Friday, June 21, 2013

The Friday Forum - June 21

Yesterday, I went over the our largest conservation easement site to meet with the builders for a trail pre-construction meeting. There is a church that borders the property, and this exquisite bank of oak leaf hydrangeas - in all their glory - lined the bank above the parking lot. Fortunately, I had my camera with me, so I parked and started snapping photos, even though it was cloudy. Behind the oak leafs, I found these lace-cap beauties with hostas interspersed. The hydrangeas made the trip especially worthwhile.

Today is my last day of workday "freedom" - if having no work can be considered freedom. On Monday, I start a new consulting job for the federal government in a particularly rewarding area. I will be thrilled to start working again, but I'm realizing that I'll miss hanging out at home with Charlie, with plenty of leisure time for blogging. You will see my schedule of posting change as I adjust to my new routine. Next week, I doubt I'll be able to write two features/day, although once I adjust, my posting times will likely revert to what they were last year.

It's hard to believe I have hit the four-year mark with Best Things in Beauty. Your wonderful comments when I expressed doubts about continuing bouyed my spirits, so I'm making the assumption I can keep going. At some point, I'm going to get too old for this - but you will be growing older with me.

I found it ironic that we had such a good discussion this week and the very next day I published the early news on the Nordstrom Anniversary specials. The juxtaposition was jarring to me, but, what are you going to do? That was not a complete list, by the way. It was the "early teaser list."

I guess by now you've heard that Tom Ford is expanding his beauty line to men. When the MailOnline asks, "Would your boyfriend spend $78 on concealer?" you know it's news.

This fall, the Tom Ford for Men Skin Care and Grooming Collection range will be launched in the U.S. in November. According to WWD, it includes six multifunctional skin-care products that are said to fuse high-performing ingredients with lightweight textures to calm, comfort, and mattify, as well as two grooming products that are intended to correct flaws and improve the appearance of the skin instantly. “Most people say to me, ‘Wow, you have great skin.’ I pay attention to my skin. I use skin-care and grooming products,” said Ford, adding that novices should “get a magnifying mirror and look at their facec. Do you have broken capillaries? Pale or sallow skin? Dry skin?” His answer is clearly fix it or conceal it.

Tom Ford will also be introducing two new oud fragrances (I am so over oud) and new color for women for fall and holiday. I will be following up on the color detail. Here are some new product photos.

I do have interest and hopes for Ford's Atelier d'Orient fragrances - none of which I've seen in our DC-area stores. I know they launched at Selfridges, and I'm not sure they have made their way across the Atlantic. I'm eager to get my nose on Plum Japanois.

Despite the relatively high prices for the men's skin care, I suspect Ford's men's line will be as popular (almost as popular?) as his women's offerings. I would like to see men wearing the mud mask - perhaps at a Tom Ford counter. You know how they glance at us when we are mid-makeover in the beauty department? Ha! We will be able to return the look.

You makeup addicts are also aware, I'm sure, that Marc Jacobs is launching a beauty line in August. It will be sold exclusively at Sephora. Recognizing the potential for profits, as well as brand extension, other fashion designers are jumping into the beauty world. Matthew Williamson, Pierre Hardy, even Christian Louboutin are readying beauty products. It's the 1970's revisited.

I know some bloggers have published photos of the fall Guerlain Collection - and that it's gorgeous. In the U.S., we are not getting all of the colors that are launching in other countries. I'm working with PR and will get you the U.S. collection photos as fast as they hit my inbox.

A few of you have asked about a Le Métier de Beauté summer collection. What you've seen is what you got. EXCEPT, there is a Neiman Marcus-exclusive Kaleidoscope called Castaway that will be available soon. There will be big news for fall (which, of course, launches in the summer). I hear the Kaleidoscope is getting a makeover, and a new one will be introduced. Major renovations are coming to many of the color cosmetics, and there will also be new skin care (one SKU in the fall, one next year). Stay tuned. Le Métier de Beauté has outsourced public relations, and I don't know what their blogger strategy will be. Maybe I should ask!

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for the Tarte Femme Naturale Refillable Eye Palette. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, June 22, at midnight. A word about giveaways...Someone left me a comment last week implying that I was dishonest, showing favoritism in selecting winners. One winner was in social media? How would I know that? Why should I care? I didn't publish the comment; I thought it was an outrageous accusation.

