by Alison Blackman Dunham
|
Home
Advice Sisters
Love Our columns? Love our Site? Want to know yow to get Advice Sisters content for your publications? Let us know!!! PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS \ Visit our FORUMS/BULLETIN BOARDS to leave comments on products you tried from our What Works columns, or to share reviews or products you like/loathe we missed. What They're Saying About Alison Blackman Dunham
|
This is PAGE ONE of the "What Works" column featuring bath and body products, fragrance, beauty helpers, products for feet and hands, and gifts for moms, dads, grads, brides, (and you). and more. PAGE TWO of this beauty, cosmetics and fashion review column features color cosmetics, skin care, bronzers, bath and body hair helpers, and the Advice Sisters exclusive BUYING GUIDE. BATH AND BODY BASICS: Liz Earle is a skincare line with naturally active ingredients. The company does no animal testing, has no animal ingredients , has no chemical sunscreens (except beeswax, propolis and manuka honey), no mineral oils, and no genetically engineered ingredients. We liked the Energizing Body Scrub $24.00 6.7 fl. oz that uses ground olive stones to exfoliate, along with a nurturing cocktail of ingredients to smooth and soften.The ingredients include: Damask Rose Water (moisturizes), Eucalyptus Essential Oil (cooling and good for muscular aches and pains), plus benefits from Geranium Essential Oil (aromatherapy and toning/balancing) plus Vitamin E, Sweet Orange Oil, Rosemary extract, Peppermint Essential oil, Petitgrain Essential Oil , Pine Essential Oil , Grapefruit Essential Oil , Jojoba Beads (Jojoba esters), Patchouli Essential oil, Geranium Essential , and glycerin. This luxe scrub in a blue flip top tube makes a nice mother’s day gift…but believe it or not, our male reviewers really took to it, so maybe get one for tube for him as well as one for her? Darphin is bringing back some of it's most popular beauty and cosmetics products, so the already-addicted no longer have to search for coveted, old stock! We tried two: the Aromatic Seaweed Bath and Shower Gel $50.00 6.7 fl. oz. and the Aromatic Bath and Body Oil $70.00 3.3 fl. oz. The Bath and Shower Gel genuinely looks like a spa-splurge-in-a- bottle. The frosted plastic bottle showcases a marine-blue gel that smells as clean as a Spring shower. A skin-loving combo of algae extract (Laminaria sacchrina) and essential oils including orange, vetiver, copahu, lemongrass and lemon, nicely rids your body of dirt and grime in bath or shower while leaving you uplifted enough to conquer the world! The Aromatic Bath and Body Oil has a blend of 4 essential oils (lemon, pepper, rosemary and sage) plus jojoba oil and Vitamin E to smooth and nourish. A steamy bath will release the aromatic, spicy, uplifting aroma, but you can massage it into dry skin as well, with dazzling scent and silky results. You'll feel an immediate, noticeable improvement, while the scent lingers to remind you that you deserve to be pampered! No wonder women clamored for a return of these products! TIP: The frosted glass bottle with the Bath & Body Oil does look elegant, but do pour some of the oil into a mini-rollerball bottle and roll it on to revive both dry skin and dulled senses (not to mention reduce the odor of the plane) on your next airplane flight!
REN Seaweed and Sage Body Wash $22.00 6.8 fl. oz comes in a frosted/clear plastic pump bottle with a simple white and light blue label featuring a deep, red circle with a large NO...petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic colors, synthetic fragrances, t.e.a., DEA, glycols, silicones, pegs, et al. You get the idea immediately that this stimulating and reviving body wash uses only 100% natural ingredients. It is formulated with toning Laminaria seaweed extract and an uplifting and very pretty herbal blend of essential oils such as geranium, cypress, rosemary and sage. To me, it smells a bit spicy, like liquorice--unusual and sexy. It's also appropriate for men and well as women so you needn't bar him from using your "stuff." The golden-colored gel foams nicely and leaves your body super-soft and lightly scented. It's a nice product at a nice price that does nice things for your skin. And that's.....naturally nice.
We already know SkinCeuticals for it's high end, high-performance skincare products. Now there's one we think you'll love for your body: AOX Body Treatment $85.00 5 fl. oz. This daily antioxidant cream helps to make dull, uneven skin on your body just as smooth and beautiful as the skin on your face. The frosted plastic bottle with black pump top dispenses a slightly lemon-y, cooling, highly moisturizing lotion (with shea butter and jojoba butter) that helps guard against environmental aggressors, salicylic acid to lightly exfoliates dead skin cells, and deeply moisturizes. It has grape polyphenols, ectoin, and vitamin E, to help protect against free radicals, while it also helps to improve the elasticity and firmness of your skin. Flavanols from jasmine help to alleviate irritation, too. It's good for all skin types, and particularly helps dull, scaly, dry, and parched skin...so if you've overdone the sun, you can get some help from this ASAP. You can spot treat the driest areas with this, or smooth it all over. It absorbs in a flash, leaving skin looking radiant and moist without a drop of greasy feel. There's a lot of skin-loving punch packed into this pump bottle. Treat yourself--it's a splurge that will make your Summer skin more beautiful in a bikini, or bare! Last Summer we were delighted to discover We received Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash $3.99 15 oz. by Caress, and pronounced it the perfect after-sun pick-me-up for mind, body and spirit. The teardrop-shaped plastic flip-top bottles look cool in your bathroom, but it's the creamy, moisturizing cleanser that is great, especially at the budget-minded price. The newest is the Brazilian blend in a golden teardrop, with the scent of sweet passion flower cream and (antioxidant) acai fruit oil. It's light and sweetly fruity, making it good for men and women alike. But the cream oil body wash itself is a winner, making dry or sun-irritated skin feel silky and glowing without having to add greasy, goopy creams or oils after you shower. This one does in right in the bath or shower! The exotic oils create a sensual aura as the heat of your shower or bath releases them. As we said last summer, the scent is a bit like a butterfly--alighting for a beautiful moment --then, it's gone. There is also a solid Body Bar (2-bar $4.99, 6 bar-$4.99 and 8 bar $6.49). Both bar and liquid pamper skin without spending a fortune. We love them!
Curel Life's Stages Collection lets women of all ages enjoy affordable skincare keyed to their varying needs. Each product is just $7.40 ranging from at tube of 8.5 fl. oz moisture for the Pregnancy & Motherhood, formula, to larger plastic pump bottles (13 fl. oz) Youth Defense (for the first signs of aging) and the formula for Menopause and Beyond. What's cool about these moisturizers, is that they acknowledge that one type does not fit all. Hormonal fluctuations and the process of aging make skin needy in different ways, at different times of life. For example, the Nurturing Comfort Moisture Cream for Pregnancy & Motherhood has a high concentration of emollient shea butter, to help increase not just hydration, but also the elasticity in the skin, to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The Youth-Defense formula has collagen, vitamins C & E and skin hydrators, making it a good all-around moisturizing lotion for a fashionista a little short of cash, but interested in soft, moist, skin. The Menopause & Beyond Lotion is wonderful, and you don't have to be in menopause to use it, of course. I like the fresh scent, the slight cooling feeling when you apply it (doubtless to make hot flashes more pleasant) and also has shea butter, elastin, collagen, and "Vitis Vinifera" (Grape) Seed Extract known for it's softening and anti-aging properties.
New products from Bath and Bodyworks use aromatherapy to help you get a better, deeper night's sleep. There are three: Dream Bath (a rich, creamy bubble bath), Body Lotion, and Pillow Mist. Each is available in either the soft, clean "Lavender and Chamomile" scent, or a warm and comforting, so-delicious-you-might-want-to-eat-it, "Vanilla Chamomile" scent. What a way to end your day, with a hot soak using the rich, foamy, pearly, Sleep Dream Bath 15 fl. oz. $16.50. This lovely, rich cream bath comes in the cutest glass milk bottle container, but it has aloe to pamper your skin. Follow up with the Aromatherapy Sleep Body Lotion $13.00 6.5 fl. oz in "Lavender Chamomile" not just for it's scent and light, hydrating lotion (featuring natural soybean oil to hydrate skin, and glycerin to attract moisture to the skin), but for the eye-catching, apothecary-style pump bottle in striking, cobalt blue glass. The scent stays on your skin a long while, lulling you to sleep. When you wake, you will feel refreshed, and your skin will look better, too! An impressive but inexpensive gift of sleep is also available in "The Gift of Sleep Sleep $17.00 Basket featuring a 2 oz. Body Wash, 2 oz. Body Lotion, 1 oz. Pillow Mist and 4 Scented Tealights. Impressive, and well worth your consideration for gifs and for yourself.
