Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Eau Gourmande

Since this was such a hit with the Bath and Body Collection, the line has released the scent in the Eau Gourmande. Softness and sensuality, smooth and silky, timeless sophistication; the unique mix for a new scent experience. Layer it over your Gourmande luxury body items for a silky scent experience, or wear it alone for a sheer veil of comfort. Either way it’s the perfect addition to the Gourmande Bath and Body Collection!

Notes: Bergamot, fruit nectars, creamy pistachio, smooth vanilla, bittersweet chocolate, soft florals.

Available in the contemporary 1.7oz eau de toilette.

Reader Question of the Week

Q: What is the last beauty product you have used up?

A: Ahh, that's a good one! Especially for a 'product junkie'! The last item I've used up was my Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation. I love it and am ready to purchase another. But holding off for now!

Butter London Yummy Mummy

This is one of my absolute favorite shades from Butter London! I can’t get enough of it and should they discontinue it I may have an anxiety attack! It is the perfect nude shade of beige, with just enough of a neutral pink undertone that makes is completely wearable by anyone. I love that it’s a neutral nude yet isn’t blah and boring.

Even better is that it’s a ‘good for your nails’ polish free of toluene, formaldehyde and DBP. You can certainly tell when you are using one of these polishes; you don’t get that nail polish smell that comes with traditional polishes. At $14 each these are certainly affordable, so load up on your favorites! Nordstrom is now carrying these but I’ve also seen them at select Ulta locations and at Ulta.com as well as the company website.

Refillable Quads from Cle de Peau

With the season bringing us the high priced quads, I really wasn’t in a hurry to run out and get these. The normal quads are already up in the pricey range with a price tag of $75, so I just felt that these were going to be another high priced luxury I shouldn’t even get started with

Well, Neiman’s beauty event pulled me in and I couldn’t resist. The original investment for these is $85, as you have to buy the compact ($25) and then the refill ($55). I guess after the initial investment, they aren’t really much more than the quads from Dior or Chanel. Unfortunately for me, I don’t like switching out the refills as I use them as the SA suggested. I prefer each to have its own home! I know, crazy but it’s just my OCD. So for me, each would cost me the $85.

Getting over the cost, I have always loved CdP’s shadows, they are silky, finely milled and for that they offer excellent wear. They tend to be sheer unless you use a damp applicator to intensify the pigmentation but for daily wear, I like sheer. Right now the selection is quite small with only five to choose from, but I’m sure they will be adding more with the upcoming seasons. I ended up getting #201 Malachite which has a forest green, a peachy pink, a taupe and a golden taupe. Unfortunately for my wallet, I love these and know I will be going back to get the other one I wanted which is #204 Gold’s! We shall see, since there are many, many other things I say I am not going to buy yet I end up with them!

MAC Venomous Villains Collection for Disney for Fall 2010

Another whimsical collaboration bound to grab the hearts of animated villain lovers everywhere. Each part of the collection offers devious yet playful items for each character collection in tune with each venomous personality. It’s always fun to be a bit villainous! Available in U.S in September 2010 and Worldwide in October 2010.
CRUELLA DE VIL

Lipstick

• Innocence, Beware!

• Heartless

Lipglass

• Wicked Ways

• Devilishly Stylish

Eyeshadow

• De-vil

• Sweet Joy

• Carbon

Penultimate Eyeliner

• Rapidblack

• True black

Beauty Powder

• Her Own Devices

Blush

• Darkly My Dear

EVIL QUEEN

Lipstick

• Toxic Tale

• Sinister

Lipglass

• Strange Potion

• Hot House Deep

Eyeshadow

• Her Alter Image

• Vainglorious

• Vile Violet

Penultimate Brow Universal

Beauty Powder

• Oh So Fair

Blush

• Bite of an Apple

MALEFICENT

Lipstick

• Violetta Violet purple

• Dark Deed

Lipglass

• Revenge is Sweet

• Wrong Spell

Mineralize Eyeshadow

• My Dark Magic

• She Who Dares

Beauty Powder

• Briar Rose

Nail Lacquer

• Bad Fairy

• Formidable!

• Mean & Green Purple

DR. FACILIER

Lipgelee

• Resort Life

Greasepaint Stick

• Slick Black

• French Quarter

Pigment

• Melon

• Push the Edge

• Brash & Bold

Magically Cool Liquid Powder

• Truth and Light

• Cajun

Mirror

• I’m So Vain

Chanel Insousiance Rouge Allure Extrait

Insouciance Rouge Allure Extrait

 

I couldn’t resist these gorgeous glosses; every single one was just stunning! But, as things go, I couldn’t get all of them and had to choose a few I couldn’t live without. One of those was Insouciance. This is the perfect nude, and great paired with a smoldering smoky eye. It has just enough body to give the right amount of color yet does not wash me out. Not to mention the texture, talk about divine! It is creamy, soothing and long wearing all at the same time.

I have found that I can use this shade in several ways. I apply it over Chanel Beige Lip liner (from a previous collection) for that’ just a hint of color’ look. But I especially love it paired with it‘s sister Rouge Allure Lipstick in ‘Insouciance’, again from a previous collection. Together these make the perfect pair! Maybe Chanel had this in mind already!

Insouciance Rouge Allure Lipstick, Insouciance Rouge Allure Extrait

Each one is $32 so it’s a bit pricey to get all of them and let me tell you, you will be tempted!  Saks has had the exclusive rights to the collection but it is at other counters now. So if you were waiting for it, it available. The first sell out will happen fast ladies, so get it fast. As I’m told, customers have been calling daily on the delivery date!

GUERLAIN LINGERIE DE PEAU

Beige Naturel 03

There is nothing better than wearing foundation but not looking like you are. That is what you will get with this fabulous creation from Guerlain. Always known for their bronzing perfection, they have another winner with Lingerie de Peau Invisible Skin Foundation. It literally melts and becomes one with your skin, for noticeable perfection. Not perfect foundation, but perfect skin.

Although it has been described as a sheer foundation, I found it to be sheer to medium as it is buildable. It provides a lightness and luminosity of healthy skin that just glows with light and looks to be perfection from within. I have heard from some that it doesn’t wear well, but mine has been wearing quite a well. I apply it in layers to build up the coverage, and then I set with my loose powder, which right now is Guerlain Beige Teint. And throughout the day, just a touching up with my Armani Sheer Pressed Powder (this is discontinued, but I hoarded a few when I found out!). Otherwise, I don’t need to touch up the foundation itself unless I’m going out that night, than I apply a bit more foundation for a more polished look.

The shade range is great in this collection, but don’t be fooled by the number and think they go from light to dark. There are some lighter shades in the higher number ranges, they are numbered by tones. Overall, I am quite pleased with the formulation, not too sheer and luminous, nice wear and wonderful shade ranges. Another plus, its $56 for 1oz!! With foundation prices jumping into the precious metal’s pricing range lately, I’m happy that this one is within the other affordable ranges! It’s still a bit high, but very do-able. This is just starting to hit counters, but they are very popular so if you find your shade has your sold out, be patient it will be there again eventually! And I think you will feel it’s worth the wait!

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Lipcreme Collection for Fall 2010

This collection concentrates on color for longer, more extended wear. Color that last 12hrs and won’t feather, transfer and stays true all day long. Lip color will keep lips hydrated; foundation that resists humidity, controls oil yet is lightweight and creamy for smooth coverage; and concealers that provide medium to full coverage with a matte yet natural finish but still corrects and conceals for up to 15hrs. The U.S launch will begin September 16th.

Pro Longwear Lipcreme

• Made to Last

• Till Tomorrow

• Sweet Ever After

• Faithfully Yours

• Goes and Goes

• Love Forever!

• Perpetual Flame

• Unlimited

• Overtime

• Extended Play

• Prolong

• Good to Go

Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation

• NC15, NC20, NC25, NC30, NC35, NC40, NC42, NC45, NC50

• NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50

Pro Longwear Concealer

• NC15, NC20, NC30, NC35, NC42, NC45, NC50

• NW15, NW20, NW25, NW30, NW35, NW40, NW45, NW50

Inglot Nail Lacquer

889, 953, 346, XL2

If you’ve ever even been to an Inglot Boutique, you will see a walls and walls of color and texture. It can be a bit overwhelming if you go to just browse. I would suggest that when you visit, you have an idea on what you might want to explore! Otherwise you will be like me and stare blankly for hours having made not one decision! Although a worldwide company and growing fast, in the U.S there are only two locations; New York and Las Vegas.

On this visit to Inglot, I wanted to spend some time exploring their nail polish collection. They have several formulations; the breathable collection as well as the free collection (free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP). Both formulations are intended for nail health without the addition of damaging ingredients. I have never tried either formulation, so this time I tried the formulation free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP. Again, it can be overwhelming as their polish collection is just as impressive as their color cosmetic collection!

Not only is there an immense shade selection, within each shade is a different texture. There is usually a creamy, shimmer, glitter and some even have a matte texture. I went there with an idea of some shades I needed and thank goodness for that! I could have ended up staring blankly again! I knew I wanted a nude shade for my finger nails, as well as some deep dark ones for my toes. I ended up with four; #953(creamy black), #346(creamy black with red shimmer), #899(nude shimmer with slight pink tones) and XL2 (sheer holographic shimmer). All of these shades also came in the creamy, shimmer or glitter version. I purchased the XL2 so that I can add some shimmer and variety to my creamy shades without having to purchase a whole new polish. When I applied the XL2 to my #346 it gave it shimmer with a black/green tone. Pretty! And very different I must say!

Over all, the wear is good. Not the best I’ve used but still very good, I went 5 days before I had to touch up my fingers, on my toes it’s still going strong. Each polish is $10 so very affordable, which makes it possible to indulge in the variety of colors! These are definitely worth checking out, many fun colors to play on your polish fetish!

Marchesa for Le Metier de Beaute Collection for Fall 2010

With a dedication to design, detail and to the experience it is no surprise that Marchesa and Le Métier de Beauté have combined creative talents for the Le Métier de Beaute fall collection. The partnership truly brings forth an irresistible collaboration that is unparalleled. The collection will be available at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus beginning September 2010.

La Lune Palette ($65.00)

• Translucent Pressed Powder

• Concealer

• Lip Gloss: La Cerise Noir

• Crème Blush: La Peche

• Eye Shadow: Le Minuit

Le Soleil Palette ($65.00)

• Bronzer

• Concealer

• Lip Gloss: Le Caramel

• Crème Blush: La Rougeur

• Eye Shadow: Le Fauve

Double Entendre Lip Gloss ($38.00)

• La Figue/La Raisin

• La Feu/La Glace

• L’embrasse/Le Passion

• La Rouge/La Nue

The Pens ($48)

Sheer Illumination Highlighter

Sheer Illumination Brightener

Edward Bess at our beck and call!

Edward Bess is now available to all of his loving devotee's through Neimanmarcus.com and Bergdorfgoodman.com, as well as his own site of Edwardbess.com. This will make many a women very happy, since its always been like climbing mountains and swimming oceans to get our hands on our much beloved lipstick or lip gloss, or bronzer, oh anything Edward Bess! I am thrilled at the success of this line, I've been a loyal user for a few years, when it was just a baby company in a tiny installation on Bergdorf's Beauty Floor. And now, look at it, I feel like I've watched a child grow and flourish!


Beauty week is approaching at both Neimanmarcus and Bergdorf Goodman, and the goodies are aplenty. At Berdorf you will receive $25 off of a $100 Edward Bess purchase as well as a full sized lipstick in Eternal Passion. Don't wait however, this is one heck of a promotion and I anticipate Edward Bess to sell out of many items! The Bergdorf event will begin September 19 and run through September 25.

Neiman Marcus will offer a gorgeous tote filled with exclusive goodies, with any $100 Edward Bess purchase (the Neiman bag will be available to all who purchase $100 or more in any beauty).  The color selection will be available on a first come first serve basis, and I have my eye on the purple suede one! The Neiman Marcus event will begin September 10 and runs through September 19.

Chanel Les Khakis de Chanel Nail Collection

Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, has created LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL. Peter Phillips has created a collection of three Le Vernis Nail Colours, in ultra sophisticated shades Khaki Rose, Khaki Brun and Khaki Vert is in celebration of Vogues Fashions Night Out, and will be available at the Chanel Boutique for the event. Participants of the event will have the opportunity to experience the collection prior to its public release. Each shade will retail for $25.00 and be available on September 10th at Chanel.com or any Chanel Boutique.

Edward Bess Fall 2010

I was lucky enough to get a preview of what is coming for the fall additions to the Edward Bess Collection. The collection seems to be soft and angelic, paired with perfectly luminous skin. The Sheer Satin Foundation is a completely new product to the line and much awaited by Edward Bess devotees. Its creamy compact formulation leaves skin fresh and luminous with exceptional wear. The collection will be available in September 2010 at Bergdorf Goodman with a Beauty Event of $25 off of a $100 purchase, as well as a complimentary Eternal Passion Ultra Slick Lipstick. Edward, Susan and Jennifer can be reached for phone purchase via Bergdorf Goodman at 212-872-8826. Don’t forget about Edwards’s newest opening at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. The grand opening is scheduled for Sept 1 with an appearance by Edward himself Sept 1-10.

Blush Imperiale
• Moroccan Rose

Compact Rouge
• Love Affair

Deep Shine Lipgloss
• Endless Love

Sheer Satin Compact Foundation
• Light

• Bare

• Nude

• Beige

• Natural

Chanel SoHo Collection

Chanel has released a coveted collection to celebrate the reopening of the CHANEL Boutique in SoHo. The limited edition collection that echoes the spirit of SoHo, is feminine and sophisticated yet industrial and determined. The extreme contrast of color and texture partner feminine pinks with industrial metallics for pretty cheekbones and strong metallic nails. This collection is for a specific girl, the New York girl, one who is soft and innocent yet strong and steely. The collection is exclusive to the Chanel SoHo Boutique and Chanel.com.

SoHo De Chanel
 

  

Le Vernis

• 
  
  Strong
• 
  
  Steele

Les 4 Ombres

• Stupendous

Rouge Coco

• 
  
  Stunning

Rouge Allure Laque

• 
  
  Stunt

L'evres Scintilliantes

• 
  
  Star

Let the fun begin!

There will be a lot of sales and promotions for the upcoming Labor Day weekend! And I plan on taking advantage of some of them myself, and I will let it begin with philosophy's online promotion! With any purchase of $50 receive free shipping, make it a $75 purchase and receive a full size Appletini Mocktail 3-in-1 and an oversized philosophy tote. Use code weekend at checkout until September 5, 2010

Chantecaille fragrance release

Several new fragrances are due to release this fall, and will be exclusive to Neiman Marcus until further notice. There will be three new scent creations with one long time customer favorite to continue. The new creations will be housed in a new chic bottle reminiscent of the sophistication of the Chantecaille style.

Kalitamen - This is described as a warm and woody scent that is sensual, rich and purely exotic. Its full bodied characteristics carry top notes of thyme, bergamot and rosemary; middle notes of incense, ciste absolute and Indonesian patchouli trailing off to cedar, vanilla, agarwood and soft sensual sandalwood. This is one scent that will evoke sensuality and passion.
Petales - Imagine deliciously fresh white flowers on a warm summer’s eve, which is the base of this exclusive creation. Classic and romantic fresh gardenia’s begin this scent exploration; add the notes of balsam, jasmine and tuberose to trail off to cedar, ambergris and sandalwood for the ultimate romantic treat.
Vetyver – A masculine scent with a bold femininity, this is one that can be loved by both men and women. It eludes a clean individuality with notes of citron, pepper, nutmeg and bergamot; clean vetiver is then added and ends with musk and sandalwood.

Frangipane - The much loved and appreciated Frangipane is uniquely sweet yet sensual and intense at the same time. Native to the West Indies, frangipane combined with exotic orange and violet leaves with additions of water hyacinth, ylang ylang and jasmine extracts the sensualness of the combination; add vanilla, musk and vetiver to experience an intensely well rounded fragrance experience.