Clouds - beautiful, but so inconvenient. As is the case in mid-summer, not March, our late afternoons have been cloudy. I've been at work during the day and unable to get swatch photos. As soon as I get home, the big, dark, late-afternoon cumulus clouds roll in. They are glorious, but they do get in my way.We have had record-setting high temperatures this week. Today, it was 85 degrees when I left the office. No one could believe it. As we approach St. Patrick's Day, we should have cold nights and warm (not hot) days. The cherry blossoms are confused and popped early. Trees and flowers are blooming - and melting. The daffodils open with hope in the morning, and by afternoon, they have been burned to a crisp. Perhaps we are moving from our mild winter right into summer.
What a week this was! I received my new fragrances from MiN New York and CREED. Can't wait to tell you about them. I haven't even tested all of them, but I do want to tell you about a very special - and exciting - set you can purchase if you'd like to try a new collection of lovely fragrances.
I don't think I've ever featured Keiko Mecheri, but I own and love many of her fragrances. Check out her biography at this link.Mecheri has a new collection of "Bespoke" scents, and they are all featured in a Discovery Coffret ($125). In a stunning presentation, the set offers large samples of all seven of the new Bespoke Eau de Parfums in 10-ml atomizer sprays.
Fragrances imagined in accordance with Keiko Mecheri values of artistry and authenticity. Unparalleled quality and attention to craftsmanship with hand-crafted traditional methods and millesimal harvesting. Only the highest quality materials are used to compose these unique blends, thus creating perfumes that are almost tactile. Rich and carefully selected compositions to stimulates the senses. Absolute luxury.
I received samples of all seven new fragrances from MiN New York, and I had a hard time selecting only two to purchase - for now. I suspect that at least two more will be headed my way before long. This Discovery Coffret is an amazing value, and you can purchase it from MiN. The large decants of each fragrance will give you the opportunity to sample Mecheri's latest interpretations of rose, vetiver, leather...a variety of dominant notes blended with "supporting characters" that provide an educational experience with scents to wear and enjoy. All of the fragrances are soft and office-friendly. If you're in the mood to sample, I highly recommend this set.
It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover 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.
I am waiting for a box of lipsticks that should have arrived by now. Maybe today. My UPS guy has arrived every day this week, but not with my lipsticks. Yesterday evening, I told him, hopefully, "See you tomorrow!" It's amazing that some companies can ship so slowly when others exceed expectations.
Don't forget this week's giveaway contest. You might win a Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Tawny, if you enter before the deadline tomorrow, March 17, at midnight.
Photos by Best Things in Beauty and courtesy of MiN New York
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29 comments:
How lucky you are with that lovely weather. We've had warmer temps as well, but it still snowed this week so we're still wintery here. Definitely not ready for gardening yet.
Keiko M's frags have been widely unsuccessful on me. I thought I'd love Loukhoum, or even Loukhoum Poudre, but none worked. Can't win them all, eh?
Beauty wise, I'd been looking for a pink blusher for ages. Finally made it to Sephora so got to test that Dior Rosy Glow. Hey? Who ordered the magenta racing stripes? I DIDN'T!! It was gorgeous on initial application but I'm glad I didn't buy on the spot....half an hour later I was ready for tribal warfare.
THEN, I got to try Tarina Tarantino's Carved Rose. It's so very pretty! Bought that and love it.
Aside from that, I've been sick. Staying in for now. Hope you're well!
Happy St Patrick's Day. The only green on me will be my complexion :-(
hello :)
i have spent most of last month travelling up and down my country..missed you and your blog alot!!
its great to be back home :)
and yea i got janssen products..really nice!
Such lovely clouds! It's been cold and rainy here (typical for Northern California) and will remain so for this weekend. I hate weather,though, so I shouldnt complain.
I received the Guerlain Sunny Pink blush this week! It is gorgeous! And the smell is fantastic! I don't own any other Guerlain products-is this unusual? Oh I do love the texture and shimmer. Thanks for the review that led to my purchase!
I also ordered several items yesterday and can't wait until they arrive. I'm contemplating a purchase of some Jo Malone samples before I indulge in my first large purchase. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!
The weather has been warm here in Central Illinois, too. A little too warm for my tastes. I really dislike summer weather, because it is usually in the 90s here with high humidity. Never a good look for me. So, while it is nice to have warm temps, I fear they will stay until the summer heat arrives. We barely had a winter here. I am on the opposite end of the temperature spectrum for most people, I guess.
I ordered Aqua Foundation from Koh Gen Do. I have been using and loving the Moisture Foundation. So, I wanted to give the Aqua Foundation a spin. It made me laugh when you lamented about slow shipping. I am used to Nordstroms lighning-fast shipping. If I order a product on a Monday, I will have it by Thursday or Friday at the latest. I ordered this Aqua Foundation from Sephora on Monday, thinking I would have it by today so I could play with it this weekend. Well...it arrives Monday and I was so cranky when I found that out. I have been spoiled by Nordies!
