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Advice Sisters
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NEWEST HELPERS FOR MOM (AND YOU, TOO):
A clementine is a variety of citrus (mandarin). Delicious to eat, the clementine is a deep orange color with a glossy skin. Mangiacotti, new to our reviews this column, has taken this lovely scent, and infused it into a Clementine Liquid Kitchen Soap $16.95 12 fl. oz that is sure to give mom a little lift every time she uses it. Mangiacotti's product line features luxe, liquid and glycerin soaps, air fresheners and luxury home care items, (more than 60 in all) sixty products in six fragrances. The Clementine Liquid Kitchen Soap is uplifting--it oozes with happiness--and the scent of oranges (but with a bit more sweetness than an ordinary orange). The soap is a gentle, glycerin soap that softens hands with essential oils and vitamin E while you do dishes, so pull off those icky rubber gloves and let your hands luxuriate in this lovely cleanser as you do a daily chore. The tall, slim, clear glass bottle is refillable and comes with a silvery pourer to help you dispense just the amount you want. We love the cute label featuring a whimsical Mangiacotti girl, for this fragrance, her arms widespread and full of clementine sections! No need to wrap this one, since the bottle comes festooned with a tangerine ribbon and the Mangiacotti signature pewter charm (with a MF. girl's head). This Clementine Liquid Kitchen Soap would make a good hostess gift or a little treat for the busy chef, too. *watch our JULY/AUGUST column for more Mangiacotti items, perfect for hostess gifts this Summer! Intimacy expert" Patty Brisben, creator of the company, Pure Romance has a line unusual products sold at in-home parties that are for "relationship enhancement." I'm not quite sure how a stretch mark minimizing oil fits that category, but Pure Romance's Save My Skin $24.00 4 oz. does look pretty, in a clear round globe, with pink and orange spray top and hot pink satin ribbon. Moisturizing safflower oil, healing sesame oil, and cocoa help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve skin texture. A unique feature is a flip up spray "lock" so you don't lose a precious drop! This would be cute for a mom-to-be or a new mom, or for a baby shower, packaged with Romance Bubbles $11.00 8 oz, a pheromone-enriched body wash (romance for that special mom is assured) that is infused with real champagne, ginseng, and vitamins E and B. The bottle is a curvy hourglass of clear plastic, showcasing the colorful product inside. We tried "Ocean Mist" (there's also Sensual Citrus and Island Breeze). The light, fresh, clean scent and beautiful violet liquid made us feel ready for romance, or just a decent day at the office. Candles set a mood, whether you are entertaining a crowd, or just enjoying an aromatherapy scent by yourself. New to our reviews, Aroma Naturals makes aromatherapy candles with 100% natural essential oils. These essential oils have the active benefits of real plants, and create a sense of well-being through aromatherapy. The luxurious, hand-poured, soy based Square Glass Crystal Candle votives $17.00/each 6.7 oz. have cotton wicks that burn cleanly and for a long time. They add significant scent to a room, so you don't have to stick your nose practically into the flame to enjoy the bennies. I love lavender, so I particularly liked "Serenity," a lavender-colored and scented candle that blends calming lavender with exotic, spicy Ylang Ylang, to enhance inner balance and well-being. Two other lavender-infused candles to calm and inspire include a velvety pea green-tinted candle called "Inner Peace," featuring lavender mixed with meditative, musky frankincense, and a grayed-lilac-tinted candle infused with wildcrafted lavender that has the unmistakable scent of Provence, called "Tranquility." If you aren't a lavender lover, there are more than twenty different aromatherapy scents (if we counted correctly), such as "Ambiance," a cheerful yellow-tinted, orange and lemongrass scented candle. A nice touch is the environmentally conscious packaging. It features recycled newsback paper gift boxes with tab closure that feature modern graphics printed with environmentally safe soy inks.
The Advice Sisters rarely review products that are extremely specialized, but we think that moms-to-be need special TLC on Mothers Day. Mama Mio has a web site full of pregnancy-oriented gifts and products cleverly organized by trimester. One that we think will pamper a pregnant mom is a bottle of Stretch Mark Oil $30.00. It helps to moisturize dry, itchy skin (which everyone can appreciate) and also has nourishing oils that help increase skin elasticity, so that stretch marks are less onerous. Package this with an aromatherapy candle (see above) and perhaps, a little book of nursery rhymes, for a memorable first "mommies day."
Boxed gift sets make great sense and great gifts, not just because of the presentation, but also, the value. One luxe, limited edition trio from Biolage called the Spa Escape Gift Set $24.95 is beautifully boxed in white, mustard and mint green heavy cardboard. It's affordable, this gift of "good hair," with a trio of generously-sized Biolage smooththérapie products, featuring Smoothing Shampoo 16.9 fl. oz and Smoothing Conditioner 8.5 fl. oz to smooth and control dry, frizzy, unruly hair., but also a lightly scented, slightly fruity Biolage Body Balm 8.5 fl. for smooth skin as well as smooth hair. These pro-style products are special and gift-worthy. They are great for Summer-stressed hair, but we know once you see the silky, smooth, and healthy results, you'll find them a "must-have" all year round. Luckily, you can get these as individual products as well as in the set! You can't look smart, when you feet are "smarting." Foot Petals makes a few foot helpers that are "must-haves" during wedding and sandals season. Strappy Strips $6.95/set of 8 are thin strips of rubbery foam with sticky backs, that you affix to the back of your sling backs or other straps that chafe. They not only prevent blisters, they actually help keep those slippy straps in place, so they irritate your skin a lot less. They come in black, silver, buttercup and rose, but you can barely see them, so one of these colors will work for every show you own. Tip Toes $6.95/pair are fantastic, foamy, flower-shaped ball of foot cushions with sticky backing that let you handle a "hoof" around town or the dance-floor, without pain. These little wonders are so simple, but so seriously great, you'll wonder how you walked without them! They act as a buffer between your foot and your shoe, softening the blow each time you step, helping to prevent calluses from forming, and protecting your bones and tissues from painful pressure. Now, "Taxi shoes" could be viable for actually walking somewhere! These also keep your toes from sliding forward so your feet don't hang off the edge of your sandals, too.
SUPER-GLAM, SERIOUSLY GREAT, MAKEUP GIFTS: Jaqua has three yummy new products that are affordable and great for a little pick-me-up or affordable gift. The absolutely adorable Lip Gloss Ring $8.00 is the easiest, eye-catching-est way to wear and tote your lip gloss. A square, presentation box is decorated with whimsical palm tress and visions of the sea (and the famous cocktail) or the girly-est vision of a bottle of pink champagne and three fabulous flutes. Simply slip the large, clear plastic ring on your finger, and flip open the round top whenever you feel the need to nourish and tint your lips. You'll get a soft, semi-shiny gloss with Vitamin E that comes in either sweet Pina Colada (with a hint of gold shine) or Pink Champagne, which smells just a bit like the bubbly (with a frosty, light and sheer pink sheen). This is also a good way to carry a lip gloss when you don't want to carry a makeup bag. We also loved the new, glam, Glimmer Gloss $8.00 in the same scents and flavors as the Lip Gloss Ring (and with similar , adorable packaging). The wanded, sponge-tipped tubes of shimmery, scented gloss are light and yummy, and shiny and shimmery. Your lips catch the light, and look more full, more sexy than ever. Better still, these are good for your lips, with aloe leaf extract to soothe, and vitamins A and E to soften. These have loads of shimmer to sparkle day or night. For hands, Jaqua presents a Hand Creme $14.00 2 fl. oz in a flip-top type tube that is perfect for a handbag, or travel, also scented with Pina Colada or Pink Champagne scent. Coconut, pineapple and mango extracts mix with meadowfoam seed oil and Vitamins A and E. Your hands will be soft, and the yummy flavors make a boring chore, fun and satisfying!
Is Mom into makeup like you are? Then you'll both flip for the Blush
Me Trio $15.00 by Sephora. Three
shimmery shades of pressed powder make a striped vision across a round,
black compact with clear "porthole" cover. This all-in-one blush compact
highlights, contours, and adds color with a single swipe of your blush
brush, or use them separately, or even on your eyes. With one of these
in your bag, you're good to go, anywhere you area. For Spring, romantic
"Rose 10" OR "Apricot 11" adds a flattering wash of color to still
Winter-weary complexions. "Brun 12" combines gold, copper and bronze
shimmer for a glamorous glow that will dress up a tan, too. If you're
not into serious shimmer, Sephora Blush Me Mono $10.00 comes in 7
single shades from rose to peach and coral, all the way to bronze. "Meringe
Jalouse 2" is a slightly shimmery rose that will give you a perfect "I'm
in love" glow (have fun solo at upcoming weddings by keeping all
guessing about your mystery man). These soft, blendable colors are
nearly mistake-proof, and they won't deplete your bank account, either.
EYE LOVE MOM!
Do you love tea? Does "mom?" Then you'll want to indulge in
DuWop's beautiful trio of limited edition color coordinated,
Duet Eye Shadow Compacts $17.00 each. Inspired by Summer,
and a nice cup of tea, the three duets have tea-themed names:
"Chamomile" (mint green and rose beige), "Chai" (summer gold and warm
copper) and "Lemongrass" (safe green a plea khaki. The compacts look
like matte copper metal, but they're lightweight copper plastic, so
they're good travel companions. The powders are velvety-soft and glow
softly on skin, making them great for palefaces who need a "lift" and
golden goddesses who want a bit of shimmer. Although the colors
are paired, there's no reason why you can't mix and match them with
others. These are fresh and modern, subtle and sexy. These are limited
edition, so like a Summer breeze, they may quickly disappear. Hurry,
and treat yourself!
