Chanel Fall 2008

All the news on the new fall Chanel collection is in. It's looking very pretty and will be on counters in July:

EXCLUSIVE CREATION: FACETTES D’OR
HIGHLIGHTER – GOLD FEVER
Limited Edition
This sheer whisper of finely milled golden powder brings a delicate sheer glow to the complexion, gently illuminating the curve of the cheek or bringing subtle allover radiance to the face.

EXCLUSIVE CREATION: FACETTES D’OR

NAIL COLOUR – GOLD FICTION
Limited Edition
A flash of colour — the look of 18-karat gold — delivers a precious new way for nails to shine this fall. With unique pigments and the finest sparkles, a brilliant golden lacquer extends the luxurious effects of this chic shade right down to the fingertips.

LIPS:
ROUGE HYDRABASE Creme Lipstick arrives in Simply Pink, a coral pink; Fantastic Plum, a deep purple; and Great Copper, a flattering bronze

ROUGE ALLURE Luminous Satin Lip Colour introduces Enthusiast, a rich coral red.

AQUALUMIÈRE Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF 15 now comes in Formentera, a beige rose, and Papeete, a sheer cranberry.

LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES Glossimer in three new shades: Amberlight, a glossy bronze, Delight, a sheer lilac, and Gold Light, a shimmery gold.

LE CRAYON LÈVRES Precision Lip Definer arrives in Pretty Pink, a flattering pink.

EYES:
The latest LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow is Reflets d’Ombre, a sensuous palette of coffee, ivory, dark green, and gold shadows.

OMBRE ESSENTIELLE Soft Touch Eyeshadows: Le Bronze, a metallic brown, and Bois Bleu, a dark teal.

IRRÉELLE DUO Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Cristal-Dusk contains a flattering combination of white and brown.

new LE CRAYON YEUX Precision Eye Definer in Denim, a grey blue.

FACE:
For the perfect touch of warmth, apply JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in Rose Dust, a rose plum shade, to cheeks. Skin looks soft and luminous with POUDRE DOUCE in Almond, a subtly radiant beige

NAILS:
Polish off this sexy palette with two new shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour in Kaléidoscope, a shiny green-gold, and Fantastic, a deep wine.

For Dad's day- Mustang Blue fragrance

A new version of Mustang fragrance is coming - Mustang Blue. I did not know that the original was a best seller and scored some awards.

Now I once owned a blue Mustang. Vintage, convertible. Yes it was a fun car but I missed power steering and A/C eventually.

When a sample of this new scent arrived, I tossed it to the man around - Dad. He loved it. Truly loved it. Now he is not a " scent" guy for the most part. A diehard Polo guy, he actually asked me to get him a bottle of this. ( I think my Sniffapaloozing is getting to him). So when my dear old dad gives it the thumbs up, well it can't be bad.

Mustang Blue is very fresh and not too overpowering. Aquatic with notes of sage, artemsia, basil ,sandalwood, mint, pine , cedarleaf, clove and cardamom.

To me is seems far more of an herbal-y scent and thats better.

The Mustang Blue collection will come as cologne spray in three sizes, 30ml (1 fl.oz.) at US$20, 50ml (1.7 fl.oz.) for US$25 and 100ml (3.4 fl.oz.) at US$32, and the matching 100ml (3.4 fl.oz.) after shave which will retail at US$25.

It will be in mid range stores like Kohls and Penneys next month, just in time, for yes, Father's Day.

Clinique Air Kiss June 2008

Clinique is sending out an Air Kiss. Thats the newest collection arriving in June. There is a new LE Color Surge Eyeshadow trio in Kiss of Pinks, 4 new Superbalm Gloss shades - Passionfruit, Guava, Hazelnut, and Cocoa, Long Last Glosswear in Air Kiss and Guavagold, and Fresh Bloom All Over Color in Peony.

Happy In Bloom fragrance is also back as an LE. Everything coordinates to get you out the door in a flash.

The Superbalm's have been a favorite here since before they were re- done. I love these new ones, and the neutral colors for summer will work well into fall as well. The ones shown here are Hazelnut, and Cocoa.

www.CLINIQUE .com

Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco Masque

Bumble and bumble's newest launch is Creme de Coco Masque. It complements the Creme de Coco shampoo and conditoner, and is a deep moisturizing leave in treatment. It's to be used once a week, and is said to smell tropical fresh . In the season of sun parched strands, this may be a great addition to the hair care routine.

More info:

Coconut oil has long been known as a beauty powerhouse, and Creme de Coco Masque takes this natural wonder one step further with a new, breakthrough Japanese technology – a coconut and vegetable derived base that Bumble and bumble is the first to use. We added a trio of potent tropical butters: mango, shea and murumuru; tropical oils (coconut and avocado) and botanical extracts (olive leaf, nettle, horsetail and mallow),to create a luxurious moisturizer for all hair types (that rinses out crystal-clear)." $ 24.00 for 5 oz.

MAC Future Earth and Cool Heat

Next month MAC has several new launches. Here are a few images from 2 of them . First up Future Earth- new skincare using Volcanic Ash and Sulfur( the best for oil and acne ). There is an exfoliator and thermal mask, and this cool 2 sided lip product to refinish and moisturize.

From Cool Heat, I'm showing 2 great color pop shadows in turquoise( Gulf Stream, I think) and green(Warm Chill) that should rock the waves.

VOLCANIC ASH EXFOLIATOR -
A highly effective foaming and exfoliating scrub containing natural volcanic ash and sugar crystals to cleanse and exfoliate the skin at the same time while adding moisture and leaving skin feeling soft and clean. Made with volcanic ash from Vanuatu, which contains sulfur from deep within the earth and has been used for centuries for the treatment of a wide variety of skin conditions.
Suggested Retail Price: $19.00 US/$23 .00 CDN

PREP + PRINE MICROFINE LIP REFINISHER -
A dual-sided lip exfoliating stick with an exfoliator that helps to remove dry, flaky skin from the lips while a lip conditioner conditions and evens out lip texture.


Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 US/$17.50 CDN

New Tendertones from MAC

One of my favorite products ever from MAC was Tendertones. Well they are back, six new shades, 4 re -releases .On counters in June.

Tread Gently- Soft lime green with yellow pearl
E-Z Baby- Sheer milky pink
Honey Bare- Rosy blue pink with white and gold pearl
Hot n’ Saucy- Soft cherry red
Sweet & Nice- Sheer red grape with red pearl
Take AHint- Sheer peach with white pearl
Hush, Hush- Sheer gold with yellow gold pearl
Sweet Tooth- Sheer coral with white pearl
Pucker- Sheer berry with red pearl
Deep Sigh- Sheer grape brown with red pearl

Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 US

Marchesa for Stila

Stila has partnered with Marchesa to creat new Backstage Beauty palettes for fall. Available in August at Sephora, I believe these will also have matching lipsticks. The palettes have 1 matte eyeshadow, 2 shimmers and a kajal eyepencil.

They will sell at $ 40.00 and have that cute, very Sex and The City rosette . The rosette is removable and can be worn as a bracelet or necklace.

The colors have been taken direct from the looks used at Marchesa's Fall show.

Make Up For Ever HD Powder

One of the best things I saw at the Makeup Show was the new HD Powder from Make Up For Ever. This is the most amazing powder I have ever felt, and I am a total powder nut.

Just released , it is being used on TV for shooting in Hi Def. It is the softest feeling powder. It feels like silk in your hands. The one colorless shade is usable on all skintones. It blends beautifully and gives an airbrushed finish, and never cakes.

Longtime makeup artist Kevin Bennett was on hand to demo this. He just joined the company after being the makeup artist on Law and Order for 3 years. Along with the new HD Foundation, the TV show is now using this instead of airbrushing, which thus far has been the HD TV shooting standard. This is the first foundation and powder to do the job of airbrushing. Sounds good right ??

As Bennet said, if it works that well for people on TV, imagine what it can do for those of us non TV folks.

The powder has spherical 100 % mineral silica powder. It refects and diffuses light.

The HD foundation is full coverage and oil free, and it also has micro silica beads. One thing Bennett insisted on was the company adding more color ranges. The foundation will be available for the lightest to darkest skintones.

A matching primer is on it's way as well, to complete the HD look.

The powder is now available at Sephora for 30.00

The foundation debuts there in August at $ 40.00( but I hear the NY store might have it in, and the UK website has it)

The primer is also in August and is $ 32.00( it comes in seven shades and correctors.)

The Makeup Show NY

Yesterday I attended a preview of The Makeup Show in NY. What an event. It's all makeup, all the time. and I loved it. We were able to meet makeup artists and try out some of the products and learn much about the companies and lines there. I will have product info from several as the week goes on.

First up we met James Vincent , super makeup artist , fun guy, and part of The Powder Group, who put on this show.

One of the things he was asked about were upcoming trends.. Right now, Hi Def makeup is the buzzword, and makeup is changing in many ways to accomadate Hi Def filming. He also sees us staying with a more natural, neutral, and continuing to have great skin be the focal point.

James also mentioned that makeup artists have been trying to bring back the matte lip for 5 years, and it just isn't flying. I can see that. Personally, while I love lipstick, I am not sold on the matte lip again either. The semi matte one , yes,but I only go total matte on rare occasions.

One product that caught my eye was the super cool brush by Nixie cosmetics. Made for makeup artists and sold in salons and makeup supply shops, the brand is cruelty free( yay) and also available on their website.

This brush is the large fan brush, and it is huge, ( guessing around 3 1/2 inches). Soft as could be and well, I have to have it. It's great for blending, and powdering and bronzing.

$ 32.00 at http://www.nixiecosmetics.com/

Bobbi Brown Almost Bare perfume

Bobbi Brown's newest scent is Almost Bare.

It's a fitting title as the scent is light and very fresh. It's a clean scent with many green notes, although I would not call it soft. In the opening it's a leafy bergamot with a touch of soap, and then a touch of jasmine and lily peek out.

It has decent lasting power, and would make a great office scent or one for days outside when you don't want anything heavy or floral. Perfect for active days.

Notes include: Bergamot, violet leaves, muguet, jasmine, cedar and amber.

Almost Bare sells for $ 60.00 for 1.5 0z

June Jacobs Better Love Naturel Fragrance

June Jacobs has added a lovely new fragrance to her spa collection, Better Love Naturel. The new scent has no preservatives . All the products in the line will now be parben and chemical preservative free.

The scent is an EDP which is unusual for a natural scent. They are often oils. This is a spray and has good sillage and lasting power. I prefer this over the oils.

The perfume is a bit floral and a bit green. It is fresh but has a dry quality and the cedarwood note is very present. It reminds me a tiny bit of Serge Lutens Bois de Violette. Not the same, but in the same vein , perhaps. I found it to be nicely done and well blended. I did not get a lot of incense which was good for me since it's not my favorite note. There is a woodsy aspect but not smoky.

The notes are :

Top- Bergamot, Cedarwood,Incense

Middle- Jasmine, Cinnamon, Clove, Vetiver

Bottom- Sandalwood, Patchouli, Benzoin, Tonka

Better Love Naturel is $90.00 for 1.7 oz

Available at http://www.junejacobs.com/ or specialty spa locations.

Cannes Fashion

The red carpet at Cannes is out and stars have brought out the big guns -dress wise.

Not too sure on how I feel about Julianne Moore's couture Lacroix. I love parts of it and not others, but love Lacroix in general.

Cate Blanchett looks amazing. Her best dress choice in awhile, by Armani prive,and she gave birth only 1 month ago.

Natalie Portman is rocking the pretty purple, not sure who designer is, think it's Lanvin.

pics:hellomag and the daily

Susan Posnick Colorflo Mineral Makeup

I am still new to the mineral makeup world, and am trying out more lines. This past 2 weeks I have been using Colorflo by Susan Posnick. The biggest selling points here are the portability of the product and the high SPF of 26 that even lasts thru water.

I have to tell you that I do not use sunscreen all over every day. I put some on the non- oily areas but then rely on my makeup, which isn't the best thing as we've all been told. So the idea of using a foundation with solid built in SPF that would hold up much of the day was very appealing.
Colorflo was created by Ms. Posnick to withstand the heat of Texas, and since that's even worse then the heat of NJ, I thought this might work.

It has held up very well so far on the 80 degree days I have worn it. I had very little to no shine breakthrough which is major. During a day of long drives, appointments and dinner I did need to powder the nose only once. I like that. I also use it for instant sunscreen. theres no applying, I can just brush it on really quick and go, perfect for light makeup days or touch ups. After all it's far easier to powder over makeup than use cream.

The coverage was sheer to light medium. A little less than I normally like/use, but really fine for me. I don't need more coverage, but I like it. I did need a bit of concealer in some areas.

This is a great convenience choice for summer, and thats when I see myself using it most.

There are numerous color choices as well as a bronzer and shimmer , and through the month of May, a percentage of sales will benefit the the Skin Cancer Awareness Foundation’s Shade Across America program .

Colorflo sells for 64.00 at spas, and other retailers. A refill is also available for these at 32.00.

http://www.susanposnick.com/

New From Elemis Skincare

Elemis is introducing 2 new body products. I tried the new Hand Cream when I was last in NY and it was really nice. A potential future purchase. ( Along with the Monoi Moisture Melt Oil)

Elemis products are so glam to me, and I would love to visit the stunning Elemis spa in London one day.

Pro-Collagen Radiantly Smooth Body Cream-
This ground-breaking product helps to smooth out crepey skin texture, leaving the body feeling deeply hydrated with an illuminating youthful radiance. A network of Proteins, plus Micro-Lattice Technology ensures a mesh-like support system is provided over sagging skin whilst helping to restore cell cohesion. Combining a luxurious soufflé texture with iridescent sheen and nurturing aroma of Rose and Mimosa, the sensuality on application of this targeted, Anti-Ageing Body Cream will also deliver an instant feel-good factor. $162

Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream-
Not just your average hand cream, this non-greasy, satin after-feel cream targets skin crepiness, sun damage, redness, discoloration, weakened nails and dryness. Containing powerful Anti-Oxidants that protect against external drying factors and ensure targeted intervention from the first signs of ageing through to mature skin, this cream delivers irresistibly smooth, youthful looking hands whilst conditioning cuticles and helping to maintain healthy, strong nails. $60

Both are avaialble at Nordstrom and http://www.timetospa.com/

New from Clinique

Clinique has some new things out .

Newly improved is Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. This new formula mositurizes for a full 12 hours, and takes into account changes in temperature and humidity. $ 32.00 for 1oz.

Next up is the new Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar for face and body. This is huge bar to make it easy to use in the shower as well as at the sink. It comes with it's own tray, and uses Encapulated Salicylic acid, Zinc PCA and more to get skin clean, and free of bacteria, but is still gentle on skin. $ 12.50

Lastly, Clinique has launced a new resource for brides to be. http://clinique.brides.com/ includes a Lash Power mascara challenge. Post your video of how Lash Power has lived up to your teariest challenge and win free diamonds,and here you can download a wedding day countdown widget and receive a free Lash Power sample just for doing so.

Boots No. 7 Retro Compacts

Boots has these new and adorable compacts available for a limited time. One is for lips and one for eyes. Each retails for 9.99 and has 3 shades. They are very retro and cute. I haven't seen one in the shops yet, but am looking.

More info here:http://bootsus2007.mmbox.co.uk/main.asp?cid=32&sid=7&iid=293

Scents for Mother's Day- Annick Goutal and Molton Brown

Ok, if you've left Mother's Day shopping to the last minute( like me) or you want to treat yourself to something wonderful, here are a couple great choices.

First up the Soliflore collections of perfumes from Annick Goutal. It's hard to go wrong with anything Goutal, but some of the soliflores are among my favorites. I have La Violette- a pitch perfect, soft, slightly green,true violet, and Le Jasmin- a soft, all floral jasmin, a bit sweet and not indolic in any way.

I have sniffed several of the others and find them all really nice too. I happen to be a single note fan , so that helps. When it's well done, rose or jasmin, or lily of the valley( Le Muguet) etc. are beautiful on their own. Le Chèvrefeuille (Honeysuckle), and Neroli ( Orange Blossom) round out the group. The Neroli is the newest release .

Annick was the mom here and the company is now run by daughter Camille.

At http://www.saks.com/ you can buy all 5 for 400.00 , or individually for 80.00 each. Each scent is a 1.7 oz EDT.

Also at http://www.aedes.com/, select Nordstroms, and other retailers.

Next up: Molton Brown.

Luxury bath products are always a great gift and the Molton Brown in relaxing Yuan Zhi bath & shower and relaxing Yuan Zhi sleep mist is a nice idea. ( My friend The Movie Mommy would go wild for this, sleepless mom of 2 toddlers that she is)
"Yuan zhi, a wild South China plant, is used traditionally to balance energy (Chi) and soothe the spirit.

Notes include: aromatic oils of vanilla, Ylang Ylang, and rose .

This richly moisturizing bath formula and sleep mist combats stress and promotes peaceful sleep. "
Price: bath gel $28, sleep mist $44,

Available at http://www.moltonbrown.com/, and Blue Mercury shops .

Tiffany Sunglasses

Tiffany and Co. now has a line of sunglasses. They look quite nice but have quite a price tag too. I have to say I like them though but not as much as the Dior ones I saw last week at an outlet for cheap but was good and passed on .

They are very chic and elegant in a quiet way, which is also the Tiffany way. Black ones retail for 650.00. White pair for 480.00, and if you really want to splurge, the last black pair have diamond in sterling and are 1,150.00.

Chanel Robertson Blvd. Nail Collection

Just in from Chanel- bright, fun new nail colors.

"California ease, hipster cool, and true luxury intersect at Los Angeles’ hottest shopping spot, Robertson Boulevard.

May 2008 brings a brand new reason to hit the block: the opening of the sparkling new Robertson Boulevard CHANEL boutique.

To celebrate the occasion, Peter Philips, the new Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, has designed four limited-edition must-have nail colours, which will be exclusively available in-store.

This mini-collection of graphic, pop-art shades was inspired by the spirit of Robertson Boulevard itself, a young Hollywood hangout now famous for shopping sprees and see-and-be-seen lunch spots such as The Ivy. Just as Robertson offers a signature blend of trendiness and haute exclusivity, these nail colours are fresh, eclectic, fun — bright as a cloudless California day, and perfect for a destination where every shopper feels like a star. "

MELROSE -A fun, hot pink destined to become spring’s must-have pedicure

RODEO DRIVE -A purple splash: girl power meets the power lunch

L.A. SUNRISE- A primary yellow as bright and cheerful as its name

L.A. SUNSET- A warm tangerine — just the thing for an afternoon shopping splurge

Price: $25.00

Available exclusively in-store at the Robertson Boulevard CHANEL Boutique beginning May 30th, 2008, on CHANEL.com in July 2008

The Met Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet

The pictures are coming in from the Met Museum's huge shindig last night. Co Chairs were George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Julia was dressed by Armani, and can I say she hasn't looked this good in a long, long time. Great dress, great everything.

Gisele Bundchen- Not loving Gisele's dress at all. Maybe a bit too revealing? Otherwise, though , she looks radiant. This is going to be a real love it or hate it.

Claire Danes- working a new look for her, and I am not sure. I do sort of like the makeup though. It is far more mature than we normally see her. She looks very sleek.

Katie Holmes: She usually looks so nice. This time she took the Super Heroes theme too far with her red dress and blue shoes. Is she wearing red all around her eyes

too?

Victoria Beckham- Wow, she looks grown up, and nice. A great look for her and a new one. Who would pick her as a best dressed, but there she is.

Kate Bosworth, Kimora Lee Simmons, both just a miss /mess.

Scarlett Johannsen- looks like she wore the undergarments from her upcoming wedding gown, or was headed to the ballet instead. And such messy hair.

David Bowie and Iman- Now there's a stunning couple. Just fab.

Melania Trump- saw her preview this Vera Wang on an entertainment show. She could have done much better, and has.

Fergie- the first person to have black un -slim her. yikes.

Lela Rose for Beauty.com Bag with samples

"Beauty.com has collaborated with New York fashion and wedding gown designer Lela Rose to offer customers a limited edition beauty valise filled with prestige beauty products. The exclusive Lela Rose Travel Bag comes just in time for the busy vacation season and is available to customers with a purchase of $100 or more on Beauty.com."
Pretty and packed with goodies, so if you need/want to place an order, now's the time.

The case, with products valued at more than $120, contains both deluxe and FULL SIZED favorites including:

ARCONA Cranberry Toner
Alterna Caviar Moisture Shampoo with Seasilk
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
L’OCCITANE Verbena Harvest Shower Gel
L’OCCITANE Verbena Harvest Body Lotion
Vincent Longo La Dolce Vita Lashes
Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara
Freeze 24/7 IceShield Facial Cleanser with Sunscreen SPF 15
Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash
tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy

Beauty.com

Clarins Younger Longer Balm

Clarins newest skincare addition is Younger Longer Balm. I have been using this for about 2 weeks . It's a really thick cream gel that comes in a pump bottle. You don't need a lot, and it isn't greasy at all. It sinks in fairly fast. I have been using the patting "Youth Stimulating" method, prescribed by Clarins, where you tap the product into skin to get the nerve endings up and capillaries stimulated . I figured, it can't hurt. After all, to really try something, you need to use it properly I imagine.

The patented formulation:
An extract of Maritime Pine, titrated at 80% of its active molecules, and Butcher’s Broom stimulate the skin’s microcirculation.
-Centella Asiatica, titrated at 95%, rebuilds the extracellular matrix and in this way prevents the collapse of blood capillaries and the dermal-epidermal junction.
-Glistin helps protect skin from the effects of stress and aging and helps control skin’s microcirculation flow.
-Vitamins A, E and C, as well as Pro-Vitamin B5, protect and stimulate while Hawaiian Candlenut Oil and an extract of Green Algae help prevent dehydration.
-Expertise 3P protects the skin from the harmful effects of today’s pollution.

The balm is scentless for the most part and very gentle. One of the best part is that I have been able to use it around my eye area as well, even though it's not for that. It hasn't irritated them one bit and the product has never migrated into the eyes or anywhere. I have very few lines thankfully, but what few tiny ones there are do seem better. Plus my skin has really went oily since the weather got warmer, but no breakouts from this . I do keep it away from the oiliest parts.

This is my first experience with Clarins skincare. I have used the tanning and lip products and loved them, and this is quite nice too. Silly as it is, for some reason, I love the way this container looks on my vanity. Something about the bright red cap I guess.

On counters now at $ 98.00 for 1.7 oz