. Unfortunately, after many years, it had dried out and was totally kaput. I threw it out and stored the need for a new pencil in short-term memory. I was shopping at Chantecaille.com when I recalled that memory, so I ordered a Brow Definer ($22).



Chantecaille's Brow Definer comes in four shades, and one of them, Ash Blonde, is absolutely perfect for me. Brow Definer is the ultimate tool for creating a modern brow. It allows you to create a smooth line, fill in sparse areas, and define the arches. The application is purposeful, easy, and neat. The long-lasting, non-greasy texture is achieved with a carefully calibrated blend of vegetable oils, along with vitamins E and C for extra moisture and protection without any "grease." I'm particularly impressed with the precise tip and firm lead, both of which guarantee a clean and easy application. I can draw little hairs, making my brows look totally natural.



I drew a couple of lines on my arm and took a photo in full sun to show you two things: the color and how finely you can create lines. I also drew in a thicker line on my arm to show you a decent representation of the Ash Blonde shade. It's hard for those of us with fair features and blonde hair to find a great shade.



Chantecaille has you covered no matter what your hair color. Oak Brown is perfect for brunettes; Cedar Red will take care of redheads; and Ebony Black will work for those with very dark brown or black hair.



You can purchase Chantecaille Brow Definer at the Web site or at your favorite Chantecaille counter. It's not a new product, although Ash Blonde comes in a new pencil color. Remember it tomorrow or the next time you need just one more item to get one of Chantecaille's fabulous gifts with purchase.



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

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Chantecaille Gel Liner Pencil - New for Fall 2011

Chantecaille's breakthrough "extrusion technology" makes the Gel Liner Pencil ($32) the first gel eyeliner housed in a sustainable wooden pencil. Previously, gel liners were only available in composite wood or plastic material or in glass jars. This gel liner in a pencil is the real deal. The dual-ended pencil features the liner on one end and a brilliant, multipurpose angled brush on the other. Use the brush to draw, clean, and define and the perfect line at the lash line - or smudge the liner if you wish. The smooth gel formula is comprised of natural waxes and adherent film formers.



The Gel Liner Pencil is water-resistant and long-wearing for immediate, smudge-proof definition that will last all day on me. If I weren't so fastidious about removing every last trace of makeup before bed, it would probably last all night too.



The Gel Liner Pencil is available in two shades: Black (shown on the top right in this photo) and Hermatite (charcoal grey, shown at left in the photo). They are both fabulous liner shades.



I swatched the two shades in sunlight. The sun's reflection makes Hermatite look shimmery. It's not, but it reflects light - even indoor light - more than the black shade. That makes sense because pure black doesn't reflect light.



I love this liner! It glides on easily and can be used to create the thin line I prefer, but will smudge perfectly before it sets. It can also be used to creates a thicker line with ease - or the once-again-fashionable cat's eye.



The angled brush can be used to give it less definition in a precise way, if that makes sense. One nifty thing I figured out right away (no grass growing here) is that if you buy both colors, you can use the brush from one to pick up the color from the other, applying it entirely with the angled brush. The brushes are also useful for applying any other liners or eye shadows you own.



I love my new liners and will start "working on" Chantecaille to introduce a dark blue one. I want more shades! I also need to find out whether the company will introduce a sharpener for the new pencils or if their existing Pencil Sharpener Duo ($10) will work with them. I suspect it will, but I don't own that sharpener.



You can purchase the Gel Liner Pencils today at Chantecaille.com, where I purchased mine. I'm sure it will arrive at Chantecaille counters this month. My friends at Neiman Marcus are checking the boxes every day, hoping for the arrival of all of Chantecaille's gorgeous fall makeup.



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

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The Friday Forum - August 19

The Chantecaille fall collection has launched at Chantecaille's Web site, but I'll bet you didn't know that starting next Tuesday, August 23, Chantecaille will be offering the gift with purchase shown above at Chantecaille.com (with a minimum purchase of $200). The beautiful makeup bag is stocked with deluxe samples of Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser, Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, the gorgeous Pelates fragrance, and a mini Elation Brilliant Lip Gloss. Wouldn't next week be the perfect time to pick up your fall makeup from Chantecaille? With the exquisite New Classic Palette, Gel Liner Pencils, new Lip Chics, and the innovative Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara available, I know you'll develop the I-wants as quickly as I did. Why not enjoy a little lagniappe too?



