April 2009 Archives

I can't think of anything better to give to Mom than Jo Malone!  They offer personalized gift assistance at the counter from a Jo Malone specialist and then will wrap it for you in signature Jo Malone packaging. For example, if your mum adores fruity and citrus scents and loves bath products, you can choose Verbenas of Provence Bath Oil, so she can relax in a pampering bath, and Nectarine Blossom & Honey Body Crème, so she can delicately moisturize her skin afterwards. The result is a fresh, youthful fragrance combination and a personalized, bespoke gift. Jo Malone also offers pre-packaged gift sets such as the Cologne Collection, which includes six popular travel-sized Jo Malone Colognes. The scents may be used alone or combined to create a signature scent. The Collection includes Amber & Lavender, Grapefruit, Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, Red Roses and Orange Blossom.  Order yours at the Jo Malone counter or go to JoMalone.com and have it delivered directly to mom!

Who better than the most successful hand model in the world to develop a system to help us protect our precious paws!?!?  Hand model Ellen Sirot developed a hand saving system so we can achieve model hands daily.  I got her Hand Perfection lotion and moisturizing cleanser in time for the multiple hand washing I've been practicing due to the swine flu scare (I must have washed my hands 30 times today!).  My hands have not suffered from any over dryness at all because Ellen's cleanser leaves them feeling hydrated and conditioned after washing.   And if you want true perfection, apply the Hand Perfection complete day cream($50) and watch your hands reverse time in front of your eyes-- I swear mine looked 10 years younger immediately!  

Specially formulated to protect and preserve the delicate skin of the hands, which all too often look years old than one's chronological age, ELLEN SIROT HAND PERFECTION combines dynamic skincare technology with a bounty of problem-solving ingredients like skin-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, protective antioxidants, uber-moisturizers and amino acids, all painstakingly researched and developed by Ellen herself for her own prized possessions.

ELLEN SIROT HAND PERFECTION includes a Moisturizing (sulfate-free) Cleanser($30), Complete Day Cream(purse size- $30), Nail and Cuticle Oil and Night Solution. ($22) There's also a box of reusable nitrile (latex free) Multi-Task Gloves (to shield hands from enemy #1, water) and an inherently sun protective Glovette in a racy leopard print $35 (to protect them from enemy #2, sun- I need a pair!). The collection arrived at www.handperfection.com this March, you must try these products!  Jump to see a photo of my hand after using the cream.

Not since their vibrating mascara has a Lancome product gotten as much hype as their Lancome 'Genifique' Youth Activating Concentrate ($78). The elixir has ten years of research behind it so there's good reason for the commotion. It's the first product inspired by genes (hence the name 'genifique'), and it has seven international patents. That said Genifique looks, in consistency, like most other anti-aging serums. I've been using it for the last four weeks - applying 3 drops on my face and neck after cleansing with my Clarisonic and before moisturizing. There is no burning or tingling sensation, but you will feel instant tightening which to me translates into a dry feeling hence my moisturizing afterward. This isn't a magic serum that will totally rid you of your lines, but it will definitely make them less noticeable and it won't take long to notice the effect. The product is said to stimulate the production of the proteins associated with young skin and while I'll never understand the mechanics of that, given that I don't have too many lines on my face it's easy to see when a product is helping lighten them and this definitely did (again I have only been using this for four weeks, but already after the second week I noticed that my skin was smoother and brighter). Plus the application process is quick and easy -- no muss, no fuss!

Bag Snob - Is giving away a pair of Jimmy Choos! Enter Now!

Bella Sugar - Challenges you to The Hills beauty quiz.

Couture Snob - Can't wait to have the new Azzedine Alaia platforms.

Nitrolicious - Celine Dion Launches "Chic" Fragrance.

Purse Blog - Would much rather have this Gucci cake than a wedding cake.

The Find - Make a statement with these Luxury Loves Company tees.

The Thoughtful Dresser - Has a sneak peak of In The Loop.

Tot Snob - Is bringing back summer memories with this cute Lemonade Stand.

I'll admit it, when I first heard of Josie Maran's line of products I did not plan to try or buy anything (I know, such the beauty snob huh?!?).  But then I got a sample of the Argan Oil and have decided re-form my opinion on models turned beauty entrepreneurs.  This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids but does not feel sticky as a lot of E oils do.  I used it this morning as a moisturizer (absorbs amazingly fast) and then used it all over my body from head to toe (including my cuticles) and split ends. For a mom who does not have a lot of time in the morning, this is almost a miracle product.  My skin has had a subtle glow all day but I don't feel greasy. 

Best part is it's 100% organic!  Housed in a recyclable glass bottle with an easy to use applicator, I even used it on my son's rash and the redness went away almost immediatley.  The only drawback is the scent, it stinks.  But god is it good.  Just make sure you spritz on some perfume afterwards.  $48 at Josiemaran.com

Val Garland, the Artistic Adviser for YSL Makeup, only comes to Saks NYC once a year so I was ecstatic about the opportunity to meet her and attend her Master Class (even at 8:30am!). Garland introduced a host of YSL's signature products along with the new summer looks. While Garland demonstrated how to apply all the products on a model (on the left), Johnny Burnais -- the Business Manager for YSL at Saks - helped show me what products worked best for my skin tone and how to apply them. Ladies, if you are ever, ever, EVER at Saks NYC you must stop by the YSL counter and ask for Burnais he is absolutely wonderful -- friendly, funny, but most of all honest and he knows the YSL line in and out (plus Bravo junkies, you'll recognize him from Tim Gunn's Guide to Style!). He showed me a bunch of products and two major stand-outs were YSL's Top Secret ($52) and their Touche Eclat ($40, this is YSL's biggest seller -- one is sold every 10 seconds!). Top Secret is great for an instant remedy for tired skin (think early mornings, when you get off a plane...) or for when, for example, you're going to the gym and don't feel like wearing makeup. It works instantly -- you'll immediately see that your skin has a radiance to it and feels baby soft. Top Secret is moisturizing, but it works best layered over a moisturizer. Jump for more on Touche Eclat and the YSL 2009 Summer Collection!

For the 17th consecutive year April is National Stress Awareness Month (in addition to Earth Month of course!). With stress at an all time high, (thank you taxes), Rescue Remedy is marking the month by releasing the results of a 500-person stress survey. Below are some of the highlights--
• 80% of men and 79% of women surveyed felt that stress play a significant role in their life. These effects include change in mood, sleep patterns, relationships and how they work.
• The number one cause of stress? Money. 86% of men and 36% of women listed money as the cause of stress in their lives.
• 52% of women and 38% of men have tried relaxation methods to decrease stress levels. These methods include yoga, meditation, relaxation-cd's and over-the counter options.
What can you do about this stress? Jump for some insight from Rescue Remedy!

I am not a fan of the color yellow. I know it was the imperial color of ancient China and only the emperor was allowed to wear it but yellow is just not the most flattering on me. Plus anytime you hear 'yellow' to describe a body part, you know it's bad news. Like, "did you see his teeth? So yellow!" or "her eyes are SO yellow, she must be jaundiced". And how about, "ewww, his fingers are stained yellow from all the years of smoking!". Get my point? Okay, so then I come across this as the latest nail trend on Barielle.com, YELLOW nails!?!?  Ick, not for me.

What do you think? Snob or Slob?

Photo courtesy of Barielle.

Stiletto Jungle found a perfect $15 spring tee shirt.

Allie is Wired has Tori Spelling looking a little deflated.

Bag Bliss loves: handbag designer Kara Ross!

Bag Snob passes on Coach bags but will take its stocks!

Beauty Snob Frugal Find: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Airbrush finish!

Coquette is ready for warmer weather with her picks for Summer pants.

Couture Snob - Is getting ready for pool side lounging.

Fab Sugar - Declares today Chloe day.

Fashion Pulse Daily Is head ead over heels for the Tracy Feith Collection at Target.

KRISTOPHER DUKES is wanting, wearing, and hating McCaul Goldsmiths rings.

Second City Style says you can still carry a new designer bag even if you can't afford one now so enter our giveaway.

Shopping and Info is loving the black cowl neck tutu from Haute Hippie.

StyleBakery.com is loving Drew Barrymore's red carpet style lately (and her new svelte figure!)

Stylehive is revisiting childhood by daydreaming of wedding dresses adorned with bows..

The Beauty Stop test drives MAC Little Darlings Lip Gloss set.

The Fashion Bomb gives a blow by blow report of the Matthew Williamson H & M launch in New York!

The Shoe Goddess loves that she can support GTAEF (Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation) by purchasing these chic Christian Louboutin Rodita sandals!

TheMakeupGirl checks out Philosophy's New restaurant that is kid friendly and parent approved.