REVIEW: Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel

Selected as a Cosmetic & Personal Care (CPC) Packaging 2009 Editor's Choice Award Winner, Per-fekt's Eye Perfection Gel is winning women over too with its unique applicator tip and multi-function formula.

Each year, CPC Packaging reviews hundreds of product launches from the previous year and this year Per-fékt Eye Perfection Gel was named for the best outstanding package. The product features an exclusive palladium tip applicator that instantly cools skin and reduces puffiness upon application. This revolutionary, multi-functional skin-perfector, eye treatment and moisturizer-in-one is formulated especially for the delicate eye area and helps smooth away the appearance of puffy, tired-looking eyes, under eye shadows, fine lines and wrinkles, while also hydrating the skin. Peptides help stimulate the synthesis of collagen; ceramides and hyaluronic microspheres hydrate and firm the skin; cucumber extract helps relieve puffiness; and alpha lipoic acid with vitamins A & E fight aging.

Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel is a multi-tasking, modern gel-mousse that glides on effortlessly to instantly leave the eye area with a smooth, airbrushed finish - perfect alone or a fantastic primer for eyeshadow. This multi-tasking formula contains a light-reflecting tint that brightens tired-looking eyes, and it's free of oil, talc, wax, fragrance, and parabens.

So here's my experience: The silver (palladium) tip is excellent at providing a cooling sensation to tired, puffy morning eyes. In combination with the cucumber extract, it definitely provides a soothing experience for the delicate undereye area - no question. Additionally, I'm actually quite impressed, though not surprised, with the texture and finish this creamy-powdery-gel-mousse product provides. If you've tried Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel (their version of a facial primer), the eye gel is very much like it in feel and finish. Per-fekt recommends applying two layers of the gel allowing about 30 seconds drying time between applications for best lifting, lightening and smoothing results. Very similar to a primer, the lines around my eyes are less noticeable and my undereye area is definitely left with a "softened" appearance. Would I use this alone without concealer? No. I mean, maybe on a Saturday or Sunday running errands, but for work days or nights out I definitely need the extra coverage concealer provides. I have one of the tinted shades ("Bright," the lightest of the three shades as I am very fair), but it blends so well into skin I don't notice much in way of coverage. The gel leaves the area feeling soft and makeup/concealer application is easier when used as a primer. I also appreciate the skincare factor the gel gives, though I'm not advocating for ridding your drawers and bags of night time eye treatments and/or moisturizers.

So nice is the feel and appearance this product gives that I've used it as a primer/line fill/pore reducer for my forehead and the area on either side of my nose as well. Though the price of this little gem does not lend itself for all-over coverage (it's a tiny tube, only .3 oz of product), it could easily be used as a facial primer with great results.

Per-fekt Eye Perfection Gel is available in four varieties - Awake (colorless), Bright (sheer, light neutral), Refreshed (sheer, medium beige) and Vibrant (warm tan for olive or darker skins); and retails for $45. Per-fekt brand beauty products are available at Per-fekt Beauty online, Sephora (in-store and online), Henri Bendel, Takashimaya, HSN and Fred Segal.

Three Custom Color Specialists Bestows Loving Gift upon Their Customers

Wow! Trae and the sweet angels at Three Custom Color Specialists are showing their customers some huge love this week. In a note to customers, 3C expressed their gratitude to customers who have had to battle what they've described as poor website functioning over the past few months.

"As many of you know, over the last few months our site has been experiencing
periodic trouble – timing out, not displaying images properly, running painfully
slow, etc. We have been working very hard with our server to get these problems
ironed out, but it has been slow going. We have now been assured that our site
is running smoothly and will it continue to do so moving forward.
We can
only imagine how frustrating it has been for so many of you, and while we have
done our best to help you personally over the phone and by email, we realize
that in certain cases, our help was only a small consolation after wrestling
with our uncooperative website. We are so grateful for your continued support of
our brand, and now that the site is up and running properly, we wanted to thank
you and treat you to a special offer."

Mmmmm ... and some sweet offer it is. Enjoy 40% off sitewide for 3 days, starting today (thru midnight Oct. 1). This is a great time to stock up on your Ready to Wear and Custom favorites or to try something new that you’ve been curious about! Already know what I'm picking, dying to try their new for fall Opaline Creme Eye Definer in that lapis shade, Aurora. Oh, oh, oh ... so excited!

