Ladies, it’s mid-March and the perfect time to start thinking about Spring makeup trends and how we will incorporate the best of what’s NOW into our current makeup routine.  As a certified Beauty Girl, I live for the changing of seasons and updating my makeup arsenal to reflect the newest trends.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Cheri Botiz, Nordstrom National Beauty & Fragrance Director to discuss the makeup trends in store for Spring. Rick DiCecca (Estée Lauder Global Makeup Stylist), Ricky Wilson (Dior Celebrity Makeup Artist), Deborah Lippmann (Celebrity Manicurist and Founder of Deborah Lippmann), and Matin (Laura Mercier Celebrity Makeup Artist) also joined the conversation and offered four top beauty looks as the temperature heats up! How will you incorporate these looks?

1) Iridescent Eyes -

2) Bright Scents -

3) Bright Lips – (a ThisThatBeauty fave, obviously;))

4) Bold Nails -

Want to get super involved with Nordstrom’s Spring Beauty trends but feel challenged on where to start? Well Nordtrom’s complimentary Beauty Stylist service can help! That’s right, your own personal beauty assistant to help you find the best products for your complexion. Call your nearest Nordstrom at 1.800.7beauty to schedule a one-on-one!

One of the first designer brands that I fell in love with was Christian Dior.  Recently my love for Dior transitioned from fashion to makeup. As a Dior mascara devotee, I squealed at the opportunity to pitch in for Felicia at the ninth hour and cover an event celebrating the of launch of Dior.com.

The event was hosted at the hip and trendy Simyone Lounge in the Meatpacking district. As I entered the facility, Miss Dior cocktails (blended pomegranate margarita on the rocks) were on hand. I was the first guest to arrive (excited much) so I had the opportunity to speak with the makeup artist and get a quick makeover. Makeup artist Joel Marriot added a little depth and shimmer to my eyes using colors from the 5-Colours Iridescent Eyeshadow palette, Petal Shine and color to my lips using the highly pigmented and moisturizing lipstick in fuchsia, from the Rouge Dior collection.

Beauty insiders soon filled the space and we were all introduced to the brand spankin’ new retail experience that is Dior.com. The website is highly interactive, has historic information on the brand and products but the best part is that you can now buy all of your Dior beauty products with the click of a button.  My favorite thing about the site is the feature that allows you to “dress your lips in a wardrobe of addict shades.” This feature gives application tips for the various lip products as well allows you to upload a picture from your computer, highlight the main color area on your outfit and voila – a complimenting lip product appears.

Don’t feel bad that you missed the launch event, you can register to become a Dior Diva. As a Dior Diva, here’s what you get:

- Shopping rewards redeemable for Dior best sellers, makeup bag must-haves, fragrance favorites, and more

- Complimentary shipping for orders of $50 or more

- Product previews – get the best before the rest with product previews available exclusively to Divas on dior.com

- The annual Dior Diva Auction offering once in a lifetime opportunities brought to you by Dior and select partners

- Buzz-worthy updates on the world of Dior including makeup artist tips, new product launches, and special offers

Now, visit www.dior.com play around on the site, find and buy your favorite products, then come back and let me know your favorite thing about the site.

This post is written by ThisThatBeauty Contributor, Christene Carr. For more: @CNicholaC,  www.christenecarr.com, and www.hairandskinjunc.com

Caring means sharing…so when I stumble upon Beauty Deals and Events worthy of your attention, I can’t help but share:

If you’re curious about Organic Facials, Robin Evans Skincare is offering their signature 1 Hour Organic Facial for only $50 (normally $95).  A steal!  According to Robin Evans Skincare, this type of facial is recommended for normal, combination, and sensitive skin types. The organic chemical-free ingredients used are said to leave your face feeling clean and refreshed. Get the full deets on this special promotion HERE

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On November 12th, 13th and 14th visit various Sephora locations to get a gorgeous holiday look from Dior! Get prepped for the party season with one of the world’s most stylish and prestigious beauty brands – Dior.