I use random.org to select winners once I tally hundreds of entries. I have no intention of showing you photographs of the scrawled entry names and numbers I sloppily and quickly write out in code so that I can spin the wheel. I have no intention of displaying screen shots of random.org. I spend my own money on most of my contests (products, shipping - often internationally), and I will continue to do it my way. My advice to anyone entering my contests? Please don't if you cannot trust that the winners are selected randomly as I have specified. Fortunately, I do not believe that the one comment is representative of the sentiments of my readers.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty and courtesy of WWD

39 comments:

Annie M said...

Good morning! A very happy congrats on your job-I know it will be a big relief for you and one less thing on your mind. You are correct in that the comment about bias in giveaways is not representative of your regular followers. I''m sure I speak for most of us who very much appreciate your kind and generous giveaways. You have always been honest and forthright about the source of your products, costs, and opinions and this transparency certainly includes giveaways. I continue to receive a 'colorful' education through your blog and have learned so much. Yours is the only beauty blog I read religiously and feel as though I know many of the regulars (hi Eileen and Mamavalveeta!). I am due to hit a big birthday this year and am continually encouraged to see that beauty is appreciated and enjoyed by more than twentysomethings. Thank you for the inspiration and enjoy your weekend!
Annie M

Unknown said...

I can't wait for the Guerlain collection! I made the mistake of stopping by the Tom Ford counter at Bergdorf for the first time last week (I had been avoiding it because it was too tempting and sooooo expensive), and it was just so wonderful - I might be sucked in...

Never quit blogging! Well, at some point it will have to happen, but I read your blog faithfully every day :) And as for the arm veins - I'm 27 but have pale skin, and my veins show through too!

Christina said...

Congratulations on the new job! It's lovely to stay home, but if it means worrying about finances, well, I'd rather work. I'm truly glad you don't have to stress about that anymore!

I look forward to your future posts! I love visiting daily, and I love the community of people who comment as well. :)

Paige said...

Congrats on the new job CG! I'm happy that your hard working on job hunting finally paid off.

I don't comment on blogs often. I pretty busy with work (and life). Most often I quick read the post to see if there's anything interesting and then I move on. There's something special about your blog I think, that compels me to leave a comment once in a while. I like that you bring in some interesting discussions. In addition, there's a sense of 'community' among your readers/commenters--sharing their beauty (or non-beauty) experience.

I'm not really excited about the Nordstrom Annerversary Sale nor these new designer cosmetics lines. I'll still check them out though I doubt I'll get anything. I think, at this moment, I feel pretty saturated with all the makeup items I have. There has to be some 'captivating' magic to it to get me excited nowadays. Guerlain and Chanel are the exceptions though--they always capture my attention :P I must now go and google this Guerlain Fall collection promo ad.

Eileen said...

Congratulations, Charlestongirl! The consult job is wonderful news. I hope it will be rewarding both financially and intellectually. And, please, don't apologize about having to cut back on the number of posts while you get your work routine in place. Even when you cut back, you post more than most other bloggers :-). Once again, a heartfelt congratulations!

Pictures of the fall collections are beginning to surface and we're in for a stunning season. As with the summer collections, we are once again being offered a choice of warm neutrals or jewel toned color statements. From color palettes to finishes, there is something beautiful for everyone. Long gone are the days when the various brands offered seasonal releases that all revolved around the same color scheme. There is such variety now.

So far, I've seen Chanel (of course), and pictures of Dior, Guerlain, YSL, Lancôme, Tom Ford, and Chantecaille (Save the Wild Horses!). There is such a rich variety of looks from which to choose. Anyone who can't find something to embrace this autumn just isn't looking. Typically, the fall and holiday collections are the ones best suited to my coloring and personal style and this year is offereing me an embarrassment of choices. I guess I'd better start saving up. So far, I can hear the sweet siren song of Tom Ford, Guerlian, and Chantecaille. August/September is going to be majorly expensive $$$ :-)

Today is the first day of summer and it is shaping up to be a beautiful one. I hope all of you a wonderful summer season filled with ". . . the livin' is easy . . ." kind of days. Happy solstice! Happy weekend!

Marta said...

Congratulations on your new project! Your nordstrom blog post was reposted in a number of forums, which may explain the dissonance.

Jo said...

Hi CG,

Congratulations on the new job and four years of BTiB! Thanks for the picture of the new Tom Ford. Marc Jacobs makeup does not excite me. I think the fact that it's straight to Sephora indicates a young target group. Love his clothes, bags and shoes though.