Make cleansing your body into a beautifying spa treatment for pennies, with the new, SPA Radiant Body Wash $4.39 18 fl. oz by Softsoap. The trio of body washes feature ingredients such as aromatic botanicals, mineral sea salts and jojoba beads, to offer three different cleansing "treatment." We particularly liked the pearly, super-light green, Purifying Body Wash. It has a wonderful, herbal blend of botanicals that work with the steam of your shower to wake you up and make you feel happy to face the day. The Moisture Wrap Body Wash has a soft, herbal scent featuring essential oil of ylang ylang, and the pearly, light lavender color made us feel relaxed and calm, as it hydrated and cleansed our skin. Last (but not least) is the Exfoliating Body Wash with mineral salts (and a gorgeous, turquoise color) to gently slough off dead, dry skin. These body washes are satisfying--good products at a great price.
FABULOUS FOR FATHERS DAY:
The Advice Sisters reviewed Christian Lacroix Rouge in our November 2007 column, and at that time, we promised to review the companion scent, Christian Lacroix Noir eau de Toilette Spray $32.00 2.5 fl. oz, for men in a future column. This column is the perfect one, since Christian Lacroix Noir for Men is a nice choice for men of all ages, this Father's Day. Like the women's scent, this one, from the famed designer, is bold. Created by Pascal Gaurin and Yves Cassar of IFF (International Flavors & Fragrance), Noir is a sensual fougere with interesting items such as ginger fresh saffron extract and green Asian grapefruit leaves in the top. The heart notes are cardamom, eelgrass, and cactus pear, with a hint of (my favorite) orris, and the masculine, woodsy base is white cedarwood, driftwood, vetiver and musk. The silver-gray bottle, adorned with floral motif, was created by Christian Lacroix. The smell is clean --nothing too musky or dramatic, but it'll work for all those special social events he's going to gussy up for this Spring and Summer....a good choice. The square, smoked grey glass square bottle with subtle, black etching and a smoked grey chunky rectangle of plastic to cover the spray diffuser, makes this dressing table worthy, too.
Certain Dri makes a variety of anti-perspirant products to combat wetness and odor (not just for men, but we think the guys will particularly appreciate this one). The name itself suggests that you should be absolutely confident that their products will keep you from looking sweaty, even when the temperature and/or stress, rises. We tried the Certain Dri Fluid Roll On 2.5 oz. Certain Dri products are for everyone, but they may be a particular blessing for anyone who suffers from excessive sweating, known as "hyperhidrosis." They work best when applied (sparingly) at night, but if you're a person who showers in the AM you needn't worry...the products won't wash off with your ablutions! For those who don't sweat a great deal, these products can actually last up to 72 hours without re-applying them, which makes them very economical as well as effective. The Certain Dri products contain a prescription strength of aluminum chloride (12%) and they are formulated with water, not alcohol, to keep drying and stinging or skin to a minimum. The newest in the line is the Certain Dri Solid Antiperspirant $5.50 1.7 oz. which contains 20% aluminum chlorohydrate. And, if that's not enough protection, the press literature suggests that you can even use it with another morning-applied deodorant of your choice. Whether you prefer a roll-on or a solid, this is strong protection against wetness and therefore, odor. TIP: Certain Dri has another use too: rub this on your feet a few days before you wear new shoes or run that marathon, and since your feet will not sweat and swell as much, you may avoid rubbing and blistering, too!
Atopalm skin and body care products are not just for men, but the simple white plastic flip top tubes with bright red caps and simple black graphics looks unisex and we think the products inside will particularly appeal to men who want effective, luxe skincare that isn't fussy or "girly." Whether your skin is naturally sensitive and dry, or you overdid the sunbathing routine, Atopalm is kind to dry and/or sensitive skin, and especially for those with rosacea, redness, or extreme sensitivity. The Body Lotion $25.00 4.05 fl.oz for example, is great for dry skin year-round. We like the way the rich lotion helps to replenish skin's lost moisture while it also calms inflammation, irritation and flakiness. A blend plant-derived ingredients mimic the structure of your skin's natural lipids, and helps to protect and maintain moisture to the skin) . Working to make skin look and feel great are: Vitamin E (antioxidant bennies), Allantoin (soothes and calms irritations), Squalane (moisturizes), sunflower, macadamia nut, and grape seed oils (moisturize) and licorice root (brightens). The silky lotion is easily absorbed lotion and makes moisturizing his skin (and yours) comforting and luxurious --even when your skin is suffering! There are no bells, whistles, fancy packaging or smells, but the product works exceedingly well. Every member of the family will like this excellent body lotion. Both male and female reviewers also liked the Atopalm MLE Face Cream $30.00 1.17 fl.oz in it's travel-friendly, slim-tipped tube. The ladies can use it under makeup as a moisturizing base that makes foundation and even mineral makeup, look smoother and more even. But this multi-taking moisturizer is first and foremost, a way for those with dry, sensitive, and compromised skin to repair, replenish and protect It works wonders on normal, dry and even sensitive or red/rosacea-type skin. Reviewers loved the way it silkened as it offered skin-saving bennies. Even if your skin isn't dry or sensitive, it's well worth the cost. More than ever, men are demanding their own skincare, cosmetics, and body products. One that we think men will like not just for it's economy and packaging, but for it's really nice, manly scent, is the new, Suave Men Dual Charged Hair + Body Wash 1.99 12 fl. oz. An attractive blue, plastic, flip-top tube dispenses a two-in-one cleanser that is bursting with foamy, moisturizing cleanser and an herbal/green scent that's definitely for the boys (although our female reviewers used it too). Our male reviewer reported skin that felt clean and soft, but not too "slippery" or fussy. It was thumbs up for this all-in-one cleanser for every body part! Men want products that are easy to use, inexpensive, and good, and this one fits the bill, perfectly. Pop one into his gym bag, leave one in your bathroom for overnight guests, or simply if you're a man reading this, get it for yourself "just because." *watch for more Suave in our July/August What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column.
BIG LITTLE BEAUTY, MAKEUP AND FASHION HELPERS: Sneakers are supposed to be comfortable, but fashion sneakers often don't have as much padding as true athletic-performance shoes, and if you’re standing or walking on your chic sneaks all day, your feet are still going to feel tired. Dr. Scholl’s makes it easier to last longer on your feet with Dr. Scholl's For her Sporti Insole for Her $9.99/pair. The lilac and lavender inserts look chic, but they’re not for show. Oval-shaped clear gel pads in the heel and ball-of-foot areas help absorb the street as you walk, and soft foam cushions help reduce stress on the lower body. There’s an ergonomic foot bed to help provide additional arch support and stability for your feet, and a bamboo top cloth covers up the pretty colors, but helps to keep feet comfortable and dry. The ¾ length also means they won’t crowd your toes. Get some of the same bennies when wearing open toes sandals and slides, with Dr. Scholl's For Her Open Shoe Insoles $7.99. This little investment will pay big dividends for your feet. A super-thin, clear blue gel insole massages and adds a bit more padding underfoot, but you'll barely see them. Even better, the unique gel keeps the insole in place, but you can still remove and re-position them with ease. The top is a black, velvety fabric that feels luxurious against your foot. That little extra comfort means a lot when your feet are taking a beating on hard surfaces. And, while we're on the subject of sandals, slides and new shoes, if you experience painful rubbing, maybe even a blister until your Winter weary feet get used to new pressure points, Dr .Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Strips $7.49 can help, It comes in a clever, purple, tape-like dispenser, offering up to five full feet of cushiony foam that you can place anywhere inside your shoe where rubbing is likely to occur. The dispenser is self-cutting, and the foam can be completely customized to any length or width you wish. You may not be able to prevent every bit of foot irritation, but with Rub Relief Strips, you’ll avoid the worst of them. Such a little thing...but it can make a big difference!
We have become great fans of the ScentPort (starter kit) $12.50, Refills $12.50 .8 fl. oz. , a plug-and-enjoy product created by home scent innovator Harry Slatkin of Slatkin & Company and sold at Bath and Bodyworks stores. The original, white and silver diffuser literally plugs into a wall's electrical socket (you can adjust the angle of the prongs to suit). Then it constantly diffuses one of more than 22 bottled fragrances (up to two months). Now the ScentPort is even better, with an improvement so clever, you won't believe how affordable and great it is! Now there's a ScentPort Night Light $9.00.The housing is the same, but the company added a bright, rectangular, night light that radiates from the center. The night-light is light-activated, so it only glows when it's dark -- it can last up to five years. You can still pop refill scent bottles in and out, and enjoy the subtle scent as well as the safety of a nightlight in your boudoir. How great!!!! The new, nightlight makes a great gift, especially for a new mom who is going to be getting up at night...a lot. We love them in guest rooms and bathrooms, too. It's just, fantastic! Whitening strips to remove surface stains rocketed into the marketplace with lightening speed in the past few years, but the strips can be challenging to wear in public, or at work. Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips $26.99/ 56 strips-14 day treatment lets you enhance your smile in two weeks (twice daily treatment), without too much fuss--a true beauty treatment! Simply place them on your upper and lower teeth, and they will dissolve within 5-10 minutes on average. The downside is that you have to apply the strips twice a day for 14 days, but it's not that much of a bother, and it can pay big dividends. A bonus is that the strips also kill more than 99% of bad breath germs, while perking up your mouth with a minty taste and feel. If you have never tried a whitening strip because you thought it might be too much trouble, this is a clever, affordable and easy way to brighten your smile, and freshen your breath all in one. Whether you're trying to get your stuff through airport security, or you just want an attractive, easy way to tote beauty items around, the Clear Bag $5.00 from Sephora's extensive "Safari Collection" will help you stay organized. The approx 7" by 6 1/2" clear plastic zippered pouch is trimmed all around the edges with a a jungle inspired trim with animal prints like zebra and giraffe, and bold colors such as teal, orange, and chocolate brown. Our was orange "giraffe" with a bold, orange Sephora logo across the front. A silvery Sephora logo pull tag adds a touch of class. While this bag is made to carry makeup and beauty items, we can see it being useful to stuff that wet bikini back into your travel bag at the last minute, too. So versatile and affordable! The collection features a number of travel bags, tools, and lots of jungle-inspired makeup, too. TIP: for an impressive gift, use the Sephora Clear Bag as "gift wrap" and tuck a gift card or beauty item, inside!
NICE HANDS, FEET & NAILS: When your toes are released from their Wintry shoe "prisons" and you are exposing them to your public, why not make them a part of your fashion statement? The Spring Collection Nail Polish $8.00 from Barielle features six super-cheery, bright, fashion-forward colors to coordinate with your new Spring and Summer clothes. These Martini-themed colors are fun but wearable. "Glowtini," is a gorgeous, orange sherbert cream that looks modern, but won't blind you in sunlight. "Joytini" is a sunny, semi-opaque, orange cream with a "Down to Rio" vibe. I also love "Suntini," a clean watermelon coral that is the Summer replacement for red. This one makes a perfect toe color with evening sandals. for those who are not into too much color, "Baretini' is a super-sheer opalescent pink that leaves just enough to give a "polished" look. For lovers of pink, "Flirtini" and "Bikinitini" are fuchsia and bright, hot pink. Moms-to-be will be happy to know that these nail polishes are formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl-phthalate-free, which means you get safe color that the company says are safe to use, even during pregnancy. TIP: These colors are fairly sheer, but layering makes them more intense and opaque. When I looked at the newest Nail Polish $8.00 from Essie, I immediately thought: "here comes Summer!" Essie's outlook for Summer nails is energized, bright, and happy, with an all-out dazzling collection of tangerine, coral, pinks, fuchsia and red. An alternative to the blue-reds of Winter is "Escapade," a mostly coral red that radiates warmth, but still looks classic. "Risky Business" is a shimmery tangerine that is an alternative to red, entirely. It wouldn't be Summer without a clear, bright pink like "Movers and Shakers," which adds bold, bright color, even to bridal outfits and "My Place or Yours" which adds rich, creamy, subtle rose to fingers and toes. We also like 'Secret Stash," more hot fuchsia than pink, and "Guilty Pleasures," a cotton-candy colored strawberry that will look fabulous with a tan. Essie just knows how to select colors that are in-tune with today's fashions, but translated from runway to the real world. You'll love all of these, and they're affordable, too! We reviewed the Liz Earle Superbalm Concentrate in our March/April What Works column, but we also like the solid version...the Liz Earle Superbalm 1 oz. in a jar. It's a boon to cuticles, nails and hands and lips, a precious jar of SOS (save our skin) "emergency' balm" that quickly helps to calm, soften, and restore dry, chapped skin, with a wonderful neroli, and lavender scent. It has nourishing avocado, hazelnut, rosehip oil and natural source vitamin E, soothing chamomile strengthening Echinacea. Dig out a bit of this solid balm from the jar, and warm it in the palms of your hands before applying to dry areas as and when needed. Treat nails by massaging a bit into each nail, paying particular attention to cuticles. Since the balm is solid, you can take it with you without fear of it oozing or spilling—perfect for the beach (and afterwards) now through Summer. It’s a luxurious multi-tasker that is highly effective—and that incredible aromatherapy smell makes us want to apply it often.
Gloves In A Bottle $12.95 8 fl.oz. (*$4.98 shipping/up to 3 bottles), rejuvenates, dry, tight, sensitive skin. It’s not just a moisturizer, it's a shielding lotion – it bonds with the outer layer of your skin and helps lock in your natural oils with to keep your skin’s own moisture in, and moisture-robbing irritants, out. It lasts for up to four hours, even if you wash your hands, but it comes off naturally with exfoliated skin cells. Reviewers tried it on hands, knees, elbows and feet, and liked the overall feeling of comfort and protection. The blue plastic bottle with flip top is unisex, so men will feel comfortable using it. If you wash your hands often (and you should) this product will help you keep your hands from becoming too dry, without being smelly or greasy. The rich lotion absorbs quickly. It's not glamorous, but it's a good product that fills a real need, at a decent price. |
GIFT-ABLE, FASHION AND BEAUTY ACCESSORIES TO GIVE, TO LOVE!
You can't help but love the new, limited -edition Summer Splash Kit $45.00 by Red Earth. It's a beauty! We tried the "Sunset Paradise" version., featuring a keepsake, shiny, gold, moc-croc, zippered oblong case that opens to reveal an ivory satin interior and a group of gilded mini minerals makeup goodies inside-- just right for travel or for gift-giving. Both this kit and the "Malibu Beauty" (roses and berries) include a nice, mini foundation brush with flat, synthetic bristles to apply cream blush and other products. There are two tubes of super-shimmery, Pearly Cream eye shadow in "High Society" (rosed gold) and "Café Cream " (gilded brown) as well as Pure Mineral loose eyeshadow in Golden Delight (soft gold) and an enriched Eye Primer. Also in the set are an Illuminating Cream Blush in "Summer Love" and "Pink Breeze," and a Cooling Lip Gloss in "Pink Lemonade." These all in one face kits are available now through August...but they won't last so get yours, now.
Visit the 'WHAT WORKS" ARCHIVES for all that's "old," and check out our FEATURES page for everything that's new. Visit our FORUMS/BULLETIN BOARDS to leave comments on products you tried from our What Works columns, or to share reviews. For monthly beauty, fashion & advice tips, subscribe to the new, free, quarterly, Advice Sisters® Enews CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE One of the cutest sets for keeping or giving that we've seen for lip product lovers (and it's also a great value) is the Lips AhoyT5 Super Fruit Lipgloss Set $30.00 from tarte. A sturdy, zippered, beige and gold-striped fabric box with a small starfish dangle on the front unzips to reveal it's precious treasure: four double-sided, mini-sized, t5™ super fruit infused lip glosses. The great-for-your-skin t5 super fruit complex is a proprietary blend of the five most active super fruits (goji, acai, maracuja, acerola and pomegranate) to give your lips loads of antioxidant benefits, along with a water resistant formula that sticks to your lips, without being ikky-sticky. The glosses have a natural vanilla scent and arrive in movie-themed duos: cherry & dallas—The Outsiders (gold-tinged coral & shimmery pale pink); annie & sam—Sleepless in Seattle (shimmery pastel pink & gold-tinged apricot ;allie & noah—The Notebook (shimmery thistle & sheer lilac pink) ; angela & jordan—My So Called Life (sheer peach & gold-tinged mauve). The colors are perfect for Spring and Summer, but if you want to personalize a duo, just pop colors in our out of the middle section in a flash, any time you wish. Even better, when you buy this product you’ll be helping to preserve the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil, as tarte supports Sambazon’s Sustainable Acai Project (SAP), a member of the Organic Trade Association and the Fair Trade Federation. All of the above are reasons to run and get this limited edition set while they last!
FRESH, SPRING-TO-SUMMER FRAGRANCES TO LOVE, TO GIVE:
Also from Vera Wang, the queen of bridal couture is Vera Wang Bouquet Eau de Parfum $87.00 3.4 fl oz, $67.00 1.7 fl oz/50 ml $67.00. This tea-green-tinted scent in a slightly modernized traditional Vera Wang bottle, with "Platinum" collar is subtle and fresh, perfect for a Summer bride. The fragrance is floral and romantic but it's not heavy. It's the kind of fragrance that smells initially pretty but then becomes one with your skin, individualized. It starts with light top notes of Dew Drops, Radiant Sicilian Bergamot, and Black Currant Leaves, a heart of romantic Paperwhite Narcissus, and Honeysuckle, and a sensual base of Lavender Musk Accord, Moroccan Cedar and White Iris Root. Layer the lovely fragrance with Body Lotion $50.00, 5.0 fl oz. Shower Gel $45.00 5.0 fl oz, Body Creme $85.00 6.7 fl oz. A quote from the designer herself says: "for me, flowers and fragrance are the perfect expression of love and commitment, and a Bouquet symbolizes that union." Well, said, Vera Wang! If you're a bride this year, this is your scent, for sure.
We couldn't help but like a fragrance called Exceptional ...Because You Are $54.99 3.4 fl. oz. by Exceptional Perfumes, available at FragranceNet.com. This nice, bright, lightly spiced floral is casual, but sophisticated. It starts out bright with a hint of citrus, combines with a spicy floral heart, and softens upon drydown with (my best guess) a hint of woods, a tiny bit of vanilla, and amber. It was difficult to get more information on specific notes, and there's little out there on this unusual fragrance, actually created in 2006. The outside packaging is a calming lavender trimmed with black, and the bottle is a simply, chunky, rounded glass with matte silver top. But you won't smell yourself coming and going like a clone in this one, and it's long lasting enough to stand up to a day's work or an evening's "play" without overpowering your partner. Tell Mom just how "Exceptional" she is...this one will say it all. I used to think of Gwen Stefani solely as a rocker, but she's a multi-talented artist whose trend-setting style is making her as famous in fashion as in music. "L," Stefani's first fragrance for her own fashion line L.A.M.B., was named L since it's the first letter of L.A.M.B. and stands for Love. Before I describe the scent, I have to admire the packaging. The outer cardboard has a bold, black stripe trimmed in bright turquoise with L.A.M.B's medieval-looking letter "L" and L.A.M.B. in gold, on a mottled, mustard colored background. The flacon, designed by Ms. Stefani, has a rock-star vibe. The cap is a huge, metallic chunky gold square of two intertwined L(s) in plastic, lined inside with turquoise, to cover the smaller brick of amber glass holding the scent. The top of the spray diffuser has a turquoise enamel L, adding a truly luxe touch. The actual fragrance, created by perfumer Harry Fermont of Firmenich, is feminine, but modern. The top notes of sparkling green green freshness, leafy water hyacinth, white freesia, fresh pear, and violet leaves start things out light, juicy and fruity. A heart of jasmine petals, rose, muget, sweet pea, and orange blossom add a very distinctive, romantic, floral touch that smells almost like a bride's bouquet. Although not evident right away when you spritz L, the notes of frangipani blossom, peach skin, heliotrope flower, and sensual musk eventually blend with your skin and body chemistry to subdue the fruit and floral into a fragrance you can truly make yours simply by wearing it. It's a lovely new scent for ladies of all ages.
Sometimes you come across a scent that you think you know, but you really don't. Such is the case with Incense $20.00 1 fl. oz by Demeter Fragrance Library. This new fragrance is a single note, centered on a unique core of copal (a type of resin produced by aromatic plant or tree secretions and used ceremonially by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica). When I think of Incense, I think usually think of the heavy and intoxicating incense used in religious ceremonies. My mind about what incense should smell like was again changed when I tried Bois d'Encens by Giorgio Armani from his Prive Collection. That amazing scent features two types of incense and it is quite deep and intense, and lovely, and unisex. But now I've tried Demeter's "Incense", and I'm surprised once again. This fragrance is light, ladylike, and sensual. To me, it is more reminiscent of delicious of vanilla and bitter almond than the church-y blends of incense. It's happy, it's warm, and it's incredibly sexy. And, it can be yours without breaking your budget! “Enchanted Orchid Eau de Toilette $19.00 1.7 fl. oz from the Signature Collection of Bath and Body Works has that fascinating, rare feeling. The Signature Collection offers a more sophisticated and more intense version of this Bath and Body Works Enchanted Orchid scent than their casual Body Splash. It’s a very feminine, floral. It starts with top notes of pink grapefruit, wet greens, waterlily and crisp apple, but the fruity tartness is tempered almost immediately by a heart of Calypso orchid, fresh gardenia, iris, and violet petals, and a base of vanilla orchid, heliotrope, creamy amber, and skin musk. The scent is something special to give to mom for her special day, and light enough to take you through Summer without fading away too quickly. Tommy Hilfiger's Dreaming 1 oz. Eau de Parfum spray $35.00 (other sizes and bath and body products available) is a fresh, spirited, fruity floral that delights and surprises I wasn't sure what to expect from this designer, but while Hilfiger's very successful scents: Tommy and Tommy Girl, were created for a younger girl, Dreaming is for girls of all ages. It is for women, but it's definitely not a "grandma's" scent either. It's light, but pretty and lasting, with an immediate, happy burst of succulent white peach, with feminine tuberose, and freesia at the heart, and a drydown of white woods and orris to make this a sophisticated blend. We tried the Eau de Parfum, nicely packaged in a red cardboard box, and inside, a lovely glass bottle features the facets of the Tommy Hilfiger Dreaming's woman: elegant and feminine, but still strong. It's two chunky squares: one clear to hold the palest pink-tinted juice, and the other, a clear Lucite top to cover the spray diffuser, are joined with a silvery metal band enameled in chic, hot pink. As with many fragrances these days, Dreaming has it's own, interactive web site where you can find a dream expert, dream interpreter, dream confession, download computer backgrounds and wallpaper, see the entire Dreaming collection and view behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the advertising campaign with model Mona Johansson, the face of the fragrance. This is a lovely choice for Mother's Day, for a special event, and "just because." Absolutely unique are the fragrances from Thierry Mugler's MIROIR, MIROIR! Collection. True collector's fragrances, they arrive in shiny silver cardboard boxes into which a stunning completely mirrored presentation box is nestled. Inside the mirrored box is the actual perfume bottle. The story behind the scents are that mirrors are guardian of personalities, revealing both our inner light and quiet shadows, Thierry Mugler was inspired by the art of metamorphosis before being on stage. There are five very different scents in this collection. We tried No1. A Travers Le Miroir "Through the Looking Glass" $150.00 1.7 fl. oz. Eau de Parfum Spray. It's an aromatic floral designed by Mane’s Alexis Dadier. The other scents are: Miroir des Secrets (Mirror of Secrets), a bitter-sweet aldehydic by IFF’s Domitille Bertier; Dis-Moi, Miroir (Mirror Image), a floral by Mane's Fabrice Pellegrin; Miroir des Vanités (Mirror of Vanities), a woody scent also by Mane's Alexis Dadier; and Miroir des Envies (Mirror of Desires), a floral created by Givaudan's Christine Nagel and Louise Turner." No1. A Travers Le Miroir is the kind of fragrance I particularly like, because it isn't immediately signally girly or floral. It has a very feminine note (tuberose flower) but like all women, there's also some masculine traits, reflected in the woody accord which includes the very unique and aromatic accents of absinthe, something you would expect to find in a man's scent, plus a minty wintergreen. Also unique is the cool web site, with sophisticated flash and interactivity.
A fragrance gift is especially welcome when it comes with something extra. That's why we're loving the Tova Signature Eau de Parfum (3.3oz) with Scented Heart Charm $54.00. The nicely-boxed set in light blue trimmed with black cardboard, contains Tova Signature Fragrance in an elegant, rectangular chunk of square glass with a clear plastic square topper, and that something extra: a silvery keychain/dangle with a blinged-out Scented Heart Charm. This Tova Signature scent is distinctive: top notes of citrus and bergamot, absolute jasmine and lavender for a feminine heart, and sandalwood and musk at the base. also features a unique keychain dangle with silver heart charm that is festooned with rhinestones on the front, but the back is a lattice work "cage" that allows you to spray the fragrance right onto a fragrance-absorbing ceramic stone, inside. It's a sexy and fun way to bring fragrance with you wherever you go. One or two sprays of scent will keep the charm smelling lovely for several months. Attach the charm to your purse, pants, luggage--anywhere! This is such a fun, unique gift for Mother's Day, brides, anyone.
Clinique Happy is a new classic, a fragrance that debuted in 1999 and that women of all ages and personalities, embrace. But if you are thinking of giving this as a gift to a special mom (or perhaps, your bridal party) this Spring or Summer, go one better and make it a Clinique Happy Custom Bottle $52.00 3/4 fl. oz. You upload your digital photo on the Clinique Web Site and in 7-10 working days your bottle of Clinique Happy will arrive with your photo right on the bottle! I can think of dozens of ways to give this fresh and citruss-y fragrance. Upload your baby picture for a Mother's Day gift, or use a group photo of "the girls" on the town, for your bridesmaids, or select your best friends cat for a friend's birthday gift. The photo will show up nicely, but you can still see right through the bottle. What a great gift! It's unique, and it takes just seconds to preview your bottle and order it. Clinique Happy is a pleasing, light blend of citrusy scents with top notes of lemon, tangerine, mandarins, oranges, and grapefruit a heart of Yuzu, and to temper the citrus with a softer base, cedar, Mediterranean cypress, and guiacwood. It's always been a lovely scent, but with the personalized bottle, it's now even better.
To view previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the What Works Archives The distinctive, sophisticated scents from Armani Prive Fragrance Collection have quickly become favorites. There's not one in the bunch that's less than beautiful. Mr. Armani created the initial scents for limited distribution, but now they are available to wider audience of fashionistas and fragrance lovers. Now there's a "sub-collection" entitled: Armani Privé Les Eaux, with two lighter, fresher fragrances featuring the same, square shaped bottle now the bottle is clear glass instead of opaque, dark wood, and this time there's a plastic, faux "stone" topper instead of the semi-precious stone one. I haven't yet tried "Rose Alexandrie" but I did try Vetiver Babylone Eau de Toilette $185.00 3.4 fl. oz, a lovely fragrance whose "story" evokes the mythical suspended gardens of Babylon. Notes in this easily unisex scent feature "garden-y" top notes of bergamot, citron, and mandarin, with a spicy and fresh heart of green cardamom, coriander and pink pepper, plus base notes evoking the earth scents in a garden, including patchouli and (of course), vetiver (a grass native to India, that is related to lemon grass, and other fragrant grasses). The scent is light, fresh, and androgynous, but it's also uplifting. Get it for both Mom and Dad--or treat yourself and you'll have a unique scent for Summer I guarantee will let you stand apart from the crowd, but invite people in for a closer "sniff."
|
Get the Advice Sisters Enews: This
free, bi-monthly, Advice Sisters Enews is now going to over 4,000
subscribers around the world.
May and June bring holidays,
celebrations, and warmer weather (including Mothers Day and Fathers
Day). The Advice Sisters present a two-page review with gift ideas
and the best and newest beauty, fashion and cosmetics to help you have a
wonderful season. 
Philosophy's signature scent, "Amazing ," is the #1 best
selling brand in Sephora stores--and Sephora shoppers know
all about cosmetics and beauty. The subtle blend of soft floral
with just a hint of musk smells feminine but comforting in a soft,
"clean," unobtrusive way. That's why it's a favorite of doctors, nurses,
and executives. There are other versions of Grace in
Philosophy's lineup (e.g Inner Grace, Baby Grace, Pure
Grace), but we love Amazing Grace in it's original
form. I love roller balls, so I particularly like
Amazing Grace Concentrated Perfume Oil $25.00 .27 fl. oz. The
roller ball packaging that means you can take it with you
everywhere. The scent is just a bit stronger so you can ust use
less. There are other products scented with Amazing Grace,
including a light pink, pearly, Bath, Shampoo & Shower Gel 22.00 16
0z, $30.00 24 oz in a clear plastic flip-top bottle (with a wordy
explanation of Philosophy and "Grace" right on the bottle) that
makes an impressive gift. It's a 3-in-1 gel that can be used in
bath, shower and as a shampoo. It cleanses nicely and leaves hair and
skin amazingly soft (thanks to a milk base, Pro-vitamin B5,
and silk proteins). The Amazing Grace scent lasts. Layer more
with the Amazing Grace Fragrance $40.00 2 oz, $55.00 4 oz. If you
want to be scented with Amazing Grace literally from head to toe,
use the Amazing Grace Foot Cream $22.00 4 oz., an
antioxidant-rich exfoliating foot treatment that features heavy hitters
such as salicylic and glycolic acids to help reduce rough soles and dry
skin. The rich cream has super-moisturizing shea butter to moisturize,
repair, nourish and protect. We love it now that sandals season is here.
Treat your feet!
Who
says a mundane chore like washing your hands has to be boring? No
way! Jaqua's new Hand Soaps $14.00 8.5 oz are beautiful, girly
fun, in clear plastic pump bottles that display Jaqua's adorable, feminine, Victorian-style graphic
labels. There's the light floral "Pink Champagne" scent and a gourmand
"Pink Buttercream." Both are sinfully, deliciously, scented--but
you won't feel guilty for loving them! The
At
a blogger beauty event this Spring, I was introduced to
The
Baby Lotion With Goats Milk $10.95 8 fl. oz a BabyWash $10.95 8 fl. oz
(photo) from Dionis,
new to our reviews this column, are meant for babies, really, but the
pure white plastic pump bottles with adorable pastel polka-dot labels,
and the sweet little prancing kid (goat) logo are so cute, we think
they'll make every adult smile to use them. They're ultra gentle,
made with goats milk and natural botanicals especially to baby babies,
and adults. All Dionis products are 90-95% natural, and with
minimal preservatives. The baby products are non-allergenic,
dermatologist-tested and non-irritating. We think these products are
great for everyone, but especially sweet for a new mom or a mom-to-be.
And there's also a lovely Spa Dionis line, featuring Blackberry &
Citrus. The products are gently scented with a light, of-the-moment
fragrance, and we liked that just fine. The Spa Dionis Body
Wash $9.95 8 fl. oz comes in a clear, plastic flip-top bottle that
showcases the pearly liquid inside. It cleanses gently, with bountiful,
rich lather, and leaves skin feeling clean and soft, thanks to
lightweight moisturizers and the Dionis SPA Skin Complex (with
fruit extracts and antioxidant vitamin C). We also tried the Body
Polish $16.95 6 fl. oz. that seemed almost smooth to the touch in
the tube. When you massage the rich cream on your skin, it lathers,
releasing ultra-fine jojoba beads that gently exfoliate and moisturize
after dissolving with warm water. For a silkening, moisturizing,
finishing touch we tried the Body Butter $12.95 4.5 oz that coats
even very dry skin with a soothing and highly moisturizing blend of
cocoa and shea butters. Natural botanical extracts of blackberry, kiwi,
aloe and honey brighten, moisturize and soothe while almond oil and
butters help prevent moisture loss. There's also a nice, Body Oil
Mist $15.95 8 fl. oz in a pump bottle. The oil is soft and soothing,
comprised of lightweight oils and grape and kiwi fruit extracts, plus
the Dionis SPA Skin Complex to super-smooth skin. We found the
oil absorbed quickly, and just a little spritz is needed to moisturize
parched skin all day long. These are perfect for Summer. 
Portico makes fragrant, luxe bath and body products you’re
likely to find in high-end hotels and spas. Bring the pampering home
even if you're on a budget, or treat mom to amazing scents, loved by
both women and men. The
Portico Lemon Verbena Hydrating Shower Gel $14.00 6.7 fl.oz and
Renewing Body Lotion $16.00 6.7 fl. oz do more than just smell good.
The Shower Gel (in a clear, flip-top tube), gently cleanses skin
with aloe, ivy and chamomile extracts that leave skin feeling refreshed
and not a bit dry. The Body Lotion (also in clear, flip-top tube)
has Safflower, avocado, apricot and sweet almond oils to instantly
quench dry, flaky skin. Our male reviewers, even those who normally shy
away from body products, loved the moisturizer. The scent drew them in,
and the silky feeling of the lotion kept them coming back for more. The
scent reminds me of another Canadian company’s citrus-y scent, but this
one is more polished. It starts with lemony bergamot and verbena, but it
has a heart of fresh jasmine accented with coriander, and bottom notes
of ylang-ylang and amber. The scent is fresh and lemony, blending
beautifully with your own skin so you smell fresh, not too overly
citruss-y.
Another
not-just-for-baby line of products is from fun to use, use, Bath By
Bettijo. The plastic bottles with white pumps or black flip-tops and
eye-catching white and lime green labels looks chic, not too baby-ish.
It Shea Butter Soothing Lotion $16.50 8 fl. oz. features
Shea Butter and Sweet Almond Oil, and fragrant Orange Blossoms and
Lavender. The lotion is very emollient, and very soothing. The
Organic Shampoo & Wash $16.50 8 fl. oz looks clear and
slightly golden in it's plastic flip-top bottle. Inside, a head-to-toes
body wash works on the "wee ones" and on you, too. Ultra-mild and
pH-balanced, with just a touch of Lavender and Chamomile scent that
soothes and calms, it's the perfect treat for sensitive skin at any age.
And the All-Natural Baby Powder $14.50 5.5 oz. has become one of
our favorites for when the weather gets hot and sticky. Soothe your body
with this powder. talc-free, super-fine powder that uses cornstarch and
French green clay to absorb moisture, while the soothing scent of
Lavender, Chamomile and Comfrey Extracts, nurture, protect, and make you
feel special all over. 
When
Sephora first opened, the items that struck me as most unusual were
their own brand and bath and body products, and their affordably-priced
(but still trendy) color cosmetics. The bath and body products, in
rainbow colors, still delight with simple but attractive packaging and
pretty scents that won't set you back a month's rent. For a
weekend hostess, for Mom, for a bride-to-be, a new graduate, and of
course, for yourself, the products in the "Tropical Jasmine Body
Collection " by Sephora, delight. The scent is compelling,
at first picking up a Summery coconut and vanilla at the top, but
then, jasmine, sandalwood and white amber smooth out the fragrance and
make it more luxurious, with just hints of flower and spice. Each
product contains hydrating ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Jojoba. My
favorite is the Tropical Jasmine Bubble Bath $16.00 10 fl. oz, in
the domed, disk-shaped plastic flip top bottle that first captivated me
years ago. A clear raspberry-tinted gel suffused with tons of silvery
sparkle, makes any bath a bubbly, romantic, tropical delight. To
add more of the lovely scent and to moisturize more deeply, add the
Body Butter $16.00 6.7 oz, a rich, thick cream featuring
natural shea butter and beeswax, which softens skin and prevents against
moisture loss. It absorbs nicely and leaves more of the same,
light, yummy scent. If you're into dry oils, Sephora's Dry oil $16.00
5 oz the cheerful raspberry-tinted oil in a clear pump bottle in the
same scent makes great sense. Mist it on your skin and it instantly
creates a hydrating veil without leaving an oil slick. Addicted to the
Tropical Jasmine Scent, there's also a body scrub, body lotion and
shower gel in the collection. 
Treat
yourself (or mom, or your favorite hostess) to tropical scented body
products from Ola Hawaii. The company uses only natural, organic
ingredients found in Hawai'i whenever possible. What really sets these
bath and body products apart are the nine distinctive scents that blend
spicy with sweet, and don't smell like anything else. For example, the
"Jasmine Neroli" is a white floral blend of jasmine, pikake, and ylang,
with hints of bitter orange that made our experience with the Pacific
Salt Scrub $22.00 10 oz. a true "Island" experience. The hydrating
blend of macadamia nut, kukui nut, organic coconut and avocado oil
moisturizes, while you slough away dead skin with Pacific sea salt. The
"Passion Fruit Citrus" scent that we slathered on with Ola Hawaii
Body Butter is tangy and good for men and women as a happy
pick-me-up of passion fruit, mango and a variety of tart citrus notes.
When you massage the light-as-a-cloud Passion Fruit Citrus Tropical
Body Butter $22.00 4.8 oz
into your skin, the scent rises to meet your nostrils, while a blend
of moisturizing coconut, avocado, mango and aloe butters (combined with
organic Noni, Olena, Mamaki and Aloe Vera) work hard to moisturize even
the driest skin. We also tried the lovely, Lotion Mist $18.00 4.6 fl.
oz in "Coconut Lemongrass," a new take on an old favorite,
where tart lemongrass subdues the sweetness of the coconut. The Lotion
mist has a blend of super-hydrating (but not greasy), organic Hawaiian
plant distillates with moisturizing tropical oils, including coconut,
mango extract, Noni and Aloe Vera. For a unique host/hostess gift, we
like the incredibly affordable, Tropical Fruit Hand Made Soap Trio
$12.00 (photo) in "Exotic Woods." The beautifully packaged trio of
mini soaps are coconut, sandalwood, and coffee-scented, created with
non-drying natural cleansers, in a base of palm and coconut oils,
alkali, fresh botanicals and natural fragrances. Each trio contains
three soaps on a coconut wood plank, and wrapped with a natural leaf.
Shaving
is an everyday routine for most men, but you can help him make it into a
more pleasing ritual. Founded in France in 1810, the
PINAUD brand and its CLUBMAN line of men's toiletries
offers men a wide variety of products. But the new,
Clubman Lather Luxury Shave products
have our attention. The
Shave Cream $14.95 5.5 fl. oz.
in a flip-top tube isn't foamy, but it's luxuriously creamy. When mixed
with water it softens the beard for a clean, close shave. If you miss a
spot you don't have to re-apply it, just massage the spot with a bit of
water, and the soothing cream is reactivated. Of course, the plastic
flip-top tube of shaving cream isn't just "soap," it has menthol to
cool, aloe vera to moisturize and soften, allantoin and seamollient to
reduce inflammation, and for added enhancement to his skin, horse
chestnut, to help smooth wrinkles without having add another product to
his routine. For guys with sensitive skin, the
Clubman Shave Gel $14.95 4 fl. oz
goes on smoothly and has an oil-rich formula that moisturizes and gives
his razor a great glide, but won't turn him into an oil slick.
Macadamia, Primrose, & Eucalyptus condition skin and make his shave
luxurious as well as safe and comfortable. There are other products in
the line to treat dad right. He might not think he's worth the
"extra," but on Father's Day, show him he definitely is! 
A
bar of soap, cleverly packaged, it makes everyone smile and if you give
one to Dad on his special day, everyone will want to use it.
Woody's Meat & Potatoes Bar $12.95 12.0 oz.
is packaged like a steak, in a cello and foam package as if it's ready
to put on the grill. But this one is all for his body! The
slightly herbally-scented soap feels good and weighty in his hands, as
it gently cleanses with Tea Tree, Hemp Seed oil, vitamins, essential
fatty acids and anti-oxidants. His skin and hair will be clean, and
soft, and feel great, but he won't have to deal with lots of bottles and
tubes to get clean from head-to-toe. This is a low-tech product--a
beautiful bar of soap that works as he likes it--easily, luxuriously,
and in one step.
The
Advice Sisters were excited to attend the launch of Usher's
his and her fragrances last September, and we reviewed the star-studded
event (and the new fragrances) in NYC on our
The
Instant Aromatherapy Roller Balls .3 fl. oz $10.00/each from Bath
and Body Works are your portable weapons to get you through
the day and night, feeling right. Each rollerball vial is filled with
intense doses of essential oil blends formulated to provide
specific, therapeutic bennies. We liked these so much for their
portability and ease of use we couldn't wait to tell you about them. So
we made them the product of the week back in mid- April.
Most
women and even the guys, seem to have a love/hate relationship with
their feet. We need them to take us where we want to go, but all
that hard work can create crusty skin and calluses. The Foot
File XL-Pro $29.95 by
Microplane is one of the most impressive, luxurious, quick, easy and
effective ways we've seen to get rid of calluses and tough, dry skin.
It does it in literally, seconds, thanks to a high tech design.
175 tiny, bi-directional files (created with a patented photo-etching
process) literally sloughs off hard-to-handle skin that even pumice
stones and ordinary files can't tackle. It's so effective, you don't
even have to soak and soften the skin, first. The hefty, plastic,
"tortoise-shell" handle is generously sized, and the blades are surgical
grade stainless steel. The file fits neatly into a clear plastic
presentation/travel case. The large, oval-shaped file head isn't just
great at sloughing off dead skin, it features a replaceable cartridge,
and it captures the skin particles in a hidden reservoir underneath, so
you can use it anywhere and then just empty it when you're ready without
raining dead skin all over the floor (ugh!). A foot file might not
be the most glam gift you can think of, but this one is so good, it's a
treat to use. We think Mom will love it, packaged with a moisturizing
foot cream and perhaps, some sexy flip-flops!
Fashionable bakers know that carrying cupcakes in tinfoil is so
uncool! For the modern man or woman who loves to bake, the
Cupcake Courier $30.00 *shipping & handling is the only way to
transport sweet treats! The
Cupcake Courier is a large, rectangular, translucent plastic
container that holds three, stackable, cupcake trays with a dozen,
individual cups to hold up to 36 cupcakes (you can take the trays
out and use it as a cake carrier, too). Four bottom latches hold
the cover securely to the bottom. The carrier comes in Petal Pink,
Lemon Grass, Saffron Yellow, or Soft Blue Sky. Designed by Jennifer
Gunn, a mother of two in California, we think it's the best, sensible,
and safe way to transport baked goods. The dimension are:
Cover: 14"W; 11"H; 11"D; Base: 12.5"X16"; Trays: 13.8"L; 10.4"W; 3.2"H.
It also makes a great gift for any Mom, Dad or friend who has to
transport baked goods to school, church, picnics, parties,
shower....whatever! 
When
I think of Spring, I think of Cherry Blossom season. L'Occitane
brings that beautiful, Spring feeling with a beautiful range of pretty,
"cherry blossom" scented bath, body and fragrance items. The top notes
feature cherry, freesia, and blackcurrant, with a floral heart of cherry
blossom and romantic lily of the valley. A base of rosewood, amber, musk
makes the scent sophisticated instead of overly youthful. The
fragrance is feminine--light and fresh, and simply, happy.
L'Occitane's
Cherry Eau de Toilette Spray $44.00 3.4 fl. oz comes in a
cherry-tinted cardboard box with delicate, cherry blossom pen and ink
design, and inside, there's a lovely, apothecary-style bottle with
embossed cherry blossom design. There are lotions and shimmer creams,
and for the hands, and a very lovely, affordable, limited edition,
Petal Soft hand Cream $10.00 2.6 fl. oz enriched with emollient shea
butter and cherry extract from Provence. The luxe, non-greasy
moisturizer has a nice, twist open/closed cap and leaves hands silky and
scented with a hint of the same, enchanting, cherry blossom fragrance as
the Eau de Toilette. You have to get one for yourself!
Borghese is a luxury line of cosmetics I've known and loved for
decades. Now, like high-end designers such as Vera Wang, Stella
McCartney, Erin Featherston and Isaac Mizrahi (just to name a few)
they're reaching out to the mass market with a very affordable, but
still high quality line of products. The nail products are exceptional!
My favorite is the Finale Fast Set Nail Spray $15.00 2.5 fl. oz.
A clear plastic pump bottle spritzes on a liquid fast-set/dry that sets
any nail polish in seconds, with a hard finish in under five minutes.
In addition, olive oil and grape seed oils moisturize and Vitamin E help
nourish nails. An additional bonus is the brilliant, high-gloss finish.
I'm just in love with
Finale Fast Set Nail Spray. It is a definite "must have" for Summer
pedicures. Fast acting Borghese Rapido Cuticle Remover $12.00 1 fl.
oz removes excess cuticle in as little as 15 seconds (that's fast,
too)! Aloe leaf, green tea extracts, and chamomile soothe and
moisturize while they work their softening magic. The coppery plastic
tube with precision ophthalmic tip comes with three mini wooden cuticle
pushers. Once you've prepped your nails, choose a gorgeous, new,
Borghese Nail Lacquer $8.00. The elegant, rounded triangular bottles
with signature black, spiral tops look like Borghese's pricier
line. An added bonus is the Duale Curve Tip brush that hugs the shape of
your nails and lets you swipe on a full coat of color with just one
stroke. The polish is lovely, glossy and streak-free. They have
Borghese's signature "Acqua di Vita Living Water Complex", plus
amino acids, to hydrate and balance your nails. There's also antioxidant
olive leaf extract and Vitamin E to refresh, restore and revitalize. The
polish is available in a whopping 48 colors inspired by the hues of the
Italian landscape and culture. We loved "Borghese Red," a deep, rich,
velvety, classic red that works for every occasion from elegant weddings
to the water park. Equally elegant is "Capri Coral" offering a
bold, rich, coral-y-red, hot-off-the-runway shade. For pink lovers,
there's "Verona Pink," (photo) a clear, silky, blue-based medium pink
and a slightly warmer version, called "Paradiso Pink." At least
one (and probably many more) are must-have for your collection.
It's been a long while (since
Something
old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. The
Cushion-Cut Faux Blue Topaz Earrings and Matching Pendant Set $42.00
from Holsted Jewelers could cover all of these! This
boxed set from the "New Blue" Collection is in a silvertone finish. It
is so classic and elegant for any special occasion, but at a very
reasonable price. The earrings (in pierced or clip) feature over 4
carats of cushion-cut sky-blue faux topaz, crowned by clusters of nearly
a carat total weight of 14 baguette, round, and oval cubic zirconia
accents. The pendant, hanging from a substantial, 18" rope chain with
lobster claw clasp, features a large, 5.2-carat, cushion-cut
faux blue topaz and cubic zirconia accents. This set is just so perfect
for a bride, or as a very special gift for a Mom or for a bridal party
(or perhaps, a very special prom girl). The Advice Sisters
WE HAVE A WINNER! The Advice Sisters received hundreds of
entries for our first contest of the year.
Looking
for a beautiful gift for mom, a bride, or a pretty thing for yourself?
One way to get a great piece of jewelry and support an important cause
(ovarian cancer research) is to purchase earrings, a bracelet, a
necklace or all three items from the
L'Oreal Paris Color of Hope” Jewelry Collection!. The Advice Sisters
have reviewed this collection in detail previously on our
We have
reviewed Whish shaving products a number of times in our
Every
August, right before school started for the year, my mother would
take me to a big store called Great Eastern Mills. It seemed huge at the
time, and it sold everything from pencils to provolone cheese. But
the best part of shopping there was I got to pick out school supplies,
including a new pencil case. I had the same feeling of anticipation when
I saw the Sephora Pencil Case $12.00 from their "Striped Bag"
collection. The coated nylon fabric features Spring-worthy pink, green,
black, white and taupe stripes, and a rugged zipper with substantial,
silver pull. Of course, now the cases I cover hold makeup tools
and colors instead of school supplies, but they're equally adorable and
useful. There are five bags in the collection, but the most affordable
and versatile is the
Pencil Case. I love it, because it reminds me of the
excitement I felt when I found the perfect pencil bag and every time I
used it I felt special. The Sephora version is a long,
slim, zippered case is 9" x 2.5" x 2" that holds items up to
8" in length. It's roomy, but slim and light enough for you to fill it
up with b basic makeup essentials, brushes and tools. When you tuck it
into your tote or purse, it won't weigh you down. 
We love the way candles light up our lives. An inexpensive and lovely
way to add scent to your home is the
Votive Gift Set $9.99 by Chesapeake Bay Candle. The
hard-sided cardboard Kraft-paper box with pretty pastel floral accents
can be re-used, and inside are three pure white, natural soy wax candles
with lead-free cotton wicks, poured into go-with-everything, clear glass
votives. Ours featured softly-sweet Tuberose & Gardenia, spicy
Lemongrass & Eucalyptus, and soothing Lavender & Vanilla (there's also a
Cardamom & Clove, White Ginger & Ivy, and Passion Fruit & Papaya set).
These impressively-packaged sets look pricey and make a perfect gift for
Mom on Mother's Day, or stock up now for your weekend hosts this Summer.
For an even more impressive gift of scent (or little splurge for
yourself) you can't beat the Chesapeake Bay Pure & Natural Bento Gift
Set $16.99 (ours in "Ginger & Ivy- a soft herbal that smells light a
fresh touch of Spring, with a hint of floral sweetness). You get a long,
rectangular, pure white porcelain tray (use it later on dressing table
or for hors d'ouvres) onto which you place three items in your chosen
scent: a white votive candle, a small reed-diffuser with a green
leaf-decorated set of wooden reeds, and a set of light green scented
crystals that fit perfectly into a small oval, gracefully-sloped, soft
green and white oval, re-useable, porcelain, Japanese-style condiment
bowl. The display not only looks great in any room of your home, it also
leaves the beautiful scent to enjoy 24/7. This wonderfully-affordable
set also makes a nice gift, beautifully packaged in a large, impressive,
cardboard and clear cello presentation box. This set is available
exclusively at Target and it's a great value, so stock up for
Summer!
Seeking
something sweet, small, cite. and special for Mother's Day? The
Candycare Hot Mamma Sweet Kid Gift Box $14.95
sets six satisfying candy treats together in a clear, cello-presentation
box, along with cardboard labels that pronounce "Hot Mama!" and "Sweet
Kid." It's a way to indulge mom's (or a new mom's) sweet tooth, in
a cute way and for under $15.00! Full sized bags of Sweet Tarts,
Red Hots, Sugar Babies, Hot Tamales, Runts, and (my favorite) Junior
Mints, look colorful and sinfully delicious. Send a box with your love
to Mom, or with congratulations to the new mother. Candycare isn't just
about sweets, there are also gift packages for other occasions such as
birthdays, holidays, and even for "thank you." All are just $14.00
(plus shipping) and are filled with bath and body products, candy, or
adorable items for that new little baby including a teething rattle and
pink or blue socks. What a great idea! 