The Advice Sisters are always eager to review Sephora
products, because this amazing online and retail enterprise has it's
own products, and they're always high performance, high quality, and
interesting. One I really love is the Biocolor Liner $6.00 This
pencil literally has two colors rolled into one. Use one side of the
soft and easily blended pencil to define your lash line, or blend both
together for a more dramatic look. We tried "Blackcurrant Sorbet," a
pearly grey paired with a deep-as-midnight, glitter purple. The effect
is dramatic, romantic, perfect for special events. Two other combos
are: "Coffee and Cream," and "Coco Choco." Pop one into your makeup
bag for an instant, affordable, glam touch. These are one of our
"must-haves" this month. *watch next month for more Sephora
product reviews! We didn't get the Spring line from
Prestige Cosmetics in time for our March What Works column, so we held
it over for May--but we think you'll agree that the Prestige products
were worth waiting for! The new, Prestige Lash Matrix $5.95
is a mascara with a cutting-edge spiral polymer, that wraps around
each last to help lift, lengthen, and thicken (oh yes, and color,
too). On the outside, the tube looks like any other, but inside, the
tri-bristle brush wand helps coat each lash with precision from base
to tip. When you remove this waterproof mascara (with warm water and a
gentle, downward pressure) you can actually see the tiny spirals as
they release! Pretty nifty! The mascara comes in basic brown, or
basic black. If you're looking for a new but not expensive mascara,
this is definitely one we think you should try. While we're on the
subject of eyes, Prestige also has some new, Powder Eye Shadow
$3.95 featuring super-saturated color. My favorite is
"Indigo," a strong, deep blue to line eyes from top to bottom TIP: the
saturated color look is hot for Fall, 2007. Check out the blue, eye
makeup Rudy Miles (for Aveda) did for the Gustavo Arango
Fall 2007 Runway Show in my
Blog Archives. While you can use the powder eye shadow as a
liner, make a stronger, more precise line that is still blendable
(thanks to the dual-ended pencil with sponge smudger tip), with a
complimentary blue Soft Blend Kohl Eyeliner $4.95 in strong,
deep, "Lagoon." Color averse? "Love" and "Champagne" are light,
shimmery peach and shimmery copper,
Pure Color EyeShadow from Estee Lauder $17.50 in
"Gilded Goddess" (gold shadow with glints of light copper shimmer) and
"Bronze Goddess" (bronze-y brown with golden shimmer) are two, limited
edition, luxe shades that will make you feel like Summer is already
here. These pressed powder shadow are so silky, so blendable, and so
long lasting, you can apply them once, and forget touch-ups all day.
Add just a wash for daytime and get a shimmer that's more of a soft
glow. Pull out all the stops and add more at night for a deep, nearly
metallic, shimmer. The slim, clear, Lucite square cases are chic and
stackable and help make a regular ritual feel more special. Add these
to shadow to your Spring/Summer collection to ensure that you'll have
be a glitzy and glamorous, goddess wherever you are.
"When I am an old woman I will wear the color purple," goes
the beloved poem by Jenny Joseph, that started the craze by
Oprah for The Color Purple book by Alice Walker,
and even spawned a musical. For Mother's Day, why not give mom a
loving gift? Pair a copy of the poem or the book, (or tickets to the
musical) and two new, perfectly purple, FACE Stockholm eye
products. Their Amethyst Matte Eye Shadow $18.00 may be
the most perfect purple shadow I've seen to date, and of course, it
perfectly fits the lilac/lavender/plum trend that's hot right now. The
color is sheer, but bright, pure and clear. It's the color of
purple you'd find in a Spring bouquet. Since it's layerable, you can
get a wash of this beautiful color, or add a lot for more drama. For
shimmer or evening allure, add a bit of shimmery Eye Dust $19.00 in
"Spirit," which is nearly the same color as the pressed powder shadow,
but full of shimmer and sparkle. For a finishing touch, add a soft
brown "Mellanbrun" Pencil $14.00 for a soft, modern eye
liner and nearly clear, hint-of-tint peachy/pink, super-shiny and
silky Pot Gloss $16.00 for lips in "Perfect." Tuck them into a FACE Stockholm favorite: a zippered,
see-through, soft brown Mesh Makeup Bag $16.00 and you've got a
gift a woman of any age would love! These colors are from FACE Stockholm's Summer 2007
collection, but you can get them now. *check our JUNE column for
more FACE Stockholm Summer items. Short on cash? Give mom a six-pack of E.L.F. (Eyes Lips Face)
Brightening Eye Color Compacts $1.00/each. These contain a quartet
of four coordinated colors: from greys to pinks, to browns. Get the
compact for $1.00 and four colors for $1.00 each, for a great gift that
is just $5.00! There are two dozen colors to
brighten her Spring, Summer and beyond!. A smooth,
fragrance-free, corn-silk formula absorbs oil and evens out skin tone,
which means they're perfect for the steamier weather ahead. Go ahead,
buy a entire set for yourself, too, for less than the cost of a
fast-food dinner for two. E.L.F.--what a find! We are always looking for
the newest and the best products to suggest to you, and one that will
make glam eye looks easy, is Fiberwig Mascara $22.00, by
Pias Intercosmex. New to our reviews, Fiberwig is one of
the top cosmetics sellers in Japan. The reason may be the micro-fine,
interconnecting fibers, and long-lasting, quick-drying formula, that
gives you lashes that look like they've had their own extensions,
added! The red wanded tube with silver top looks like any other
mascara--until you coat your lashes with it. It took a few coats, but
my lashes looked so long, they seemed almost fake! The mascara doesn't
thicken very much, but it does make your lashes a long and dramatic
frame for your eyes. Beeswax, one of the main ingredients in
this product, protects and enriches your lashes, but what is so
amazing is that the product washes off easily with soap and water,
even though it doesn't flake or smudge on your lashes--no damage to
your lashes, and the longest lashes ever! No wonder women in
Japan are willing to pay a premium. We think you will, too.
FABULOUS FASHION GIFTS:
LUSCIOUS LIP LUXURIES: Receiving a silvery DIOR box with a silver-topped lipstick
compact wrapped in a black, velvet carry case, is the makeup lovers
equivalent of a Tiffany or Cartier gift. That's why the
Backstage Makeup Lip Show Palette $49.50 is one of my top picks for
a luxury gift for Mom, or a splurge for yourself, this month. The
slim, mirrored compact, opens and shuts with a definitive "click" and
contains a beige-y lip color that can be translated five different ways,
with textures from matte, shimmery, glittery, shiny, and satin, plus a
setting powder. These allow you to tailor the finish, and therefore the
look, of lip the color to suit any whim or occasion. There's a
full-sized, clear plastic handled lip brush included as well. It is
truly fun to use, luxurious, and a "gem" of a makeup palette. For those
who simply want a luxe lip color, Dior Addict
Ultra Shine Sheer Lipcolor $24.50 takes Dior's
classic lip colors and makes them sheer, shiny, and moist. We love the
way these simply slide like silk on lips, giving them a strong boost of
nourishment, with ultra-hydrating and lip plumping ingredients and
tons of sexy shine plus light color. We tried "#232-Simply Sweet," a
peachy-pink with sheer shimmery and shine to spare. The sheer, blue
compact with gold bottom is gorgeous, and the color looks great on
everyone from fair to tan. I'm guessing this color will probably sell
out quickly, so get yours, fast. When it’s time for a Spring/Summer weekend, three of the
“must-haves” in your tote are: sunscreen, sunglasses and lip gloss.
Tarte Sunglosses $32/3 has you covered (on the lip gloss
front) with three, full-sized, dual-ended lip glosses (six
shiny, shimmery shades) housed in an adorable, hard-sided, waterproof,
denim sunglass case. This is great for beach and travel. The glosses are three favorite
combos: "Frankie and Annette" features a gorgeous coral pink and
watermelon, "Zack and Kelly" features a peach pink and a cotton-candy
pink, and for a more tawny look, "Gidget and Moondoggie" features a pale
pink and shimmery sand. These are all super shiny, super-sheer, and
universally flattering--we loved all of them. Even better, the dual-ended glosses are
coupled by an adaptor, to you can switch all the gloss duos as you wish.This is a
fantastic deal, and a great gift for mother’s day. Be generous, and
add a matching, denim-covered Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara
$18.00 --all you need for sexy, sultry eyes, and the summery,
denim case comes complete with cute, gold anchor appliqué.
These are not only must haves for mother's day gifts, they're
must-haves for you all season, too.
Subtle lips are a great look with all those retro
"baby-doll" dresses we saw on the runways for Spring 2007. Light a
fresh, but with tons of high shine, is the new LightShine Lipgloss
$4.95 by Prestige, in "Elba." The patent-leather nude
has just enough pink to look pretty and pale, but not chalky. Line lips
with A LightShine Gloss Lip Liner $4.95 in a matching shade
called "Honeysuckle." The liner pencil goes on smoothly and softly,
leaving just a subtle line that helps define color, and keeps the gloss,
where you want it.
In our
January
2007 Column, we reviewed a gift set of ELF (Eyes Lips Face) cell
phone lip gloss charms for just $5.00. but ELF
also has a number of lip products that are all just $1.00/each. ELF Lip Plumping Glaze features a dual ended mini-wand, with a
clear base to create fullness, and a tinted glaze on top for color. It
comes in eight basic shades. "Ruby Kiss," gave our
lips just a bit of a bee stung rouge. For more shine and/or moisture,
try the Hypershine Gloss in a slim, brush-topped, click-up pen,
with soft, cotton-candy-scented flavor, in nine, primarily pink-toned,
shades. The Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in a squeeze tube (we
tried the very pearly, light pink "Pink Kiss"). These
come in
eight colors, all with a grape-vanilla-y scent. Moisture Care Lip
Color in a sponge-tipped click-it pen, offers intensive
hydrating agents along with natural pigments. Nine colors with a sweet,
vanilla-mint taste, hydrate and offer shine. "Cherry Tarte" left a soft, cherry glow on our lips.
For moisture, swivel up the soothing, protecting,
slim,Therapeutic Conditioning Balm, infused with shea butter and
Vitamins A and E, in four fruity scents: vanilla, orange, raspberry
and strawberry crème. The colors are not very saturated
(you have to apply a lot more than usual to get a
lot of color and coverage), but still, they're just $1.00! For the
price, they're simply great! You could purchase an entire line of E.L.F.
products, and still pay less than you might for a modest mother's
day dinner! Get a basket-full!
BOLD NEW BRONZERS:
Last month we suggested the new and novel, Sunburst
Beaded Bronzing Lotion $28.00 by Tarte. What we forgot
to tell you is that there is not just a Sunburst bronzer for your
face, there's one for your body, too, with self-tanning
properties! Sunburst Body 5
oz is a moisturizing
lotion is mixed with little bronzing "beads" that give your skin
immediate color (the more you use, the deeper your color will get).
However, when the bronzing beads encapsulated in the lotion burst, they
gradually react with the lotion's self-tanners, adding an even, natural,
long-lasting color. Get the look,
without baking in the sun. The oil-free formula won't clog pores,
Vitamins A & E help condition skin and fight free radicals, silicone
polymer & cellulose absorb excess oils, and it's water-resistant.
