Bronzed Brilliant with Prismatech...The Most Innovative Powder Texture

What a whirlwind this week has been!  I found myself in Minnesota at the headquarters of Shop NBC for my first appearance as a brand specialist on a shopping channel.  Holy smokes!  That was sooo intimidating.  Since the network runs 24/7, they have a unique super last-minute culture that can make the toughest person nervous.  I jumped on the plane without knowing what models I would be working on to arrive at my hotel by 1 AM.  Little sleep and I was up and prepping myself to be on TV.  Thanks goes out to Jamie Nelson, one of my lovely models who works as a trainer at Shop NBC, for helping me learn the ropes.  When I returned to LA last night, I had to give myself a pep talk to actually watch the show.  You are your worst critic, but I made it through it:).  And that is really what is important...being flexible enough to try new things is imperative to survive a day in the beauty life!

With my life recap out of the way, let's talk about something super exciting!!!  For those of you that know Mirabella products, it would be common knowledge that we really care about good-for-you ingredients and that our products are mineral-based...meaning talc-free, paraben-free, etc.  What you wouldn't know is how difficult it is to achieve great color and super smooth textures without some of these ingredients.  And since I am all about functionality of a product, it is totally important to me that Mirabella products payoff and apply beautifully.  Therefore I reject a lot of formulations.  So when a brand-new technology called Prismatech was introduced two years back, I immediately fell in LOVE and watched and waited for it to pass stability.  It was first shown as eyeshadows and then last year it was presented in multiple forms...and that is when Bronzed Brilliant came to life in my mind!!

I have always been a huge fan of Bobbi Brown's Bricks.  I am such a blush girl that these bricks became staples in multiple shades in my cosmetic bag.  Back when, it took me awhile to find the technology, which is extruded and then baked, that gives such amazing highlight.  Since it was a double-process, it was super expensive and I just couldn't make it work for the brand.  Then Clinique, Laura Mercier, The Body Shop, etc., jumped on the extruded wagon...but nobody does it as well as Bobbi Brown.  It became a mission for me to find a technology that would be better than the Bobbi Brown bricks...and Prismatech is it!

Why is Prismatech the must-have powder technology?

1.  It is a revolutionary texture that combines the best features of baked, fluid and cream products.
2.  It provides brighter, purer color.
3.  It looks so natural on the skin.  Provides radiance without frosty looking shimmer.
4.  It is 100 times softer than the average powder!!  100 times!!  Touch it and you are in heaven:).
5.  The unique bouncy feel and transparent texture allow layering without feeling powdery.
6.  It provides long wear performance: color stays put all day.
7.  It perfects the look of your skin.
8.  It is talc-free and paraben-free.


INTRODUCING BRONZED BRILLIANT...

Bronzed Mineral Bronzer using Prismatech shimmer layers softly to truly kiss the skin with a touch of shimmering sun.  Tawny Warmth (left) is for Fitz levels 1-2, Baked Sand (middle) is for Fitz levels 2-3, and Burnt Copper (right) is for Fitz levels 4-5.  Fitz level 6 can use all shades for a beautiful highlight.  To get that Sunkissed Glow, watch this video currently on our YouTube channel.

Bronzed was featured in Harper's Bazaar in the September issue!!!  Right next to fabulous lines such as Chanel and Givenchy!  Keep in mind that we do not advertise yet, so to be mentioned without having advertisement is unheard of.  That means that the product really is to-die-for!! I was sooo incredibly excited!!!  Check it out.

Brilliant Mineral Highlighters with Prismatech shimmer feature two beautifully blended colors to give that extra dimension of shimmer.  We are the first to market two blended colors with Prismatech worldwide, which is an AMAZING accomplishment for our small brand.  This means that I now have gray hair from worrying whether production was actually going to happen for real.  To be first-to-market is awesome, but you never realize how many unknown problems can occur by taking such risk.  I cannot even tell you how many early morning phone conferences I participated in while I laid in bed trying to understand the issues.  But now that it is here, it has surpassed my expectations 100 fold!  So beautiful...

Brilliant is available in Shimmer Rose (left), Latte Swirl (middle, I LOVE this on my eyes), and Glowing Coral (right).  All shades are gorgeous and must-haves.  I mix and match them all.

My favorite comment came from Jamie just after she received her finished samples.  She said, "I LOVE them...they make my skin look so much better...I just put the bronzer over my entire face!"  LOL!  So true, Jamie:).  With that being said, I created a look that just uses Bronzed Brilliant in multiple shades and areas of the face.  Try it out...it looks so beautiful and natural.

Here are a few pics of me with this look...

So that is the story of Prismatech...it is so versatile that you can create any color for eyes or face in any shape you can dream of.  Whenever I go the manufacturer presentations, they have a wall of hundreds of shapes and colors of Prismatech.  I find myself standing in front of the wall just dreaming about how much I love cosmetics.   You will see other brands using Prismatech on the market, and I like it so much that I am collecting it in all shapes and sizes.  Here are a couple available now...

Estee Lauder Pure Color Gelee Eyeshadow

Sephora + Pantone Tangerine Tango

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