Beauty411

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Event at Bergdorf Goodman

Join Yves Saint Laurent National Makeup Artist Dell Ashley for a holiday beauty event at Bergdorf Goodman on November 6-7, 2009.

Indulge yourself in the luxurious sophistication of sensual textures and beautiful effects at Bergdorf Goodman. Pamper yourself before the rush of the upcoming holidays by scheduling your personalized beauty makeover.  Discover new YSL products and learn about seasonal makeup trends.

To book an appointment, call Bergdorf Goodman  212-872-8654. A $25 reservation fee is redeemable in product. Space is limited.  Event will be held at the 754 5th Ave, Beauty Level (between 57th St & 58th St), New York location.  The YSL Beauty Event runs November 2 - 7, 2009.

Fashion's Night Out: My Top 10 Can't Miss Picks!

Fashion's Night Out, a celebration of retail and fashion, will kick off New York Fashion Week on Thursday, September 10, 2009.  Fashion's Night Out was conceptualized by Anna Wintour as an attempt to boost sales in a tough economic environment.  Vogue partners with the CFDA and NYC & Co. to host an evening extravaganza, full of appearances by fashion and beauty's elite, the likes of which have never been seen.

A seasoned shopaholic, I can't wait for Fashion's Night Out.  I'll be covering the event as part of New York Fashion Week.  With so many fantastic venues to choose from, I've narrowed my list to these can't-miss picks:

• Barney's New York:  Personal appearance abound here, including Isabel Toledo, one of Michelle Obama's fave designers.  Lipstick Queen Poppy King will be on hand to do "lip readings" .

• Bergdorf Goodman: Zac Posen will be painting the windows;  Andre Leon Talley will be hosting the new game Fashion Rules with guests Donna Karan; Isaac Mizrahi will also be attending.  There will be a cook-off hosted by Padma Lakshmi, of Top Chef. Lancome's Sandy Linter will also be making an appearance to share tips and techniques.

• Bloomingdales (flagship): Tons of personal appearance and festivities here will make this a stop you won't want to miss. Plus, Clinique is hosting Milly designer Michelle Smith with cocktails and makeovers from 5-7 pm.  You'll want to pick up "The Milly for Clinique" makeup bag gift with purchase with any $25 Clinique purchase.

• Chanel: The Soho store will feature the Chanel Champagne Nail Bar (a concept I'm totally behind!), where the highly sought-after Jade nail colour will make it's debut. Shoppers will be treated to mini-manicures with Jade.  At the 57th Street Store, guests can custom-create their own Chanel handbag--can you even imagine? This might be my most anticipated event of the night.

• Henri Bendel: The evening's events will be focused on accessories and beauty.  A personal appearance will be held by Trish McEvoy. And being as how Henri Bendel is known for their beauty and fragrance departments, I'm sure this will be a fabulous stop.

• Lancome: At the Boutique (Columbus Circle), there will be an appearance by designer Chris Benz, creator of the new Pout-a-Porter lipstick. The wait list will officially open. Cupcakes, champagne and makeup--what's not to love?

• M.A.C:  (42nd at Park Avenue) Get in on a sneak-peek party for the Style Black Collection, M.A.C's journey to the dark side. DJs will be on hand to add to the atmosphere. No one throws a party like M.A.C. Plan on this being a party to remember!

• Magnolia Bakery:  The iconic cupcake bakery will be dressing up their classic cupcake with a special Fashion's Night Out cupcake and donating a portion of the proceeds to the 9/11 Memorial Fund.  An excellent stop to re-fuel and get your sugar high on.

• Saks Fifth Avenue: Appearances are the name of the game here, including visits by fashion and beauty's biggest names: Donna Karan, Carolina Hererra, Guiseppe Zanotti, Aerin Lauder, Bobbi Brown and Frederic Fekkai. Over 1,000 cosmetic giveaways to really add excitement to the night.

• Tory Burch: One of the most fun events, Tory Burch is hosting a neighborhood blcok party at the Meatpacking District Store, complete with DJs and barbeque.  Definitely a can't-miss stop!

While Fashion's Night Out promises to be full of fun, the evening will also benefit two worthwhile charities: A limited edition t-shirt (see photo above) will be sold by participating retailers, with 40% of the proceeds going to National September 11 Memorial and Museum at The World Trade Center.  In addition, a citywide clothing drive will support the NYC AIDS fund.

Every day that gets closer to Fashion's Night Out, I get an update more amazing than the day before it, so keep checking FashionsNightOut.com for the most up-to-date information.  It's also where you can find links to retailers and even compose and email your own itinerary.  Now...how to be in more than one place at a time?!

AMOREPACIFIC Contour Lift Extreme Eye Cream

AMOREPACIFIC introduces Contour Lift Extreme Eye Cream, an addition to the Contour Lift Extreme Collection.  I'm a big fan of eye creams that do it all--improve crepiness, dark circles and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.  It's a pretty tall order, but the new AMOREPACIFIC Contour Lift Extreme Eye Cream succeeds. 

I have chronic dark circles under my eyes, under-eye puffiness and it's always a challenge to find a good eye cream.  In fact, eye creams are the one cosmetic product where I shop without looking at the price, because it's worth it to me to find one that works. 

I've been using AMOREPACIFIC Contour Lift Extreme Eye Cream for the past six weeks. With regular am & pm use, I can't even tell you the last time I've reached for concealer. I've also seen improvements in under-eye puffiness and improvement in crow's feet.  The overall improved appearance of my eye area is noticeable. 

AMOREPACIFIC Contour Lift Extreme Eye Cream uses a combination of botanicals like Iris Root Extract, caffeine and Derma-Refilling Complex to boost the skin's elasticity, firm skin and improve dark circles.  The texture of the cream is light, almost gel-like, which makes it perfect for summer.  It absorbs into skin and is lightly fragranced.

AMOREPACIFIC Contour Lift Extreme Eye Cream retails at $150 and is available at Neiman Marcus stores, Bergdorf Goodman New York, as well as online at neimanmarcus.com. 

Jo Malone Kohdo Wood Collection

Jo Malone introduces two new offerings to the limited edition Kohdo Wood Collection, two captivating fragrances created as a modern interpretation of Kohdo, the ancient Japanese art of incense appreciation.  I love Jo Malone fragrances and especially the body products, such as the Body Creme.  It's so wonderfully indulgent and pampering.

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily encourages energy, inspires confidence and focuses the mind, making it the ideal scent to use during the day. A new offering to the Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Collection, the vibrant, empowering Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Shower Gel wakes the senses and energises the soul, inspiring you to greet the day with a sense of awakening.

• Top Notes: Aquatic Nuances, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mandarin
• Middle Notes: Sacred Lotus Blossom, Freesia, Honeysuckle, Water Lily, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Temple Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Aloeswood, Guaiac Wood

Guerlain Fragrance Online Trunk Show Event

 

Fragrance fanatics and Guerlain devotees can rejoice. For a limited time, Guerlain is offering its renowned Exclusive Fragrance collection online, giving women who do not currently live near one of seven Guerlain Boutiques in the U.S. the opportunity to shop these spectacular fragrances from home.

For the next two weeks women across the country can find these exclusive and elusive fragrances from one of the oldest perfumeries in the world online at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. The available collections include L’Art et la Matiere, Les Elixirs Charnels, the 180th Year Collector’s Case and La Petite Robe Noire, which debuted last month.

La Petite Robe Noire, the little black dress is to fashion what fragrance is to Guerlain.  Sexy, and light as a champagne bubble, the scent features melt-in-your-mouth macaroon, the tang of the Sicilian lemon,  a tender almond kiss, and a touch of licorice. An armful of roses adds elegance, while smoked tea and patchouli give it character. And for a soft velvety touch, a caress of Musk and Vanilla. Its fragrance trail tantalizes and the boys are quick to follow.  The 1.7oz Eau de Parfum retails at $150.  I'm dying to try this one.

