Beauty Spot: Searching latest trends at Nordstrom

Nadine Kam photos
The Bordeaux lip was one of the Fall 2013 trends featured during the Nordstrom "Beauty Spot" event that took place Nov. 16 at Ala Moana Center.

There were hundreds of women who woke up early Saturday for the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Event, "Beauty Spot," highlighting the latest in skincare and cosmetics for Fall and Holiday 2013.

The event started at 7 a.m., and I prefer not waking up that early on a weekend, so I give these women credit for getting out of the house and lining up to get in. It just goes to show you how much women care about their appearance, and that in Hawaii we have to care more because of the damage inflicted by sun year 'round.

I have always gone out of my way to protect my skin with sunscreen, umbrellas, hats, etc., but as the dark spots emerge in specific places, I realized that for years—while living in Kailua—I let the sun shine on my face through the bedroom window in the morning, without thinking to pull the blanket over my head. No one really thinks they're in danger under cover of roof in their home.

I talk to a lot of the beauty experts when they come to town, and by far, fading dark spots is a major issue here. I've found a lot of products that work for other issues, but have not yet found the definitive dark spot remover, save for laser, and not everyone is a good candidate for laser treatments.

The three beauty trends highlighted were the redefined smoky eye, the graphic eye and the Bordeaux lip, with models showing the looks on the runway.

The show is always quick-paced and fun, with 21 brands getting 3 minutes each to show their newest product and make their pitch to the audience to come-and-get-it after the show. Those who do show up at the counters are rewarded with samples, gifts with purchase, and limited-edition packages that typically sell out!

This woman volunteered for a demo of Rodial's Glamoxy Snake Serum Mask. Normally, the peel-off would cover your whole face and the red clay and black licorice formula is good for tightening pores, exfoliation and removing blackheads.

It wasn't only about women that day. Men need to be presentable too, and this gentleman got a Bee Venom Super Serum and Dragon's Blood facial from Rodial. Other men stopped to ask questions when they saw the black Glamoxy Snake Serum Mask, definitely a showstopper when people see others in it. Brand rep Brenda Lavoie said people have also multi-tasked by wearing it as part of their Halloween costume, improving their skin while out having fun!

The cosmetic and fragrance department is also home to Diptyque, a French perfumer and maker of luxury candles, including a gift set of 10 candles, two iconic scents representing each decade of its 50-year history, for $130.

Alex Chantecaille, representing the brand founded by her mother Sylvie and sister Olivia, introduced Chantecaille's delicate plant- and rose water-based products, and shimmery fall eye colors.

Interspersed between beauty presentations was a mini fashion show highlighting a few of the season's trends, including looks from Top Shop.

Ferial Boukarroum, National Director of Sales and Training for Lancer Skin Care, shows Midweek managing editor and style editor Yu Shing Ting how to use the second-generation Microcurrent Power Boost, which helps massage facial muscles and stimulate deep layers of skin where collagen and new skin cells are produced. It's $250.

 Getting curls from a straightening wand.