Raychel Wade's Bouquet de Jardin Colour Collection for La Prairie

Recently, I featured Raychel Wade's stunning new Bouquet de Jardin color collection for La Prairie. It's a burst of color, wrapped in luxury. This week, I had an opportunity to visit with Raychel, one of my favorite beauty experts. We caught up on her collection, and she showed me how she would use Les Calla Lilies Eye Colour Ensemble on me.

Raychel founded Cheek to Chic Makeup Consulting in 2002. Her charismatic personality, combined with her eye for color, skillful application, and simple - yet beautiful - makeup quickly earned her a loyal clientele. Raychel identified a niche in the cosmetics market for makeup application and education with a real focus on personalized attention. She became the Colour Ambassador for La Prairie in 2009 (I think I've got the year right). While she has consulted on La Prairie's color since then, she created her own collection for La Prairie's spring/summer launch. She has been working hard too. Raychel has already created the holiday collection for this year and is finishing the spring 2012 collection. You have seen Raychel's work in national magazines, on Fashion Week runways, and on television. She's one of the best.

I asked Raychel about her inspiration for Bouquet de Jardin. She has had a photograph of a peony on her desktop and said that peonies represent the many shades of spring to her. She loves the way a single peony can have as much impact as a vase full.

The collection aptly paints a canvass of pinks and plums for cheeks and lips, with soft, romantic shades for the eyes. Raychel wanted to create a color palette that would be universally flattering to all skin tones. I'd say she succeeded. She was using Les Calla Lilies on a gal with Mediterranean skin when I saw her this week, and it was extraordinary. On me? Entirely different, but just as flattering.

Raychel has the eye to ensure that the shades she chose for the collection, and the variety of finishes, would all coordinate perfectly. She wanted to provide a spring wardrobe. You don't have to wear all the shades together every day; there are many looks. Mixing and matching with your current favorites is allowed (she writes with a smile). Raychel and I talked about colors from other lines this week - colors I like. She asked about the Dior gloss I was wearing (always has that eye for color!). I had it on primarily because it fits perfectly in the pocket of my jeans - and it's a pretty shade.

I was wearing Cellular Radiance Cream Blush in Plum Glow (from her collection) when I met with Raychel. If I can brag for Raychel, it looks fabulous. The blush applies like silk and leaves behind a natural glow that is going to work for almost everyone (not sure about the darkest skins). The punchier shade, Mauve Glow, is best for when I want to look "cheeky," with an emphasis on my rosy cheeks instead of my eyes or lips.

I asked Raychel about the shades in Les Calla Lilies quad. I told her that when I had seen them at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie in February (at their blogger party), my first impression was "too pink for me." I discovered the second I applied them on my skin that the colors are much more brown than they appear in the pans. Raychel confirmed that she's not a "purple girl" either and that the shades were designed to offer warm and cool tones that work for everyday wear. La Prairie says the shades go effortlessly from light and natural to fun and flirty. I agree.

She used the two palette shades on the left in the photo above, with the lighter shade on the lid and the subtly shimmering brown-mauve in the crease. It looked great even before she used the brown-plum shade as a liner. Suddenly, I was "all dressed up." It's too bad I had nowhere to go.

There are four looks in La Prairie's booklet for Bouquet de Jardin. I will get scans of them and feature them next week. I think you'll enjoy seeing the many different faces of the new collection. I'll also share some of Raychel's "Secrets of the Trade."

My photo above doesn't do justice to Raychel. She's beautiful inside and out - such a warm person. Her dress and jewelry were a gorgeous accompaniment. I was surprised that she wasn't wearing peony shades, the theme of the collection. Maybe that would have been too campy? Her pretty long hair was pulled back in a pony tail, which emphasized her classic features and gorgeous necklace. Raychel does have an eye!

