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

SPRING 2010 BEAUTY TRENDS

 

Spring officially starts today so I've created a list of the top beauty trends for spring/summer 2010 from the Runway shows!  

 

1)  Agent Orange - Various shades of orange (coral, tangerine, and peach) were seen on lips and cheeks. It's a universal color that looks great on everyone! 

Show: Chris Benz and Chanel

Get the Look:
Lancôme - L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick in “Chris & Tell”  $29
This advanced lip color provides 6-hour care with continuous moisture and protective Vitamin E. Features plumping polymer and non-feathering color to define and reshape lips.

Bobbi Brown - Cabana Corals Collection: Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks  –  [Try  “Cabo Coral” (a pink nectar) and “Calypso Coral” (a bright coral) ] $22

Award-winning, cream-based product can be used on both lips and cheeks.

Bobbi Brown - Cabana Corals Collection: Nectar Shimmer Brick Compact  $38
This shimmering, brush-on powder creates a soft, coral glow. Works well with neutral and peach blush shades. 

2) Pastel Paradise - The '80s trend has moved to makeup, with a palette of icy blues, purples, and other sorbet shadows for spring.

Show: Versace

Get the Look:

Tokidoki – Cromatico Eyeshadow Palette – "Diamante"(purple) $25
A limited-edition eyeshadow palette that allows you to explore both your criminally cute and irresistibly edgy sides.

Yves Saint Laurent  – Ombres Quadrilumières 4 Colour Harmony for Eyes – #3 Absinthe Green $54

Beauty and technology combine in Ombres Quadrilumieres to glide on the skin like the softest caress, pampering and beautifying eyelids with velvety mattness, luminosity, exceptional hold, and comfort.

  

Shu Uemura – Egerie Eye Shimmer Duo – “Starry Violet” $42

Duo color eye shadow set that includes a shimmering creamy liquid and a hyper sparkling glitter powder.

 

 3) Glowing Goddess – Luminous, glowing skin was all the rage for spring.
Show: Thakoon

Get the Look:
NARS - Orgasm Illuminator - (peachy pink with golden shimmer) $29
A complexion enhancer that makes skin look instantly refreshed, radiant, and glowing.

Smashbox – Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion [3 shades: “Diffuse” (pearl), “Glow” (bronze) and “Flash” (peach)]. $24
It's all in the lighting ... luminize your face by blending this oil-free lotion into your foundation.

ILLAMASQUA – Illuminator [5 shades: "Fondle" (peachy pink), "Glimmer" (golden tan), "Halycon" (ivory pearl), "Odyssey" (white pearl), and "Poised" (pale pink)] $18

A muliti-purpose illuminator that goes on wet, but dries quickly leaving a high-shine, reflective finish that lasts all night.

4) Pink Power – A wide spectrum of pinks were seen on lips from baby doll petal pink to icy cool rose or full on fuchsia.

Show: Zac Posen

Get the Look:
Lancôme - Color Fever Lipstick Roses Collection  $25
Color Fever Roses is a sensual new Color Fever collection that transforms your lips with shades that capture the actual color of rose petals.

Chanel – Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour – “Rose Comete” ($30)
A modern interpretation of classic creme lip colour that features a Hydratendre complex to help soften, soothe and condition lips - even boosting their ability to hold in moisture - for a plumper, smoother and healthier-looking appearance.

Stila – Long Wear Lip Color [Try "Coquette" (pink mauve), "Exhilarating" (bright hot pink), "Flushed" (cool pink) and "Intriguing" (fuchsia)] $20
A lipstick and lip gloss all in one that boasts extended wear while keeping lips feeling soft and smooth - never dry.

* Photo credit for Lancome pics: Lancôme press release.  All other Fashion Show Images courtesy of www.style.com