Trick or Treat

Philosophy's I Love Candy Corn
high-foaming shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath

Today is National Candy Corn day.
What better day to review the new Philosophy multi-bath product, I Love Candy Corn!
I need to be frank, I do not like candy corn. It gives me the heebie jeebies.

The scent of candy corn is a mixture of honey, something buttery and almonds. It is very sugary sweet. The lather properties in Philosophy bath products are first rate. It never leaves a soap film and is highly moisturizing. There is a great selection of scents for fall. The scents range from caramel apple to black licorice. Let us know which ones you sniffed or tested in the comments.

It retails for $16 and is currently at your local Sephora and Nordstorm.

Visit http://www.philosophy.com/

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by Philosophy.

Credit: Wikipedia and Philosophy

Nail Tricks and Treats

By Melanie Parker

This Halloween there are quite a few nail polish options out there for a fun and festive look. Black nail polish crossed over from witchy to posh around the time CHANEL released Black Satin. Since then, vampy dark hues have been on the forefront of color trends for nails, but they seem especially fitting in October, as does orange lacquers.

I have a few seasonal tricks in my bag, the first of which involves the delightful pumpkin spice foil-finished OPI Music Hall Curtain Call, which was released as part of the Holiday 2006 collection. It is my go-to harvest hue because I just can't get enough of that foil finish. This year, I decided to pair it with a stark black crème polish. I used the Konad stamping technique with an all over paisley pattern from the M60 plate. Konad stamping is easy and fun. This particular pattern got a lot of compliments because it almost looks like a detailed henna decoration.

The next trick is something OPI whipped up all on its own. The OPI Suede collection, released this Fall, takes popular colors from its existing collection and gave them a suede finish. The suede finish is a cross between a foil and a matte finish in its native state. The instructions warn that it will not last as long as a the original salon formula, and that you should not wear it with top coat, drying products, or lotions. I choose the sueded version of Lincoln Park After Dark. It's a ghost of the original dark plum crème polish. In fact, it reminds me of a frosty purple eye shadow. You know, the one that looks intriguing in the pan, but is a little too light and shiny on your lids, so then you wet your brush, re-apply it, and like magic it transforms into a deeper,sexier version of itself and you have a smokey eye? It's exactly like that. Use this suede to give yourself some smokey nails.

Although I should note that the suede polishes take longer to remove. The plum lifted off like an original color, but then I was left with a silver foil finish on my nails that I really had to work at and saturate with remover to thoroughly clean my nails of any traces of this tricky polish. And like the matte polishes reviewed recently, these colors do double duty and you can transform the suedes into a dazzling, brighter, shimmering nail polish with a top coat.

Another polish that reminds me of Halloween is Nicole's Black Cat-cha Later. It's a deep black base with red shimmer. It's sleek and sexy.

China Glaze gives us quite a treat with the limited edition Fortune Teller this year. This color became hard to find pretty quickly due to seasonal production and the fact that the black glaze uniquely suspends a variety of sizes of orange glitter. The glitter ranges from micro specks to larger hexagon-shapes. Because I don't like a bumpy texture on my nails when I am putting in my contacts, I used this sparingly over the previous Nicole manicure. Just one coat of Fortune Teller gave me great coverage. Up close, the cluster of glitter reminded me of a star field. When I was using my hands later, I noticed that the glitter glowed and faded in the light like the embers of a bonfire as it moved. I LOVE the dancing light quality that the various sizes of glitter provide. One can only hope that one day China Glaze will come out with various sizes of pink glitter suspended in black glaze like this. I don't need a crystal ball to predict that it would be an immediate sell out!

Disclaimer: All products featured in the review were purchased.
Review by Melanie Parker

The Blogger and The Sea

L'Occitane Labdanum

This scent is part of the Voyage En Mediterranean collection at L'Occitane. The collection pairs a specific note with a destination in the Mediterranean from Tuscany to Corsica. Each package features a unique wind rose. This was a graphic tool that was used by sailors to help guide them on their travels. Sailors believed that the wind rose had special powers and protected them on their voyages.

The Labdanam fragrance is a stunning amber. It opens with honeyed citrus fruits and spices. The drydown is amber heaven with a dash of vanilla sprinkled in. The amber note is not as hardcore as Paul & Joe's Bleu or as dirty as Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan. Labdanam has a lighter feel. More sweet and pine-like.

