Months ago, yours truly was asked to contribute to this quarter's New Beauty magazine, nominating the most innovative beauty product of 2012. I selected Kate Somerville's DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment ($95). There I am on page 29 (well, more on that below) with my recommendation for this treatment that will take years off your appearance in minutes.
Each time I have been privileged to experience Kate's Dermal Quench Oxygen Treatment in a store (the machine travels), I've asked if they could sell the machine. It's so impressive that certain celebrities will not make a red carpet appearance without a treatment beforehand. Wouldn't it be nice to have the machine at home and spruce up before a party or big event? Kate gave us the next best thing when she introduced this new product. I purchased DermalQuench Liquid Lift when it was previewed at QVC. Now, it's available at all Kate Somerville counters - and online. If I were you, I'd buy one. I held off on featuring it here out of respect for the magazine's unique content.
New Beauty had asked me for a photo. They didn't like the first one I sent; the resolution wasn't adequate for magazine reproduction, they said. I had no high-def photos, but I sent them another one, which they said they could use. Why did it matter? It appears they had someone draw a picture of me from the photo, turning me into a cartoon character. I think I look the worst of the three bloggers they featured. That's me? I showed it to a colleague at work (a man - women can be kinder), asking if he thought it was flattering. He didn't even recognize me! They say all publicity is good, so I'm going to adopt that attitude and try not to be so vain.
While I'm talking magazines, I want to give a shout out to Dovey Kim (Cute and Mundane) who entered and placed in Allure's Beauty Blogger of the Year contest. Thousands of us were invited to apply. I didn't bother because the process would have been exhausting. Dovey and other beauty friends did, and she is featured in this month's magazine. I love Dovey; she's a blogger with a brain - and great taste. If you've never seen her blog, hop over to Cute and Mundane.
Another blogger friend, Brooke Pakulski of Blusing Noir, was mentioned. Allure reported that she had the most "viral" content entered, with members of the Beauty Blog Coalition urging her on. Brooke is a doll and deserved the recognition. Congratulations to her and to Dovey!
One more thing from the October Allure...there was an interview with Carine Roitfeld, former editor of French Vogue. I think Conde Nast made a big mistake when they gave her the heave-ho. Roitfeld was asked about fur, and I was pleased that she said she is not wearing it. However, her remark about ivory ("You have to be very aware of what you're wearing, where it comes from...same with ivory") disturbed me. There is no OK source for ivory. Ivory comes from tortured and butchered elephants - plain and simple. Those who kill elephants for profit are barbaric, and I hope they get a taste of hell in the afterlife. What was Roitfeld thinking? Since I like her, I will blame the "oversight" on zealous editors, who have been known to drop a word or two and lose the real context of a remark. It is not OK to buy ivory. Period.
As long as I'm on a magazine roll, I found the fragrance coverage in Allure to be bizarre. In a short blurb on page 76, Beauty Reporter noted that Florabotanica Eau de Parfum is slightly masculine. Huh? This floral fragrance is the ultimate French feminine fragrance. There's no mistaking its sexuality. In the Best of Beauty Fragrance section, the magazine named Givenchy Dahlia Noir as the best floral. Really, Allure? Dahlia Noir is, in my humble opinion, a stink bomb. I know they always name new introductions, but why not Givenchy's Eaudemoiselle, or Florabotanica, or Tom Ford's Lys Fume or Jonquille de Nuit? I could ramble on. Even the SAs in the stores don't like Dahlia Noir. What an odd choice!
Let's talk about your week of beauty. It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. I love this part of our week. 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 this week's giveaway contest. Dior's Holiday Makeup Palette for the eyes is really pretty. The deadline is tomorrow, September 29, at midnight.
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25 comments:
Hi Charlestongirl!
It's been a while since I commented on the Friday Forum, so I hope everyone hasn't forgotten me...lol! It has been a crazy month or so, and I have been doing a lot of traveling, so I have not had a chance to comment as much as I would like. I always keep up on the posts, though! Couldn't miss those!
I have purchased quite a few beauty and skin care products recently, after a long hiatus (really trying to show some restraint). I picked up the GA Maestro foundation. This is my second day wearing it. The reviews I have read are all pretty spot-on. The consistency is unlike anything I have ever experienced, it blends seamlessly, and it truly looks like my own skin once applied. I does a nice job of blurring imperfections, and it did not cause any oiliness in my combination skin. I am reserving final judgment until I see how it wears on my skin after a couple long days. I do like it very much. If I had to make one complaint, it may not provide quite as much coverage as I would like. But it feels lovely on the skin and truly looks completely natural once it is on.
