Beauty411

Redpoint Advanced Color Cosmetics

Redpoint Cosmetics is a unique marriage of skincare and high performance technology in anti-aging makeup.  Redpoint uses a revolutionary process called "Chromactive Technology", which allows for the use of active complexes (the kind used in skincare) in a color cosmetic.  The result is makeup that creates the illusion of younger looking skin.  This is definitely a line to consider if you've been frustrated with makeup that seems to settle into fine lines and wrinkles, and generally just doesn't give you the finish you're looking for.

One of the products that I've been using this summer is the Airbrush Effects BlushWhip.  I've never been comfortable with cream blushes; I've always found the color difficult to control when applying.  Airbrush Effects BlushWhip is different. It contains a stabilized form of Vitamin C to brighten and add clarity to your skin. It's ultra hydrating, with peptides and DermaFiber, to create a smooth finish to your skin.  I like multi-tasking products and this fits the bill.  Not only that, the color is buildable and natural.

The Noc-Out Cover Up Compact is a trio of concealing products that you can use singly or together to cover up skin imperfections.  It's the last concealer you'll need to buy.  The three different formulas address the three concerns women have: redness, dark spots or hyperpigmentation and dark circles. You can apply with a concealer brush or your fingers.  It comes in a chic, red compact, that feels substantial in your hand.

Redpoint Cosmetics are available on their website store or can be ordered through QVC.  A great way to try the line is with this "Try Me" kit at only $19.50.  This kit includes mini versions of three age management essentials, including the Noc-Out Cover Up Compact. Grab this one!  I've been very happy with the performance of this makeup line.

Estee Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum

Estee Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum was partly inspired by the Maya Angela poem 'Phenomenal Woman', which speaks to the inherent power of women, according to Karyn Khoury, who oversaw the development of the fragrance at Estee Lauder. 

What catches your eye is the ad campaign for the fragrance, which features the four spokesmodels, Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley, Hilary Rhoda and Carolyn Murphy appearing together for the first time.  What draws you in, though, is the scent itself: warm, woody and amber.  This combination led to the creation of a new fragrance category called Woody Amber.

Sensuous starts out with the woody topnote, instead of the more familiar use as a base note.  That caught me a bit off guard.  As you wear it, Sensuous develops into a new fragrance concept called "Atmospheric Floral".  An airy, floral note that is indistinguishable; almost subliminal.  The base note combines sandalwood, black pepper, madarin and honey.  At first I thought I would be saving this composition for fall or winter, but even as I wear it in the heat of the summer, I find it to be very pretty and not heavy at all.

Estee Lauder Sensuous Eau de Parfum is available at department stores and on the Estee Lauder website.

Neiman Marcus Fall Fashion & Beauty Book

The Neiman Marcus Fall Book arrived today; inside the almost 300 pages of fabulous fall fashion is my goldmine: The Beauty Book.  I generally take The Book and find a quiet corner, where I can thoughtfully contemplate (and drool over) the offerings. 

The Book lists Fall's Magnificent Seven Fashion Trends; I've decided to add my own spin on that and give you my Magnificent Seven Beauty Offerings: 

• The newest organic scent from L'Artisan Parfumeur, L'Eau de Jatamansi, is a blend of grapefuit, cardamom, clary sage, rose, incense and the restorative properties of the namesake Himalayan plant.  I'm dying to try this one.
• AMOREPACIFIC Time Response Skin Renewal Foundation.  I love the Time Response line; this rejuvenating treatment foundation with antioxidants and SPF 18 sounds lovely.
• Clinique R+ De-Aging Cream, a new moisturizer containing retinol and Clinique CX Antioxidant Rescue Serum.  Serious skin care; just what you'd expect from Clinique.
• Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Youth Creme and Eye Creme.  Packed with ingredients like red and brown algae, South Sea Pearls and an ingredient called "The Youth Molecule".  Yes, please.
• Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in Smoky Eye.  Shades of grey, silver, charcoal and white.  Must. Have.
• Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking makeup collection (pictured).  The bold lip: Rouge Pur Shine in Tuxedo Pink; Tuxedo Gray La Laque Nail Polish.  The palettes, Black Tuxedo for eyes and Silky Nude for face are stunning.
• David Yurman Eau de Parfum; so far there hasn't been anything of David Yurman's jewelry collections that I haven't loved (much to my husband's dismay); why should his fragrance be any different?

The dates for the much-anticipated Neiman Marcus Beauty Event are September 5-14.  When you purchase $100 or more in cosmetics or fragrance, receive a stylish tote containing eight beauty treats.  Mark your calendar--this is a can't miss!  Do you love fall makeup as much as I do?  What are your must-haves?

Skindinavia Makeup Primers and Finishing Spray

Skindinavia makes products that are solely dedicated to improving makeup quality.  I've always been a big believer in primers and other products that either extend the life of your makeup or enhance the quality of the finish.  Skindinavia products do both.  I have tried dozens of makeup primers in my lifetime and I have to tell you, these products are at the top of the list.  The products were designed with to withstand thermal conditions, prolong color and staying power, thanks to time release nano-sphere technology.

I've been alternating between the Face & Eye Makeup Primer and the T-Zone Makeup Primer for the past couple of weeks, as weather has climbed into the 80's with high humidity.  If ever there was a time to be roadtesting makeup primers, this was it!  I tested these primers with liquid foundation, as well as mineral makeup, and had equally impressive results.  Both the Face & Eye Makeup Primer and the T-Zone Makeup Primer performed exceptionally well.  At the end of the day, I noticed very little "fade" to my makeup.  It looked good hours later, with no in-between touchups.  When applied on my eyes, I didn't notice creasing or fading.  The T-Zone Makeup Primer did help to control shine in my t-zone, where I tend to be oily in the summer. I maintained a matte finish without looking like my face would crack.

The other star in the Skindinavia lineup is the Makeup Finishing Spray.  After applying makeup, you spray this product on for a lasting, flawless finish.  My makeup stayed perfect all day; that's up to 16+ hours most days.  I couldn't believe that it honestly looked as good when I went to take it off, as when I had applied it hours earlier. I have placed this product on my Holy Grail list; I never want to be without it.

It should be noted that these makeup primers do contain silicones, so if you're sensitive to products containing silicones you may want to do a patch test first.  A complete list of ingredients is available for reference. 

Skindinavia products are available online at Ulta, HSN, Beauty Exclusive, Beauty.com, SkinStore and other retailers, as well as on the Skindinavia website.

Lancôme Oscillation Mascara

Lancôme is introducing the world's first vibrating masara this fall, called Ôscillation.  A completely revolutionary concept, Ôscillation is the world's first vibrating powermascara.  The battery-operated brush vibrates up to 7,000 micro-oscillations per minute, wrapping lashes up to 360 degrees.

You know every beauty addict and fashionista is going to be in line for Ôscillation. 

Now you can get the opportunity to get your hands on a wand in a special ONE DAY ONLY sneak peek on Thursday, July 31st at the following locations:

Atlanta: Macy’s at the Lenox Square Mall

Brea: The Lancôme Boutique at the Brea Mall

Costa Mesa: Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza

Chicago: Macy’s on State Street and Bon-Ton at the Yorktown Mall

Dallas: Dillard’s and the Lancôme Boutique at NorthPark Center

Houston: Neiman Marcus at the Galleria

Miami: Macy’s at the Dadeland Mall

Manhattan: Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s 59^th Street, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s Herald Square and the Lancôme boutique on Columbus Avenue

San Francisco: Macy’s Union Square

Santa Clara: The Lancôme Boutique at the Valley Fair Mall

Short Hills: The Lancôme Boutique at the Short Hills Mall

If you're not lucky enough to live near one of the counters listed above, don't worry, because the sneak peek will also be available online at Lancôme-usa.com and Sephora.com.  Doubtless alot of us will be causing bandwidth overload on Thursday!