Enter code: LOVE at checkout.

Fantastic! Thanks, guys (and gal), this is just too delicious an offer to pass up. Happy shopping, everyone. xo

Aveda Gives a Hand to Breast Cancer Research

As has been Aveda's tradition since 2004, this year Aveda is again raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) by selling their limited edition, 150ml/5oz tube (a 19% increase in size with a 7% savings for guests) of Hand Relief.

Aveda's hand cream is an incredibly rich moisture therapy. It soothes
dry hands, leaving them noticeably softer and smoother. Hydrating plant
emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants—including
vitamins A and E—help diminish signs of aging and provide optimal relief. It has
a lovely fresh scent.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder and dedicated to funding clinical and genetic research on breast cancer at medical institutions across the globe. During the month of October, Aveda will donate $4 from the sale of each Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief to the BCRF to help advance the understanding of environmental links to breast cancer.

Help a very worthy cause and enjoy wonderful hand care simultaneously. BCA limited edition Hand Relief will retail for $21 and will be available for purchase through the month of October at Aveda online and through their salons, spas and institutes.

New from NARS: Eyeliner Stylo

NARS has introduced Eyeliner Stylo, a super-fine precision tip liquid eyeliner that allows for maximum control during application. The unique tip ensures a precise, even line with just one stroke. I'm drooling at the promo image. Regular readers will know I'm a huge fan of Lancome's Artliner eyeliner pens and haven't found anything close to its brilliance in application. I don't know, this just may give them a run for the money. I know I'll be trying them for sure.



The waterproof, quick-drying formula delivers a high dose of pigment for optimum coverage and intense color.

High pigment formula provides optimum coverage and intense color
Long-wearing, quick-dry formula shapes and defines eyes - lasts all day
Super-fine precision tip ensures an even line - thick or thin

NARS new Eyeliner Stylos come in three shades, Blue Bayou (that's the one I'll be buying first), Nuits Blanches (a shiny black), and Nabucco (a chocolate brown), each retails for $27. They are available exclusively at NARS Cosmetics online.

Ok, gotta go put my face on and get to work ... have a beautiful day, lovelies! xo

Field Notes from Paris, a New Fragrance by Ineke

Ineke just returned from Paris where she launched Field Notes from Paris in Florence, Amsterdam and London. The fragrance is now available at Takashimaya in the USA and through Ineke's website online. Samples of the collection for current online customers will be available in October. With a collection of notes that promises to be nothing short of scrumptious, Field Notes from Paris is the very essence of the smells of fall.

Top Notes: Coriander Seed, Orange Flower, Bergamot

Middle Notes: Tobacco Flower and Leaf, Patchouli, Cedarwood

Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Leather, Beeswax and Vanille

Field Notes from Paris is available in Ineke's sophisticated, elegant glass bottle; 2.5 oz retails for $88.

Bottega Veneta Spring 2010 RTW

"Architectual," "organic," "sculptural," "the most beautiful collection shown yet this season," these are all words used to describe Bottega Veneta's Spring 2010 easy, lively collection. Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta decided upon a collection of sheer individualistic playfulness completely conscious of the female body as the core inspiration for Spring 2010. "I think of it as a collaboration with women," he said. "The clothes are meant to be a backdrop, a blank canvas, so the wearer can play with color and accessories to change the look and make it her own." The concept of the neutral background came when he saw a group of children being dropped off at a karate class in Florida, where he lives: "I liked the look of the canvas, and that became my color card—white, cream, straw. And the idea of the soft belt."

White cotton, edged in cream, made up milkmaid dresses with slashed or funnel necklines and wraparound blouses. Panelled white bra tops came under roomy jersey vests and white silk all-in-ones were accessorised with a purple or yellow scarf thrown around the neck and totes and espadrilles made of what looked like woven raffia but were in fact nappa leather.

High wedge sandals with woven espadrille soles, delicate string macramé slingbacks, statement jewelry, and an amazing translation of the house leather intrecciato bag into something resembling a soft straw basket. The collection epitomzed the season's feeling for sport, pale color, and the textured aesthetics of humble materials with a flair for sophistication. Neural colors were the staple of the clothing, and the few colors that were showcased included that fashion forward mustardy yellow, deep red and vibrant purple that we've seen throughout the fall and spring shows next couple of seasons. Three fabulous evening dresses in boldly colored iridescent material (polyester ... shhhhh) finished the show for a drool-worthy experience in the city of Milan.

Hair for the show was created by Guido Palau and makeup with those fantastic purple lips and ultra-feminine allure was the creative genius of makeup artist Pat McGrath. Love that beauty look. Soft, feminine face with richly colored lips, a true compliment to the nature of the Bottega Veneta collection itself.

images: style, elle

Fall's Obsession-Worthy Nail Colours by Chanel

Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. Chanel's top five Le Vernis Nail Colours for fall:

Gondola - a richly shimmering maroon

Dragon - a glamorous true red

Vendetta - a deep glistening aubergine

Blue Satin - a lustrous midnight blue

Cosmic Violine - a warm glittering plum

Chanel Le Vernis comes in a treasure chest shades for every season, each retails for $23. For more information, please visit Chanel online or at your favorite beauty counter.

Allure Virtual Store's Best of Beauty Sweepstakes

Win a huge suitcase full of Allure's Best of Beauty picks!

I like to pass along these little gems when I find them. This one sounds fantastic. Enter for a chance to win the mother of all goodie bags. Each year, at Allure's Best of Beauty party in New York City, they give their VIP guests a massive suitcase packed with past and present winners plus new favorites – more than 100 products in all.

Starting October 1st, enter for your chance to score this year's suitcase, valued at $3,330!

Click HERE to enter.

Discover Allure's Best of Beauty 2009 online now. There are 189 picks in makeup, skincare, haircare, body care, nails, natural wonders (yea!), men's stuff, best splurges and more.

Fall 2009: An Afternoon of Beauty with Olivia Chantecaille

If you're in New York this Friday, treat yourself to an afternoon of beauty with Olivia Chantecaille.

BERGDORF GOODMAN
Fri., 10/2/09
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Products used on Olivia Chantecaille for the look above:

Sylvie Personal Collection, Fall 2009

Chic and sophisticated, the Sylvie Personal Collection embodies today’s strong, modern woman. Sparked by the energy and excitement of the city, this new collection speaks to women who are active, engaged and stylish—women who find beauty in a confident, elegant look.

The Sylvie Personal Collection was inspired by Chantecaille founder, Sylvie Chantecaille, and is thoroughly contemporary in its fashion-forward palette and sleek, brand-new gunmetal packaging. This simple, streamlined look reflects an up-to-date femininity—a simple, authentic statement that exudes smart, urban cool. A complete collection for face, eyes and lips, re-imagined for Fall.

Sylvie’s Personal Palette
A new, square, super-stylized compact contains a complete palette for eyes and cheeks. Each of the four colors is intricately embossed in the shape of the rose, the symbol of Chantecaille. Eyes are the focus of Fall’s face, and three deep tones include two Lasting Eyeshades in a rich plum brown and a matte beige, both of which can be applied wet or dry. A Shine Eyeshade in shimmery fawn is an opulent highlight and can be easily blended in the crease of the eye for added sparkle. A Perfect Blush in a mediumtoned rose for cheeks comes in an ultra-fine highly adherent formula for a smooth, flawless complexion. All delivered in one chic, metalized pouch, it creates a rich and elegant vision for fall. Price $72

Luminous Eye Liner in Viola
An intense, long-wearing liquid eyeliner in plum with brown overtones. A unique formula rich in pearls and pigments is easily applied with the brush applicator to deliver a high-glamour look. Price $22












Le Stylo in Dark Brown
A dramatic, long-lasting liquid liner in an innovative marker form. Perfect for graphically defining eyes with a highly precise line of rich, dark brown. Price $26











Lip Chic in Heirloom
New, deep berry tone that anchors Fall’s sophisticated face. The newest addition to Chantecaille’s Lip Chic collection, a highly emollient formula that offers the even coverage of a lipstick with the high shine and plumping effects of a gloss. Added collagen give lips a boost, leaving them fuller and decidedly more youthful in appearance, with out any irritation. Price $30

To RSVP and schedule your appointment for an afternoon of beauty with Chantecaille at Bergdorf Goodman, please call 212.872.2725.

collection & images updated: 9/30/09

REVIEW: Erno Laszlo Brightening Skincare Treatments

Gotta tell you about the potent effects of Erno Laszlo's brightening products.