I have been LOVING the Guerlain Terracotta Sun Shimmer Highlighting Blush in in Sunny Pink. The color is so beautiful. So luminous and the perfect blend of coral/pink. I adore the light texture, too. I was never a fan of liquid/cream blushes until LMdB and this product. I also love the Sun in the City gold highlighting powder. Although after I bought the Chanel Lucky Stripes gold highlighter (for $95....gah!), I probably didn't need both. But nobody does luminous gold like Guerlain! Plus you tell me "limited edition" and I will fork over just about any amount. I am a marketer's dream.
I have been dying to order more Tom Ford products. After re-watching the Tom Ford makeup tutorial on "A Model Recommends," I would love the lipstick in Coco Ravish and the eye quad in Cognac Sable. I have been craving nude/brown/pink lipsticks, so Coco Ravish seems to fit the bill. Also, I would love some of the eye brushes. Has anyone used the eye liner brush or the contoured eye brush (I don't know the official names off the top of my head)? I have loved every single product I purchased from his line. Outstanding quality, in my opinion.
Have a lovely weekend, ladies and enjoy the weather!
Kate
LOL, Lovethescents, you can't be green!
Sounds like you had a successful shopping trip.
Snow? No! That's a great reason not to live in Canada. :) Hope you feel better.
Good morning everyone,
We've had such beautiful weather here lately and the gardens are coming alive. We're due for a storm, though, this weekend and the temps have decided to plummet accordingly. Mind you, in So Cal speak that means temps are in the mid 50's to low 60's. Freezing, huh? ;-)
I'm off to Guerlain today for their beauty event and then it's Chanel tomorrow. Hopefully, this old dog will learn some new tricks! I'll let you know how it goes.
Since this is St. Patrck's Day weekend, my sons, their lady loves, and their pooches will all be coming for dinner tomorrow. We're not Irish, but it's a grand excuse for a get-together :-)
Hi Lovethescents,
As you know, I had the same experience with the Dior, only at my age, I looked like I was having a perpetual hot flash! As pretty as it is in the pan, it definitely needs to be tried on the cheeks and given a bit of time to develop. I'm so glad you found that Tarina Tarantino, though. I haven't tried any of her cheek products yet, but I'll have to go have a look-see.
Hi CGirl,
Isn't that Sunny Pink just the most beautiful thing ever? Sunny Pink for a pop of color and the Sun in the City Golden Glimmer Powder for highlights is the very definition of summer. Love, love, love it! And, yes, Guerlain's cosmetics are well known for their fragrances. Women who don't like fragrant products should always approach Guerlain with a bit of caution. Personally, I think a bit of scent adds to the feeling of being pampered when applying cosmetics, but I know some women have a problem with it.
Hi Kate,
Definitely check out TF's Cognac Sable. It's a stunning combination of warm, rich colors. These super saturated colors glow with life, blend effortlessly, can be played down for day or enhanced for night, and wear like iron. I have a few TF palettes now, but Cognac Sable remains my very favorite. I always get compliments on how beautiful my eyes are when I wear it. As for brushes, I haven't tried either one of the brushes you mentioned. The only eye brush I have is the large shader brush #11 and it is awesome.
Hi Mahwish - welcome back!
Hi CGirl,
Most Jo Malone counters will give you samples of anything you want to try. Do you have one near you?
Most of the Guerlain products have a pleasant scent. It's a "signature." :)
Happy weekend!
Kate, Gaia at The Non-Blonde has published many brush tutorials. Check out her site for liner brushes.
If I don't get my box of lipsticks today, I'm going to be one raging customer! :) Have you noticed that Sephora shipping is now one day slower than it used to be?
I'm bummed about Tom Ford. Months ago, we had information that the DC area might get a TF counter this spring. Now it's definitely not happening, and we are hoping for fall. I may have to hop on a train! I want to see and sample so badly. I like what I have, but I really want to try before I buy a lot more. Going off to watch that video!
Happy weekend!
Hi Eileen!
Didn't you know that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day? Have fun with the family. Do all the dogs get along?
I think we all agree that Sunny Pink is a brilliant product. How do you top it? I'll bet Guerlain figures that out. I want to camp at a counter awaiting the next round. :)
Hi Eileen,
I don't have feelings one way or the other about fragranced products as long as they don't irritate my skin. This one was a lovely surprise!
CharlestonGirl,
I don't have any department stores near me at all-closest is 4 hours away. If I were home in SoCal, it would be much easier! I found a site that sells rather large samples, so I'm trying 6 fragrances. I am so excited!
