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.

READER BEAUTY QUESTION - TINTED MOISTURIZER FOR DARK SKIN

My fabulous Fashion Stylist friend, Kalyn Johnson of the style blog "Possess Your Style" recently emailed me with a makeup emergency.  The tinted moisturizer that she loved and used for years has been discontinued so she needs recommendations for her deeper skin tone.  Her questions seemed liked a great "Reader Beauty Question" to feature on my blog since alot of women of color don't like to wear foundation but want some coverage. Tinted moisturizer gives women the moisture that their skin needs along with a sheer wash of color that blends beautifully.  See below for my top picks of tinted moisturizer for women with deeper skin tones.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Alison Raffaele - Tinted Moisturizer in "Dark"  ($35)

Perfect for daytime, the minerals in this lightweight, oil-free moisturizer provide a natural, physical barrier against harmful UVA / UVB rays. Medium coverage with a matte finish.

Bobbi Brown - SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer  in "Dark Tint" & "Deep Tint"  ($40.00)
The perfect alternative to foundation for a more casual look. This tint of natural-looking color combined with sun protection blends smoothly over skin, and moisturizes while providing lightweight, comfortable, sheer coverage. Best for Normal to Dry skin types.

Laura Mercier - Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer Deeper shades: "Almond", "Caramel", "Tan", "Walnut" & "Mocha"  ($42)
This lightweight foundation that can be reapplied as necessary, offers sun protection for sensitive or acne prone skin, oil control, and provides hydration to prevent dryness.

Stila - Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15   Deeper shades: "Bronze", "Warm" "Deep" & "Dark" ($34) 
Reveal the true you with flawless, even-looking skin, with this light, barely-there coverage.  Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer is an instant skin illuminator, combining a tinted moisturizer with SPF 15, and provides barely-there coverage.

Smashbox - Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer  Deeper shades: "Medium" & "Dark"  ($30)
A lightweight, oil-free tinted moisturizer packed with vitamins and anti-aging peptides for naturally radiant skin. The formula nourishes as it absorbs excess oil throughout the day, and UVA/UVB SPF 15 guards against future damage so skin stays flawless and protected.

Boots No7 - Soft & Sheer Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15 in "Medium" & "Dark"  ($11.99)
The sheer wash of barely there color will give you a radiant natural glow and even out your skin tone. It contains SPF 15 sunscreen to help protect your skin from the aging effects of the sun and moisturizes for up to 12 hours.

mark - Get A Tint Tinted Moisturizer Lotion SPF 15  in "Almond/Mocha"  ($9)
A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with just enough color to even out your skin tone and give the appearance of a healthy glow. The unique skin-balancing formula hydrates while it helps prevent shine in those spots prone to excess oil.


I hope this post helps not only Kalyn but other "Karen's World of Beauty Readers."  Please let me know if you have any beauty questions you'd like answered.  Feel free to email me directly or you can leave your question as a Comment to this post. Who knows...you might be featured in the next blog post featuring a "Reader Beauty Question!"

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

NEW FEATURE: READER BEAUTY QUESTION

I was recently on photo shoot with my talented photographer friend, Christine Austin, when she asked me a beauty question. I thought it was an interesting question that would make a good blog post. I also thought that if she had this question, possibly other Karen's World of Beauty Readers would benefit from the answer too.  Christine wanted to know all about lip stains so here's some brief info on what they are and what they do:

Lip stains are a cosmetic product designed to stain the lips with long-lasting color which will resist wear. Unlike lipstick, a stain does not contain wax -  it  temporarily stains and saturates the lips with color like a dye, rather than applying colored wax to the lips like with lipstick. Lip stains are usually created to be waterproof so that the color will be long lasting, smear resistant, wear unevenly, or not come off on your teeth.

There are generally two types of lip stains; the kind that come in a bottle or tube with an applicator to brush the color onto the lips or in a jar and you use your fingers or makeup brush to apply the stain. Most stains are matte so you can apply gloss or blam on top to provide sheen or moisture to the lips. Some cosmetic companies now create sets that include a stain paired with a gloss or lip plumper.

Christine is not much of a makeup wearer and she told me going into Sephora is overwhelming.  With so many cosmetic lines and various types of products it's easy to be confused. Christine has fair skin with a cool undertone and brown hair so the products listed below are ones I suggest for her coloring but note that all these brands offer a variety of shades. Choose a lip stain color that will best suit your own skintone and look most natural.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Stila - Lip & Cheek Stain  ($24) - Yumberry Crush (sheer pearlized pink)
A multi-tasking lip and cheek stain, packaged in Stila's iconic clickable pen, that reacts to pH levels to create a perfectly personalized hue.

Benefit - Posietint  ($28)
Benefit's Posietint is a petal-pink stain that plants a kiss of see-through tint on cheeks and lips that last for hours.

 

Laura Mercier - Lip Stain ($20) - Shy Pink (light natural pink)

Laura Mercier Lip Stain provides the visual effect of a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lip gloss.

 

NARS - Lip Stain Gloss  ($24)  Rage (rose coral)
Soft shine and sheer color that gently stains the lips. Shades can be layered for added intensity.  

Tarte - Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence™ Technology  ($24)  Enchanted (rose)
The old meets the new with LipSurgence™ technology which is clinically proven to increase moisture content so your lips appear naturally fuller and healthier. Like the cheek stains, each shade of these natural lip stains leaves a natural hint of tint that will last throughout the day.

 

Pixie - Lip Blush  ($18)  Purity (a natural pink tone)

This feather-light water stain tints and tones your lips, creating a blushing healthy hue.

Hope you all enjoyed this new Karen's World of Beauty Feature and please let me know if you have any beauty questions you'd like answered.  You can email me or leave your questions as a Comment to this post. If you do, you just might be featured in the next blog post of "Reader Beauty Question."