Happy weekend and happy summer everyone!

lola seicento said...

Congratulations on your new job, CG! That is much better news than any of the makeup launches by a long shot! xoxo

Claire said...

Hi CG, a big CONGRATS on your new job!! I hope you find a lot of excitement in the new position and I'll probably a bit sad that this blog won't be updated as often (I've been spoiled for sure). Re. TF cosmetics for men, I heard/read somewhere that Tom himself tested all the items in it -- but whatever it is it would not fly w/ my DH :-) Speaking of Nordie Anniv, I just went to local Burberry counter, she doesn't know what's in store but will sure share it once I know from her -- for your reader/anyone who may be interested. I just happen to purchase quite a bit of Burberry/know the SA, not that I got commission/anything like that.

Moonchime said...

Congratulations on your new job. Don't worry if you aren't able to blog as much right off. We'll still be waiting for you to blog whenever you can. I loved your comment on how we are all getting older right along with you. It is so true. I LOVE your blog since it is geared to us older ones out here. We don't have a lot of bloggers in our age group. Your insights and reviews are refreshing.

Happy Summer!

Rosemary said...

So very happy to hear the news about the new job, CG! Congratulations.

Rosemary

bisbee said...

Congratulations - that's a huge relief for you, I'm sure!

Mary Ann said...

Congratulations on your new job! Love your blog!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Annie,

Thank you. Beyond relieved about the work.

That comment was bizarre. It's so unfair to accuse someone of dishonesty on a whim.

A big birthday? Happy birthday in advance! Most of us will care how we look until our spirit is lost. Let's ensure that never happens. I will admit I went to NM today, warning my friends there I looked like s&*^. Some days, there just isn't enough time. :)

Charlestongirl said...

Ellen, Tom Ford is an expensive habit, but of so fulfilling. :)

From one blue vein to another, thanks.

Charlestongirl said...

Yeah, Christina, money does make life easier. Paying the mortgage is essential. Plus food, plus...

Thanks. We do have a nice group here.

Charlestongirl said...

Paige, thanks.

You can see Guerlain and other upcoming collections at Chic Profile.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Eileen. I know after months of leisure, I will be very tired when I get home. It will take a few weeks to adjust. Charlie will be shell shocked.

I have also seen the collections and am waiting for official US photos. There are some serious temptations for fall and holiday.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Marta. I'm sure the press release was sent to other bloggers, but if my edited copy was used, I'd be really unhappy. It took me 1.5 hours to edit that baby.

Charlestongirl said...

Jo, you have to wonder about the Sephora rollout. However, it is a very successful retail establishment, so Marc Jacobs may have made a clever choice.

I'll reserve judgement.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, NFM.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks so much, Lola!

Charlestongirl said...

Claire, thank you.

BTW, Tom Ford has been wearing his own women's beauty products, so for him, this was a baby step. :)

When you find out about Burberry, we'd all like to know. There will be a version 2 of the press release, so we will find out in advance.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Moonchime.

We are all recognizing that it's officially summer! The longest day of the year. I guess I need to go out and feed the last bird meal for today.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, Rosemary, Bisbee, and Mary Ann! It's a relief to know there will be a paycheck in my life again.

Meredith said...

What beautiful Lace Cap Hydrangeas! I admire your work in ecology for your community.

I'm so glad you were selected for your new job, they made the right choice!

There is always somebody who has to be negative (the commenter) so just ignore them. It was a very ungracious and ridiculous accusation. Some people!

We still have not received Chanel's cream blushes and I feel like skipping over them and waiting for Guerlain Fall. I have so much makeup, I should use some up so I don't have such a backlog of stock. Wonderful that summer has finally arrived although Seattle weather is not co-operating, as usual. You'd think we live in southern Sweden!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your new career endeavour. You'll miss Charlie, but find satisfaction in making makeup money.

I missed out on the Temptalia LMdB treat also, but suspect the company wouldn't ship to Canada. I took time to think about it since the colours would suit a warmer skin tone than mine. But it was all so pretty!

The fall collection photos are appearing and I might be interested in Guerlain's duo eyeshadows.

Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

CG: I was just on LMdB's website and the Temptalia collection is back in stock!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Meredith, and thanks.

You really should look at the Chanel blushes. Some people love them, and just because they are too dark and bright for me, doesn't mean there's anything wrong with them.

I want the two new Chantecaille ones. I must wait until July - darn!

Charlestongirl said...

