Hotel Le Germain

When Estee Lauder invited me to preview their fall collection, I had to go. Not just because they were holding it at Hotel Le Germain, which includes the most amazing chocolate chip cookies as part of their catering, but because Estee Lauder products are some of my absolute faves. They never affect my oh-so-sensitve skin adversely, and always make me feel beautiful. Here are my top picks for most intriguing products.This luxurious Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift collection promises to be worth the splurge. The Estee Lauder experts doled out dollops to try on the backs of our hands, but I couldn’t resist smoothing it into my laugh lines.Estee Lauder has developed an intensive two-week program just in time for dry Calgary winters. Advanced Night Repair micro ampoules promote mega impact. Used nightly, they will rapidly renew the look of over-stressed skin, helping to strengthen its resistance against future assaults. Sign me up.I didn’t expect to see tea on display on the third floor of Le Germain. But the Moringa seed is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Estee Lauder uses the extract in several products to help open aging pathways, clearing the way for collagen production.Estee’s latest perfume release in their Modern Muse line was also on hand for sampling. The official description of Le Rouge Gloss goes a little something like this: succulent fruits, flowers, a hint of spice and a sensual, fearless edge of supple leather with dark woods. Because if you’re going to edge something with leather, throw caution to the wind.Estee’s Double Wear line is an innovative approach to foundation – especially if you’re on the run. The slim jar-slash-stick combines liquid makeup and applicator in one.My final pick of the preview comes from the other Lauder — Aerin. Granddaughter of Estee, she’s a creative powerhouse in her own right, putting her personal touch on a makeup line, handbags, even furniture. Otherwise known as a Global Lifestyle Brand. Her latest perfume is Tangier Vanille, a heady scent inspired by Aerin’s own travels through Morocco, from the palaces and gardens to the legendary bazaars we’ve all heard about. Perfect level of exotic to get you through any Monday to Friday mundane-ness.

Thanks for the preview, Team Estee! And the cookies. All of them.

Canadian products powerhouse ACI Brands came to Calgary recently to introduce the spring/summer lines of their top makeup brands. While our booming city could use a few more luxury boutique hotels, luckily we have Le Germain, located in Cowtown central.

Upstairs, between the fabulous florals and fantastic food offerings, the traveling road show included Stila, Cargo and new-to-Canada PAUL & JOE Beaute, whose beauty was not just on the inside.

They’re big in Japan! Is it any wonder that PAUL & JOE Beaute is flying off shelves in Tokyo when kittens abound on the packaging? Designer Sophie Mechaly, who named the company after her sons, doesn’t let her cat allergy get in the way of turning feline viral video popularity into makeup cult collectible status.

Her main motif, however, is a chrysanthemum, embodying the retro-modern style that Mechaly loves. The products, which range from skin primer to moisturizer to lipsticks, eyeshadows and more, are exclusively available at just four Shoppers Drug Marts in Canada: Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, ON, Robson and Burrard in Vancouver, Richmond Centre in Richmond, BC and Chinook Centre here in Calgary. Take that, Toronto! In the corner window, views of the Rocky Mountains and the Palliser clamored for attention, but new products from Stila and Cargo prevailed.

Stila packaging is all grown up now, leaving their usual cardboard containers behind. I was really digging this eyebrow gel during the preview. I expect to get my hands on some this week, so I’ll let you know how my personal at home trial goes.

Meanwhile, Cargo is taking cardboard casing to a new level. Sophisticated New York cityscapes tempt the turn to find the lipstick within.

While ACI Beauty and National Spokesperson Lyndsay Craig gives the lowdown on Paul & Joe, the founder of OverCat Communications is not partying with a lampshade on her head. Don’t let the wacky perspective distract you from Audrey Hyams Romoff’s amazing dress, which had to be included in a story about ravishing packaging.

Tag Archives: Hotel Le Germain

Estee Lauder Fall Preview

Spring Makeup Preview