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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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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Sneak Peek: Aquillaries de Chanel Collection

Ready your wallets, my friends. The new Aquillaries de Chanel Collection is sure to capture your imagination. The collection will ship to select Neiman Marcus stores this month.

Inspired by the looks of Chanel's Spring/Summer 2011 Haute Couture Show, Peter Philips created several new, limited-edition pieces and reached back into Chanel's beautiful line for others. The new, exclusive pieces have taken their place on my must-have list.

Here's the pretty-in-pink lineup in Aquillaries de Chanel.

• Rouge Coco Shine in the Royallieu (a limited edition that you can purchase now at Chanel.com)
• Joues Contraste in Pink Cloud and Rose Pétale (re-promoted)
• Les Vernis in Tendress (re-promoted)
  
• Ombre Essentielle in Gris Exquis (new, limited)
• Ombres Tissées in Beiges (new, limited)

Ombres Tissées in Beiges is a pink-peach highlighter that was created for the show. It will jump into my bag the moment it arrives at the store. I'll also be looking for Royallieu and Gris Exquis. It will be a happy day!

Photos courtesy of Chanel

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Sneak Peek: Clinique Black Honey Collection for Fall 2011

There I was, surfing Nordstrom Beauty online, when Clinique's Black Honey Collection for Fall 2011 caught my eye. I've been wearing Black Honey on my lips since Hector was a pup, so naturally, I'm intrigued.

Cult-favorite Black Honey Almost Lipstick now works its charm on eyes and cheeks, courtesy of a limited-edition eye shadow quad and blush. And the lipstick that started it all, Black Honey, gets even more seductive in an exclusive Lipgloss/Lipstick Duo.

I'll be purchasing that duo at $21, probably in multiples! Black Honey Almost Lipstick ($14.50) may be easier to find since it's being re-promoted; it's often sold out at counters. Head over to Nordstrom to see the photos - and purchase now if you can't wait another second!

The eye shadows may not be my shades, but they will look phenomenal on gals with darker skin. I need to call my favorite Clinique representative, Alexandra Tuluceanu at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria, to find out when she's getting the collection.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom

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Bobbi Brown Tortoise Shell Collection for Fall 2011 - Beach High Shimmer Lip Gloss

Even though Bobbi Brown's new Tortoise Shell Collection focuses on the eyes, what better way to draw in others' eyes than with a pretty lip? Bobbi has just the thing for you! From two new limited-edition shades of Rich Lip Color SPF 12 to three shades of High Shimmer Lip Gloss, you'll have a tough choice to make if you're in a frugal mood. Not only that, there is a snazzy set of mini brushes to tempt you. What's a gal to do? Cave!


I was tempted to purchase this Tortoise Shell Mini Brush Set ($55) even though I have enough Bobbi Brown brushes to last for life. It's so pretty! The tortoise shell case and brown handles lend a special touch to Bobbi's fabulous brushes.

When Rich Lip Color SPF 12 ($22) was introduced earlier this year, I bought a lot of shades. Last weekend, I had to tell myself, "You don't need more of them!" Oh, how I wanted at least one. I think I will purchase one of the two (Soft Nude or Twig) in early July. I wasn't as strong when it came to the High Shimmer Lip Glosses ($22). Bare Sparkle, Beach, and Citrus beckoned. Citrus is a pre-existing shade. Bare Sparkle and Beach are new.

Bobbi’s new lip gloss combines gorgeous, light-catching shimmer with lasting, non-sticky shine. Made with fine pearls and clear pigments, High Shimmer Lip Gloss stays color-true and gives lips beautiful, brilliant dimension. Plus it’s enriched with emollients and vitamins C and E to moisturize, condition, and protect lips - so they feel as good as they look. Whether you wear it on its own or on top of your favorite lipstick, the new tapered sponge applicator lets you apply it like a pro. I am quite pleased with Bobbi's new applicators. I found the old brushes difficult. They always got splayed after a few uses. It was too much trouble, sometimes impossible, to precisely aim the wand into the tube to ensure that the brush would stay in pristine shape. This is a marvelous change!

I selected Beach (#16), a beautiful, shimmering brown shade with a hint of mauve on the skin. It's got personality. It was also the darkest of the two new shades, and I like a little color in my gloss.

Look at these swatch photos and tell me Beach doesn't have a personality. It adapts to light and its surroundings, pulling first one tint, then another, to draw attention to your lips. The finish is a glossy shimmer, reflecting light with a liquid gleam. To see it is to want it. The hydrangeas are lovely too. They will be making frequent appearances here.

I applied Beach straight from its wand and tried to paint an even square on my arm. The photos were taken in sunlight, although I tried to vary the sun's angle in the photos. The shade and the shine are exquisite, whether in full-on or indirect sunlight. I may need to buy a second tube of this gloss. I want one for my bathroom, but I'm sure I'll feel compelled to keep one in my makeup bag.

Yesterday, I promised to show you a press photo of the Sand Tortoise Shell Eye Palette - the one I didn't buy. Like its sister in Bronze, which I swatched yesterday for you (gleefully), Sand is filled with neutrals, four of which are new and exclusive to the palette. Anyone who is drawn to matte neutrals (there are two metallic shades in Sand), will be thrilled with this wardrobe of neutrals for the eyes.
The Tortoise Shell Collection is available at Nordstrom Tysons Corner Center and Pentagon City. It's probably available at other Nordstrom stores now. It will have its grand opening on July 1 at Bobbi Brown online and Bobbi Brown counters. You'll be able to armchair shop or visit your favorite counter to purchase. Many of the pieces in the collection are limited editions.

Press photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

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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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Bobbi Brown for Dress for Success

“The more you give in life, the more you get back”- Bobbi Brown

Since 2001, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has supported Dress for Success, an incredible non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women re-enter the workforce and achieve economic independence. Bobbi knows that a woman's appearance and her feelings of self-worth are inextricably linked.

I have donated business suits and winter coats to Dress for Success many times over the years. I think it's a fabulous organization. That's one reason I'm pumped over this makeup set.

“Dress for Success is an amazing organization because it gives women the tools and knowledge they need to look like and eventually become the person they hope to be,” said Bobbi.

For over 10 years, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics has donated over $1 million in makeup and monetary funds to this effective organization. Bobbi has personally gone above and beyond by hiring women who have completed the Dress for Success program in an effort to empower them and give them a second chance at making a life for themselves. She also participates in makeup lessons with the women, teaching them how to create work-appropriate makeup looks, and has one of her Beauty Team members working with the affiliates on a monthly basis to teach women how to apply makeup for interviews.

This spring, Bobbi is taking her partnership a step further and has created a Dress for Success Makeup Collection. All proceeds from every sale will go directly to the organization. That's generous!

The collection is designed to make it quick and easy for any woman to look her best. It includes the following pretties.

• A new limited-edition Eye Palette featuring Bone Eye Shadow, Beige Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow; Taupe Eye Shadow, Espresso Eye Shadow, and Navy Eye Shadow
• Brownie Lip Color
• Petal Lip Gloss
• Extreme Party Mascara
• Crystal Lip Gloss

I have all of these items, but to support Bobbi Brown and Dress for Success, I will buy this set. Maybe I'll do a giveaway contest, so that one of you can enjoy the pleasures of using Bobbi Brown's makeup. Or maybe I'll get greedy and keep it for myself. You really need to consider buying one!

The collection will be available for $60 exclusively at Macy’s counters in March 2011. That means I need to call Macy's, and if it's in stock, go over this weekend. I can do that!

Photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

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Meet FBR Cosmetics

There is nothing like a great makeup artist, and even though I've never met her, I can tell Rozz J. is a great makeup artist! Her new makeup line, FBR Cosmetics, impressed me - made for women by a woman who knows what we like. Just look at the three beautiful faces above, and you'll get a sense for Rozz J.'s tastes. Although these are gorgeous women, their makeup enhances their natural beauty.

Rozz J. is an Atlanta-based celebrity makeup artist. She founded her new company after assembling a network of professionals to formulate special blends of products that would feel good and look good. She started with lip gloss, everyone's instant pick-me-up.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of all?

"Just like the queen in Snow White," explains Rozz J., "women secretly ask themselves this same question every time they gaze at their reflections. Knowing this, I set out to create a line of products that not only enhances the beautiful you, but really makes you shine." Shine you will! With the recent launch of Shimmer Shine lip gloss, we can choose an array of colors from natural to dramatic.