It retails for $66 and is currently at your local L'Occitane store. You can also visit the website at http://usa.loccitane.com/FO/Home.aspx for details.

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by L'Occitane.

Ode to Sunshine

La Rose Liberte in Goldenescent Glow

This highlighter is a mixture of iridescent white and golden beige powders. The shimmer power is a low to medium wattage. It glitters like the fall sun. There is something about the sun during the fall season. It gives off a rosy cast and the golden light sparkles like diamonds.
It retails for $40 and is at your local Lancome counter.


Visit the Lancome website for more details.
http://www.lancome-usa.com/

Disclaimer: This is a press sample provided by Lancome

This is the end...Beautiful friend

The items pictured are tottering on the brink of the grave. I have finished Bois de Paradis in record time. I am beyond smitten by that fragrance. Let us all pray for another beautyhabit sale. I will cave soon. Fall is just not Fall without this perfume in my arsenal.

The lippie is the dazzleglass called Goldyrocks. It served me well. Her demise did not slay me like Via Veneto.

The most painful loss is my Feline liner from MAC. I might have one week left with her. This was limited edition...twice. I should have backed her up. I was a fool and now she is gone. How will I smoke my eyes out like a Kardashian?

Please post the last beauty items you finished or depleted in the comments.
If they were limited edition or pricey...please feel free to share your pain.

Disclaimer: Bois de Paradis was a purchase from the beautyhabit twitter sale, Goldyrocks was a purchase from my local MAC counter, and Feline was a press sample provided by MAC Cosmetics.

Kissing Asphalt

I Am Pavement Bound
(lyrics The Go Go's)

MAC's Asphalt Flower is a fragrance from the Trend 2009 collection. I believe this is a reissue from a previous collection. It is a dirty violet with ylang and buttery iris petals. The drydown is a powdery cloud of incense, patch and vanilla. The scent comes in a whippet slender bottle with a roller ball applicator.

Violet fragrances are usually ladylike and slightly prim. MAC managed to twist the violet into something quite wicked. Cavewoman from Makeupalley stated that it had a very downtown vibe. That description nailed it. It is a modern libertine, rakish fragrance.
I might be far from being a libertine due to age and opportunity.
But I want to be bad.
It retails for $20 and it is currently at your local MAC counter.

Disclaimer: I purchased this fragrance at my local MAC counter.

It was love at first sniff.

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For October 25th Through October 31st 2009

Rite Aid

Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on ColorStay cosmetics
wetnwild: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
40% off wetnwild Fantasy Makers products
CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on face or eye cosmetics
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on eye cosmetics
Almay: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on eye Cosmetics
Yes ti Carrots: Buy 1 product and get a Lip Balm FREE
N.Y.C: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
Alba: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on lip balm

Coupons in the Rite Aid circular---$2.00 off CoverGirl Outlast lip. This expires October 31st 2009.
$2.00 off on face powders and bronzers from Physicians Formula. also expires 10/31/09.
Save $1 on Sally Hansen lip and Salon nail products. Coupon expires 10/31/09.
Blistex: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on complete moisture, regular and berry lip ointments
Cetaphil: 25% off skin care

Target

L'Oreal: Colour Riche lipstick or Extra Volume Collagen mascara is priced at $5.49
Double Extend mascara is priced at $7.99
Bare Naturale Powdered Mineral foundation is priced at $9.99
Clean & Clear: Morning Burst In Shower facial scrub is priced at $4.69

Walgreens

CoverGirl: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on foundation, powder, concealer, blush or eye products
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on foundation, concealer, powder or blush
Save $5 off Age Perfect Pro-Calcium, Revitalift Deep Set Wrinkle, Collagen or Skin Genesis
Buy 1, get 1 FREE on HiP cosmetics
Rimmel: 50% off foundation, powder, concealer, blush or eye products
Sally Hansen: 2 for $10 on Insta-Dri or Nail Art pen
Eucerin: 14 to 16.9 oz skin care is priced at $10.99
Impruv: 5-8 oz skin care is priced at $4.99
Neurogena: Cleansing Skin Care is priced at $5.99(excludes acne and devices)

CVS

L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion is priced at $9.49 with CVS card
Almay Cosmetics: Buy 1 get 1 FREE on cosmetics with CVS card
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on mascara or lip products with CVS card
Revlon: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics with CVS card
CoverGirl: When you purchase any CoverGirl cosmetic with CVS card($2.88 and up), you will receive $8 extra CVS bucks. Extra Buck offer limit of 1 per household with card.
Aveeno: Facial moisturizer 2.5-4 oz, serum or night cream 1.7 oz. are priced at $14.99 with CVS card

Duane Reade

Pantene: Pro V Shampoo or Conditioner12.6-oz. or Styling Products (Includes Nature's Fusion) 2 for $7 with DRcard
Revlon: All Revlon Mascara $5.99 each with DRcard
Almay: Intense I-Color Collection (Includes liner, shadows or mascara) $4.99 each with DRcard
Clearasil: Acne Treatments 15% off with DRcard
L’Oréal: Buy one get one FREE on lip or nail products! with DRcard
Maybelline: $2 off on Face Makeup with DR card
Olay: $3 off Regenerist Skincare with DR card
Wet ‘n Wild: (All 99¢ items) 2 for $1 with DRcard

November Spawned a Monster

I am spending my Sunday afternoon on the Luckyscent website. CB I Hate Perfume has a new scent named November.

The notes are a hodgepodge of the smells of fall from pumpkin pie to bonfires.
The other notes listed are fallen apples, wood smoke, dried grass, fallen leaves, wet branches, damp moss, chanterelle mushrooms and a hint of pine forest.

CB I Hate Perfume captures moments like no other fragrance company. His gems smell like the air before a thunderstorm or the forest floor after a good rain. The scents might be difficult to wear but are worth owning. Sometimes you just need to smell the beach in 1966 or a baby doll's head. You need to go back to a memory to find comfort or clarity.

Speaking of memories and finding clarity, there is something about listening to a Morrisey song on a Sunday afternoon.
He captures despair, longing and how it sucks to be alone.
He never gets the boy and likes to whine about it.
We are two peas in a pod. We both can not dance and like to be pelted with lilies.

Yesterday, Morrisey collasped while performing and was taken to a hopsital.
If you are a fan...send a little prayer or get well vibe his way.

Visit Luckyscent for CB I Hate Perfume details and lemming opportunities.
http://www.luckyscent.com/

Disclaimer: I do not have a sample of this scent.
This is just a rambling lemming.

Credits: Luckyscent and Morrisey.

Soft and Velvety or Sparkling Jewels - You Decide

By Melanie Parker

Zoya's Winter Matte collection does double duty as soft and velvety matte finished shades or as shiny and sparkly jewel-toned nail lacquers.

Veruschka is a evergreen velvet that covers well in two coats. Named after the legendary 6’3” glamazon model from the 60s and 70s, it is the star of the collection. This shade is lovely with a matte finish and really does remind me of a green velvet ribbon. Even if the matte finish is not your thing, you can use a top coat to make this polish shine and sparkle.

With one coat of Poshe top coat, Veruschka transforms into a brighter, shinier emerald microglittler polish that is just perfect for Fall and the upcoming holiday season. It’s shown here with my new favorite nail treatment by Palladio. I use the Palladio Moisture Surge Nail Repair in place of a base coat in the winter months. Even though my nails do not peel or split, they can use all the moisture they can get in the colder months. I bought this at Sally’s Beauty Supply and although it looks mint green in the bottle, it dries clear enough to wear under sheers. I am a big fan of Palladio herbal lipglosses, too. If you like sheer with a little sparkle, try Pink Candy.

Harlow is a raspberry shade that covers in one coat with the matte formula. Whereas, Savita is a darker purple and needs 2 coats to provide even coverage. They appear muted and chalky in their native matte finish.

It’s no surprise that I like Harlow and Savita much better with a top coat of Poshe, as well. Harlow’s fuchsia microglitter makes it interesting and unique. It reminds me of an amped up China Glaze Secrets. Truth be told, I do not like Barney purple polishes in crème or shimmer finishes, but if you do, Savita is quite a vivid hue. Purples and blues are hard to photograph and display on a monitor. In real life, Savita has no obvious blue tones. It’s a bright grape base with violet microglitter.

Zoya polishes are available at select nail salons and artofbeauty.com. Palladio products are available at Sally's Beauty Supply, head2tobeauty.com, and select nail salons.

Photos: Melanie Parker.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this review were individually purchased.

The Mystery of Perfume Panel

By Jessica M

Barneys New York recently hosted a panel discussion on “The Mystery of
Perfume” at its Madison Avenue flagship store. The event was
moderated by Roberta Myers, editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, and the
participants were Frederic Malle of Editions de Parfums, Antonia
Bellanca of Antonia’s Flowers, Ben Gorham of Byredo Parfums, and
Fabrice Penot of Le Labo, names well-known to anyone who spends a bit
too much time at the Barneys fragrance counter. (Guilty as
charged...!)

Over the course of an hour, the roomful of listeners was treated to a
Wide-ranging conversation about the art and craft of “niche” perfume.
(We also learned which fragrances from these lines are best-sellers at
Barneys: Carnal Flower, Tiempe Passate, Gypsy Water, and Tubereuse 40, respectively). Fred’s Restaurant (on the ninth floor of Barneys) is a
fun space for a meal and a chat; unfortunately, its layout isn't
really conducive to this kind of event, so photography was difficult.
Instead, here is a sampling of quotations from the speakers, jotted
down to the best of this attendee’s note-taking ability!

On their reasons for founding their lines:

“I was working in a flower shop… I went shopping for perfume and I was
amazed to find out that nothing truly smelled like flowers.”
- Antonia Bellanca

“I realized that many perfumers were bored. They couldn’t do what
they wanted to do.”
- Frederic Malle

On the integrity of the product:

“I want to make perfume even more creative, even more luxurious, even
more exclusive, to bring perfume back to what it was.”
- Frederic Malle

“At the end of the day it’s the creations themselves that are
important, and the intention behind them… We focus on creation and we
hope for business.”
- Fabrice Penot

“Three generations of women are wearing Antonia’s Flowers now, because
the company is twenty-five years old. Mothers can hand the fragrances
down to daughters.”
- Antonia Bellanca

On (not) advising their customers:

“I try not to tell people what to wear, how to wear it – I can only
tell them what I envisioned.”
- Ben Gorham

“What you’re wearing on your skin is the most personal thing in the universe.”
- Antonia Bellanca

On the selective appeal of niche brands:

“Perfume, like fashion, plays upon people’s insecurities; but the
clients of niche perfumery are very secure about their choice.”
- Fabrice Penot

“It’s not just buy, buy, buy – it’s an experience, it’s a feeling.”
- Ben Gorham

“Fragrances are like people – if you try to seduce everybody then you
become incredibly boring and no one invites you to parties anymore.”
- Frederic Malle

On celebrity fragrances:

“Very cheesy.”- Audience member Simon Doonan, Barneys creative director

Greystoke: The Legend of The Palette

MAC Tone: Grey Eye Shadow Palette from the Trend 2009 Collection

There are some serious gems in the MAC Trend 2009 collection. There is a handy eye shadow palette that mixes smoke with denim. It is easy to get jaded with shadow palettes. How many more gray shadows does a girl or gent need?

But this one is worth making a fuss. The shades are flattering and quite lovely.

The Right Smoke(Frost) is a denim blue with white pearl.
Waft(Frost) is smoky, steel blue grey. This is breathtaking.

A Warmer White(Satin) is a twisted dirty gray that looks ill at ease. It has a green cast. It is unique and all kinds of weird.

Tone: Grey(Satin) is a pigeon gray.

The palette retails for $36 and is currently at your local MAC counter.

Visit http://www.maccosmetics.com/ for more details.

Let us know what you think of the palette in the comments.

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by MAC cosmetics.

It Could Be Sunshine

MAC's Style Black Lippies

I have mixed feelings about the glimmerglasses from the Style Black collection. They were murky and very light handed with pigment power. I layered these glosses over MAC's Midnight Media mattene lipstick for the swatches. BlackFire is a sheer black with a pinkish purple cast. This was quite pretty and had loads of potential. It looks fetching over plum lipsticks. Bling Black is a very sheer black with gold pearl. I did not swatch Blackware. This is a creamy true black. The pigment power is stronger in this one.