Cgirl,
Check out eBay too. There are a zillion sellers who were given samples for free and turn around and sell them. Some charge reasonable prices, some are outrageous.
Please let me know which ones grab you. I certainly have my Jo favorites. One of my oldest is Red Roses. I can't count the "lifetime" compliments.
I am loving Clarins ever matte foundation!! It is almost completely imperceptible, just like Lisa eldridge said. Also loving ysl glossy stains. I have 7 & 19 so far. I need to check out 2 and 3. The Guerlain liquid blush is lovely, as is the gold powder - though I haven't worn it much. How are you wearing this, and do you wear it in the daytime? I haven't had much experience with highlighters except Burberry fresh glow (which I adore).
I hope your warm weather makes it to the NW soon. Have a wonderful weekend!
Charlestongirl,
You should definitely check out that video. She (I am ashamed to say I don't know her actual name) reviews several Tom Ford products that were used on Lara Stone in the promotional/campaign ads. Cognac Sable is the center of the look, and it is stunning.
And yes, I have noticed Sephora is one day longer in terms of shipping. I thought for sure if I ordered Monday of this week I would have it by today. Now I have to wait all weekend. Harrrrummphhh.
Also, I will check out Gaia's posts to see if she reviewed those brushes. I don't recall her reviewing any Tom Ford brushes. The reason I am so intrigued with them is that the girl from "A Model Recommends" uses one of the smaller eye brushes to apply the darker color in Cognac Sable along the lash line. I can't tell from the video whether it is the eyeliner brush, or the contouring brush. Whatever it was, it worked beautifully at laying down the color on the lash line and taking to the outer corners of the eye. Who am I kidding....somehow I'll get both!
Eileen,
I know I'll cave on Cognac Sable. It looks glorious anywhere I've seen it featured. And after paying $95 for LMdB's kaleidoscopes, $75 seems like a bargain! I am also toying with getting the blush in Savage (also featured in the "A Model Recommends" video). It looks very interesting.
Lovely as always chatting with you gals!
Kate
Hi Kate,
Gaia doesn't have any postings on TF brushes, but Wayne at Gossmakeupartist has a short video review of the brushes he bought and, yes, he bought all the eye brushes. Oh, and Rae at The Raeviewer also has a tutorial using Cognac Sable which is the one that pushed me over the edge :-). Like you, I think that $75 for a quad with four large pans of incredible color is a bargain.
Hi Charlestongirl,
Yes, all the pooches play nicely. This time tomorrow, we'll have Lhasa Apsos, Italian Grayhounds, and Huskies frolicking in the backyard :-)
I had a wonderful experience with Charles "Chuck" Hezekiah, National MA for Guerlain. What a charming and gifted artist he is! He doesn't just apply the makeup; he gives quite a lesson while doing it. He had me holding a mirror the entire time and explained what he was doing and why as he worked. I came away from the counter with not only a new spring look, but with a few new application tricks as well. He based my look on the spring 6 écrin palette, 66 Boulevard du Montparness (shades of violet and rose). It registered as springtime color without being over the top purple or pink. On my lips he used Rouge G in #75 which is a lovely berry shade. I added both products to my bag before he had even finished with my application :-)
One of the tricks he showed me was for applying cream foundation. He used a wedge shaped sponge. Without putting any finger pressure on the flat pointed end of the wedge, he used it like a brush to apply the foundation. The result was an incredibly light and smooth application. I was really surprised at how airbrushed the foundation looked. Another trick he used was to lightly brush Sun Blonds #04 not just on my cheeks, but on my browbones as well. It just looked so natural and pulled everything together in perfect harmony. I could blather on, but those two colored products and the two techniques I mentioned were the high points of my lesson. Marcus Monzon, Chuck Hezekiah--if either one is in your area, book an appointment with them. They love to teach their craft and art and are both gracious gentlemen.
Eileen,
Now I can admit that, despite all the expert advice, I've been applying my cream foundations like that for years. :)
Glad to hear the session was a great learning experience. So often, they aren't. I will definitely ask my local reps when he might come here.
I'd love to be able to watch all the dog cousins play. I'll bet it's adorable.
Going downstairs to drink Bailey's Irish Cream with my Fran's Grey Salt Caramels - the ultimate treat. I think it's appropriate for the weekend.
I wish I had read your eBay tip before I placed my order! I just looked on eBay and I would have saved a bit of money. Oh well. I'll know better for next time.
Where do you buy the salted caramels? I do love a good salted caramel!
Fran's are the ultimate best. I buy them at Balducci's or order them from Fran's. https://www.franschocolates.com/store/home.php?xid=8440669f2fa118482f435ab90ac8f291
Hi CG ,
It's been a really hectic week here. It's 4 in the morning and I am just home from work.
