Wake Up And Smell Prada’s Infusion de Rose

I’m a sucker for pretty packaging.

A fantasy scene of wood nymphs at play among giant rose petals entwines the Prada Infusion de Rose Eau de Parfum box, sourced from a Prada Spring/Summer 2008 collection print.

The perfume inside is equally delightful: “imagine fresh rose petals mingling with tea, roses, and honey, crushed in the hand with mint leaves.” It’s an unexpected and modern take on the typical rose fragrance.

While I don’t love it as much as my beloved Prada Infusion d’Iris (my signature scent), it’s a refreshing and feminine fragrance that is perfect for Spring (and a vast improvement from 2009’s Infusion de Fleur d’Oranger - which I felt veered into little old lady territory).

Prada Infusion de Rose ($105, 3.4 oz) is available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Kristen Stewart Debuts Red Hot Hair at Letterman and NYC Eclipse Premiere

Fekkai Celebrity Stylist Adir Abergel transformed Kristen Stewart's tresses from day to night (for her David Letterman appearance and the New York premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), and collaborated with Marie Robinson to color her hair strawberry blonde.

DAY: Abergel created a feminine and flirty style for Kristen's David Letterman appearance.

GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and working throughout the hair. Using a round brush, he blow-dried the hair straight, and spritzed the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist for added shine. Adir curled the hair using a 1-inch curling iron, and sprayed with Fekkai Coiff Ocèanique Tousled Wave Spray to create the flirty texture. He then pulled the hair back loosely and secured it by knotting at the nape of the neck. To finish of the look, Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray.

COLOR: Adir teamed up with Clairol Celebrity Stylist, Marie Robinson, to dye Kristen's hair strawberry blonde. Abergel encouraged Stewart to return to her natural roots, and pulled images from the 1950's for inspiration.
GET THE LOOK: To achieve Stewart's strawberry blonde color, Abergel suggests using the Fekkai Salon Color 6R Copper-Lucy.

NIGHT: Abergel created a soft and romantic braid for Kristen Stewart’s Premiere in New York for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and dried her hair with his hands. Next, Adir applied a dime of Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax for added texture. Creating a side part, he braided the hair across the side line towards the opposite side of the head. With his fingers, he carefully pulled pieces of hair to soften and shape the face. To secure the look, he tied the hair into a loose knot. Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai products are available At fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Get The Look: Kristen Stewart at Eclipse Premiere

Avon Global Creative Color Director and Hollywood Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey prepped Kristen Stewart for the Eclipse premier. "We made her eyes pop with shimmery, icy tones and added definition with black liquid liner," she said.

Opting for a more classic look, Dempsey wanted to keep Kristen's look fresh, while playing up the eyes. For the premiere, Dempsey used:

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer in White/Jet Black Price ($9.00): One end of the Eye Enhancer contains a creamy, smooth eyeshadow, and the other has a perfectly coordinated luxurious liquid eyeliner.

Avon SuperExtend Mascara in Black ($8.50): The innovative stretch-formula contains triangular-shaped fibers that visibly lengthens lashes up to 55%.

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Multi Pencil in Raspberry Radiance ($8.00): A double-ended pencil includes a soft, smudge-proof eyeshadow on one end and a complementary cream lip and cheek color on the other.

Frederic Fekkai's Adir Abergel tended to Kristen Stewart's tresses for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere.

INSPIRATION: A soft take on the 1950's pompadour

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots throughout the hair. Using a round brush, Abergel blow-dried the hair away from the face, and placed it in pin curls. He allowed the hair to cool before removing the pin curls. He then styled the hair by hand raking the hair into a side pompadour securing with with pins. To shape the face, Abergel pulled a few pieces in front. To secure the look, he then applied Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip ($23) and Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray ($35) are available at Fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne

If you surveyed the perfumes on my vanity, you'd surely notice that the common thread amongst my favorites (the half empty bottles) is vanilla.

