Estee Lauder Fall 2013 Collection - Metallics

We are at the end of the fall collections and will be looking at holiday collections within the next few weeks.  This seems hard to believe as my area of Pennsylvania is going through yet another late summer heat wave and it doesn't even seem that fall will ever get hear.  But the hot weather will be over before I know it and fall is right around the corner so I will finish up my fall shopping over the next few weeks.  One of the last large collections that I have not touched on yet is the new Pure Color collection from Estee Lauder, this collection is called Metallics and contains limited edition products and new shades all of which have one thing in common - deep metallic jewel tones rule this collection and I am excited to see what this company is bringing out for fall/winter.

I have been getting more and more into the Estee Lauder brand with the recent introduction of Pure Color.  The brand used to be more synonymous with old women that have worn the same fragrances and lipsticks for the past twenty years and now has been changing and bringing out shades and fragrances that can be embraced by a younger customer.

The Metallics collection will certainly be enjoyed by a younger customer but I do believe that this collection includes shades for every customer of Lauder.  Metallic hues are at the heart of the collection and I believe the majority of these shades will be best for nighttime and not appropriate for a more professional environment.  The eye makeup and nail polish shades are the most hyped products of the collection and I will want to check both of these products out next time that I visit the counter. 

Here is the Metallics collection!

Pure Color Intense Eye Shadow Trio - Play in a new dimension of amplified color with NEW Pure Color Instant Intense Eye Shadow Trios. Like molten metal, the liquid-like texture melts onto the eyelids for a high-definition chromatic color impact. A creamy, silk-like formula glides on effortlessly releasing pure, brilliant color that stays true for 10 hours without creasing or fading. The dazzling eye shadows instantly transform from a soft powder to a silky liquid-like texture using slurry technology to give the powder a unique silk-satin feel. True Vision™ Technology – a crystalline (polymer) laminate magnifies and amplifies color for intense clarity and vibrancy, while a unique blend of optics capture light for a reflective flash of shine.  Designed to be applied dry for a refined look or wet for a high metallic finish, the NEW Pure Color Instant Intense Eye Shadow Trios infuse metallic into any look for an added dimension of sophistication. Featuring three brilliant shades, each trio is a total eye look in one: base, contour, and highlight for mistake-proof application. Extremely blendable and color-true, the expertly coordinated shades look stunning on all skin tones and range from soft chrome shimmers to dramatic metallic finishes.
- Arctic Zinc – range of cool blue tones
- Beach Metals – warm peach and plum tones
- Camo Chrome – range of green tones
- Gilded Chocolates – warm gold and deep chocolate tones
- Smoked Chrome – metallic silver and slate blue tones
- Steel Lilacs – range of lilac tones
- Sterling Plums – range of pale and deep plum tones

Pure Color High Intensity Lip Lacquer - NEW Pure Color High Intensity Lip Lacquer drenches lips in an array of seductively rich lacquered hues, from sultry nudes to daring wines. Combining the creamy coverage of a lipstick and the high-shine of a gloss, this opulently pigmented lacquer creates a lusciously brilliant and glass-like finish. Estée Lauder’s True Vision™ Technology provides the ultimate color payoff, while multi-functional polymers seal in moisture and form a color stay barrier to keep brilliant color and impeccable shine looking fresh, supple and vibrant for a long-lasting 6 hour wear. A new moisture-infused formula also replenishes lips for a rich, cushioned feel that radiates from within. For application, an exclusive paddle, with a bell curve design, dips in the center creating a reservoir effect to release the perfect amount of lacquer that glides onto lips with precision.  A hybrid of vividly rich color and brilliant metallic shine meet in six NEW Limited Edition Pure Color Vivid Shine Lipsticks. Exclusive True Vision™ Technology provides rich color that wraps lips in lustrous shine, while a tri-complex of refined metalized gold and silver pearls envelop lips to create an amplified chromatic finish. This high-impact fusion of pigments and pearls create brilliant shades that work across all different skin tones, while the moisture-rich formula keeps lips feeling soft and conditioned all day.
- Electric Wine - deep cool wine cream
- Fuchsia Flash - medium magenta berry cream
- Hot Cherry - medium blue red cream
- Liquid Pearl - pale cool beige with shimmer
- Mirrored Mauve - medium mauve with shimmer
- Peach Glass - medium warm peach cream
- Ruby Glow - deep blue red cream
- Vinyl Rose - medium cool rose cream
- Wet Plum - deep warm plum cream
- Amber Allow - medium bronze shimmer

Pure Color Vivid Shine Nail Lacquer - Color Vivid Shine Nail Lacquer. Born out of a fusion of refined pearls and aluminum platelets, this new high-impact finish saturates nails in a flash richly pigmented chromatic color. The multi-faceted spectrum of color-enriched metalized shades range from dusty rose gold to smoky deep platinum, creating a new dimension of confident style and expressive attitude.
- Rose Gold - rose gold metallic
- Midnight Metal - platinum silver foil
- Chocolate Foil - deep chocolate brown foil
- Smoked Chrome - deep platinum silver foil
- Steel Orchid - deep silver purple metallic
- Brushed Gold - medium gold foil
- Chrome Violet - medium purple with a charcoal metallic
- Metallic Green - deep green metallic

I love this collection and this might be one of the best that Estee Lauder has brought out in recent years.  I don't know very much about Estee Lauder lip products and I think that I will stick more with the eye makeup and nail polishes from Metallics and then look more at the lip glosses later on.  My favorites of the eye makeup are Gilded Chocolates and Smoked Chrome.  I bet that the model in the picture is using the Smoked Chrome eye makeup and then the matching nail polish.  I would also like the Steel Lilacs and Sterling Plums to add to my fall eye makeup shopping. 

I am going to try and keep my nail polish shopping to a few shades or I will want to take them all home with me.  My favorites are Rose Gold, Steel Orchid, Chrome Violet, and Metallic Green.  One of the last things that I need is another nail polish line to be obsessed with but I have a feeling that this is exact scenario will occur very soon...

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Summer 2013 Collection - Bronze Goddess

The Estee Lauder summer collection is either exactly the same or very similar every single summer, this is the third year in a row that the collection has been named Bronze Goddess and I now wonder if all the products are the same yet again.  I have admired pieces of this collection in the past but I have never been able to get my hands on any of the pieces that I really love, many of the palettes and limited shades sell out very quickly and I have had to get on waiting lists for some of the items.  However, none of the waiting lists have ever come to fruition and the counters never really restocked fast enough to fill the whole demand.  The one piece of this collection that I was the most excited about when the collection was brand new was the Bronze Goddess fragrance but I was sorely let down the first time that I tried it.  I imagined a coconut vanilla fragrance with a sophisticated mix of tropical gardenia but the fragrance smelled heavier of vanilla and musk than I would have liked it to.

I do see some new pieces in this collection and some that I know that I have looked at in previous collections.  I see a lip gloss rollerball on here that takes me right back to when I was in elementary school and first started being allowed to wear clear lip gloss, I might just purchase this product for the novelty value but I would hope that I could find a shade in it that I would actually like to wear.  I am also excited to view the bronzers in this collection as this is yet another company that is known in the beauty industry for having great bronzer shades and formulas. 

This season I do not see the fragrance included in this collection but I did see it earlier this month at the counter so I know that it is still available if anyone wants to purchase it for themselves.  Personally, if I am looking for a beachy fragrance, I prefer Bobbi Brown's Beach and I would rather purchase a bottle of that for this summer.

Here is the newest summer collection from Estee Lauder!

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee - A heat wave of color.  This seductive all-over bronzer is endless summer.  Innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow.  The perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective finish.  Smooths on as an all-over soft sheen. Builds for luminous pearl highlighting.  From the Bronze Goddess Summer 2013 Collection.
- Heat Wave - multiple shades of bronzes

Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer - It's endless summer with this super-luxurious powder bronzer.  Sweep it on and the smooth, oil-free powder gives face, shoulders and décolletage a seductive bronze look.  Unique oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable.
- Medium - medium tan
- Deep - deep tan
- Light - pale tan
- Medium Deep - medium to dark tan

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious liquid bronzer.  Great for all skintones, it includes a unique blend of bronzing pigments in a pearlized, reflective base.  Long-wearing, oil-free formula feels weightless and comfortable as it smooths on a sheer, natural-looking radiance.  Available in one universally flattering bronze shade.

Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette - EyeShadow palette created by Tom Pecheux for the ultimate eye expression.  A high-style mix of textures and shades to inspire creative blending, highlighting and color accenting.  Release your inner artist. This versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes-soft to bold.  Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer or metallic.  Use the shades for a touch of trend or to make an all-out color statement.  The highlighter is the magic touch. Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly.  The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes.
- Batik - bright aqua/pale champagne/medium red bronze/medium gold/deep brown

Pure Color Liquid Eye Liner Duo - A heat wave of color.  Two shades for eyes that smoulder. It's pure seduction.  Felt-tip wands line and define with precision.  Waterproof formula glides on, stays on, won't budge.  Ophthalmologist-tested. Fragrance-free.  From the Bronze Goddess Summer 2013 Collection. 2 intense liquid eyeliner shades. Waterproof formula.
- Black Sands - black/gold

Sumptous Extreme Waterproff Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara - Extreme volume. Even when wet.Lashes seem to multiply, magnify and grow. Three different high-volume fibers act like lash extensions, creating audacious lash effects-that last through all wet conditions. All weather. All waterproof. Get extreme waterproofing for all wet conditions: Water, Chlorinated water, Saltwater, Tears, Perspiration, Humidity, and Rain.  Everything you love about original Sumptuous Extreme Mascara-now Waterproof.Extreme Bold Volume™ Waterproof formula provides extreme volume, lift and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect-plus advanced total waterproofing.Exclusive multiplying fibers (three different high-volume fibers) are blended in a mousse-light base.Acts almost like lash extensions, multiplying and growing the look of lashes. Lashes are supple, not brittle.Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex.  Oversized BrushComber Extreme™ with two types of bristles-flexible fibers carry maximum formula; solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition.  Extreme volume, lift and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect. Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive.
- Extreme Black - deep dark black

Pure Roller Sheer Rollergloss - A heat wave of color. Tempt your lips with luscious shine and sheer color.  Irresistible, lightly flavored gloss leaves your lips wanting more.  From the Bronze Goddess Summer 2013 Collection.  Sheer, juicy color in a high-shine gloss.
- Succulent - bright orange coral cream
- Squeeze - bright watermelon pink cream

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick - Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more. True Vision™ technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  In a seductive spectrum of shades, from sublime to vivid.  TRUE VISION™ COLOR: Maximized color impact; Magnified vibrancy, clarity and dimension; Amplified brilliance.  INDULGES YOUR LIPS
In 2 seductive finishes: Satin, Lasting Creme; Lustrous, Lasting Shimmer.  Medium-to-full, buildable coverage.   Long-lasting wear.  Fade-resistant.  Enriched with lip-loving ingredients, including apricot kernel, shea butter and murumuru butter that leave lips soft and creamy smooth.  "Lipstick makes a woman sensual, powerful and kissable." -Tom Pecheux, Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director.
- Solar Crush - bright coral red cream
- Fuchsia Fever - deep cool magenta cream

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.  Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director.  Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics-all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.  Formulated with True Vision™ technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy with an intense mirror-like high shine.  Fast-drying. Long-wearing.  High-pigment, high- impact brilliance in 3 effects: creme, pearl and shimmer.  True Vision™ technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Choose from a multi-faceted spectrum of modern and timeless shades.  Resists chipping-even in water.  High coverage that won't fade, dull or streak, even in strong sunlight.  The brush makes it easy.  Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy.  In 3 strokes-middle, left and right-you're done.
- Hot Spell - bright orange red cream

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent - Summer's new sun-kissed fragrance.  Inspired by the warmth of the Mediterranean, a citrus floral blend with notes of Bergamot and Orange Blossom.  Fragrance Type: Solar Citrus Floral.  Top Notes: Sicilian Citron, Calabrese Bergamot, Blood Orange, Sweet Tangerine, Provencal Lavender Flowers, Lemon Tree Leaves (Petitgrain).  Middle Notes: Pittosporum, Neroli from Tunisia ORPUR™, Moroccan Orange Blossom ORPUR™, Indian Sambac, Grapefruit Tree Blossoms, Pink Lily Nectar.  Base Notes: Blond Woods, Iris Accord, Ambrette Seeds, Crystalline Musks.

Bronze Goddess Body Oil Spray - A lightweight, silky oil that gives skin a sensual sheen as it surrounds you with the fragrance that makes every woman feel divine.  Spray it on to radiate sensuality from every inch of your skin.  Bronze Goddess.  The fragrance that worships every inch of you.  A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood and Vetiver.  All heat. All desire. All woman.

I will have to try the newer version of the fragrance and decide if the lighter and more citurs version will suit me for the summer months.  Citrus scents and I haven't always gotten along well so this version of the scent might not be any more to my liking than the original version, I might just have to concede that this is not a series of fragrances for me.  Maybe the makeup part of this collection will just work better for me...

I missed out on the eye shadow palette last year, I wanted that product more than any others in this collection and now I have the chance to try and get it again.  I am a bit afraid that it will be sold out at my favorite counter again this year and I will try to search for it on several different department stores' websites.  This is the one and only item that I was really unhappy about not getting last year and I would love for this year to be more successful in that regard!  The other item that I really want is the rollerball lip gloss and I am happy to say that I don't just want it for the packaging, I love the pink hue that is comes in and I don't really have any watermelon colored glosses.  Most of my pinks are much cooler than this one but I have high hopes for this shade against a summer tan.  I cannot wait to try this lip gloss out!

The last item that I am really excited about from this collection is the double sided eye liner pen, I already needed a black pen and I love to use gold eye liner shades on my eyes and this product is just the best of both worlds.  I wanted this product from the moment that I first checked out the collection, I am really excited for three pieces of the collection however nothing else in it really jumps to my attention.  I will be more than happy if I can get my hands on the palette, the lip gloss, and the duo eye liner!

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Spring 2013 Collection - Mad Men Collection

The new season of Mad Men is starting soon and Estee Lauder has released a spring collection to celebrate it in style.  I have actually never watched Mad Men but I have plenty of friends that love this show to pieces and I will need to Netflix the first season so I can begin to understand all the hype and fuss and see if this show will interest me.  If nothing else, I will watch it for the fabulous 1960s style that is shown on characters of both genders on the show.  And I will be watching it while trying the products from the new Estee Lauder spring beauty collection to help me create my own Mad Men experience.

This collection only consists of three products but all three of them look fantastic.  The first aspect of this collection that caught my eye is the packaging, all the products are housed in a print package that reminds me of Lilly Pulitzer and Twiggy.  I love bright packaging and I would buy these products just to have the packaging.  And if the products inside are as great as the outside?!  I will be in heaven and these will play a very prominent role in my spring and summer makeup looks. 

From the Nordstrom website, "The MadMen® Collection from Estée Lauder. Playful yet polished shades of pink."  Shade of pink!!  I have said it before and I will say it again, nearly every single product that I have bought this spring is pink and this includes makeup, clothing, and an amazing pink opal J. Crew Bubble Necklace.  I am so excited to add even more pink to my collection and this collection will do just that.  It amazes me to remember that I used to HATE pink and would never wear it.  My tastes have completely changed in less than five years...

Here is the Estee Lauder and Mad Men collection!

Mad Men Collection See-Thru Blush - Turn on your cheeks to this limited edition powder blush inspired by the Award Winning AMC Drama MadMen.®  Creates a daringly sheer, natural look.  Light Show shade captures the cheeky, fresh-faced, Sixties look perfectly.  Add extra to your forehead, temples and chin for more rosy lights.  Inspired by the rock concert light shows and see-through, cut-out fashions that made the Sixties swing.  Compact case and carton are replicas of actual designs from Estée Lauder's Sixties-era collections.
- Light Show - medium rosy pink with a satin finish

Mad Men Collection Rich, Rich Lipstick - Turn on your lips to this limited edition lipstick inspired by the Award Winning AMC Drama MadMen.®  Creamy, satin finish and smooth, rich lipcolor.• Pinkadelic shade captures the soft-lipped, sexy-innocent Sixties look perfectly.  Lipstick case and carton are replicas of actual designs from Estée Lauder's Sixties-era collections.  Named after one of our most popular Sixties' lip formulas.
- Pinkadelic - medium neutral pink cream

Mad Men Collection Nail Lacquer - Turn on your fingertips to this limited edition nail lacquer inspired by the Award Winning AMC Drama MadMen.®   The Pink Paisley shade captures the sexy yet innocent '60s look perfectly. Polished and chic. Smooth glossy color, long-wear. Features a '60s era bottle.
- Pink Paisley - pale pink cream

I love, love, love all three of these products and I want all of them!  If I had to only pick one product, I would go with the blush because I love the rose pink shade and I will use it all the time.  In addition, I simply love the compact and would love to pull the mirror out of my bag in public.  And I rarely check my appearance or use any type of mirror in public but this one is a different story.  I would also really like to the buy the pink lipstick, this is a great shade for me and another one that I would use all the time.  I bet that I will buy this shade when I go to the counter to pick up the blush.  I like the nail polish but I already own several shades like it and therefore can't call it a must-have, it is one of those products that I like and would like to own but I don't need it and it doesn't fill a gap in my nail polish collection.  I will probably end up buying it at the counter and then owning the whole collection.  I wonder if Estee Lauder will offer accessories in this print...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Estee Lauder Fall 2012 Collection - Violet Underground

One of the biggest trends that we have been seeing for this fall season is the use of purple hues...on all facial features.  This is one of my favorite fall trends since purples and lavenders work very well for my cool, pale skin.  I have already stated that I wanted to buy more purple eye makeup for this fall, I have very little lavenders and purples in my eye makeup collection.  The newest collection from Estee Lauder is named Violet Underground and contains shades of purples for every single aspect of the face, I am so excited to see what eye makeup shades are offered in this collection and I also hope that there is a few great nail polish hues in this new collection.

This collection was created with the Creative Director of Estee Lauder, Tom Pecheux.  Pecheux is a former makeup artist who worked with every supermodel during Fashion Week and joined Estee Lauder team several years ago.  He injected new life into the 50+ year old brand, after he joined the company as Creative Director is when I actually began to take notice of this company.  Before he joined with the company, I often passed right by this counter in Macy's and would only stop to smell a perfume or two.  In his short time as Creative Director of this company, he has introduced the Pure Color collection and has reached a whole new audience of makeup lovers.  Personally, I asm so happy to see some shades and products that I now really love from this company.  I have always heard good comments on the quality of the products so I am visiting the counter a lot more than I used to over the past few months.

Violet Underground is a collection that I will have my eye on this fall.  I love many of the new purple hues that I have been seeing and I am thinking that there will be some great choices in this collection.  "Fall color, here now.  Violet Underground is violet unleashed.  Flashes of shine.  The power of matte.  Eyes edged in punker black."

Here is the newest collection from Estee Lauder!

Pure Color Blush - Fresh, radiant color lasts all day.  Won't streak or fade.  Ultra silky powder sweeps on sheer for a natural glow.  Builds for contoured and sculpted definition with luminous optic technology.  Exclusive contouring brush included.  In two finishes, Satin and Shimmer.  True Vision Color: Maximized color impact; Magnified vibrancy, clarity, and definition; Amplified brilliance.
- Audacious Plum - medium plum satin

Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette - Eye shadow palette created by Tom Pecheux for the ultimate eye expression.  A high-style mix of textures and shades to inspire creative blending, highlighting, and color accenting.  Release your inner artist.  This versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes - soft to bold.  Holds five varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic.  Use the shades for a touch of trend or to make an all-out color statement.  The highlighter is the magic touch.  Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly.  The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes.  True Color Vision: Maximized color impact; Maginified vibrancy, clarity, and definition; Amplified brilliance.  High Performance Wear: Color adheres velvety smooth, without creasing; Blends easily; Long wearing, color stays true, won't fade.  Sleek compact includes applicator and mirrow.
- Violet Underground - medium champagne/bright magenta pearl/medium warm bronze pearl/stormy cool gray pearl/black cream

Sumptuous Extreme Mascara - Lashes seem to multiple, magnify, grow to extremes.  Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effects.  The Formula: Extreme Bold Volume formula is a blend of three high-volume fibers in a mousse-light base.  Acts like lash extensions multiplying and growing the lash.  Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex.  The Three Fibers: Unique interlocking fibers build volume + length; Hollow fibers create massive volume, without weight; Ball fibers fill in and fill out even the sparsest lashes.  The Brush: Oversized BrushComber Extreme with two types of bristle-flexible fibers carry maximum formua, solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition.  The Color Impact: Prismatic pearls intensify pigment and luster.  Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive.  The Look: Outrageous volume, lift, and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect.
- Extreme Black - deep rich black

Pure Color Quick-Thick Eyeliner - Liner with attitude.  Chubby felt tip marker goes from a thin to thick line, quick.  Eyes dare you to look away, edged in punker black.  Comes on strong, super dark, and daring.  Tip: Give lashes the edge...use the fine tip to draw a line close into lashes.  Makes them look thicker, fuller, sexier.
- Punker Black - deep black

Pure Color Velvet Lipstick - All the opulence of velvet in a new soft matte lipstick.  Smooth and creamy formula with rich, intense color impact.  Soft, sensuous, and non-drying.  High pigment shades for high drama.
- Violet Crush - bright cool purple matte
- Black Cassis - rich deep blackberry matte

Pure Color Gloss - Lip Gloss with the power to light up your face.  True Vision Technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Imagine what it will do for your lips.  In a wide range of wearable shades with lasting shine for a lasting impression.  You'll want them all.  True Vision Color: Maximized color impact; Magnified color vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; Amplified brilliance.
- Chaotic Currant - deep cool currant with silver shimmer
- Rebellious Violet - bright cool violet with silver shimmer

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.  Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director.  Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics - all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.  Formulated with True Vision Technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy with an intense, mirror-like shine.  Fast-drying.  Long-wearing.
- Black Iris - very deep black-purple with silver shimmer

I love the nail polish that was included in this collection and I will be heading over to the counter to buy a bottle of Black Iris as soon as I get a chance.  I thought that I would really love the eye shadow palette from this collection but I am on the fence about it, I really like the pink shade but I don't think that I love all the shades enough to warrant the purchase of it.  The lip shades actually might have me the most interested out of any product other than the nail polish.  I am considering trying the bright purple lip gloss, Rebellious Violet, this shade is very different than any that I currently own.  My skin is cool toned and this shade should be very flattering.  The Chaotic Currant shade is nice too, this one might be the easier of the two to pull off and I want to try both of them.  The Lipstick shades are also on my radar, Black Cassis will be a very dramatic shade for the fall and winter months. 

I know that the last two items that I need to add to my collection is nail polishes and lip shade but these are the products that I love the most from this collection.  I am also considering the Eyeliner pen that was offered for Violet Underground, it might help me to create more dramatic eye liner looks and seems to be easier than tradition liquid liners to use.  I will have to head over to my local counter and hope that all the products and shades that I want to see are in stock...

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Summer 2012 Collection - Bronze Goddess Capri

Estee Lauder is one of the few companies that has a summer collection that is stronger than any other collection of the year, every summer this company does a limited edition version of their best selling bronzing products.  Every year, this collection contains products for every facial feature and a matching summer fragrance.  Last year, the fragrance in this collection was my favorite part of it but most of the products were totally sold out before I began self tanning and had enough of a glow to want bronze shades for my eyes and face.  Knowing how fast the products sold last year, I need to plan ahead this year and decide what products I want well before Memorial Day.

"A new collection of sunlit color and fragrance inspired by the seductive beauty of the Isle of Capri."  I can already see several different bronzer formulas (meaning that everyone can find their perfect shade and formula) and a great eye shadow palette to complement bronzed skin.  Other than the perfume (which I never got last year), I am most excited to check out all the bronzers since the one that I am using from Clinique is almost gone.

Here is the best Estee Lauder collection of the year!

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly glow with this super-luxurious liquid bronzer.  Great for all skintones, it includes a unique blend of bronzing pigments in a pearlized, reflective base.  Long-wearing, oil-free formula feels weightless and comfortable as it smooths on a sheer, natural-looking radiance. 

Bronze Goddess Soft Duo Bronzer - Two ways to give yourself a heavenly glow.  This super-luxurious powder bronzer duo includes medium and deep tones for a customized bronze.  The shades blend brilliantly to give face, shoulders, and decolletage a seductive bronze look.  Unique, oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable. 
- Amber Bronze - medium neutral bronze/deep neutral bronze

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly glow with this silky, luxurious powder bronzer.  Works with virutally any skintone.  Sweep it on and the smooth, oil-free powder gives face, shoulders, and decolletage a seductive bronze look.  Unique oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable.  Bronzer shade is a medium neutral bronze with no shimmer.
Bronze Goddess Soft Shimmer Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly shimmer glow with this luminous powder bronzer.  Sweeps on an illuminated bronze radiance that's golden and glamorous.  Apply to face, shoulders, decolletage or wherever you want a glamorous highlight.  Bronzer shade is a medium neutral bronze with gold shimmer.

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee - Turn up the heat.  Innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow.  The perfect mix of pigments and pearls for a multi-reflective finish.  Smooths on as an all-over soft sheen.  Builds for luminous pearl highlighting.
- Shimmering Sands - medium bronze shimmer

Sumptuous Waterproof Bold Volume Mascara - At last a waterproof mascara that gives you gorgeous lashes just the way you love them.  Full, curled, sexy.  And virutally indestructible.  Now lashes look beautiful in all wet conditions, from steamy humidity to a splash in the pool.  Why save it for a rainy day?  Get maximum waterproofing against all wet conditions: water, chlorinated water, saltwater, tears, perspiration, humidity, rain, snow.  Bold Volume Waterproof formula provides all the benefits of original Sumptuous - weightless volume, lift, and curl - plus advanced total waterproofing.  Ultra light, lash-thickening fibers plump even the most sparse lashes.  Lashes are soft and flexible, never brittle or spiky.  Exclusive BrushComber thickens like a brush.  Defines and separates like a comb.

Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon Duo - Turn up the heat with two smouldering eye shades to bring out your inner goddess.  Creamy crayon formula packs intense color impact in every stroke.  For added drama, apply on the lower rim of eye.
- White Sands/Molten Lava - pure white/deep cool brown
Pure Color Five Color Gelee Powder Eye Shadow Palette - Turn up the heat with five seductive summer shadows.  A palette of super metallic shades to highlight, define, and dramatize your eyes.  Apply dry or wet to intensify.  Sleek compact includes applicator and mirror. 
- Bronze Sands - shimmering white/shimmering warm medium bronze/shimmering medium warm champagne/shimmering deep warm charcoal/shimmering bright aqua

Pure Color Gloss - Lip gloss with the power to light up your face.  True Vision technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Imagine what it will do for your lips.  In a wide range of wearable shades with lasting shine for a lasting impression.  You'll want them all.  True Vision Color: Maximized color impact; Magnified vibranct, clarity, and dimension; Amplified brilliance.  High impact finishes.  Each Pure Color Gloss shade comes in one of three distinct, multi-dimensional finishes: Mirror Shine, Luminous Shimmer, Dimensional Sparkle; all with sheer-to-medium coverage.  High performance wear: feels light and luscious, never sticky; drenched with conditioners; flexible-tip applicator hugs every curve of your lips; smooths on precisely, stays on perfectly.
- Shimmer Mirage - clear gloss with gold shimmer

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick - Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more.  True Vision technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  In a seductive spectrum of shades, from sublime to vivid.  True Vision Color: Maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brilliance.  Indulges your lips in 2 seductive finishes: Satin - lasting creme; Lustrous - lasting shimmer.  Medium-to-full buildable coverage.  Long-lasting wear.  Fade resistant.  Enriched with lip-loving ingredients, including apricot kernel, shea butter, and murumuru butter that leave lips soft and creamy smooth.
- Urban Auburn - deep warm mahogany
- Tiger Eye - warm creamy peach

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of essential shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.  Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director.  Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics - all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.  Formulated with True Vision technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy with an intense, mirror-like high shine.  Fast-drying.  Long-wearing.
- Molten Lava - deep red bronze with gold shimmer

Bronze Goddess Capri Eau Fraiche Skinscent - Summer's new sun kissed fragrance.  Inspired by the seductive beauty of the Isle of Capri, an alluring floral citrus blend.  Fragrance type: Solar Floral.  Top notes: Cassis, Mandarin, Lemon Leaves.  Middle notes: Jasmine Sambac, Muguet, Peony.  Base notes: Creamy Vanilla, Amberwood, Patchouli, Musk.

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent - The fragrance that worships every inch of you.  A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver.  All heat.  All desire.  All woman.  Fragrance type: Solar Floral.  Top notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin.  Middle notes: Tiare Milk - Tahitian Gardenia Petals, Coconut Oil, Orange Flower Buds, Jasmine, Magnolia Petals, Myrrh.  Base notes: Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Caramel, Coconut Cream.

I must have both of these fragrances, I will get use from both the light citrus floral and the warmer, creamier version of the scent.  I especially love the fact that the traditional version of this fragrance contains several versions of coconut notes in it and I love that I can wear a more sophisticated version of a coconut fragrance this summer. 

In addition to the fragrances, I am also interested in the eye makeup and bronzers from this collection.  None of the lip or nail shades really pop out at me so I will be skipping over them this time around.  I love the eye palette in this collection, I know that I will get lots of use from the neutrals in this palette and I am going to try and use the aqua shade as a highlight in my crease and see how it looks.  From the Eye Crayon Duo, I only like the deep brown shade so I don't know if I will purchase this product or not, I can't really justify buying something that I know that I will only use half of.  I am going to try and pick only one bronzer to buy (at least for the beginning of the summer), so I will be picking up the matte version of the bronzing powder.  I prefer matte powders for the day since they are much more natural looking and will work better than the shimmery version.

I think that this is the most excited that I have been for an Estee Lauder collection in years!

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Mad Men Color Collection

I have been a fan of Christina Hendricks for a few years now even though I don't get to watch Mad Men near as often as I would like to.  Noting how obsessed I am her look, you can all imagine how excited I was to see that Estee Lauder was working with creative team on the show to create a limited edition makeup collection for the spring.  This collection began to show up about two or three weeks ago and it came out just in time for the beginning of the new season at the end of March.  This small makeup collection is inspired by the show and the looks of the decade that it is set in, I would love to get this dressed up for my job every day!

This collection consists of only lip and cheek products, all of which are housed in a jeweled compacts that are as lovely as the product housed inside them.  From what I have been told by my mother, this is the way that cosmetics were traditionally sold.  First you bought the case itself and then you purchased and repurchased the product to put inside.  Personally I love expensive packaging and I think that I would like purchasing makeup like this, visions of a Tiffany & Co lipstick case are coming into my head right now.  Perhaps some past trends needs to come back very quickly...

I believe that this collection will only be at the Estee Lauder counters and the company's website so I pulled all of the information from the website.  "The heart of the Mad Men Look: Lipstick and Creme Rouge in elegant, vintage designs from the legendary Estee Lauder '60s collections."  I already spy a deep red cream lipstick from this collection...

Estee Lauder and Mad Men!

Mad Men Lipstick - Inspired by the award-winning AMC drama Mad Men, the must-have classic makeup item that captures the iconic cherry red lips of the era.  Lipstick case and carton are inspired by vintage designs from the legendary Estee Lauder '60s collection.  This limited edition lipstick lavishes your lips your lips.  Cream satin finish.  Smooth, rich lip color.
- Cherry - deep cool red cream

Mad Men Creme Rouge - Inpisred by the award-winning AMC drama Mad Men, the must-have classic makeup item that captures the iconic rosy cheeks of the era.  Compact and carton are inspired by vintage designs from the legendary Estee Lauder '60s collection.  This limited edition blush is creamy, light, easy to blend.  Dewy, smooth, natural finish.
- Evening Rose - deep cool rose

I love both of these products, the females on Mad Men all have pale skintones and since these shades were made to use on the show, they will be so flattering on my skintone too.  I love both of the two new products, I really wish that more would have come out with this collection since I know that I would want all of it.  If I had to choose my favorite piece of the collection, it would have to be the lipstick shade, I love this red.  However if I am being practical then I would buy the blush since i know that Iw ould use it at least three or four times a week.

I need to both catch up on my Mad Men episodes this season and I need to head out to the nearest Estee Lauider counter and do some shopping.  This might actually be my favorite collection from Estee Lauder and I would have loved if this collection was much larger.

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Spring 2012 Collection - Topaz

Well Valentine's Day is officially over and now I am just counting the days until spring begins, I think that this is the most depressing time of the year since it seems like it takes forever for the warmer weather to come.  I am about half way through looking at spring collections and we have seen some great collections so far and that gets me even more excited to pair all the great pink shades that I have been seeing with a sundress.  One of the more unique looking collections this season is the new one from Estee Lauder, this collection is named Topaz and it consists of blues and bronzes.  This collection almost looks more like a summer collection since these shades will look best against summer-bronzed skin. 

This collection consists of bronze face shades, neutral lips, and bright shimmering blues for the eyes and nails.  This might not be the best collection for me since I don't do blue eye makeup or bronze face shades, the nail polish might be my best bet in this collection.  I am happy that I am seeing something different at least and I can see this collection having appeal to those with warmer skin tones (most of what we have been seeing this whole season are best for cool skin tones). 

The Topaz collection from Estee Lauder!

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee - High polish for your skin.  Innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow.  The perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective finish.  Smooths on as an all-over sheen soft sheen.  Builds for luminous pearl highlighting.
- Topaz Chameleon - medium bronze shimmer

Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette - Eye shadow palette created by Tom Pecheux for the ultimate eye shadow expression.  A high-style mix of textures and shades to inspire creative blending, highlighting and color accenting.  Release your inner artist.  The versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes - soft to bold.  Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic.  Use the shades for a touch of trend or to make an all-out color statement.  The highlighter is the magic touch.  Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly.  The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes.  True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; long-wearing, stays color-true, won't fade.  Sleek compact includes applicator and mirror.
- Topaz Mosaic - medium champage shimmer/medium warm bronze shimmer/medium taupe shimmer/deep chocolate shimmer/pure gold shimmer

Pure Color Intense Kajal Eye Crayon - Creamy crayon packs intense, smouldering color impact in one single stroke.  Rich, deeply pigmented shades.  Glides on velvety smooth.  Blends easily.  For added drama, apply on the lower rim of the eye.  Use as a liner along lashline and softly smudge over lids to intensify the smoky look.
- Dramatic Black - pure deep black
- Dramatic Teal - bright blue teal
Pure Color Gloss - Lip gloss with the power to light up your face.  True Vision technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Imagine what it will do for your lips.  In a wide range of wearable shades with lasting shine for a lasting impression.  You will want them all.  True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brilliance.  Each Pure Color Gloss shade comes in one of three distinct, multi-dimensional finishes: Mirror Shine; Luminous Shimmer; Dimensional Sparkle.  All with sheer-to-medium coverage.  High Performance Wear: feels light and luscious, never sticky; drenched with conditioners; flexible-tip applicator hugs every curve of your lips; smooths on preciously, stays on perfectly.
- Citron Kiss - pure shimmering gold

Pure Color Sensuous Rouge Lip Color - So addictive, your lips will crave more.  The only lipstick with indulgent, creamy color wrapped around a luscious soft center.  Our most moisturizing lipstick.  Caresses your lips with two moisture-rich formulas: ultra creamy color outside, lip-loving elixir in the center.  For a double infusion of delicious color and moisture.  Lips have never felt this sensuous.  Contains an exotic blend of fruit extracts, including red raspberry seed oil, passionfruit, and murumuru and shea butters.  Plus a new warm vanilla scent.  True Vision Color: maxmized color impact; magnified vibrany, clarity, and dimension; amplified brilliance.  Soft, luminous finish.  Light-catching pearls create a soft, luminous finish.  Lips instantly look fuller.  Buttery-smooth texture.  Looks as good as it feels.  Medium-to-full buildable coverage.  Long-lasting wear.  Feather-resistant.
- Sensuous Nude - deep warm nude cream
- Sultry Caramel - deep warm caramel cream
- Sublime Nectar - bright warm peach cream

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.  Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder Creative Director.  Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics - all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.  Formulated with True Vision technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy with an intense, mirror-like shine.  Fast-drying, long-wearing.  High-pigment, high-impact brilliance in 3 effects: creme, pearl, and shimmer.  True Vision technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Choose from a multi-faceted spectrum of modern and timeless shades.  Resists chipping - even in water.  High coverage that won't fade, dull, or streak, even in strong sunlight.  The brush makes it easy - specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy.  In 3 strokes - middle, left-, right - you're done.
- Teal Topaz - bright teal shimmer

This is not a collection for me with the exception of the nail polish shade, I really love this teal shade and I want to get this the next time that I get to the counter.  The eye shadow palette is also a top pick of mine from this collection, I already own many of these shades but I have never tried one of the palettes from Estee Lauder so I might have to pick this one up to try out their pigmentation and texture.  Other than these two products, the rest of the collection is just too warm for me to find flattering.  All of the lip shades will look great on someone other than me, the gold lip gloss is really pretty but won't flatter my skintone.  The same applies for all of the face products.

This collection is much better for warmer skintones and therefore I will not be buying all that much from it, but I am happy to see a bit of diversity in the spring collections and a break from all the cool toned pale shades.

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Fall 2011 Collection - Modern Mercury

I feel like the fall collections are beginning to dwindle down and I only have a few left on my list to check out.  I have seen a few previews of the Fall 2011 collection at my local Estee Lauder counter but now the full collection is finally and it is time to look at it.  Modern Mercury is a collection of gilded eye looks and red lip looks.  Lancome is the only other collection that has contained strong lip shades so far this fall so I have high hopes for this collection too.  As I have said before, Estee Lauder has come a long way in the past few years after Tom Pecheux took the helm of the creative department.  Pure Color is the makeup collection that was released after he took over and this collection is taking the colors and pigments from this company in a whole new direction.  A direction that I have been really liking for the past few collections...

The Modern Mercury collection from Estee Lauder...

Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 - 15-hour staying power.  Flawless all day.  This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity.  Won't change color, smudge, or come off on clothes.  Feels lightweight and comfortable.  Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day.  Available in a full range of shades to suit all skintones.

Signature Silky Powder Blush - Feather-light powder blush sweeps on silky sheer, builds to full color.  A fresh way to blush.  Easily goes from barely blushing to full intensity, just like your natural cheek color.  Highlights and defines your face with a bloom of fresh color.  Never looks heavy or streaky.  Natural-looking shades gives cheeks a soft, healthy glow.  Buildable, extended-wear color stays true.  Make great color your signature.
- Pink Kiss - medium rosy pink

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee - A new kind of all-over glow.  Powder + liquid + gel in one.  High polish for your skin.  Innovative tri-blend liquid, powder, gel formula goes beyond face powder to give you a sexy, sophisticated glow.  The perfect mix of pigment and pearls for a multi-reflective sheen.  Smooths on as an all-over soft sheen.  Builds for luminous pearl highlighting.

Pure Color Eye Shadow Duo - Art for your eyes.  Eye Shadow pairs created by Tom Pecheux.  Two shades made for each other.  One accentuates, the other contours.  Expertly paired to make it easy to achieve the ultimate eye expression.  Wear them together or each alone.  Use them to add a touch of trend or for an all-out color statement.  Color builds easily from subtle to high intensity.  True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance.  High Performance Wear: color adheres velvety smooth, without creasing; blends easily; long-wearing, color stays true, won't fade.  Sleek compact includes applicator and mirror.
- Black Chrome - matte charcoal/deep black with silver shimmer
- Modern Mercury - pale silver/dark silver shimmer
- Platinums - pale white shimmer/medium platinum shimmer

Pure Color Liquid Eye Liner - Liner with sparkle effects.  Rich color.  Liquid liner with spectacular sparkling effects.  Long, felt tip wand makes precise lining one stroke easy.
- Black Quartz - deep shimmering black with silver shimmer
- Silver Zinc - deep taupe with silver shimmer

Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara - Lashes seem to multiply, magnify, grow to extrems.  Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effects.  The Formula: Extreme Bold Volume formula is a blend of three high-volume fibers in a mousse-light base.  Acts like lash extensions multiplying and growing the look of lashes.  Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex.  The Three Fibers: unique interlocking fibers build volume and length; hollow fibers create massive volume, without weight; ball fibers fill in and fill out even the sparsest lashes.  The Brush: oversized Brush Comber Extreme with two types of bristles - flexible fibers carry maximum formula and solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition.  The Color Impact: prismatic pearls intensify pigment and luster.  Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive.  The Look: outrageous volume, lift, and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect.
- Extreme Black - deepest, darkest black

Pure Color Velvet Lipstick - Matte creme, intense color.  Non-drying, ultra creamy.  All the opulence of velvet in a new soft matte lipstick.  Smooth and creamy formula with rich, intense color impact.  Soft, sensuous, and non-drying.  High pigment shades for high drama.
- Red Velvet - deep matte blue red
- Nude Velvet - medium cool nude cream
- Fuschia Velvet - deep cool magenta cream

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick - Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more.  True Vision technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance.  Indulges your lips in 2 seductive finishes: Satin, lasting creme; Lustrous, lasting shimmer.  Medium-to-full, buildable coverage; long-lasting wear; fade-resistant.  Enriched with lip-loving ingredients, including apricot kernal, shea butter, and murumuru butter that leaves lips soft and creamy smooth.  "Lipstick makes a woman sensual, powerful, and kissable." - Tom Pecheux, Estee Lauder Creative Director.
- Beige - medium warm beige cream
- Fuschia Fever - deep magenta purple cream
- Scarlet Siren - deep blue red cream

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.  Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director.  Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics - all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.  Formulated with True Vision technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy color with an intense mirror-like high shine.  Fast-drying.  Long-wearing.  High-pigment, high-impact brilliance in 3 effects: creme, pearl, and shimmer.  True Vision technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Choose from a multi-faceted spectrum of modern and timeless shades.  Resists chipping - even in water.  High coverage that won't fade, dull, or streak, even in strong sunlight.  The brush makes it easy.  Specially designed brush shade makes application incredibly easy in 3 strokes - middle, left, right - you're done.
- Metallic Sage - medium warm olive with gold shimmer

I love this nail polish shade, it so unique and perfectly on trend for this fall.  I was surprised to see Estee Lauder making a shade this unique since I don't know how well it will go over with its older customers.  It will bring this company a new customer, as Tom Pecheux has been doing for the past few seasons.  This is very strong collection for fall, whether you prefer strong eyes or strong lips or even a combination of both looks in one. 

The lipstick shades are my second favorite part of the collection, I want both the matte and cream red shades even though I have never used an Estee Lauder lipstick before.  I would like to see both of the nude shades in person to see how warm they end up being.  If they are too warm, then they won't work on my face.  The eye shadow palettes are very pretty too, my favorite shade is the Modern Mercury duo, the deep and light silvers.  To add to my list of eye makeup that I want from this collection, I want both of the liquid liners since they are both lovely shades and contain enough shimmer to bring all the attention to my eyes.  I really want to try a cat eye using this black liner.

The Powder Gelee is a product that I have never seen before, the texture is amazing looking and I think that I will use it as a cream highlighter.  If I even can bring myself to screw up the lovely compact...

Estee Lauder has come a long way in the past few seasons due to the brillance of Tom Pecheux.  He has changed this brand from an old lady image to one that is hip and cutting edge, with great shades and pigmentation.

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Summer 2011 Collection - Bronze Goddess

Estee Lauder does a variation on the same type of summer collection every single year.  Bronze Goddess is this year's summer collection and one of the biggest summer collections year after year.  The bronzers and summer makeup from Estee Lauder has been on the top picks of beauty editors ever since Tom Pecheux took the creative direction for this company over about two years ago.  This collection actually contains two parts, one part is the new colors and the other part is fragrance.  Bronze Goddess is a top pick for this company fragrance-wise and building a whole collection around it is a great marketing technique and I think that ensures this color collection's success over the next season. 

The makeup look on the cover model reminds me of the French Riveria and features bronzed skin, bright blue eye makeup, and a neutral lip.  The blue eye makeup won't be for me but I am betting that I can find some new bronzers for myself and perhaps a new lip shade.  I haven't gotten the change to work with the fragrance yet but I have heard from others in the beauty industry that it is a light citrus, which also isn't quite my first choice among fragrance types. 

Let's check the collection out since I can already tell that it will be considered one of the showstoppers on beauty this summer...

Bronze Goddess Sea Star Bronzing Blush - Bronzer and blush in one.  Use shades alone or blend.  A blush of endless of summer.  Shimmering sun-kissed colro to enhance your tan.  Sweep on cheeks - wear alone or over bronzer.  For a more dramatic glow, apply to "apple" of cheeks and temples and down center of face.  A mix of bronze with hints of pinks in the shade.

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer - Silky and luxurious.  Natural, shine-free color.  Give yourself a heavenly glow with this silky, luxurious powder bronzer.  Works with virtually any skin tone.  Sweep it on and the smooth, oil-free powder gives face, shoulders, and decolletage a seductive bronze look.  Unique oil control complex keeps shine-free and comfortable. 

Bronze Goddess Island Oasis Eye Shadow Palette - Shimmering metallics and sunlit satin shadows.  Shades of paradise.  Highlight, define, and dramatize your eyes with the shimmering metallics and sunlit satin shadows of summer.  Luxurious compact contains six complementary shades to wear alone or together - the possibilites are endless. 
- shimmering taupe/deep bronze shimmer/warm sand/bright blue/medium shimmering gold/very deep brown shimmer

Shadestick Duo - Two intense eye shades for drama and definition.  Simply divine.  Two tempting eye shades for the ultimate goddess effect.  Intense, stay-true color is long-wearing with a high-shimmer metallic finish.  Smooth formula glides on easily, feels comfortable.  Can be used two ways for definition and drama: appky to lashline as a liner or apply all over lid as a shadow. 
- Pink Teal - rose pink and bright teal
- Gold Bronze - gold and bronze

Sumptuous Waterproof Bolf Volume Lifting Mascara - All weather.  All waterproof.  Bold, weightless volume.  At last, a waterproof mascara that gives you gorgeous lashes just the way you love them.  Full, curled, sexy.  And virtually indestructible.  Now lashes look beautiful in all lash conditions, from steamy humidity to a splash in the pool.  Bold Volume Waterproof formula provides all the benefits of the original Sumptuous - weightless volume, lift, and curl - plus advanced total waterproofing.  Ultra light, lash-thickening fibers plump even the most sparse lashes.  Lashes are soft and flexible, never brittle or spiky.  Exclusice Brushcomber thickens like a brush.  Defines and separates like a comb. 
- Black - black

Pure Color Gloss - Brillant color in three high shine finishes.  Lip gloss with the power to light up your face.  True Vision technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Imagine with it will do for your lips.  In wide range of wearable shades with lasting shine for lasting impression.  You'll want them all.  True Vision color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance.  Each Pure Color Gloss shade comes in one of three distinct, multi-dimensional finishes: Mirror Shine, Dimensional Sparkle, and Luminous Shimmer; all of which have sheer - to - medium coverage.  High performance wear: feels light and luscious, never sticky; drenched with conditioners, flexible-tip applicator hugs every curve of your lips; smoothes on precisely , stays on perfectly.
- Sunburst - warm tangerine (sparkle)
- Plum Divine - cool deep plum  (shimmer)
- Blazing Coral - warm medium coral (sparkle)

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - High Shine.  Long wear.  Turn your fingertips into fashion statements with a wardrobe of sensational shades to add definition, polish, and style to your fingertips.  Designed by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estee Lauder Creative Makeup Director.  Tom combined today's top trends with timeless classics - all the colors he prefers for photo shoots and fashion shows.  Formulated with True Vision technology to transform ordinary color and make it extraordinary.  Rich, glossy with an intense mirror-like shine.  Fast-drying.  Long-wearing.  High-pigment, high-impact brillance in 3 effects: creme, pearl, and shimmer.  True Vision technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary.  Choose from a multi-facted spectrum of modern and timeless shades.  Resists chipping - even in water.  High coverage won't fade, dull, or streak, even in strong sunlight.  The brush makes it easy - specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy.  In three strokes - middle, left, and right - you're done.
- Shimmering Bronze - true bronze shimmer

Bronze Goddess Soleil Eau Fraiche Skinscent - Summer's new sun-kissed fragrance.  Inspired by the warmth of the Mediterranean, a citrus floral blend with notes of Bergamot and Orange Blossom.  Top notes - Silician Citron, Calabrese Bergamot, Blood Orange, Sweet Tangerine, Provencal Lavender Flowers, Lemon Tree Leaves (Petitgrain).  Middle notes - Pittosporum, Neroli from Tunisia (Orpur), Moroccan Orange Blossom (Orpur), Indian Sambac, Grapefruit Tree Blossoms, Pink Lily Nectar.  Bottom notes - Blond Woods, Iris Accord, Ambrette Seeds, Crystalline Musks.

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent - The fragrance that worships every inch of you.  A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood, and Vetiver.  All heat, all desire,  all woman.  Top notes - Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin.  Middle Notes - Tiare Milk (Tahitian Gardenia Petals), Coconut Oil, Orange Flower Buds, Jasmine, Magnolia Petals, Myrrh.  Base notes - Amber, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Caramel, Coconut Cream.

The second of the two listed Bronze Goddess scents sounds like one that I would be very interested in but the first one I can leave at the counter.  The second one seems to be more floral and has a coconut base so this one will make a Most Wanted list for next month.  I can't wait to wear this one all summer long, magnolia is favored note of mine too.  So I already tend to gravitate toward this note and the addition of all those others makes this a fragrance that I might not be able to pass up. 

The color collection is another story, many of these items are already sold out and most of the rest of them aren't my shades.  I'm not into the blush and bronzer combination, I bet that I would create a complete disaster on my cheeks with this product.  I really like the matte bronzer in this collection, I am so glad that the beauty industry is beginning to producr bronzers that have a natural matte finish instead of the shimmer finishes that we have been seeing for the past few years.  Personally, I never use shimmer bronzers unless I am putting it on my cheekbones only.  The only other items that I like in this collection are some of the eye makeup.  I love the eye shadow palette and am willing to ignore the pale blue shade in it since I love the golds and bronzes that it contains.  My last love from this collection is the Shadestick Duo in the gold shades, I will get use from this product all summer and well into the fall.  I can't wait to go to the counter and try this one out.  Otherwise, I can leave the lip colors since I am not looking for either plum or coral this summer and I don't think the nail polish shade will work with my skintone. 

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Spring 2011 Collection - Orange Crush

The day had to come, it was inevitable. The newest collection from spring from Estee Lauder is my least favorite of the whole season. It is named Orange Crush and I hate orange makeup shades, I can barely live with many of the coral shades that have been taking over the beauty world this season. My skin is much too cool to work with any of these tones so I will not be adopting this look or anything close to it for the rest of the season. This may not be my style, but the orange eye makeup in this new collection is very popular and was all over the runway collections. I might be in the minority with my dislike of these shades but I will try to keep an open mind about the collection itself and see if the lip shades that are used to offset the orange eye might still work in my favor.

"A flash of bold orange on lids offset by soft neutrals for the face", is the description of the new collection from the Estee Lauder website. The soft neutrals I can certainly live with, depending on how warm-toned they are. When looking at the individual products, I found out that this look was created by Tom Pecheux for the Spring/Summer 2011 Derek Lam show. A quote from Pecheux about the look itself; "The key to wearing vivid color is to create balance. Wear bold color on the eyes or lips, but not both. Balance the strong intensity woth soft, warm neutrals." Time to find out if any of this collection will work for me.

Orange Crush...

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly glow with this silky, luxurious powder bronzer. Works with virtually any skintone. Sweep it on and the smooth, oil-free powder gives face, shoulders, and decolletage a seductive bronze look. Unique oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable. Works for all skintones.

Silky Powder Blush - Feather-light powder blush sweeps on silky sheer, builds to full color. Easily goes from barely blushing to full intensity, just like your natural cheek color. Highlights and defines your face with a bloom of fresh color. Never looks heavy or streaky. Natural-looking shades give cheeks a soft, healthy glow. Buildable, extended-wear color stays true. Make great color your signature.

- Nude Rose - neutral dusty medium rose

Pure Color Eye Shadow - Orange Crush Collection - Eye shadows inspired by the look created by Tom Pecheux for the Derek Lam Spring/Summer 2011 Show for New York Fashion Week. Get the look with a flash of bright coral on eyelids offset by white to frame the eye. The look gives new definition to modern beauty with intense, strong color worn in unexpected ways. The direction is clear. Take your color vibrant. Wear it bold. And always make a statement.

- Sugar Cube - pale shimmery white

- Orange Brush - bright warm coral

Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara - Lashes seem to multiply, magnify, grow to extremes. Three different high-volume fibers create audacious false-lash effects. Extreme Bold Volume formula is a blend of three high-volume fibers in a mousse-light base. Acts like lash extensions multiplying and growing the look of lashes. Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex. The three fibers: unique interlocking fibers build volume and length; hollow fibers create massive volume without weight; ball fibers fill in and fill out even the sparest lashes. Oversized Brush Comber Extreme with two types of bristles-flexible fibers carry maximum formula; solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition. Prismatic pearls intensify pigment and luster. Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive. Outrageous volume, lift, and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect.

- Extreme Black - black

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick - Color so incredible, it leaves your lips wanting more. True Vision technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. In a seductive spectrum of shades, from sublime to vivid. True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance. Indulges your lips in seductive finishes: sating, lasting creme and lasting, lustrous shimmer. Medium-to-full, buildable coverage.

- Beige - nude rose beige

So we all know that the orange eye shadow is not for, I am just moving on to the other parts of the collection. I love that lipstick shade, I could wear this one everyday. The bronzer is a preview to the summer collection, Bronze Goddess, a huge hit in previous years for this company. I am very happy that companies have been releasing matte bronzers instead of the usual shimmer-spiked products that tend to look very unnatural on me. The Bronze Goddess collection is up on the website already so I need to visit my counter and start trying these out.

The spring look from this company is not my style so I might just be jumping into summer a bit early this year!

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Holiday 2010 Collection - Extravagant

Extravagant is one of the best words to describe myself and many of the purchases that I tend to make this time of the year. I think that this is the perfect way to describe a holiday color collection with the introduction of the Estee Lauder new Pure Color collection. I am envisioning that the items in this collection can very easily take a simple day look to extraordinary for an evening party or date. I am hoping for some lovely red lip shades in this new collection...

Here is the new collection from this company...

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly glow with this silky, luxurious powder bronzer. Works with virtually any skintone. Sweep it on and the smooth, oil-free powder gives face, shoulders, and decolletage a seductive bronze look. Unique oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable.

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Powder Makeup SPF 15 - 8-hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free powder makeup stays fresh, looks natural, and won't change color, even through non-stop activity. Glides on silky smooth, stays on comfortably, without feeling dry. Oil-absorbing. For a continously flawless look, without touch-ups. Available in a range of shades for all skintones.

Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eye Liner - For an ultra defined line and 15-hour staying power. With this unstoppable liquid eye liner, the smudge-free look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day. Waterproof formula glides on, stays on, won't budge. Removes easily with Gentle Eye Makeup Remover or any oil-based eye makeup remover.

- Brown - brown

Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara - Lift each lash with big, bold, weightless volume. The Formula: Unprecedented Bold Volume formula has ultra light, lash-thickening fibers. Lifts and plumps even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl. The Brush: Exclusive BrushComber thickens like a brush, defines like a comb. Wraps your entire lash in air-light volume. Lashes soar with 360 degree lift and curl. The Look: daringly full, senuously curved, all-out seductive lashes. Now take your lashes all the way to big, bold, beautiful.

- Black - black

Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette - Eye shadow that makes eyes come alive. Versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes - soft to bold. Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer, metallic. The highlighter is the magic touch. Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly. The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes. True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance. High Performance Color: Color adheres velvetly smooth, without creasing; blends easily. Long-wearing. Color stays true. Won't fade. Sleek compact includes application mirror.

- Extravagant Gold - beige/medium brown/pinky bronze/true gold/deep bronze

Pure Color Gloss - Lip gloss with the power to light up your face. True Vision technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. Imagine what it will do for your lips. In a wide range of wearable shades with lasting shine for a lasting impression. True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance. High impact finishes, each Pure Color Gloss shade comes in one of three distinct, multi-dimensional finishes: Mirror Shine, Luminous Shimmer, Dimensional Sparkle. All with sheer-to-medium converage.

- Extravagant Plum - medium fushcia sparkle

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick - Pure impact. Pure luxury. Pure emotion. Pure color. Lead a colorful life. Intense, long-wearing color creates maximum impact. High fashion shades with medium-to-full covrage. Luxurious formula pampers, comforts with Vitamins C and E plus natural moisturizers. Delicately fragranced with a delectable fig scent.

- Extravagant Berry - deep toned berry

- Extravagant Red - deep red

Pure Color Five Color Lip Palette - Brilliant sparkle, shimmer, and shine for lips. From the Extravagant Pure Color Holiday 2010 Collection. A palette of five lip colors and glosses; wear them alone of together; multi shades, multi finishes, multi textures. It's the ultimate holiday accessory for your lips.

- Extravagant - medium red/gold shimmer gloss/warm coral/deep red/neutral beige gloss

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - A luxurious brilliance at your fingertips. Experience Pure Color. Rich, glossy, quick-drying, and long-wearing. Truly intense color so shiny it looks wet - but don't be fooled. Resists chipping, even in water. Won't fade, dull, or streak, even in strong sunlight. Specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy. Just three strokes of color - middle, left, and right - and you're done.

- Extravagent Night - deep purple with silver sparkle

Estee Lauder has really out done themselves with their past two collections, the shades in this collection are stunning and would be a lovely look to wear at a party this holiday. I am divided on what my favorite product from this collection is yet. My choices are the eye shadow palette, the new shade of red lipstick, and the nail polish that looks like a deep purple shade of my beloved Ciel de Nuit. I don't think that I even could find a favorite of those three but I do know that I would get lots of use from all of those products.

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Fall 2010 Collection - Blue Dahlia

This is the first time that I have looked at any collections from Estee Lauder, normally I just walk right by their counter in Macy*s and head right over to Dior and MAC. But since Tom Pecheux has been working with the creative department of this company, I have actually begun to like some of the colors that I am seeing at the counters and have decided to fully look through their new fall collection. The collection is named Blue Dahlia and the promotional picture is a very strong eye look using blue eye makeup colors. Might not totally be for me but it can't hurt to look and see what is new.

Here is the new collection...

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 - 15 hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity. Won't change color, come off, or smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable. Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day. Available in a wide range of shades for all skin tones.

Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush - Creamy touch-on blush glides on sheer and satiny. Smoothes on as a creme, finishes as a luminous powder. Sculpts, highlights, adds dimension. Enchances skin's healthy glow with soft shimmer. Buildable, extended-wear color stays true. Won't streak or settle into fine lines.

- Nude Light - midtone neutral beige

Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer - Give yourself a heavenly glow with this silky, luminous powder bronzer. Works with virutally any skintone. Sweep it on the smooth, oil-free powder gives face, shoulders, and decolletage a seductive bronze look. Unique oil-control complex keeps skin shine-free and comfortable. One shade is suitable for all skintones.

Pure Color Five Color Eye Shadow Palette - Eye shadow that makes eyes come alive. Versatile 5-color palette allows you to play with intensities, mix and blend shades, express different attitudes - soft to bold. Holds 5 varying color intensities and finishes: matte, satin, shimmer, or metallic. The highlighter is the magic touch. Use it to brighten the look and widen eyes instantly. The deepest shade structures and defines the eyes. True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance. High Performance Wear: color adheres velvety smooth, without creasing; blends easily; long-wearing, stays color true, won't fade. Sleek compact includes applicator and mirror.

- Blue Dahlia - shimmery nude/bright teal/medium taupe/deep navy/matte black

Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara - Lift each lash with big, bold, weightless volume. Unprecedented Bold Volume formula has ultra light, lash-thickening fibers. Lifts and plumps even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl. The brush: exclusive BrushComber thickens like a brush, defines like a comb. Wraps your entire lash in air-light volume. Lashes soar with 360 degree lift and curl. The look: daringly full, sensuously curved, all-out seductive lashes. Now take you lashes all the way to big, bold, beautiful.

- Black - black

Pure Color Gloss Stick - Lipstick with a glossy attitude. Every shade brings your lips: the best possible shine, the smoothest finish, the power to plump and shade all in one sleek stick. Prismatic pearls add multi-dimensional volume and amplified light reaction. Melts onto lips with rich conditioners and soft shine. Provides an instant release of hydration and color - lips look shinier and fuller instantly. Lip-plumping technology improves lip condition creating a moist-plump fullness after 4 weeks of continuous use.

- Rose Dusk - light neutral pink beige

- Midnight Bloom - bright cool intense pink with opal shimmer

- Orchid Dream - light cool rose pink

- Night Bloom - warm peach pink

- Mauve Mirage - deep cool violet with gold shimmer

Pure Color Gloss - Lip gloss with the power to light up your face. TrueVision technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. Imagine what it will do for your lips. In a wide range of wearable shades with lasting shine for a lasting impression. You'll want them all. True Vision Color: maximized color impact; magnified vibrancy, clarity, and dimension; amplified brillance. High Impact Finishes: each Pure Color Gloss comes in one of three distinct, multi-dimensional finishes: mirror shine, luminous shimmer, dimensional sparkle; all with sheer-to-medium coverage. High Performance Wear: feels light and luscious, never sticky; drenched with conditioners; flexible-tip applicator hugs every curve of your lips; smoothes on precisely, stays on perfectly.

- Twilight Pearl - warm beige (Sparkle)

- Midnight Bloom - cool deep plum (Shimmer)

- Star Pink - cool light lilac (Shimmer)

- Rock Candy - cool medium pink (Shimmer)

- Raspberry Pop - cool red-purple (Sparkle)

Pure Color Nail Lacquer - A luxurious brillance at your fingertips. Experience Pure Color: rich, glossy, quick-drying, and long-wearing; truly intense color is so shiny it looks wet - but don't be fooled; resists chipping even in water; won't fade, dull, or streak, even in strong sunlight. Brush makes it easy: specially designed brush shape makes application incredibly easy; just three strokes of color - middle, left, and right - and you're done.

- Blue Dahlia - bright navy blue

- Surreal Violet - shimmering gray lilac

I am pleasantly surprised with this collection! Many of these shades may not be for me, but I love the formulas and look of the collection. I think the eye palette is beautiful and as it comes out in other shades, I will be pouncing on one at the counter. I really like the lip products that are featured in this collection, from the Gloss Stick line, I want the Rose Dusk and Orchid Dream shades. From the Pure Color Glosses, I like the Twilight Pearl, the Midnight Bloom, and Star Pink shades. I am also lusting after the two new nail polish shades and I think that these are my top picks of the new collection. Looking forward to my first visit at this counter in Macy*s!

photo courtesy of Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara

I have always considered Estee Lauder to be makeup aimed for more mature skin. And I have been annoyed with them for pulling all United States distribution of Prescriptives. And my annoyance has continued now that they have doomed Shu Uemura to the same fate. So needless to say, this isn't a brand that I have been following or that I stop at the makeup when searching for new products. However, I received this product for free when Macy*s was having a beauty event last fall so I decided to have an open mind and try it out. Let's face it, my willpower tends to go by the wayside when the promises of a new and untested mascara are right in front of me.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Liftin Mascara is quite a mouthful to say so we are just going to refer to this product as the Sumptuous Mascara for the rest of the review. My thoughts on this mascara are on the lukewarm side, I like how it performs but the removal process has left me cold.

Nordstrom states that, "Lift each lash with big, bold, weightless volume. The formula: Unprecedented Bold Volume formula has ultra-light, lash-thickening fibers. Lifts and plumps even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl. The brush: Exclusive BrushComber thicken like a brush. Defines like a comb. Wraps your entire lash in air-light volume. Lashes sora with 360 degree lift and curl. The look: Daringly full, sensuously curved, all-out seductive lashes. Now take your lashes all the way to big, bold, beautiful."

This mascara does very well in the following categories: curling, volumizing, and defining. I loved this product the first time that I used it. My lashes were super big and defined and really helped to open up my eyes. Until I tried to take it off. I used my Caudalie Cleansing Water that I always use and I used a new cotton ball saturated with product in order to remove my eye makeup. I have always used this remover very successfully with other mascaras, so in this case I put the issue with the mascara formula and not the eye makeup remover formula. After trying to remove it, I end up with mascara smudges under my eyes and red, stinging eyes. I can usually only get about half of it off at once and therefore then have to try it again later, drying out the skin around my eyes like never before. I have this product in Bold Black, which is the deepest, rich black shade offered by Estee Lauder. I love this shade, it is the perfect inky, dramatic black. This mascara is also available in both a regular Black shade and a Brown shade.

This mascara is an example of how the removal process can completely ruin a great formula. I am scared that I am going to begin to lose lashes (like what happened with Smashbox Bionic Mascara) with how difficult this product is to remove. I doubt that I would pick up another tube of this mascara unless Estee Lauder changes the formula to make the removal easier.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom