Heading West

It’s only fitting that my first post be about the line that caused me to first fall in love with the world of beauty.  It was the Spring of ’89 when I first went to the Estee Lauder counter with my mom who ended up purchasing the Triple Creme and Skin Perfecting Creme.  It was then that I noticed what I still believe is one of the most beautiful photos I have seen….Paulina Porizkova, with her skin glowing, and representing a color story called “Heading West”.  It was the first time I saw how makeup can create a story, a fantasy.  I wanted to be a part of this world and “Heading West” represented my personal story in more ways than one.

Estee Lauder, Imaged may be subject to copyright

Fast Forward to 2011.  The company has re-launched the Pure Color Nail Lacquers.  Those who know me KNOW that as far as nail colors are concerned, I have a huge place in my heart for the Deborah Lippmann and Chanel lines.  However, when I saw these new Lauder colors, I was both excited and surprised to see the Bold colors - that's right, with a capital "B".  This is certainly not your grandmother’s Estee Lauder.  I mean no offense to any grandmother reading this, and you know we love you.  However, it is at times necessary to follow new directions to move forward.

From left to right: 68 Rosa Rosa, 16 Violet Diva, 14 Wild Blue, 13 Mega Fuchsia, 12 Chocolate Crave, 03 Enchanted Garnet, 08 Purple Passion, 15 Wicked Green, 10 Hot Coral, 19 Oyster Cult, 11 Sizzling Taupe, 01 Ultra Violet, 24 Wild Storm, 21 Pure Red, 17 Fuchsia Flame, 69 Frozen Fantasy

As the name "Pure Color" suggests, it's a voyage into a new purity of the green, red, purple and blue among other vivid colors - unlike anything I have seen in prestige lines.   A familiar fixture in high-fashion makeup artistry, Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux
valliantly leads us into this new terrain, blossoming with new life of color excitement. 

NEW Pure Color Nail Lacquer with True Vision ™ Technology

This new direction includes new technology in formulations.  Since Estee Lauder has one of the largest research and development teams in the biz, it better be something good, right!  According to Estee Lauder, the new Pure Color Nail Lacquer formula now has Exclusive True Vision ™ Technology that allows for true, brilliant color.  The technology wraps color pigments in a crystal-like coating resulting in intense color clarity and vibrancy for a more multidimensional look for the nails.  What does this mean for you?  More color pigment, shine and glossy smooth color and long wear that resists chipping and tipping. 

I decided to put them to the test and invited a client to give it a try.  We did notice that the consistency was not as thick as the Deborah Lippmann formula, but it did apply very evenly without streaking.  We also liked its paddle brush that made it easy to apply.  It’s been 5 days and the verdict?  Still looks as good as new.




Colors shown, from left to right:  24 Wild Storm,  03 Enchanted Garnet



Like many I have come across, it’s easy to dismiss a line that has been around since 1946, especially when there are new lines popping up left and right with the lure of flashy images to grab our attention.  However, there’s something to be said about the value of heritage, and the pioneering spirit that paved the way for the new breed.  In today’s consumer-centered cosmetic market of options, those without substance beyond the facade cannot move forward.  The fact that a company (started by the daughter of working class  immigrants to the US)  has moved beyond the west to not only be relevant but a world leader in cosmetics, is really a testament to not only integrity but attainable fantasies.   The beautiful thing is, I rediscovered the “Heading West” photo just very recently, more than 20 years later, and it was exactly the way I remembered it.  A beautiful fantasy …that came true.

Yours Truly