For those who are looking to try something new and unique here are 6 brands that I absolutely adore and feel that everyone should at least look into!
Accessibility for these non-mainstream brands is often a challenge for those who don’t live in LA or NY or Japan – but thanks to the internet, there are tons of blogs and resources you can use to find out how to purchase these items. Here is a quick rundown of each brand with some useful links and a feature of my favorite item from each line.
1) Paul & Joe Beaute – I *adore* this line for the charming packaging, unique color selection and high quality. What’s not to love? Check their website for locations. I’ve purchased my items from dermstore.com and Bergdorf Goodman in NY.
Two items I’m loving right now are Face Color #18 & Pearl Powder #3:
* The Beauty Look Book:
Paul & Joe Beaute: Absolutely Adorable!
More Paul & Joe Beauty: Eyeshadow, Face Color, Pearl Powder and Palettes
Fall 2009 Sneak Peak: Paul & Joe . . .
Paul & Joe Autumn 2009 Catalog
Paul & Joe Fall 2009 Mini Haul from Bergdorfs
* Big shout out to Haru at Rouge Deluxe who got me into Paul & Joe! Her blog has numerous articles, pictures and swatches of some gorgeous items.
* Yuki’s Lazy Channel is a great blog with fabulous pictures
************************************************************
2) Edward Bess – Exclusive to Edwardbess.com and Bergdorf Goodman in New York, this line was created by a young entrepreneur Edward Bess. More info on his website. His collection seems to contain classic polished colors for the modern woman (think Charlize Theron or Jennifer Aniston) I have more products coming in the mail so stay tuned for more info! I have fallen hard for Intimate Eyeshadow – a gorgeous pigmented taupe eyeshadow.
In natural sunlight:
Swatch with flash:
* The Beauty Look Book: First Look at Edward Bess: Naturally Chic
* The Non-Blonde:
Edward Bess Lipstick and Lipgloss
New Edward Bess Lipstick and Lipgloss
* Blogdorfgoodman:
Let Me Introduce You To Mr Edward Bess . . .
Isn’t it romantic? … New Lipsticks and glosses from Edward Bess
* The Beauty Alchemist:
Edward Bess Lipstick
************************************************************
3) Le Metier de Beaute – Available in the US at select Neiman Marcus Locations, Bergdorf Goodman, a few private salons and Fred Segal Beauty in Santa Monica. The products are fairly expensive, but I believe the eyeshadows and lipglosses are worth every penny (your mileage may vary on the other products).
My favorites right now: (Top to Bottom) Vanilla Rose Lip Creme, Cafe Creme Lip Creme, Dubai Sheer Brilliance Gloss, Jojo Eyeshadow
Gloss swatches: (L to R) Vanilla Rose, Cafe Creme, Dubai
Jojo swatch:
* Makeup & Beauty Blog: Ever Heard of Le Metier de Beaute?
* The Beauty Look Book:
Color Focus: Coppery Bronze
Neiman Marcus Event: Camp Gorgeous
Le Metier de Beaute: Feature on Lips
Le Metier de Beaute Nail Lacquers
Le Metier de Beaute: Eyes & Cheeks
* Check out product reviews at The Non-Blonde (Le Metier Tags Linked)
************************************************************
4) Rescue Beauty Lounge – This line is well known to nail fanatics. To others who aren’t so familiar with nail products, Rescue Beauty is based out of NY and makes some of the best nail polishes and boasts a stunning range of colors that will suit just about anyone. I’ve purchased mine from Amazon.com and RescueBeauty.com. I’m currently loving Ani (picture in link below) which is the most beautiful neutral beigey-gold-with-pink shimmer I’ve ever seen.
* From The Beauty Look Book: Rescue Beauty Lounge
* All Lacquered Up has 18 articles to date
* Scrangie has 22 features
* The Polish Addict has awesome product swatches
* Steph’s Closet is another great resource
************************************************************
5) Dolce & Gabbana Makeup – One of the newest brands in the US, the first release was at the Saks Fifth Avenue in New York store this past May and then recently at the Beverly Hills location. I’ve had great experiences with both stores – the reps are very knowledgeable about the product line and excellent in recommending colors based on my preferences.
The line is available for sale online at Saks.com and you can see swatches at DolceGabbanaMakeup.com although you cannot purchase them at D&G.com. The price points are pretty high – and I think most of the products are overpriced but I am still very happy with the colors and quality of products I have. Stay tuned for reviews of lipglosses and the new fall blush.
My current favorite is their Eyeshadow Quad in Contrasts. Close Up with Flash:
In natural sunlight:
* Other links from The Beauty Look Book:
First Look: Dolce & Gabbana Makeup
Second Round of Dolce & Gabbana Makeup from Saks NY
Third Round of Dolce & Gabbana Makeup
Dolce & Gabbana Orange Lipstick Comparisons
Dolce & Gabbana Naked Lipstick Comparisons
* Makeup and Beauty Blog:
Dolce & Gabbana Makeup: Say Hello to Luxury Lip Lust
Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up: Fall 2009 Romantic Collection
I Spy Dolce & Gabbana Nail Lacquer in Midnight
Dolce & Gabbana Smooth Eye Colour Quad
* Blogdorf Goodman:
Pat McGrath and Dolce & Gabbana Makeup at Saks Fifth Avenue
* Steph’s Closet:
Dolce & Gabbana Nail Lacquer: Stromboli
* Swide.com:
Pat McGrath: Makeup Tricks & Dolce & Gabbana
************************************************************
6) Becca Cosmetics – This line was founded by Australian makeup artist Rebecca Morrice Williams who is well known for her extensive range of foundation and concealer shades. The line was previously available at select boutiques, Nordstroms, Sephoras and Neiman Marcus locations – but have been pulled out of these big retailers over the past few years. Your best bet to find this line is online or through specialty boutiques listed on beccacosmetics.com. Two standouts are her shimmer powders in Mermaid and Princess and I adore her gorgeous makeup looks.
I don’t have any featured posts on the line yet, but plan to write some in the near future.
Princess (pink) & Mermaid (beige shimmer) – FYI the large containers are no longer sold, they come in smaller containers right now:
These don’t do the products justice and partly why I don’t do swatches:
If you have tried any brands – please share with me your favorite products! Are there any non-mainstream brands you love? Let me know, I’m always looking for more to lust after 🙂
