Tag: Saks

Lovely Links – Hello Fall!

Finally, we can say fall is officially here tomorrow. It is by far my favorite season. I love the pace, clothes and football. And while summer was a blast, I am enjoying getting back into a routine. Here are some of my finds from around the web this week:

– excellent tutorial on how to apply concealer.

– loving this new collaboration at gorjana.

– if you need to catch up on NYFW beauty, check out this fashion week beauty recap.

– i basically want everything from meg’s new shop.

– i can’t believe I watched this about a woman who didn’t wash her face for a month – but talk about a motivation to wash every night.

– stock up on fall goodies: J.Crew is offering 25% off your entire order! With code SHOPFALL.

– Theory is having a Friends and Family sale – get 25% off your order with code THEORYFRIENDS.

– i adore this shift dress and now it is 25% off (along with everything else at French Connection with code W13FF).

And if you are in the Tulsa area, mark your calendars for an event I’m hosting next week at Saks Fifth Avenue. Champagne, fashion and beauty…. you can’t resist!

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Technology in Beauty on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

Today, I am back on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country to discuss all the latest and greatest in the skin care industry. The rapid pace of technological advances has made skin care a makeup and exciting place. Below are some of my five favorite things out of the labs that change the way we take care of ourselves!

NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device is clinically tested to improve facial contour, skin tone, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by delivering soft wave microcurrent. But now this little tool has an even better perk: it has been found to enhance the absorption of other water-based products (aka so many of my favorite serums!). ($325 at Nordstrom)

Speaking of Hyaluronic acid, the newest from Trish McEvoy, Beauty Booster Serum is an exclusive and new formulation packed with the hydrating ingredient and dual action peptides. My skin was immediately smoothed and hydrated with just one application. Not to mention it looks more radiant without being greasy. Can’t wait to try it with my NUFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device. ($128 at Saks)

BB were once all the range, but CC creams are coming on strong. And it isn’t just hoopla. Cosmetic companies have found a way to marry foundation or tinted moisturizer with skin care ingredients to great benefit for us consumers. CC Creams also help correct discoloration often with slightly more coverage. The new Supergoop! ‘Daily Correct’ CC Cream Broad Spectrum has a whooping SPF 35. Going above and beyond, it also contains anti-aging benefits and super antioxidants to help fight free-radical, wrinkle-forming damage. ($32 at Ulta) Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector instantly blurs imperfections and leaves a glowy, even finish. I particularly love it for drier skin. ($35 at Saks)

Sometimes the best new technology comes from natural itself. Kate Somerville discovered the Dilo nut on recent travels and transformed it into an oil that has been a champion at improving signs of aging. The natural oils in Kate Somerville Dilo Oil Restorative Treatment work to improve hydration and strengthen moisture barrier. I’ve found that I get a glow even though it is so quickly absorbed. ($65 at Sephora)

While Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain has been around for a couple months, its weightless liquid formula is still transformative. The newest shades feature a shimmer with a luminous 3D effect. You get glossy, hydration with amazing lasting power whether you opt for matte or shimmer. ($34 at Saks)

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Carven Le Parfum

I may be a beauty junkie, but I also have a deep and profound love for fashion. Particularly the history of fashion. So when I found out the house of Carven, founded in 1945, was launching its only third scent, I knew I was on board to love it. I’ve been wearing it the past couple weeks and have fallen. Surprisingly though since it is quite the juxtoposition to the more masculine scents I usually love.

The founder of Carven, Carmen de Tommaso, “Madame” Carven, was short in stature, but transformed the way women looked at their wardrobe. She was free from convention but still with a great sense of style. Known for lines that lengthened the figure, she gave new meaning to the décolleté. (PS – she also invente the half-cup uplift bra in 1950.)

Her scents were “Ma Griffe” in 1946 and “Vétiver” in 1957. “Ma Griffe”, a chypré fragrance, was inspired by the grace of a light summer dress swaying in a soft breeze. The perfumer Jean Carles celebrated the launch of the fragrance by releasing thousands of samples into the skies over Paris. “Vétiver”, the father of many fragrances in its family, was born in 1957 in a salute to Philippe Mallet, Madame Carven’s first husband. “Vétiver” made an instant name for itself and continues today to enjoy great success among men.

In 2009, Guillaume Henry was asked to take over the artistic direction of the fashion House, making for a huge hit in both celebrities and buyers alike. The house now is making a splash with the launch of its third fragrance, Carven Le Parfum, made by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. It has a simple effervesance while still being very feminine.

The main notes include:

Mandarin Blossom
White Hyacinth
Sweet Pea
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang
White Sandal Wood
Osmanthus
Indonesian Patchouli

On me, the scent dries down floral and almost powdery, soft and perfect for summer. Almost as good as the scent itself, the packaging is inspired by freshness with the classic Carvan green stripe and architectural lettering.

The scent is exclusively at Saks and hits counters on Thursday. Right now through Thursday is Saks’ Spend$Some, Get$Some event – shop and receive a gift card!

Rebecca Minkoff Visits Saks and Chats Beauty With Belle Belle

Last night I had the great pleasure of fetting famed designer Rebecca Minkoff at Saks Tulsa. Part of her #RMRoadShow, Rebecca spent a “Girls Night Out” signing bags and enjoying some beauty treats. There was a ponytail bar, manicures with MAC nail polish and touch ups by Laura Mercier. Not to mention a fashion show of Rebecca’s latest spring looks (I’ve got my eye on this dress).

But the best part for this beauty junkie was sitting down with Rebecca before the festivities to talk about her own beauty routine. Whether on the road or back in New York City, I got the dirt on her favorites. First, what is in this fabulous purse she’s carrying? Below are her tried and true favorites:

Good ole chapstick
June Jacobs Face Cream (she also slathers on a thicker layer like a mask for deep hydration treatment)
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer
Stila Liquid Lipstick in Beso

And for her regular beauty routine in NYC? Facials at Joanna Vargas, massages at Bliss Spa and regular Pravana Keratin Fusion Texture Control treatment on the hair (FYI this is safer, newer version of keratin).

What a thrill it was to have this sweet and fashionable designer in Tulsa. Thanks for having us, Saks!

The Late Winter Eye in Five Steps

Sometimes, I get in a makeup rut. But sometimes that is only because it works so darn well for my mood, season, trends, etc. I’ve reached for these same five products so many times over the last couple of weeks, I had to share.

note: I know so many artists suggest applying foundation and concealer after eye makeup because of fallout. But for some reason, I just have a hard time evaluating when I don’t have a clean complexion. Plus, for this simple look, you don’t have too much risk for rogue eye makeup. So after foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer and/or powder… here’s what’s next:

1. First, I use this to prep the eye and eliminate any redness in my eyelid.

2. I love eyeliner… a lot. And I use two different eyeliners because they do two very different things. First up, Dior Crayon Waterproof Eyeliner in Trinidad Black. I use this just like a Kohl eyeliner. I push the pigment into the base of my lashes on the under side. My technique is closing my eyes around the pencil and dragging it outwards. This takes practice but ensures even and quick application. Then I make sure to apply on my waterline on my lower lid.

3. I dug this gem out from my archives a couple weeks ago. I had forgotten how lovely it is! Using this brush, I apply Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eyeshadow Cyber Copper just up to my crease. That’s it! I’m all about simple when it comes to eyeshadow. If I am feeling motivated, I use this shade on my brow bones for a highlight.

4. And now for my second eyeliner. The NARS ‘Stylo’ Liquid Eyeliner in Carpates is a dream to use. The liquid stays put and the well designed pen allows for precision in both thick and thin lines. I place the pen just on the top of my lashes, right at the root, all the way across my lash line. If you are a cat eye fan, add a flick at the end.

5. Last but not least, mascara. I am a big believer in drugstore mascara mostly because I am vigilant in tossing a tube after three months. CoverGirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara, Water Resistant in Very Black is my current favorite. I get loads of volume and length but induvidual lashes still look feathery and separated.

The final look:

Speaking of Dior, attention Dior fans and Tulsa readers: today marks the launch of Spotlight on Dior, a make-up collection designed to compliment Raf Simons’ first ready to wear line for Christian Dior.

The collection is available exclusively at Saks and features:

Diorshow Art Pen, a high precision, felt-tip eyeliner for creating the perfect catwalk eye
Dior Twin Set Eyeshadow Duo in Fishnet Black, shadow stick and blending powder in deep black
Diorshow Flash Corrector Pen, a correcting pen that removes makeup mishaps in a single swipe
Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows in shades of purple, orange, crimson, aqua and shimmering white
Dior 5-Couleurs Eyeshadow in Iridescent Leather
Dior Vernis in shades from from cool aqua to bold purple

Come celebrate the launch at Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa on Saturday, March 16 from 10 to 5 pm. Enjoy wine and sweet treats and get Beauty advice from Regional Dior Artist, Erik Martinez. To book an appointment with Erik or learn more about the Spotlight on Dior Collection, please contact Amanda Viles, Saks Fifth Avenue Marketing Director at 9183.744.0200 ext. 203.

ioma Skincare Launches at Saks

What a great day – after doing a television segment on Red Carpet Beauty Tricks, I headed over to Saks Tulsa to experience their newest addition to the cosmetics department – ioma. The Parisian based skincare line has a technology focus – think personalized treatment according to a crazy cool analysis of your skin.

The counter experience is a real highlight – think clean modern packaging with loads of gadgets. First thing, you have your skin evaluated in a sphere with advanced imaging. Five images evaluate: fine lines & wrinkles, redness, UV damage, bacterial activity and sagging. Second, the IBD, a sort of television with two wands attached, produces a second analysis. All in all, both tests take about five minutes. I was really impressed that both devices had the exact same findings for my skin. In short, dehydrated, dehydrated, dehydrated.

After using the products for a period of time, you can return to your counter and see your progress by performing a follow up analysis. ioma founder and CEO Jean Michel Karam, PhD, asserts that the technology behind the skincare line is vital to demonstrate the effectiveness of their products.

IOMA Skincare Launches at Saks // Belle Belle Beauty Above is my initial evaluation. I scored absolutely zero UV damage – high five! But needed work on bacterial activity with a heavy duty cleanse and my skin was very dry. I headed upstairs to a spa room for a special facial by an ioma expert. The aesthetician used all the recommended products along with a deep cleanse and dry skin treatment. It was relaxing, luxe and without any discomfort. There were no extractions or tingly peels performed. All the products were nourishing and gentle with subtle, pleasant scents.

I returned after my one hour facial for another analysis to judge the results. Wow – compelling. I’m impressed with the story these images tell – the products literally speak for themselves. Below right, before my facial, my pores and fine lines were very visible. After, on the left, my skin was smooth and hydrated

There are seven pro lines and while generally each client is recommended one “family”, you can mix and match. For instance, my skin calls for #1 – Dry Skin and UV Damage, but I was also suggested the Gentle Exfoliating Emulsion (apparently I also need to step up my cleansing game). During my facial, I was treated to a little mini massage with the ioma Body Pro Line – let’s just say I fell hard for the Cocoon Voluptuous Body Cream. I took home samples of the Optimum Moisture Cream Day & Night and Gentle Exfoliating Emulsion and can’t wait to report back on longer term use.

Right now, ioma is only available at Saks in New York, Beverly Hills and Tulsa… that’s right folks. How cool is my awesome little city? Counters will soon open in Houston and San Antonio. You can also find ioma in many stores in Europe.

And attention Tulsa Readers: Saks Fifth Avenue Tulsa will host a reception on Thursday, February 21 from 5 to 7 pm. The event is sponsored by Jackie Cooper Imports and will benefit the Little Light House. The launch will include skin consultations, ioma door prizes, champagne tasting from Red Sky Liquor as well as a display of Volvo, Mercedes and Infinity luxury vehicles. For more information on the ioma launch celebration, please contact the store at 918.744.0200 ext. 203.