Gucci beauty at Milan Fashion Week.
GUCCI GLAM
Gucci has become the latest luxury brand to launch its own makeup line, using its Milan Fashion Week spring show as the launch pad for a full range to go into a select number of international stores this month. Creative director Frida Giannini called in makeup star Pat McGrath
to help design the glamorous cosmetics packaged in black and gold.
McGrath also created the runway look of radiant skin with soft touches of pink (right)."For me, beauty and fashion are always connected," said Giannini. "One doesn't exist without the other. Eyes, skin, lips - they're like accessories, all working together to create an unmistakeable look." She chose archive favourite colours of gold, black, red, teal, bronze and copper to anchor the collection of almost 200 pieces.
IT'S THAT TIME...
Just when you thought delivery services couldn't get any more niche, here's Scarlet Delivery, a service for women battling the monthly gripes; pampering treats and all the necessary supplies delivered direct to your door.
• scarletdelivery.co.nz
OLD AND UPDATED
Surprisingly, the top-selling fragrance in Farmers isn't a celebrity or designer scent but a 25-year-old favourite. Red Door is celebrating its birthday with a makeover as Red Door 25, a limited-edition anniversary fragrance in a gilded bottle within a keepsake box.
It retains the bold floral heart and musky base notes of the original, with added modern rose extract and fruit nectar top notes, by original creator, master perfumer Carlos Benaim.
• At Elizabeth Arden counters from Friday, $99 for 100ml eau de parfum.
PRICE DROP
Mecca Cosmetica is the latest beauty retailer to adjust its pricing in New Zealand as the dollar stays strong and more customers look online. The good news is that they are not mucking around at the margins, knocking up to 20 per cent off favourite products from the international brands they stock, including Nars, Stila, By Terry and Bumble and Bumble.
COMING SOON
• Britomart's reputation as a beauty destination will get another boost with the opening of Auckland's third Dry and Tea styling bar mid-month - super handy for those nights on the town. As well as blow-dries and refreshments, the salon will offer makeup, nail art and hair extension services from October 15.
• On October 23, M.A.C is due to open a new store in Ponsonby, its 11th counter in New Zealand. This is part of the Lot 3 development between Richmond Rd and Mackelvie St, adding further colour to the shopping strip.
NAILED IT
A new kinder-to-nails gel polish, using a marine gel ingredient, is being championed by Lucy and The Powder Room. Nail artist Imogene Bevan of Pop Nails can be booked for special services on Thursdays at The Department Store, Takapuna. Bio Seaweed Gel is from Canada and delivers a lasting high-shine finish without weakening or dehydrating nails. Simply soak off to remove.