Coming Attraction: Nordstrom Beauty Anniversary Sale, July 19 through August 4

Nordstrom is excited to host the 2013 Anniversary Event featuring exclusive, limited-edition must-haves in-store and online. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale features one-of-a-kind beauty offerings and amazing deals from coveted brands.

Nordstrom Beauty experts hand-pick these must-haves from over 100 fragrance, cosmetics, hair care, skin care, and men’s grooming brands to develop unique and true bang-for-your buck deals created solely for the sale. These exclusive beauty offerings are only available during this special time of year, so get your hands on them while you can. There are a few deals without prices; that means I did not receive them.

Ring in the 2013 Anniversary Sale in all Nordstrom stores nationwide and online at Nordstrom.com while supplies last. You can also shop the sale early from July 10 through 18 by becoming a Fashion Rewards member. Gain early access and learn more at Nordstromfashionrewards.com.

Amore Pacific Recovery Brightening Set: $450 ($700 value). This set will rejuvenate skin, even in the worst conditions.

• 1.7oz Time Response Cream
• Full-sized Age Spot Brightening Pen
• Full-size Treatment Enzyme Peel
• Two Luminous Effect Brightening Masks

blowpro The Perfect Shower Cap: $10 ($18 value). Available in an exclusive, limited- edition print, this shower cap is designed to shield blow-dried hair with a 100% terry liner, leaving strands safe and dry.

Bobbi Brown Telluride Glow Collection: $85 ($153 value). Bring out your natural glow with this exclusive set.

• Smoky Brown 6-Shadow Palette
• Telluride Bronzer
• Long Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
• High Shimmer Gloss in Bellini
• Extreme Party Mascara

Cartier Declaration for Men: $85 ($155 value). This Cartier Declaration for men set offers an EDT, After Shave Emulsion, and an All-Over Shampoo that will spoil any man rotten.

Chanel Brush Set: $125: Includes six essential mini brushes. Achieve any makeup look in no time.

• Foundation Brush
• Kabuki Powder Brush
• Large Eye Shadow Blush
• Flat Contour and Eyeliner Brush
• Lash and Eyebrow Brush
• Angled Lip Brush

Chantecaille Skincare Color Set: $248 ($340 value). Indulge at home or on-the-go with this set, packaged in an adorable travel bag.

• Full-sized Vital Essence
• Full-sized Stress Repair Concentrate
• Travel Jasmine Lily Healing Mask
• Deluxe Gloss in Mirth

Clarisonic Colored Mia2s: $149 ($199-$209 value). A beauty insider must-have, pick up the Clarisonic Mia2 in fun exclusive colors, including Jade, Orchid, Persimmon, Ikat or Mosaic at an unbeatable value.

Clinique Even Better Set: $76 ($105 value). The best just got better with this essential value set.

• Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector
• Even Better Skintone Correcting Moisturizer
• 1 oz 7 Day Scrub

Deborah Lippmann Space Oddity Trio: $29 ($36 value). Create five different combinations with three great mini's in fun, exclusive shades.

• Baby I’m A Star
• Planet Rock
• When Lightening Strikes 

Dior Beauty Exclusives: $26 - $61. Create show-stopping looks with these shades, exclusive to Nordstrom Beauty.

For Lips...

• Addict Extreme in Fortune ($31)
• Addict Gloss in Merveille ($29.50) 

For Eyes

• 5 Couleurs Star Edition in Constellation ($61)
• Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Blue ($28.50)

Dr. Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Beta Face Peel: $89 ($140 value). Relive the benefits of this Alpha Beta peel again and again, thanks to this Peel Deal. The kit boasts 45 applications and five travel packets.

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream: $175 ($256 value). Celebrate Elemis' 10-year anniversary with this limited-edition Jumbo Pro-Collagen Marine Cream that hydrates skin, as well as improves suppleness, firmness, and elasticity.

