My Sephora: Kid in a Candy Store

Actually -- it was EVEN better than being in a candy store (if that's possible). As reported the other day, Louisiana has been graced with a Sephora store of their very own. Ladies, you need to understand something here, we NEVER get these kinds of stores, so this is exciting news indeed. If we want to shop; I mean really shop; we need to travel.




I was a little disappointed that the store didn't have in stock some of this season's newer products and collections yet, but I'm not gonna complain much. My visit took place on what one would suppose would be a low-key Thursday night (not big shopping here in these parts on a work/school night), but Sephora was packed! Even so, the aisles were sufficiently spaced to be able to maneuver around people. Also impressive (and appreciated) was that although there seemed to be a salesperson for every three customers in the store (I mean, they were everywhere you turned), there was no pressure to buy, no bugging you with endless sales pitches or information on products; they just let you browse and enjoy the experience - good going, Sephora! As each approached me, I'd respond with a, "I'm hear to play", and they'd leave me to it with a smile on their faces. One girl even remarked, "Haven't I seen you here before, like an hour ago in fragrances?". Yep, that's me - I was there for almost three hours ... for me it was an event rather than a shopping experience and I loved every second of it.



I'm sharing some photos with you, here to left are the Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances in their signature bottles - love 'em.

My favorite fragrance of the night, and - Fresh's Cannabis Rose ... so nice (review in upcoming days).

Among some of the other fragrance highlights of the night: Dolce & Gabbana The One, Fresh Sake, Clean - The Ultimate (hated the original Clean, much to my surprise), Pucci Vivari, and a huge new love - Gucci EDP.

Those I didn't like: Michael Kors Island Capri, Clean (their signature scent), LaVanila Vanilla Coconut - all of them, way too sweet for my taste.


































Some makeup love:

NARS single and duo shadows galore ... you really just can't get an appreciation of these unless you're up close and personal; I tried to swatch some for you but my little mobile phone camera just wasn't sensitive enough to do any of them justice.














MUFE Flash Color (left)

New Smashbox palette (below)

As I said - kid in a candy store ... mmm mmm

Well, my Sephora experience was fab, and had payday been yesterday instead of today I would have bought out the store ... (thank goodness for small favors - I guess)

MAC Summer Trend Bags 2008

Also expected to launch around the same date as MAC Neo Sci-Fi, Solar Field and Future Earth (5/29) are these trendy, soft patent, cosmetic bags in bright, neon colors.

• Fluore-Citron - mini size - $15 USD
• Infra-Orange - small size - $20 USD
• Neon Sea - medium size - $25 USD

source: risser

MAC UPDATE: Neo Sci-Fi, Solar Field, Future Earth

More information and photos found for some of the upcoming MAC collections. Enjoy ...

NEO SCI-FI

(exp launch date: May 29, 2008)


The mascara for the collection:

Plush Lash

Eyeshadows:

(click to enlarge)

L-R

• Expensive Pink
• Time & Space
• Evening Aura
• Femme-Fi Frosty
• Magnetic Fields

Sheertone Shimmer Blushes:

(click to enlarge)

• X-Rocks
• Spaced Out

Cremestick Liners:

(click to enlarge)

• Summerfruit
• Buerre
• 80%
  

Other products from this collection posted earlier and may be viewed here.

SOLAR FIELD

(exp launch date: May 29, 2008)



Brushes:

239 and 168 (T-B)

Pigments - called Solar Bits:

L-R

• Scatter Rays—soft metallic peach with golden pearl
• Bronzescape—yellow-brown w/ golden pearl
• Black Ore—rich black w/ golden pearl
• Sunpower—light metallic tan w/ golden pearl

FUTURE EARTH

(exp launch date: May 29, 2008)

Future Earth is the skincare collection posted previously; click here for more information/photos.

What will YOU be hauling from these collections, hmmmmm ?

source: int'l cosmo, risser

Trilogy's Hip Oil

Catherine de Groot and Sarah Gibbs

RoseHIP oil that is ...

I've featured trilogy products before, but they bear additional mentions. Firstly, they are absolutely wonderful - a joy to the senses, healthy for the skin, a gorgeous all around experience! Secondly, they fit in beautifully with this month's "green" theme. Here's how:

• Simplicity, Vitality, Purity - the trilogy
• trilogy is committed to the careful selection of the purest botanical ingredients and exceptional formulations
• Each trilogy product contains a unique and simple blend of pure plant extracts formulated to restore the natural vitality and radiance of your skin by working in perfect affinity with it
• Their products not only perform better but are better ethically, aesthetically and environmentally
• The star trilogy skincare ingredient - pure, organic rosehip oil

Let's check the clinical stats on trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil:

trilogy selects only the finest natural extracts with the highest concentrations of active ingredients and use them at generous levels known to be beneficial to the skin. They offer products that stand apart from the synthetic majority; clean, simple, intelligent skin care packaged for complete purity and protection and free from synthetic fillers, artificial fragrances, mineral oils and parabens. trilogy uses a safe, non-toxic preservative system complemented with active natural preservatives such as Grapefruit Seed extract and Vitamin E.


I could literally go on and on about their product offerings, the ingredients, and why they're so absolutely fantastic, but time and space prohibit me from doing so. I'd very much encourage you to check out their full line of care, but will tell you about several of my personal favorites.









Cream Cleanser - this delightful and gentle cleanser contains over 1/2 a bottle of certified organic rosehip oil and other nutritious goodies such as evening primrose oil, jojoba, almond and carrot oil; it softens and cares for skin while cleansing, leaving skin feeling smoother, softer and beautifully refreshed.


200ml / 6.76 oz - pump amber glass bottle - $ 29







Gentle Facial Exfoliant - with an innovative dual action formula, this product gently polishes and refines skin texture and increases skin smoothness without irritating or scratching the delicate skin on your face and neck; active honey enzymes (one of the only non-vegan ingredients used in the whole line) and camellia oil loosen outer layers of dead skin cells and surface debris that can dull the appearance of your skin and non-abrasive jojoba micro-spheres gently buff them away; a nutrient rich base of sweet almond, rosehip and evening primrose oils help combat dryness and hydrate skin for a radiant post-exfoliation glow and conditioning botanical extracts of macadamia nut and calendula soften skin, leaving it feeling clean, clear and radiant - a veritable treat for your facial skin.



75ml / 2.53oz - flip-top tube - $ 32

Vital Moisturizing Cream - a top seller for the brand, delivering instant moisture and deeply hydrating botanical extracts in a wonderfully light, fast absorbing cream; it contains 12 of natures most effective active ingredients; incorporates the natural anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil with the soothing and rejuvenating properties of jojoba, evening primrose and carrot oils to assist skin repair and renewal and help reduce the visible signs of aging or damaged skin; leaves skin smooth, soft and hydrated and helps maintain skin elasticity and resilience - a gold star cream for sure.



60g glass jar or 50g pump glass dispenser - $ 40

New! trilogy now has haircare ...

trilogy is available at select online retailers and stores.
For more information or to find stockists: trilogy

Sephora Comes to Louisiana

OH MY GOSH, I'M GETTING A SEPHORA!!!!!!

Mall of Louisiana

~ new outdoor pedestrian lifestyle shopping

TRY IT: Bliss Spa's fatgirlsleep

Bliss Spa

Emotional Rescue: Jo Wood Organics

Jo and daughter Leah

Have you heard of this fabulous little company?

Surely you know the name, or that of her Rolling Stones husband Ron Wood. Do you know the story behind Jo Woods Organics, brand and products? Let's give a little peek in, shall we ...

Combining glamour, rock-n-roll and a healthy organic lifestyle wasn't easy, but for ex-model Jo Wood it was a choice 18 years ago that was to define her as a pioneer and committed supporter of all things natural and organic. The impetus? Jo fell ill in 1989 and switched to an all-organic diet to improve her health; and it did - dramatically. Her interest grew and today Jo has two organic gardens and everything in the Wood household is organic. Synthetic skincare products and fragrances in the household? Heck no!! So Jo opted to mix her own organic oils and skincare products, which led to the launch of her own brand in 2005. Woohoo ....

I'm absolutely enraptured by her fragrances. Just knowing the wholesomeness and quality behind her products entices me to love them more, let alone the sensuous aromas. Her inspiration, it turns out, is quite enchanting ... Africa. Jo's mother is South African and can trace ancestors to the Zulu's. The fragrances have been given Swahili and Xhosa names - Amka, Usiku, Tula and Langa. Her aim is to create something organic that's also exquisitely beautiful - she's succeeded!

Jo Wood Organics includes an everyday line of bath and body products: body cream, body mousse, salt scrub; and a line of fragrance and oils: bath oils, body lotions, body oils, soaps, EDT's, candles and gift sets. She's also put out a book: Naturally - How to Look and Feel Healthy, Energetic & Radiant the Organic Way.

I'd like to tell you about the fragrances in her EDT's/Body Dews/Bath Oils. These are divinely inspirational and one feels almost transported upon experiencing these sensual aromas.

AMKA - to wake

a romantic heart of Iranian rose otto, Egyptian jasmine and bright fresh top notes of neroli and bergamot, Amka is a fragrance of energy and spontaneity. Green mandarin and sweet orange add a fresh, vibrant layer, and the whole combination is founded in a soft, spicy base of cedarwood.

USIKU - night

warm and sensual fragrance with a fresh, vibrant edge, Usiku combines top notes of rosemary and pineneedle with a spicy hit of cardamom and hot ginger. A complex heart of coriander, clove and clary sage give way to the aromatic woody aromas of Moroccan cedarwood, patchouli and vetiver. Earthy and sophisticated, this is a scent for men and women alike.

The packaging is gorgeous, evoking a lively spirit, which one envisions Jo Wood is. You can find Jo Wood products stateside at Neiman Marcus, from $24 - $125; a few products may also be obtained thru Bergdorf Goodman, Kitson, and Bigelow Chemists.

To learn more about Jo - her family, initiatives, love of organics, programs and more, click here.

REVIEW: Karin Herzog Oxygen Skincare

Allow me to introduce you to a wonderful product that you'll want to have as a staple in your skincare regimen. Karin Herzog's Oxygen Face Face Cream is a winner if you're looking for something that actually works to accomplish what it claims.



A little background about the company: All the Karin Herzog skincare products are based on the research of Karin's husband Dr. Paul Herzog, Doctor Honoris Causa of the Nobel Institute, inventor of the artificial respiration system used throughout the world. Dr. Herzog was the first scientist to successfully stabilize active oxygen, a source of pure energy, in a medical grade emulsion and to patent this invention internationally. Oxygen is a vital element required by the skin, and oxygen deficiency accelerates the aging process. Karin Herzog oxygen skincare boosts the natural levels of oxygen in our skin so it can function properly, increase the rate of cell renewal, absorb essential nutrients, be more effective at eliminating toxins and enhance its appearance. These products were sold only to dermatologists at one time, but are now available to the general public.



I had the privilege of trying some of this line, and in particular the Oxygen Face Cream and the Chocolate! Moisturizer.



Here's what I found:




This light cream contains 2% oxygen to eliminate toxins, control oil production and kill bacteria for a fresh, pure complexion. It's a bit different that other facial creams in application. You apply a thin layer to the face but do not massage it in, allow it to sit atop the facial skin. It will absorb into the skin and do its magic.



After just a week of use (once nightly), I can honestly say my skin is:

• significantly brightened
• more even toned, less ruddiness
• forehead lines and fine lines around my eyes are reduced in appearance
• fresh looking, it actually has the appearance of a healthy glow from within

I am so impressed by this cream that I will make it part of my weekly skincare routine for sure. I do have to admit to loving my moisturizer and other treatment products too much to completely give them up, but this little gem is a must-have with these kind of results!




Chocolate! is a delightful moisturizer that contains wheat germ oil, avocado oil, and organge oil with a delicious aroma of Swiss chocolate. I was a little apprehensive about trying this the first time as I expected the chocolate-y smell to be one of those fake smelling, scratch-n-sniff type chocolates, but this is very nice and satisfies the desire for it just with the aroma. It definitely hydrated my skin, but aside from the lovely chocolate smell, there isn't really anything that blew me away about this product (in such a way that I'd say I MUST have it).

