Le Métier de Beauté Castaway Collection for the Face and Eye, Exclusive to Neiman Marcus, Live and In Person

As is usually the case, Le Métier de Beauté's press photo of the limited-edition Castaway Collection for the Face and Eye ($125) did not do it justice. I have to admit that when I saw the press photo, which I published here, I was not chomping at the bit to get my hands on Castaway. However, I know from experience that those early photos can be misleading. Not that I've seen the palette, live and in person, I can't wait for it to arrive. It is scheduled for landing next week. Yippee! I won't have to wait three months to get my hands on  my own.

The Castaway Collection is a well-edited blend of blushing and bronzing hues and rich, sheen eye shadows that combine to create glowing skin and a variety of flattering face and eye looks. The multipurpose palette includes eight universally wearable shades that you will be able to mix and layer for endless customized options. Le Métier de Beauté hopes the Castaway Collection for the Face and Eye will serve as your essential beauty staple.

I swatched all the shades, which are reportedly new, but I don't have names for them yet. Fortunately, the sun was shining brightly, high in the sky. I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, so you will have to use your imagination for how the blushes, bronzer, and eye shadows will look with a normal application. I swatched both rows from left to right.

The blush/bronzer face shades are gorgeous. The first shade provides a gorgeous rose pink sheen. In my opinion, it's perfect. The second pink, a bit more blue, offers just a hint of sparkle. The warm pink (third down) should please nearly everyone. It's one of those shades that brightens the face. The golden bronzer is warm and wonderful on the skin, and it mixes beautifully with the other three face shades. You will note that it also offers a stunning sheen. All of the face shades have life.

The eye shades are a well-edited mix. The two taupe-brown shades are must-haves. If you live in neutral shades, you are going to want to have them. I do. Even though I love the entire palette, I zeroed in on those shades and had little palpitations.

The shade at the top of my arm is a peachy taupe on the skin - the perfect base shade, the perfect anything shade. It is seriously gorgeous. The warm brown below it is as perfect as brown gets in my eyes. Look at the beautiful sheen it offers!

The moss green shade is a fabulous complement to the other colors. When applied as a wash of color, it lends a distinct touch to the entire look. I love green and wish Le Métier de Beauté offered it in Kaleidoscopes as often as it includes plum shades. The brick/terracotta shade will appeal to all of you warm-skinned beauties. I will have to be convinced I can wear it once I have my own go at it - at home with all my favorite brushes.

Michael Reinhardt has been applying all the shades on customers this week, and he assured me that the terracotta shade is more versatile than it appeared when I swatched it heavily on my arm. I think the first pairing I will try is the the top shade all over the lid, with the terracotta in the outer corner for definition. I'm betting it makes my eyes pop very blue. I didn't try that today. Sometimes anticipation is good.

Although the Castaway Collection is not as limited as Zeitgeist was, I predict it will sell out. Because it's is a limted-edition that will be available only Neiman Marcus Le Métier de Beauté counters, you should pre-order one if you want it. If you need help, give Michael Reinhardt or Chae Edwards a call at my favorite Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie counter at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. They are both there today. Naturally, you can also call your local Neiman Marcus to reserve one.

Update: The top row of this palette is the same as the top row of Zeitgeist. The confirmation came from the company.

P.S. (and entirely unrelated to the Castaway Collection for Face and Eye)...I got a little more scoop on the Las Vegas counter. See the comments on the Friday Forum for more information.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty