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News and other cool stuff

Hi, luvvies! How is your week shaping up? Not too much more now, my friends.

Listen, I have something on the horizon and it's not just Lulu's 1st birthday (!) on Saturday. I can't spill yet, but I sure can catch us all up on the recent comings, goings, and amazing happenings in the world. Do me a favor: let me know what I've missed!

Here we go...

Beauty Goodies

• John Frieda is taking his show on the road. You can get personalized attention from a top John Frieda stylist - a 15 minute lesson and consultation will address your specific hair issues and find out what products can help you bring out your best! Oh, did I mention that you'll also have access to a BCBGMAXAZRIA pop-up shop, so you can rock some sweet styles to complement your perfected hair? Find out where and how here.

• by Kilian lovers rejoice! The line has released a limited edition Gold Travel Fragrance Set, exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman. It's an artisanal-style black enamel with a gold finish that really embodies the "L'Oeuvre Noire" collection. The set will include a new scent, Rose Oud (from the Arabian Nights collection), plus the L'Oeuvre Noire yummies Love, Liaisons Dangereuses, Straight to Heaven, and Back to Black. See my review of a few of the scents here.
  New York gals: meet the founder himself on May 14th from 2-6 at Bergdorf Goodman (on the beauty level, of course!).   

• If you've been hesitating on purchasing the Illamasqua Spring collection, shame on you. But actually, your waiting may have paid off! You can save money by ordering all of the nail lacquers in a new LE set. It includes all three of the Body Electrics shades -JoMina, Prism, and Force- plus a bottle of Nail Base Coat.

• I loves me some Clarins skincare, man. I'm hustling over to Gilt Group TODAY to pick up some goodies.
   
  They've got faves like Best of the Sun Ultimate Protection Duo (Original Retail: $65, Gilt: $33), Clear Skin Solutions Kit for Combination/Oily Skin (Original Retail: $52, Gilt: $35), Super Rest Luxury Collection 4 Piece Kit + Gold Case (Original Retail: $196, Gilt: $149), and Multi-Active Day Cream for All Skin Types (Original Retail: $64, Gilt: $32). Clarins is renowned for their sun protection products, and I can personally vouch for the Multi-Active Day Cream: that's good stuff! 

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  Purple Lab has some new products going on sale at HSN! Um, yum: Pearlesque Show Primer for a dewy glow (for only $22.50);  Runway in a Box ($59.50); Check and Chic Makeup Duo ($37.50), and Huge Lips, Skinny Hips Lip Plumper in Lychee Martini (barely peach shine), Goji Berry Smoothie (berry rosy sparkle), Love Your Thighs (exotic coral), and Limo to Lobby (pale pink - more pink than Cult Fave Kitty Pole Dancer) for $20 each. Yeah, I wouldn't mind getting my hand on that primer and on Goji Berry Smoothie and Love Your Thighs. How 'bout you? Getcher info here.
  Showtimes: April 29th--- 2am-2:30am, 2pm-2:30pm, 8pm-8:30pm; April 30th---10am-10:30am, 3pm-3:30pm

• Really nifty makeup applications tools make my day. Check out the new one from Pür Minerals! You can pick your eye makeup, assign the model your own eye color, and even pick different brushes. It's so much fun, I may have to block the website or I'll never get any work done. No, really: try it!
  
  
  
  
  
• I'm kinda lemming Philosophy's Field of Flowers set, so if you're getting me a Mother's Day gift, that may be a place to start. :)
  
  The set, which is only $35, includes the body lotion (8oz) and perfume (2 oz), though you can get a few other versions of this lovely peony scent, too. 

• Not a huge Laura Mercier person. What I should say, really, is that I haven't tried a lot from her line. However, I do know that her body products are a-maz-ing! We used to run from the MAC counter over to Laura's and dip our hands in the delicious lotions and then sniff ourselves for hours. :) I haven't tried Crème de Pistache, have you? It's the scent of pistachio nuts plus almond, praline and hazelnut "nuances" and freshly whipped cream. Um... yeah. Now, what's the most fun? The Honey Bath, the Souffle Body Creme, or the Body Scrub?
  
• Where are my Bond No. 9 fans? Gimme a "WOOT!" There's a new one coming out and it's another in the  Andy Warhol series. I don't have to tell you that I love the Warhol scents soooo much! This one is inspired by Montauk, Long Island. Four of Warhol's iconic Sunset series will dress the trademark star-shaped bottles. Expect this one to be good! Debuts Memorial Day, but I've got a sample coming and a review pending!
  
   

• Got sensitive skin? I do, at times. One of the lines that is closest to my heart, Patricia Wexler, MD, has created a line for the sensitive-skinned among us. It's called Anti-Aging for Sensitive Skin. That kind of says it all, doesn't it?
  The line includes a Gentle Exfoliating Peel ($34.50); MMPi20 Comforting & Renewing Serum, which will decrease reactivity while diminishing the signs of aging ($55); Calming Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 ($39.50); and Soothing & Renewing Night Cream ($39.50). Can't wait to try it, especially the peel - I can get away with a lot of moisturizers and serums, but not exfoliators!

• Check out these sleek Mattene/Slimshine-like lippies! They're new from NARS and are called Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment. These shiny, sheer, subtly tinted balms are packed with Wild Mango Butter, Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Açai Oil and come in six shades: Aurore (seashell pink), Greta (mauve), Paloma (cantaloupe), Lara (pastel pink), Angélique (strawberry) and Bianca (pearl). I'd love to test these, but unless some cash falls in my lap I'm not going to be able to. If you try them, let me know how they are, OK?!

• Speaking of lips, another favorite brand is promoting a new SPF-for-lips product. Check out Bobbi Brown's Treatment Lip Shine SPF, which contains natural Cocoa & Shea Butters, and Jojoba, Apricot Kernel & Avocado oils. Oh, don't forget the Peptides, Vitamin C & Paracress, which stimulate collagen production to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I confess: I could certainly use that around the lips, ya'll. How 'bout you? Did I mention the TWELVE shades?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Whew! That's a lot of "new"! What else ya got? Whatcha looking forward to? See a clear winner or loser?

Have a good day and weekend. Hope it's fab! Have a funny for the road:

Neroli + Laura Mercier = SIGH...

Looking for a light, summery scent to get you in the mood for the warmer weather that's just around the bend? Take a look (a sniff?) at the newest item to hit your local Laura Mercier counter:

$65 USD buys you 1.7 fl oz of glorious light citrusy-floral smells. Inspired by the Mediterranean Orange Blossom, this scent is perfect for the first night in a sundress (or the first night you wish you were in one!).

• Top Notes: orange bigarade, lemon peel and freesia
• Heart notes: neroli, fresh jasmine and peony
• Bottom notes: musk, amber, sandalwood and vanilla

I haven't smelled this one yet, but as soon as I do I'll let you know what I think. I don't usually like citrus-based scents, but this one has actually piqued my interest...

Laura Mercier Spring Collection: Seduction

(image of Laura Mercier - source)

Laura Mercier's Spring offering, Seduction Collection, is gorgeous (though I do wish we'd see her branch out from the blues and purples she's been using of late). The focus will be on both lips and eyes, with eyes as a smoky sultry statement and lips as lucious and rich.

Please keep reading for more details...

Gorgeous eyes draped in violet! And I do mean draped in violet: the beautiful quads are stamped with the impression of a violet. It's really pretty and seems almost a shame to dip into- until you really look at the colors and then: BAM! You dive in and sweep them on your eyes and you have a sexy hot violet/plum eye. Keep it light and soft for day, or build it up into a smoky eye for some late night fun. $38 USD

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Now please don't tell me you don't think these Brilliant Eye Liners are adorable! 'Cause I won't believe you! I am completely lovin' the packaging on these. And the shades are pretty fun- I certainly can't wait to try Golden and Violette...

These are creamy and soft with a gentle pearl - and they're also water-resistant. Use them with the Fine Point Eye Liner Brush.

Liner: $22; Brush $24 USD

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Lip Colour Creme and Lip Colour Shimmer top off the look and give you a  lot of options.

The collection features strong lips in the Creme formula, both colors are exclusive to this collection: Mistress, a pink-red; and Passion, a yellow-red.

The Shimmer options are Pixie, Plum Wine and Seduction - these blue-based shades are fabulous additions to Seduction Collection, though are featured in the standing collection.

Laura Mercier Lip Colours are anti-aging, moisturizing, plumping, and contain anti-oxidants Vit. A & E. Perfection: pretty shades and they're good for you, too!

Lip Colours are $22 USD

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Now we're really talking sexy violet shades- two Nail Lacquers in shades that complement the Seduction Collection nicely.  Avant Garde is a knockout deep eggplant (I LOVE a purple nail!); Daring is a rich burgandy color. Both shades are deep and sultry and great for bridging this lovely time in late winter when we're feeling like we want the flower-inspired shades of Spring but we're not quite ready for candy-colored pastels.

Nail Lacquers are $15 USD

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Get on with your bad self, Laura Mercier! Check out these hot lashes! I'm really  impressed with these-  on the left: Center Faux Lashes, to create a large, wide-eyed look; in the middle:  Corner Faux Lashes, to create the perfect cat eye; and on the right: Full Faux Lashes for a full, lush look. Each set is $18 USD

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In case you were worried that you hadn't carried the violet theme far enough, Laura Mercier has you covered... covered in the light, fresh scent of Violette. This pretty eau de toilette starts with violet leaves and black currant before introducing mimosa and peony. It settles into vetiver, musk, and raspberry. Doesn't that sound perfect  for this time of year- both light and deep, both soft and strong. And such a nice companion to the looks in the Seduction Collection.

Violette is 1.7oz for $50 USD

Holiday '07 | Laura Mercier

Holy Crap! Have you seen the Laura Mercier holiday offerings!? I don't even know where to start! It's phenomenal. The makeup is pretty and of course the great quality we expect from Laura Mercier, and the soaps and candles and lotions smell decadent (probably the best on the market). If you can't find a gift for someone here, you're simply not looking hard enough. More likely, you will no know how to narrow it down. If that's the case, you can always just shop for yourself and get your friends and family Laura Mercier eGift cards!

 

Let's wade through the selection... Let's talk Accessories, first:

• Double pocket cosmetics bag ($45 USD) - Very gorgeous faux-leather is shaped into a softly flowing rectangular bag in an almost edible chocolate brown. (Note: the faux leather is actually quite nice, not cheesey)

  

• Mini bush set ($75) - Once your makeup is stashed in that gorgeous bag, you'll want brushes to apply it. That's where the brush set comes in handy! Six mini brushes come stashed in the same chocolate faux-leather: a cheek brush, 3 eye brushes, a concealer brush and an eyebrow brush.

Color products are up next:

• The Eye Palette is so pretty the shadows almost look edible! For $40, the sleek mirrored compact gives you a two-sided brush (eye color brush on one end and flat liner on the other); a Black Ebony eye liner, and 4 shadows: Chambord Shimmer, Cashmere Matte, Heather (exclusive to this set - a matte) and Black Topaz (also an exclusive). Create the best purple-y smoky eyes ever!

• Um... as a packaging whore, I think I have to own these. The Petite Eye Palettes are SUPERCUTE and super slim, with a mirror inside the top of the case. LOVE!

• Daydream ($25) on the left- Soft purples glow and shine for daytime. You get Pewter Shimmer, Mauve Shimmer and Morning Dew Matte.
• Nightfall ($25) on the right takes you into the night... Mix Deep Night Matte, Topaz Shimmer, and Pearl Shimmer to get the perfect evening looks well past the holiday season!

• For a mere $50 you get the Face Palette and you can create a gazillion looks for months and months. Three exclusive eye colors (Black Forrest Shimmer, Gild Shimmer and Suede Matte) are paired with Golden Glow and Winter Bloom Cheek Colours. Finish the looks with Passion Fruit Shimmer, Fig Creme and Marquise Creme on the lips. Wrap them in a beautiful case with a mirrored top and your holidays are made!

• A compact faux chocolate leather case holds a few lip options, perfect for your best friend (or you!). In the Mini Lip Set you'll get Passion Fruit Shimmer, Cinnamon Creme,Pink Champagne Creme, Pixie Shimmer and a mini Potpourri lip pencil all for $40.

• My favorite out of all of the Laura Mercier holiday collection, the Lip Plumper set ($40) comes nestled in the 2007 holiday bag and includes Wildberry, Pink Shimmer, and Lip Plumpers, the latter two of which are exclusive to this collection. All three colors are hot and I'll be wearing the hell out of them! Plus, the bag is cute.

• Ms. Mercier has stuck 6 Stickglosses in one palette, and it's only $40! Stickglosses are semi-sheer and fairly long wearing. You can use your mini Chestnut pencil and lip brush to apply Patchouli, Maple, Baked Earth, Brown Sugar and Peony Stickglosses in any combination you wish!

So, you've got your cosmetics and they're organized. Let's make sure everything (and everyone) smells good!

• Pick up an Almond Coconut Milk Trio ($65) for a friend and then make her light the candle while you're visiting. Yum! This is a great set. You get "the scent of warm, rich powdered sugar, vanilla extract & hint of cinnamon" in three forms: Honey Bath and Dipper, Body Creme, and Candle.
• Get that special someone the Chocolate Truffle Duo ($50). Or better yet: buy it for yourself and let them reap the rewards! Get honey Bath and Dipper and Body Creme that give you "top notes of almond with creamy espresso and a hint of Frangelico. The chocolate scent is warmed with a blend of vanilla, sweet maple & honey topped off with rose and heliotrope for added sophistication."
• The Créme Brule Trio ($65) is perfect for that hard to buy for person. Who doesn't love Créme Brule!? You get the Honey Bath and Dipper, Body Creme, and Candle.
• Not sure what to get your significant other's mom? Dude, pick up the French Vanilla Trio ($65) and get the Honey Bath and Dipper, Body Creme and (you guessed it) Candle.
• For $36 you can't afford not to pick up the Luxury Soap Set. Keep it on hand for that person who gives you a gift you weren't expecting! The Chocolate Truffle, French Vanilla, Crème Brulee and Almond Coconut Milk soaps are perfectly lovely but not too personal, and smell scrumptious!

All images courtesy of LauraMercier.com.