Le Métier de Beauté - Poised to Stun at the Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Trend and Beauty Events

As most, if not all, of you know, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie offers a tote bag containing samples as a GWP at its Beauty Events. If you spend $125 in Beauty from February 13 to 28, you will have a choice of a gold or orange tote. The orange one resembles the Hermès signature color. I like them both. The real treats, though, are at specific brands offering GWPs. Le Métier de Beauté at Mazza Gallerie is ready to pamper and reward you - not only at Beauty Event, but also at Trend Event. (I know, even I'm confused.)

This year, the Mazza Gallerie store also has a fashion Trend Event that will, for the first time, reward fashion purchases of $350 or more with a beauty gift. The Trend Event starts today and ends on February 17.

Two new Le Métier de Beauté skin-care products have arrived in time for both events, They are shown under the flowers above. I tried both products in the store and was impressed. Vital ET Recovery Boost Face ($250) is formulated with a potent dose of vitamin E to protect against free radicals and reduce overall redness. Vital ET Recovery Boost Face is rich and absorbs "deep into the skin" to instantly hydrate and restore, leaving skin radiant, rejuvenated, and intensely moisturized. Unlike other pore-clogging moisturizers, this oil-free moisturizer absorbs into the skin for faster results.

Vital ET Recovery Boost Body ($125) is also formulated with a vitamin E that helps to prevent free radicals from doing future damage to your skin. It rescues and restores extreme cases of dry, dehydrated skin like mine. It felt heavenly after application. With a highly concentrated topical recovery treatment, this formula is quickly absorbed to shield skin, replenish lost moisture, soften, and soothe. It is intended to be applied daily (I would use before bed) to maintain hydrated skin that looks and feels great.

If you spend $350 at Le Métier de Beauté during the Trend Event, you will receive your choice of the Brigitte Kaleidoscope (a $95 value), shown at the top of this feature, or the new Vital ET Recovery Boost Face ($250). To my knowledge, you cannot purchase Brigitte, a warm, adventurous, and alluring combination of colors that can be worn alone, or blended/layered to create a neutral smoky eye. It's really flexible. Neiman Marcus provided one for me (gratis) to swatch and show you the beautiful colors. Michael Reinhardt used it on me last week when he did my makeup, and I was smitten.

I swatched, starting at the top tier of the Kaleidoscope and moving down. The top tier is St. Tropez, a perfect neutral, lightening base. You can barely see it at the top of my arm in the photo above. I took my photos of Brigitte in full sun, and I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator (not terribly neatly, I'm afraid - it was cold outside). Le Métier de Beauté recommends applying Séduction (the grey on the second tier) from your lash line to your natural crease. The third tier is Liberté, a gorgeous copper. You could gently press it over your entire eyelid, or apply however you like to wear copper. I'd apply it in my crease and the outer third of my lid. Deux, the fourth tier, is a medium charcoal grey. Michael applied it on me as a liner, smudged over a liquid, waterproof liner. Brigitte is one of the prettiest Kaleidoscopes I've used in months. I love it because I can wear it during the day. I don't get out much at night anymore - it's winter.

Moving on to the Beauty Event, which runs from February 13 to 28, if you spend $400 with Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a cosmetics bag with a brand new, full-sized lipstick called Cerise (pink) and a one-time-use sample of the company's new Red Algae Collagen Mask (not yet introduced), and a deluxe travel size of the new Instant Lifting and Firming Serum (to be launched in April, $350). If you spend $500, you will also receive a step-up gift of the Chem60 Pro-Peel (full size, $165).

Wait, there's more. On February 11 and 17, you can make an appointment for a complimentary facial with Barbara, Le Métier de Beauté's aesthetician. I was treated to her facial a few months ago, and I felt pampered. My skin looked fabulous when she finished with me. I may go back for another tomorrow.

On February 25, Hylton Lea, the Global Director of Skincare, will lead a master class. That same day, a national makeup artist from Dallas will be at the store doing makeup consultations and applications.

If you want to participate in the facial, master class, or makeup session, you should call Michael Reinhardt (or Andy) at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, to make an appointment. Otherwise, you can stop in anytime during the events, and Michael or Andy will help you with skin care or makeup.

Have I totally confused you? Michael would be glad to help you if you don't have a Neiman Marcus near you. I really don't know if all stores are having the same events or GWPs.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

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

DC Area Beauty Events This Week

There are two beauty events this week that DC area gals (and guys) should attend if possible. Here's the scoop.

On Wednesday, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie and Le Métier de Beauté invite you to learn about the latest skin care from Le Métier de Beauté and see an exclusive presentation on new skin and laser technologies by Dr. Tina West, a cosmetic dermatologist at The West Institute. She is totally up-to-date on procedures that are more effective than what we've had available and require much less down time.

