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.

“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

2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR GIRLS!

Find the perfect Holiday gift for all the lovely ladies in your life! Assembled below are my top picks of cosmetic and skincare products in cyber space and the real world. Happy shopping!!!!

Lancôme - Holiday Color Design Palette: Eyes & Cheeks in "Jeweled Purple"  $39.50
Get your most glamorous look for the holidays with a sultry mix of six sparkling eye shadows and an opulent blush. Indulge in a limited-edition compact adorned with holiday inspired jewels.
Includes:
    - Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Smooth Hold in "Sparkle", "Jeweled", "Matte Purple", "Purple Haze", "Purple Passion" and "Amethyst Tryst"
    - Blush Subtil Powder Blush in "Shimmer Violet Sunrise"
* For Holiday's free shipping on any order online at www.lancome.com - no promo code necessary.

 Sleek MakeUP - Sparkle i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette (Limited Edition)  $10
Sparkle your way through the festive season with deep dazzling festive shades.  A must have for the party season, you'll be spoilt for choice with this palette of 12 glitter-laced velvety-smooth eye shadows.

SMASHBOX - "The Gold List" Gift Set  ($108 value) $49
A five-piece, travel-ready kit that helps you achieve a camera-ready, golden glow.
This set contains:
- Fusion Soft Lights in "Baked Starburst"
- Photo Finish Luminzing Foundation Primer
- O-Gloss Gold
- Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
- gold metallic cosmetic case

OPI for SEPHORA - Eighteen Piece Mini Nail Colour Set  ($81 Value) $48.00
A perfect gift, this Sephora by OPI set includes 18 shades  of mini nail colors that range from essential to edgy. Colors Included:
A True Romantic, Techno Girl, Access 24/7, Ms. Can't Be Wrong, What A Broad, Just A Little Dangerous, Cab Fare, Caliente Coral, Special Request, High Maintenance, Sample Sale, I'm With Brad, Leaf Him At The Altar, Mermaid To Order, Opening Night, Already Famous, Dating The Drummer, and Never Enough Shoes

 

NARS - "D. Lovely Lip Gloss Coffret" $49
An essential collection of four NARS mini Duo Lip Glosses.
Includes: "Misbehave/All Night Long", "Pillow Talk/Sandpiper", "Orgasm/Chihuahua" and "Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses" 
* For limited time all Gifts ship FREE online!

Bobbi Brown - "Pink & Gold" Lip Palette  (Limited Edition)  $45.00
The ultimate holiday lip palette, this collection of fresh pinks, deep roses and a beautiful golden nude can be
mixed and layered for a custom look.
Colors included:
"Roseberry", "Kir", "Pretty Pink", "Sunset Nude", "Italian Rose" and "Brownie" Lip Color.

KORRES - "Sugar Plums" Color Collection  ($41.00 value)  $29.50
A Limited Edition selection of Korres best-selling plum color products in a beautiful, giftable box.
The Collection contains:
"Plum" Cherry Oil Lipgloss, "Plum" Lip Butter and Cheek Tint and "Plum" Sunflower & Evening Primrose Eyeshadow 

* Enter code "FORYOU" and get a free "Cherry Lip Kisses" collection and FREE ground shipping on orders $40 or more.

PHILOSOPY - "Home For The Holidays" Crème Brulée gift set  (Reg.$25)  $18
A gift of sweet treats to make you feel at home. Spoil yourself with the pure decadence of crème brulée
multitasking shower gel, body lotion and lip shine.
 * Free shipping on all orders - no minimum thru 11/28 using code: holidayship.

KIEHLS - Creme de Corps Collection ($79 value) $59
Kiehls cherished Creme de Corps products, famous for it's rich in all-day hydration, makes it ideal for pampering dry skin.  Set includes:
Creme de Corps cream (8.4 oz.),
Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish (6.8 oz.)
Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream (2.5oz.)
Lip Balm #1 (.5 oz.)
Ultra Facial Cream deluxe (.25 oz.)
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate packette (.17 oz.)

*Friends & Family discount of 20% off all orders and FREE ground shipping on orders of $30 & up. Use Code: FAMILY10 (valid 11/26 - 11/30)


And finally....the ultimate gift for any makeup obsessed woman in your life.

MAKE UP FOR EVER - Rock For Ever Dany's Essentials ($597 Value) $299
A rock 'n' roll-inspired makeup case piled high with 29 product favorites handpicked by Dany Sanz, MAKE UP FOR EVER's Creator and Artistic Director.
This set contains:
For Complexion:  HD Elixir; HD Microperfecting Primer; HD Microfinish Powder; Mist & Fix; HD Kabuki Brush
For Eyes:  Smoky Lash, Aqua Smoky Lash;  Aqua Eyes in shades Mat Black 0L (black), Pearly Brown 2L (golden brown sheen), Iridescent Navy Blue 3L (navy blue sheen), and Purple 11L (metallic purple); Aqua Black Waterproof Cream Eye Shadow; Aqua Cream in shades 13 Warm Beige (champagne shimmer) and 15 Taupe (taupe brown shimmer); Eye Shadow in shades Iridescent Yellow Beige 126 (tan beige shimmer) and Iridescent Brown Black 139 (brown black shimmer); Diamond Shadow Diamond Purple 309 (dark purple with silver shimmer); Star Powder in shades Copper 922 (true copper shimmer) and White/Orange 940 (iridescent white pearl peach);  Faux Lash in 21 Floriane and 115 Erin; Travel Sens'Eyes; Double Pencil Sharpener
For Lips:  Rouge Artist Intense in shades 1 (matte flesh), 36 (satin fuchsia), and 43 Moulin Rouge (satin vibrant red); Aqua Cream 5 Peach (peachy pink with gold flecks); Aqua Lip in Nude Beige 1C (light neutral beige) and Red 8C (true red)