Cle de Peau Beaute La Beaute Metalique Summer 2011

Clé de Peau Beauté’s Metalique Spring/Summer 2011 color collection that reflects the precious metallic’s found in sunlit summer days and romantic summer evenings. With exquisite combinations of translucent color and the ever-changing lights to capture and promote radiance and luminosity that are one with the skin.

The most gorgeous hues of bronzes, burnt coppers, soft pinks, subtle lilacs and pale blues bring the glorious season to life with multi-dimensional brilliance that is fresh and new. New foundations, glorious shadow quads along with new shades of lipsticks bring sophistication and femininity to this romantic summer collection.

Cream Foundation SPF 26 –Gives a look of illumination from within, in a convenient tube with SPF26

• B10

• B20

• B30

• Bf20

• I10

• O10

• O20

• O30

Eye Color Quad

• 206

• 207

Quad 206

Extra Rich Lipstick

• Beauty Secret (R7)

• Arizona (R8)

• Vesper (T6)

• Rose Des Quatre Saison (T7)

Extra Silky Lipstick

• Rubellite (#129)

• Pink Opal (#130)

• Spessartine (#131).

Dior Electric Tropics Collection for Summer 2011

Summer is alnost here, believe it or not. Doesn't seem possible with some of the weather that the midwest and east coast is getting. But imagine the look you can get with this collection to fake the summer glow you want NOW! And before you know it, it will be summer and you will never have looked more beautiful. Available April 2011.

Ultra-Gloss Crystal Nude

• Luminescent Peach #037

• Sweet Peach #047

• Luminescent Rose #077

• Sweet Rose #037

Dior Nude Healthy Glow Powder

• Aurora #001

• Sunset #002

 Aurora

Sunset

Dior Nude Healthy Glow Fluid

• Rosy Nude #001

• Honey Nude #002

Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow

• Rosy Nude #534

• Rosy Tan #754

 Rosey Nude

Rosey Tan

Dior Addict Lipstick

• Fire #545

Dior Vernis

• Paradise Pink #558

• Aloha #638

My Best Products for 2010

With the new year upon us, I wanted to recap on some products that were a constant in my routine in 2010. Some of the goodies have been a long time staple but some are new found loves that I think will be around for awhile! With so many new product releases and promises of the best and brightest, it’s a chore to weed through them all and find things that I absolutely love enough to use consistently. Since I love trying and testing things, I use all kinds of stuff that I like and use here and there, but these are just a few of the items that are staples in my routine. Believe me, there are more that I use regularly but you would be here forever; hence my name Product Junkie! I hope all had a safe and happy New Year and thumbs up for the best and brightest in 2011!

Edward Bess Lipstick-Edward Bess is my long time love, and at the top of my list are his decadent lipsticks. The shades are fabulous for any skin tone and regardless of any shades I’ve tried they all seem to work fabulously with my skin tone. The formulation is super creamy, wears well and super sleek in packaging. I’m not thinking this item is going to disappear from my list of favorites any time soon.

 Origins re-usable water bottle- I have several of these bottles that I use almost daily. In an attempt to buy fewer bottles of water I'v began using my home water cooler and filling these for use during the day. Originally the bottle cost $15 for a 16oz bottle which seems a bit expensive, until you look at the cause you are supporting. The purchase of each bottle helps support Origins campaign to replant tree's in area's that have been depleted. So, in my opinion purchasing this bottle has helped to to be a bit more environmentally friendly in two forms, using less plastic and replanting tree's. I"ll go for that!

 philosophy purity made simple cleanser-this cleanser is my life saver and will never leave my routine. It is a simple product to use and tackles several issues at once. It removes makeup, tones and cleanser all at the same time. However, for me it’s the mildness that hooked me. My skin is finicky and sensitive and this cleanser has never irritated it.

Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip balm- I love the creamy texture of this lip balm not to mention its excellent moisturizing capabilities. Now that winter is upon us it can wreak havoc on our skin and most importantly the lips. This balm keeps them soft and moisturized and absorbs quickly so if you want to apply lipstick immediately after, you can.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Polishes-I love this brand for what it doesn’t have! No toluene, DBP, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and absolutely no animal testing. Not to mention that the lounge itself is just an absolute joy to visit. The polishes offer less of the “nail polish” smell and wears exceptionally well considering what is missing from the formulation. I recommend using a ‘sticky’ type base coat, even better is theirs, and you are set for a beautiful manicure for a week.

L’occitane Apricot Flower 95% Shea Butter- When all else fails; Shea Butter is the perfect treatment for all of your skincare needs. I use this on my cuticles, lips, dry heels and even on my hands when they are going to be exposed to the elements. It’s perfect for travel and its compact tin fits perfectly into your pocket, just in case you will be without your purse.

Laura Mercier Body Wash- I love Laura Mercier for her gourmand bath and body line, the products are creamy and non drying and oh so yummy. I could probably do with a less expensive body wash, but this is my little luxury at bath time!

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation-With my never ending search for the foundation that would make me look perfect but still look as if I'm not wearing any, this has come up top so far this year. It becomes one with your skin and gives a perfect airbrushed look. It has a sheer to medium coverage and an ever so slightly luminous look for that fresh appeal. So far so good, so lets cross fingers that it lasts through 2011!

Teavana Tea’s- Teavana teas are a pure indulgence for me, And I just cannot live without them! This is truly an investment in my health and wellness, not to mention the superb cup of tea.

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!

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

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 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

Cle de Peau Beaute Joyaux Intermporales Collection Fall 2010

With the exceptional quality and silkiness of the eye shadow from Cle de Peau Beaute, the line has decided to re-launch its refillable version of the shadow compacts. Previously the shadows were able to be purchased singly and housed into the complimentary compact; however the new editions will be quads that can be purchased and housed in the compacts. Each refill will be a quad consisting of four companion shades, almost a mirror to the current quads. It has not been determined if the current quads are going to be replaced so for the time, we will enjoy the new additions. The collection will be available at Bergdorfgoodman and Neiman Marcus in mid August 2010.



• New Cream Compact Founation Spf 18-010, 020, 030, I10, B10, B20, B30, Bf20
• New Eye Color Quad and Re-fill- 201, 202, 203, 204, 205
• Extra Silky Lipstick- 127, 128
• Extra Rich Lipstick- R5, R6, T5

Ellis Faas Skin Veil

In my never-ending search for my next best foundation, I have run across one that is truly impressive. From the Ellis Faas Human Color Concept collection, the Skin Veil foundation mimics skin’s texture and color for natural-looking coverage. High quality minerals illuminate the complexion reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The nourishing ingredients moisturize yet are oil-free, and the SPF 15 gives all day protection. Housed in the brands signature pen and brush packaging, a few quick strokes and the formulation becomes one with your skin. It’s sheer to medium coverage formula can be layered according to your daily needs. Did I mention its long wearing capabilities? Since we all want perfect makeup all day, and with our busy schedules this is often times inconvenient. No worries with this foundation. A quick dusting of your favorite powder and you are back to a shine free perfect complexion. Each set comes with a refill so you will never be left empty handed. Available at Ellisfaas.com or Bergdorf Goodman in NYC.

Photo: Ellisfaas.com

Ellis Faas Cosmetics: The Human Color Concept

Ellis Faas is a brand you will not want to miss out on. Still a rather small line, available only at Bergdorf Goodman and on Ellisfaas.com, it is one sure to make a mark on the beauty world. Created by makeup artist Ellis Faas, the color story is based on the natural tones existent in the human body; the tawny peach of a freckle to the blood red that runs through our veins; the universal shades are ones that can be shared by everyone. No matter your age or complexion the shades are designed to flatter all.
The line features shades for skin, eyes and lips in a fluid formulation that melts into the skin for a completely natural compliment. Each item comes housed in a bullet like click style pen, making for portability and ease of use. From the demure to the dramatic, each of her items can be adjusted to create tones and colors for any color creation.With the newness of this line, her products are already making a name for itself. The red lipsticks in her collection are a hit with the market as being ones that compliment skin tones completely. With only a few reds in the collection having ones that are a fit for most complexions seems almost impossible. But Ellis Faas has accomplished the nearly impossible.
This is one collection you must explore; it is outside the box in concept. However, its innovation is not one to be overlooked. Stay tuned as I have reviews on her products to follow. The collection can be reviewed and ordered from Ellisfaas.com or purchased at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC.

Dior Addicted to Dior Collection for Summer 2010

If you are ready and waiting for a collection to take you from the long winter into the summer warmth, this is the collection you have been waiting for. Skin and eyes will glow, lips will be lit with health and the complexion will be illuminated as if the tropics have been here all along. Available April 2010.

Addicted to Dior

• Addicted to Coral (001)

• Addicted to Pink (002)

5-Couleur Eyeshadow

• Ready-to-Glow (649)

• Crush Glow (659)

1 Colour Extreme Eyeshadow

• Golden Spotlight (616)

Dior Addict High Shine

• Rose Trendsetter (574)

Dior Addict Crystal Gloss

• Crystal Gloss (001)

Dior Nude Glow

• 001

Laura Mercier New Under Eye Perfectors and Secret Concealer

Secret Concealer shades

Undereye Perfector shades

Following the release of the new shades of the ever famous Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 are the new items for the eye area. New shades have been introduced for the Secret Concealer line and a new product completely, the Under Eye Perfector. The Under Eye Perfector comes in two shades for correcting and brightening under the eyes and three new shades added for the Secret Concealer color range, additional shades are now available for darker skin tones. Both are of the super creamy texture all of Laura Mercier’s products are known for, won’t crease, cake or settle into fine lines. I already love the Secret Concealer so adding the Under Eye Perfector for brightness will be great! Who doesn’t seek bright and flawless eyes, like you’ve had 8hrs of sleep?

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizers offers new shades

Laura Mercier offer three new shades in her best selling Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil free. Now there is a shade for those that are in between Nude and Sand with neutral undertones, those in between Almond and Sand with neutral undertones, as well as one for deeper skin tones with a warmer undertone. The formulation stays the same so no changes there, just a wider range of color! This is great news for those who couldn't find a good match, and you just used one that was close because you LOVED the formulation! Nude was always too light but Sand too dark, so I'm out to get the Bisque!

DIOR Skinflash Primer

Dior’s Skinflash is inspired by backstage makeup techniques, SKINFLASH PRIMER is no exception. The new anti-fatigue remedy prepares your complexion for beauty and light with one stroke of the brush. Apply before foundation and skin is smoothed and signs of fatigue and a dull complexion are swept away. The Photo-smart Pigments™ boast photochromic properties and attracts light and diffuse it over your face for a flawless surface and prolong foundation wear. Use it over makeup throughout the day to add instant vitality and refresh a tired complexion. You will notice a fresher and more radiant skin tone with just one brushstroke. The attached brush makes application easy and ready anytime you need a touch of radiance. I've been using this daily under my foundation and have certainly noticed prolonged foundation wear. It is smoother and stays fresh longer than had I not used it. I have also been using it under my eye area for a quick pick-me-up around mid day and wow, instant nap! Except I didn't take nap! Another plus, as you apply it you will feel an instant coolness, which is always nice. Currently available only to Sephora Beauty insiders for $40 and worth every penny!

Beauty on a Budget: part 3

With the economy so bad most of us are tightening the reigns on how much money we spend, so I continue with part 3! In this series, I’m going to show you how beauty does not have to break the bank! You can look and feel fabulous for very little coin. For product junkies like us, cutting down is very hard and causes major anxiety! Fortunately it does not have to be that way, you can still indulge in your obsession and it doesn’t have to cost you your first born. You can still indulge and pamper yourself with items that will be budget friendly.
Eye Shadow: NYX Eye Shadow Singles

We diva’s love our eye shadows and can never have enough, but wow it can cost! Not anymore! NYX Shadow Singles have a stay put formula for all day wear, yet are super silky! Mix and mingle your shades, smoky, soft, neutral or high drama. With 160 shades to choose from you can have them all! At $5 each, you won’t be breaking the bank.

Foundation: Loreal True Match™ Foundation

I tried this foundation about a year ago while on a trip. I’d not received my luggage and the only store near me was a Walgreens. Not sure of the shades since I couldn’t test them, I picked one I thought was closest to my skin tone. I did a good job because it matched. Although my luggage ended up arriving shortly after, I used this for a few day more, why not, I’d spend money on it! I loved the fact that it had sunscreen, always a plus! But it wore superbly; I was in NYC so I was too busy to touch up. No worries though, I didn’t need to! With the long wear, vitamin packed formulation and Opti-blend complex for coverage control and optical pearls that blends imperfections, this was a deal! At $10.95 for a 1oz bottle you can’t beat it!

Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Stick Foundation

Inspired by Japanese wild roses, the new Nobara Cream Stick Foundation is ultra creamy and offers flawless coverage. Fashioned after the compact version, impeccable quality and superb ease of use are now at your fingertips. Use it anywhere, touch up anytime, choose from 13 shades to fit your needs.

Life a little easier!

Multi-use Palettes

Finding things that make our busy lives easier is no easy feat! This is why I love it when lines have multi-use palettes. A few I like in particular are Givenchy’s face palettes. They are tiny palettes that contain 9 shades of matte and shimmer shades, and most often come with a handy brush nestled into the bottom for easy on the go touch-ups. Givenchy’s Sunny palette is one I like particularly for the summer months; it contains 9 varying shades of brown, gold and bronze in matte and shimmer shades. They are fabulous as a bronzer but they can be used as shadows as well. The colors compliment any skin-tone and make contouring cheeks and eyes a cinch. These little gems fit into any makeup pouch, big or small but they sure do pack a punch! I love these for travel especially when I don’t want to check my bag at the airport. They are small but have exactly what I need for cheeks and eyes.

And of course master of makeup Bobbi Brown has her palettes that you can fill with an array of products from foundation to lips of all sorts. Mine has a foundation, concealer, a shadow, a liner shadow, a blush and a lip gloss. I have everything I need in one handy palette. These are handy and make having everything you need right at your fingertips. These are a bit larger than the Givenchy ones but they are re-fillable and hold a larger array of products.

More and more lines are coming out with multi-use palettes, so it’s a matter a choice and which ones will work for you and your needs. Sometimes I need a little and sometimes I need a lot! My needs change from day to day so the more choices I have, the better!