Notes from NYC

There just never seems to be enough time to be everywhere and into everything.  Being a relatively small brand, you have to jump 90 times faster and higher just to play in this game.  I feel like everyone at Mirabella is constantly speeding through life really trying to make something special...and it is very special to me!  We have had so many fun successes in the past couple of months...from our new Pinterest boards, my 15 secs with Mario Lopez on Extra TV, getting a new PR firm, watching the Mirabella Bride vision come to life at our bridal runway show, our rooftop press event featuring the amazing Holiday Escape mini film, the launch of www.mirabellabride.com, expansion into 2 new territories in Canada, NYFW backstage with Ivana Helsinki, lunch with Women's Wear Daily...not to mention the SUPER Exciting launch of BRONZED BRILLIANT!!!...and you can see why my summer has flown by!  But it is all part of a day in the beauty life...blink and you will be left behind:).

This week I find myself in NYC for the Makeup in New York show.  An interesting show...not sure how I feel about it...but I started pounding the pavement on Wednesday in my new blue Toms (love Toms..my feet are still functioning after 3 days on foot) running from one appointment to the next.  September in New York is the best time of year.  Perfect temp and nice sunny weather.  I am staying in Times Square at The Hilton and there is so much energy in this city!

Luckily my usual jet lag was nonexistent (that never happens), so I really hit the road running.  This month I am really focusing on product development.  It has been hard to find the time to really decide what is next for 2013-2014...but I think I got it down. Oh my gosh...everything is going to be AMAZING...I just can't wait!  I find myself really positioning the brand steeped in luxury.  I just can't help it...I LOVE luxury.  The more details the better:).

We got a new PR firm that I am super excited about because they are supporting my dreams of creating unique luxury products that are first to market.  So you will see a lot of innovation coming your way next year.  Super fun, hot colors and textures that are truly transformative.  If you can keep a secret...I will tell you that the lineup may include colored Magic Markers, BB Creme and a ton of new lip products.  And btw...I was just testing a fabulous new lip stain that was simply to die for.  I have been sporting hot pink lips ever since Wednesday morning because I can't get enough of this formula.  It is in the last stability test...so cross you fingers that it will pass and I will bring it to you ASAP!  Hahaa!  I love my job:).

Back to LA tomorrow, but I will have fond memories of this trip.  Working with my favorite people, laughing over lunch at Bar Americain with John and Ally, feeling inspired after talking with Ursula (she has the best taste and can always streamline my ideas and really make them amazingly beautiful), finally getting my favorite dishes 1/2 off from Anthropology after stalking them for 2 years, new Kate Spade pumps 60% off at Nordstrom Rack, catching up with my friend Aimee over milkshakes at Shake Shack, and more.  Now I am only 1-1/2 weeks away from my 1/2 hr segment on Shop NBC!!!  Oh my gosh...so nervous.  Not sure how I ended being nominated for tv, but it really scares me.  Wish me luck.  It is live on September 26th!

--Amber

Trendwatch - Tangerine

I was so excited to see Pantone's 2012 color of the year - Tangerine Tango! 


Tangerine, orange and coral shades are so on trend for summer and perfect for waking up the face. A pop of an orange makes you look instantly fresh-faced and ready for fun, this fashion-forward look isn't going anywhere. Check out these inspiration images. 

All images via Instyle.com

Here are a few ways to get that perfect Tangerine Tango lip:

• Try new Colour Luxe lip gloss in Blaze layered over Lip Lustre Liner in Charming
• For a more subtle take on Tangerine use Colour Sheers lipstick in Bittersweet
• Be bold! Fill in lips with Lip Lustre Liner in Coy, then apply Colour Shine lip gloss in Vibrant!

Tangerine looks amazing paired with golds and pinks. With your newly orange lips finish your look with the highlight shade of Merry Blush Colour Duo, or 

with a wash of Eye Colour in Gilded and a slight cat-eye with the Magic Marker, perfection. 

Cheeks are also an awesome place to add a little orange. Use the highlight shade of Radiant Blush Colour Duo with a neutral or slightly pink lip and eye for an amazingly flattering glow. 

It is also a great way to warm up your bronzer for a perfect sunkissed glow. 

One of my favorite bolder looks is wearing Radiant Blush Colour Duo on my cheeks and EYES!!!!! 

Make sure you pick the right shade of orange for your skin tone. 

