The Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Le Métier de Beauté "June-fest" Continues

First, where have I been? Every day since last week, I have been either making room in my house for boxes and boxes of my mother's things or packing and moving them into my house. All fragile items - everything from hand-painted china to antique figurines she had collected. I had hoped to take photos last weekend, but I didn't have a spare second. I'm sorry. There is always this weekend.

We have had some nasty weather this week. I found myself carrying boxes of china out to my car Tuesday in driving rain, with lightning and thunder crashing all around me. Even this morning, the thunderstorm started at 5:15 am.

I wanted you to know that the Le Métier de Beauté celebration of June, the first month of summer, continues despite the end of the Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous event. Gifts with purchase are still available, and Michael has been very generous in providing them, even without technically qualifying purchases.

This Saturday, June 25, Beatrice will be back all day doing facials. She is Michael's personal aesthetician, and now that she has touched my face, I can see why. There are still some appointments remaining, so definitely call if you would enjoy a facial Saturday. They are still free, but like other counters in the store, you are expected to purchase two skin-care items to "pay" for the hour-long treat - and qualify for a GWP. Call Michael or Andy at the counter at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, to reserve your appointment time. I think you will be pleased with Beatrice.

Just to remind you, Mazza has a special step-up GWP available: either the Runway Palette with 18 colors or the Breast Cancer Brigitte Kaleidoscope.

I promise to try to get photos this weekend. I have moved most of what I can move myself. This Sunday, my cousin is moving the dishwasher I bought Mom last summer into my house. Mine is kaput after 34 years. Of course, I have to move all the stuff I've thrown in front of my dead dishwasher. That will be my Friday-Saturday chore.

Thank you again for all of your kind expressions of sympathy.

Photo courtesy of scienceclarified.com

The Friday Forum - May 6

Today's Le Métier de Beauté event with Ivan Castro was great fun. Our Account Executive's daughter served as Ivan's model. She started out with no makeup and was beautiful. Then Ivan showed us how he applied her skin care and makeup, explaining his techniques step by step. She finished the session even more beautiful - which seemed impossible, given her natural beauty.

We were treated to a wonderful lunch at Maggiano's, the site of the master class. The lunch was wonderful and filling. I tried not to eat too much, but dessert put me over the top. I enjoyed watching Ivan as he worked his magic on this beautiful young woman (I'm not identifying her because I did not ask for permission to use her name). Ivan started with skin care, explaining Le Métier de Beauté's products, their benefits, and their distinctive ingredients. Then he used gorgeous colors that suited his model perfectly, showing me that he can do both "East Coast" and "West Coast." He also showed us the new brush collection. Great job, Ivan!

Ivan will be doing makeup applications tomorrow at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie. If you would like to make an appointment, call Michael or Andy first thing tomorrow at (202) 966-9700, ext. 2258. There are a few slots left. There are gifts with purchase too. It's a great time to go!

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.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Mazza Gallerie Extravaganza - Exciting Events Designed for You

Before I tell you about all the special events and gifts with purchase (GWP), I'll describe Le Métier de Beauté's new super-star serum, Instant Lifting and Firming Face Serum ($350).

Le Métier de Beauté's clients have been eagerly awaiting the Instant Lifting and Firming Serum since it made its debut in their token of appreciation during the spring 2016 Beauty Event. The product is now on the shelf.

This lightweight firming serum will instantly lift, tighten, and firm the skin. The long-term benefit of using the product will be a literal "architectural lift" to the skin. It is a groundbreaking product that shares its key ingredients and technologies with the company's remarkable and popular Neck and Décolleté Firming Creme.

The key technologies that power the Instant Lifting and Firming Serum are many. It's quite a lineup.

• Pullulan natural polysaccharide with film forming benefits
• Idealift, fights against skin sagging, helps improve elasticity and the architecture of the skin, and stimulates elastin synthesis improving the tissue structure
• Dynalift, a natural film former that provide tightness and smoothes the skin for a youthful appearance
• Biomimetic (mimics the skin’s structure) blend of amino acids necessary to help maintain the integrity of the network of elastin and collagen
• TPM, a highly effective proprietary delivery system of various actives, to increase the potency of all ingredients
• Grape seed oil and jojoba oil to nourish and moisturize - they are non-greasy and non-irritating
• Penthanol (the provitamin of B5 because and is used in beauty products primarily as a lubricant, emollient, and moisturizer because of its ability to penetrate the skin), vitamin C ester, Vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate - offering moisturizing, antioxidant, and nourishing benefits

Use the serum on a clean face, day and/or night. Do not rub it in. Apply the serum gently to a uniform light film and let dry for few seconds before applying your moisturizer. I have tried it, following those directions. I felt an instant firming effect, and I believe I saw that firming on my skin. I will know more after a month of testing - my usual duration for testing skin-care products.

What has Le Métier de Beauté, only at Mazza Gallerie, got in store for you? This week, Friday, May 6, they will treat you to lunch at the Capital Grill if you are among those who are able to score an appointment for a master class with Ivan Castro, Lead Artist for the company. If you can't make it that day, Ivan will be in the store doing makeovers on May 7. Both events are by appointment, so if you are interested, call Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug immediately at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

If I got this right, and I'll correct it if I didn't, Michael has a special, color GWP for anyone who pre-orders the new serum (or otherwise spends $350) for Camp Gorgeous or purchases it during this week's event. If you don't want a color gift, I hear he may negotiate to give you a skin-care treat instead.

Michael has managed to convince his own facialist, Beatrice, a popular sole practitioner, to give her area-famous facials at the store on May 14 and 21, June 16, and July 23 - all by appointment only. I hear she is amazing; I want one!

It gets really interesting in a few weeks. Michael and Andy have arranged for a licensed Botox nurse to give Botox injections to customers who order a specified amount of Le Métier de Beauté products. I don't have all the details yet, but I will update this feature within a day if the plans have been firmed up. The price in products will not be inexpensive (they were talking in the neighborhood of $1500), but with those products you would use anyhow, you will get free Botox. Intrigued?

Again, these events will only occur at Mazza Gallerie. If you are interested, call Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

As an aside, new color products are on the way. We can expect to see the first of them next month.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase for Neiman Marcus InCircle

I had planned to tell you today about my exciting visit with Marcus Monson at Guerlain. Then I realized that this feature about Le Métier de Beauté's Gift with Purchase (GWP) for Neiman Marcus InCircle, which starts on April 13, was time-sensitive. So, I re-ordered my features; I'll tell you about Marcus tomorrow when I get home from work.

If you spend $350 with Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a makeup bag filled with lovely goodies.

• Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick (appears to be full-sized) - mauve or plum
• Outré Lip Crème (full size) - a rich medium pink suited for all skin tones
• Lure Illuminating Face Powder (generous, but a tad smaller than full-sized) - gold
• Cinamatic Mascara (Le Métier de Beauté's new mascara formula) deluxe sample - black
• A surprise skin-care sample (exclusive to Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie)

The bag appears to be leather, but given that it was made in China, it's probably not. As you can see in my photo, it has a zip top to keep all our makeup safely tucked inside. Plus, it's long enough to accommodate our makeup brushes.

I took swatch photos of the contents, with the exception of the surprise skin care, late this afternoon in full sun. I applied the lip products directly from the tubes, used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the Illuminating Face Powder, and swiped the mascara across my arm. All were applied lightly. I had to take showcase my neighbor's gorgeous redbud tree, so it served as the background.

I started at the top of my arm with Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick. Isn't the plumy-pink color gorgeous? Any shine you see on my arm was from the direct sunlight. The gloss below is Outré Lip Crème. The combination of the two is beautiful - especially for me, someone who likes shine on my lips. The addition of the Lip Crème makes my lips feel comfortably hydrated.

The Lure Illuminating Face Powder is a pretty, sparkly, subtle gold. It's perfect for a night-out highlighting powder, and it looks great on the face with the lipstick and lip gloss.

Mascara swatches are hard to do on my arm, so don't blame Le Métier de Beauté for my uneven swatch. It's black, but a soft, matte, natural-looking black. It's a perfect go-to for any time of day. I'm anxious to try the new formula.

Most GWPs are stingy - especially for a purchase of $350. You often get samples that are gone after a day's use. Le Métier de Beauté is making sure that you go home with products you can use for months. I suspect the only gift you will run out of is the mascara. It might last a week if used daily.

If you don't have a favorite Neiman Marcus Le Métier de Beauté counter, or if you want to ensure that you get the surprise exclusive to the Mazza Gallerie store, give Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug a call. Their number is (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. Make sure to ask for one of them. Pre-sale has started, so you can call anytime starting tomorrow. The store closed for the day today at 6:00 pm. Remember that shipping is free.

Michael has also arranged some special events for InCircle, so if you are local, make sure to ask about Hylton Lea's visit next weekend, as well as facials next Sunday. Both will be by appointment. Hylton will be providing customers with his expert touch, 20-minute "facial rescue" at the counter. After your skin is "saved," Michael or Andy will be on hand to give you the finishing makeup touch for your special day or evening. It's wonderful for those of us who can't get by the store on a weekday that you can get a facial on a Sunday.

A master aesthetician, the one Michael personally uses, will provide you with a luxurious hour-long facial. She is in such demand that it has taken a year to get her booked for this event. The facial is complimentary with a purchase of two skin-care items. The facial will be wonderful opportunity to learn about Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous skin care.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Month of March Le Métier de Beauté Extravaganza Only at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

Le Métier de Beauté at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie knows that we all love to shop in the spring, so they (and they only) are offering us a Spring Fling at Le Métier de Beauté. Michael and Andy (and Debbie, of course) have cooked up a delightful bouquet of goodies to reward you for shopping and help you think spring - all month long.

First of all, two new cleansing treatments will join Le Métier de Beauté's skin-care roster. I'm looking forward to featuring them very soon.

Daily Refresh Cleanser - This gentle exfoliating gel cleanser removes makeup and impurities while nourishing and strengthening the skin. Ingredients of green tea and vitamins A, C, and E will help brighten, repair, and protect the skin for a fresher and more vibrant complexion.

Replenishing Oil Cleanser - This new addition to the upscale selections of oil-based cleansers is designed to cleanse and hydrate the skin in one step. The complex combination of botanical extracts and emollients will lift impurities, residual makeup, and excess oils for a satin smooth feeling to the touch.

On Saturday, March 19, Global Skincare Aesthetician Barbara will be back at the Mazza Gallerie store. If you have not experienced the magic of Barbara's facial touch, this will be your next opportunity. Call Michael Reinhardt or Andy at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, to reserve your appointment. They will go quickly.

As an added bonus, the counter will be offering an exclusive, Washington DC-only "knock your socks off" gift with qualifying Le Metier purchase. I believe the qualifying purchase will be $350, so it will be a great time to stock up on your essentials. I'm not allowed to tell you what the GWP is, you'll have to call the guys with your shopping list. Michael or Andy will give you the secret details.

This is the first Spring Fling at Neiman Marcus Mazza's Le Métier de Beauté counter. Go and you will be pampered. Call and you can have a telephone consultation and still earn the GWP with a qualifying purchase. I think Michael may be thinking about additional treats, however, I'd advise you to participate as soon as possible. They could run out of the beautiful gifts.

Photo courtesy of pcwired.net

Le Métier de Beauté Stephanie BCA Kaleidoscope - Swatched

I promised swatches of the Le Métier de Beauté Stephanie BCA Kaleidoscope to Benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund when I featured the Kaleidoscope on October 11. It took me awhile to get back to Neiman Marcus to pick up the Kaleidoscope, despite my good intentions, because I learned I have a broken kneecap. What is it with my knees?

I finally made it there yesterday and came home with Stephanie in hand. The conditions for taking swatch photos weren't perfect, but I was determined to do the best I could and post the swatches.

The shades, top to bottom are Light, Hope Heart, and Live. Michael Reinhardt applied the shades to my eyes starting with Light and ending with the gorgeous grey-green Live. He used Light all over the lid. It is the perfect base color to blur any "unwanted colors," like redness, or imperfections. I will use Light with many other shadows. Then he applied Hope. Pastel Pink! I asked for a mirror because I wanted to see the cute little albino bunny that I feared I had become. Michael said, "Don't panic; it won't be pink in a few seconds." The third shade, Heart, is a gorgeous copper, and Michael applied it over the lid up to and slightly above the crease. I looked. The bunny was gone, and the color on my lids was warm and beautiful. He and I noticed that the pink would be a beautiful blush shade on my pale skin. The grey-green came last. He used it as a "thick liner" and brought a thin line around under the outer third of my lower lashes. The look was dynamite!

Now, for the swatches. My camera does not see green well. I have known that for over a year. I suppose I could play with the photos and make the bottom swatch appear more green, but I am not a fan of doctored photos on beauty blogs. The top swatch is Light. It's aptly named because it does add light to the eye area. I applied the pink heavily on my arm, but applied with an eye shadow brush, it is very light (I applied the swatches with a sponge-tipped applicator). The copper is a gorgeous shade. Last week, I watched Michael apply the copper heavily on Nancy, a beautiful woman with darker hair and skin than mine, and she looked fabulous. The bottom shade is the lovely grey-green Live.

Michael grabbed a blush brush and applied Hope to my cheeks. It was gorgeous! I love multitasking products.

The Kaleidoscope is available at Neiman Marcus stores now. If you don't have one near you, give Michael Reinhardt a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, or just ask for the Le Métier de Beauté counter. Stephanie was developed to Benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund. Named for a former Neiman Marcus employee, Stephanie Seban, (who I assume had breast cancer), the Stephanie BCA Kaleidoscope sales will send 30% of the total (not net) to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund this month. That's unusually generous. During Breast Cancer month, most companies donate a small portion of the net proceeds. I am enamored with the new Le Métier de Beauté; they have gone back to their roots.

I think Stephanie is a fabulous Kaleidoscope for use every day. When I came home and looked at myself in the mirror, I saw a dressy look "for me," but one that wasn't over the top. A limited quantity of these Kaleidoscopes is available. When they are gone, they will be gone. If you are interested, give Michael a call. He will be back in the store on Thursday, October 29.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Stephanie BCA Kaleidoscope to Benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund

Le Métier de Beauté's Stephanie BCA Kaleidoscope ($95) was developed to Benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund for the month of October. Created specifically for a former Neiman Marcus employee, Stephanie Seban, (who I assume had breast cancer), the Stephanie BCA Kaleidoscope sales will send 30% of the total (not net) to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund this month. The limited-edition eye shadow palette was designed to flatter every complexion, with four shades: a neutral, soft pink, gold, and cool taupe that can be worn separately or blended together.

The shades, top to bottom are Light, Hope Heart, and Live. The Kaleidoscope is available at Neiman Marcus stores now. If you don't have one near you, give Michael Reinhardt a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, or just ask for the Le Métier de Beauté counter. They quantities are limited, so don't wait too long. I think it's beautiful. I must hop over to the store this week (they just arrived a few days ago, and I have had sore legs for some reason). Once I get my hands on it, I will post swatches - probably as an update to this feature.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté Ultimate Hydrator

Any time I see a product name like "Ultimate Hydrator, Hydrate, Soothe, Calm and Repair" I get suspicious. Ultimate, of course, means the best achievable. Hydrator gives me the expectation that the product will make my skin less dry - much less dry. I told you last week that I would find out more information about this $225 product - primarily because I wanted to know what's in it that would live up to its billing.

I did, and I'm impressed. I had tried it in the store, but I put a very small amount on top of layers of product: moisturizer, foundation, blush - you get the picture. It wasn't a fair test, particularly since you are supposed to apply it right before your makeup.

Formulated to lock optimal moisture levels into the skin while delivering hydration deep below the surface to boost hydration levels, this luxuriously rich, gentle formula is safe for sensitive skin. It was designed to be comforting and to restore youthful hydration to dry skin immediately.

If you are good at reading ingredient lists, here they are. Water (Aqua), Squalan, Caprylic/Capric Triglyeride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyle Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Butyrosperum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin, Myristyle Myristate, Tocopheryl Phosphate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydroxyproline, Disodium Lauriminodipropionate Tocopheryl Phosphates, Proline, Glycine, Hyaluronic Acid, Silanetriol, Stearyl Alcohol, Ceteth-20, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acylate/Sodium Acryloyldimenthyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Ethylhexylglycerin, and Phenoxyethanol. I'm sure most of you would like a bit of interpretation.

Ultimate Hydrator provides super hydration, moisturizing, plumping Botox-like effects with TPM, Le Métier de Beauté's patented delivery system that increases potency. The hydrator helps with the early signs of aging, resulting in reduced depth of wrinkles, and firmer, supple, soft, smooth, youthful looking skin.

The product includes:

• Argirelene: SNAP 25 - Botox-like activity, will help reduce the depth of wrinkles caused by contraction of muscles of facial expression
• Epidermosil: silicium and small molecular weight hyaluronic acid with synergistic benefits will enhance the epidermis thickening, collagen production, density and architecture. Will improves skin hydration and firmness.
• Shea butter, grape seed oil: emolliency for soft, smooth skin
• Vital ET, a triple dose of vitamin E for soothing and healing the skin

Ultimate Hydrator is free of parabens and perfumes. It does have a slight smell of cucumber, a masking agent, which dissipates quickly. Some people don't smell it; I do. The product was made in the United States. I like the pump dispenser.

Ultimate Hydrator has been selling swiftly. I think that's because you can actually feel it working when you apply it. It's a pleasant feeling that reassures you that the active ingredients are working. After a few days of use, your skin should appear to have fewer expression lines and be more plump and youthful.

Yes, it's pricey. It seems like all of the really good skin care is pricey these days. That's why you need to learn as much as you can about ingredients to help you judge the potential for effectiveness. Hopefully, we have been learning together over the last few years.

You can purchase Ultimate Hydrator at Neiman Marcus. I'm sure my friend Michael Reinhardt would be happy to tell you about it and have one sent to you. You can reach him starting Thursday at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 (he is enjoying his days off). I wouldn't recommend that you talk to anyone else about Ultimate Hydrator. It's new, and I'm not sure they have been trained.

As you know, it's still Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus. With a $125 purchase, you will receive a tote with samples. If you spend $400 with Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a full-sized Replenishing Daily Solution worth $225. That's my absolute favorite skin care from Le Métier de Beauté.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté is Pulling out All the Stops with New Products for Neiman Marcus Beauty Event

Four new Kaleidoscopes ($95 each), eight new Liquid Eye Prisms ($38) that left me drooling, five new lip pencils ($36), five new eye pencils ($36), and new skin care! All in one introduction later this week. Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus starts Thursday, September 10. I will be at the Mazza store as soon as they open. Not only will they be offering free facials, Dustin Lujan will be there with Michael and Chae. I spent two hours playing with all the new testers on Saturday and left gobsmacked.

The Kaleidoscopes have travel-related names. All have a translucent pressed powder (very much like an HD powder) on the top level, a blush immediately below, and two coordinating eye shadow shades at the bottom. See update below. The Kaleidoscope above may be called Full Stream, but it's also possible I can't read my own scrawl. I was writing on Michael's business card - around the print.

I'm sure the bus Kaleidoscope is called All Aboard. It's gorgeous - one of my two favorites. Directly below, you'll see Lift Off, the one I pre-ordered. You will note that the blush is softer than the one in All Aboard, better for my pale skin.

The fourth was in a display case, and we couldn't get it out. The photo has a yellow cast. Sorry, that was unavoidable. It's called Luxury Liner. Shown below, it appears to be one I'm going to want.

Now, to the drop-dead, I need them all Liquid Eye Prisms. It's a trend now to release liquid eye shadows - it seems like every line has them - but almost all of them are intensely colored. These aren't. They offer maximum control. They can be used as eye shadow bases or as shadows. You can build the color as you please. They are beyond gorgeous.

The new pencils are shown in the next two photos. The lip pencils have a new coral color that will be useful for many, and there's a deep red that will serve all shades of red lipstick.

The eye pencils are soft (not breakable soft) and apply like a dream. I'm smitten with the green one.

Michael drew them all on his hand. The eyes are at the top, with the lip colors below. There's also a smudge of one of the new eye shadows (drool!).

I don't know much about the new skin care yet - aside from the fact that it will hydrate and plump your skin. I'll find out more and let you know later. I do know that it costs $225 for 1.7 oz.

There will be a gift with a purchase of $400 during Beauty Event: a full-sized skin care product! My favorite too.

The two big days at Mazza will be Thursday and Saturday if you want to see Dustin there. Call and make an appointment. You know how popular he is. You can reach Michael Reinhardt at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. I think Dustin will be with the new rep at Tysons on Friday (can't confirm).

I don't ever remember a time when Le Métier de Beauté introduced so much new color at one time, and it's all gorgeous. How, with no job, am I going to acquire all these new beauties?

Update 9/10: I got the true scoop on the Kaleidoscopes today. The third shade down is either a bronzer or highlighter, not an eye shadow. On the train and plane, the shade is a bronzer. On the Luxury Liner and helicopter, it's a highlighter.

Additional information: 1) the lip liners are a new formula that is waterproof; 2) the eye liners are a new gel formula that is water resistant. Dustin Lujan supplied all of this update information.

All photos by Best Things in Beauty, taken in store

Le Métier de Beauté is Back! The Brand is Rejuvenated!

So many changes, I don't know where to start! Let's start with Dustin Lujan, who has rejoined Le Métier de Beauté as its director of color development (or some such title). Dustin has so much in store for the brand over the next few months, you will be delighted. It's like a new brand, with the best from the past and a new approach to color.

He is reintroducing himself to Le Métier de Beauté customers by visiting some of its stores. Here we are at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie a few weeks ago. That's Michael hiding in the back.

Erin Lockard has also returned (yippee!), and she is working at the Houston Neiman Marcus. Add Hyton Lea, the Global Director of Skin Care, and the winning team is taking shape - once again. I'm very excited.

There are two new Kaleidoscope Eye Kits branded by Ken Downing at Neiman Marcus. Paris ($95), shown above, is the one I purchased. The pink is actually nice and soft - not as vibrant as it appears in this photo. I'm wearing all four shades of Paris in the photo above. Dustin applied my makeup.

The other, London ($95), is shown below. I see them as one for us cool types and one for warmer skin tones, but Michael promises he can make either work for anyone. Just an FYI, these Kaleidoscopes were not designed by Dustin.

They are both available now during Camp Gorgeous at Neiman Marcus, where the Le Métier de Beauté gift with purchase (below) is stunning - and available with only a $175 purchase.

Le Métier de Beauté is well aware that they lost some of you along the way during the last few years. Trust me, they are going to rope you back in. I've already jumped back on board.

To order during Camp Gorgeous, call Michael Reinhardt or one of his colleagues at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

I'll bring you up to date on the blog's future later. I do have more knee surgery scheduled on July 29. I'll be publishing again, but I won't be able to publish the everyday post I had been writing. I hope you will return regardless. I've missed you!

Update: There is a step-up GWP with a purchase of $400. It is a brand new bronzer-blush combination, and the color is orchid. It's sheer and beautiful.

Photos courtesy of  Le Métier de Beauté

Special Event Saturday at Le Métier de Beauté, Mazza Gallerie with Hylton Lea, Global Director of Skincare

This Saturday, December 20, Hylton Lea, one of my very favorite skin care gurus, will be available to consult with you at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie. A beauty and skin-care industry veteran and authority, Hylton Lea, now Le Métier de Beauté's Global Director of Skincare, will bring his dynamic personality, enthusiasm for the brand, and unique ability to connect with individuals, to this special event with our friends at Le Métier de Beauté - just for Saturday.

Hylton has a deep understanding of the advanced science behind the Le Métier de Beauté skin care. As the Global Director of Skincare, he serves as the brand’s Skincare Ambassador and Spokesperson. Constantly in the field, he has the unique opportunity to educate and interact with Le Métier de Beauté's customers. Combining his experience with the unmatched technological capabilities of Le Métier de Beauté, a perfect match has been achieved. Le Métier de Beauté will be delivering new, never-before-seen products that will help all of us achieve real results, and Hylton will show us how.

Hylton's boundless energy and intense passion for the brand and skin care is infectious. From assisting in the development of ground-breaking, highly scientific formulations, to the execution of strategic client and brand initiatives, his unending enthusiasm and positive, upbeat client interactions are becoming integral components of the Le Métier de Beauté brand experience. Hylton was a brilliant "hire." I'm thrilled that he has joined the Le Métier de Beauté team.

Prior to joining Le Métier de Beauté, Hylton was the Senior Vice President Communications and Business Development at RéVive (where I met him) and led sales development initiatives for luxury brands, including Erno Laszlo, Bliss, and Boucheron. Additionally, he served as Cosmetics Manager at the Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, California.

You can just drop in, but I'd suggest you make an appointment to see Hylton. I did. Call Michael Reinhardt at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. That way, you will enjoy Hylton's undivided attention. I'm excited!

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Coming Soon: Le Métier de Beauté After Dark Total Look Kaleidoscope

Scheduled to arrive at Neiman Marcus about the first of September, the After Dark Total Look Kaleidoscope ($95) is being called the "everything evening Kaleidoscope." Given the description below, I suspect the press photo above is inaccurate colorwise.

This collection was designed as an evening glamour makeover for eyes cheeks, and face. It's perfect for the woman on the go. This portable collection is said to contain two eye shadows, a shimmering patina, and a burnished sapphire. A universal evening blush in shimmering mauve, and a face-sculpting contour powder. Flattering and elegant, it's bound to be popular.

Since I don't see sapphire - granted sapphires are available in blue, pink, white, and other shades - I'm assuming the Kaleidoscope will be much prettier than the advance photo. As a rule, the term sapphire is used in the beauty industry to refer to blue.

I won't ask you what you think until we get a good photo. Until then, I'm excited that the pipeline is starting to fill again. If you want to pre-order or reserve one, give  Michael Reinhardt at call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

The Friday Forum - August 15 - Le Métier de Beauté Kaleidoscope Lip Kits

It's hard to believe it's already mid-August, until you remember that the days are growing shorter and the mornings cooler. Today, it's beautiful outside - a morning perfect for hanging out on the screened porch.

I am bracing myself for the inevitable I-wants that will come as the new fall and winter beauty collections hit the counters en masse. Fall turns into an expensive season. Like the rest of you, I am on the prowl for that Tom Ford eye palette, new Chanel, and more to come from Le Métier de Beauté.

During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I purchased a hand cream I'm loving: Antica Farmacista's Bergamot & Ocean Aria ($18). It was one of those little extras I often throw into my shopping cart, not a planned purchase. I love it! Built on the allure of the ocean, ozonic saltwater notes blend with jasmine and lavender, while crisp bergamot adds sparkle. Warm notes of oakmoss captivate the lush scent. This beauty needs to be better known, so give it a whiff next time you are at Nordstrom.

Antica's hand creams include luxurious botanicals to nourish and moisturize. Shea butter and vitamin E produce a silky formulation that is restorative and beautifully fragranced. I'm using it so quickly that I'm going to have to purchase another - or maybe one Bergamot & Ocean and another in a different scent. I know I love Ala Moana.

Do you spend much time on Facebook? There is a growing and disgusting trend there - one that Facebook seems disinclined to stop. Haters - aka trolls - are attacking all of the animal rescue and related sites trying to raise money, most often for vet bills and all of the expenses of caring for abused and abandoned animals. They are also going after people down on their luck who are using sites like GoFundMe to try to get help from readers who donate voluntarily. I guess the haters don't believe in charity.

Each week, I am reading anguished posts by good people - no, great people - who are sacrificing their lives to save animals, but are being attacked as frauds by the haters. It must be some kind of game for bullies. Facebook has an anti-bullying policy, but they will do nothing about the trolls. I have reported them. Hundreds of people have reported them, with no results. No wonder there are predictions that Facebook is old school and will be replaced by an as-yet-known competitor. I hope it will be a company with a conscience - one that will realize that words are being used as weapons.

Trolls exist everywhere. That's why most beauty bloggers moderate comments. You would not believe the comments that come in to BTiB for moderation. My friend Gaia gets them too. It's hard to believe that there are so many women who love makeup, a community I would hope, who think nothing of attacking me or my readers. I had to add a notice to the comments page stating that I will not publish comments attacking my readers. It's no surprise that these comments are always anonymous.

I did not write an obituary for Lauren Bacall. I wanted to, but her death came too close on the gut-wrenching news of Robin Williams' suicide. Instead, to remember her, take a close look at this photo and her makeup. What an extraordinary photo of an extraordinary woman! I would love to know what lip color she was wearing. The lipstick, the blush, the eye shadow - everything was perfect. Her makeup enhanced her features. It's a good lesson to remember. That should be why we wear makeup.

It's time for our weekend sharing, the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? We have all seen the upcoming Tom Ford collection, so I think we can skip that 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: I wanted to show you a photo of Le Métier de Beauté's new Gemini Kiss Kaleidoscope Lip Kit ($125). It is exclusive to Neiman Marcus stores. It is much like the V.I.B. program Gemini Rising Kaleidoscope, with the dual pans, one including a reformulated Hydra-Crème Lipstick, and the other side with a Lip Crème Lip Gloss. The colors are intended to be layered.

I was not going to show you Gemini Rising because you couldn't buy it. I did take photos and swatch it this morning. I want to warn you not to leave this Kaleidoscope in your purse in a hot car. I had it outside for photos this morning, and the Lip Crème Lip Glosses turned to mush. This is definitely a keep-indoors product.

The photo directly above is Gemini Rising. It was hard to get all of the colors in my photo without taking the Kaleidoscope apart, and I wasn't up for it. A swatch photo is below, starting at the top level, applied as directed, with the matte shade applied first, topped by the gloss. My photos were taken in full, mid-day sun.

It looks like my Gemini Rising has more pink in it, and that Gemini Kiss has more coral and nude. You never know, though. Press photos can we way off. I'll report back after I see Gemini Kiss in person. If you would like to order one, give Michael Reinhardt at call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

Update #2: You have to read this! 

Happy weekend!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty and courtesy of NBC

Le Métier de Beauté Culte du Solaire Kaleidoscope Face Kit

Le Métier de Beauté's Culte du Solaire Kaleidoscope Face Kit is drop-dead gorgeous. It showed up via UPS yesterday, and I had no idea why. I had to write the president - who kindly answered me on a holiday - to find out it was the last part of the subscription series I had purchased last December. I am beyond delighted. I'm nearly breathless.

I have no information on the colors, like names and descriptions, but my eyes told me they are exquisite. They are intended to be eye shadows, highlighters, bronzers, and/or blushes.

I took swatch photos so that we could admire them together. I used a sponge-tipped applicator, applied the shades heavily, and took the photos in the early afternoon.

I started swatching at the top pull-out drawer. The deep rose gold made my heart skip a beat. The bronze below it is also exciting. It offers a beautiful gleam to my eyelids, and I like it as a bronzer too.

The coral/apricot shade must be intended to be a blush, but I can see how I could use it lightly on my eyelids. The color leaps off my skin, leaving a lasting impression in my brain. I would really love to have all three of these shades in a vat, please.

The last color is cinnamon. I'm not sure how it is intended to be used. I would guess as an eyeliner or contour shade, but applied lightly it could also serve as a bronzer, particularly for those with darker skin tones. I don't like the spice cinnamon; it makes me gag. It's weird, but even the look of cinnamon leaves me a bit squeamish. I have played with it, applying it properly and lightly, and have sees how I can best use it: on my eyes as a crease shade. It looks wildly better than my swatch above. It definitely has red in it, but it's a color I can neutralize with another shade.

This Culte du Solaire Face Kaleidoscope has me doing mental cartwheels (I can't do physical ones anymore - which is another story). I hope that Le Métier de Beauté will reconsider its exclusivity to the subscription program and make it available at Neiman Marcus counters. Everyone needs one of these Kaleidoscopes. If you feel the same way, please leave a comment, and I will forward your requests to the company. I think this beauty deserves a campaign.

Update 7/8: Today, I received an e-mail with recommendations for use of Culte du Solaire. Here are the instructions, basically unedited.

Top Tier: "Dune" (Best tool - The Kabuki Brush)
- A neutral bronzer, the color of sand, this hue can be used to diffuse any redness on the skin. On deeper tans, use as highlighter to bring radiance.

Apply liberally over complexion to enhance radiance or create a subtle glow. Also, this is a very pretty highlighter for the highest points of the face (temples, cheekbones and for under the eyebrow) as well as for contouring along the jaw, nose, and chin.

2nd Tier: "Solaire" (Best tool - The Kabuki Brush or Blush Brush)
- A golden highlighter to brighten a burgeoning tan, add warmth and enhance a summer glow. Perfect for diminishing any tonal dullness on the skin.

Apply over existing blush color, or simply to bring radiance to natural cheeks. The formula is gorgeous to use as an eye shadow and works beautifully as an all over golden highlighter.

3rd Tier: "Horizon" (Best tool - The Blush Brush or Kabuki Brush)
- A modern take on summer blush color. Vibrant in tone, but soft and natural on the skin. The hue is a warm coral, with a golden undertone.

The most fashionable application for a modern appearance is to gently place the color on the highest point of your cheekbones to create the optical illusion of a lifted complexion.

Bottom Tier: "Umbra" (Best tool - The Kabuki Brush)
- A deep bronzer with coral undertones to mimic the effects of a natural sun-tan.

Begin by lightly applying around the perimeters of the face (the temples, above the cheeks, and under the jaw. When this is completed, apply the remainder on the brush liberally over the entire complexion to deepen a natural tan. 

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté 2014 VIP Program

You know I love Le Métier de Beauté, but, seriously, would you spend $348 on a bet - a bet that you will like the surprise monthly, "curated" full-sized product or assortment of products shipped to you if you pay to join the VIP program? "As an added bonus, Vault VIP Subscription shipping is free" (woo hoo). All you have to do is sign up, receive your complimentary gift, and anticipate 12 exciting months of Le Métier de Beauté surprises.

Savor the perks of insider access and start discovering beauty with us.  How? Receive the following...

• One full-sized item or an assortment of items shipped to you at the beginning of every month
• Curated mix of our favorite color, skin care, pre-release sneak peaks, lab previews, and vault exclusives
• Receive a bonus gift just for signing up

I'm sorry, but $348 is a lot of money to me. If I sign up, it's predetermined that I will receive palettes created by Mikey for West Coast beauties who love wearing red or plum on their eyelids, or whatever is left over in the stock room. I'm gullible, but not that gullible.

I have a better idea for Le Métier de Beauté. Introduce some new products at your store counters. Stop this exclusive, online surprise of the month program. You want to run an online vault? Offer the products and let us choose whether we purchase them - or not.

As I said, I love the company, but I don't think this is the best way to win long-term customers. It reminds me of a carnival game. What do you think?

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope - Gift with Purchase at Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous - Live and In Person

My day turned cloudy before I could get a photo of the Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase for Neiman Marcus' Camp Gorgeous. As I understand it, this GWP is available only at the Tysons  Galleria and Mazza Gallerie stores.

Camp Gorgeous runs until June 15. If you spend $250 or more at Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive the Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope, a $95 value. Time to stock up on skin care? That's what I did.

The unique beauty of this collection is in the new eye shadow formula Le Métier de Beauté's chemist just completed. The new texture is more buttery, creamy, and rich than anything the company has offered before. What can you anticipate?

• Tier 1:  Split-Pan Cake Liner. Black and Plum-Orchid (use them with a dry or damp brush)
• Tier 2:  Rich Orchid. (similar to Alexandrite/Fig, but more magenta, and brighter) 
• Tier 3:  Mocha Sheen (similar to Corinthian, but more vivid and brighter) - a gorgeous shade
• Tier 4:  A new moisture-resistant Eye-Base Primer. When applied to the eyelid, the look is like a sheer, pearlized nylon stocking.

Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie would love to help those who want to make sure they "earn" this free, exclusive Kaleidoscope before they "sell out," so to speak. Give Michael or Chae Edwards a call at Mazza at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. One "Anonymous" reader commented in my "Coming Attraction" feature about a problem using gift cards. I think the Mazza store and I have a solution for you, so please write me at bestthingsinbeauty@gmail.com.

