Le Métier de Beauté Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit

Le Métier de Beauté's Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit, exclusive to Neiman Marcus, has arrived ($95). It's even prettier than I had anticipated. I know I've said it before, but this could be the perfect lip kit.

A deviously divine mix of function, flame, and form, Le Métier de Beauté [I fixed their online name error] introduces the newest Holiday Kaleidoscope Lip Kit, "Bauhaus." Each distinctive hue blends together effortlessly for a dimensional pout, mirroring the bold Bauhaus notion of combining unique parts for a collective whole. Lips will be left with a total package, mixing statement and sophistication.

The shades, from top to bottom, are:

• Linaire - a lustrous gold-infused rose petal,
• Criterion - a gilded amber-peach,
• Esthetique - a shimmering vintage rose,
• Shilhouette [sic] - a Cimmerian cloak of sheer amethyst, with a name that is probably spelled incorrectly.

"Cimmerian" means very dark or gloomy - not an attractive name for a lip color, but in person, it's gorgeous. I pre-ordered Bauahus at the Neiman Marcus Web site, where it was originally advertised as an online exclusive. Not the site says it's available in stores as well. Over the weekend, I learned that Michael Reinhardt had them in store at Mazza Gallerie. I drove right over to ensure I'd have one to show you.

I took the photo directly above with clouds overhead. You can see them in the shiny silver top of the Kaleidoscope. I had all but given up on getting swatch photos when the sun popped out. I applied the shades to my arm, top to bottom in the Kaleidoscope on my arm from top to bottom and dashed outside to get photos.

While the four shades in Bauhaus look intense in the kit, they are all sheer and stunning when applied. I think Bauhaus is exquisite. The light Linaire at the top of my arm is a beautiful shade. Just a smidge on the cool side of warm, it's a pink magnet. I love it.  The nude Criterion, called amber-peach by Le Métier de Beauté, is a pretty nude that leans peach. While it may not set the world on fire, compared to the other three shades, it does provide a warm counterbalance that is perfect for layering.

Steady my heart, the shimmering rose Esthetique is dashing. The color lights up my face, and it's sheerness makes it a go-anywhere shade. The oddly named Shilhouette isn't gloomy at all. I had expected a sheer deep purple. What I got is way better. The shade is a warm pink with a touch of lavender that should please everyone. I want another Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit! I suspect I'll use this one so often I'll run out of my favorite shades right around the time this limited-edition beauty becomes the object of a treasure hunt - like so many "vintage" Kaleidoscopes have become.

You can purchase Le Métier de Beauté Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit at the Neiman Marcus Web site. Or you can call Michael Reinhardt, who managed to acquire it for his customers in time for his special event this weekend featuring Erin Lockhart. You can reach Michael at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. He expects to receive the Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in time for Erin's appearance.

Update 12/12: Overnight, I received an e-mail from Neiman Marcus telling me that the Bauhaus Kaleidoscope Lip Kit that I had pre-ordered had been delayed. Remember, it was to be an online exclusive. I have no idea what's what, but I cancelled my order since I was able to purchase one from Michael Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie.

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty