Make Up Beauty Tips

One of the things I love about gifting with beauty is it truly is a gift that keeps on giving.  And each time the recipient uses that item, it reminds them of the one who gave it.  I find that's especially true when the giver takes the likes and desires of the recipient in mind.  What I mean by that, for instance, is if your mom has been complaining about itchy, dry, rough skin on her upper arms and you know she also enjoys citrus, a verbena scented body scrub would make such a special gift. Right? Of course, right.

With that in mind, here are a few products I can recommend to you for gifting, each with its own special properties.


POMEGA5 ROSE SYSTEM
Have a mom who loves flowers, perhaps even the traditional and lovely fragrance of roses?  I promise you, you cannot go wrong with Pomega5's Rose System.  Readers already know Pomega5 is one of my absolute most favorite skincare brand out there.  Based on using the highly coveted pomegranate seed oil, this is a family run company that takes time to create high quality, gorgeous, effective products, often receiving inspiration for their products from their extensive home garden.  There's not been a single item I've been even the slightest bit disappointed in. Everything I've tried I've loved, cherished and delighted in. Each product contains its very own special properties and each smells so delicious you can't wait to use them. I truly believe in this brand!

While 60% of us buy flowers for our moms every year, this year we can give her roses through the sure-to-make-her-feel-good Rose System that’s actually good for her. Pomega5’s Rose System makes you feel calm and refreshed, and the pure, organic ingredients will help regenerate skin to its youthful and bright complexion. Available exclusively direct from Pomega5.  $135 for the set.



AMALA HYDRATE SPA VALISE
Amala Hydrate Spa Valise Set replenishes and sustains skin'­s moisture level with organic Egyptian Jasmine, renowned for its nourishing, smoothing and antioxidant benefits for skin. Amala's certified organic Jasmine is cultivated and custom distilled in Egypt by their own fair trade farm partner.  Your skin feels so refreshed, soothed and pampered. This is the gift of responsible, results-driven skincare. Rich in organic whole plants, the conveniently packaged, proven-effective treatments beautify the skin and benefit the earth.  Eco-luxe organic hemp and woven paper valise.  Available at Spirit Beauty Lounge.   $102 for the set.



ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY D.I.Y. FACIAL RITUAL GIFT SET
Offering innovative prescriptive skincare, Elemental Herbology products address the changes that occur in the skin as a result of seasonal, lifestyle and hormonal change. Formulated to help restore equilibrium, the brand is committed to helping their customers achieve healthy and radiant skin. They are performance focused, yielding that ‘feel good factor’, their products combine clinically-tested bio-actives with over one hundred unique plant, mineral and marine extracts and pure delicately scented flower oils.

This is the perfect introduction kit to give you a wonderful discovery of this fabulous skincare brand. Love, love, love Elemental Herbology.  I can't believe this kit is only $55.  Available at Beauty Bar.



CLARISONIC MIA
If your mom doesn't own a Clarisonic yet, this is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t occasion to treat her to one. From the Clarisonic family of sonic skin-cleansing products, the one-button, one-speed, one-minute Mia is perfect for those wanting a convenient, less costly (from the traditional Clarisonic system), yet effective way to cleanse while traveling--or anytime. This award-winning waterproof, rechargeable, professional-caliber brush uses gentle sonic micro-massage action to cleanse deeply. It works so well, it helps other skin-care products absorb better. It cleans pores--loosening dirt, makeup, and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It's proven to remove six times more makeup than traditional superficial cleansing, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft, pampered, radiant, and younger-looking--without harsh abrasion or chemicals. It's so gentle, you can use it twice a day.

Clarisonic Mia Systems retail between $124 - $150 and are available worldwide.  I recommend purchasing from b-glowing (looove them! great customer service and they include fabulous samples) and QVC (sometimes available with easy pay options).


JABONERIA MARIANELLA SOAPS
Handmade soaps, each with its own distinctive artistic flair and a childhood memory attached.  That's what Venezuelan-born Marianella Febres-Cordero has created with her gorgeous and luxurious line of soaps.  This is one of my very favorite places to shop when I have a gift to buy!  Each bar smells luscious and creates such a beautiful focal point, wherever you place it.  You just can't help but be transported to another place and time through the stories Marianella tells for each soap inspiration. Each bar is infused with its own special essential and fragrance oils. It's a sensual experience through and through. Truly lovely!


Jaboneria Marianella bars (there's a men's line too) are available directly through them. $14


THIS WORKS "CRACKERS"
I love these ... and so unique. Love Lip Cracker contains a nourishing preservative-free balm that's been designed to melt at body temperature so it is easily absorbed into skin. With a rich formula packed with the earth's most moisturizing ingredients and an exotic blend of Monoi Oil, Rose Oil and Cocoa Butter, the balm hydrates lips, soothes and protects skin. Peace Eye Cracker contains a lovely little eye serum/cream that has garnered rave reviews for dark circle reduction and improvement in lines and undereye bags. The soothing blend of serum brightens and refreshes eyes using a fusion of regenerating and moisturizing glycerin, arnica, aloe vera and cucumber. Both are available at Beautyhabit. $14 each.


TALLULAH JANE NATURAL PERFUMES
Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. No two vintages are exactly alike so your Tallulah Jane scent is always unique; designed my nature - especially for you. Tallulah, their signature scent, is the most fabulous jasmine scent I've ever tried. Creamy jasmine notes and heady tuberose combine for a scent that is timeless yet so ultra cool! And be on the look out soon for a feature on their newest creation, Hope. I can't wait to tell you more about it and the company's generous collaboration with the American Cancer Society for their Pink & Black Tie Gala. Tallulah Jane perfumes are available at Spirit Beauty Lounge. $48 - $58


LOVE + TOAST and TOKYO MILK CURIOSITIES
Such whimsical packaging, gorgeous formulas and sweet, decadent aromas are yours with a little purchase of Love + Toast or Tokyo Milk products. They feature an assortment of perfumes, soaps, lip balms and hand creams that are unlike any you've tried before. Experience scent combinations like mandarin tea, honey coconut, lemon mint, citrus gin blossom, or tantalize with a sophisticated blend of fresh greens, cassis, white iris and bronzed musk crushed and distilled to perfection. Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk and Tokyo Milk Dark are by beauty entrepreneur Margot Elena Wells, who also brought us Lollia. Her natural beauty line will be released soon, nectar + pollen - can't wait! Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk products are available at b-glowing and Beautyhabit. $6 - $28


Candles & Home Fragrance
Continue the heavenly scents experience for mom with a beautifully packaged candle or unique home fragrance idea.  Nothing warms the mood of a room or the essence of a soul quite like the candlelight.

AEDES DE VENUSTAS GLOW BOX
Presented in their signature black Aedes gift box the Glow Box contains their popular Lime Coconut Sea Salt Exfoliator, Claus Porto's Tuberose soap and a L'Artisan Parfumeur votive candle.  Available at Aedes. $80


L'ARTISAN PARFUMEUR PARIS VOTIVES COFFRETS
The exclusive and limited edition gift coffret contains three L'Artisan Parfumeur votives.  Les Best is composed of Orangers en Fleurs, Intérieur Figuier and Mûre Sauvage; Les Orientales is composed of Ambre, Thé et Pain d’Epices and Ile Bourbon. Available at Aedes. $60 (each set)

SLATKIN & CO.
Flower Shop is a delightful scent of fresh-cut spring flowers - sweet lilac, pink freesia and hyacinth layered with cooling greens.  This 14.5 oz, 3-wick candle has a burn life of 40 - 65 hours and is available at Bath & Body Works. Fresh Bamboo is another fabulous scent - very clean smelling. Special Sale Price: 2 candles for $30 any assortment of scents (reg. $19.95 each).

AVENUE CANDLE COLLECTION
Years of traversing the globe searching for extraordinary fragrances is the inspiration for Avenue Candle Collection; each unique candle brings the characteristics and mood of some of the most famous streets in Avenue's favorite cities into our homes.  Avenue's Regent Street highlights notes of Earl Grey Tea and Violet.  Bergamot Citrus and Black Tea leaves are married with a hint of honey and neroli for a deeply rich fragrance.  Available  at LAFCO New York. Burn time: 75 - 85 hours.  $48


SANTA MARIA NOVELLA SCENTED TABLETS
Here's a divinely unique idea.  Santa Maria Novella Scented Tablets are 100% organic and natural essential oils mixed with beeswax from the fertile Tuscan fields and bee farms of Santa Maria Novella. Too beautiful to be hidden, tablets can be placed in drawers, hung in closets (ribbon is already attached) or simply left out in the open on a tray to freshen and scent the surrounding space. Tablets are completely safe and organic and will not stain clothing or fabrics, however wax will become malleable at very high room temperatures (85+ degrees F).  Lavender and rose oils, lavender blossoms and rose buds for a fresh romantic scent. Available at LAFCO New York, and also available in the scents of Orange/Cinnamon and Potpourri. $30

Wishing you and your mothers a most fabulous Mother's Day weekend!  xo

Four new fragrances join the Lubin family of eau de toilettes and Aedes de Venustas has them.  The stories behind the fragrances are as sensual and evocative as the scents themselves.