Having never tried any of the brand's products before, I was interested to see what this legendary skincare brand founded in 1927 by Hungarian dermatologist Dr. Erno Laszlo had to offer in way of results in the modern world. One of my biggest skincare issues isn't on my face; it's on my hands. For the past three years or so I've noticed pigmented sun spots popping up in increasing quantities on my hands, well, my left hand in particular. This is the hand most in the path of direct sunlight as I tend to rest it on top my steering wheel when traveling in my car. So when I saw Erno Laszlo had a Brightening Concentrate Pen, I knew that's the product I wanted to try. My impression of this product in a word? Fantastic! In two words? Powerfully Effective!

SPOT LIGHT Brightening Concentrate Pen - $46
It's a brightening pen for all skin types. The concentrate restores skin's healthy glow with a non-hydroquinone targeted treatment featuring a cocktail of brightening ingredients. Retinol, in pure, active vitamin A, accelerates cell turnover while sepiwhite, a new lipo amino acid, significantly fades dark spots and inhibits melanin production. I saw my spots start to fade in as little as two weeks, and after using the pen on my hands for about a month, some of the spots have completely vanished. It's one of those experiences where you go to sleep one night, wake up in the morning, look at your spots and think, "Wow ... is this really working?" Then a couple of weeks later repeat the check and say, "Yeah, this really IS working ... cool beans!" I'm shocked at how well this treatment works.


C-BRIGHT Essence - $68
A brightening lotion for all skin types. The lightweight daytime lotion with brightening benefits features stabilized vitamin C and Japanese knotweed concentrate. The potent ingredients are said to diminish dark spots and combat free radicals for a more even tone and overall radiance. In combination with the concentrated formula of the pen, the results are even more revealing. I enjoy using the lotion on my face as a daytime moisturizer as well, it's light creamy formula absorbs instantly into skin.

My next foray into the world of Erno Laszlo skincare will be to try his iconic Sea Mud Facial Soap. This is a black bar, which is 97% natural that cleans deeply without stripping natural sebum. It is said to be excellent for exfoliating and softening skin texture.

In general, Dr. Laszlo's cleansing products have long been considered one of the best cleansing systems available. It was Erno Laszlo, MD that developed the "Water-Wash Technique". The technique basically entails splashing the face with comfortbly-hot water, which offers these benefits:

deeply cleanses skin
exfoliates dead skin cells
flushes out toxins
strengthens, softens and plumps skin
stimulates collagen production, and
enhances the absorption of moisturizer

Check out Erno Laszlo online for other products designed specifically for your unique skin type and issues. Get your own Laszlo prescribed skincare ritual by filling out the LaszloMatic questionnaire. You can even speak with a professional skincare specialist to ask questions about your skin type, issues or concerns. Looking forward to bringing you more news.

New from DuWop - Get Your Mood On with Your Own Private Red Lippie

DuWop has unlocked something new! It's no surprise that the brand that introduced us to the world of lip plumping continues to provide us with unique, delicious new lip products. Can't wait to try this.

Private Red, a color-changing lipstick that morphs into each woman's personal red, is the first of its kind to transform a single red shade into an endless variety of hues. This silky lipstick goes on smooth, and the rich pigment changes within five minutes to leave behind the ultimate perfect red.

Private Red's proprietary formula includes a blend of three naturally derived pigments - annatto, hibiscus, and henna - and the technology behind the classic “mood lipsticks” of the seventies to provide a vibrant red shade that adapts to suit each individual's coloring. Annatto lends a rich pigment base, while hibiscus flowers offer gentle antiseptic properties, and henna leaves behind a long-lasting stain. Additional hydrating ingredients such as beeswax, caster oil and Vitamin E keep the lip color lightweight and emollient.

