Right now, I want to thank Karen Somers at Neiman Marcus for inviting me to the event. I understand Marcus is at the Mazza Gallerie store today, so if you are in the DC area, I'd recommend that you call the store to see if there are any open appointments. He is a master of his art.
As you know, the Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum.
Just a few of the features coming up here in the next few days (I need bright sunlight for photos to use in makeup features): Chanel, Guerlain, and Moroccan Oil. Hope to see you in the comments.
Photo by Best Things in Beauty
You finally got to meet Marcus. Wonderful! He readily admits that the whole purpose behind events is to sell product, but he never loses sight of the fact that each woman has different needs, a different esthetic, a different skill level, etc. He is also willing to teach as he goes along and answer any questions about the products he's using or about products in general. And boy, can that man tell some funny stories! If you're the relaxed type of person, he'll have you in stitches :-) A "date" with Marcus is always a fun and enjoyable time. I remember once I joked with him that every time he does my makeup, I purchase so much that I move up a level at Nordstrom. Without missing a beat, he responded, "Honey, by the time I'm finished with you, Nordstrom won't have enough levels!" LOL. Seriously, he's gotten me to look at colors in a way that I would not normally have done. That's been important as my hair color becomes more and more grey. He also knows how to adapt the trends to suit us ladies of a certain age ;-) My yearly tune-up with Marcus keeps my look fresh and modern. Love that man!
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of Guerlain, I purchased the new spring blush and adore it. I don't use the colors separately, but lightly swirl my brush in both. The coral is the base, but the pink lightens it and gives it a lovely luminous glow which is very flattering. The blush can be applied subtly or with a definite punch of color. At this time of year, when I'm Clé de Peau 010, I'm all about subtle cheek colors. Come summer when I pick up a bit of sun, I'll appreciate a more vibrant pop--but by then, there will probably be some other gorgeousness to win my fickle heart! LOL I also bought the two KissKiss lipsticks. They're not terribly original (they remind me of some of the Rouge Automatic Shine shades of old) but I needed some new pinks and the KissKiss formula is a good one. They do have some glitter bits, but nothing crazy or extreme. If your lips are sensitive to glitter, though, then these won't be for you. For day I just swipe them on over balm; for evening I add a bit of the holiday Gloss D'Enfer in that clear "holographic" one--stunning! I haven't picked up anything else because I have an upcoming appointment with Marcus and who knows what direction he'll take me. I have complete trust in the looks he creates for me.
Hi Eileen!
ReplyDeleteI had fun because Marcus is so spontaneous and witty. I was making careful mental note of the techniques he used, and I was pleased that he wasn't pushing every brand new product.
I purchased the smile blush, which he selected for me. It's every bit as wonderful as you said. I wish I wasn't between jobs. I wanted a few of the skin care products used on me. I must wait. I'll write up what he used - hopefully over the weekend.
Have you tried the marine colored mascara?
Eileen, you're convincing me that I need to buy that blush. lol Like most, I was drawn in to buy the Dior Illuminating powder but I went for the Nude which works better with my skin tone. I got the last one they had out of the 3 they received. hm! I passed by a Diptyque boutique this week, they have the prettiest new candle called Rosaviola. I bought it for the design but the rose scent is actually lovely too. I needed some cheering up after this week and it makes me smile when I look at it. :)
ReplyDeleteHope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Hi ladies! You are tempting me with the Smile blush. Do either of you have thoughts on the Enjoy buttercup eyeshadow? I am considering getting the lipsticks too... Both or just one? I think I like the Darling Baby one better, but I'm cool toned so maybe the pink one is better??
ReplyDeleteGreat to have you back, Charleston Girl!
ReplyDeleteThat guerlain blush sounds very nice. I might have to stop by my counter soon.
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm loving Armani's nude crema foundation cream. I guess it's listed as skincare, but in my view it's really a nice, rich foundation. The price was $200 but I was able to get it for $160 around Thanksgiving at their online 20% off. I've been using this nonstop since then and have never looked back. It's so much nicer than their luminous silk on my skin. I highly recommend it.
I'm also dabbling a bit in Kate somerville's skincare, and so far, so good.
I'm glad you're back! I always enjoy reading the Friday Forum.
Evelyn, I want to smell the new Diptyque. I heard on the perfume boards that there is also a solid fragrance. Of course, you can scoop some of your candle out, apply it to your skin, and get the same effect.
ReplyDeleteJill, I can't believe I didn't look at it! I will tomorrow. I'm going back because the new Armani came today. I really want the Maestro Glow foundation, may get weak in the knees and buy the primer too. There is also a new compact for the year of the Monkey.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ellen!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, I stocked up during the 20 percent sale. I have that foundation/tint and love it.
ReplyDeleteThe Guerlain blush is a beautiful warm pink when the two colors are mixed. Marcus used only the light shade as a highlighter on the top of my cheekbones. Definitely check it out.
I just ordered the two new Guerlain KissKiss lipsticks. I was only going to get one but couldn't decide and I love the formula. They wear so well. I think I am also getting the pink Dior highlighter, it was the last one. I had a bad shampoo/hair mask experience. My scalp reacted to Oribe shampoo/Davines mask. Very strange and unsettling. Can't wait to small the Jo Malone Herb Garden fragrances.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
Tanja
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteI'm fair with slightly peach undertones (warm) but the hair that surrounds my face is predominantly grey (cool) so naturally I had to buy both lipsticks! How's that for an excuse? LOL The colors are semi-sheer so they're quite forgiving and make warm/cool crossover easy to do. I can wear either one with ease. The warm pink is luminous and is more of an everyday type of color. The fuchsia is shimmery and makes more of a color statement. Both colors are clear, vibrant, and perfect for spring. This might sound odd, but if you can only purchase one, let your natural lip color influence you're decision. Because these lipsticks are not opaque, a bit of your own lip color is going to show through and temper the color.
I passed on the eyeshadow because, in truth, I simply don't know how I'd use it. It's a delicate color and has a lovely glow, but I'm not so sure it would work for me. Perhaps another reader has tried it and can chime in.
So good to have you back, CG. And your lovely readers, too. I've missed all the trouble my wallet and I got into because of you!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend all :)
Denise at aeiokid at gmail dot com
Hi CG and everyone! We are so pleased you are back CG! I have missed your posts and all the comments about what everyone is using. I have not been out much lately, but did buy the Chantecaille Future Skin foundation as my skin is so dry these days. I also bought the Happy blush. Hopefully, I can check out some of the Guerlain products as well. Please tell us what fragrances you are loving these days, CG. I know you have probably collected quite a few new ones!
ReplyDeleteHI Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteI've been so enamoured of the combination of the two blush colors that I hadn't thought to use just the light pink as a blush/highlighter. That's brilliant! I'm going to try that today as I plan on wearing a light grey and pink sweater that I picked up at Banana Republic. Normally I'd reach for something like Chanel's Crescendo, but I think I'll go with the Guerlain instead :-)
By the way, I received my Dior highlighter yesterday. It's everything I'd hoped it would be :-) I immediately called my wonderful SA to tell her it had arrived and that I wanted to take her to lunch. So, today I have a lunch date at the lake with a wonderful and thoughtful woman. I'd mention her by name, but she asked me not to because she said she wouldn't have done that for just anybody. I feel flattered to be the recipient of her trust, friendship, and excellent service.
Hi Tanja,
It's terrible when we have a bad reaction to hair products. I had a reaction to a Nexus shampoo a couple years ago and broke out in pimple like bumps all over my scalp. It was horrible!
So glad you bought both KissKiss lipsticks. You'll not be disappointed. They're the perfect springtime shift in color and finish. Between winter's opaques and summer's sheers, they glow with a bit of shimmer without looking slick or shiny. Guerlain's spring collection has been simple and cheerful.
Denise, thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne! I will in a future post.
ReplyDeleteTanja and Eileen, I guess I'm lucky. I haven't had a bad reaction to hair products. The best way to figure out the offending ingredient is to buy another from the same line, but with different ingredients. That's tedious. Best to change lines.
ReplyDeleteDo you see the new Catpcha pictures when you comment? They are coming up for me. They aren't supposed to, and now they are loading without a question. So frustrating!