I also picked up some OCC Lip Tars in Hush, Trick and Cha Cha. I have heard excellent reviews on them, and am excited for them to arrive. I snagged a MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist. I am having a bit of a MAC moment - I did not wear their stuff for a LONG time. The pieces I have purchased are all permanent items - I still don't get into the collection. I still think despite its overexposure, they still do have some excellent products.
As far as skin care, I got the SkinCeauticals B5 Gel. It is amazing!! My skin drinks it in and looks more moisturized and refreshed after I use it. I have been paying attention to hydration for my skin more, as it is something I often neglect. Between that and my LaRoche Rosay Toleraine Fluid, my skin looks much more hydrated. I also must comment on the Neocutis Lumiere Riche eye cream. It is the most fantastic eye cream I have ever used. I have been experiencing dryness issues for my under eye area, and this cream helps so much. My eye area looks much more hydrated, and it helps plump the skin so the fine lines appear less noticeable. I absolutely love it.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! It's nice to be back!
Kate
I am so proud of you, Cg! And I could not agree more about fur and ivory. There is simply no excuse to wear fur or to defend its being worn or ivory. In fact, I know evil when I sense it, and I sense it with those who have no conscience about wearing fur. There is no joy in that. Love the Kate S. stuff. Don't like Allure magazine; always sounds like its filled with info I need, but in the end it is a fizzle. Proud of you.
Good morning everyone. Charlestongirl, as much as I enjoy Allure and read it monthly, it is definitely marketing products towards a younger and, generally speaking, less sophisticated or knowledgeable audience when it comes to cosmetics and perfumes. You just don't see much in the way of high end or niche brands in that magazine. True, there was a small "Top Splurges" in their latest "Best of Beauty" section, but I'm not sure how they arrived at that selection. It just seemed like a very short list of random products none of which a high end shopper would consider a splurge. Oh well, I accept Allure for what it is--a fun read that keeps me attuned to what's being marketed towards younger women.
Welcome back Kate. Long time no read :-). It sounds like you got some great things. That SkinCeuticles B5 gel is indispensable. I always have a bottle in my skin care drawer and whenever the weather is dry, it is one of the first things I reach for. Although a lot of products list hyaluronic acid as an ingredient, it is usually far down towards the end of the list which means there is very little in the product. That's where a booster product like B5 makes a difference. There are cheaper versions out there, but I particularly like the texture of the SkinCeuticles one so I pick it up when I find it on sale.
I'm still wearing and absolutely loving the Maestro Fusion foundation. It really is a game changer in the development of foundations. And, yes, I know Armani doesn't like to call it a foundation, but it is what it is. As far as coverage goes, I haven't had any problems, but then I have always preferred light to medium coverage. If I have a bit of redness or the undereye area is looking a bit darker than normal, I just lightly tap on a bit more foundation after the initial application has set. It layers easily. I have yet to try the undereye corrector. I don't need anything industrial strength so it might be a nice option. Has anyone tried it yet? For the occasional blotch/blemish/boo-boo, I bring out the big gun--my Clé de Peau :-) The Fusion might be nice for daily wear especially since it has skin care ingredients for the under eye area in it.
Charlestongirl, after reading your review, I did go and buy the Chantecaille HD powder and the zebra kabuki brush which I needed like I needed a hole in my head. I couldn't resist it, though. It is so totally adorable. Other than that, I'm still being very good about waiting for the holiday collections to start arriving.
Hopefully, in your neck of the woods, the weather is shifting into autumn mode. It's still hot here and will be for awhile yet. Happy weekend, everyone!
Hi CharlestonGirl,
Congratulations on your mention in New Beauty. Even if it doesn't look like you you're bound to get some new readers. I enjoy my Allure magazine every month, sometimes they have some great skin care articles, but I take the recommendations with a grain of salt. I think they're just marketing tactics. Your recommendations are much better.
This week I bought the new "bronzer" by Bobbi Brown for breast cancer month. I believe it is called pink peony. I have no idea why they call it a bronzer it is a very pretty pink blush though. Very pigmented so it calls for a light hand to apply. I'm very happy that a portion of the profits go to support breast cancer research. I bought it at Nordstrom online.
Hi Eileen,
I have been using the GA concealer and like it very much. It covers nicely and blends into my skin well. I especially like that it has anti-aging ingredients and hope to reap some benefit from them long term.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Hi Charlestongirl,
Well it's been such an exhausting week with lots of drama but thankfully nothing irreparable.
I finally finished that large sample tube of 3Lab eye cream. I don't think I need it. It's moisturizing, but at that price point, I should be able to find something else that's moisturizing too!
I got the chance to sniff Puredistance Opardu. It was a big disappointment for me as I adore heliotrope, lilac, and vintages. This was none for me. This was just a very perfumey, dry floral with hints of powder and bigger hints of laundry detergent. At $160 for 17.ml, it's shameful.
YOu were very naughty this week, C-girl! You had me DROOLING over those Armani Holiday palettes and the new velvet glosses. Will these lemmings EVER be averted??
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love the pic in your post!! This week has been good w/ purchases - Kiehls Creme de Corps body lotion (love this), Chante Fig gloss & Amour Lip Chic - thanks to your earlier posts on these. These are stunning, I've already ordered a backup of Fig, am debating on Amour...
I can't wait for the new GA eyeshadow palettes...major lemming created after reading your
Happy weekend everyone!
Hi Kate! Welcome back! :)
I think Maestro is the most groundbreaking foundation ever. You must try the concealer too.
I have my MAC moments. Usually when they have new mineralized products.
I'm glad you are finding skin care you like. It's all trial and error, but when you latch onto something that works, hang into it! SkinCeuticals makes wonderful products.
Happy weekend!
Thanks, Nemo.
BTW, I got five of the new Armani Eyes to Kill today at Saks Chevy Chase. They are gorgeous.
Eileen, like most mags, they recommend what's new and recently arrived in their beauty closet. In most cases, they don't really test things comprehensively.
I hope you like your Chantecaille as much as I do!
Hey Jo, Isn't that bizaare? When I bought that "bronzer," I contacted PR, and they assured me it was a bronzer, not a blush. They fooled me. Despite its category, I love it.
Ditto on Allure. All about marketing.
Hi Lovethescents, I cannot wait to get my hands on Puredistance Opardu. I'm sorry you were disappointed. I have a feeling I'm going to swoon.
I asked today about the arrival of Armani holiday, but I knew more than the gals at the counter. Sigh!
Hi Crista!
Aren't those Chantecaille lip colors fabulous? I've been enjoying them. I ordered backups of both. :)
Hi CharlestonGirl and Eileen,
Thank you Charleston Girl so much for telling me about the Giorgio Armani Maestro under eye! I just love it. I've been using it very short time but daily. In just 3 days I was shocked to see the dark spots under my left eye were pale tan - they had been dark brown when I first started it. After that, I tried it on a brown spot on my arm and another on my leg. That was day before yesterday. Those new spots are already lighter. I just can't believe it. I never heard it did that. I have not even been using this a full week. Thanks again and have a restful weekend
Laine
I use Kate Somerville skin care almost exclusively. I do also use, and love, a couple of things by Sunday Riley. But I've been using Kate almost exclusively for about 2 years and I do really enjoy most of the products. But I have to say, I have gone through 2 bottles of the DermalQuench Liquid Lift and had ZERO results. Absolutely nothing. I have had noticeable results with some of the other products so overall I still think Kate S is a good skincare line. But because it is so pricey, I think it's only fair to say that contrary to the marketing hype, this product does not give everyone results, and it certainly doesn't necessarily live up to the claims. I felt compelled to submit this comment because if you read the claims on the Kate website, it does not say that the results are only "for some people". And yes, I am aware that her website cites performance statistics pertinent to a couple of the product claims. However, the other claims of the product's performance are NOT annotated with percentages which technically means that 100% of people using the product should experience that particular benefit. And that is blatantly false. I'm starting to get a little burned out on the sweeping claims and promises made by beauty companies. There really needs to be a little more truth in advertising. I mean, it's not like that's already a law or anything, right?
Hi Laine, isn't it the most amazing product?
Kate Somerville products are awesome. Last year I think for Black Friday her website had 30 percent off. I received a sample of a serum for the eyes for dark circles, it really worked, better than any concealer. Hope to Purchase.
Hi Eileen,
I'm with you, holdin out for holiday collections.
Otherwise I had to get something from Saks since it was Beauty week.
Hi Jo; Hi Laine,
Thanks for the feedback on the Maestro Fusion concealer. I think I will definitely have to give it a go. I've heard that the concealer color numbers don't correspond to the foundation numbers, so I'll have to make a trip to the Nordstrom in Topanga Canyon to visit the counter. We don't have an Armani counter at the local store. That's probably a really good thing for my wallet! :-)
Oh my goodness, Charlestongirl. Five Eyes to Kill? Do tell! What did you get? I bet they're all gorgeous. You'll have to share the details with us. As you know, you've got a lot of Armani groupies in your readership :-)
Hi Deb,
It's amazing how stats can be manipulated and distorted so grossly in the cosmetic industry and yet there is little to no repercussion. With the FDA now taking a more active interest in how things are being advertised, perhaps we'll see some change. There's a blog called Beauty and the Bullshit and the blogger (who used to work in the cosmetic industry) has some scathing posts regarding the way in which things are marketed. If all the claims made were true for everyone, we'd all be eternally young looking and beautiful. It all comes down to Caveat Emptor.