The third weekend in August is always an exciting time for me. That's when the International Gem and Jewelry Show comes to Chantilly at the Dulles Expo Center. The huge hall will be filled with vendors later today, selling everything from fragrances (yes, oddly) and knock-offs to the best in fashion jewelry and the finest of fine jewelry. While the August show is never as exciting as the December one, I always find something I can't live without. Later today, I'll be shopping for the very trends we saw at Neiman Marcus last weekend, but at wholesale prices. Anyone can go (you don't have to be a dealer), so if you live in the DC area, make sure to pop over. It's always worth the trip. I'm going to try to constrain my spending very carefully.



Before I visit the jewelry show, I'm going over to Saks Chevy Chase to pick up the Chanel No. 19 Poudre that Loyd Cassler rang for me earlier this week. It launches today, August 19, Coco Chanel's birthday. She was born in 1883, and I think it's safe to say her impact on fashion and beauty was remarkable. I've tested No. 19 Poudre several times, and I'm excited to be the proud owner of, as one of my fragrance expert friends says, a full bottle. Little did I know that collectives of like-minded souls buy and split bottles of new fragrances - until I met the wizard who can find anything.



I tweeted this week that anyone interested in Le Métier de Beauté's new skin care should pre-order it soon. It launches Monday. I think the demand for the initial shipments will quickly overwhelm the stock. If you don't have a favorite LMdB counter, please call either one of my two friends - either will take good care of you. Dustin Lujan is at LMdB at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Kathy Shoreman at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria told me to go ahead and put her cell phone number on the blog (she may regret that once the heavy-breathing calls start). It's 571-212-8399.



It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? 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 have moved on.



The giveaway contest for the new Fall 2011 Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick in R7 ends tomorrow, August 20 at midnight. It's a gorgeous lipstick, inside and out.



Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Saturday Shopping at Neiman Marcus with Chantecaille and Giorgio Armani Beauty for Fall and Holiday

With apologies to Gaia at The Non-Blonde, who wrote an ab-fab Bergdorf Goodman Shopping Report yesterday (I appear to be stealing her idea), I want to show you some highlights of my trip to Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria yesterday. Early in the morning, I attended a "Media Mavens" breakfast at which the talented Neiman Marcus team showed us the fall and winter shoe, fashion, beauty, and home style trends. Stay tuned for my feature about that. I'll publish fall trend tips tomorrow.



At the breakfast, Lisa Lingis gave us an introduction to Le Métier de Beauté's new skin care. I'll also be featuring that as our week starts. I've had an opportunity to try some samples, and I'm extremely impressed.



After the breakfast, where every possible taste for food and drink was generously satisfied, I aimed for the beauty department, where there were many lovely new makeup previews to tempt me. This past week, many testers arrived, but the products were not available for me to purchase. Because it was raining outside, I tried to swatch inside the store. My swatch photos were miserably dark, so I'll hold off on most swatches until I get my hands on my own beauties, presumably this week for the fall collections.



Chantecaille's New Classic Palette ($85) is shown in the photo above left. The new palettes with the gold overspray are always supremely gorgeous, and this one's no different. This in-store photo appears a little more "pink" than the colors looked to my eye. I swatched them, and the two eye shades remind me a lot of my favorite Tiger in the Wild neutrals. They aren't duplicates, but they are in the same color families. The palette is totally gorgeous, and I'm anticipating its arrival with excitement.



I also got to see The Evening Duo for holiday ($84), again appearing more pink in this photo than it is in person. It's Chantecaille's first-ever, limited-edition Swarovski crystal palette that you'll want to show off. I was able to get a "just OK" swatch photo of the duo shades in the store. With a champagne shadow that will light up your eyes and a liner to define them, this palette will make you an elegant holiday dreamboat. It will be available in October.



Chantecaille has lots of other exciting items coming with the holiday collection. A Poudre de Perle in South Sea Pearl ($55), a soft and illuminating golden pink with finely processed light-diffusing optics, will be packaged in a limited-edition gunmetal for holiday. It will remain in the permanent collection, but in the regular silver packaging.



Chantecaille's popular fragrances will be available for your holiday shopping in roll-ons. Available in Petals, Kalimantan, Tiare, and Frangipane, each will be housed in a faux-croc envelope-like pouch that color-matches the full-sized box of the fragrance. At $68, you'll want to pick up a few in October for holiday presents. You'll want to add another holiday value set to your shopping list. Chantecaille will launch a Candle and Roll-on Gift Set for $98. A full-sized scented candle and roll-on fragrance packaged in a brightly colored faux-croc zip pouch will be available for $98 in October. The sets will be offered in Frangipane and Tiare. As if that weren't enough, Chantecaille is also creating an Aromacologie Starter Set with a collection of its best-selling skin care in a convenient travel size. Priced at $180, it's a $209 value.



Chantecaille will also offer hand-decorated, signed, and numbered Swarovski-embellished bottles of its fragrances, created by Cimon, a world-renowned artist. Cimon's fanciful Swarovski-adorned small sculptures are priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars and collected the world over. Each dazzling bottle may be special ordered only at Neiman Marcus at Bergdorf Goodman, starting now, and your fragrance of choice will be delivered in the collector's edition four weeks later. The price is $600. The bottles are extraordinary.



After reluctantly leaving my friends at Chantecaille, I moved on to visit my friends at Giorgio Armani Beauty. All the new testers arrived Friday without product to sell. Take a look at these three beauties from the Jacquard Collection for Fall 2011 - one for face (#1) and two for eyes (the greys are #2, and the greens are #1)!



The face palette is shown at left, with the two exquisite eye palettes in the center and at right. Believe me, these palette will take your breath away if you love makeup as much as I do.



My swatch photos taken in the store were so bad, I'll only show you one.



I'll own these palettes soon enough, and I'll get photos worthy of their fabulousness. I took a lot of swatch photos in the store, but I didn't want to use a flash and wash out the shades. As a result, there wasn't enough light to get good color representations.



There are four new Rouge d'Armani shades on display for fall. Here's a swatch photo (taken in the store) of all four shades in pink, beige, and red colors. I'll be headed straight for Pink 525, shown at the top of my arm, when the products arrive.



I also got a peek at the two new Blushing Fabrics for Fall 2011, Camel and Scarlatto. They are sheer and stunning on the skin. Surprising to me, Scarlatto is absolutely fabulous on my fair skin. It jumped right onto my to-buy list.



I've got only a blurry, low-light iPhone photo snapped inside the store. It shows Camel on the left of my arm and Scarlatto at right. I applied each heavily with a sponge, and their sheerness is still evident. Totally gorgeous! Don't let the dark-colored tubes for these beautiful Face Fabrics scare you off. Try them.



Think I had fun?



Before I leave the subject of lust-worth beauty, let's take a very brief stroll around the Internet.



The Non-Blonde is leaving me with brush envy. See her feature on the Hakuhodo's G series Foundation Brush.

Messy Wands published a fabulous tutorial on mixing Le Métier de Beauté's Lip Crème shades. I've shown it to everyone.

Thanks to Daly Beauty, I'm going to have to go purchase Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil.

Fab over Forty's feature on BECCA's Pressed Shimmer Powder intrigued me.

Café Makeup compared the exquisite Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée to some other popular highlighters.



All are worth a read. I've got lots of news lined up for this week's features. I'm excited about fall's fashion and beauty launches.



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

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Chantecaille Lip Chic in Calla Lily and Violetta for Fall 2011

Chantecaille's Lip Chic ($32) shades for fall are now available online at Chantecaille's Web site, and they arrived at my local Neiman Marcus store this weekend. One of my favorite lipstick formulas, Lip Chic offers the perfect combination of lipstick and lip gloss in one tube (meaning one simple application). Lip Chic offers a high, glossy shine and brilliant finish in a light texture for a pretty lips while you're wearing it. It also sports collagen, hyaluronic acid, and tripeptide-29, which will condition and gently plump your lips.

Last week, I was able to give you a sneak peek at Chantecaille's color collection for Fall 2011. Today, I can show you the Calla Lily and Violetta Lip Chics. I'm very excited to have them - and excited to be able to share the photos with you. The tube of Calla Lily is shown at right. The tube of Violetta is shown at left. Both shades look deceivingly dark in the tubes, but they are perfect shades on the lips (in my opinion). They will light up your face.

I took a lot of swatch photos to show you the shades at various angles to the sun. I put three in this feature, hoping to show you how pretty these lip colors are.

Calla Lily is shown at the top of my arm with Violetta below in all photos. You'll see that they are very different, giving you two distinct looks for fall. Calla Lily is a warm rose-pink with a tiny hint of brown. Violetta is fuchsia or raspberry to my eye. On my lips, it's about as dark a shade as I like to wear. It's extremely flattering, pulling out the blue in my eyes. You be the judge by the swatches.

You can see how beautifully sheer these Lip Chics are. For me, that translates into lip perfection. Both offer a gleam and subtle shine - not shimmery, simply stunning. They feel fabulously creamy on the lips, and the color is long-lasting for a sheer lipstick.

I can already envision Calla Lily and Violetta with the New Classic Palette for eyes and cheeks, another fall wonder we expect to see soon. Can't wait!

For now, you can find these new Lip Chic shades, along with all the other beauties, at this Chantecaille link. If they arrived at my local Neiman Marcus counter, they are bound to be at your favorite counter soon.