Yet another new DuWop lip product creation - Lipmousse. We shared initial information about this in late July, and then it seemed to just vanish. No one could tell us anything more about it. Well, it's back, it's available, and you can check out more about this creamy lipsticky-gloss combination now. Available in six fabulous shades, Lipmousse retails for $22.



Private Red retails for $22 and is available now online at DuWop.

Breast Cancer Awareness with Pristine Beauty

Over the past several years, I've become increasingly aware of just what devastating effects cancer has on women, children, and families. Angela is a dear friend, my age, who I've had the good fortune and blessing to work with for the past ten years or so, currently fighting cancer having been in remission for five plus years prior. I've seen firsthand how brave women like Angela are, how they continue to be there for their children, husbands, families, work committments, all the while adhering to various treatment protocols and days of just needing rest. With all the advances in cancer research treatment, the battle is far from over.

With that in mind, I'd like to introduce you to a brand of beauty and skincare products I've just learned about - Pristine Beauty. As a young breast cancer survivor who had major hair and skin/scarring issues after undergoing cancer fighting treatments, Blaire Kessler made it her mission to create an effective 100% pure, natural skin and hair care range that will change the lives of others. It was out of this need that Pristine Beauty was formed. Not only are all products from the line free of Sulfates, Silicones, Glycols, Parabens, Phthalates, mineral Oil and artificial dyes; but they are also certified VEGAN and Cruelty Free. There's been a lot of talk, for a couple of years now really, debating whether or not these chemicals really negatiely effect our health and bodies. For many cancer survivors and those in the midst of fighting it, there just isn't any reason to test tha theory.


These products not only provide an elegant solution, but give back to others as well - Pristine Beauty donates a portion of their proceeds to the Young Survival Coalition® and the Cancer Prevention Coalition all year and for all products.


HOORAY FOR BRALLYWOOD BUTTA - $36
This highly effective body butter is 100% natural, mineral oil free, phthalates free and paraben free. For a perfect performance, apply this decadent yet graceful body butter into the skin concentrating on fragile skin and scars. Key ingredients such as Sunflower Seed Oil, Palm, Grapeseed, Corn and Coconut Extract, are known to help scarring, stimulate the lymphatic glands, calm soothe repair and renew dry fragile skin.

Key Benefits:
*Helps repair & restore stressed, fragile skin
*Helps heal and improve the appearance of scars
*Gentle and effective enough to be used anywhere on the face, neck and body
*Significantly improves dry, chapped and cracked hands and feet



NO SCARY HAIR - $32
Blaire searched high and low for a 100% natural, phthalates free, paraben free, and carcinogen free product to remedy dry fragile hair. This 100% natural serum is meant for anyone who feels their hair and scalp are stressed and need some extra special attention and is gentle enough for anyone undergoing cancer treatment.


TAKE A WHIFF DEODORANT - $22
A natural deodorant that actually works! After working with chemists diligently, Pristine Beauty brings a deodorant to help with perspiration while keeping things natural. Take a Whiff is Aluminum Free, Paraben free, Phthalates free, Proplene Glycol Free, Cruelty Free and Vegan. Using a combination of ingredients and with the addition of an organic white sage and a European odor fighting ingredient, the natural deodorant fights perspiration without the harmful ingredients.


Pristine Beauty is available at Amazon.com. Visit their Beauty section to learn more about the brand and the products. I have to tell you, I've just been perusing the site and her products are selling fast. Blaire's fun, old hollywood glamour styled packaging is winning over fans left and right through the partnering of eye-catching slogans, graphic images and VEGAN product offerings.

*****

My darlings, I'd like to ask for your help and share one more opportunity with you for showing support for cancer research and awareness. A dear friend of mine lost his mother to cancer 10 years ago and is participating in a 12 kilometer walk in the UK (near Cambridge, England) to honor her anniversary in early November. He is eagerly trying to raise funds for support of Cancer Research. Please take a moment and consider a donation to his event. He's just beginning his fundraising, yet doesn't have too long to go. No donation is too small, and any and all support you give would be tremendously appreciated by this angel of mine and by me. You can even donate securely thru your PayPal account. Many thanks! xo