Friday, December 16, 2011

The Friday Forum - December 16

My "Christmas Rose" isn't blooming yet, so I went off to the Web to find a pretty photo. It's hard for me to believe it's the week before Christmas! I guess it's time to figure out what my Mom wants to eat that day.

This must be a short Friday Forum from me. I have an appointment at the Apple store this morning - soon. To recap, I have had an iPad for a long time. Love it, but it had a defect. A couple of weeks ago, Apple replaced it. The replacement has its own set of defects (sigh), so I'm headed back. Unfortunately, the Apple store is at Tysons Corner Center, the most popular mall in the area. I hope I get in and out of there without a hassle. I know, dream on!

I'm looking forward to seeing Erin Lockard from Le Métier de Beauté tomorrow - and to getting my hands on my very own Jan's Jewel Lip Crème. It will be a Le Métier de Beauté weekend! I've also got to try to get over to the International Gem and Jewelry Show in Chantilly. I need to buy a few gifts, and that's a perfect place to find treasures.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

Have you entered the latest giveaway contests? There have been two running this week.
  • You could win AVEENO's hair care suite by commenting here.
  • You could win Benefit's I'm Glad Therefore I Am set by commenting here.
The AVEENO contest is limited to U.S. residents, but the Benefit contest is open internationally. Give them a whirl!

Photo courtesy of flowerona.com

21 comments:

Brooke @ Blushing Noir said...

This week I hauled Chanel Spring and am currently falling in love with Dior Spring!

Best deal was at Ulta where I found a duo of Benefit blushes for my January giveaway for only $19! they are both full size in Georgia and Thrrrob. Great, great deal! Plus, also at Ulta, I had 20% off and finally treated myself to a Clarisonic Mia 2!

My Uncle lives about a mile away from Tyson's Corner, that is a BEAUTIFUL mall.. but I wouldn't want to be anywhere near it around the holidays lol

Kate said...

Hi Charlestongirl!

Good luck at the Apple store. I tried very hard this year to avoid holiday crowds, so I hope your trip is free of hassles!

I just received two pieces from Tom Ford's collection: the lipstick in Nude Vanille and Shade and Illuminate - Intensity One. Both are simply divine. Nude Vanille is the best nude shade I have ever owned, hands down. The formula is creamy and pigmented and the color is gorgeous. I love a nude lip.

The Shade & Illuminate is currently my favorite product. The contouring shade is beatiful, as is the highlighting shade. They are both easy to blend, and have not caused my combination skin to break out. Amazing product.

I also just received today Burberry's Sheer Foundation (Trench No. 6). I cannot wait to use it tomorrow. Based on the little dollop I blended on my hand, I expect great things.

Also, I am eagerly awaiting LMdB's Antiquite Poupee. Based on your info that they were releasing 60 more, I called Dustin to reserve mine. Word is they were supposed to arrive on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. I am dying to get my hands on it!!

Happy holidays everyone!

Kate

Nemo said...

Charleston girl, I am loving my newest LMDB product, the Capitol eye kit. Wow! I have yet to be disappointed in anything LMDB. Continue the good work of sticking up for LMDB colors, and of reporting these new must-haves to us. The eye kits create a different, but sexy, look every time.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi BlushingNoir!

Do you have Dior spring available there yet? We don't!

I haven't been in an Ulta store in over a year! I have to travel outside the Beltway to get to one, so I tend to forget about them. Nice discount!

It wasn't bad there this morning. I guess the secret is to go when they open. That will be my LAST trip there before Christmas!

Happy Friday!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Kate!

I keep forgetting to order Shade & Illuminate. Thanks for reminding me!

You are going to love AP! I talked to Dustin Wednesday night, and he fully expected to get his next 60 yesterday. Hope they arrived.

Happy Holidays!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Nemo!

I'm glad you like the Capitol Kaleidoscope as much as I do. I think Michael "did good."

Eileen said...

It sounds like you have a busy, typical pre-holiday weekend mapped out. Lots of errands and appointments, a bit of technology, a bit of beauty, some gorgeous jewelry--a bit of everything to make the day whirl by!

I spent a couple days playing with Éclosion (love!), but have now tucked it aside until closer to spring. It's warm peachy-pink and garnet hues really are better suited to a warmer season's natural light and fashion. I think the only reason Chanel introduced this cheerful, springtime bouquet so early was to get the jump on their competitors. But, except for purchasing Éclosion, I am on hold, waiting to see the other collections. Gorgeous promo pictures abound and testing out the new products as they arrive at the various counters after the new year is sure to be a delight.

Personally, I'd rather see the spring collections released in late January or early February. I love autumn/winter fashion and makeup and all the fun time glitz and glam of the holidays, so I'm in no hurry to put any of it aside. Of course, this is coming from someone who lives in Southern California with its very mild winters :-)

On December 22 the winter solstice occurs and is followed by the gradual lengthening of the days in the northern hemisphere. Although in modern times this phenomena is easily explained, to ancient people it must have seemed like a miracle as life-giving light once again returned to the land and infused their harsh world with warmth and hope. And so, in that spirit, my solstice wish for all of you is a holiday season filled with warmth and loving companionship as you contemplate the joys of a new year.