Most days, I smell like some variation of vanilla. But as I get older, I'm constantly searching for a more sophisticated take on the scent. I love vanilla, but I don't want to smell like cake frosting 24/7.

So I was thrilled to recently make the acquaintance of Vanilla & Anise, the latest fragrance from Jo Malone - a spicy, modern interpretation of my favorite flava.

The Composition

Top notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, Wild Fennel Flower, Star Anise
Middle notes: Oleander. Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid
Base notes: Madagascar Clove, White Amber, Vetiver Bourbon, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Tonka

The Vanilla & Anise collection consists of a 1 oz Cologne ($55), a 3.4 oz Cologne ($100). The fragrance is available at Jo Malone shops, jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Do You Smell What The Karan Is Cooking?

Don't you just love when you jump on a bandwagon just at the right moment? Like when you read a book right before the movie comes out...or you get behind a team right before they win the Super Bowl...or when you embrace a hot new trend just as it becomes available at Forever 21? Score! That's how I feel about Donna Karan Cashmere Mist.

Cashmere Mist has been around since 1985, but I just discovered (and was seduced by) it this summer - when I picked up the Mini Deodorant/Antierspirant at Sephora. After using the deodorant for about a week, I found it impossible to live without the perfume. And I'm not alone - millions of women have also fallen under its spell; Cashmere Mist just happens to be the number four best-selling fragrance in the United States.

A few weeks after wearing the perfume religiously, I felt compelled to expand my personal Cashmere Mist collection, and I am now the proud owner of the Body Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner.

This fall, Donna Karan celebrates the fragrance's 15th birthday and gives me yet another reason to praise my perfect timing: Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition Eau de Parfum, a modern, enhanced version of the original. "Cashmere Mist is the ultimate Modern Icon," Karan says. "For 15 years, it has been a worldwide passion - a soft, sensual indulgence for women to wrap themselves in year round. Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition adds a whole new level of luxury. It is my thank you to women for making Cashmere Mist what it is today."

Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition Eau de Parfum features heightened notes of Watery Elements and Bergamot, mingled with two Jasmine absolutes, Orange Flower, Ylang and Muget, enveloped by the creaminess of Moss, Blonde woods, Amber, Labdanum and Vanilla. Simply put, it's a saucier and more decadent version of the cult classic; wear the original during the day and spritz on the Luxe Edition for a night out, when you want to turn up the heat and turn on the charm.

The Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition collection consists of a 1 oz Eau de Parfum Spray ($48.00) and a 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum Spray ($70.00). It is available in Donna Karan stores, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Sephora.

Kristen Stewart at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards

Adir Abergel, Frederic Fekkai celebrity stylist, tended to the locks of Twilight/New Moon star Kristen Stewart for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.

Inspiration: 60s rock and roll pompadour with a spiky ponytail.

How to get the look: Adir first started out by applying the Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax to the palm his hands and then added the Fekkai Coiff Extra Control Styling Gel for extra texture and shine. He applied this to her damp hair until it was full saturated.

To get the right texture with short layered haircut like Kristen's, you must apply enough products until you get it to look right and feels right. It is important to fully saturate the hair with product.

Once the product was in the hair he took a blow-drier and hand dried into his desired style, directing all the hair with his fingers back to the nape of her neck.

To finish the look, he took the back of the hair and pulled it into a twisted ponytail letting the ends out and then spraying the front with the Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. Make sure to leave random pieces out for a more chill vibe.

Fekkai products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and fekkai.com.

Photo: gossipcenter.com

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection: Greige

The new fall dress code for Giorgio Armani is “Greige.” Subtle but distinct tones accentuate a deep smoky eye contrasted with a fresh, luminous complexion and a muted, but intense lip color.