Reviewers, raved! I wasn't quite sure what to make of
the Dior Bronze Sun Powder Spray 2.3 fl. oz, $60.00,
but I liked the idea that this offers a bronzer in a spray can, which
means it's more like an airbrushed tan, and therefore gives you a more
even, easy, and effortless application. The micronized sun powder
is moisturizing, and refreshing. It also comes in two shades (we
tried #1 "Light Tan"). It is so easy to apply, a child could do it.
Simply shake the can vigorously, then press the pump and spray lightly
on your face for the sun-kissed glow you've always dreamed of. You can
also spray it into your hand and apply it with your fingers, if you
wish, but the spray really did the trick--giving my face a perfect,
believable, matte tan that was so even, you really couldn't tell it
wasn't "done by the sun." TIP: even though the spray is
even and soft, and even if you are accurate, this is still a color
product. Your best bet is to cover your clothing while applying the
product, or apply it first and make sure it is completely dry before
dressing.
There's something about the packaging of the Physicians Formula
Mineral Wear Bronzing Veil $11.95 that makes me want to use it, even
though I really have never liked bronzers of any type. A large, clear,
oval shaker jar features a clear, domed top...but that's not what makes
it different. The top of the shaker jar is hinged, and it
features a plastic hook that keeps it's own, mini bronzer blush in place
until you need to use it. Stored under the dome, both the powder and the
brush stay clean. But that's not all: the protective top flips open,
revealing the shaker jar underneath, so you aren't immediately doused
with loose powder that might have become dislodged in storage or
transit! The product inside of course, is what really counts. This
mineral based, talc-free, lightweight, loose powder is available in
translucent, as well as light and medium bronzer, and a deeper bronzer.
I tried the Bronzer, and because the product is mineral based, the shade
was still subtle and believable, not orange or scary-deep. It's suitable
for people with sensitive skin, and absorbs shine and minimizes the
appearance of fine lines and pores. In the summer, controlling shine is
as important as looking sun-kissed, and this product does both.
More bennies are the gentle formula, that allows skin to breathe, while
vitamins and natural anti-oxidants protect and condition. That's a lot
to ask from an inexpensive product, but Physicians Formula
delivers the goods, beautifully. If you are seeking a multi-tasking
product for Summer, this could be the one you've been waiting for! For
those who prefer pressed powder, Bronzed Gems Matte & Bright Bronzing
Powder $12.95 comes in a silvery compact with clear top featuring a
"diamond" in the center, and a mirrored storage area for a mini bronzing
brush, underneath the compact. The compact features a round portion of
matte bronzer, ringed with three "gem-shaped" shimmer powders in
coordinating shades. It is pretty to look at and available in Light
Bronzer and Bronzer, but what makes this great is that they can be used
as an all-over bronzer, a highlighter, blush or eye shadow. It's a
bronze-toned all in one, face-in-a-case kit. The shimmer powders are not
overly shiny, so they work well for daytime, too. We even mixed a bit
with a clear gloss for our lips. In a pinch, this might be the only
compact you need for a weekend away. Smoothset $32.00 by
DuWop is a whole new way to get a skin-kissed, flawless complexion.
The sleek, mirrored, matte silver compact is super-lightweight, so it
won't drag your handbag down. Inside, there's a round pot of
oil-controlling balm, a primer that helps skin retain moisture. It also
contains antioxidant Vitamin E and beeswax to soothe and soften the
skin. Smooth it onto your face as-is to help conceal fine lines and
minimize pores. Better yet, wear it under your favorite foundation and a
dusting of the Smoothset translucent powder, for a more perfect
and even application. It really does make a difference. The
larger part of the compact is filled with pressed translucent powder in
light "Sahara, or " "Mojave," (medium) or "Kalahari," (deep). The
deepest shade is sheer enough to use as a bronzing powder if you have a
pale complexion, by the way, but no matter how you use it, the result is
sheer and natural. For best results use a large, fluffy brush to dust
the powder on and set your makeup. This would be a lovely gift for
mothers day, and now that the weather is heating up, you'll want one for
your beauty toolbox, as well.
Want a gentle glow that doesn't wash off like a powder or a
foundation? L'Oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer + Natural Skin
Tone Enhancer for Face $9.99 2.5 fl. oz is a multi-tasking daily
moisturizing lotion that provides a natural, gradual glow as you do good
things for your face, with ginko biloba and lightweight UVA/UVB
SPF 15 protection. There are two shades: Fair Skin Tones and
Medium Skin Tones. You aren't going to get a deep, San Tropez tan with
this one (even our very fair reviewer boldly used the "medium" with good
results), but used everyday, in about three days you'll start to look
like you've been on vacation. With daily use, you'll get "darker,"
still. So you will definitely look sun-kissed, and even better,
you will be protected from the sun. Don't "bake" to get the look, fake
it. I'm not in love with self-tanners, but if you're going to use one, a
product that includes SPF 15 or higher makes sense, and gets my vote!
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ADVICE SISTERS BONUS -- HOW TO MAKE SENSE OUT OF CHOOSING A SCENT: When I think of May, I think first of Mother's Day, and then, of special events, such as showers, weddings, and graduation celebrations. Wearing (or giving) a beautiful fragrance can make the event even more memorable. In this column, we are offering a selection of the newest for all budgets. Scent is an investment. Here are some tips to help you select a perfect perfume: What kind of fragrance do you want? There are a number of options: Perfume (most expensive, because it contains the largest amount of distilled essential oils and is very concentrated so you need just a little). Cologne and Eau de Toilette (often called "toilet water")and solid fragrances are less expensive than perfume and less concentrated); even less concentrated (but good for layering) is Body Splash, Bath & Body Gels, Body Lotions & Creams. Add your favorite scent to your home with scented Candles, Potpourri, Aroma Sticks, and Room Sprays. What kind of scent do you like? Testing it on your body (not just smelling it in the bottle) is the best way to learn about scent. Perfumes have top, middle and bottom "notes," ingredients blended together to give you a first impression, but you must wear it on your skin to really understand how it will smell, hour after hour, on you. It is best not to buy a fragrance without taking a sample home, and seeing how it performs. If you can't get a sample, ask the salesperson spritz one scent on one wrist only, and walk around in it for a few hours to see how it will really smell in the days to come. You cannot possibly choose a scent from a paper strip! If you have sensitive skin, trying the actual fragrance is essential, as there may be ingredients that react with your skin. Fragrances come in a number of basic categories: Floral (flowers); Fruity (fruits); Fougere (grassy, green, herbal); Oriental (incense, spices, exotics); Chypre (woods, earthy) and Oceanic (synthetics meant to evoke a particular feeling such as: ocean, sand, rain, fabric). What smells good on you? Not all scents work equally well with a person's body chemistry. Some scents (e.g. chocolate or green tea) may be pleasing to you, but not smell great when mixed with your personal body chemistry. When you find a scent you like, consider purchasing a few "layering" products such as body lotion, to help make the scent last longer. What about selecting a scent for someone else? If you are buying a fragrance for someone else, consider their personality and lifestyle. Do they already wear fragrance? If so, give them a bath or home-scent in that fragrance. If you're not sure if they will like fragrance, make sure you give them a return gift slip and let them know it's ok to return it, if they don't like it. If your budget doesn't allow perfume, go for a candle, scented soap, or moisturizer, instead. Remember: You have an audience! Fragrance is not meant to be smelled across the room, but only up close. Like a fine wine or anything with organic ingredients in it, fragrance needs to be properly stored, ideally away from light and heat, in a cool, dry place. It can also turn with age, so get a small sized bottle if you aren't planning to use it up in a year.
FANTASTIC NEW FRAGRANCE FOR SPRING, AND BEYOND:
Last month we introduced you to Blue Agava & Cacao Cologne $90.00 3.4 fl. oz, $50.00 1 fl. oz by Jo Malone. What we liked so much about this scent is that it is pleasing to both men and women. The scent is complex and fresh, with a sexy side. If you missed last months' review, it features a spicy top notes of bigardia, grapefruit, cardamome, lime oil and red berry, with a heart of the agava flower (for which it is named) along with orchid, geranium, white lily, and a witty touch--salt! The bottom notes soften the scent, with vetiver, musk, and vanilla beans, plus cinnamon and chypre cocoa. Upon drydown, you'll also find vanilla, leather, even a hint of tobacco. For mother's day, a great new product to give is the Blue Agava & Cacao Bath Oil $60.00 8.5 fl. oz. Sweet almond and avocado oils, among other things, help to smooth and soften skin, while adding a layer of the lovely scent. The simple, rectangular, plastic bottle with beveled edges topped with a black cap and a white label with black lettering, makes a chic statement in the bathroom. Après bath, a new Body Crème $75.00 5.9 fl. oz that is richly scented, and so totally luxurious! The fabulously silkening product makes short work of dry, itchy skin, and adds yet another sensuous layer of Blue Agava and Cacao scent to your body. This would make a great gift, and a great addition to your fragrance wardrobe. Jo Malone suggests layering this unisex scent with other scents, to make it more masculine or feminine, and we will be reviewing more Blue Agava and Cacao scented products that we think guys will like as well as the ladies in our JUNE What Works column. Watch for it!
Celine Dion is a true songstress, an elegant diva with a divine voice. Although some stylists literally sniff at her unique style, she has literally, legions of fans around the world who adore this slim, talented woman. For Mother's Day, a great gift is the newest fragrance from Coty featuring Ms. Dion, called "Enchanting" Eau de Toilette $35.00 1.7 oz, Body Lotion $12.50 6.7 oz, $12.50. Launched last Fall in Europe, it hit the USA in March. This light, "floriental" fragrance starts a bit fruity, with top notes of delicate osmanthus, ripe red berries and cyclamen, but a floral/spicy heart quickly emerges through diamond orchid, gardenia and fresh freesia make a feminine statement, while sensuality is translated through translucent amber, creamy sandalwood and the rich notes of tonka beans. We also love the bottle. Reminiscent of Ms. Dion herself, the multi-faceted, clear, glass bottle is slim and elegant, with a tall, clear lucite "crown" atop the silver spray diffuser. Even the blue and gold adorned carton with a sultry photo of Ms. Dion at her most sensual, evokes romance and pampering. This makes an affordable, if budget-minded choice for an elegant woman...maybe you? TIP: The scent is light, but remains with you. Spray this lightly on a pillow, and have romantic dreams all night! We've been having a love affair with Missoni fragrance the past few months. We just love the unique, sunny, happy, fruity-floral fragrance that smells luxurious, and lighthearted. For Spring, there's a new Missoni product: Missoni Eau de Toilette $85.00 3.4 fl. oz that is a lighter version of the original, perfect for the warmer months. It maintains many of the same elements: lemon, bergamot, sparkling mandarin, magnolia, rose, and peony, and velvety Gianduia and amber upon drydown. The fruity-floral still smells soft and feminine. What's different is the color: This time, the bottle and packaging are a feminine, soft pink, reminiscent of tea roses. This fresh scent would be perfect for a bride, broadcasting a romantic, but sophisticated fragrance that smells like a new classic. Spray a little for a subtle hit of scent, or layer with other Missoni products for more "ooph" when the spirits moves you.
SO...? Are you a bit "sinfully-flirty" although you're mostly "nice?' A youthful, cute fragrance to have fun with this May is So...? Sinful Eau de Toilette Spray$16.95 1.7 fl. oz; $8.50 .67 fl. oz; $4.50 2.5 fl. oz. We loved the sexy, purple and pink cardboard outer box, and the clear, square, cute of glass that highlights the pink-tinted fragrance inside. The purple plastic mushroom-shaped cap over the spray diffuser adds a colorful touch, too. This is the type of fragrance that will get the boys wanting to come closer. It's soft and vanilla-y, but the top notes are a delicious blend of mint, pineapple and chocolate, with a heart of violet and strawberry, and a strong drydown of vanilla, praline, cedarwood and musk. It's the bottom notes that we really notice, creating a soft, sensual feel to this fragrance that I think will go well with the romantic and feminine clothes you'll be wearing now through the Summer. The price can't be beat--it's an affordable, "find."
J'Adore (I adore) J'Adore Satin Moisture Mist $42.50 3.4 fl. oz by Dior Beauty. This limited edition, light moisturizing mist gives you skin a slight touch of J'Adore fragrance. We wish we had a photo of the voluptuous, frosted glass bottle has a tall, slender, tapered, gold wire-wrapped cap with a clear, crystal orb nestled on its' top. It is lovely to look at, and it smells divine, but this is a serious multi-tasker that really does a great job of silkening skin, seemingly instantly and effortlessly, while offering a new, warmer-weather option for wearing a favorite scent. The sparkling floral notes are feminine, but fresh and modern, sensuous and sophisticated. The original, created by Dior in 2000, has top notes of mandarin and ivy leaves, softened by the champaca flower, with a heart of African orchids, roses, and violets, and a base of damascus plum, amaranth wood, and blackberry musk. This version is lighter, but not inconsequential. It lasts, but doesn't turn or become too heavy. It might just be the perfect day to evening fragrance, and this new Satin Moisture Mist is the perfect way to wear it. The fragrance works even for those who normally wear Orientals or spicy florals. It just touches you in a personal way, and each woman translates the notes just a bit differently. Get Mom some for M-day and she'll think of you all year with a smile on her face. Get one for yourself, and you'll be in love, too.
NIFTY NAILS:
Are you longing for a luxe polish? One that you can wear during the day, and still look glam at upcoming evening events? The newest Pure Color Nail Lacquer $18.00 colors by Estee Lauder from their Bronze Goddess Summer 2007 Color Collection is in stores right now, with two, semi-sheer and shimmery shades just right for now through Summer's heat wave. "Bronze Goddess" is a shimmery bronzed beige. One coat gives you a wash of color, but two gives you a fully burnished bronze that will look beautiful on pale or tanned hands and toes. Two coats of "Coral Reef" will give you a glorious, shimmery coral that is bright, not gaudy. It's a glam alternative to red and those "goth" plums, for now through Summer. TIP: Package one or both of these luxe nail lacquers along with some of mom's favorite manicure essentials in a carry-all for a unique M-day or bridal shower gift.
HAIR HELPERS:
We introduced Oloff Beauty into our What Works reviews last column. Another lovely hair care line from this company is AETÓ Botanica Spa. AETÓ Botanica Body and Hair Care Collections take a botanical approach to skin and hair care, with calming scents, and ingredients harvested by 185 Brazilian tribes in riverside communities in the Amazon. The Hair Care line makes a claim that early recognition and swift action against hair loss, hair breakage and scalp conditions due to aging, along with regular use of AETÓ Botanica Hair Care, will reverse the symptoms. We can't say for sure that this is true, but we definitely think moms of every age will welcome the nicely boxed set of travel-sized, botanical hair and body products called AETÓ Botanica Travel Kit $35.00. Inside the box are four lovely products: Fortifying Shampoo 3.05oz and Fortifying Mask 3.05oz plus a Body Shampoo 3.05oz and Body Crème 3.05oz . The shampoo has yucca and bamboo, to fortify weak hair with a pH balance of 5.5, and the mask features bamboo and wild mango, plus pathenol and bamboo (to help nourish and rejuvenate stressed hair.) The shampoo lathers richly, and washes clean --the mask detangles and washes out easily, too. The anti-aging properties may be the draw, but we're willing to bet that mom may be more interested in the fact that her hair looks and feels wonderful--soft, shiny, bouncy. Perhaps they are the fountain of youth for hair! Their scent is (to me at least), reminiscent of luxury clay spa products. The Body Shampoo has passion flower as well a precious myrrh and cranberry, to cleanse and enjoy. The Body Crème has myrrh and something exotic: murumuru butter, to soften skin and protect it with antioxidants. With plastic bottles and amber flip-tops, these products make giving a caring, luxurious gift, a breeze.
There are plenty of products that help you hold a style, but if the humidity hits and you're susceptible to it, your style may frizz, and become something you didn't count on! Popularly-priced Fructis products by Garnier have a lightly fruity-scents, and you can afford to try them all. One that I like, particularly as the weather becomes steamier, is Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray $3.99 8.25 oz. I love the cheery, lime green spray bottle with powerful, lime green spray nozzle. What comes out of the nozzle is a hairspray with super-strong hold. What's most important about this product, however, is that it is formulated with fruit micro-waxes. The fast-drying formula puts an invisible barrier between your hair, and the humidity. I tried this on my own hair on a particularly humid day, and while it held my hair as expected, it also did a good job of keeping the frizz factor under control and keep it well, Sleek & Shiny, just as the title suggests! Activate was founded in 2004 by group of Latina women, who weren't finding the type of affordable, effective hair-hydrating products they felt they needed. Activate is a salon-style line of products at popular prices, featuring natural ingredients. Their moisturizing blend includes sea grape, white water lily, Vitamin E, cupuacu butter, and macadamia nut oil, plus nourishing vinall bean, vitamin B5 and aloe vera. The products are nearly all $6.99 (Activate Sealant Serum is $8.99) and comes in attractive, sea blue plastic tubes and bottles with flip tops. We especially like the Sealant Serum 2 fl. oz, which is so silky you won't want to wash the residue off your hands. It's an amazing, anti-frizz fighter, that acts as a humidity barrier, while making hair super-silky and quenching dry ends and flyaways. This is a "must-have" when you're out in the sun this summer, and when your delicate hair is stressed out by chlorine, sand, and salt. If your hair is dry and overworked, Latina or not, you will want to check out, Activate. We've seen products for redheads, blondes, even brunettes, but Pantene Pro-V Midnight Expressions Shampoo and Conditioner $6.49 13 oz each in "Espresso" and "Onyx" is one of the first products we've seen created specifically for dark haired beauties. The gentle shampoo has moisturizers to bring a brilliant shine back to dark hair, and protect it against damage. A non-color depositing formula enhances color, without additional dye. We didn't get anyone with black hair to test these products, but we can tell you with confidence that Pantene Pro-V is one of the most popular brands around. The products are effective and affordable, which makes these new products for dark hair welcome news to those with dark hair, everywhere.
HYDRATING HELPERS FOR THE FACE:
Your skin is precious, and should be treated well. the Erno Lazlo TRANSpHUSE Night Serum $165.00 1 fl. oz is one of the priciest products we've reviewed in a long time. This pleasingly light serum comes in a dramatic clear lucite tube with black liner, white lettering, and a tall, shiny black cap. There are lots of complex complexes in this slim pump bottle. There's a pro-biobalance complex (to replenish the skin with nutrients that help your skin cells defend themselves against environmental stressors; an expression relaxing complex (press lit says it "limits and controls micro-contractions which lead to smoother skin" so we're guessing it's a bit like Botox in a bottle); there's a smooth wrinkle complex (to inhibit collagen destruction and to stimulate new collagen growth--a great thing); and there's a firming and lifting complex that helps "rebuild the extra cellular matrix, producing more collagen, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (in other words, to help skin look younger, plumper, and smoother). Can it do battle against stress-induced skin damage and give your skin a brighter, glowing quality? We'd wager, the answer is 'yes." As with most products we review, time can give us a definitive, and we never have that much time for each product. But there's a lot of technology going on here, and we can definitely report an immediate improvement in how our skin looked and felt. Somehow, it felt toned, a bit "lifted" and firmer. This is a night serum, and there is an additional product, TranspHuse Topical $178.00 1.5 fl. oz to use in the daytime, for that one-two-punch. Treat yourself, and that special "mom." The duo will cost you a bit over $300, but it's an easy way to make a different. A facelift is thousands (and a lot more painful). We just couldn't wait until our big, July/August Summer skincare column to tell you about DayWear Plus, Multi Protection Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 $25.00 by Estee Lauder because we know you'll want it now. This multi-tasking moisturizer has a very sheer wash of color (in four shades) as well as hydrators, antioxidants, and UVA/UVB sunscreens, to give you an easy way to nourish and protect your skin in one step. The plastic tube with gold cap means it won't break in your bag and is good for travel. The fragrance is super-light (thank you!) and the product gives you skin a more even tone and a sheer finish, without heaviness or greasy feel. We tried "Light Medium" which was sheer enough to be flattering to virtually every light to medium complexion. It's light, it's easy, it makes you look good, and it is good for your skin. Packed into this tube of tinted treat (among other things) are South African red tea, grape seed, rice bran, rosemary, Resveratrol, and an antioxidant called "Eukarion" that helps protect against aging. Throughout the day, encapsulated vitamin C and E and rosemary extract are continuously released to help counteract damage from the outside environment. You might say this is a super-friend for your face, in a tube, but all anyone else will see is that you have great looking skin! For more coverage, Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming makeup SPF 15 $33.50 helps you skin look brighter and more flawless, but with continued use, it actually could be more radiant and youthful looking! We like the clean, pump bottle that makes application, easier, and the smooth, medium to full coverage foundation (in 15 different shades) that has an exclusive technology to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and make skin look firmer and brighter. We also love the fact that it has SPF 15. If you are going to use foundation, it's a no-brainer to choose one that helps protect your skin and improve it, as well as helping it to look more flawless, right now. We couldn't test this for the 4 weeks required to see results, but the foundation is great, and if it can make your skin better, we're all for it! TIP: A product with SPF 15 is sufficient for every day, but we still suggest you wear a stronger sun screen when you're going to be outdoors for more than a short while. Manhattan doctor Patricia Wexler is a board certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery including state-of-the-art cosmetic surgical procedures, All Dr. Wexler's products have formulas enriched with cutting-edge MMPi technology, to help skin reverse signs of damage caused by photo-aging, and to help repair the skin's surface, from within. That being said, you might like to try some of these effective and innovative products. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, and it's hard to find a moisturizer and/or a sun screen that doesn't make you break out, The Patricia Wexler Oil-Free Hydrator SPF 30 $39.50 1.7 fl. oz may be just the thing for you. For starters, we love the packaging: a self-contained top and slim tower with a twist on/off pump that lowers flat to the top, when twisted. The product has the MMPi technology, of course, and UV Protection SPF 30 protection. More importantly, it has oil absorbers and is oil free, so it won't contribute to breakouts or add more shine where you don't want it. The scent is mild, and there is a bit of a sting when you apply it that is actually, refreshing. Even oily skin needs an effective moisturizer, but who wants greasy shine? This product will make your skin soft, protected, and nourished, but the rich, white, lotion absorbs quickly while it does great things for your face. There is also a Universal Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 $39.50 1.5 fl. oz (for normal skin) that has ingredients that help your skin become more firm and moist, and boosts it's own regenerative powers to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This rich cream comes in an attractive, clear plastic jar with white cap. The white and maroon lettering on all the Patricia Wexler products will make guys feel comfortable using them as well. The high-tech features of this product is also MMPi20 technology. Apply it in the daytime as part of your anti-aging routine. It'll hydrate, and protect with UV protection SPF 30. What could be better? *watch for more Patricia Wexler SPF 20 products in our June 2007 column, next month. To view previous "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics, and Fashion Review columns, visit the What Works Archives
The Risarium Black Rice Microdermabrason System 3.12 fl oz.: $65.00 by Perlier might not be the most romantic gift, but the luxurious, effective Risarium Black Rice line of products will make her look and feel more beautiful, and that's something every woman wants. Nicely packaged in a cardboard presentation box are four products that work together to exfoliate and protect your skin: Pre-Treatment Cleansing Milk that you massage into skin and rinse or tissue off to deep clean skin for exfoliation. The Intensive Renovator, a slightly gritty exfoliator, is the second step. This is made from fine Rice Powder that encourages gentle exfoliation. Just leave it on (without scrubbing) for a few minutes, then rinse it off. Step three is a Post-Treatment Neutralizing Lotion with Black Rice Peptides, to rebalance, soothe, and remove impurities and dead cells. After the treatment, the Daily Treatment Extreme Age-Defying Treatment SPF 15 protects and nourishes your newly-exfoliated skin. The entire process takes just a few minutes, revealing brighter, more glowing skin without harsh scrubbing. It's all you (or Mom) needs for an economical, salon-type treatment in a box. For more products from the Black Rice Risarium line, check out our JUNE What Works column next month! Kelémata Make-Up Remover Eye Contour Care $19.00 5.1 fl. oz comes in a blue, plastic bottle and makes removal of even stubborn makeup, easy, fast, and non-irritating. One of the things I particularly liked about this makeup remover is that it is completely hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, and since it is non-greasy, it won't leave an uncomfortable film on your eyes. Key ingredients include hamamelis, chamomile and cornflower. Try these for yourself, or package the mascara Eye Makeup remover together with a new eye shadow, for a look that will make Mom truly happy!
Our Forums/Bulletin Boards just got a make-over. Please check them out, sign up and participate! The Beauty forum is there for you to ask questions, get advice, share ideas, and post your own reviews and suggestions for products you really love.
BEAUTIFUL FOR BATH AND BODY:
You might not be able to send Mom (or yourself) to the tropics right now, but you get her an instant, gift-able glow, with the new, Estee Lauder Body Performance Naturally Radiant Moisturizer $35.00 6.7 oz. This is yet another in the newest trend: gradual tanners infused into moisturizers, so you get the bennies of smooth, hydrated skin and develop a buildable , controllable (not deep and scary) tan as you continue to use it. The lotion is rich and easily absorbed, and smells light and fresh and a bit citrus-y (to me, at least). The good-for-your-skin ingredients include: Linoleic acid, Wheat Germ, safflowers oils, Vitamin E and Aloe. They worked well, to soften my skin, instantly. (nice touch)! I didn't use this for the full week necessary to see a full tan (we at the Advice Sisters only have so many skin patches to test things on) but I did see a hint of color after just two uses, so I am confident in recommending this as a new (and nifty) self-tanner. There's nothing we like better than travel kits and sample sizes, and the Travel Kit $9.99 by Dionis comes in a clear, plastic, velcro-closing pouch featuring four, 2 oz. sized Cucumber Mint-scented products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash and Lotion. Just enough for a long weekend away for "Mom" and her partner (or for you, of course). The Dionis® collection products are made in small batches, with strict attention to quality and with natural goats milk from family farms, infused with natural herbs and vitamins to restore and protect all skin types. Reviewers really liked the light, fresh, herbal scent that works well for both women and men. My personal favorite is the Hand & Body Lotion, a super-silky, fast absorbing, smoothing and moisturizing lotion that pampers with hydrating vitamins, minerals, and restorative proteins. I try lots of lotions, of course, but this one softened and smoothed my skin in seconds...that's pretty impressive. I also give high marks to the shampoo, with a light, sea-green color, and gentle cleanser full of vitamins, natural proteins, minerals, Vitamin E and aloe vera. My hair looked glossy and healthy, and felt soft and simply wonderful. By the way, all these products come in a dozen varieties of scent (and unscented) so you will have a great time choosing your favorites. They're not tested on animals and are 90-95% natural. Whether you love yogurt because it's healthy, or you just love the taste, yogurt is also a main beauty ingredient in Karite Butter Body Cream $7.95 by Cléo 8.5 fl. oz. Directly from Italy and available through drugstore.com, Cléo is a bath and body line infused with natural moisturizing extracts from yogurt, that help to improve your skin's texture and elasticity. The frosted plastic jar with bright pink top holds a generous portion of thick white cream that reminds me a bit of rich, Greek-style yogurt. The scent, however, is a combo of flowers and Karite Butter. There's also a version in "Cherry," which we didn't try. In case you don't know what Karite is, it's a form of super-emollient shea butter from West Africa. What you'll really want to know is that is silkens your skin, sensationally well, without a hint of grease or heaviness. If your skin is dry and itchy, or irritated, this lovely cream will help relieve the itchy, dry patches, leaving your skin lovelier than ever. For more yogurt-related products, try the Cléo Liquid Soap $2.95 10.1 oz. The white plastic pump bottle with large pink plastic pump top makes an attractive addition to any room. We tried the "Cereals" scent, which just smells a bit sweet and light, with a hint of florals. There's also apricot and mint. But this cream hand soap is enriched with antioxidants from corn oil to nurture and sanitize hands. These may be inexpensive, but they're really no-nonsense nice...buy some for yourself, or get a pretty basket and fill it with different scents and products from Cléo for a budget-minded gift for Mom (one she'll actually use), or to outfit your guest bathroom this Summer.
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Let's say you're on a really tight budget this year, but Mother's Day is coming, and you can't honor Mom, empty-handed. You're too old to get away with a home-made card and no gift. Now What? Suave can rescue you, easily and affordably, with a new line of Exhale Moisturizing Body Washes $2.50 12 oz and Exhale Body Lotions $2.75 18 oz in four scents (Calming) "Lavender Vanilla," (Alluring) "Sandalwood Cinnamon, (Inspiring) "Lime Verbena," and (Lively)" Juicy Tangerine." For Starters, if you bought all of these generously-sized items, in attractive, Easter-egg bright plastic bottles of hot pink, orange, green or lavender, your bank account will be set back only $21.00 give or take a bit of tax. The Body Wash has white tea extracts, provitamin B5, and Vitamin E to soothe and pamper skin. The pearly liquid is soft, foamy, and fun to use, with just enough scent to be enjoyable, but not overwhelming. The scents aren't fancy, and they're subtle, with the strongest being the Calming Lavender Vanilla. The Sandalwood and Cinnamon somehow seemed more floral than the expected spice. The lightly-fruited Juicy Tangerine and Lime Verbena are more unisex, Although these aren't in fancy packaging, I really like the details, such as a pump that matches the bottle. The Body Lotion also has white tea extracts and soothing Vitamin E. I It absorbs quickly, and you can lavish your skin with it, because an 18oz bottle is pretty huge. This is simple skin therapy, and aromatherapy without a high price tag. Trust me: Mom will feel pampered! TIP: bring a basket of these to your weekend hostess, or add these to your guest bathroom for happy visitors!
About The Works Beauty Reviews: Products reviews are conducted by Alison Blackman Dunham (aka. Advice Sister Alison). In some instances, the review reflects additional opinions of qualified, anonymous reviewers and the term "we" instead of "I" is used in the commentary. Nobody gets financial compensation for reviewing products, and they are not affiliated with the companies mentioned. If you have comments about the column, or if you would like to be considered as a reviewer and can pick up products from the New York area, Email us at: advicesisters@advicesisters.net. |
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If you
read the Advice Sisters What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review
columns regularly, you know I'm an advocate for protecting your skin
from the sun's damaging rays. From April through June,
Sephora is partnering with the Skin Cancer Foundation
to offer a limited edition
Sun Safety Kit $22.00 at all their retail and online locations. It's
such a nice kit and important item! A yellow, zippered mesh travel bag is
filled with trial-sized versions of sunscreens for every part of the
body, in some of the most popular brands. It is a great way to try out
these products, before you invest in larger sizes. You get: 1 oz
Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30, .17 oz Bliss Sunban Face SPF 30+, .10
oz Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care SPF 30, .15 oz Juice
Beauty SPF 15 Tinted Lip Moisturizer in Playful, .25 oz Peter Thomas
Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30, .5 oz Korres
Natural Products Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30, .5 oz
Cosmedicine Global Health Face SPF 30, and a .09 oz DDF Glossy Lip
Therapy SPF 15. 100% of the
net proceeds of this great value benefits the
Women over a "certain
age" often find the glossy magazines and beauty books
offer beauty tips for those in their 20'- 40's, and then the
advice just stops. That's why I'm loving Bobbi Brown Living Beauty
$29.99 Springboard Press, March 2007 by makeup guru
Bobbi Brown, with Marie Claire Katigbak-Sillick, Senior
Copywriter for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and photographs by
Henry Leutwyler. This book is directed primarily to those
past 40 and may just become the first definitive "playbook"
to help women look great at any age. Bobbi Brown is 50,
looks fabulous, and
we like her empowering message that getting older
doesn't mean giving up on how you look and feel. While she
doesn't suggest that women should look 30, at 60, she does
provide information to encourage women to do what they can to fight off the signs of aging. In every
chapter she offers tips, techniques and other ways to look fresh and
feel beautiful, without expensive and invasive enhancements. The
glossy photographs feature attractive and often, prominent
women (none of whom would be young enough to walk the runway or model in
most fashion magazines), and basic, important information about
everything from dealing with minor facial flaws, to full-out beauty
challenges stemming from menopause to wardrobe and make-overs. Even one
little tip or technique that improves your beauty routine can make the
entire cost of a beauty book, worthwhile. From lipstick to
lifestyle, you'll get more than your money's worth out of Bobbi
Brown Living Beauty.
The baby boomers are turning 60 this
year. Sherrie Matheison, a style consultant, helps women (and men) to
make those who are "middle-age" look appropriate, but youthful and
"forever cool" in her book, Forever Cool Thompson Peak
Publishing, 2006. Through the full color photos on every page,
and easy to understand text written in short sentences that make the
concepts easy to apply, you can't fail to see where men and women,
even those under age 40, flub fashion 101. From overly-bright
Hawaiian shirts for the guys, to "plain Jane" pants outfits no grandma
should even wear for the ladies, Ms. Matheison shows readers what is
"not cool" and what is "forever cool." I am not in
complete agreement
with all of the author's style suggestions, but that's ok. Also, the book will
appeal most to urbanites (there is more than one frumpy Midwest
comment), but most of the
book is right on in terms of how to create an attractive,
age-appropriate, but still stylish look for various body types,
personalities, and activities. If your mom is a baby boomer, this is a
perfect mom's day gift to help her spiffy up her style quotient. For
those under 40, the book also helps you think through putting
together an entire look-something many people do not do well.
You'll get lot of tips, no
matter what your age.
Are you (or mom) still using
one of those old fashioned hair dryers that does the job by baking hair
with high heat for as long as it takes? This Mother's Day, both of
you deserve to step up your beauty routine with a high-tech tool that
not only makes drying and styling faster and easier, it also makes it
safer for your hair. The Pro Nano Titanium Hair Dryers
Mid-Size Ionic Turbo Dyer $159.99 and Pistol Grip Dryer $79.99
look like any old hair dryer, but they definitely are not.
The Nano Titanium Pro, for example, was used by world-class
stylists during the Fall 2007 Fashion Week shows. As
someone who has logged more than a few hours backstage in the prep areas
in the tents at Bryant Park, I can know stylists can
choose virtually any tools they want. They choose this one because Titanium is as strong as steel, and
provides superior heat conductivity (this one has an awesome 1,900
watts). The case is Ryton which withstands high heat, so it's a perfect
partner. And, the BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium hair dryers are truly
high tech, emitting negative ions that reduce frizz and close the
cuticle to create smooth shiny hair (when negative ions collide with positive ions on your hair,
static electricity is reduced so your hair looks shiny and silky).
The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium also produces maximum far-infrared
heat that can penetrate the hair shaft from within for faster
drying, without "frying." The dryers are light, so your arm doesn't tire
easily. The hinged rear filter, substantial, nano-titanium ceramic
grill, wide, remove-able, concentrator nozzle, and heavy-duty
power cord,are plusses. Settings include warm and hot, and a "cool
shot: button (to "lock" a curl). This is a cool tool that
everyone wants. 
When I attended
Last year, I raved about the Butler Bag in our
Navy blue and white, plus gold makes me instantly think "nautical" and
"Summertime." Navy blue was Estee Lauder's favorite, and
signature, color. For Spring/Summer 2007, granddaughter Aerin
Lauder celebrates her grandmother's classic style, with makeup and
fragrance items featuring refillable, golden compacts with a white
sailors knot on a navy blue enamel background, known as the "Heritage
Print." This "Heritage Collection" features fragrance and makeup
items, some a retro nod to the past, some brand new. As you can see from
the collection in our photo, they are all pure luxury, featuring blue
and white, re-useable, cardboard gift boxes with silky, navy blue knot
pull-tags that slide the products out of the box like a tiny drawer and
substantial, gold metal and enamel compacts. The limited
edition Heritage Collection features four beautifully packaged
fragrance items: White Linen by Estee Lauder is a light,
fresh floral, and a classic warm weather favorite, with top notes of
Bulgarian rose, jasmine, and muget, a heart of Violet and orris, and
base notes of vetiver and moss. Estee Lauder White Linen
pieces in this collection include: a set of three, square Guest Soaps
$35.00 (makes a great weekend hostess gift): a white Candle
$50.00 in a navy blue glass holder; A globe-shaped navy blue
Solid Perfume Pendant $150.00 on a gold plated chain; and
beautiful, White Linen Parfum $95.00 .25 fl. oz in the classic,
White Linen bottle, wrapped with a navy blue cord around the neck. would
make a special gift for mom, or a treat for yourself. There are also
makeup items in vintage and modern shades, ranging from a
seashell-shaped Minutiae $550.00 with a (vintage, red)
lipstick and (Lucidity) pressed powder, to a golden Hairbrush $50.00, a
sheer, coppery
Face Glow $95.00 blush/gloss in a gorgeous mirrored compact
with white sailors knot, and a Lipstick and Pressed Powder Set
$85.00/set in nude, coral and plum tones and a Lucidity Pressed
Powder. There is also a quintet of Lipsticks $85.00 in
fluted, square, golden tubes, that include three vintage shades along
with two modern ones. Any one of these would make a fantastic gift. With
Spring and Summer holidays, and wedding season coming, splurge a little
on your beauty "presentation" with these unique ways to make life just a
bit more gracious, fun, and beautiful.
Multi-talented Yana
Chupenko, part musician, part makeup diva, was also part of the
creative force of Tony & Tina Cosmetics. She was the Director of
Product Development and Marketing for T&T for 8 years, I loved T&T for
their philosophy, packaging, and youthful, often glittery, products. Now
Yana has developed her own line called Shiny Mama. Her
debut products instantly made me smile: they're affordable
$15.00/each, in witty packaging, and yes, they're glittery!
The outside packaging is a thin type of plastic, completed printed with
a delicate, elegant, black design that reminds me of turn of the
century, flocked wallpaper. Unusual and very pretty! Although it's
now Spring, Yana's "Snow Queen" collection hits the market with
Glitter All $15.00 and Shimmer All $15.00. Glitter All
is a loose glitter powder that comes in a clear, Lucite cube with a
silvery-rimmed "porthole" top (o you can see the color). A whimsical,
tiny silver "spoon" charm surrounds the neck, and it can also be used as
a cell phone charm. "Pink Champagne" is a very fine-milled, loose
glitter in pink, shimmering with a mini rainbow of tiny multi-glittered
pieces. Silvery "Snow" leaves a burst of tiny glints of silver glitter
wherever it lands, that looks just like sunlight or moonlight reflecting
off a newly-landed snowfall. TIP: Loose glitter
products are not going to stay put forever without some sort of
"fixative," but you can mix them with moisturizer, lip gloss, and add a
sprinkle to your hair, followed by a bit of hairspray to keep them where
you want them. The Shimmer All is another way to wear glam day or
evening. This loose powder has a shimmery more than glittery feel,
almost metallic if you use enough of it. However, the powder is in a
slim vial with shaker opening, and a silvery top contains a handy sponge
to capture and apply the product just where you want it. "Pink Crystal"
is a soft pink that will look great on eyelids, lips and perhaps, even
applied lightly on cheeks for a highlight. "Ice" is a super-pearly
white, that can be used as-is, or we liked it mixed with other products
to give them a bit of glamour, too. We can't wait to see what Shiny Mama
products are next!
Another adorable (and affordable) little treat for yourself, or for a
great mom, is the Fresh Kiss Gloss Effet 3D
Mobile Cell Phone Charm $9.00 by Bourjois. Last
It seems fitting (pun intended) that
Momimomi has
a unique way for you to give mom or anyone, a truly unique gift.
Momimomi's Danny Leder and
Olin McKenzie offer luxury T-shirts that have won lots of fans
from both women and men. Now,
the company has launched a very chic, by-subscription
only collection, called the Momi TEeA Party. Every third week of
the month, delivered by UPS, subscribers get a new shirt, along with
cards and
printed information about the design. These are wearable works of
art, and only 100 t-shirts will be produced each month. That means only
a limited number of subscribers can even get in past the proverbial
"velvet rope" to purchase them. Memberships can be
I can't think of anything more "girly" and romantic, yet practical
for a special Mom (or just as a little splurge for yourself), than a
beautiful set of Scented Drawer Liners $20.00/6 16.5 x 22 inch sheets
from Gianna Rose Atelier. Scented drawer liners are a
little luxury that help keep clothes neat and snag-free, and of course,
whatever scent is on the paper, will lightly waft through your clothes
or other items. There are more than half a dozen to choose from, but we
like "Sea Mist," a spicy blend (perhaps a hint of pepper?) that is
clean and invigorating. The papers are beautiful: swirls of light blue
"waves" scrolling delicately across a white background with tiny black
dots. The set of six is presented in a re-useable, cardboard slider box
with the same print. The sheets are large, and can but cut to customize
any size drawer. TIP: you can also use scented
drawer liners to line the insides of storage boxes, keeping your items
nicely stored and lightly scented.
Kelémata
is a botanical pharmaceutical house that has specialized in the
manufacturing of treatments, including over-the-counter and
prescription remedies, derived from the active ingredients of
medicinal plants for over 60 years. New to our reviews, we think mom
will find the primarily cobalt-blue and white packaging, and unique
products, to be a luxe treat. The cobalt blue color helps protect
botanicals from light, and it looks so pretty, too! Mascara
Suractif $15.00, for example, is formulated with collagen proteins
and botanical extracts, and while it adds color and special
conditioners that may lashes look longer and thicker, it is still
recommended for those with sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.
Your lashes will not only look great, they will be stronger, softer
and nourished by the ingredients in this slim mascara in it's cobalt
blue wand. A nicely-shaped bristle wand helps apply the mascara easily
and uniformly. When it's time to remove mascara or other eye makeup,
Bronzers are no longer seasonal and new ones are cropping up virtually
by the month. The Bronzing Powder Délice de Poudre $18.00 by
Bourjois comes in a glossy, cardboard compact with magnetic closure.
Open it, and inside there's a pressed powder bronzer in a rectangle,
with four, indented rectangles that reminds me of a chocolate bar. This
is no ordinary bronzer, and of course, it's not for eating. However,
this is a true confection for the face: The power has a light,
chocolate-orange scent, and the bronzer looks matte until you check it
out up close. Then you see the iridescent glints that help you skin
glow, without the sun and without a moment's bother. TIP: the best way
to diffuse a bronzing powder on your face is with a soft brush, such as
the Bourjois Kabuki Brush $16.50 we reviewed in our March 2006
What Works column
When
I received the limited edition,
Estée Lauder's Pleasures Exotic $58.00
75ml
the first thing I noticed was the gussied-up collector's edition,
a slim, curved, voluptuous column of clear glass with a sensuously,
touchable, rounded, soft gold cap. The light green fragrance inside
serves as the backdrop for a delicate, pink, floral design reminiscent
of art nouveau on both sides of the bottle that looks like it is
hand-painted. The bottle is beautiful, but most people don't buy a
perfume just for that. First introduced in 1995, Pleasures
Exotic is a juicy, fresh, uplifting, fruity floral with luscious
top notes of mango passion fruit cocktail, pink grapefruit,
orange and dewy green leaves. The floral heart adds feminine
complexity: island bamboo blowers, hibiscus flower, and orange
blossoms, plus lychee, cassis, bougainvillea vine, peony, rose petals,
and bai rose. The bottom notes include Indian sandalwood, amber and
violet woods, which give a sexiness to the mixture that is neither too
heavy, nor too sweet. This is a day-to-evening fragrance that is
perfect for warmer months and will appeal to women both young and
older. It just makes you feel good to use it and be near it.
It's not going to be around forever, though, so get yours now, and get
a bottle for mom for her special day as well.
Although
I wear many beautiful fragrances, I've always been extremely fond of
Armani Code and Armani Code Black. Now, there's a new
code in town--a
limited distribution Armani Code Sheer Eau de Toilette $65.00 2.5
fl. oz , $49.50 1.7 fl. oz by Giorgio Armani. It's fresh,
hot, and out this month! The slim curves of the clear glass bottle
with shiny black top have a delicate, lacy overlay of blue flowers
that adds drama to the fragrance inside. The shape of the bottle
reminds me of a woman" depending upon the angle you view, you sense
soft and curvy, strong and sleek, or perhaps, your perspective
changes again. Since it's the fragrance inside that really counts, let
me just say that this one doesn't disappoint. It's pretty, unique and
perfect for warmer weather--a lighter scent than Code or Code Black.
It is not quite as strong, and less "floriental spice, and more
"flori-fresh." Still, it has the made essence that makes the
originals smell expensive and exciting. You sense the orange blossom
mixed with cyclamen, jasmine, and with a lightness of lily of the
valley. It has a freshness--but it isn't "girly," thanks to bottom
notes of honey and musk that offer a sophisticated, sensual
experience. The romantic side makes it a perfect wedding scent for a
bride, or for her attendants. The sensual drydown makes it perfect for
Spring and Summer evenings. The lighter feel means it's wearable for
daytime when the weather warms up, too. I love it!
Truly
Pink Eau de Parfum Spray $85.00 3.4 fl. oz. $65.00 1.7 fl. oz
(exclusively at Sephora) by Vera Wang may be the most
perfect romantic fragrance for this season.
Ms. Wang, who was a senior fashion editor for Vogue
magazine for sixteen years before reaching super-stardom as a fashion
designer, isn't a stranger to the romance biz. She has not only
designed romantic fragrances, she has designed gowns and wedding
gowns for stars such as Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica
Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Garner, Sharon
Stone, Uma Thurman, Holly Hunter and Karenna Gore, among others.
Her latest fragrance is not only called "Truly Pink," it is
pink. The enchanting presentation is reminiscent in it's
delicacy, of pink tulle or satin ballet slippers, or, perhaps,
the light, soft, roses a bride might carry. It isn't "little
girl" flowery, but you do get the rose, immediately, even though
the top notes are actually white freesia, lychee, and cassis. The
heart has pink rose accord, and other soft, pink florals such as pink
lily of the valley, and peony. The base adds designer sophistication,
blending creamy woods with romantic iris and violet. When you wear
this fragrance, you feel all woman. You have entered a romantic garden
of pink flowers that caress, but won't smother. Call it woman in love,
in a bottle, it's the perfect gift for a lovely woman, for a bride, or
for anyone who just wants to feel a bit more romantic. We didn't
review them, but there is also a matching Body Creme $85.00 6.7 fl.
oz and
Body Lotion $40.00 5.0 fl. oz
Marc Jacobs is known for his sophisticated classic designs that
have a touch of "edgy." His fragrance are also new visions of
classics. Gardenia is a classic favorite scent, and Marc Jacob's
original Marc Jacobs scent features it. For Mother day,
however, the designer has created a breezier, limited edition called
Floating Gardenia Eau de Parfum Spray $65.00 1.7 fl. oz. As with
the original, this fragrance starts with an "aqua mist accord" mixed
with Sicilian bergamot and tagete, and gardenia, of course. Middle
notes recreate the texture of watery petals through a "velvet
gardenia" heart, with accents of white pepper and hints of sheer
Egyptian jasmine, and a touch of honeysuckle with wet green notes.
What makes this feminine scent more modern are base notes that are
found in a lot of men's fragrances: blonde woods, and a subtle
blend of crystal and creamy musks. The overall effect is feminine, but
clean with a hint of spiciness. It makes its' presence known, but it's
not overwhelming (as white florals can sometimes be). Described as
"gardenia floating on sparkling water" this is categorized as a
"watery" white floral, so it works well in warmer weather, but when it
mixes with the musky tones and your body chemistry, it gets just a bit
naughty and intoxicating. It is a super-chic, slightly spicy
gardenia that speaks softly but with womanly presence. It's the
perfect choice to wear for romantic Spring and Summer soirees, or any
time you want to feel special.
The
original 
Banana
Republic is known for it's casual, sophisticated clothes, but the
company also has a number of note-able fragrances. One that's new is
the Rosewood Fragrance $60.00 100 ml. We haven't reviewed
a lot of Banana Republic products, and we're very impressed
with this extraordinary scent. For starters, the outer box is a large,
round, real wood container lined with black velvet. Of course you can
re-use it! Inside, a large disc of clear glass with shiny silver
and brown leather trimmed top holds a palest-pink fragrance that is
both alluring, and sensual. This is a true floriental, but it
dries down quickly to a soft, light, "woodsy" scent, then one that is
meltingly soft, reminiscent of vanilla with a hint of rose (it has
neither in it), but without the sweetness. This fragrance is
lovely. It has lasting power, but it doesn't overwhelm.
Men kept asking our reviewer what she was wearing (a good sign) but
this modern fragrance isn't sweet, and might even be a good unisex
scent for men who like spicy musks. This scent lasts, but it's
not overpowering, which makes it a perfect choice for the warmer
weather ahead, or even a special event (e.g. a wedding). The
single top note is bergamot champagne, with a heart of white tea
leaves, and a finish of white amber. 
It's hard not to love a scent called "Moonlight Path" or
Sweet Pea." Created to launch just in time for Mother's Day,
Bath and Body Works created two of their signature scents
(Moonlight Path" or Sweet Pea") in limited edition Eau de Parfum
version $28.00 1.7 fl. oz, housed in collectible bottle. As you
can see from the photo of the Moonlight Path fragrance, the
packaging is quite pretty. Moonlight Path is a soft blend
of lavender, roses, violets, purple orchids and mandarin leaf, but the
bottom notes of patchouli and vanilla give it a luscious, sensuous
vibe that makes it romantic, and special-event worthy. "Sweet
Pea," is a youthful, lively scent with notes of red apple,
sparkling violet, sweet pea petals, plum wood and bergamot. Both
are available in a nicely hydrating
Body Cream $10.50 8 oz. and other bath & body-related items, as
well. It's affordable luxury for you, for Mom, for everyone. 
Earlier
this year, we reviewed Danielle by Danielle Steel
Fragrance $125.00 0.5 fl. oz, Eau de Parfum Spray $65.00 3.3 fl oz;
$49.50 1.7 fl. oz. There is also a mothers day gift set:
3.3 oz EDP Spray, 3.3 oz Moisturizing Body Lotion, and a scented pink
candle with black lace detail, $55.00. As a fellow
writer, I'm always in awe of any colleague who can inspire legions of
fans, and build an empire of books that makes her an almost a
permanent staple on the New York Times Best Seller List. Ms.
Steel's fans would probably buy anything with her name on it, but
what about everyone else? You don't have to be an abandoned heiress, a
sea captain's daughter being forced into a loveless marriage, or a
jet-setting (but lonely) princess, to smell like a romantic heroine in
one of Ms. Steel's
romance novels. The outside box is pale pink cardboard adorned with a
black lace motif. Inside, the fragrance bottle (photo) is a
large square of glass, with a clear lucite top covering the spray
atomizer. It is subtly engraved with a simple "DS" (for Danielle
Steel) on this top in simple, gold, serif, letters. The perfume is
a smaller, rectangular version, with a faceted stopper. If your mother
loves Danielle Steel, she'll already want this fragrance, but
even if she's never read a single
Steel novel, this light, fresh, floriental fragrance is a ticket
to romantic days and nights. The fragrance starts with watery green
notes and Mediterranean mandarin; a heart of butterfly jasmine, sunset
orchid and hydroponic rose, and a drydown of blue vetiver, white amber
and cashmere musks. The scent is soft, and floral, but it's "clean"
smelling, almost powdery, so it's perfect for the warmer weather right
around the bend. And, the bottle is a chunky square of crystal with a
nearly-clear pale yellow, fragrance, inside. The Eau de Parfum Spray
is Give Danielle, and wear
Danielle, and write a happy ending to whatever it is that
you're doing today (or tonight).
How
exciting it is to "start over," whether it's a new love, a new job, or
a new place to live. Essie has partnered for two of the
colors in it's Spring collection called "Starting Over" (a six-pack of
pretty pinks) with the USA Network's six-hour television event this
May, called "The Starter Wife," starring Debra Messing.
"Starter Wife" is a shiny, sheer, ballet-slippers pink. "Wife
Goes On" is a courageous, bright, blue-based pink. Essie
salutes all of the women who are moving forward in their lives
with four other wonderful colors: "Red-Y-Set-Ex is a bright, bold,
clear cherried pink. "E-Nuff Is E-Nuff" is a reddish-pink with a hint
of apricot. "Pinking up the Pieces," is a beautiful, iridescent blush
pink that is going to be a favorite for weddings, along with "Starter
Wife," a sheer, nearly-clear, milky pink that will be your new "French
Manicure" color this season (ask for it when you visit the
manicurist). As always, the quality is excellent, the wearability,
wonderful, and the price, amazing!
If
your hair looks shiny, swingy and soft when you leave the salon, but
doesn't look the same at home, the problem might be, in part, to the
products the stylists use, vs. what you use. Matrix, new to our
reviews this column, has six different product lines including:
Biolage, Sleek.look, Logics Color DNA, Amplify, Vavoom, and
Matrix Men.
These are the type of products that you can only purchase, for the
most part, in salons, not drug stores and mass market retailers, but
if you work with your stylist to choose the right products for at-home
use, your hair could look a whole lot better in-between salon visits.
We samples a few products from a few of the Matrix lines. One I really
liked was the Logics Color DNA Color Nourishing Shampoo. $20.00 8.5
fl. oz. The DNA products features a patented "Dual Net Affinity
technology." Without a lot of tech-speak, these products attract the
impurities in your hair and remove them with charged molecules, and
hi-shine silicones seal and polish, hair. UV filters and anti-humidity
ingredients keep it soft and manageable. Working together, this
shampoo helps you keep color vibrant and long-lasting. What
impressed me, however, was the way the freshly-scented, pearly,
medium-lather quickly and effectively cleaned dirt, oil and (yes, a
lot of products I was testing) right out of my hair, leaving it
bouncy and super-soft. Used with the Logics Conditioner $22.00
(which we didn't get, so I can't report on it) I believe the one-two
punch would be even greater. For additional styling, the Logics
Color Shaping Mousse $18.00 8.47 oz. is a very nice product that
helps protect against blow-dryers and other heat styling, while it
boosts your hair's volume, lightly conditions, and gives your style
lasting hold. These "investments" will pay big dividends every day.
Well worth the cost. Also from Matrix's Biolage line, is
another color-saver with brilliant (pun intended) results. Biolage
Colorcarethérapie Shielding Shine Mist
$13.95 4.2 oz is a clear liquid in a plastic pump bottle that
helps preserve color treated hair, along with giving it shimmery shine
and frizz control. The Advice Sisters have reviewed a
number of these types of products in
Awhile
back,a friend of mine was a representative for Nu Skin.
She had beautiful skin and swore it was due to Nu Skin
products. New to our reviews this column, Nu Skin has a number
of different skin treatment lines. Tri-Phasic White, for
example, helps to restore and maintain a bright, radiant complexion.
The system features five products (in pearly plastic bottles with
ivory tops) that work together to minimize skin discoloration:
Cleanser, Toner, Essence, Day Milk Lotion SPF 15 and Night Cream
$198.00. You can also buy these products separately. We
tried the Tri_Phasic White Cleanser $30.00 3.4 oz and Toner
$35.00 4.2 oz. it features creatinine, hexapeptide, carnosine and
diacetyl boldine --all of which help to prevent melanin production and
inhibit discoloration. In other words, these ingredients help lighten
any existing discolorations, and brighten skin. We also tried the
Toner with the antioxidant carsonine and something called Fairtrex--a
nonacid cell slough-er. We couldn't use the products long enough to
see those kinds of results, but we liked the rich, thick, pearly
cleanser that rinsed off clean and left skin soft. Ditto the toner,
that refreshed our skin. As with all skin care systems, you need to
pick the one that will work best for your skin, and use it properly.
Over time, it might be the best investment you've made. One product
for which we could see immediate results, was the Nu Colour
Eye Makeup Remover $9.80 1.76 oz. This small, plastic tube with
flip top is perfect for travel. It is gentle on the eyes, but we put
every thick, tough-to-remove product we could on our eyes, then
watched this little wonder quickly dissolve it all, cleanly and
without tugging. It's a bit pricey, but it works.
Impressive!
I
met Lisa Price, creator of Carol's Daughter, about a year
ago, at a CEW (Cosmetics Executive Women) Event. I was
immediately impressed with this entrepreneur's savvy and perseverance.
Carol's Daughter was founded in Ms. Price's Brooklyn
kitchen, but it has come a long way from it's humble beginnings and is
a favorite of celebrities. Nevertheless, the products use
natural ingredients and scents. Impress Mom this M-day or just
treat yourself to one of the beautifully boxed Shining Star gift
boxes $55.00 in "Almond Cookie" or "Mango Mélange." A large,
re-useable cardboard box that has a "bark" like design, tied with a
signature, brown, satin ribbon, holds a plastic flip-top bottle of
luxurious Cleansing Gel (8 fl. oz.), an equally lovely
Hydrating Shea Body Lotion (8 fl. oz), an Eau de Toilette Spray
(2 fl. oz), plus a bath puff. What makes these
special is not just the high quality of the products, but the
wonderful scents that smell real, not artificial. Almond Cookie
(photo) with almond, vanilla and sandalwood, starts out strong, but
quickly dries down to something soft and spicy with sandalwood to add
sex appeal. The Eau de Toilette has of fruits, flowers and
spices, vanilla and musk. "Mango
Melange" has the same products, but also a piece of dried mango,
so you know what you've received, is the real thing! The scent
has notes of lime, pineapple, tangerine, sandalwood and of
course, mango. It's fruity-fresh, uplifting, and not too sweet. These
products work well, smell divine, and are a true pleasure, and be
prepared for the men in your life to love them, too.
THE ADVICE SISTERS' SHOPPING GUIDE:
Activate: www.activatebeauty.com and mass market retailers and drug stores in the US and Puerto Rico
and selected Macy's from CA to Texas Armani Code Sheer (fragrance): www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com
Banana Republic: Banana Republic retail stores and www.bananarepublic.com
Bath and Body Works: www.bathandbodyworks.com and Bath and Body Works stores
Biolage: www.biolage.com and at spas and salons
Biotherm: www.biotherm-usa.com
Bobbi Brown (book): Department stores, Amazon.com and other book sellers
Bourjois: Bourjois at Sephora.com
Butler Bag: www.butlerbag.com
Carol's Daughter: www.carolsdaughter.com
and www.sephora.comClarins: www.clarins.com
and fine department storesConfessions of A Beauty Editor (Book):
at retail and online bookstoresCool Water Wave (Davidoff-Coty, Inc.): department stores nationwide, and info at www.coty.com
Danielle by Danielle Steel (fragrance): department stores (gift set at Macys.com)
Dionis: www.dionissoap.com
DIOR Beauty:
At Dior beauty counters nationwide (Dior Confidential is exclusive to Bloomingdale's, Saks, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora www.sephora.comDuWop Cosmetics: www.duwop.com
E.L.F. (Eyes Lips Face): www.eyeslipsface.com
and Select Target storesErno Lazlo: fine department stores nationwide and www.nordstrom.com
Estee Lauder: www.esteelauder.com
and Estee Lauder makeup counters nationwideEstee Lauder Heritage Collection:
select Neiman Marcus, Saks stores, and Bergdorf GoodmanEssie:
www.discountbeautycenter.com or call: 800-232-1155 for product/store infoFACE Stockholm: http://www.facestockholm.com
Fiberwig: www.piausa.com and Sephora www.sephora.com
Floating Gardenia (Marc Jacobs): exclusively at Macy's West
Foot Petals: www.footpetals.com
Fructis by Garnier:
mass market retailers and drug storesGianna Rose Atelier: www.giannarose.com and Anthropologie Stores nationwide
Giorgio Armani (Code for Women Fragrance) at fine department and speciality stores, and www.giorgioarmaniparfums.com
Giorgio Armani Beauty: http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com and Armani Prive is available at Giorgio Armani Boutiques, and Harrods, London
Jaqua: http://www.jaquabeauty.com/
Jo Malone: http://www.jomalone.com Jo Malone Shops, Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew, Canada
Kelémata: http://www.kelematausa.com and www.hsn.com
LATHER: www.lather.com
Mama Mio: www.mamamio.com
Mangiacotti: www.mangiacottiflorals.com
Missoni (fragrance): exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and select Bloomingdale's
Not Soap Radio: www.notsoapradio.com
NU Skin: www.nuskin.com
OhMiBod: www.vibrator.com
Oloff Beauty: www.olofbeauty.com at fine salons and spas nationwide or call 800-233-6695
Pantene: at mass market retailers and drugstore.com
Pat Wexler M.D.: www.patwexlermd.com and www.bathandbodyworks.com
Perlier: www.perlier.com and www.hsn.com
Philip B: www.philipb.com and Barneys New York
Physicians Formula: drug stores, mass market retailers nationwide
Prestige Cosmetics: drug stores, mass market retailers, and www.prestigecosmetics.com
Pure Romance: www.pureromance.com
Redken: www.redken.com www.redkenformen.com or 800-REDKEN8
Suave: http://www.drugstore.com and drugstores and mass market retailers nationwide
Sephora Products: Sephora retail stores and www.sephora.com
Shiny Mama: www.shimymamabeauty.com
So Fragrance: www.sofragrance.com at CVS and Kohl's
Suave: drugstore.com and at mass market retailers and drug stores
Tarte: www.tartecosmetics.com
The Healing Garden: www.healinggarden.com and mass market retailers and drug stores
Trish McEvoy: Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and select Nordstrom and Parisian as well as specialty stores or call 800-431-4306.
Truly Pink (Vera Wang Fragrance): at fine department stores --1.7 oz. available exclusively at Sephora
