Is it any wonder that sunrises and sunsets have inspired so many artists? On Leap Day, I couldn't resist running outside with my camera. The sun had just a few moments to rise below the clouds, which brought torrential rain. I was able to capture the glorious view we had on Wednesday before the rains came.I don't have any "stories" for the week. Things here have been "normal" here - so far. I've managed to avoid Neiman Marcus, after spending way too much money there last weekend. I've been testing new skin care (and loving it) and playing with all my Beauty Event goodies.
As I write this morning, the sun has brightened the window in front of me. Charlie was bathing a foot away, taking advantage of a sun spot on top of the printer. My "togetherness cat" was happy, until I reached up to pet him and accidentally hit the "Wake Up" button on the printer. There's something about the printer motor he doesn't like, so now he's in my lap. It's not always easy to type with a Bengal who comes between you and your keyboard.
I have most of the day off from work, so I'm happy too - even though I have a lot of life management chores to accomplish (Costco, Post Office, swatch photos, and more). I need to straighten up my house, but I'm sure I'll find some justification for procrastinating, a nap maybe.
I'm in Tom Ford fragrance nirvana this week. A friend, a Tom Ford representative in our area, made me samples of each of the fragrances currently available. I feel like the luckiest gal on earth as I flit from one to another. I'm having a blast. If you'd like to read a "day in the life" of Tom Ford, international creative genius and celebrity, check out this link at Harper's BAZAAR.
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 will have moved on.
Don't forget to enter the giveaway contest for Le Métier de Beauté's Red Velvet Lip Crème. It's the Beauty Event gift with a Le Métier de Beauté purchase at Neiman Marcus ($125, I think). I was pleased to be able to offer one here.
News flash! Sisley's Palette Orchidée for Spring Summer 2012 just arrived at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. If you've been waiting for this beauty, you'll want to give Loula Ayoub a call at (703) 761-1600, extension 3230. All stores are receiving limited quantities of Palette Orchidée.Photo by Best Things in Beauty
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26 comments:
Thanks for the lovely photo. I, too, cannot resist a colorful sunset.
I think that you are the 'luckiest gal on earth'!!! Surrounded my Tom Ford fragrance and the day off!
Sounds live Nirvana to me.
Thanks for all your wonderful posts.
Hi CG!
This is my first post here, but I've been lurking for awhile. I love your site. Your joy for the products you feature, and beautiful things of all kinds, is contagious and wonderful to read every day. Yours is the first site I visit each morning! Thank for creating such a wonderful place!
I made my first Neiman Marcus purchase last week because I wanted the beauty bag. I needed new moisturizer (picked up a NARS one; I've had great success with their skincare in the past). I also picked up a new lipstick: Laura Mercier's Gel color in Clementine. I never thought I could wear orange lipstick, but this one is fantastic. I'm excited for summer.
Ooops forgot to ask my question! I'm very interested in trying Jo Malone fragrances, but I can only afford one at this time. Is there one you (or anyone else) would recommend I go for? My favorite scents are orange blossoms, vanilla, and gardenia.
Hi Sunnlitt!
I am feeling lucky. When I asked for a sample of the Amber Absolute that is being discontinued, my friend said, "Why don't I make you nice samples of all the fragrances?" Yikes! I owe her big time!
I just bought Portofino Neroli today. Love that one!
Hi CGirl!
Love your name, BTW.
I am so happy when lurkers post comments. Thank you! I know you're out there from my daily stats, but I love hearing from you!
Aren't you brave! Orange lipstick is hard to wear. I can wear pastel oranges, but anything with punch makes me uncomfortable. You go! You'll be our glamour gal.
Well, of the latest batch of Jo Malone fragrances, I think you might like White Lilac & Rhubarb the most. Otherwise, buy Vintage Gardenia or Orange Blossom. Both are gorgeous, and I love them (we have similar tastes).
If you have any friends in England, Jo Malone herself just started a new line called JO LOVES. I posted it here. The Gardenia fragrance is to die for! It's supposed to be made available to US customers - the sooner the better! A blogger friend near London got mine for me, and I'll be eternally grateful.
Thanks for commenting. Happy weekend!
Oops, sorry. It's TF Neroli Portofino. Was apparently overexcited. :)
CG,
Thanks for your lovely comments! I haven't used my Google account to comment in so long that I was surprised by what the name was. Funny coincidence!