Manta Ray Eye Duo Palettes, $38
The star product of the season is the eye duo palette, which is dressed with an exotic Manta Ray pattern. Inspired by the precious and luxurious materials used in Giorgio Armani fashion accessories, the palettes offer a beautiful selection of color harmonies inspired by nature. The collection features subtle hues that offer a new take on the timeless color “Greige,” create by Giorgio Armani. The rich filtered eye tones, presented in a matte Greige compact, give depth and mystery to the eyes with subtle contours and highlights.

n° 1 – charcoal and Greige: the ultimate eye shadow combination for this season’s smoky eye
n° 2 – deep ocean blue and intense ocean green
n° 3 – pale lilac grey and luminous fuchsia
n° 4 – light blue stone and sandy beige
n° 5 – shimmering lilac pearl and pale green pearl

Liquid Silk Eye Liner n° 1 and n° 2, $30

Armani Liquid Silk Eye Liners in matte charcoal grey or midnight metallic blue contrast the softer Greige tones with a smooth high precision stroke. The formula, which contains microdispersed waxes and micro-fil™ polymer, boosts the deep intense color and ensures a long-lasting, quick-drying application.

Armani Silk Lipstick n°92, $25

This season’s must-have Armani lipstick accentuates the natural lip color, keeping the focus on the eyes. The grey-blue tones in this soft plum lipstick add intensity to the lip without giving a dark contrast, the new alternative to beige. The Armani Silk lipstick formula dresses the lips with a hydrating and silky veil. Specific oils allow the shade to reveal intense and radiant color, resulting in a luminous blush on the lips.

The “Greige” Eye Look by Linda Cantello: “Eye shadow is about shading. Rather than adding shadows, these muted tones contour and define, accentuating the eye and the pupil; the focus is actually on the eye itself. My favorite is the Greige and charcoal duo shade palette, but the pale lilac grey and fuchsia offer a really beautiful pop of color.”

Application Tips:
* Use the Greige shade to contour the eye by sweeping the shadow along the crease of the eye. Follow by sweeping the shade under the lower lash line and over the upper lash line. Use charcoal to add intensity.

* A second option is to sweep the charcoal shadow over the whole lid and use the Greige to blend. For added intensity, apply midnight blue eyeliner along the upper lid lash line.

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection is available for a limited time online at giorgioarmanibeauty.com and at selected fine department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

Ten Questions with Tory Burch

It’s hard to believe that Tory Burch launched her eponymous label only five years ago.

In 2004, she opened a flagship store in the NoLIta neighborhood of New York City; the boutique, filled with ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes and jewelry, sold out on the first day. In 2005, she was endorsed by Oprah; the following day, toryburch.com received 8 million hits and Oprah’s prediction became a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Since then, Tory Burch has become the unofficial outfitter of celebrities and soccer moms alike. With its zesty color palette, striking prints and forgiving cuts, the brand furnishes fashionistas with stylish yet wearable clothing and accessories, sans sticker shock. And her much-imitated Reva ballet slipper are on many a girl’s wardrobe wish-list (including my own).

Recently, I had the much envied opportunity to chat up fashion phenom and fellow Philadelphian, Tory Burch. So if you want to know more about the brainy beauty behind this chic lifestyle brand, try this interview on for size.

SP: When did your fascination with fashion begin?
TB: It would have been impossible not to have developed a passion for fashion and style growing up with my mother and father. They have both always had an amazing and innate sense of style. I did not always dream of being a designer, but I think the fashion industry was a natural fit for me. After over 15 years working in marketing and public relations for great designers like Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang and Narciso Rodriguez, it became clear that my passion was in the design process and I knew it was something I wanted to do.

SP: What was your first big break in the fashion industry?
TB: Eight months after our launch I got a call from a producer at Oprah saying that they were doing a show dedicated to the "next big things" and Oprah wanted to feature the line. I was sure it was some friend of mine making a prank call, but it wasn’t. After going on Oprah’s show everything changed. The day the episode aired we got eight million hits on our website and suddenly women in America seemed to know who we were. It was amazing. I can definitely say we owe a huge part of our success to Oprah’s support.

SP: How would you describe your design aesthetic?
TB: We design timeless yet modern American sportswear with a bohemian sensibility. I design clothes that I want to wear myself and being a working mom I need easy pieces that work well with my busy lifestyle. I think most women can identify with that and they want to look chic and fashionable without having to spend a lot of time putting an outfit together.

SP: In your opinion, what makes a woman stylish?
TB: I think everyone probably has their own idea of what is stylish, but the best guide to looking chic is to focus on what looks well on you. I like to mix unusual colors and prints and have learned what silhouettes suit me the best. I love fashion and pay attention to trends but don’t necessarily always follow them too literally, again I think it’s best to know what works on you. I like when women show their individuality and put a bit of their own personality into their style.

SP: Favorite color combination?
TB: The combination of pink and orange is classic yet unexpected. Our signature 3T print is done in pink and orange on everything from our shopping bags and shoe boxes to flip flops and cosmetic bags. The chairs in our showroom are orange with pink velvet cushions and I love the way they brighten up the space. They are both uplifting and vibrant colors that go well together on everything from accessories to clothing to furniture.

SP: I absolutely adore your double T logo. It’s genius! How did it come about?
TB: We worked with a branding company called MODCO who showed me about 200 different logo designs. I was drawn to the one we chose because it didn’t look like a traditional logo. I see it as more of a design element that we incorporate into our prints and our signature hardware.

SP: Favorite places to shop in Philadelphia?
TB: Anthropologie is one of my favorite places to shop for unique gifts and I love their home section. Blue Mercury has the best selection of candles, lotions and beauty products. They have a mix of both well-known and up and coming brands so I always find something new to try. My step-daughters love to shop at Boyd’s and Skirt. They have great denim brands and a terrific mix of designers at all price points. Neiman Marcus in King of Prussia has everything. Definitely one stop shopping.

SP: If I were to search your handbag, what beauty products would I find? And what is your signature fragrance?
TB: NARS Lipstick in Mitzi. Signature fragrance - Vetiver by Guerlain.

SP: What is your everyday beauty routine?
TB: My beauty regime is very easy. I don’t wear a lot of makeup and often leave the house with wet hair. My style is very natural and easy and my beauty regime is similar. Not too much effort goes into it.

SP: What’s the best beauty tip/secret you’ve ever heard?
TB: Protect your skin from the sun.

Tory Burch is available at 16 free-standing Tory Burch boutiques across the US, toryburch.com and over 400 select department and specialty stores worldwide. Follow Tory on Twitter at twitter.com/toryburch.

Black Magic: Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara

Uh-oh, LashBlast…watch your back. Chanel is trying to steal me away from you.

I’m on the Allure Experts Panel (and you can be, too). Membership has its privileges, because, every now and again, they send me samples of exciting new beauty products. This time, Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara showed up on my doorstep. And after using it, I was so in awe that I wanted to find the individuals responsible for bringing this mascara into my world – the folks at Allure...the geniuses at Chanel...the US Postal Service - and give them a big fat smooch.

Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara delivers dramatic volume, voluptuous curves and clump-free, smudge-proof separation. The mascara doesn’t market itself as possessing lengthening aptitude. So when Exceptionnel took my lashes up, up and away…well, I was blown away. It was seriously like, ‘Go Go Gadget Lashes!’

The mascara owes its off-the-charts performance to the innovative, six-sided wand. The SCULPTVOLUME brush consists of three rows of combs that curl and groom lashes from root to tip, while three rows of brushes pump up the volume. To apply, place the wand at the base of the lash and gently rotate up and outward. The technique takes no time to master, and you’re left with the most perfectly lush (and lengthened) lashes – that last all day.


Me with bare lashes. Pathetic.


My eye wearing Exceptionnel de Chanel. Damn, girl!


Don't ask why I'm slightly orange. I'm a beauty blogger...not a photographer.

Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara is available in four shades: Smoky Noir, Smoky Brun, Smoky Marine and Smoky Violine. One tube will set you back, $28 but it’s worth every penny. Besides...every woman needs a little Chanel in her life.

Get yours today at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Chanel.com.

It's Fresh, Exciting*: New Products From Fresh, Coming This Fall

This fall, Fresh will expand its fragrance portfolio with a new scent, Strawberry Flowers, created in celebration of Sephora’s 10th anniversary. The company is also expanding its bath and body, skin care and makeup offerings with a bevy of new beauty products.

Launching exclusively at Sephora in September, Strawberry Flowers Eau de Parfum is a fruity floral scent, designed specifically for a younger, Sephora customer. The fragrance, inspired by the scents of a typical spring morning, is composed of top notes of mandarin, yuzu and white peach, middle notes of mountain strawberries, freesia, orange blossom and osmanthus, and base notes of orris, musk and white woods.

Also in September, Fresh will debut the Fig Apricot body care collection, based on its top-selling Fig Apricot Eau de Parfum, which launched a decade ago. The collection will include a bath/shower gel and a body cream and will be sold at Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bluemercury.

Fresh’s fall color collection includes the Imperial Bedroom Face Palette, and a new Firebird Mascara. The palette’s cream-based colors include iridescent pearl and warm antique gold eye shades, an opalescent black eyeliner, a shimmer highlighter for the cheeks and a deep red gloss for the lips. Inspired by a Russian fairy tale and based on the company’s best-selling mascara, Fresh Supernova, Firebird is designed to thicken, lengthen and curl lashes. “Supernova gives your lashes a thick, dark and more defined look, whereas the soft lightweight fibers on the Firebird brush gives it a feathery and flirty feel,” said Alina Roytberg, Fresh’s co-founder and creative director.

Fresh has also come out with Twilight Freshface Glow, a multifunctional illuminating cream. The primer is designed to be used as a highlighter along cheekbones, brow bones and décolletage. On the retail front, Fresh has plans to open several freestanding stores by the end of the year.

This month, the company will open a location in Century City, Calif., followed by another store in Dallas’ Northpark Center in October. The company is also looking to open a store in Philadelphia (oh please, please...with Sugar Lip Treatment on top!) along with additional stores in the Northeast.

Source: WWD

*In case you haven't noticed, I've been on a Kool and the Gang kick lately.

Kate Somerville Coming To A Store Near You

Kate Somerville’s skin care products will soon be available at a store near you. This summer, the line will be popping up at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Henri Bendel.

Never tried Kate Somerville, but looking for a 1st product recommendation? Look no further than ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. This clinical-strength exfoliant decongests stubborn skin and improves a blah complexion. The active fruit enzymes eliminate dead skin cells, diminish bacteria and reveal a healthy, rosy glow.

According to Kate, it’s the next best thing to visiting her Los Angeles clinic – and it’s especially effective in combating acne and discoloration.

ExfoliKate comes in the most genius jar; it dispenses out the ExfoliKate without letting air in. Which means the product stays fresh, for effective exfoliation use after use. And ExfoliKate isn’t a time or labor intensive treatment. Use 1 to 2 times per week, apply in an even layer, leave on for 20-30 seconds, and wash off. You will notice a dramatically softer and smoother skin after just one treatment! I always use ExfoliKate a few hours before a date with Mr. Spoiled Pretty or a special event.


So be on the lookout for Kate Somerville in your neck of the woods. Having Kate this close has its pros and cons. On the one hand, your face has never looked better. On the other hand, this line has so many winners, your credit card will surely get a workout.

Kate Somerville is always available at katesomerville.com.

Mr. Sandman, Bring Me Smooth Skin

Get ready for summer with Bobbi Brown’s Beach, a collection of bath and body products that perfectly captures the atmosphere and attitude of summer. Beach Fragrance is a lightly intoxicating blend of Sand Jasmine, Sea Spray, and Mandarin. The Body Oil, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 15 and Body Scrub share the same beachy scent.


My favorite item in the collection is the limited-edition Beach Sandbar Soap. Back by popular demand, this creamy bar soap has a luxurious lather, a fresh beachy scent (like ocean air and sunscreen), and it contains tiny grains of sand that clean, refresh and exfoliate the body all at the same time. The sandy side is especially effective on knees, elbows, and feet...but take it easy on more delicate skin. Plus, the bar looks super cute in the soap dish.

The Beach Sandbar Soap ($16) is selling like hotcakes, so get yours while supplies last. Buy a few just in case Bobbi decides to retire this perennial favorite. It's still available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

I've Got You Babe

While accompanying my mom on a recent trip to the Willow Grove Mall, I found myself drawn - like a moth to a flame - to the NARS counter at Bloomingdale's.

I was beyond thrilled to have finally hunted down the elusive Galapagos Eye Shadow, which was sold out at the first four stores I had visited. Before ringing me up, the saleswoman asked if my order was complete. I said yes, but then my eyes were seduced by the beauty of Babe Lip Gloss. It took me all of 30 seconds to decide that my lips would look delicious drenched in its sheer, fruit-punch red goodness.

I've worn Babe every day since, and I'm enamored. Punch drunk love, I call it.

NARS is available at Amazon.com, Bloomingdale's, Blue Mercury, Lord and Taylor, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Sephora.

Hanae Had Me At Hello

This past weekend, I took a trip to the mall…shout-out to KOP (you Philly gals know what I’m talkin’ about). I was in Nordstrom’s cosmetics department for, literally, three minutes before a salesperson had me sold on a bottle of Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau Fraîche.

I usually spend weeks hemming and hawing over a new fragrance, and only break down and buy it once I’ve decided that my pulse points can’t live without it. Well, with Eau Fraîche, it took me approximately 180 seconds to come to this conclusion.

As I reported a few months ago, the latest incarnation of my favorite fragrance is the lightest formulation yet; this variation is airier and perfect for warmer weather. The new top notes of sparking tangerine and grapefruit lend a summery kick, but the fragrance dries down to the familiar notes of red fruits, wild berries and summer woods.

Besides the intoxicating scent, what really convinced me to swipe the plastic was the price tag. A 3.4 oz bottle of this limited-edition fragrance is only $65.

Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau Fraîche is now available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom*, Bloomingdale’s, select Macy’s and Sephora.

*Receive a Butterfly Body Lotion (0.2 oz.) and deluxe mini Eau de Toilette (0.04 oz.) with any $65 Hanae Mori purchase - online and in-store.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine

If you buy one lipstick this Spring, make it Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine. Actually, buy more than one…that’s how gorgeous they are.

Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine is “the first lipstick to incorporate a blend of light-reflective pearls together with Shu Uemura’s groundbreaking hybrid pigment to create professional caliber brilliance for lips.” And the unique, hydrating formula practically melts onto lips and helps them retain their natural moisture.

The swatches below demonstrate the high color fidelity and shimmering, dimensional shine. From left to right: WH 002S, RD 174S, BR 775S, BR 755S, and OR 563S.





Shu Uemura Principal Makeup Artist Jason Hoffman shares the following tips on how to get the best look with the product:

*For a light glossy stain, apply directly from the tube.
*If you want a slightly heavier shine, use a brush to apply. The brush will pick up more product and blend it evenly on the lips.
*For more color depth and long lasting wear, pair the crystal shine with a pencil.
*As with all Shu Uemura lipsticks, crystal shine is great for eyes and cheeks. Use a synthetic foundation brush and apply on the apples (the colors look very fresh and the shimmer offers a beautiful sheen).
*For the eyes, use a synthetic concealer brush. Beiges and browns will be the easiest to wear on the eyes as reds and oranges can often make you look tired.
*Every woman should own the shade WH (white) 002S. It is so versatile! It can be used alone for a light glossy finish or layered over ANY lip color. It will lighten the color and give it a hint of pink shimmer. Spoiled Pretty agrees - this shade is a must-have!
*The shade BG (beige) 901S is also a must have for anyone who likes wear a smoky eye. It is the perfect beige that compliments browns, purples, greens, blues and black.

Available in 17 shades, Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine is sold at select Neiman Marcus stores, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, and at shuuemura.com.

