Beauty411

Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Pink Coral Eau de Parfum

 

Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Pink Coral Eau de Parfum is a new fresh, floral fragrance that is perfect for summer but can also be worn year around.  Light, fresh, feminine, pretty--these are all the qualities that I want in a fragrance--regardless of the season.  Pure White Linen Pink Coral has all of those, plus another bonus for me, I love the frosted pink bottle that feels so sensual in the hand.

 

Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Pink Coral has top notes of Chinese Berry, Pink Peppercorns, Apple Blossom, Waterfruits and Clear Aldehydes.  It's slightly crisp and floral.

The heart of the fragrance is a floral fusion of Jasmine, Camellia Flower accented with Honeysuckle;  Sweet Pea, Cherry Blossom and Pink Peony.  The base notes are creamy Sandalwood, sheer Vanilla and Heliotrope.

Pure White Linen Pink Coral is much softer than the original White Linen I remember my Mom wearing, but I still get some of those crisp, green notes. If you're looking for a new summer fragrance, stop by your nearest Estee Lauder counter and try this one out; I think you'll really like it. 

Estee Lauder Pure White Linen Pink Coral Eau de Parfum retails at $39.00 for a 1 oz. spray.  Body lotion is also available.  You can get more information at www.esteelauder.com.

Beauty Bylines™ Interview: Meet Kerry Diamond of Lancome!

This month's edition of Beauty Bylines™ features Kerry Diamond, Vice President of Public Relations at Lancome.  Kerry has been involved in many aspects of the beauty and fashion world and took a few minutes out of her busy day to answer some questions for us.  I'm honored to introduce you to Kerry Diamond...

Beauty411:  Kerry, you write the Lancome blog, which is in my regular beauty blog reading rotation.  What are your thoughts on blogging so far?  Has it been fun?  How do you decide what to cover?

Kerry:  I'm glad to hear it's in your reading rotation. The response has been really nice. I'm having a good time with the blog and it lets me deal with the frustrated-former-beauty-editor side of my personality, but I have to confess--it's very time consuming! I know there are a lot of bloggers out there with day jobs and I don't know how they do it. As for what we cover, we don't plan it in advance. I try to write about something I think will be entertaining, informative and insider-y, whether you're a Lancome fan, a makeup artist, a fellow blogger or my mom.

Beauty411:  You've had amazing jobs at Harper's Bazaar, WWD, authored Kevin Aucoin: A Beautiful Life and now are in a high-profile position at Lancome.  Is there one project or accomplishment professionally that you're most proud of or get the most satisfaction from?

Kerry:  One? Yikes. It’s honestly three things. 1. The Kevyn Aucoin book. He was a remarkable human being and I was deeply honored when his team asked me to work on the project. 2. The Pout-a-Porter lipstick project. That has brought much joy to me, my team and to beauty and fashion junkies everywhere. We still can’t believe the Proenza lipstick sold for more than $120 on eBay. I still wear those lipsticks all the time. 3. My interns! I was lucky to have some great internships, so I’ve always made sure to have a great intern program wherever I am. I’m really proud that my former interns are amazing gals scattered around the industry, from Self to Nike Communications to Ladies Home Journal.

Sunday Night Beauty Rituals

Do you have a Sunday Night Beauty Ritual?  A weekly beauty or in-home spa treatment that you do once a week?  Every Sunday night (without fail), I do a mask.  I find that applying a mask can be a great anti-aging treatment, usually providing deep exfoliation or firming benefits.  And the other benefit is that it allows me 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time to catch my breath and relax.

These are the tested, tried and true masks in my Sunday night rotation:

Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask:  This gentle cream mask helps to restore firmness and elasticity to the skin.   A White Clay base absorbs impurities while the mineral Quartz, along with with marine extract Padina Pavonica, anti-oxidants Moringa Oil and Argan Tree Oil help to increase hydration, improve elasticity and reduce crepiness.  Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask retails at $75.00 and is available at Bergdorf Goodman, select Nordstrom doors, NORDSTROM.com and www.timetospa.com.

