Neiman Marcus Spring Trends Co-hosted by Margaux Minutolo
(Photo: Donna Alfano, Director of Neiman Marcus Beauty with Margaux of KARMA for a Cure wearing Chantecaille Beauty and Tatiana of We Shop in Heels wearing Dior Beauty)
Spring has Sprung and I am so honored to partner with Neiman Marcus Short Hills on their annual Spring Beauty Chat Live Event!
If you missed the fabulous day filled with top industry experts and my favorite beauty bloggers, no need to fret. Here are my Spring must-have beauty products as nothing pairs better with your KARMA for a Cure wardrobe than glowing, healthy skin.
CHANTECAILLE
If there were ever a beauty brand to pair oh so perfectly with the KARMA for a Cure lifestyle, our sole sister would be: Chantecaille. A family owned business creating luxurious botanical makeup and skincare that is not only good for your skin (free of oils, parabens, synthetic color & fragrance) but also good for the environment. The brand created a line of philanthropy products that are beautiful on the inside and out – with each purchase a donation is made to global conservation efforts, such as our mascot, elephants in the wild.
On the day of the Neiman Marcus Beauty Live Event, I was ever so lucky to have my makeup done by the Chantecaille National Brand Ambassador from NYC. She used the products I loved below and the result was flawless!
My Picks:
L’Arbre Illuminé Palette, $75 at Neiman Marcus
The Tree of Light is a beautiful pink palette that opens to a surprising "tree in bloom" pop-up. (Would make a beautiful gift!) The palette includes six velvety blushes/highlighters in the most natural shades and textures I have ever used. It blends effortlessly, is light-weight and great for all skin types. I seriously feel and look like I am not wearing any makeup with this blush! (You know how hard that "no-makeup, makeup" look is to achieve, well this does the trick!) It gets extra points for never irritating my very sensitive skin and I can honestly say I have received so many compliments since using this product! It is limited edition, so don't miss out.
Magnolia, Jasmine and Lily Healing Emulsion, $120 at Neiman Marcus
Made from a base of natural rose water, harvested every May, this light-weight face cream calms redness and hydrates winter skin. Non greasy, goes on nicely under makeup, great for my sensitive skin.
20 Year Anniversary Eye Palette, $85 at Neiman Marcus
A shimmering palette with four shades of rosy golds that flatter all skin tones for Spring. This product is part of their philanthropy collection and donates to elephants and lions in the wild.
JO MALONE
Always a go to for my gift giving and personal home bath oils and candles, the British brand is the "Savile Row of scent". A luxurious bespoke approach to creating custom perfumes that are meant to be layered with their trademark "Fragrance Combining" theory. Choose a spicy "Amber Lavender" (my fav) and mix with "Mimosa Cardamom" for a softer approach. Each item comes perfectly packaged in their signature cream box with black tissue spritzed with lime, basil & mandarin. I personally love choosing Jo Malone gifts as much as receiving them as it is really a unique experience! (Mixing a candle with a bath oil, etc.) I also love that the brand gives back to their community by providing gardening efforts in urban cities through their signature Charity Gardens in London.
My Picks:
Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle, $65 at Neiman Marcus
My go-to hostess gift: a Jo Malone candle. Fills each room with an elegant fragrance, comes packaged beautifully and burns for 45 hours. Choose any scent you'd like depending on the recipient. This refreshing signature Lime Basil & Mandarin is a best seller for both men and women.
Vitamin E Moisturizing Day Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $75 at Neiman Marcus
An all-in-one facial moisturizer that prevents fine lines and wrinkles, battles pollution and protects against UV rays. A heavier cream which is great for winter months, sun burn or someone with drier skin. This cream is unisex, there is no floral scent, so ladies – make your man try it!
FREDERIC MALLE
The world's most creative publishing house of Perfumers, where each fragrance is made as a true work of art. This Parisian brand changes the way we interpret perfumes. Enter their NYC Upper East Side store and step inside one of their signature smelling columns for a one-of-a-kind inhale experience. Last year I had the pleasure of doing so at a private event hosted by Robert Agresta. After reviewing the collection I chose two scents: Noir Epices and their most popular female fragrance, Portrait Of A Lady. I began to love this brand so much that I also featured it in my Bergen County Magazine "What's In My Bag" interview. Let's just say I was honored to partner with them at Neiman Marcus and discover more of their unique fragrances. If you're looking for a new signature scent, enter the world of Frédéric Malle. You won't be disappointed. I love their body wash too!
My Picks:
Noir Epices Parfum, $215 at Neiman Marcus
Oriental spicy scent of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, topped with geranium and backed by precious woods, including sandalwood and patchouli. Meant to be worn alone. Stays on all day and is subtle yet sexy.
Portrait of a Lady Parfum, $255 at Neiman Marcus
A sensual scent that embraces the essence of a woman: rose essence and patchouli heart, based on an accord of benzoin, cinnamon, sandalwood, and, above all patchouli, musk and frankincense. Floral, fresh and feminine.
LA MER
An iconic luxury skincare brand using their signature secret weapon for decades: Miracle Broth created from the sea. The inventor, Dr. Max Huber suffered burns and set out to heal them. Inspired by the oceanic world, (similar to the KARMA brand inspo) Huber fermented nutrient-rich sea kelp with other natural ingredients. 12 years and 6,000 experiments later, Crème de la Mer was born – and Huber’s skin visibly restored. The brand and the man are truly a skincare legend. Turns out, we really are In Need Of Vitamin Sea.
My Pick:
The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream, $170 at Neiman Marcus
A calming and cooling gel made for all skin types. Great for moisturizing my sensitive skin during these cold winter months. I love applying this cream after a hot shower – pat gently between finger tips and apply morning and night. It also comes with a tiny spoon so you'll know just the right amount to use. This cooling cream is also great for warm summer days when your skin needs a refresh from the heat.
TRISH MCEVOY
A makeup powerhouse since the 1970's, Trish McEvoy has created the unique brush shapes we use so frequently today. It's no wonder her brand has continued to create innovative items for the modern woman.
My Pick:
Dry Mask, $29 at Neiman Marcus
This dry mask is ah-mazing and so worth the price! (It can be reused 3x, kept inside resealable packaging.) I love how soft it feels (like felt) and it is so comfortable and stretchy, attaching easily around your ears. It is dry, so you can move around while wearing it (unlike wet face masks) and after 15 minutes your face is glowing from the serum that magically adheres to your skin. I was skeptical about a dry mask but I have to say, this is my new secret weapon for a weekly pick me up! I suggest using this on a clean face before applying makeup, as it creates a dewy base, perfect for applying foundation, as opposed to using before bedtime.
PATCHOLOGY
A modern brand, newer to the market, is made for the girl on the go. Creating skincare regimens focused on 5 minutes or less, their slogan is "beauty at the speed of you."
My Pick:
FlashMasque® Hydrate Facial Sheets, 4-pack, $30 at Neiman Marcus
A hydrating mask for dried out winter skin. This mask is wet (unlike above) and can only be used 1x. It comes in a 4 pack and it delivers immediate baby soft, hydrated skin! I found this mask is best used after the shower, when your hair is wet, as it may wet your hair line. (Don't want to ruin your blow out!) It also feels great as it cools your skin down after a hot shower. It is best to take time to relax while wearing this mask so it stays in place. It only takes 5 minutes but I suggest leaving it on longer and pampering yourself. After removing the mask, rub the serum into your skin. It will leave your skin feeling clean, hydrated and non greasy with a healthy complexion!
KEIHL'S
Est. in 1851 as a Pharmacy in the East Village, Keihl's is always a go-to for skincare that simply works and is offered at a great price point for both men and women. I love the philanthropic efforts behind this brand and the simplicity in all of their products. Their facial cream and body wash has been in my daily regimen for years. If you're looking for any new skincare items without the heavy price tag or are new to the skincare world and enjoy simplicity, Keihl's is for you.