You can find both of these products at many online skincare stores as well as direct from Karin Herzog for $36 a tube (1.7 oz) each. I'd definitely encourage anyone wanting noticeable, fresher, healthier looking skin to give the Oxygen Face a try. It yields results of a much pricier cream, all skin types can use it effectively, and it can be easily incorporated into your skincare regime.

Gwen Stefani Gets All Dolled Up

Hmmm ... MAC Fafi adorers may need to make room for a new adoration. Set for launch in September 2008, Gwen Stefani is introducing a new line of fragrances so "doll-like" you may just flip your lid for them.


Long fascinated by the whimsical style of girls in Tokyo's Harajuka area, Stefani's fragrance collection is called Harajuku Lovers. She created dolls based on herself and her four real-life backup singers - Love, Angel, Music and Baby, then turned them into scent bottles.


Gwen tells WWD magazine, "The idea that Coty would let me do five different fragrances for Harajuku Lovers was a fantasy. [But] it really had to be five . . . each girl has her own personality and sense of style. We're all saying something different with unique personalities."

The scents will each be available in two sizes: $45 for 30 ml. and $25 for 10 ml. A coffret, which includes solid perfume versions of all five, will be on counter later this fall as a permanent addition to the collection, and will retail for $60.


I for one am looking forward to these little Asian-inspired whimsies. I'd like to also let you in on the website for this little "Harajuku World" and encourage you to take a look at all it has to offer, if you are so inclined. The girls are featured via illustrations, flash technology, photos and more, there's a jukebox of tunes available for audio enjoyment, and videos of Gwen and the girls as well.


The fragrance lineup for each doll sounds lovely. Let's take a look at the fragrance notes themselves:

Love, a sensuous floral concocted by Yves Cassar and Pascal Gaurin of International Flavors & Fragrances, has top notes of sparkling bergamot, pink pomelo, peach and bamboo leaf mist; a heart of watery peony, living hydroponic lace rose, jasmine sambac, nectarine blossom, creamy paperwhites and Egyptian jasmine, and a drydown of petally ylang, creamy vanilla orchid, sensual musk and blond wood.

Lil' Angel, a fruity floral by Givaudan's Christophe Raynaud, has top notes of raspberry, cranberry, blackberry and pineapple; a heart of pear blossom, candied violet and sugared rose, and a drydown of lollipop accord, hinoki wood and crystal amber.

Music, a delicate floral by Honorine Blanc of Firmenich, has top notes of clementine and sparkling pear; a heart of jasmine sambac, sweet pea and honeysuckle, and a drydown of vanilla, skin musk and sleek woods.

Baby, a powdery musk by Firmenich's Harry Fremont, has top notes of freesia, bergamot and white rose; a heart of orange flower, tiare flower and jasmine petals, and a drydown of white musk, soft woods, heliotrope, vanilla and violet.

And if you're in the California area and you'd like to meet the girls, take notice:

source: WWD

THE BODY SHOP: "Do Good" Lip Butter

Check this out!

The Body Shop has introduced Guarana Berry Lip Butter, a rich intensive moisturizer for the lips with stimulating guarana extract, melts onto the lips to prevent dryness and to leave them feeling lusciously soft and smooth.

Good for you, good for a cause? Yes

Key ingredients are from Community Trade projects:

Guarana Berry Extract - from the Amazon Basin in Brazil - Paulinia cupana seed extract, also known as guarana extract, restricts capillaries and reduces dark circles, hey isn't this also used in weight loss products as a form of caffeine ... hmmm?

Shea Butter - Community Trade product from Ghana - Moisturizes and helps soften the skin. Also provides a rural community of women with regular work and income.

Organic Beeswax - from Zambia - Moisturizes and helps to condition, acts as a barrier that helps to seal in moisture, helps to keep product texture consistent when used over time; and also helps protect and preserve the forest as well as providing necessary income for the beekeepers, an increasing number of which are now women.

Proceeds from the sale of every Guarana Lip Butter will be donated to the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, which supports young people and youth groups worldwide to become involved in HIV and AIDS awareness, eductation and prevention campaigns.

info and purchasing: The Body Shop

REVIEW: Colorescience Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer

Let me introduce to you a wonderful, good for your skin item that will leave your face feeling soothed, looking even-colored and has the added effect of protecting from the sun - Colorescience's Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer.

Ingredients include: zinc, titanium oxide (mineral sun protection, SPF 12-19), organo silicones (allows actives to work but non-pore clogging) which smoothes lines and soothes skin, patented rice peptides (reduces breakdown of collagen and soothes burned skin too), oats (to reduce redness), grapefruit, green tea, tea tree, lavender & tangerine extracts, nourishing blue-algae extract, beta-carotene, vitamin E and hydrating glycerine.

This product can be used as a primer to add a slight bronzing effect before applying foundation, alone as a skin evener (without foundation), or may be even applied over foundation to add a smoothing effect and pick-me-up during the day. It has an almost powdery-cream consistency (if that makes any sense); thicker than regular primer gels and such, but blends ever so effortlessly into the skin.

Now, this product is NOT going to give you the same effect as a self-tanner; the bronzing is very subtle. I actually think that's a plus because as a fair-skinned girl, I can wear this easily under foundation (even fair foundations) or alone without fear of mis-matching my skin shade. You really can't go wrong with it.

Secondly, it seems a bit pricey at $45 for a bottle, but each bottle contains approximately 99 squirts (one squirt will cover your entire face), so it lasts a while.

You already know I'm in love with its sister product - Colorescience Line Tamer Skin Brightener, which is not only an excellent primer, but a fabulous brightener with it's soft yellow undertones (evening out skin tone as well) and moisturizing ingredients. This item is my HG primer and listed as a For the Love of Beauty Top Favorite for 2007.

I can honestly recommend both the Colorescience Line Tamer Skin Brightener AND the Wild to Mild Skin Bronzer to you very highly and without hesitation. I've been a fan for several years and looking forward to trying more from this brand.

more info or to purchase: colorescience, beautybridge, skincarerx, dermstore, skin1 and other retailers.

EARTH PLEDGE: Fashion Goes Green

Earlier this year, Earth Pledge, an organization that promotes sustainable fabrics and responsible fashion, staged its FutureFashion show. Designers from New York, Milan and Paris participated in the event presenting designs made of sustainable materials (organic wool, cotton, sasawashi - a bamboo based fabric, piña fiber - a pineapple plant extract, and more). The models' runway was made of kumbac wood, which was later recycled for use in making furniture.

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Participating Models and Designers: (in order of appearance in book)

• Caroline Trentini in Yves Saint Laurent
• Maryna Linchuk in Narciso Rodriguez
• Natasha Poly in Givenchy
• Julia Stegner in Donna Karan
• Magdalena Frackowiak in Rogan
• Elletra Rossellini Wiedemann in Thakoon
• Kasia Struss in Jil Sander
• Denisa Dvorakova in Burberry Prorsum
• Catherine McNeil in Ralph Lauren
• Alyona Osmanova in Bottega Veneta
• Suvi Koponen in Marni
• Jessica Stam in Rodarte
• Bruna Tenorio in Martin Grant
• Irina Lazareanu in Behnaz Sarafpour
• Vlada Roslyakova in Versace
• Anouck Lepère in Doo.Ri
• Bette Franke in Stella McCartney
• Coco Rocha in Diane von Furstenberg

Not Shown: Olga Sherer in Duro Olowu, Sasha Pivovarova in Threeasfour, Tanya Dziahileva in Giambattista Valli, Freja Beha Erichsen in Michael Kors, model in Calvin Klein, model in Isabel Toledo, Liya Kebede in Moschino Vintage, Diana Dondoe in Derek Lam, Du Juan in Boudicca, Shalom Harlow in Maison Martin Margiela Artisanal

source: style.com

B&BW: Limited Edition Goldie Tote + Treats Offer

As does Bath & Body Works from time to time, they're offering a fab limited edition Goldie Tote filled with nine deluxe samples of wonderful products for a limited time (or while supplies last) at $20 with any $20 BB&W purchase.

