Dior Gris City Le Vernis Collection

A stunning and very exclusive polish collection has hit the streets of New York, London and Paris! Right now these are only available at the three locations in each of the city’s Dior Boutiques, but hopefully the collection will expand to other Dior Counters. Each city has a shade of their own with a different take on the texture and color of ‘grey. From sleek and metallic to deep and dark Bond Street, NY 57th and Gris Montaigne pays tribute to Dior's love of the color grey. Currently the collection is available exclusively at Avenue Montaigne Paris, 57th Street New York and New Bond Street London.

 Bond Street, NY 57th, Gris Montaigne

Photo: Courtesy of Dior

Black Friday non-beauty haul

I headed out just like millions of Americans the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy some of Black Friday’s deals. Of course I picked up some beauty goodies which I will post on later. But this post is for a few of the non-beauty items I was able to get good deals on. Usually these brands don’t have promos or sales so I enjoyed them while I could!

One of my favorite luxury brands for laundry care is The Laundress. I love it not only for its luxuriousness but for the healthy benefits it lends to our clothing and environment (it is non toxic, biodegradable and allergen free). I usually order this online but pay some hefty shipping charges since it’s a heavy item. The Laundress is always generous with offering either a percent off or free shipping but the offer is never as good as the one I got on Black Friday. My local 7 for all Mankind boutique was offering a 40% discount, and they carry The Laundress! I was thrilled to find out that it extended to all of the products in their store, so I was able to stock up. I picked up a few of the Denim Wash and the Fabric Fresh so I am good to go for awhile.

 The Laundress Denim Wash and Fabric Fresh

Michael Stars

 

My other splurge was at Michael Stars. I love their t-shirts and was able to enjoy 30% off during their Black Friday event. I picked up two of the Vintage tees with the fraying around the neckline. I love these for layering during the colder months, but they wear well all alone too. Just throw on a scarf and you are set in your t-shirt and jeans without looking too blah! Also in my Michael Stars haul were the black fingerless gloves I’ve had my eye on. They are super soft and a nice classic peace the can be worn from year to year.

Considering the lack of sleep and the ugghh feeling from too much food the night before, I think my Black Friday shopping frenzy went very well. I got some great deals, saved a ton of money and got most of my Holiday shopping done. Now I can truly enjoy the season!

MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection

In collaboration with the Dutch industrial designer – known for everything from his Happy Hour Chandelier to his futuristic old Delft porcelain, Marcel Wanders and MAC bring an arresting collection of fine collector’s items. The sophisticated packaging and enticing products call to all who have an irreverent taste for the finer things in life. Available November 2010.

 Air of Style Scent Concentrate

 MAC & Marcel Wanders Lip Gloss
• Mary
• Beatrix
• Aleydis
• Gertruyd

 MAC & Marcel Wanders Sheer Mystery Powder
• Light Medium
• Medium Plus

 

MAC & Marcel Wanders 187 Brush
MAC & Marcel Wanders Brush Clutch


 

 MAC & Marcel Wanders Lipstick

• Martha 
•  Gesina
• Catharina
• Digna

False Lashes Mascara
• False Black

Edward Bess Holiday 2010

We have waited patiently for the newest and brightest from Edward Bess, and we shall have it in time to ring in the holiday season. In addition, it will be available just in time for Bergdorf Goodman’s $25 off event beginning Nov 28th; spend $125 and receive $25 off along with complimentary full sized mascara. Put in your pre-orders, I think these will sell out fast!

Little Black Box Lipstick Trio $75

• Rose Demure

• Demi Buff

• Blush Allure

XOXO Lipgloss Trio $75

• Amore

• French Lace

• First Kiss

Blush Imperiale

• Desert Blossom

philosophy snowsuit body spritz

This has been released for several seasons and it has been a customer favorite. And for good reason, I must say! I will leave it up to personal interpretation on what you think maybe snow ought to smell like. This was not what I expected, but I was still pleasantly surprised!

