Saturday, May 7, 2011

Le Métier de Beauté Penelope Kaleidoscope Eye Kit for Summer 2011

Yesterday was an exciting day here. Le Métier de Beauté’s Mediterranean Holiday Summer 2011 Collection arrived, and I think I felt heart palpitations when I opened the Penelope Kaleidoscope Eye Kit ($95). Then I examined the new nail polishes and was sure my heart skipped a beat. It was definitely one of those "steady my heart" days.

Twilight in the Mediterranean, the time of the day when light works its magic, when the slow descent of the sun meets the sea to color the landscape. The sand becomes a gilded path to an emerald sea blanketing the horizon. The sky quickly transforms from its daytime azure to deep, rich hues of purple, pink, golden bronze, and finally to a midnight blue. A moment of the day only the Greek Gods could create. Le Métier de Beauté's Mediterranean Holiday Summer Collection will be one to remember.

I think the Penelope Kaleidoscope Eye Kit captures the beauty of the Mediterranean panorama perfectly. With four opulent shadow shades, the kit evokes these rich, twilight colors of the Mediterranean sunset. It's a romantic lift for the eyes.
  • Blonde Amber is a sand-hued neutral, perfect as a shadow base.
  • Pale Satin Amethyst is a light blue-toned purple, like the Mediterranean sky at dusk.
  • Bronze Topaz, an alluring metallic, mimicks the sunset reflected on the sand.
  • Black Emerald, a deep ocean green, provides an irresistible finish to the Couches de Couleur layered look for which Le Métier de Beauté is famous.
Penelope, like other Kaleidoscopes, offers four hues to give maximum contrast to the wearer's eyes - no matter what their color. Each hue was selected to evoke one of each element in a sequence of crescendo: warm, cool, hot, and cold. The intensity of contrast increases with the application of each layer - always flattering because of the initial blanket of warmth, Blonde Amber in this case. What I adore about Le Métier de Beauté's shadows is how I can wear one or all of the shades in the compact, leaving me with tens of different looks. Dustin Lujan taught me the underlying principles of Couches de Couleur, and I've been mesmerized since.

I haven't had enough time to truly experience all of the looks I'll be able to create with Penelope, but I wanted to give you a quick peek before I start to experiment. The photo at the top is Le Métier de Beauté's. The rest are mine, taken in full morning sun.

Here are two swatch photos. I applied each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator and took the photos this morning. These colors are extraordinary. I couldn't resist photographing them with flowers. They belong in a beautiful landscape.

I will go entirely through Blonde Amber and Bronze Topaz. The neutral shades are perfect for me - one more shimmering than the other. I can wear the Pale Satin Amethyst; it's a tone of lilac my skin tone and eyes appreciate (unlike many). The deep black-green is flattering as a liner or accent shade. It's all-around love!

I will write about Penelope again. It's too special for only one feature. Give me a little time to wear it and experience the joy of my layering selections. Then I'll get back to you. I'll also show you the four nail lacquers that complete Mediterranean Holiday.

Penelope Kaleidoscope Eye Kit for Summer 2011 arrived at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. The testers have arrived at Neiman Marcus locally, but without the stock. I'm sure they will receive it next week. I'll be purchasing when they do; this is hoard-worthy shadow. Mine was a gift from Le Métier de Beauté. I feel so special - they really know how to make my heart race!

Check out Le Métier de Beauté's Facebook page to see more.

Photo at top courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

19 comments:

Hopelessly Devoted To Makeup said...

I love that you took your photos against the flower backdrop. It seems so appropriate!

Charlestongirl said...

Thank you, Hopelessly Devoted!

It was as close as I could get this weekend to a Mediterranean landscape. :)

Unknown said...

Gorgeous pictures and you always have the most wonderful way of describing the colours so beautifully! I can't wait for my darling Penelope to arrive!

lovethescents said...

Oooh these look gorgeous. I'm glad you're enjoying them so much and they seem so perfect for your skin tone and eye colour. I'd be interested to see them blended, in different ways, on an eye. There must be some model photos somewhere on the website? I'll have a look-around :-)

Thank you for this tempting review!

Monica said...

Lovely photos!! ♥

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous!! Your photos are exceptionally lovely this post! Did you get a new camera?
That Penelope is a MUST have!!
Thank you for all of the wonderful posts!!
Stacy

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, PerilouslyPale! Penelope is going to look great on you!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Lovethescents,

Maybe I can blend them on my arm for you. I am not "into" eye modeling, but I'll bet I can show the colors blended on my arm - or one of those papers they use to do makeovers.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Monica!

Hey there, Stacy, The same old Sony took those photos. The difference is all in the lighting. When I get home from work and take photos, the light is so different (from morning photos), AND if the light outside isn't strong, it is hard to get sharp photos because of shutter speed. I do know how to take great photos (actually used to be a hobby, taking flower and landscape photos), but I've been hampered by my tools since the world went digital. That will change pretty soon.

Penelope IS a must-have. LMdB hit it out of the park again.

Anonymous said...

May I "pick your brain"? I am in the researching phase of camera buying. Sounds like you have your eye on a good one... Can you give a recommendation? Thank you!!
Stacy

Charlestongirl said...

Stacy, either a Canon or Nikon. Can't decide on model. A professional photographer told me to buy the Canon. He said for what I need, I would probably find it easier to hold/use.

lovethescents said...

Hi Charlestongirl, thank you for offering a demo blend. I know you're not into modeling yourself; I understand and feel the same way. We can never be too careful about internet exposure!

Eileen said...

Ever since seeing a sneak peak of this on Gaia's blog, I've been eagerly awaiting swatches. Now that I've seen your great shots, all I can say is, "Wow!" I think LMdB gets an A+ for this one. The Mediterranean inspiration for the palette has been perfectly rendered in the creation of the colors. I can easily visualize the sky at dusk, the setting sun reflected on the sand, and the deep green of the cyprus capturing what remains of the sun's fading light. So beautiful! These will blend into each other and layer like a dream. I think I'd better order mine "tout de suite" because this one is sure to sell out.

luv2smilexo said...

the purple in penelope is soo amazing! I wish it was a single

pinkribbons said...

This palette is breath taking, that purple eyeshadow is really calling me. Steady my heart!

Charlestongirl said...

Eileen, I am sure you are right. This palette will sell out. Most of the Kaleidoscopes do. :)

How about an A+++?

Charlestongirl said...

Luv2smilexo, don't wait for it to appear as a single! Won't you wear the other three shades?

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Pinkribbons, the lilac shade seems to be a big hit! I will be wearing it to work tomorrow, expecting a few compliments. :)

lovethescents said...

I've been fantasizing about this kit since you posted the swatches. It isn't on the website, though....might it have been sold out already?? :-((