Here's the lowdown:

Samples from -

• Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology
• Caudalie
• Fekkai
• Awake
• Sekkisei
• Goldie
• Lippmann Collection
• Vincent Long
• 100% Pure

Final tote in the series. Measures 12" H x 14" L x 6" W

source: Bath & Body Works

REVIEW: Physician's Formula - How Green is Your Makeup?

Physician's Formula wants to know, "How green is your makeup?"

Theirs? 100% ... thanks to their new Organic wear™ line of cosmetics.

Here's how:

• The 1st 100% natural origin makeup line in the US with Certified Organic Ingredients
• 100% free of harsh chemicals
• 100% free of synthetic preservatives
• 100% cruelty free
• 100% free of parabens
• Eco-Conscious Packing (including paper compacts)
• Natural Goat Hair Brushes
• Eco-Blend of OganiSoy and Eco Olive ingredients conditions, fortifies and protects skin

The products:

A 100% natural origin loose powder, formulated with 10.6% certified organic ingredients, including safflower seed oil and jojoba seed oil to moisturize and corn starch to mattify the skin; mess-free container; goat hair kabuki brush; six shades - $ 13.95

A 100% natural origin concealer stick, formulated with 72.5% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil and avocado oil to moisturize the skin; available in four shades including two color-corrective shades - $ 6.95

A 100% natural origin face powder, formulated with 15% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil to moisturize and corn starch to mattify the skin; goat hair brush included for application; available in nine shades - $ 13.95

A 100% natural origin tinted moisturizer, formulated with 80% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and shea butter to moisturize the skin; infused with Organic Fruit Water to help nourish and restore skin’s moisture balance; SPF 15 naturally protects skin from environmental damage for a healthy-looking complexion; available in four shades - $ 9.95

A 100% natural liquid bronzer, formulated with 84% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and shea butter to moisturize the skin; Lightweight liquid bronzer hydrates skin and delivers an all-over sheer, healthy, natural tan glow; infused with Organic Fruit Water to help nourish and restore skin’s moisture balance; available in three shades - $ 10.95

The line also includes a blush (in six shades - $ 11.95), a matte finishing/bronzing veil (in four shades - $ 13.95), and a natural powder bronzer. I've purchased the last of those items and offer a review below:

This is a great little product, and for more than just its eco-conscious variables. A 100% natural origin bronzer, formulated with 15% certified organic ingredients, including jojoba seed oil and corn starch to moisturize and mattify the skin. The finest Italian powder delivers a buildable natural tan glow. It includes a mirror and goat hair brush for application ease.

What I like:

• Comes in six shades easily blended into just about any skin color
• The compact features a goat hair brush similar in styling to the BeneFit powder box brushes (which I love as perfect shape/size for contouring and such)
• Includes a great little mirror on the underside of the compact which doubles as a "secret compartment" to hold the brush
• The top and bottom lids close with ease with a hidden magnet closure, which helps with portability (can carry it anywhere and product won't seep out, brush stays clean)
• The packaging all-around of this product is masterfully thought out and created
• I can purchase it, and very reasonably, at my corner drugstore - convenience and affordability
• The ingredients are not only flattering and effective in fulfilling their purpose, but good for the skin with the organic and natural elements churned right in

What I don't like:

• It's relatively "stinky"; wish it had a more pleasant aroma (but I can live with it)

source: Physician's Formula

For the Love of Beauty is Going Green

For the entire month of April, For the Love of Beauty will be featuring products and companies that are contributing positively to our environment through the beauty industry. This may take numerous avenues by highlighting organic products, botanically infused products, recycled and glass packaging initiatives, and "good for you, good for the Earth" type motivation. We're not going to box it in, but we will make this our concept this month in celebration what Earth Day stands for.

See these sites for more information on Earth Day, celebratory events, and how you may become involved:

earthday.net

raza speaks

earthday network

earthday resources

logo: Adrienne Lay, New Orleans (St. Bernard), Louisiana