Yep, Maureeen, I saw they were back in stock. Then I searched my makeup museum and found I already have every piece. Duh!

They are basically warm or neutral colors.

We are not getting one of those Guerlain duos. I am still on the case to find out which one we are getting.

Tatiana said...

Congratulations on the new consulting gig! How exciting to begin working at something new and interesting. I wish you much luck and a ton of success. Those hydrangeas are beautiful and the photos made my day! I love reading your blog because we have similar skin care concerns and similar very fair skin tone.

Evelyn said...

Yay! Congratulations on your new job! I think as long as we know you're working and happy, even if you wrote half a beauty post we'd be ok with it. :)

Tom Ford for men...all I can imagine is a guy's face makeup rubbing off on my cheek one day. lol Not going to be thrilled about that!

I wish designers would really develop their ideas before stepping into cosmetics and fragrance. There's nothing worse than a designer famous for his clothing for example, but makes poorly designed cosmetics. Be like Burberry, a design house with really well done cosmetics.

You had to make me look at Guerlain for the fall, oh the trouble I'm in! I'll have to prepare the budget. Dior looks interesting too although I'm thinking some of what I'm seeing may be a touch too cool for my coloring. We'll see. I did order the Mystere quad from Chanel, I couldn't resist the khaki.

Ah well, I'm glad it's the weekend and I can go to the ballet tomorrow and shop a bit on the way home. Nice days in NYC! Have a great weekend all!

CrystesMom said...

Hi, CG! I just wanted to congratulate you on the new job and on BTiB's 4th Anniversary. Everyone here seems to have already expressed most of my own sentiments, but I was truly appalled at the fact that you were accused of dishonesty regarding the blog giveaways! I just want whoever that was to know that I am a "little Nobody" and have won a couple of your giveaways myself over these last four years. There is certainly no reason that you would want to show me any type of "favoritism"! People who come here should do so to learn about all the beautiful things that you share with us, not just because they think that they might win a prize. On another note, I appreciate both your and the other readers' insight on many topics other than beauty. Comments here are often quite thought-provoking and help me to understand myself better in this new phase of my life. I will turn 60 next month; when I start to feel depressed about that birthday upcoming, I'll read something here that makes me realize that I am still a valuable and vibrant woman. You and the other ladies and gentlemen here are a wonderful inspiration to me and I'm sure to others, if they come here for the right reasons. Thank you for all you do!

Mara said...

Sincere congratulations on your new job and also for the blog's anniversary!

bedazzled64 said...

Congrats on your new job! I'm very excited for you, as I'm sure you are too. My aunt always used to tell me... get a job with the government. Being 10 yrs old, I had no idea what she meant although I do now lol

I'm looking forward to seeing what else will be at the Nordstrom Anniv sale, I hope there will be more interesting things like last year.

I saw preview pics of the Guerlain fall collection and one of them was a gorgeous stunning palette. I sure hope that will be released in the US!! And as far as that negative comment, there always has to be someone who wants to cause issues, isn't there? Glad you left their comment out, seems that those type of people love to feed off of negative energy.

Well, best of luck on your new job! Wishing you lots of success and happiness. Cant wait for all your upcoming reviews! xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone! I'm really happy about your new job and by the fact that you have decided to continue with your blog. I'm just a reader, I don't comment (my english is horrible!) but I have to say in favour of the transparency of the giveaways that I have won one giveaway, moreless a year ago. The package was sent immediately to my country (Spain) with the expenses, taxes... all paid. This is by far the most generous blog / blogger in giveaways or gifts that I have ever meet. I don't understand why to express that kind of inappropiate or malicious comments.
Thank you for your blog!

Victoria said...

I'm late in saying this, but CONGRATULATIONS, CG!!! I was keeping all my fingers and toes (and all other crossable appendages) crossed that you would get the job. I am absolutely thrilled for you.

I'm greatly looking forward to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - beauty for my mother, and jewelry for me - or maybe both of us. :) Last year was my first Anniversary Sale and I was a little unprepared. This year, I'm going in armed and ready (with a wish list ;).

teadivamuse said...

Hi CG,

Very happy to hear of your success at landing a job in an area you find rewarding. Please continue to blog-us women of a certain age rely on your voice and experience to guide us through the maze of cosmetics and appreciate it very much.

Bellyhead said...

very late comment, but I wanted to add to the congratulations for your new gig! :) I hope it is a source of intellectual and professional stimulation.
And I'm also so glad you are still blogging.