I rarely share events but there are two happening soon and I couldn’t wait to spill the beans.
Barneys New York (above)
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Barneys New York is having their LOVE YOURSELF beauty gift bag with every purchase of $250 in the cosmetics department. The revamped beauty level is the perfect setting to play and test new makeup and find your new favorite product. The beauty bag has deluxe samples of everything you could need include Rahua shampoo and conditioner, Make Silk Lipstick, and YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils. The Loving Yourself Beauty Event Stars: February 12 thru February 15 or while supplies last.
Space NK
On Wednesday, February 19th, Space NK will host the “Spring Beauty Edit” event across all of their 23 US locations. During this one-day shopping event, they will be presenting the latest in spring beauty. You will be able to meet with experts, get a makeover, makeup tips, advice (all varies by location). Also, spend $250 or more and you’ll receive a gift featuring a selection of must-haves from 26 featured brands (deluxe, travel and full-size items; all available while supplies last). The offer is also available online.
If you’re looking for somewhere to shop where you have access to some of the finest luxury beauty brands and sales associates who leave you alone (but can drop some deep beauty recommendations when asked), check out Barneys revamped Foundation level.
Recent media coverage aside surrounding the location, Barneys Foundation boasts a modern aesthetic and beautiful lighting. In addition to the amazing brands (think Frédéric Malle, Kevyn Aucoin, and Troy Surratt) there’s the in-house salon of Valery Joseph, makeup touch ups by Jason Ascher, the treatments by Mila Moursi Skin Care Institute. Clean, serene, and everything you need!
Barneys Foundation is located at 660 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10065
So as the temperature dips lower and lower, I’ve got one thing on my mind: FALL SHOPPING! No shopping trip is complete without brand spankin’ new beauty products (at least that’s how it rolls in my world). Thankfully Barneys New York (home to one of my dream bags) is having a promo starting September 22 called “Love Yourself.”
Spend $200 on cosmetics and fragrances and receive a cosmetics bag filled with their favorites!* Also, you have the chance to get an updated look with a Barneys NY make-up artists and revitalize your skin for fall.
*On product sales only. Limited quantities available. One per customer, while supplies last. Cannot be combined with any other offer.
Not too long ago, I ventured up to Barney’s New York for an evening discussing beautiful scents with Le Labo founder, Fabrice Penot. While I’m no stranger to the brand, I’m continually amazed by their intense, hand-blended scents. To celebrate the launch of their latest fragrance, Santal 33, Penot took us through the process of just how each scent is made - uniquely for you.
Santal 33 ($220) is a lush, woody unisex fragrance with notes of sandalwood, virginia cedar, cardamom, violet, papyrus, spices, leather, musk and amber. On all bottles, Le Labo notes the expiration date (about a year but two if you put it in the fridge). This bad boy took about three years (!!) to create, a testament to the ethos good things come to those who wait.
Simon Doonan at the event
various Le Labo scents
Le Labo fragrances are available at Barney’s New York.
I must preface this post with two widely known facts about myself. First, I’m chronically late everywhere I go. I’m convinced I have a problem which I’ve affectionately dubbed “Late-nitis”. While I haven’t found any scientific evidence, I’m convinced late-nitis exists as a health condition as that’s the only explanation I have as to why I arrive everywhere 5-45 minutes tardy for the party.Secondly, I’m horrible with names. Lastly, I rarely travel above 14th Street, NYC (okay, so that’s three facts - math was never my forte).
Now onto the post…
Makeup Artist Jason Ascher
Last week, I ventured north of my self imposed equator to Barney’s New York - the famed retailer on Madison Avenue - for a night of beauty, drinks and mini foods. Makeup artist Jason Ascher - whom I called ‘James’ on Twitter all night long - dished on a couple of his beauty must-haves all available on the Barney’s beauty level. From Japanese beauty brand Koh Gen Do to all time favorites like Bobbi Brown and Sue Devitt, the Barney’s beauty level is one for beauty lovers to visit and admire.
While I missed most of James’ Jason’s presentation, I did manage to sneak a few tips from the ma of the hour as well as beauty tricks from the Barney’s makeup artists that were on deck.
TIPS
- Force yourself out of your comfort zone: Jason discussed the importance of stepping outside of your zone as a means to find new beauty tricks and faves. While he LOVES the neutral look, he’s been trying bolder looks on his clients and finds that they love it as much as he does.
- Find a balance: smokey eye OR bold lip (very few people can pair both and still look sane/hot/normal)
- Koh Gen Do Gommage Gel (available exclusively at Barney’s): contains crushed pearl and rosemary but does not contain any artificial fragrances, petroleum-based mineral oils or parabens.
- NARS Calanque Eyeshadow Trio: a great go to eye color that kicks up neutrals a notch. It’s a very rich and beautiful color that provide intense color without being overpowering.
- Spice up your fragrance repertoire: Women wearing men’s cologne is quite sexy but what’s better are unisex scents. Odin has a selection of fragrances that hasn’t disappointed Ascher and I’m itching to try out. See also Chantecaille’s new scents laced with vetyver. You guys know how I feel about vetyver ;)
bits of Jason’s picks
A few of his other favorite products for Spring? Hourglass Mineral Primer Sue Devitt Beausoleil Pace Palette Beauty is Life Multi-Touch in Baline Giorgio Armani Beauty, Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara By Terry, Rose Balm Le Labo Tubereuse
Next time you find yourself north of the equator Uptown, check out Barney’s New York’s beauty level (660 Madison Avenue) or visit online.
