holiday 2014: fragrant gift ideas

if you're looking to gift your loved one with scent this holiday season, consider these individual fragrances and sets featuring scents i happen to love {and know already have many fans}. of course, remember: fragrance is personal, so don't forget to include a gift receipt. :)

Guilty by Gucci 3 Pc. Gift Set for women features the daring, oriental floral fragrance that combines notes of mandarin, pink pepper, lilac and amber for an edge of sexiness and sensuality. set includes eau de toilette, body lotion and portable fragrance spray.

La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme is made with the most precious natural ingredients, boasting a modern interpretation of an oriental fragrance. a perfect choice for cooler temps, elegant iris with the strength of patchouli and the sweetness of gourmand blend together, creating a gorgeously feminine fragrance.

Lancôme's most beautifully classic scent {and one of the first "grownup" scents i ever bought for myself when i was in my early 20s}, Trésor, is for a woman who understands that time is precious and each moment is meant to be treasured. elegant rose and lilac notes will make her feel as radiant and precious as this fragrance is.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set features the very popular, sophisticated, whimsical scent; always elegant, always enchanting ~ but not too serious ~ Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth. the set comes with a black keepsake box, which is covered in sleek fabric and encloses a mirror in the lid.

Clinique A Little Happiness gift set is a fabulous option when you have multiples gifts to give but or on a budget, or as one fabulous gift for the happiest gal in your life. includes bright floral Clinique Happy, rich floral Happy Heart, limited-edition Happy In Bloom, Wealth of Flowers, and Clinique Hint of Citrus perfume sprays. 

for the on-trend young woman, Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Nail Duo Kit includes two chic, classic, on-the-go, travel-friendly sized fragrances {Viva la Juicy Eau de Parfum and Viva la Juicy Gold Couture Eau de Parfum}, plus a travel nail set {a nail color duo and statement nail decals} in a pink and gold envelope-style cosmetics bag.

Killer Queen by Katy Perry includes an eau de parfum spray, a purse-friendly rollerball and body lotion in the fun, daring floral fragrance. notes include plum, red velvet flower, jasmine sambac and rainbow plumeria.

these are just a few suggestions, beauties! what scents would you recommend for gift-giving?

images and info courtesy of pr for featured brands

currently loving...

bonjour, loves! hope you're having a beautiful week!

i don't know about you, but i like to make it a point to find something to appreciate every day. i've shared previously, for example, the morning walks i take with my dog, Piper. our pre-dawn ritual is not only a healthy thing to do, but allows me to mentally plan for my day. it's on these walks that i also get to see  gorgeous sunrises and sometimes experience the unexpected. on two different days last week i found myself in a sudden downpour {the pup and i were too far from from home at that point to turn around, so we kept walking and, thankfully, it lasted less than 10 minutes} and witness to a huge spider spinning a fabulously huge web. at first the sight scared me {did i mention it was a huge spider?!}, but realizing i was in no danger i stopped to watch...it was beyond fascinating!

in any case, these are some other things i'm currently loving...

fashion week month! for the past week nyc fashion shows have been wowing me, but will be wrapping up tomorrow; london shows are the 14th through the 18th, followed by milan {19th-25th} and paris {25th-october 5th}. i find it so inspiring to see the months of work and creative thought come to life, even if only for a comparatively short span of time on the runway.

to keep myself on task {believe me, it's easy to let all the fashion week coverage take up precious time} i have adopted the Pomodoro Technique. this basic concept instructs individuals to spend 25 minutes of devoted effort on work and then take a 5-minutes break. this has truly been helping me to focus on whatever it is i need to get done, then i can do something different for 5 minutes {like blast some music and dance around the living room} until i'm done with my task.

this DIY video {can't wait to do this myself!}

{one of} my current reads, The Way She Looks Tonight, a biography of sorts that highlights 5 fabulous trendsetting women in history.

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream. this is an old skincare fave that i admit i forgot i enjoyed using until i was reintroduced to it {thanks to a gwp}.

what are you currently finding love for? share in the comments! :)

Award-Winning Beauty: CEW Winners List

this past weekend Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) announced the winners of its 2009 Beauty Awards! what's so great about that, you ask? in a nut shell, the following is a list of products that represent the best in beauty...

"women don't want to make buying mistakes. they’re looking for performance and value. with the CEW Beauty Awards, consumers have the advice of more than 4,000 beauty experts to lead them to the best products the industry has to offer," says Carlotta Jacobson, CEW president.

these are the creme de la creme ladies, so take a look (and notes if you need to). these are the 2009 CEW Beauty Awards winners:

bath and body:

body treatment-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother

body treatment-- prestige
Ojon Tawaka "The Ball"

scented bath & body-- mass
Vickery & Clarke Natural Apothecary Eucalyptus & Peppermint Cold & Sinus Soak

scented bath & body-- prestige
Fresh Fig Apricot Bath and Shower Gel



facial skincare

acne treatment
Clean & Clear Advantage Blackhead Eraser Exfoliating Cleanser

anti-aging-- mass
Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

anti-aging-- prestige
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

cleanser & scrub-- mass
Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads

cleanser & scrub-- prestige
Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant

eye treatment-- mass
Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

eye treatment- prestige
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment

moisturizer-- mass
Olay Definity Color Recapture

moisturizer-- prestige
Estee Lauder Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15


hair

hair care, style & coloring- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up

hair care, style & coloring-- prestige
Living Proof, Inc. Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair


makeup

eye product-- mass
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

eye product-- prestige
Lancome Oscillation

face product-- mass
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation

face product-- prestige
Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation

lip product-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Pro-To-Go Lipstick

lip product-- prestige
YSL Rouge Volupte Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15



men's grooming

men's grooming
ZIRH Holdings LLC Drenched



scent

men's scent
PUIG USA Prada Infusion d'Homme Eau de Toilette Spray
fragrance supplier: Givaudan

women's scent-- mass
Avon Products, Inc. Bond Girl 007
fragrance supplier: Firmenich

women's scent-- prestige
Harajuku Lovers Fragrances "G"
fragrance supplier: Fragrance Resources



sun

sun product-- mass
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70

sun product-- prestige
Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream



Indie Beauty Award
NIA 24


tell me: are any of these products in your beauty arsenal?

congrats to all the winners!

xo

Spring Beauty 2009: Clinique First Blush

releasing next month is Clinique's spring collection, beautifully named, First Blush. this collection is all about sheer, pretty colors with a new product that makes adding color to the cheeks simple and easy, especially on the go.

i think First Blush is what we all hope for in a spring collection-- fresh, new pastels that add just the right amount of color to our eyes, cheeks and lips to give our faces a look that is so pretty!

take a look at the the products...



new Quick Blush:

Hurry Honey
Peach In-A-Pinch
Minute Mocha
Berry On Time


new Fresh Bloom Eye Shadow compacts:

Maple Blossom
Tiger Lily
Cherry Blossom
Apple Blossom

Long Last Glosswear SPF 15:

Honey Shimmer- limited edition
First Blush- limited edition
Air Kiss
Whisper

Lash Power Curling Mascara

Cartridge Pencil for Lips:

Earthy Rose
Mocha

Cartridge Pencil for Eyes

Jet Black
Charcoal Brown

First Blush will be available in february wherever Clinique is sold and online at clinique.com

so just from the images and info, are you excited to check out First Blush? let me know in the comments!

xo

holiday gift ideas for under $50, part five

here we are beauties, the last installment of gift-giving ideas! i don't know about you, but i'm done with my shopping! i really do hope that these past few weeks have inspired you in some way...so let's get to the final batch shall we?


first some books...


Influence by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen is an amazing book that consists only of interviews conducted by the Olsens (with editor Derek Blasberg in tow) with the world's most famous designers, photographers, artists, and tastemakers alongside pictures of them, their work, and the Olsens. it's a must-have coffee table book that they'll actually love to read!




Makeup Your Mind by Francois Nars is a comprehensive compilation of "before and after" photographs, each containing instructional acetate overlays, covering almost every face type, complexion, eye color, and facial feature found on the runway today. it's a makeup book designed and constructed as a durable paperback companion suitable for the vanity or for the car, sliding in and out of its attractive hardcover binder as needed, containing precise instructional guides on clear plastic overlays indicating exactly what goes where, allowing you to see the finished effect for perfect results! what woman wouldn't love this?



and for the beauty sets...


Jaqua Pink Champagne Set is an indulgent treat that she'll never have to feel guilty about! includes a shower creme, body butter and hand creme



Clinique Instant Pretty Set will be appreciated by the Clinique lover. if you're looking for last-minute gift, this is one that will be a hit! the kit includes everything she'll need to dress up her eyes and lips on the go. the fabulous cosmetics bag it comes in make everything travel-friendly, and can be used for years to come. includes six shades of Colour Surge Eye Shadow, High Impact Mascara, Long Last Lipstick, plus All About Eyes and Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips.



Cargo Holiday Nights Collection supplies all the tools to create a festive party look no matter what time of year. it's packaged in a luxurious cloth box with a mirror, and is the perfect gift for on-the-go beauty. features a removable insert so the pretty box can be used as a festive clutch or jewelry case.



