Seeing these ultra sheer shades immediately reminded me of my love for the original Clinique Black Honey lipstick. So, it made sense when I found out that this collection was inspired by Black Honey’s signature color statement; these new ultra sheer shades were made to allow the natural lip color to come through, and create a custom fit color that is unique to every woman. It is truly a signature look that is yours and yours only!

Clinique introduced seven shades to the Almost Lipstick line-up just last month including Black Honey, Shy Honey (sampled), Tender Honey (sampled), Spicy Honey, Luscious Honey, Chic Honey, Lovely Honey and Flirty Honey (sampled).

 Global Color Artist for Clinique, Jenna Menard, says there is no need to choose the perfect shade in this collection: Almost Lipstick works with your own lip tone and the various shades will allow you to have a custom, flattering color to match your skintone. Her new favorite is Flirty Honey as she sees it as a great feminine pink and the perfect shade for spring.

Available at Clinique counters nationwide and at www.clinique.com for $ 15.00 each.

Clinique Fact: Black Honey debuted in 1971 in the US and the deep, blackened raisin hue became an instant success and still remains a cult favorite today.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Clinique keeps on getting better and better with products that are multifunctional, such as their newly launched Quickliner for Eyes Intense. It’s a versatile eye pencil that provides richly pigmented color payoff for instant intensity. Each of their colors set for up to 12 hours of wear, and I see that as a new trend in makeup, which is a good thing for us cosmetic lovers who just really want makeup that lasts and doesn’t need reapplication.

These new eyeliners have a soft creamy texture and have a smudger on the opposite end to allow for different ways to wear the liner. Clinique‘s Global Color Artist, Jenna Menard, suggests that you layer and smudge Quickliner for Eyes Intense under your favorite shadow to create a strong yet wearable look, or you can use it as a bold cream eyeshadow and then reapply the eye liner close to the lash line for added definition; or, for a simple bold liner look, just wear it alone applying it close to the lash line without using the smudger. To perfect and sharpen the line, Jenna says to use a pointed or extra fine cotton swab.

 Available in six vibrant shades : Intense Black (sampled), Intense Charcoal (sampled), Intense Ivy (sampled),  Intense Midnight, Intense Plum (sampled) and Intense Chocolate. These products are allergy tested, 100% fragrance-free, water-resistant, ophthalmologist tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense are now available at Clinique counters nationwide and at www.clinique.com for $15.00 each. I am partial to the Intense Plum, how about you?

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Sometimes change can be a good thing. Yes, at first seeing the award winning Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in its new Fifth Avenue location took me by surprise, but once I stepped out of the elevator and onto the fifth floor…. I felt like I was in heaven. My mind was flooded with my Condé Nast days of going to their salon at their previous location for a full day of beauty. It was the most prestigious thing I could do back then, and certainly can use it now twenty years later. It still personifies luxury at its best.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa & Salon Flagship is now located at 663 Fifth Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets, and occupies two floors atop the Ferragamo building. It is contemporary, yet elegant and meticulously designed to transport guests to a higher state of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Just the aroma alone made me feel more relaxed…as well as the soft background music as I walked up the luxurious stairway to the outdoor sundeck. This new location will be offering an extensive menu of day spa and salon services including Red Door signature skincare, massage and full body treatments; couples and VIP packages, gentlemen services, hair color and styling, makeup artistry, nail services, bridal packages and much more.

“Every inch of our new space will honor our classic heritage, while inspiring new, groundbreaking and exclusive beauty and spa treatments” said Todd Walter, CEO of Red Door Spa Holdings.

It might take us New Yorkers a while to get used to this new location, but no time to get used to the luxury of what this new 21,000 square foot facility has to offer.

Please visit them at www.reddoorspas.com or join their conversation on Facebook at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas and Twitter @RedDoorSpas

Elizabeth Arden Fact: The legendary Red Door Spa has welcomed guests since day spa pioneer Elizabeth Arden opened her first location in 1910 on Fifth Avenue. Today, Red Door Spa Holdings currently owns 50 full service salons and day spas across the United States.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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ARTISTRY® is among the world’s top five largest selling premium skincare brands. Available March 2012, Artistry is launching an “Escape to Paradise” collection inspired by the sun-drenched glamour of the Italian Riviera.

They have spared no expense in their packaging and the Cheek and Eye Quad I received, as well as the Lip Gloss Duo Compact, were simply elegant and beautifully designed; not to mention the weight of the Lip Gloss Duo…I need to put that on a scale! There’s some weight to it for certain.

The Cheek and Eye Quad are available in Golden Glow (sampled above) and Fresh Radiance. Each set contains 4 shadows and 4 cheek colors for $73.50 per palette. The Lip Gloss Duo Compact is available in Tropical Coral (sampled) and Pacific Orchid. Each are available for $58.50. These are meant to give you a sun-kissed glow with their complimenting warm hues.

The Eye Pencils in this collection are available in Island Violet (sampled) and Lagoon for $23.50 each. I like that they are dual-ended and have a smudger tip, and are suitable for contact lens wearers.

Artistry is also launching Intensive Skincare, (available for $138.00) which is touted as using the latest advancement in skincare science. There is an Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum that was developed with leading dermatological research scientists from the University of Michigan. It is proven to boost collagen activity by 300% overnight and awaken the skin to become firmer.

I had to research further into their testing practices: Dermatologists spent ten years working to better understand retinol and mitigate side effects at the University of Michigan. Dozens of compounds were tested and more than 1,400 tests were done to ensure ideal results. I will only be able to share with you overtime if what they claim rings true, as results usually take up to four weeks. So far, I can say that the serum has a light fragrance to it and is incredibly soothing and hydrating to the skin.

The Artist Behind Artistry: Artistry colors are created by Itsuki, who is an artistic leader in the beauty industry and has created looks for Kate Bosworth and Diane Kruger, and crafted runway looks for Zac Posen among others. Now Itsuki brings her talent to collaborate with the ARTISRTY ® brand.

**Please note these products are only available through an Amway Independent Business or online at www.Amway.com/Artistry.

Check out our introduction to Artistry skincare with our (Review, Before/After Photos) An Introduction to Artistry Skincare: Time Defiance System

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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“Rose Gold is instant prettiness.” – Bobbi Brown

You may want to know what inspired this collection: Bobbi’s own rose gold wedding band. How romantic.

This collection offers plums, pinks, roses and corals, colors which are considered by many to be universally flattering. Bobbi also added two new Shimmer Brick Compacts, and an assortment of new lip glosses in the Rose Gold shades.

The new, Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compacts are available in two shades. I sampled the Wild Rose one which has five different pressed shades of ultra-luxe pure pearl pigments into one pan that are then double-baked so you can get a wide range of color within one sweep. The other compact is called Rose Gold as both are handmade in Italy.

To create a shimmering glow, swirl your brush across all five shades and then lightly dust the cheeks and forehead. Tip from Bobbi herself: When it comes to shimmer, moderation is key. Apply shimmer to just one or two features at a time. These two Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compacts are $39.00 and will be available at all Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com in February 2012.

New Rich Color Gloss shades are $23.00 and are available in 11 shades with new ones including Pink Sorbet, Angel Pink, Pink Gold and Pink Cocoa (sampled). These offer the full coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss and the luxurious feel of a lip balm. You can see the light within these glosses and they are harmonious with the collection’s palette colors.

The New Rich Lip Color SPF 12 shades just launched six new colors such as Lilac, Wild Rose, Miami Coral (sampled), Pink Peony, Nude Rose and Beige Gold. These are lightweight and very emollient. They last for hours and are comfortable to apply. These are $23.00 each and will all be available come February 2012.

If you are following our Spring 2012 cosmetic collection round-up, many palettes have hues of pinks and both Giorgio Armani‘s “Luce The Armani Light” Spring 2012 makeup collection and Bobbi Brown’s have hints of gold. But this collection showcases one of my favorite metal colors…Rose Gold. It’s soft yet luminescent at the same time. I see these shades to be flattering on any skin tone.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Make Up For Ever had me at their gypsy-inspired, customized Spring 2012: La Bohème Collection on packaging alone. I was attracted to both the patchwork design and color choices that mimic the hues inside this limited edition eye palette. One of the season’s most naturally beautiful and wearable trends are soft colors…hence Creator & Artistic Director of MUFE, Dany Sanz, created La Bohème to evoke the feeling of a romantic rebel who wants luminous, fresh-looking makeup.

The La Bohème collection includes MAKE UP FOR EVER’s first baked eye shadow palette ($39.00). This collection will be available at Sephora.com and at MUFE Boutiques beginning in February 2012. The colors can be applied DRY for a more natural effect or WET for added intensity. Colors are Lagoon Green, Natural Green, Beige, Parma Purple, Brown and Coral.

Applied Dry:

Applied Wet:

The collection also includes two limited edition shades of Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in Folk and Bohème ($19.00 each) that are ultra creamy lipsticks that provide a pop of color with a natural sheen. There’s also a new shade to the best selling Aqua Eyes Collection in Dark Brown ($18.00) that was inspired by natural elements. Once again, heed my words, these are LIMITED EDITION  products for Spring 2012. So go out and buy it when you see it, it won’t be here for long.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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As the talented Pat McGrath (celebrity and CoverGirl makeup artist) said, “I love that CoverGirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor empowers everyone to create their own signature look every day.” Well, who doesn’t want to have makeup artist tools at their disposal? CoverGirl has really stepped up their formula quality; I don’t feel as if I’m using drugstore cosmetics. From the packaging to the product itself, it feels like a prestige lipstick!

Blast Flipstick Lipcolor is a double-ended lipstick that enables you to create either a flat or shimmery look. I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and creamy the lipstick went on. I happened to wear this out at a concert last Friday night, and it lasted the entire evening! How awesome is that? The shade selection is also varied, so there is something for everyone. My current favorite is Snap (swatched), which are taupe and sand shades. Very natural.

With the packaging, I love how the bullets of the lipstick are narrow and easy to apply. However, I was tempted to twist the bullet out because it felt so good going on! Make sure you don’t apply to much pressure, as the bullet is narrow and could snap easily.

I have been very fortunate as of late to try such great products! And CoverGirl Blast Flipstick Lipcolor does not disappoint if you are looking for something new to try. Go out and create your own unique look with the Blast Flipstick! Even the price is reasonable!! Around $7.99.

The shades in the photo are (left to right):

Perky ( Bright pink and light pink )
Snap (Taupe and Sand)
Tease (Red and Gold)
Minx (Deep Brown and Gold)

Available conveniently at your local drugstore/drugstore.com

-makeup artist, Erin Sutera

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Walking into their Chelsea space in NYC made my mouth water. All I could see was color, tables upon tables of lipstick, eye shadow, face powder, nail polish, etc. in almost every color, plus this holographic-like lip gloss that made my heart beat even faster. If you are a beauty lover like I am you totally understand what I mean. Inglot cosmetics are now in Macy’s Herald Square, with another free standing store location, but, my beauty crystal ball tells me Inglot is going to be a huge success, with plenty more stores to come.

All products are created in Poland, with the exception of the brush kits, and I felt there wasn’t a targeted audience missed when perusing the isles of the brand. They distribute all over the world, so I consider Macy’s a very wonderful client for them and wonder if there shall be more department store locations in their future? They are located in over 280 retail locations worldwide and have been around for over twenty-five years, yet they are just becoming better known here in the United States.

 Inglot is known for its Freedom System — allowing the client to CHOOSE their own eye, lip, eyebrow and face palette. They are paraben-free formulas and come in such a variety of colors that naming shades would take me hours. They also carry a line of O2M Breathable Nail Polish where it’s explained that the formula allows your nails to breathe and grow even though they are polished. Nail Art is available as well with super small brushes for the inner nail artist in you. They have face blush, duo blush compacts, body glitter, face illuminators, and much more.

I will soon follow-up with more information as I try more and more products from their line. I just had to share this incredible find with you, my in-the-know Beautystat readers.

You can shop online in the meanwhile at www.inglotusa.com.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a party debuting Benefit’s FIRST liquid foundation last week. I was familiar with their powder foundations, as well as concealers, but was excited to try their newest creation. At the event, I walked pass a sign that caught my attention: One small step for complexion, one giant leap for perfection! Okay, I’m hooked.

I sat down with one of the many talented Benefit makeup artists and proceeded to be “swatched”. They have nine shades, I was Champagne. She first prepped my skin with their The POREfessional primer balm ($29.00). This product is the bomb if you have large pores like myself. It smoothed the way for the foundation to go on flawlessly. Then she used the eye cream It’s Potent! ($32.00) Boy, was this potent. When she was done with my foundation, I asked her, What concealer did you use? She told me NONE. Just the eye cream. Give me one! I need this stuff!! So that was just two products right there and I was NOT leaving without them.

Okay, back to the main product, Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Brightening Makeup. Just a few pumps and it seamlessly spread over my face to create a gorgeous canvas. I had a few trouble spots so she was able to layer in order to give me the coverage I needed without looking cakey. I looked in the mirror, and boy did I look brighter! It’s also oil-free, so you combo/oily gals need not to worry. Then, with a dusting of Dallas face powder/bronzer ($28.00), I was ready to go out for a night on the town!

Some other great facts about this foundation:

Oil-Free, SPF 25
Helps to boost cellular respiration for a “plumping effect”
Contains Vitamin C and E derivatives known to prevent signs of aging

For $34.00, you can’t let this product get away…

This product will be available:

March 2012 at major retailers
February 2nd on HSN
Feb 15th at www.benefitcosmetics.com

If you are in the Tri–state area, be sure to stop by the Benefit Boutique located at 454 West Broadway @Prince St in New York City! Click to see our review of its grand opening!

- makeup artist, Erin Sutera

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