Le Métier de Beauté Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit & Bronzer

For some reason, this fall, I have been drawn to wearing reds on my lips. Never before have I found a red shade that I thought suited me well. I always was drawn to reds though, because they make your teeth look whiter, give a pop of color, and overall it's a change from the typical nudes and pinks. This Le Metier de Beaute Breathless Kaleidoscope offers 4 options. It retails at $95. The idea behind Le Metier's Kaleidoscope, is that you can wear each shade individually, or layer them on. The shades are: Cinema ( a true red), Existential (sparkling mauve), Beau (deep berry crimson), and Celluloid (creamy flushed red).

I also got the bronzer in Sun Kissed. I am so taken back by Le Metier's face products. They are all I use now. I don't even touch any of my other bronzers and blushes. This bronzer all though looks a bit dark in the pan comes out lighter. It also gives such a nice glow, as do all of Le Meteier's face products tend to do. This  "glow" is what sets there products apart from others. The bronzer retails for $55.

Perfume: Lancome La vie est belle

For a long time I have been on the hunt for a "sweet" perfume, to wear at night. Apparently, this is no easy task. Angel makes me sick, Prada Candy smells like straight carmel, pink sugar smells childish, Flowerbomb is better, but still too strong. When I received a sample of Lancome's La vie et belle, I can honestly say, I did not think there was a chance I would like it. First of all, I associate Lancome fragrances with older women. Second, once I saw 3.3 oz was $95, I was immediately turned off. Well to my surprise I loved it! I loved it so much that after doing some serious research, I purchased it the next day. I found out that the fragrance was made by the creator of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb, which explains the hefty price tag. Overall, this is a beautiful fragrance, and really stands out in the "sweet" fragrance category.

Caudalie: Beauty Elixer

I have had my eye on this beauty elixer for a while. I personally, am not a fan of Mac's fix plus. I know a lot of people like it, but I don't like the scent, or how much comes out when you spray it. The Caudalie elixer, on the other hand, has such a pleasant scent. It awakens you up, with minty notes. In addition, your makeup looks fresher, without that wet look. It is also packed with oils and other ingredients that are good for your skin. Caudalie products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, fragrances, dyes, other stuff that is harmful to your skin. Retail $18 for 1.0 oz, $48.00 for the 3.4 oz. The Caudalie Beauty Elixer is sold at sephora.com, caudalie.com, and birchbox.com.

Recently Caudalie has released their Favorite's set. This set is a great value at $35, and includes the 1.0 oz elixer, and other Caudalie best sellers.

(Image: birchbox.com)

Sephora VIB Sale: November 8 - 12

I was excited to receive an e-mail today, notifying me about the VIB sale. It will be going on from Nov. 8-12th.  It includes the traditional 20% discount. If you visit your local Sephora store with a friend, on Nov. 8th, you both will get 20% off, and a limited edition tote. In addition, you can share your on-line code with a friend. It can only be used once.

Here are some things on my shopping list:

Sephora Favorites Super Stars Beauty Essentials $70
Make Up forever Duo Mat powder $34
Shiseido UV Protector $30
Tarte: 4 piece Blush Enthusiast Set $35
Stilla - Seeing Stars Eye Liner Set $32
Tarte: Galamazon Lipstick in Inspired -$26
Tarte: Maracuja Creaseless Concealer - $24

Specifically, the Sephora favorites sets are a great buy with the additional 20% off.

I would be interested in knowing, what's on your list? 

Caudalie: Vinexpert Firming & Lifting Collection

Caudalie recently launched a new collection. I have been a fan of Caudalie products for a few years now, and it's exciting to see the brand grow in the US. Just today I was walking in New York City, and walked by a Caudalie boutique. In addition, I have met the founder and she was a very sweet and knowledgeable lady. Lastly, I think their products are priced reasonably. There newest collection is called Vinexpert Firming & Lifting, which has been getting rave reviews.

What’s new:

1.       Patented Resveratrol-Oleyl: boosts collagen and elastin AND fights glycation

2.       New packaging that’s 50% recycled and recyclable (and très glam!)

3.       Five completely new formulas that offer targeted results (ie 80% resculpted cheekbones thanks to the Firming Serum and 100% smoothing effect using the Night Infusion Cream)

4.       An environmental commitment to support the Island of Sumatra and it’s wildlife through Caudalie’s partnership with 1% for the Planet

5.       A breakthrough study with Mt Sinai to prove the impact of the formulas at a genetic level.  Thanks to a study conducted by Dr. Ellen

You can purchase and learn more about the Serum here.

Event: Sephora & Givenchy Nov. 9th - Meet Liv Tyler

I just came across an event, and thought of sharing it with you all. Here are the details:


MEET LIV TYLER, THE FACE OF
GIVENCHY BEAUTY AND FRAGRANCE 

Enjoy a free Beauty Studio Express Service with a Givenchy artist using the new Lively Lipstick Collection, featuring Liv Lips-a color-adapting
shade created by Liv Tyler-and Noir Couture Mascara.

Purchase a Givenchy product on November 9, 2012 at Sephora 5th Ave to meet Liv Tyler herself.
Bonus: Free Givenchy samples for anyone who
has an Express Service.*

November 9, 2012 | 12 - 7PM
Meet Liv Tyler: 5 PM5th Avenue New York, NY 

It sounds like a fun experience, if you are in the area and a fan of Givenchy, this seems like a good event to attend.

(Image: Sephora.com)

Review: Kusmi Tea Detox

I have been drinking Kusmi tea for a while now, and thought it was time to let you guys know about it. Normally, I would not think tea is worthy of a blog post, but once you try this tea you will understand. Kusmi tea is avaliable at bircbox.com, Kusmi boutiques, and just last week I saw it being sold in Bloomingdales. This tea is way more pricy then other teas. I personally think it's the Laudree of the tea world. I like to drink this tea over ice. Its like a better version of iced green tea from Starbucks. Apparently, this tea has detox qualities, that are good for your skin.  In addition, it's supposed to make you feel full. Overall, it tastes great, is good for your skin, and has cute packaging, what else does one need from their tea?

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo Rain Boots - Thordis

The chicest rain boots I have ever seen, by far are the Ferragamo Thordis, Retail $295. I was never a fan of the Hunter rain boots, and had the Burberry logo print boots for many years. After so long, I wanted something new. These Ferragamo boots, are special in the fact that they have a cashmere knit cuff, which will keep you warm. This is important because rubber rain boots do not keep you warm at all. These boots look amazing with leggings/jeans tucked inside of them. I even think they will look good if you are wearing tights. One thing to note it that they run very large, so I had to go down a size. Be sure to check these out, next time you are in a fine department store. Also check out the My Joy flats which I saw now come in a lot of new colors. Overall, Ferragamo shoes are so well made, and you really get top quality for the price.

LE METIER DE BEAUTE: Fall 2012 Nouvelle Vague Collection

Today, I went to my local Neimans with a +1 to learn all about Le Metier De Beaute. All I knew before today, about the brand, was that they are famous for their kaleidoscope. I also knew, I was already a fan of their lip gloss and liquid eyeliner, which I purchased in Paris.

We were scheduled to meet with Maria. She was super sweet and very informative. In addition, you could tell right away how passionate she was about the brand/products. She genuinely believed in the brilliance of this brand.

Major points about the brand:

• Recently launched skin care line, has clinical results. Guaranteed to see results in 7 days. Contains Retinol and SPF. 
• Skincare line contains TPM technology which allows the treatment to penetrate the skin 24X deeper. 
• In November, they will release the CHEM60 Pro-peel and GLOW10AI Mask Set. Great to use before a special event. 
• Revive Eye Concentrate is super hydrating, and helps dramatically reduce dark circles. 
• "Le Metier De Beaute" means the craft of makeup in French.
• All the colors in the Kaleidoscopes are meant to be layered on, but can be worn on their own.
• Breathless Kaleidoscope Lip Kit contains beautiful shades of red, that are highly pigmented. Texture is very moisturizing and not dry at all.
• Standout eyeshadow colors: Plum & Corinthian look beautiful layered on top of one another. You can add a little bit of Thunder in the crease to intensify the look.
• Peau Vierge (PV) Anti-Aging Corrector is very creamy, a little goes a long way. It also contains Retinol. 
• Powders and eyeshadows are quadrupole milled. Making the texture super soft and not gritty at all. 
• All the products are meant to give you a natural glow.
• Le Metier De Beaute can be found at high-end department stores: Neimans, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, & Nordstrom.

Final Thoughts:

Every product in this line is a standout. They don't have any products that are fillers. The skin care is clinical strength, with guaranteed results. The makeup products are multi-tasking, for example, the PV corrector and tinted moisturizer not only cover up flaws, but at the same time are working to fix them. I found this very unique, compared to other brands, who just mask the problem area. In the color range, all the shades are very pigmented, soft, creamy, multidimensional, and finely milled. Overall, I was very impressed by this brand, and I could understand why It has such a following. Le Metier De Beaute is high end, but I feel like you actually get top quality in return, which is not always the case with other brands at the same price point. 

I picked up the blush in Fresh and a Moisture Stain Lipstick in Palm Springs. I plan on layering my lipgloss in Dubai over it.

*I took over 30 pictures today to show you all the amazing swatches, and unfortunately when I went to update my Iphone, all the pictures were deleted :( The pictures below are of what my +1 took. 

Review: Kitsy Lane

Recently, I began hearing about Kitsy Lane. It's a jewelry selling community, similar to Stella & Dot. I never bought anything from Stella, but decided to give Kitsy a try once I checked out their website. A lot of the styles were very on trend and very resonably priced. I decided to go for the Stevie necklace. It reminded me of a YSL necklace I saw in Vogue. The YSL one is $1,250 and the Stevie one is only $38. Considering it's a trendy style, I wouldn't want to invest in the YSL one. Lastly, it arrives in a very nice black velvet lined box.  Kitsy is worth a look https://milkyourmoments.kitsylane.com/join/WhdbnYJ. Here is a coupon code I found:QGM6JW6C2F

NYFW: Birchbox Sample Stop

I was invited to stop by the Birchbox Sample Stop. The idea behind this pop-up is that it's a a huge "candy shop."  It actually has candy as well as tons of beauty products samples. In addition, it has a charging station, and stations to get touch-ups.  All of this is to insure one looks their best during NYFW.  It is open from September 7th-10th, 10AM-6PM.  Today is your last day to attend.  It is located right across from Milk Studios.  Today's schedule features Caudalie, Fekkai, and Jouer in the morning. In the afternoon the featured brands are: Kerastase, Jouer, and Miracle Skin Transformer. In addition, you get to make your own DYI birchbox. This was a really nice experience since the Birchbox team is always the ones who curate them.  I stoppped by only for a short time, and really enjoyed it. In my custom birchbox I placed a BeautyBlender, Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo, Benefit they're Real mascara, Color Club nail polish in Insta-this, and per-fekt Beauty Skin Perfection Gel. In addition, I also got a $20 credit to Uber, and a fabulous book by Cameron Tuttle called Raising Eyebrows.  All in all, I constantly am impressed with how innovative Birchbox is, and I look forward to seeing what else they come up with in the future.

Glossybox: July 2012

During the Olympics, Glossybox was holding a twitter contest. I was lucky enough to win one of them. It's been a while, and then today, I saw that pink box outside. I have seen photos recently, of the most current Glossybox, and it looks amazing. I believe, it includes an Ellis Faas product, and a full size Illamasqua nail polish. I have been interested in testing out both of these brands. I did not receive these products, but rather I received the July 2012 Glossybox as my winning prize. I am not sure, if everyone receives the same products or not.

I received:
Alessandro International: Pedix Heel Rescue Balm
Sebastian: Color Ignite Multi Toner Shampoo
Sebestian: Color Ignite Multi Tone Conditioner
Figs & Rouge: Lip, Face, Body Balm
Senna Cosmetics: Mineral Eyes Shadow Trio
Ruddy Water: Blushed fragrance

I am not familiar with most of these brands, aside from the Sebestian hair products. It's nice to try out brands/products, that I might have not otherwise.

Thanks Glossybox!

What are your thoughts on Glossybox?

Nail Polish: Deborah Lippmann (Just Dance, Bad Romance, Shape of My Heart

Last week, Nordstrom was running a promo Buy 2 get 1 free on Deborah Lippmann & Butter London Polishes. I have a few Butter London polishes, so I thought this was a good time to try out some Lippmann polishes, since I haven't before. I decided to take the plunge, because each bottle would come out to be around $11. Which compared to OPI, Essie, etc. is not that bad. I must say I am a fan of the bottles, and the brush. So far I have tried out Just Dance, and love how the glitter is not chunky. Next, I am excited to try out Shape of my Heart. I am always on the search for a perfect pale pink. Usually, they are too sheer, but this one appears like it will not be. Overall, I am very happy to finally get my hands on some Lippmann polishes.

Bad Romance, Shape of My Heart, Just Dance

What are your favorite Deborah Lippman polishes?

Bargain Hunting: Caudalie Friends & Family Sale

I was just notified that Caudalie will be holding it's annual Friends & Family sale. I was not aware that they had these, so I am excited to share this news with you. Time to stock up on the Beauty Elixir.

What will you get with the 20% off?

Fresh & Blueprint Cleanse Truck in NYC

Yesterday, I stopped by 18th and Broadway to visit the Fresh truck. Fresh has teamed up with Blueprint Cleanse for a Fresh Cleanse event. The idea is to cleanse not only your skin, but from within as well. The highlighted products were the spicy lemonade from Bp and the Soy Face Cleanser from Fresh. I have tried both in the past, and I really liked the cleanser and drink. Since, I am a VIB at Sephora I got some extra goodies. I got a tote filled with $100 of fresh products. I have been buying fresh for years, so I was thrilled to receive this. In addition, I received a promo code for 1 day of the Bp cleanse. I am looking forward to ordering it soon. Also, I got a card to reserve my spot for a 30 min. consultation with a nutritionist. The event is still going on today at Bleecker Street ad West 11th Street from 11-7pm.

Makeup: Tarte Glamazon Lipstick

I have been really amazed with the new Tarte Glamazon lipsticks. The claim on the lipstick is that it has 12 hour long staying power. I have never really found a lipstick that actually does stay on all day, and now I have. I noticed that the lipstick had stayed on through meals and drinks. Also, the colors are very pigmented, and feel very moisturizing on the lips. So far the three colors I have are Foxy, Playful, and Wild.

(Foxy, Playful, Wild)

Event: Sephora Columbus Circle Party

Last night, I attended the re-opening of Sephora at Columbus Circle party. It was a fabulous event, for many reasons. First, the champagne kept flowing. Second, each guest was given a $25 gift card. Third,  at the end of the night I received a bag filled with full-sized products. The brands at the event were: Tarte, Caudalie, GLO, Too Faced, Ole Henriksen. At each station one got to chat with the founders,  have your picture taken, and receive a product or sample. Overall, the event was a real treat, and lots of fun.

Products Given:
Too Faced - 3 way eye liner
Too Faced - La Creme lipstick in nude beach
Tarte - Glamazon lipstick in playful
Tarte - Park ave princess bronzer
Caudalie -Anti-dark spot & radiance set
Fresh - Advanced therapy lip treatment
Fresh- Soy face cleanser
Sephora - Quilted cosmetic bag
Ole Henriksen - Ultimate eye lift kit
Ole Henriksen- Truth face kit
Glo - Whitening sample
Sephora: Columbus Circle Tote

What I purchased:

Buxom - Lip creame in white russian

Fresh - Lip treatment in Rose 

Soap & Glory - Body polish 

Tarte - Glamazon lipstick in Foxy

Bumble & Bumble - Straight blow dry 

(picfx)

Please comment below, if you would like reviews/swatches on any of the products.

Shampoo: Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal - Thick

I recently purchased the Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal Shampoo for thick hair. After having such a positive experience with the Kérastase team at the Birchbox Gossip Girl event, I wanted to try out their products. All I can say, is that after one use, my hair became instantly silky and smooth. Being that I have very long hair, that is thick and tends to get frizzy, it is hard to make my hair look silky.  I will say that one needs very little of this product, because if you use too much, it can weigh your hair down and make it look oily.  The small amount factor, is actually a good thing, considering the price tag and size of the bottle.

8.5fl oz. $38

I also purchased the Kérastase Cristalliste Lumiere Liquide Serum, let me know if you are interested in a review.

What is your experience with Kérastase, and do you have a favorite product? Would love to try out something else from this brand.

Favorites: Fresh Sugar Lip Polish & Fresh Rose Sugar Lip Treatment

My new favorite lip combo includes two Fresh products. I first exfoliate my lips using the Fresh Sugar Lip Polish. It makes my lips feel so smooth, and in addition plumps them. Although, I have made my own lip scrub at home before, it's easier and nicer to apply it straight from the pot. In addition, you need very little of the product. I then apply the Fresh Sugar lip treatment in Rose. My lips feel very moisturized and the rose color is the perfect shade for my lips, making them look very natural. I have used Fresh products for years, and time after time I am very satisfied with the quality. This lip combo is my current favorite and I feel like it will continue to be for a while.

What's your favorite lip combo?

Clutch: Chanel Satin Quilted Timeless Clutch

This is one of the most beautiful evening clutches I have ever seen. The material is satin, and it features quilted stitching with silver hardware. The Timeless clutch will dress up any night outfit. I really like the size, because it's not too small and it's not overly large either. You can fit all your essentials, a camera, cellphone, and some makeup of course! This clutch also comes in Caviar leather. Recently, I saw colored patent ones at the Chanel boutique. I have my eye on the coral patent leather one, which would be nice for the summer time.  This clutch is timeless, as suggested by it's name, and very elegant. I can see this clutch being stylish for many years to come. I believe it is a great investment piece, and a must have for ones handbag/clutch collection.