Today, I'm headed over to Neiman Marcus early for a special event, but the event continues all day. Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria and David Yurman invite you to a day of restyling and gift giving. All day, you can enjoy Bobbi Brown makeovers. There's an enticing session on jewelry styling from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, followed by exclusive sessions with a David Yurman representative, who will be available from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in Designer Jewelry to help you select the perfect gift, for yourself or your special friend. Consider yourself invited. You can RSVP by calling (703) 761-1600, extension 3021.The hastily shot photo at the top of this feature is the tester of the Bobbi Brown gift with purchase for InCircle, and it's a nice one. You get an eye palette, lip palette, an empty dual pan that you can fill with your favorite shades, and two more pieces! It's one of the most generous GWPs I've seen lately.
I'd be really happy with the lovely David Yurman blue topaz necklace at right, but something tells me my friends won't be spending this kind of money on me during the holidays. I can always dream.
We had days of clouds and rain this week, which interfered with taking swatch photos. Fortunately, the sun has returned, and I'll be able to feature the rest of Chanel's spring collection later today and over the weekend. I have some other new beauties from Zuneta to show you, so I'm excited.
I can't begin to figure out when I'm going to have enough time to describe all the new fragrances that have arrived. I had a Caron fest during the 20% discount event at the New York boutique. Now, I'm on the hunt for an exclusive CREED scent that was created for a menswear shop in Amsterdam. I fear I'm going to fail, but I was challenged yesterday when I had the opportunity to visit with Roberto Ferreira, National CREED Educator and Curator of the CREED Collection. Incidentally, if you live anywhere near DC, you could see him Saturday at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Just call to make an appointment. He's that popular!
Here are a few things from Chanel to savor while you think spring. We'll chat about the eye shadows and a few of the lipsticks next.I know some of you have been dismayed by the duplicates or near-duplicates in Le Métier de Beauté's Kaleidoscopes. I've been e-mailing with the company, and I want to share with you the philosophy on the colors and their selection. Here are Mikey Castillo's thoughts. Mikey is Le Métier de Beauté's Director of Makeup.
A Kaleidoscope achieves its beauty not through its singular colors, but through the interactions between them. A kaleidoscope may contain four individual colors, but through reflection and light, each combination always looks fresh and distinctive. This same principle is at the core of Le Métier de Beauté's Kaleidoscope collections. Of course, each shadow or gloss can be worn alone, but it’s how the shades interact and play upon each other that yields an incomparable result. This is why Le Métier de Beauté's signature layering technique, “Couche de Couleur,” is such a vital part of each Kaleidoscope; the shades in each collection are chosen to convey the artist’s vision. Changing one shade impacts the prismatic end-result achieved through layering, and yields entirely new range of color possibilities - and yet, not the artist's intended result. With a few exceptions with our very early palettes, no shade that appears in a Kaleidoscope can be found in our permanent line of singles. And, although Kaleidoscopes may contain similarities, each shade is hand-picked by the artist to communicate their inspired vision. Staying true to our artists' vision and maintaining the integrity of their inspiration is critical to Le Métier de Beauté.
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.
Don't forget this week's giveaway. You can enter to win Sephora's Glitz & Glam deluxe sampler set here. Just make sure to comment before tomorrow's deadline, midnight, November 10.
Photos by Best Things in Beauty or courtesy of Neiman Marcus
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22 comments:
This Sunday is my new business' preview day and the new Chanel colors are out and I might just find myself stress shopping some pretty new things. ...unless I find myself at Le métier.
Hey Charleston Girl !
I took the day off from work to go do some retail therapy. I was shopping at Dior and I fell in love with the DiorSkin nude Natural Glow sculpting powder. Though it says sculpting , it was perfect for that fresh look . I ended up buying it in shade 020. It is fabulous.
I have been wondering this whole week about how to down size the number of makeup items I carry everyday - over 20 lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, compact and all. It's hard to cut down.
I hope you're enjoying your busy day CG!
It was interesting to read Mikey's thoughts about the Kaleidoscopes. I think certainly from the brands point of view, I have no real issue with colours being duplicated or near duped. I do completely understand the beauty of the Kaleidoscopes is in how the colours layer and work together. I also understand this is why there will never be a palette of entirely cool or warm shades as the idea is that there is a mix of tones.
However, I know that many beauty consumers want to know about duplications and whether they already have similar shades in their arsenal. I don't think people's curiosity about dupes necessarily implies a complaint, just a natural interest in colours and how they compare. Or certainly this is true from my own point of view. Goodness knows I have enough variations on a theme in my collection not to have any real problem with it. I do of course like enjoy seeing lots of pretty colours side by side so I like to see all of the pretty comparisons!
Thank you again for sharing Mikey's response.
Rachel,
Stress, happiness, there are many great reasons for shopping. :)
And good luck with the new business, Rachel!
Swathi,
As my back started to bother me, I learned that it's possible to carry fewer of them around. Use at home. Also stash in your car or desk drawer at work so that you don't have so much to carry. :)
Hi MB!
Yes, I agree that many want to use the shades individually, so they do care about dupes. The best thing for those customers, I think, is to ask their LMdB rep - or contact the company before buying.
Right now, I am so upset about the unexpected passing of beautiful perfumer, Mona di Orio. One of my favorite sunshine fragrances is Jabu. She was such an artistic genius. I could kick myself for having swapped that Vanille. Isn't it always the way?
Mikey's response was essentially what I had predicted it would be when I first commented about this fiasco on Sabrina's blog: The excuse for the dupes is Couche de Couleurs. According to Mikey, only the LMdB artist can have the true and inspired vision and that single creative vision must be adhered to without variation or else the integrity of that creation will suffer. Is anyone else turned off by such elitist and preposterous posturing?
When LMdB first started out, women were encourage to play and experiment; to explore their own creative potential and have fun with "the craft of beauty". Now it seems like we're being told our vision is inferior and we must apply our shadows in one particular order as predetermined by the LMdB artist's concept.
Couche de Couleurs is a technique, a guideline, which not even all the LMdB MA's strictly follow. I've had my makeup done several times and invariably the MA has taken a bit of liberty with the application of colors. So much for preserving the integrity of the artistic vision! Not even LMdB's artists follow the rules!
Personally, I find LMdB's explanation to be just so much balderdash especially since many times the layering Involved in the current crop of clone Kaleidoscopes produces a difference in result which is negligible. As a long time LMdB customer, I'm completely turned off by the repetition and the company's audacity to tell us each Kaleidoscope is unique when that is simply not the case.
What I'd really like to see is the company taking responsibility for it's gaff and putting more thought and originality into its creations. We know from past releases that LMdB is capable of assembling a breathtaking collection of colors so there is really no excuse for what has been happening lately.
Whew! Sorry about that. I'm just so over this entire fiasco. I promise I'll not say another single word about it :-)
Today I'll be stopping by Chanel to pick up my new quad. Although I'm enjoying all my autumn and winter goodies (especially Guerlain's Les Gris) and am in no hurry to put them away, I'm looking forward to using Éclosion when spring arrives. And what a delightful name with all the connotations of blossoming, birth, and transformation. I love it!
On Monday, I purchased Nars Miss Liberty and have been getting a lot of pleasure out of this light, peach-tinged highlighter with micro-glitter. In addition to using it as a highlighter, I've been wearing it as an eyeshadow. It's color is delicate and the glitter is very refined. Gently patted on over another color or worn on its own, it creates a very pretty look.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Speaking of Le Metier, has anyone else had trouble with the Peau Vierge leaking? I purchased one last week and am very happy with the makeup, but I travel a lot and the container leaked all over everything! It's not going to be much use to me if I'm unable to prevent that. It wasn't just leaking from the actual dispenser, but from the joins in the container.
Hi Eileen!
Always glad to have a sounding board here!
I like Miss Liberty too. I've read pros and cons. I think it's great for gals with fair skin (like us).
Happy weekend!
Hi Kit!
I haven't traveled with mine, but you might want to exchange it. I'm sure the rep would be happy to replace something that isn't holding up.
Hi, when I was in NYC this summer I tried two times to find the Caron boutique, it was mission impossible, even with the help of my NY friend, could you please be so kind to post their address/website? Thank you so much!
Hi Unknown friend!
The Caron Boutique is at 675 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10065-8044, and their phone (ask for Diane) is 1-877-88CARON.
After reading Mikey Castillo's response, I rolled my eyes so hard I saw my brain.
I'm with Eileen on this one.
I do think that Le Metier, at a minimum, needs to keep the shades names consistent so consumers can make an informed decision. I did as the SA when I purchased Come One Come All and Capitol and both told me there were no dupes. To my dismay, there were 4 in Come One Come All and there are two in Capitol. The taupe shade is the same as in Penelope and the Aubergine is the same as in Modernist Merlot. I don't mind shades that are CLOSE but I do mind shades that are EXACT when I have asked specifically and when they have been renamed. BTW - women, not just makeup artists, know how to mix and layer between palettes. I am backing away from Le Metier until they make some disclosures or have visions that use more than 10 of the same colors.
Maria,
I laughed out loud when I read your comment. I've never heard that expression. :)
Anonymous,
I don't think the reps at the counter knew. They probably didn't have the earlier Ks at the counter to begin to do any comparisons of shades.