My Pick:
Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque, $39 at Neiman Marcus
A great smelling, "instant facial" with turmeric and cranberry seed that brightens skins appearance. Simply apply a thin layer over your entire face. It will immediately dry and you will feel your skin tighten. Rinse and rub the cranberry seeds to gently exfoliate and remove dry skin. This is another product I'd suggest to your man suffering from dry winter skin as it is unisex! Leaves skin rosy and refreshed.
CLE DE PEAU
A luxurious skincare brand from Shiseido Cosmetics, known for their award winning concealers and skincare.
My Pick:
Firming Serum Supreme, $300 at Neiman Marcus
Light-weight serum that tightens and firms your face and neck. Made to defy the visible effects of gravity with 4D-Boosting Technology. It is a very delicate serum with a light-weight texture of a lotion that is non-greasy. It should be massaged upwards using fingers from jawline to ears. Made with licorice root extract and raspberry extract, this product is dermatologist tested and noncomedogenic.
MOLTON BROWN
Another British favorite. Molton Brown is my go to for body wash, hand wash and gift sets which are great as stocking stuffers or little "thinking of you" gifts. Started as a Salon in London in the 70's, this luxury brand has expanded from hair care to complete skincare with the most intricate yet subtle scents.
My Pick:
Rosa Absolute Body Lotion, $42 at Neiman Marcus
"London via Lombardia," mixing my favorite city (London inspired my Royal Gardens Collection) with my Italian heritage, no wonder this scent is my absolute go-to, day and night body lotion. Delicate enough for your neckline, this delish scent is made from sumptuous Italian rose oil with aromas of blackcurrant, geranium and patchouli. Feminine yet light.
AMORE PACIFIC
A luxurious brand creating innovate products that smell great, feel great and work. Using Asian botanicals such as green tea and Korean red ginseng, I first tried this brand's Time Response Skin Renewal Creme while receiving a sample. It smells delish and I used it all over: face, eyes, neck. I got creative with it and never turned back. This brand is underrated and needs to be in your skincare routine.
My Pick:
MOISTURE BOUND Sleeping Recovery Mask, $60 at Neiman Marcus
This Sleep Mask is a steal compared to other luxury products offered. You only use one tiny drop (it goes a long way) and it takes the place of several products, while working on your skin as you sleep. It smells great, is non greasy, can be used on your face, neck and even your lips. You'll wake you with a dewy glow and feel like a true sleeping beauty. I love how this hydrated my skin overnight and was simple to use and perfectly effective.
MARC JACOBS
A beauty brand created by a fashion icon, the Marc Jacobs collection features makeup loved by beauty bloggers worldwide.
My Pick:
Shameless Foundation, $46 at Neiman Marcus
The Shameless foundation is the most talked about new foundation on the market. The 24-hour oil free formula made without parabens or sulfates uses Snow Mushroom for moisture and Blue Daisy Extract to protect against pollution. It is available in 29 shades and blends easily, allowing build-able coverage. This product goes on smooth and looks natural for someone with small pores and who does not require covering acne scarring. It does give a gorgeous glow, especially when applied with a Beauty Blender. Ask to try a sample at the Neiman Marcus Short Hills counter and they will happily find the best shade for your skintone.
BOBBI BROWN
My Pick:
Limited Edition Extra Glow Skincare Palette, $49 at Neiman Marcus
The perfect compact for jet-setters. This palette contains glowing essentials: Extra Face Oil (when you need a shot of moisture, i.e. after getting off an airplane), Skin Salve (green - for dry chapped skin) and Extra Soothing Balm (pink - for lips, cuticles and even your elbows). This little palette easily fits in your handbag and can be used anywhere you need. I especially loved having this product handy when your nose is chapped (from sneezing so much during flu or allergy season) and you just need to apply makeup over those dry patches. It really heals immediately!
Continue scrolling to see what I wore the day of the event!
Xx MM
(Photo: Margaux Minutolo in KARMA for a Cure Mayfair Lace Trousers and Dawn Minutolo in KARMA for a Cure Soho Fishnet Bomber Jacket)
(Photo: Valentina in Burberry and Margaux Minutolo in KARMA for a cure Mayfair Lace Trousers)
A special thank you to Neiman Marcus Short Hills. This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own.