China Glaze Retro Diva Nail Polish Collection - Fall 2009

China Glaze Retro Diva Collection for Fall 2009 takes us back to the age when some of us were disco divas, with twelve '70's inspired shades. 

Billed as a "retro-chic" collection, the Retro Diva nail polish shades include:

• Cord − Dove Grey
• Short & Sassy − Cranberry
• Let’s Groove − Eggplant
• Stella − Raspberry
• Skate Night − Merlot
• Far Out − Olive
• Stroll − Maroon
• Thunderbird − Rust
• Drive In − Sheer Amber
• Street Racing − Apricot
• Free Love − Shimmering Coral
• Cruisin − Honey Yellow

I've been sent a preview of the Retro Diva Collection and the colors are gorgeous, with depth and a bit of shimmer, which will be perfect with Fall fashions.  Early favorites for me are Cord, Let's Groove and Short & Sassy, a cranberry shade which I think will be an everyday neutral.  Cord was a surprise, because although the color is listed as dove grey, on the nail it's warmer than most greys I've tried (and have a hard time wearing), with almost a taupe hue to it once it's on the nail.

If you like less intense shades, you might like Cruisin', which to me is more of a copper shade or Street Racing, which is a multi-tonal gold/apricot with a bit of red.  It's definitely the most unusual color in the collection. 

The China Glaze Retro Diva Nail Polish Collection has a suggested retail price of $ 6.50 and will be available in July at Sally Beauty and through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide.

Clinique Bamboo Pink Makeup Collection Summer 2009

Clinique Bamboo Pink Makeup Collection puts a fresh spin on one of Clinique's classic lipstick shades, Bamboo Pink.  The gorgeous packaging takes it's inspiration from bamboo, too.  Inside or out, the muted colors in this collection are pretty and wearable for summer.

The Bamboo Pink Collection consists of four limited-edition products:

Limited Edition Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Bamboo Pink combines three powder shades to provide a subtle radiance and soft, allover glow.  $29.50

Limited Edition Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Bamboo Pink contains four versatile shades, ranging from a fleshy pink-tone to shimmery deep pink (almost burgundy).  What you can't appreciate in pictures is the dimensional quality that this eyeshadow has.  It's beautiful.  What's nice is that the colors can be used for a neutral daytime look or you can intensify the colors for a more sultry look.  My favorite shade is a neutral, grey-taupe.  Grab this quad!  $25.00

Limited Edition Butter Shine Lipstick in Bamboo Pink comes in a revolutionary gel formula that delivers the shine of a gloss and the comfort of a lipstick.  I couldn't believe how great it felt the first time I applied it.  The color is rich, with a sexy bit of shimmer.  The case makes this lipstick look like it would cost 3 times the price.  $14.00

 

Limited Edition Powder Brush is a natural-hair brush designed to be used to apply pressed or loose powder.  The dome shape of the bristles helps to evenly deposit product on your face.  The bamboo-inspired handle will make you want to keep this makeup brush out on your counter. $30

The Clinique Bamboo Pink Makeup Collection is available at Clinique counters now and at CLINIQUE.com.

Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer

 

Jergens continues to build and improve on it's gradual self-tanning franchise with the introduction of Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer.  I've used the Jergens Natural Glow Lotion before--mainly to extend my tan, so I was eager to try the foaming version. 

Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer comes in two colors; fair to medium skin tone and medium to dark skin tones.  It takes about a week of daily use to build up your color.  It's really mess free.  I've found that a golfball-sized amount covers a fair amount of skin.  It dries quickly with little fragrance.  You shouldn't use the Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer on your face; it's formulated for body use only.

Although I love the foam application, I do wish this product was a little more "moisturizing", however.   In terms of the color, it's very natural.  If you're shy about using a self-tanner, a "gradual glow" product like this one is a great way to start.

Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer is available at mass drug, discount and food retailers, including ULTA Beauty .

Avon Foot Works Green Tea & Mint Collection

Avon Foot Works Green Tea & Mint Collection cools and quenches feet on a hot summer day like an iced green tea with a fresh sprig of mint.  It's been in the high 90's this week in the midwest.  It's definitely time to pamper the feet! 

There are three steps in the refreshing Foot Works Green Tea & Mint Collection:

Step 1:  Exfoliating Scrub
This revitalizing scrub is designed to polish and buff feet for sandal-ready skin.  Softens rough calouses and smoothes dry feet, the formula retexturizes soles and sweeps away dead skin, leaving your tootsies all aglow.  $3.99

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear/ SPF 10 Foundation

Prescriptives has added another fabulous foundation to their line.  All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear/ SPF 10 Foundation is a liquid mineral makeup that's long-wearing and good for your skin.  Why would anyone need a foundation that lasts 16 hours you ask?  Well, I'm a great example.  I'm up at 5 am and on the road by 7am for work.  I need a makeup that will take me into the evening, still holding up and looking good. 

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear/ SPF 10 Foundation is formulated with vitamins, minerals, Titanium Dioxide (a non-chemical broad sprectrum sunscreen) and Sodium Hyaluronate to help maintain skin's moisture balance.  Like All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15, Prescriptives uses a unique mineral complex called R.E.C. (Radiance Emitting Crystals).  This blend of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Calcite give skin a luminous finish. 

What I like about Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear/ SPF 10 Foundation after trying it out, is that it really is long wearing, it feels great on the skin--which is something I expect from a Prescriptives foundation and it's humidity and sweat-resistant.  Something else I've come to depend on from Prescriptives is that they have my shade--there are 18 shades of foundation in this collection!

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear/ SPF 10 Foundation retails at $32.50 will be available at Prescriptives counters and at Prescriptives.com in July.  Check it out!

Presale Info: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives Event 2009

Beauty Addicts...It's time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives Presale Event!  Starting today, you can go online to NORDSTROM.com or stop into Nordstrom stores to pre-order and reserve your favorite Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive offerings.  I'm definitely in trouble, as the makeup offerings look great.

Here are some of my early beauty picks:

 

Laura Mercier Renaissance Collection:  Laura Mercier created an exclusive set featuring seven must-have items in the hottest shades of the season, all housed in a chic patent cosmetic bag.  $65  (a $167 value)

MAC Look In a Box:  This set of six products gives makeup lovers everything they need to create a sultry, sexy look.  Choose from Seductress, Siren or Sweet Tease.  $49.50  (a $100 value).  MAC will also have brush sets available ($ 49.50, a $125 value), 2 eye palettes (warm and cool) and a lip palette. 

Philosophy Friends and Family Event 2009

 

Philosophy is holding an online Friends and Family Event from June 22nd through June 28th.  It's a great time to stock up on your favorite philosophy items while saving 20% when you use code sharethelove at checkout.

I've used philosophy products for years because of the no-nonsense approach they take to results-oriented skincare.  Yet every product comes in whimsical packaging dispensing a bit of advice or word to this wise.

Here are a couple of my philosophy Friends and Family recommendations:

hope in a jar spf 20 moisturizer.  Adding sunscreen to the iconic hope in a jar makes this product even better.  Still offering the anti-aging benefits you've come to depend on, the SPF 20 makes this a practical moisturizer to wear every day.  hope in a jar spf 20 retails at $45.

One reason I buy philosophy is for their gift sets.  Clever packaging with products that work hook me every time.  Here's what my sister is getting for her July birthday.  The 3-piece the birthday party set features 6 oz. bottles of vanilla birthday cake, chocolate frosting and strawberry ice cream shower gels.  The birthday party set is perfect...and no calories!  $30

Shop the philosophy Friends and Family Event online at philosophy.com.