Fresh scented lemon chiffon is what I picked up for this spritz. And that is certainly not what I expected from something that is named ‘snowsuit’. However, I must say that I like its freshness and instant ‘pick me up’. It’s supposed to be a lightweight moisturizer and scent all in one, and although it does have an ever so slight moisturizing feeling when it’s first applied, I don’t think it’s enough to classify as a moisturizer. It might be the aloe ingredient that gives it the soft feeling when you first apply it, and that is better than alcohol but not enough to use as a stand alone skin moisturizer. I personally only use this only as a scented spritzer rather than a moisturizer. Its light and does not last long, but good for a quick treat. I’ve been using as my night time scent and I love that it doesn’t over power me right before getting into bed. This is limited for the holidays so get it while you can, it will be gone until next year!

CLARINS Barocco COLLECTION HOLIDAY 2010


The inspiration for this collection is the Baroque style of the 16th century. This collection is small with only four products introduced, but the four are all you need to pack a punch. Each item is adorned with the floral swirls and filigree design for the elegance and self confidence characterized by the era of the Baroque era.

'Barocco' Face Palette

'Barocco' Shimmering Gold Powder

'Barocco' Eyeshadow Trio

 Rouge Prodige' Lipstick

Sephora by OPI 18pc mini lacquer set

The perfect set to get or give; there are enough shades to take you completely through the holiday season with a different nail shade for each day! Available at Sephora and Sephora.com

18 mini bottles include:

• A True Romantic,

• Techno Girl,

• Access 24/7,

• Ms. Can’t Be Wrong,

• What A Broad,

• Just A Little Dangerous,

• Cab Fare,

• Caliente Coral,

• Special Request,

• High Maintenance,

• Sample Sale,

• I’m With Brad,

• Leaf Him At The Altar,

• Mermaid To Order,

• Opening Night,

• Already Famous,

• Dating The Drummer,

• Never Enough Shoes

Estee Lauder Pure Color Extravagant for Holiday 2010

Fantasy, luxury and femininity are the inspirations for this collection. New colors for eyes, lips and nails in a bold range are ready to set the stage for holiday elegance, allure and extravagance.

 Eyes
• Extravagant Gold Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette

Lips
• Extravagant Gold Pure Color Five Color Lip Palette
• Extravagant Red Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick
• Extravagant Berry Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick
• Extravagant Plum Pure Color Gloss
• Star Ruby Pure Color Gloss
• Electric Ginger Color Gloss
Nails
• Extravagant Pearl Pure Color Nail Lacquer
• Extravagant Night Pure Color Nail Lacquer

 Unique and collectible, solid perfume and powder compacts in stunning and limited-edition pieces are available for holiday gift giving.

One-a-Kind Solid Compacts
• Youth Dew Timeless Cameo
• White Linen Jeweled Sea Turtle
• Sensuous Purple Hibiscus
• Pleasures Golden Bird

Solid Perfume Compacts by Jay Strongwater
• Beautiful Wise Ole Owl
• Pleasures Playful Squirrel

Classic Metal Compacts
• Royal Moon
• Golden Sundial
• Jade Starlight
• Radiant Bloom

Metal Compacts by Jay Strongwater
• Exotic Orchid
• Precious Bluebirds

Makeup Forever Holiday Rock 2010

This collection is all about rock and glamour, black and gold. Deep and smoky, for those adventurous souls that like to have a rockin holiday! Available at MUFE boutiques and Sephora and Sephora.com.


Rock For Ever Aqua Eyes, $36


o Aqua Eyes in Gold 9L
o Aqua Eyes in Bronze 10L
o Aqua Eyes in Dark Grey 21L
o Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L
o Aqua Eyes in Silver 8L

 Rock For Ever Eye Shadow Palette $45


• Diamond Shadow in Diamond Black 307
• Diamond Shadow in Diamond Beige 306
• Eye Shadow in Silver 82
• Eye Shadow in White Shimmer 7

 Rock For Ever Star Powder & Aqua Eyes, $39


• 0.014 oz Star Powder in White/Silver 941
• 0.014 oz Star Powder in Copper 922
• 0.025 oz Aqua Eyes in Pearly Brown 2L
• 0.025 oz Aqua Eyes in Mat Black 0L

YSL Metallic Colorama Holiday 2010 Collection

Available now at YSL locations. Select items are also available at Sephora and Sephora.com.

