Last night, I discovered that the two KissKiss lipsticks I had purchased, thinking they were the new limited editions, were not. I'm furious. The individual who sold them to me knows I write this blog. I called her before I drove over there to tell her I was interested in the summer collection and ask if she has received it. Once I got there, she should have disclosed that the two lipsticks placed in the slots on the display were not new at all. Although they are pretty, I think I'm going to return them. Yes, I'm the one who never returns things, but I feel misled. I have plenty of KissKiss lipsticks. I wanted the new ones. Do I have to get out my phone to check every time I select a product from a new display to ensure the items on the display are all actually new?
I have had this problem before, and there are some product specialists at certain stores I don't trust at all. I thought I could trust this one. Lesson learned.
Yesterday brought an embarrassment of riches. I have all the new Victor dE Souza lipsticks, designed by Dustin Lujan, and I also have a lovely collection of Guerlain's Le Petite Robe Noir lipsticks - plus some nail products. I felt like a kid in a candy store when I got home from work. Now I'm hoping that we get the sunshine that's predicted for Sunday so I can take photographs. It has rained here for something like 17 out of the last 18 days.
It's time for our Friday Forum and weekend conversation. 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. I hope to see you in the comments.
Photo by Best Things in Beauty
Charlestongirl, I think we all share your frustration and have had that experiencing of thinking we were getting something new when, in fact, we weren't. Take it back! Complain to the store manager! Post a complaint on the store's Facebook page! Notify the brand about what happened on their Facebook page! Making those kinds substitutions without a clear disclosure deceives the customer into thinking they are getting one product when they are actually getting something else. I know that many SA's are told to never have a partial display on the counter unless a product has sold out, but when they simply haven't received the entire collection, that is the store and the brand's problem and should never, ever become the customer's problem. Sometimes SA's, stores, and brands need to be reminded that making undisclosed subsitutions which mislead the customer is fraud.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to seeing the new Guerlain lipsticks. I doubt that they'll de-throne my beloved Rouge G, but it's always nice to have lighter options for warmer weather or more causal looks. I saw a few swatches on European blogs and they look lovely.
I've been really enjoying my Chanel goodies and find the quad to be quite versatile. Like Nemo, I've created looks that are lighter and looks that are deeper, but all of the looks are beautiful. In addition to the color selection, I quite like the formula. I don't get any fallout, the colors blend and layer effortlessly, they stay color true throughout the day, and the finish makes my lids look relatively smooth and beautifully luminous. I would love to see Chanel use this formula again. When I dropped by the local Chanel counter, I didn't see the collection but I was told it would be arriving at the beginning of next week. I hope so! I can hardly wait to see the glosses. I've heard such good things about the new gloss formulation and the colors are gorgeous; especially Sahara.
While at the Chanel counter, I gave the new Les Beiges foundation a try. It definitely wasn't for me. I found it to be thick and stiff and actually made my skin look dry. Also, I wasn't able to find a good color match and, since the foundation is not very forgiving, it was a no-go for me. I've read a couple bloggers describe how they make this foundation work, but why should anyone ever have to make a foundation "work"? Especially since there are so many gorgeous foundations on the market that are perfect. The new Les Beiges foundation might well suit some women, but I don't think we're going to see this particular formulation find a place in the permanent lineup.
I've been loving La Mer's treatment oil and have used it for a couple of months now. It seems to be very soothing and makes my skin feel smooth, cool, and comfortable. I guess that's the "miracle broth" that is in it. It's a dual phase product and must be shaken to blend the ingredients before being used. I use it very generously (6-7 drops for face, neck, chest, and hands) and regard it as a moisturizing serum more than a classic oil. It's expensive to be sure, but that's just the way it is with La Mer and, if a product works as well for me as this one does, I'll repurchase when the time comes.
That's it for me. Have a restful and enjoyable weekend, everyone.
