Starting today, the Le Métier de Beauté Counter at Mazza Gallerie is offering a step-up gift to accompany the GWP for Camp Gorgeous. The regular GWP can be "earned" by spending $350 at the counter. The step-up gift is a Kaleidoscope, which sells for $95. Spend just $100 over the $350 GWP threshold, and you will go home with a beautiful new Kaleidoscope. I have this one, but I'd love to have another. It's one of my favorites. Call Michael or Andy at the counter at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 if you don't live in the DC area. They will make sure to fulfill your order and ship you the gifts.
It looks like we may have sunshine this weekend, so I'll be able to show you photos next week. I'm ready. Some nice things have arrived.
One more thing: right now Armani Beauty online has a 20% discount on everything. Just use the code ARMANI20.
It's time for the Friday Forum. 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 courtesy of and copyrighted by the American Eagle Foundation, eagles.org.
Hmm, so what are the LMDB eye kits like? New ones? Old ones? Have they names? Or are you just supposed to order blind? Details please.
ReplyDeleteAfter the cool temps, grey skies, and occasional rain of last weekend, we're set to break heat records this weekend. See, we do have weather in California! LOL The huskies are shedding their dense under coats and every time I brush them I have enough fur to make a whole new dog--or two--or three! Those of you with dogs that have those double coats can surely relate :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been eyeing the sneak-peeks of Guerlain's French Lady Fall 2016. The pictures I've seen are of poor quality because they're pictures of pictures (from the Japanese launch) but from what I can tell, the new palettes are predominantly neutrals with some accent color thrown in. You can see loads of pictures of the pictures (with Japanese commentary) on a Russian blog called Be Butterfly. Don't speak Russian? No problem, just select English. Besides, I bet you all speak Beauty :-) In contrast, Tom Ford's Velvet Bloom Fall 2016 offers a drop-dead gorgeous blusher in a classic orchid shade with a bit of shimmer. There are also two variations of orchid for the lips. In addition, a collection of Lip Contour Duos (lipliner one end, lipstick the other) and a couple Shimmer Shots that look so smooth and molten, they put many other highlighters to shame. Pictures of these goodies can be seen on ReallyRee. As you know, the Brits get the Tom Ford info long before us. Has anyone seen anything from Chanel yet? I get so excited about Fall and Holiday collections.
Have a great weekend everyone as you head into the summer season.
Nemo, just call Michael. You have a choice of two. I can't name them in print for legal reasons.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the eaglets update, CG. Glad to hear they are thriving and like you I hope they continue to do well. Do you think the parents will hatch another batch?
ReplyDeleteI bought the L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil conditioner. Since I have only used it once, the verdict is still out :) Nothing new for me this past week. Yesterday, I bought the new Allure Sport Eau de Cologne for my husband. I sprayed it on and liked it so much that I thought it could be a nice Father's Day present I'd like to use as well. Pretty selfish, isn't it (haha). I've been looking for info on Chanel fall but as Eileen said: blurry pictures. Our Border Collie is also losing its under coat - she doesn't like to be brushed.
Have a great weekend.
Tanja
I love, LOVE wearing Guerlain's Lip Gloss D'enfer Maxi Shine Lip Gloss in # 467 Cherry Swing. CG hit it this time, thank you for that! I am NOT a 'red' person, but this imparts a soft sweet pinkish-red with lots of shine and lasts for hours. Even after strolling in 90 degree heat walking my little Bichon (who loves being brushed & bathed) Bichons do not shed any hair. Since it hits 90+ here in NC with 90% humidity most days, I also love the look, feel and texture staying power of Le Metier's Peau Vierge Tinted Lumnizer in Shade 02. I have Fair skin who 'sweats' most days like an old drippy faucet all day long at 60+ yrs. old. I also use the Le Metier Instant Lifting & Firming Face Serum underneath & I look/feel 10 years younger. The staying power of both products in 90 degree humidity is amazing. I don't sweat as much with them both together. I was unable to wipe it off using water & a paper towel , its that darn great! I have a question for everyone. Do any of you use a skin mist like Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist to set your makeup? Or Boscia, White Charcoal Makeup setting spray? Has setting your makeup been beneficial at all, besides a little hydration? Does it really set your make-up and extend its wear, or, just in colder months when it is more dry outside? Thank you also for posting Debbie O'Malley's name at Neiman's since there are no Neimans here. I phoned in an order for the New Tom Ford goodies & other brand names. Charleston gal, I told her where the referral came from & she plans to give you something special. You might want to write down your Blog email link on a card, so she can see you really are a super pro with great reviews. Because of you, I will call her going forward for Tom Ford, Chanel, etc. Except for Le Metier, those orders go to Michael or Andy. Happy, happy weekend everyone!
ReplyDeleteTrud, I use the TATCHA mist. Love it!
ReplyDeleteTrud, thanks. Debbie us a long-time friend. Love her dearly.
ReplyDeleteHi Charleston Girl!! Hi Eileen!! I also viewed many new Fall collections. I've been loving Instagram lately. Are you on there Charlestom Girl? I found a few accounts close to your name but, didn't find you. Anyway, there are a few pictures on kofeeman and frenchcarol.i have no idea what language is written on kofeeman, it looks like Russian to me? stephenieschmidt is from Oklahoma I think....from what I read, she is a makeup artist at Dillard's? I'm not 100% sure. She writes about new launches for next month including a foundation and powder. I posted all this on my Facebook page but, it's been taken off there since. My favorite Fall collection is Burberry so far. I've also viewed Chantecaille's, Dior's and cle de peau (spelling?). YSL is selling at Bergdorf's and the quad is online at Nordy's. Charleston Girl is the best but my head is literally in my phone during "down times", it seems to relax me. Xoxo. Wendy.
ReplyDeleteP
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....oooh!! A few other things....has anyone heard about Chanel releasing 2 new fragrances? One called "Boy" and the other is a new interpretation of Chanel No5? Wayne Goss has a video up talking about his new brush that goes with "the buffing technique". Brush not out yet, he wants you to name it! If he picks you, there are goodies galore to win! So, name that brush! By the way, I still am waiting to purchase his #14 brush. I was told that they should arrive sometime in July. The thing is, I got very little color with Tom Ford's Bicoastal blush. I used his brush,Chanel's blush brush and Wayne Goss' #12. It is labeled sheer but many people advised that it was not. I can tell you that I'm very pale and really "pushed" my brush into that palette and had very little color payoff. Did anyone else experience this? I was greatly disappointed with the new Chanel Aqua Glossimers. They felt horrible on my lips, very drying. Wear time was like 1 hour for me....I talk a lot, I'm a teacher. Anyway, the shine disappeared quickly and dried down to like a matte finish that felt almost rubbery on me! Mary Tushik ( all 1 word on Instagram) is a favorite of mine. Although Chanel is not up yet, it will be soon for her! She has a lot of the other collections to view. I'm looking for a very gentle lip scrub. My favorite has been discontinued. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!! Thanky!! Xoxo ❤️💄🌹😀
ReplyDeleteHi Trud,
ReplyDeleteI've used Dewy Mist to set my makeup ever since it was introduced. I also carry a travel size in my purse (which I refill from the larger size that I keep at home) to give myself a moisture boost during the day whenever the weather is dry--which here in So Cal is a frequent event. It refreshes the skin and does not interfere in the least bit with makeup. Once you start using it, it is easy to understand why it has become a favorite amongst MA's when doing red carpet looks. It contains a wealth of moisturizers and humectants and imparts a lovely luminous glow. You don't need a lot--just a light misting will do. Caveat: Tatcha's Dewy line is for combo to dry skin. The first three ingredients are water, glycerine, and squalane. It also contains a wealth of other skin nurturing ingredients, but that squalane right up front tells the story--this is for dry skin.
Hi Trud,
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that there are a lot of setting sprays that are geared towards making your makeup last. (I got so wrapped up in the Tatcha, which adds moisture and luminescence, that I forgot to talk about the other sprays before I hit "publish".) My 19 year old teenage niece swears by Urban Decay's "All Nighter". It gets consistently good reviews from women who want their makeup to hold up throughout the day (or night! ;-) ). Urban Decay also makes a couple different setting sprays designed for different skin types but most of the buzz is about "All Nighter". For a long time MAC "Prep + Prime + Fix" and MAC "Fix +" we're the big dogs, but the one by UD has kind of pushed it aside. Skindinavia also makes a number of setting sprays that get good reviews and which a lot of MA's seem to like for events like weddings. My skin is bone dry and I never have to worry about my makeup sliding around so something moisturizing like Tatcha suits me best. If I were traveling somewhere hot and humid, though, I'd definitely look into something like "All Nighter."
Let me get this straight: As to the LMDB, I have to shell out $450 for products I believe inferior in every way, in order to get the mystery eye kit or kits? Absurd.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI hope that when the WG #14 finally arrives, it will work out for you. It is so soft and airy, it is perfect for things that are hyper-pigmented. It is also great for applying highlighter when you want a softer, more-diffused look as opposed to a strobed one. Everything that a fan brush does so well, this one does better :-) Now that I'm in my 70's, I need a softer look on my cheeks and so I've come to love this brush. One of my favorite blushers is TF Wicked but I can no longer use my TF blusher brush with it or I'll end up looking like a clown. The #14; however, applies it subtly so that I still get the color without the intensity. I do wonder, though, why it has taken so long to get this brush back in stock. I hope the manufacture hasn't changed it.
I'm sorry you don't like the new Aqua Glossimer but then lipsticks and glosses seem to be hit or miss for so many people when it comes to causing dryness and flakiness. I think our lips are much more sensitive than we realize. There are so many formulas that I can't wear because they dry my lips so badly and yet the AG's don't bother me at all. It just goes to show how unique we all are and why it is important to take all reviews with a grain of salt. We are our own best judges as to what is good and bad.
I got permission to tell you the step-up gifts. Either the Runway Palette with 18 colors or the Breast Cancer Brigitte Kaleidoscope.
ReplyDeleteNemo, I love LMdB products. Their skin care is fabulous. It works as advertised and is the ONLY retinol I can wear. When Dustin took over color design, they started turning out some beautiful makeup. It's too bad for them that he left. The new brushes are amazingly nice. A new foundation has just arrived. It's really nice. New mascara to come soon. The quality is great. Don't get me started naming famous products with spotty quality. I'd start with NARS and move on to others that get great press, but are manufactured by pre-fab houses.
One more thing. The high spend thresholds at Neiman Marcus and Saks for GWPs are all the same: very high. Stupid high, in my opinion. Some lines like Tom Ford don't even play the game. Some lines have great GWPs, like LMdB, with full-sized gifts, while others give you a makeup bag with mingy little samples. I like to buy things I use regularly when there's a GWP, but I don't spend just to get the gift unless it's a great value.
To answer a few questions...
ReplyDeleteThe First Lady and Mr. President won't hatch more babies until next spring. They will continue to take care of Bert and Free for months.
I find all moisturizing mists set my makeup. I like Chantecaille Rosewater a lot, in addition to TATCHA.
With the new Glossimers, I do find they get dry relatively quickly. I just reapply. They do leave a nice long-lasting tint.
I have ordered Boy. I've been waiting for it for months. As for the No. 5, thank God it's supposed to be a flanker and not a re-do of the original.
CG, I have been a devoted reader for many years and appreciate your honest reviews. I also enjoy Friday Forum for the insights from other readers into preferences, which guide me to look at new selections. I am in a cosmetic quandary that some of your readers might me able to answer. I decided to go gray--dark grey with silver threads, dark blue eyes, and fair skin. As a brunette I favoured neutral eyeshadows or soft peach tones to enhance my eye colour. Now, these shades look "off" as my colour has become cooler with my new hair colour.
ReplyDeleteSo, if one changes their hair colour, do you work with your eye colour or complexion and hair colour? I had two MUA consultations and neither hit the right tone--one went for all grey shadows (I looked ill) and the second chose shades that were too warm. I would appreciate comments and advice.
Maureen,
ReplyDeleteYou are facing a quandary we all face as our hair gets lighter. You need to go to a really good MUA and play. Not one of those counter pretenders who paint by numbers. Greys? No way! What's really cool is that you can wear pale washes of color.
Also, Google makeup for gray hair to get some ideas. I have found that I can wear bolder colors than in days of old, and I'm still blonde. I know Eileen will have some ideas for you.
I'll try to find a few good links for you. I can also ask Michael Reinhardt to do a phone conversation with you. Or Dustin Lujan. They are both wonderful.
Dear CG, I cannot wait to read what you think of Boy. I would have to order it without smelling irl and am hesitant. And I am also relieved that No. 5 will remain unchanged. I am watching the swallow babies and blackbird babies being fed and taught in the yard.
ReplyDeleteTanja
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteCharlestongirl nailed it with her excellent suggestions. The last thing you want to do as you go grey is eschew color. As for that MA who put you entirely in grey--that was such a rookie mistake! Grey on grey on grey can look drab, lifeless, and boring. No wonder you looked ill! There is nothing inherently wrong with grey and there are many lovely palettes that utilize grey to anchor a color. Guerlain's Beaugranelle with its selection of greys and blues is an excellent example. But, all grey? No, thank you. Don't ever think that you have to switch entirely to cool tones or that color is off the table. Also, as your hair becomes lighter, a soft satin finish with a soupçon of shimmer can be your new BFF so don't let anyone tell you you can only wear mattes.
Although your hair color will have a profound effect on your overall look, I think you'll find that what was beautiful on your eyes before you went grey will still be beautiful but you will undoubedtly have to change the intensity and tonal quality. For example, that peach and neutral combination you used to favor? You can still wear peach, but you'll probably need to cool it down a bit and find one that is softer, more translucent, and less orange. And then, of course, you'll also have to adjust your neutral selection to go with your new peach. I frequently wear Chanel's Tissé Vendôme when I want some peachy goodness and it compliments my warm, mossy green eyes without clashing with my silvery hair. There's a bit of a learning curve, but once you've got it, you've got it :-)
Because the accumulation of grey is gradual and the grey becomes lighter and lighter as the years go by, I find that it is good to re-evaluate and edit my makeup annually. That's where going to a stellar MA like Guerlain's Marcus Monson for an annual tuneup is very beneficial. He's gently steered me towards colors that I had never really thought about before. His keen eye for color is what keeps my look fresh, up to date, and flattering. Face it, it easy to work with a woman whose features are all cool or all warm, but many of us are a combination and a lot of SA's and MA's simply don't know how to pull everything together. That's where a true artist like Marcus (or Dustin or Richard) is invaluable. An MA like that can teach you how to compliment all your features and bring them together in a harmonious look, Don't get hung up on trying to work with only one feature like hair color. You're not just a head of hair! LOL When people see you, they are focused on the whole package and not just your eyes, or your skin, or your hair. So, find yourself a talented MA from a brand that has as its target demographic a more mature woman. That MA is more likely to have worked with a lot of other women who have gone through your dilemma.
CharlestonGirl: Thank you for posting my query. As much as I would love to speak with Michael or Dustin, I live in Canada and cross-border cosmetic shopping is almost impossible due to trade rules.
ReplyDeleteEileen: Your advice confirms what I thought all along--stay within the same colour cosmetic family, just toned down. For example, Estee Lauder's Nude Fresco shadow always complemented my eyes, but was a bit too warm. I bought Bobii Brown's Shell and that works quite well. I live in a 1M metro city, but not big enough for the major MA artists to travel here--they only go the major centres such a Toronto, etc.
I had a wonderful Dior MA who helped tremendously with my makeup and Dior moved her to a motor city. The hunt is on for a new MA.
The hair colour change also influences clothing choices. It's such fun finding new colours that work with the "cooler" me.
Maureen, you don't have to buy from them. Just send a selfie, and either will suggest colors for you. Then you can go find the colors where you shop. I know either would be happy to help you.
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI smiled when I read your comment about needing new clothes. Yes, indeed, it is fun to play with new colors. It was hard, though, to part with items that were still in good condition just because the color no longer flattered me; especially when I started mentally adding up how much I had invested in them $ lol $ But, toughen up I did and donated them to a local "dress for success program" where they were very much appreciated. Win-win! Deserving women got some lovely clothes, and I got more room in my closet for what would truly suit me.
Charlestongirl already mentioned looking online and I have found that some of the Pinterest boards dedicated to grey haired women are awesome. Many of these women are simply phenomenal both in their beauty and in their style. They serve as wonderful inspiration for those of us who never want to be associated with the word "dowdy". So, definitely take a look at some of the Pinterest boards for grey done right :-)
Eileen & CG thanks so much for reminding me that Tatcha Skin Dew is still the best choice for aging dry skin in dry months. It's so hot & humid in NC these days, so I don't wear any setting sprays..but I do mist La Roche-Posay mineral water just to refresh my brain cells when I feel groggy, even at home. I too am going thru the GREY changes. I love it. I no longer get searing headaches for days after getting my hair colored. My stylist is a wonderful 30-year old that enjoys helping me transition. She highlighted me heavily all over to start me off, and I really like the new me. Since no hair coloring or stripper touches my scalp, I don't have days of headaches or feeling ill afterwards. I started wearing darker colors, whereas before I wore mostly pinks & pastels that looked so wonderful with my fair skin and reddish blonde hair. Now, I own some pitch black tops & dresses and I like the new look. I have to gather all of my pastel clothes and find a worthy place like CG found now. Le Metier does have the greatest skin care, it works on me perfectly. I rotate 3 different creams at night. I especially love the fairly new 'Instant Lifting & Firming Face Serum' before I use a make up primer. Little lines are GONE for the whole day!
ReplyDeleteHi Trud,
ReplyDeleteI know grey is not for everyone, but since I am on Team Grey, I am always thrilled to hear about someone's positive experience embracing it. As for your young hairdresser, she sounds like a dream! Hugs and kisses to her for helping, rather than hindering, your transition. I think it has helped tremendously that grey hair has become trendy amongst young women. Grey no longer necessarily equates with aging and is now just another color option. Take excellent care of your complexion, keep your makeup and clothing fashionable (and it is such fun exploring new looks), and no one will ever say you look old or dowdy. So, welcome to "The League of the Silver Vixens"! LOL
By the way, if you're going to be out and about and your hair isn't looking as shiny as you'd like (a problem with grey as it dries out so easily), try a finishing spray like Aveda's Brilliant Spray on Shine (with vit. E). Don't spray it directly on the hair, rather spray a couple pumps into the air just over your head and let the mist drift down. You'll get a light and even application that won't weigh your hair down and your grey will look like high-polished sterling :-) I don't bother with it most of the time because my hair is in good shape, but for evening or special daytime occasions, I always finish with a light mist. The difference it makes is startling and I guarantee you'll have complete strangers (young and old) commenting on your hair.
Coconut oil! If you haven't started using coconut oil as a mask once or twice a month, you're cheating yourself. Apply it liberally and it will liquefy from the warmth of your hands. Leave it on 3-4 hours, then step into the shower and make a slurry of water and a little shampoo to get the bulk of the oil out; shampoo again as usual and you're good to go Coconut oil is one of the very few oils that has been scientifically proven to penetrate all the way into the hair shaft. Consequently, it will leave your hair stronger, softer, and more lustrous than the vast majority of hair masks on the market that contain all kinds of extraneous--and ineffective--ingredients. You can buy a big tub of coconut oil at Trader Joe's and most drugstores for a few bucks. * Olive oil and avocado oil will also penetrate but not as well as coconut.
Wow! What a ramble! I should become a cheerleader for Team Grey. LOL