Tag: Le Métier de Beauté

Sheer Summer Tinted Moisturizers

I struggled with the title of this post. These aren’t technically called “tinted moisturizers” but I thought it got the point across best. If you are anything like me, in the summer months I like a simple wash of bronze-y color with maybe simple mascara and nude lip gloss. That’s it. And these three winners all do the trick. And I even like to go crazy and use two (or all three!!) at the same time. Think natural and warm – even slightly European.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Day Tint SPF 15 – a new tinted version of this colorless original – is what I reach for to achieve hydration and a little bit of coverage. If I am wearing more than one of these moisturizers from this post, I start with this one. The very sheer coverage also provides ceramides to protect skin from drying. And the very slight tint is perfect for the weekend. Note that this only comes in one shade, but works well on my medium skin tone.

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe in Shade 3 provides slightly more color and coverage but still comes off as super natural. The addition of retinol – especially one that I can wear during the day – helps stimulate collagen cell rejuvenation and elasticity. I can’t believe I wore shade 1 when I first purchased Peau Vierge years ago – this shade for medium to dark skin tones is perfect during the summer and provides even an additional later of SPF. Shade 2 works best for me in the winter.

By Terry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum in Sunny Flash is absolutely my favorite beauty find from this summer. I have been a long-time fan of the brand as their luxury formulas are always a pleasure to use on my dry and sensitive skin. The effect of this serum is a radiant energy for my skin. The concentrated formula uses light-reflecting technology to add a summer glow. While this is probably too dark for the winter months, the rich bronze is perfect to add a look of vacation (even though I haven’t been near a beach in months). Vitamin E also works against aging free-radicals. Also available in Immaculate Light, Rose Elxir and Apricot Glow (what I have my eye on for the winter).

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

Le Metier always brings out a little bit of nostalgia for me. It was one of the first brands I discovered and fell for when I began my beauty blog. While the company has morphed, it is still a staple on my vanity. I have to give credit to Neiman Marcus (which is my favorite luxury beauty spot) for this outstanding luxury mask. I was down at the Dallas Northpark store when this mask first launched and was able to give it a whirl. It was so fabulous that I was very reluctant to even put on makeup for my return trip to Tulsa.

You can imagine my delight when Neiman Marcus sent over my very own Le Metier de Beaute CHEM60 Pro-Peel and GLOW10ai Mask Set to have here at home. This weekend I dove in to see if the at-home use was just as wonderful as the in-store experience. I wasn’t disappointed – my skin was left just as healthy, glowing and even as it did months ago back in Dallas.

Step one is the CHEM60 Pro-Peel. It sounds daunting, but this is one of the most gentle peels I have used. A blend of salicylic and glycolic acids works against dead skin cells. You can leave it on for as short as 60 seconds but I go for a full five minutes. My skin wasn’t red in the slightest and there was no tingling. But my skin was brighter with the dullness removed from my tone.

GLOW10ai Mask infuses skin with nourishing goodness. Antioxidants, hydration and vitamins help renew and refresh. The effect also helps with dullness and hyper-pigmentation. But my favorite part is the satisfying peel-off step when the thin sheet of gel comes off in one fantastic sheet. The GLOW10ai Mask is what really takes my complexion to a new level.

I keep the second mask on for a full 15 minutes, but you could apply Glow in a thinner layer if you are in a rush. Make sure to avoid the hairline and eyebrows in both steps. I especially appreciate the dial nozzle on the peel tube that keeps the mask fresh and separate from the brush applicator. And keeps leakage to a minimum.

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.

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.

Best Brushes

I believe that great tools can make any product work better. I have more brushes than I can count, but I seem to reach for the same ones each and every day. I never once have regretted spending the money for a quality brush because, if you take care of them, they will last forever (note: I wash mine with this every week and dry laying flat overnight). Here are my brush MVPs:

Armani Beauty Designer Foundation Brush: While I still reach for this brush, I find the Armani version is more nimble because of its size. The sharper end can get into the contours of your face. And the synthetic brisstles play well with even the thickest of foundations, not leaving one single streak.

Laura Mercier Long Secret Camouflage Brush: When you have a blemish, there is just no better tool to apply concealer. The tapered tip allows for extreme precision and feather like strokes will keep the product from becoming cakey.

Bobbi Brown Powder Brush: I’ve had this brush for years and – to this day – it retains its strands and shape like a champ. It picks up powder and buffs on skin without being cakey or over-delivering product.

Chantecaille Cheek Brush: Made of goat hair, this super super soft brush can do everything on the cheeks. The tapered end deposits pigmented blush like a champ, but can also perfectly contour a bronzer under the cheek bones.

Le Metier de Beaute Eye Shadow Brush #1: This brush made of natural goat hair and perfectly shaped for applying shadow on the lids. I love the look so popular for Spring of a bold color just to the crease. This fluffy, square brush gets just enough pigment in all the right spots.

CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler: I used to be a devotee of the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (I had mine for about eight years). But it wasn’t until I replaced it with the CHANEL version that I got that true lifted curl that lasts. The shape of this curler is much better suited for my lashes. Game changer.

Shop my favorite brushes:

Le Metier de Beaute Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo

I had an unfortunate run in with some tears last night. It’s okay – we all need a good cry sometimes, right? But day after puffiness is NOT cute. Le Métier de Beauté to the rescue.

Well, we know Le Métier de Beauté does a mask right (see here). Their most recent skin care release is a mask dedicated just for the eyes. Where have you been all my life?? This sweet little package is perfect for post-emotional puffiness. It also fights the signs of aging and gives the skin an immediate “more awake” look.

The translucent (read: you can use it anywhere) mask delivers hydration while also instantly cooling and calming. The hydration plumps out those wrinkles, while the chilly gel-like pads soothe out redness and eliminate any puffiness. I also saw dramatic improvement in my dark circles.

These masks are loaded with active moisturizers so carefully open the package on a flat surface. Pre-cool in the fridge if you want a greater chilling effect. The applications stick right on the skin without tugging – feeling quite delightful. You can use these daily if you want – wouldn’t that be wonderful? Follow up after use with your regular eye cream. I think these would be ideal post a long plane flight.

If you are interested in the Ultra Hydration Eye Mask Duo, you can find it at Neiman Marcus Northpark. There is a prize for the blogger who refers the most customers and if I win, there is something in it for you! I’ll do my own giveaway of one of my Le Métier de Beauté favorites from my personal collection. Call Patrice, the At-counter Product Specialist at 214-363-8311 or swing by the counter.

Le Metier de Beaute Indelible Inks Eyeliner

I am pretty partial to Le Métier de Beauté’s Precision Liquid Eyeliner so I didn’t know what to think when they came out with a second version of liquid eyeliner. I was already hooked on that Monte Blanc pen and inky black liner. But I love pretty much everything Le Métier de Beauté does so I had to give it a whirl.

The Indelible Inks Eyeliner is classical but with rich, modern pigments. The tube and narrow brush harkens the eyeliners of the past, but the highly highly pigmented formula is intense, with a serious no-budge promise. The liquid-gel consistency allows for nimble application. While it dries fairly quickly, you do have time to build a thicker line or perfect a thin one.

At first, I had some trouble with the ultra-fine tip. The key is getting just a little product on the brush. It is easy to wipe off excess before application. I also like using an eyeliner brush for a tighter line right at the lash line. Admittedly, I was able to do this with the applicator too after a couple tries. My favorite trick was using an eyeliner brush to apply on the base of lashes a la mascara – such an impact with the great shades!

I respect the way Le Métier de Beauté carefully chose these too innovative shade. Fans of black: don’t dismiss these too quickly. The darker blue has the same effect as an inky black, with a hint of glimmer. In other words, the colors are subtle but still make a statement. Artemis is a brilliant blackout-navy while Castalia is a rich aubergine eggplant.

Mine removed easily with Bioderma Créaline H2O Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Cleanser for Face & Eyes (just order it and trust me – the bottle is huge and it is genius eye makeup remover for dry or sensitive skin).