The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Chandelier Room (Level 2). Ten percent of any proceeds from Le Métier de Beauté sales will be donated to Children's National Medical Center.

To reserve a space, call (202) 966-9700 or e-mail RSVPWASHINGTON@NeimanMarcus.com. A friend and I are going. Dr. West is always fascinating. Plus, the event is during Camp Gorgeous, so I need to check out all the GWPs.

On Thursday, Chanel's National Makeup Artist John Fussell will be at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Maryland, to give you beauty advice and introduce you Chanel's latest collections, including the Saks-exclusive colors. There is a $75 fee for an appointment, but the money is 100% percent redeemable in products. Who can't spend $75 on new Chanel?

John Fussell has spent more than 20 years mastering his makeup techniques. In 2012, he was specially selected by Peter Philips, just resigned Creative Director of Chanel Makeup, to join the first Ultimate Chanel Makeup Team, an elite global set of professional artists. Inspiring each woman to feel confident in her unique beauty, John delivers a true luxury experience that celebrates the modern makeup approach of Chanel. 

To make an appointment to see John, call Maria (or anyone at the Chanel department) at (240) 497-5363 or (240) 497-5301. I'm going to try to get over if there are any appointment remaining when I'm sure I can go.

Have any of you had the opportunity for a consultation with John Fussell? What did you think?

Photos by Best Things in Beauty and courtesy of Chanel

Le Métier de Beauté Noteworthy Gifts with Purchase for Camp Gorgeous

In recent years, Neiman Marcus' gifts with purchase have generated little excitement. The qualifying purchase amount has been high, and the gifts have, in general, offered little incentive to buy. Le Métier de Beauté decided to change all that for Camp Gorgeous. These are offers you should consider seriously. Check out the Neiman Marcus Web site for descriptions of all of these products. Additionally, most of them have been featured here at Best Things in Beauty.

There are four pairings from which to choose. We are talking full-sized gifts here.

1. Pamper yourself with a spa-perfect pairing. Purchase the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & Glow 10ai Mask Set ($265), and you will get a Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo Set ($150) for free. The peel, a professional strength facial will leave your skin looking youthful and glowing. The eye mask provides serious hydration to instantly diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles - and believe me, the results are miraculous.
2. Bright on! Purchase the Dark Spot Corrector ($150), and you will receive a Soft Touch Tinted Moisturizer ($75) for free. The Dark Spot Corrector should noticeably reduce the look of age spots and hyperpigmentation in a month to even your complexion. The tinted moisturizer is an ultra-light SPF 15 product that comes in multiple shades to hydrate, fight aging, and provide just a hint of luminous color.
3. Give your face the essentials for complexion restoration. Purchase Rejuvenating Anti-Aging Night Crème ($350), which I love, and you will receive another product I love for free: Replenishing Daily Solution ($225). This is an extraordinary deal. The night crème will smooth your skin's texture, encourage cell turnover, and slow the formation of deep expression lines while your body is resting at night. It's the first beauty product with retinol I was able to use - ever.  The fabulous, rose-scented Daily Solution is my go-to moisturizer these days. The highly emollient SPF 30 cream is designed to condition and hydrate as it nourishes and detoxifies the skin. Dr. Tina West, a DC area dermatologist recommends it for healing, after cosmetics procedures, and sensitive or irritated skin too.
4. A nourishment-rich pairing leaves the skin supple, smooth, and fresh. purchase Replenishing Daily Solution ($225), and you will receive Daily Renew Crème Cleanser ($65) for free. I've alredy mentioned my love for the Replenishing Daily Solution. The cleanser is great: soap-free, paraben-free, and gentle, it cleanses and exfoliates the skin (without grit).

I believe you can participate in all four offers if you wish. This Camp Gorgeous special starts tomorrow, June 2, and runs through June 9.

Our wonderful Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie representatives would love to help you. Give Chae Edwards or Michael Reinhardt a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. Chae is working this weekend, and Michael will be back to join her on Monday.

One more thing...I know some of you were unable to locate and purchase Le Métier de Beauté's Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette for Spring 2013 ($95). I learned of a secret stash at Mazza Gallerie. So if you still want one of these extraordinary palettes or need a back-up - give them a call.

Photos courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Coming Soon

It's time for another beauty event at Neiman Marcus in stores and online! Camp Gorgeous will run from Sunday, June 2 through Sunday, June 9. During the event, there will be gifts with purchase. I love those little extras.

Spend $85 or more in the beauty department (cosmetics and/or fragrances), and you will have your choice of large, stripped summer totes (beige, blue, or hot pink) with a few samples to try. Perfect for the beach, lake, or pool, it's an ideal way to pull together your sun goddess look. Get your tote and fill it with the season's essentials, then throw in some sunglasses and a good book. You'll be ready to soak up the summer.

Many of the brands will be offering GWPs with your purchases. If you plan to purchase something soon, why not line it up now as a pre-sale purchase so that you can take advantage of the gifts?

I want to thank two wonderful Neiman Marcus product and sales representatives for alerting me to the upcoming event: Layla Murad and Valerie Fleming. They are both at the Tysons Galleria store.

Valerie is a Bobbi Brown representative. Here's what she told me about the Bobbi offer...

Bobbi Brown is giving away a Bobbi Mirror that you can throw in your bag as well as a lip gloss in Bellini for customers who take advantage of the pre-sale, spending $100.00 or more. Supplies are limited. They are also having freelance makeup artist support during Camp Gorgeous. If you are near Tysons Corner, call (703) 761-1600 to make an appointment for a new Bobbi Brown summer look.

I've put my thinking cap on. During these events, I usually stock up on my staples. I must survey here to figure out what I need.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Le Métier de Beauté "Step-up" Gift with Purchase at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

The "regular" Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase (GWP) during Neiman Marcus's Beauty Event is a snazzy liquid eyeliner in Bark. Even better, Michael Reinhardt can offer you a step-up GWP, a duo in a black, monogrammed pouch: a Brown as a Berry True Color Eyeshadow Duo and a mini Anamorphic Lash Mascara. This gift is so good, I'd pay for it! You can't though. It's free with a qualifying Le Métier de Beauté purchase.

The eye shadow colors are so pretty, I swatched them heavily before I started swatching the Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette (which has been interrupted as I wait for the clouds to roll by and leave me with the sunny sky I was promised). I swatched Brown as a Berry with a sponge-tipped applicator and took my photos in full, morning sun.

The fleshy, dusty peach-rose is a hard shade to categorize, other than by the use of a word like "stunning." A  heaven-sent taupe perfects this magnificent duo. Both shades offer a subtle sheen - not a shimmer, but a look-at-me liveliness that's ultra-flattering.

Why has this eye shadow duo not been available since the founding of Le Métier de Beauté? Where has it been hiding? How can you get it?

Call (or visit) Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Ask for Michael. Tell him Best Things in Beauty sent you and work with him to select your new Le Métier de Beauté treasures. You can reach him at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. I believe the Melange de Colour Fashion Eye Palette, as I warned, is nearly sold out, however, Michael can try to get you one from another store. Don't delay!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Sunday This and That

This week, you will be deluged with special offers from both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. Somehow, they managed to schedule their beauty events to start on the same date: Thursday, February 21. That has been discussed as disastrous in both stores, particularly by people who must sell beauty products and meet crazy-high goals.

Aside from anti-trust considerations, I really have no idea how the two beauty powerhouses have managed to avoid conflicting dates in the past. This year, both Saks and Neiman Marcus will be competing for your dollars at the same time.

The totes at Neiman Marcus, free with a $125 purchase in the beauty department, aren't going to cause a stampede. I saw them about a week ago and hit the snooze button. By now you all know that the packet samples in the totes are rather boring. The gifts with purchase that count are "earned" by spending money - usually a lot of money - on one brand. Sometimes, the spends to receive a little bag of samples, exceed $300. While those thresholds are set to entice women to spend a lot of money, I've begun to think they discourage purchases. What if I wanted $200 worth of products from a certain brand? I'd receive no gift unless I throw in another $150 worth of products I didn't plan to buy.

After many years of this, I've learned to buy what I want or need and forgo the GWP. If I were to purchase enough to receive all the GWPs I'd like to have, I'd have to drop a paycheck.

I tried to get you a list of all the GWPs at Neiman Marcus, but no one on the selling floor had access to it. Why the secrecy? Surely a list would allow women to plan in advance!  Anyhow, get ready to power shop, starting Thursday. It will be a good time to stock up on products you use regularly.

Update: A sweet reader, Rebecca, sent me the list, which was shared at her Neiman Marcus. The files didn't want to cooperate with me. If you would like to know the GWP for a specific brand, please ask in the comments, and I will look it up for you. In the meantime, I will try to figure out how to convert the format so I can publish the list here.

Update 2/18: Rebecca tried again with .JPGs, but the type is faint (thanks!). In the meantime, Neiman Marcus finally put the special offers on their Web site. You can find them at this link.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Fun with Giorgio Armani's Tim Quinn

I am always so reluctant to post photos of myself. I have wrinkles (!) that show up when I smile, and I hate store lighting. Why does it always magnify every flaw on my face?

I spent part of my day with Tim Quinn, Giorgio Armani's best-known ambassador and makeup artist to the celebrity world. It's always a privilege to have my makeup perfected by Tim, and it was especially sweet today because he was in great demand at Neiman Marcus.

I'll admit, I admire Tim Quinn. Not only is he talented - I think he qualifies as a celebrity himself - he is a really nice person, one who often gives back at charity events. Tim is "real," fun, and easygoing. As I watched him work with the dozens of women who were there at any one time, I saw smiles and pretty faces. Just one example below...I watched Tim transform a pretty gal to a gorgeous one as he applied her makeup. Doesn't she remind you of Katie Holmes?

If you ever get the chance to meet with Tim, take it! He is on the road often. If you have a Giorgio Armani counter anywhere near you, ask them to let you know the next time Tim will be in town. You'll love him.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty (with a little help)

Sunday This and That - Plus Sephora Cinderella Collection

I don't purchase mirrors - except that I did. Who could resist this compact mirror from Sephora's Disney Cinderella Collection ($20)? Its ornate clock design is as elegant as I've seen in a long time.

The Disney Cinderella Collection is proof - once again - that Sephora can develop amazing collections. Right now, it's only available to Beauty Insiders, but the collection will be offered to everyone in early October, which is very soon.

We all have a story to tell—the tale of our inner princess enlightened by magical beauty. Disney's Cinderella Collection by Sephora promises your own fairy tale-worthy transformation. Its time to experience Cinderella in a whole new light…with her grand entrance at Sephora as a famous icon. She has inspired this collection with words of wisdom about life, love, and making your dreams come true. Her voice is your voice. Her confidence is your confidence. And her moment is your moment.

The items in the collection are beautiful - from the compact mirror, though eye shadow, lipstick, and nail color collections. The prices are amazingly low. You will want to see what appeals to you, now or when the collection is available to everyone.

For now, I keep admiring my mirror. It's heavy. You would think it's a $50 item, not a $20 item. I ordered four in addition to mine. It's a gorgeous stocking stuffer or small gift. I hope my work colleagues aren't reading this feature!

I spent a boatload on beauty products this week. I ran into a bonanza of Armani's new eye shadows when I went to Saks Fifth Avenue for their beauty/gift card event. I'll start showing you all my new treasures this evening. The totes that are complimentary with a $100 purchase in beauty at Saks are really nice. I came home with dark green and navy. The mustard color is definitely not "me." If you are interested in the new Armani, call Giannina Davis. The counter just moved, and I don't know if they kept their extension. So, call (301) 657-9000, when you get the recording dial zero, then ask for Armani Cosmetics.

The new holiday sets from Giorgio Armani are better than ever. I am still hedging on the travel brush set. I haven't used the one from last year yet, so I'm wondering why I need another. That said, I suspect I'll cave and purchase it. Armani's brushes are among the best in my collection. Each of the holiday sets comes with an amazing Armani clutch that most of us will use. It's stunning - and basic black for the swankiest of evenings.

The Giorgio Armani GWP is fabulous. With a $150 Giorgio Armani beauty or fragrance purchase, you'll receive a bag filled with a full-size waterproof Eye Pencil #1, Regular Lift SPF Cream (0.5 oz.), Regular Serum (0.1 oz.), Eye Balm (0.1 oz.), Luminous Silk Foundation (0.17 oz.), Fluid Sheer #2 Concealer Sachet, and Gio Essenza and Gioia Essenza fragrance vials. The full-sized eyeliner makes the whole gift worthwhile. Check out all the GWPs at this link.

If you need a shopping suggestion for Saks Fifth Avenue, the new fragrances by Oscar de la Renta are gorgeous.I blind-bought three of the six, and I am thrilled with all three. Read the notes, and you'll know what to purchase. I must tell you about these soon.

My Barneys order finally arrived - on Friday, only 10 days after my SA walked it to shipping. They claim to have been swamped with orders for beauty week, but other retailers managed to ship in a timely manner. I'm not sure what gives with Barneys. anyhow, I have several new beauties from Claudio Riaz to show you. I'm stuck on that line.

Did you know, and I know some of you do, that Sunday Riley is now available at Sephora? I had discovered it during one of my daily browsing sessions, and I ordered immediately. What a thrill. Not quite as thrilling as the Edward Bess arrival, but exciting nonetheless. I think Sephora may eventually take over the world.

For Rouge Bunny Rouge fans, Zuneta is having a birthday party! You can receive a 20% discount on anything at Zuneta from now until Monday at midnight. Use the code BIRTHDAY at checkout. Hurry. At times like this, Zuneta sells out of many favorites.

That's enough enabling for one day. I'll be back later with Armani.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; second photo courtesy of Sephora; other photos courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Sunday This and That - Plus Fun with Sisley's Alfredo Lizardi

I am heartbroken. I learned this morning that our panda cub at the National Zoo had died. I think I cried for an hour, and I spontaneously cried all day.

We were all so excited by the birth of Mei Xiang's cub last weekend. All week, zookeepers told he the cub and his mother showed signs of health and well-being. Suddenly, NBC Washington announced on Facebook that the baby had died. "Panda keepers and volunteers heard a distress vocalization from the mother, Mei Xiang, at 9:17 a.m. and notified the veterinarian staff immediately," the statement read, in part. "The panda cam was turned off and the staff were able to safely retrieve the cub for an evaluation at 10:22 a.m. Veterinarians immediately performed CPR and other life-saving measures but the cub did not respond."

DC is going to be in mourning. It's a very sad day - for us and for the world of panda lovers. You may think we are consumed by politics here, but I assure you that panda was more important to us than any politician.

It seems incongruous to jump from such sad thoughts to happy ones, but I'm going to do it - partly to keep from descending into total depression. I feel like one of my own died.

The adorable, delightful, and talented Sisley makeup artist Alfredo Lizardi applied my makeup Friday evening. I went over to Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria after work and had a blast. He is so much fun!

I'm always wary of makeup artists. More often than not, I go straight home after a session and wash my face. Not this time! I wished I had had somewhere to go Friday night. When Alfredo finished, I thought I looked good. He asked me about the kind of look I wanted, and we decided on natural, but with pizazz. He entertained me as he worked. Here you can see were were both smiling about something as Simone took our photo. We may have been laughing about the prior photo, which I was sure made me look like an eagle (not in a majestic way).

Alfredo used all Sisley products on me, including a new clump-free mascara that I will show you this week. It's a new formulation, and it comes in black, brown, and blue. He used black on me, but when I found out from my Sisley friends it came in blue, I pulled out my charge card for the second time that night.

The two eye shadows he selected for me are gorgeous. Sorbet (#2) and Stardust (#7) came home with me. They are both shimmering (how did he know I prefer shimmer?). Sorbet is a light, natural peach shade, and Stardust is a green-silver hybrid. Like grey greens? Stardust will make you enormously happy. Of course, I had to get photos of them today.

Alfredo selected a lip gloss for me. Sisley has a collection of new ones. They are shown in the photo below. He choose Rosewood, with my hearty consensus. Then we found out the tester unit had arrived, but not the for-sale products. Darn! I was ready to buy Rosewood and another (#5 and #7) - for a start.

The nice thing about these fabulous glosses is that they are extremely saturated and offer a shimmering finish. I may end up with five, or six, or whatever. They meet all my criteria for a great gloss.

Sisley has also repackaged its blushes, giving them a zebra theme. This in-store photo is not color-true. They are much prettier. Once they arrive, I'll buy a few and feature them.

Here we are when Alfredo finished. That's as close a photo as I'll ever show. Once you're two years out from qualifying for Medicare, you do not relish close-up photos. Isn't he a doll? After my makeup had been perfected, we took off and played with perfume. He mentioned to me that he liked the new Tom Ford Noir, and I wanted to share with him a few other Tom Fords I thought he might like. Loula was so sweet. She got samples of Noir, the new Ombre de Hyacinth (which he loved), and others so that we could send Alfredo home as happy as I was.

If you ever get a chance to jump in his chair, do it! He has the right touch.

Speaking of my favorite makeup artists, Tim Quinn from Giorgio Armani Beauty will be at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria on Saturday, October 13. If you are a DC-area local, you might want to call to make an appointment. I'll take care of my favorite sales associate there and ask you to call Loula Ayoub at (703) 761-1600, extension 3230, to make an appointment with Tim. Loula is one of the the most successful sales associates at the store (if not the most), and there's a great reason for her success. She is a consistent paragon of customer service.

The Saks Fifth Avenue beauty event starts this week on Thursday. The totes look pretty, so I've pre-ordered. I have purchased enough to get the two I want (blue and green). I use them to carry my laptop and/or iPad - and often food - to work. If you need help, give Loyd Cassler or Georgia Marmaras a call at Chanel at (240) 497-5363 or (240) 497-5301. They asked me to convey their gratitude to those of you who called to order the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection.

In closing, I love my new striped three-quarter sleeve tee. It was a birthday present from a friend. I want more of them! Wouldn't navy and red stripes look nice? Or solids.

Photo at top courtesy of the National Zoo; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Sunday This and That

I don't know what came over me. I walked into the Ralph Lauren store at Tysons Galleria. I know not to do that; it's too tempting. I could live in Ralph Lauren - if only I were rich. After some pleasant chit chat at the door, I did a quick tour and found this amazing Velvet Lanigan Jacket in Cabernet Red, made with Italian cotton velvet. I'd call it aubergine. It snared me. I couldn't leave without it. They had a size 4, and it went out the door - with me.

A friend gave me her Fall 2012 issue of Ralph Lauren's catalog, which is like an image book. It's really dangerous to read. There's about $15,000 worth of much-have clothing in it. There's probably another $15,000 worth of nice-to-have items. Who can afford to be a Ralph man or woman?

I'm sure it didn't escape your notice that Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York was filled with beautiful designs for Spring/Summer 2013. Ralph Lauren never fails to show beautiful clothing. I can see myself wearing the outfit below. I'm not sure where. I might need a camisole under that blouse, but I'd be happy to look so pulled together.

Now that Neiman Marcus' Beauty Week is over, we are facing two more beauty events! Saks Fifth Avenue's starts on September 27 and runs through October 6. They are offering your choice of three very large, ostrich-imprint totes in navy, dark green, and mustard - supposedly filled with samples. One can be yours with a $100 purchase in the beauty department.

I called Saks at Chevy Chase this afternoon and found out they have the Blue Illusion de Chanel Collection available. If you missed the collection at Chanel.com, give Loyd or Georgia a call at (240) 497-5363 or (240) 497-5301.

There are two other events underway or about to start. I believe the Barneys GWP event starts very soon. I'm sorry I don't have the date to give you. I'll find it. If you live in the U.K., Liberty's has a fabulous GWP event underway. I wish they shipped to the U.S.

I'm not sure how I feel about Bobbi Brown signing Katie Holmes to be the face of Bobbi Brown. It's clear the celebrity bandwagon is still marching. Max Factor has signed Gwyneth Paltrow.  According to WWD, Paltrow will star in a six-month Max Factor campaign, starting in November, in which she’ll model looks created by the brand’s makeup artists to reflect the different aspects of her life. Paltrow also signed to be the ambassador for Hugo Boss's new women's fragrance Boss Nuit Pour Femme. She's going to be a busy lady.

I had an opportunity to talk to a skin-care insider this weekend. He was only vaguely aware of the FDA's mandate to Lancôme to adjust its advertising claims within 15 days. We talked about what that would mean industry-wide. He said that many companies will have to change their packaging, package inserts, Web sites, training materials, magazine advertisements, and other media placements and that there was no way it could be accomplished in 15 days. How the Lancôme case plays out in the industry will be an interesting test. The FDA threatened seizure and injunctions for products that  claim to "boost the activity of genes" or "stimulate cell regeneration" to reduce the signs of aging.

I'll leave you with one more random thought. I read in WWD that this season's makeup texture is velvet. Deep, rich colors with a plush finish dominate makeup artists’ offerings, from lushly opaque liquid lipsticks in deep hues, like those by Hourglass and Shiseido.Velvet textures are said to be tactile and sensuous. Keep your eyes open. You'll see velvet in the names of many new offerings. Estée Lauder's limited-edition Pure Color Velvet Lipstick in Black Cassis is shown above.

Photos courtesy of Ralph Lauren and Estée Lauder

Neiman Marcus Fall Beauty Event Starts September 6

The Art of Beauty, Neiman Marcus' fall Beauty Event starts Thursday, September 6, and runs through September 16. The tote bags - well, two of them - are gorgeous. With a $100 purchase in store or online, you'll receive a tote with a few samples inside. Having seen these bags, I must tell you that I think the blue, which is really navy, and the silver are fabulous. I find the acid green a little too too - even if all shades of green are "in" for fall.

As you know, this is the time to purchase the things you've wanted or to stock up on the staples of your beauty routine. There are many gifts with purchase (GWPs) in the department, and many of them are fabulous. That said, the "price of admission" for a GWP is usually high. To see them all, go to this link.

I'll show you some of my favorites here, and I'll give you the names and phone numbers of my favorite representatives who would be pleased to assist you.

Everything RéVive makes is fabulous. It's one of my favorite skin-care lines. This cute little silver bag has four products (deluxe samples) inside: 0.25 oz Intensite Creme Lustre, 2 oz Tonique Preparatif, 0.20 oz Masque de Yeux, and 0.5 oz Fermitif Neck Renewal Cream. If you purchase $350 worth of RéVive products, which is easy to do, you will receive this nice sampler. Give Anna Befanis a call at the Tysons Galleria store at (703) 761-1600, extension 3296.

Another favorite of mine is Sisley, and I must stock up on my favorites because I want this gift. Sisley's GWP is always fabulous, and this year's is no different. In the cute floral-print bag, you'll find the following goodies, several of which I use regularly.

