SPRING 2012 BEAUTY COLLECTIONS

Spring is indeed here even if the weather doesn't seem to know (at least not here in New York...it's cold & windy). During this time of year the makeup counters have all the latest spring beauty collections to bring your makeup to life with new colors and formulas.  Unfortunately most of these collections are Limited Edition so if you see something you love definitely BUY IT or you'll be hunting it down on Ebay and paying double. Trust me, I've been there and done that. Happy shopping all!!!!

DIOR – "Garden Party"The brand pays homage to Mr. Dior's passion for flowers and gardens with its Spring Collection Garden Party. A fresh spring bouquet of delicate pinks, soft greens & sweet violets. 

ESTEE LAUDER – "Bronze Goddess Capri"
A new collection of sunlit color and fragrance inspired by the seductive beauty of the Isle of Capri.

LANCÔME – "Roseraie des Delices"

For Spring 2012, Lancome is delighted to invite you to a makeup garden party! Inspired by a sumptuous garden party, this collection melts macaroons and sweets with nail polish and lipsticks. This collection was created by Aaron de Mey and inspired by the rose garden at the family home of Lancome founder, Armand Petitjean.

LAURA MERCIER – "Lingerie Collection"
This season, Laura Mercier's inspiration comes from the soft romantic hues and fabrics of the Victorian Age. This modern interpretation showcases a color palette inspired by vintage boudoir lingerie.  The look is ultra-feminine with lips and cheeks done in shades of warm corals and modern peaches while eyes are alluring in neutral browns and taupe grays.

SHU UEMURA  – "Celestial Gardens"
The inspiration for this collection is "the world above the clouds, surrounded by overflowing positive energy, full of colors and full of light.  The same scenery, the same world can look so different, if seen with all your senses full open.  Unchain yourself, play with the colors, enjoy make-up, and above all enjoy precious moments that exist in your life".

YSL – "Spring 2012 Collection"
An effervescent look of fresh colors, melting textures and transparent effects: a manifest of sweet, springtime shades created by Lloyd Simmonds for Yves Saint Laurent.

* Note - 1st photo in Blog post is of NARS 2012 Spring Collection but it hasn't launched yet...you can sign up to be emailed once products go "live" on their website by clicking here.

REVIEW & DEMO: BEAUTY FOR REAL_Illuminating Lip Gloss

Beauty For Real (BFR) created by Leslie Munsell, a more than 20 year veteran in the makeup industry, is a modern new make up company. They offer straightforward products  in wearable colors combined with innovative packaging that's both fun and practical. BFR believes all women are beautiful so they use "real women" not celebrities or models to represent their concept that beauty is attainable to all women, not just a lucky few.

Please click the video enclosed below to see my review and makeup demo using Beauty For Real's "See The Light! Illuminating Lip Gloss":


PRODUCTS REVIEWED:

"See The Light! Illuminating Lip Gloss" Spring Colors ($22) available in:

"All Fired Up" - sheer, rich coral with light shimmer.

"Kiss Me" - honeysuckle, blushing pink with just a hint of shimmer.

As I mentioned in the video, I first saw Beauty For Real at The Makeup Show last year and was intrigued. I'm so glad that I got a chance to sample products from this line!  BFR's "See The Light! Illuminating Lip Glosses" are not only ingenius but also beautiful. Every woman that wants luscious looking lips without pain or a high price tag needs to head over to their website ASAP! I know I plan on purchasing several more colors myself. I absolutely LOVE them!


* Product sample(s) were provided for review but I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to review any of the products mentioned in this blog post.  See my  "Disclosure Policy" for further details.

“SPRING HAS SPRUNG” – Spring 2011 Beauty Collections

It’s that time of year again when the cosmetic lines come out with their newest color collections for spring. So here’s my cherry-picked list of the top makeup collections to adorn your lovely face this season.  Now you can take the key spring trends seen on the S/S 2011 runways and make them your own. (FYI ladies – shades of purple like lavender, lilac and violet are super hot this season!)  Just keep in mind that most of these collections are Limited Edition so if there’s anything you’re lusting after get shopping now!!!

