Beauty Snob - Beauty Secrets and Tips

Tela Organic Sugar Scrub and Body Cleanse: Meet Philip Pelusi Satuday March 20th at Nordstrom North Park!

2010-03-19T16:05:53Z

I am all about Tela Organic skincare lately. I've been using the "Tela Sugar scrub" almost daily and it's so moisturizing that I can skip body lotion afterwards! The scrub is made of pure organic sugar cane and almond oils with a blend of honey, acai and pomegranate (it did cross my mind to taste it but I refrained!) and oh my god NOTHING leaves my skin as soft and smooth! I'm addicted to it! Get it here at Barneys New York- for a mere $25 it's like getting a professional $100 full body scrub- every day!!

I just got "Tela Organic Body Cleanse" $25 this week-- it's a cleansing gel with ginkgo, apricot and blackberry-- love that it rinses off with no sticky or heavy perfume-y residue. Get it Tela Organic Body Cleanse at Nordstrom

If you live in Dallas, come meet Philip Pelusi (the mastermind behind Tela Organics and one of the best hair stylists on the planet!) in person at Nordstrom North Park Mall tomorrow, Saturday 3/20! Philip and his amazing team will be doing complimentary hair styling! 50% of the day's purchases will benefit my dear friend Heidi's organization, the Fashionistas.

Frugal Snob: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind "Eraser Treatment Makeup"

2010-03-19T13:00:14Z

I love browsing the cosmetic section at drugstores, my latest discovery is the best yet--
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation with SPF 18. I was intrigued by its claim of "Instantly erase fine lines, creases and age spots" and figured it's worth the $11 to try it. The Eraser also claims to be the first anti-aging makeup with micro-corrector applicator micro-fills that smooth imperfections on the skin's surface and it does just that. The minute I applied it lines and freckles on my face seem to disappear! The texture is also very soft and lightweight so it doesn't even look like I have much make up on. Definitely try this if you're on the other side of 30. But I do have a problem with the sponge applicator-- you can't clean it and I'm just waiting for it to mold and stink. I'm going to try a brush head spray cleaner but don't know if that will work. It also takes a few minutes the first time to click the foundation through the top. But it's worth the trouble! SPF 18 Sunscreen: $11.16 Buy Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation here.

Web Snob March 19, 2010

2010-03-19T12:00:00Z

Stiletto Jungle investigates three of the best under eye creams.

Allie is Wired Fashion Face-Off: Alexis Bledel vs. Kelly Osbourne.

Coquette is drooling over the new Jodi Arnold for The Limited spring collection.

Fashion Pulse Daily plays around with the Macy's Fashion Director $500 per day gift card contest, PLUS gives away a $25 gift card as well!

The Jet Set Girls share their favorite leather jackets for spring.

Second City Style got an exclusive interview with Nina Garcia about Lauren Ralph Lauren's new online fashion show and must-have spring trends.

Shopping and Info loves the neutral nude spring trend for dresses and tops that Jennifer Aniston wore to the Bounty Hunter premiere.

StyleBakery lists 20 trends you already own that couldn't be hotter this spring (lucky you!)

Stylehive finds 12 denim dresses that are actually stylish, and not from the 80s.

Check out the fabulous Loren Jewels collection at Jewel Snob, and don't blame us if you want everything!

The Beauty Stop confesses that she doens't like Dior mascara.

The Shoe Goddess is in love with all of Nicholas Kirkwood's spring collection, including this chic suede and python sandal!

Messengers are the "it" item of the season - get yours at Bag Snob!

eye4style wants to know what's in designer Monica Botkier's bag. Aren't you curious?.

If you have not started a Birthday Journal for your tot yet, it is not too late to catch up - Tot Snob has it!

Trend Alert: Mosaics at FabSugar.

Couture Snob has shapewear that can suck in your wobbly bits, but is SEXY too!

Quiz #5: Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Giveaway

2010-03-19T10:00:00Z

Which gorgeous, and immensely talented, award-winner do these incredible eyes belong to?

Sexy full lashes that conditions while it lengthens. Sounds too good to be true but it isn't! I love this mascara, it gives you serious lashes without clumping or flaking, the beeswax keeps it moist and malleable all day long. We are giving away 5 of the Sue Devitt Microquatic Luxury Lash Mascara , one a day all this week. To win, make sure you are a fan on our FaceBook fan page and tell us which gorgeous, and immensely talented, bombshell these incredible eyes belong to. Put your answer on our wall. We will have a new quiz everyday this week so make sure you play daily to increase your chance of winning. We will choose one winner every day via a random drawing among all participants. We will contact you via your Facebook profile if you are one of our lucky winners!

Thank you Sue Devitt for sponsoring this giveaway! Follow Sue Devitt on her Facebook fan page!

Quiz #4: Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Giveaway

2010-03-18T20:00:52Z

Sexy full lashes that conditions while it lengthens. Sounds too good to be true but it isn't! I love this mascara, it gives you serious lashes without clumping or flaking, the beeswax keeps it moist and malleable all day long. We are giving away 5 of the Sue Devitt Microquatic Luxury Lash Mascara , one a day all this week. To win, make sure you are a fan on our FaceBook fan page and tell us which gorgeous, and funny, bombshell these incredible eyes belong to. Put your answer on our wall. We will have a new quiz everyday this week so make sure you play daily to increase your chance of winning. We will choose one winner every day via a random drawing among all participants. We will contact you via your Facebook profile if you are one of our lucky winners!

Thank you Sue Devitt for sponsoring this giveaway! Follow Sue Devitt on her Facebook fan page!

Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Blush

2010-03-18T16:00:29Z

I love a good cream blush for that healthy natural glow but they often do not last more than an hour or two. The latest from Make Up Forever, however, not only lasts-- it actually needs to be washed off (and it will stain the fingers so wash immediately after application!). And don't worry about being too shiny-- this is made with mattifying and reflecting powders so you won't look greasy, just pretty and flushed. The texture is also less oily than most brands and the bottle with pump is also a lot less messy. I got "Truth or Dare", it looks scary bright pink in the bottle but on the cheeks it made me look like a teenager. Okay, so that's stretching it but definitely years younger! MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Blush $25 here

Intraceuticals Clarity Pen

2010-03-18T10:05:32Z

I get oxygen treatment facials from Intraceuticals whenever I can-- at least once a month and weekly if I have time (hey, don't judge-- Madonna gets them DAILY!). The oxygen infused Serum contains lightweight Hyaluronic Acid and a powerful combination of vitamins and antioxidants that penetrates the deepest layers of the skin, making my skin tone bright and texture refined. They recommend a series of 6 weekly facials and then monthly maintenance but since I am so flaky, I've never done the entire series so I'm on the perpetual program which is fine by me cuz I love the way my skin looks afterwards!

Last week, I tried the newest treatment from Intraceuticals-- CLARITY, which addresses adult acne. It's not a huge problem for me but every so often I do get a blemish that drives me nuts! I mean how annoying to go through puberty without the body of a 16 year old! Seriously though, I end up picking at the blemish or squeezing it too early which leads to-- you guessed it, scarring! For those with a severe acne problem, there is a Clarity infused oxygen treatment but I only need the Clarity pen for my occasional break outs. It's a genius product-- a disposable unique applicator pen containing a concentrated formula to target acne blemishes and speed up the healing process while reducing redness. The applicator tip is designed to be replaced daily to avoid contamination and bacteria. It comes with 15 tips and you can purchase replacements as necessary. Use as required or twice daily onto blemishes and watch them disappear without a trace! I know this sounds crazy but I can't wait for my next adult pimple so I can zap it with this pen!

I get my Intraceuticals treatments and products at Ritz Carlton Spa in Dallas (214) 922-4820

If you don't live in Dallas-- go on their website to find a location near you. Intraceutical oxygen infusion treatment is a MUST in your beauty regimen!

Cowshed Beauty: Sandalwood Intensive Hand & Foot Treatment

2010-03-17T16:07:07Z

One of my favorite things to do in NYC is to spa with my girlfriends. We love to treat ourselves at the Cowshed spa at SoHo House (private manicure rooms where you're reclined on a large and cushy chair!). It's serious urban heaven and you need to go if you live in NYC or are in the city to visit! They also have an amazing line of products I've recently become addicted to (my son loves the baby line, too!). Especially the Sandalwood Intensive Hand & Foot Treatment-- it saves me over fashion week (you don't want to know what stomping around the city in dangerously high heels for hours each day do to my feet) as it transforms my dry hands and hard heels and makes them soft and supple (instantly!). It also smells yummy with sandalwood essential oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E (to deeply hydrate the skin.) At Cowshed spas (they have many locations worldwide but I've only been to the NYC one) and SoHo House website here.

Facebook Snob Quiz #3: Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Giveaway

2010-03-17T10:00:26Z

Thank you Sue Devitt for sponsoring this giveaway! Follow Sue Devitt on her Facebook fan page!

Janet Waddell's New Product Line

2010-03-17T10:00:00Z

Janet Waddell is one of the world's leading hairstylists (she was the creative director at Vidal Sasson before branching out on her own), so it's only fitting that she come-out with her very own line of products. The three-product line that she has developed includes a shampoo, conditioner, and a styling balm all of which have been formulated with Emu oil (this is a first for a retail hair line). I had never heard of Emu oil before using this line, but apparently it has been used by Australian Aboriginal for over 2,000 years for its moisturizing benefits and it's been proven to stimulate hair growth/thickness. What I love about this line however is that it's not a soapy, detergent-like mess! The line is all-natural, paraben-free, moisturizing (didn't need to use a leave-in), and the shampoo only contains 10% water (as opposed to 80-90% in most! Clearly most hair products are way over-priced...). The shampoo and conditioner ($24 each), have a ginger/lime fragrance that's subtle enough to work for both men and women. As for the Styling Balm ($28), I've been using it on the crown of my head for its anti-frizz properties (it's lightweight so it's a good option for summertime styling). If you're in the NYC-area and don't want to order online, you can head to Janet Waddell's salon and check them out in person!

Psychodermic Skincare: Orlane Hypnotherapy Eye Cream

2010-03-16T16:00:35Z

I am into hocus pocus and love a good palm reading (free) at parties but even this was a bit far stretched for me. Psychodermic skincare? Who'd believe that!?!? Or maybe it's the most brilliant marketing strategy, ever! Of course I had to investigate and requested a sample of what's being touted as the first Psychodermic care for eyes in high-tech cosmetology. Yes you read correctly, not only is your eyecream expected to rid you of wrinkles, it will now replace your psychologist, too. Apparently our skin ages not only from the environment but also from our emotional state of mind (okay, I'll buy that-- stress makes me look and feel old). Which is why Orlane has created "Psychorepair", a plant-based complex that provides skin with Omega 3 fatty acids, protects skin, and regenerates skin tissue to prevent aging. This plant complex is said to stimulates the release of neuromediators involved in the response of extreme stress and after using it for a week I can't tell you if it's actually the cream or just finally being home after 3 weeks of traveling but I do feel more calm (most likely from being at home but who knows!?).

I do know this- the cream itself has a nice rich texture without being too oily and feels ultra moisturizing when massaged into the eye area. I even use it during the day under make up which is providing me with an additional boost since I'm so dehydrated from air travel (no, it's not the wine we drank daily, I'm certain it's the airplanes!). So if you'd like to see if it alters your own state of mind and are looking for a luxurious (expensive) new eye cream-- give it a try. At the very least, your eyes will be hydrated and you'll look rested. At most, you can stop going to your psychologist.