I know for a fact that the designer of Come One, Come All selected her shades herself from the many choices she had. It was coincidental that the shades were the same, or almost the same, as previously used shades.
I don't think any of us would disagree that shade names should be consistent - forever.
Huh. I didn't see the elitist note that enraged Eileen in Micky's response at all. I thought she was recognizing that each kit is one artist's creation. How is that going against every woman's creativity?? I love seeing how the artist pairs things, and then making them my own. I see nothing in Mickey's statements that goes against that.
I do think she could have said more and made better points, but I'm not outraged. I think the idea that each of these kits is created by an individual, often for one individual counter is key. I'd be a lot more upset if these were large scale national roll-outs. I think it is a little OTT to expect each and every shade for each and every one of these tiny releases to be completely unlike any other shade ever released by le Metier. These kits are supposed to be about the artist's vision, right?? Doesn't seem fun for them or us if there are rules about not using a shade that resembles something that was used in a small release earlier. Not to mention, it can be hard to get some of these, so I'm happy for chances to get some of the more gorgeous colors again!!
Hi LuckyRedLisa,
First, let me say, "Peace!" Sorry if I sounded "enraged" to you. That was not my intent. Cosmetics can inspire frustration, but rage? Nah! This is makeup after all, not wanton destruction of the universe were talking about :-)
I've been following the brouhaha on several blogs I read and know that many women, loyal collectors of Kaleidoscopes like myself, have felt cheated when confronted with an ever increasing number of dupes--not similar shades--exact dupes! After spending $95 many women have felt dismayed when they've discovered that they've purchased colors they already own; especially since LMdB changes the names of the colors in each particular set. That seems, to many women, like deliberate obfuscation on the part of the company. The consensus seems to be that if other companies routinely label repromotes as such, why can't LMdB? It's called honesty in labeling and is a policy customers appreciate and value.
As for Mikey's articulate but poor excuse, it was a nice attempt to save face and preserve LMdB's reputation for creativity and artistry, but it never addressed the issue: Just what is LMdB going to do about this problem of rampant duplication? Shrug their shoulders and say caveat emptor? I think we all expect more from a company that is capable of producing superlative products. By the way, Mikey is a he; not a she.
In any event, it's always nice to encounter other people's opinions. As Mark Twain said, " . . . It is a difference of opinion that makes horse races." Cheers!
Hi LuckyRedLisa and Eileen!
I can see both sides. Personally, I would prefer we stick with one hue = one name. It wouldn't matter to me if a Kaleidoscope repeated colors that were used before. It would be my choice if I knew the colors were dupes.
Eileen, I had a good belly laugh when I read This is makeup after all, not wanton destruction of the universe were talking about :-)
I continue to be fascinated by the diversity of opinions on this issue.
oh, YES, peace for sure! It is just makeup!! I just meant to express the counterpoint, that while I'm a le Metier fan with a growing number of dupes in my stash, I'm just not that upset. Not to mention, with words like "preposterous posturing," "balderdash," "fiasco," you can see why I thought there was rage going on. :)
I get your point, I really do. I'm just not sure of the solution- do they ask artists to create their own kits, but say they cannot use anything that has been used before? Then we would have missed out on the GORGEOUS Come One, Come All palette b/c there were dupes in Silk Road. But Silk Road is a TOTALLY different palette. I skipped Silk Road because it just didn't work for me, while Come One Come All is quite possibly my most favorite palette ever from any line. Maybe dupes are a risk one takes when one buys every release?
I do think keeping names uniform would be a step in the right direction.
I also think this company is at an awkward point in it's growth. The little releases are cool, but they feel a little scattered. Not to mention, they really seem to be struggling with the perennial question of how do they please the loyal followers while still bringing in new devotees. So many brands go through this, and it is a tough balance to strike.
Maybe they decided to take a risk? That taupe that keeps reappearing is pretty darn gorgeous. Maybe for every frustrated loyalists created, they got three new people to try a kit? Just a thought. Us loyal addicts can get a line on the map, but you have to pull in the more mainstream shopper to stay there. There was a time when the appealing to the mainstream shopper didn't seem to be on le Metier's list of goals. Now, with all the Nordies counters and special kits for each new opening, I think that's changed!!
I don't know, maybe I'm just having such a love affair with le Metier right now, I think they can do no wrong. LOL I was obsessed with the line when they first came out and delighted in calling all over to track down a kit. I lost interest about a year or so ago for a variety of reasons, one being that palettes came out so rarely and I couldn't get the colors to work for me. Now I'm loving the line again. In large part because of these little counter releases that have been far more gorgeous and interesting than the widely released palettes of late. Oh dear, does that make me a "mainstream" type?? Ugh.
Anyway, just my thoughts on the topic. No rage over here either!! Peace to all my fellow addicts!! :)
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