• Lyslait, 30 ml
• Tonique Aux Fleurs, 30 ml
• Hydra-Global Tube, 10 ml
• Sisleya Contour Des Yeux Tube, 2 ml
• Sisleya Global Fermete Tube, 3 ml
• Phyto-Svelt Global Tube, 15 ml
• Fluide Hydratant Eau De Cologne Sachet, 10 ml
• Phyto-Teint Eclat N°2 Sachet, 2 ml 

Call Loula Ayoub at Tysons at (703) 761-1600, extension 3230 or Vicki Hamilton at Mazza Gallerie at (202) 966-9700, extension 2288. You must spend $350 to earn this fabulous gift.

The Le Métier de Beauté GWP is a travel-sized Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer in #2. It will be yours with a $125 purchase. As many of you know, Peau Vierge is a product unlike any others. I'm sorry that the gift is only available in shade #2. While #2 works for most women, it's too dark for me (sad). I'm a #1. There are plenty of other things I'd like to have, and who knows, maybe this GWP will show up on my blog in a weekly giveaway. For help with Le Métier de Beauté, call Michael at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 or 2236. Try Sabrina Autera at (877) 634-6269 at Westchester or Sara Wren at King of Prussia at (610) 962-6200.

Chantecaille's GWP is a pretty pink bag with three deluxe samples and a sample of Chantecaille's Tiare fragrance. It will be yours with a purchase of $175. The deluxe samples are Rice & Geranium Foaming Cleanser, Stress Repair Concentrate, and Biodynamic Lifting Neck Cream - all products I love. Give Jeannine Barnes a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2289.

The Edward Bess GWP if amazing. With a $125 purchase, you'll receive this gorgeous cream illumintor. Since we don't have a counter here, I'll be ordering Edward Bess online. I want this beauty!

There are many wonderful fragrance GWPs. Explore and then call Francesca Camacho or Wendy Grigelis in fragrance at Tysons at (703) 761-1600, extension 3303, or Jason Layden at Mazza at (202) 966-9700, extension 2385.

Every one of the representatives I've named is superb and will go above and beyond to help you. You might want to mention Best Things in Beauty - not that it's necessary, but I'm sure you'll be pegged a special beauty customer if you do.

What I've shown you doesn't scratch the surface. Have I whet your appetite? Mine is certainly revved. I'll start shopping in earnest tomorrow night at a preview. I need a few things, and I'm sure I'll purchase a few new-to-me products just for fun. I want that navy bag! Actually, I'd like to have the silver one too.

Update: Lancôme anyone? Call Jocelyn at Tysons or Jodie Hawk at Mazza. For Natura Bissé, call Denise Thomas at (703) 761-1600, extension 3305. Fresh? Call Alison Kauffman at Tysons. Jo Malone? Call Sydell at Mazza. I have so many "bests," I can't list them all. Feeling badly about that. I'll add more later. I must leave for work!

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus

The Friday Forum - August 31

What a week! I've been very busy at work plus "suffering" from an unusual summer sinus infection, which has left me very tired. I'm looking forward to this three-day weekend. I'm hoping to relax and do some Neiman Marcus Beauty Event shopping to ensure that my treasures will be ready for me the day the event begins, September 6.

Speaking of Neiman Marcus, you might want to check out some of the new fragrances that should be available for the event.

Remember I told you about Houbigant Paris' Oranges en Fleurs? I now have it, and it's gorgeous!  This beautifully sophisticated fragrance is centered around the warm head notes of orange blossom. A heart of Turkish rose and Egyptian jasmine is highlighted by a subtle combination of tuberose and orange leaf absolute. The accord is delicately balanced by the fresh floral note of ylang, slightly spiced with nutmeg. I can't even put into words how gorgeous it is. Even the packaging and bottle are beautiful. Try it!

I also purchased Eaudemoiselle de Givenchy. It is a "couture" fragrance dressed up in contrasts. Here are the notes.

• Top: mandarin orange, Italian winter lemon, and shiso
• Heart: Turkish rose, ylang ylang heart, and orange blossom
• Base: ambrette seeds, cedar, tonka beans, and crystal musk

It's a gorgeous fragrance, and you must smell it. I also purchased the mist, which leaves a tiny bit of iridescence on the skin.

One year ago, Elie Saab Eau de Parfum captured the hearts of fragrance lovers everywhere. Now, Elie Saab has introduced an Eau de Toilette, which reveals an extra touch of lightness and versatility. The notes of mandarin blossom, orange blossom, gardenia, vetiver, and honey rose are sure to charm you. I'm charmed. If you like light fragrances (that won't offend anyone), this will be a good choice.

There's also a new-to-me line of fragrances called Eight & Bob. I'm looking forward to catching a whiff. More to come after I do.

Interested in exploring a niche fragrance? How about Hindu Honeysuckle ($115) by Providence Perfume Company? This was a recent purchase for me, and I'm captivated by it. You can find it at Beautyhabit, where there is a sale this weekend. Use the code SUNNYDAYS for a 20% discount through September 3. There are exclusions, but Hindu Honeysuckle isn't among them.

From India with Love...Revered for its lush aroma, honeysuckle symbolizes generosity and kindness. Notes of sweet Indian Jasmine Sambac meld with green vetiver, musk ambrette, rose, and coriander. Crisp bergamot belies the sweetness of honeysuckle.

What more can I tell you? It's divine - everything I had expected and more. Even as I write, my nose is nuzzling my arm, where I left a little of this intoxicating scent.

I want to tell you about an event at the Neiman Marcus in Westchester, New York.  Le Métier de Beauté representative Sabrina Autera will be hosting a Beauty Master Class on Saturday, September 8, from 1:00-2:30 pm. The class will provide will skin care and makeup lessons, including individual makeovers. As at the classiest Neiman Marcus events, there will be Champagne and little finger foods circulating - enough to make you feel good while you learn how to look good. If I lived closer, I'd be there. If you live within driving distance, call Sabrina at (877) 634-6269 to save your spot.

Perhaps you heard it here first? Dustin Lujan will not be leaving Le Métier de Beauté. I'm beyond excited! He won't be based at Bergdorf Goodman, but you'll see him around the East Coast - yea!

That's enough for my news and treasures right now.  Let's talk your week of beauty. 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.

Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway contest. You could win the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pretty Palette for Eyes, Lips & Cheeks. The deadline is tomorrow, Saturday, September 1, at midnight.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Providence Perfume Company

Le Métier de Beauté Summer Kiss Bronzing Gift with Purchase at Neiman Marcus

I don't usually feature gifts with purchase (GWP), but the Le Métier de Beauté GWP at the Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous event this year is a must-have. With any Le Métier de Beauté purchase of $150 or more, you will bring home this two-piece Summer Kiss Bronzing Kit in a black pouch.

Inspired by the Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Treatment Collection and Le Métier de Beauté's commitment to healthy, flawless skin, the Bella Bronze Liquid Illuminator and Blushing Bronzed Duet are ideal for achieving a healthy glow. In carry-anywhere destination sizes, this kit will become your favorite "summerizer."

Bella Bronze's rich moisturizers with aloe vera improve the skin's condition while imparting an immediate tanned glow. Enriched with antioxidants, this water-based, lightweight formula protects the skin against dryness. It looks and feels radiant without greasiness - although it does look dewy. For those of you with nut allergies, it does contain peanut oil. Beware if you are one of the few. Bella is a shade that disappeared from the line quite some time ago. It had many fans, so it's back in this GWP for only a week. Make sure to get yours.

The Blushing Bronzed Duet in Traviata is a universally flattering powder bronzer and blush. Natural-looking tones and a hint of shimmer offer a beautifully balanced combination for every skin tone.

The set was applied to my face yesterday, and it worked beautifully, even for my pale skin, which can look fake if the color is "off." I left Neiman Marcus looking healthy and like I'd spent a week at the beach. Bella Bronze leaves my skin looking naturally tanned and glowing - definitely glowing. The Blushing Bronze Duet in Traviata is a great color combination for almost everyone, with its peach and bronze combination.

I swatched the shades for you, taking my photos in full, mid-day sun.  I applied the duo on my arm with sponge-tipped applicators. Knowing the powder shades in the duo would wash out in strong sunshine, I applied them heavily. They are actually very sheer and buildable. The blush is shown at the top. The bronzer below, and both shades mixed are shown below the bronzer. Bella Bronze, the gleaming liquid bronze illuminator, is shown at the bottom of my arm.

I think these shades are gorgeous. I'm enormously pleased to have them. So many bronzers look muddy on me. Not these!

Le Métier de Beauté offers these tips for application.

• Exfoliate your skin - or make sure it's already exfoliated.
• Apply Bella Bronze Illuminator generously to exposed skin on the face (and body if you wish).
• Let it dry for one minute before you dress. I'm not going to waste this precious liquid on my body.
• Highlight the face using the Blushing Bronzed Duet on your cheeks, forehead, and bridge of thee nose (or chin) for a natural, sun-kissed look.

The Summer Kiss Bronzing set is $75 value, and it's totally free during this event if you spend $150 or more (the earlier information I was sent said $125, and I'm not sure what's true). The $150 sum is easy to spend at the Le Métier de Beauté counter, especially if you let one of their wonderful artists show you their great colors. I think it's the best GWP available this month at Neiman Marcus.

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