Stop into your local Sephora to sample backstage pro essentials and learn insider secrets from Dior makeup artists.  Best of all, take home a free Dior Beauty houndstooth suitcase when you purchase any three Dior products.

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With the purchase of the Tiger in the Wild Palette ($78 at Chantecaille.com) on Black Friday/ November 26, get the Chantecaille Lip Chic in Tea Rose for free. The neat thing about the purchase of this palette is that 5% of every sale is donated to TRAFFIC, an international wildlife trade monitoring organization dedicated to saving the last of the wild tigers.

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For a limited time, Sephora.com is offering a spectacular deal from Tarte Cosmetics! The grab bag exclusive, a $173 value is on $42. That’s no typo…$42!

The grab bag includes:

- sunburst face beaded bronzing facial moisturizer
- eyeshadow in luuucy I’m home (shimmering deep blue-grey)
- hEYE Impact in slate (shimmering slate shadow/ navy liner)
- double-duty eyelining brush
- slide tin lip balm in mouth off (vanilla-mint flavored sheer raspberry)
- double dose in pomegranate punch (sheer sparkling red) and acerola rush (sheer sparkling golden peach)
- reusable “natural beauty” makeup bag

Get involved, ladies!

We all love great beauty booty. You know the routine…you spend a little and get a LOT! Starting July 16 through August 1^st, During the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, the Cosmetic department provides their devoted beauty customers the opportunity to scoop up unique limited-edition items from a wide variety of brands, which are only available during this time.

This year, over 100 beauty brands are participating. Some highlights include MAC, Chanel, Juicy Couture, NARS, Kiehl’s, Laura Mercier, Marc Jacobs, Dior and Bobbi Brown.  As of July 16^th, the sale goes live and customers both in store and online can purchase the limited-edition Nordstrom Beauty Exclusives.

Bobbi Brown “Must Haves” Collection ($75; $150 value)

Bobbi created an exclusive collection with a 5 well pan eyeshadow palette, dual ended brush, full size lipstick, Lip gloss Everything Mascara, Caviar Ink Gel Liner and Liner Brush.

Laura Mercier Fall “On the Go” Collection ($65; $163 Value)

Laura Mercier created an exclusive set featuring a full size Long Lash Mascara, Double ended exclusive lip glace, split pan exclusive cheek color duo, double ended eye brush (smudge/angled eye color) and a luxurious cosmetic bag.

MAC Look in a Box in Frisky Girl, Miss Violet and Tawny One ($49.50; $87 Value)

M·A·C Look in a Box offers one perfect, complete makeup look. Fancy yourself a fabulous Frisky Girl, a vehement Miss Violet or a totally Tawny One. Simply follow the how-to guide therein, et voila! Simplicity without duplicity—three personalities any girl would want to try on. A gift for all those wanting to make a great look, easy.

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Anniversary Gift Set ($75)

Answering the prayers of Juicy girls everywhere, Juicy Couture created this keep-sake hat box filled with their signature fragrance, body cream and compact mirror.

Deborah Lippmann All That Jazz Set ($40; $54 value)

This collection, includes 3 fashion forward colors in Razzle Dazzle, Some Enchanted Evening & Lady Sings the Blues in a silver signature box.

Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash Set ($34; $58 Value)

This supersized version of Bliss’ Fabulous Foaming Face Wash is more than double the size of the original cult favorite.  This two-in-one exfoliating face wash and fresh, fruity cleanser contains rose hip extract, milk thistle, passionflower and chamomile in a non-stripping formula that’s clean but never squeaky.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps with Pump ($70.00; $89 Value)

With this jumbo version of Kiehl’s cult-favorite all-over body moisturizer, you are sure to not run out of stock until next anniversary sale rolls around.

Anthony Logistics Glycolic Cleanser ($35 for 32.0 oz; $80.00 Value)

The #1-selling product from Anthony Logistics For Men is super-sized for a super value. Glycolic Cleanser helps fight the effects of premature aging by helping to erase fine lines and wrinkles. It leaves the skin smooth and fresh and ready for shaving.

Chanel Quator Boutons de Chanel ($65)

Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. Dermatologist tested.

Dior Ready-to-Wear Palette ($54)

A deluxe palette of Ready-to-Wear shades, straight from the runway! Palette includes four eyeshadows, two lip glosses, a blush, a three-tone bronzer and mini brush applicators.

Lancome 4 Piece Brush set with black and coral bag ($59; $133 Value)

PURE Scent Spray by pureDKNY ($42)

Be the first to experience the new PURE by pureDKNY before its available anywhere else. A drop of vanilla sourced from Africa, a drop of goodwill. A soft floral scent with a signature vanilla accord. pureDKNY supports local communities by taking small steps to help make a difference, pure and simple.

Estée Lauder Pure Color Gloss by Tom Pecheux ($18)

Four limited-edition shades by Tom Pecheux, world-renowned makeup artist and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director. Tom chooses his favorite shades of the season—the colors he keeps in his personal tool kit and uses backstage at fashion shows and photo shoots. Pure Color is lip gloss with the power to light up your face. True Vision™ technology transforms ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. You’ll want them all.

Lancôme (Free Gift with any Lancôme purchase of $32.50; over $100.00 Value)

A must-have for any Lancôme addict.  Choose your basics, serum, color product and lip color encased in a stylish black tote emblazoned with a Parisian floral design.

Estée Lauder (Free Gift with any Estée Lauder purchase of $29.50; $110.00 Value)

Be rewarded for any Estée Lauder purchase during the Anniversary Sale with this delightful gift containing an assortment of must-have products.

La Prairie Anniversary gift with purchase (Free Gift with any La Prairie purchase of $300; $120 Value)

Enjoy a luxurious gift of La Prairie essentials including samples of Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, Anti-Aging Anti-Wrinkle Line filler, Cellular Cleansing Water & Cellular Hand Cream in a coveted La Prairie signature weaved bag.

The first time (about 10+ years ago) my dermatologist told me to incorporate sunscreen into my daily skin care regiment, I looked at her like she had two heads. At that time I didn’t understand the importance of sunscreen during non-summer months…and as a beautiful brown woman of color, I definitely did not understand the need to protect my skin against the sun. I mean, hello…I have built-in SPF 15 (I thought). My dermatologist educated me on the benefits of daily sunscreen and sent me home with an MD Forte product that, when applied, made me as white as a ghost. The formula had a severe grey-ish purple tint. Meh! How was I supposed to embrace sunscreen and its anti-aging benefits when it made me look so hideous. Back then SPF formulations were terrible. I wandered aimlessly  from sunscreen to sunscreen trying to find a product that could be worn everyday without making my face look like a pastey purpley greyish mess!

Well that was then and this is now. Sunscreen has come a long way baby. Today, effective SPF products come in many innovative forms (sprays, towelettes, gels, powders, etc) and formulas. I currently faithfully wear sunscreen 365 days a year and have a wrinkle free face as proof. The lovely young woman in my local coffee shop (slash office) thought I was 23…bless her heart!

When it comes to skincare, I’ll step on my soap box in a minute. I LOVE makeup but good skin care is crucial. You all know what my daily regiment is like. However, if you listen to nothing else, listen to this. WEAR SUNSCREEN DAILY. For the record, I pretty much SPF 30 everyday. Sometimes I do the occasional SPF 15  (Clarins SPF 15 Multi Active Day Cream is a wonderful product) or SPF 20 (Clinique Even Better is a solid choice) but my preference is SPF 30 (Mario Badescu Oil Free SPF 30 is my current SPF 30 of choice).

Dermalogica Solar Defense SPF 30 Booster is one of my personal favs from way back. My dermatologist turned me to this product a few years ago and I often recommend it to friends and clients. Solar Defense Booster can be mixed with your foundation or moisturizer or applied directly to the face for maximum SPF 30 protection. The formula is free of artificial fragrance and color. Over time Vitamins C and E, Green Tea, and Grape soothe, smooth and help protect against free radical damage. Solar Defense Booster shields against both UVA and UVB rays.

If a physical blocker is more your speed, try….oh wait a minute. Do you know the difference between a physical blocker sunscreen and a chemical absorber sunscreen? Well lets pause for a quick lesson.

Topical sunscreens are broken down into two groups, chemical absorbers and physical blockers. Chemical absorbers work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and can be further categorized by the type of radiation they absorb, UVA or UVB, or both UVA and UVB. Physical blockers work by reflecting or scattering the UV radiation. A few common chemical absorbers ingredients include:

• Oxybenzone
• Octyl methoxycinnamate
• Oxybenzone

Chemical absorbing sunscreens are often mixed with a combination of ingredients to provide broad spectrum coverage against both UVB and UVA radiation.

Certain individuals are allergic to chemical absorbers and can only wear physical blocker sunscreen. The two most common physical blockers are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens contain powdered versions of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which reflect light, keeping it from penetrating skin. Physical sunscreens are not known to cause allergic reactions. While the aforementioned ingredients are ideal with respect to broad spectrum UV protection, their poor cosmetic appearance leaves much to be desired. When applied to the skin, physical blockers tend to have a whitening effect.

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 offers broad spectrum protection without the unflattering after effect of a physical blocker. The lightweight mattifying fluid spreads evenly and dries quickly to a transparent finish on light to medium complexions. The revolutionary formula contains 5% Zinc Oxide/ 6% Titanium Dioxide and is ideal for individuals who are allergic to chemical sunscreen or individuals with extremely sensitive skin. This product is truly impressive because the words “sheer” and “physical sunscreen” have never truthfully existed in the same sentence…until now! SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 is my go-to sunscreen for morning runs!

Dr Dennis Gross Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen Towelettes are perfect for the gal, guy, or mommy on the go. The geniuses in R&D at Dr Dennis Gross deserve a gold star for this little innovation. I keep a few pre-moistened individually packaged towelettes in my purse and whip them out whenever I’m out in the sun for an extended period of time. While the oil-free and Vitamin C enriched formula is perfectly safe for use on the face, I mainly use Daily Sunscreen Towelettes on my arms and legs.  I regularly SPF my face in the mornings but sometimes forget about the rest of my body until I find myself standing in an hour long line at Shake Shack thinking, “oh the damage this sun is doing to my precious body”. During moments like those I rip open a towelette and go to town….wrinkly leathered skin averted!

Another convenient on-the-go sunscreen product is KORRES Sweet Orange Sprayable Sunscreen Emulsion. Packed with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, this oil-free sunscreen is ideal for individuals with photosensitive complexions. KORRES Sweet Orange Sprayable Sunscreen Emulsion provides broad spectrum UVA-UVB-IR sun protection. The sweet orange scent is a pleasant bonus!

Janson Beckett Sun Block Daytime Moisturizer SPF40 is an effective day cream and SPF all-in-one. The greaseless formula contains Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, and Soluble Collagen to plump and moisturize skin. I love that the silky formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin prepped for foundation. The finish feels like nothing yet it provides a high level of UVA/UVB protection.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS is a brand that is new to me and one that I am very excited to share with ThisThatBeauty. The brand offers a broad selection of hypoallergenic products that exclude ingredients that known irritants. VMV’s hypoallergenic products are all rated on a “VH (Validated Hypoallergenic) – Number” rating system. A product’s VH-Number directly correlates with the number of allergens the product DOES NOT contain, as referenced by the list of allergens compiled by the North American Dermatitis Group and the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA). Most VMV products have a VH-Number” ratign of 76, which means it contains none of the 76 known cosmetic and non-cosmetic allergens.

