Le Métier de Beauté Modernist Merlot Kaleidoscope Eye Kit

It was an exciting day yesterday when my Le Métier de Beauté Modernist Merlot Kaleidoscope Eye Kit ($95) arrived via UPS. Modernist Merlot was launched last week at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island at Newport Center, California, for Fashion's Night Out. I was lucky. Erin Lockard works in that area, and she was visiting our Neiman Marcus stores last weekend. You'll remember that she did a masterful job on my makeup last Wednesday. If you didn't see that feature, just click on this link. Erin and Kathy Shoreman helped me ensure that I would get one of the palettes the next day when they became available. Mine was sent from the store in California.

A total Le Métier de Beauté devotee, I ordered the Modernist Merlot Kaleidoscope sight unseen. I hadn't even seen a photo at that point. That made it all the more exciting when it arrived.

I was able to get a few swatch photos for you this morning. I wanted to show them to you so that you too could ask your Neiman Marcus sales associate or Le Métier de Beauté product specialist to "option 7" (order) one for you. You could always call the store directly to order too (949-759-1900, extension 2149). I have to admit I don't know if there are any left as I write on Thursday morning, one week after FNO.

I swatched from the top of the palette (near my wrist) to the bottom. I applied each shade heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator for these photos. The shades are much more refined when applied properly with a brush, and, like all Le Métier de Beauté eye shadows, they are perfect for layering.

The shade at the top in the Kaleidoscope is a drop-dead gorgeous silvery mauve-taupe. It's a complex shade that's resisting my efforts to describe it. It has a subtle shimmer. The peach shade is a matte peach. It's a perfect foil for the other shades on the eyes, and it is also an exquisite blush shade. The third shade is another complex shade that's hard to pin down in words. It is a subtly shimmering mauve tone with brown, lavender, and almost a hint of copper in it. I hope you can put words on it because I'm having trouble limiting the gorgeous shade to words other than "wow." The bottom shade is merlot - a matte blue lavender that is flattering because it isn't a red tone that might bring out the red on our eyes. Merlot is a dark blue-colored wine grape, and it's a perfect representation of that color.

If I can get shade names for the four shades, I will add them to this feature. Perhaps the names themselves can better describe the colors. For now, we'll let our eyes name the shades.

If you are interested in purchasing the Modernist Merlot Kaleidoscope Eye Kit, don't let any grass grow under your feet. Order one today!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Quick Peek: Le Métier de Beauté Modernist Merlot Kaleidoscope Eye Kit

Le Métier de Beauté's Modernist Merlot Kaleidoscope Eye Kit ($95) was launched last week at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island at Newport Center in California. I just got it and haven't had time to swatch it for you. Isn't it pretty?

Yes, it arrived from its cross-country trip damaged, but it's too much trouble to send it back. I don't even know if there are any still available. I'll have to get over the little hunk out of the top shade. I'm sure I can clean up the eye shadow powder that's all over the kit.

Assuming I can get decent lighting tomorrow, I'll show you swatch photos. Modernist Merlot is everything I expected - and more!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Dior Smoky Nude 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palette for Fall 2011

Dior's new 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palettes ($48) offer gorgeous eye color choices for fall. In addition to Smoky Khaki, which I featured this morning, I purchased Smoky Nude. There are six of the new color trios. If I had been feeling rich, I could have purchased all six. They are stunning.

Just like Smoky Khaki, Smoky Nude isn't what you might expect from its name. It's not a wallflower. The trio of shades offers a warm, neutral look for the eyes. The only thing nude about the palette is the ivory base shade. Like all of the new trios, Smoky Nude offers a one satin-finish shadow, one shimmering shadow, and a base shade that differs in its finish from palette to palette.

Ordinarily, I prefer cooler brown tones on my face. Interestingly, makeup artists would rather warm me up by blending in shades like these. I have one of those blank canvas faces; I can wear warm or cool tones. I'm not sure whether that's good or bad.

I applied the shades heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, and I took these swatch photos in full, morning sun - finally! I've been trying for two weeks to get half-decent swatch photos of these palettes.

The satin-finish cocoa brown shade in this palette is incredibly useful. While the word "useful" sounds like a boring warning, it's not meant to be. When applied with a brush, it can be sheer and subtle for day or smoky and sultry for night. It's all about the application. We can use it on the outer lid, in the crease, or blended.

The shimmering neutral is a warm taupe. It's drop-dead gorgeous and should make @Glowyjoeybunny's heart sing. It makes me extremely happy. It looks fabulous swept over the lower (moveable) lid. The ivory base shade is perfect for my coloring. It lights up my eyes with its subtle shimmer. It will do that for yours too - no matter what your skin tone - although you may use it differently if your skin is significantly darker than mine.

I love the new compacts from Dior. Slide back the top of the case, and a mirror flips up, exposing the three eye shadows (and two tiny brush and sponge applicators). I love the look and feel almost as much as I love the colors. It realize it's a novelty, but it's a fun novelty - classy!

You can purchase Dior's new 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palettes at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks - probably anywhere with a Dior counter. If money were no concern, I would purchase Smoky Brown and Smoky Navy, the latter just for the incredible shimmering blue shade that I'd find a way to wear. These new eye palettes should be on your "go see" list.

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

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Dior Smoky Khaki 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palette for Fall 2011

Dior's new 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palettes ($48) offer gorgeous eye color choices for fall. I purchased Smoky Khaki and Smoky Nude weeks ago - the second they became available. I held off on showing them to you for multiple reasons - camera troubles, bad weather, you name it. Now, I'm ready to start with Smoky Khaki.

A breakthrough makeup innovation introduced by Dior: an unparalleled sliding palette that reveals a three-color eye shadow harmony to get catwalk-smoky eyes in three easy steps. This smart palette features soft, powdery textures for an effortless and made-to-measure smoky-eye effect. The extremely bendable base perfectly preps and colors the eyelid, while the eyeshadow duo offers different effects: more matte for a natural ready-to-wear style or more shiny for a glamorous couture style. A collection of trend-setting, sultry harmonies.

Khaki is one of my favorite eye shades. Dior has given it an unusual twist in Smoky Khaki. All three shades in the trio have a khaki cast. No single shade is pure khaki. You might think a khaki lover would find that distressing. Not me! I love this palette.

The khaki cast to each color is subtle. My swatch photos were taken in morning sunshine. I have nearly 50 other swatch photos, taken in various lighting conditions, but they didn't work to my satisfaction. I applied each shade heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator.

At the top, there's a brown shade that "leans khaki." You can see the khaki hue in person, but in the photos, the shade looks brown. You'll have to trust me; that Dior brown leans khaki. There's khaki in the sparkling grey shade too. I hope you get a hint from the swatches. The gold is an antique gold base shade, and I think it's easiest to see the khaki in the gold.

This is a palette you have to go see. You will love the slide-flip compact, with its pop-up mirror. The Beauty Look Book has a feature on Smoky Khaki, so make sure to check that out. You'll see the three shades on a different skin tone.

You can purchase Dior's new 3 Couleurs Smoky Eye Palettes at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom - probably anywhere with a Dior counter. I'll keep working with that new camera until I get it right.

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

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Sneak Peek: YSL Limited-Edition Manicure Collection and Palette Smoking Noir

Black is black, unless it's created by Yves Saint Laurent.

This fall/winter 2011 season is shaping up to be dramatic, and YSL is doing its part to ensure we have daring choices to glam up our faces and nails. The limited-edition Manicure Collection ($30) is an elegant re-interpretation of the French manicure, Le Manicure Le Smoking.

Two deep black nail polish shades, one shiny and one matte, will give you the perfect manicure for your tuxedo jacket as you head out to late fall and winter holiday parties. What better way to draw attention that statement ring on your finger?

Think you need to limit black to your nails? YSL is introducing the ultimate eye shadow palette for a smoky eye look: Palette Smoking Noir ($65). Inspired by glamorous evening wear, Le Smoking (the tuxedo) eye palette plays with the most sophisticated of blacks and a creamy white shade. It's also a limited edition.

Each shade expresses a different texture, representing the beautiful fabrics used by the Yves Saint Laurent Couture House. The five shades, shown and numbered at left are #1, Matte Velvet; #2, Shiny Silk; #3, Sparkling Moiré; #4, Glittering Lamé; and #5, Creamy Satin.

I was able to see this amazing collection at a preview party last week at Neiman Marcus. It drew a crowd!

Make sure to look for these pieces and more from YSL Beauté in October. YSL's fourth-quarter introductions are gorgeous.

Photos courtesy of YSL Beauté

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Rouge Bunny Rouge When Birds are Singing... Long-Lasting Eye Shadow in Angelic Cockatiels and Gracious Arasari

What taupe or neutral eye shadow lover could resist Rouge Bunny Rouge's When Birds are Singing... Long-Lasting Eyeshadows in Angelic Cockatiels and Gracious Arasari? ($35.86 at this time, varies with exchange rate)? Not this neutral lover!



Rouge Bunny Rouge's powder eye shadows have a lightweight, creamy touch and extraordinary adherence. The first time I applied one, I wondered how Rouge Bunny Rouge made the powder so creamy. It resembles a cream-powder hybrid, with its beautiful texture. I knew I would be adding to my collection over time, and I have.



I am charmed by Rouge Bunny Rouge's enchanting stories!



The firefly festival is eagerly awaited all year in the Enchanted Garden. For then on this very special day, the best voices of the bird world feed on these tiny fireworks that embellish their voices and then gather to perform a single concert together. Their jubilant musical notes are inscribed in a syrup of figs and milk and preserved in tiny pots to be enjoyed the year round.



Like this golden froth of musical syrup, 'When Birds are Singing...' Eye Shadows are a time-defying exotic enigma. This is plumage to adorn you in shades as deliciously mellow as soft silence that flows, or as brilliantly potent as jeweled notes. So addictive are these morsels that you'll be causing your own kaleidoscopic ripples every time you wear them.



The formula of When Birds are Singing... creates lively, dynamic color and a second-skin effect as the shadows melt into the eyelids, looking like they belong there. All of the shades stay perfectly placed and look freshly applied all day, without losing a bit of their luster. One of the ingredients, orange-derived flavonoid, is said to improve blood microcirculation, enhance luminosity, and serve as a free radical scavenger. That's an extra-added benefit when a shadow color is so pretty. I would purchase When Birds Are Singing... even without the skin-care benefits.



About six weeks ago, I received an order with Angelic Cockatiels and Gracious Arasari, two neutrals that looked lovely in the swatches. I selected them from 20 possible shades (actually 19 because of what I had purchased already), and I am thrilled with them. Although the online swatches looked similar, these eye shadows are very different. In the photo above, Gracious Arasari is shown on the left, and Angelic Cockatiels is on the right. All of my photos in this feature were taken in full sun.



Angelic Cockatiels is described as a metallic-finish golden honey with a hint of copper. A close-up of the compact is shown at left. Gracious Arasari is described at Zuneta as a semi-matte nude taupe with the barest whisper of pink. These are excellent descriptions.



Angelic Cockatiels is shown in the compact above left. It is exquisite on my skin - shimmering, softly metallic, and eye-catching. A close-up of Gracious Arasari is shown at right. You can see that this shadow in the compact has much less shimmer than the other. Fortunately (for my tastes), it's not "flat matte." It has life.



I took a few swatch photos to show you the shades on my arm. I applied each heavily (and dry) with a sponge-tipped applicator.



Where Angelic Cockatiels (at top) is bold and shimmering, Gracious Arasari is light and tender. They pair beautifully, although I haven't limited their use to this pairing. I love to use Angelic Cockatiels alone, swiping it quickly and lightly over my lid, from lash line to crease. It makes my blue eyes pop.



Gracious Arasari is a barely there taupe - perfect for us fair-skinned gals. It may not light up these swatch photos, but it's a remarkably useful shade. I like to use it in the crease when I want a natural look, and it makes a gorgeous liner under my lower lashes.



Your own coloring will guide your use of these shades or any of the other When Birds Are Singing... eye shadows. I've selected neutral shades, but I'm drawn to some of the vibrant colors. Mysterious Tinamou, a deep sea blue, reminiscent of a wild duck's plumage, looks exquisite. Whispering Ibis also looks gorgeous. It's described as an iridescent fern green, shimmering with gold pearls. I'm sighing. I keep ordering from Zuneta (I did last weekend when they offered free shipping). I love everything I receive. You will to, I'll bet.



Even without a promotion, Zuneta offers free international shipping for orders over £65. It's not hard to spend that much there!



If you would like to read my other Rouge Bunny Rouge features, just enter Rouge Bunny Rouge in the "Search This Blog" box on the sidebar. I'll be showing you more over the coming month.



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

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Givenchy Les Ombres de Lune Shadow & Light Eyes in #2 Lune Mordorée for Fall/Winter 2011

Givenchy's Les Ombres de Lune Shadow & Light Eyes in #2 Lune Mordoréen ($58) is an eyeshadow and highlighter in one. Or an eyeshadow and liner in one. Or two eye shadows. Or three eye shadows. It offers all kinds of flexibility with its two shades.



For Givenchy's 2011 Fall/Winter Collection, Nicolas Degennes created a collection in homage to the moon. Like a celestial muse floodlighting the darkness with its bewitching brightness, the moon embodies the essence of a soft and mysterious beauty, a magnetic aura, in the same vein as Givenchy Couture. Inspired by this sensual night star, the Collection "Je veux la Lune" invites us to dream the impossible.



With his love of the impossible, Degennes wanted to create a multipurpose, must-have product. The result was the Les Ombres de Lune, which Givenchy calls an all-in-one highlighter for cheeks, eyes, and complexion that also works as an intense eye shadow. The two shadows in #2 are reminiscent of a blue moon in a golden sky. There is another palette, #1 Lune Mystérieuse, that evokes a black moon in a white sky.



Here is the true color of the palette. Givenchy's photo at the top of this feature is a little misleading. This was a blind purchase for me. I figured I would either love it or hate it. It's very hard for me to wear blue shadow, so I gambled. Am I glad I did! This palette is gorgeous.



I swatched the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in the sun. At the top of my arm, you will see the gorgeous, shimmering gold. I love to wear gold shadows on the lid. The blue shade is a grey-blue on my skin. It's a beautiful liner and, applied with a light hand, it offers a beautiful wash of grey with just a hint of blue. It has a satin finish.



I couldn't resist the urge to merge. I decided to blend the two shadows equally on my applicator and found that they blend to an exquisite, complex grey that has a subtle shimmer. The grey leans taupe, making it fabulous to my eyes.



You can see all three shades - gold, navy, and the blend, on my two arm photos. I couldn't be happier with Lune Mordorée!



The bottom drawer of the compact slides out to reveal two sponge-tipped applicators and a slanted brush. Givenchy must have known that it would occur to us to use the blue shade as a liner. The compact also has a mirror, making it ideal for application on the go.



Sephora is the exclusive retailer for Givenchy in the United States. Since the two eye palettes are limited editions, order soon if you want one. I haven't tried #1, but it looks interesting - just not as exciting as this one.



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

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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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Giorgio Armani Beauty Jacquard Woven Eye Color Palette (#1) for Fall 2011

Elegance is not being noticed but being remembered.

Earlier today, I featured Giorgio Armani Beauty's Jacquard Woven Eye Color Palette in #2 for Fall 2011. Here's #1, a stunning "sister palette" that's equally elegant. Both are $59. Palette #1 combines my favorite green shades with rich purple, and the results of blending these shades may surprise you.



I swatched each shade individually, using a sponge-tipped applicator, and I took my photos in sunlight (which added a little extra shimmer). The shade at the top of this palette and near my wrist is a very light beige. It's a beautiful base shade, but can also be used as a highlighter. I am amazed that it picks up an ever-so-slight green hue when paired with one of the greens. I swatched clockwise. The shade at the right side if the palette is an interesting Army men's dress uniform green, but it has an element of forest green that makes it even more interesting (it's like PANTONE 19-5513 TPX or maybe 003300). I'm having trouble finding the right descriptor for the hue. Whatever color it is, it's stunning. Mint green, in a shade that coordinates perfectly with the darker green, owns the left side of the palette. The color strip at the bottom is purple, a rich, red-leaning purple.



As with palette #2, the shades in the #1 palette are gorgeous. The purple liner is exquisite when paired with the green shades. I've always loved the combination of purple and green in fashion, so Armani's pairing was a natural for me. Look at the sage green shade I created, shown at the bottom of my arm photo, by blending the two green shades! I think it's totally gorgeous.



Want to lighten up the darker green even more? Blend it with the beige at the top of the palette. Want a pretty blue-toned lavender rather than the rich purple? Blend the mint green with the purple shade. The results are surprising and delightful.



I'll go out on a limb and say you need one of the new Giorgio Armani palettes for fall. My regular readers know I seldom talk about my makeup loves in terms of need (after all, we do have to prioritize our expenses). You've seen the face and eye palettes here now (check out the Woven Face Color Palette if you didn't see it). Will you be shopping?



The new Armani Fall 2011 Collection is available at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria and Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase. That much I know for sure. That should mean your favorite Armani counter - at any store - will have it soon if it's not already on display. I know they are available on the West Coast, and they probably landed in Europe before they arrived here. The Armani Beauty USA Web site has not posted the palettes yet, but they will.



Photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Giorgio Armani Beauty Jacquard Woven Eye Color Palette (#2) for Fall 2011

The new Giorgio Armani Beauty Jacquard palettes arrived at Neiman Marcus and Saks, and they are treasures! I purchased all three, showing you the Face Palette yesterday. Through experimenting with the Face Palette, I realized that the colors are beautiful when used individually, but when blended, they provide you with an opportunity for creative use of color.



The Jacquard Woven Eye Color Palette ($59) in #2 offered me an excellent way to show you. I applied all shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, heavily, and took my photos in full sun. The sunshine made the shades show a bit more shimmer than the colors have "in real life."



Here are the four shades in the palette. The top white pearl highlighter at the top of the palette is a pretty base or highlighter for the other shades. You can blend it on your brush with any of the other shades to add a pearly effect. I swatched clockwise, so the second shade down on my arm is the taupe on the right side of the palette. Steady my heart, it's gorgeous! The third shade is the grey on the left side of the palette. As you can see on the photo above, the taupe and grey take up the most real estate in the compact. Both offer a subtle shimmer - not as much as you see here. The brick shade at the bottom of the palette is a great liner shade, but...



You can create bonus shades by blending. I can't speak for Giorgio Armani Beauty, but I think that's the intent (and the beauty) of these Jacquard palettes. Blend the brick shade with the taupe shade above it, and you get the taupe shown below the brick at right. Every taupe lover is going to flip. This is only one example of the many colors you can create with the #2 eye palette. Want a grey-taupe blend? Mix the brick with the grey. Or mix the taupe and grey tones. What to add pearl to your taupe? Mix the taupe with the white highlighting shade. You get the idea - the choices are limited only by your imagination!



All of the shades blend beautifully. I have mixed them on my brush, as Loyd Cassler taught me when he was with Armani. Because the top and bottom strips in the palette are hard to "get at," I'd recommend a narrow eye shadow brush.



I adore my new Jacquard Woven Eye Palettes. I have one more to show you, the gorgeous #1 later today. The new Armani Fall 2011 Collection is available at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria and Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase. That means your favorite Armani counter - at any store - will have it soon if it's not already on display.



Photos by Best Things in Beauty

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Lancôme Color Design Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow and Liner Palette in Golden Frenzy from 29 St Honoré for Fall 2011

Do you like gold? I don't mean the kind that's selling for about $1,750 per ounce right now. I mean gold makeup! I like both, but for now, I'm sticking with golden makeup. It's all I can afford.



Lancôme's 29 S^t Honoré Fall 2011 Color Collection by Aaron de Mey, named after its original Parisian boutique at 29 St. Honoré, revisits the classic femme fatale era when timeless cult makeup products were born. The seductive color statement for fall captures the glamour of the 1940's with luscious red lips and seductive smoky eyes. I'm not sure how the Golden Frenzy Color Design Eye Brightening All-In-One 5 Shadow and Liner Palette ($48) snuck into the collection, with its gleaming golds.



Lancôme’s new versatile, all-in-one palette conveniently creates a full eye look for day (with restraint) or night. The newest generation of Lancôme’s luminous, silky, lustrous powders transparently "wraps the skin," allowing a seamless layering of pure color for a silky sheen and radiant finish.



Golden Frenzy comes with directions and a plastic overlay to show you how to apply the shades in five easy steps (all-over base, lid, crease, highlighter, and liner) or design your customized look. You'll shine in this palette. The long-wearing formula will not fade, and I found it stays color-true over time.



The all-over base shade is a metallic white. The shades below it in the palette are, left to right, a lid shade in metallic gold, a crease shade in matte brown, and a highlighter/illuminator shade in metallic copper-brown. The liner, which spans the bottom row, looks black to me. Lancôme suggests in the directions that you apply the highlighter shade in the inner corner of the eyes and on the ball of the eyes. I think it's too dark for use in the inner corner (for most of us), but that might work for some. However, it's a glamorous lid or crease shade.