Jimmy Choo Flash Eau de Parfum Set: $98 ($148 value). Exclusive to Nordstrom Beauty, this provocative, white floral-inspired scent is now available in a limited edition set during the Anniversary Sale. It includes a 3.4 oz and a bonus 1.3 oz fragrance.

Kate Somerville Essential Kit: $98 ($204 value). This will soon become your essential kit with these popular items.· Gentle Wash

• ExfoliKate
• Nourish
• CytoCell

Kiehls Créme de Corps Value Set: $75 ($107 value). Pamper skin with this iconic, luxurious body cream that provides rich-all day hydration. It includes both a one liter and 2.5 oz size. 

Kooba for Ahava Set: $45 ($130 value). This collection includes an on-trend wristlet designed by Kooba and best-selling Ahava skincare offerings.

• Deadsea Water Mineral Body Exfoliator (6.8 oz)
• Deadsea Water Mineral Body Lotion (3.4 oz)
• Deadsea Water Minderal Hand Cream (1.3 oz)

Lancome Exclusive Gifts with Purchase: $49.50 qualifier ($142 value). With your purchase of $49.50 or more, choose from the following that comes housed in a chic embossed floral purple or grey cosmetic bag. Your choice of the skincare duo.

• Ultime Night Serum BX and Absolue Premium BX Absolute Replenishing Cream
• Renergie Lift Multi-Action Reviva Serum and Renergie Lift Multi-Action Day
• Lifting and Firming Cream
• Makeup Essentials Color Design Lipstick
• Subtil Blush in Rose Romantique
• Hypnose Drama Mascara

La Prairie Age Defense Set: $280 ($403 value). You won’t believe your eyes or your skin after spoiling yourself with this kit.· 1.7 oz of Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30

• .5 oz of Cellular Eye Contour Cream
• 1.7 oz of Foam Cleanser
• 2.0 oz Cellular Refining Lotion

Laura Mercier Flawless Colour Favorites for Face, Eyes & Lips Set: $85 ($146 value). Equipped with the must haves for face, eyes, and lips for any occasion.

• Palette with four shadows and navy liner
• Full-sized Cherub Gloss
• Baked Bronzer
• Deluxes of Foundation PrimerFull Blown Volume Mascara

L’OCCITANE Gift Sets: $38-$80. Enjoy two different luscious gift sets from L’OCCITANE.

Best of L’Occitane Set: $38 ($60 value)

• Verbana Shower Gel
• Lavender Foaming Bath
• Almond Shower Oil
• Shea Butter Hand Cream
• Shea Butter Foot Cream

Almond Oil Set: $48 ($78 value)

• Almond Shower Gel
• Almond Milk Concentrate
• Almond Delicious Soap
• Almond Delicious Hands

Nordstrom Cosmetics Offerings: $15.90-$28.90. Both a great value and price point, Nordstrom Beauty provides high quality cosmetic offerings.

Nordstrom Python Fantasy Brush Set: $28.90 ($42.95 after the sale). Includes eight essential brushes for face and eyes that are housed in a beautifully crafted purple python print canister.

• Powder brush
• Spoolie brush
• All Over Eye brush
• Angled Crease/Blend brush
• Concealer brush
• Angled Brow/Liner brush
• Lip brush
• Eyeliner brush

Nordstrom Fantasy Makeup Palette: $28.90 ($42.95 after the sale - $150 value). Includes 92 colors that provide your eyes, cheeks, and lips with everything they need for endless beauty looks.

• 43 neutral and natural eye shadows (1.8 oz. each)
• 32 pop-color eye shadows (1.8 oz. each)
• Four super-shimmery eye shadows (1.8 oz. each)
• Eight lip glosses (0.9 oz. each)
• Four blushes (0.67 oz. each)
• One bronzer (0.24 oz.)
• Four brushes

Nordstrom Manicure Set: $15.90 ($24.95 after the sale). Achieve a perfect manicure anywhere with this set embossed in a purple python print.

• Faux-Python Fabric Clutch
• Cuticle Pusher
• Tweezers
• Nail File
• Nail Clipper
• Angled Nail Clipper
• Scissors

Nordstrom Trio Makeup Bag Set: This three-piece limited-edition set comes in a savvy print and is the perfect gift for any makeup junkie.

Philosophy Gift Sets: $50-$200. The beloved Philosophy brand has exclusives for everyone, from shampoo and body wash to face cleansers. Choose from a Philosophy Living Grace Trio or Amazing Grace Trio ($72, $144 values).

• Jumbo-size 32 oz Full Body Emulsion
• Jumbo-size 32 oz Shampoo, Bath, Body and Shower Gel
• 5.8 oz Satin Finish Body Oil

Microdelivery Duo: $59.50 ($128 value!).

• Jumbo-size 32 oz Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
• Deluxe four oz Microdelivery Peel

Trish McEvoy Beauty Collections: $100-$195. The Power of Makeup Planner Collection Rose: Everything needed to achieve perfect and effortless makeup.

• Petite Makeup Planner
• Eye Base Essentials Bare
• Intense Gel Eyeliner Arabian Nights
• 24-Hour Eye Shadow and Liner Quartz
• Luminous Peals Eye Shadow Plum
• Lash Curling Mascara
• Instant Eye Lift
• Medium Refillable Double-Decker Compact
• Even Skin Portable Foundation Shade 2
• Even Skin Portable Foundation Shade 3.5
• Sponge
• Petite Makeup Wardrobing Page
• Golden Bronzer
• Face Shaper Highlight
• Face Shaper Blush
• Translucent Finishing Power
• Lip Color Sexy Nude

Power of Skincare Collection I: Achieve beautiful skin with this AM and PM skin care routine, at home or on-the-go.

• Gentle Cleansing Wash (1 oz.)
• Even Skin Beta Hydroxy Pads
• Beauty Booster Eye Serum
• Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30
• Even Skin Vitamin C Cream
• Skin-care bag

YSL Must-Have Set: $75 ($127 value). This kit includes all the essentials to take you from drab to fab.· Full size Touche Eclat Pen N2

• Full-sized Glossy Stain N7
• Mini Mascara Babydoll Mascara N1
• 5 ml Beauty Sleep
• Mini Crayon Yeux N1
• 30 ml of Makeup Remover

What's just as exciting as Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale? The Nordstrom Beauty Bash! On July 19 and July 20, guests at select Nordstrom stores will be able to celebrate the Anniversary Sale exclusives and enjoy light refreshments, gift bags with deluxe samples, complimentary beauty services, and more. To find a Beauty Bash near you, visit www.nordstrom.com/beautybash.

Be sure to follow Nordstrom Beauty for upcoming news.

• Twitter: @NordstromBeauty
• Facebook: facebook.com/nordstrom
• Instagram: @Nordstrom
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/nordstrom
• Blog: blogs.nordstrom.com/beauty

Note: With a few editorial changes only, this was copied straight from the press release. After inquiring, I learned that the release highlights some of the top offerings and that it would be 20 pages if everything had been included. There will be more offerings, but these are the only ones included in the sneak preview at the moment. Therefore, I have no additional details.

Logo courtesy of Nordstrom

Le Métier de Beauté's Beauty Vault for Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

A kind reader sent me this photo today. It pictures Le Métier de Beauté's "Beauty Vault" ($49) for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. If they don't sell out during pre-sale to card members, maybe everyone will be able to purchase one.

The Anniversary Sale set includes a purse-sized Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer in #2 and Anamorphic Lash Mascara in black. The Noir Precision Liquid Liner is full-sized, normally a $42.00 item. "The perfect product ensemble to complete your flawless, long-wearing look." This is a special chance to try these products if you haven't used them before.

If you want this set and are a Nordstrom credit card customer, you will be able to purchase the set during pre-sale. If you aren't, you will have to take your chances - or find a friend willing to user his or her card to purchase it. I don't plan to carry a Nordstrom credit card - or any store card - ever.  As some of you know, that makes me a second-class citizen to Nordstrom, despite the fact that I spend a bundle there.

Photo courtesy of Nordstrom and a sweet reader

Coming Attraction: CREED Royal Service, New Limited-Edition Collector's Fragrance to Begin CREED's Next 250 Years

To mark this year's successful start of CREED’s second 250 years as a fragrance dynasty, sixth-generation master perfumer Olivier Creed created Royal Service, a unique, new, very limited-edition fragrance hand-blended with flowers, fruits, and spices from CREED scents worn by the royal and famous women the CREED dynasty has served since 1760. Royal Service, the ultimate imperial women’s fragrance, will be presented in a sculptural hand-blown glass decanter with a numbered leather collar, a vessel that will never again be produced. Only 1,000 decanters, each presented in an heirloom box, will be offered worldwide.

This singular fragrance is a masterfully crafted and personal journey through CREED’s service to queens, empresses, princesses, and First Ladies, some of the world’s most exceptional clientele in fragrance.

The top note, like the opening of a palace door, is the bergamot of Princess Grace’s CREED Fleurissimo, the fragrance she wore on her wedding day. The next impression provides a fresh modernity: the orange zest of Love In White, the fragrance worn by two 21^st century First Ladies. To this bright, gala opening, Mr. Creed skillfully added a hint of crisp Mediterranean grapefruit.

The middle note is iris from the favorite CREED of Empress Sisi of Austria-Hungary: Fantasia de Fleurs, commissioned by the legendary beauty. Mr. Creed added youth and a contemporary feel with a dab of neroli and gentle daffodil.

The base of Royal Service is the musk of Queen Victoria's intoxicating CREED fragrance, the famed Fleur de Bulgarie. Alongside is the amber from CREED's Ambre Canelle, worn by Argentine First Lady Eva Peron.

I had a remarkable opportunity to sample Royal Service yesterday, and I experienced love at first whiff. It's an extraordinary fragrance - one I must own. I felt an immediate personal relationship with Royal Service - as if it had been created for me. My serendipitous introduction to Thomas Saujet, President of CREED North America, on a day when I wasn't anticipating anything special to happen, reminded me that sometimes life's most memorable moments come when we least expect them.

In the United States, Royal Service will be available exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, the CREED boutique in New York (reached at (877) 273-3344), and Creedboutique.com. The size will be 6.8 ounces, and the edition will be priced at $1,750. There will probably be fewer than 300 bottles available in the U.S. In Canada, Royal Service will be available from Holt Renfrew.

Royal Service will be available about the third week in November. That gives me some time to come up with the money to purchase it. Yes, my friends, I must own it, live in it, and enjoy it. There are some "needs" in life that must be satisfied. Royal Service entered my must-have list at the top.

Based in Paris, CREED is the world’s only luxury fragrance dynasty passed from father to son in an unbroken line since 1760, serving more than eight royal houses, leaders in every field, and the discerning public for more than 250 years. I own and adore many CREED fragrances and would love to have a few in my collection that I don't currently own, Windsor among them. Consider CREED's first 250 years of distinguished history and what the next 250 years may bring. Royal Service is a stunning way to bridge two eras.

Photo courtesy of CREED

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain

Let's celebrate Tarte with Tarte! The company has reached a milestone: 10 years of beautiful, skin-friendly, earth-friendly, and animal-friendly products filled with Tarte's "skinvigorating" ingredients. Effective, affordable, whimsical - cosmetics with a conscience - those are terms to come to my mind when I think about founder Maureen Kelly and her groundbreaking creations.

In June, I showed you Tarte's 10-Year Anniversary blockbusters, which were only available at Sephora at the time. I purchased them and hope you did too. TEN Natural Cheek Stain ($30) and the TEN Limited Edition Collector's Palette ($44 and exclusive to Sephora) are must-haves. You can see a swatch of TEN at this BTiB link.

Today, let's take a look at Tarte's revolutionary new LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain ($24). LipSurgence is the only lip stain that has ever felt creamy after I applied it...hours after I applied it! My lips have to feel moist, or I am an unhappy gal. I have converted countless friends to my lip moisturizing favorites. Dear friends, get ready to try LipSurgence! It has to be the current gold standard for lip stains.

Just like the original and best-selling Tarte natural lip stains, LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain glides on smoothly for a rich matte finish that will stay all day. Each of the matte shades boasts a high pigment concentration, but unlike drying long-wear lipsticks, Tarte's LipSurgence stains are infused with high-performance, natural technology, clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6,000% after 28 days of use. Since "matte" is in, this new matte LipSurgence has entered the market at just the right time.

Earth-engineered from a proprietary blend of plant bionutrients, LipSurgence quickly absorbs into the skin, delivering a surge of moisture. Boosting peptides stimulate the skin’s own regenerative system and assist in the formation of collagen. Tarte's proprietary blend increases the lip's water content for a plumped-up appearance. The result? Naturally full, healthy, creamy lips without any irritation or stinging.

Although I haven't used LipSurgence for 28 straight days (I switch it up too often), I can tell you that it's the only lip stain that I have ever used that felt creamy on application and stayed creamy - even through meals (how rare is that?). Some lips stains beg for an immediate topcoat of gloss, and a few newer ones even come with a clear gloss to satisfy my craving for gooey lips. Tarte's LipSurgence doesn't need the gloss to feel good. Naturally, you can use one over LipSurgence if you like the shiny look. You can be certain that your LipSurgence will still be there hours after your gloss wears off.

LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain is available in six shades.

• Lucky - light pink
• Hope - warm rose
• Lively - hot pink
• Envy - mauve berry
• Fiery - true red and exclusive to Sephora
  
• Exposed - nude

On my arm photo are right, top to bottom, are Lucky, Envy, and Exposed. All are very pretty, although I think my two favorites are Envy and Exposed - just because my lips need a little color to brighten my pale face. I must try Hope next. Are you interested in wearing the matte fuchsia lip anointed by Allure as a hot trend for fall (page 182, September 2010 issue)? Lively is your shade! All six colors are delectable, so select the one(s) that you think will look best on you.

The first thing you notice about LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain is the softness of the thick pencil form. I think that's a clue to its properties on the lips. It contains vitamins A and E, which are anti-inflammatory emollients that protect against free radical damage; carnauba wax to ensure a smooth application; coconut extract that has known microbial and moisturizing properties; and peppermint oil to cool and soothe inflamed or irritated skin while freshening breath. Fortunately, the stain doesn't smell or taste like peppermint on my lips. I don't really want my lips to taste like Altoids!

I'm sure you know that Tarte's wonderful cosmetics are formulated without the following ingredients we are all trying to avoid - and they are cruelty-free.

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Fragrances
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petrochemicals
• Phthalates

I love that about Tarte! That's why I keep buying. There's little I can resist (seriously, you should see my collection of Cheek Stains, and I need another limited-edition TEN!). Tarte is bookmarked on my computer!

When you visit the Tarte Web site, you should check out Tarte Tokens, a new loyalty program to reward you for shopping. Not only does Tarte give back to its customers, the company gives back to Mother Earth. With the purchase of every Tarte product that incorporates the t5 super fruit complex, customers help preserve the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil. Tarte's supporting the Sustainable Amazon Partnership (SAP), a public and private collaboration to promote lasting sustainable management of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, making contributions to SAP throughout the year. Some may think of beauty as frivolous; I think of it as an investment in our future when I shop with companies dedicated to the environment.

You can find Tarte's new LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain at Tarte's own Web site (the photos are there, and stock will arrive any day) and Sephora. It has my stamp of approval - check it out. While you're there, make sure to see the original LipSurgence Natural Lip Stains. You'll love them too.

I'll continue to tell you about Tarte's terrific 10-year anniversary products in the coming days. A little bubbly, please. Let's raise our glasses in a toast to Maureen and the Tarte Team. Here's to the next 10 years!

Top photo, cruelty-free logo, and stains courtesy of Tarte
Yes, I know Tarte doesn't capitalize their name (I'm old school)