Tag: pen

New Year’s Skin: Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe and Glow Pen Highlighter

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.

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).

stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

Have no fear, those of you who think you can’t handle a liquid eyeliner pen. This stila applicator is really a breeze!. The pen is precise and you can build the line with layers of application. But that is just the beginning. When I say “staying power”, I mean this sucker isn’t going ANYWHERE. I can rub my eyes, shower and even wash my face and the line remains solid and pigmented as ever. But along with no smudges comes a super fast dry. So be sure make adjustments as quickly as possible. I generally prefer a black liner, and this is a wonderful, deep and inky shade. But it is also offered in Indigo and Dark Brown as well. At $20, this is a good alternative to the Le Metier de Beaute Precision Liquid Eyeliner ($42).

Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liquid Liner

Le Métier de Beauté is on the top of their game. For luxury cosmetics, you can’t go wrong with this brand. I can find counters in Austin, so the privately held company has really rolled out their products from the uber-exclusivity just a few years ago. While the price point really demands excellence, you will get it. The liquid liner in a pen format brings loads to the table. It is very easy to travel with and even easier to apply. I lay down the quill-tipped applicator along the lash line. For a bolder eye, I just use a heavier hand and draw a dramatic line (or cat-eye). There are some gel eyeliners that have a longer wear, but this product makes up for it in ease with no need for pots or brushes. And if you allow the line to dry for a couple minutes, the liner is completely smudge-proof.