hot lips & cheeks for Summer

Sunshiney! Hot! Fun! Bright! Carefree!  These are words we often associate with Summer, and accordingly they can be used to describe the season's latest collections of lip glosses and cheek colors.  They've got zip, they've got zing, but don't let the bold colors fool you, they are as gossamer and light as a Summer's breeze. And, to me at least, they are completely irresistible.  Here are the ones truly worth mentioning:

Guerlain Maxi Shine Lipgloss includes delectable colors like poppy, watermelon, and coral, that practically pop off the shelf with their vibrancy.  I'm giving you the link of course but the one-dimensional colors on the website don't nearly do them justice, you'll have to go to Nordy's or Sephora to see for yourself.  Anyway, the colors may seem intense but they apply quite sheer, so you can control the amount of color you want.  The formula is hydrating, gently plumping, and not at all sticky or goopy.  Nothing is worse in the Summer heat than a thick and gloppy lipgloss!

Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Lip Cooler is ingenious!  The all natural liquid lip balm/lip color is applied with a wand that has a cooling metal roller ball at the tip.  Not only does the roller ball smooth, soothe, and cool your lips, but it ensures only a hint of color is blended onto your mouth. And the colors are all soft and sheer anyway.  With shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and soybean oil it couldn't be more nourishing. It's a natural beauty!

Smashbox Heatwave Lipgloss Set is all you need for Summer.  Each one of the four colors is perfection itself and would be flattering on virtually any skin tone.  They come in the season's trendiest hues - just pop the set into your purse and you will be prepared for any occasion.  The cheery shades provide intense pigment and super shine, and are housed in adorable squat little rectangles.  I purchased my set within seconds of laying eyes on it!

Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee is getting tons of positive press lately and with good reason.  As with Korres it is a natural brand, and includes ingredients like the very hydrating and healthy coconut water.  But best of all is the super sheer consistency- a cross between a gel and a cream - that wears like a stain.  There is a shade for every skin tone and I can't imagine anyone not being satisfied with this little wonder.

If you haven't been out there to look at the summer color collections yet I really recommend that you do.  The hot and heavenly hues will be sure to get you in the spirit of things.  After all, the summer solstice is right around the corner.

fragrances for Summer

It seems like I spend the majority of the year longing for Summer.  I am never truly satisfied unless the temp is well over 70 degrees.  And it has been lately - thank goodness.  Thus I have already been wearing my Summer fragrances for weeks have been dying to blog about it.  To me a Summer scent must be as light as chiffon, as breathable as cotton, and as lovely as silk.  There certainly are some exciting Summer fragrances out there and I am especially taken with one of the newcomers.  So let me tell you all about them!

Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi truly is fabulous!  It is a vibrant and crisp floral that is also distinctly lemony.  It comes in bright pink packaging that looks just how the fragrance smells.  Or maybe the fragrance smells just like the packaging looks.  Either way, it comes across feminine, playful, and just a bit coquettish.  The top notes are citrus and nectarine, the heart notes are jasmine/freeesia/peony, and the base notes are sensual sandalwood, cedar, and vanilla. An irresistible blend!

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey smells like something one of the ancient Greek or Roman goddesses would wear.  It is nectar.  It is ambrosia.  It is falling in love.  I'd wear it on a picnic, or a first date, or some other flirty occasion.   Yes there is the fruity scent of peach, but the cloyingness has been tamped out of it with black currant and vetiver.  It is altogether the perfect Summer romance.

Vince Camuto Fiori is new and a limited addition, so I would not pass up this opportunity to add it to your collection.  It is a soft and fluffy floral that is at the same time energetic and youthful.  It is about as light as his original fragrance was heavy.  Pink grapefruit and white nectarine comprise the top notes, while the heart notes are iris and freesia, and the base notes are creamy sandalwood and blue cedar.  The concoction is alluring, delightful,and wholly satisfying for the Summer.

CREED Virgin Island Water is my favorite unisex fragrance and even though it is typically a Summer scent, I sometimes wear it in the depths of Winter just to dream of warmer days and perk myself up.  It also happens to come from my favorite perfume house that has been in the Creed family for seven generations.  It is class all the way!  This scent particularly brings to mind yachting, sun bathing, and cocktails on the patio.  There is a faint whiff of coconut, but mostly the notes are citrus tamed with base notes of hibiscus, ginger, ylang ylang, and white rum.  It is tropical without being over the top, so next time you are at Neiman's stop and check it out.

puffy-eye solutions

Probably the second most common skincare concern that clients come to me with is puffy eyes (sun damage/hyperpigmentation is the first).  A lot of times it's puffy eyes and dark circles but because I believe there is very little you can do for dark circles I am just going to focus on the puffiness.

So, eye bags...... there are two causes.  One is fluid retention which you can treat with a number of different products or at-home methods, and the other is fat deposits which you can't do anything about other than surgery.  If you try a few of the following solutions and do not notice a speck of difference, then you probably have fat deposits, but if in doubt consult your dermatologist.

There are a slew of home remedies for draining puffy eyes (soaked warm black tea bags applied over the eyes for 10 mins is my fave) but I am all about the products so I recommend you try one of these instant fixes:

For years Clarins Eye Revive Beauty Flash has been my favorite de-puffing, eye-brightening solution.  It's like the hang-over cure for stressed out eyes, and although the results are only temporary they are so sensational that it is worth keeping in your arsenal to whip out when drastic measures are called for - "revive" being the key word here.

Also a temporary solution but well worth it is Boscia Super Cool De-puffing Eye Balm.  Women of all ages adore this minty, soothing, refreshing de-puffer.  I rely on it heavily:  I've got one for my travel bag, one in my bathroom at home, and one in my locker at work.  It is a quick and easy and indispensable solution.  Also of note:  it is all-natural, cruelty-free, and animal-product-free.  Nice.

While those two are strictly de-puffers, there are some eye treatments that are all-in-one de-puffer/anti-agers. They cost a whole lot more but they do a whole lot more too.  My personal fave is Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum.  This stuff is hardcore.  It firms up loss of skin tone, softens wrinkles, and helps repair sun damage as well as seriously draining any fluid retention.  Dr. Gross is a clinical brand that offers clinical help.

La Prairie Essence Of Skin Caviar Eye Complex is an eye gel that eradicates bags, wrinkles, and crepyness.  This luxury brand from Switzerland specializes in anti-aging skincare so you know you are getting the very best.  Tired, over-taxed peepers will love this stuff, and it also makes the perfect base for eye makeup.  I have noticed this to be a particular hit with beauty editors.

With the exception of the Clarins, I suggest using these products at night to prevent puffiness AND in the morning to reduce any residual puffiness.

birthday bonanza

I don't know if you've noticed this but there seem to be an awful lot of springtime birthdays.  Everyone is having a birthday lately and it forces me to stretch my imagination for inventive 'must have' birthday gifts.  The perfect gift is something that the receiver would secretly covet yet not dare buy for herself.  It should be luxurious, pampering, whimsical, and inspiring.  Here are a few gems that fit the bill:

Bliss Softening Socks and Foot Patrol Set is like a spa treatment at home.  First of all, the Foot Patrol foot cream is my all time favorite foot cream.  It is cooling, soothing, super hydrating, and gently exfoliating to give you the silkiest feet imaginable.  And the smoothing socks contain a hydrating nourishing gel on the inside so if you apply the Foot Patrol before putting on the Softening Socks it amps up the treatment factor for the ultimate in tender soft feet.

Sephora Favorites Bottled Dreams Fragrance Sampler For Her is a great solution if you are dithering about what to get.  Fragrances are always fun, but it can be difficult to know which one would suit the recipient, however this sampler solves the problem.  It contains six adorable mini bottles of fragrance (and in my book this is Sephora's best selection of samples yet) for your loved one to try.  Then there is a coupon for her to redeem for a FREE full sized bottle of her favorite fragrance in the kit.  It's a no brainer!

Fornasetti Candles are the ultimate in luxury, sophistication, and aesthetics.  The ornamental containers are to die for and would add an artful note to any room in the house.  The scents are harmonious and one of a kind.  Yes, they are outrageously expensive but that's what makes them a cherished gift.  Think of it as buying a little work of art for the person who truly embodies a flair for style.

Cowshed products are playful and unique.  They are a British brand of bath, body, skincare, and home goodies that are plant-based, and pretty much only available on line.  The prices are in pounds but believe me your credit card will work, and the shipping is fast and easy.  The names of the bath and candle lines are mischievously called things like 'grumpy cow', lazy cow',  'horny cow'.  There is even a sampler of their best sellers.  You can be sure no one else will be giving your friend something like this!

lighten up - moisturizers for warm weather

It's time to lighten up.  Finally!  Spring and Summer can never come soon enough in my book but when they inevitably get here you'll want to change your skincare regimen from the weighty winter products to something that is less likely to make you sweat.

This is also the time of year when people get more conscientious about using products with sunscreen, and while that is not a bad thing per se, it can be misleading. First of all, forget your makeup has any sunscreen in it, it won't make a bit of difference.  And while it is noble of you to want to use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, just keep in mind that the spf will only be protecting you for the first couple hours after application.  Do not make the mistake of thinking you can moisturize in the morning and be covered for the whole day.  I am tempted to say don't even bother with a spf moisturizer and just be diligent with a separate sunscreen, however I am willing to concede that a little spf is better than none at all.

That said I will make some recommendations for super summer moisturizers including those with spf in them - just because I know you want it.  These guys provide wonderful hydration and vitamins without clogging your pores or sliding off your face:

Bliss Fabulous Face Lotion With SPF 15 is a cult favorite.  In fact it is so cult-like a lot of people don't even know about it, but those who do are very happy indeed.  It is creamy without being heavy because its main hydrating ingredient is glycerin, while oils are low on the list.  It is packed with vitamins (including the very hydrating B5), anti-oxidants, and anti-aging omegas, so you can rest assured you are doing something good for your skin.

Peter Thomas Roth Clini-Matte All Day Oil-Control SPF 20 is a moisturizer, mattifier and sunscreen all in one. Absolutely perfect to control oil in humid climates or for naturally oily skin! Furthermore, PTR is a superb clinical brand that is going to give you plenty of skincare benefits.  Men particularly love this stuff because of the no-frills, packaging, scent, and texture.  I've even had bald clients use it on the top of their head.

Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil Free is the one to get if you are concerned with early signs of aging.  Notice no spf, because if you are truly concerned with anti-aging you will apply a separate sunscreen every two hours throughout the day.  Amore Pacific is a luxury brand from Korea and their products are all made with bamboo sap which is extra nourishing and anti-defying.  This gel moisturizer hydrates with hyaluronic acid - a great, non-greasy, way to go.

Skinceuticals Face Cream makes the ideal Summer weight moisturizer for those with dry mature skin.  Skinceuticals is a much beloved spa brand that excels in all areas of skincare,  but particularly anti-aging.  This cream does wonders for the skin and better than its humble name 'Face Cream' it should be called 'Fantastically Firming Smoothing Tightening Glowing Face Cream'.

fragrances for Spring

As far as I am concerned, the only good things about post-holiday Winter are the award shows and the Spring launches.  Deep into February here, I am craving all things Spring.  I already bought a spring eye shadow palette and now the Spring-like fragrances are calling to me.  Some just launched and others launched a little while back, but whatever the case I am ready for them STAT.  They are all so enticing I am having trouble narrowing it down to just one, so here are a few of my faves:


Escada Cherry in the Air is a sweet treat indeed.  The quintessential fruity floral, it has notes of Black Cherry, Raspberry, Mandarin, Marshmallow, Gardenia, Coconut, Sandalwood, and oakwood. Something about it is both comforting and achingly familiar - a scent you want to bask in.

Kenzo Amour I love You is a fresh fruity floral with the emphasis on floral.  The bottle is exquisite and contains a formula of pink grapefruit, redcurrant, cherry blossom, rose, lilac, white musks, and cedarwood.  This ethereal fragrance will make you feel like you are falling in love.

Pleats Please by Issey Miyake is quite different from his usual fragrances - perhaps a bit more  exuberant and whimsical.  Notes of Nashi pear, peony, sweet pea, cinnamon, cedar, patchouli, and vanilla unfurl and captivate .  Inspired by Miyake's signature fashion collection, it is called "the perfume that moves you".

Balenciaga Florabotanica is a sexy edgy floral.  Including notes of Turkish Rose, hemp, carnation, mint, caladium leaves, amber, and vetiver root, it has more of a green garden scent than most floral perfumes.  Look out, it is fast becoming a cult favorite.

Valentines gift ideas for your guy

Based on the numerous boyfriends and husbands I've had over the years, I find that most guys love being gifted with grooming products they normally wouldn't buy for themselves.  Grooming products are personal, almost intimate, and show that you care - just the thing for Valentines Day.  It's sharing a bit of yourself and your beauty world with him, and makes him feel special.  That said, I would base your selection of products on your guy's needs and preferences:  is he low-maintenance or high maintenance?  A fragrance lover, or fragrance-free?  Does he have sensitive skin or any other skincare concerns that he doesn't know how to address?

Hopefully one of these ideas will resonate with your guy's personality:

Molton Brown Black Pepper Body Wash is the difinitive men's grooming gift. In general Molton Brown products make the perfect gift because they are a luxury brand from England, something beyond the ordinary.  The Black Pepper scent is particularly sensual and masculine - a blend of spicy, woodsy, and a tad bit of citrus.  If you think your guy would want a corresponding body lotion, there is a fantastic gift set of shower gel/lotion.  Definitely a treat!

Not all men like a liquid body wash so for those who prefer a bar soap Bliss Mammoth Minty Scrub Soap is the way to go.  It is the ultimate refreshing and invigorating morning pick-me-up.  Great for the no-frills frugal guy because it gives a superior clean and will last him forever.  None of that fru-fru fragrance here.  To complement the minty soap why not bake your lover a batch of gooey mint brownies - he will be over the moon.

You would not believe how many men are looking for a great hand cream, and L'Occitane has the ideal solution.  Their (virtually unscented) Shea Butter Hand Cream provides superior hydration without being sticky or greasy, and it absorbs easily into the skin.  Men who work with their hands - from construction to message - love it, and men with aggravating skin conditions appreciate it as well.  Also the large, spare, non-nonsense packaging couldn't be more man-appropriate.

If you are looking to buy your guy a fragrance, Atelier Cologne Vetiver Fatale Cologne Absolute is a unique scent that has wide appeal.  It's not too heavy, not too perfumey, but is naturally masculine, including notes of Haitian Vetiver, dark oud, Texas cedarwood, and citrus.  Atelier Cologne is a couture perfume house that makes what I consider essentially unisex fragrances.  I highly recommend that you check some of their other scents for yourself or share the Vetever Fatale with your guy.

For the ultimate in nostalgia get your man the Classic Shaving Black Stoneware Complete Shaving Kit.  The black stoneware mug with premium shave soap, old-fashioned safety razor (and extra blades), and badger bristle brush are totally retro cool.  This is a special gift for a special guy, and I think he would be delighted to receive it.

If none of these presents strike a chord for you, see my post grooming gifts for your guy to get more gift ideas for men.