The glimmerglasses are $18 and are available at http://www.maccosmetics.com/

Disclosure: A press sample of this product was provided by MAC Cosmetics

Photo Credits: Blogdorf Goodman
Title: Love & Rockets It Could be Sunshine

And the sky was made of amethyst

and all the stars look just like little fish
you should learn when to go
you should learn how to say no
(Lyrics from Violet by Hole)

This is an Estee Lauder nail polish called Black Amethyst. It was part of the fall collection. It is a dark, plummy ebony shade. The darkness is more vamp than smoke. It is a nighttime version of Zoya's Demi polish. The sheen and shine on this polish is pretty fabulous. My co-worker Gela remarked on the lacquer-like effect. My nails look like a well waxed floor. It takes just two coats to achieve the desired, highly pigmented color. One coat is more violet-like. This limited edition shade retails for $18 and is currently at your local Estee Lauder counter.

Visit http://www.esteelauder.com/ for more details.

Disclaimer: A press sample of this product was provided by Estee Lauder.

Credit: Blogdorf Goodman
Lyrics by Hole

Catalog Lemmings

My Current Lemmings from the Barneys Fall Beauty Catalog.

We represent the Lollipop Guild

Lancome's La Collection Lollipop, is a limited-edition gloss and nail polish gift set to help raise money and awareness for Lollipop Theater Network. This is a nonprofit organization that brings the magic of movies currently in theaters to children and teenagers hospitalized due to chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

The gift sets, which contain a Color Fever Gloss and a Le Vernis nail polish, come in lollipop inspired shades like Mademoiselle Grape, Bon Bon Strawberry and Ma Cherie Cherry. The adorable illustrations that decorate each gift box were created by the children in the Lollipop program. These sets retail for $35 and are currently at Nordstorm.

Christina Ricci wore Mademoiselle Grape to the Spike TV’s Scream Awards.

Credit: Lancome

Vanessa Paradis Named the New Face of CHANEL Lipstick

Being the face for any Chanel product is a pretty fabulous gig. Models have ranged from Catherine Deneuve to Inès de la Fressange.

Vanessa Paradis was in the 1992 Jean-Paul Goude directed commercial for the fragrance Coco. Years later she was the face for Cambon handbags. This post is currently held by pop star Lily Allen.

Vanessa has been named the face for a line of Chanel lippies called Rouge Coco de Chanel. This girl can rock a red lippie! Let's cross our fingers that they will reunite her with Goude!


and

Credits: Chanel and Youtube.

Tweet Pink

During your Monday tweeting, Please support National Mammography Day with the Lauder Companies. Just follow @worldpink 2009 and tweet using the hashtag #WorldPink. There will be chances to win pink products from Clinque and Origins.

I will be quite frank...I have a twitter account and have no idea how to hashtag or do any tweet tricks.

Let us know if you participate and good luck!!!

Drugstore Deals and Steals

For October 18th through October 24th 2009

Rite Aid

L'Oreal: EverPure Shampoo, conditioner or stylers are priced at $5.99
Buy 1, get 1 FREE on foundation,powder, blush or concealer
Skin cleansers or eye removers are priced at $5.99
Advanced Revitalift or Age Perfect skin care is priced at $9.99
Revlon: 40% off lip and nail color
Sally Hansen: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics and La Cross beauty tools
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on cosmetics
c.booth: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on skin care
Neutrogena: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on lip and eye color
Almay: All foundation is priced at $9.99
Olay: Body wash is priced 2 for $9
Wet n wild: $1 for nail polish
$2 for eye and lip products

Target

Maybelline: Color Sensations lipstick or Lash Stiletto mascara is priced at $5.49
Pantene: Nature Fusion shampoo is priced at $3.33

