THE ADVICE SISTERS® "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review Column MARCH (Towards Spring!) 2007 by Alison Blackman Dunham aka. "Advice Sister Alison"
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What They're Saying About Alison Blackman Dunham
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As I was putting the finishing touches on this column, snow was
swirling softly by my window. Still, if my favorite furry friend,
Punxsutawney Phil is correct, Spring is right around the corner. Even if
he didn't get it quite right, Spring is definitely going to be here
soon. In stores, Winter clothes are on the "clearance" racks, and Spring
clothes are starting to crop up like crocuses. It may still feel like
Winter, but it's time to start stocking up on Spring beauty products.
This columns focuses primarily on color, but you will find lots of
other beauty, fragrance and fashion ideas to move you towards the warmer
months, and Spring!
FACE FIXERS: Clarins has developed a line of products that can be used on their own, or under makeup that are skin enhancers. Even on bare skin, these seem to work like magic, reducing fine lines, smoothing out imperfections, and making soon look generally, great! We tried the new, Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Base $27.50 .50 oz. The unscented, oil-free, clear, silky solid in a jar seems to melt right into your skin. It's more than just a base and a skin enhancer, however. This also helps to balance your skin's hydration (micro-pearls glide into creases and act like little sponges to absorb moisture, expand, and relax lines and wrinkles for smoother skin). This gives your foundation (should you choose to add it) a smoother surface which helps it look better and last longer. And, this product also offers your skin a bit of pampering protection with Vitamin E. Apply it to the lines around eyes, nose, between brows, and around the mouth. Who needs expensive, painful injections? Your skin will look better than bare and even better than that when you add your favorite foundation. I did a double-take.--could that really be my skin looking so great in the mirror?
I have always wanted to experience Springtime in Paris. The new Pastel Teint Pressed Powder $20.00 in "Rose Plasir" by Bourjois isn't quite the same as visiting the City of Lights, but it does make your complexion, radiant as if you were staring at the Eiffel Tower for the first time. The peachy, very sheer powder has a slight floral scent, and is universally flattering. This compact comes with a sponge, which we liked to dab color specifically on cheeks, but we like it even better, diffused all over the face with the flat-bottomed, boat hair brush with full rounded bristles: Bourjois Kabuki Brush $16.50. You'll find tons of uses for this brush, from diffusing blush or pressed powder such as the new, silky Pressed Powder in a Compact $20.00 (a nice change from opaque foundation) to dusting on bronzer or sparkle powder. Both of these will give you a polished face that isn't too made up. A bit of Springtime and Paris can be yours. Glow...even if you can't go.
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Choosing a foundation color can be tricky, but with a dozen color choices, Superstay Silky Foundation $10.99 by Maybelline has a lot more than just color, to commend it. A nifty, dual-chambered pump bottle holds silky foundation on one side, a primer that lets it last longer, on the other. Together, it gives your complexion a full coverage, flawless look and it has SPF 12 in it, so your face will be protected from the sun's damaging rays. I like the lightweight plastic bottle, slim enough for toting in a purse, and safe for including in your luggage, now that "liquids" in your carry-on can be problematic. We didn't get a lot of information about the formula's ingredients, but our reviewers did report light, silky feel and long wear. That, plus the SPF protection, gives it a thumbs-up for a great Spring foundation choice. Perk up Winter weary face the easy way, with a bronzer & highlight all in one. The new BeneFit 10 (Bronzing & Highlighting Face Powder Duo) $26.00 makes a "faux glow' so easy, you can't mess it up! Two shades: one soft and shimmery light bronze, the other light pink, work together to give you the look you crave. Sweep (don't swirl) the large, flat brush over both the bronzer and the highlighter at once. You'll see both colors on the brush. Simply stroke it on your cheeks with the bronze color on the bottom, the light color on top...and admire your newly-found cheekbones. The look is sheer and natural, although you can layer on more for drama. BeneFit makes makeup application clever and fun, too. The square, cardboard compact is decked out in peachy and copper tones, with a graphic of an ivory and rhinestone belt. The indispensable flat brush fits neatly inside (and you'll find tons of other uses for that brush as well). You'll be a perfect "10." Look for more BeneFit in April's column. The Advice Sisters were one of the first review columns to applaud superstar model (and entrepreneur) Lauren Hutton for introducing one of the first lines of makeup specifically created for women over age 35. We have reviewed her "Good Stuff" face disks, and other products since 2003! Now, there's a anew set of products called Aqua-Elements, created primarily from loose mineral powder and hydrating water. This makeup was designed by Ms. Hutton not just for it's natural looking effect, but also because mineral powders are "kind" to mature skin's wrinkles, dryness, and fine lines. The oil and fragrance-free products are great for sensitive skin, and the makeup allows skin to breathe, and won't clog pores. As with all the previous Lauren Hutton products, her experience as a model really shows in how she thoughtfully packages her products. You get an easy-to-follow brochure, outlining step by step where and how to use each product. The new, mineral-based kits are sold in attractive, substantial, clear plastic and brown-topped bi-level compacts in four color tones: light, medium, medium/dark, and dark. The Base Elements Kit $38.00 for example, has 2 sheer concealers and 2 spot concealers in the top level, a AquaElements Loose Powder Foundation in the bottom. The sheer and spot concealers remind me of aqua-gel types: they're silky, effective, non-drying but long-lasting and easily blendable into skin to cover without leaving tell-tale marks. I have always found loose powder foundations to be a bit messy, even when applied with a brush or sponge, but this one is so natural, and makes skin look so flawless so easily, I don't mind the loose minerals formula. Rice powder and silica help keep the foundation fresh looking all day. Stack one of the new, AquaElements Kit $29.00 in a smaller bi-level cube on top of the Base Elements Kit, and you've got a complete face in two boxes! The AquaElements Kit has a loose powder All Over Color (blush) that is sheer and natural, and one of the nicest new loose blush powders we've tried. The top level has Ms. Hutton's popular "pooch and nose (for eyelid/nose contour shadowing) a contour shadow for jaw line and cheekbones, and a wet/dry eyeliner. TIP: read the instruction booklet before you try contouring your face...and we used the top level shadows for our eyes as lid color, too.
BEAUTIFUL BLUSH: A bit of plum is a "must-have" this Spring, and Aveda rocks Spring blush with the Zen Blooms collection, designed to help you look radiant. This is one of three new collections, and it features a Petal Essence Face Accent $17.00 in "Plum Fresco: that shimmers a sheer fuchsia blush with hints of gold, making it flattering to both warm and cool complexions of nearly any intensity. This lovely product is formulated with a blend of flower waxes and pure plant ingredients that feels velvety-soft and luxurious on our skin (hence the name "petal essence). Kevyn Aucoin's twenty years of experience as a makeup artist left a legacy of high-quality, easy-to-use products that help you bring your makeup collection to another level. The Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Moist Glow $24.00 looks really bright in it's burnished, burgundy pot, but it slides on soft as silk, and blends easily, to give your cheeks a moist, radiant flush. We tried "Liquifuschia." a seriously hot pink that adds instant color to a Winter-weary complexion and will look mah-vellous with a tan, later this year. There's also an apricot and a softer pink. TIP: when using a creamy color blush like this, apply just a little, then layer more. It is easier to add more, than to remove it. Also apply before you put on your powder because it blends more easily on non-powdered skin. A light dusting of powder over it will help you blush look like it was "lit" from within, too. *see our column next month for more Kevyn Aucoin tools and products. Add a bit of sun to your face right now, even if the sun isn't shining, with the novel, Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion $28.00 by Tarte. This is a moisturizing bronzer that has bunches of little bronzing "beads" infused into the lotion. When you rub it on your skin, they burst, adding a sun-bronzed glow to your skin. Several of us tried it, and, as with most artificial tanners, the more you add, the darker the effect (which means even palefaces can get a glow without looking like the great pumpkin). Bronzers of all types have come a long way in recent years. A tan looks nice, but tanning in the sun can be dangerous to your skin and your health. Get the look, without the sun making you "cooked." The slim plastic packaging makes it tote-able, the oil-free formula won't clog pores, Vitamins A & E help condition skin and fight free radicals, silicone polymer & cellulose absorb excess oils, and it's water-resistant. It's Hot! Hot! Hot!
Aveda's latest collections are inspired by light and the runways. Wear the purple trend with a Petal Essence Eye Color Duo $15.00 in Waterlily/ Seagrape. Petal Essence products feature a blend of flower waxes and pure plant ingredients that feel "as soft as flower petals" on your skin. This trendy twosome of colors pairs a sheer champagne pink pearled-shimmer with a pearly-shimmered violet that's neither too harshly purple, nor too grayed to look new. Both colors make great lid and/or liner choices. A warm and golden take on Spring/Summer from Aveda's Spanish Sun collection is called "Tangelo/Pantana." It pairs a slightly shimmery salmon with a gorgeous, rich, coppery cocoa. This gorgeous combo will take you from early Spring, to Fall. Both products fit into the AVEDA Environmetal Charger $18.00. We haven't reviewed Paul & Joe Cosmetics for a while in these "What Works" columns, but we're so glad they're back! These are high quality, high performance products in some of the most romantic packaging around. For the Spring Collection, the girly, soft-pearly-pink compacts have embossed flowers on the top, tiny mirrors inside, and a definite, precious, retro vibe. Inside however, the products are totally modern, however. The Face Color $18.00, for example, comes in 7 shades: a shimmery quarter moon of highlight over a section of moistly-matte, silky blush. The soft powder slides on and blends easily, is long lasting, true to color, and truly luxurious on the face. Use the colors together or separately as you wish. Ours was #06," a Springtime medium-pink with a champagne highlight.
SPRING'S SHIMMERY GLOW: Peach is the new rose for Spring, 2007, and we like the warm but flattering glow it gives us. We have reviewed several versions of Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc $38.00 in the past years, but the newest "Peach Mosaic" adds just a hint of warmth that looks great on any type of complexion. Four triangles of super-sheer, shimmery color work together (or separately) to add pearly (but not harsh) luminosity to your skin. Use them on your eyes, cheeks and even on your body...you get a slight hit of color, and a natural glow. The main ingredients are luxurious: French Cashmere Talc, iron oxides and ultra marines (cosmetic-grade colorants), corn starch, and mica make a silky, easy to apply, wearable pearl that adds life to all types of skin. "Peach Mosaic" brightens skin now, and will add a lovely glow with a tan, later on. For a great new powder blush for Spring, the latest Laura Mercier Blush $22.00 arrives in beautiful "Orange Blossom." It provides a sheer wash of apricot-y blush with a hint of gold shimmer to instantly brighten winter-weary complexions. TIP: Feeling a bit under the weather? A light dusting of Shimmer Bloc is an instant pick-me-up. It will make you look healthy, even if you're feeling not so hot. Use a fan brush to diffuse all-over color, or just dust some on cheekbones. Back in September, 2006 we introduced readers to a line of beauty products that looks sexy and flirty, but are seriously good, from Playboy Beauty. Fantasy Finishing Powder $22.50 is a perfect example. The packaging is just pure fun, featuring a large, iconic, Playboy Bunny logo in hot metallic pink on the outside, and a similar, pink bunny on the plastic compact. Open it up and find "Playboy" lightly engraved on the mirror. But it's the products that have our hearts racing. The Fantasy Finishing Powder is a dual-pan bronzer, with two soft, creamy powders infused with luminous glow and earthy minerals that give your skin a healthy, "sunk-kissed" look without the sun, of course. The light-to-medium coverage means you can use it alone, over foundation, use each color separately for blush and contour, or create an all-over glow in which you control the intensity of the color. Ours was "Summerland," a soft, earthy peach paired with a medium bronzer, with very slight shimmer. The fluffy, flat, mini-bronzer brush is a plus. There's a lot to love from the Instant Light Complexion Perfector $28.00 1.06 fl. oz, by Clarins, in it's easy to apply, pump bottle. The lightly scented cream that is very sheer, and lightly pigmented product slides on easily and absorbs really quickly. I appreciate the attention to detail Clarins has put into this product! Light reflecting pigment makes your skin look smoother, even if it's just an illusion, it's an amazing one. This one works in an instant, just as the name suggests. TIP: Use the Clarins Instant Smooth (described above in FACE Fixers) to soften lines and act as a makeup base, the Instant Light Perfector as a light-reflecting enhancer. It isn't magic, it's clever by Clarins! Is your face missing it's usual glow? Avon's Sheer Glow All Over Face Powder by Jillian Dempsey for Avon is a limited edition highlighting powder that adds just a bit of luminous glow and subtle color. Three shades of silky, ultra-fine, shimmery powder are pressed together in a flower design (cute!). Sweep a soft brush over the top, and dust it on cheeks and forehead or if you want more color, apply it lightly all over your face. It's very sheer--not a bronzer, not a shimmer highlighter, but the best of both. "Peach Champagne" instantly gave life to our Winter-weary faces. There's also another version: "Sandy Corals."
FRESH TINTS, FOR LIPS: Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. $23.00 .35 fl. oz. If you read my columns regularly, you know I think absolutely no-one should venture outside unless s/he is protected against the sun's damaging rays. One way to protect lips, while keeping them soft and moist, is the New, Vitamin E Lip Conditioner SPF 15 $20.00 by Jo Malone. This lip balm comes in a black squeeze tube with a simple, gold-framed label that both men and women will find appropriate for all occasions. The conditioner has the merest hint of moist shine--just enough to moisturize dry lips but not enough to turn away the guys. Reviewers liked the silky-ness factor of this luxe balm and reported that their lips felt instantly smoother and less irritated, and looked somehow, younger. Pop one of these into your purse or pocket and apply any time your lips need a pick-me-up. With SPF 15 protection, you are doing your part to keep your skin not only looking good, but safe and healthy. Glassy Gloss Lip Gel $2.99 by Wet n Wild comes enclosed in a hard-sided, clear plastic, presentation box, as if it was a precious gem. Well, maybe it is, especially if you love glistening, super-shiny, long-lasting, glossy color. This rich, thick product with patent-leather shine isn't sporty, it's seriously glam. Well, Oprah apparently thinks it's the shiniest...and she can afford just about anything she wants. For late Winter to cover up less-than-perfect lips, and still be in style, "Beige Baby Glaze." slicks over lips with a not-so-innocent nude that can't help but get you noticed. One of the nice things about Therapy Systems products (besides the products, which are great) is the packaging. Bright, silvery cases that look elegant and important even before you apply the product. Each luxe, silky lipstick $20.00 comes with it's own flip case cover for travel, and can fit in the pockets of any of the line's Cosmetic Organizers. Although Spring isn't quite here, we love a trio of pinks that will be perfect now through the Spring: "Kiss Me Stupid" is a bright pink that will flatter nearly everyone and brighten your spirits along with your smile. It be nearly impossible to dislike "Don't Hate Me," a ladylike pearly pink with just enough shimmer to make lips look pouty and sexy. "One Night Stand" is also a ladylike pink, but with a bit more warmth. If Lip Gloss $22.00 is more your style, the curvy wanded tube and super-moist gloss "Love 'em or Leave 'em" will add a soft sheen along with a sheer, pure red-with-just-a-touch of pink, tint. "Trust Fund Baby" adds peachy golden-shimmer to your lips for a natural but polished, look. Sometimes all you need to make a statement is a clear,
shiny lip gloss. One that's new and that we really like is the Lip
Glacé Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss No. 7 by
Boots, just launched in the USA! The slant-tip squeeze tube gives
you control over the application, whether your choose a sheer color, or
clear. There's nothing fancy here, but the product is quite lovely. The
gloss is silky and super-super shiny, without being sticky or runny.
We loved it, and we think you will, too.
Did you ever want to review beauty products? Try it, by posting your
comments and reviews about products you have tried, as well as about
other topics in our
Forums area I admit it: I've been seduced by a magic wand--a wand of new, Maybelline ShineSeduction Lip Gloss $7.99. This nourishing, soft and silky lip gloss has Vitamin E, aqua-botanical extracts, and algae and lotus flower extract to nourish and soothe lips, while it delivers color and super-super-shine. Lips looks sexy, full, and soft. But that's not all: the wand of this gloss enchants me: it's silvery, with a clear reservoir that peeks out from beneath the silvery cap so you can see the actual color you're choosing. Pull off the cap, and the slanted, clear plastic tip has little holes in it to dispense just the amount of gloss you want and give you much more control over the shape and intensity of the color you apply. There are 20 shimmery shades to choose from, and you'll want a bunch, believe me! Whether you want a barely there shimmer, such as "Candy Desire" and "Pink Whisper," two sheerest, shimmers, or slightly more intensity such as "Mystic Sands" or 'Mocha Fix," shimmery, beiged-browns (and there are plums, berries, rubies and apricots, too), you'll find lots of reasons to love this gloss. Maybelline ShineSeduction Lip Gloss is one of my faves this month, and a "must-have" for Spring. The Mini Lip Gloss $7.00 by Goldie comes in the cutest container, ever! It is in the shape of a super-slim dewdrop...the bottom is the bud, the graceful white plastic wanded top, the place where the stem meets the blossom! We loved "Velveteen," a sheer wine that adds sexy color (but is still sheer). The great, Goldie Lip Plump $22.00 also comes in the bud-shaped wanded tube. It's got something called "marine collagen spheres" in addition to a collagen stimulator called "Maxi Lip" that work together to soften and volumize lips while it adds full shine and a hint of color. To make this even better, the Goldie Lip Plump contains Vitamins A and C, and absolutely no stinging (you'll know it's working because your lips look full and delicious). Plumping Lip Glaze $24.00 by Stila is not only new for Spring, it's in a chubby, click-it pen with a brush applicator so your multi-tasking lip beautifier colors and moisturizes while it make application easy and clean. That might be enough, but the moisturizing and lip enhancing formula goes beneath the surface of your lips, to deliver patented marine collagen spheres and a combination of vitamins A and C, as well as shea butter. Sure, your lips will look smooth and "pouty," but there's more! -- these lip glosses not only help your lips and are pretty, they're super fun! There are six very sheer, super-shiny, subtle, light reflecting colors and each has a "flavor" married to mint . My favorite is "Cherry Mint," a shimmering rose with a cherry scent), but the other five are fantastic as well: "Citrus Mint" (sheer peach), "Melon Mint" (nude pink), "Minty Mint" (soft gold), "Berry Mint" (Soft Lavender) and "Vanilla Mint" (golden apricot). The scents are delicious, the look: wet-look-shine-sexy, the feel: silky with a tingle of mint, and the appeal: amazingly great! You will want one of each! Island Michael Kors Hawaii fragrance just launched in February (see Fragrance in the left hand column). In keeping with the "Island" vibe, the designer has also created a beautiful Lip Gloss $12.00 that is part balm, part universally-flattering, very sheer, gloss with peachy-orange tint. The gloss is silky and luxurious, but what I really love about it is the surprising taste and scent of orange flower. If you are one of those for whom Summer can't come soon enough, you'll want to get one of these fun Lip Glosses now, to enjoy throughout the Spring and Summer. It's a designer "original" at a price everyone can afford, and a product everyone will love!
Don't get me wrong; I adore lip glosses, but sometimes a girl just has to dress up her lips with more color. And, while I'm applying a more intense tint, I want my lips to be pampered. Mattésse Lipstick $6.99 from the "NYC Collection" does it all: great color, great pampering, and a great price. These products were developed with a formula that mixes hydrating Macadamia nut oil for silky sheen and a really creamy feel, with Vitamin A and E, soybean oil and aloe. I can soothe, smooth and color in one swoop--- and the feel of the lipstick is moistly-matte and lightweight. I tried "Poise," a not-so-classic rose warmed with a hint of spice. The dozen, new colors are grouped by Beiges, Classics, and Casuals. There are nudes, red/pink/rose, and berries to delight you. I have always appreciated Mattésse, a "high-style" brand without the sky-high price, and favorite of makeup artists and actresses. It was once available only at Ricky's in New York, but now, everyone can enjoy! Laura Mercier's Lip Plumpers $30.00 are an exciting addition to Laura Mercier's ever-expanding line of high-performance, high-quality cosmetics. They feel great, do great things for your lips, and of course, they help you look great, too! Five silky, sheer colors leave a bit of a tint, but no as much as a stain or lipstick. The infusion of ingredients in this gloss actually penetrate into your skin, stimulating collagen production and making the surface of your lips more smooth and hydrated (Ceramide 3, soy bean and jojoba oil, Vitamin E, and mica, to name a few). You will get a bit of a cooling tingle that builds for up to 20 minutes and lasts for up to two hours, but not so much that it is distracting or irritating. Of course, light-reflecting elements and shine do more than just hydrate and smooth, they give your lips a fuller, sexier shape. There are five colors, but ours was "Wildberry," a wine-tinted sheer with a classic look that is right, 24/7, all year long. For more definition with any lipstick or lip plumper (and to keep color in place without bleeding or feathering), the Laura Mercier Lip Pencil $18.00 is a perfect partner. It slides on easily without tugging or pulling, and has "hydrogenated palm glycerides" to help color glide on and stay put. "Petunia" pairs well with the "Wildberry" gloss or any rose to wine lip color. When I saw Bobbi Brown applying products from her Violet collection at the Cynthia Rowley show last Olympus Fashion Week, I worried that everything in the world would be the color purple. Not so! The newest and very pretty "Uber Beige" Bobbi Brown Lip Color $21.00 is a fresh and neutral compliment to violet colors that are so hot, now. This color is a rich, creamy, light caramel that gives you lips moist, full-coverage color. For a sheer but better-than-bare beige, slick on a coat of Lip Sheer $21.00 in "Natural Beige." Need more color or shine? layer on one of your favorite Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lip Glosses $19.00. There's a new one we didn't try "Sandy Beige" but we're willing to bet it's going to boost your lip look up a notch, immediately. Jillian Dempsey is Avon's first Global Creative Color Director. Jillian wants women to embrace their natural beauty, and has created the Avon Spring Style 2007 Sheer Collection with a palette of understated, sheer, makeup that is quite beautiful, and helps women accentuate their natural radiance. I'm particularly delighted with the lip products. They are moist, long-lasting, flattering, and allow the wearer to use a little or a lot, or layer colors, for look that is uniquely theirs. The Ultra Color Rich Lipstick Sheers $6.50 are really modern. They have concentrated pigments and liqui-gel capsules of rich dolor that coat lips evenly and leave them colored with moist shine that's not overdone, but looks fresh. Vitamin E and jojoba help keep your lips soft and hydrated, and actually help to seal in moisture so they are as good for your lips as they look good on them. Four colors coordinate with gloss and nail polish. I tried "Sheer Rose," a medium rose that will flatter just about everyone, since it's just a shade darker than most natural lips. For glam and shine, slick on one of four choices of Glazewear Extreme Lip Gloss $6.00. I tried "Rose," a shimmery, sheer gloss with just a bit of strawberry rose gloss (and a hint of fruity scent) that ramps up the color and the shine on the rose lipstick. Good-for-your lips Vitamins A, C and E moisturize, and a ceramide/soybean extract helps your lips to retain moisture. These are exceptional in quality and price. "Style it Up" comes in a black M.A.C. lipstick tube, emblazoned with a the pony-tailed head of Barbie, and just to make the point clear, "Barbie" in pink script. I think that if Barbie was a real woman, the two colors she'd choose first from the five, fabulous, limited edition, Barbie Loves M.A.C. Collection Lipsticks $14.00/each would be "Style it Up," a soft, light slightly beiged, warm pink with subtle frosted gold pearl that works well alone, glimmered with gloss, and layered for more intensity. Also 'Modern Ms." a frosted brick red with silver pearl that looks more berried than brown on lips, and perfect for Spring's purple, plum and violet trend. The others run the gamut from frosted plum to light pinks, and the much talked-about "Rocking Chick," a vibrant, frosted fuchsia with blue pearl. Slathered with patent-leather gloss, this makes a fun party look and certainly, a statement! For day or evening, pop your precious products into an adorable, Mini-Barbie Loves MAC makeup bag $15.00 in black wool/nylon with hot pink stitching outside, and a matching pink lining, inside. There's also a playful but reasonably subtle black patent leather circle with classic, pony-tailed Barbie silhouette in pink, on the side. Everyone wants a great, new lipstick to welcome the Spring, but it's hard to choose just one from the 25 shades of Lipstick N $18.00 from Paul & Joe. For starters, they just look so elegant in their fluted, soft-pink, retro lipstick cases. Inside, the formulas are creamy with shimmer or not, and modern. The products feel luxe and silky on your lips, and they're kind, with a hydrating formula Winter-weary skin craves. Four Spring, a great pick is #4," a bright, clear, non-shimmery, medium pink that will go so well with swing coats, babydoll and mini dresses, and anything else you pick up this season. We also liked #17," a sheer, shiny, non-shimmery pink with just the merely hint of mauve to make it modern, while #18," is a sexy, gold-shimmered version. TIP: use a lip brush for more control. I love slim line lipsticks, not just because they take up less room in my makeup bag, but because they are easier to control. I particularly liked the Stiletto Lip Shine $16.00 by Playboy Beauty that we received to review this month in "Scandal," a flirty raspberry that adds life to pale, Winter-weary complexions now., and will still look shiny, soft and sexy, come Summer. This gloss has sheer coverage and high shine, but it also is long-lasting. Even better, it has my favorite, "must-have" ingredient" SPF 15, to protect your lips as you stay outdoors more. Avocado, aloe and jojoba help get you over the winter dry-lip issues, too. Nourishing, hydrating, protecting, and plain ole great color ands shine...you'll call it a "must-have" no matter what color you choose. *watch for more Playboy Beauty Lip Products in our April review.
Lips are a main focal point this season, and Aveda has lots of great, new colors in their excellent line of lip products for you to savor. One great way to greet Spring is to treat your lips to an Aveda Lip Shine $13.50. The newest, in "Juneberry," comes from Aveda's Moroccan Mist collection. "Juneberry" is a silky pink mocha with hints of gold shimmer that looks absolutely stunning on everyone. Warm up pale, Winter-weary lips with a sheer color and nice shine. Even better, this little squeeze tube is good for your lips, with anti-oxidants, fruit and vegetable extracts infused with natural moisturizers like sunflower and jojoba oils, and a refreshing flavor of organic vanilla, peppermint, cinnamon, anise and basil. The tube tip is angled to make application, easy and more precise. Environmentally-conscious Aveda puts the lip gloss into a recycled "newsprint" tube, too. From the "Spanish Sun" collection, Aveda blends more color but still tons of shine, into a Lip Glaze $15.00. The wanded tube (made of up to 50% post-consumer recycled resin) houses a good-for-your-lips semi-sheer gloss that moisturizes while it colors. The newest is "Papaye." a stunning, golden copper gloss with glints of golden shimmer that will give you a golden glow now, and enhance a tan this Summer. Get two because you're going to use a lot of it! *watch our What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column in April for more fantastic Aveda lip products. "Tiramisu" is a yummy name for the beautiful shimmery rose-glitzed Pure Color Crystal Lipstick $22.00 by Estee Lauder from the Beautiful Love Makeup Collection, one of three, limited edition "Beautiful Makeup" Collections. "Tiramisu" from the Romantics collection is a gilded rosed-pink that not only make lips pretty, but is pretty to look at in it's shiny gold tube with clear bottom part that showcases the actual lipstick (no guessing what color you've pulled out of your bag). The lipstick is silky, luxe, and has a slight fig scent. What I really love, however, is the sheer, super-shiny color with dimensional effects that makes lips pouty and perfectly sexy. "Tiramisu" is a Spring "winner" that works on virtually everyone. A hint of gold glitzed flakes on the tube lets you know you're "golden" literally and figuratively! Giorgio Armani's Berry Lip Palette $65.00 pairs a limited edition trio of silky, super-sheer lip glosses in it's signature, matte, black, mirrored compact (along with a mini-lip brush). These colors have one thing in common: two ArmaniSilk lip gloss shades in a subtle, super-soft beige-pink and a slightly brighter, berry-pink hues Essential lip palette to create a fresh berry stained lip with a satin finish. For additional dimension there's a sheer, pearly, satin topcoat. Mix these colors together or wear them separately--any way you wear them, you'll feel pampered, and look chic. If you want to choose just one lipstick in a traditional tube format, the ArmaniSilk Lipstick $25.00 is a treat in it's shiny, black case with silver Armani logo on top. Three limited edition shades offer a berry tint, in light, medium and dark tones. These lipsticks are so incredibly luxe on lips, with the assistance of "Micro silk powders™" that literally glide the color onto your lips, where they feel kissed with attention. The lightest is "#31," a subtle, soft beige with a hint of pink. A bit brighter is "#32," a strawberry-pink to layer for a hint of berry, or add more for more intensity. Either way, it's universally flattering. The deepest is "#33," a berry red with a lot of frost and a bit of warmth to add sizzle to your Spring outfits.
BODY LANGUAGE:
Last column we reviewed a few items from the Missoni Bagno Collection, but we have just received another that we can't rave enough about. The Missoni Body Lotion $50.00 6.7 fl. oz could brighten your mood even before you smell the beautiful fruity-floral scent that brings all the colors of Missoni into it's mix of sensuous scents. The box has the zig-zag design in the colors of a sunrise...reds, oranges and yellows with a hint of gold. Inside is a striking, sunny-bright orange plastic column with similar zig-zag design embossed into the plastic. A shiny gold push-pull cap and a small, elegant "Missoni" in gold letters near the bottom of the bottle completes the happy feeling that you have got to get from a scent that, like Missoni fabrics, weaves a delight of scents together like colors of magenta, orange, yellow and red: delicious fruits and lush florals with Gianduia chocolate (a spread loved throughout Italy). Let's not forget that the lotion is important, too. This one literally absorbs into your skin to hydrate and silken fast, so you can put on your clothes, and go to whatever else you want to do...but the happy scent of Missoni will endure on your skin (even better if you layer with the other Bagno products and the Missoni fragrance) ....true "amore" for the fragrance lover who wants something special, and lovely. I love this scent for Spring, for Summer...for any reason and any season! It's always exciting when Victoria's Secret Beauty launches yet another in a line of fragrance products. The latest, inspired by the "Body By Victoria" lingerie collection, is Body By Victoria. "Delight" truly is delightful: a blend of lilac melon that smells just like a Spring bouquet. It is feminine and floral, but with a hit of fruit that gives it a surprising freshness, and keeps the fragrance modern and pleasing. There's a Body Wash $10.00 --a nicely scented, nicely foaming cleanser that may be your best little luxury (and it moisturizes, too). The newest addition (also great) to is a Whipped Body Cream $14.00 that leaves skin silky and very well scented with "Delight." A slightly lighter version is the Body Lotion $12.00 that hydrates and leaves a bit of "Delight" scent as well. The Body Mist $14.00 is my favorite-- just spritz a bit after bathing to make you feel uplifted and ready to start (or end) the day in a happy, sexy way. At these prices, you can afford to cover yourself in "Delight," or any of the other four Body By Victoria scents in this body care line: "Comfort" (warm vanilla);" Confident" (mandarin orange); "Energize" (verbena mint) and "Sensual" (pink freesia).
SPRING, HOME:
CUTE, KITS and GIFTS: For me, there's nothing better for a pick-me-up than a cute makeup kit full of great, new makeup colors. My joy is heightened, however, when the kit is also inexpensive (and full of great, new makeup colors). That's why I'm delighted with the newest and cutest little kit from Hard Candy for Spring, called The Mix Tape Palettes $15.00. The tiny "cassette" tape-screened compact with interior mirror also features a dual-ended mini applicator (lip brush on one end, sponge tip eye on the other). The slim compact to pop in purse or gym bag houses three chic powder shadows, and three lip glosses, in three different palettes. We tried the "Workout Mix," featuring three earth-tones shadows in iridescent taupe shimmer, a silky, light pink-nude, and dark brown. Use these together or as you wish, to highlight, contour, line and color. The glosses are super-sheer with tons of luxurious shine without stickiness, in a lovely, shimmery rose, a clear red, and a clear with hints of parti-colored shimmer. "Break Up Mix" has blue and violet shadows paired with neutral-toned glosses, and "Party Mix" has metallic green and beige shadows paired with red and nude sparkly glosses. I might leave my IPOD home, but I'm not leaving home without a Mix Tape Palette in my purse, this Spring! Pantina Naturally Stunning Minerals Face Palette $5.99 comes Spring-ready in a slim, perky pink, cardboard palette with magnetic closure. Inside this lightweight compact is a face-in-a-case kit featuring mineral makeup that looks warm and natural. Flip up the top, and see a full diagram of what the products are and how to apply them. You get a natural glow highlighter that helps deflect flaws while giving your skin a sheer, flattering shimmer, a bronzer-blush in deep peach, and four shimmery eye shadows to mix, match, color, line, define and blend, in deep rose, chocolate brown, medium brown, and a lovely vanilla. Mini applicators are included. This little kit is cute, inexpensive, and would make a perfect pick-me-up for you. TIP: Friends don't let friends walk around with ugly makeup. Save your "clueless" friends from makeup disaster by gifting them with this little kit. The coordinated colors and a "how-to-do-it" compact makes application, a no-brainer.
Violets remind me of Spring, and of course, this season that color theme was all over the runways in makeup--the soft purple tones help to add color to what seems to be a very subdued color palette of greys, beiges, and navy this season. Bobbi Brown has a limited edition Violet Face Palette $50.00 that includes three eye shadows, three lip colors and a large powder blush, to help everyone translate this trend into something pretty and fun to wear. What's exciting about this palette is that all of the shades, except the Eye Shadow in "Mahogany" (dark brown shadow/liner) are exclusively available in this palette. For lids, "Orchid" translates violet into a sheer, light, pearled-shimmer shadow that looks "right" for the season, but soft on eyes. Ivory makes a great highlighter, or use it on lids and line your eyes with Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in "Ultra Violet" (see "EYES FOR YOU" section in the right hand column). The middle section houses a large rectangle of blush in "Baby Violet," which will make cool skin glow (it's sheer, so you can layer more if your complexion is deep). The right hand side of the compact has three lip glosses: "Golden Beige" Shimmer Gloss for a glorious wash of shimmer-shot-with-warmth, ""Pink Lilly," a ladylike medium pink sheer, and (my favorite) "Golden Violet" Shimmer Lip Gloss that is sheer and sexy, and somehow, looks great even on warm, freckled skin like mine...amazing, but true! The colors all come in a shiny, black, mirrored, signature Bobbi Brown Compact. It's a totally coordinated face in a case kit for Spring that totally updates your look with almost no effort...well worth it, too!
About The What Works
Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review columns:
Products reviews are conducted
by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. Advice Sister Alison). In some
instances, the review reflects additional opinions of qualified,
anonymous reviewers and the term "we" instead of "I" is used in the
commentary. Nobody gets financial compensation for reviewing
products, and they are not affiliated with the companies mentioned.
If you have comments about the column, or if you would like to be
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To view previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the "What Works Archives"
EYE-ING SPRING:
We first reviewed cosmetics from Therapy Systems in our last column, and were so impressed with the quality and performance of them that we're delighted to review more. This is mineral makeup, with beneficial ingredients and Vitamins A & C. A lot of the products also have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, great, since you're going to be leaving the house at some point and will be exposed to the sun--and these ingredients will help protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. For your Eyes, we suggest the Mineral Eye Shadow $19.00 that comes in six, universally-flattering shades. We liked "Last Call," a soft, slightly shimmery medium grey that will compliment all the subtle color I saw on the runways during Spring Fashion Week. Ditto 'Hudson," a khaki green, subtly shimmered with gold, that compliments the military looks cropping up, everywhere. It also makes eyes "pop"--you'll want to put this in your eye shadow arsenal. "South Sea Pearl" is also pretty as a lid color or a highlight. It's a soft, moist-looking, sheer matte in a warm, medium nude. Aveda's latest collections are inspired by light and the runways. Wear the purple trend with a Petal Essence Eye Color Duo $15.00 in Waterlily/Seagrape. Petal Essence products feature a blend of flower waxes and pure plant ingredients that feel "as soft as flower petals" on your skin. This trendy twosome of colors pairs a sheer champagne pink pearled-shimmer with a pearly-shimmered violet that's neither too harshly purple, nor too grayed to look new. Both colors make great lid and/or liner choices. A warm and golden take on Spring/Summer from Aveda's Spanish Sun collection pairs is called "Tangelo/Pantana." It pairs a slightly shimmery salmon with a gorgeous, rich, coppery cocoa. I think this combo will take you from early Spring right into the Fall. Both products fit into the AVEDA Environmetal Charger $18.00. A new eye shadow (or even better, a kit of shadows) can be an inexpensive, but effective way to boost your fashion quotient even if this Spring is a beer-and-peanuts budget season. Maybelline comes to the rescue with powder eye shadow Singles $3.75, Duos $5.50 and Quads $6.25. I'm focusing first on the Eye Shadow Quads. "Lavender Fields" has four shimmery, , fashion-forward lilacs in light and medium lilac, and two subdued, browned and grayed mauves. These give you an all-in-one compact of eye looks, but what I like even better is the clever way Maybelline embossed each pan of powder with it's own label for brow bone, lid, crease and outer corner (and liner) for virtually mistake-proof application. You'll also like earthy-toned "Chai Latte" featuring a matte, light brown and deep brown, and a slightly shimmer ivory plus a highly shimmered copper. For the truly makeup-application-impaired, there's even a color diagram on the back of the compact, showing placement of the four shadows. If you want just a few shadows to perk up your wardrobe, try the wearable "Berriful" trio of soft light, medium and deeper berries, or any of the duos. Budget too tight for even a trio, then pick one, head-turning shadow. We like the super-shimmery, super-grass-green "Antique Jade," or (for evening allure) the gorgeous, golden-shimmered, warmed deep wine called "Sparkling Wine", or the soft and silvery shimmered "Silver Lining," or any one of more than a dozen great new colors from light pink to an intense and shimmery deep "Amethyst." The Evolution of Colour-Eyes $36.00 from Laura Mercier combines four coordinated, light-to-dark powder shadows in one large mirrored signature Laura Mercier compact. The large striped square looks like modern art, but what is really modern about this product is the way you can mix, match and layer the colors to produce a multitude of day and evening eye looks from just one compact! The sheer, buildable and very silky powder shadows are long lasting, crease resistant, and ophthalmologist and dermatologist tested. We tried "Pink Rain," a quartet of rosed-earthy tones that tempt you to line, define, color and highlight your eyes with a dark taupe, a soft pink, medium browned-rose, and a light pearl nude). "Rainforest," another new compact, has beautiful grayed-greens. With all the looks you can get out of this one compact, we have selected Evolution of Colour-Eyes as a "must-have" for March.
I'm not a real fan of liquid eye shadows, but one exception is Playboy Beauty Liquid Luxe Eye Shadow $17.50. Most liquid to powder shadows are hard to blend, and I always seem to apply too much or too little, but this super-frosted, wanded, liquid shadow slides on sheer enough to layer a little, or a lot, with plenty of control over the intensity. It's not just layerable, it dries quickly, and crease-resistant. Reviewers wore this out on the town, and it lasted through hours of sweaty dancing, and mingling in a hot, hot, club. For Spring, try "After Dinner Mint," a pearled mint green that is a nice change from the violets and purples we'll all be wearing. For those who love powder, Playboy Beauty Hollywood Nights Eye Shadow Duos $16.00 are pretty, inside and out, and on your eyelids. They come in clear, hot pink, plastic compacts rimmed in gold and featuring the Playboy Bunny logo in shiny gold. There are several color combos to choose from that have a lid/liner color, and a highlight color. We received "After Hours," a warm, slightly pearly ivory, paired with a deep, sheer, shimmery pewter that makes a lovely smoky eye, and a fantastic eye liner TIP: these are really quite sheer (which is a good thing, actually) but for enough intensity as an eyeliner, we wet our shadows and applied them with an eyeliner brush. There's no mistaking the new, limited edition Barbie Loves M.A.C. Eye Shadow $13.50 from M.A.C. Cosmetics. There's an embossed silhouette of the pony-tailed Barbie's head on each pan of powder peeking through the clear cover of the signature, round, black, matte M.A.C. compact. What a girly, fun way to celebrate the coming of Spring! Six sexy, mostly shimmery shadows run the gamut from light "Magic Dust" (soft, frosted gold) and "Whistle," a powder-soft, powder-pink, super-velvety pearl, to medium-range colors such as "Springtime Skipper," a velvety-pearled mint green and the strangely-named but beautiful "Mothbrown," which isn't really brown, but more a very lovely, frosted, charcoal grey slightly "muddled" with a hint of brown. For accent and liner, there's a bright, pink satin matte called "Playful," and my favorite, "Beautyburst," a gorgeous, reddish brown satin that is sheer enough to use as a wash on lids, but makes a fresh and modern liner to love all through the season! Emphasize with a Creamstick Pearl Liner $14.00 in "Plum Royale," a soft and super-frosty pencil in a bodacious, bronzed plum that make all your eye looks even more modern, or "Honey B," a light neutral beige which we used as an awesome, lip liner, too.
The English company, Boots, has long been a favorite in the UK, but now you can find it in America. From the Botanics Line comes a neat, Personal Magnetic Eyes Compact in matte metal. There is room inside for three large squares of Botanics Eyeshadow from a potential palette of 15 beautiful colors. These pearly, powder shadows are super-soft and smooth, so they feel really luxurious on your skin. Even better, they have apple and coconut extracts to help condition your delicate eyelids. We tried a light lemon yellow "Blazing Star" that gave our lids intense, soft, pearly color. Oogle the other 14 shades as well, including subdued greys, plums, blues and browns (no green tones). If you prefer a cream, the little tubes of Stay Perfect Eye Cream from the No 7 collection gives you a wash of shimmery, long-lasting, waterproof color that is quite crease-proof. We tried "Fudge," a soft brown with enough shimmer to give a "metallic" look to eyes (perfectly in step with Spring trends). There's also A violet, a plum, and an vanilla highlight. These are perfect for travel, or for popping in a pocket for a quick touch-up. No matter what shadow you choose, frame eyes and finish your look with Longer Lashes Mascara $9.99 arrives in a shiny black case with gold letters, and the top of the mascara wand is slightly flattened, for more control (nice!). The mascara is hypo-allergenic and smudge resistant, leaving lashes nicely colored and curled. The mascara is comes in basic black and soft brown, and if you're someone who rubs her eyes, you'll appreciate that it's smudge resistant...who could resist? Violet is the color for Spring. You'll find it featured in the most luxe products, and some of the least expensive, too. For fashionistas on a budget, Wet n Wild Mega Eyes Eyeshadow Trios $2.99 give you a trio of silky shadows in complementary shades that color, define and highlight. Purple isn't the easiest color for everyone to wear, but "Venetian Violets" offers a light and subdued version that's closer to mauve, than violet...and very wearable. We like the simple, mirrored compact with two applicators, and half a dozen trios from mild to wild to choose from, too. Reviewers loved the way Giorgio Armani Beauty translated berries for Spring. Four new colors add a touch of berried beige, brown and rust to your lids, with an ultra-silky, powder shadow in a mini-version of the chic, matte, black, mirrored, Armani compact. "#57" is an unusual beiged-pink with a hint of shimmer that looks warm and pretty lids. #58" is a medium berried-beige that looks sunny (not pink) on lids. Deeper (but still sheer) is #59, a bolder, berried pink that will look amazing with deeper complexions, a tan, or for a bolder, berry look. #60" is a shimmery brown with just a hint of berry, to contour (and we like it wet, as an edge-y liner, too). The high quality, silky, long-lasting shadows are a joy to use, with colors that are hip and modern. Don't be afraid to try berry--like all the products in this Armani collection, they're sheer, so you control the intensity. A subtle berry-beige for a discrete show of color to the eyes. I love blue eye liner and mascara. It's flattering, fresh and modern, and a lot less "strict" than black. The good news is I don't have to give up the thickening and lash-enhancing benefits of my Bad Gal Mascara by BeneFit because now there's Bad Gal Blue Mascara $19.00. You'll get the same, generously-shaped mascara wand and chubby mascara tube, but the color is a cross between blue and violet (a bit like Elizabeth Taylor's eyes). It enhances eye colors so that blue eyes look more blue, brown eyes more golden, and hazel eyes more green. I love the lush look and the serious staying power, too. Even Liz will want this one! TIP: make the look more modern by applying the black version of BAD GAL Mascara first, then using the Bad Gal Blue Mascara only on the tips of your lashes. It's surprisingly sexy.
Paul & Joe's Spring Eye Color Collection comes in beautiful cardboard boxes of mauve and soft teal, covered with delicate pink dahlias. Inside, the pearly, retro-pink compact is also embossed with the blossoms. If that doesn't remind of you Spring right away, the colors inside the compacts, will. The Eye Colors $18.00 are silky soft and full of blendable color that slides on with one application (no need to layer unless you want a heavy application). These are so luxurious, they smooth on your lids with the touch of a finger (or use a brush for more control). You can choose currently from more than 20 colors, but we loved #11," a super-pearly light lemon yellow, #01," a pearly champagne, and as a liner, #17," a deep but soft matte brown that will make a killer Fall eye when the leaves start falling again (brown-rimmed eyes are going to be "hot!").
NEWS FOR NAILS: Nothing perks up pale hands like a bright polish on the nails. Dashing Diva has created eight new colors (they have 150 in total) of Nail Polish $8.00 that are inspired by the flowers that we're all hoping will bloom, soon, and it's available, this March. The polish features intense, smooth color in 8 colors and a variety of shimmer and non-shimmery shades. If you have a cool, deeper complexion, you will adore "Felicia Fuchsia," a deep, bright magenta that looks amazing on nails. Paler skin can get a "va-va-voom" effect with Liya's Lazy Lilac, a soft, creamy violet that is anything but shy, or "Charming Rose," a velvety, deep rose to charm fingers and toes all year long. If you like light colors, "Carnation Carnie" is a light, sheer, ladylike pink with a touch of opalescence--very pretty and day/eve appropriate. Sensitive and/or weak nails need special care, and so there are also eight new nail polishes in a special line called "The Extra Virgin Collection," formulated without phthalates, formaldehyde and toluene. These ingredients might cause negative health reactions in some situations. The color range goes from light to medium pink, to dark red and there's even a light chocolate, but we liked "Convertible Red Connie" a show-stopping, bright, shiny red that shows off hands and feet with true sexy style. Or, take a more subtle approach and color your nails with "Val-O-Rina," an always-classic, soft, matte, light pink and Pink Dewdrop" a girly-pearly pink that's always in style. You can feel good (and safe) using these. Dashing Diva has 150 shades that are good quality at a great price...so indulge.The Avon Spring Style 2007 Sheer Collection by Jillian Dempsey features four Nailwear $4.50 shades that coordinate with lipsticks of the same name: "Sheer Champagne Peach, Sheer Sangria, Sheer Rose, and Sheer Coral Crush." I really like the classy, clear glass bottles that are a bit like flattened ovals, and the shiny black top that is easy to grip. Inside is a lovely polish that reminds me of lip stains: not quite sheer, but not opaque. I tried "Sheer Rose," which gives nails a glorious, medium rose tint. This polish covers nails completely with color and great shine, but what makes it modern is some translucence and lightness instead of a heavy coat of color. Even better, these have diamond dust and flexible film polymer technology that help protect your nails and make the enamel flexible, so it resists chipping and cracking. Clever...and great! Pastels are always classic Spring attire, and that goes for your nails, as well. Pale pink, peach and nude are always appropriate and feminine. SpaRitual's Airy Sopranos collection combines seven popular pastel shades of their popular and luxurious Nail Polish $9.00 from recent collections, with four new ones. The luxury (combined with a spirit-conscious philosophy, extends to the packaging--elegant, pressed glass bottles made of reusable glass are recyclable, with rubberized tops that let you grip the polish wand like a pro. I like the super-sheer, super-shiny pink with a hint of iridescent shimmer called "Whirlwind Romance" solo for just a hint of color and shine on nails, or as the base for a more modern French manicure. For a more classic look "Air of Confidence," is a sheer peach creme that looks pretty but subtle. The Beautiful Love Makeup Collection, one of three, limited edition "Beautiful Makeup" Collections by Estee Lauder includes a lovely translucent powder in a rose gold compact (see Face and LIPS in the LH column). There's also a Nail Lacquer $15.00 that compliments the compact and the lipstick called "Pink Clouds." What a lovely name for a truly lovely nail polish! This luxe product comes in the signature, "Ice-cube" bottle--a chunk of clear glass topped with a slender, shiny gold column holding the nail polish wand. It's so pretty, you will definitely want to display it on your dressing table! The beautiful rosed-pink colors is also exceptional, with a generous helping of infused golden shimmer. The effect is like more rose than metallic, but the shimmer is glitzy enough to make this color a natural choice for everything from a hot date, to a wedding. After a long winter of wearing gloves and keeping your feet under wraps, break out the color! For intense color that is long-lasting, and quality you can see and feel, you can't beat Deborah Lippman Nail Polish $8.50 from her new, "Vinyl" collection. Songbird Lippman names her nail polishes after songs, and this collection is the same as her new CD (we hope to review it soon), a tribute to songs that were originally recorded on vinyl (that's records, as in before CDs--just in case you're too young to remember them). The 13 polishes are exciting, modern, edgy. For example, "Call Me," a bright, neon orange that would look shockingly clever peeping out from peek-toe pumps (you might not get away with this on in the office, but my, it's fun!). My favorite is "This Must Be Love," a sheer, whisper-soft blue that looks pretty, not peculiar, on fingers and toes. Also note-able is "Fade to Black," a carbon-black polish that is a bit Marilyn Manson, but all the rage on fashionistas this season (and the trend is not slowing down). Perk up the Winter blahs instantly, with these. It doesn't matter how great your shoes are, if your feet are calloused and your heels are cracked, you're not going to make it as a fashionista! That's why we are loving the Callus shaver & Rasp Set $6.99 by RED by Kiss--it's not only a two-for-one package, but it's a real steal! Start by removing the really tough, hard stuff with the callus shaver. Then, smooth out the rest with the mini-sized rasp (looks a bit like a very fine cheese grater!). Maintain with your favorite exfoliating foot product *for reviews, check the What Works Archives. TIP: these tools are not toys. Use caution when using products like these, with blades or sharp edges. It's best to go easy at first, until you get used to the tool. Goldie's Nail Polish Mini $5.00 comes in a cute, curvy bottle with a white plastic tulip for a cap! If that's not "Springtime in a bottle," what is? We also like the fast-drying, shiny polish, of course! "Creepy Groovy" is a not quite brown, not quite black, not quite deep plum color that's all the rage, right now. For a light wash of color, "Veil" is a very lovely, ladylike pink, "Lost," a shiny silver. No matter what the designers put on the runway for Spring, pastel nails are always in fashion. the "It's Mod. Mod World" Spring 2007 Collection from Essie puts a pack of pretty-in-pink Nail Polishes $8.00/each at your fingertips (literally)! If you were around in the 60's, you know that pastel makeup goes fabulously well with mini-dresses and all those bright, floral, mod prints that are making a come-back this season with baby doll dresses and 60's-style coats. None of these colors, with the exception of bright pink "Mod Squad" have opaque color. They're more subtle, super-shiny washes that lend a lady-like manicured look to fingers and toes. I particularly like "Cool-Lots," a super-sheer wash of apricot tint with gold undertones that lends a subtle, natural sheen to nails, and "Guchi Muchi Puchi a lavender-d pink. "Mini How High" is a shimmery baby pink that also lends just a bit of color and lots of shine as does the light pink "Pinkadelic" which is described as the color of "pink rosebuds." Rounding out the collection is "Jackie Oh My," a glistening pearl that catches the light. With no real color, it's a great alternative to clear. Essie polish is popular in nail salons, and it's high quality, fast-drying, super-shiny, chip-resistant formulas will be popular with you at home, too.
FANTASTIC FRAGRANCES: The last time I had a chance to sample L'Artisan Parfumeur Fragrances it was at KMR Communication's Girls Night Out at the beautiful, Bruno Jamais Restaurant. In the volcanic region of Lozère, France, at over 3,000 feet in altitude, the wild narcissus (Narcissus Poeticus) blooms along with wild grasses in the meadows, at the very dawn of Springtime. The fragrance that uses the essence of this unusual flower is rare and precious "vintage" limited edition of only 3,000 bottles of Fleur de Narcisse Volcans de Lozère $295.00 100ml. is white flower usually has an undertone that to me, smells a bit like burning rubber, but not in the fragrance from L'Artisan Parfumeur . It is awesomely beautiful, not only capturing hints of the flower, but a mixture of complex scents, including the earth and quite surprisingly, sensual, even masculine notes of tobacco and leather. The fragrance begins with top notes of grass and greens, with hints of black currant bud and even cut hay. The heart is a light, floral mixture of mimosa, hyacinth, and iris, with bottom notes of tobacco, moss and leather. This is an exceptional example of a high perfumer's art. You think you know it, but then it reveals itself to you again as something else. At first it's an uncertain floral, but it quickly dries down to a scent redolent of tobacco and leather that reminds me of my father's Rover sport car . He smoked a pipe in it, and this scent reminds me of that scent of pipe tobacco mixed with fine leather. It's a sensual, modern, unisex chypre (one of the six categories of fragrance--woody & earthy). It could be heavy, but it dries down to a soft, get-close-if-you-want-to-smell this, tone. The fragrance comes in a wooden box with narcissus print silk paper, in a numbered bottle, illustrated with flowers, its top is etched with "Fleur de Narcisse 2006." Even if you can afford this exceptional collector's fragrance, there will be no repeated editions, so enjoy it now. Like the Springtime, your pleasure in experience it may be fleeting!
William Penhaglion opened his first shop as a barber and a house of perfumes, in the 1860's, in London. He quickly established a reputation for luxury and quality (Penhaligon's has held royal warrants since Victorian times). There are plenty of venerable fragrances to be purchased, but one that just hit the shelves a few months ago is Lily & Spice $105.00 100 ml, $85.00 50 ml. If you want a fragrance that turns heads and makes people ask "what's that you're wearing" you will want this fragrance! It's focus is the white lily, also known as "Lilium Candidum" or the "Madonna Lily." I think it's fitting that Penhaligon's decided to focus on this brilliant, white flower as Penhaligon's newest scent, as it's the essence of modernity, but yet the Madonna Lily has been around literally, for centuries, apparently even being depicted on paintings made by people living over 4000 years ago. The brilliantly white flowers have golden pollen and a strong, intoxicating fragrance that reminds me a bit of another white flower: paper whites The ingredients in this heady mix are lily, saffron, patchouli and musk--almost a bit like bitter vanilla (to my nose, at least). The lily is a symbol of purity and also of and yet, it has a darker, more provocative side as well--a bit nice and a bit naughty...what a great way to express your individuality! You need to wear this fragrance for a while and let it adjust to your unique body chemistry, to get the full effect. It starts out very strong, but as time passes it turns into a soft, almost "powdery' floral with just a hint of spice. 212 Sexy $75.00 3.4 oz., Eau de Toilette, $55.00 2 oz. by Carolina Herrera is a great choice for a new Spring scent. We love the unusual packaging: muted, matte, metallic lilac cardboard outside, featuring a dual-ended, matte, metal tube with individual, globe-shaped bottles of lilac-tinted fragrance on either end. This pretty and fresh, Springtime floral is soft, but in a quietly sexy sort of way. As with many designer scents, care has been taken to create something special and rare--something that doesn't remind you of every other thing on the market. This one is a "floriental" but a very soft one. Top notes of mandarin, bergamot and rose pepper feel fresh to me with middle notes of fresh petals, gardenia, and (surprisingly) cotton candy. The base notes give 212 Sexy a more substantial and sophisticated vibe: white musk, sandalwood and vanilla. This is definitely the type of fragrance that surprises someone with scent when they're very close to you, but doesn't bowl them over, if they're just, nearby. It's a pretty choice for a bride-to-be or any special woman (Mother's Day is coming in May). There is also a very nice, hydrating, well-scented Body Lotion $45.00 6.75 fl. oz in a clear plastic tower with a muted, matte, metallic lilac twist open/closed" top that silkens skin and helps layer the fragrance for longer wear.