As customer demand for Rozz J.'s products grew, the FRB Cosmetics line grew, with more natural, lightweight products that are enormously pleasing. Not only that, the prices are fabulous! For only pennies more than drugstore prices, you can purchase department store quality.

I had a recent opportunity, through the marvels of Twitter, to make contact with Rozz J., and she sent me two of her products. I love them both! I'm wearing Crème Brilliance Lip Gloss in Cupids Charm ($10.50) as I write. When it arrived, my first reaction was "Oh oh, coral!" I have a difficult relationship with coral. I had looked at the FBR Web site, and I had lusted after French Bloom and Pink Oasis. The second I applied Cupids Charm, I had a yippee moment. I was struck by three things. It's a gorgeous rose-coral on my lips - more rose than coral. It doesn't have a flavor (I think that's fabulous), and it has a heavenly, moisturizing feel. The gloss is lightweight on my lips, but offers me high-wattage shine. It has a nice doe-foot applicator too. It couldn't be more perfect.

Rozz J. also generously sent me a Single Eye Shadow in Bleached Copper ($12). Since I love golden eyes, I was excited from the moment I looked at it, and once I applied it, I knew it was a keeper. The warm, shimmering copper will be perfect for every season. It has a nice smooth texture and applies like a dream (what else would you expect from a great makeup artist?). FBR currently offers single eye shadows in 12 shades and some fun five-shade kits with coordinated colors. Nice shadows! There's even an Artist's Palette for you artistic types who want (and need) every color option.

Naturally, I swatched my gifties for you. At the top of my arm, Bleached Copper shows off its warm, golden glow. Below is the rosy coral that works for me; I can't tell you how exciting that is. Cupids Charm is a little rosier on my lips than it is on my arm. You can probably see that my photo was taken in sunlight outdoors. I applied the shadow with a sponge-tipped applicator. It would be more sheer had I used a brush.

Stroll through FBR's Web site and see what catches your fancy. I'll bet you'll find something that will light up your day. With the rain today on the East Coast, it's a perfect time for online beauty shopping. I see on Twitter that some of you are surfing.

If you want to keep up with the company and the growth that's sure to follow, check out @fbrcosmetics on Twitter and FBR's Facebook page.

Photos at top courtesy of FBR Cosmetics

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Fresh Event at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria, with Jawn Marques

Visiting with the Fresh team is like a day of sugar kisses. It does wonders for your face and spirits! Last Thursday, Jawn Marques, Creative Director of Fresh, and Alyson O'Brien, Account Executive (and Best Things in Beauty guest contributor) joined product specialist Alison Kauffman at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria, for a day of beauty. I had looked forward to the event for at least a month. I made an appointment for my friend Berry too. Fresh products are so universally appealing, I knew she would have fun.

Jawn was doing mini-facials and makeup applications, with a hand and arm treatment thrown in too for pampering. Berry went first, and his mini-facial turned her dry, reactive skin into a glowing wonder. Jawn usually exfoliates with Sugar Face Polish ($55), but he does so much more. He cleanses, tones, exfoliates, treats (always a mask and a serum after), and moisturizes - using many Fresh products that he custom-selects for his client based on her or her skin condition.

Berry started out a little dry. Her skin showed her recent travel and the ravages of winter and retinol, but by the time he finished with her, her face was radiant. For makeup, he gave her a golden bronze look on her eyes, and because her skin looked so good by the time he had finished the facial, he used almost no foundation on her peaches and cream complexion. On her lips? Fresh Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 ($22.50), of course! I think he also used a lip gloss with her lip treatment, but I got carried away chatting and missed that detail. The results? Jawn and Berry posed for me when he had finished. Her hair got a little flattened under the headband he had used to keep it out of the way, but otherwise, she looked fabulous.
The whole time he was working, I had three things going on: 1) talking with Jawn and Berry, 2) talking with Alyson O'Brien (shown immediately above on the left; she wrote a guest post for Best Things in Beauty here), and 3) talking with Alison Kauffman (at right above) - all without leaving my comfy chair. So I missed a few details. What I know is that Berry and I both hopped out of Jawn's chair with a naturally pretty look. While Jawn was working with me, Berry shopped Fresh's wonderful fragrances and soaps - a treat one should never miss.

When it was my turn, Jawn used the wonderful new Black Tea Age Delay Face Serum ($80) on me (among many other products). I had wanted this serum since its winter introduction, and I finally purchased one Thursday. The serum is a concentrated blend of potent antioxidants and peptides that firms, restores, and refines the complexion for smoother, younger-looking skin. The secret to this powerhouse formula is black tea extract. Packed with polyphenols, potent antioxidants that defend against the most aggressive free radicals, black tea extract protects the integrity of the cell membrane to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming. Its high melanin content also has a brightening effect on the skin for a radiant glow. I know I'm going to love it. I love everything from Fresh I've ever bought.

Jawn used the Fresh Imperial Bedroom Face Palette ($55) on my eyes. This palette is a little hard to find, but Neiman Marcus had it. This subtly sultry collection from Fresh captures the behind-the-curtain, forbidden sensuality of imperial aristocracy. The palette includes luminous shades of lightly gilded Eye Lusters (Pale Moonlight and Gilded Satin), an opalescent Satin Liner (called Black Chemise, but to my eye it has traces of deep blue and green in it), a warm shimmering Satin Luster for the cheeks (Chantilly Lace), and a seductive Crown Rubies Lip Shine. The colors have an elegant brilliance that remains discreet on the skin for a masterful expression of sheer sophistication.

All fives shades were customer-blended by Alina Roytberg, co-founder of Fresh, who was inspired by the unmatched charm, romance, and over-indulgence of the British aristocracy of the early 1800s This pleasure-seeking period was all about excess and style, sophistication and lust. "I imagined a luring bedroom setting where a sensuous, shimmering beauty is lit only by candlelight and surrounded by plush fabrics and rich colors" said Alina. While history may be the inspiration for this opulent collection, the result is modern and dramatic. I loved it! I came home with that too.

I swatched the shades so that you could see how pretty they are. My photo was taken outdoors in the last snatch of sunlight we had today, and I applied each shade with my fingers. I started with Chantilly Lace at the top. Below (top to bottom) are Pale Moonlight, Gilded Satin, Black Chemise, and Crown Rubies. John mixed the Lip Shine in with the Stain Liner and used it on my eyes. These colors all have an elegant glow, perfect for those of us who like a radiant, natural look. He used Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 on my lips, as he had with Berry.

Skip forward to the end of my session, and here I am posing with Jawn. Isn't that a silly, self-satisfied smile on my face? I went straight from Neiman Marcus to physical therapy, and everyone in the room complimented me on my appearance! I was sure they wouldn't recognize me with makeup on. Normally, I have no incentive to dress up for torture. Because we were running late, I didn't have time to get close-up photos of his masterful work on my eyes. It was one of those times when I didn't want to wash off my makeup when it was time to go to sleep.

I have a lot more to tell you about Fresh. Click on this link for a quick description of Jawn's last visit. Stay tuned in the coming week for more about Jawn Marques and celebrity beauty.

Photo at top courtesy of Fresh; palette photo courtesy of beauty.com

More about → Fresh Event at Neiman Marcus, Tysons Galleria, with Jawn Marques

La Prairie Colour Launches for Summer 2011: Bouquet de Jardin and Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20

Last week, I was privileged to attend a blogger event at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Galleria. I came away with exciting information! I couldn't wait to share all the news with you. There's way to much to tell you about La Prairie's introductions for spring and summer (between now and May), so I am breaking up my news into two (maybe three) posts. I really don't know how to prioritize fabulous over gorgeous, so I'll start with the makeup and move on to skin care later.

I met Raychel Wade, La Prairie's Colour Ambassador, last year. Her charismatic personality, combined with her eye for color and simple techniques, has earned her a loyal clientele. Raychel has assisted with the creation of past La Prairie colour stories. This year, she created her own, Bouquet de Jardin Summer Colour. It's a stunning collection. I wanted to leave Neiman Marcus with the cream blushes, both of which are drop-dead gorgeous.