We have two exciting tangerine promos going on right now - on our website if you buy new Colour Luxe gloss in Beam - you'll get Charming Lip Lustre Liner FREE!

We've also joined the ranks of Pinterest and are sponsoring a fun Tangerine Tango Pinterest Contest! See details in the image below. Contest runs through July 30th. Happy Pinning!

What I've Been Up To!

Obviously not blogging...There are so many exciting things happening at Mirabella I have really been neglecting this fun blog. We have so many new products and awesome launches coming up its been taking every second of my time.

 One of my favorite things to work on was the Mirabella mini-movie we have currently in production. It came together really quickly and we had 3 days to come up with full wardrobe for 2 straight days of filming! I have never worked on film wardrobe before and it is amazing how many things you have to consider. Body type of each model, skin tone, hair color, the scene, the lighting, coordinating but not matching with the other models or actors in the scene. Does the clothing match the feeling of the project? How about hair and makeup, accessories, shoes? Whew it was a lot of going into Anthropologie and Nordstrom and buying so many things and hoping they would work! In the end - I think everything will work out great, but I'd love to have a week next time :)

While they were filming the mini-movie back in California, Jamie Richards our Marketing Manager and I headed out for one of our trips to NYC. We head out to go to the fabulous packaging show Luxe Pack, to see the newest innovation in the packaging world. But its also our chance to meet with all of our vendors, see the latest technology and upcoming cosmetic formulas and get inspired for planning the next year or two for our brand. We accomplished all of that and in our spare time we ATE! Oh my goodness, we definitely ate our way through NYC. On our first day after a few meetings we went to eat at Fred's, the restaurant at Barney's department store with our PR Agency. While we were waiting we saw Joanna Coles! The Editor in Chief of Marie Claire and the mentor of Project Runway All Stars. This may not be a big deal to most people, but Jamie being the Project Runway aholic that she is - was pretty excited!

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Jamie's BFF  Joanna Coles (she doesn't know it!) 

This trip I also decided to do a little damage myself and get a few key spring pieces for my wardrobe. The J Crew at Rockefeller really did me in. It was one of those magic shopping days where everything fits and everything looks great. This NEVER happens to me so of course I had to buy it all. Be careful in there ladies, its dangerous. Of course we also made time to eat dessert at Max Brenner, one of our can't miss stops in the city. Talk about dangerous! Other than a few fabulous finds for Mirabella in 2013, the highlight of the trip might have been the bike taxi. We were going to be late to a dinner and the taxi line at our hotel was way too long.. We made the quick decision to jump on a bike taxi. Jamie was so scared, seriously having a heart attack.. And I just laughed at her. We made it to the dinner on time, and felt very New York. One of those things you have to do once right? 

J CREW! My budget buster! 

Max Brenner Dessert - my mouth is still watering!  

The next big project on my plate has been preparing for our bi-annual regional manager meetings. This is where we introduce our regional managers to the upcoming products, plans and do artistry training to show them the best way to use the newest formulations. I love showcasing everything that we've worked so hard to put together, and am always holding my breath and hoping they love it as much as I do. It's our time to get together and discuss what is the best for Mirabella and how we can improve. I always leave refreshed and excited to keep moving on making our line better than ever.

 -- Amber

A Sneak Peak at Colour Luxe lip gloss...

Are you ready to experience the most beautiful, most luxurious lip gloss EVER! I really hope so...because Colour Luxe lip gloss is debuting in a few days nationwide:). Oh my gosh, this project has been a labor of love for over two years!!! Big sigh.

I remember being in a meeting over two years ago with my packaging vendor and telling them that it was time that they AMAZE me with a beautiful lip gloss package. So many lip gloss tubes look the same. Lip gloss is a tricky product because there are so many great options at the drugstore ranging between $5-10. So, how do you go about selling a lip gloss for $36 retail when your packaging options look just the same as mass market brands? In my mind, it just doesn't work. So I had to have the hard conversation with John Maly (owner at Mirabella) explaining just that. On a side note...do you know how uncomfortable it is to ask for a lot of money:)? Especially to a man who is a man through and through...who only thinks in $$$! It was super tough...I had to demonstrate walking past our display and stopping in my tracks to gasp over the lovely new lip gloss...and then I had to get down on my knees and beg! I swear...the things I do for you guys! You all really need to thank me:). Hahaa!!! Totally kidding!

