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Friday, March 21, 2014

The Friday Forum - March 21

In Keira Knightley's third campaign for the Chanel perfume Coco Mademoiselle, she stars in a provocative short film as the character of Coco Mademoiselle, featuring the mystery and adventure of previous ads. There is a link to the fascinating advertisement at the Huffington Post. I watched it this morning and found it to be much more interesting than Coco Mademoiselle (the fragrance). Even though I love Chanel's fragrances, Coco Mademoiselle, created by Jaques Polge, reeks of patchouli. It's too bad that Polge threw in the patch because the perfume would have been a beautiful modern floral without it.

I got an exciting call from Barneys this week. Eve Lom had created a Radiance Perfection Complexion collection that promises to infuse our primer, foundations, powders, and even a bronzer with the award-winning Eve Lom skin care. There is a launch party (sob, I just can't go) this month, and then I will be able to buy some of the products to try them. Test samples are on the way. In fact, I am hoping they will arrive today. I checked out the European Web site and prepared my wish list immediately. I must have Radiance Lift Foundation, and I want to try Golden Radiance Bronzing Powder. I won't have to wait long. The party is this month.

Esxence, an international meeting of fragrance gurus, has started. Held in Italy, people in the industry converge from all over the world. Niche perfumers set up booths - welcoming spaces - where attendees can smell their fragrances and talk, the talk being more fun than the whiffs. Learning about fragrance lines and how individual fragrances were inspired and created is the best part of the conference. There is a formal program too - and you can watch it, as well as interviews with perfumers! The program is live streaming now and will continue throughout the conference. Just go to this link and watch. I've got it running now. Even if you don't have the enthusiasm and passion for perfume that some of us have, you have an opportunity to learn a lot. Maybe you'll become a more informed fragrance fan. If you do watch, let us know what you think, please.

Here are a few news nuggets from WWD.
  • Beauty vloggers are running rings around the brands in drawing eyeballs from people interested in beauty. You Tube is where the action is. Of You Tube's 14.9 billion beauty-related video views, just 3% come from companies, while 97% of views come from independent content creators - or vloggers. Basically, entrance to the vlogger stable is easy. As a Sephora executive said, all you need is a camera and your bedroom. Naturally, the popularity of vloggers depends on their personality and suitability to "the camera." Some successful vloggers have turned their hobby into a business. Think Michelle Phan. I do see major attention shifting from blogs to vlogs.
  • Givenchy is launching a L’Atelier collection of seven women’s fragrances. Look for the fragrances to arrive in the United States at Saks Fifth Avenue in April. I read the notes, and I'm sure I'll want to try one or two.
  • L'Wren Scott's tragic suicide has left the world wondering why she took her life. As you know, she was gorgeous and successful, with a personality her friends called irrepressible and ebullient. She was Mick Jagger's longtime companion and lover. She seemed to have the world at her fingertips. We have learned that she was in debt, but honestly, $5M is not a lot of debt for a business. Some close friends said she struggled with depression, and others noted that she had become unusually uncommunicative in recent months. Still, no one could put the entire picture of her demons together in a way that added up to suicide. She struggled internally, never seeking help, and her final act saddened everyone, leaving the eternal question "why?" I wish we - society - had a better way of preventing suicide. You wonder how a woman who had everything decided to take her own life - without seeking help. Yes, she is at peace, but at what cost to those she left behind? Her death left me very, very sad.
Just as the white stuff from our St. Patrick's Day snowfall is melting, we are learning that it will snow again next Tuesday. My body cannot take another shoveling session. Both knees - even my bionic knee - are screaming angry. My shoulder is shot. I may try to ignore this one and simply drive over the "few inches" expected to "grace" my driveway and flagstone walk. I've had it. It's almost April! Summer makeup collections are about to arrive, including Guerlain's. My mind has moved on, but Mother Nature won't let me forget that she's angry.

It's time for the Friday Forum. 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.

Update: Yes! The new Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge powder has arrived at Neiman Marcus. I got the call today. I'm going to see Michael Reinhardt tomorrow. You can reach him at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, if you need help.