Givenchy Very Irresistible Gift Set is something i am recommending because i love the scent so much! this set includes both the fragrance and a body lotion, and if you've never smelled it, the notes are geared at someone who is more into a floral fragrance, but looking for something new. bursting with roses and infused with star anise and verbena leaf, Very Irresistible Givenchy is a fresh departure from the traditional floral fragrance.


and some ideas for him...


Anthony Logistics The Perfect Shave Kit provides the closest, smoothest, most refreshing shave ever. thinking of my hubby, who asked for something practical, this kit would be a great purchase. i know he would appreciate all of the good-for-his-skin ingredients (nourishing vitamins, exfoliating glycolic acid, soothing aloe vera, and calming benzocaine) that are infused in the products that will make his shaving experience more enjoyable. it includes everything, even a premium, plush shaving towel, all tucked in a bag so he can keep everything together.



Peter Thomas Roth The Basics Kit is the perfect introduction to the brand and the perfect holiday gift, especially if he wants healthy looking skin! he'll be able to cleanse, exfoliate, treat and moisturize skin with best selling products for face and body. bonus: it's all conveniently packaged in travel-safe sizes, with a deluxe travel case.


have a great weekend!

xo

holiday gift idea: Clinique Black Honey Gift Set

the Clinique Black Honey Gift Set is on my wishlist this year, so of course, i highly recommend it as a gift idea for those on your list!

i'm such a sucker for gift sets, and during this time of year, it's pretty hard not to take advantage of every fabulous deal that is offered from my favorite brands!

this set includes:

*Almost Lipstick in Black Honey- the fabulous not-quite-lipstick, not-quite-lipgloss lipcolor in the super-dark shade that goes on sheer and looks great on most everyone.

*Shimmering Tones Bronzer to add a subtle glow to your everyday look.

*High Impact Mascara to give lashes both volume and length!

find the Clinique Black Honey Gift Set exclusively in Sephora stores and online at sephora.com

xo

holiday gift ideas for under $50, part four!

how are you my beauties? it's friday, and that means more gift ideas that are fun, fabulous and super-affordable!

this week is an eclectic mix of fun little items:




Origins Calm to Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla Milk Bath sounds divine right about now! but seriously, this amazing product will turn the bath into a relaxation station with the two most soothing smells: lavender and vanilla. plus, the milk mixture will soften your skin-- perfect for the winter months!



Sephora Swirl Bag Collection is perfect for the person in your life that needs more space for her beauty goodies (ahem, ahem...). really, if you know she needs more space to store her never-ending collection, than be a doll and get her some things to put them in! these bags are sold separately, but still cost less than $50 for the four!




Clinique Happy To Go fragrance pencils (yep, pencils) will help her create a new scent everyday, or create a signature scent that is all her own! includes Clinique Happy in the original scent, A Hint of Citrus and A Wealth of Flowers.




Hamadi EcoPac features a soymilk shampoo (choose ginger for all hair types or honey for volume), shea rice milk conditioner, and one healing serum in 2oz bottles that are airline friendly! the natural weave bag they come in can also double as a soft body cloth.




Harney & Sons Tea is my favorite brand of tea, and if you have a tea lover on your list, i suggest you take a look at the fabulous selection of blends and accessories! all of the flavors come in a variety of forms: bagged, loose and in sachets, so if you know how they prefer to make their tea, then you can choose it! my favorite? the Bangkok blend-- a green tea with a blend of lemongrass, coconut and ginger-- in sachets. love it! :)




Acca Kappa "The Flowering Seasons" Soap Set includes 4 amazingly luxurious bars of soap that are vegetable based, rich in scent and lather and are perfect for any skin type! i don't know any gal who wouldn't love these-- unless she doesn't like soap...





Betseyville by Betsey Johnson "Polka Bow" Clutch is too cute not to share! this would be great for the friend who loves to play up her outfits with an amazing accessory piece, or the relative who is spunky and not afraid of using color in her ensembles.





this Holly Golightly Sleep Mask is so adorable, and as you already may know was inspired by the sleep mask worn by Audry Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's (my all-time favorite movie!). so if you know a fan, this would definitely be a surprise for them to open!




Kim Vo Replenish Moisture Masque will give hair a hydrating, nourishing treatment like one that would be received with the much sought-after hair stylist, but without the hefty price tag!


next friday is the last installment of holiday gift ideas under $50, can you believe it? soon it will be 2009...*sigh*...until then, have a fabulous weekend!

xo

Buy Clinique All About Eyes and Get Two Free Treats!

if you or someone you know loves All About Eyes then read carefully!

Clinique is offering a fabulous deal right now that you should take advantage of! purchase a 1 ounce All About Eyes and you'll receive a travel-size Dramatically Different Lotion and Superbalm Lipgloss in Ginger plus free standard shipping!

Clinique also has some holiday gift cards they are giving away right now, so they will also be included in the whole order.

merry shopping!

xo

Holiday 2008: Clinique Blackberry Bloom

Clinique introduces a deep shimmering look for Holiday 2008, Blackberry Bloom.

this mysterious and oh-so-wearable collection makes the season even more gorgeous with soft yet bold hues.




get the Blackberry Bloom look:


for a shimmering daytime look, brush Colour Surge Eye Shadow Super Shimmer in Limited Edition Black Amethyst from lashline to crease. line upper lashline with Kohl Shaper For Eyes in Black Amethyst, blending softly. finish with High Impact Mascara in Limited Edition Black Honey.

to add drama for evening, deepen crease with a sweep of Colour Surge Eye Shadow Super Shimmer in Limited Edition Black Smoke. line both upper and lower lids close to lashline with Kohl Shaper For Eyes in Black Kohl, extending liner slightly at outer corner of upper lid; smudge. a second coat of mascara is the perfect finishing touch.


give cheeks a gorgeous glow with Fresh Bloom Allover Colour in Limited Edition Blackberry Bloom. sweep along cheekbone, from apple of cheek up toward temple.


instantly and gently create a fuller, lusher lip look with Full Potential Lips Plump and Shine in Blackberry Bloom.


i think even with these products being for the winter season, they would be amazing to have in your collection for spring! get them while you can...they won't be around for long.

find all of these products at your nearest Clinique counter and online at clinique.com

xo

new! Clinique Comfort On Call

if you have sensitive skin, you know it can become irritated from the slightest little things. this is never fun, and can also be discouraging. thankfully, there is a new product from Clinique that is here to help!

tested by a leading dermatologist who specializes in skin allergies on dry, sensitive and reactive skins, Comfort On Call provides the best barrier restoratives and skin comforters from nature and science to quiet reactivity.

this soothing face cream is ideal for dry, cracked, easily irritated skin, those bothered by wind and extreme cold, and is even appropriate for people with eczema or sensitive skin!

discover more at a Clinique counter near you or online at clinique.com

xo

Pink Products for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Clinique

Great Lips, Great Cause. Butter Shine Lipstick in Ribbon Pink by Clinique is another fabulous product that you can purchase to help in the fight against breast cancer!

this limited-edition Butter Shine Lipstick is sheer enough to work on nearly all skin tones, yet still pink. the modern formula saturates lips with ultra-shiny color, and a buttery-smooth, melt-on-your-mouth finish that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.

$10 per Butter Shine Lipstick in Ribbon Pink sold during the month of October will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

find it only at Sephora and sephora.com

xo

condtion your lips: Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment will give the soft, smooth lips that are desired by everyone. not only do smooth lips feel good, but they look good as well, especially if you are going to be wearing the darkest of dark shades that are so hot this fall!

this amazing little lip treatment claims to fill in lines and help boost collagen production, but all i know is that it keeps my lips smooth and comfortable feeling with no funny taste or smell. i apply it to my lips at night, and my lips feel smooth in the morning! i also like to put it on before i begin my makeup application to ensure my lips are prepped and ready for lipcolor.

i love that this product keeps my lips from drying out, and with the colder weather months upon us (well actually, i should say you, i'm still waiting for that cold weather-- it's like 100 degrees today where i live!), it's best to have something on hand to soothe and moisturize lips to keep them looking their best.

Clinique Repairwear Intensive Lip Treatment can be found at your local Clinique counter and online at clinique.com

xo

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

i keep reading about Clinique's new Even Better Skin Tone Corrector, and naturally i am curious:

to virtually undo the visible evidence of sun-damage, dark patches, age spots and even the inevitable darkening that follows acne scarring, this basically gives skin a clean slate, creating a brightness and clarity for all skin tones- gently.

Marie Claire magazine put this on their list of 25 products that will change your life, so how is that for buzzworthy? used twice daily on face, chest and hands results are generally seen on 4-6 weeks. when using this it is highly recommended that sunscreen be used everyday.

hopefully, i can get my hands on this soon, and give you the inside scoop on whether or not this actually works!

visit clinique.com for more information.

xo

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss

i have heard so many great things about Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss, so i decided to pick it up. i am so happy to report, it didn't disappoint!

my lips are soft, smooth, and oh-so-glossy. it's a bit sticky, but not in an annoying, lips-get-stuck-together-sticky, but the kind of sticky that makes it last a little longer then a normal gloss. i have to point out, though, it doesn't make any claims of being long wearing. i still have to reapply it a few times a day.

i love it in Rootbeer, an amazing sheer color in the nude family. the hint of mauve-brown makes it look it looks natural alone and fabulous over lipcolor. and i don't say this often, but Rootbeer is a color for all skintones, trust me. and there are seven other colors you just might love as well.

if you have dry, flaky lips, please pick this up! you need this antioxidant-rich gloss to nourish and hydrate your lips. after all, a girl can never have too many lipglosses!

find Clinique Superbalm at a department store near you and online at clinique.com

xo

take your superbalm with you for a spa day!

Clinique eGift Cards for Mother's Day

have you still not bought that gift for your mom?

the order shipping deadline has run out for most online stores by now, but Clinique has made giving your mom the perfect gift so simple and easy!

delight your favorite Clinique fan (that would be your mom) with the ultimate Clinique gift—- an eGift Card redeemable for custom-fit skin care, colour, fragrance and more. it arrives in just a few hours, and can be used 24/7 at clinique.com.

how fabulous is that?



then she can pick an amazing product like the brand new Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.

this rapid refreshment for the skin gives a full 12 hours of soothing moisture with an addictive by-a-waterfall feel. thank advanced hydration boosters and a new botanical blend that locks it in. Moisture Surge Extended Relief is able to hold skin’s moisture in balance through stressful shifts in humidity, like steamy exteriors and interiors parched by air conditioning. skin will never go thirsty again...

sounds like a product we could all use...



xo

memories and a lipstick...

do you ever stop and think back on your childhood and your first experiences with make-up or fashion?

for me, my first memories of make-up came from watching my mother "put on her face" each morning. it was like an event to me! i never wanted to miss it. i would get up in the morning, eat breakfast while my mother drank her coffee, and then go get dressed. as soon as i was dressed, i would go sit in the bathroom to watch her.

it was fascinating to me the way each "step " followed by the next: moisturizer followed by foundation (back then, two formulas, in two different colors, by Clinique were mixed to be her perfect shade), then set with a loose powder. eyeshadow colors of her choice were applied, and the effortless application of her liquid eyeliner soon came after. i don't remember whether or not she filled in her eyebrows, but i do remember the Cherries In the Snow lipstick that was applied after her mascara.

that Revlon lipcolor is probably just as big a part of my childhood as the other things, and people, that were in it. in the tube, it looks like a true red, but it was a bright cherry-red color on my mother's medium skin tone, and the stain remained on her lips even after "removing" it. she loved that lipstick, and always wore it. i would get to school, and my friends would point out the lipstick on my face (ugh..) left exactly where she had kissed me. i always had a reddish cheek for awhile because i insisted on rubbing it off. as i got older, i would have to remind my mom that her lipstick stained my skin, and it was so embarassing (!) to have a "kiss" stain on my cheek. she would kiss me anyway...

how funny that a lipstick stands out so prominantely in my memory. when it was discontinued, it felt as though a part of my childhood had gone missing. not that i had any plans of ever wearing that color -- too fushia on me-- but it was a comfort knowing it was there, but then it was gone. my mom was upset about it as well. thankfully, the demand from the public forced Revlon to bring it back. my mom has since discovered many other shades of lipsticks and glosses, but every so often that cherry-red lip is there-- and she now kisses my children with them. :)

i saw the tubes of Cherries in the Snow the other day in my favorite drugstore, and of course, it made me think of my mother, her morning make-up routine and the kiss stains on my cheek...

and i smile, because they are good memories...

xo

it's so hard to say goodbye...

"parting is such sweet sorrow"...all good things must come to an end"..."don't cry because it's over. smile because it happened"...

it is never easy to say goodbye. but, eventually, all things must end.

i'm not talking about me...i'm talking about cosmetic lines!

as the spring season approaches, new, and i must say, exciting, products are being introduced to the public. so, with that comes the inevitable end to many products. sad, yes, i know....
especially if something you love is being discontinued. there is nothing more disheartening then to find out your favorite lip color is a thing of the past or a beloved mascara will cease to exsist.

but don't let that keep you from discovering a new favorite! that is the best part about being a girl. we get to reinvent, rediscover and rejuvinate ourselves anytime we want. new seasons inspire this the most. i love a new eyeshadow or lipgloss. who am i kidding? i love anything new that helps me look and feel fabulous! that is what cosmetics are for, right?

here are just a few websites that are saying farwell to their products...

**clinique
**lancome
**estee lauder
**M.A.C
**bobbi brown


xo