ReplyDeleteI zoomed over to NM today and picked up the new Maestro Glow foundation. Can't wait to test it! I totally forgot to look at the Guerlain eye shadow, so I guess I need to go back.
Just bought the Natasha Denona foundation, glow stick and powder from Beautylish. The foundation is an unusual texture and all three products together are absolutely stunning on. Try it - You'll love it.
ReplyDeleteI'm taking the plunge with both kiss kiss colors! And I'm gonna get the happy Chantecaille blush too... I'm also really interested in getting the Nars blush from their spring collection. I think it's called Impassioned. I think I'll get more use out of them for the price than the Guerlain one... Of course I want them all but you know the struggle 😉😂 I'm so interested in that Guerlain eyeshadow because I love yellow. It can be a hard color to make work for me though but this one looks so yummy. I think I'd wear it alone with some brown eyeliner and let the lips take center stage. But I'm worried it's too boring maybe? I am tempted by the blue and mint Nars eye shadows as well... But would I just end up using them as liners? Ahh so many things!!
ReplyDeleteHi AnneD- I am loving the Mimosa and Cardimon by Jo Malone. I need to get out to a metropolis to smell the other new ones from them. (The problem with country living!!)
Thank you Eileen and CG. I had used both products before but together I had the bad reaction. It was unsettling. I may just discard the Davines hair mask since I don't want to risk a similar experience. I am excited for the KissKiss ls, especially after your description, Eileen. Winter has been a little grey and soft, fresh colors sound so appealing. Bought some tried and true SebaMed products at Cosco today.
ReplyDeleteTanja
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteIn Guerlain's spring promo picture featuring their beloved Natalia Vodianova, she's wearing the buttercup yellow eyeshadow as an all-over wash of sheer color from eyelashes to eyebrows. She doesn't appear to have much else on her eyes; perhaps just some brown or khaki (new color) khol-gel eye pencil and the standard black mascara. I could never wear it that way because, with my large eyelid and browbone area, I'd look like a whole field of buttercups! I did go ahead and have one put aside for me, though, for when I have my appointment with Marcus. He may or may not use it on me (I always let him have his way with me ;-) ), but I can ask him how best to use it. It does have a beautiful, luminous delicacy to it and I think it would make a lovely accent or highlighting color on my dark warm green eyes.
Hi Nemo,
If you're with us this weekend, perhaps you can tell us what you think of the buttercup yellow eyeshadow. If I remember correctly, you said you got it and that it really made your blue eyes sparkle. How are you using it? Inquiring minds want to know :-)
Hi Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say I'm not getting any of the CAPTCHA pictures. I just click on I'm not a robot and it goes through.
Eileen, that's weird. I'm the blogger. I'm not supposed to get the Captcha challenge, but I am. I can't even complain because Google doesn't care about Blogger.
ReplyDeleteMarcus used that khaki pencil on me. It's still on, two days later, because I haven't used my eye scrubs. Eye makeup remover will not take it off. It's very pretty...almost black.
ReplyDeleteJill, if you are looking at NARS, test it first. I have found the quality of NARS products to be good sometimes and horrid on occasion.
ReplyDeleteI am getting the pictures at times even after I click "I'm not a robot" but not all the time.
ReplyDeleteTanja
Thanks, Tanja.
ReplyDeleteI need to tell you all that my Internet access is very limited. My Verizon landline and DSL are screwed up (no dial tone, just buzzing), and I keep losing my connection. When I do, I lost my signal booster to my iPad.
My appointment isn't until Wednesday! I'm going to call tomorrow and beg for an earlier appointment.
Well, Verizon fixed it overnight. All better. It was a Central Office problem, not my line in particular. I know they were testing it because they called me (one ring) at 5:00 am!
ReplyDeleteOh, that is good news. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteTanja
I can't wait to see your swatches of the Guerlain spring blush, CG! I'm still deciding between it and Chanel's spring blush palette. Too bad I can't afford both. Decisions, decisions....
ReplyDeleteThank you CG! I've had hits and misses with Nars too. I'm not close enough to anywhere to test in person but I always order from places I can return of need be. It's never my preference but sometimes things are so bad you have to. Stores seem Happy to accommodate since I research and purchase so much in general.
ReplyDelete