Hello Charleston Girl & Eileen! A couple of things: First, I go RED when someone sticks something that is not part of a collection into the display & then stands there trying to fool me. But here is a good recourse & I urge readers to use it. Ask for the store manager & tell them that this is a fraud. It is! Tell them you are going to file a consumer complaint with your state's office of attorney general. You can! Then DO IT! Second, I am having more fun with CHANEL's summer stuff than even I ever imagined. It's heavy on the green for eyes & blush duo #1 one day, then another mix the next day. For skin, I am using the Natura Bisse Vitamin C Souffle Mask & it is nice. I wish everyone & their furry friends a lovely weekend. My husband accompanied me out of town today while I got a hair trim. We took our pit bull with us. He & my husband spent time in parks with deer, skunks, squirrels, rabbits and then gold fish in the salon's pond. What a happy time for all.
ReplyDeleteEileen...sorry the new Chanel foundation didn't work for you. I love it...and the only thing I have to do to make it work is to use much less than I think I need...perhaps that is something you could try...
ReplyDeleteEileen, I also was not able to color-match the foundation. I'll stick with my Armani.
ReplyDeleteHello everyone,
ReplyDeleteAt the cosmetic counters in California, there seems to be a brand manager and then there is a sales girl. I know from experience that the manager directs the sales girl. Hence, if you are going to air a grievance, tell the manager.
Charleston Girl you have every right to be furious and betrayed! It is absolutely fraud, and I will use Nemo's tactics should it ever happen to me again!
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of foundations, the one and only one that works perfectly for me is Chanel's LIFT LUMIÈRE FIRMING AND SMOOTHING Foundation. I have been using it forever, and whenever I try another I am always disappointed. I also like Chanel's CC sunscreen cream foundation which I always use when I will be outside all day sightseeing or shopping.
I have my flowers out, and we will have snow on Monday! I will be very busy covering beds, and bringing plants in the garage this weekend! I had a feeling It was too early, but....
Have a fun, happy weekend everyone. I wish you all sun Shine!
I purchased the coral one of the Guerlain summer KissKiss lipsticks. It is lovely. A milky apricot with excellent formula. I thought I had similar colors but this one is without any sheen which sets it apart.
ReplyDeleteStill waiting for Chanel summer at Nordstrom. I purchased the Beige foundation in 22 but after using samples more, I think it may not be my thing either. I like natural looking coverage.
Tanja
I'm so sorry that happened with the lipsticks, CG. I've had similar experiences at a local counter and it's very disheartening.
ReplyDeleteI know, I'm sort of gushing here, but aren't the dE SOUZA lipsticks divine!? Dustin totally made up for making us keep that secret for so long by cooking up one fantastic formula! I am so pleased with the selections I bought and have enjoyed seeing it all come to fruition over these last few months...I am so happy for the both of them!
Have you tried the new Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Bronzers? I thought about you when I opened my package and saw Capri! I've worn all the shades in my compact almost daily since it arrived...it's beautiful!
I hope you had a great week, and have a wonderful weekend ahead! Much love!
Hi Bisbee,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the foundation tip. I'd give it a go except there wasn't a good color match for me to begin with :-( Although the foundation didn't suit me, I'm still a huge fan of the powder. I purchase a fresh #10 every spring so that I can have a nice healthy glow during the warmer months. I'm glad to hear the foundation is working out well for you, though. Aren't we lucky to have access to such a variety of formulations? It makes finding a winner a simple matter of just giving a few a try.
I e-mailed the product specialist. She said that Guerlain shipped the collection with the spring lipsticks, but to definitely return them.
ReplyDeleteI think her stock room may have played a role in her confusion. I am going to ask the AE how this could happen. I like this product specialist, but she should have known they weren't "right."
Some of you nailed the fact that there are managers who don't want to see empty slots in displays. The beauty manager at that store is a doozy.