Walgreens

Yes to Carrots: 25% off all products
Almay: Buy 1, get 1 FREE on foundation,powder, concealer, blush or eye cosmetics
Cetaphil: 25% off on all products
Maybelline: Buy 1, get 1 50% off foundation,powder, concealer,blush or eye cosmetics
L'Oreal: Free Advanced Revitalift Eye or Night Cream with a purchase of Advanced Revtalift Double Eye Lift or Anti-Wrinkle concentrate
Free Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Eye Cream or Collagen Moisture Filler with a purchase of Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler, Collagen Remodeler Day Cream or Filler Lip
Free Skin Genesis Eye Serum or Night Complex with a purchase Skin Genesis Pore Minimizing Skin Re-Smoother, Daily Moisturizer or Serum Concentrate.
EverPure hair Care is priced at $5.99

CVS

Revlon: Spend $15, get $7 extra CVS bucks when you purchase Revlon cosmetics with CVS card
Milani: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on lip or nail color with CVS card
CoverGirl: Lash Blast length is priced at $8.99 with CVS card and you will receive an extra $2 CVS bucks
L'Oreal: Buy 1, get 1 50% off on face cosmetics (excludes HIP) with CVS card
Buy 1, get 1 50% off on all HiP cosmetics with CVS card
Telescopic Explosion is priced at $9.49 with CVS card
EverPure hair masque is priced at $7.99 with CVS card
EverPure Shampoo or Conditioner are priced at $5.99 with CVS card
L'Oreal Skin Genesis, Advanced revitalift, Age Perfect or Collagen is priced at $15.99with CVS card

Paris Spring 2010 MAC Beauty Breakdown at Rick Owens

“The look is inspired by Irving Penn and Avedon but in a Rick Owens way .

Weird but beautiful.” – Inge Grognard

EYE: M·A·C Pro Black Black Chromaline – drawn in a sharp line, straight along the lower lash line and drawn out past the outer corner of the eyes to create a graphic elongated triangle at the outer corners of the eye .
Rapidblack Penultimate Eye Liner – layered over the chromaline
to set the liner.

Face: M·A·C Pro Pure White Paint Stick – blended into the skin in a transparent layer becoming most intense on the forehead and into the hairline.
M·A·C Pro Porcelain Set Powder – applied to the skin to set the Paint Stick.

Lip: M·A·C Pro Dim or Pale Lip Erase – applied to the lips to block out natural lip colour.

Credits: catwalking via fashionspot and MAC cosmetics

Paris Spring 2010: MAC Beauty Breakdown for Gareth Pugh

“The skin looks like it had ash explode onto it. We are building fine layers of gray. It’s like a moth’s wing – delicate and deadly.” – Alex Box

Eye: Scene, Haux and Coquette Eye Shadows – blended into the
crease of the eyelids and inner and outer corners of the eyes.
Cherry Lip Pencil – buffed underneath the lower lash line leaving a gap between the lash line and the colour.
Brows were blocked out with M·A·C Pro Full Coverage Foundation and glue.

Face: M·A·C Pro Full Coverage Foundation – blended onto skin as a base.
M·A·C Pro Invisible Set Powder – to set foundation.
M·A·C Pro Micronized Airbrush Formula in Grey – sprayed over the
face with an airbrush.

Lip: M·A·C Pro Full Coverage Foundation – applied to the lips with
a touch of Scene Eye Shadow placed under the bottom lip.

And getting off-topic...look how big this moth is.

This moth is called the Atlas Moth and can be found in southern China. This moth has nothing to do with this post or MAC cosmetics. I just stumbled across it on wikipedia and had to share my delight...and slight horror.

Photo Credit: AP Yahoo/REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen and wikipedia

Other Credit: MAC Cosmetics

Twittering Teese

All of my online stalking of Dita Von Teese's twitter account has paid off!
She is fan of Serge Lutens Bois de Violette fragrance.

From Gregory Arlt's(MAC Guru) twitter:
Happiness is: Shopping on a crisp Fall day in Paris and buying Serge Lutens fragrance!!

Dita's response: I wish I were with you! I want Serge Lutens Bois Violette!

*Fist pump and twirling in ytown*

Check out Dita's lemming at Luckyscent
http://www.luckyscent.com/shop/detail.asp?itemid=36126&section=1
Now I will go back to adding tags to my blog.
Have a great Thursday!

Shu-ssudio

Shu Uemura's White Recovering EX+ Brightening Cleansing Oil is part of the Shu Uemura’s 2009 artist
collaboration series, the limited edition Tokyo Kamon Girls Cleansing Oils. This bottle was created by Moyoco Anno. I purchased it for the graphics and color. How could I resist the wide eyed imp on the bottle?
Plus, I have always wanted to cave on a Shu cleansing oil. I had been lollygagging for no good reason.