I had fun with Michael yesterday, comparing Rich Orchid to the horrible bruise on my arm. Other than that one shade (I just don't want to look like I was hit in the eye), this Kaleidoscope is really pretty. Plus, how can you argue with free? The photo below shows the Kaleidoscope with Rich Orchid tucked in.

Even though I took the photos under clouds, I think they are color-true. They are a tad less luminous than they would look if I had had sunshine. As I finish this feature, the sun has returned, but I know it will duck behind the clouds if I run back outside. It always does.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Soon: Le Métier de Beauté Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope - Gift with Purchase at Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous

The Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Event is coming soon: June 4-15. Le Métier de Beauté has an amazing gift with purchase in store for you. The Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope, a $95 value, will be yours with your Le Métier de Beauté purchase of $250 or more. Time to stock up on skin care?

The unique beauty of this collection is in the new eye shadow formula Le Métier de Beauté's chemist just completed. The new texture is more buttery and rich than anything the company has offered before. What can you anticipate?

• Tier 1:  Split-Pan Cake Liner. Black and Plum-Orchid 
• Tier 2:  Rich Orchid. (similar to Alexandrite/Fig, but more magenta, and brighter) 
• Tier 3:  Mocha Sheen (similar to Corinthian, but more vivid and brighter) 
• Tier 4:  A new moisture-resistant Eye-Base Primer. When applied to the eyelid, the look is like a sheer, pearlized nylon stocking.

Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie is taking pre-orders for those who want to make sure they "earn" this free, exclusive Kaleidoscope before they "sell out," so to speak. Give Michael or Chae Edwards a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

Ask Michael about the all-new single eye shadows coming, as well as the new neck cream, destined to reverse one of our most troublesome signs of aging.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté Pale Shelter Kaleidoscope from the Spring 2014 Kaleidocope Program

Le Métier de Beauté's Pale Shelter Kaleidoscope from the Spring 2014 Kaleidoscope Program arrived about a week ago. It surprised me. I had purchased the spring program so long ago (I think), I forgot it. In came a Kaleidoscope, with a note from Rich (printed?), and I was flabbergasted.

Naturally, I tore into the box, where I found an unusual Kaleidosccope called Pale Shelter on the bottom. I do not believe there were any instructions for use, but it's always possible I accidentally ditched them. Who needs instructions, anyhow? Unfortunately, I have no color names.

I'm supposed to receive another Kaleidoscope this month - the second in the program, which is sold out. However, there is a current Summer 2014 Program that you can purchase here. I feel kind of badly showing you something you can't purchase, but you never know what will turn up on eBay (or on a blog sale, if you shop them).

Pale Shelter's label on the bottom looked like it had spent some time in storage, getting scratched and mistreated. The powders in the swing-out arms, however, are pristine. My first thought when I started to test the colors was, "This is a very nice basics or neutrals palette." My second thought was, "How typical that a palette designed by Mikey Castillo would have a lavender shade in it." I think he is fixated on lavender/plum/red shades. Fortunately, this lavender - whatever it's called - is nice and neutral.

I took this angled shot of Pale Shelter to try to show you a bit of all the colors. You will note that the top drawer is split, holding two shades. That's an innovation for Kaleidoscopes, and I think it will serve Le Métier de Beauté extremely well. Not everyone wants a full pan of, say, lavender.

I swatched all the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting at the bottom of the Kaleidoscope on my arm and working toward the split pan at the top. I took my photos in full sun. At this point, and with what we went through during the last week, I can't remember whether it was morning, noon, or late afternoon! That little detail has vanished into the recesses of my brain that hold meaningless facts.

Look at how the grass greened up in a week! All winter, my grassy backdrops looked dead. Now there's fresh green life.

The yellow at the top of my arm is a cream, I think. I assume it's supposed to be used as a concealer or base shade. It's nice, although just a little too yellow for my skin. I'll use it wisely. The lavender is below it. Although it is "browned down" a bit, you can still see the red in it. I love Mikey, but don't get me going on his love for red around the eyes. Then we would have to talk about layering and blending, and I'm too tired for that this evening.

The shimmering copper-taupe blend (third shade down on my arm) is gorgeous. It's a color I can fully embrace. I love it. The two shades below, which I swatched in thinner stripes because they look like eyeliners, are charcoal and "muddy brown." The charcoal is a good shade. The brown is definitely mud on my skin.

Overall, I think Mikey might have had a warm-skinned, West Coast beauty in mind when he created Pale Shelter. I think anyone with warm-toned skin will find this Kaleidoscope an everyday reach-for palette. For me, with my cool-toned, pale skin, it will always be a second choice to the many Kaleidoscopes I have. There are some, particularly the ones designed by Michael Reinhardt, that suit my skin color better. I wish Le Métier de Beauté would let me design the perfect Kaleidoscope for pale blondes!

As I mentioned, it's too late to order Pale Shelter. If you can stand the suspense of buying into a surprise program, sign up for the Summer 2014 series. It could be fun!

P.S. Word has it that Pale Shelter might make a for-sale appearance at Camp Gorgeous at Neiman Marcus in June. Nag your favorite Le Métier de Beauté rep if you want one. Just don't quote me.

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté; other photos by Best Things in Beauty