Red Carpet Glamour: Nordstrom Hawaii Cosmetics Trend Show (Fall/Winter 2011)

Fall /Winter 2011 Theme

I had a pleasant experience from the summer makeup trend show hosted by Nordstrom Hawaii (see previous blog post here) that’s why I sacrificed a good Saturday snooze over today’s morning makeup madness. At 7 am, I arrived at Ala Moana Center overwhelmed with a throng of women already lined up for the 8 am show.

The theme for Fall/Winter 2011 is Red Carpet Glamour. Hosted by Nordstrom’s Beauty Director, Joelle Russo, the program opened with a mini- fashion show with models strutting to this season’s makeup trend: Hollywood Glow, Metal Rush, Runway Reds.

Joelle Russo explains this season’s must-haves

Representatives from different makeup, hair and skincare companies presented certain products on how to achieve this season’s trend.

Chantecaille’s Global Makeup Artist Fernando
wowed the crowd with Chantecaille mascara’s promise of long lashes
(up to 25% increase in 2 weeks) . He also mentioned Angelina Jolie as one of
his celebrity clients. (Fernando was the only repeat personality from
last summer’s makeup show)

Red is the lip color of the season.
MAC Russian Red in particular.

It is interesting to know that some of the high-end makeup companies strive to be socially responsible. Dennison Samaroo from Clarins mentioned that for every purchase of a FEED Bag (a Nordstrom exclusive valued at $30) 15 meals are donated to hungry children through the World Food Programme. Donna Walters from Clarisonic also noted her company’s active participation in the Look Good Feel Better Foundation

Nordstrom Hawaii also opened its doors to new retailers Kate Sommerville and Bond No.9 Fragrances. “Chinatown” will be exclusively sold in Hawaii (retails $200)

Gifts with purchase resonated the whole time. GOSmile‘s John Krites explained the miracle of teeth whitening using their patented ampoules. For a limited time, customers who purchase the lightening system ($198) will get 3 month supply of ampoules and on-the-go teeth whitening pen.

Model with Smashbox Glambox promo (get 9 free products
for every purchase of Glambox, $68)

The crowd was more than elated during the raffle portion where each of the participating retailers gave away to-die for products! Clarisonic, NARS brushes, Phyto, Bond No.9 perfume, Philosophy, Bobbi Brown, Anastasia, among others. Of course, my name was never called (I don’t have the green thumb in giveaways).

After the show, the audience was treated to free makeovers, makeup consultations, facials, etc. Advance appointment was needed in order to be accommodated.