Photos by Best Things in Beauty and La Prairie

More about → Raychel Wade's Bouquet de Jardin Colour Collection for La Prairie

La Prairie Colour for Summer 2011: Les Calla Lilies Eye Colour Ensemble by Raychel Wade

Raychel Wade's stunning new color collection for La Prairie has a fabulous, limited-edition eye palette, Les Calla Lilies Cellular Treatment Eye Colour Ensemble ($70). The pretty neutrals will work for many skin tones.

When I saw the palette in late February, and before I played with it, my initial thought was that the shades would be too pink for me. I shouldn't have doubted Raychel's eye for color. The shades really aren't pink! It's interesting to me that they are more neutral on my skin than they appear in the pan. There are tones of violet, muted rose, and mauve in the colors, but they work perfectly for me.

Cellular Treatment Eye Colour, La Prairie's eye makeup classic, with its winning combination of colour and skin care, offers the option of wet or dry application, depending on the effect you wish to achieve. As an ultra-fine powder eye shadow, it produces a subtle natural wash of color. Applied with a damp sponge or brush applicator, it saturates the lid with a more intense tone. Either way, it produces a luxurious, silky-smooth finish and radiant color that retains its clarity and finish throughout the day.

I swatched all four shades for you, left to right at the top and left to right on the bottom of the quad, meaning that for some reason, I didn't swatch in a clockwise order that day. What was I thinking? My photo was taken in full sun. I applied each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator.

You can see - or not see - that the neutral base shade is almost the exact color of my skin, very fair with pink undertones on my arm. It's basically invisible in my photo. The color to its right in the compact is a browned violet shade - very wearable for me. The shade in the lower left of the quad is a subtly shimmering taupe (totally gorgeous), and the shade in the lower right is a mauve-leaning brown. That speck you see in my photo is a paper cut.

These shades are like chameleons in the sense that they look different on my skin in different lights - more so than I would normally expect. That's one reason I like them so much. They have a unique character that adapts to the lighting. Very clever!

You can purchase Cellular Lip Colour Effects at La Prairie counters or at La Prairie's Web site. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus. If you try Les Calla Lilies, please let me know what you think.

Photo at top courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Colour for Summer 2011: Les Calla Lilies Eye Colour Ensemble by Raychel Wade

La Prairie Colour for Summer 2011: Cellular Lip Colour Effects by Raychel Wade

La Prairie's Cellular Lip Colour Effects ($40) is available in two gorgeous new shades designed by Raychel Wade for the summer color collection. The luminous, transparent glazed gloss in Berry Glace was irresistible to me. I wanted the other new shade, Cocoa, too. It's brown and beautiful (shown below). I had an issue, though; I looked at my credit card bill online - something I try to avoid.

This irresistible "semi-gloss transparent glaze with lip-plumping properties helps restore youthful fullness while producing a natural luminosity that lasts and lasts." I can't tell you it plumps my lips, and I'm very glad it's not one of those bee-stinging plumpers that makes you miserable. The plumping effects come from its many conditioning and moisturizing ingredients.

Fortified with vitamins and botanicals, Cellular Lip Colour Effects soothes, conditions, and hydrates the lips. It is luxuriously smooth and easy to apply, with its nice doe-foot applicator. I love the windows on the tubes. It's easy to see the color when you are reaching for just the right La Prairie lip gloss.

Designed to be used alone or applied over your lipstick for added gloss and depth of color, this lovely gloss is extremely nice. I can get enough color by wearing it alone.

The colors Raychel designed for her summer collection coordinate perfectly with the eye shadow palette. I'll make sure to get you the swatch photos of that tomorrow. For now, rest your eyes on Berry Glace.

My swatch photos were taken outdoors in full, afternoon sun. They show the shade pretty well, I think. I included both photos because one shows more shine (reflected from the sun) than the other. I applied Berry Glace very heavily for the photos.

The shade is a a bit hard to describe - berry with a hint of warmth, maybe? It has attributes of pink, mauve, and rose, and it glows, even without sunshine. It's a beautiful shade.

Looking at you, I'm closing my eyes, and it's a work of art, a thing of beauty... and I will finish that off with a double helping of ooh-yeah. - Steven Tyler

What would you expect from Raychel Wade, a color expert? Want to know more about Raychel? Check out my interview with her at this link.

You can purchase Cellular Lip Colour Effects at La Prairie counters or at La Prairie's Web site. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photos at top courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Colour for Summer 2011: Cellular Lip Colour Effects by Raychel Wade

La Prairie Colour for Summer 2011: Cellular Radiance Cream Blush by Raychel Wade

The things that come to those that wait may be the things left by those that got there first.

With apologies to Steven Tyler, for stealing one of his expressions - and grammarians - this sentence struck me as appropriate for La Prairie's new Cellular Radiance Cream Blush ($70), part of the Summer 2011 Colour Collection designed by Raychel Wade, La Prairie's Colour Ambassador. If you like cream blushes, particularly superior ones, buy one of these now!

In February, I gave you a sneak peek at the collection. Now, it's available at La Prairie counters. There are two shades of the Cellular Radiance Cream Blush available in the new collection. The first shade, shown above, is the limited-edition Mauve Glow, the darker of the two. The lighter shade is Plum Glow, shown at left, and it will be part of the permanent collection. Both shades work for me, although I have to apply Mauve Glow with a light hand.

Today, I am wearing Plum Glow, and if I can brag for Raychel, it looks fabulous. These blushes are like silk in a pan. The texture is divine. They can be applied with a synthetic brush, sponge, fingertips - whatever - and the results will be fabulous. They blend beautifully, and they last all day long, with the same color I applied in the morning. Plum Glow gives me color that looks like my own, and the cream texture settles right into my face - just like it belongs there. It's unconditional love!

Each blush comes in an amazing silver zippered case - very fancy, maybe too fancy. Unzip the case, and you'll find the silver compact, which works for me without the extra case. I'm low maintenance (sometimes), and I don't need a zippered case. Everything about these blushes screams luxury, including the price. I know you are going to tell me that $70 is a lot to pay for a cream blush. There are two reasons why I think you should overlook the price. First, the compacts are relatively large. Second, all La Prairie color is not only makeup, but treatment too. The ingredients are good for your skin, designed to make you look like a million bucks.

I was able to get a swatch photo in full sun. There seems to be a sunlight breakdown most afternoons, just like in the heat of summer when the clouds roll in each afternoon, announcing approaching thunderstorms. I applied each shade to my arm with my fingertip, and I barely blended the swatches. I wanted you to see the colors well. Plum Glow at the top is a neutral pink, and Mauve Glow is rose. Both shades are extremely flattering - from my perspective. I suspect I'll reach for Plum Glow the most often, but I'm glad to have them both.

You can purchase these lovely cream blushes at La Prairie counters or at La Prairie's Web site. I purchased mine at Neiman Marcus.

Photos at top courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Colour for Summer 2011: Cellular Radiance Cream Blush by Raychel Wade

Sneak Peek: La Prairie Soleil Suisse Collection

La Prairie will be launching a new Soleil Suisse Collection in May. Described as sun care for an active lifestyle by La Prairie, "the anti-aging experts," the collection of five products covers the landscape of summer needs. We got to see them at the Neiman Marcus blogger party at Mazza Gallerie. Naturally, I wanted them right then and there - and I couldn't have them.

Lynn Florio, President of La Prairie, said, "At La Prairie, we've been pioneering the creation of anti-aging treatment products for over 3o years." That line now includes a unisex sun-care collection. Soleil Suisse has it all - sleek packaging and lightweight formulas perfect for active women - and men - seeking simultaneous sun protection and anti-aging nourishment for their skin.

Soleil Suisse has a combination of mineral-enriched conditioners; soothing extracts; and elixirs and botanical antioxidants to take care of the skin. Here are some of the ingredients.