Brights Done Right

The brightly colored eyes that are on-trend right now are so hot! But it seems like such a daunting task to replicate the look for real life, right? Not so, say the experts at Shu Uemura.

The Rebirth Collection Tri-Color Eye Pencil is a stacked eye crayon, made up of three coordinating shades. It has a soft, creamy texture that glides across skin, without tugging. Use as a liner, or blend on the entire eyelid as an eyeshadow.

The limited-edition pencils come in shades Aqua Flow (cool tones of green and blue) and Energy Flow (warm tones of yellow and peach).

Check out my Aqua Flow swatches.


Available at ShuUemura.com, Sephora.com and NeimanMarcus.com.

Not Your Average Jo

For what seems like forever, I’ve heard beauty editors go on and on about Jo Malone. I had yet to hear someone find fault with the products, which I thought was a bit fishy. So I tried their new White Jasmine & Mint line to see if the brand merits all of the rave reviews. OMG. I am completely enamored with Jo – you don’t even know. The products absolutely deserve every accolade I’ve read and heard. They deserve more, in fact – thus my subsequent stellar appraisal.

Last fall, Jo Malone debuted White Jasmine & Mint Cologne – a fragrance “inspired by a tranquil moment in an English garden when the sun emerges, the dew gently lifts and the blossoms are at their most fragrant. Notes of just-picked white jasmine, chamomile, wild mint, rose and coriander are entwined in this lush combination.”

In March 2008, Jo Malone introduced four new offerings to the collection – White Jasmine & Mint Bath Oil, Shower Gel, Body Crème and Home Candle.

The quality of these products is beyond compare. If I were to search my mental lexicon and come up with a phrase that best describes Jo Malone, it would be sumptuous indulgence. And the fragrance…where do I begin? The White Jasmine & Mint scent is an elegant, crisp recipe that is decidedly feminine – womanly, not girly.

The White Jasmine & Mint Home Candle is without a doubt, the best candle I’ve ever smelled. Every night this week, I’ve lit the wick immediately upon returning home. It fills my apartment with the most enchanting aroma…I could wax poetic about it all day long. Once you drink in the scent of White Jasmine & Mint, you’ll be a convert too.

Jo Malone products are available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and jomalone.com.

Charmed, I'm Sure

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Elle Bag Charm features an elle Yves Saint Laurent solid perfume (woody and floral notes - Peony, Pink Berries, and Patchouli) and a fuchsia pearly lip gloss. This multitasking accessory adds instant glamour to a bag or a belt, and is perfect for gals on the go.

Available at Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus.

Clinique Gets Even Better

New from Clinique is a skin care product that promises to create brightness and clarity for all ethnicities.

Even Better Skin Tone Corrector is a lightweight serum that creates a notably more even complexion by helping to undo the visible evidence of sun damage, dark patches, skin stresses, age spots, even the darkening that follows acne scarring. It supposedly even helps to prevent new dark spots from forming.

Developed specifically to address all skin tones, it can be used anywhere on the face, hands, and chest - and results can be seen in 4 to 6 weeks.

Available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Dillard's, and Neiman Marcus.

Get Thakoon's Pout-à-Porter Lipstick Today!

Lancôme introduces the must-have lipstick shade of the season! Color Fever Shine in Pixel Pink is the fourth installation of the Pout-à-Porter series of limited-edition lipsticks created exclusively for the runway by renowned makeup artist Gucci Westman. Westman collaborated with Fashion Designer Thakoon to create a beautiful sheer raspberry shade, which was worn by all the models during Thakoon’s Fashion Week Spring 2008 fashion show.

This past Monday at Thakoon’s Fall 2008 show, the models were the first VIPs to receive the lipstick. Beginning today, Pixel Pink will be available in limited quantities on lancome-usa.com and on March 1st it will debut exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Lancôme’s five U.S. boutiques with a retail price of $25.

The previous three Pout-à-Porter lipsticks were created for Behnaz Sarafpour (Fall 2006), Proenza Schouler (Spring 2007) and Peter Som (Fall 2007).

Photo credit: Sean Cunningham