Tag: Le Métier de Beauté

Holiday Shopping Makeup – An Afternoon Out

holiday shopping makeup on Belle Belle Beauty

I got a touch overwhelmed with work yesterday. You know that point when you approach complete lack of productivity? Yeah, I hit that. So, I put on some winter makeup and headed out for some holiday shopping. I took the opportunity to use some odds and ends in the makeup drawer and want to highlight some favorites:

  • Laura Mercier ‘Art Deco Muse Collection’ Lip Lacquer in Laque Rouge: I got so many compliments on this shade. It was balanced – not too warm and not too cool. The finish was ultra-shiny, it was easy to apply and I got a couple hours of wear out of it.
  • stila ‘all over shimmer’ liquid luminizer  (sample from birchbox): Highlighter can approach too disco on me, but this version is blendable and fairly sheer. I love it on my cheekbones.
  • Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow in Black: This liner applies like a gel and is super long-wear. The best part is the ultra-fine brush it comes with for a perfectly precise line.
  • CARGO Blu_ray Pressed Powder: This oil-free powder uses photochromatic pigments to automatically color correct make-up. It is micro-fine so lines are filled and imperfections are camoflauged. This is a great addition to tinted moisturizer or BB Cream when you just need a touch more.
  • NARS Illuminator Orgasm: I’m just not a fan of Orgasm blush on me, but this Illuminator is a different story. The sheer nature keeps it from being too orange. I love the subtle color on my cheeks when I am more fair during the winter months.

While I was out, I stopped at the local Le Métier de Beauté counter to check out their newest eye kit – it is a beauty! 

Shades include (from top to bottom):

  • Axiom: sublime bronzed umber
  • Graphic: silver liquid metal
  • Crucible: rich pomegranate
  • Genre: deep gun metal  

Loads of new and fabulous things are happening at Belle Belle for the holiday season and new year. The aforementioned overwhelming feeling was completely born from fabulous projects and partnerships – all on a happy note. Speaking of happy… I am thrilled to report I reached 10,000 Pinterest followers yesterday! Thank you followers – and for those of you who aren’t… link here. Cheers!

Belle Belle Beauty on Pinterest

New Nail Lacquers from Le Métier de Beauté

Le Métier de Beauté nailed it with their Fall/Winter Lacquer collection (pun intended). Cocoa Crazed are elegant nudes. And Coromandel Collection is more of a edgy, gemstone glam, developed by Neiman Marcus’ Ken Downing. The formula is 3-Free without formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Proposition 65-compliant and fortified with strengthening proteins and hydrators. I’ve found these polishes to be perfectly on trend and last longer than other brands. What do you think? Which are on your holiday wish list?

Cocoa Crazed: A Nuanced Twist on Neutral Nails Shades include (from top to bottom):

Le-Métier-de-Beauté-Cocoa-Crazed on Belle Belle Beauty

  • Cocoa Me Crazy – vanilla bean cream with cocoa flecks
  • Hottie Choco-latte – creamy, shiny chocolate brown
  • Cocoa Cabana – bodacious brown with a hit of shine
  • Hot n’ Saucy – deep cocoa infused with cherry red under-tones

Coromandel Collection: Ming [Dynasty] meets Modern.  Shades include (from top to bottom):

Le Métier de Beauté Coromandel Collection on Belle Belle Beauty

  • Indo-sheen Red, an entrancing bright ruby. “Indo-Sheen Red captures the magic!” declares Mr. Downing.
  • Saucey Plum, a dark and stormy plum. “It’s rich, regal and ready for your favorite looks for Fall.”
  • Cloisin-navy, a dark and creamy navy. “My new neutral for the season, it’s deep and mysterious.”
  • Made in the Jade, a willow tree green. “Reflecting the luminosity of precious stones, it’s an intermix of fashion-forward greens.”

Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set

Last week, I made a little field trip to Neiman Marcus Northpark to check out the newest skin care offering from Le Metier de Beaute. A friend and I were treated to the new Peel and Mask that will be available in the next couple of weeks at your local counter. This duo is unlike any other department store skin care product I have ever tried. And you get dermotologist effects in a snap – the words uttered were “Instant Cinderella Effect”. Who wouldn’t want that?

For now, these products will be sold together. At first I balked at this approach, but after trying the Peel and Mask back-to-back, I understand. The Peel is a massive exfoliant and the Mask is a super-charged nourishing hydrator. In the end, you have balanced, calm and clean skin. Note: down the road, they might sell these separately.

Okay… first up is the CHEM60 Pro-Peel. This step uses my beloved glycolic acids along with salicylic acids. I don’t use salicylic acids as frequently, so I was concerned about how my skin would react. While there was some tingling, I didn’t get any redness (nor did my friend). I learned that the addition of salicylic acids can allow for greater penetration and removal of dead skin cells. The process takes a short 60 seconds, although we waited a little longer. I was amazed how instantly the skin looked more even and youthful. It did tone and awakened tired looking spots. Here, my friend has a light layer of the Peel on and you can see her skin isn’t the least bit irritated. And bonus that the iridescent, mostly clear mask won’t scare children and small animals. I wouldn’t hesitate using this 3x a week, even on my irritable skin.

The CHEM60 Pro-Peel comes in handy, foundation like tube with a soft brush on one end. This allows for hygienic application to every nook and cranny on your face. Turn the nozzle to the “on” position and gentle squeeze the tube to dispense a small amount into brush applicator. Apply a thin layer over the entire face, avoiding the delicate eye area and hairline. And then turn the nozzle off to prevent leakage and drying out. Remove the peel with warm water or a washcloth.

Next up was the GLOW10ai Mask. This is a like a big hug for your skin. The mask infuses skin with a concentration of antioxidants, vitamins and hydrators to help skin renew and rebuild, while strengthening skin’s overall appearance. After the Peel, our skin was even and smooth, but the Mask actually gave us a glow. The slight bit of tingling I had during the Peel was instantly soothed by the cooling Mask. This step will come in extra handy for anyone recovering from a laser, microdermabrasion or in-office peel.

We tried both a thin layer of the mask on my friend and a ticker layer on me. Because this mask is a peel off, we decided the thicker layer worked slightly better, although we basically got the same amount of hydration so it boils down to preference. You can use a scoop or spatula, but I think a finger works best for application. Make sure you avoid your hair line… those peel off masks are a mess if you get it in those fine little hairs. If you decide on a thicker application, plan on waiting 10-15 minutes to let it dry. Then the fun begins – Peel Away! Suggested use is 2-3 times a week, but I can see myself reaching for this every single day if I had the time.

Bottom line: Our skin was uber-soft and hydrated. It was almost a shame to put makeup on over it but I could help taking advantage of the talented Dre and trying out the newest Kaleidoscope Eye Kit in Nouvel. Check out that black pigment!

Currently, the CHEM60 Pro-Peel & GLOW10ai Mask Set is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus. Click below to purchase:

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Correcteur’ SPF 16 Concealer

Le Métier de Beauté has recieved major kudos for their Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complex’ Tinted Treatment SPF 18 (review here), but did you know they made a Peau Vierge concealer as well? Not only does the creamy formula flawlessly cover my hyper-pigmentation, but it also works to treat it.

The formula uses the same breakthrough, proprietary delivery system as the tinted moisturizer. Syntoc Actif is unique in its ability to deliver active ingredients. Retinol in the formula encourages collagen production, diminishes the appearance of dark circles, and heals blemishes. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my larger areas of hyper-pigmentation since using this concealer.

The consistancy is creamy (so it works great under eyes). The finish isn’t dewy but natural looking. It blends beautifully, making it virutally undetectable. I like using it with the Le Métier de Beauté Concealer Brush or buffing it on with an Eyeshadow Blending Brush (like this one).

Broad-spectrum SPF 16 protects the skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.

Le Métier de Beauté introduces The Beauty Vault for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

My adoration of  Le Métier de Beauté is no secret. I think the boutique cosmetic brand continues to chrun out innovative and well-made makeup that channels cutting edge technology. But all that science ratchets up the price point. Now, there is a great opprotunity for newcomers to the brand to try out the cult classics without breaking the bank. This whole set is only $49!!!

To celebrate the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Le Métier de Beauté is offering a collection with travel sized:

  • Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer (Shade 2)
  • Precision Liquid Liner
  • Anamorphic Lash Mascara

The Peau Vierge Tinted Luminizer works like a tinted moisturizer, letting the skin show through but blending away imperfections. It is on the sheer side of coverage. The formula combines the anti-aging benefits of retinol with the innovative Syntoc Actif delivery system to effectively plump and smooth wrinkles from the inside out for soft, beautiful skin.

Precision Liquid Liner in Noir, perhaps my all time favorite eyeliner, has a Mont Blanc crafted pen. What makes it unique is the calligraphic precision. This is perfect for that precise cat-eye that we are seeing everywhere for fall.

Anamorphic Lash Mascara mini in Black is made with beeswax and has a full brush. The effect is lashes full of volume that isn’t a total pain to remove.

The Beauty Vault is available, as a set only, at select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com from July 22 to August 1, 2012 (but I hear it is already on counters and I found it online here).

Le Métier de Beauté ‘Kaleidoscope’ Blush Kit

If you are a blush junkie (or a Le Métier de Beauté fanatic), heads up on their newest Kaleidoscope. Somehow, the LMdB team, pulled together a set of universally flattering and fully satisfying blushes. While the other Kaleidoscopes have encouraged layering all the colors, I think this set works better using one or two shades on their own.

The shades from top to bottom: a matte apricot orange, a matte vibrant rose, a shimmering gold, and a frosty pink. Layers two and three together quickly became my favorite. The gold tempers the vibrant rose and adds a bit of highlight. The gold also makes for a beautiful eyeshadow. The powder is very finely milled so there is no caking or dusky look.

The advantage of the kit is any look you desire is immediately at your fingertips! I tend to get quite a bit of pigment with these shades, but they blend beautifully into a sheer color. This is now part of Le Métier de Beauté permanent collection.