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!Recently in Body Category
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!
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
I am having severe anxiety as I write this. My four year old son is having surgery this week and I have not been able to sleep! It's a very minor procedure but still, any procedure to a mother is MAJOR! I've been trying to find ways to relax and have discovered a perfect at home "therapy". Put a few drops of "Drops of Nature" in a sinkful of hot water, soak a hand towel in it, squeeze excess water out and wrap around your neck and shoulders. Instant relaxation for tense shoulders and neck!!! I love the scent of "Renew", a blend of wonderful oils including peppermint, bergamot, sweet orange, lavender and almond oil. It also makes a perfect bath oil! The elixir is meant to be carried in your bag so if you're in a stinking cab or stressed out at the office; you can pull it out and apply on pulse points. It's also that time of the month for me and I've been rubbing this on my lower abdomen, does not take the cramps away but does make me more relaxed. $25 at Drops of Nature.
No this line is not from goofy actor Jack Black! It's actually about as far as you can get from him! The Jack Black skincare line is a leader in men's grooming and now in the interest of going green they've introduced PureScience Technology - a new formulation technology created with natural, organic ingredients. All the formulas contain certified organic ingredients, are fragrance, paraben and colorant-free, are animal friendly, and have been dermatologist tested. Personally I've never been a huge fan of Kiehl's (with the exception of their creme deodorant), but for men there's not that much of an offering when it comes to skincare (some of the big Sephoras in NYC don't even have a section for men!). I think Jack Black is a great alternative to Kiehl's (the packaging is even a little similar, no?). Though this line is aimed at men, it's completely uni-sex I've been using the Body Rehab Scrub & Muscle Soak ($35) as an exfoliator after getting my legs waxed and it feels great on the skin. It's perfect for removing flaky, dry skin and it's infused with eucalyptus and rosemary so it has a very refreshing scent (not too strong though as many products infused with herbs often tend to be!).
I've written about Philip B before and now I'm excited to say that the whole Philip B Botanicals line has been reformulated to be environmentally friendly! The products are entirely paraben, phthalate and petrochemical-free, but they kept all the pure botanicals, so the line is truly better than ever. Plus they've got a bunch of delicious scents! Some personal picks include the Chai Latte Body Wash
In all my years of being obsessed with beauty products nothing comes even close to how much I LOVE Pangea. Seriously I can't think of a person who has come to my apartment that I haven't gone on and on about this line to! It's completely genius. The packaging is planteable! Soak the packaging of almost all of their products in water for one minute, plant it about 1" deep in soil, and voila! In just a few weeks you'll have flowering Amaranth (Bar Soaps


My boyfriend and I are in the middle of figuring-out our vacation plans for summer. We're deciding between traveling around the Provence-area or going to Prague/Budapest/Vienna/Berlin so I've been doing some research trying to decide between the two and came across a great article in the New York Times about all of the wonderful soap and body products in Marseille. I got very excited because one of the lines mentioned in the article was La Compagnie de Provence Marseille. The all-natural line has been around for ages, but I've recently seen it pop-up in a number of NYC's small beauty boutiques. I'm absolutely in love with the packaging. I often carry the hand cream in my purse (though mine is bigger than travel size, so people sometimes laugh when I bust out the 100 ml tube!). The products have clean, simple, but super-chic packaging (looove the french writing), and the quality is great. Everything is made from palm, olive and coprah, or coconut oils, is free of colorants and animals fats and is guaranteed to contain 72% oil, a percentage that is lovingly stamped on La Compagnie de Provence Marseille cube soaps. The line is unbelievably pure making all the soaps hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and mildly antiseptic. There's such a local authenticity to this line -- not overly fussy just simple and effective. Has anyone been to Marseille/tried any of the city's wonderful soaps?
Despite the schizo weather lately (it was 31 over the weekend and 71 yesterday) I'm going to go with the calendar and start preparing for summer. I use body scrubs in the wintery months but not as regularly as I do during bikini season! Some women say "who cares! No one's looking and I'm a mom." Uh hello? I care, I'm looking at myself and I want to look as hot as I can for as long as I can. Oh, and the hubby is looking, too so it's good to keep him interested. Anyhoo, I received samples of La Mer's "The Body Refiner" last week and gave it a whirl this weekend. The scrub is plushy, creamy and calming with a very light scent. While I was using it I didn't think it'd exfoliate as well as it actually did because it felt so gentle and creamy on my skin. I guess you don't need a heavy abrasive scrub to do the job (especially if you do a lot of waxing in the summer months) when you have pure diamond powder (each bottle has one and half carats of diamond dust!) and polished sea quartz as the physical exfoliants. Even though it's made of fermented acidic sea muds it smells fresh and lemon-y. Worth a try if you're looking for a luxurious body scrub that leaves the skin soft and glowing. Seriously now, $110 for a carat and half of diamonds sounds reasonable to me. At SAKS Beauty Place
Jergens® Skincare is asking women to face the facts and change their bad habits through the "Glow in the Dark" Campaign--a crusade to encourage women to give up their harmful tanning routines in favor of safe alternatives that let you glow without the sun. For the second year in a row, Jergens® skincare team has partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to raise awareness about getting a glow without the sun.
To spread the word about the safe way to glow, starlet Rachel Bilson has pledged to "Glow in the Dark" this summer, not in the sun. The star of "Jumper," "The Last Kiss" and the upcoming film "New York I Love You," set to hit theaters in the fall, Bilson is committed to raising awareness about healthy ways to get glowing as well as protecting her own skin by eschewing the sun. To join her, log on to jergens.com and pledge to get your glow in the dark. (jump for more details!)
$8.99 at your local drugstore.
Summer is coming and you know what that means, girls! The sun is coming and it is going to make you old!! Ahhh!! I don't want to be an alarmist but now that I am almost 40, I worry a lot about wrinkly skin and with good reason. I NEVER lay out in the sun anymore, when I go to the beach, I make my husband erect the largest beach umbrella ever. It requires heavy anchors so the wind doesn't blow it over. Well, all this stress and concern has lead me to Natura Bisse's C+C Vitamin Body Cream. The intense pure vitamin C repairs cells and helps to firm the skin. You know how the skin falls away from the muscle when you age? Just think Donatella Versace in her bikini. Yeah, we do not want that to happen. This helps take that slack off and prevents it if you are not there yet, which is where I want to stay! It also smells so wonderful and feels super luxurious when I'm slathering it on. I just can't get enough of this and I am glad it comes in this jar so I can get big scoops in my hand and apply generously. The 17oz jar is $147 and worth every penny. At Neiman Marcus.
Non-invasive and high tech plastic surgery is the hottest topic of late; these treatments are purportedly safe-- or are they? I am a bit freaked out by the newest in the battle against bulge called Ultra Shape-- an ultra sound treatment that will melt fat permanently and painlessly invented by Tel Aviv plastic surgeon Ami Glicksman. According to Glicksman, the ultrasound shakes the fat cells to the point that they break down and are metabolized by the liver (What? is that safe for the liver? so you're devouring your own fat? is this what the obsession for perfection has come to? Self-cannibalism?) This procedure is pending FDA approval and will cost roughly $2,500 per session. Ultra Shape will only work in small pockets of fat (don't expect it to remove 50 pounds of fat-- that will require actual exercise)-- best for belly bulges, saddlebags and knees. I don't know about this, sounds like a lot of money for very little in return and who knows what the risks are for your liver!? What about you-- would you risk your health to be thin?
Like everyone else these days, I'm trying to pare down on my monthly incidentals: taking the subway in lieu of a taxi; stretching my pedicures an extra week; waiting for sales instead of buying full price. Of course there are certain things I wouldn't dare scrimp on, and up until last week I thought bikini waxing was one of them.
Years ago I accompanied a girlfriend to a health food store (I need to stock up on my favorite granola) and noticed a pot of something that looked a lot like honey in her basket. In response to my quizzical expression, she told me that she "sugared" (a hair removal technique that's like waxing except a sugar-based substance is used instead of wax) and that once you got that hang of grooming your own bikini area, you wouldn't dream of spending money to have someone else do it.
Flash forward a decade. Shobha, my favorite place for eyebrow threading (again, one of the many things I refuse to go without) just introduced a sugaring kit and, recalling my college friend's advice, I had to give it a try. AT $30 a pop, it wasn't too much to spend on an experiment in economizing. At home I heated up the sugaring gel in the microwave, put my husband in charge of the kids, locked my bedroom door, laid my biggest bath sheet on the bed, and followed the instructions. After dusting my nether-regions with the enclosed talc-free powder, I tried to mimic an aesthetician's deliberate, quick movements, but it took a few tries to figure out the right technique. (Hint: you really do have to pull the fabric strip in the opposite direction that the hair grows.) Once I did, however, it was smooth sailing, and I liked the fact that I was in complete control of the perimeters of my bikini line. No more, "Can you just take a little more from here?" or post-wax "oh-my-goodness-she-left-nothing" shock. The best part? I'm going to save so much on bikini waxes that I can keep splurging on another indulgence--sports massage anyone?--I figured I'd have to write off for the time being.
Shobha Sugaring kit-- $30 at Shobha boutique online.


Clarins is to skincare what beauty is to Audrey Hepburn -- they just go hand-in-hand for me! Lucky for us Clarins has two very exciting launches coming-up for spring. First they have High Definition Body Lift ($65, officially launching in March). It's their 5th generation cellulite control cream. Like many us know from repeated experience cellulite creams don't really work in getting rid of cellulite -- as I found out when I had my bad experience with Shiseido Body Creator. What a good cellulite cream can do however is tighten and smooth your skin...well at least make it feel like it's tight and smooth for a little while after you apply it! That's exactly what Clarins High Definition Body Lift does. As far as cellulite fighters go this is the best I've tried and it's covered by three patents so there's definitely some new formulations going on (plus it has that wonderful signature Clarins fresh smell!). It's also non-sticky, lightweight, and non-oily so it's not only moisturizing, but quickly absorbs into your skin so there's no need to wait before dressing. Clarins is also coming-out with Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Botanical System ($155, officially launching in April). It's a 21 day system that you use at night. It has two parts, one for age control and one for brightening. It's a great way to kick-off a spring beauty routine and get rid of your winter skin...ahh can't wait for the warm weather to start-up again!

The beauty trend of late is definitely spiritual wellness and awareness. If you are on the coasts, especially the west, this is no longer a trend but a way of life. The Naturopathica line is all natural, all organic and formulated to lift your spirits in more ways than one. I am doing a juice fast that requires a detox of the skin and my go to product is the Naturopathica Bamboo Lemongrass Body Scrub. It will sluff away dead skin and renew your with nutrients and moisture. Even if you are not on a crazy fast or diet, exfoliating your skin is the quickest and easiest way to detox your entire system, after all, your skin is the biggest organ. Trust me, after a night of heavy drinking, doing something as simple as a body scrub will help the recovery much faster. Of course, it also makes your skin baby soft! Get it at Skin Botanica or at your favorite organic spa, $42.


