It is that time of year again! And this Spring Beauty Event features the best tote I’ve encountered as part of the gift with purchase. Neiman Marcus collaborated with designer Eddie Borgo to create a modern magazine tote. Gets yours (and some pretty stellar beauty samples) with any purchase of $125 – or amp up your shopping and get a matching wristlet (and even more samples) with a purchase of $500 or more. Starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday, March 1st.
And a quick note on what I would stock up on: I am obsessed with the NuFace devices. I have been using the mini version but am now trying out the Trinity with Trinity Wrinkle Reducer Attachment. Guys, this device is FDA-cleared. Let’s call it the first step into not needing any nips or tucks in the coming decades – I know I am game for that!
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
Anyone else celebrating (crying) with me tonight as the TV show Parenthood ends? I honestly think it is the smartest show on television – lovely actors, usually amazing story lines and “that hit home” moments. I will always love the Bravermans.
In honor of that milestone, I thought I would share my skin care routine along with my January favorites today. I am leaving town for a long stretch in a short bit and am a bit distraught about being away from my skin care goodies. I thought maybe sharing my current favorites would help me narrow down the lineup for the trip.
I have no idea how 10 years ago (in my twenties) I could muster a carry on for six weeks in Europe in seven different climates. These days, 7 days in two American cities just undoes me.
Who is ready for Spring? Not me… I love winter. I guess I blame it on the fact that I always run warm hot. But leave it to Estée Lauder and Neiman Marcus to get all jazzed about Spring. Their new gift with purchase features a collab with New York fashion designer Lisa Perry and features some shades and skin care that will put a little April Showers skip in your step.
Lisa collects art and fashion from the 1960’s and 70’s – and this seems like such a great fit with Lauder in my mind. In the best way, I feel like Lauder is a retro brand. Perhaps because growing up, I always thought of their products as luxe and iconic. No wonder that I still love their marquis products today.
Lisa’s aesthetic is all about clean lines and bold shades reflected in the bold blue tote that houses all the beauty goodies. The must haves include:
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II – finally working this classic into my routine and so far I love it – my skin is so calm and even
Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme
Pure Color Lipstick – stay tuned for a second review next week but my initial thoughts here
Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara
Choice of Subtle or Bold Deluxe EyeShadow and Lipstick Compact – so many options for a weekend on-the-go
AERIN Lilac Path Eau de Parfum – these fragrances are so feminine and subtle
These all can be yours this week at Neiman Marcus with a purchase of $75 or more.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
Let me say this off the bat: this is a true luxury duo with a price to match. But when I showed up to lunch sans makeup except for these two yesterday, I was met with “Your skin looks so good! So dewy!” For me, that says quite a bit when I am going relatively bare.
I am both pleasantly surprised but then again not much at all. After all, Le Metier de Beaute was one of the first lines I fell hard for as a new blogger five years ago. But slowly they fell off my radar – still adored but not quite as prevalent on my vanity. All that changed with what I sense is a bit of a revamp from the brand.
As always, they are front and center at Neiman Marcus stores. And it is a beautiful marriage – gorgeous packaging, state-of-the-art skin care and beautiful and timeless shades are all qualities of the brand. Their marquis products are from their Peau Vierge line. Peau Vierge translates to “virgin skin” – I am totally on board.
Previously packaged in a metal container with a pump, Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe is now in a friendly tube – a little less glamorous given the price tag but so much easier to use, especially for travel. This tinted moisturizer is sheer but correcting. But the bright spot is how the formula works to improve skin over the long term. It restores and tightens while providing protection with SPF 18.
For those looking for a gentle retinol, search no further. In all my testing, this formula has been the easiest to use – I avoid all that irritation and redness but still see a clarity after about a week of using. I always had an affinity for Shade Two – a neutral beige. But after using both Two and Three over the last couple of weeks, I like the golden base of Three for much needed warmth on my winter skin. Unfortunately, these shades will only work for those with fair-to-medium skin tones.
I follow up with a “new to me” product by Le Metier: the Lueur Stylo PV Glow Pen Highlighter. While highlighting pens are ubiquitous these days, I really do find this version great for brightening the under eye. It is definitely not a concealer, but the radiant finish corrects without being heavy. I prefer Shade Two while Shade One will be perfect for those with fair skin.
Talk about a New Year’s win-win: I get natural, glowy and dewy skin. Plus I am working in retinol and SPF daily while also improving my skin tone and fine lines. While the duo is a splurge and a little under the radar, my rediscovery of Le Metier proves it still has products for great skin and true pay-off.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
Are many of you (like me) trying to be more aware of ingredients in your skin care and makeup? A favorite friend of mine is really making strides making over her routine, and I am inspired to do the same. My brand of choice when it comes to natural ingredients in Tata Harper. Sure, it is a splurge. But I always know what I am getting is the best of the best.
Her new facial cleanser landed on my desk and I am totally appreciating the oil formula in the dry winter weather. Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser removes makeup and dissolves impurities while keeping the skin’s moisture barrier intact.
After washing, my face is ultra-soft and a little more radiant but not the least bit greasy. The formula contains Sacha Inchi Oil which happens to be the most concentrated source of Omega-3 in the world. While I need one of my beloved foaming cleansers (see below) when I am wearing a full face of makeup, the Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser is my pick for weekends and mornings. I apply to dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water. Or soak a cotton pad with the oil and apply to the face.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a gel formula and while not wildly foaming, it does get a little sudsy. This one also removes impurities while leaving most of the moisture intact. The real selling point is how well it plays with my sensitive skin.
So many of Fresh products are centered around soy. A new fun fact for me was that this ingredient promotes moisture retention, elasticity, and firmness. Rosewater balances and tones skin. And the scent can’t be beat with notes of cucumber – my shower becomes a spa.
Between these two stars, I’d say my cleansing game is really stepping up. I use the Fresh with my Clarisonic, but the Tata Harper really inspires me to get after massaging with my fingers – so great for circulation.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
If you like no-frills skin care, look away, dear friend. But know you are missing out. For those willing to add an extra step, check out this “finisher” from Sulwhasoo.
I’ve loved this line since crossing paths at Bergdorfs at my first New York Fashion Week. But this unique product might be my favorite from the brand yet. Ginseng and green tea work naturally with skin to create a perfect makeup foundation. And antioxidants work against free radicals and help heal skin.
Plus it feels wonderful against my dry winter skin. That being said, it isn’t overly heavy so those with combo or oily skin will like the formula just as much as those with dry skin do. The heavy glass bottle is a beauty to use and looks amazing on a vanity too – always a welcome luxury with upscale skin care products.
Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