Photos courtesy of the Huffington Post and Eve Lom

15 comments:

  1. I saw the new ad for Coco Mademoiselle the other day and thought it was delightful. Its campy nod to the mid-60's was fun and the lead characters seemed to be having a good time with their extended flirtation. Keira projected warmth this time around and actually looked and acted as if she'd like to get to know the young man. I thought it was sweet that, after passing under the bridge, she turned her boat around and looked up at him as if to say, "Your move!" In previous ads her character seemed detached, unattainable, and a bit of a cock-tease. Yes, I much prefer the new ad. I think most of us prefer warmth, stability, and a bit of fun in our relationships :-)

    The blogs are rapidly filling up with peeks at the summer collections that are hovering on the horizon. I've seen some pieces that really appeal to me, but so far, there's been no single collection that has knocked my socks off like last year's Tom Ford and Guerlain collections did. My opinion will undoubtedly change once images of the complete collections start emerging.

    While on the subject of summer, those of you who cannot tolerate chemical sunscreen and are still searching for a physical one that is cosmetically elegant, you might want to try TIZO2 or TIZO3. It's 8% titanium dioxide and 3.8% zinc oxide. Both are micronized particles so they blend out to invisibility and provide an excellent base with a matte finish. The product does contain a lot of dimenthicone, though. That is what makes it glide so smoothly and evenly over the skin and what makes it act as a makeup primer. If you have a "thing" about cones, then TIZO won't appeal to you. If that's not an issue for you, you might want to check it out. It is far superior to Clarins, SkinCeuticles, and Dermaquests micronized physical sunscreens and costs about the same.

    That's it on the cosmetic front. I'm enjoying all my beautiful spring products for now, but summer is just around the corner. It never ends, does it? LOL

    Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

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  2. I quite like the Coco Mademoiselle ad. I always like what they do, but wish that they would use French actresses or models. Just my preference. It's funny because my husband bought me a huge bottle of it at Christmas. I had dropped hints about Bois des îles, and somehow he heard Coco Mademoiselle. He said that he had heard me mention it -- only ever to say that my mother wears it!

    I cannot believe that I still have not seen the new 4 Ombres collection. Maybe this week. Tissés Gabrielle and Riviera are calling me.

    L'Wren Scott's suicide is saddening. She was so incredibly talented. I loved her designs. Odd that she had debt and couldn't have asked her wealthy beau for some help? Apparently, he had to get her started. But one can never know what goes through someone's mind once they are driven to finally commit suicide. It's everyone left behind who tries to rationalize it, explain it away.

    We have spots in our yard that are 5-feet deep with snow. It is still so cold here that the melting is not really happening yet.

    Bon weekend !

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  3. Hi CG, I've been reading good things about Eve Lom's complexion collection and can't wait to play when they SpaceNK receives it. As far as new sunscreens to try, the new Elizabeth Arden Rx TPF50 has physical sunscreens plus lots of research showing anti-aging benefits. It's the latest thing in sunscreens. It will be available for $56 from doctor's offices starting in April. I'm told that Bergdorf's will be getting the new Tom Ford summer collection within the next week. I've seen instagram photos of the palette and it looks like a real collectors item. Anyone who missed out on the Fire Lust illuminator last year will be pleased to know that it is being repromoted with the summer collection.

    Have a great weekend everyone!

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  4. Fran says:
    The new Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy lipsticks hit Australian counters a couple of weeks ago and I was really curious, so went a tried Intense Nude. Various bloggers have said it's quite similar to the Tom Ford lipsticks (owned by Lauder). The look is quite shiny and moist, the SA at the Clinique counter thought it looked fantastic. However, I do have allergy problems and this one did not agree with me. I had a headache from the scent and my lips swelled up ever so slightly (maybe this was the lip plumping aspect). Was so glad that I resisted the sales pressure from the Estee Lauder girl.

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  5. P.S. I got an email from Neiman's today saying the new LMdB pressed powder is now in stock. It promises anti-aging benefits too.

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  6. Hello CG- I too was saddened to read about L'Wren Scott. My understanding- as limited as it may be- finds that individuals who have survived unsuccessful suicides speak of transversing into an abyss of such loneliness and despair that drastic measures seem to offer the most comfort for their pain. Her spirit was broken and she sadly sought relief from her burdens. Peace to her soul.
    On a lighter note, I am enjoying a few tubes of Estée Lauder's new ENVY lippies. I did get the online exclusive- Brazen- it's fab! Dark, sexy- awesome with a dark smokey iced eye ala T Ford. They just released a few new shades I want to take a peek at in store. I don't want to overdo it- but it's got this snazzy snap tight "click" closure. Pure fun.
    I also am wearing YSL new Kiss & Blush in No1/Fuchsia Desinvolte that was offered on Valentines Day in a flash sale on the YSl website. Love the semi matte texture on the lips- this one is a hit! It's a quick fade off the cheeks but no biggie.
    I'm a bronzer collector- but am very particular as to shades, so I don't shop online for them. Can't wait till they are all available for playtime!
    The young Utube MUA from LA you mentioned this week is very likeable. I've watched his video's in the past. Love that he shops with his Mom!
    I agree- run that darn snow over with the tires! Phoeey on that shovel stuff- or get a leaf blower with a back pack attachment. They make great ones that won't cause you pain. My whole neighborhood copied my idea ( that I stole from the pros)- no more shovels!
    Enjoy your week ahead everyone! Best to you CG.

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  7. I got a sample of the Eve Lom foundation and am definitely going to be purchasing it. Probably the powder and primer too..

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  8. I never liked Coco Mademoiselle as it is so strong and has an element to it that makes me feel sick. Maybe it is the patch. This week I couldn't take it anymore and fulfilled a long held wish: I bought a bottle of Guerlain's Apres L'Ondee. I wanted to see for myself why women the world over say it's heartbreakingly beautiful. I opened the box right on the front porch and tore through the wrappings. At first, I shrugged: it's pretty but not extraordinary. I went to dinner. But after a while, the violet dried down and I was left with a mesmerizing can't-put-my-finger-on-it something. I've been sniffing at my wrist all night. I have to say it does have a special element. I too, am anxious to try Eve Lom. I love her packaging too. I'm not crazy about the hand cream I bought a few years ago but that's the only thing I rejected. For some reason, it makes my hands feel DRIER after use. Pretty tube and I like the spf (handcreams with spf are my fav) but not worth it. Also, on your recommendation I bought the Chanel Furie lippie. I've been searching for a summer pink that is somewhat deep. I liked the way it looked on your arm not the tube. I tried it once and put it away for spring and summer. Question: have you reviewed anything from Aesop? Their handcream looks very nice (no spf though). Also, this week I ordered an Essie polish from Net-a-Porter and it was delivered in one day for free. Not bad. Thank you for your great blog. I've told you how much I love it!

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  9. You too, Eileen!

    I will bet that at least one collection moves you. :)

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  10. Melanie, ...and I was complaining about a few small snow mounds. Mother Nature, get rid of the stuff!!

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  11. Fran, I saw those lip colors at NM. Unfortunately, they are matte (not a good look for me) - if I'm thinking of the ones you described.

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  12. Chateepatee, did you get the impression that that male MUA works in a store?

    He is very thorough. I was impressed. I wish a had more time to watch vloggers.

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  13. Donna, I think Guerlain's Après L'Ondée is exquisite. Nice choice!

    Coco M. - on the other hand - is screechy because of the patch. No other note in it could produce the acrid, stale perfume smell.

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  14. Hi CG- yes, I was curious myself about M. Alex -if he was employed @ a Sephora or such as he alludes to having an immense makeup collection already at such a young age. He could be supported solely by parents I suppose, but employee discounts would certainly help his bottom line.
    He's not employed I don't believe in a luxury retailer as I've spoken to Shani @ Saks in Bev Hills- the Armani rep many times and she makes no reference to him as an associate in store. She too adores him and he brings her business from afar- like me!
    His skin color is identical to mine- tho I am not Latino. A few degrees lighter in my hair and I have light eyes- but I can without hesitation order any product sight unseen based on his blog- which is why I like him.
    This remains the reason you connect so spot on with many of your loyal fans- as you frequently remark as to your skin tone, coloring and how a product "shows" on you- tho you're reluctant to post more pics! Shame- you're a lovely woman of refined, delicate beauty- I'd be quite boastful if I were you!

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