Beauty411

Clinique Holiday 2009 Makeup Collection: Black Tie Violets

Clinique introduces Black Tie Violets Holiday 2009 Collection for the sophisticated party girl in everyone!  A beautiful makeup collection, Clinique combines wearable colors with shimmering dimension for the ultimate festive look. Each of the products is housed in an elegant silver-colored case for extra glamour. I love plum shades of makeup, because they look good on almost everyone.  This holiday collection is one of the most versatile of the season.

The Clinique Black Tie Violets Holiday Makeup Collection includes (only limited-edition shades listed):

Clinique Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Clinique supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an adorable limited-edition Lipgloss Key Chain featuring a signature pink ribbon charm, a Clinique "C" charm and three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit and Whisper.  Each of these pink shades were chosen in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness' signature colour. 

What I love about this Lipgloss Key Chain, is that not only is it cute--if you're getting a jump on holiday shopping--it's a perfect stocking stuffer.  And it not only feels good on your lips. Clinique is donating $10 of the $18.50 retail price per Lipgloss Key Chain purchased during the month of October to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  The Clinique Lipgloss Key Chain is available exclusively at Sephora stores in the USA and at Sephora.com. 

Clinique is also decking out a special limited-edition size bottle of Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with a collectible Clinique Charm Bracelet in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  During the month of October, a jumbo 6.7 ounce size of "DDML" is offered with a convenient pump for $35.00. 

Clinique will donate $10 of the $35.00 purchase price of each Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion sold during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Available at select Clinique counters in the USA.

The Clinique Fresh Faces Tour...Coming to a College Campus Near You!

Clinique and Teen Vogue will hit the road nationwide this fall on The Clinique Fresh Faces Tour, bringing an exciting piece of the beauty and fashion world to college campuses across America.   The Clinique Fresh Faces Tour is a 10-city, nationwide tour which kicked-off yesterday in NYC with special guest “Gossip Girl” star, Taylor Momsen.

Clinique’s one-of-a-kind, “Mobile Beauty Studio” will travel across the country, providing young women with the opportunity to experience makeup application and hair styling by a team of skilled artists as well as have their photo taken by a fashion photographer; perks typically reserved for supermodels and celebrities.  At the end of the tour, three young women who embody the spirit of Clinique and Teen Vogue will be awarded a once-in-a-lifetime New York experience.

This looks like such a fantastic event!  For more information, dates and cities, check out www.cliniquefreshfaces.com. Do you have what it takes to be one of Cliniques Fresh Faces? 

Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula

Clinique answers the call for a loose powder formulated with foundation coverage in newly introduced Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula.  Coming from Clinique, you know this more than just "mineral foundation".  Using "smart technology", this skin balancing powder simultaneously maintains skin's moisture balance, controls oil, adds moisture where necessary and has SPF 15!  Not only that, but Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula delivers antioxidant protection with Vitamins C and E. 

I've been using Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula and must say, I really like it.  It has a new applicator, which allows you to shave off the perfect amount of fresh powder for each application.  An antibacterial brush (included) neatly fits inside the compact, so if you wanted, you could throw the compact into your purse.

The coverage is buildable and I really liked the fact that I didn't feel the need to reapply throughout the day.  This formula is formulated differently from other mineral makeup, in that you can apply it like a loose powder; no buffing required.  If you're a fan of Clinique's Superbalanced Makeup and have been wanting to try a mineral formula, I think you'll really like this one.

Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 Mineral Rich Formula is available in 8 shades and retails at $32.50.  You can find it at Clinique counters and at Clinique.com.

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?!

Clinique Most-Wanted Fall 2009 Colour Collection

 

Clinique Most-Wanted Fall 2009 Colour Collection is really like a "greatest hits for makeup" collection.  A collection based on the must-have shades that women can't live without.  Three gorgeous colour families offer a variety of wearable looks that are fresh, modern and right on trend for Fall.

The highlight of each collection is a limited edition Most-Wanted palette, featuring an ultra-flattering Colour Surge Eye Shadow along with a “must-have” shade of Clinique’s popular Soft Pressed Powder Blusher.  Conveniently housed in a sleek zippered compact, this will be great for tucking into a purse or travel bag.

Each Collection is paired with a Clinique Lipstick:

• Most-Wanted Nudes features the Long Last Shine Lipstick in Blushing Nude, Defining Liner for Lips in Berry Nude
• Most-Wanted Berries features Different Lipstick in Raspberry Glace, Defining Liner for Lips in Plush Pink
• Most-Wanted Deeps features Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, Defining Liner for Lips in Cider

In addition, each Collection features High Impact Curling Mascara.

Clinique Most-Wanted Fall 2009 Colour Collection will be available in August 2009 at Clinique counters nationwide and at Clinique.com.

Clinique Lipstick: The Perfect Summer Accessory

Clinique knows that the perfect summer accessory isn't always the latest handbag or sandals--although we aren't going to argue with those tried and true favorites!  Our friends at Clinique suggest that the perfect summer accessory is none other than a brighter, whiter smile!

Clinique has done the work for you and enlisted the help of a dentist to identify 12 lipstick shades that instantly make teeth look whiter.  These 12 shades are proven to make teeth look at least one shade brighter – it was confirmed using a dental colour guide.  These shades are already Clinique favorites and now they’re proven to do even more. 

The 12 Clinique brightening lipstick shades include:

• High Impact Lip Colour SPF 15 in After Party, Go Fig, Peach Pop or Red-y To Wear
  

• Butter Shine Lipstick in Cranberry Cream, Raspberry Rush or Pink-a-Boo

• Different Lipstick in Ice Bloom, Raspberry Glace or Shy
  

• Long Last Lipstick in Twilight Nude

 My favorite formula of Clinique lipstick is the Butter Shine Lipstick.  It's moisturizing, wears well and provides a sheer to moderate coverage.  Although not on the brightening list, the shade I'm loving is Bamboo Pink, from the Bamboo Pink Collection for summer.  

Clinique lipsticks are available at all Clinique counters and at CLINIQUE.com.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2009 Starts Today with Beauty Buys, Gifts With Purchase!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today and if you haven't shopped the Beauty Exclusives presale, it's time for the real deal.  The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of my favorite department store sale events and it seems the Beauty Exclusives offerings are better than ever. From now until August 2, with over 100 participating beauty brands, you have the opportunity to purchase some of the hottest products in cosmetics, fragrance and skincare. 

Here are some of my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives favorites:

 

You know if it's Chanel and it's nail polish, I'm on it!  In addition to the fabulous Radiant Eye and Lip Palette, Chanel is offering an exclusive shade of Rouge Noir (red black) Le Vernis and Roses Des Vents (rose shimmer) Le Vernis at $23 each.  There will also be an exclusive shade of Glossimer in Muscat (beige pink shimmer) $27.  I have to have the Rouge Noir (I'm obsessed!) and the Glossimer.

Clinique Best of Clinique Set:  Order this and put it away for Christmas gifts--seriously! This set includes Youth Surge SPF 15, All About Eyes .21 oz.,  Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser 5.0 oz, Dual Ended High Impact/High Impact Curling Mascara, Dual Ended Cream Shaper for Eyes (in Cocoa Shimmer and Mink), Almost Lipstick Black Honey in an Off White Handle Bag. A $97 Value for $45!

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.

Trina Turk for Clinique Gift with Purchase at Nordstrom!

Just in time for the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale, Clinique and Trina Turk, trend setting Fashion Designer, collaborate on an exclusive Gift with Purchase.  The fun, floral cosmetics bag was designed by Trina Turk to house her favorite Clinique makeup and skincare products.  It's really adorable!

With a $25.00 Clinique purchase, you'll get:

• Exclusive Trina Turk for Clinique Cosmetics Bag
• Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
• Different Lipstick in Tenderheart
• Blushwear Cream Stick in Rosy Blush
• Superfit Makeup (choose from 3 shades)
• Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion)
• Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Sunburst
• Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips

I had an opportunity to preview the Trina Turk for Clinique Gift with Purchase and it's perfect.  Really, everything you need for a complete makeup look.  And handy-- just toss into a travel, gym or beach bag.  Need some ideas on products?