Orlane Hypnotherapy Eye Cream at Neiman Marcus $250

Facebook Snob Quiz #2: Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Giveaway

2010-03-16T16:00:00Z

Sexy full lashes that conditions while it lengthens. Sounds too good to be true but it isn't! I love this mascara, it gives you serious lashes without clumping or flaking, the beeswax keeps it moist and malleable all day long. We are giving away 5 of the Sue Devitt Microquatic Luxury Lash Mascara , one a day all this week. To win, make sure you are a fan on our FaceBook fan page and tell us which gorgeous (definitely not desperate) bombshell these incredible eyes belong to. Put your answer on our wall. We will have a new quiz everyday this week so make sure you play daily to increase your chance of winning. We will choose one winner every day via a random drawing among all participants. We will contact you via your Facebook profile if you are one of our lucky winners!

Thank you Sue Devitt for sponsoring this giveaway!

Snob Worthy Links March 16, 2010

2010-03-16T12:00:00Z

Fab Exclusive! Rachel Zoe Reveals 5 Essential Accessories at FabSugar!

For the latest in Tot Fashion and Trends, check out Tot Snob!

For insanely chic, heart-skipping shoes - look no further than Couture Snob!

TheFind's Inspiration for the Modern Bride.

Bag Snob brings fabulous luxury to your daily lives with this Nancy Gonzalez Croc!

Nitrolicious has the Boutique 9 by Nine West Pre-Fall 2010 Collection Preview.

If you're into the Knuckle-Buster Ring look, get yours at Jewel Snob!

All Nighter Styling Powder

2010-03-16T10:00:00Z

One of the worst feelings is when you spend a good two hours getting ready to go out only to see your night turn into a total bust. My hair is naturally a bit curly, a bit frizzy - basically an overall textural mess, so styling it is time-consuming which is why I'm gaga over All Nighter Styling Powder ($18). I just recently discovered this hybrid between a dry shampoo and a styling product that is amazing for absorbing oil and thickening to keep your hair looking good the day after you've styled it. It comes in six colors so you can match the powder to your hair and it applies matte. My hair gets flat and limp the day after styling it with spray and shine products, so I love that this gives instant volume for those days where I don't want to let those hours spend on my hair go to waste (or I'm just too lazy to re-wash it again!).

On a side-note the formulation is paraben, aluminum, talc, silica, and propellant-free. It's also all-natural.

Natura Bisse: The Cure Sheer Tinted Moisturizer

2010-03-15T16:00:07Z

After visiting Spain last week I now know why I love so many Spanish brands. The Spanish take so much pride in their industries, be it beauty or bag (did you know Dior bags are made in Spain?), and are meticulous in everything they do. My all time favorite Spanish beauty line, Natura Bisse, has a new product that I'm obsessing over, The Cure Sheer Cream. Not just any tinted moisturizer, this is a an actual treatment cream that will fight the environment while giving our complexion an added boost. I used it this morning to kickboxing and it gave me just enough coverage for the gym. With SPF 20, I skipped my sunscreen, too. So it's like 3 products in one! Go to a Natura Bisse counter at Neiman Marcus to test it or get "The Cure Sheer Cream" ($160) at Natura Bisse here

Givenchy's New Le Prisme Visage Mat

2010-03-15T10:00:00Z

The oft-copied concept behind Le Prisme was actually originally developed by Givenchy way back in 1989, so it's no surprise that theirs is the best (not only color-wise, but the design of the compact, with it's sliding compartment for the brush is amazing...especially since so few compacts come with brushes anymore!). The idea behind the compact is to create a quartet of complementary powders so you can control level of coverage and intensity of color (especially useful during the summer months when people's skin changes color frequently with sun exposure). The original Le Prisme has been continually re-invented and I'm loving the new Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat ($45) option for summer when many of us don't want extra shine. The finish is velvety soft, it's build-able so you can use it as a highlighter or for darker all-over coverage, and it comes in a variety of quartet options.

Facebook Snob Quiz: Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Giveaway

2010-03-15T05:00:57Z

Sexy full lashes that conditions while it lengthens. Sounds too good to be true but it isn't! I love this mascara, it gives you serious lashes without clumping or flaking, the beeswax keeps it moist and malleable all day long. We are giving away 5 of the Sue Devitt Microquatic Luxury Lash Mascara , one a day all this week. To win, make sure you are a fan on our FaceBook fan page and tell us which gorgeous (definitely not desperate) bombshell these incredible eyes belong to. Put your answer on our wall. We will have a new quiz everyday this week so make sure you play daily to increase your chance of winning. We will choose one winner every day via a random drawing among all participants. We will contact you via your Facebook profile if you are one of our lucky winners!

Thank you Sue Devitt for sponsoring this giveaway!

Congratulations to our Booty Parlor Winner!

2010-03-13T17:00:00Z

Regina S. from Nashville, TN is our winner! Enjoy!

Thank you Booty Parlor (and Leigh!!) for this fabulously sexy and fun giveaway!

La Mer: The Regenerating Serum

2010-03-12T17:00:00Z

I try not to get into all the hype over big brands but when it comes to La Mer serums, I am a total devotee. It first started when I had a minor burn on my face from a curling iron 5 years ago (I know, my quest for beauty often scars me, how's that for irony?!) and a La Mer specialist suggested I use its face serum on the wound. I used the sample they gave me and saw a drastic improvement within a week, needless to say-- I ran back to the counter and bought the entire bottle. After two months of use, the burn completely healed WITHOUT scarring!

Though my face is not burned or injured in any way right now, I have other issues-- wrinkles from travel and stress! Which is why I was very excited to receive a sample of La Mer's latest endeavor in the fight against age-- The Regenerating Serum. I used it during my 23 days whirlwind trip of fashion weeks around the globe and it kept me looking fresh no matter how little sleep I got!

But lack of sleep was the least of my worries, second hand smoke was the most worrisome for me in Milan and Madrid where almost everyone smokes-- even indoors at restaurants in Madrid! At times I felt like I smoked 2 packs a day without ever touching a cigarette but my skin was just fine despite all the stress I put it through as I used the Regenerating Serum diligently each day.

It took Four years and hundreds of hours of lab work to create this ultra-luxe elixir but only 3 weeks for me to see real results. But don't just take my word for it-- check it out for yourself at a La Mer counter or purchase on their website here. Price: 1 oz $250

Web Snob March 12, 2010

2010-03-12T13:00:00Z

Trend Alert: Perforated bags at Bag Snob.

FabSugar has the formula beautiful skin can't live without!

Stiletto Jungle shows how to prep for spring's short skirts by snagging perfectly shaved legs.

Allie is Wired is intrigued by Kate Gosselin's newest new hair.

Fashion Pulse Daily's London Fashion Week favorites range from Vivienne Westwood to Burberry Prorsum

The Jet Set Girls are looking forward to the Liberty of London Collection <./a> at Target March 14th.

Jewel Snob has a sneek peek at the Bottega Veneta Fall 2010 Jewelry Collection - inspired by the beetle!

Couture Snob is still full of Man Snob's Runway Reviews.

For the best trike on the market for your tot, hit up Tot Snob.

Second City Style rates Oscar's runway in our own version of He Said/She Said.

Shopping and Info loves the pretty spring trend of lilac lavender purple shoes and dresses.

StyleBakery's top 10 trends for spring countdown continues with statement jewelry, feminine florals and vivid techno prints.

Stylehive is loving clear jewelry and how it reflects in the sun.

The Beauty Stop suggests an inexpensive make shift nighttime hand moisturizer.

The Shoe Goddess is not impressed with these bizarre Jimmy Choo Light-Up Platform Sandals!

eye4stylegets her zen on at YogaWorks SoHo.

Motives Lustrafy High Definition Mascara

2010-03-12T11:00:00Z

For me, mascara is the single most important beauty product. I have no lashes and if I am not wearing false lashes, I am experimenting with yet another "length defying" mascara. I was given the Motives Lustrafy High Definition Mascara and tried it out immediately because like I said, I am always fascinated by new mascaras. To put it succinctly, WOW!! This mascara is amazing!! It does what you want all mascaras to do, thicken and lengthen, but the lengthening is really quite incredible, it has the fibers like many others but the extension of each individual fiber on each individual lash is quite an engineering feat. Unlike others, it does not clump a few lashes together and then extend in one larger point. That gives a typical mascara look, like the points on a crown. The Motives mascara gives a fake lash look, with each lash lengthening from the root. Even my mom thought I was wearing fake lashes and wouldn't believe me when I told her it was just mascara. Well, clearly this isn't just any mascara, it is my new secret weapon. Lustrafy High Definition Mascara at Motives for $16.95.

Bobbi Brown Color Strips Collection

2010-03-11T13:05:47Z

Remember the 80's when you applied your make up colors depending if you're an "Autumn" "Spring" or "Summer"? I mean back then, god forbid if you wore cool pink tones if you were determined a warm Autumn! Thank god we've thrown all those misguided ideas out the window-- any one can wear any color if done right. Which is what Bobbi Brown has taught us since she revolutionized the industry 20 years ago. It's all about being as natural and neutral as possible, who says a brunette with olive toned skin can not rock a blue eye shadow? With Bobbi's new "Color Strips Collection" you can do it all, effortlessly! Color Strips is a complete spring eye, lip and cheek wardrobe designed by Bobbi so you can use pops of color with five eye shadows and three shades of pot rough designed to work together beautifully! Color without boundaries,,, imagine the possibilities!

The collection is at retail counters now but we will be giving away THREE SETS courtesy of Bobbi herself! Stay tuned next Monday to find out how you can win Bobbi's new "Color Strips Collection"! Or if you're like me and can not wait, run to a Bobbi counter today or click to her website here to purchase-- Price: $60.00

Deborah Milano: 24 Ore Lipsticks

2010-03-10T15:34:36Z

I discovered many fabulous cosmetic brands while in Europe (which is why I have not posted in 2 weeks, I've been running around Milan attending shows and doing "research" in between!) including lipsticks from Deborah Milano Cosmetics from Italy. My very chic French friend always looks lipstick perfect no matter how much wine we drink or pasta we eat, I finally asked her what her secret was and she took me to a store that sold Deborah Milano. The lipstick is called 24 Ore and it stays on for hours! It's a matte lipstick but has a bit of sheen and you can buy the high gloss lipstick version to put over it. Me, I slick on the #09 and add just a dollop of vaseline over it. It looks fresh and pretty, not gloppy and stays on better than any lipstick I've ever tried! It is not an expensive brand and may be found at most "Farmacias" in Italy. The price was around $15 USD per lipstick. If you're ever in Europe, you must try this! Check Deborah Milano website here.

Sephora Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

2010-03-10T11:00:00Z

The day after the end of New York Fashion Week I made my way back to Bryant Park for an event that Sephora hosted to unveil their S/S 2010 collection. A number of goodies were revealed, but see below for the most exciting! All items will be launching nationwide at Sephoras in May.

Color Play 5-in-1 (pictured above)
Hard to believe but this limited edition palette is only $29.50! It includes five smaller color palettes each of which can be popped-out and plopped into the travel case shown on the right. The set comes with 50 eye shadows, 10 lip color, and five blushes.

Sephora by OPI Havana Nights
New nail colors for the season will be --

Rumba Romance - brilliant golden bronze
Teal We Meet Again - dramatic blue-green
Havana Dreams - sunny sky blue
Read My Palm - lush, tropical green
Caliente Coral - bright coral
Carribean Cocktail - shimmering sea blue

Each of the shades ($9 each), are high on vibrancy and shine. I have a feeling the golden bronze will be one of the "it" shades of the summer!

I.T. Makeup Brush Collection
I love that Sephora turned to an architect (Philippe Di Meo), to design their latest brush collection (highest quality to date, $14-$40). Not only are they super chic because of their metallic color-coded finish (fuchsia for the face, violet for the eyes, and blue for the brows), but caps were created for each brush to protect the bristles and to help keep the brushes clean (the brushes I use now are from Prescriptives and to avoid getting them dirty I have to store them in Ziploc bags!).

EDUN for Sephora
EDUN is an apparel brand that aims to raise awareness of the possibilities in Africa to encourage emulation. To help achieve this goal, EDUN and Sephora created two palettes ($36) with proceeds going to the Wildlife Conservation Society, a global charity that supports the Conservation Cotton Initiation program (which helps African farmers develop organic cotton in a way that supports community, trade, its development and biodiversity). The palette comes in two shade combinations (each with six shadows and two blush shades): White (warm neutrals) and Black (cool brights), and each comes housed in a natural wood case along with an organic cotton drawstring pouch.

Snob Worthy Links March 9, 2010

2010-03-09T13:00:00Z

Find out what it's like to go bag shopping with the Bag Snobs at Bag Snob!

Insanity + Elephant Dung = INSA's 10" Platform Heels at Nitrolicious.

FabSugar's 2010 Oscar Fashion Roundup!

Banish winter-weary skin this spring - Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Crave Giveaway at TheFind.

Jewel Snob has the perfect fun and flirty final touch to spice-up an LBD.

Get the Herve Leger Look for Less at Recessionista Blog!

Frugal Snob alert at Couture Snob with the H&M Garden Collection.

Tot Snob has the Little Giraffe satin chenille robe that your tot will love.

New from Clarisonic: Opal

2010-03-09T11:00:00Z

If there's one beauty product that I think is a must, it's the Clarisonic. The contraption completely transformed my skin since I first started using it nearly two years ago (and best of all I saw results after my first use), so my expectations were high for their latest launch, Opal. Targeting fine lines and wrinkles around the eye, Opal combines sonic micro-massage with a proprietary Anti-Aging Serum and similarly, the results are immediate. I don't have many lines around my eyes, but I do have puffiness, especially in the morning. After using the Opal only once I could already tell that my eye region was noticeably smoother, firmer, and brighter though I did need to moisturize a little after. Application is very quick - charge the Opal, dispense its serum, and infuse your skin by moving the device in a circular motion around the bone of the eye. You're supposed to use it twice a day, but I've seen results and have only been using it once every other day. Opal was also widely used backstage during Fashion Week (most prominently at Chris Benz).

Atelier Cologne

2010-03-08T11:00:00Z

Last week I headed to Bergdorf Goodman to meet Sylvie Ganter a few days after her 10 years-in-the-making fragrance line, Atelier Cologne, hit Bergdorf and Neiman Marcus counters. We immediately bonded over our shared love for Caleche (Ganter's background includes serving as vice president of the U.S. fragrance division at Hermes), before the slender, wonderfully friendly soft-spoken creatrix took me through the inspiration behind the five fragrances that make-up her debut collection.

While many think that cologne is synonymous with a low-in-concentration fragrance, it actually ties into the presence of citrus notes. Further while most of the big-name perfume manufactures we know and love spend most of their budget on marketing and advertising, Ganter told me that more than ¾ of the cost of making each of her scents goes into "the juice," the result is five simply - but very meticulously - packaged unisex scents each of which have a high (12 to 20%) concentrations of essential oils. The combination of these high concentration with citrus notes lead Ganter to create new fragrance category she's calling Cologne Absolue. Jump for the low-down on the five scents!

]]> Grand Neroli (my favorite and the most popular one at Bergdorf) has notes that include Moroccan neroli, Persian galbanum, vanilla, and orange flowers.
Orange Sanguine (Ganter said this one was the most popular of the five in France), is a wonderfully refreshing, especially for anyone who loves blood oranges.
Bois Blonds has the highest essential oil concentration, so it's almost like taking a whiff of a fine scotch set beside orange flowers, incense, and musk.
Trefle Pur will make you feel like you just came-out of a lush garden after you spritz yourself with this scent that combines bitter orange with notes including patchouli moss and musk
Oolang Infini blends blue tea and bergamot with smoky tobacco flower and leather notes.

Web Snob March 5, 2010

2010-03-05T13:00:00Z

If you want to elongate your legs, The Shoe Goddess says to try these bag reviews from the Milan shows at Bag Snob.

More Milan show reviews from Man Snob at Couture Snob.

Read about Bag Snob Kelly's adventures in Milan with her tots at Tot Snob.

Jewel Snob has the "goes with everything" earring!

Stiletto Jungle is going kiddie-chic with the new Stuart Weitzman Jelly Collection.

Allie is Wired features photos from Beyonce's new House of Dereon photo shoot.

Coquette is excited about the recent debut of the HP Vivienne Tam "Butterfly Lovers" Digital Clutch.

Coquette is excited about the recent debut of the HP Vivienne Tam "Butterfly Lovers" Digital Clutch.

Fashion Pulse Daily finds super stylish eyeglass frames and lenses for $35 and wore them all of fashion week - for real

Second City Style is looking younger and can attest Juvederm dermal filler is now pain free. Truly.

Shopping and Info loves the beige nude outfits worn by Angelina Jolie in her new movie The Tourist.

StyleBakery is counting down the top 10 trends for spring, starting with this season's soft nudes.

Stylehive is drooling over the Brahmin 'Pasha' handbag... it's like a pink Chanel 2.55 met a PS1 bag and then took a swim with a crocodile.. in the best way possible.

The Beauty Stop describes how to choose the best engagement ring for your hand shape.

New By Kilian Collection

2010-03-05T11:00:00Z

By Kilian just launched Kilian Collection ($140) which is a set of smaller vials of all of By Kilian's unisex scents --

* Prelude to Love, Invitation
* Love, Don't Be Shy
* Beyond Love, Prohibited
* Liaisons Dangereuses, Typical Me
*Cruel Intentions, Tempt Me
* A Taste of Heaven, Absinthe Verte
* Straight to Heaven, White Cristal
* Back to Black, Aphrodisiac

Love, love, love the names! As anyone who knows me knows I'm a sucker for cutesy names (especially when it comes to nail and gloss shades), and luxe packaging. By Kilian was started by the heir to the LVMH empire, Kilian Hennessy, so it's only fitting that the celeb-favored fragrances are luxuriously packaged (Keith Urban was just seen picking some up for Nicole Kidman at Harrods!). This set comes in a gift box with black tassels on each end of the box (very sexy and Agent Provocateur-esque). I received small vials of all the scents to sample and loved them so much that I bought the collection as a graduation gift for my friend studying perfumery in Paris. If you're the kind of person who changes your fragrance with your moods this is the perfect set as each of the luscious fragrances are wholly unique (though all seem to have been created with many different notes, so I wouldn't suggest the set for anyone looking for ultra-light, non-complex scents).

Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss

2010-03-04T11:00:00Z

OK yes, Urban Decay's Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss ($19) is totally gimmicky, but I'm finding this gloss hilarious and it's most definitely a conversation starter. Each gloss color comes with a different man on the cap and when you tilt the tube the man is stripped to his undies (front on one side, rear on the other!). I only wish it wasn't creme-brulee-scented and didn't have lip plumping properties. On the plus side the gloss comes with a non-sticky brush applicator (so rare these days), and the shade I tried, David, was high-shine and moisturizing.