Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success and Happiness

Looking For a Last-Minute Gift? Books Are a Great Idea

2008-12-01T15:16:00.015-05:00

I usually give something frivolous and "girly" to my BFFs, but this year I am giving books. A book can be pure amusement, or it can be something much more. Books are lasting, and they are personal, especially if you select a title that's relevant to your recipient9s).

A book can transport you as almost nothing else can, and just one change your life, forever, and teach you something new. For my dear friend who has just discovered the joy of cooking, I recently offered an encyclopedic book on farmers markets fruits and vegetables. Another friend who loves crafts, got one on creative knitting. The former has developed a fondness for root veggies, the latter, a fondness for making decorated sweaters.

Whether it's for a birthday, or a holiday, or just because, a book is a wonderful option for gift giving. Here are some of the newest and best of the season to consider for the girls or creative guys on your gift list:

Switch Craft Battery Powered Crafts to Make and Sew by Alison Lewis and Fang-Yu Lin ($24.95 Potter Craft November 2008). In what the press info says is: "MIT meets FIT" the authors of Switch Craft offer a thoroughly modern "how-to" that will make sock monkeys and crocheted pillow covers a gift of the past, for good! Imagine creating an Urban Blaster tote with removeable, snap-in/out speakers that let you truly tote your music to the park for a picnic (without the awkward, ugly and heavy "boom box" of yesteryear), or a "dancing Queen" skirt that lets you create your own lightshow on the dance floor. With this book you can learn what to do with all those T-shirts you really should throw out: recycled them into a dog toy that makes sounds when it is chewed (by your fave dog, of course) The authors claim that while the designs require knowledge of electronics, none of the 20 projects is more complicated that what you learned in sixth grade. While it's true that everything is clearly explained, step by step, in pictures and text, I can't sew a straight line, and perhaps 6th graders have more technological savvy than I do (but I like to think I'm not alone in my awkwardness with crafts). Still, for those who have just a little interest, patience and experience with sewing and electronics, these projects are imaginative and fun. And, if you get this book quickly, consider using it to create some really fun holiday gifts that will particularly delight teens and younger adults.

Screen Your Stuff by Marion Levy and Veronique Georgelin ($12.95 Watson Guptill 2008), is a fun book with DIY for decorating items with silk screening. The book is full of colorful photographs that show the end results, and includes information about choosing colors, fabrics, tools, and even how to handle "technical difficulties" in the silk screening process. For those who are not truly artistic, there are also templates in the back. The photos make the silk screening process look easy and the results in the book are perfect, of course. Again, my personal experience with screeing fabric produced nearly the same results that I accomplished way back when in grade school making stamps with a sponge and a cut-out on a potato. But if you've previously done some silk screening or you just want to learn how, you will enjoy trying the projects in this book. Beginners: even if as a beginner, you don't get exactly the same, clean, neat, adorable look, practice does make perfect. If you have been longing for a way to perk up T-shirts, Towels, jeans, and even old furniture, Screen Your Stuff can help you turn a proverbial sows ear into a silk purse!

The LUCKY Guide to Mastering Any Style How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own by Kim France and Andrea Linett ($30.00 Gotham Books 2008) will make a great gift for a fashionista or a woman who wants to be one. The authors know a huge amount about personal style, and any book that helps women without one (a sense of style) is a great thing. The book gets high marks for organizing and explaining ten iconic looks that have been a part of our Western culture for decades: Euro Chic; California Casual; Rock and Roll; Posh Eclectic; Mod; American Classic; Bombshell; Arty Slick; Bohemian; and Gamine. My only real reservation about following this type of book is that women will find looks to relate to in these ten catgories (or combos of them), but categorizing yourself can be dangerous. The clueless might just find themselves "stuck" in a look to choose something workable, and that can't feel comfortable or provide true, personal style. Those who already know how they like to look will love looking at the photos and suggestions for color, fabrics, styles and accessories. Kim France and Andrea Linett are the Editor-in-Chief and Creative Director of LUCKY Magazine, and the book closely reflects the LUCKY style both in tone, and in age-appropriateness (an audience that is over 20 but less than 35 I'd wager a guess). For those of us who do not fit neatly into that category either, the book, like the magazine, still provides tons of fun and eye candy for armchair shoppers. LUCKY Magazine is really a monthly shopping guide. This book does not provide the actual prices of the clothes suggested in each style group, although actual stores are suggested (makes me wonder how they selected the items and the stores). Depending upon where you live (mostly on either coast) you will have more luck shopping the stores, but there are some with web sites, too. In the very back of the book, there are some pages of Lucky Breaks, the Magazine's special discount pages. Since some of these seem to be from the current magazine and end at the end of November 2008, I'm not sure why they're in the book. If you are reading this past then, you'll have to purchase Lucky Magazine to see what the latest and greatest discounts are.

Hot off the press December 1st at booksellers nationwide, and at Bobbi Brown counters and http://www.bobbibrown.com/ in January 2009, is Bobbi Brown's latest book: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual For Everyone from Beginner to Pro $32.00. If you've ever read my What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns, you know I'm a personal devotee of BB makeup. I've had the pleasure of watching Bobbi Brown work her magic backstage at Fashion Week and I've always wondered if I could ever develop a practiced hand with makeup. This book provides us all of with the benefit of Bobbi's 25+ years of experience. It features not only 200 full-color photos but also step-by-step instructions including a "Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup" that teaches you how to apply your makeup in ten minutes or less. Whether you want to become better at applying your own makeup, or you're interested in the beauty business or both, this book is a "candy store" of beauty information--a complete reference and a must-have! Available at all Bobbi Brown Counters and on http://www.bobbibrown.com/ *check out Bobbi's online video pitch for this great, new book:

I reviewed The 5 Minute Face by Carmindy with photography by Palma Kolansky (Harper Collins May 2007) in the Book Review section of the Advice Sisters Enews for Summer 2008 (*if you want the Enews it's free, subscribe here). Carmindy's newest book is Get Positively Beautiful by Carmindy $21.99, Center Street 2008. Carmindy's "just between us girlfriends" style is charming, and the book has lots of infor, lots of color illustrations, and plenty of clever tips and time-saving makeup techniques. Carmindy is best known for her work as a makeup artist on the Learning Channel's show "What Not To Wear." Carmindy's approach to makeup is to play up your best features with sheer washes of color rather than piling on the makeup, and this new book gives you more ways to work with what nature gave you. Carmindy's message in this book is that no matter what your age or bone stucture, you are still beautiful and can use makeup to look and feel even better. I liked the easy makeup tips and techniques, although I thought the self-affirming messages could have been stronger, and illustrated better with more models. I also wonder how Carmindy selected the items in her "shopping guide" featuring her favorite makeup brands and products in low, medium and high-cost categories. There isn't really a reason given for why one brand or product is better than another. These are minor complaints, especially as The Advice Sisters have already reviewed many of the products she suggests in our "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion Review columns (visit the What Works Archives or a search box on our Home Page so you can check out the true benefits of each.

Real Food for Healthy Kids: 200+ Easy, Wholesome Recipes by Tanya Wenman Steel and Tracey Seaman William Morrow 2008 $29.95) offers even the busiest parent over 200 food options that will please kids but still get them to eat healthy, without tricks or threats. The authors are cooks and food writers as well as mothers. You can see a photo of Tracey (she's the one in green with the white apron) in a post a did this Summer about the Everyday with Rachel Ray Test Kitchen . This book isn't just about Mac and Cheese, however, and the recipes, such as Thai Green Curry Chicken or Shrimp Confetti Tostadas will please the adults in the family as well as "junior." This book not only gives you basics of good nutrition and suggests what kids need to eat at each stage of development, the easy to follow and quick-prepare recipes will empower you. In the end, eating healthy is a choice. With this book's easy to follow recipes, it could actually become a do-able goal.

Autumn Gatherings Casual Food to Enjoy With Family and Friends by Rick Rodgers (William Morrow 2008 $19.95) provides super-easy but effective recipes that give old holiday and harvest favorites recipes a makeover, from cheesteaks to cranberries. The gorgeous photography by Ben Fink make the individual dishes look mouth-wateringly tempting. But the recipes themselves are truly for anyone from novice to experinced. The focus is on using Autumn foods that are readily available during the harvest season, with menu ideas for holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving.recipes like Fettuccine with roasted butternut sqush and chard, or pear, pomegranate and greens salad...but you don’t have to store the cookbook until Fall appears again...simply switch some of the ingredients to reflect whatever is seasonal. The book is a lovely gift for a hostess, and a nice reference for special gatherings when you want to serve something impressive, but not fussy.

Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations & Traditions for the Whole Family by Corey-Colwell-Lipson & Lynn Colwell (the Green Year 2008 $24.95 http://www.celebrategreen.com/) was created by a mother/daughter team, and would make a great gift for a family. The author's message is clear: you can do your small part to protect the planet, and in doing so, create new, environmentally-friendly traditions that will hopefully translate to the next generations. Some of the suggestions are so easy such as giving bottles of bubbles at Halloween instead of candy. I liked the "green" gift suggestions that include such classic as organic clothing, or re-useable shopping totes. I'm less certain that folks will go nuts over a solar cookbook with plans for a DIY oven, although offering someone a peice of your personal jewelry instead of buying new is a great idea if it really has some meaning behind it and doesn't look like a cheap attempt at re-gifting. I helped set up New York City's recycling programs. I definitely, personally believe we should be mindful of how we treat the Earth. Alas, the "inconvenient truth" about being very eco-conscious, is that really busy people may not have the time or resources to sew Halloween costumes for the kids, or squeeze dozens or lemons to make lemonade for a large crowd, or find a genuine, "free range" turkey for Thanksgiving, or serve only organic beer and wine for a holiday party (that also does not have a huge, carbon footprint). However, this book is full of family-friendly ideas that make us more mindful of the little things we can do to make the world a greener place. It doesn't take much to make a decision to use "green" or re-cycled wrappings on gifts this holiday season, or learn how to recognize organic produce (and what the term really means).

The Mary Kay Way: Timeless Principles from America's Greatest Woman Entrepreneur ($21.95 John Wiley & Sons 2008) reminds me a bit of the classic: How to Win Friends and Influence People in it's management advice....but the advice is still as important, effective and relevant today as it was when Dale Carnegie penned his famous book, decades ago. Mary Kay Ash was the founder and chairman of Mary Kay Inc., one of the world's largest and most successful direct selling organizations. Back in the 1960's, when women were not really accepted as entrepreneurs, Mary Kay Ash boldly paved the way for herself, and then her legions of female salespeople. She not onlygave women a chance to work outside of the home, she offered many their only hand up (not handout) selling cosmetics and vyying for the honor of driving a pink Cadillac as one of her top salespeople. Like Dale Carnegie, Ms. Ash learned her management lessons the hard way, through personal experience. Her eight management principles appear simple, such as "Praise People to Success;" "Create a Stress-Free Workplace;" and "Promote people from Within." Not all of this is rocket-science, but you can't argue with success. If you want to be a successful executive or run your own enterprise, Mary Kay's philosophy of believing that anything is possible if you work dilligently, believe in yourself, and inspire others to believe in themselves, is a great place to start. Reading this book is also a good place to start.

Do you know someone who is a budding fashion designer or already in the business, or just simply infatuated with fashion? Daniel Vosovic Fashon Inside Out (St. Martins Press October 2008 $29.95) by Daniel Vosovic, Photographs by Michael Turek and a forward from "Project Runway's" Tim Gunn, gives you a photographic and text essay about what it takes to create a fashion look from concept to reality. Daniel Vosovic was a finalist on Project Runway’s second season, and he presented 13 pieces at New York’s Fashion Week in 2006. The book is a really good way for the uninitiated to get inside a designer's head and hear him "think" about the next step in bringing a design to the runway, or at least to the clothes rack. I found the book both entertaining, and educational. It is an "all access pass" to the world of fashion design, from the chic, velour-touch cover, to the very last page. This is a coffee table book worth buying, giving, and keeping.

Write about what you know," is the old addage. I'm guessing that Jodi Wing, the author of The Art of Social War by Jodi Wing (Harper Books 2008) knows something about Hollywood relationships. After her husband, Andrew Wing, is in that real-life entertainment arena she writes about. Her amusing novel is fiction, but seems close to what is possibly the real experience, as she moves Stacey Knight, a high-powered, works-for-the-mayor (of NYC) PR woman into uncharted waters as the new wife of the new head of a movie studio. Stacey learns just weeks before her wedding to James Makepeace that his company has acquired a movie studio and they have to move to Los Angeles to manage it. Living in a home in Beverly Hills, managing the staff (including winning over a surly housekeeper), figuring out what to wear for a barbeque (diamonds and a cocktail dress), and dealing with social sabotage, Stacey finds that nothing she has done in the past in New York will help her survive, and thrive in L.A until she discovers the Art of War written by Sun Tzu, composed in the 6th Century BC. She uses this classic book about military strateg. to win her own "social war." It's a cute, fast, didn't-want-to-put-it-down book that draws on the usual "chick lit" themes (lots of friends with connections in glamorous jobs, lots of discussions of clothes and makeup) but in a much smarter, neater package. I really enjoyed it!

Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh (Avon A January 2009) is one of those girly, "gilty pleasures" that you know is a bit shallow, but you want it anyway! This "fictional" tale of a young woman who loses her fabooo beauty job at a top magazine for having lose lips with a reporter, finds herself "saved" by getting a job doing what she did previously, but for the "dowd" woman's magazine her mom reads. Although by impolication the job is a step down, it's the type of job most women beauty writers would still be very, very, happy to get. Bella is not humble, makes a few stumbles, but works her way towards success and happiness, and even the possibility of true love. The author knows the snarky, high-stakes, back-stabbing, glamorous world of fashion and beauty publishing and although the tale is fiction, I am certain she has experienced some of what Bella faces. The daily interaction made me squirm a bit, but in the end, the book is a feel good that will have you feeling good, too. It's a perfect read for the pool during your upcoming resort vacation!

Bodywarming Ginger Mentha Warming Mint Body Wash Makes a Heartwarming Gift

2008-11-30T13:44:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the most exciting products are the modestly-priced ones.

One body product that makes an imaginative gift that won't break your budget but will make someone really happy is the Ginger Mentha Warming Mint Body Wash $12.00 by C.O. Bigelow. This body wash cleanses nicely, but it has 1% of both ginger extract and peppermint oil. The scent is an amazing blend of spicy ginger with a hint of mint. That's not what really makes it novel, however: it's the thick, rich creamy wash that has unique “ warming crystals.” These are infused into the wash-in-a-tube and immediately heat up upon body contact. For a few seconds, the cream creates a warming tingle on your body that's surprisingly comforting. When the warmth dissipates and you've finished your shower or bath, and the light, spicy scent lingers just a bit longer.

This product is novel, and it's fun to use. But I can see it having some practical applications as well, especialy if you live in a cold climate. Warm your body up instantly-- a super idea on a cold morning or after a hard day at work (or a workout). Guys absolutely loved this one as much as the ladies.

Thre is also a Body Scrub, $14.00 Moisturiing Body Cream 414.00, Ginger Mentha Lip Shine $7.50, Double Ginger Bath Fizz $5.00. All of these are iniexpensive and will delight everyone on your gift list.

Visit http://www.bigelowchemists.com/

Most Loved Lips by MARK Makes a Most Loved Gift

2008-11-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Are you seeing a sensational but affordable gift for a friend, or a little splurge for yourself? The Most Loved Lips Kit $16.00 by MARK giveds you six shimmery, shiny, sexy mini lip glosses in a shiny, bright red, faux patent leather pouch that has a glittery silver, snap flap (use the pouch later on for other small items, or for a bunch of tissues or oversized business cards.

...but that's not all!

What makes this mini set, mightier, is that the tops each have a ring so you can hang one, two, or all from a chain, or clip them onto a keychain with a lobster claw clasp, and carry them anywhere.

You'll get three different formulas of MARK's most popular glosses:

Metallicious Lip Cream in "Majesty" is a shimmering copper and "Opulence" is pink with gold highlights

Glow Baby Glow Luxe in "Melon Luxe" is a super-sheer, extra shimmery medium rose; "Perle Luxe" is clear shot full of pearly, silvery shimmer

Glow Baby Glow in "Sweet Talk" is a medium sheer, shimmery, pink; "Player" gives a gorgeous, golden glow

*there's a Most Loved Eyes Kit $16.00 too, with six eye shadow options!

These are limited edition so go to http://www.meetmark.com/ (or contact a MARK representative--or become one and sell it yourself)

Brow Expert Elke Von Freudenberg and The Brow Collection

2008-11-28T11:11:00.002-05:00

The eyes are the "window to the soul," but as celebrity makeup artist and guru of brows, Elke Von Freudenberg will tell you, the wrong brows framing those eyes, can really ruin your look!
Elke's not just someone who has plucked and shaped the brows of stars and models (visit her Web Site to see her amazing portfolio) she's a woman who also knows that a bad brow experience can be truly traumatic. I visited her in her beautiful, sunlit, Manhattan studio to learn how she works magic on eyebrows on both coasts, and to view some of her newest brow makeup products from The Model Brow Collection.

Elke has a very calm and re-assuring demeanor when she's coming at your with brow tweezers. She prefers tweezing to waxing for better immediate and long-term results, but her technique is virtually painless. She confided that both men and women are often very nervous about having their eyebrows shaped because their past experiences and results were unpleasant. But if anyone can a brow-phobic around, it's Elke! I am hoping to interview her in greater detail in the near future, but with the holidays coming, you'll want to consider some of new brow products.

I honestly never thought much about my eyebrows, until Elke showed me how changing the shape and adding some of these products (just a touch) make all the difference in how your entire face, looks. When you wear glasses as I do, having beautifully groomed brows are even more important as the lenses magnify everything around your eyes.

The Brow Collection products are exclusive to Elke Von Freudenberg. They are housed in elegant, shiny black compacts with clear, peek-a-boo tops . These high-performance products perform well and look expensive, but they're actually affordable (Elke offers a "compare to" list for each product on her site, so you can see how her products stack up against some of the other, popular favorites). Purchase them online and make that "frame for your eyes" even more fantastic!

A definite "must-have" is one of the silky-smooth, wet/dry Day Brow Shadow $20.00. They are available in shades that flatter most brow colors (and avoid muddy, gray or green undertones). Choose from: Blonde; Auburn: (the warmest red brow color, but not too red and not too orange. Also great for brunettes that have a lot of warm red tones in their hair for a different brow look); Ash Brown: (popular, perfect brown brow color that blends with all brown brows from light to medium shades); and Dark Brunette: (for extremely dark brown to black brows). I tried Auburn and applied it with a fingertip (a brow brush is a better tool). It is amazing how just a small amount of color defines brows and make eyes, pop! Tip: choose a shade slightly lighter than your eyebrow color. For travel, this silky, pressed powder brow shadow multi-tasks as an earthy eye shadow, or wet, as a shadow liner.

Nite-Brow Shadow $20.00 have more intense color and shimmer/sparkle to make brows stand out at night. The look is glamorous, not gaudy. You can also use these are eye shadows and shadow liners. "Wana" is a shimmering blonde gold; "Big Time" is for redheads and has a touch of sparkle; "Hot Pants" offers brunettes a shimmering warm bronze for medium brown brows and for darker to black brows, there's "Sin City," a chocolate with golden glitter. Tip: try these wet for intense color.