Molton Brown celestial maracuja bathing nectar, $65; Molton Brown celestial maracuja body souffle
$60
My love of Molton Brown cannot be easily described with words. I use the shower gel, bath gel, hand soap, lotion, candles and if they made food, I would change my diet. But my latest purchase of the celestial maracuja bathing nectar pretty much launched me to the stratosphere of an insane person. The bathing nectar is a mixture of oils and moisturizers, it does not bubble or foam, it works like a bath oil and turns your bath into a milky paradise. This scent is beyond heavenly, it is a mix of passion fruit and light florals like gardenia, tuberose and jasmine - it is not too sweet and not too floral. It is the passion fruit that is maddeningly divine though! Molton Brown is known for their over the top scents that pretty much pervades throughout your house once anyone uses it. Well, I want the entire world to smell like this. There are the 2 products featured here, a perfume and a sugar polish but they need to include every product in this scent just so I can have every part of me covered in it!! Celestial maracuja bathing nectar
and body souffle
at Spa Look, use code NT10 for $10 off and free shipping.


Left: Encore Spa Lobby; Right: Hallway that take you to the treatment rooms
On my recent trip to Las Vegas I had check out Encore to see Steve Wynn's latest creation. Encore's grand opening was Dec. 22, 2008. My husband had to work during the day so it was the perfect opportunity to get away for some much needed relaxation at their Spa (it was our alone time away from the kids). I made an appointment for a 25 minute Ayurvedic Body Restoration ($85), sounded like just what I needed and I didn't want to spend all my money there since the whole purpose was just to check out the spa and use the facilities. As soon as I stepped into the lobby I was floored by the grandeur. The spa had all the niceties - lounge area with comfy seating, fresh fruit, assorted beverages, fully stocked vanity, soft robes, etc. But it wasn't until I made it to the treatment rooms that I was stopped dead in my tracks from the amazing visual and opulence. And then there was my treatment, the Ayurvedic Body Restoration which begins with a dry body brush followed by a body polish of special Indian ingredients that was appropriate for my dosha (my intrinsic needs, which my therapist decided for me). I then showered off the polish in the steam shower in the room. At this point, I regretted my decision to book the short 25 minute treatment. Luckily, when I voiced this I was able to add in further treatments to my heart's content. Well, the contentment kind of ended when I got the bill for $235 ($85 plus another $150 for an additional 50 min massage) but this is the preeminent spa in the west and I certainly did enjoy myself. I was so impressed, I went to the Wynn Spa the next day which was nice but if given a choice, definitely go to Encore!! See a listing of treatments on the Encore website, prices are not listed but it is around $85 for 25 min and $150 for 50 min treatments and $250 for 75 min rituals that include multiple treatments. Spa is only available to guests of Wynn and Encore. Call 702.770.4SPA (4772) for reservations.


The only thing I get from the sun is burns! And while seeing stars like Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman embrace their pale skin does make me feel a little bit better about my skin tone I can't help but think everything looks better with a tan. Plus with this chilly weather I've been even more ghost-like than my usual self! I've written about various tanning products I've tried in the past and I'm a fan of spray tan places like Sundara ($78, full body; $30 face only) -- though you have to be careful with them because the 3-4 hours after you get the spray done are crucial since the color is still fragile. When it's cold if you put too many layers on after, the tan may smudge, but if the weather is hot you risk sweating and the color coming off as well! It's way easier to tan at home since you don't have to worry about the weather or immediately covering your body with clothing. I tried-out Lavera Sunless Self Tanning Lotion on my arms and legs last week and was pretty happy with the results. It's made with organic soy extracts and unlike other tanning lotions it only takes 1-2 hours for you to see visible results. So you're basically building your tan because you can always add more to get a richer, darker color or just add a little bit each day to maintain the color you already have. Plus, unlike most tanners, the smell is actually pleasant (non-invasive floral) and it's moisturizing (there's aloe in the lotion). A side tip that I learned at Sundara is to avoided any moisturizers with milk (like a fave of mine L'Occitane Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate), because they're bad for your faux-tan!
I've never used anything from Burt's Bee despite passing a huge display at Bed, Bath and Beyond at some point pretty much every week so when I received Burt's Bees Radiance Healthy Glow Kit ($15.99) I was excited to try out the different products. The kit comes with a LOT to play with! Its got: Mini Exfoliating Body Bar, Exfoliating Body Wash, Mini Body Lotion, Day Creme, Night Creme, Eye Creme (packette), and Full Size Lip Shimmer. Each product contains Royal Jelly which is packed with 134 nutrients, including 17 amino acids, and vitamins A, C, D and K, as well as multiple B-vitamins. I tried the Body Lotion (a slight shimmer), Body Wash (just the right amount of foam), and the Body Bar (is it just me or have solid soaps almost gone extinct!). The line kind of makes me think of Yes to Carrots because its got this earthy, natural feel to it and both lines definitely have a handful of products that can convert Sephora Snobs into Frugal ones:) Have you tried Burt's Bee? I've heard their Lip Balm is wonderful as well -- share your thoughts!


which I've been using when I'm on the move as well (it's a travel-friendly size), on my hands (though you can use it anywhere, I don't find it greasy enough to use on my body). It has a lemon meringue pie sort of smell which I surprisingly like (the products are scented only with USDA-certified perfume blends). Plus like all of Revolution Organics products it has a certified organic USDA seal (meaning its held to the same standards as the food we eat), it's free of chemicals, parabens, synthetics, artificial ingredients, and fillers (including water!). All the products in this line come in small packages, but don't be alarmed by the seemingly high prices given their sizes (especially the Skin Creme) -- the products are potent enough that you'll only need a little (remember they don't use fillers!).
I love my L'Occitane Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate, but with this weather it just doesn't work for my body. I still use it on occasion because I'm just obsessed with the smell, but almost immediately after putting some of it on my legs feel dry and itchy. Luckily I got a sample of LAVANILA The Healthy Body Butter ($25 for 8oz) and it actually hydrated my body! Lavanila also makes wonderful body washes ($20) and candles ($32). The candles in particular are great because traditional paraffin candles contain at least 20 dangerous chemicals that release choking toxins and black soot upon burning. When released into the air we breathe, these pollutants are as harmful to our health as second-hand tobacco smoke!! The Healthy Candle is an all-natural alternative for a safe home environment -- pheww!! Most of Lavanila's products come in their four signature sweet scents: Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Blossom and Vanilla Coconut -- my absolute fave is the Pure Vanilla -- delectable! Jump for a list of they key ingredients that make the body butter so wonderfully hydrating!
Below is the second and final installment of 2008 Snob Trends!

11. Healthy Candles: Who knew that candles could be a health hazard? The folks at Lavanila thankfully! This year candle lovers could breath easy knowing that they weren't inhaling the chemicals contained in many traditional paraffin candles -- which release toxins and soot that cause damage comparable to second-hand smoking -- thanks to Lavanila's Healthy Candle .
12. Pricey Skin Care: At $400 for 6.7 oz Kanebo's Sensai Premier Body Cream is pricier than La Mer, so obviously this peaked everyone's interest! Haven't tried it for myself, but judging by the quality of the Kanebo products that I have tried, I imagine that it's simply divine..ahhhh:)

13. Diffusers: Everywhere I go --bedrooms, bathrooms, restaurants, boutiques -- they're all over! This year we couldn't get enough of diffusers! Sweet Grass Farm, Verikira, Thymes, and Moments Waterbead Diffusers by Upper Canada Soap take the cake as the best!

14. Neon Polish: The limited edition Essie Neon collection hit this summer and it was all the rage -- and come on, what screams fun in the sun like fluorescent nails!
15. Beauty with a side of Humor: Tongue-and-cheek packaging was all over the place this year. Who ruled over them all? Soap & Glory! The line comes courtesy of the same lady who founded Bliss and it's inspired by tabloid-style journalism!
More after The Jump!
Sure there has been some bad and there definitely has been some ugly, but overall when it comes to beauty trends, 2008 was a smashing success! Check-out the first half of our Snob Trends of 2008!

1. Women Secretly Swear by their Clarisonic: I am OBSESSED with the Clarisonic! It is THE beauty product of 2008. It will clear your skin, make your pores smaller, and leave your face as soft as a baby's bum! Hands down worth every single penny it will cost you.
2. Mascara Wars: It was the battle between Lancome Oscillation, Estee Lauder's Turbo Lash, Givenchy's Phenomen 'Eyes Mascara , and SpinLash's Rotating Wand. In my book, it's Givenchy all the way!
3. Michelle Obama: Head-to-toe, the world was obsessed with every piece of Mrs. Obama!
4. Gadget Madness: Ladies went gaga for technology this year with everything from Zeno's Pro Acne Clearing Device, which uses heat to kill pimples, to Clean & Clear's Blackhead Eraserwhich uses a vibrating motion and foaming pad to exfoliate dead surface skin and remove dirt and oil.

5. Crimson Lips: For when you feel like making a statement -- just don't forget to brush your hair or risk looking like a Courtney Cox-esque train wreck! Plus, loving this trend is the perfect excuse to indulge in Kanebo's Crimson Red shade, Ginza, which is made with 24kt-gold-infused silk!
More after The Jump!
I just got an offer emailed to me that I wanted to share with you before it's too late! Phyto Universe has a New Year's Eve Before and After Special. The luxe salon is located in New York City (715 Lexington Avenue at 58th St., 212.308.0270), and is the perfect spot to relax while prepping for the biggest party of the year - or unwinding after the party is over! Especially for any host of New Years parties -- like me! On December 31st, indulge in complimentary bubbly and strawberries while enjoying a hair treatment specifically designed for you. For example, The Thirst Quencher treatment, designed for dry hair, quenches thirsty hair with aromatic jojoba oil and essential oils of sage and rosemary. All treatments are finished with a blowout. January 2-4, you can enjoy complimentary vitamin shakes and juices while you enjoy a much needed post-fiesta facial or hair treatment:) They have countless other treatments on their menu, so pick what fits, indulge and relax!

I've never been very into body oils. They've always kind of eecked me! I know that as soon as all the Christmas/New Years/Holiday stuff dies down everything will be all about Valentine's Day. These Sundari body oils in fact were brought to my attention in light of Valentine's Day, but to me there couldn't be anything less sexy -- though nothing against the Sundari Body Oils which I haven't tried. So, if you happen to be into these sorts of body oils Sundari has two: One is their Gotu Kola and Lotus Body Oil ($34.00) which they say calms the senses with its infused Ayrurvedic herbs. Gotu Kola helps to firm and tone skin while Lotus Oils promote intense hydration and soft tranquil fragrances and then they have their Neem and Triphala Body Oil ($34.00). The second one Sundari says provides repairing essentials, including Sunflower and Neem Oil, which helps to sooth, clarify and soften, as well as Triphala Oil to revitalize. That said, when it comes to things like body oils you always want to go with a brand you trust (for me that would be Clarins and they actually make their own Body Oil), and I would test it out first on a small area to avoid any possible bad reactions!
Almost everyone is getting Beauty Gift Sets from me this year-- who can't use more products!?!? My young nieces will get Elemis Gift Sets-- I discovered Elemis initially through a PR rep, it is a British spa brand that is starting to make waves across the pond Stateside at high end spas. I especially love the Blissful Body set for $48. It has the yummiest milk bath (I prefer it to bubble baths in the winter, it's less drying on my skin), exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt and a hand and nail cream that will extend your manicures (I've gone about 2 and half weeks now but cuticles are still in good shape!). Get Elemis here at timetospa.com
I'm very tempted by the Philip B Limited-Edition White Truffle Collection Gift Set ($125)! I have a friend in culinary school and I think getting her this set would be a cute treat for the Holidays:) I haven't tried this set myself, but I've used Philip B products before and they're wonderful. This particular set has Philip B's best selling product -- their White Truffle Nourishing & Conditioning Crème which is an intensive reconditioning crème made with Italian White Truffle Oil which apparently has moisturizing properties, along with Lavender, Comfrey, Hops, Nettle, strengthening amino acids, and soothing Vitamin E - lots of interesting ingredients! The set also includes the matching White Truffle Ultra-Rich Moisturizing Shampoo which is made with Soy Proteins for moisture and elasticity, Hops and Nettle to provide body, and nineteen botanical essences (including Extracts of Thyme, Chamomile, Lavender and Comfrey), for silky hair. Philip B says that this set is ideal for all hair types, but especially color-treated or chemically-processed hair that's dry, porous and ultra-fragile:)
"Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice collide..."

Its that time of year again...The time when you already feel guilty for the food you haven't even eaten yet!! Not very long ago, I was watching a show on the discovery channel about courtship practices around the world. The specific episode that has remained fresh in my memory was about a family in Africa that was getting the eldest daughter ready for marriage, by feeding her AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!! Seriously, they weighed her when she began, and then monitored her weight gain for the next few weeks- literally feeding her cream and butter to increase her 'value'!! ...I'm a little jealous. In America weight is a controversial topic. Regardless of what side of the scale you weigh in on, here are two holiday treats we can all enjoy- Guilt Free!! If you haven't tried Philosophy products yet, you either need to. Ever delicious product that comes out of the Philosophy Kitchen ...err, Lab, smells exactly like what it claims to be. Many times I have had to stop myself from dipping a finger into my Cinnamon Buns Shampoo and taking a big lick! I digress- Pumpkin Spice Muffin Lip Shine is a great way to enjoy everyones favorite holiday dessert, zero calories! And what better way to get you into the holiday spirit then lathering up with Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath?

Tocca has three Bagno da Viaggio gift sets for the holidays. They all look great, but the one that stands-out (and the one I tried-out!), is the Cleopatra ($48) one. It's an almond oil-enriched bath and body collection infused with grapefruit and cucumber and packaged in a Tocca signature box. The set includes -- 4 oz Bagno Profumato (foaming bath gel that's fairly hydrating and can be used on all skin types), 4 oz Crema Da Corpo (a nourishing all-over body cream that can be used on those with sensitive skin), and 2.85 oz Candelina (a travel-sized candle with a 20 hour burn time). This is one of those gift sets that doesn't need any wrapping. It comes in a super-chic cream-colored box with a gold rim (it reminds me of those fab dessert boxes they have at La Duree in Paris!). My absolute favorite thing about this set is that when you open the box it says "love yourself" in beautiful cursive letters -- could there be a better message!? With all the stress going on these days this set is a nice way to give someone a little something clean, refreshing, and light to help them relax this holiday season!
I've written about Yes to Carrots before. I think it's such a fun line of eco-friendly products and best of all it's affordable so no matter your income level there's no guilt involved. Yes to Carrots is aimed at the those with Dry to Normal skin, but they recently came out with two new lines -- Yes to Cucumbers and Yes to Tomatoes which are aimed at those with Normal to Sensitive skin (Cucumbers), and those with Oily/Combination skin (Tomatoes). All of the lines offer a variety of skin, face, body, and hair care products all of which are formulated with organic fruits and vegetables along with 26 minerals and they're all Paraben-free. I've used a bunch of products from their line and there are a few that stand-out for me. I love the Yes To Cucumbers Eye Love Cucumbers Soothing Eye Gel ($14.99), for when my eyes are puffy and red from a bad reaction to makeup or a lack of sleep, and the Yes To Carrots Hair and Scalp Mud Mask ($12.99), is amazing -- way better than the much pricier one from Ojon ($55) that I was using before! Also I love the smell of the Yes To Carrots Pampering Hair Mud Conditioner ($7.99) and it takes very little for it to be effective, though since my hair is highlighted, when I use it I always follow it with a spritz of Fluide Chroma Riche from Kerastase (leave-in conditioner, $34). For a list of places where you can check-out the "Yes" line for yourself click here!
There has been this whole scare of antiperspirant / deodorants that cause breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease because of the aluminum content. Well, I think we can all agree that we would rather smell than risk those dangers. And as it is, my memory sucks. There are conflicting studies but the one thing that got me to switch is the fact that the effectiveness is caused by little pieces of aluminum lodged into your pores to stop the sweat from coming out. I kind of gave more credence to medical technology in thinking that there was some special ingredient in antiperspirants that stopped your body from making sweat. But that is not the case, you still sweat - it is just being clogged inside of you and that does not sound like a good thing. I was disturbed enough to give non-aluminum alternatives a try, Tom's of Maine Natural Deodorant, being that it is my favorite brand for organic, natural products. OK, I know I talked a lot about sweat so I need to clarify immediately by pointing out loud and clear that this is a deodorant, not antiperspirant, so you will still sweat, it just keeps you from smelling. See, for me, my problem is mainly odor. I kind of sweat but that isn't what's keeping me from flailing my arms at will. It has been 3 weeks and I have to say, this is working for me. I like the Unscented, although it still has a slight lemongrass scent to it, and I have tried the Lavender, which I like but I prefer unscented just so it doesn't compete with my perfume. My husband tried it and he was like a leaky faucet so he had to stop. If you are a sweater, don't even bother. But if you're like me and just need odor control, why not go with a natural product? Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, Lavender and Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick, Unscented
are $5.49 each at Drugstore.com.

Just because it's winter it doesn't mean you should neglect your skin. I scrub, exfoliate, and moisturize all year round-- 24/7. And yes, my hubby is the only who notices but he is the only who matters! I have a plethora of body scrubs in my shower, I use different scents according to my mood and sensitivity of my skin (during the time of the month when I'm bloated I use a green tea scrub).
My latest body scrub obsession is Fresh Sugar Bath Brown Sugar Body Polish. Not only does it smell and feel good while applying it, it leaves my skin so soft and buttery with a hint of glow from the natural oils. $68 at Sephora. I met the founder of Fresh, Lev Glazman, at an event recently and found his unnaturally pale and perfect skin kind of scary. He was very nice though and told me that he and his wife were inspired to create a line of fresh and simple products that combine ancient rituals and modern technology. Their goal was to have products that both perform and pamper. I'd say mission accomplished! Jump to see the photo!
I've been noticing that Lavender products are getting prominent displays these days and I can only attribute this to the anxiety surrounding the economy and the presidential elections since people often use Lavender as a sleep-aid and for relaxation purposes. So, in light of this, I thought I'd highlight some that I've been using in response to mild stress..mostly they're products that let you take a deep breath and enjoy a comfortable moment to yourself which is all we need sometimes!! Clarins' Santal ($46), is fab for those comfortable with using a face treatment oil -- I'm all for mixing luxury with drugstore, but when it comes to splashing oil on your face stick with a trustworthy brand like Clarins or risk unfortunate breakouts (and that will reeeally get you stressed!). Santal is formulated with lavender oil so it helps sooth and calm while moisturizing your face. More after the Jump!


In 1999, Betsey Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer. After surgery and 33 radiation treatments, she became an advocate in the fight against the disease, making public appearances, participating in numerous fund raising events and creating one-of-a-kind items that have been auctioned-off to raise funds for various charities.
One of my favorite brands actively helping the fight against breast cancer
is Verikira Naturals. Unlike so many other brands that only do something
special in the month of October, Verikira does their part all year round
donating 10% of each sale of the Pink Grapefruit Collection to the Susan G.
Komen Breast Cancer Foundation no matter what month you purchase it in. The
Pink Grapefruit Collection consists of a sulfate and paraben-free shampoo ($28),
certified organic conditioner ($28), and certified organic lotion ($22). All
are available in $10, 2oz travel sizes as well. Love the smell - very refreshing
and just the right amount of citrus in the scent. The best part is that both
men and women can use it :-) Check the line out here!




I'm so in awe of Christina Applegate's courage to go public with her fight against Breast Cancer. The actress, at the age of 36, underwent a double mastectomy and is now cancer free
At
$400 for 6.7 oz, Sensai Premier Body Cream wins the most expensive body cream in the world award. La Mer doesn't even come close with its 10 oz jar sold for $195. Who will buy this you ask? The same people who spend thousands of dollars a month on full body treatments. In other words, the very rich and the very famous. The premier body cream combination of new formulas, including seaweed extracts from the Sea of Japan to help support DNA repair function in skin; ingredients from the Chinese Mulberry shrub, to boost collagen synthesis in the skin, and a Moon Flower fragrance, which the company ascribes to helping stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis. Where do I sign up? Store finder At Kanebo.com
What caught my attention when it came to Kings & Queens, a line of bath products sold exclusively at Nordstrom, were the unique scents. I tried their Honey Body Butter ($15), Jasmine Shimmering Body Milk ($11), and the Vanilla Pear Shower Gel ($9), but the line has even
more exotic options with scents ranging from lime, myrrh,
cinnamon-orange,
and mango, to pepper bergamot. I thought the shower gel was great -- not
too foamy, didn't dehydrate my skin, and smelled wonderfully refreshing. The
body butter and the body milk however I wouldn't be as quick to recommend
unless you really, really like the particular scent you pick-out. Unlike the shower
gel which smells strong for a few seconds, but then dissipates, the body milk
and butter linger longer, so while I love the smell of Jasmine I'm not such a
fan of my whole body smelling like a cup of fresh tea. That said, both the Body
Milk and Butter are very hydrating and since I do love the smell of both Honey
and Jasmine in moderation, I've been using the body creams as hand cream.
I have a serious aversion towards cooking (and an equally serious love for Bethenny Frankel who I met backstage
at Carmen Marc Valvo's Spring 2009 runway show -- she was so sweet dressed in a lovely white flower-embroidered CMV skirt and sky-high Loubies! -- Come on who doesn't count The Real Housewives of NYC as a guilty pleasure!?). That said, where my distaste for cooking comes from I have no idea, especially considering that I come from a mother who loves, LOVES, loves to cook and bake (and feed --o Jewish mothers...!). Unfortunately, recently my now live-in boyfriend decided to buy a barbecue (we have a terrace), and all he wants to do is stay-in and barbeque -- OY! Nothing will smell-up an apartment quite like barbecuing (not to mention your skin and hair). Luckily I've discovered some new bath products to give me a reason to smile as I rid myself of the BBQ smell. I have an obsession with Vanilla (I've just stalked-up on a bunch of French Vanilla candles --somewhat of a fire hazard given that my apartment has only over-sized wooden furniture), but anyway, I'm loving Lavanila Body Wash , ($20), because as you can probably guess, they're all about the Vanilla and full of anti-oxidants and essential oils, 100% natural and sulfate-free which helps prevent irritation and dryness. I love the
Pure Vanilla, but it also comes in Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Blossom. 
Above Andrea Leon Talley seated front-row at the Spring 2009 Tracy Reese show -- gotta love him -- he is so cute!! I saw him throughout the week at various shows and oddly enough at the Yigal Azrouel one, he was seated in the last of three rows -- perhabs Kelly Cutrone of People's Revolution who was handling the PR of the show was worried he would block the view (though kudos to Andre, he looks a lot slimmer!) ?

While most probably remember Lara Flynn Boyle as that fashion train-wreck (who could forget the 2003 Golden Globes when she wore that awful ballerina mess of an outfit), I always associate Boyle with old-Hollywood glamour. I know she got a loooot of flack for her uber-thin body, but her facial features (those cheekbones!), gave her this femme fatale aura that I always loved. Of course I can't know for sure where her stamina and confidence in the face of so much bad press stemmed from, but maybe it had something to do with Pevonia's Anti-Stress Bath & Shower Gel!??! I know, I know wishful thinking:) But I did read that she's a fan of Pevonia Botanica, which is a line many of you have probably seen when you've gone in for your spa treatments. They have an Anti-Stress Bath & Shower Gel, $28.50 that is remarkably refreshing -- obviously it doesn't have any serious anti-stress capabilities, but I've been kind of stressed for no reason lately -- you know those days where you have serious heart palpitations, but can't pinpoint why? Perhaps it's my upcoming trip (I used to be so careless when it came to flying! Also my parents are in Tel Aviv, my boyfriend is in New Orleans, and my best friend left for Paris..so I have no one to whine to...and no one to watch The Hills with:(..). When I'm feeling a little down it's nice to lather on a foaming gel cleanser in the shower that has one of those smells that you can just take deep breath and for a second forget that you're a ball of stress (maybe picture yourself in Bali and actually feel like you're there for a few moments!) -- the shower gel is made with Sweet Almond Oil (for moisture), Linden Extract (good for healing blemishes), and Lavender Oil (loooove lavender, this for me is the key to this products calming effect)..Ahh..if I didn't have a pet peeve about pruny skin I couldd stay in the shower all day:-)
Chanel loyalists will be thrilled with the newest addition to the line, the Mademoiselle Shimmering Gel. This is not your standard stripper issue glitter gel, it's Chanel and its subtle with just a hint of the scent that has titillated and thrilled for years. The newest in fragrance luxury, inspired by the irrepressible spirit of the young Coco Chanel. Shimmering body gel leaves a delicate sheen on skin, bringing a luminous touch to shoulders, arms and décolleté, while imparting the feminine and sexy scent of COCO MADEMOISELLE. Chicly showcased in a contoured flacon with stopper, the sparkling formula beckons invitingly through the glass -- an irresistible accent for vanity or bath. 1.5 oz. $65.00 Available in September at Chanel counters worldwide.
I'm leaving for my friend's Marrakesh wedding next week and am already thinking ahead as to what I will be packing! Traveling these days takes way more foresight with all the rules on what you are and aren't allowed to pack and since you can't really take liquids with you on the plane it's a great time to experiment with new products (taping/wrapping/sealing opened products is one of the worst hassles, but the though of spillage in my luggage scares me almost as much as my suitcases being lost!). elizabeth W is a wonderful line I've only recently discovered though from what my perfume expert friend Christine tells me they are very well-known and respected by those in the fragrance industry. They have some wonderful products that come perfectly compact and travel-ready so you can walk the airport with confidence a la Posh Spice, knowing that you'll have everything you need to look glam wherever your destination may be!
I have a weakness for Lavender, so I love the Lavender Eau de Parfum spray, 1/2 fl oz, $20. Though I wouldn't spray this on my body, I love it as a room spritzer (maybe even spritz my area on the airplane...airplane smell makes my stomach turn!). It comes in 10 scents, but as an alternative there's also elizabeth W travel candles, $20. Jump for more Snob finds!

Ever come across a product and almost embarrassingly think how you survived pre-discovering it? That's pretty much what happened to me when I came across SweetSpot Labs line of down-there care products that have Kim Cattrall written alllll over them! SweetSpot is dead-on when they ask -- "Do you wash your hair with toothpaste? Brush your teeth with Shampoo? Of course not! But you use WHAT? On your WHERE?" Hence this unique line of luxury intimate grooming products. I'm a little red in the face writing about this line, but it's too good not to share! The line has been certified non-irritating and the products are allergy-tested, clinically-tested, and have been doctor and dermatologist-tested -- PHEWW! This is a wonderful alternative to douching which as many probably know can upset the balance of organisms in the vaginal canal which in turn can spark a cyclical disturbance that can do more harm than help. In fact, douching might aggravate the cause of the very imbalance you want to prevent. So what is a lady to do? Check-out some of the SweetSpot products I've been using after the jump!

My male friends are pretty evenly divided between metrosexules who know more than you could ever imagine about upkeep and those friends that look at face cream and say "dull and tired skin!?? what is that?":) I have to admit that for my part I don't pay too much attention to men's beauty products, but I do have a handful of pet-peeves and therefore have compiled a short list of products that I think are completly George Clooney-worthy!

First-up smell-- I was out the other night at the new lounge in The Plaza (a DJ spinning Jay-Z at The Plaza, what do you guys think about that?? Personally I love it! Such a great mix of classic and modern). Anyway, I spotted this guy Matthew I know wearing Dior's Fahrenheit and it smelled amazing -- wonderfully manly and fresh.
Jump for more!

It's a little odd because people always think you can get anything anytime in NYC, yet where I live on the Upper East Side, not only do most places close early, when it comes to eats, there's nothing besides cheap, greasy take-out and expensive Jean-Georges-esque restaurants! With one exception -- Fig and Olive -- I am there 3-4 times a week for lunch or dinner (I don't cook unfortunately), and love it there especially in the summer when they use fresh figs (versus dried when figs aren't in season). Needless to say, I love figs and olives and my eyes brightened when I came across Naturally by Upper Canada Soah & Candle Makers. Their line of products include Sweet Vanilla Fig ("Detoxifier"), and Pressed Olive Avocado ("Skin Protector"), and for a more fall smell -- Cranberry Moro Orange ("Purifier"), scents. I tried both the Hand & Body Wash ($12) and the Coarse Salt Scrub ($15) both of which, like all the products in this line, are free of parabens, mineral oils, and synthetic dyes. Each product is also made with (as the name implies!), botanical extracts and all natural ingredients, oils, and mineral complexes. The smells are great while not being over-powering and while I don't love the Hand & Body Wash so much for my body (not moisturizing enough), it's great for hands -- refreshing pick-me-up!

I'm never been a fan of 2-in-1 products (all-in-one shampoo and conditioners being the worst), so I was a little wary of Philosophy 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. I've had my eye on them forever because of their wonderful "flavors" (Champagne, Red Velvet Cake, Margarita -- all of which rank amidst my favorite things to eat/drink...the question though is do you want to smell like any of those things..). I have gifted Philosophy sets a few times when I've been invited to parties where I didn't know the host that well...I figure why get a bottle of champagne when you can be more original and get your host some Bubbly:) That said, until recently I hadn't tried any of their products myself. Now that I have though I have to say I'm a little obssessed with them..It's one of those things where you try one and kind of have the urge to try them all! Though I would never use these as a shampoo, they are wonderful for shower gel and bubble bath (not the longest-lasting softness and a little foamy-ier than I typically like, but come on who else is going to leave you smelling like cinnamon buns!. If you're worried about the smell, it's not that long-lasting (which can be good or bad), and while you can distinctly make-out that say Red Velvet Cake actually smells like red velvet cake, it's not in an obnoxious-turn-your-stomach-upside-down way (like so many of those awful candy/chocolate-scented products aimed mostly at youngsters). After trying and liking Red Velvet, I also picked-up Vanilla Birthday Cake and Mimosa both of which were delicious:) If you're not feeling foodie, Grace (selected as one of Oprah's favorite things for 2005!), is a wonderfully feminine, floral option.



Because I'm into short shorts, but not my pasty legs and because I can't keep getting a Mystic Tan every few days, I've been trying-out countless self-tanners lately. My fav splurges are Guerlain and ModelCo. No matter which you get, if you spray too much, you can spread it around and you'll seriously look flawless. Guerlain smells awesome (sweet vanilla), and ModelCo is a nice cocoa butter and if you don't like the traditional spray can they have innovative self-tanning gloves. Each glove contains the exact amount of self-tanner needed for a full body application or enough for a deeper bronze coverage for arms, legs, and decolletage...fun and effective alternative:)


For the best steal alternatives I think L'Oreal's lotions work well. They smell strong, but not bad (rosey) and Jergens is good for those who don't like strong smelling tanners and their line of tanners gets the job done very well. Though stay alert to avoid little streaks. Loved Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer and the Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer -- they moisturize, tone and add a healthy summer glow to your skin -- magnifique!


Another steal is Sally Hansen' Airbrush Legs and Sally Hansen Airbrush Shimmer. The shimmer comes in one shade and adds a subtle, soft, sexy glow, while Airbrush legs comes in five natural looking shades – not to tan, but to match most skin tones (Sally Hansen sees this as an alternative to panty hose!).
The one line I just have to point-out as not liking is Aveeno -- I ended up looking like a dark-orange, streaky mess:(
PS Stay tuned -- I have an appointment to go to Sundara Airbrush Tanning Salon next week (can't wait to get pampered after doing everything myself for these past few months!) -- they're supposedly one of the best spray tan salons in the city and customize color to suit your skin tone by manually matching and spraying on the color!
I've been a little on edge lately because my boyfriend is moving into my apartment next week! If you can imagine my apartment is a mess of clothes, shoes, magazines, and beauty products and I have no excuse for the chaos of stuff because I have 2 huge closets in my bedroom and one in my walkway (I'm very lucky because closet space is unbelievably hard to come by in NYC!). Anyway besides the pressure of cleaning-out (I'm so bad at parting with things...not in a creepy way like the people you see on Oprah, but I always think that you never know when something might come in handy or back in style down the road!), I have been obsessing over looking perfect for when he gets here. He's been living in Cali for the last year for work (we met in college), so this is going to be a big change (a good one I hope!). I've been on over-drive looking for new and amazing products! I'm totally loving eco-friendly nude right now -- the packaging is very futuristic, but simple and sleek in a very Stella McCartney-esque way.
I've been using nude's Smoothing Body Refiner ($70), after I shower in the morning and it's moisturizing enough to carry my body through the day and it might just be in my head (ie me hoping and convincing myself), but I feel that my tight area is a bit firmer (the refiner has cupuacu butter and natural probiotics for smoothness and moisture). The refiner is supposed to also fight cellulite and promote weight loss...unfortunately I can't attest to that, though how I would love to find a cream that could wash away my fat and make me loose some lbs without exercising..a girl can dream right?
I made the most amazing discovery when I was out in the Hamptons the other weekend. I was at this club Dune which is one of the hottest spots out there (Memorial Weekend I spotted Leonardo DiCaprio and Bar Refaeli!), and I'm sitting at this table when next to me one of my girlfriends busts out this Lip Gloss from ModelCo that has built-in lights and a mirror!! When in any crowded or dim space you can imagine how great something like this is -- not to mention how high-tech chic and glam she looked!!:) It's been a longtime since I've been this excited about a line. ModelCo is an Australian-based brand started by a former model agent and it's made, they say, for the style conscious and time-crunched woman, which I can totally see in their product line-up which is full of quick-fixing and multi-purpose products. You can browse their products here and jump for a rundown of my favorites!!




