Swathi Narumanchi said...

Hi CG ,

I just ended my work week with Christmas gifts and I received a very beautiful scented candle !

I actually wanted to ask a question, I own Burberry rosewood lipstick and it's a beautiful shade on me. I was wondering of anyone knows a similar shade in the new Dior addict ? Just in case I finish my Burberry !!!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen!

It is hard to think spring when winter hasn't really started. However, I love spring colors, so I'm willing to buy now and store. Not all of them get stored, though. I'm loving Éclosion and some of the other items from Chanel spring. I do think it would be more rational to release spring after January 1, when we are looking for "new" in the New Year.

I have mixed feelings about the longer days, but hopefully, my body will be able to stay awake longer in the evening. With it dark by 5:00, I get the "go to sleep" signal around 7:30! :)

Tomorrow is going to be crazy. I forgot until a few minutes ago that I am scheduled to meet friends - in addition to everything I remembered this morning. Yikes!

Hope you enjoy your weekend!

Charlestongirl said...

Swathi, the lipsticks are very different, with Dior's being sheer and shiny. I don't know what color would best "match" Rosewood. I think I may have given Rosewood away. I checked my swatch photo, and it was terrible. Sorry!

MikkiD said...

Hi CG! What time are you going to the LMDB counter tomorrow?

Charlestongirl said...

1:15 appointment, MikkiD!

MikkiD said...

I can't wait to see the review. Please post pics as well!

Charlestongirl said...

Will do! Still have to post Erin's last event. I am so backed up! :)

Laetitia said...

Were the "geniuses" at Apple able to help you?

I've given up on Apple after three of my laptops met a demise--two to logic card issues, one to hard drive problems. I like to think of the company as some of those fabulous-sounding anti-aging creams. Beautiful packaging, very disappointing results.

What moisturizer are you using lately? I'm giving my skin a time-out with an old standby, La Mer. Then I think it's back to Orchidee Imperiale.

Good luck with that iPad!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Laetitia!

Yes...in a way. I got my sounds back, but the antenna issue awaits me. I have to apply the equivalent of a new service pack to the operating system to, supposedly, improve antenna performance. We'll see. I forgot to hook it up to the computer last night.

Interesting about La Mer. I started using La Mer Concentrate again this week, and I am picking up a jar of Kate Somerville's Multi-Action Line Repair today. As the weather is drying, so am I!

Eileen said...

Upcoming Chanel releases:

Woo-hoo! Today I stopped by the Chanel counter and briefly visited my charming Chanel MA, Yukiko, and learned that Chanel's Le Blanc skin care line will be launching in the US come January. I'm really thrilled about it. So far, it has only been available in Asia. As we know, the FDA approval process is long and laborious and that has been holding things up for Chanel, but now the products are set to be released in the US.

I also got a chance to see the European brushes that will be replacing the US ones and they are very nice, indeed. Anyone contemplating a brush purchase should hold off until the Euro brushes have arrived.

There is going to be a mini-release called Les Roses. As the name implies, it is a lovely selection of pink nail and lip colors from soft to bold.

As for the summer collection (Yes, the promo picture and product info is already available!), it is all about gold this year. And, for those of you who love nail polish, there's a gorgeous gold one that will knock your socks off. The color pop for the collection is shades of tangerine, coral, orange. It makes a nice counterpoint to what is basically a neutral, gold spun collection. Anyone who is a Chanel fan, should ask to see the preview book the next time they're at the counter.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen!

I saw it...tried not to drool on it. :)

Unknown said...

I can't wait for the release of the Chanel brushes. I hope the collection includes a rounded eyeliner brush like the one they included with the Illusion D'Ombre eye shadows. It's the best I've used.

Seems like you just wrote about the Chantilly Gem show - how quickly the year flew by! Did you buy anything interesting?

Charlestongirl said...

Hey there, Ava! Will you be with your Mom for Christmas?

I did get a pretty pair of rose gold hoops, an indulgence...I guess it was my gift to me. They were one size larger than I would have preferred, but they are really nice. Also, I admired a pretty turquoise and gold plated bracelet, and my friend went back and bought it for me! I'm thrilled.

No doubt I'll be trying the Chanel brushes, even though I probably have enough brushes to take me to the grave.

Eileen said...

Oh, Charlestongirl!

I got such a laugh out of the thought of your coffin filled to the brim with brushes. LOL The ones I saw at Chanel were really lovely, but the counter didn't have samples of the entire collection and, of course, there was nothing for sale. It was just a bit of a sneak peak--a teaser if you will.

I must admit, I am such a pushover for good brushes and have duplicates of my favorite workhorses. So, see? You won't be the only one buried alive in brushes :-)

Hi Ava,

Isn't that brush that comes with Illusion d'Ombre fantastic? I'm not a huge fan of many of the bushes that come in palettes and quads, but this little one has actually made it into the box where I keep my frequently used eye brushes. I love it for lining and blending to get a beautiful color gradient. Hopefully, there will be a full sized version on the horizon, especially since Chanel is creating new Illusion d'Ombre colors. We can hope :-)

Have a great coming week, ladies, as you gear up for the holidays.