Spring is the time for flowers. In Tahiti, women wear the fragrant, white Tiare flower to send the message "I'm taken" (left hear) or 'I'm available" (right ear). When she waves one of these sweetly spicy blooms behind her head, it means "follow me." Tiare is a lovely white floral that's intoxicating. It is reminiscent of gardenia, or another exotic flower, the Hawaiian Plumeria. The Shedonism Bath and Body Beauties collection$42.50 1.7 fl. oz that is both enticing, and unusual. The concentrated spray mist arrives in a light, mint-green cardboard box with deeper green floral design. Inside, a slim, elegant column of frosted glass is etched with the same floral, and topped with a subtle, matte metallic green top. The essential oils in this fragrance are jasmine, petigrain mandarin, bergamot and basil. The effect is "exotic floral" but not cloyingly sweet or heavy, as some tropical florals can be. It's romantic, but just a bit exotic and sensually-spicy. You'll be reminded of the tropics every time you wear it, even if you're bundled into a down coat right now. And, if you want to send that message to a special person to "get closer," without making a verbal statement, this is a perfect fragrance choice! Matthew Williamson Fragrance $68.00 1.7 fl. oz, $88.00 100 ml is not the first from this designer. He created another, quite different fragrance in 2002 with Lyn Harris of Miller Harris. But this new scent is a winner. It's a fruity floral with beachy notes, that will win hearts among those who like something different but still very pretty. Much like his flirty, colorful, sassy fashions, this fragrance has a unique blend of accords with notes of bergamot, lime, neroli, tagete, ginger, cinnamon, warm sand accord, schinus molle, jasmine sambac, orris concrete, ylang ylang, magnolia, rose, gardenia, heliotrope, labdanum, sandalwood, vanilla, olibanum, benzoin, patchouli and musk. Together, they create an incandescent, mysterious, and sultry attitude. In real terms, I smell fruits, spices, some exotic blooms, and warm vanilla, which to me really does evoke lazy vacation days in an exotic place. It starts out fairly bold, but mellows quickly to a softer scent. It's one of those unusual fragrances that smells a bit different (but nice) on everyone, depending upon body chemistry. Then there's the packaging to love: a light turquoise cardboard sleeve/top that pulls away from the hot pink bottom, with an inner design featuring a humming bird hovering about an exotic pink lotus or water lily (not sure which, but it's pretty) on a silver background. The bottle is a clear square rimmed in shiny silver that is indented on both sides and frosted in pink, capped by a clear chunk of square plastic over the spray diffuser. Matthew Williamson appears in small, pink, sans serif lettering in the middle. It's quite beautiful and different...and that's how we would describe the fragrance, too. Inexpensive doesn't mean uninteresting. So...? Sinful $16.95 1.7 fl .oz; $8.50 .67 fl. oz comes in a very eye-catching , glossy cardboard square of purple and magenta. Inside, a low, clear cube of glass sports a pink-tinted fragrance with a purple plastic "mushroom" top that's too cute to keep under wraps. The presentation is young-at-heat, and the fragrance is a youthful, easy to wear mix of sass and juicy fruits: top notes of mint, pineapple, and chocolate blend with middle notes of violet and strawberry, but the drydown adds a bit of sensual mystery: musk, cedarwood, vanilla and praline tone down the fruit, and make it soft and sexy. This tempting little treat is easy on the nose and on the wallet. It will get heads turning, whether you are fifteen, or fifty. Get one, and be prepared to have a little fun! The blue agave plant is one of a number of succulents that you might know since the sap of it's flowers are the basis for tequila or mescal. This one is hardly a houseplant as it grows in dessert conditions. It's known for it's bluish hue and the spectacular spikes that it sends high into the air, blossoming into flowers just one in a lifetime. This rare, exotic flower is also used in the Blue Agava & Cacao Cologne $90.00 3.4 fl. oz, $50.00 1 fl. oz launched by Jo Malone, last November. What I like so much about this fragrance is it's exotic blend of notes that still have a familiar and comfortable smell. The scent starts with fruity and spicy top notes of bigardia, grapefruit, cardamome, lime oil and red berry. At it's heart we smell flowers: the agava flower, orchid, geranium, white lily, and (surprisingly) salt (a nod to tequila, perhaps?). The bottom notes soften and round out this unusual mix, with traditional vetyver, musk, and vanilla beans, but then there's the cinnamon and chypre cocoa to add a velvety softness. You can smell the chocolate, but after you've worn it for awhile you get vanilla, leather, even a hint of tobacco...and through it all, a slight floral attitude. This is a fun scent to add to your wardrobe and share with him or her. TIP: Jo Malone suggests layering this primarily unisex scent to make it more masculine or feminine--it's fun to experiment!
HAIR HELPERS: The bright, metallic, orange "pyramid" pump bottle with hot pink diffuser spray top got my attention at first glance when I tried the Got2B Crazy Sleek Unstoppable Hold Shine Lock $5.99 4.2 fl. oz. Inside is the real treat, of course: a lightweight finishing spray that adds shine (thanks to silicone) but also provides "stop-it-right-there" hold to fight frizz and fly-aways (thanks to what the literature calls "resin technology" but we call it: "cool!") The secret, they say, is that the product doesn't have much water in it, so once you blow dry tresses straight and apply the product, you'll keep the frizz out, and the sleek shine, locked in. TIP: I love bangs but mine curl and frizz at the slightest hint of humidity. This product helps keep them from getting weird and wild, and if they're a tad too long (but you're not ready for a trim) the holding power is just enough to give bangs a bit of "pouf" to keep them out of your eyes, too. Debuting in January in our What Works column was i/m Active, a hair accessories and styling product line featuring hair accessories with a patent-pending, rubberized, stretchy Active/Hold Technology (apparently with 52% more holding power than ordinary elastics). They hold fast, but slide off easily without damaging the hair. With subdued colors like grey ruling the Spring runways, we particularly like the grey, Adjustable/Velcro Head Wrap $7.99/2. The 3" wide elastic band has a velcro closure in the back, so no matter what your head size or hairstyle, you'll get a perfect and secure fit every time. Choose the solid, dark grey band, or go sporty with the striped medium and light grey one. Either way, you'll look trendy, and your hair will look great. TIP: hair accessories are a fun way to boost style--experiment! Bumble & Bumble has such innovative products, we can't help but love them. One that is a "must-have" after a lot winter of hat hair is Bb Shine $34.00 4 oz., $9.00 1 oz. It literally gives new shine and manageability to "old" color! The shiny, gold cardboard outer container with a white star on top is so cute, you'll be tempted to re-use it TIP: we use ours for storing bobby bins, hair pins, and ponytail elastics. Of course, it's the product inside you're paying for, and it's a good one: a spray-style container allows you to use an ultra-fine mist to check flyaways, reduce static, and add dimension, but it's the hi-sheen your hair gets that will really grab you. Even faded or dull hair color just looks like it's been "glossed" in a salon treatment...and all it takes is a push of a button! It's pricey, but addictive...first used on photo shoots where shine and control were a must, you'll also get hooked on this once you see the results. The purse-sized spray is not only great for travel, but for trying it out. For additional styling control, a small dab of Bumble and Bumble Styling Wax $19.00 1.5 oz. gives moist, light to medium hold that won't look greasy, and stays malleable so you can change your style if you choose. It's great for adding separation, texture, and yet, washes right out with your next shampoo. *watch for more unique, unisex Bumble & Bumble products in our "For the Guys" section, in April. Recently I visited the Warren-Tricomi Salon on 57th Street in Manhattan, for a "hair make-over (see my archived Blog Post for more about my experience). The creators are Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren. Although the salon uses products from other, high-quality lines, it's only natural that they'd have their own, as well. If you want to experience some of the luxury and high style of the salon, try the 15+ products and 6 brushes from the Warren Tricomi STYLE line. These high-performance products are the same, professional-quality items you'd experience at the salons, and they're available at Warren-Tricomi salons, on their web site, and Bath & Body Works stores. My favorite is something simply called Blue Gel $17.00 5 oz. It is blue, and it's a semi-liquid gel that is good for all hair types as a multi-purpose styling product. This sculpts, and provides flexible hold (with a lot of shine) but it doesn't feel sticky, hard, or greasy. Use after cleansing and conditioning, but before blow drying. A little works wonders on wayward strands a bit too short to stay put on their own (great for bangs). TIP: use this product this summer to create that wet "beach" look. I also like the Blow-Dry Lotion 5 oz. $15.00 which helps smooth frizz and fly-aways. The oil-free formula is perfectly clear-all you see is smooth, shiny, soft and non-frizzy your hair looks (and it helps keep hair under control when the humidity rises, too). A few pumps prior to blow drying helps detangle and calm strands for easier styling--use a bit on freshly-dried hair to keep it super-smooth, too. If you use a heat-styling tool such as a curling iron or flattener, Hot Set Spray $17.00 5 oz. helps "lock in" the shape, while it provides additional shine, and moisture-resistance. It's infused with organic extracts of wild cherry, rosemary and Warren-Tricomi's own "advanced styling technology." TIP: watch for upcoming reviews of Warren-Tricomi's REPAIR line (next month). As you know, The Advice Sisters don't review many products specifically designed for children, but when one of my contacts suggested I review the So Cozy Flight Kit For Kids $22.00 I realized that new airline regulations mean shampoos must be shared, even with kids in tow. The So Cozy Flight Kit features five travel-sized SO Cozy Products for Hair, plus a tiny, yellow rubber ducky for fun. Since cleansers on the road can be too harsh for small children, taking products that are gentle enough for them, that you can use as well, just makes sense. The white plastic 2 oz bottles with colorful labels are stashed in a clear, zippered case that makes it easy to see what you need: So Cozy Shampoo (tear-free, low lather) is berry scented and has eleven herbal extracts to protect, soothe, and promote healthy hair. So Cozy Conditioner is ultra-gentle, reduces fly-aways, and has nourishing ingredients like sweet almond oil and vitamins A and E. So Cozy Conditioning Shampoo has soothing aloe vera and is an all-in-one for times when you don't have time for two steps. It also smells like tropical fruit. So Cozy Detangler does a job that makes kids cry, easily and quickly. So Cozy styling gel smells like grape and is alcohol free, so it styles with a soft and natural (not greasy or heavy) hand. For families with young children, this take-along kit is a "must-have." No kids? The gentle products are still good quality and lighthearted fun!
FOR THE GUYS (AND SOME TO SHARE):
In our women's fragrance section above, we wrote about Curve Kicks for Women. The men's fragrance, Curve Kicks for Men Eau De Toilette Spray $52.00 and Cologne Spray $50.00 3.4 oz (* skin soother is available as well) is equally nice. It arrives in a blue and silver tin, in a striking, apothecary-style cobalt blue bottle with silver label. It is masculine, but a unique blend of ingredients give it a hip and edgy vibe that we are sure will appeal to it's target audience: Generation Y. It starts out a bit fresh and sparkling, with top notes of effervescent ginger, wild mint, thyme, bergamot, mandarin and tangerine, tempered with a middle of lavender, cardomom, cedar leaf and indigo amber. The bottom notes are cashmere woods, skin musk, patchouli, oakmoss, sandalwood, and white vetivert. This is a fragrance that we think will appeal to men of all ages who want something masculine, but a bit different than the usual. For Gen Y-ers wishing to smell good, but not like "Dad," this enticing fragrance will surely be a "must-have" for Spring. Back in November 2006, when we reviewed Driven Eau de Toilette created by Avon with New York Yankee shortstop, Derek Jeter, we promised that we'd bring you reviews of the next group of Driven-scented products. Now they're here! Back then we described this masculine scent as being fairly strong, with top notes of crushed leaves, black pepper, chilled grapefruit, coriander seeds, and wormwood (for a spicy feel); surprisingly-fresh middle notes of fresh rhubarb, iced lavender, cardamom, and American spearmint; and a base of aquatic bamboo, Pacific driftwood, wengue wood, snow musk, and oakmoss, that give it a distinctive. and masculine vibe. There's a freshness about this fragrance that smells so pleasing. It's masculine but modern, with herbal touches that make it so much more unusual (for that unusually-special, man) Body Wash 6.7 fl. oz, Anti-Perspirant-Deodorant Stick 2.5 oz., and a Deodorant Body Spray 4.0 fl. oz. Our male reviewer liked the teal-blue packaging, and the large pump top on the body spray, that gives a big blast of scent with one push, and thereby distances itself from a "girly" body splash. The solid stick deodorant is great for travel, and helps a man layer a bit more scent and feel fresh at the same time. The fashionable Mr. Jeter is the face and inspiration of all the products. He is quoted as saying: " I wanted to make sure the final product (Driven) was something men would like to wear, and that women would want them to wear." We think he succeeded! My husband often complains that family-style shampoos and body washes smell too fruity, too floral, or like chemicals. Not so the Scent of Santa Fe Shampoo $32.00 8 oz. by Philip B. This multi-tasking cleanser can be used for hair and body. The green, very green-colored liquid body/hair wash reminds us both of the great outdoors (the Sangre de Cristo mountains in Santa Fe, New Mexico is the inspiration). Even men will appreciate the nicely lathering, moisturizing cleanser with fresh, outdoors-y scent. They may not realize that it's also got shea butter, Vitamin B5, and 10% pure plant extracts including pinion, safe and juniper berry to keep their skin from drying out, while leaving just a light whiff of the clean and slightly spicy scent. Children and teens will love the green color, and since it is good for all hair and skin types, and you can use it in shower, or for a fragrant soak in the tub, it's sure to end up as a family favorite. The high quality ingredients will keep the "Cowboys" in your family happy and clean, although we can't guarantee that the outdoors-y scent won't want to make them saddle up and head out to the hills! If you're not the type to get a manicure, you're going to have to groom those nails, yourself. It's easy, with RED' by Kiss Nail Clipper Duo $2.99. There's a silver clipper and a gold one (just in case you're sharing them with others, or the family pet!). Both have sharp, hard blades with a slight arch that contours to the shape of the nails, for precise trimming (you don't want to end up with a hangnail after all that effort)! There's even a swing-out file to file off any rough edges, and lighten your pockets with a handy, all-in-one tool! Looking to channel your inner rock star? Got2b Kicked Up Hard Jelly $5.99 6.7 oz comes in a metallic magenta jar with an acid green top. Inside, a cool, lime green gel smells faintly of pineapple. But this is no "girly" stuff--the gel is a strong styler that seals and defines extreme spikes and flips, with shine and a non-stiff but definitely hard-holding finish. If you have short hair that needs a styler to hold it, you'll love the way this one looks, feels and smells!
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The Beautiful Love Makeup Collection by Estee Lauder is
one of three new, limited edition "Beautiful" makeup collections.
This one features soft, limited edition, pink-rose-glitzed shades that
will make you the heroine of your own love story! What could be
more swoon-worthy than a limited edition, shiny, round gold mirrored
mini-compact just a tad larger than a locket, in rose gold? Treat
yourself to an Estee Lauder After Hours Slim Compact with Lucidity
Translucent Pressed Powder $27.00 The compact fits into
evening bag or work purse, and gives you a bit of flash, a superb
pressed powder for touch-ups and a finishing touch to your face, and a
taste of luxury even if you're not a bit of a budget. It's silky, sheer,
and has a luminous finish, yet helps to conceal flaws and combats shine.
And, reviewers with combination skin loved the way this product sort of
"balances" out the dry, oily and normal spots, effortlessly. I
can't believe how reasonable the price is for this compact which comes
filled with the pressed powder. Even better news: you can purchase Lucidity
Translucent Pressed Powder Refills $9.50 so you can use your
compact as often as you wish and not just "for special" occasions. 
The new Spring Collection from Giorgio Armani Beauty
is a palette of sheer berries that help you wear these trendy colors on
eyes, face and lips, without looking like a circus clown. For example,
the Berry Palette $65.00 pairs a sheer cream blush with a sheer
powder in three intensities: "Fresh Berry" (sheer pink cream blush and
sheer powder No. 1), "Warm Berry" (sheer mild berry cream blush with
sheer powder No.3), and "Dark Berry (sheer raspberry cream blush with
sheer natural bronzer). One of the best things is the chic, matte, black
mirrored, dual-level compact that screams "designer." We tried the "Warm
Berry" palette. The cream is silky and dry (not sticky or gooey) to the
touch, and you can layer it with your fingertips. Add a little, or a
lot--either way it's believable and pretty. The pressed powder is
also silky and sheer, so you can blot away shine, or hide imperfections
(I'd suggest a brush or sponge). I also like the new, Sheer Pigment
$35.00. This is a liquid blush (using a "MicroFil™"
technology) in a tote-able pump-bottle. It is so lightweight it
literally melts into the skin. There are two colors for lighter and
deeper complexions. We tried "Pink Berry," (a medium, clear pink) and
"Peachy Pink Berry." They're so transparent you can even mix them
together for your own take on the berry trend. If you've never tried a
liquid or cream blush before, Spring is the time to try one of these
(you'll be pleasantly surprised).
When I
think of Barbie, the words "pink" and "plastic" automatically
come to mind, but there's nothing plastic (although there's
plenty of pink) in the very real, very new, limited edition, "Barbie
loves M.A.C." makeup collection. This long-awaited collection
has lots of make real women, pretty, after all, the Barbie doll
has been a fashion icon for women of all ages since it was created, 48
years ago! This collection for M.A.C. Cosmetics is the first time
that the very youth-oriented toy company, Mattel, has partnered
with an adult-oriented makeup line. The matte, black M.A.C.
compacts are gussied up with a girly, hot pink silhouette of the
icononic, pony-tailed Barbie that will make your feel feminine
even before you apply the makeup. And, who hasn't wanted to
look at least a little like the nearly-perfect, beautiful, Barbie
doll? There is at least one woman who has endured multiple plastic
surgeries to accomplish this. It's a lot easier to get Barbie's
flushed complexion, however--all you need is the new Beauty
Powder $20.00 in "Pearl Blossom." This light pink with silvery pearl
can be used as a highlight, or just lightly dust it over your blush for
shimmer. We didn't receive the entire collection, but we hear that
the "Pearl Sunshine" is perfect for those who love peaches, too.
Another fabulous designer coupling lips to a scent is Donna Karan.
I get a boost every time I see the multi-layered, swivel-out compact of
the DKNY Be Delicious Lip Shine Trio $20.00 by Donna Karan (DKNY)
from the limited edition "Be Delicious Shine Collection."
The lime-green compact reminds you of the unusual floral fragrance (with
green apple heart) called "Be Delicious," which we first introduced you
to in
Lauren Hutton's new Aqua Elements Lipstick Set $26.00
features a lips product in a clever case that lets the actual color show
through--why hasn't anyone else thought of this? I'd love it for
that reason alone, but creamy, moisturizing lipstick/balm with high
color and moist gloss makes lips look and feel so good, it's a
"must-have" for Winter-worn, chapped, dry lips. A coordinating, creamy,
long-lasting Lip Liner adds a finishing touch. These products
come in pink, yellow, brown and olive to match every skin tone.
Hydrate your skin and get a flirty,
fresh, designer scent with a heart of fruity green apple with the new,
limited edition, DKNY Be Delicious Body Gloss Spray $38.00 4.2 fl.
oz. The lightweight, non-greasy, clear moisturizer gives your
skin a hint of DKNY Be Delicious scent, along with the
merest suggestion of a skin gloss. Of course, the point is also to
provide hydration to your skin and this product does that quite nicely
as well. Whether your skin is dry and flaky from Winter and you just
want to pamper it, or you simply want a pick-,e-up for body and soul,
this will do it. Even the bottle will make you feel energized:
it's apple juice-inspired gradated clear glass, a with metallic green
apple cap. 
When I
was a little girl, I used to be fascinated by the pretty jars of
perfumes and "potions" on my mother's and grandmother's dressing
tables. They were so pretty to look at...what could they contain...the
secret to beauty, perhaps? That's the feeling I get when I see the
luxurious bath & body products in stunningly "girly" and graceful
containers from Lady Primrose. The Body Velvet $52.00 (*there
is also a Bath Gel $52.00 and French Milled soaps $28.00/4) from
Lady Primrose in their signature scent called "Tryst," is a perfect
example. A super-hydrating, super-silky, milk-white lotion is beautiful
to look at in a tall, fluted glass bottle with tall, fluted glass
stopper, a sparkling collar of rhinestones surrounding the slender part
of the bottle's neck (a romantic nod to a Lady Primrose family
heirloom bracelet). "Tryst" is a sensual mix of intense green
florals, jasmine, and fleur d'orangery. It's like a
bride's bouquet, but with more freshness and less sweetness. It's
"special event" worthy, but light enough to wear any day, any time just
to feel pampered, and beautiful. The products are lovely, but the
containers are some of the most feminine and pretty, on the market. If
you use pretty products you feel pretty. So Lady Primrose really
does know about the secret to beauty.
I can't think of a single
thing more evocative of the warmer, sunnier days ahead than a
beautifully-scented candle, and one Candle $14.99 I am loving right
now is called "Country Meadow" from The Spring Candle Collection" by
Jerome Privée Pour La Maison. This generously-sized, pale green
candle in a clear, glass votive is the color of new leaves.
At first sniff you get a clear smell of fruity top notes (green apple,
basil, and sweet melon) with a light, floral heart of jasmine and lily
of the valley for a Springtime boost. The bottom, however, smoothes
out the fruit and flowers nicely, with sheer musk that gives it a
creamy finish. There are two other scents as well. You'll
appreciate the high-quality wax base that keeps your newly-scented
ambiance lasting longer, too.
We love sets of coordinated products! They're not only usually more economical than
purchasing the items separately, they often give you a chance to sample
things you might have otherwise passed up. When you try them, you love
them! A cute kit that pampers body and spirit and gives you a hint of
Springtime is the Mandarin White Orchid Body Luxe Set
$35.00 by Lucky Chick. Inside a re-useable, zip-lock-type
clear plastic bag, is a set of products scented with a like, feminine
floral scent that pampers and delights young and old. The scent is
floral, but not overly-sweet. You'll smell "clean" with just the merest
hint of flowers--really pretty! I love the thick and
seriously-exfoliating 4 oz jar of lilac-colored, seriously exfoliating
Sugar Body Scrub (with Vitamin E). It's thick, so it doesn't just fall
off your skin and onto the floor of your shower. There's also a
very soothing, 3.0 oz hydrating and moisturizing Body Butter that leaves
your skin with a little bit of a glow, a 4.6 fl. oz Hydrating Body
Mist with a handy spray top, a lovely (and effective) 3.5 fl. oz Shea
Butter Hand Cream to soothe dry, irritated hands, and (just for
fun), a zippered Change Purse that could easily double as a tiny makeup
bag for a lipstick and mirror. Packaged in a reusable carrying case.
We love the "all-girl and delicate" pink, white and lime green floral
print on a beautiful, mint-green background that is on all of the labels,
and the change purse, This entire set is also available in
Mimosa, Jasmine & Violet. TIP: this is a great gift
for all occasions. We all need a bit of pampering, and this
one delivers it, for a great price.
Once in a while a usually, glowing review doesn't get saved to
this column. That apparently occurred when I posted my review of some of
the items from Spare Change, one of the
cutest innovative, and most comfortable jewelry lines I've ever
discovered! I first
discovered Spare Change at the
Last Fall, I was fortunate to be backstage at the
I discovered another hot and beautiful trend for Spring, 2007
backstage at the TIBI runway show.
Ayako, the International Makeup
Artist for NARS went with a retro "Charlie’s Angels" look with
subtle color. She used two Duo
Eye Shadows $31.00 from NARS that really caught my eye:
"Habanera," a subtle frosted mint green paired with an awesome,
sparkly, deep grayed-plum (photo) and "Sugarland," A light and pearled orchid
pink paired with a sparkly golden apricot). This is a very versatile,
fresh, and modern look, even though there are nods to retro.
There is a lot of "glow" in this look, but it isn't the harsh or
glittery disco vibe at all. It is light and subtle, with a semi-wash
of layerable color for day (the colors are sheer and very blendable).
However, if you apply several layers and define eyes with liner and
mascara, the look becomes significantly evening. Of course, this
luxe line offers beautiful, matte black compacts with the White NARS
logo (so everyone knows what a fashionista you really are) and
interior mirror, and the shadow is high quality, true to color, and
long lasting. Every woman should treat herself to at least one NARS
eye shadow for Spring! TIP:
get the entire "how-to" of the
entire face look on
I love coordinated eye compacts. The True Color Eyeshadow
Quads $7.00 from the Spring Style 2007 Sheer Collection by
Jillian Dempsey for Avon are lovely. Four silky powder
shadows in slim rectangles come in coordinated colors form light to
dark, to line, color, highlight and define eyes. We liked the long
wear and the fact that the colors really stay true, even when your
body heats up. Use the paler shades for highlighter and as a
base, the darker ones for contour and liner. You can layer these to
create different looks for day and evening. Ours was "Sandy Corals,"
but they weren't coral tones--just neutral, warm, earthy ivory, peach
and warm browns that will flatter everyone. There's also a set called
"Washed Khakis" which we didn't try, but are equally as great for
Spring. *check out the sure-to-be-a-smash-hit Cynthia
Rowley/Jillian Dempsey Fall 2007 makeup collection sneak peek in
our April column, too.
Every time you look at the satin-covered pastels with large
floral on the limited edition, square mirrored compacts of Stila
Spring Garden Eye Shadow Trios $32.00, you'll feel like it's
Spring. Inside these unusually-lovely fabric covered cardboard
compacts are three sumptuous intense but layerable Stila
shadows: a highlighter, crease color and deep liner shade. The color
combos and I'd be willing to guess, the compacts, were designed by
costume designer Arianne Phillips who has worked with everyone from
Reese Witherspoon, to Madonna. As you can see from the
photo, these are nice enough to leave out on your desk or dressing table, to admire. Admirable
is "Ravishing Rose" that offers a selection of
warmed rose tones that are an attractive but stylist alternative
to the trendy "purples." There is also a gorgeous green (intensities of dusty
sage) compact and one with blue-grey hues that go perfectly with the
navy and grey you'll be seeing everywhere.
TIP: accent eyes when wearing subtle
shadows with eye liner. Stila Kajal Eye Liner $14.00 adds a
deep, smudge-able line with an
The beautiful, new scent,
Island Michael Kors Hawaii $60.00 1.7 fl. oz by Michael Kors
is all about orange: orange color, and orange blossom scent. Mr.
Kors obviously is quite fond of Hawaii, and the love if evident in the
fragrance. It starts with a burst of fresh and vibrant citrus:
clementine, orange fuse with neroli, and accents of hydroponic
pineapple. The heart is floral-- orange flower blended with jasmine
sambac and exotic Hawaiian ginger lilies. White amber, sandalwood and
rich, balsamic notes give the drydown a softer, more sophisticated
feel. The bottle is clean and spare--, layers of shimmery, orange
colored glass accented by clear, rectangular top that lets the spray
diffuser peek through. This fragrance is a fruity and white floral
blend that's modern and enjoyable, and not quite like anything I have
sampled before. It is at once bright and youthful, and yet, also
glamorous enough to wear with business clothes. Even if you are not
usually a "fruit" or "white floral" lover, you'll enjoy wearing this
unusual scent. It's a little bit "Tiki" and a lot "luxury
Island".
Wear it, and perhaps for just a moment, hear the sounds of hula
dancers and feel the heat of chic and sensual Hawaii!
We've
reviewed a few other versions of CURVE from Liz Claiborne
Cosmetics fragrance for him and for her, in What Works. Now there
is a new and very nice fragrance in the CURVE product line...a
his and hers set of fragrance called Curve Kicks Eau De Toilette
Spray $52.00 and Cologne Spray $50.00 3.4 oz (* a body lotion is
available as well). These fragrances, nestled into signature tins,
not cardboard boxes, have been designed to appeal to Generation Y.
Curve Kicks for Women comes in a bright orange and silver tin,
and the "apothecary" style, orange glass bottle with orange plastic
"stopple" at the spray diffuser (no cap), lets you know that what's
inside has a hip and young attitude, definitely not grandma's
fragrance. The scent is a fruity floral, but with a difference: it
starts out refreshing, with mandarin, watery pear, melon and cassis,
and classic, feminine, floral middle notes of passion fruit, peony,
freesia and muget, but the bottom is peach, vanilla, sandalwood,
vetivert, and cedar, which give it a spicy and soft finish that is a
bit androgynous, and yet still manages in the drydown, to be a sexy
and soft modern floriental. It's lovely, and you don't have to be
under 30 to like it, either. I see this as a mom and daughter,
or sister-to-sister, share! See the Curve Kicks for Men
review, in our "Just For the Guys" section, below.
Kiton in Italy, is
one of the most luxe fashion houses in the world. They create just
20,000 handmade suits annually which will set you back $5,000-$15,000!
If this is not in your budget, you'll be happy to know you can still
exude class and Italian style by wearing the new fragrance, Kiton
Black Eau De Toilette $85.00 4.2 oz; $65.00 2.5 oz. by Kiton. Beginning this month at the Kiton store in New York, and
Bloomingdales, you'll find this sensational fragrance is both unique,
and powerful. We didn't see the actual bottle, but it is
described as "clear oval panels in the front and back, framed by a
glossy, opaque edge, accented with the Kiton Black logo (red dot over
the "i") and glossy black cap." We did smell the fragrance. It
starts with a fresh, clean, semi-lemony scent, created with lemon,
Italian Bergamot, and red berries, combined with a touch of violet
leaves. But the scent gets depth, spice and a masculine sexiness from
a heart of violet, cyclamen, cardamom, and cedarwood. Classic "manly"
base notes of vetiver, amber, leather and tonka bean soften the feel
and bring it all together: spicy, masculine...but with a "get closer
if you want more" vibe to it. This is not a light fragrance...it has
presence. It's just the type of attitude you want with suits, and
heavier fabrics such as tweed and cashmere. This is an artful, elegant
blend of high perfumer's art. You'll want a bottle!
Last, but not least, I am suggesting a product from Erno Lazlo:
Sea Mud Dual-pHase Wash for Normal/combination to Oily Skin $48.00
4.2 fl. oz. It's not specifically for men, but
Erno Lazlo's cleansing rituals have been used by both men and
women since 1939! The reason I'm including it here is that I think
this cleanser (and there's one for dry/slightly dry skin types as
well) provides an easy ritual men will like. These new cleansers have
a dual chamber pump that releases one pump of cleanser, the other of
Ernzo Lazlo's famous Active pHelityl Oil, in one simple,
attractive, frosted plastic bottle with large pump top. What's nice
about this product is that in the past, you had to combine the two to
get the desired result. Now, you can get a healthy glow on the go--and
in one step. The Sea Mud cleanser has mild exfoliating properties and
is full of good-for-your-skin antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E,
grape seed, green tea, and algae. These not only cleanse, but help
protect skin against premature aging, increase elasticity, help
moisturize, and minimize skin roughness due to UV exposure. Simply
fill a basin with warm water, pump the cleanser into your hand, lather
up and massage onto face for a few seconds, splash water from basin on
face 20 times. Fill basin with hot(clean) water, splash 10 times, dry
face. The process takes under a minute and leaves skin looking great.
Of course, the women in the household will be using it too...so be
generous, and share!
THE ADVICE SISTERS' SHOPPING GUIDE:
Aveda: www.aveda.com or call 800.328.0849 for locations or more information.
Avon: www.avon.com or call 800-FOR-AVON
BeautiControl: www.beautcontrol.com
Bobbi Brown: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com and Bobbi Brown makeup counters, and www.sephora.com
Boots Cosmetics: www.boots.com and Target (in the USA)
Bourjois: Bourjois at Sephora.com
Bumble and Bumble: www.bumbleandbumble.com or call 800-7Bumble
Charles Worthington: available nationwide at Walgreens
ck one scene: Nordstrom and other department stores
Clarins: www.clarins.com and fine department stores
Clean & Clear: www.CleanandClear.com, drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide
Clinique: http://www.clinique.com
C.O. Bigelow: http://www.bigelowchemists.com/ and C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries, Bath & Body Works, Flagship Stores
Curve Kicks for Women/ For men (Liz Claiborne Cosmetics) at department stores nationwide
Dashing Diva: www.dashingdiva.com
Donna Karan (DKNY): at select department and specialty stores nationwide
Erno Lazlo: www.ernolazlo.com and select department and specialty stores including the Erno Lazlo Institute
Essie: call: 800-232-1155 for product and store info or visit www.discountbeautycenter.com
FACE Stockohom: http://www.facestockholm.com
Giorgio Armani Beauty: http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com and Armani Prive is available at Giorgio Armani Boutiques, and Harrods, London
Goldie: at Bath & Body Works Stores Nationwide
Hard Candy: www.sephora.com
Jerome Privé exclusively at Perfumania stores or http://www.perfumania..com
Jo Malone: http://www.jomalone.com Jo Malone Shops, Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, Canada
Kevyn Aucoin: www.kevynaucoin.com Henri Bendel, CO Bigelow stores, PIR Cosmetics
Lady Primrose: www.ladyprimrose.com
Laura Mercier: http://www.lauramercier,com and fine department stores. Call 888-MERCIER for store locations
Lauren Hutton: www.laurenhutton.com
L'Oreal Paris: at chain, food, drug and mass market stores
Lucky Chick: www.luckychick.com or call 888-920-0800
M·A·C Cosmetics: www.maccosmetics.com
Maybelline New York: www.maybellinenewyork.com and drugstores & mass market retailers
Miller Harris: Saks Fifth Avenue, Takashimaya NY, Apothia, LA www.millerharris.com
NARS Cosmetics: www.narscosmetics.com
Not Soap Radio: www.notsoapradio.com
Pantina: www.pantina.com
Philip B: www.philipb.com and Barneys New York
Playboy Beauty: www.Beauty.com Henri Bendel. The Playboy Concept Boutique (The Forum Shops), Selfridges (London), and Colette (Paris)
So Cozy: www.socozy.com FAO Schwartz,C.O.Bigelow, Boyd's of Manhattan, other fine stores or call 866-COZYCARE
Spare Change: www.sparechangejewelry.com and www.kidsfashionbrokers.com
SpaRitual: info at www.sparitual.com at Fred Segal Beauty, fine salons and spas.
Stila Cosmetics: www.stilacosmetics.com and Sephora.com
Tarte: www.tartecosmetics.com
Therapy Systems: www.therapysystems.com
Trish McEvoy: www.trishmcevoy.com, eLUXURY.com and upscale department stores
Matthew Williamson: at Saks, other fine department stores, online retailers.
Victorias Secret Beauty: http://www.victoriassecret.com/
Warren-Tricomi: Warren-Tricomi salons, Bath & Body Works Stores, and C.O. Bigelow Stores