The ingredients range from Sakura Leaf and Prune extracts. These swiftly remove makeup and impurities to reveal smoother, brighter, more clarified skin. I will vouch that my face has undergone an improvement since my first use. It fixed my current dryness issue and helped kicked some blemishes to the curb. I do not look any brighter according to my critical eye. The fragrant scent is quite lovely. I can not pinpoint any note.

The oil's texture is fairly creamy to the touch. It is not heavy like cooking oil nor does it leave any slippery residue on the skin. It takes just 2 to 4 pumps of the oil and it is recommended to be smoothed over a dry face. Wet your face to emulsify the oil and then rinse with water. Then pat dry.

You can purchase this at http://www.shuuemura-usa.com/_us/_en/skincare/limited-edition-moyoco-anno-cleansing-oils.aspx for $75.

I have included the video for Sussudio by Phil Collins. This is the song I play in my head at the Shu counter. I replace the lyric "There is a girl that has been in my mind" with " There is a lash that has been on my mind."
There really has never been a question concerning my dorkiness.

Disclaimer(my first!): This product was a personal purchase.
Yes...I paid this much.
Yes...I am weak as water.
It is worth the price due to the incredible cuteness factor and the 15.2 oz size.

Photo Credits: Blogdorf Goodman and youtube

"24 Hours a Day of a Perfumed Life"

Maison Francis Kurkdjian at Bergdorf Goodman

By Jessica M

Even if the name “Francis Kurkdjian” doesn’t sound instantly familiar to you, you’ve probably worn one of his fragrance creations at some point: Narciso Rodriguez for Her, maybe, or Elizabeth Arden Green Tea, Armani Mania, Guerlain Rose Barbare, the first two perfumes from Juliette Has a Gun… the list goes on. Kurkdjian won the Francois Coty Perfume Award in 2001 (at the age of thirty!), for his accomplished body of work. Since then, he has also taken fragrance beyond its usual boundaries by collaborating on multi-media “olfactory installations.” He has even scented the historic fountains and gardens of Versailles and has recreated Marie Antoinette’s favorite perfume.

Kurkdjian recently introduced the first fragranced products bearing his own name: his Paris boutique opened on September 9, 2009 (he considers the 9/9/9 date very lucky), and his line became available at Bergdorf Goodman just a few days ago. The perfumer made an appearance at Bergdorf to discuss the products and his desire to scent every aspect and every moment of our lives.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian, as his company is formally known, offers some traditional fragrance formats. The line includes seven fragrances packaged in heavy glass bottles with zinc caps. Aqua Universalis, Cologne pour le Matin, and Cologne Pour le Soir are unisex eau de toilettes. Lumière Noire, a spicy rose-patchouli mix, and APOM (A Piece of Me), a blend of orange blossom and cedar wood, are both available in masculine and feminine formulas. (My favorite was APOM pour Femme, which seems like a richer, more complex cousin to Acqua di Parma’s Iris Nobile, another one of Kurkdjian’s earlier compositions.)

But Kurkdjian didn’t stop there: he also came up with candles, perfumed incense papers, fragranced laundry detergents, room spray, and—most intriguing of all—a bracelet made of a richly perfumed leather strip with a sterling silver clasp. He even developed a series of liquid bubbles that you can blow with a little plastic wand, just like the ones you had as a child, except that the bubbles from Maison Francis Kurkdjian are scented like freshly cut grass, mint leaves, and pears.


It would be wonderful to scent “every waking hour,” as Kurkdjian says, with these products from Paris. I’d probably start with the incense papers and a small bottle of APOM. And, just to show the setting where the perfumer demonstrated his line, here’s a view from the seventh floor of Bergdorf Goodman, at the heart of another “city that never sleeps.”

For more information, see the Francis Kurkdjian website (http://www.franciskurkdjian.com) or call Bergdorf Goodman at (212) 872-2581.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian is also available at Neiman Marcus, and will be coming to Aedes de Venustas in New York later this year.

Photo Credit: Jessica M