Les Calla Lilies is a limited-edition Cellular Treatment Eye Colour Ensemble ($70). A quad with four coordinating shades, all in a variation of rosy peony, are beautiful on the skin. I played with them at the store, and I think these are colors that are going to flatter a wide range of skin tones. As always, La Prairie's makeup offers benefits to the skin, in addition to beautiful color.

To finish your eyes, there's a limited-edition Luxe Eye Definer in Bronze ($50). The liner has a smudger on one end, which is convenient. The shade coordinates perfectly with the Eye Colour Ensemble, but it's also a shade you will want to wear with all your neutral shadows. I love bronze liner, and this one is the cat's meow.

There are two new Cellular Radiance Cream Blush ($70) shades, and both are lust-worthy. I was so sad that I would have to wait months to get my hands on them.

The first shade, shown at left, is the limited-edition Mauve Glow, the darker of the two. The lighter shade is Plum Glow, shown below right, and it will be part of the permanent collection. Both shades are going to work for me.

Cellular Radiance Cream Blush is a luxurious, creamy blush that blends like a dream to allow you to layer as much as you desire without caking or streaking. It's one of the nicest cream blushes I have ever used. The colors I own are exquisite, and it glides across my cheeks, even when applied with my fingertips. At $70, it's pricey, but the pan is very large, and the color is unparalleled. I'm not sure how a fickle beauty addict could run out of it.

The limited-edition Luxe Lip Definer in Petal Pink ($50) is one of the prettiest pink lip liners I have seen lately. I think it's going to match my lips perfectly, so I am going to have to buy it. With color on one end and a lip brush on the other, it will be a handy addition to the makeup bag I keep with me at all times.

I'm not at all surprised that Raychel has designed a dynamite collection. She knows color! For more about Raychel, check out my feature about her, written last April.

Not part of Raychel's collection, but also launching in May, is Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20 ($100). This is an incredible, treatment-laden tinted moisturizer. It has a lot of pigment, so it offers more coverage than your typical tinted moisturizer. I tried it in the store, and I loved it! It will be available in four shades. I was the lightest, a yellow-leaning ivory.

I have so much to tell you about La Prairie's skin care. I have one product to test, the new Cellular Power Infusion. I will start testing that tonight, so I will hold off on featuring it until I finish the vial. There's much more, though. I will show you very soon, if not later today.

Photos courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Colour Launches for Summer 2011: Bouquet de Jardin and Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20

One Night Set Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Hofken! She won the One Night Set.

The nice folks at One Night Cosmetics donated a One Night Set for this week's giveaway contest! The most universally flattering shades fill the Neutral Skin Set, 10 take-it-along beauty products in a tiny set. I think the skin sets are very cool.

Are you one of those gals who loves to party, but hates it when her makeup disappears half way through the fun? You're going to find the One Night Set ($24.95) a lifeline. It's got everything you need to refresh your look - all in a tiny case that will slip into your evening bag without adding weight. Don't want to take the whole case with you? The palette will fit into a wallet!

The One Night Set has all you need on the go - and more: concealer, eye shadow, eyeliner, powder, bronzer, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, and even a brow tint. It's packed in a small black pouch with five brushes to apply exactly what you need where you need it. It will even last awhile despite its small size. The cosmetics are made "proudly" in New York from the highest quality material, under careful attention to quality. This kit fits in the smallest clutches. Just drop in your ID and a credit card, and you are ready for a night on town or a trip. You can leave behind your treasure chest of cosmetics - or in my case, about three pounds of makeup.

Check out my feature from early this month. How can you enter to win a One Night Set? 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 this evening, 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, February 26, 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 is open to U. S. and Canadian residents only. I still can't stand in line at the Post Office to send international packages. I can do Click-n-Ship. I promise, international readers, we should be able to go back to completely open contests as soon as I finish intensive PT.

Good luck!

Photo courtesy of One Night Cosmetics

More about → One Night Set Giveaway Contest

Stunning Photo from Chantecaille

Every so often, I find a photo I want to share. This one from Chantecaille's Facebook site is share-worthy. On the eve of the launch of Chantecaille's Sea Turtle Palette (available online tomorrow), let's admire the majesty of this glorious white tiger. I've already featured the Tiger in the Wild Palette. I think I purchased three of them. Actually, four - one was a gift. Tiger in the Wild remains on my all-time greats list.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

More about → Stunning Photo from Chantecaille