Hi Charlestongirl, Thank you so much for the shout out. It really really means a lot to me to be mentioned on Best Things in Beauty. I'm very grateful for the opportunities I've been given over the past few months with Allure; they certainly do not come around every day and it does take a dash of luck as well.
I wish I could have read your New Beauty feature. Kate Somerville is a brand I would love to delve into once I get through the mountain of skincare products I already have. As for the drawn picture, that is a surprising choice. I do feel your pain somewhat, as my likeness is two shades darker than I am in 'real life'. I'm not taking it too seriously either :)
As for the Roitfeld comment, I re-read it, and wonder if she was referring to the diamonds and ivory as things that should not be worn, like fur. At least, that is how I interpreted it. I was glad she took a stand, albeit a very mild one on the topic. It still seems that so few people are willing to take stands on topics of animal cruelty and fashion. A while back I stumbled upon a video of a Chinese (?) fur farm where an animal was being skinned live. It was so horrific, it still haunts me until this day. Now I think twice about buying fur (aka natural) brushes and try to seek out the best synthetics if possible. I would never buy ivory, but it's not a topic I'd thought often. I'm really glad it's an issue you talk about on the BTIB, as it helped raise awareness of the issue in my mind.
Thanks again for the mention and another thought provoking discussion!
Hi Dovey,
I'm one of your fairly new readers and am the Eileen who commented about Tatcha on your blog. It's funny how we all seem to encounter each other on so many different blogs. It truly is a community. My son was telling me I should adopt an avatar so that people wouldn't confuse me with some other Eileen. Perhaps.
I agree with you about Roitfeld taking a mild stand, albeit more PC than heartfelt. After all, the fashion industry is her livelihood. It wouldn't be in her interest to slam everyone who wore a piece of fur, a diamond, or a piece of ivory. In regards to her comment about knowing where diamonds and ivory come from, I don't think she was catagorically ruling out wearing either one of them, but just the so-called blood diamonds and ivory that has been poached. After all, there are diamonds that are mined in conflict free areas. And, as for ivory, the African Elephant Conservation Act (12/28/73) exempts bonafide antique ivory because there are antique musical instruments, jewelry, and objets d'art that we're made with ivory hundreds of years ago before conservation and cruelty became issues. Anyway, she's a clever lady who gave a diplomatic answer to a touchy question.
CG, congratulations on being in New Beauty magazine! I do hope it brings new readers to the blog.
I've had quite the Chanel week. After a recent accomplishment work-wise, a colleague who knows how much I adore Chanel sent me Pirate nail polish and the Pirate Rouge Allure lipstick. Isn't she a sweetie? Needless to say, in my opinion, a woman can never have too many Chanel reds, and I love both products.
In order to participate in the Saks beauty event, I replenished some Chanel basics and got Natural lip liner and Rouge Allure Gracile. While Gracile is not a color I would normally wear, I wanted something that would be elegant with my Apparition eye color. I think this will fit the bill nicely.
My credit card is smoking, and this week (I think) Chanel holiday comes out. Oh, dear.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Mary Ann, thanks for reminding me of Kate's sale last year. I want to stock up this year. Several of her products are must-haves for me.
Hi Dovey, the short piece is in the New Beauty at news stands.
Your photos in Allure were great - even if the color was "saturated." Better than washing you out!
I want to give Roitfeld the benefit of the doubt. Today, though, I was sickened when I read that the king of Spain broke his hip while elephant hunting. What an immoral SOB. I'm sorry he wasn't stomped to death. You can tell I feel strongly about such things.
You are very welcome for the mention. It was well-deserved. I hope my readers will make their way over to your blog often!
Rosemary, I roared when I read that your credit card was smoking. Mine is in ashes. :)
Thanks for the great laugh! Nice things you got. What a sweet friend!
congrats on your New beauty feature, CG! I'll be sure to look for it.
thanks for your Chanel "Notorious" post. I bought the last one from Georgia this afternoon. I can't wait to get it. Though I'm not sure how it will work with my skin tone, I've learned not to judge before trying.
Hey there, Ava!
Glad you got it. Georgia says there are many of them left in the system. So call if you want Notorious. (240) 497-5363
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