Yesterday, I picked up my new, limited-edition Le Métier de Beauté Chauvet Pont d'Arc Kaleidoscope Eye Kit ($95) at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. I was eager to show it to you, so here are my first photos.
The Chauvet Pont d'Arc Kaleidoscope Eye Kit, ($95, shown above), for Summer 2012 was inspired by the Chauvet Cave Paintings in France, the oldest in the world, I've read. The cave paintings, found in Chauvet Pont d'Arc, which is located in the south of France, are among the most significant prehistoric art sites known to mankind. The hues are richly pigmented - beautiful and intense. Painted by ancient artists wielding extraordinary skills, the images evoke the burgeoning life of centuries long past and, with protection, will last and be enjoyed for eternity.
The shades in Chauvet Pont d'Arc are an interesting mix. I swatched from the Kaleidoscope's top level to bottom, in the same order on my arm. I used a sponge-tipped applicator, swatched very heavily, and took my photos in full sun.
- Umber - umber-toned satin mauve
- Ocher - shimmering sandstone ocher
- Madder - shimmering terracotta
- Crystalline - silky matte desert teal
Umber is a little too red for my taste, but it's a beautiful shade. Ocher and Madder are right up my alley. Crystalline, which looks extremely blue in the palette is, as described, teal in color. Most will never apply it as heavily as it's shown in my photos. You can use it to create a subtle wash of color - or to line the eyes. I like it as a liner with the neutral shades.
Chauvet Pont d'Arc is available in very limited quantities. I was surprised at how few the Mazza store received, and half of them are already sold. If you need help, call Michael Reinhardt at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236, at Neiman Marcus. I know he has about eight remaining. They will go quickly.
Photos by Best Things in Beauty
Thanks for the great swatches CG. Just an FYI for everyone. I got a call from my Nordstrom LMdB person and she said that she has this kaledioscope in stock. So Nordstrom is carrying it as well. I'm going to wait to decide on buying it until I see it in person.
ReplyDeleteBirdies was supposed to get it, Jo, so glad you have a source nearby.
ReplyDeleteThank God this is something I don't need. Phew!
ReplyDeletewow, I can actually really see the inspiration behind the colors and cave paintings. It's a gorgeous palette!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly beautiful but like lovethescents ... something that I don't need ... the colours aren't what I would wear ... but certainly gorgeous! ox Care
ReplyDeleteHi Lovethescents!
ReplyDeleteSave that money for something you REALLY want. :)
Hi Yesplease,
ReplyDeleteLike all LMdB palettes, this one will (I think) have it's huge fans and others who are uninspired. I'd love to see how Mikey would use it.
Care, I totally understand. I need to try the top shade as a blush, though. It might be exquisite. I'm just feeling lazy right now.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I really would like to buy another kaleidoscope but they aren't grabbing me lately. I want to be stunned by the beauty to buy it! lol
ReplyDeleteThis palette is certainly a must have! The color combination looks great. How is the pigmentation?
ReplyDeleteAagh I've got this coming in the mail!! :)
ReplyDeleteWait, I thought there was a green shade in this kaleidoscope. On Xiao's blog, it looks very different. Are there more than one version?
ReplyDeleteLove the swatches! I just wish there was an easier way to know which stores have the LE palettes. I had terrible customer service from the store you listed. I know I will want to buy the next one you swatch,but will have to find another store to purchase from. I really appreciate you giving us the heads up on the latest kaleidoscopes!
ReplyDeleteNo, Liz, it looked different in LMdB's own photo. All the same. :)
ReplyDeleteDenise, I think I published the list last week that said all the stores would have this one. If it's a store exclusive, I will always let you know.
ReplyDeleteI'm always sorry to hear about someone getting bad service at any store. They ought to treat us better.
My NM SA called me and said she had gotten this,as well as 1 Oak St.Beach. I opted for the Oak St.Beach. =)
ReplyDeleteI have seen other photos and swatches that show a green color in the second pan-which I don't want. Perhaps it was the lighting.. Anyway, your pictures are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteEvelyn,
ReplyDeleteThat's the way I feel about the NorthPark exclusive. I'd love to see it first, but that's not going to happen.
Memoiselle, VERY pigmented.
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy!
ReplyDeleteIt should look great on you!
Messy Wands posted a correction yesterday. Just a bit of confusion caused by rascal Dustin. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of fascinated by this. I like all of the individual colours, but I also wonder if I don't already have similar ones... I guess I'm going to have to figure it out rather quickly if I've any hope of getting it.
ReplyDelete