I took my swatch photos in full sun. I applied the eye shadows with a sponge-tipped applicator. They are swatched with the base shade at the top, the "highlighter" shade below, the brown crease shade third from top, and the lid shade at the bottom.



The all-over base shade is extremely metallic. I would not wear it as suggested. Rather I would use it as a highlighter (in the inner crease) or on the lid only. The actual highlighter shade will provide a gorgeous metallic copper look wherever you apply it. The matte brown shouldn't be constrained to use in the crease. You could also use it as a liner if your coloring is fair. The golden lid shade is metallic, bright, and glimmering. I love gold (of all kinds). It's vying with the copper shade for my favorite in the palette.



The liner shade is shown at left. I applied it with a slanted liner brush. It's a matte black to my eye. I would have preferred a dark brown with this palette, but we can all use black. I like the texture of the liner.



What do you think? If you need to add some pizzazz to your eyes, this may be your eye shadow palette! I bought mine at Neiman Marcus. It should be available at all Lancôme counters. It is shown at Lancôme's Web site as "out of stock," but there's a "notify me" button, so they must expect to receive additional stock.



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

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Dior Lady Dior Limited-Edition Palette Fards à Paupières

Two guys overheard in a bar near Wall Street...



"My wife is crazy."

"What has she done now?"

"She's buying makeup she claims is collectible."

"Is it expensive?"

"Not really, but she doesn't use it - she just gazes at it. She says it's a masterpiece of color."

"Hey, at least she's not hanging around at Christie's with my wife, who's threatening to buy a Richard Diebenkorn painting."



So it goes. We buy makeup we don't need because we have a passion for color. We collect Dior (or Chanel or whatever, pick your poison). That's how I came to own Dior's numbered, limited-edition Lady Dior Palette Fards à Paupières eye shadow palette ($90), exclusive to Saks Fifth Avenue. It's somewhere between dear and darling.



In 1947, Christian Dior invented the New Look, a revolution that he instigated by designing a distinctive type of fashion with accessories and makeup for a truly new look from head to toe.



Created in the same tradition in 1995, the Lady Dior handbag became the iconic statement piece that embodies the very essence of the Dior spirit and the perfect emblem of the know-how of the house... It instantly became a cult object. Featured in every trend-setting press photo, it created a real frenzy in boutiques all over the world. This object of desire also inspired prestigious contemporary artists and filmmakers, who took it from Paris to Shanghai, with stopovers in New York and London, all the way to the Red Square in Moscow.



Today, Dior pays tribute to this handbag and creates the Lady Dior numbered, limited-edition palette. The inside reveals elegant eyeshadows in the vibrant colors of the latest Lady Dior from Spring/Summer 2011, replicating the shade and canework of this legendary handbag. These delicate eyeshadows, assembled and adorned by hand in an artisanal style, prove the incomparable know-how of the color craftsmen who perpetuate the exceptional art of Dior makeup.



I now own Number 1551. It's a curiosity as an eye shadow palette. The red in it won't work on my eyes, but used lightly, it's a pretty blush. The trick to using it as a blush lies in the brush and application.



I took photos to show you the grey shade, applied moderately and heavily, the red shade, applied moderately and heavily, and all of the shades swiped top to bottom evenly. The Dior representative at the store told me that the blended shade would be purple (there was no tester). She was right.



My photos were taken in full sun. I applied the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator. At the top of my arm, the grey shade is applied with different intensities: moderate and heavy. The heavy swatch (second down) shows how pretty the shade will be when used as an eyeliner. The red is a curiosity. Also applied moderately and heavily, it's a gorgeous blush. I can't wear this shade on my eyes. I would look like a fashion victim. On my cheeks, though, when applied with a small brush (extra work to cover the cheek area), it's gorgeous. When blended, as you can see in my photos, the colors yield a strong purple.



This palette deserves much more experimentation than I've had time to give it. I wanted to show it to you while it's available at Saks. Rather than put it unused in my makeup museum, I decided to use it. I'll have fun playing, like a kid with a new paint box.



The Lady Dior Palette Fards à Paupières, elaborately boxed with an insert as shown above, is available only at Saks Fifth Avenue, where I purchased mine.



Photos by Best Things in Beauty

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