LANCÔME - “Ultra Lavande" Spring 2011 Color Collection by Aaron De Mey
This spring, the iconic spirit of the seventies shimmers back into fashion. Now Aaron De Mey, Lancôme’s International Artistic Director For Makeup, takes flower power and hippie chic beyond with the first eco-disco collection.
* Limited Edition French Touch Absolu lipstick - “Berry Rose”  $35
* Color Design Minerale Quad  - “Cool Lavande” and “Warm Lavande”  $42
* Butterflies Fever Blush/Highlighter - “Glowy Ballerine”  $40
* Color Fever Gloss - “Beige Ballerine”, “Rose Ballerine” & “Lavande Ballerine”  $26
* Ombre Magnétique  - “Ultra Lavande”, “Disco Gold” & “Disco Silver”  $25
* Le Vernis Nailpolish - “Violet Groove” & “Le 54”   $19
* L'Absolu Rouge lipstick - “Lily Rose” & “Daisy Rose”  $29
* Le Crayon Khôl  - “ Ultra-Lavande”  $24.50

NARS -  "Fresh, Forward Color" Spring 2011 Collection
The Spring 2011 Collection is the epitome of minimalism, reaching a sensual peak with fresh, forward color. Jeweled earth tones for eyes and nails are infused with a metallic finish that lends a subtly sleek finish. Cool compliments of sheer and sparkling lips pair with unexpected accents of parrot green and vivid blue. It all adds up to a look that's indisputably modern.
* Trio Eyeshadow (Limited Edition) - “Calanque” (gold infused platinum w/silver, matte caramel & antique bronze w/gold)  $45
* Duo Eyeshadow - “Nouveau Monde” (metallic silver lilac & olive gold) & “Bateau Ivre“ (sky blue & deep denim)   $33
* Soft Touch Shadow Pencil - “Hollywood Land” (pale gold) & “Soft Touch” (parrot green)  $24
* Lip Gloss - “Angelica” (cotton-candy pink w/gold & silver sparkle), “Super Orgasm” (peachy-pink w/gold glitter) & “Nana” (deep black grape)   $24
* Lipstick (Limited Edition) - “Tzigane” (sheer, pink brandy)  $24
* 'Pure' Matte Lipstick - “Madere” (super-rich nude pink) $24
* Nail Polish (Limited Edition) - “Desperado” (antique brass)  $17

SMASHBOX - “In Bloom Spring 2011” Limited Edition Collection
Unveil the beauty of the season with petal-soft wearable shades and pops of color.
* In Bloom Eye Shadow Palette and Brush - 10 shimmery & matte eye shadow shades (pink lily, lavendar grey, golden rose, warm taupe, bone, soft orchid, iris blue, shimmery copper, moss, & nude) $48
* In Bloom Creamy Cheek Duo - “Peony” (bright pink) & “Blushing” (soft pink)  $26
* In Bloom Soft Focus Powder Eye Liner - "Heather" (charcoal grey) & "Dark Brown" (deep brown) $22
* In Bloom Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss - "Timeless" (soft pink) & "Endless Kiss" (coral) $21
* In Bloom Artificial Light Powder (soft shimmery powder to use as highlighter/brightener) $20

SHU UEMURA  - “Morphorium” Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
Metamorphose yourself with the mesmerizing glory of nature, just like a mysterious morpho butterfly landing softly onto your shoulder.  Created by International Artistic Director, Kakuyasu Uchiide, invites you to the world of untouched treasures in deep, tropical jungle.  Unleash your curiosity and indulge yourself in inimitable, mysterious beauty by nature.
* Morphorium Blue Palette (limited edition) – Colors: M deep purple, P vivid blue & IR fresh green (pressed eye shadows); P light brown (cream eye shadow) & glow-on P pink (blush).  $69
* Morphorium Sunset Gold Palette (limited edition) - Colors: M deep brown, P brick gold & IR creamy white (pressed eye shadows); P beige pink (cream eye shadow) & glow-on P peach (blush). $69
* “Shine Mystique” Eye Color - “khaki silver”  Loose powder eye color with olive khaki and silver reflection go in harmony with both morphorium limited edition palettes.  $30

SHISEIDO -  Spring 2011 Color Collection by Dick Page
The new Spring Color collection by Dick Page comes to life with a sparkling violet that makes lips pop. Infuse your lips with moisture and fullness with the new Shimmering Rouge. Eyes subtly glimmer with the Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio.
* Shiseido 'Spring Collection' Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio - "Bouquet" (purples), "Punky Blues" (blues & pink), & "Voyage" (neutrals) $33
* Shiseido 'Shimmering Rouge' Lip Color -  "Iron Maiden", "Desire", "Brocade", "Lounge" & "Stiletto"  (There are 13 colors in this new collection but these are my favs!)  $25
* Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil - "Chianti", "Mahogany" & "Tangelo"  $20

CHANEL – “Les Perles de Chanel” Spring 2011 Collection
Inspired by the lustrous, natural beauty of pearls, this collection of delicate, luminous shades beautifully flatter face and fingertips.
* Les 4 Ombres quadra eye shadow - "Regard Perlè"  (deep green, rose, beige and ivory) $57
* Le Crayon Yeux - "Gris Scintillant" (shimmering silver-grey)  $29
* Le Vernis - "Black Pearl" (iridescent light-reflecting black), "Pearl Drop" (lustrous white) & "Pêche Nacrée (shimmering peach)   Limited Edition  $25
* Joues Contraste powder blush - "Espiègle" (soft peach)  $43
* Rouge Coco hydrating creme lip colour - "Peregrina" (warm peach) & "Jersey Rose" (rich rosewood) Limited Edition  $34
* Rouge Allure Luminious Satin Lip color - "Flamboyante" (vivid fuchsia) & "Coquette"  (satiny rose)  Limited Edition  $32
* Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour - "Cristal Rose" (rose-beige)  Limited Edition  $34
* Lèvres Scintillantes glossimer - "Nakkar"(rich raspberry) & "Aragonite" (iridescent white) Limited Edition colors $29
* Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss - Pure Shine Intense Colour Long Wear Lip Gloss In "Génie" (& "Insouciance"  $32
* Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer - "Pêche" (warm peach) & "Framboise"  (raspberry) $29
* Poudre Universelle Compacte Natural Finish Pressed Powder  - "Rose Merveille"  (delicate rose-beige) Limited Edition $45
* Inimitable Intense Mascara Multi-Dimensionnel Sophistiqué in "Noir" (Black) $30
* Vitalumière Moisture-Rich Radiance Fluid Makeup SPF 15  $55

ESTEE LAUDER – “Wild Violet Pure Color” Spring Collection
New Wild Violet Pure Color for Spring 2011 created by Tom Pecheux, Creative Makeup Director. Flashes of luminous violet against a wild sky. Vibrant. Translucent. Brilliant.
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Eyeshadow Palette - $42
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Long Lasting Lipstick - "Wild Violet" "Wild Blossom" and "Wild Fire" $24
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Lip Gelée -  " Electric Pink" & "Electric Cherry" $20
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Shimmer Eyeshadow  - "Sugar Cube" (white) & "Untamed Violet (violet) $20
* Double Wear' Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil  - "Untamed Violet" $19
* 'Wild Violet Pure Color' Long Lasting Nail Lacquer  - "Wild Storm"  (silver metallic grey) Limited Edition $19
* Sumptuous Extreme' Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara  - "Extreme Black", "Extreme Brown", "Extreme Indigo" & "Extreme Violet"  $23.50

SPRING 2011 BEAUTY TRENDS:

With all the cold weather and snowstorms (at least here in the NorthEast) I know it's heard to think of spring but it will be here before you know it. Now is the perfect time to start planning your beauty shopping so I wanted to share with my "Karen's World of Beauty" Readers what the key beauty trends are for Spring 2011. 

 

"Glowing Perfect Skin" - (seen at Gucci and Versace)
Luminious and healthy, perfected skin was a look seen on many spring runways. Say "good-bye" dull, dead-looking winter skin and "hello" to glowing and radiant spring complexions!

 Products To Try:

NARS - Sheer Glow Foundation  ($42)

Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk Foundation  ($52)

"Neon Matte" Lips -  (seen at Jill Sander and Diane von Furstenberg)
Strong dramatic lips but done in neon bright shades of pink, orange and red was a hot trend for spring 2011. This look is easy for any woman to pull off using matte lip liner and/or lipstick.

Products To Try:

Tarte - LipSurgence™ Natural Matte Lip Tint   ($24)
Try "Lively" (hot pink) and "Fiery" (matte red)

Lancôme - Color Design Sensational Effects Lipcolor  ($22)

Try "Wannabe"  (Bright Magenta)

"Nouveau Pastel" Eyes- (seen at Valentino and Christian Dior)
Strutting down the spring 2011 runways were bright pastel eye shadow colors but done with a modern twist.

Products To Try:

Make Up For Ever - Pure Pigment ($19)
Try No. 2 (Yellow), No. 12 (Fuchsia), No. 14 (Violet) and No. 16 (Blue)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (O.C.C.) - Loose Colour Concentrates ($12)
Try "WASABI" (neon green sheen), "CAVU BLUE" (billiard chalk blue), and "OBERON" (ethereal pink white frost)

"Ballerina Buns" - (seen at Gucci and Nina Ricci)
A trend that's been made more popular due to the "Black Swan" movie...everyone wants to be a prima ballerina.

Products To Try:

Redken - Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray; Maximum Control  ($18)  11oz

Living Proof - Full Thickening Mousse ($24) 5oz 

"Shiny Metal" Nails - (seen at 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander McQueen)
A variety of metallic shades continue to rock the runway this spring. Most popular metallic colors were gray, pewter and gold.

 Products To Try:

Ginger & Liz Nail Polish  ($12)  - "Got My Groove Back"  (Gold)

O.P.I. Nail Polish ($8) - "Lucerne-talinly Look Marvelous" (metallic silver gray)

 ** All spring 2011 Runway Beauty Images: www.Style.com

JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS: HAUL VIDEO & REVIEW

Here's video review of my latest haul from "earth-friendly" Josie Maran Cosmetics created by supermodel Josie Maran.




PRODUCTS REVIEWED:

Argan Color Stick in "Petal Pink"  (neutral pink) $22
An argan oil-infused, sheer color stick that gives a lasting, natural flush to cheeks and lips.

Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain in "Mambo" (toasted beige) and "Flamenco" (cherry red)   $19
A long-wearing natural lip and cheek stain packaged in a portable pen for effortless touch ups on the go.

Argan Lip Gloss in "Compassion" (rosy pink)$18
This conditioning lip gloss comes in sheer, easy to wear shades that highlight your natural lip color with a sophisticated touch of shimmer.

Eye Shadow in "Cacao" *   $20
* (This shade is discontinued but you can try "Cappuccino" - a dark warm brown shimmer)
Vibrant, velvety shadows for the eyes.

Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in "Sweet Citrus" $35
A velvety, lightweight and hydrating body butter is whipped to perfection, so you can spread the love with Josie Maran’s signature ingredient, Argan Oil.

I have to say I'm a big fan of this brand. I love that Josie Maran Cosmetics uses high quality, botanical ingredients in their products. I especially love all the products I've tried from the Argan Oil line.  Commonly referred to as "liquid gold" or "the gold of Morocco," Argan Oil is a wonderful source of vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It has incredible healing, conditioning, and anti-aging properties that help keep skin and hair nourished. But don't just take my word for it...try one of Josie Maran's cosmetic products for yourself and let me know what you think!



* Products were provided for review but I am not affiliated with the company, nor was I paid to review any of the products mentioned in this video.