Back to being serious...custom packaging is really not for the faint of heart. Surprisingly, John reached deep into his pockets to make it possible when I showed him in $$ how much you were all going to LOVE it! So the customization process began. Now two years later, Colour Luxe is sporting a custom matte silver cap and shiny silver collar designed to reflect light when opening. The two-tone silver really helps to convey a luxury feeling. We tooled an ALL NEW applicator that is a mix between a brush and doe foot (flocked sponge). It takes the best from both worlds...it is flexible and paints on like a brush, but it is also a flocked paddle that helps control how much lip gloss is actually deposited on the lips. And now the important part...the colors!

Colour Luxe lip gloss is all about maximum shine with three-dimensional, light-reflecting shimmer. I know I say it every blog, but I LOVE shiny things:). The combination of iridescent and pearlescent pearls create a star-like effect on the lips. It seriously sparkles in the sunlight! Big sigh and smile:). This gloss really reaches a new level of color purity, brightness and dimensionality.

I have a complete arsenal of Chanel lip gloss which has been my go to for awhile. But now, I can honestly say that I like Colour Luxe better. I mean, of course I designed it to actually like it. But I didn't know if it would really appeal to me more than Chanel. It does! The reason is that it gives the high shine sparkle like Chanel, but it isn't as thick on my lips. Sometimes I feel like I need to scrub my lips after a couple of applications of Chanel. Colour Luxe wears off nicely and is so comfortable. Yay! I exceeded my own expectations...which is pretty hard to do:). I am my worst critic! My personal favorite is Wink Colour Luxe. It has a blue pearl in it that lasts for hours. Totally LOVE! A couple of ingredient highlights...

* Contains a custom vitamin complex of A, C and E that provides the ultimate in antioxidant properties

* Patented antiaging peptide restores lip tissue, boosts collagen, keeps lips moisturized and increases volume

* Pomegranate Extract contains antioxidants that protect from free radical damage

* Jojoba Oil leaves lips smooth and conditioned

* Monoi de Tahiti is a rich and emollient oil that penetrates skin quickly and acts as a natural barrier against dehydration

* Paraben-free, Propylene Glycol-free, Gluten-free

Check out our fabulous model, Nina, sporting Blaze Colour Luxe lip gloss!

Nina is wearing Gilded, Bitter Honey and Decor Eye Colour, Twig Eye Definer, Merry Blush Colour Duo and Blaze Colour Luxe lip gloss.

So now that you suffered through this mile long blog...go try Colour Luxe! You will love it:).

Bright Eyeshadow

This week I have been all wrapped up in color..color and more COLOR! It is so vibrant...a great pick me up on what started to be a cloudy gloomy day. The color blocking trend is all over the fashion world...but it has also been showing up in makeup and it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I have been working on a new cosmetic line idea that is focused completely on color, so I have been evaluating powder formulas galore for eyeshadows and blushes. Today I finally tried a formula that is super fun and cool! Wahoo:). There are so many eyeshadow/blush formulas that are really just so so. I LOVE the feeling of trying a new formula that actually makes me pause and get super excited. Today I wanted to be bold and daring, so I picked a super intense red/orange shade to try out new a look.

I will admit that I panicked slightly when I actually put in on my eye. One swipe was like paint, so I had to take a deep breath. Once I covered my lid with the crazy intense color, I begin selecting shades that would bring it back to reality:). I chose a mix of Woodstock and Cultured Eye Colour in the crease with Sorbet as a highlight under the brow. I lined underneath my eye with Seduce Eye Colour and then drew a thin line of Magic Marker Eye liner on top from the middle to the outer edge. Then I covered it with Fortune Eye Colour. I actually think that a shade that is more emerald green than Fortune would be even prettier.

It is difficult to know which type of blush you should wear when trying such powerful eyes, but I ended up mixing the highlight shades of Merry and Radiant Blush Colour Duos. I blended that really well and then added the contour shade of Merry as a pop of color on the apples of my cheeks. I used Pure Finish Illuminate to blend and perfect my skin.

And finally, the lips...I was so excited to use one of our brand new Colour Luxe lip glosses called Flare that will launch in stores in April. So pretty!

Here are the mug shots from the look.

Don't be afraid. Strong color can be so much fun and really helps to make your day brighter and definitely more interesting.

Hunger Games - Girl on Fire

Ok, I am a HUGE fan of The Hunger Games and cannot WAIT for the movie to debut on March 23rd!!! I am a big sucker for fiction, and I picked up on this book a couple of years ago...meaning that I had to wait FOREVER for the release of the sequels Catching Fire and Mockingjay. I remember being on a family vacation with my nose in a book...which totally annoyed my sister. She was like "quit reading, we never get to see you", which is totally true. BUT, I just couldn't put it down...

And now I have to say that the producers of the film better get it right! Hahaa:). They better read my imagination and make everything absolutely perfect!

We all can hope, right?

A few weeks back, John and I were having a conversation about PR and advertising and both of us really felt like social media is just the way to go. The conversation came up because we were contemplating placing a standing ad in a beauty magazine. Someone had called me to offer discounted rates on magazines such as Allure, Instyle, Redbook, etc. For 1/3 page ad in a single issue, it cost over $10,000! And that is a discounted rate. As much as I love beauty magazines and have dreamed of seeing a Mirabella ad in one, I almost choked thinking about spending that kind of money to advertise when our ad would be so small it was almost non-existent. So the conversation turned to social media and how it is a much more effective way to spend money. John asked me what the next big thing was coming up and I immediately thought of The Hunger Games. And that is where my job gets interesting...John challenged our team to come up with something fun surrounding The Hunger Games. And my imagination started churning...I remembered being totally enthralled with the descriptions of how Cinna makes over Katniss Everdeen at The Capitol. I grabbed my book to refresh the details and then had a week to recreate those details on film. ONE WEEK to pull everything together! So fast...

I immediately started making a list...hairstylist, tattoo artist, makeup artist, an awesome fire looking dress, nail polish...all the little details that really put a complete look together. The filming was scheduled on my birthday, and I was running around like a crazy woman that week:)! The extra year on my age really just faded into the craziness of my life working for Mirabella. And then...to add to my stress, the dress we ordered online didn't show up until we were ready to film! The night before I found myself at my local mall looking for anything that might save me. Thank you BCBG Max Azria! They came through with several fabulous red dresses. Big sigh:)! So with that being said, check out the video that we came up with.





To go along with this video, we are running an amazing contest. Simply click here to enter to win a trip to Hollywood to see The Hunger Games on opening night. 2 nights stay for two in LA. Includes airfare, hotel and transportation.

So my job didn't end with the filming. As Jasmine Dashtizad, Mirabella National Trainer, designed the Girl on Fire look on our lovely model Zafir...I was on the sidelines coloring face charts that will help our fans recreate the look at home. Creating face charts is one of my favorite things and can be really relaxing...if I am not on set in a complete rush:). I think it turned out pretty fantastic.

And just for fun...I had to try Jasmine's fabulous look on myself. I really loved it! Take a look...

So, now I want to see your inner Girl on Fire:). Submit a photo of your look inspired by The Capitol to our contest tab on Facebook and you could win a Mirabella Pro Box!

Amber

A color from the past...

Oh my gosh! I just received the funniest phone call EVER! I just have to share...

A couple of days ago, I had a voicemail from a loyal customer in Illinois asking if I could locate any pieces of Vinetto Lip Colour. Let's backup...for those of you that were introduced to Mirabella within the last 2-1/2 years, you will not remember Vinetto Lip Colour as we finally updated our Lip Colour shade range in 2009. Vinetto was a shade of the 90's, light super frosty pink that was usually worn with a dark plum liner. Take a look at a few pics I quickly snapped of the shade.

Suffice it to say that Vinetto was one of the first shades that was targeted to be discontinued when we reworked the Lip Colour shade range!

Now back to the present...when I received her phone call, I checked our warehouse for any remaining pieces of Vinetto but did not have any luck. I left her a quick voicemail explaining that we could not locate any for her. Today when she called, she was begging to call the manufacturer directly to order 20 pieces. Never have I encountered so much dedication to a shade from a customer:). I had to explain that Vinetto was a custom shade to the Mirabella brand and could not be reordered for under 3-5,000 pieces. She just could not fathom why we have discontinued such a great shade! Hahaaa! She was so distraught that I offered to rummage through my retain drawer to see if there were any production samples that I could send to her.

Luckily, I was able to find 3 production samples made back in 2008. When I called her back, I could feel her energy through the phone...I swear. She thanked me profusely, offering to pay. I laughed because the samples may be so dry that they cannot be used. Somehow I think she will make them work:).

The rule at Mirabella is that customers date their lipsticks but marry their foundations and mascaras. Trudy from Illinois shattered this rule of thumb today! I LOVE IT!!!

The 3 Vinetto samples are en route to Illinois:)...