Even though the fall promotional photo showed them at $34, I paid $32 at Neiman Marcus, and that's the price at the Chantecaille Web site.

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

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Sneak Peek: Chantecaille Fall 2011 about Eyes

Achieve timeless glamour with Chantecaille's new Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara ($70) and Gel Liner Pencil ($32).

This new mascara isn't just about a pretty face or a chic and dynamic look. After two weeks of regular use, Chantecaille says your lashes will be 25% longer and thicker. Unlike other lash growth products, Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara features SymPeptide 17, which will prevent irritation and discoloration (the reason I won't use the prescription product). I'm game to try Longest Lash! Peptides are great for lashes (and skin).

Chantecaille is also introducing the first gel liner housed in an easily sharpened pencil! The Gel Liner Pencil's dual-effect brush can be used to create precisely defined eyes or a sultry, smoky look. Oh my...I want one...now!

Both products will be available in September at Chantcaille.com. Additionally, they will be available at Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, and select Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Saks locations. Chantecaille is also sold at Space NK and Frédéric Fekkai Salons.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Sneak Peek: Chantecaille Fall 2011 Collection

Next week, Chantecaille's Fall 2011 Collection will be unveiled at Chantecaille.com. I'm excited and will be poised to order. The collection should arrive at Chantecaille counters in two weeks (or so). As always, the Chantecaille look is gorgeous! I've already got the palette and one of the lip colors on my absolutely-must-have list. Chantecaille has earned my brand love.

Capture the polish and timeless elegance of the feminine fashion trends seen on the fall runways with the New Classic Palette ($85). Create glamorous eyes with this limited-edition masterpiece featuring rich, inky shades and washes of easy neutrals.

I think the palette's shades for eyes are going to be violet-leaning shades I can wear! I can always count on Chantecaille for creating elegant palettes that work for everyone (my picky self included).

The cheek shade is a fresh and classic flush, while lips are accentuated by sheer bright and brown berry tints. Lip Chic in Violetta is like the juice of a blackberry - a sophisticated yet bold statement - and Lip Chic in Calla Lily, an earthy cranberry shade, adds a touch of warmth and depth to complete any look. The Lip Chics are $34 each.

Once the collection arrives in stores, it will be available at Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, and select Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, and Saks locations. Chantecaille is also available at Space NK and Frédéric Fekkai Salons. If I were you, I'd head over to Chantecaille's Web site with me next week. I will tweet as soon as it launches. You can be among the first!

I check Chantecaille's site often for special offers. The full-sized products that are sometimes available as gifts with purchase are extraordinarily generous. I stock up on my favorites when Chantecaille has special offers. I wouldn't expect to see one with the fall launch, but I will let you know, as I always try to do, the next time there's a fabulous GWP.

In just a little bit, I'll show you more of Chantecaille Fall 2011.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Fabulous Chantecaille Special Offer

How would you like to have this gorgeous, full-sized Chantecaille Les Délices de Roses Lip Palette for free? You can, along with free ground shipping, when you order from Chantecaille.com and spend at least $125. Go shopping, friends! I just did.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Chantecaille Biodynamic Lifting Serum

Chantecaille's Biodynamic Lifting Serum ($210) has arrived! I have been waiting for this new addition to the Biodynamic Lifting line since Alex Chantecaille described this new serum to me early last December. She gave me an advance "snapshot" of the Biodynamic Lifting Neck Cream, which I now love, and the Biodynamic Lifting Serum. Alex told me about the ingredients of the neck cream and how the serum would share its technology, but with greater concentrations. I bought the neck cream, which I use regularly, and now I have the new serum.

It's too early for me to tell you about the serum's effectiveness. I don't look 10 years younger since Tuesday. I can tell you about the ingredients I'm sure the neck cream and serum share.

• Raspberry stem cells for anti-inflammatory properties and DNA repair, using special technology to make sure all the extract is absorbed into the skin.
• Marsh samphire, a succulent salt-tolerant herbaceous plant that grows in salt marshes and on beaches - the plant grows in a harsh environment and provides its unique self-protective capabilities to the skin
• A hexapeptide for anti-aging properties, one that encourages deep muscle relaxation for a lineless look

Here is what Chantecaille says about the new serum and how it works. The ingredient list reads like a who's who of the plant world. The serum is 88% botanical! It's also paraben-free.

Aging is about the degeneration of collagen. Chantecaille’s Biodynamic Lifting Serum is the newest, most potent collagen builder and collagen protector. Collagen is essential. It lifts, builds density, and smoothes wrinkles. Raspberry stem cells are a fierce collagen protector. They are extremely rich in potent antioxidants and GADD 45, the gene of longevity that repairs DNA damage.

There is a long list of additional active ingredients. Using Chantecaille's information, I'll summarize them for you.

A new BioNymph Tripeptide is the first peptide from a living plant to stimulate collagen renewal. This tripeptide is said to activate DNA repair and reduce DNA fragmentation by 57%. Clinical tests have shown a 25% reduction in crow's feet after 30 days of use (on humans).

A new "Age-Controlling Compex," liposomes of carnosine and lemon balm prevent glycation (remember, sugar is bad for skin cells) and enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of the BioNymph Peptide. Clinical tests showed a significant improvement in firmness and smoothness after four weeks of use.

Intense hydration - immediate and long term - come from hyaluronic acid, marsh samphire extract, and imperata cylindrica extract. Hyaluronic acid helps create a moisture reserve in the skin (nature's sponge) and tighten cellular cohesion, reducing moisture loss from the skin's barrier. Clinical tests showed that 91% of test subjects exhibited more hydrated skin, and 66% experienced a reduction/smoothing of fine lines.

Imperata cylindrica extract leads to intense and long-lasting skin hydration - by 60% immediately, 50% after six hours, and 20% after 24 hours. Marsh samphire extract reduces epidermal water loss by 25%. In vivo tests have shown that moisture levels increased by a factor of six.

As if that weren't enough, the serum restores brightness and skin clarity with panax ginseng extract, which removes toxins and puffiness through better oxygenation. White tea extract is also in the mix. The antioxidant clarifies skin. The EGCG compounds found in high concentrations in white tea stimulate the skin to retain moisture and protect against inflammation.

Chantecaille believes this innovative lifting serum is a major wrinkle fighter - and they are normally right in their conservative claims. The company says the rare, powerful, and patented active ingredients in the serum - which harnesses nature and technology - deliver visible results, minimizing the appearance of lines and maximizing skin tightness and density. The serum will boost the effectiveness of the other products in the Biodynamic Lifting line, which is excellent for all skin types, but particularly great for us dry types.

I have applied Biodynamic Lifting Serum morning and night since it arrived. It has a fabulous, light rosewater scent and lightweight feel on the skin. It absorbs quickly and evenly. The container is small at an ounce (give or take a fraction), and I fear I will use too much of this lovely serum too fast. My skin slurps the first product I apply after cleansing. I always have that problem with expensive serums. Not sure how I'm going to feed all my recent habits.

The serum is dispensed through a medicine bottle-like dropper. Just squeeze the bulb at the top to draw the serum into the "syringe." I squirt it into my palm and apply it to my face from there. Chantecaille advises to use it morning and night, which I have been doing.

I will definitely come back to the serum in a month and let you know how it performed. For now, I'm excited to be one of Chantecaille's early adapters. I love the combination of botanical and technology-driven ingredients, and I believe I'll adore this serum as much as I adore the rest of the Biodynamic Lifting products.

I bought mine online at Chantecaille's Web site. As of early yesterday, it had not yet arrived at Neiman Marcus, but was expected soon.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Chantecaille Event at Neiman Marcus with Eddie Hernandez

It's no secret that I'm a Chantecaille groupie. I purchase - and love - everything Chantecaille introduces. I have multiples of many items because so many of them have been placed in my makeup museum. They are such masterpieces, I want to preserve them. I use my Tiger in the Wild Palette ($78) every week, sometimes days in a row. I dream they made it just for me.

I wouldn't miss a Chantecaille event, and yesterday I had the double pleasure of meeting Eddie Hernandez, National Makeup Artist from Chantecaille, and two Best Things in Beauty readers at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. The day left me over the moon. Now that I'm coming down from my Chantecaille high, I want to share some of the highlights with you.

I made my appointment with Alicia Cortes, the Chantecaille product specialist and a gal you need to know - even if it's over the phone. Alicia is the perfect ambassador for the brand. Alicia and Kathy Shoreman let me know as soon as the event was scheduled, and I made sure my local DC readers knew about it. I heard from one local reader, who e-mailed as Bunny Masseuse. Isn't that adorable? I knew I would like anyone with a "Bunny" screen name. My surprise was that her friend Nancy joined us. What delightful women! They share my passion for the finer things in life - and beauty products. We had a blast (at least I did).

I gave Nancy my appointment with Eddie because she had a time crunch, and Alicia slotted me in a bit later. Fortunately, they had a cancellation from someone who has no idea what she missed. I loved Eddie from the moment I met him. I hear he charmed the whole beauty department staff before the store opened. I'm not surprised. Behind that extraordinary talent for skin care and makeup, there's a warm, effusive, and artistic man - and I hope a new friend.

Eddie is one of those rare makeup artists who wants you to look like yourself, but better. He doesn't set out to paint by numbers, with the latest look or the most recent collection. He has a keen eye for how you look when you sit down and how to make you look better. I watched him work with Nancy and was astounded when he quickly took her casual look from pretty to pretty fabulous. He used the Sea Turtle Palette ($79) for the basics of her look. He did the same with Bunny. I'm not sure they want their real names used, so I'm sticking with first names/nicknames. I have a photo of Bunny I'll show you later in the week. She actually had three makeup sessions that day! There's a woman on my page.

When I sat in Eddie's chair, he asked me what I wanted to do with my own look. I gave him free rein to do whatever he wanted. After watching him work his magic with others, I thought it would be fun to give such a talented artist the opportunity to work with no constraints (well, there are all my flaws, but you know what I mean). Eddie knew by that point that I already own and love all the palettes, so he started playing with color. The results were amazing. All my friends in the department told me I looked "hot." That's not an adjective that's normally applied to me, so I was tickled.

Before Eddie worked his magic, Liliana Niewinski, an aesthetician who works with Chantecaille, prepared my skin with Chantecaille's soothing and effective skin care. It was a pleasure to sit and smell. Eddie was so cute, he started applying Vital Essence ($98), an anti-aging face and eye serum before Liliana had finished. Then, he started with makeup, selecting Future Skin ($68) in Alabaster for my foundation and Bio Lift Concealer ($66) in Ivory. I thought I looked really great before he started with color!

Eddie spent the most time on my eyes. Here are the colors/products he used on me.

• Perle Shine Eye Shade ($28) under my brow
• Rose Gold Iridescent Eye Shade ($28) all over the lid
• Jasper Shine Eye Shade ($28) for definition
• Aqua Iridescent Eye Shade ($28) to line my eyes, over the lashes and on my lower waterline
• Faux Cils Mascara ($38) in black - perhaps the only Chantecaille item I don't have! That must be remedied.
  

You can find all the Chantecaille eye colors at this link. It was the Aqua he used as an eyeliner that added unbelievable pizazz. All of the other shades were drop-dead gorgeous, but he enlivened my eyes with a shade I might not have selected for myself (I'm too conservative). I hate close-up photos of myself, but I included an eye photo; I hope you can see the perfection of his application.

Eddie used the new Poudre de Perle ($55) in Biwa to give my cheeks some color. It's a shade that works for everyone. He lightly dusted Protection Naturalle SPF 46 PA +++ ($70) over my face, and I felt great. I loved the look. He even added a little bronzer to top off the look and soften my square jaw - at my request. I'm not a big fan of my square jawline.

Here we are, posing for the cameras after my session. The first photo was taken with my camera by Bunny. The second taken with Kathy Shoreman's iPhone camera. Perfect photos - I hate close-ups. You'll have to trust that he did an amazing look for my eyes and face.

Eddie travels all the time, so you could have an opportunity to sit in his chair. Take it! You don't want to miss Eddie when he comes to your Chantecaille counter.

Update 6/13: I couldn't resist showing you how Eddie made Kathy Shoreman party-ready Saturday afternoon. Just got her photo. Don't you think she was the envy of the other women at the party that evening?


Photos at top courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty, except for Kathy's photo, which was probably taken with her iPhone

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Chantecaille World Ocean Day Promotion

Chantecaille is celebrating World Ocean Day (June 8) with a promotion from June 5 to June 12. Please help them save blue whales, creatures that symbolize the health of the high seas, which are responsible for producing close to 80% of our planet's oxygen and are now threatened by industrial fishing, acid toxicity, plastic garbage, sonar pollution, and other human interference.

Online only, from June 5-12, Chantecaille is offering a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout. A portion of the proceeds will go to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

One gift per transaction, while supplies last. I have both of the compacts shown above, and I'm mulling an order. Call me crazy, but I have been an environmentalist for a long time. If I hadn't had a job, I might have been one of these brave souls putting themselves in harm's way to save the whales.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Chantecaille Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser

Attention makeup fans! You need a nice cleanser to remove that makeup before bed, a mandatory step in your beauty routine. Even if you fall asleep in your clothes, even if you didn't finish your chores, you must remove your makeup and prepare your skin for sleep - a time when it breathes, relaxes, refreshes, and regenerates. Why not have a luxurious experience while you perform this daily ritual? Chantecaille has just the cleanser for you!

I rotate through a few favorite cleansers every month. They come, they go. Chantecaille's Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser ($55) is one of the cleansers that never goes. It's always on my bathroom counter.

Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser leaves my skin unusually smooth, thanks to the exceptional softening and extremely gentle exfoliating properties of rice bran. The other ingredients? Geranium, an antibacterial agent traditionally used for healing nicks and cuts, helps stimulate the lymphatic system (something aestheticians do while performing facials). Seaweed aids in the regulation of sebum production. Soybean, green tea, and olive leaves are antioxidants that protect the skin from free-radical damage.

This cream cleanser turns to a thick, foamy cream on my face, cleansing effectively without stripping the moisture I guard. In fact, I think my skin is more hydrated when I finish. My face always feels and looks great after using this divine cleanser. The teeny tiny rice bran in it exfoliates very lightly, ensuring that my makeup and any gunk left behind from the day goes down the drain. It's remarkably easy to wash off. My cleansing routine with Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser is a fast task - nice at the end of a long day.

The cleanser serves as an aromatherapy treat too! Geranium has wonderful balancing properties for the mind and body, while orange blossom eases tension and stress. The scent is relaxing and extremely pleasant. Who would have thought washing one's face could be fun?

You can purchase Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser at Chantecaille's Web site and Chantecaille counters. It's not new, so you won't have to call ahead.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - 2011 Eye Look

There's no way I'll ever look as good as Olivia Chantecaille, but I set out to try to replicate her eye look, shown in Chantecaille's promotional photos for Summer in St. Barth's. I had most of the shades that were used to create the look, but I didn't have the Brown Le Stylo liner, so I headed over to Neiman Marcus to play with the fabulous Chantecaille Product Specialist, Alicia Cortes. Alicia is everything you would like in a Product Specialist - she knows her line really well and is great with colors/artistry. More about Alicia at the end of this feature.

Here's how to apply Chantecaille's Summer in St. Barth's look for your own eyes. I started with Concealer and Foundation Stick in Ivory. I had no makeup on - only eye cream - and I wanted to give the shadows a nice, even surface.

With the Basic Eye Brush, I applied the Iridescent Eye Shade in Rose Gold (a shade that will knock your socks off) on my eyelid from the base of the lashes to right above the crease. I should mention that I used a light hand for every shade I applied. Then, I applied Rose Quartz Shine Eye Shade under the brow bone. Using the Eye Definer Brush, I applied the Iridescent Eye Shade in Sel to the crease area, recreating the shadow of my lashes against my skin. Basically, I made a sideways V with Sel. I applied Sel a bit heavier on the outer corner than it appears in Olivia's photo. I applied a very thin line of Brown Le Stylo liner right above the base of my lashes and finished with black mascara. This is a look anyone will love.

Here are two swatch photos, with Rose Gold at the top of my arm, Rose Quartz in the middle, and Sel at the bottom. I applied the shadows with a sponge-tipped applicator for the swatch photos and took them in outdoor sunlight. How could you find prettier eye shadows?

I went home and admired Summer in St. Barth's. Even if I have quite a few years on Olivia Chantecaille, the look works for me, leaving an elegant, gleaming look that's perfect for day. If I had applied the shadows with a heavier hand, they would be just right for night.

You know I hate putting photos of myself on this blog. In this case, I'm making an exception to show you a photo of my eyes wearing the Summer in St. Barth's look. Don't look at my forehead wrinkles, please - or the fact that I had on no foundation! Focus on the gorgeous Chantecaille colors.

If you live anywhere around Washington, D.C., you'll want to attend Alicia's Chantecaille event on June 11 at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria with national makeup artist Eddie Hernandez. Call Kathy Shoreman at 703-761-1600, extension 3282, or Alicia to make an appointment. The event is during the Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous promotion, Sunday, June 5, through June 12. There will be a Chantecaille gift with purchase.

Photos of collection and Olivia Chantecaille courtesy of Chantecaille; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ Anti-Glycation Primer

Today, with sunny, hot weather in most of the country, you should be thinking about sun protection. Chantecaille has a new option for your face and neck, and it's loaded with benefits. Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ Anti-Glycation Primer ($85) combines a truly invisible shield with an effective and well-known anti-glycation ingredient, which ensures that skin is protected from the internal threat of glycation (a process that breaks down collagen). Ultra Sun Protection is a multitasker: it's an effective sunscreen, it offers anti-aging/treatment benefits, and it's a makeup primer - all in one.

Let's start with the sun protection. Ultra Sun delivers SPF 50 UVB protection and PA+++ for UVA rays. It does this with a three highly effective, stabilized, non-penetrating sunscreens: avobenzone, octisalate, and octinoxate. That alone, in this delightfully textured primer would be worth the price with its high level of protection. Chantecaille went further with treatment ingredients. Cherry blossom, lemon balm, and white tea extracts deliver powerful anti-inflammatory properties, protecting DNA from free radicals. Carnosine delivers the anti-glycation properties.

Glycation occurs when you eat sugars - not just refined sugar, but anything that turns into glucose in your body - and the glucose hits your bloodstream. These sugars latch on to proteins, and through a "binding" mechanism between sugar and protein, cause your skin to ultimately become stiff and brittle. Much of this results from large molecules generated from the glycation process, which are called advanced glycation end products, appropriately abbreviated as AGEs.

The more sugar you eat (including processed foods - even orange juice and carbohydrates), the more AGEs you produce. As they multiply, these molecules wreak havoc with proteins, including collagen and elastin, which keep our skin firm and elastic. The result is sagging, wrinkled, aging skin.

The oil-free, light fluid texture of Chantecaille's Ultra Sun Protection beautifully smoothes skin and controls oil-breakthrough and shine throughout the day, which makes it a great primer. Chantecaille makeup artists found that the fluid perfectly preps the skin for and extends the wear of foundation. I agree. Water and humidity-resistant, it is the perfect daily protection for outdoor activities and humid climates. Don't worry about those beads of perspiration when you are outdoors. Ultra Sun Protection will stay with you. If you are swimming, though, make sure to reapply.

Ultra Sun Protection seems like the "unsunscreen" sunscreen to me. It's an extremely light fluid that leaves absolutely no white, chalky, or otherwise undesirable appearance. It has a very subtle, delightful rose fragrance (to my nose). I think it's a genius product. I like it even more than some of my "old favorites." That's high praise.

To use it, make sure to shake the tube well to ensure an even mix of ingredients. Evenly spread the light fluid over your face and neck, and don't forget your ears! You can apply it over your regular moisturizer. The 1.3-ounce tube may seem small, but a little of this wonderful sunscreen/primer goes a very long way. I won't be wasting it - but I'm sure I'll need more before summer ends. This is my new favorite sunscreen.

You can purchase Ultra Sun Protection at Chantecaille's Web site, where a new gift with purchase promotion begins in June. Online only, from June 5-12, in honor of World Ocean Day, Chantecaille will offer a free Amaretto Lip Gloss with the purchase of any La Baleine compact. Use code WHALES at checkout. Right now, there's a free shipping offer online. You can also find Ultra Sun Protection at Chantecaille counters. I know Neiman Marcus has it.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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Chantecaille Summer in St. Barth's - Poudre de Perle

Brand new, but anticipated for months, Chantecaille's Poudre de Perle ($55) is everything I expected - and more. Before I tell you about it, I want to share an anecdote.

I introduced a friend at my office to Chantecaille. I had invited her to Alex Chantecaille's event at Neiman Marcus - the time Chantecaille offered a lovely drawing for Best Things in Beauty readers. Since then, she has been using Chantecaille skin care and makeup, and she looks fabulous. She tells me often that her husband, friends, and colleagues have commented on how good she's been looking lately. The only thing she changed? You guessed it! She is now a Chantecaille devotee.

Poudre de Perle builds on the unparalleled success of Protection Naturelle, Chantecaille's excellent powder that delivers full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Poudre de Perle's innovative blush formula is contained with its own brush and delivers the perfect amount of color. It's available in one shade, Biwa, a pearly warm pink shade with golden peach highlights. It's perfect for most skin tones and skin types. Not only is the blush convenient to apply, it's refillable. I like the re-use concept. Less waste will help us be better stewards of our planet.

Olivia Chantecaille modeled Poudre de Perle in Chantecaille's Summer in St. Barth's look. It doesn't get any prettier! For the photo, it was applied to her cheeks, starting at the inner edge of the cheek bones and softly blended out toward the temples.

Here are a couple of photos of the product. The brush has a protective plastic sleeve that slides up and down. In the photo at right, the sleeve is down. I think this photo, taken in outdoor morning sunlight represents the shade in the tube pretty well. The photo at left is a close-up of the powder blush.

It was a challenge for me to get half-decent swatch photos of Biwa on my skin. It's beautifully sheer. I finally applied moisturizer and a light coat of foundation to my arm to get the photos here. My swatch photos were taken in late morning sunlight, and I applied Poudre de Perle with its own brush.


This blush makes my heart race - in a good way! I hope you can see that it's warm pink and has a shimmer that will make you look glowing (this is "adult makeup," made for women, not teenagers hoping to drive their mothers over the edge). There is some extra shimmer on my arm from the sunlight.

You can find Poudre de Perle at Chantecaille's Web site. It should be at your favorite Chantecaille counter in a few days, if it's not already on display. For information about Chantecaille online specials and Neiman Marcus events, please scroll down to my other Chantecaille features.

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

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