Do you have a favorite Guerlain fragrance?  Let me know in the comments!

SENSAI COLORS Makeup Collection by Kanebo

  

The SENSAI COLORS Collection, a new treatment makeup line consisting of 22 items for the eye, lip and cheek, is now available. Japanese prestige skincare company, Kanebo, renowned for its exclusive, imperial koishimaru silk-infused creams, lotions and anti-aging serums, expands into color this Spring with their skin-benefiting SENSAI COLORS collection.  SENSAI COLORS were developed with famed Japanese makeup artist Hisano Komine, who developed key looks for the line.  

I've been given the chance to preview the SENSAI COLORS makeup collection and it is truly fabulous.  There are four sheer, layerable shades in each of the Eye Shadow Palettes ($50) and three color groups.  The  colors are based on the seasons. I've been using ES 01, Kigiku, browns and golds of autumn. Gorgeous with my blue eyes!  And the eyeliner pencil?  I've tight-lined and reverse-eyelined and I absolutely love it. It's soft and smudgeable, gliding on like silk. 

The Cheek Blush ($45) offers the perfect amount of iridescence and light play. The precise layering of the colors in the compact is reminiscent of the traditional layering of the Japanese Kimono.  The cheek color contains Airy Powder, which helps provide smooth, even coverage. The texture and feel of SENSAI Colors is simply incredible. 

The glossy, plumping Deep Moist Shine Rouge (12 colors/$40 ea.) and comfortably hydrating Lasting Treatment Rouge (18 colors/$40 ea.) both draw on water, silk and other innovative, Asian botanical ingredients, to keep lips kissable throughout February winds, and can be applied over the innovative Lip Base ($26) for flawless, continuously soft, SPF-protected lips.  I don't know that I've ever worn such luxurious lip formulas; it feels like you're wearing a lip treatment.

The SENSAI Color Collection launches with a week-long special event at Bergdorf Goodman just in time to help you achieve that helplessly-in-love glow for Valentine’s Day.  Seriously, this line is exceptional.  If you live in the New York area, trust me; get to Bergdorf to exerience it!

In-Store Launch Event:  Complimentary facials and spa services at Bergdorf Goodman

When:  February 9 – 14, 2009, 11am – 7p.  To secure your appointment, call 212.872.2537.

SENSAI COLORS are available at Bergdorf Goodman and select Barney's New York stores. For additional information, visit www.kanebo.com.

You may also be interested in:

Sensai Fluid Finish Foundation

Sensai Loose Powder

Guerlain Spring 2009 Makeup Collection: Exotic Paradise

The Guerlain Spring Makeup Collection, Exotic Paradise, celebrates the triumph of spring.  With arctic temperatures, I thought we all needed a bit of escapism.  Garden of Eden, anyone?  The Guerlain Exotic Paradise Collection is a kaleidoscope of color, a celebration of nature. 

The cornerstone of the collection is the Limited Edition Exotic Paradise Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow Palette (shown above).  The celebrated metallic compact designed by Hervé Van der Straeten is done in a pure and fresh bronze-green; subtly etched with delicate plant motifs and an elegant, slender bird of paradise.  Open the compact up and inside you'll find a botanical-inspired palette of pink, orange, green and brown, embellished with an exotic leaf motif in pearly green.  It's a work of art!

For the rest of the collection highlights, continue reading after the jump...

Holiday Gift Guide: Luxe Edition

Talk of the economy, the cutbacks in retail spending and frugality is so depressing that I decided to compile a money-is-no-object gift list.  I used to get the lecture all that time that money doesn't grow on trees.  Well, if it did, these would be the presents I would be picking:

Crème de la Mer The Luxury Essentials: Includes Crème de la Mer (2 oz.), The Lifting Face Serum and The Eye Concentrate in a limited edition mother of pearl round box.  The Luxury Essentials brings together three La Mer signatures - Crème de la Mer, The Lifting Face Serum and The Eye Concentrate.  Presented in a sumptuous pearlized leather box, this miraculous set boasts extraordinary results.  Available exclusively at Bergdorf Goddman and Neiman Marcus.  Suggested Retail Price $630

The Bobbi Brown Exclusive Makeup Trunk contains just about every Bobbi Brown product in the line, including brushes.  The case is hand-crafted in platinum leather.  Of course, for $ 2000, it would be nice if Bobbi were to come to your house and deliver it, but still....quite fab nonetheless.  Santa, you must have "forgotten" this last year.  So I'm adding it to my list.  Again.  Available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Amore Pacific Time Response Gift Set:  Amore Pacific uses every vital part of the green tea plant in its' Time Response treatments, merging beauty and health in this anti-aging, high performance skincare line designed to restore skin to its optimum, youthful state.  Using Time Response on your skin each day equals the antioxidant value of drinking 15 cups of green tea.  At Neiman Marus.

Estee Lauder Cathedral Square Solid Perfume Compact.  I'm fascinated by Russian architecture and when I saw this Sensuous solid perfume compact, I fell in love with it.  Estee Lauder solid perfume compacts are highly detailed and collectible miniature works of art.  One of the highlights of my life was seeing a collection of the solid perfume compacts in Mrs. Estee Lauders private office in New York in September.  The Cathedral Square Solid Perfume Compact retails at $300 and is available exclusively at Neiman Marcus.

Space NK has put it's signature fragrance into a Deluxe Gift Set, with everything you need for incorporating more Laughter into your world.  I adore the Laughter fragrance, with it's citrus top notes of bergamot, grapefruit and lime.  This Deluxe set includes the Eau de Toilette, Bath Oil, Shower Gel, Body Lotion and a Candle.  Start with the shower gel, layer the body lotion and then spritz the Laughter EDT for a complete fragrance experience.  Or, light the candle, fill the bathrub, then layer the body lotion.  Total indulgence. $225.

If money were no object, what beauty or fragrance items would you put on your list for Santa?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Estee Lauder Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang

In creating Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang, the second fragrance in her Private Collection, Aerin Lauder drew inspiration from the luxurious simplicity of her own private world.  A world where a perfect evening is one spent at home with family and friends. This warm fragrance is my current favorite--I absolutely love it. 

The composition of Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang:

• Top notes of Italian Bergamot, Geranium Oil and Ylang Absolute provide an instant bright, elegant and alluring opening.
• Middle notes of Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Cinnamon and Incense are feminine, warm and a bit exotic.
• Base notes of Amber, Sandalwood and Vanilla are warm, inviting and sensuous. 

This is exactly the kind of fragrance I love in the fall and winter; it's long lasting and substantial.  It makes me think of cashmere sweaters and pearls; classic, but not pretentious.

The packaging of Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang also shows the attention to detail and creativity that Aerin Lauder brings to her creations.   The cap on the parfum is embellished with semi-precious stones of tiger eye, smokey quartz and red agate.  The cap of the Eau de Parfum was inspired by an exquisite hammered gold necklace and matching bracelet that Aerin received from her grandmother Estee Lauder.

Private Collection Amber Ylang Ylang is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman.  You can also purchase online at www.esteelauder.com.

Bobbi Brown Cabana Collection

Bobbi Brown has introduced the limited-edition Cabana Collection.  Do you even need to ask if I love it?  This sun-kissed makeup collection is perfect for resort season and features:

New exclusive Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Laguna Bronze, along with a Mini Bronzer Brush

Shimmering Body Oil

New Gold Coast Lip Glaze SPF 15

Luxurious copper leather cosmetic bag

Tip card with Bobbi's step-by-step tips and a face chart for easy reference

The Bobbi Brown Cabana Collection is available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.