Mother's Day Gifts of Beauty

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.

Includes:

Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar (120 g)

Daily Revitalizing Concentrate (30 ampoules)

Bois de Rose Velvet Hydrating Cream (50 ml)

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.

Includes:

Hydrating cream cleanser 1.7 oz.

Hydrating toner 1.7 oz.

Hydrating face cream 1 oz.

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.

Includes:

Facial Glow Radiance Peel - Vitamin C/Papaya/Manuka Honey

This radiance peel is infused with a tropical cocktail of vitamins, enzymes and skin-brightening botanicals, to help exfoliate dead surface cells, stimulate cell metabolism and harmonise the skin tone to create a radiant and glowing complexion.

Facial Detox Puifying Mask - Malachite/Kaolin/Manuka Honey

Mineral rich organic Amazonian Clay helps eliminate toxins from the surface of the skin while gently exfoliating and softening. Although it has astringent properties it is not as dehydrating as conventional clays, leaving the skin soft, humidified and glowing.

Biodynamic Facial Souffle' - Rose Damask/Marine Collagen/Calendula

Rich in amino acids, collagen and reparative botanicals, this luxurious treatment mask helps soothe, plump, hydrate and repair parched skin to reveal a dewy, fresh and vibrant complexion.

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!

Current bars include:

Aranciata (my favorite) - Orange, Teakwood and Rosemary

Aura Elena (close 2nd) - Oak Moss, Coconut and Mulberry

Coqueta - Baby Powder, Vanilla and Grapefruit

Dama de la Noche - Lemon, Apple and the exotic Dama de la Noche flower

Desert Gardenia - Gardenia, Honey and Oak Moss

Lemonwood - Bois de Rose, Litsea Cubeba and Bergamot

Parchita - Passion Fruit, Polyantha Rose and Litsea Cubeba

Poncha Crema - Vanilla, Fig and Cinnamon

Sugar Cane Tea - Sugar Cane, Plum and Litsea Cubeba

Violet Fields - Violet, Bergamot and a hint of Menthol

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

WINNER: L'Artisan Parfumeurs L'Ete en Douce Candle

Well, well, well ... the guys seem to be having all the luck, ladies. Here's another contest with a gentleman winner. This time, the winner receives a fabulous L'Artisan Parfumeurs L'Ete en Douce Candle.

Congratulations, Robert N. of Florida!

Don't worry if you're loving this giveaway, there are many more to come in upcoming weeks. A new giveaway will be announced later today, so keep reading. xo

Notification email has been sent to the winner and upon verification of mailing address the prize will be mailed.

L'Artisan Parfumeurs: The Power of Three

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

The Freshness of L’Eté en Douce

L'Artisan Parfumeurs has a lovely fragrance for summer and you should know more about it. L’Été en Douce inspires a new way of talking about fresh fragrances, with no acidulated, fusing or sparkling notes. Pure and light, it evokes the dew caressing grass in a field and wild rose bushes, the freshness of lime trees and the warm scent of freshly cut hay.

REVIEW: This is decidedly not a flowery, fruity, uber-sweet scent. What one notices upon first whiff of the eau de toilette is a freshness reminiscient of spring grass; there's a wetness to the scent and a slight hint of mint. On dry-down, the top notes are still rather present with a blending of light musk (not at all heavy). This is a very delicate, soft fragrance; it's not at all fussy or overpowering. These are light, fresh notes mingling in a composition that reflects the season of its introduction - for sure a summer scent befitting of its name - gentle summer.




The nose behind this fragrance is perfumer Olivia Giacobetti. Giacobetti also created such famous fragrances as L'Artisan's Safran Troublant, Mandarine Tout Simplement, Dzing!, Passage d'Enfer as well as fragrances for other houses - such as, Idole de Lubin for Parfum Lubin, En Passant for Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle and Costes for Hotel Costes.

Here is what Luckyscent, one of the fragrance's vendors, has to say about this scent:

Gauzy, soft and refined, this summery blend is extraordinarily charming. Those who, like us, adore Olivia Giacobetti’s translucent style, will be delighted with L’Ete en Douce. The airy orange blossom and the ethereal linden are blended with a delightfully cool mint note, which highlights the fresh greenness of the florals and makes them seem diaphanous, like the finest of silks blowing in the wind…The soft base of white woods and white musks lingers on the skin, turning L’Ete en Douce into one of the loveliest your-skin-but-better fragrances we have encountered. A must have for summer!

L'Ete en Douce notes: mint, rose, orange blossom, hay, white woods, and white musk
100 ml - $135

L'Ete en Douce bottles and samples are available at: Luckyscent and L'Artisan Parfumeurs

REVIEW: Dzongkha by L'Artisan Parfumeur

Yes, yes ... I know this is not a new fragrance, so why the review now. Well, like Bond No. 9 New York's West Side, I'm simply rediscovering an old favorite and wanted to share the joy.