This product substitution is called "bait and switch"and it is indeed illegal. I too did not have a good result with the new Chanel Les Beiges foundation. Way too drying for me so I returned mine. Besides Armani Silk, I'd like to know what foundations CG and Eileen would suggest for a 59 yr old with dry skin who needs coverage for brown sun spots and broken red veins. Any suggestions? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMeredith, if Armani had not just discontinued it, I would recommend their Maestro Fusion Cream Compact. I adore it and had to hustle to buy a back stock of four recently. You could try Armani Glow, the newest liquid.
ReplyDeleteI tried Bobbi Brown's cream compact foundation recently and was not pleased with the latest iteration. One finger touch to my nose, and it came off.
Check out the Guerlain or LMdB liquids.
Eileen, hopefully I can buy the right colors today. I'm having a free facial by a pro at NM Mazza, and I'm going to look for them. If they aren't there, I may send an SOS to my lovely friends in PR. I don't normally ask for things (it seems greedy to me), but I'm desperate for those two shades.
ReplyDeleteNemo, if you send me a photo of your dog, I'll put him on next Friday's Forum.
ReplyDeleteSandra, snow? How horrible!
ReplyDeleteRebekah, Dustin's lipsticks are indeed divine! I'm smitten. I can't wait to get photos tomorrow. I would recommend that anyone looking for them head straight to Victor dE Souza Beauty online.
ReplyDeleteOsswald hasn't had the most perfect launch. I know of one order they took and apparently lost. Bad form. Our universally loved Dustin deserved much better.
Hello from the rainy and cold rust belt!
ReplyDeleteI just got the new Armani brow pencil and it is lovely. I have sparse brows but don't like an obvious painted on job. This has a tiny pencil point and a tiny brush that is plastic rather than a spooly. I've been really happy with the results.
The Les Beiges foundation is a win for me. I was nervous to try it with all the mixed reviews. I'm such a sucker to the line though and had to give it a go. I can see why people wouldn't like it- you can't have overly dry skin and it is thick. It's comfortable and light on my skin and I love the finish on me! Natural and glowy. Just goes to show you it's with trying things that interest you - makeup is so different on different skins and tones. That's why I love it!
Speaking of foundation I've been testing a sample of the YSL touché eclat foundation which I also love and before that I had a sample of their youth liberation serum foundation which I also loved! I'm also using the Armani Maestro Glow and that's another absolute love for a really obvious glowy look. I'm with Eileen- it's so amazing how many glorious options we have these days!! (And for the record there are foundations I don't like!!)
ReplyDeleteFinally I got a deluxe sample of the Dior Prestige eye concentrate and could cry at how perfect it is! Can I really justify a $215 price tag?? I use mostly Kate Somerville and Tatcha products now and am happy to invest in skin care because I can absolutely see the difference. This just seems in a class by itself. Worth it?? Any other suggestions? I just turned 35 and am a family doctor so I cannot always get my beauty rest!
ReplyDeleteJill, ask for samples of skin care from LMdB if you have a store nearby. Otherwise, call Michael or Andy at 202-966-9700, extension 2258, and tell them I asked that they send you samples.
ReplyDeleteI love the Friday Forum. I always feel that I learn something new. I could not wait for the new Guerlain lipsticks and nail polishes so I ordered one of each to try from Selfridge's a few months ago. The nail polish I chose was the dark one and it is lovely. It lasted for a long time (my usual wear without chips is only 3 days) and I really love that it is scented. It doesn't have the usual NP smell. The lipstick is also heavily fragranced which I am not a fan of, but the formula and color I chose are very nice. I'm curious if you have the same opinion so I am looking forward to your reviews!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the weekend everyone...
Anna, I dislike many fragranced lipsticks, but I like Guerlain's. Did you buy the KissKiss or La Petite Robe Noir?
ReplyDeleteHi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteI really am reluctant to recommend foundations because there are just so many variables that must be factored in. A few, though, that work well on dry, mature skin are Guerlain's Lingerie de Peau and the budget busting Clé de Peau Radiant Fluid Foundation. $125 for a foundation is totally insane until you start getting all kinds of random comments from people about what beautiful skin you have and then you begin to think maybe it was a good investment after all. Of course what we can afford and/or are willing to pay is an important consideration. I have friends who spend as much as I do and don't think anything about it. I have other friends who think I'm totally nuts! LOL. When I first tried the CdP foundation, the SA sent me home with samples galore of three different formulations so that I could get several days worth of wear out of each one before making a commitment. As she so bluntly put it, "You'll want to give it a good try. It's not like you're buying Wet n Wild!" LOL I admit to flirting with a lot of different foundations, but I always come back to CdP in 010 for winter and 020 for summer. It's perfect on me.
Lingerie de Peau comes in at a strong--and much more economical--second place. I usually take it with me when I travel as I'd probably have a heart attack if I lost my CdP! I also like it for those times when I'm wearing a more casual look. It gives a real-skin glow and has buildable coverage.
Another excellent foundation for dry, mature skin; and especially if you need extra coverage here and there, is Tom Ford's stick foundation. It's ideal for those occasions when you want your skin absolutely flawless because it can be easily layered to cover all kinds of problems without looking heavy. It is a stick, though, so there is a bit of a learning curve.
Laura Mercier's cream foundation is another one that offers good coverage and is for dry skin, but it comes in a jar and I know that is a deal breaker for a lot of women.
Anyway, as I said, there are just so many variables to consider. What is HG for me could be a total fail for you. All you can do is get plenty of samples from the counters and give them a try at home over your normal skincare protocol. Good luck with your search. The perfect foundation is out there just waiting for you to discover it :-)
I just tried a sample of the Lingerie de Peau and after 3 days wearing it I will not bat an eye spending what I had previously thought was too much!!
ReplyDeleteCG, I purchased the La Petite Robe Noir lipstick, it is scented like the perfume. I purchased color 011, Beige Lingerie. I like the Kiss Kiss formula, I don't find it heavily fragranced.
ReplyDeleteEileen and Lisa, I love Lingerie de Peau foundation also. I wish their other new formula Parure Gold was available here. I'm hesitant to order it online from over seas, I'm afraid to get the wrong color.
Anna, yes, it is scented like the fragrance. Guerlain sent me six of them, and I am testing them now. I got photos over the weekend, so I'll be able to show them to everyone within the next day or so.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago I used to wear Parure Gold liquid foundation and you could have cried me a river when Guerlain discontinued it. I haven't tried the new iteration yet because, like you, I won't order blind especially since I'd be ordering overseas. Why, oh why, do cosmetic brands do that to us? Blogs know no borders and so we learn about all these wonderful products that are not universally available :-(
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteI am getting very tempted to take a chance and ordering the Parure Gold from overseas. Like you, I don't understand why it hasn't been released here. Maybe CG can find out from her contacts if it is ever going to come to the US. (*ahem* hint, hint.) I would love to be able to test it before I purchase it. I know we have many foundations to choose from, but by most reviews this one has medium coverage without looking cakey - I have acne scars and other "sins from my youth in the sun" to cover up. It's nice to know the previous formula was a good one!
Anna, here is your answer from Marcus. If anyone would know, it would be Marcus.
ReplyDeleteMarcus Monson
8:28pm
Sweetie!! Lord knows I would have loved to get the new formulation here in the U.S. The original Parure Gold was one of my favorites. Who knows in the future, but for the next 6 months to a year, I only see the new shade ranges in the Lingerie de peau franchise coming in, plus new concealers, shadows, etc.. I will do some recon work though to find out more for you!! Big hugs!!!
Marcus Monson to the rescue! You're a real sweetheart <3 Thanks for the info. The old Parure Gold in 02 was the very first foundation you ever used on me :-)
ReplyDeleteCG, thank you! Thank you!! I really appreciate you taking the time to ask Marcus. If I decide to take the plunge and order from over seas I'll let you know...
ReplyDelete