VMV’s Armada Face Cover SPF30 offers intensive protection against skin darkening and melasma. This product is quickly becoming my favorite and here’s why! What I find most impressive (and unique) about VMV’s Armada Face Cover SPF30 is that it offers both outdoor and indoor protection…so that means that it protects against UVA, UVB, and PFV. PFV is visible light protection against indoor light sources like halogens, fluorescents, computer screens, and heat from saunas or ovens.

For those of you who are concerned about hyperpigmentation and the sun’s harmful effects, Armada Face Cover can help. The product has protection so opaque that by using it daily, both indoors and outdoors can help to lighten dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Don’t let the products claim of “opaque protection” scare you. The formula applies sheer and quickly dries to a smooth soft matte finish.

Experience VMV at a 10% savings. Use code: VMVTHISTHATB. The code is valid until Dec 31, 2010, 12AM EST

Are you ready for SPF on a stick? Next up is Clinique SPF35 Targeted Protection Stick.

Clinique’s SPF35 Targeted Protection Stick is the brand’s latest offering from their Suncare With SolarSmart line. This travel-friendly stick option features vitamin and E jojoba to condition the skin and a blend of photostable sunscreens such as avobenzone to protect against UVA rays. Clinique’s SPF35 Targeted Protection Stick also features Clinqiue’s SolarSmart 3:1 technology, where UVB protection is three times proportional to UVA protection.

This month Lancome introduces Génifique Sôleil Face Cream SPF30 and SPF50. The product is said to be the brand’s “first sunshield to protect skin proteins”. The technologically advanced formulation incorporates a broad-spectrum multi-filter system to shield against UVA and UVB ra. The formula is water- and sweat-resistant. The summery floral oriental aroma is a nice touch!

If you have yet to check out the new line of SPF 50 products from Physician’s Formula you are missing out. The newly launched Healthy Wear collection features pressed bronzer, powder foundation, and tinted moisturizer. All deliver maximum SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while providing sheer and natural-looking color. The anti-aging formula incorporates Licorice Extract and Tomato Derivatives to help brighten skin and diminish the appearance of sun spots. This Frugalista friendly line of sunscreen products is probably most appropriate for women who are fair to tan. Be on the lookout for an upcoming review of Physician’s Formula Bronze Boosting Glow Boosting Pressed Shimmer Bronzer. Christene Carr, a new ThisThatBeauty contributor, is currently road testing the bronzer…more soon!

Dior Capture Totale Solaire Global Anti-Aging Multi-Protective Suncare SPF20 is an anti-aging skincare product with UV protection. The satiny cream protects skin by forming a UV shield on the skin’s surface. This luxurious product contains the Dior Cell-Protection Complex, which is formulated with jasmine extracts to stimulate the natural capacity of cells to produce their own anti-oxidant defenses. This is most definitely a splurge product!

Earlier this year Darphin launched Vital Protection Age-Defying Protection Lotion SPF50. This sheer, hydrating lotion has a high SPF and incorporates both chemical and natural filters to protect against UV rays. Vital Protection Age-Defying Protection Lotion SPF50 is formulated with exclusive triple biological shield technology: botanical shield, which contains edelweiss, vitamin E and C to neutralize free radicals; enzymatic shield, which contains Venuceane to assist in detoxifying the skin; and cellular shield, which contains Transluce, an enzyme with light-resistant properties.

Naturally active skincare company Liz Earle has reformulated its sun cream using mineral sunscreens. The new Mineral Sun Cream SPF20 is formulated to reflect rather than absorb harmful UVA and UVB rays. The light formula is fragrance-free and contains shea butter as well as natural antioxidants pomegranate, green tea and natural-source vitamin E.

Neutralize free radicals with clinically proven Idebenone. PREVAGE^® Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 PA++ is a lightweight moisturizer with both high level SPF protection and revolutionary antioxidant Idebenone. My derm first told me about Idebenone years ago…it works to neutralize free radicals and improve improve the appearance of dry, sun damaged skin. This luxurious splurge is ideal for individuals who seek brighter, more radiant skin and an all-in-one product to help achieve maximum results!

Last, but certainly not least — don’t forget to protect your lips! Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15 is a colorless SPF 15 lip product that nourishes the lips! Lip Drink does not contain petroleum-derived products so there’s no chance of the treatment drying out your lips. The formula consists of a base of macadamia nut oil combined with edible zinc oxide, green tea extract, Vitamin E and C. It is flavored with a refreshing mixture of lemon and orange oils. Give your usual lip balm a break and try one with SPF protection!

The complexion:

Glowing and flawless complexion

The eyes:

Smoked in metallic tones

The lips:

Lacquered in Dior’s new high-shine Ultra-Gloss

Dior “Outrageous” is a flirtatious blend of fuchsia, coral, and candy pink  for lips….with apricot, grey, pink, taupe and gold dust for eyes. The lashes are coated with lush dark mascara.

Meet the collection:

• Addicted to Dior: Limited-edition collector’s item features two  lip glosses, housed inside a white gold case with the famous Dior logo and couture house address etched onto the case. Available in 001 Addicted to Coral: coral and gold and 002 Addicted to Pink: fuchsia pink and bronze
• Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss: Eight lip colors in three different textures: Glow features sensuous nudes, enhanced with subtle sparkles and comes in 216 Lace Beige, 247 Pink Flirt and 256 Negligee Pink; Pearl includes fresh and delicately iridescent tones and comes in 436 Apricot Cloche, 556 Coral Fantasy and 576 Sari Pink; Flash consists of bright fashion shades and come in 662 Extravagant Grenadine and 686 Outrageous Fuchsia
• Dior Addict Crystal Gloss Jelly Gloss: Limited-edition gloss with a tangy pink “jelly” texture, which creates a unique, tailor-made shade on contact with the lips
• 5 Couleurs Iridescent Eyeshadow: Two new metallic palettes for the eyes featuring five colours. Available in 649 Ready-to-Glow featuring brown, pink, apricot, grey and taupe shades and 659 Crush Glow, a limited-edition palette with coral, gold, pink, taupe and bronze hues
• 1 Couleur Eyeshadow: Single eyeshadow in 616 Golden Spotlight, a pure sparkling gold
• Diorskin Nude Glow: Limited-edition iridescent apricot highlighter designed to give complexions a sun-kissed, luminous glow

If cool brights float your beauty boat, Spring promises to send your heart sailing. This season we’re seeing bursts of cool vivid brights. The key tones include lavender, lilac, turquoise, violet and aquamarine blues. YSL, Guerlain, Dior, and The Body Shop all deliver cool bright palettes that are sure to please. See for yourself!

We’re all very much aware of my insane love for great palettes….

So without further ado, I want to share with you my latest palette crush…and welcome Dior cosmetics to TTB as I believe this is my first time reviewing a Dior product.

BEHOLD – Momma’s Current Crush:


In a word, this palette is “DREAMY”. It comes with three colors that blend into each other. There’s dark brown shimmer, bronze shimmer, and tan shimmer. These colors work like a dream for my complexion. The dark brown shimmer color is like my complexion with shimmer. When I swatched on my hand it was pure love. All three colors look great together as lid, crease, and highlight. Each color also works well individually as a sheer wash of color.

This particular palette is from Dior’s Automne/ Fall 2008 collection titled “Dandy Lady”.

The model in the picture above is wearing the aforementioned palette. Given the neutral tones of this palette, I feel it will work for a wide range of complexions.

Here are the colors swatched on my hand:

AND HERE’S THE SCOOP FROM DIOR:

What it is:
A trio of pearly, chocolate-hued eyeshadows, artfully stamped with this season’s popular croc pattern.



What it does:
Give your lids a luminous glow with Dior’s new eyeshadows that are etched with a cool, croc pattern. The base color is slightly raised in the pan to indicate its “primal” importance to any look, from soft to smoky. Create more drama by shading the balls of the lids with the rich mocha or dark chocolate shades. These shadows are silky, feather-soft, and easy to blend.

Available at Dior.com, Sephora and better department stores…