Bobbi Brown’s newest collection is another series of nudes. The new Nude Collection for 2009, consists of a new shimmer brick, eye palette, gel liner and four creamy lip colors. I’m a huge fan of nude colors, and this collection is absolutely lovely in my opinion!!! Here are the items with a couple promo pics:
I have fallen in love with a new luxury cosmetics line called Le Metier de Beaute. Karen at Makeup and Beauty Blog kindly featured me as a guest blogger in May with a review and introduction on the line. You can find the pictures and review here to find out more about their Galatea Eye Kit, Persephone Eye Kit, Sheer Brilliance Lip Glosses, Lip Cremes, and Lipsticks.
For a mini intro, the line launched exclusively at Bergdorfs and select Neiman Marcus locations last October 2008 and most of the products are available for purchase online at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. The line may be available at few boutique salons and recently launched in the UK at Libertys. Be prepared to see price points similar to that of Dolce & Gabbana (see previous D&G feature here) and Giorgio Armani products.
Since last month’s feature at Makeup and Beauty Blog, I have added a few more glosses and lipsticks to my collection, visited the Neiman Marcus Le Metier counter at the Beverly Hills location and joined the Le Metier de Beaute fan club on Facebook. I have ordered items from the Neimans at King of Prussia (Product Specialist is Ellen) and Beverly Hills (Product Specialist is Scott) locations and both of them are extremely helpful, patient and great at describing colors and making recommendations over the phone.
For my updated collection, I’ve separated the items into two different groups Lilac/Pinks/Reds and Beiges/Peaches/Nudes. There are 2 different formulas, Sheer Brilliance Glosses and Lip Cremes and they are both are mixed in each group. Please refer to Makeup and Beauty Blog for a description on each formula.
Group 1: Lilac/Pinks/Reds, left to right Cap D’Antibes, Marsala, Sweet Creme*, Vanilla Rose*, Cannes, Dubai, Ibiza, Siena, Fraise Creme*
Group 2: Beiges/Peaches/Nudes, left to right Sunset Boulevard*, Zanzibar, Apricot Creme*, Peche Creme*, Creme Caramel*, Captiva, Cafe Creme*, Bondi Beach, Papaye Creme*
(Please note, a * indicates the creme formula. Also note, that Sunset Boulevard, Zanzibar, Marsala and Siena were gifts with purchases and as far as I know, are not available for purchase in the regular line.)
Some of the glosses also come in a lipstick form, here are four of the lipsticks compared with the gloss versions.
Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick & Sheer Brilliance Gloss, left to right San Tropez, Cannes/Cannes, Ibiza/Ibiza, Marrakech
Have you heard about or tried this line? Thoughts? I have seen it featured in a few places and hope they will start advertising more as well as expand their distribution to more retail locations. Le Metier de Beaute was featured in Neiman Marcus’ May 2009 issue of THE BOOK as well as Bergdorf’s Spring Beauty Book section. There is also a picture of their new nail polishes in this month’s Instyle – looks pretty but very tiny!
Kalidescope Kits featured in THE BOOK:
The bottom eye kit is called Persephone, more close ups/info at makeup and beauty blog! I have nothing but raves about the quality of this line. However, I’m not sure the high price tag will attract enough customers, and on each occasion I have placed orders, the counters have been out of stock on at least 2-3 items. However I have received great customer service from the Product Specialists and each time they always offer to locate it at another location and have it shipped directly to me. Also, not all stores received the same items (such as the spring lip kits or eye kits or nail polishes) as what is online. At this time I am not sure if their store distribution is delayed or if the buyers at Neimans simply chooses different products for each location.
If you’ve seen features on this anywhere, please share! I’d love to see more pics or hear about more reviews on the line since it appears that the line selection is not the same everywhere based on the buyers decisions. More to follow on other items soon!
Guerlain has released a new terracotta bronzer called their Princess Powder – Tan Magnifier Powder for Face and Body. I found this online at Nordstrom.com thanks to a friend over at makeupalley.com. As soon as we both saw it online, we ran to our local Saks/Neimans to inquire about this new beauty. However, we both found it was not instore anywhere near us and some associates told us it was a Nordstrom exclusive, however I have a feeling this will just be released in the next month in most stores.
The product description:
“The Terracotta Princess Powder: a unique bronzing powder that captures the spirit and magic of Bollywood. A dust of this powder with its touches of amber and specks of gold lends the complexion a sensual radiance and enchanting shimmer of an Indian princess.”
The product arrived today and is a gorgeous amber gold shimmer – almost like a duo-chrome color when you look at it in sunlight. Those of you familiar with Guerlain are aware that some of their limited edition products contain an overspray of shimmer and have a plain matte color underneath. This product has a light gold overspray, however, you will be pleased to know that underneath is a pretty bronze amber golden shimmer.
The bronzer is extremely expensive at $70 USD. The product weight is 11g/.39oz. To compare with some other products in price/weight:
* Guerlain Terracotta Pearly Sun Powder $57 USD (6g/.21oz) * Giorgio Armani Bronzing Powder $48 USD (7.2g/.25oz) * MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder $27 USD (10g/.35oz) * MAC Bronzing Powder $21 USD (10g/.35oz) * Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder (Regular) $33 USD (8 g/.28oz) * Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder $33 USD (9g/.31oz) * Chanel Soleil de Tan Bronzing Powder $50 USD (11g/.38oz)
The texture is soft and velvety, similar to those MAC Starflash Eyeshadows and some Urban Decay Shimmer Eyeshadows. The pigment is rich and shimmer is definitely noticeable, but not frosty or overly-metallic. Since it is very pigmented, I recommend applying with a soft hand – but don’t worry about it being too rich, it is easy to blend b/c the texture is soft.
Comparisons to some other warm golden/amber bronzers and shimmer powders:
1. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder Laguna Bronze(similar to Aruba, see original post HERE) 2. Guerlain Terracotta Princess Powder 3. Guerlain Terracotta Pearly Sun Powder in Orient Sun 4. Giorgio Armani Bronzing Powder #5 5. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Gold Deposit 6. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish So Ceylon (this was the original one released with the High Tea Collection in 2004)
Swatches (applied primer and Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Bamboo Beige first):
1. Bobbi Brown Laguna Bronze (to me, Laguna Bronze and the new Aruba were already warm, you can see here how the Guerlain is even warmer) 2. Guerlain Princess Powder 3. Guerlain Orient Sun 4. Giorgio Armani #5 5. MAC Gold Deposit 6. MAC So Ceylon
So – is it worth the $70? Yes and no – this is definitely one of the most beautiful bronzers I have ever seen, but even so, still extremely pricey and I have no idea how I talked myself into buying this one.
Thoughts/opinions? Have you tried or seen this in person yet?
Last fall (around September/October 2008) Bobbi Brown discontinued her Lipshimmer Lipsticks and came out with a new formula of shimmer lipsticks, her Metallic Lip Colors. She kept a few of her best-selling shades, but discontinued the rest and released new colors. However, the ones she did keep are slightly different than the originals – just as pretty, but better.
“Metallic Lip Color features a unique combination of high-shine emollients and light-reflective pearls. This creamy lipstick feels soft and comfortable on lips, and offers medium coverage.”
They are in fact creamier in texture than her original Lipshimmers (which were on the dry-side) and offers a true medium coverage. The only downside to the soft texture is that it makes them prone to breakage (2 of mine have broken already). But the colors and textures are lovely and I find that these are one of the few lipsticks I find pretty enough to wear alone without liner or gloss added. These currently retail for $22 USD.
A few of her shades along with Bobbi Brown’s own descriptions and color-pairings:
1. Baby Peach – golden peach (apply with Naked Lipliner & Rose Gold Shimmer Lipgloss) 2. Pretty Pink – warm pink rose (apply with Ballet Pink Lip Liner & Pink Brightening Lip Gloss) 3. Ruffle – bright medium pink (apply with Ballet Pink Lip Liner & Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss) 4. Gilded Pink – warm golden pink (apply with Pale Pink Lip Liner & Petal Lip Gloss) 5. Vintage Rose – warm golden rose (apply with Ballet Pink Lip Liner & Rose Gold Shimmer Lip Gloss) 6. Berry – medium red berry with golden shimmer (apply with Mauve Lip Liner & Punch Lip Tint SPF15) 7. Raspberry – medium pink raspberry (apply with Mauve Lip Liner & Pink Brightening Lip Gloss) 8. Plum – medium pink plum with pink-red pearl (apply with Plum Lip Liner & Maple Lip Tint spf15)
One of my favorite color categories for eyes lips and cheeks is that pretty golden color – pale gold, light bronzey gold, honey golds, amber golds. I’ve decided to share some of my favorite golds for eyes, lips, cheeks and nails – especially those who like MAC’s Naked Honey Collection, but are looking for a bit more variety or other options.
Cheeks – Bronzer, Highlighter, Blush:
1. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Aruba(see previous post HERE) 2. Dior ‘Diorskin’ Shimmer Star Pressed Powder in Copper Diamond 3. Dior ‘Diorskin’ Shimmer Star Pressed Powder in Amber Diamond 4. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in New Vegas(was released with McQueen Collection) 5. MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Enough Said(was released with Red She Said Collection) 6. MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Trace Gold
Eyeshadows:
1. Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Shadow in Gold 2. Nars Cream Eyeshadow in El Dorado 3. Nars Powder Eyeshadow in Cyprus 4. Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Cosmic Girl 5. Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach 6. MAC Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadow in Soft Force(released with Style Warriors Collection) 7. MAC Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadow in Femme Fi(released with Neo Sci-Fi Collection & Blonde/Brunette/Redhead Collection) 8. MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Bagatelle (released with D’Bohemia Collection) 9 + 10. Laura Mercier Eye Color Pot in Solid Gold 11. Laura Mercier Eye Color in Sunlit (released with the Saks Exclusive Orange Blossom Collection) 12. Becca Eyeshadow in Lurex 13. Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow #28 (see original post about new Maestros HERE) 14. Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow #2 15. Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in P Brown 820 16. MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Ricepaper 17. Dior One-Color Eyeshadow in Beige Select #525(UK/Asia Exclusive, Spring 2009) 18. MAC Pigment in Dazzleray 19. MAC Pigment in Blonde’s Gold 20. MAC Pigment in Jardin Aires 21. MAC Pigment in Melon 22. Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Sandy Gold
Lipglosses: 1. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Gold 2. Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Creme Caramel 3. Guerlain Terracotta Gloss and Shine Beige Sun #52 4. Nars Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday 5. Nars Lip Gloss in Moon Fleet 6. Chanel Glossimer in Pin-Up 7. Chanel Glossimer in Sunset Gold 8. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Pearl Sugar 9. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rose Gold 10. MAC Plushglass in Nice Buzz 11. MAC Lustreglass in Instant Gold 12. MAC Lipglass in Bonus Beat(released with Heatherette collection) 13. MAC Lipglass in Gold Rebel(released with Style Warriors collection) 14. MAC Dazzleglass in Goldyrocks 15. MAC Dazzleglass in Moth to Flame
Lipsticks:
1. Trish McEvoy Glaze Lip Color in Golden 2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Sunset Nude 3. MAC Glaze Lipstick in Sunsational(released with Style Warriors collection) 4. MAC Frost Lipstick in Gel 5. Chanel Aqualumiere Lipstick in Cancun 6. Nars Lipstick in Mojave 7. Nars Lipstick in Promiscuous 8. Chanel Rouge Allure in Lumious 9. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lipstick in Candlelight (today’s equivalent is Metallic Lipstick in Beige Gold) 10. Laura Mercier Stickgloss in Tiger Lily
Nail Polishes
Left to right: Nars Adelita, Chanel Golden Sand, MAC Golded
Dior seems to be going through a trend of releasing new items with a twist on their regular products, such as their Designer Eyeshadow Palettes (cream-to-powder textures with gel liner) and their new Lip Glow (looks like clear lip balm, but turns your lips a bright cherry pink). Their newest release includes a extension of their addict line consisting of three smoothing glow glosses that have a roll-on/spinning type of applicator called Addict Lip Polish.
The description on the box is extremely detailed and states the following: “LIP POLISH: the first spin-on lip lacquer for perfectly smoothed and redefined lips.Immediate smoothing action: the high-tech formula, enriched with line-filling ingredients and superfine iridescent powders, instantly corrects the surface texture of your lips.Redefined lips after just 15 days of use: a firming and moisturizing agent helps smooth fine lines and redefine lips, with lasting results.Radiant shine: shades have been specifically developed to flatter different lip tones.A new and pleasurable application technique: the unique spin-on applicator gently massages your lips.“
The preview first came from Sephora’s Beauty Insider e-mail, and the website currently says they are exclusive and only at Sephora, but at this time I am not sure if it is just released early at Sephora or truely a Sephora-exclusive:
I just found these at the Sephora store today and being the gloss addict that I am, bought all three, they are pictured here left to right:
And some swatches on MAC NC30/Chanel Teint Innocence Shell 1.5 skin:
Overall thoughts – I’m a huge fan of Dior’s Addict Glosses, these are on the sheerer side, which is expected since they are meant to be smoothing with slight shimmers for a glow-effect. They are pretty expensive, retailing at $29.50. I just tried them on my lips and it did give me a glowing luscious lip look without being too wet. Textures are smooth and non-sticky with a slight cotton candy scent.
I usually don’t look for multi-purpose beauty products (meaning color and skincare in one), but it is an interesting concept. I personally think there is too much information on the box – I usually don’t have time to read through the entire product description unless it’s skincare. Three things I focus on with new products include smell, texture and color.
If $29.50 is too much for you for a sheer tinted gloss, other similar products I’d recommend include Becca Glossy Lip Tints $23, Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster SPF15 Lip Gloss $25, C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tints $5, Kiehl’s Lip Gloss $14, MAC’s Plushglass $17.50 or MAC’s Lip Lipgelée $14.
What are your thoughts? Have you tried these yet? Yay or nay?
* Promotional image from Sephora Beauty Insider E-mail Distribution
Bobbi Brown’s newest collection is another series of nudes. The new Nude Collection for 2009, consists of a new shimmer brick, eye palette, gel liner and four creamy lip colors. I’m a huge fan of nude colors, and this collection is absolutely lovely in my opinion!!! Here are the items with a couple promo pics:
* Nude Eye Palette ($60 USD) contains Navajo, Pebble Metallic, Chino, Beige Linen Shimmer Wash, Maple Sugar Metallic, Caviar
