Le Métier de Beauté Mazza Gallerie Extravaganza - Exciting Events Designed for You

Before I tell you about all the special events and gifts with purchase (GWP), I'll describe Le Métier de Beauté's new super-star serum, Instant Lifting and Firming Face Serum ($350).

Le Métier de Beauté's clients have been eagerly awaiting the Instant Lifting and Firming Serum since it made its debut in their token of appreciation during the spring 2016 Beauty Event. The product is now on the shelf.

This lightweight firming serum will instantly lift, tighten, and firm the skin. The long-term benefit of using the product will be a literal "architectural lift" to the skin. It is a groundbreaking product that shares its key ingredients and technologies with the company's remarkable and popular Neck and Décolleté Firming Creme.

The key technologies that power the Instant Lifting and Firming Serum are many. It's quite a lineup.

• Pullulan natural polysaccharide with film forming benefits
• Idealift, fights against skin sagging, helps improve elasticity and the architecture of the skin, and stimulates elastin synthesis improving the tissue structure
• Dynalift, a natural film former that provide tightness and smoothes the skin for a youthful appearance
• Biomimetic (mimics the skin’s structure) blend of amino acids necessary to help maintain the integrity of the network of elastin and collagen
• TPM, a highly effective proprietary delivery system of various actives, to increase the potency of all ingredients
• Grape seed oil and jojoba oil to nourish and moisturize - they are non-greasy and non-irritating
• Penthanol (the provitamin of B5 because and is used in beauty products primarily as a lubricant, emollient, and moisturizer because of its ability to penetrate the skin), vitamin C ester, Vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate - offering moisturizing, antioxidant, and nourishing benefits

Use the serum on a clean face, day and/or night. Do not rub it in. Apply the serum gently to a uniform light film and let dry for few seconds before applying your moisturizer. I have tried it, following those directions. I felt an instant firming effect, and I believe I saw that firming on my skin. I will know more after a month of testing - my usual duration for testing skin-care products.

What has Le Métier de Beauté, only at Mazza Gallerie, got in store for you? This week, Friday, May 6, they will treat you to lunch at the Capital Grill if you are among those who are able to score an appointment for a master class with Ivan Castro, Lead Artist for the company. If you can't make it that day, Ivan will be in the store doing makeovers on May 7. Both events are by appointment, so if you are interested, call Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug immediately at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

If I got this right, and I'll correct it if I didn't, Michael has a special, color GWP for anyone who pre-orders the new serum (or otherwise spends $350) for Camp Gorgeous or purchases it during this week's event. If you don't want a color gift, I hear he may negotiate to give you a skin-care treat instead.

Michael has managed to convince his own facialist, Beatrice, a popular sole practitioner, to give her area-famous facials at the store on May 14 and 21, June 16, and July 23 - all by appointment only. I hear she is amazing; I want one!

It gets really interesting in a few weeks. Michael and Andy have arranged for a licensed Botox nurse to give Botox injections to customers who order a specified amount of Le Métier de Beauté products. I don't have all the details yet, but I will update this feature within a day if the plans have been firmed up. The price in products will not be inexpensive (they were talking in the neighborhood of $1500), but with those products you would use anyhow, you will get free Botox. Intrigued?

Again, these events will only occur at Mazza Gallerie. If you are interested, call Michael Reinhardt or Andy Schug at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258.

As an aside, new color products are on the way. We can expect to see the first of them next month.

Photo by Best Things in Beauty

Month of March Le Métier de Beauté Extravaganza Only at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

Le Métier de Beauté at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie knows that we all love to shop in the spring, so they (and they only) are offering us a Spring Fling at Le Métier de Beauté. Michael and Andy (and Debbie, of course) have cooked up a delightful bouquet of goodies to reward you for shopping and help you think spring - all month long.

First of all, two new cleansing treatments will join Le Métier de Beauté's skin-care roster. I'm looking forward to featuring them very soon.

Daily Refresh Cleanser - This gentle exfoliating gel cleanser removes makeup and impurities while nourishing and strengthening the skin. Ingredients of green tea and vitamins A, C, and E will help brighten, repair, and protect the skin for a fresher and more vibrant complexion.

Replenishing Oil Cleanser - This new addition to the upscale selections of oil-based cleansers is designed to cleanse and hydrate the skin in one step. The complex combination of botanical extracts and emollients will lift impurities, residual makeup, and excess oils for a satin smooth feeling to the touch.

On Saturday, March 19, Global Skincare Aesthetician Barbara will be back at the Mazza Gallerie store. If you have not experienced the magic of Barbara's facial touch, this will be your next opportunity. Call Michael Reinhardt or Andy at (202) 966-9700, extension 2258, to reserve your appointment. They will go quickly.

As an added bonus, the counter will be offering an exclusive, Washington DC-only "knock your socks off" gift with qualifying Le Metier purchase. I believe the qualifying purchase will be $350, so it will be a great time to stock up on your essentials. I'm not allowed to tell you what the GWP is, you'll have to call the guys with your shopping list. Michael or Andy will give you the secret details.

This is the first Spring Fling at Neiman Marcus Mazza's Le Métier de Beauté counter. Go and you will be pampered. Call and you can have a telephone consultation and still earn the GWP with a qualifying purchase. I think Michael may be thinking about additional treats, however, I'd advise you to participate as soon as possible. They could run out of the beautiful gifts.

Photo courtesy of pcwired.net

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

Sunday This and That - Tom Ford Fête at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

I arrived at the Tom Ford counter for Friday's Tom Ford Fragrance fête, and was struck by the glamorous flowers. Yes, friends, that is an original Gene Davis at the top of my photo. The artwork in the store is amazing.

I took photos with flash and without, which may make these snapshots look like they were taken at two different events. Trust me; they were all taken Friday.

Most of my photos are of Jason Layden, Tom Ford representative, and the most darling 88-year-old woman I've met in a long time. I talked to her for hours while I waited for my lost friend to show up. She is a long-time customer and she walked uptown to get to the party! I had a hard time walking from the car with my bum knee.

I purposely left out the full view of Jason, who was wearing a large, post-surgical shoe/boot. I'd rather see that happy smile anyhow.

Can you believe this stylish lady is 88? I want her skin - and her glasses. She's got great taste in chocolates too.

It was a great party. Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie knows how to entertain.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Fashion Night Out, September 8, at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie

Save the date, DC-area friends...

On September 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie will host a celebration of fashion, music, and mixology - all things fun, fabulous, and chic - for the store's third annual Fashion Night Out celebration. You don't have to be in New York to have fun!

We'll kick off the evening with cocktails. Local celebrity mixologist Dan Searing will present his latest cocktail concoctions and sign copies of his new book, The Art of Punch - all about 75 recipes spanning four centuries of wanton revelry. Searling is a rising star in the classic cocktail renaissance, a historian, and a partner in the DC cocktail temple Room 11. He's also a founder of the DC Craft Bartender Guild.

Later in the evening, there will be a Michael Kors Fall Collection presentation. You'll be able to snag a limited-edition Michael Kors GWP with purchase. You'll also want to grab a front-row seat for runway presentations of fall's fashion trends, including Bordeaux, leather, and colorblocking.

Crooner BJ Ram will perform jazz standards by old favorites Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and others, while models show off the Lady Chic look in a Mad Men-inspired lounge. I'm going to love that segment of the night.

You'll also have a chance to be pampered at the Le Métier de Beauté Bordeaux Beauty Bar and have your photo taken professionally (showing off your lips and nails if you want). The photo will be yours to keep and share with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

You may need a healthy dose of sugar to sustain the night's activities. There will be a design-your-own cupcake bar (oh oh), gelato bar, and gourmet goodies from local restaurants. No one will go home hungry or thirsty. This is a store that takes very good are of us at its parties. Make sure to take Metro to get there (located conveniently across the street) if you plan to get crazy.

Photos courtesy of Scienceofdrink.com, Michael Kors, and Le Métier de Beauté

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event for Spring 2011

It's time for Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! From tomorrow, February 24, through Sunday, March 6, in stores and online, you will receive a tote with a few samples inside with every purchase of $100 or more in the beauty department (cosmetics and fragrance). Additionally, most of the brands have gift with purchase specials. Depending on how much you spend with the brand, you may get a nice sample set too.

The GWPs range, in my humble opinion, from fantastic to ho-hum. I wouldn't spend $300 for something I didn't need just to get a few samples. On the other hand, if you are interested in trying something that is in the GWP, you should go for it!

This is the perfect time to visit Neiman Marcus if you have one in your area. The product specialists and sales associates are ready to help you. If you live near the Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie, I suggest you go see Sunny Choi Noble, a sales associate who can steer you to all the best product specialists. If you live near Tysons Galleria, please visit with Kathy Shoreman, who will do the same. Both are knowledgeable and will not try to sell you something that's not right for you. I love them. You can call Sunny at (202) 966-9700, ext 2265. You can call Kathy at (703) 761-1600, ext 3282.

If I try to name all my favorite product specialists at the two stores, I know I will forget someone. If there's a brand that interests you, just leave a comment, and I will recommend a contact for you. Remember, if you don't have a local Neiman Marcus, the gals in the DC area can still help you. Give them a call.

Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Shopping with Charlestongirl - Part 2

Even before we've had a Thanksgiving dinner, some of us are planning our weekend shopping. Hey - a shopper has to plan, particularly for Black Friday when aimless shopping can place you in a frenzied crowd. Nothing wrong with that - if you like frenzied crowds and don't fear being crushed or bruised - but I prefer fast, efficient, focused, and jostle-free shopping.

After a quick, very early foray to Leesburg Corner, I'll be headed to Neiman Marcus - two of them! I'll be starting at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie for Black Friday Breakfast. Mazza really knows how to host a party!

Here is your invitation (from my friends at Mazza and me) in case you'll be within 100 miles of DC. If not, read on for other opportunities below.

DON’T BE LEFT IN THE DARK!

JOIN NEIMAN MARCUS MAZZA FOR A LUXE MORNING OF SHOPPING AND SIPPING AND RECEIVE A $50 GIFT CARD WITH A $100 OR GREATER PURCHASE!

Enjoy breakfast bites, gourmet coffee, and mimosas to invigorate you for shopping, starting at 9:00 am! Mimosas? Did they anticipate the key to my heart? The champagne flows at Mazza - oh, and the nibbles are great too!

The first 50 people (to purchase, I assume) are eligible to win our "Black Friday Beauty Basket Valued" at $500, It contains new fragrances, beauty palettes, and relaxing body products, just in time to pamper yourself for the holidays! I can never enter the Best Things in Beauty drawings (for obvious reasons), but I can enter this! I'm there! Mazza puts together heavenly gift baskets.

To be eligible for the $50 gift card, you have to spend $100 or more between 9:00 and 2:00 on Friday only. Just think, spend only $100, and you get what amounts to a 50% discount (to be used later - anytime up to December 5). Is that a deal or what? You get a nice gift card, and the store gets you back for a little more gift shopping or retail therapy.

When I leave Mazza, I will be going straight to Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. Yep, two Neiman Marcus forays in one day! At Tysons, Kathy Shoreman, SA extraordinaire, will be ringing my pre-selected purchases. No matter where you live, you should be offered the same $50 gift card opportunity at "your Neiman Marcus." It will be a great morning to go!

When I finish my Neiman Marcus shopping, I'll be headed home to shop online. I have so many offers to share with you, I'll do it later this morning. Right now, I have to run out (yes at 6:00 am) to buy some orange juice. It was poor planning on my part to be without one of the staples of life on a holiday weekend.

Photo courtesy of wikimedia

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Le Métier de Beauté Holiday Event

Congratulations, Gabriela! You won the $400 gift basket at Neiman Marcus!

We had fun last night at the Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Holiday Beauty Soiree, and there's more fun yet to come! The photo above shows the adorable Best Things in Beauty reader Gabriela alongside Dustin Lujan, Le Métier de Beauté national makeup artist extraordinaire. I had so much fun hanging out at the Le Métier de Beauté counter last night, chatting with Lisa Lingis, who touched up my concealer for me, Dustin, and all my Neiman Marcus Mazza friends.

Dustin was just finishing a gal's makeup when I arrived. I was struck by how naturally beautiful she looked. Not artificial or "made up," simply pretty. I was thrilled when Gabriela arrived because I wanted to watch him beautify someone from start to finish. He had a gorgeous model! They already knew each other. Gabriela had visited with him at Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Before he got started, Victoria Hamilton from Sisley cleansed and treated Gabriela's face, leaving her glowing (although she felt "naked"). Then Dustin worked his magic. Store lighting washes out any nuance of color, so I can't show you a close-up of Gabriela's eyes, which were stunning in lavender hues. I hope she and her husband had planned dinner out so that others could appreciate Dustin's handiwork.

You can too! He's there today and will be every day through Saturday. If you live in the DC area, you really need to make an appointment for a Le Métier de Beauté consultation or makeup session. I learned something from watching Dustin and talking with him, and you will too. Besides that, he's a lot of fun. On Saturday, they will have a professional photographer taking pictures after makeovers. Need a Twitter photo? What a great way to look your best!

Through Saturday, November 13, with every Le Métier de Beauté purchase of $150 or more, you will receive a $25 Neiman Marcus gift card. On Saturday, the counter will also have stylists available to help you pull together your holiday look, whether you need shoes, accessories, or clothing. You'll even have an opportunity to let the experts help you select a MARCHESA gown for your own red-carpet event.

To make an appointment, call (202) 966-9700, extension 2241. No excuses! If you go, you'll have fun. If you don't live nearby, check with Le Métier de Beauté at Bergdorf Goodman for Dustin's travel schedule. He's on the go often.

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Holiday Beauty Soiree & Special Treat for Best Things in Beauty Readers

Once again, Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie has planned an exciting event for its customers, with a very special offer for Best Things in Beauty readers. Those gals at Neiman Marcus Mazza are the best! They really know how to hold a classy event.

On Wednesday, November 10 (the day before most of us have a Veterans' Day vacation), from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, Neiman Marcus will be hosting a girls night out, with music, nibbles, and cocktails (I'm sure I heard something about champagne, which ensures I'll be there). We all struggle at holiday time trying to find the right cocktail dress, purse, shoes, and makeup to look special. It's got to all come together into an elegant look, and it's easier said than done. How many times have you failed to plan ahead and found yourself rummaging around for the perfect shoes to go with your dress? Or a purse that doesn't look clunky with a fancy outfit? If you're like me, that happens way too often. Of course you want your makeup to flatter your look. Neiman Marcus has you covered!

They will have stations in the beauty department featuring the latest exclusive makeup and fragrance for the holidays, along with limited-edition gift sets in case you're shopping for gifts. They will be offering makeovers, but also styling with the fashion team to help make your holidays effortless - and enjoyable. You will have an opportunity to check out the latest from Bobbi Brown, Le Métier de Beauté, Trish McEvoy, Chantecaille, and many other favorite beauty brands. You can even schedule a makeover in advance with your favorite counter. To schedule a makeover appointment, call (202) 966-9700.

Neiman Marcus has a special treat for Best Things in Beauty readers. Mention Best Things in Beauty, and you will receive a special gift bag full of treats. How sweet is that? It gets better. Neiman Marcus has generously offered another drawing (remember when Ava recently won the $500 worth of products of her choice?). This time, if you mention Best Things in Beauty, you will be entered in a drawing to win a holiday beauty gift basket filled with $400 worth of beauty products from Neiman Marcus' stellar lineup of hair, body, and color brands. The wonderful basket will also have a relaxing holiday candle from Nest to put you in the holiday spirit. I've mentioned before that I don't have many local readers, so your chances of winning are excellent.

I would love to see some of you there! I'll be hanging out for hours, starting around 4:00, so come visit. If you aren't local - or just can't attend - give one of the beauty counters a call and place a phone order. If you mention Best Things in Beauty, you will receive the gift bag with your purchase and be entered for the drawing. This will be a great time to buy that special item you've been coveting - or buy gifts and get a little something extra for yourself.

Perfect event, perfect timing! Will I see you on November 10? Let's shop!

Photo courtesy of Steven Swain (Joe Architect)

The Winner of the Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie $500 Beauty Shopping Spree

The winner is...Ava S from Alexandria, Virginia! Congratulations, Ava! Your entry was drawn by Neiman Marcus from the "entry bag." Ava is a local Best Things in Beauty reader.

Ava, you will be contacted directly by Neiman Marcus. Be on the lookout for that e-mail or phone call!

Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie generously offered Best Things in Beauty readers the opportunity to shop with them for Beauty Week, receive a cute little bag with goodies in addition to the Beauty Event bag, and be entered in a drawing for a $500 shopping spree in the beauty department! Who could resist that offer?

Some of my local readers and friends from work went (I've already heard they enjoyed themselves), and I know some of you called from out of town. What better motive to treat yourself than a chance to win a beauty shopping spree? I hope you got to know the fabulous beauty department professsionals during your visits. They are real standouts!

I am so grateful to Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie for their generosity (and clever idea)! Thank you to the PR team and the beauty department. You're the best!

Photo by Steven Swain

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie Beauty Week Celebration for Best Things in Beauty Readers

If you haven't shopped Beauty Week at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, you need to drop everything and go. Even if you've already been there, go back. Orders from Charlestongirl! Here's a deal you won't want to miss!

You know that Neiman Marcus is celebrating its Beauty Event, with a free stylish tote filled with beauty goodies, yours with any $100 purchase in the beauty department - and many special events, such as the Bobbi Brown event I attended last Friday. The event totes, shown at right, are so nice! We all plan to use them.

Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie wants you, my fabulous readers, to experience the best things in beauty this fall season. To entice you to drop by, from now through September 20, with every purchase of $100 or more, Best Things in Beauty readers will receive an exclusive goodie bag and the Neiman Marcus Beauty Bag available to the public. This offer is only for customers who mention Best Things in Beauty. With your purchase, you'll also be entered to win a $500 beauty shopping spree. Can you believe it? DC-area friends, you need to get over there! I'm going to be telling everyone in my nearby office about it.

To be eligible for this generous offer, you must mention to your sales associate in the Neiman Marcus Mazza Cosmetics Department that you are a Best Things in Beauty reader, you would like to have the exclusive goodie bag, and be entered into the drawing. The winner of the drawing will be selected on Tuesday, September 21, and be announced here at Best Things in Beauty by 4:00 pm.

Drop everything, beauty lovers! I know there aren't a zillion of you in the DC area, so your chances of winning this generous prize are very good! While you are at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, please stop by and say hello to some of my special friends. I love all the gals in cosmetics - they are so nice - but I want you to meet these beauties.

• Rachel Lagman, Sunny Choi Noble, and Neilla Daniels at Bobbi Brown
• Victoria Hamilton at Sisley
• Lisa Lingis at Le Metiér de Beauté
• Jeannine Barnes at Chantecaille

Anyone in the Cosmetics Department can assist you in finding just the right beauty products to take your look into fall. Just remember to mention Best Things in Beauty!

Feeling left out if you don't live near DC? You can call the Mazza store, ask for your favorite beauty counter, and place a phone order. Just follow the steps above to receive the special Best Things in Beauty gift with your order and be entered in the drawing. The phone number for the store is (202) 966-9700 or (877) 634-6261.

Photos courtesy of Steven Swain and Neiman Marcus