High-Lite Shadow $20.00 helps define your eyebrows. The shadow also adds a shimmery glow to distract your eye from unruly hairs if you are growing back over-zealously plucked brows, or you haven't had time to groom your brows. These shadows also multi-task as light, shimmery eye shadows, or as a face/body highlighter. I tried "Canary," a shimmering golden yellow highlight that is Elke's best seller. I also loved it in several layers of color as an evening eye shadow, perfect with a bronze liner. There's also "Cyber Glow" a glamorous, frosted golden yellow with sparkles; "Sugar" a 3-d matte white with a pearlized finish makes that is reminiscent of abalone; and "White Star," offering a glittery snow-white for starry evenings! Tip: use white highlights for light skin tones and golden yellow highlights for medium to darker skin tones.

There are two other indispensable brow products you can purchase from Elke's web site that are clear and guys love them too:

Brow Tamer $16.00 is a pot of eyebrow wax that is water-resistant and keeps too-long brow hairs from flying out and away without being obnoxiously sticky. Tip: use this alone, or before applying brow shadow to create a stronger eyebrow shade and after brow color to keep brow pencil color in place and create a softer brow. Brow Ware $16.00 is a wanded, clear mascara that also keeps your fine eyebrow hairs in check (with a soft hold and a soft sheen). Tip: Just brush through your brows and let it dry. You won't even remember you have it on--but your brows will look better than ever!

Elke is a seriously busy woman. She's not just the creator of The Brow Collection and a Celebrity Makeup Artist in LA & NY and Brooklyn, she's also Editor of The Beauty Ideal Magazine and Founder of the Beauty Blog Network. The video above is for The Model Brow! Visit Elke's web site to view and purchase brow tools and makeup, get makeup tips, and book Elke for your own personal brow services. TIP: if you purchase products for the holidays you'll get free shipping and a free *$10 gift card!

Total Beauty Web Tour For This Week

2008-11-27T10:41:00.002-05:00

Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog is offering another Manic Monday giveaway. TwisTeD Silver Shower earrings will add that holiday je ne sai quoi to that holiday outfit>

Hot Beauty Health is giving one lucky reader a chance to win NARS Exclusive Lip Gloss Collection that includes five fabulous shades to wear this holiday season.

Beauty Junkies Unite discovers Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare and has an "experience"!

Viva Woman shares with you the benefits of the oil cleansing method.

Fabulous Over Forty has a Lancome nail polish giveaway, as well as other holiday gift guides.

Felicia at ThisThatBeauty is doing her own personal rendition of the MAC and HELLO KITTY collection. Check out Felicia's HELLO KITTY Face of the Day.

Get Tips for Holiday Travel from cosmetic bag designer Stephanie Johnson at Makeup Bag.

Battle skin dryness this winter with a great spa-at-home tip from eye4style.

Georgia at Neon Bible takes a look at what Bond No. 9 has to offer for Christmas and it's actually affordable!

What eye look tops winter 2008 makeup trends? Head on over to Frappelattes to find out!

Alison of The Advice Sisters attended the 36th Annual International Emmy Awards and worked the red carpet but she's also been blogging about holiday beauty, too!

The Makeup Divas is giving away several Elizabeth Grant skin care products. So hop on over and enter the contest today!

Beauty411 shares time-saving tips and styling suggestions for holiday hair without the hassle!

Kyle at Face Candy reviews Tocca's Florence Solid Fragrance.

Beauty Anonymous brings you Shiseido's Majolica Majorca Holiday 2008 Collection.

Did you know while Lipstick can help prevent lip cancer, lip gloss can increase your exposure? Lean about Sunscreen for Lips at RN Guide to Skin Care.

Suzanne at Mineral Makeup Reviews provides an overview of Bare Minerals Skin Care.

The Beauty Blog reviews philosophy Shear Splendor Shampoo.

Beauty Blogging Junkie experiences a truly fantastic facial at NYC's Xac Anthony Salon.

Looking for discounts and free beauty products? Check out TotalBeauty.com's New! Discount Deals of the Week article.

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has fabulous pictures and all the beauty details from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

Indian Girl shows you to sport a Bright and Fun Look and Soft and Feminine Look for this holiday season !

Givenchy Holiday Makeup 2008 on Marta's Video Blog-by Talking Makeup!

Fabulous Phyto Universe and Caron's Parfum Sacre

2008-11-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

It has been a few years since The Advice Sisters have reviewed anything from CARON Paris but recently I attended an event at Phyto Universe in Manhattan (yes, it really is a world of Phyto products including Borujois, Phytomer, Lierac, and Caron, plus salon services. While there, I learned about some of the new products in these chic, covet-able hair, skin, makeup and fragrance lines.

The Advice Sisters will be reviewing some of the newest products from Bourjois, Lierac and Phytomer in the next What Works beauty, cosmetics & fashion review column, but one product that stood out for me was from the famous CARON line of fragrances. At Phyto Universe, there is an entire boutique devoted to these French scents including elegant urns with golden spigots from which you can refill special flacons with your favorite Caron scents. In this beautiful place, I felt as spoiled as Marie Antoinette (but with my head still firmly in place)!

One way to pamper yourself with a special fragrance is to get it in a "collectible" form, such as Caron Parfum Sacre Eau de Parfum $85.00 50ml EDP Spray and $115.00 100ml EDP Spray in in a classic wrapping made modern: Parfum Sacre (launched 1991) is presented here in a slim atomizer wrapped in a royal purple "Galuchat" skin, topped in gold and accented with a small, gold name tag. Galuchat means "sharkskin or stingray skin." It was named after Louis XV's master leather artisan, Jean-Claude Galuchat, who introduced this exotic material to France during the 18th Century. Although Caron actually did use this genuine skin years ago, today's version is embossed cowhide. Parfum Sacre is classified as a spicy oriental, but while it has that exotic, "incense-y" vibe, it is actually quite soft. Unusual about this scent is that it has notes from all of the fragrance categories mixed into one beautiful melange of flowers and spices. One sniff and you know it's special and sophisticated and obviously French (they have just been doing it better than anyone else for a gazillion years)! The feminine blend of flowers and spices starts with spicy pepper and cinnamon plus exotic corriander, with a heart of clove, rose, jasmine and orange, and a drydown that is perfect for special occasion dressing...festive and sensual, but still subtle, consisting of mimosa myrrh, musk, ambrette and vanilla. The mixture might sound strident or heavy, but it's soft as cotton--the kind of scent you give someone's nostrils as a gift--but only if they are close enough to you to really appreciate it!

The new, Galuchet wrapping (see photo) is available in several different and beautiful Caron scents, some of which The Advice Sisters have reviewed in the past:

Nuit de Noel
Fleurs de Rocaille
Bellodgia
Muguet de Bonheur
Narcisse Noir
Infini
Nocturnes (created in 1922 -a rich floriental for the holidays and every day)
Aimez Moi
Lady Caro
Pafum Sacre

For more information visit Phyto Universe in Manhattan (truly a relaxing experience) at Phyto 715 Lexington ave on 58th Street or online: http://www.phytouniverse.com/ or just for Caron, visit: http://www.parfumscaron.com/

celebrations.com Gets You in A Party Mood!

2008-11-26T10:37:00.001-05:00

The scene is Manhattan, a chic but affordable cocktail party. Guests, lounging on on purple satin pillows are mingling chatting, laughing while sipping festive cocktails, and nibbling on little bites almost too pretty to bite! The photo above shows such a party...but it's actually an event for celebrations.com, a web site that provides soup-to-nuts resources (literally and figuratively) for sophisticated parties of all types from holiday fetes to bridal showers, or parties "just because."

When I reviewed the packet of press information I received, I realized that this online site is a goldmine of resources, whether you're planning a party, or just feel like getting some inspiration for the future or for you own home. The site features lots of free information, including recipes, decorating ideas, and even the inside scoop on hot celebrity parties thanks to Platinum Rye Entertainment.

Become a member, and you will find a "dashboard" that shows you all of the types of services you will need to plan a party.. For example, the Celebrations.com invitation tool can easily create and personalize an online invitation to fit a unique party style. Celebrations.com members can use their own photos or choose from Celebrations.com's pre-designed photo invitations. Once the invitation is sent, guests can interact on the RSVP page. And, once the party is over, guests can upload and share their photos and stories. You can become a member here:
http://www.celebrations.com/register .

If you're ready to plan the party of a lifetime and need reinforcements, the celebrations.com group of party planning experts are definitely diamond quality: Preston Bailey, an event designer who has planned wedding for everyone from Oprah Winfrey to royal families across the globe; Jeanne Benedict, a lifestyle party expert; Amy Breman, couture pastry chef (how I wish I'd had a chance to sample some of her delicacies!); Andrea Correale, President and Founder of Elegant Affairs, a catering and event firm im Manhattan; Cheryl Dent, a creative food stylist; Karen Diperi, an event producer and co-founder of Tribeca Events; Julie Mulligan, a floral lifestyle expert (celebrations.com is a member of the 1-800-FLOWERS family of brands); Ryan Shinman founder of Platinum Celebrations and a celebrity parties expert; Leanne Shear & Tracey Toomey freelance writers and "cocktail therapists;" Diana Dornan Heather, senior editor and producer of celebrations.com and Lara Schriftman, partner in Harrison & Schriftman public relations and a definite party expert. Get more info about the Celebrations.com Expert Panel here: http://www.celebrations.com/experts

Here are some photos from the celebrations.com event that I received showing really fast and easy ways to dress up your holiday party at the last minute with items you are likely to have just floating around in your house. Gather some friends. Gather the nibbles and drinks, get inspiration from these ideas (more on the web site) and you have an instant holiday-worthy party!

Dress up a bookshelf with tiny votive candles, placed in pretty glasses. TIP: be sure never to leave candles burning, unattended. TIPS: If you have small children at your party, use battery powered votives instead of real ones, for safety's sake. Don't place any candles where they could be easily knocked over and start a fire.

Purchase a giant cocktail glass *you can get these from crafts stores and florists supply and fill it with an elegant bouquet. this one has orchids, but you can get the same effect with less pricey blooms (or try silk for a longer lasting centerpiece)

Core apple and place votives inside, for a holiday-perfect centerpiece!

For a lot more holiday ideas, and even free videos or to book an expert that will help you create the party you've always dreamed of, visit http://www.celebrations.com/ and get in the party mood!

Slatkin & Co Bath & Bodyworks - The Scent of a Holiday

2008-11-25T17:48:00.016-05:00

If you're heading to the mall this weekend, the best place to find most (if not all) of your gift-ables will be Bath & Bodyworks. They've got a wide range of scented items including adorable, holiday-themed candles, and lots of other items to scent a room by Slatkin & Co. The scents are really to die-for and each item is generously fragranced so you can really add scented atmosphere to a room. Of course, scented items also make great, one-size-fits-all gifts. None of these cost a fortune, but they are sure to add something special to your holidays!

The cutest are the candles poured into adorable snowman and penguin shaped vessels. Who could resist them? I liked the Slatkin & Co. 9 oz. Snowman Candle $35.00 in "Evergreen" (5.50z version $16.50). Remove the top, which is his top hat, and find a white candle in "Evergreen" scent - a fresh green fir balsam blended with sparkling mint, cool pine and spicy clove, with a smoky touch of white birch and dark woods. 8 1/4" height x 8" diameter Snowman jar can hold other decorative items after use (not for food consumption) There's a matching mug $7.50 and a cookie jar $25.00. Another version features a white and silver penguin in a spicy, uplifting "Cinnamon Stick" scent redolent with spicy cinnamon plus pink peppercorn, clove buds and nutmeg. It's sure to delight z"boys and girls," of all ages.

I also like the medium-sized, The 4.5 oz Decorated Votive Candles $10.00 Holly, Wreath, Christmas Tree, and silvery Snowflake designs (wreath shown in the photo). These make any atmosphere festive and they're strongly and nicely scented with holiday scents of Tree, Frosted Cranberry, Winter, and Spice. The set of four would make an impressive gift for a boss or hostess.

For something that you don't have to light with a match to enjoy, Slatkin & Co offers Wallflowers $15.00. These fragrance diffusers have self-contained fragrance bulbs. They're perfect for the office party gift bag, for a stocking stuffer, a hostess gift, or just to bring a smile to someone special. The most festive versions for the holidays feature a cute penguin, or a Santa. These are not ordinary diffusers...they light up and feature a glittery "bubbler" that sparkles when plugged into an outlet. Even better, these are refillable and can be used in vertical or horizontal outlets simply by twisting the prongs to the right or left. The clear, cello covered box looks like a "snow globe" so all you need is a bow and a gift card to get them ready to give.

Slatkin & Co. also offers dozens of fragrance options with their classic Scentport Fragrance Diffuser Starter Kit $12.50 that comes with a base unit and a scent unit to "plug" into the base. There are at least 15 scents to suit every mood, from holiday-ready Evergreen, to Creamy Caramel and Creamy Nutmeg, to florals and fruits, and even Fresh Linen! Simply plug these into any functioning outlet and you'll get a lightly diffused scent in your space for 4-6 weeks. Refills 2 x $20.00 are available for the Scentport so you only have to purchase the base unit, once. TIP: the Scentport also comes in a lighted version -- you get a multi-tasking fragrance diffuser and a nightlight in one!