I have been waiting for my precious Dior Extremes this week but sadly they still didn't arrive. Me and my bank balance have to wait for another week.
But I am loving my Dior Forever pressed powder. As the weather here is hot using heavy foundations is out of question. This powder seems light on the skin and my skin has actually improved.
But I must say , again , that I am immensely envious of all the people who have access to all those amazing brands like Tom Ford, Guerlain, Chanel etc.
Hopefully in a couple of years when I am ready for my MBA I will be coming over to the US and get lucky !
Have a great weekend CG !
Hi Charlestongirl!
I got my Shiseido blush and the Givenchy blush in Bucolic Rose. Love them and I'm going to play with them this weekend - hopefully injecting some color into my dull winter skin. I also picked up the Incognito nail polish from Dior which actually suits my skin better than the lipstick by that name. Go figure!
Ah well, time to enjoy the weekend and wait for more spring-like days to come.
I was considering returning my sun blondes as it looks a bit dark....did the ma apply it on your cheeks as a blush? And do you mean your brow bone, as in just below your eyebrow? That is probably such a dumb question. Apologies! I really should go have my makeup done sometime ;-)
Hi Katie,
Yes, Chuck lightly swept the Sun Blonds on the bone right up by my eyebrow--not enough to give any obvious color; just enought to look like I had been sitting out in the sun. It was subtle and looked very pretty and natural. If the Sun Blonds is too dark for you, have you considered Blonds 02? I wear that one as well. One of the things about the "Light" bronzers is that you can determine how much of the pink color (or coral in the Brunette versions) you want by how you stroke your brush across the pattern. For the classic "3" shape, Chuck swept his brush across the bronze tones. He then used a more pink blend for my blusher. The bit of rosey bronze color that remained on the brush was what he used on my browbone.
Hi Evelyn,
Last week you asked me to post the details of my Chanel makeup date. I'm late getting to it so I hope you see this.
The MA treated me to a Sublimage facial before applying the new Vitalumière Aqua cream compact foundation in 22 Beige Rose. It's a lovely light-as-air foundation that gives a soft, satin glow. It is buildable without sacrificing its "real skin" look. There aren't a lot of shades available right now, but they are "accommodating" and adjust a bit to the actual skin tone. I was quite happy with it and added it to my purchases. But, what you're probably really interested in is the color story, so here it is :-)
On my eyes, the MA used Lily (pale, shell pink) as a base. She used Trace (rich, coppery brown) to contour the crease and outer > . She did a great job of blending Trace into Lily so that there were no harsh lines. She used the automatic liner in black and worked it into my upper and lower lashes. She let it dry just a bit before softening both lines with Trace. She then lightly blended a whisper of Trace up above the black liner onto Lily. What I ended up with on my eyelid was a gradation of color flowing from intense black, into smoldering coppery brown, into warm shell pink. For all out evening drama, the MA suggested using Mirifique instead of plain black.
And, of course, she finished off with black mascara on my upper and lower lashes.
The MA wanted to keep my cheeks and lips muted so we settled on Joues Contraste in Rose Petale for my cheeks and Rouge Allure in Incognito for my lips. She also showed me the option of layering Rouge Coco Shine in Bonheur over Incognito. It deepened the color without taking the focus off my eyes.
All in all, it was another very successful makeup application. Like Chuck from Guerlain the day before, the Chanel MA (I'm sorry I don't remember her name) loved teaching once she knew she had a willing and able student in her chair :-)
For reference, I am fair (MAC NC15). Back in the day, my hair was deep espresso. Although most of my hair is still dark, I now have mostly silver around my face and at the crown. My brows and lashes are still black and I have dark, warm green eyes. I'm cruising into my late sixties, but love to keep my look contemporary.
Swathi, what a great idea! Come to makeup nirvana to study! :)
Thank you, Eileen, for sharing the details of yours sessions with us. We were having vicarious makeovers. :)
I was bummed today. The Guerlain rep told me I missed last week the Guerlain nose. I asked why I had not been invited and got a lame answer about how busy that week was. These gals don't compute...call good customer, make appointment...sell stuff...make money. So simple! I might write a rant about customer service - again.
Hi Charlestongirl,
You "missed" the Guerlain nose? Incredible! With e-mail there is no reason for anyone to be left in the dark even if the counter has been in total chaos for a week. My Guerlain counter manager uses e-mail to notify her good customers of all the up-coming events as soon as she finds out about them. She then follows up with curtesy calls no matter how busy she is. It sounds like she could teach your Guerlain people a thing or two about service and customer relations.
Thank you for your response Eileen! I really enjoyed reading about your Chanel make-up application as well.
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