Unique Fragrances from France: Crazylibellule and the Poppies

Every now and then a company I've never heard of, contact me. The products they send, surprise!





That's the case with a French brand called Crazylibellule and the poppies offering solid perfume they call "CrazySticks." There is nothing really "crazy" about them. They're 0.17 oz. solid fragrances, beautifully packaged (in eco-friendly, colorful, cardboard tubes), that are paraben free, alcohol free and with no artificial coloring. They're small and portable.

Crazylibellule and the poppies was created in 2005 by Isabelle Masson Mandonnaud, the co-founder of Sephora. The CrazySticks are what she calls “une revolution parfum!” which means “A perfume revolution." Why a "revolution?" The CrazySticks are a solid, portable way to use perfume whenever and whenever you'd like!

“Les Garçonnes” (translated: "the first women in trousers") is the 4th collection of CrazySticks. Each collection has 7 fragrances and thse are all evocative of the Roaring Twenties! Each is named as a tribute to independent, famous or unknown, seductive and positive women who changed their time: Josephine, Gabrielle, Louise, Tamara, Jeanne, Rose and Pompon. The scents are daring, heady, different, and pleasingly sexy. They're the type of leather and tobacco fragrances that I've always personally liked, but they're laced with feminine flowers to make them daring, and all woman. As an aside, flappers really did use these deep, exotic, smoky scents in the 20's (to cover up their "unacceptable" smoking habits).

My favorite in this collection is "Hommage à Gabrielle." It smells like an expensive sports car with leather seats--but clearly it's a woman's car as her floral scent mingles with the other notes. Key notes include Elemi crystals, Peony, dry Cedar wood, Russian Leather supplemented with Joss Stick and Cedar." You' d think it was masculine, but the peony softens it just a bit. It's daring, different, and pleasingly sexy.

I also tried "Tamara Charleston" with a scent that you'll immediately love, or find hard to define. The key notes are Lisylang, a white, acqueous, flower, Green Mandarin and Absinth leaf and the surprise of freshly cut Hay. It's flowery and feminine, but somewhat refreshing, too. Very unique.

"Rose à Saïgon" is a fruity floral with soft Rose, Guaiacum Wood, and vetiver. Like the other fragrance, you won't smell it on every other woman in sight. The slightly smoky undertones give it a masculine vibe, but rose scent lightens and feminizes it. As the press literature says, it it is "the scent of her dream on her skin."

Other fragrances in this collection include: Pompon Gardénia (Lime zest and pulp, Gardenia , Virginia Tobacco); Joséphine Jonquille (Jasmine-Jonquil, Tiaré flowers, Ginger coated in Dark Chocolate); Jeanne (Bergamot, Iris , Java Nutmeg); and Chère Louise (Rose, Saffron stamens, Storax and Guaiacum Wood).

If you're looking for a signature scent that's uniue and portable, Crazylibellule and the poppies scents are the perfect ones! Get more information on the web site or buy them in Sephora Stores throughout the US.

Pro Silk Makes a Mighty and Affordable, Mini!

When you're traveling these days, you can pretty much count on even modest hotels and motels to provide a hair dryer. But if you generally also rely on styling tools, you'll probably have to take those with you. Alas, full-sized, electronic styling tools can add real weight to your suitcase. Over 40 pounds, and you'll have to pay more! If you don't want to get stuck with additional airline fees, or you don't have "staff" to carry your over-stuffed bags, the only solution is to travel light. The sensible solution is to invest in mini-sized beauty tools.



For example, these days I never travel without a mini flat iron. One that is modestly priced and brand new at just $19.95 (and heats up to 400 degrees in a flash), is the T-Pro Silk Ceramic Mini Flat Iron. This "smart" iron features ceramic technology, so your hair looks and feels softer and smoother, and has more shine. In fact, a few swipes of this flat iron and you will tame frizz so your hair stays smoother, much longer. This mini flat iron is lightweight, and super easy to use. There are no bells and whistles on this one, just an on-off switch and a power indicator light. I would have liked a temperature control on the unit, because this iron can get hot, but for the price, it does a great job.


Minis can be mighty. Even though this ProSilk mini it is just 7" long. It instantly straightens bangs and wispy pieces (a larger iron can't handle these easily, anyway) and if you section your hair, it will tame frizz all over.



TIP: No matter what kind of heat styler you are using, be sure to get a bottle of Pro Silk Serum. It comes in 6 oz ($19.95) and a more travel-friendly, 2 oz. size ($9.95). This little, extra step prior to using heat, helps you seal the hair follicle and protect your hair from heat and UV damage. Your hair will behave as it never has done before...mine is frizzy and wavy, and this serum totally tames it. The Pro Silk Serum is also the perfect travel partner for your hair and body. No body lotion around? Use the Pro Silk Serum to help your skin on your body feel soft and silky, too. Silk proteins used in ProSilk products are obtained by the hydrolysis of silk - a natural protein fiber. The soft luxurious thread obtained from the silk cocoon woven by the silkworm is scientifically converted for use in ProSilk professional hair care products. Pretty nifty!



Order the ProSilk Ceramic Mini Flat Iron #3930 by calling: 1.866.434.8100 or for more information on ProSilk tools and products, visit: http://www.prosilkprod.com/

Avon's Accessories Amaze, Amuse, Dazzle

Avon was the first company ever to believe in The Advice Sisters and offer me products to review so I have a spot soft in my heart for them. But way back then, I just thought of Avon as a cosmetics, fragrance and hair care company with affordable, unique, well packaged, and cutting-edge skin care, cosmetics.

More recently, Avon has stepped up their game when it comes to affordable, designer fragrances and they have wowed me, too. But if it's possible, even more than all of this, Avon's impressing me with the trendiness and affordability of their fashion accessories. That's right -- Avon isn't just face and body -- their lineup of seasonal offerings outfits you from head to toe, hats to shoes , belts, bags and bracelets, and everything in between.

Here are some of my Avon jewelry top picks for right now. Which ones do you like the best?

Coral is the quintessential Summer accessory. But the real thing is expensive and fragile. However, Avon's Coral Colored Cabochon Stretch Bangle Bracelet $24.99 gives you the look, for a lot less. The bangle looks solid, but it has a secret! It actually fits together thanks to a strong stretch cord, allowing the bracelet to slide easily over the wrist. This one-size-fits all bracelet should fit most wrists, and adds a gorgeous pop of color to any outfit. This is my favorite piece in the Avon Summer offerings so far because it's beautifully made and looks expensive. No one will know your secret (when you get compliments on this one, just say: "thank you").

Go glitzy with a statement bracelet that's easy to wear, and affordable to own. This chunky, Clear Bangle Bracelet with Faceted Faux Stone Accents is trendy, and it's just $14.99! The hinged cuff has a magnetic closure, so it stays shut and looks like a solid piece. Since it's clear, it will go with everything you own - fun to dress up your wrist for a wedding, perhaps. It's so go-with-everything than you can even dress it down and wear it with your swimwear, as long as you don't dunk it in the pool.

I love watches -- they're so much more than just a way to tell the time -- they're a justifiable, fashion accessory. Avon's Gruen Colorful Two-Tone Strap Watches $34.99 are not just quality timepieces, they're adorable! The clear, white, oversized dials with bright, wide, bands, remind me of the pop watches of the 70's. Silvertone cases and 9" straps mean they'll fit just about everyone. This is a great way to add some personality to a dress down Friday outfit, and I defy you to get just one! The price is amazing, and Gruen makes reliable watches that will last for a long, long time. They're a worthy investment that won't break your budget.

I admired these Cluster Drop Earrings on a stylish woman I know, thinking she must have spent a fortune for them in a pricey boutique. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that she got them from Avon for just $9.99! Yes! amazing! These beautiful drop earrings look heavy and expensive, but they're super-lightweight and easy to wear and cost less than half a week's worth of lattes! They come in white, turquoise or coral. They're nickel free ear wires (in case you have nickel dermatitis) and the ear wires have surgical steel wires so they won't turn green on you. These have got to be the buy of the Summer...but there are limited supplies so get yours while you can!

This is a bad photo of my second most favorite earrings: Avon's Bright Chandelier Hoop Earrings in either hot pink, orange, or yellow (also just $9.99). These huge, goldtone double hoops have rows of tiny opaque and clear faceted dangles sparkling and swaying merrily back and forth as you move. A french clip earwire keeps them secure on your ears. They are super-big, but they're lightweight, so you can wear them comfortably. They definitely make a statement!

Dazzled and excited? I know I definitely was! Visit http://www.avon.com/ and get the goods!

Kiss EverLasting French Manicure Limited Edition in Neon Brights - a Fun Way to Lighten up

Nails should be fun, especially during the Summer, when more relaxed dress codes and weekends, are the norm. One way to express yourself in a little way that makes a big impact is with nail colors or designs that are unique, or perhaps, a French manicure. But really, honestly....do you really have the time to carefully swipe on French manicure tips yourself, let alone indulge in a wardrobe of neon colors?

One way to have fun and make it affordable and easy, is with a faux nail. Kiss, for example, makes a funky, French manicure look effortless, with their limited edition of French Manicure nails --with a twist: neon tips with tiny glitter and design accents. They look like you spent hours (and big dollars) in a salon, but they're glue-on! Each nail is already perfectly colored with green, hot pink, or orange tips on a natural looking base. What's so much fun about these is that they are not just bright and cute, they're flawless the minute you glue them on and won't chip like a normal French Manicure. You get 28 nails in 14 graduated sizes, so there will be one that fits like a glove, for each of your nails.

If, like me, genetics has left you with nails that just won't grow (my mom was always breaking a nail possibly just by staring at her hands), faux nails look much better than the real thing. The nails do hold tight with glue (soak your nails in some acetone remover or use one of the special faux nail removers, to get them off), If, like me, you use your hands a lot, the nails won't last as long as if you have "staff." But still, for just $5.99 they're a hoot for the weekend, or a party, or to let your special someone at work get a clue that perhaps, you're not "all business."

These Neon Everlasting Nail Kits will be available through July 2009 at all major drug stores nationwide including Walgreens, Duane Reade, and Kmart. Visit http://www.kissusa.com/ and your local mass market retailers, to try these!

IPopperz Earbuds Make Life Just a Little Bit More Fun

When I first saw a photo of earbuds from IPopperz, I had to look twice to figure out that they weren't some kind of new jewelry item! And when I realized that these clever, decorative but items served a more practical purpose, I was enchanted!

Earbuds are a 'must-have" accessory for Ipods and other MP3 players, not to mentioned CDs and DVD players, but most are just dull, black or white. The I-popperz ear buds that let you show your personality and have a little fun with that most standard of headphone accessory. IPopperz will definitely get you noticed. There are 50 customized styles that fit all digital devices, in 5 themed collections: Buddyz (little faces--really cute!) Sportz (from soccer balls to race cars), Jewelz (lots of bling for not a lot of bucks), Graffiti (edgier designs like skulls & crossbones), and Colorz (earbuds with bold color combos). The prices range from $14.99 to $19.99 - not a lot of pay for something you probably use endlessly, and that will set you apart. Even better, you can customize the earbuds with three different earplug sizes so your earbuds feel comfy while they're looking good. Their frequency is 20-20K Hz as found in full size headphones, with a 10mm speaker and a 3.5 mm gold plated plug.



Electronic devices don't have to be boring! Whether you're a teen, or a grown-up, it's the little things that count. IPopperz just makes life a litter more fun. And, in case you're wondering about the quality, I tested them against my expensive, noise-reduction headphones and the quality of the sound from my Ipod was virtually the same.


The lime green earbuds with orange and crystal peace symbols (shown above) are from the Jewelz Collection: called "Peacejewelz" $19.95. Peace symbols are both retro and really trendy and make an important statement. But you can even have your MP3 player match your swimsuit this Summer, with one of the 7 new designs from the IPopperz Summer line: Flip-flop, Sea Shell, American Flag, Starfish, Seahorse, Clownfish and Dolphin designs. Each I-Popperz has the decorated set of earbuds, and a matching slider (the adjustable clasp that holds the right and left earbud wires together).

Once you see IPopperz you won't want to be without at least one pair! Visit http://ipopperz.myshopify.com/for ordering and more information.

Sylvania Products Light Up Your Life & Entertaining Style

I recently attended the holiday gift show and discovered that Sylvania is a lot more than just light bulbs. Here are some of the uniquem usual, affordable items that will make Summer and home activities, awesome!

This maroon mat may look like a magic carpet, but it's a place mat. And not just any old place to put your dinnerwear, at that. These LED Lighted Place mats in black or maroon feature moire-style fabric featuring tiny, LED fiber optic placements on both sides of the mat. A hidden on/off button lights the strips of twinkling lights, that blink with the side brilliance of stars and planets in a clear, night sky. The batteries are replaceable, although you'll probably just want to keep them on for the "wow!" factor and then perhaps turn them off when the main course is ready to be served. But if you don't mind springing for extra batteries, set your table with these (Scotchguard protected) mats for an elegant, outdoor dinner party. As the sun sets, watch your table become a galaxy of stars!

For more fun, serve your drinks on Sylvania LED Color Changing Coasters srp. $19.99/4. They're a fun way to amuse your guests, and keep your furniture from getting ruined. The color-changing lighted coasters are white plastic. The light show starts when you put the weight of a glass or bottle on it. The colors softly change as you watch, thanks to two CR2032 button cell batteries (they're included). You can't put these in the dishwasher, but they wipe clean and are water resistant.

Along the same lines, there's the Sylvania LED Bottle Topper $4/99. The top can be used on virtually any bottle, with a battery that lasts for up to 20 hours. Just push the button on the top to watch the light show begin. On a clear water bottle, for example, the colors will reflect all the way down the bottle as in the photo--pretty amazing! This words for wine and even olive oil. The toppers are so inexpensive, stock up on them for stocking stuffers for the holidays. They'll be a sure-fire hit!

Less colorful, but great for extra light, is Sylvania's Golden Dragon srp. $14.99 (who could resist that name)? The disk emits a bright, white light to mount under a cabinet and illuminate a specific area where you need a bit more. Since it's battery-powered you can stick it up anywhere with an easy install, and not worry about wires. The Golden Dragon has both magnetic and adhesive backing so you can mount it to either a magnetic or non-magnetic surface. The single, energy efficient LED is 30 times brighter than incandescent stick-up lights and you can use it at low or high light levels. And if that doesn't wow you, how about the fact that it's motion-activated with an automatic shut off? I mean, what light does this?! You simply wave a hand once across the front of the light to turn it on at high power, wave a second time for low power, and a third time to turn it off. If you leave it unattended, it will turn itself off after one hour. All you need is three AA batteries--and they're included!

The Dot-it Light srp. $9.99 is also a self-adhesive, bright white light that comes with colorful rims that you can stick up virtually anywhere you feel like it. They're small but mighty--great for the type of spot light you might not use every day, but need occasionally. I have mine near the stove next to the counter so I can really see what I'm doing. To turn the light on, all you do is press in the center. Press again to turn it off. The light is powered with three AAA batteries and will give you about 100 hours of bright, white LED light. Then, just replace the battery! You can stick and re-stick the light on virtually any clean surface. They're great in the car, too!

Sylvania also has an EcoLight Water-powered Shower light $39.99 ; color changing PalPODzzz™ Portable Night-Light $19.99; and color-changing Mod LIght LED Bowl $34.99

Get one or more of the LED items and be prepared to be dazzled, literally!

Go to http://www.sylvania.com/ and some items are also available at select Lowe’s stores and online retailers

Prescriptives Protects Against Sun Damage and Makes You Look Great

Prescriptives has note-able products both for skin and in color cosmetics. And, they always seem to have plenty of new products featuring SPF--something I absolutely love!

For Summer, All You Need SPF 15 $39.50 1.7 fl. oz delivers 24-hour moisturization in a lightweight base. Fruit and botanical extracts offer antioxidant protection, while broad spectrum SPF 15 gives you mild protection against the sun's rays.

There are natural and high-tech ingredients packed inside: grapseed, scutelleria, mulberry root and yeast extract (to brighten skin and even skin tone); resveratrol, grapeseed extract, rosemary extract, pomegranate extract, citi reticulatae peel extract, EUK-134m and goji berry (to protect skin from free radicals); skin smooth complex with glucosamine and clary sage (to exfoliate); hexapeptide (to boost collagen and reduce the look of fine lines)l sunflower seed cake, barley extract, cucumber fruit extract, and muru muru butter (to strengthen skin's lipid barrier); and caffeine, sucrose and Brazilian red algae (to soothe and calm irritate skin).

The product comes in a curious, squat, plastic bottle with an white, accordion pump top. What's really great about this unscented, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic product is that you can choose from three formulas: Normal, drier, and oilier, types. The lotion feels refreshing and light, making it something you can wear when the temperature rises without getting "shiny." If you're the type that just won't use a sun block, this moisturizer can do double-duty for daily wear.


Another way to protect your skin the easy way is with a multi-tasking foundation. One with SPF 10 is Prescriptives's All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear SPF 10 $32.50. This fragrance-free product is just launching now, and it's packed full of good-for-your-skin goodies, including:
Radiance Emitting Crystals (R.E.C.), a unique mineral complex of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Calcite, give skin a soft, luminous "lit from within" glow; Flex Matrix Technology (for long wear and a smooth, even, application); Titananium Dioxide (for non-chemical broad spectrum sun protection SPF 10); and Sodium Hyaluronate (helps to maintain skin’s moisture balance).

What I like about this foundation, for starters, is that while it comes in 18 shades, the product is sheer and natural enough to cover flaws (and be kind to large pores) without having to pick just one, perfect shade. I tried "warm light" but I could have used one or two shades in either direction and still looked fine. The oil-controlling formula is sweat and humidity resistant, water resistant (not that I'd advocate wearing it while swimming, but still...) and lasts a long, long time (the tube says 16 hours, but I didn't test it that long). But I liked the moistly matte finish and the light feel. My skin looked good, and I felt at least a little virtuous that I was protecting it from daily UV exposure (I'd wear a much higher SPF if I was planning to be outside or in the sun for any length of time).

Don't forget your lips! Calyx Sheer Exhilarating Lip Gloss $14.50 comes in three, super-sheer, shimmery, limited edition shades (inspired by the Prescriptives Calyx fragrance's citrus notes) and tailor made for different skin tones: Mango (warm); Pink Grapefruit (cool) and Guava (neutral). I tried "Mango," which really didn't tint my lips that much, even though it looked bright orange in the tube, but it did leave lots of pouty, shimmery, shine....gorgeous! The super-shiny, silky, non-sticky gloss has a luscious, guava taste and comes in a slant-tipped squeeze tube perfect for toting to the beach as well as to work. Cool graffiti graphics make the packaging, fun. This lip gloss is definitely excitement in a tube!


Visit http://www.prescriptives.com/ and all Prescriptives Counters nationwide, Holt Renfrew in Canada

Beauty Web Tour For This Week

Many people are busy celebrating the July 4th weekend, but the ADVICE SISTERS have been busy putting together the latest "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html You'll definitely want to check out what's new, with more than 30 pages of sun-safe products, gift and travel ideas, and a section just for the guys. There's also an entire page of links


It's Mario Badescu week at The Informed Makeup Maven where a new MB product is reviewed everyday. Don't forget to enter IMM's giveaways!

Dao from My Makeup Blog discovered a way to have Gisele Bunchen's hair without using heat.

Beauty Anonymous takes you to the ocean-inspired makeup collections.

Fabulous Over Forty has a favorite brand of aromatherapy for body and mind.

More Than a Pretty Face presents Part 1 of her interview with makeup artist extraordinaire Sam Fine. Stay tuned for Part 2!

The Beauty Couch is giving away two ChapStick True Shimmers to fulfill all your shimmery dreams.

Don't forget to enter Beauty in Real Life's giveaway with Perricone MD! Click here to enter to win an Advanced Face Firming Activator!!


Visit Lipgloss Break to Enter to Win Vera Wang Rock Princess and Barielle Summer Sugar Rush Nail Collection!