• Sea water for rare minerals
• Coralline seaweed (algae) for energy
• Jojoba butter for deep conditioning
• Prickly pear elixir and scarlet spiderling root for soothing
• Licorice extract for calming
• Red algae antioxidants

The five products in the new line are:

• Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 ($85),
  
• Sun Protection Lotion Body SPF 30 ($85),
  
• Ultra-Protection Stick - Eye, Lip, Nose SPF 40 ($65),
  
• Gradual Tanning Lotion - Face, Body ($75),
  
• Soothing After-Sun Mist - Face, Body ($75).

The first two SPF moisturizers include porphyra umbilicalis, a red algae organism that provides antioxidant protection from environmental damage to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; sea water concentrate containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc to balance the skin's mineral content; glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, humectants that attract and bind water to the skin; and La Prairie's exclusive Cellular Complex to stimulate the skin's natural repair process, moisturize, and energize.

The Ultra-Protection Stick looks irresistible to me. The portable stick is made with porphyra umbilicalis, the red algae organism in the moisturizers; shea butter, jojoba butter, and behenyl olivate to moisturize and protect the skin's barrier; emollients and antioxidants; and that La Prairie Cellular Complex.

The Gradual Tanning Lotion is a self-tanner that contains DHA and erythrulose to give you a subtle glow in hours - with no streaks. It has many of the same good-for-your-skin ingredients as the other products in the line. I'm not into self-tanning, or tanning of any kind. I'll be interested in hearing what you think if you try this one.

The Soothing After-Sun Mist is enticing to me, and I'm a sun phobe. I find these after-sun mists refreshing, so I love them. It doesn't matter that I stay out of the sun. The mist is designed to calm irritability, reduce redness, and provide the same antioxidant and moisturizing benefits as the other products, while balancing the skin's equilibrium. Boerhavia diffusa root extract, a soothing agent from an Indian plant, helps diminish skin redness and sensitivity. I'm thinking it will be great for rosacea sufferers or those with skin that reddens easily.

The products will be available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks, and La Prairie's Web site. I'll tell you more after I can get my hands on them!

Photos courtesy of La Prairie

More about → Sneak Peek: La Prairie Soleil Suisse Collection

La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion

I didn't want to love La Prairie's Cellular Power Infusion ($475), despite the intrigue of La Prairie's advertising that it's their most brilliant scientific breakthrough to date. I already use a lot of very expensive skin-care products, and I wasn't keen on the idea of adding another to the bank account in my bathroom. Unfortunately, La Prairie knew what they were doing when they gave us a full vial of Cellular Power Infusion at the blogger party at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Who wouldn't try it?

After using it, I ask, "Who wouldn't love it?" I'll skip to the end of the story right away. After using the first vial, I purchased Cellular Power Infusion so that I could keep using it for the recommended course of 28-40 days.

If you don't have good skin, what good will makeup do? For many years, I have worked hard to have the best skin I can. I have tried many products, and I have adopted some permanently. Most of my keepers are very expensive, like Sisley's Supremÿa, which costs $750 and lasts about six months. I have recently added some superb products from RéVive, Natura Bissé, and Kate Somerville, all of them pricey. So I wasn't "looking for" another expensive treatment.

As we age, we lose energy (tell me about it!). The life cycle of skin cells slows. Tissues collapse into wrinkles. Firmness, bounce, and glow diminish because vital energy is being relentlessly depleted by time. To radically alter this downward spiral, La Prairie's scientists created Cellular Power Infusion, a cell energizer that protects the skin against aging in an entirely new way.

Born of three patent-pending biotechnologies, Cellular Power Infusion awakens, recharges, and helps renew the power of our cells, supposedly even on stem cells. As it boosts the cellular "power stations," newborn cells rise to the surface quickly, and our skin is enlivened and illuminated. It's a moisture and energy rush, designed to make you look younger and stay that way. La Prairie promises your dull, tired complexion will bloom with luminous clarity. You will be shielded against external stressors and free radicals. Irritation and redness will be relieved, and your skin will be charged with vital energy.

So what's in this miracle?

Skin Renewal Peptide - An energizing peptide (peptides are the darling of the skin-care world right now) helps activate the renewal processes of your own skin stem cells and cellular power stations. It ensures a fresh supply of newborn cells; excites cellular energy; and stimulates collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid so that structure, firmness, and elasticity are boosted.

Swiss Snow Algae - This amazing algae survives and flourishes in extreme glacial conditions in the Swiss Alps. Its super-power survival extract activates longevity in your skin cells. It helps protect the cellular power stations from UV stress and gives dull, tired skin luminous clarity.

Tissue Guidance Matrix - La Prairie's new biotech breakthrough supports the restructuring of skin tissue. It integrates younger skin cells with aging skin cells, guiding tissue renewal, firmness, and elasticity.

Phyto Stem Cell Extract - The remarkable stem cells of Swiss Red Grapes help protect your own newborn epidermal stem cells, making "timelessness" a quality of your own skin.

I went into my test skeptical. Often, claims made for skin care are hyped/exaggerated, so one should never take marketing materials at face value. Only a test can determine whether a product will work as specified. You activate a vial of Cellular Power Infusion (a few shakes), and then apply just enough to cover your face and neck morning and evening. I was afraid that my super-dry skin would slurp too much, as it often does with serums, but the first vial lasted 10 days.

Normally, when I awaken in the morning, my face is colorless - bland really. It's often a little wrinkled from my pillow, and sometimes fluid will have collected in my cheekbones because I sleep on my side. Not a pretty sight! The first morning I awakened after using Cellular Power Infusion, I examined my face in the bathroom mirror and had one of those "holy moly" moments. I had a glow! This was impossible, I thought at the time. How could this product have a positive effect in only one night? It takes many weeks to build new cells and renew skin! I have no idea. Since I had used the same moisturizer over it that I had used the previous night, I had changed nothing else. My use of Cellular Power Infusion was the only explanation. Naturally, I kept using it (I purchased it). I have now used it for three weeks, and I believe my skin looks great.

I have only one very minor criticism of Cellular Power Infusion. It does contain fragrance. I prefer my skin care to be unscented. That said, the fragrance is light and very pleasant. It dissipates quickly, so all things considered, the scent is not an issue for me.

Cellular Power Infusion is meant to be used intermittently, one month out of three, along with a regular skin-care regime. I don't think I can afford to spend $475 every three months, so I will see how this first regimen goes and how long the effects persist. I'll check back with you again. At that time, I will try to dig a little deeper into the science of the ingredients. For now, I have to conclude that La Prairie is onto something great. If you are concerned with aging and your skin needs a boost, you should visit your La Prairie counter and allow the product specialists to introduce you to Cellular Power Infusion.

Photos courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion

La Prairie Cellular Energizing Body Collection for Summer 2011

First there was Cellular Treatment Body Spray ($115). Just in time for summer, we'll have a three new Cellular Energizing products in La Prairie's new Cellular Energizing Body Collection.

• Cellular Energizing Body Spray ($70 for 50 ml)
• Cellular Energizing Body Lotion (65 for 150 ml)
• Cellular Energizing Bath and Shower Gelee ($60 for 150 ml)

All three products contain La Prairie’s Cellular Complex, which combines glycoproteins, ginseng root, and horse tail extracts to nourish and energize the skin. The Cellular Energizing Body Spray contains heather extract that helps soothe and pamper the skin. Sea acids provide an excellent source of AHAs for gentle and effective exfoliation. The Cellular Energizing Body Lotion moisturizes the skin with extracts of grape seed oil, rice bran oil, and shea butter. Also, white willow bark extract enhances and brightens skin tone.

The Body Fragrance blends La Prairie's Swiss skin care with an uplifting fragrance to lavish the body and energize the soul. It's one part skin care, one part fragrance. With new products, anyone who has lived in and loved the Body Spray can treat herself (or himself) to the equivalent of surround sound. Those who haven't tried the Body Spray may be tempted to try one of the new products, such as the body lotion, with its moisturizing effects to enhance the fragrance.

The scent of these products is an aromatherapy treat. It has an element of crisp, citrus freshness and another element that I think is floral. I don't know how to describe it beyond that. It's named well because the fragrance is energizing - it gets you going in the morning. Some people have written that the fragrance is unisex. I can understand that characterization, but I think it's more feminine than masculine.

The new products will be available at your La Prairie counter in late May. Make sure to stop by for a whiff!

Photo courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Cellular Energizing Body Collection for Summer 2011

La Prairie Colour Launches for Summer 2011: Bouquet de Jardin and Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20

Last week, I was privileged to attend a blogger event at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Galleria. I came away with exciting information! I couldn't wait to share all the news with you. There's way to much to tell you about La Prairie's introductions for spring and summer (between now and May), so I am breaking up my news into two (maybe three) posts. I really don't know how to prioritize fabulous over gorgeous, so I'll start with the makeup and move on to skin care later.

I met Raychel Wade, La Prairie's Colour Ambassador, last year. Her charismatic personality, combined with her eye for color and simple techniques, has earned her a loyal clientele. Raychel has assisted with the creation of past La Prairie colour stories. This year, she created her own, Bouquet de Jardin Summer Colour. It's a stunning collection. I wanted to leave Neiman Marcus with the cream blushes, both of which are drop-dead gorgeous.

Les Calla Lilies is a limited-edition Cellular Treatment Eye Colour Ensemble ($70). A quad with four coordinating shades, all in a variation of rosy peony, are beautiful on the skin. I played with them at the store, and I think these are colors that are going to flatter a wide range of skin tones. As always, La Prairie's makeup offers benefits to the skin, in addition to beautiful color.

To finish your eyes, there's a limited-edition Luxe Eye Definer in Bronze ($50). The liner has a smudger on one end, which is convenient. The shade coordinates perfectly with the Eye Colour Ensemble, but it's also a shade you will want to wear with all your neutral shadows. I love bronze liner, and this one is the cat's meow.

There are two new Cellular Radiance Cream Blush ($70) shades, and both are lust-worthy. I was so sad that I would have to wait months to get my hands on them.

The first shade, shown at left, is the limited-edition Mauve Glow, the darker of the two. The lighter shade is Plum Glow, shown below right, and it will be part of the permanent collection. Both shades are going to work for me.

Cellular Radiance Cream Blush is a luxurious, creamy blush that blends like a dream to allow you to layer as much as you desire without caking or streaking. It's one of the nicest cream blushes I have ever used. The colors I own are exquisite, and it glides across my cheeks, even when applied with my fingertips. At $70, it's pricey, but the pan is very large, and the color is unparalleled. I'm not sure how a fickle beauty addict could run out of it.

The limited-edition Luxe Lip Definer in Petal Pink ($50) is one of the prettiest pink lip liners I have seen lately. I think it's going to match my lips perfectly, so I am going to have to buy it. With color on one end and a lip brush on the other, it will be a handy addition to the makeup bag I keep with me at all times.

I'm not at all surprised that Raychel has designed a dynamite collection. She knows color! For more about Raychel, check out my feature about her, written last April.

Not part of Raychel's collection, but also launching in May, is Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20 ($100). This is an incredible, treatment-laden tinted moisturizer. It has a lot of pigment, so it offers more coverage than your typical tinted moisturizer. I tried it in the store, and I loved it! It will be available in four shades. I was the lightest, a yellow-leaning ivory.

I have so much to tell you about La Prairie's skin care. I have one product to test, the new Cellular Power Infusion. I will start testing that tonight, so I will hold off on featuring it until I finish the vial. There's much more, though. I will show you very soon, if not later today.

Photos courtesy of La Prairie

More about → La Prairie Colour Launches for Summer 2011: Bouquet de Jardin and Anti-Aging Hydra Tint SPF 20