Composed by Bertrand Duchaufour, a passionate traveller who enjoys using his experiences as inspiration for his fragrances, L'Artisan's Dzongkha is a powerful yet sublime fragrance. Reminiscent of the stones and incense of the Buddhist temples (the Dzongks) in Bhutan, the fragrance borrows from the essence of tanned leather, smoked teas, and refined flowers. As some have described, the fragrance evokes an inside journey, one of spirituality.

• Top notes: fresh peonies, pink lychees and cardamon
• Heart: chai (spicy tea with milk) that softens the scent of wood, and vetiver combined with fumes of incense intensified by cypriol (Indian papyrus) and leather notes
• Bottom notes: powdery iris symbolic of the stone-aspect and softness of the fragrance

Dzongkha is a bewildering, mysterious fragrance. Yet, even considering its complex blend of aromas it is surprisingly subtle. With all its incense and smokey "flavors" one might expect this to be a somewhat somber scent, but I find it fresh and appealing. Although quite different in composition and notes, Dzongkha gives me almost the same feel as Bergamote by The Different Company when I wear it. Please don't misunderstand, this is not a sameness of scent, but the same feel after breathing in the fragrance from my skin. The similarity seems to lie in the subtlety yet crispness of the scent, which shouldn't be mistaken for clean (as with TDC's Bergamote). Dzongkha is simply a fragrance which should be experienced and is worthy of appreciation.

$95 - $135USD

Available at: Neiman Marcus, Luckyscent, Aedes, Luscious Cargo

Apothia's A-List Beauty Products

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For over 25 years, Apothia has been the ultimate shopping hot spot for celebrated A-Lister's, cutting edge trendsetters and hip insiders. Here - Apothia's Staff TOP Picks!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

• COOLA - Sunscreen for Face SPF 30 - Cucumber - silky, transparent, age defying, and vitamin/antioxidant-rich, COOLA FACE is specially created to protect, hydrate and soothe delicate facial skin. Formulated with twelve certified organic extracts including Cucumber, Rose Hips, and Comfrey that, among other benefits, help to tighten skin and stimulate healthy tissue growth. Absorbs quickly, leaving a sheer matte protective finish; perfect as an everyday moisturizer. $32
• Susan Posnick - Susan Posnick - Colorme - is delightfully easy-to-apply face color, available in five perfect shades for cheeks, eyes, and anywhere else you desire lush blush. The travel friendly makeup comes in a petite self-dispensing pot with an attached powder puff and mirror for easy application; offers pure, richly pigmented loose mineral color. The added Vitamins A and E further nourish the skin; Peony is a true pink blush with a yellow-based pink and a touch of blue and minimal shimmer. $32
• L'Artisan Parfumeur - Jatamansi Organic Body Cream - with a predominance of rosehip and apricot kernal, this exquisitely soft velvety emulsion suits all skin types, even the most dry. Anti-aging vitamin E further reinforces skin renewal properties for an unimaginable sensation of protective comfort. Applied to clean, dry skin, it moisturizes intensely and durably (retains 71% after 8 hours!), leaving the skin supple and smooth, silky and radiant. $130
• Lucy B - Organic Bronzing Oil - Lucy B's Frangipani Bronzing Shimmer Oil is made with organic coconut, jojoba and sunflower oils, infused with our signature confidence enhancing Australian Flower Essences, treating your body, face and hair to a sun-kissed Australian beach holiday in a 100ml (3.38fl oz) bottle. $42
• Lisa Hoffman - Spa Facial Ampoule Packette - this line is most beneficial when used as a complete set in conjuction with each other and what better way to try them all than in this packette. Perfect for traveling. $35
• By Kilian - Love - an inspiration from the marshmallow with notes of bergamot, honeysuckle, and white musk. The 50ml bottle comes in an elegant black lacquer box. $225
• Apothia Verde Aromatic Diffuser - embraces bright cilantro, earthy tomato leaf, a zesty squeeze of lime and a hint of chili pepper. $78
• *NEW* Safi - Safi Parfum Oil - Safi is delicious blend of essential oils, with top notes of fresh lychee, juicy pineapple and black currant, soul notes of stargazer lily, fresh cut freesia, and neroli, and base notes of muhuhu wood, fresh bamboo, and crisp papyrus. $60
• Diptyque - 3 Candle Coffret - Floral - Diptyque reiterates its three-perfumed-candle coffret with 3 new floral accords: Choisya (mexican orange blossom), Tubereuse, and Mimosa. An invitation to mingle a sensous and fragrant armful of white flowers with sweet notes of mimosa. $85
• Sjal - Balans Deep Pore Cleanser - a modern version of a deep pore cleanswer, Balans is a lightweight cleanser that keeps skin balanced, hyrated, and soothed while detoxifying, brightening, and minimizing pores. Balans cleanser may be used for both face & body, avoid direct eye contact. $65

For more information and to purchase: apothia