This
is the season of celebrations. This is also the perfect time to
stock up on quantities of the Congratulations Gift $20.00
by Philosophy. It's the wittiest way we know to send salutations
in a truly memorable way. Inside the cheerful, cardboard box with
pink and blue "bubbles" on a white background, and "Congratulations" in
large letters on the side, sits a huge, 24 oz clear plastic
bottle of pink-"champagne"-tinted, (all in on3) bath, shampoo and
shower gel. The pampering cleanser is super-hydrating, and makes both
hair and skin super-soft. Suitable for both men and women, this
"bottle of bubbly" can be an everyday indulgence and a true celebration
every bath or shower you take! Make a pink champagne wish come
true! Why just send a card when this clever gift will be
remembered long after cards are filed or discarded. Along the same
lines, is Philosophy's Thank You $25.00 a cute, grey, white and
brown cardboard "envelope" box has a velcro closure. Lift the
envelope lid, and there's a place to write a few lines of thanks to your
lucky recipient. Open the box, and nestled inside are 8 oz
bottles of pearly pink Amazing Grace-scented (all in one)
bath, shampoo and shower gel, and pearly white Pure Grace-scented
(all in one), shampoo, bath and shower gel *see the left hand column's
Bath & Body Section for more information on the scents. The clever
packaging, the beautifully, luxe, high quality, scented products....it's
the perfect gift for a special woman who has done you a good turn, and
it's appropriate for women of all ages. It's a perfect way to
thank Mom on her special day, a lovely way to show someone you are
grateful. Both these Philosophy gifts are unique but
affordable--I really hope they create more of them because they are a
clever, and perfect way to give a heartfelt gift. Thank you,
Philosophy! 
Just
looking at the Marc Jacobs Daisy Solid Perfume Ring $30.00 gave
me an "Omigod!" moment. A tiny, gold, zippered pouch/change purse
holds one of the cutest
presentations for perfume this season. Inside the pouch is a
substantial, mod white and gold daisy ring that twists to reveal a small
amount of Marc Jacobs DAISY solid perfume. There's a slender,
gold keychain included to turn your ring into a fashion dangle for your
purse or jeans, too. We reviewed the DAISY scent back in
If
I had the power to create a scent that made women feel like a princess,
I couldn't have designed anything more perfect than Vera Wang's
new and limited edition, Vera Wang Flower Princess $52.00 1.7 fl. oz,
$68.00 3.4 oz. The outer packaging is a feminine print of
floppy white daisies with pink centers, lounging on a field of light
green with a heart rimmed in carefree silver, topped with a pink and
white silver crown. The bottle itself is a faceted, clear glass heart
showcasing the pink-tinted scent, perfectly. It's topped with a silver
crown studded with pink "jewels" and a remove-able silver ring studded
with tiny pink crystals that you can actually wea--charming! The scent,
created in cooperation with Firmenich, is also a feminine
fantasy.
Flower Princess is a light, bright, floral that smells like a
bouquet of Spring flowers, starting with top notes of green ivy,
tangerine, and dewy water lily, with a heart of romantic flowers: orange
flower petals, Moroccan roses, jasmine sambac, and river mimosa. This
combo could be overly sweet, but the fragrance artfully has a smooth
scent of apricot skin, and a base of amber, precious woods, and musk, to
give it a ladylike appeal. When I smelled this fragrance I felt like all
I needed was a frothy ball gown, satin and sparkling slippers and a
tiara! This amazingly appealing scent makes a great gift for a special
Mom this May, especially coupled with the lovely, moisturizing Satiny
Body Lotion $33.00 5 fl. oz. and Foamy Body Polish $30.00 5 fl.
oz that I especially loved, because it looks so sweet in a pink
pearle gel, and yet gently but thoroughly sloughs off dead skin and
leave it soft and scented with Vera Wang Flower Princess. 
Thierry
Mugler’s Eau de Star RefillableSpray 1.7 f. oz $79.00 , Non-RefillableSpray
0.8 fl. oz $49.00, Refill Bottle 1.7 fl. oz $59.00 is dramatically presented as if it were a
precious sculpture, complete with a plexi-glass presentation-type case.
Like all Mugler’s fragrances, this one is very distinctive. It’s
the kind of scent that if you love it, nothing else will quite match up.
The clear, plastic, outer packaging is the first distinctive note, but
the three-cornered clear bottle, designer by Jean Jacques Urcun,
featuring a delicate, light blue starburst (that seemingly is suspended
in the middle of the bottle) looks different at every angle you
view it. The triangular, shiny, silver top adds to the glamour and
sparkle. The fragrance, created by
Louis Turner, if I got this right, is a "double olfactory partnering
aquatic notes (in Aqua Desire) with Oriental Notes (Star Desire.)."
In sum, the overall effect is dazzling, sophisticated, complex, and
assertive in a flurry of watery notes, a hint of vanilla patchouli, and
flowers. It will make it's presence known. We sprayed this to sample it
in one room, but someone in the room next door immediately sensed it and
asked us what we'd used. While the press literature describes this as an
"Oriental Aquatic," that's a new term for me., which simply means it
marries two distinctive types of scent together in a new way. And,
if you love this scent, you'll appreciate the fact that the large sized
Eau de Toilette Spray features an easy, economical refillable
bottle. A little of this scent goes a long way so you can
indulge and enjoy it every day. 
Beautiful
Love Eau De Parfum Spray 3.4 fl. oz srp. $78.00
by Estee Lauder
Calvin Klein's euphoria blossom Eau de Toilette $65.00 3.4 fl. oz
is exciting and covet-able. It's a light, sparkling, fresh floral
that radiates optimism! The original euphoria scent was an
instant favorite, a woodsy oriental that contrasted fruits with
seductive florals such as black orchid. But while the name remains the
same, the new, euphoria blossom relies on the allure of lighter,
brighter scents, such as the white orchid. It's top notes are similar to
the original, with pomegranate and a green accord, but the original
euphoria added persimmon, and this new version has fruity kumquat. The
new heart features white orchid (not black), lotus blossom, and pink
peony. And the drydown is still sensual and assertive, but with a
lighter touch including blond wood, white amber, and frosted sheer musk.
The sexy, elongated glass bottle (original designed by Calvin Klein
and Fabien Baron) is now a subdued frosted mauve-ish-pink color,
with a slim, tall column of sheer violet and clear plastic over the
spray diffuser. There's also a Body Lotion $36.00 6.7 fl. oz
and a Body Wash $27.50 6.7 fl. oz to layer the lovely scent.
I loved the original euphoria, and euphoria blossom
actually is even better if that's possible, and perfect for even
warm days...which makes me completely "euphoric" (pun intended)...but
it's a distinctive, lovely scent that catches notice and will be one to
love for a long, long, long, long time!
Text it"
to all your friends....CKIN2U HIM Eau de Toilette Spray $50.00
srp. 3.4 fl. oz is the latest from
Calvin Klein and a sequel to CK One for 20-something
"Millennial bloggers" and the "technosexual generation." For
a young dad (or young-at-heart Dad), a great Father's Day gift is sure
to be CK IN2U HIM *we didn't get the CKIN2U HER,
but it features pink grapefruit fizz, so you know it'll be light and
fruity. The CK IN2U HIM created by perfumers Bruno Jovanovic &
Jean Marc Chaillan, is a nice, woody oriental. The advertising is
sexy, and the scent is also fairly sexy. It starts with top notes of
lime gin fizz and pomello leaves, followed by frosted tangelo, a heart
of bitter cocoa bean with pimento, fresh shiso leaves, and cool musks,
white cedar, and vetiver, to soften the finish. The outer
packaging is silvery and masculine, featuring bold, dark blue, metallic
lettering. The bottle, designed by Stephen Burks, is made from
the plastic and glass, evocative of the smart phones and other gadgets
every 20-something can't do without. And the name? When you're young and
inpatient, text messaging is more to the point: "IN2U" is easy and hip,
but spelling out: " in to you" is so last decade! Still,
our male reviewers gave a thumbs up to the scent and all were over age
30! So I guess the point is, don't let the name or the fact that
it's not "4U" if you're not 20, or the mean-spirited press on
these products, turn you off. Judge the fragrance based on it's
merits and your personal preferences. In the end, there is really
no scent that evokes bloggers or belongs solely to an age group
...scents are for everyone, including this one. 
Wondering
what to get both Mom and Dad for Mother's and Father's Day? Or, perhaps,
you're seeking a couples gift for a wedding shower? Maybe you just
want something new, hip and different. Liz Claiborne's latest
are Curve Connect for Men Cologne Spray $50.00 4.2 oz. and
Connect for Women Eau de Toilette Spray $52.00 3.4 fl. oz. The
men's product is a cologne, not a more intense version of scent, so
that's probably why it is a little bit less expensive for a little bit
more product. Both arrive in cheerful, re-useable tins that go
along with the design of past Curve products--his in shiny red,
hers in regal purple. And the bottles are also reminiscent of the other
Curve fragrances, his in a slightly chunkier red glass version with red
stopple, hers in a blue/purple with red stopple. There is no doubt that
this couples-oriented duo is meant to be modern: "for those who
are motivated by social networks, meaningful relationships and staying
interconnected." But everyone likes Liz Claiborne fashions. A
fragrance trend does seem to be for an establis