My personal favorite scented item from Slatkin & Co is another version of the Scentport--the Scentportable $5.00. This circular plastic clip has a non-refillable scent packet in the middle. No electricity is needed for this scent diffuser and you can clip it to just about anything. Right now I still have a bit of Pumpkin scent from Halloween, but soon I'll switch to one of the holidays scents, such as "Evergreen" which arrives in a cheerful, holiday-worthy red, white and green-striped version. These truly inexpensive items last about a month, and diffuse a light scent that won't overpower, but still smells yummy. There are about nine scents if I counted correctly, but for the holidays, try the more unique, limited edition Cinnamon & Clove Buds, Evergreen, Tree, and Cinnamon Stick. TIP: Mine is always clipped to the visor in my car, to make it smell wonderful.

Even more low-tech are The Perfect Christmas Concentrated Room Sprays $5.00 1.5 fl. oz. These holiday spray scents come in mini, silvery cans with pretty red, silver or green metallic tops, and in amazingly wonderful scents like Frosted Cranberry (white cranberry, juicy peach, wild strawberr, sparkling Raspberry) and Winter (pine, bay leaves, cinnamon and warm Winter woods); Tree (douglas fir, sweet musk, warm vanilla) or Spice (cinnamon, spiced orange peel, an sweet vanilla cream). One of two spritzes of scent will significantly and immediately scent your area. They also also perfect stocking stuffers TIP: Leave one of these near your bedside to help fuel dreams of Christmas sugarplums! Be sure to put one in your bathroom to feel the holiday spirit no matter what you are doing (and to sweeten the air when you leave, too).

Another nice gift is the Wallflower Pluggable Home Fragrance Set $12.50 or 2/$20.00 (refills available). This electronically-assisted scent diffuser doesn't light up or bubble, but the graceful, frosted glass, amphora-shaped fragrance bulb starts to dispense your chosen scent into your room within minutes 24/7 from 6-8 weeks while plugged into a functioning 120 volt electrical outlet. It isn't quite as strongly scented as the other products, so if you crave a more subtle scented area, this works wonderfully. Mine was in the Evergreen scent, but there are more than a dozen others to choose from. TIP: Having guests? Plug it in near the cat box or Fido's food bowl.

36th Annual International Emmy Awards In NYC!

2008-11-25T08:53:00.006-05:00

Last night I was on the red carpet to report on the 36th Annual International Emmy Awards of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (the largest organization of global broadcasters, with members from nearly 70 countries and over 400 companies). Every November, there is a television festival and Awards Gala in New York City. This black-tie event attracts over 1,200 major figures in broadcast, entertainment and media from around the world.

It was an interesting experience to be standing next to the stars most Americans know, such as Judith Light and Lance Reddick, even though they were mostly the presenters, and the nominees are virtually unknown to the American viewing audience. This group is attending for "Mi Problema con las Mujeres" (My Problem with Women) from Peru (they didn't win this time).

The stars and their companions stroll down the red carpet, stopping to do interviews with the press. The television crews are set up on a platform directly opposite the red carpet sponsor's backdrop and the stars spend a lot of time there, of course, before sauntering past the photographers (more time) and then down to video, and then at the very end of the line, the Internet press. This red carpet was outside so women with no coats or wraps must have been freezing by the end of the walk. Of course, they never show it!

But most of the stars are accommodating even if they're at the end and right at the door (and more than ready to go inside and get warm again). I was standing with my friend, actress Cognac Wellerlane of Cognacs Corner in the video section although this time, I wasn't interviewing anyone specifically. Most of the stars were more than willing to stop to talk to Cognac (visit Coganac's Corner to see her celebrity interviews). I snapped these photos of Cognac with some of the presenters: Both Sam Waterston and Sex & the City's Willie Garson; Lance Reddick (from Lost); Judith Light (she looks a little cold...I know we certainly were and we were't baring any skin) and model Marcus Schenkenberg in a strking, black trench coat.

Of course there are glamorous gowns. This one's by Marchesa. Almost every woman was asked over and over again: "what are you wearing?" It surprised me that many of them really had no idea, or were wearing something fabulous but "vintage" from a family member's closet!

Both sides of the street were virtually blocked off for the International Emmys and a movie premier for Australia, starring Nicole Kidman. Every now and then the street appeared to be on fire with the flash of cameras. Ms. Kidman arrived. I raised my camera, and planned to zoom in from a distance ( I knew I wouldn't be allowed any closer) but as I stood there for literally, seconds, a security guard materialized. The security guard's hand across my face got much closer than in this photo.

The red carpet on our side of the street, completed, the stars and nominees have dinner and then the awards show begins. As someone who regularly covers the craziness of Fashion Week, this press room seemed amazingly relaxed and pleasant. We were able to watch the awards ceremony on a live feed from the awards ceremony (virtually next door). As as each award was presented, the winners and the presenter were brought in to the press room for photos and interviews. Cognac snagged an interview with Presenter John Waters.

These happy men were Winners!

I always remind myself that I am there to photograph and report on others, not to be photographed myself, but I did allow a photo with Coganc Wellerlane in the press room at the end of a long evening!

36th INTERNATIONAL EMMY® AWARD NOMINEES * WINNERS

ARTS PROGRAMMING

Inheriting a Kabuki Legacy - Ichikawa Ebizo: His Fate and Anguish

Fuji Television Network, Inc. / Tokyo Video Center, Inc.

Japan

Nara Leão: All My Life

TV Globo

Brazil

Richard Serra - To See is to Think

Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) / Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) for 3sat

Germany

Strictly Bolshoi- WINNER

Ballet Boyz Productions for Channel 4

United Kingdom

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR

Pedro Cardoso

The Big Family

TV Globo

Brazil

Karl Markovics

Franz Fuchs - A Patriot

epo-film / ORF with the support of Fernsehfonds Austria / Filmfonds Wien /
Land Steiermark-Kultur

Austria

David Suchet - WINNER

Maxwell

BBC

United Kingdom

Wang Chengyang

The I-go King and His Son

China Movie Channel

PR China

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS

Lucy Cohu - WINNER

Forgiven

Betty TV for Channel 4 and More4

United Kingdom

Sofie Gråbøl

The Killing

DR-Danish Broadcasting Corporation in association with ZDFE / NRK / SVT

Denmark

Irene Ravache

Eternal Magic

TV Globo

Brazil

Yuan Zhibo

Wait for the Birth of the Husband

China Movie Channel

PR China

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

I Feel the Words

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Japan

Patito Feo, la historia más linda (Ugly Duckling)

Ideas Del Sur Producciones / Televisa

Argentina

Ping-Pong

Nordisk Film in association with NRK / SVT / DR / YLE / KRO

Norway

Shaun the Sheep- WINNER

Aardman Animations / CBBC

United Kingdom

COMEDY

Geile Zeit

Sony Pictures Film und Fernseh Produktions GmbH

Germany

The I.T. Crowd- WINNER

A Talkback Thames Production for Channel 4

United Kingdom

Mi Problema con las Mujeres (My Problem with Women)

JC Entertainment S.A.C. (JC Films) / Frecuencia Latina International

Peru

NEO-Office Chuckles

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

Japan

DOCUMENTARY

Asian Corridor in Heaven (Tea-Horse Old Road)

KBS (Korean Broadcasting System)

South Korea

The Beckoning Silence- WINNER

Darlow Smithson Productions / C4 / C4i

United Kingdom

Collision over the Amazon

Discovery Networks Latin America/US Hispanic

Brazil

Please Vote for Me

Steps International

Denmark

DRAMA SERIES

Home Affairs

Penguin Films

South Africa

The Killing

DR/Danish Broadcasting Corporation in association with ZDFE / NRK / SVT

Denmark

Life on Mars- WINNER

Kudos Film & Television Ltd for BBC Wales

United Kingdom

Mandrake

HBO Ole Originals / Conspiraçâo Filmes

Brazil

NON-SCRIPTED ENTERTAINMENT

The Big Donor Show- WINNER

Endemol for BNN

The Netherlands

Caiga Quien Caiga (CQC) – Argentina

Eyeworks Cuatro Cabezas

Argentina

Canada's Next Great Prime Minister

CBC Television / Magna International

Canada

Doors

Tokyo Broadcasting System, Inc.

Japan

TELENOVELA

The Invasion Igtiyah- WINNER

Arab Telemedia Productions

Jordan

Lalola

Dori Media International / Dori Media Contenidos for Underground Contenidos

Argentina

One Night of Love

AMEDIA / Sony Pictures Television International

Russia

Tropical Paradise

TV Globo

Brazil

TV MOVIE/MINI-SERIES

Britz

A Daybreak Pictures Film for Channel Four Television

United Kingdom

The Miracle of Berlin

teamWorx on behalf of ZDF and ZDF Enterprises

Germany

Television por la identidad- WINNER

Telefe Contenidos

Argentina

Wait for the Birth of the Husband

China Movie Channel

PR China

What Does Your Name Smell Like/ Scent of Name Has the Answer

2008-11-24T09:36:00.002-05:00

The Advice Sisters rarely review products for young people, but I recently discovered a unique company, Rosemarys Potpourri with a Scent of Name® line that features a fragrance for every name. The company says that they research the meaning behind each name to create a fragrance that reflects that name. The Rosemarys Potpourri Personalized Perfume $7.00 1/3 fl. oz. comes in all the standard names, but if yours is spelled in a unique way or it's a completely unique name, the company will still come up with a scent scent just for your name! The Scent of Name® personalized perfumes are oil based so they really last, too. I like the fact that the packaging is a rollerball --an efficient and portable way to wear scent. The Scent of Name® personalized perfumes are oil based and they are strong and long-lasting. You can also get a gift set in a tin for $12.95 with your Scent of Name® in Lotion, Body Wash and Shampoo. The 1oz containers make it great for travel.

Whether or not there was any true research behind the name scents, the idea of a personalized scent is appealing to young and old. My parents named me "Alison" with one "L." I believe it is the English version of the name and generally reserved for boys (although I've never met a boy named Alison in England, or anywhere else) so I don't know what my parents were thinking! In the United States, Alison is spelled with two 'L's not one, so even though as a child, I coveted all those "personalized" pens, pads, mugs, key chains, hats, etc. none were ever available in my name (or with name name spelled correctly).

The idea is delightful, although the scents, (for me), fell a bit short. To be fair, this is a fun idea, not a substitute for Chanel or Dior or even a drugstore scent. The company makes it obvious that it's a novelty. The girly pink packaging is designed to delight little girls and teenagers and states that the scents are non toxic and all natural (plus the web site says the products are good for ages 3+ --something you're not likely to find on a designer scent). As a child,I would have been thrilled beyond words to see my name on the perfume label (spelled correctly). I do wish the company had gone one step further and provided some real information about the meaning of my name or why the specific scent was chosen --that would have been a nice touch.

Do you know what your name smells like? I didn't have a clue what the company would come up with for Alison spelled in one "L." My "Alison" scent was slightly musky and wouldn't have been inappropriate for a young girl. The other fragrance rollerball sample I tried was for the name, "Kimberly." The fruity musk was very sweet, and it reminded me of the fragrance oils that are popular fare with vendors --it persisted even when I scrubbed!

If you want to thrill a young girl, this is the perfect gift, and it costs less than a sandwich and a drink! It's also a cute idea for sweet 16 parties.

To see the full line of scented products visit www.rosemarysscents.com

Total Beauty Web Tour For This Week

2008-11-23T08:39:00.003-05:00

This week the Advice Sisters Post of the Week is the one I did on the issue of Diversion--grey market goods that find their way onto the shelvs of otherwise reputable beauty and mass market outlets. Even though I've reviewed beauty products for over a decade, I really didn't understand the issue very well. Thanks to an event sponsored by L'Oreal Professional, now I do. I hope you will take a moment to check out my post on Diversion if you didn't see it early this week. --Alison for the Advice Sisters

Here's what some of my colleagues in the beauty blogging world are up to:

Viva Woman tells you how you can use evening primrose oil to calm your acne flare ups.

Lipstick Addict makes a review on Artdeco Pure Minerals Compact Powder for the very first time!

Have dry, dull and lifeless hair? Beauty Tyrant has found the answer to shiny, beautiful hair.

Beauty411 takes a look at the Clinique Blackberry Bloom Holiday Collection!

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Neon Bible tells you the best holiday gift to give to the fashionista in your crew.

Beauty Junkies Unite finds out if Sephora Brand really does have the Tricks of The Trade! Does the new eyeshadow primer and lip peel really work?

Mother Blogger Beckie of Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog shares with you 9 tips to keep you safe and beautiful as seen through the eyes of rapists and date rapists.

MissWhoever You Are shows you how to get Zoe Saldana's gorgeous outfit without the hefty price tag.

Has Boutique Flair's Krista had one too many Coronas with lime? Check out her Crabtree & Evelyn’s Aromatherapy Distillations Revitalizing - Conditioning Body Lotion review, and judge for yourself!

Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has found a great, not to mention fool-proof, way to get someone you love a new scent for the holidays without buying something they won't like! Read all about it here!

Beauty 365 is giving away a Carol's Daughter gift set. Be a doll and enter today!

Frappelattes smells and reviews Britney Spears Believe fragrance, a sweet guava scent spiced with warm patchouli and sensual amber notes!

eye4style visits the Times Square Sephora for an Eye Studio experience!

