Fabulous Over Forty – Where Beauty Is Ageless

I’m not sure why this is called MAC Skinsheen “Leg” spray.  Seriously – why not use it on your arms and torso?   Fine if you don’t want to use it on your face, but really, just “leg” spray?  Whatever!

I’m not a huge MAC fan in my “upper years”.  I loved it when I was younger, and I’ll still pick up a lipstick or a blush here or there and love the whole Viva Glam campaign, but overall it’s just too youthful.   I mean have you seen some of  the collections lately like the eye shadows in “Style Warrior“?  Don’t be THAT adventurous with your makeup when you’re over 40!

But, I wanted to see their Naked Honey Collection – some of the things looked pretty neutral and wearable.  While checking it out, I heard the SA talking to a customer about Skinsheen, so I had to evesdrop.   I then fully engaged in the conversation after hearing a bit and she demonstrated it on my arm.

This mousse-like bronzer works like this;  spraying this mousse-like foam onto something plastic is best, then swirl a large body type brush to work it into the brush.   Then brush it on your body.   Don’t be fooled by the shade names.   I am pretty dang fair/pasty white skinned and the shade Medium Dark is my shade – it’s actually the lightest shade, but the name implies otherwise.  

Being I can’t logistically take a photo of my arms side-by-side and my husband is seemingly inept at phototaking,   you’ll have to take my word for it that it’s just a nice soft golden brown tan – not orangey.   In fact it hardly left color at all, but just seemed to add an ever so slight golden shade to tone down the pasty color in my skin.   I suppose if you layer it on, you could get a darker tone. 

This does wash off, so it’s not a self-tanner that works gradually over time.    This works with your skin, and doesn’t sit on top of the skin.  This is perfect if you haven’t had time to use a self-tanner and want some instant color on your body.   Give yourself time to put it on – it takes more than a few minutes, but it’s really worth the soft, summery glow.  $22.50

I had the great opportunity to attend the Nordstrom Cosmetic Trend Show recently.  Not only did I attend as an audience member, I was able to do a few pre-show interviews and meet with some of the people that put the show together.

If you have not attended one of these shows in the past, I highly recommend that you do in the future if you get the opportunity.  Not only are they a lot of fun and the excitement contagious, you really can learn a lot about makeup, the collections or specific product that the various beauty lines carry.  Afterwards the experts are around to answer any questions you might have and offer free makeup applications and advice.  But one bit of advice – make an appointment beforehand and beware of the MOB of women – all clamoring to get a little more beautiful!

So let me start off with a little pre-show previews.  The day before the show I got to meet with Erica, who works with Julianne in organizing the whole event.   Here’s what a little backstage setup looks like.

There were three racks of clothing, accessories and shoes all organized by the three segments of the show.   They were categorized by:  Bright Metallic Textures, Smoky Eyes and Winter Berry Lips.

Once the theme is determined – which is taken by the lead of what the cosmetic companies are showing for the holidays – then it’s off to find the clothing in the store that will work with the cosmetics.    It’s really just the opposite of the designer runway shows, because this is mainly about cosmetics (and skincare).

…

Get thee to a Nordstrom store or to Nordstrom.com for pre-ordering any of the beauty exclusives. These become available to ship or pick up on Friday, July 18th, but you can reserve your favorites now.

After scouring their website to see what is available, these were a few of the special bargains that I thought might be worth looking into. You may have other favorites, so be sure to check it out.

This Giorgio Armani set includes mascara, lip gloss, eye liner, a foundation and Fluid Silk sample as well as a Prive’ sample in a black case. $108 value for $55.

These mini Essie nail polish colors are beautiful for fall! This is a must on my list – only $15.

This Smashbox “Socialite” set is a $161 value for only $59. Smashbox always has some of the best value sets out there and this is no exception.

This MAC lip color is only $14 and it is a lipstick with a coordinating core color with a pearl-finished core. Available in 4 shades.

Bobbi Brown has this “Cocoa Mauve” collection – an $83 value for $65. A metallic eye shadow, blush, lipstick, gel eye liner all in a nylon bag.

Be sure to check out what might be your favorite exclusive.