Aziyadé, a young Circassian harem girl imprisoned in an oriental palace, embodies the unreachable and sensual beauty of which every man dreams. The word “inédite” means “unpublished” in French, like the story the young author in love with Aziyadé didn’t dare tell.
The sweet seduction of sugared almonds warms up into a harmony of vanilla and roses, reminding us of those spicy sweets so adored by oriental beauties. After a top note of rose water that is fresh and pure like a Sicilian orange, Inédite is a sweet and spicy creation adorned with a floral harmony of heliotrope, lilac and rose, and topped with a fruity note of nectarines.
Vanilla, iris and patchouli transform the sweet seduction of sugared almonds into aromas of cinnamon, pepper and coriander. Cedar and musk base notes make its Eastern-inspired foundation even more irresistible.

• Top notes: Sicilian mandarin, bergamot, pink peppercorns from Mexico.
• Middle notes: Russian coriander and cinnamon, Javanese cloves, heliotrope and lilac, nectarine, Damask rose and cabbage rose.
• Base notes: Vanilla, iris, patchouli, Kashmir cedar, white musk.

Bold and seductive like the Figaro from Beaumarchais’ plays, Figaro by Lubin takes liberties with conventions much like the character that inspired it. An extremely original unisex fragrance, its construction is based on the daring opposition of vetiver and fig, which starts out green and ends up with gentle amber and woody base notes.
At the heart of this fragrance is a counterpoint of vetiver and fig brightened by notes of apple, clover and plum. Cilantro evokes the green of nature and seaside pines, mingling with ocean breezes. These woody, amber tones finally give way to vetiver, sandalwood, tonka bean and benzoin balm base notes.

• Top notes: Grapefruit, bergamot, pink peppercorns, marine pine.
• Middle notes: Fig and apple, Damson, coriander leaves, clover.
• Base notes: Essence of vetiver, styrax, sandalwood, tonka bean.

Bluff is at first a refreshing invigorating blend of citrus fruits, wood extracts and spices. It then reveals itself as an extremely elegant yet sensual unisex eau de parfum.

The composition is inspired from the invigorating remedies supplied to the pioneers in the Wild West during the gold rush. Once developed by emigrant physicians, these tonics were first considered as medicines. They would soon become a part of American culture, and later be transformed into soft drinks for young people.

A distinguished fragrance with deceiving first impressions: crowned with lime, bergamot and an accord of nutmeg and cinnamon, Bluff opens as fresh and spicy. It then reveals sensual, with mouthwatering heart notes of clary sage, iris and kola nut. This blend rests on an exquisite foundation of Vetiver cedar, patchouli and sandalwood vanilla.

• Top notes: lime, bergamot, nutmeg and cinnamon.
  
• Middle notes: Clary sage, iris and kola nut.
  
• Base notes: Vetiver, cedar, patchouli and sandalwood vanilla.
  

The Mississippi River finds its main source in the legendary Lake Itasca in the heart of Minnesota. Itasca by Lubin is reminiscent of the forests covering the American landscape once inhabited by the Algonquin tribes and pioneers exploring their depths.
Core notes of Minnesotan red pine mingle with a base of amber, incense, vetiver Java and Texas cedar woods. After fresh top notes of juniper berries, a spicy harmony then unfolds where dominant woody notes are accented with clove and nutmeg.
A spiced vetiver, Itasca opens with citrus fruits refreshed by juniper berries, followed by a harmonious combination of oriental woods, vetiver, and red Minnesotan pine. This scent evokes the forests that surround Lake Itasca, the source of the great Mississippi river, and a legendary place guarded by Algonquin Indians.

• Top notes: Neroli, marigold, mandarin, juniper berry and grapefruit.
• Middle notes: Clove, tonka bean, clary sage, nutmeg, geranium flower.
• Base notes: Itasca red pine (pinus resinosa), Java vetiver and Texan cedar, Partak incense, Ethiopian myrrh, amber and Canadian fir balsam.

The Inedite is seriously calling my name!  Can you hear it?
All four Lubin fragrances above are available in 2.5 oz eau de toilette contemporary glass bottles and retail for $110 each.  For more information on these glorious fragrances, please visit aedes.com.

AGONIST is a Nordic fragrance brand inspired by the melancholy and beauty of film, poetry and literature from Bergman, Boye and Garbo and other iconized characters from Swedish Culture.

AGONIST creates pure fragrances inspired by the Nordic climate. Raw materials and product give form to the Swedish but even more Nordic clarity – fresh with a vigourous weight and beautiful low tones.

In close collaboration with professional perfumers in Grasse, France, unique Eau de Parfums are created for the individual rather than for men or women. The fragrances are carefully embraced by handcrafted Swedish glass created in collaboration with glass artist Åsa Jungnelius at Kosta Boda, - Swedens most prestigious glassworks in use, founded 1742 and situated in the forests of Småland, Sweden.