The Makeup Divas introduces you to a new product invention that will protect and keep your makeup brushes safe.

A Mom in Red High Heels shows you how to get gorgeous Holiday Hair in a Hurry!

TotalBeauty.com shows you how to recreate the "Four Christmases" star's hairstyles in their How to Steal Reese Witherspoon's Look photo gallery.

Mineral Makeup Reviews takes a look at Colorescience Mineral Makeup, which was created by the original creator of Bare Minerals Foundation.

Suzanne at RN Guide to Skin Care explains the benefits of Retinol in Skin Care and reviews Retinol Products.

See why The Beauty Blog thinks that philosophy supernatural concealer is the best concealer on the planet.

I Heart Heels is totally loving Rock & Republic Cosmetics. Check out the review!

Indian Girl tells you why your nearest drug store is THE place to shop for Skincare and Makeup !

How To Get Lindsay Lohan's Metallic Nail Polish Look-by Talking Makeup.

The Advice Sisters feels "Diversion" is a serious issue in the beauty industry you should know about but she's also been blogging about holiday beauty, too!

Jilian Dempsey for Avon Essential Beauty Palettes for Day, For Evening, For the Holidays

2008-11-22T21:22:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I shared a review of Patrick Dempsey's new fragrance, "Unscripted" for Avon. Today it's his wife Jilian Dempsey's turn to shine for Avon. What a power couple!

Jilian's holiday offering includes two makeup palettes for Avon called "Jilian Dempsey for Avon Essential Beauty." They are impressive, affordable palettes to help you look your best this holiday season (or to give to someone who loves great makeup).

The cheerful, exotic, cardboard compact with magnetic closure has a modern Moroccan design of geometric florals in bright shades of red, purple and yellow, (easy to find in your handbag), Inside there's a mirror and of course, universally five shades of universally flattering color in both a warm palette and a cool palette. Impressive!

But the makeup inside is what really counts. In this collection, each palette contains two Ultra Color Rich Lipstick Colors that offer moisturizing color and shine (and even better, they've got Vitamin E and Jojoba to hydrate and seal in moisture for smoother, sexier lips). Our Warm palette included a "Delicate Rose," a deep rose and "Peony Pink," a warm apricot-y pink; plus a Be Blushed Cheek Color in "Golden Rose" that offered the sheerest, coral glow that looked warm and natural on everyone. Rounding out the grouping are two cream eye shadows in "Stone" (brown) and "Burnished Bronze," (shimmery bronze) that you easily apply with a sponge tip or a fingertip. They're soft and luxuriously creamy. Blend them for a soft, sheer wash of color (layer more for more intensity) and wear them as-is, or layered for a more multi-dimensional look.

The Cool palette (shown here in the photo) includes Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Sheer Red and Peony Pink, Jillian Dempsey Professional Cream Eyeshadow in Sheer Ice and Sheer Pink and Be Blushed in Golden Rose.

“What I love about these palettes is that both can take you from day to night," says Jilian. "The Cool palette lets you create a softer, shimmery eye and a bolder lip while the Warm palette creates a more dramatic sparkly eye and a paler lip. And they’re perfectly portable making them essential for a quick holiday makeover,” she adds.

Jillian is a superb makeup artist, and she handpicked the shades for lips, cheeks and eyes. She definitely knows what she is doing! The palettes are modern and user-friendly, lovely and so wearable. And, for less than the cost of lunch and even on a bare-bones budget, you can afford a new makeup collection to take your holiday look from day to night during the holidays and all the way through the Winter.

These palettes are limited edition, but will be available from November 2008-February 2009. Visit www.avon.com or call 800-FOR-AVON. For additional color trends and tips visit Jilian's website at www.avon.com/jiliandempsey.

Patrick Dempsey Unscripted by Avon-McDreamy Makes a McYummy Scent!

2008-11-21T14:38:00.001-05:00

When a celebrity puts his or her name and face to a fragrance, it’s a sure bet that consumers will flock to buy it.

The brand new, Patrick Dempsey Unscripted Eau de Toilette $32.00 2.5 fl. oz. exclusively from Avon is so affordable, women will run to buy it in droves , hoping to make their men more “McDreamy.” In case you’ve been avoiding prime-time television, Mr. Dempsey plays a yummy-looking doctor with the nickname “McDreamy” on the television drama, Greys Anatomy. But just because Dempsey is meltingly adorable, doesn't mean the fragrance will be pleasing to men...and it is a man's fragrance.

As a beauty reviewer, I believe that it is important to really evaluate the quality of pleasure factor of the fragrance inside the bottle first and not just dwell on a pretty face (oh, but Patrick is so gorgeous)! I decided to take this scent to my male reviewer first without telling him anything about it. I sprayed in on him and waited for his reaction. "This smells really nice," he immediately said...noting that there was some kind of fruit (he said peach, it’s actually fig) and a very strong, sexy, masculine bottom of sandalwood (it is actually leatherwood). As drydown occurred, our perceptive male reviewer said it smelled more “marine” than at the beginning (it’s actually more herbal and clean).

Patrick Dempsey’s wife Jillian is an accomplished makeup artist who has done some wonderful collections, also for Avon. Doubtless, her husband knows more about what goes into scent than most men (and apparently he did have a leading role in the actual design of the fragrance). The creators of the scent are perfumers Yves Cassal and Pascal Guarin, who also worked on Avon’s Ungaro U by Ungaro For Him (reviewed in our September/Otober Fall What Works column) The notes include a top of cardamom and cracked black peppercorns, followed by a middle of fig and lavender, with a masculine drydown of exclusive leatherwood (like sandalwood but a bit less incense-y), patchouli heart, vitiver and musk. The category of scent is: “green woody." It's herbal, it's spicy, it has a hint of floral but overall, it's light and masculine and sexy.

While I obviously don’t know Patrick Dempsey personally (anytime you want to get acquainted, Patrick, just email me!) this new scent also seems to have his obvious visual characteristics of “sexy and stylish without even trying" and in fact, the same phrase appears in the press info for the fragrance. Even the simple, modern packaging is elegant “without even trying," The outer carton is a gradiated brownish mauve with tiny orange accents. Inside a really attractive, bold, strong, simple, square glass bottle with matte black cap has unisex appeal.

Patrick Dempsey Unscripted Eau de Toilette will be a must-get for women will be enjoying the scent on their guys, and must-get for men, who will be enjoying the attention they get from their ladies. Avon has really stepped up the quality and presentation of their fragrances in the past few years, working with couture designers and now, celebrities, to create fragrances that offer luxury at a reasonable price. In this economic climate, we should definitely say “thank you!”