The Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Le Métier de Beauté "June-fest" Continues

First, where have I been? Every day since last week, I have been either making room in my house for boxes and boxes of my mother's things or packing and moving them into my house. All fragile items - everything from hand-painted china to antique figurines she had collected. I had hoped to take photos last weekend, but I didn't have a spare second. I'm sorry. There is always this weekend.

We have had some nasty weather this week. I found myself carrying boxes of china out to my car Tuesday in driving rain, with lightning and thunder crashing all around me. Even this morning, the thunderstorm started at 5:15 am.

I wanted you to know that the Le Métier de Beauté celebration of June, the first month of summer, continues despite the end of the Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous event. Gifts with purchase are still available, and Michael has been very generous in providing them, even without technically qualifying purchases.

This Saturday, June 25, Beatrice will be back all day doing facials. She is Michael's personal aesthetician, and now that she has touched my face, I can see why. There are still some appointments remaining, so definitely call if you would enjoy a facial Saturday. They are still free, but like other counters in the store, you are expected to purchase two skin-care items to "pay" for the hour-long treat - and qualify for a GWP. Call Michael or Andy at the counter at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, to reserve your appointment time. I think you will be pleased with Beatrice.

Just to remind you, Mazza has a special step-up GWP available: either the Runway Palette with 18 colors or the Breast Cancer Brigitte Kaleidoscope.

I promise to try to get photos this weekend. I have moved most of what I can move myself. This Sunday, my cousin is moving the dishwasher I bought Mom last summer into my house. Mine is kaput after 34 years. Of course, I have to move all the stuff I've thrown in front of my dead dishwasher. That will be my Friday-Saturday chore.

Thank you again for all of your kind expressions of sympathy.

Photo courtesy of scienceclarified.com

The Friday Forum and a Very Special Deal at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Le Métier de Beauté Counter

I've been watching these eagles, now named Freedom and Liberty, since before they hatched. They have survived and thrived (God willing they will continue to do so), and today they are big, strapping juveniles who soar, explore, and fight over food. Since they are flying freely now, there isn't much to see at the nest unless it's feeding time, but you can find the live feed at http://www.dceaglecam.org/ and get a blow-by-blow of what's happening at the American Eagle Foundation Facebook page. I am totally smitten. Last night, I worried about them - a lot. We had a horrendous storm, but fortunately, the tornado and hail hit west of here. DC had a plain vanilla severe thunderstorm. The post-hatching photo above is copyrighted by the American Eagle Foundation.

Starting today, the Le Métier de Beauté Counter at Mazza Gallerie is offering a step-up gift to accompany the GWP for Camp Gorgeous. The regular GWP can be "earned" by spending $350 at the counter. The step-up gift is a Kaleidoscope, which sells for $95. Spend just $100 over the $350 GWP threshold, and you will go home with a beautiful new Kaleidoscope. I have this one, but I'd love to have another. It's one of my favorites. Call Michael or Andy at the counter at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258 if you don't live in the DC area. They will make sure to fulfill your order and ship you the gifts.

It looks like we may have sunshine this weekend, so I'll be able to show you photos next week. I'm ready. Some nice things have arrived.
One more thing: right now Armani Beauty online has a 20% discount on everything. Just use the code ARMANI20.

It's time for the Friday Forum. The Friday Forum has always been an opportunity to share information. Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Tell us about it! Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Tell us why! Do you have questions others might be able to answer? We can help! Want to talk about skin care? I'm game. Just use the comments. We have busy weekends and slow ones on the forum. I hope to see you in the comments.

Photo courtesy of and copyrighted by the American Eagle Foundation, eagles.org.

Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase for Neiman Marcus InCircle

I had planned to tell you today about my exciting visit with Marcus Monson at Guerlain. Then I realized that this feature about Le Métier de Beauté's Gift with Purchase (GWP) for Neiman Marcus InCircle, which starts on April 13, was time-sensitive. So, I re-ordered my features; I'll tell you about Marcus tomorrow when I get home from work.

If you spend $350 with Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive a makeup bag filled with lovely goodies.

• Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick (appears to be full-sized) - mauve or plum
• Outré Lip Crème (full size) - a rich medium pink suited for all skin tones
• Lure Illuminating Face Powder (generous, but a tad smaller than full-sized) - gold
• Cinamatic Mascara (Le Métier de Beauté's new mascara formula) deluxe sample - black
• A surprise skin-care sample (exclusive to Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie)

The bag appears to be leather, but given that it was made in China, it's probably not. As you can see in my photo, it has a zip top to keep all our makeup safely tucked inside. Plus, it's long enough to accommodate our makeup brushes.

I took swatch photos of the contents, with the exception of the surprise skin care, late this afternoon in full sun. I applied the lip products directly from the tubes, used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply the Illuminating Face Powder, and swiped the mascara across my arm. All were applied lightly. I had to take showcase my neighbor's gorgeous redbud tree, so it served as the background.

I started at the top of my arm with Fervor Moisture Matte Lipstick. Isn't the plumy-pink color gorgeous? Any shine you see on my arm was from the direct sunlight. The gloss below is Outré Lip Crème. The combination of the two is beautiful - especially for me, someone who likes shine on my lips. The addition of the Lip Crème makes my lips feel comfortably hydrated.

The Lure Illuminating Face Powder is a pretty, sparkly, subtle gold. It's perfect for a night-out highlighting powder, and it looks great on the face with the lipstick and lip gloss.

Mascara swatches are hard to do on my arm, so don't blame Le Métier de Beauté for my uneven swatch. It's black, but a soft, matte, natural-looking black. It's a perfect go-to for any time of day. I'm anxious to try the new formula.

Most GWPs are stingy - especially for a purchase of $350. You often get samples that are gone after a day's use. Le Métier de Beauté is making sure that you go home with products you can use for months. I suspect the only gift you will run out of is the mascara. It might last a week if used daily.

If you don't have a favorite Neiman Marcus Le Métier de Beauté counter, or if you want to ensure that you get the surprise exclusive to the Mazza Gallerie store, give Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug a call. Their number is (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. Make sure to ask for one of them. Pre-sale has started, so you can call anytime starting tomorrow. The store closed for the day today at 6:00 pm. Remember that shipping is free.

Michael has also arranged some special events for InCircle, so if you are local, make sure to ask about Hylton Lea's visit next weekend, as well as facials next Sunday. Both will be by appointment. Hylton will be providing customers with his expert touch, 20-minute "facial rescue" at the counter. After your skin is "saved," Michael or Andy will be on hand to give you the finishing makeup touch for your special day or evening. It's wonderful for those of us who can't get by the store on a weekday that you can get a facial on a Sunday.

A master aesthetician, the one Michael personally uses, will provide you with a luxurious hour-long facial. She is in such demand that it has taken a year to get her booked for this event. The facial is complimentary with a purchase of two skin-care items. The facial will be wonderful opportunity to learn about Le Métier de Beauté's fabulous skin care.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté is Back! The Brand is Rejuvenated!

So many changes, I don't know where to start! Let's start with Dustin Lujan, who has rejoined Le Métier de Beauté as its director of color development (or some such title). Dustin has so much in store for the brand over the next few months, you will be delighted. It's like a new brand, with the best from the past and a new approach to color.

He is reintroducing himself to Le Métier de Beauté customers by visiting some of its stores. Here we are at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie a few weeks ago. That's Michael hiding in the back.

Erin Lockard has also returned (yippee!), and she is working at the Houston Neiman Marcus. Add Hyton Lea, the Global Director of Skin Care, and the winning team is taking shape - once again. I'm very excited.

There are two new Kaleidoscope Eye Kits branded by Ken Downing at Neiman Marcus. Paris ($95), shown above, is the one I purchased. The pink is actually nice and soft - not as vibrant as it appears in this photo. I'm wearing all four shades of Paris in the photo above. Dustin applied my makeup.

The other, London ($95), is shown below. I see them as one for us cool types and one for warmer skin tones, but Michael promises he can make either work for anyone. Just an FYI, these Kaleidoscopes were not designed by Dustin.

They are both available now during Camp Gorgeous at Neiman Marcus, where the Le Métier de Beauté gift with purchase (below) is stunning - and available with only a $175 purchase.

Le Métier de Beauté is well aware that they lost some of you along the way during the last few years. Trust me, they are going to rope you back in. I've already jumped back on board.

To order during Camp Gorgeous, call Michael Reinhardt or one of his colleagues at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

I'll bring you up to date on the blog's future later. I do have more knee surgery scheduled on July 29. I'll be publishing again, but I won't be able to publish the everyday post I had been writing. I hope you will return regardless. I've missed you!

Update: There is a step-up GWP with a purchase of $400. It is a brand new bronzer-blush combination, and the color is orchid. It's sheer and beautiful.

Photos courtesy of  Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope - Gift with Purchase at Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous - Live and In Person

My day turned cloudy before I could get a photo of the Le Métier de Beauté Gift with Purchase for Neiman Marcus' Camp Gorgeous. As I understand it, this GWP is available only at the Tysons  Galleria and Mazza Gallerie stores.

Camp Gorgeous runs until June 15. If you spend $250 or more at Le Métier de Beauté, you will receive the Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope, a $95 value. Time to stock up on skin care? That's what I did.

The unique beauty of this collection is in the new eye shadow formula Le Métier de Beauté's chemist just completed. The new texture is more buttery, creamy, and rich than anything the company has offered before. What can you anticipate?

• Tier 1:  Split-Pan Cake Liner. Black and Plum-Orchid (use them with a dry or damp brush)
• Tier 2:  Rich Orchid. (similar to Alexandrite/Fig, but more magenta, and brighter) 
• Tier 3:  Mocha Sheen (similar to Corinthian, but more vivid and brighter) - a gorgeous shade
• Tier 4:  A new moisture-resistant Eye-Base Primer. When applied to the eyelid, the look is like a sheer, pearlized nylon stocking.

Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie would love to help those who want to make sure they "earn" this free, exclusive Kaleidoscope before they "sell out," so to speak. Give Michael or Chae Edwards a call at Mazza at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. One "Anonymous" reader commented in my "Coming Attraction" feature about a problem using gift cards. I think the Mazza store and I have a solution for you, so please write me at bestthingsinbeauty@gmail.com.

I had fun with Michael yesterday, comparing Rich Orchid to the horrible bruise on my arm. Other than that one shade (I just don't want to look like I was hit in the eye), this Kaleidoscope is really pretty. Plus, how can you argue with free? The photo below shows the Kaleidoscope with Rich Orchid tucked in.

Even though I took the photos under clouds, I think they are color-true. They are a tad less luminous than they would look if I had had sunshine. As I finish this feature, the sun has returned, but I know it will duck behind the clouds if I run back outside. It always does.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Soon: Le Métier de Beauté Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope - Gift with Purchase at Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous

The Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Event is coming soon: June 4-15. Le Métier de Beauté has an amazing gift with purchase in store for you. The Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope, a $95 value, will be yours with your Le Métier de Beauté purchase of $250 or more. Time to stock up on skin care?

The unique beauty of this collection is in the new eye shadow formula Le Métier de Beauté's chemist just completed. The new texture is more buttery and rich than anything the company has offered before. What can you anticipate?

• Tier 1:  Split-Pan Cake Liner. Black and Plum-Orchid 
• Tier 2:  Rich Orchid. (similar to Alexandrite/Fig, but more magenta, and brighter) 
• Tier 3:  Mocha Sheen (similar to Corinthian, but more vivid and brighter) 
• Tier 4:  A new moisture-resistant Eye-Base Primer. When applied to the eyelid, the look is like a sheer, pearlized nylon stocking.

Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie is taking pre-orders for those who want to make sure they "earn" this free, exclusive Kaleidoscope before they "sell out," so to speak. Give Michael or Chae Edwards a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

Ask Michael about the all-new single eye shadows coming, as well as the new neck cream, destined to reverse one of our most troublesome signs of aging.

Photo courtesy of Le Métier de Beauté

Gifts with Purchase - Do They Motivate You to Spend?

Gifts with purchase (GWP) were created to give you an extra reason to spend your money. Magically, they are offered at a spend level that's always just slightly over the amount you wish to spend, forcing you to buy another item to "earn" the gift (somewhat like free shipping). Have you ever noticed that? I call it sophisticated analytical modeling.

I used to take special note of GWPs, and I took advantage of as many as possible. That's one reason my house is a treasure trove of stuff. I've upped my game lately on giving it away. There have been times when I've taken 15 makeup bags to work to put near the printer with a "free" sign. At least they provide a delightful distraction in the five minutes it takes for all to be claimed.

I've noticed a couple of common strategies in the contents of GWPs. They all seem to have mini-mascaras. That tells me that mascaras are inexpensive to make. They often include skin care - skin care that's seldom targeted to my skin. Many have eye makeup remover (I do find those travel sizes useful). I'm delighted when there's more color than skin care in the gifts. Makeup brushes really excite me.

The makeup bags range from really cheap to really nice. I've been using a pretty gold Estée Lauder bag for over a year. I used to have a gorgeous, dark green Cole Haan one with a metallic closure, but it finally fell apart, and Cole Haan didn't make a replacement by the time mine died of ragged embarrassment.

Why am I bringing this up? I used to be lured by them (lured to spend) - and I will certainly enter the code to receive one when I am spending online anyhow - but I no longer allow myself to order/purchase "just one more thing" to earn them. I'd like to have back all the extra money I spent to get relatively useless gifts in the past. This is especially true of department store promotional events. If the tote attracts me, I'll spend enough to get it. If not? No way. I skipped the recent Camp Gorgeous summer straw bag. I must have five of them already. Plus, the contents were not exciting - a trend that is shared among all the stores in these days of austerity. Estée Lauder's gifts are often very nice. They are often worth the extra spend.

My most recent GWP splurge was for the Tarte Aqualillies tote bag. I really wanted it. Why? Because it was a pretty color. Seriously - not a good reason. Directly below is a photo of a Neiman Marcus bag I love. I even shared them (yes, I was given four - different stores, huge, multiple purchases) with my best friends. I'm still using mine to carry my laptop.

What about you? Do you like GWPs enough to spend that extra money to get them? Are you selective, depending on the contents of the gift? Do they tempt you? Have you spent more than you planned to earn the gift? Do you use the contents? Do you like it when you are given shade choices in GWPs, for example, warm vs. cool colors (I do)?

Who has the best gifts? I'd really like to hear your thoughts on that question, and I'll bet the PR reps who read my blog will too. Another question...some companies make a point of not gifting. They are "above" it. They wish to be known as ultra-prestige brands. Do you think that helps or hurts them?

Let's open this up. Why am I thinking about it today? I'm pondering a purchase, but know that if I buy now, there will be a gift in a week. That seems to be a pattern in my life.

Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder and 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

Chantecaille Celebrates World Ocean Day with Petition Drive, Expanded Donations, and a Gift with Purchase

Chantecaille will be celebrating World Ocean Day with a very special gift with purchase, doubled donations to a worthy cause, and a petition drive. I'm so there!  Three offers, three things I'm asking you to consider - and at least one to do.

Starting tomorrow night, June 6 - you'll probably see it posted on Chantecaille's Web site by 9:00 pm, Chantecaille will offer you a complimentary La Baleine Palette, as shown in the photo above, with any $200 purchase. The GWP will be available until Monday, or until supplies run out.

It's time to buy your back-up (or my third for my makeup museum) of the Coral Reefs Palette. If you haven't purchased this must-have palette, now's the time. For every Coral Reefs Palette sold on World Ocean Day, June 8, Chantecaille will double its donation to the Marine Conservation Institute. That's significant!

With the Coral Reefs Palette, Chantecaille continued its generous tradition of offering must-have makeup with an environmental benefit. Chantecaille has proudly joined the Marine Conservation Institute in their efforts to protect 10% of the world’s oceans by 2020. The oceans cover 71% of the earth, providing 80% of our oxygen and food for 3.5 billion people; yet less than one half of one percent of our oceans are protected. The health of the ocean is vital, and coral reefs are the alert system. Today three quarter’s of the world’s coral reefs are at risk due to over-fishing, pollution, and global warming. Maintaining 10% of the ocean’s ecosystems as “no-take marine protected areas” is the best chance for coral’s survival. Five percent of the proceeds from the Coral Reefs Palette will be donated to the Marine Conservation Institute to help meet our goals (not their goals, our goals). On World Ocean Day, 10% of the proceeds will be donated.

If that weren't enough, please make your voice heard - now - by signing Chantecaille's petition to help save the Coral Reefs. If you love beauty and environmental diversity (environmental gems), you'll want to see the endangered coral reefs protected. Signing the petition is the least we can do. You can find the petition at this link. They have a signature goal of 5,000 signatures. Right now, the count is 2,323. Best Things in Beauty readers could put them over the top in one day. Let's do it! Can I count on you? Please let me know in the comments.

With the beautiful GWP, wouldn't it be a good time to stock up on your favorites - or purchase Chantecaille's new introductions, like that gorgeous Radiance Gel Bronzer? I think this will be my third order in the last two weeks. That's how much I love Chantecaille.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

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

Le Métier de Beauté Bora Bora Eye Shadow Palette

The Bora Bora Eye Shadow mini-palette was the gift with purchase when Saks Fifth Avenue unveiled Le Métier de Beauté at its Web site, along with the On the Coast Kaleidoscope. Bora Bora is small, but I love the sound of free.

Why am I showing it to you since the promotion has ended? Le Métier de Beauté GWPs resurface now and then (as do many beauty GWPs). I want you to see how this beauty looks on the skin so that you'll know whether it's a definite "buy to get" if it's ever offered again. I was unconvinced from its photo that it would contain shades I could wear. Pink and mauve are not the best eye shadow colors for me. I am thrilled that I can wear these, with a few reservations.

I have to blend (or layer) the gold shade with the mauve to take the red out. That works. In fact, the pink and gold shades are gorgeous when blended. I was able to get swatch photos of the individual shades. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply them heavily, and I took my photos in full sun.

The pink is pure pink. It's pretty. While I wouldn't wear it straight up on my own eyelids, I would wear it blended with the gold. I would also use it as a highlighter (it's pretty under the brow bonw). I feel no constraints where powder shadows are concerned.

The gold shade is a pretty deep gold. It's extremely useful. The mauve is mauve or muted burgundy, a shade that brings out the red in my eyes. It's a color I must avoid on my eyelids, although it's gorgeous on my cheeks. If you can wear mauve, this is a pretty one.

The Bora Bora Eye Shadow Palette gives you plenty of options for layering, just like Le Métier de Beauté's Kaleidoscopes. If you received Bora Bora with your Saks Web site purchase, play with the combinations, then please let us know what you think.

We have had a terrible sunlight deficit for the last week or so. I'd love to have been able to show you the blended shades I created using Bora Bora. As soon as I got these photos, the sun departed that day. I haven't seen much of it since.

I have new makeup and no way to show it to you! I really need a good day to get photos. I'm not sure about today's outlook. While our plants needed the rain, I need some sun to show you the latest best things in beauty!

See the comments for the latest on Mom.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Le Métier de Beauté Red Velvet Lip Crème

Yesterday, at a special event, my wonderful Le Métier de Beauté friends at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie gave me a gift, Red Velvet Lip Crème. Red Velvet is slated to be the gift with a $125 purchase of Le Métier de Beauté during Neiman Marcus Beauty Event (February 23 to March 4). You can pre-order now.

Red Velvet looked very bright and very red to me (not usually my color), but I positioned myself in front of a mirror and applied it immediately. Wow - it's vibrant! I have to admit that I've never been comfortable with red lip color. That might change! Everyone who saw me after I applied it remarked on my fabulous look. Seriously! It was like night and day. I went from "Hey, great to see you" to "Your lip color is fabulous." I guess there's something to the red effect.

Even before the sun could rise in the morning sky today, I was outside taking photos of Red Velvet. Here are a few swatch photos to whet your appetite. I applied Red Velvet boldly. It's possible to apply it more sheerly, but I went for bold to show you the true color.


I see a bright, warm, glossy red. I've already played with Red Velvet Lip Crème enough to know that I can change the kapow effect with gloss. Gold gloss will tone it down a tad; silver will cool the color. Red Velvet may be the only true red I need. The color is long-lasting, and it feels great on my lips. You won't need lipstick underneath Le Métier de Beauté Red Velvet Lip Crème.

If you'd like to experience Red Velvet, make sure to place your pre-order soon. I suspect stock of this amazing gift with purchase will be depleted long before Beauty Event ends. If you don't have a local Neiman Marcus and want help, call Le Métier de Beauté specialist (and manager) Michael Reinhardt at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258. Make sure to ask for him.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty