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.

2011 BREAST CANCER AWARENESS BEAUTY

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) month and many beauty brands have created special BCA branded products to support breast cancer research. So why not support a worthy cause while scoring some new pink themed beauty products?  And most of these beauty items are Limited Edition so there's even more incentive to start shopping. Here are my top picks:

Stila - Positive and Pretty Palette  ($14)
Specially created for Breast Cancer Awareness month, this palette will leave you looking and feeling beautiful from the inside out. Palette includes:
- 4 eye shadow shades ("Gift", "Passion", "Positive" & "Beauty")
- Cheek color ("Pretty")
- Bronzer/Highlighter ("Empower")
A portion of the proceeds from this Limited Edition pink-themed palette will go to breast cancer research and the betterment of women living with cancer.

Estee Lauder - Evelyn Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection  ($24)
This set features a Limited Edition Pure Color Lipstick in "Wildly Pink", plus a pink croc-embossed clutch. Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Jane Iredale -  Roses & Lollipops Lip Duo ($30)
A lip duo featuring two new universally flattering lip shades in a keychain locket featuring a pink Swarovski crystal. The locket contains two of Jane Iredale's best-selling products: PureMoist™ Lip Colour ("Roses") – a pigment-rich, creamy lipstick that hydrates with jojoba and grape seed extract; and PureGloss™ for Lips (in "Lollipops") – a sheer, petroleum-free gloss made with green tea leaf extract.
Jane Iredale donates 100% of profits from the sale of this product to Living Beyond Breast Cancer which empowers all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.

Bobbi Brown - Pink Ribbon Collection  ($44)
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbi has created the Limited Edition Pink Ribbon Collection. The set features "Pink" Lip Color and "Bellini" High Shimmer Lip Gloss, which can be worn individually or layered together. With each purchase, $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.

Sonia Kashuk - Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush Set ($14.99)
Be beautiful inside and out with this set of professional quality makeup brushes with clean white handles, chic silver trim and plush pink bristles. Housed in a structured silver and pink-lined makeup case, this signature set includes a Powder/Blusher Brush, Crease Brush, Synthetic Foundation/Concealer Brush, Small Eyeshadow Brush and Bent Eyeliner Brush.  A donation of 15% per purchase will be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 CND - Pink Wishes Colour & Effects Duo  ($20)
The CND Pink Wishes Duo helps you continue the fight against breast cancer and show your support of breast cancer survivors. This Limited Edition nail polish set features Pink Wishes Colour, a cotton-candy pink which layers beautifully with Pink Wishes Effect that has a sweet, pale pink pearlescent sheen.

Boots - No7 Intensive Moisture Face Mask  ($19.99)
An intensively quenching treat for softer, smoother skin. With caring vitamins A, C and E, plus invigorating apple extract to brighten your skin. This deliciously soft, lightly whipped gel-cream will leave your skin feeling softer, plumper and looking more youthful.  Boots is donating $2 from every sale of this mask to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $25,000, now and during the month of October.

Elemis - Think Pink Beauty Collection  ($55)
The renowned British spa and skincare brand has packaged three of their most popular products (Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust cream; Pro-Collagen Marine Cream; and Skin Nourishing Shower Cream) into a super cute pink beauty case. Spoil yourself for a good cause.  A portion of every kit sold will be donated to Breast Cancer Care with the company promising to pledge at least $16,000 to breast cancer research this year.


To learn more about Breast Cancer and the search for the cure , visit the following websites:
www.NationalBreastCancer.org
www.komen.org
www.bcrfcure.org
www.findacure.org

“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

SUMMER LUVIN' - Summer 2010 Beauty Collections

Here's the run-down of new cosmetic collections debuing this summer. There's tons of gorgeous goodies to choose from but most are Limited Editions so get your credit cards ready! Once they're gone, they're gone...you don't want to be trolling Ebay and paying triple the price for that "must have" product you let slip out of your hands. Trust me! I've been there, and done that my friends. 

CHANEL:  Summer 2010 Makeup Collection - "Les Pop-Up De Chanel" (Limited Edition)
The standout shades of the season: pops of neon-bright lip and nail colour, luminous bronzing powders and more.
Le Vernis (Nail Colour) in "Riviera", "Nouvelle Vague" & "Mistral"  $23
Rouge Allure (Luminous Satin Lip Color) in "Genial", "Darling" and "Super" $30
Gloss Fluo de Chanel (Brillant Lip Shine) in "Pop" & "Laser" $27
Levres Scintillantes (Glossimer) in "Bikini Peach" $27
Rouge Allure (luminous Satin Lip Colour Lipshine spf 15) in "Bondi" $28.50
Aqualumiere Gloss (High Shine Sheer Concentrate) in "Bondi Beach" $28.50
Soleil Tan de Chanel (sheer illuminating fluid) in "Sunkissed" $48
Soleil Tan de Chanel (Moisturizing Bronzing Powder) in "Terre D'or", "Terre Halee", "Terre Epice" & "Terre Ambre" $50
Les 4 Ombres (quadra eyeshadow) in "Demure" $56
Inimitable Waterproof (multi-dimensional mascara) in Noir $30

CLARINS:  "Instant Sun Light" Summer 2010 Collection
Inspired by the colors of spices for intoxicating light and warmth. For women who want a sun-kissed look all year 'round or to enhance a beautiful tan during summer months.
Instant Sun Light Eye Quartet and Liner Palette $36.00
Instant Sun Light Click & Gloss SPF 6 in "01 Vanilla", "02 Coral" and "03 Cinnamon" $18.00
Instant Smooth Compact Highlighter  in "01 Natural" and  "02 Bronze" $32.00
Waterproof Eye Pencil in "02 Bronze" $23

DIOR:    "Summer Look" Collection 2010
Inspired by the colors of John Galliano's fashion shows and the energy of Dior Addict Ultra Gloss. It highlights must-have products with irresistible, glowing and instant radiance.
"Addicted to Dior" Lip Gloss Luggage Tag in "Addicted Pink 002" $60
5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow  in "Crush Glow 659" $58
'One Color Extreme' Eyeshadow in "Golden Spotlight"  $28
'Smoothing Lacquer' Lip Polish  in "Radiance Expert Beige 001", "Fresh Expert Pink 002", and "Glow Expert Coral 003" $29.50

ESTEE LAUDER:  "Bronze Goddess" Summer 2010 Collection
Eyes sparkle...bright lips beckon in tempting shades. All illuminated with a heavenly sun-kissed glow.  This summer, the heat is on. Unleash your inner goddess.
Exotic Bronzing Blush $35,    Luminous Liquid Bronzer $28.50
Liquid EyeShadow in "Aqua Flash", "Ultra Violet", "Molten Bronze" and "Sand Shimmer" $17.50
New! Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara $19.50
Exotic Lip Gloss in "Wild Orchid" and "Wild Coral" $18
Pure Color GLoss Stick in "Wild Plum" and "Cherry Ice" $18.50
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in "Wild Orchid" $18
Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent $52

LANCOME:  "Bronze Riviera" - Summer 2010 Color Collection
A Playful Glow of Bronze. A Celebratory Pop of Pink.  Be lavished in shades of gold and bronze that jet you away to the beautiful places and faces of the Riviera. The most luxurious elements of nature all come together now to create this summer’s hottest color collection—with pops of pink to add a happy play of color to any look.
Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Compact, Bronze Riviera Palette for Summer 2010 -  "Pink Party Pretty" ($45)
Le Crayon Khôl Waterproof  Dual Ended Eyeliners in  "Sultry in Sunset" and "Sassy in Sunrise" $28.00
Color Design -Sensational Effects Lipcolor in "Summer Nude", "Sweetly Pink" and "Pink Splash" $22
Juicy Tubes 100% Natural Origin Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss in "Pink Precious", "Blushing Beauty", "Rose Pretty" and "Sheerfully Sweet" ($18)
Le Lipstique LipColouring Stick with Brush "Sultry Nude" $23.50
Le Vernis Divine Lasting Color & Shine polish in "Ms. Perfectly Pink" $18
Tropiques Minérale Bamboo Bronzer  in "Temptingly Bronze" $45
Tropiques Minérale - All Over Magic Bronzing Brush $33
Brightening Mineral Powder Blush With White Sapphire Complex™ in "Sparkling Sand", "Brillant Berry" and "Luminous Rose" $29.50

LAURA MERCIER:  "Sun Drenched" Summer 2010 Collection
The focus is on the body with an allover healthy glow, while cheeks are warm with a well-rested complexion. Lips are drenched with bold shades of fuchsia, coral or naked beige and multicolored neutrals accent the eyes.
'Bronzing' Pressed Powder  in "Sun Bronze", "Dune Bronze", "Golden Bronze" and "Matte Bronze" $32.00
Lustre Eye Colour in "Sandbar", "Marina" and "Sundown" $22.00
Lip Glacé in "Glistening Sand", "Heat Wave" and "Bon Bon" $22.00
Bronzing Gel  $32.00
Body Bronzing Makeup $38.00

NARS:  Summer 2010 - "Effortless Sophistication" collection
Inspired by Catherine Deneuve's character Severine in the iconic film "Belle de Jour". Francois Nars says "her character is incredibly beautiful and elegant. Her look is effortless -- she has an incredible inner sophistication."
Duo Eyeshadow in "Burn It Blue" $32
Cream Eyeshadow in "Cayenne" $22.00
Cream Blush in "Enchanted" $26
Lip gloss in "Coup de Coeur" $24
Lipstick "Love Devotion" $24
The Multiple in "Lamu" $38
Nail Polish in "Versailles" $16

SHU UEMURA:  "Gem Glam" 2010 Summer Collection
Inspired by the dazzling brilliance and alluring colors of precious gemstones, the shu uemura 2010 summer makeup collection invites you to let your summer beauty sparkle through a flawless, luminous complexion, multifaceted eyes and radiant lips.
Gem Glam Pressed Eye Shadow in "P 450" (pearl pastel sea green) "G silver"(sparkling silver), "G gold" (sparkling gold) and  "G rainbow" (sparkling pink-tone white)  $20
Gem Glam Cream Eye Shadow in "P pearl light pink", "P pearl ivory" and "P pearl light purple"  $30
Gem Glam Flawless Glow Powder  $55)
Gem Glam Vinyl Unlimited Lipgloss in "PK 327" (soft pink lacquer) and "OR 521" (coral pink lacquer)  $20

 YVES SAINT LAURENT:  YSL Summer Collection 2010
For the summer, the YSL woman embodies fantasy and freshness. Cheerful and light, the colors are a play on transparency to express freedom with a touch of elegance.
 'Terre Saharienne' Bronzing Powder in "#01 Sand",  "#02 Copper Sand" and "#03 Golden Sand"  $50.00
 'Fard Lumiere Aquaresistant' Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow  in "Riveria Blue", "Pink Sands" and "Golden Sands"  $30.00
'Gloss Pur' Pure Lip Gloss in "#03 Pure Coral, "#04 Pure Raspberry", "#07 Pure Sorbet", "#09 Pure Hibiscus", and "#10 Pure Redcurrant"  $30.00
Waterproof Mascara in "Blue Lagoon"  $30.00
La Laque "Long-Lasting Nail Lacquer in "#142 Ultra Orange" and "#42 Ultra Violet"  $20

READER BEAUTY QUESTION - PURPLE LIPS

In this new installment of "Reader's Beauty Questions" my lovely friend and model muse, Shauna emailed me that she needed my professional guidance on purple lips.  She loved the look but wanted some direction on what colors to pick. Below are my "cream of the crop" choices when it comes to wearing purple on the lips - whether in gloss or lipstick.

(FYI: Purple lips "ruled the runway" at the Vena Cava spring 2010 show).

DEEP - use for dramaticly dark and seductive pout

Lipstick:

MAC "Cyber" - Intense blackish-purple (satin)

Victoria's Secret - Perfect Lipstick in "Vixen" - plum ($12)

Gloss:
Three Custom Color -  "Drifter" Lip Gloss for Rescue Beauty Lounge - a modern and sexy deep plum gloss. ($22.50)

Urban Decay - Pocket Rocket Gloss in "Jesse" -  blackberry with warm sparkle. ($19)

MEDIUM - bright/vibrant yet wearable level of color

Lipstick:
Tarte - Lipstick in "Zinfandel" - plummy wine ($16)

Givenchy - Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in "10 Paradise Pink" - pink mauve  ($28)

Gloss:

Kat Von D. - Lightning Sheer Lip Gloss in "Bam" - sheer grape with pink and gold glitter (sale - $9)

 Estee Lauder - (Limited Edition) Bronze Goddess Exotic Lip Gloss in "Wild Orchid" ($18)

LIGHT - soft dose of color that's perfect for daytime

Lipstick:

MAC - Amplified Creme Lipstick in "Up The Amp" - Lavender violet ($14)

Benefit - Silky-Finish Lipstick in "Swoonderful" - pearl/ silver mauve  ($18)

Gloss:

Victoria's Secret - Limited Edition Spring 2010 Lip Gloss ($10)

Benefit - Lip Goss in "Kiss You" - clear fuchsia  ($18)