 La Laque

• Gold
• Bronze
• Silver

 Metallic Colorama Palette

Ombres Duolumieres

• No. 33

Golden Gloss

• Golden Carat

• Golden Chocolate

• Golden Red

Rouge Pur Shine

• Rose Metallique

• Or Metallique

Touche d’Or

Dolce and Gabbana Holiday Haul

During a recent trip to the Big Apple, Saks was on my list of stops for a huge beauty haul. Did I mention it was Friends and Family time? And of course I had my list ready to go! I decided that for Dolce and Gabbana I needed the new Holiday collection. This particular collection called out to me a bit more since I could keep it neutral or glam it up a bit when needed. It’s a very versatile collection, in my opinion. I opted for quite a few pieces, but I’ll give a quick update on the Desert shadow quad, Shimmer gloss, Honey Gloss, Desert Lipstick and Cashmere Lip liner. I’ll post some reviews on the other items shortly.

(Desert Shadow Quad)

I love the Desert Quad for its warm golden shades; dark matte espresso, matte golden medium brown, warm shimmery taupe and a bone shade with the slightest shimmer. I love that this is completely appropriate for a nude day look but can be applied for a smoky night time look as well. It has the silky texture and great blend ability of the Dolce and Gabbana quality and of course the uber glamorous gold case is a treat.

(Desert Lipstick, Cashmere Lipliner)

The Desert lipstick has a bit of frost to it when I first apply it and seems a bit too coppery. But when I apply it with either the Honey or Shimmer gloss over it, it became a very attractive nude-beige shade I could wear every day. It is a nude so if you go with a soft neutral eye, this might not give you enough color, but with the more dramatic aspect of this collection, this would be great.

(Shimnmer Gloss, Honey Gloss)

The Shimmer gloss, Honey gloss and Cashmere lip liner are all on the neutral and nude side. There is not much color to either gloss, but both are great for enhancing a lip color. I apply both either over the Cashmere liner alone and it makes for a great quick lip touch-up while on the run. Or when you just don’t want too much color. The Shimmer gloss is true to its name and has a bit of shimmer but it’s not over the top shimmer. It has just enough to make it pretty, soft and romantic. The Cashmere lip liner is a perfect match for the Cashmere lipstick if you haven’t tried it already. It’s a part of the permanent lipstick collection and also a nude neutral shade.

So, basically this is the part of the collection that is more on the neutral side. The items I will review later are a bit more on the dramatic side and have more va va voom to them! All items in the collection are versatile and wearable for everyday, but certainly a treat for the holiday season. They are available at select Saks stores now and online at Saksfifthavenue.com

Bath and Body Works Cashmere and Silk Hand Cream

Now that fall is nearly here, I take out the hand creams! I always carry one but during the cooler months, I have one everywhere. Not only is it cold, but I live in a dry climate on top of it. I have used them all, from the ones the normal person can afford to the ones that could possibly cost me my first born in my next life! Some great and some not so great.

One of my favorites is Bath and Body Works Shea Cashmere and Silk Hand Cream. Not only does it work superbly well but I love the price tag of $6. I love that it softens and nourishes my hands for instantly replenished skin. It absorbs quickly so I have no greasy residue, which is nice considering how nourishing it is. With all of the skin conditioning ingredients you would think it would be thick and greasy, nope not this one! I also love its soft and comforting scent of vanilla and almond. It’s just enough comfort o give you a bit of calm in the middle of a busy and hectic day. And even better, it’s not tested on animals; it is tested on willing humans!!

If you haven’t tried this, it certainly worth a trip to Bath and Body Works. If you don’t like it, they will take it back, but I don’t think that will be a problem! Over all, I love that

it lives up to it claims and I love that it’s an affordable luxury!

MAC  Viva Glam for Holiday 2010

In keeping with the MAC holiday tradition, the profits from these sets benefit the MAC Aids Fund to benefit men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Every cent from every purchase goes directly into the fund, so let’s keep the tradition alive and proud. Available now at all MAC locations.


Tis Noble to Give Viva Glam Lip Bag -$36.00

• Viva Glam V Lipstick
• Viva Glam V Lipglass


 

Sir Teddy -$15.00

Sir Teddy (with clip)-$12.00

 6 Kids Helping Kids Cards -$8.00


12 Kids Helping Kids Gift Cards -$8.00

Designed by extraordinary kids affected by HIV/AIDS so each design is a masterpiece to treasure.