Sunday, July 5, 2009

Bumble and bumble Bandball Summer Edition


Last holiday season and into the winter, the Bumble and bumble Bandball was featured in just about every magazine and on most blogs. It was an instant hit .

For summer there is now a new version in pastel colors. It's LE and will be on sale online on July 7th.

The ball is designed by Piet Houtenbos (who also designed the Holiday version). He dreamed up this perfect collection of 100 sherbet-colored, beach inspired hair elastics surrounding an orange bouncy ball.

The Bb.Bandball, is $20, and should last throughout the hot summer months (when a simple pony is key to comfort) . I have short hair, so none for me but I did give one to a cousin last Christmas and she loved it.

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/



Saturday, July 4, 2009

Amazom.com Beauty Finds

Have you shopped Amazon.com for beauty? I have occasionally looked but I have to admit I don't immediately think of them when I think beauty. However they do have a huge selection and it's all in one place. Here are a few highlights for summer.


I am particularly intrigued by the the Sue Devitt eyeshadow. It's so beautiful, like a painting . As for the headband, well they seem to be back in a big way. In NY recently, Bendels had the entire front of the store dedicated to a large collection of headbands of all types. Feathers, jewels, bands. This one is a cute summer retro look.



Sue Devitt Microquatic Hydrating Marine Minerals Eye Palette, $37.50 - http://www.amazon.com/Sue-Devitt-Microquatic-Hydrating-32-Ounces/dp/B001N44008

Spongeables Spongelle Bodywash Infused Sponge (Green Daisy) Hot Spice-Ginger Infusion, $7.99 - http://www.amazon.com/Spongeables-Spongelle-Bodywash-Spice-Ginger-Infusion/dp/B0010EGL62/



L.Erickson USA Elastic Loop Headband – Cotton Dot, $40.00 - http://www.amazon.com/L-Erickson-Elastic-Loop-Headband/dp/B000S17EXM/



Bobbi Brown Global Locales


Bobbi Brown is adding to her worldwide locations by adding 2 new Studios, which are more than simply a store. The new locations are in Paris & Tokyo. The Studio's look great. I have never been to one, but know they hold some great events at them. Nice for those not in the US who want to try the brand.

The two new free-standing stores are in Paris at 1 Bis, Rue des Francs Bourgeois, Le Marais, Paris ( middle picture) and in Japan at 3-46 Kita-Aoyama, Minata-ku, Tokyo ( top picture).

Community, artistry, and education are the hallmarks of The Studio. To that end, the store’s main design component is a communal artistry table, which creates a warm and welcoming environment for the consumer and her friends to try products at their own leisure, or if they so choose, get the help of our Makeup Artists.

Among things you can do are : watch a video of Bobbi’s seasonal inspirations and how-to’s; and can choose from a menu of specialized services. The Studio will also offer exclusive, limited edition items on a seasonal basis.

Key Store Features

· Communal Artistry Table: The heart and center of the store. This table invites consumers shopping alone, as well as larger groups. They can test products on their own or enjoy on-the-spot makeup lessons from our Makeup Artists.

· Product Wall: Introduces the consumer to key product categories; will be updated regularly, and will include framed inset niche’s for product along with large visuals.

· Press/Inspiration Wall: Includes local press placements, as well as pages from Bobbi’s sketchbook and concept diary. This wall introduces consumers to Bobbi’s many facets – makeup artist, entrepreneur, lifestyle expert, philanthropist – and illuminates the inspirations and concepts behind top Bobbi Brown products.

· Private Event Space: Part makeup studio, part learning center. This space is ideal for consumers who want a private, more intimate setting for their one-on-one makeup lessons. It can also be used for small events and makeup parties.

Studio Services
The Studio will give customers the opportunity to receive educational services in both individual and group settings. Makeup applications and lessons can take place at a communal artistry table or in a more private setting. When a consumer leaves our Studio she will have the knowledge and products she needs to be her own makeup artist.

The Menu of Services in The Paris Studio will include:

VIP Makeup Lesson: The ultimate makeup lesson in a one-on-one setting. Our artists will impart Bobbi's professional tips and techniques and create a skincare and makeup routine tailored to the consumer’s needs and lifestyle. 1 hour.

Makeup Party Workshops: Ideal for corporate groups, professional gatherings, celebrations or a girls' night out. Each woman will receive a personalized makeup lesson and a customized face chart, plus an insider's look at the things that inspire Bobbi. Minimum of 4 people. 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Special Occasion Beauty: Our makeup artists will treat each consumer to a flawless makeup application that's perfect for the big night out - from the prom to a cocktail party. 30 minutes.

Teenage Beauty: Ideal for teens, eighteen and under. Teens will get answers to their burning beauty questions and learn how to be their prettiest. 30 minutes.

Bridal Beauty: Tailor-made for the bride to be. Our artists will show women how to look their best from ceremony to reception. 1 hour trial application. 1 hour application day of wedding.

Brow Grooming: Groomed brows instantly add polish. During this session, our makeup artist will do a brow shaping and grooming.


There are currently 13 free-standing Bobbi Brown stores worldwide – 2 in the US (Belk, North Carolina and Montclair, New Jersey) and 11 overseas.

They are located in the following countries:

Hong Kong (3)
Japan (1)
Malaysia (2)
Middle East (4)
France (1)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Clarins Foot Beauty Treatment Cream


Summer is a time to pamper feet, keeping them sandal & flip flop ready.

Clarins new foot cream is a nice way to treat you and your feet. It's very moisturizing but not greasy. It sinks in pretty fast. It has no scent really, and is recommended to be massaged into the feet hitting some of the reflexology points.

So far I've used it mostly in the heel area, and I like the softness after it's sunk in. Like most people my feet take a beating in summer so giving them a boost is a must. It's great that it has myrrh for the nails as well.

Ingredients include:

-Virgin Cashew Nut Oil restores suppleness to skin.
- Shea Butter smoothes away roughness, while nourishing skin.
- Arnica helps feelings of fatigue and swelling.
- Myrrh strengthens and beautifies nails.
-Laponite® powder absorbs dampness.


Retail is $ 25.00 for 4.4 oz

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Sampar Prodigal Pen for Acne


The Sampar Pen for acne is another of those products I've been interested in for a long time. It's an all essential oil, natural product from France.

Housed in a small rollerball cylinder, the Sampar pen has done a nice job on the acne spots I have had . It takes a little longer to heal them that something super drying and strong, but the benefit here is that it is more gentle using all essential oils. It still works within 2-3 days. The pen utilises 8 essential oils incl. lavender, sage, and oregano, with 100 % natural ingredients.

Another great benefit is the portability and ease of use. It's smaller than a lipstick, and can easily be carried in a pocket, bag, etc. It's colorless, so you can use it during the day for touch ups if needed as well. It will go easily over your makeup. You can use it up to 4-5 times day as needed.

Size is 6ml (.21oz) and retail is $ 21.00

Online at http://www.skinstore.com/ , http://www.apothica.com/ (currently on backorder)



Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Lady Caron


Anytime is a good time for Lady Caron perfume, but the 4th of July holiday seems even more so.

This gorgeous white floral bouquet was conceived originally as a tribute to America, the land that took in Mr. Ernest Daltroff, founder of Caron , during World War II in 1939.
He wanted to creat a tribute perfume. The inspiration was there but it wasn't until 2000 that the new owners of the company finally created the fragrance.

The bottle is decorated with a bas relief of the Statue of Liberty . As I said it's very much a white floral but has hints of oakmoss in there as well. It's not heady but not shy either.It blooms on the skin and is simply elegant.

The staying power is excellent and this has long been a favorite of mine. I was turned onto it by the lovely Cavewoman who writes occasionally for Blogdorf Goodman. She graciously sent me a sample and I've been a fan ever since.
Notes are :

Neroli
Magnolia
Jasmine
Rose
Raspberry
Peach
Oakmoss
Sandalwood

Lady Caron is available at many online outlets , Saks and Nordstrom stores as well as the Caron boutique in NY (1-877-88CARON )

Prices are :EDT 50 ml $95 / EDT 100ml $130 / Pure Perfume Extract: $180/ EDT Galuchat: $85




Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Liquid Makeup


Let me say , first, that aside from the new Mineral Powder foundation from Precriptives I got a few months ago, I had not used a foundation from them in years. I like the powder one, but as of yet I'm on the fence with the various mineral foundations. I was far more happy to see a liquid version. I also realized that re-visiting Prescriptives was going to be a good idea.

This new one is called All Skins Mineral Makeup 16 Hour Wear/SPF10.

It is definitely long wear. So many foundations claim to be humidity and sweat resistant, and on me , they aren't. I never expected this to be either, frankly. I can melt almost any makeup . So on a hot , very humid day, I went into the bathroom ,looked in the mirror after several hours, and it still looked good. It was all there, even having been out in the heat at times. Not bad at all. Color me happily surprised. Yes I still got some T Zone shine, but nothing major.

The coverage here is good, it's medium to full. Concealer still needed on some acne spots but that was it. It's light feeling on the skin , blends right in.

Here are some details :

· All day wear (Up to 16 hours)
· Transfer-resistant
· Humidity and sweat-resistant
· Reduces the look of lines and wrinkles
· Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
· Weightless
· UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 10 protection
· Oil free
· Fragrance free
· Non-acnegenic
· Ophthalmologist tested
· Dermatologist tested

Technology:
· Radiance Emitting Crystals (R.E.C.), a unique mineral complex of Amethyst, Rose Quartz and Calcite, give skin a soft, luminous finish as if it were "glowing from within."
· Flex Matrix Technology provides outstanding longwear and a smooth, even application.
· Titanium Dioxide provides non-chemical broad spectrum sun protection with SPF 10.
· Sodium Hyaluronate helps maintain skin’s moisture balance.


This is counter and online now at http://www.prescriptives.com/

Suggested retail price – $32.50