Monday, December 5, 2011

Le Métier de Beauté Capitol Kaleidoscope - Swatched

Le Métier de Beauté's limited-edition Capitol Kaleidoscope ($95) will be officially unveiled this week at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie during the InCircle event. The range of colors was selected to embody the array of styles, ideas, and personas that converge to make Washington, DC a unique force of energy. Michael Reinhardt, the Le Métier de Beauté representative at Mazza, collaborated with Mikey Castello, Le Métier de Beauté's Director of Makeup, to select the shades. The Kaleidoscope is exclusive to Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Last time I checked, which was Saturday, all but 10 of the 75 had been pre-sold.

Michael wanted the shades to be colors women could wear every day.
  • Pink Tendre: a matte pink highlighter
  • Peache Or: described as a rose champagne - I'd call it peach
  • Taupe Satine: a subtly shimmering taupe - gorgeous!
  • Prune Veloure: a deep matte aubergine that is very sheer and wearable
I had to take my photos in the store. It's extremely dark and cloudy outside (no chance of getting outdoor photos), so I moved the counter light to my arm and snapped away, hoping to get a few pictures that represented the shades fairly well. As soon as the sun re-emerges mid-week, I'll get a sunny photo for you.

I applied each shade heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. I feel that the store lighting didn't show the colors as well as sunlight does. They lost some of their liveliness.

I wouldn't use the matte Pink Tendre as a highlighter. I prefer a shade with a little glow for highlighting. Pink Tendre is a perfect base shade on my skin. I hope you can see it at the top of my arm.

Peache Or glows in peach. It has a subtle gleam that's extremely flattering on the lids. It also coordinates perfectly with the shades below it in the Kaleidoscope.

Taupe Satine is described by Le Métier de Beauté as a satin-finish taupe. I see it as a subtly shimmering taupe with a touch of antique gold/bronze. It's definitely the jazziest shade in the Kaleidoscope - worth the entire price of admission to any taupe lover. Gorgeous!

Prune Veloure surprised me. It looks like a deep shade in the pan, but on the skin it's sheer, brown-toned mauve-aubergine - a color I can wear. Aubergine shades can be deadly on my skin and eyes, but this one is extremely muted and pretty. When applied properly - not globbed on like I did to get a decent store photo - it's a fabulous seasonal shade.

To celebrate the release of the Capitol Kaleidoscope, Erin Lockard will be working her magic at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie on Wednesday, December 7. I can't wait! Call Michael or Sherry at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, to place your pre-order if you want this Kaleidoscope. Do it today! If you are local to the DC area, you should also make an appointment for Wednesday. You are going to adore Erin Lockard.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

19 comments:

DEN said...

Thanks for posting the swatches! I preordered mine and can't wait..... Do you know if the taupe is similar to "Spicy" in their permanent line? Also, the purple shade looks close to the last shade in the Modernist Merlot Kaleidescope (which I have). It doesn't matter to me because I think I will absolutely love this kit, but just making an observation. You are the best for keeping us abreast on the latest from LMDB!

Unknown said...

This looks lovely! That bottom shade looks very similar to the bottom colour in Le Cirque. I can't decide if that taupe is similar to the bronzy taupe in Penelope. From your swatches it looks more antique gold whereas the 'Penelope' colour is more pinky bronze. Oh dear, I think it's safe to say I'm taupe obsessed! Thank you for sharing as ever CG. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Den,

Since my filing system is so "incoherent," I don't bother with comparisons. It would take me much more time than I've got to chase down the colors I've already got to compare. As you said, it doesn't matter to me anyhow. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Hi MB, I know from memory that the new one is similar to Bronze Topaz, but I'd have to dig it out to show comparisons. I'm hopelessly disorganized, so that's not likely to happen any time soon. :)

I'm taupe obsessed too. Is it possible to have too many?

Unknown said...

In my opinion, no! We won't ask either my Mother or my husband what they think ;)

Clarisse said...

The sahdes look gorgeous as usual: there are so many talented creators in this brand, it's amazing! and very prolific too.....!

Charlestongirl said...

MB, let's not mention this addiction to our mothers.

Charlestongirl said...

Clarisse, they are pretty. You are going to love yours (I hope).

pinkribbons said...

Oh no another kaleidoscope I want, I only just recovered from seeing swatches of the holiday version! This one is extremely pretty too, interesting mix of colours.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Pinkribbons!

Every one that comes out is a gem.

Unknown said...

Like Modesty, I think the bottom shade looks very much like those in Le Cirque. The taupe in the kaleidoscope photo looks like the taupe in Le Cirque; the swatched version on your arm looks like a golden shade in Devotion or Silk Road. The swatched Peach color looks like the Echo blush I use. I think I'll take my kaleidoscopes with me to see if the colors actually are similar. No need to spend another $95 if they are!

Liz said...

Ava, thank you for your keen observation. I checked my Le cirque and Devotion and I think the taupe and purple can be replicated with what I have. I will just substitute pink shade from AP and save myself $95+shipping. Now, I wonder if peach + taupe (from this kit) = nutmeg.

Nemo said...

I agree with you and many of your readers: Who cares if some of the shades are similar to others. Life is too short to let one of these beauties pass by. And I love that they are limited editions and hand-made and, I must add, lovingly crafted. BTW, when is Mikey's coming out? Any news on that one?????

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Nemo!

I don't even know how to respond to all the comparisons anymore. There are only so many potential eye shadow colors (for normal women). Lord knows how many duplicate or similar shades MAC has introduced in limited editions over the years!

Charlestongirl said...

Ava, the peach shade is really not much like Echo. You'll see Wednesday, I think.

Oh, and Nemo...I have no idea what Mikey's schedule is. Go to Facebook, where LMdB usually gives us a heads-up on the special visits.

Unknown said...

Actually, MAC has taken its share of critism for repeated LE collections. I don't care if MAC or LMdB reissues colors, or recombines old and/or existing colors in new kaleidoscopes - it's a great opportunity for those who may have missed kaleidoscopes no longer available. I personally don't need or want dupes at these prices. It would be different if I hit pan on these colors, but I don't. I could buy another LMdB Flawfless Face Kit instead, since mine is almost used up.

Jackie said...

I can't wait until I get mine! I have been wearing Dustin's for a week now and really love it.

Thanks so much for the swatches. I love your blog and enjoy reading it daily!

Charlestongirl said...

Coming up in tomorrow's Friday Forum: LMdB's response to the dupes questions.

Anonymous said...

Are these new colors or are they part of the permanent line? Also are these colors also in the flawless face or other kits? I wish that the kits would not dupe eyeshadows or at least use the same name so that if it is in more than one kit, you would know. When kits or palettes dupe colors from one to another it makes me not want to buy it because I already have the color. What dupes are in LMDB kits?