And new for June 2010, AGONIST Parfums introduces its exquisitely luxurious The Infidels Eau de Parfum.

“If it were only a gleaming fantasy, gushing in the darkness, It would have dried up in the day. But it became a play with smiles, hesitation, and glances, which grew into a desire. The desire blossomed into a shivering flower of lost control, breaking a solemn promise and doing apart. Cutting love in half.”

Presented in an unlimited edition handcrafted flacon designed by Åsa Jungnelius for Kosta Boda. Every bottle is unique and a natural development out of the first two editons by Agonist Parfums.

 
AGONIST The Infidels is available in a 1.7 oz edp bottle and retails for $495; it is available this month at Aedes de Venustas.

Intelligence and Fantasy EDT (first in the series)

The launch of The Beautiful Mind fragrance series this January 2010 marks an unprecedented collaboration between a well-known nose, a renowned graphic design company – and an intellectual prodigy.

They are, respectively, Berlin-based Geza Schoen, MeCompany in London and Christiane Stenger who, at the age of 12, became a Grandmaster of Memory and the Junior World Memory Champion.

Schoen, well-known for the cult sensation Escentric Molecules and Stenger, now a political science student in Munich spent the month of July 2007 working together on what would eventually become The Beautiful Mind.

“It was so exciting to get an insight into something which is so hidden,” Stenger recalls. “Geza has so much to tell – about fragrance, about the sense of smell – and I learned so much. It was all over much too soon.” It was a learning curve for Schoen too. “Memory is infinite,” he says. “Nothing touches it like the sense of smell. So it was amazing to watch Christiane use her special memory skills while we were working with the raw materials.” It was this “gift of nature” as he calls it that Schoen set out to match with a fragrant co-relative.

The goal was a scent that would appeal to head and heart, by connecting the mobility of the mind with the depth of memory. “An ode to summer and its memories,” is Schoen’s description. “A refreshing sparkle followed by tropic flowers, luscious woods and musk.”

Famed perfume house, L'Artisan, is getting ready for a series of three new perfume launches this fall. In October, the french niche perfumery will introduce its own new scent called Fleur de Liane (Vine Flower) to be offered exclusively at eight New York-based Barney's stores and five of its L'Artisan boutiques stateside. All three of the upcoming fragrances are said to be unisex and blended by perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour, who became L'Artisan's in-house perfumer six months ago. L’Artisan’s Fleur de Liane fragrance was inspired by Duchaufour’s travels to the Panamanian island of Bahia Honda during the rainy season. “The idea was to capture the scent of the forest,” he said, adding the result is an “abstract concept, [the aroma] of an imaginary flower.”

Also in October, a collaborative fragrance with Aedes de Venustas, the gorgeous perfume boutique in New York, will be unveiled. The Aedes de Venustas scent, a woody-oriental eau de parfum, was unveiled at a luncheon held at the Manhattan home of Marjorie and Michael Loeb on Thursday. The scent features top notes of orange, pink pepper, cardamom and incense; a heart of black pepper, rose, iris and cedarwood, and base notes of patchouli, coffee, opoponax, benzoin and tree moss. Notes of white musk and vanilla have been added for a soft touch.

The trio will round off with L'Artisan's launch of a fragrance they are developing for L.A.-based perfumery Scent Bar, of Luckyscent.com heritage, in November. The scent, in its infant stages, is going by the code name Chaparral, taking its name from Southern California’s dominant dry shrub plant community that the fragrance’s notes intend to capture. Scent Bar co-owner Adam Eastwood says of L'Artisan, "They really have a history of painting a picture with a fragrance and that struck us as something we wanted to do.”

And so they do ...

source: wwd

New at Aedes de Venustas, inspired by the famous Toscano cigars of Lucca in Italy, Santa Maria Novella's latest addition Tabacco Toscano opens with a sparkling fruity-floral note and quickly changes into a warm and leathery yet airy tobacco scent. You can learn more about this new fragrance here, or to garner a bottle (3.3 oz) of the cologne at $96.

Lubin, creators of perfumes since 1798 and supplier to royal courts since the early 19th century, has introduced two new fragrances to follow in the footsteps of Idole de Lubin. The perfume house was originally created by Pierre François Lubin from a small venue located at Rue Ste. Anne in Paris and sold perfumed ribbons, ball masks and rice powders to the renowned establishment that perfumed the Imperial court. Wow - what a history!

unisex: 75 ml ~ 125 ml EDT $95 ~ $120

men: 75 ml ~ 125 ml EDT; $95 ~ $120