The orange is really lovely. I have fair skin with rosy cheeks; while I can wear both cool and warm colors, I tend to have trouble with warmer lipsticks. This orange has just enough red and pink in it to make it wearable. Plus, it goes on pretty sheer and can easily be built into a more intense orange. I really love it and am thinking of getting a backup (my first ever).
Thanks for the Jo Malone recs. I'm leaning toward Orange Blossom. I'm planning on getting it as a reward for a 50-lb weight loss (at 34 now). More motivation to hit the gym!
Wow CGirl! That took discipline - more than I would ever have. Fabulous! Congrats!
You will love Orange Blossom. It's a fitting motivator. :)
How exciting about the TFs! Will you be going after any other? My favorites on self are TV, White Suede, and Neroli Portofino, not to mention Violet Blonde and Black Orchid, of course. I adore Noir de Noir and Azure Lime on DH, and have been lemming Japon Noir although it's sadly d/c'd.
I had an exciting beauty week. Bought a backup pencil of Armani's gold waterproof pencil, a Shu Hard brow pencil, an Armani Luce palette and got my eyebrows done. My eyebrows finally look great. I'm so pleased!
I've been hunting for a pretty pink blusher for spring. That Givenchy you reviewed looks lovely, and I still have my eye on that Clarins Vitamin....Dior's Rosy Glow is interesting, although I haven't had the chance to swatch that either....not easy!
Hi Lovethescents!
Love Azure Lime!
I think you'll like the new Givenchy blush. I have one more shade to feature - hopefully tomorrow.
I want to know more about your Bengal kitty. Where did you get him? He sounds wonderfully mysterious.
Nemo, he's a sweetie. I bought him from breeders who were well known around here, but seem to have disappeared.
I just got back from my local Guerlain counter where I put some of the new terracotta items on hold for the beauty event March 16-17 at Nordstroms (Triple points! Woo-hoo!). I selected the liquid blush in Sunny Pink, the Sun Blonds bronzer, and the absolutely to-die-for Golden Glimmer Powder. I'm so glad my lovely Guerlain gal called me yesterday and asked if I wanted her to set anything aside because, when I went in today to look at the collection, the Golden Glimmer Powder and Sunny Pink liquid blusher had already sold out! Needless to say, I gushed my thanks for her kind consideration in putting the items aside for me. Originally, the only product I knew for sure that I wanted was the Sunny Pink. One look at that Golden Glimmer, though, and I was a goner. As for Sun Blonds, it was the same story--just one look and I was sold! Anyway, I won't pick them up until the 16th because I have an appointment with a national MA and will undoubtedly be adding to my loot to qualify for the GWP. The GWP is going to be a delux sampler of Orchidée products and a few other "surprises" for those of us who are actually getting our makeup done. Should be fun.
Hi CGirl,
I second Charlestongirl's recommendation for Jo Malone's Orange Blossom. It smells just like an orchard when the day's heat has enhanced the smell of the blossoms. It has a hint of earthiness, as well, so that it doesn't smell artificial. It's a classic! If you want something a bit sweeter, you can also sample the Nectarine Blossom and Honey. It's another summer delight.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.
Hi Eileen,
You scored the best items in the collection. Congrats!
Who will be doing your makeup? Lucky lady!
I got a deluxe sampler of Guerlain Orchidée skin care at Neiman Marcus Beauty Event. It was a step-up gift, but they gave it to me anyhow. Nice set!
Happy weekend. I'm trolling fragrance sites tonight.
Hi Charlestongirl,
The Guerlain MA for the event will be Charles Hezekiah. I haven't had my makeup done by him before, but he is evidently very good and quite well known. Usually, I schedule a makeup appt. when Marcus Monzon is doing the honors, but he won't be returning until later on in the year. So, I will put myself in Charles' cable hands on the 16th :-).
The following day, I'll be getting my makeup done by Chanel. Chanel is sending a team of four, so I don't know who will work on me. Between Chanel and Guerlain, I'm hoping to get some nice spring into summer looks. I'm ready for a change!
By the way, that Neroli Portofino is incredible, isn't it? I know some people think TF fragrances tend to be heavy, but I prefer to think of them as sensuous. Yum!
Holy moly, what a fantastic opportunity to sample the Tom Ford fragrances! (Though every TF rep I've chatted with has been tremendously nice and generous.)
I can't wait to read your thoughts on them. =)
Hi CG,
I stopped by Neiman Marcus today and bought the new Chantecaille pallette, lip chic and lip gloss. They are all so pretty. You didn't review the lip chic but it is gorgeous. I am fair with blue eyes and it really brightens up my face. With the lip gloss over it it is a stunning look. I also bought the new Kate Somerville cream cleanser. Can't wait to try it out tonight. I am also loving the Sunday Riley blush in blushing so much that I ordered a couple of other shades. I bought the new Chanel glosses in Amour and Jalousie this week too. Have a nice weekend all.
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for the rec! I will definitely be getting Orange Blossom when I meet my goal. Maybe I'll even indulge in the candle! When I'm back in area that actually has malls and stores, I will have to find a Jo Malone counter. The Nectarine Blossom and Honey sounds divine as well.
Such a lovely photo to cheer me up after this rough week. I also think I need some more makeup to cheer me up. lol I just received the creme rouge from the MadMen Estee Lauder collection and it looks very pretty and in a very cute compact. Something to play around with in this dreary weather.
Happy Weekend everyone!
Congratulations CGirl on your weight loss! I'm trying to get healthy myself so I have to pick my motivation - Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge maybe?
Charlestongirl!
Thank you for the offer of help locating the"Sun in the city" powder! But a very nice SA from Tyson's found me the last one from the other mall. On Friday IT arrived! I was speechless when I opened up the box! So beautiful!!! Thank you for introducing me to the Terracota line!
I do have a question though! You and Eileen shared how you would use the powder. Would you use the new Guerlain blush with it? Or just some tinted moisturizer? What seems to work for you?
By the way do you happen to know if Tyson's will have a Guerlain event in the near future?
Hi Charlestongirl from your neighbor over here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Your photo is lovely! Thank you for sharing it with us.
I had to laugh at your kitty vrs. printer story. My kitty, Annabel Lee, is fascinated by my printer. She can be sound asleep on my bed, and I print something in my office, and she'll come running. She puts her little pink nose right where the paper comes out. I just hope that she never gets a paper cut. :)
Eileen, if you're reading this, I hope that on the next Friday Forum you'll share your experience in having the Chanel MA do your makeup. I'd love to hear all about it. Living where I do now, I order most of my Chanel online.
Hope everyone is having a fun weekend.
Rosemary
Hi Lena,
When my ever so lovely Guerlain counter manager was demonstrating the new terracotta products on me, she used Sunny Pink on my cheeks and lightly brushed Golden Glimmer in the classic "C" formation from brow bone around and across my cheek bones. I was wearing a top with a deep "V" so she also lightly swept Golden Glimmer on my chest. It looked really, really pretty because the shimmer is very refined. You're going to love it. Golden Glimmer doesn't replace your blusher or bronzer. It just enhances the look. Think of it as a highlighter. I think it will also be beautiful and festive next winter during the holidays when gold is so popular. I hope that gives you some ideas.
Hi Lena,
I forgot to mention that I was already wearing a light foundation (Lingerie de Peau 02) when I visited the Guerlain counter. I wasn't wearing any blusher or bronzed because I knew I'd be trying out face prodocts.
Hi Rosemary,
I'll be getting my Chanel makeup done two weeks from now. I'm expecting good things from both Chanel and Guerlain. It should be a fun weekend :-)
Hi Lena,
When my ever so lovely Guerlain counter manager was demonstrating the new terracotta products on me, she used Sunny Pink on my cheeks and lightly brushed Golden Glimmer in the classic "C" formation from brow bone around and across my cheek bones. I was wearing a top with a deep "V" so she also lightly swept Golden Glimmer on my chest. It looked really, really pretty because the shimmer is very refined. You're going to love it. Golden Glimmer doesn't replace your blusher or bronzer. It just enhances the look. Think of it as a highlighter. I think it will also be beautiful and festive next winter during the holidays when gold is so popular. I hope that gives you some ideas.
Hi Lena,
I'm not sure what my mal function was, but my explanation of how the Guerlain counter manager applied Golden Glimmer didn't get posted so I'll try again. All I wore to the counter was a light foundation. The CM apd a little bit of bronzer in the "3" shape since I'm very pale right now. She applied Sunny Pink to my cheeks; then she lightly applied Golden Glimmer in the classic "C" shape from browbones around and over the top of the cheekbones. Since I was wearing a top with a deep V, she also lightly swept some GG on my chest. GG doesn't replace bronzer or blusher. It's a gorgeous highlighter. I hope this helps.
Thank you, Eileen! It certainly does! Going to try it now! LOL!
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