Now that it's Spring...and now that the weather is starting to get nicer...it might be time to think about changing your fragrance. I personally use a slightly heavier fragrance in the fall and winter and switch to something lighter and more floral when the warmer months come around.
Here are some fragrances--some new, some old--to check out:.jpg)
For both men and women
I love unisex scents! Here's a new one from Hermes called Voyage d’Hermes.
Inspired by a vision of a gender-free perfume, Jean-Claude Ellena - exclusive in-house perfumer of Hermès - has created a new fragrance "to share", designed for both men and women. For Voyage d'Hermès, Jean-Claude Ellena has not depicted the portrait of a man or woman, of a city or a natural landscape, of a moment or an era¼ He was not interested in designing a fragrance with the scent of wood, of a flower or of any particular substance. His fragrance is a play of paradoxes, of complements, of new alliances.
And a couple that I once wrote off...
Forever by Mariah Carey is a bit too girly for me, but it wasn't unpleasant. It wasn't as strong as I thought it would be and there's something a little musky mixed in with the floral scent. What I love, love, love about Forever is the bottle. Seriously, it's packaged beautifully. The bottle would look great on a vanity.
With Love by Hilary Duff shocked me. I was expecting something ultra-feminine, something flowery and way too girly for me. But instead it reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dune by Christian Dior. I likey! And the bottle is pretty which is a bonus.
Scents for Spring
Hippety Hoppity...
Apparently Easter is this weekend. I say apparently because I never seem to remember when Easter pops up on the calendar. I only know that I keep seeing plastic eggs and crazy bunnies in all the stores I've been going to lately.
If you're like me, you'd rather skip the Easter egg hunt and opt instead to fill up your own brand of basket--a Sephora basket--with some Spring-inspired goodies. Bunny-hop to Sephora and treat yourself to these wonders:
- Sephora by OPI in Iris I Was Thinner ($9) – This pale, iris purple is the perfect way to wear an Easter pastel without spending a fortune. I really hate the name of this shade, but it's pretty, so I'll give it a temporary pass.
- Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Rollerball ($16) –This luminous scent lingers on the skin for hours and the travel-friendly packaging makes it great for a quick pick-me-up on the go!
- Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – Let your peepers make a festive statement with these high-pigment shadows. Now available in 79 shades.
- Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) – Coat your lips with this sweet shade of lightweight vitamin-enriched gloss. Available in 12 shades.
- Sephora “Tricks of the Trade” Perfecting Lash Primer ($14) – Your mascara will outlast your biggest expectations with this primer that helps volumize and lengthen your lashes.
- Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25) – This cream blush naturally sculpts and highlights cheeks for a healthy, spring glow. Available in 14 shades.
Sephora's Winning Lineup!
The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but Sephora still has top beauty brands’ MVP and Rookie must-haves. Proven all-stars show off in the MVP category – but don’t let the rookies fool you. They have some cool new moves that will make you want to change your game plan. 
Sephora’s 2010 MVP Roster:
- Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24) – A cult-classic that leaves lashes thick, long and curled, making it Sephora’s MVP – most valuable product, that is!
- Philosophy Hope In A Jar ($38) – No games played here, this long-loved moisturizer provides soft, healthy and glowing results.
- NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) – A five-year-long Sephora winner, this beauty editors’ favorite is a universally flattering shade of pinky-peach.
- Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream ($62) – A “lineman” of wrinkle fighting cream that works to minimize flaws and maximize the tone and texture around your eye area.
- Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set ($84 Value, $65) – This set has the spirit of a playful innocence with its fresh and feminine kick. Perfect for the tomboy in you.
Sephora’s 2010 Rookie Lineup: - Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara ($28) – Plump up your lashes, inside and out! With built-in treatment benefits and twisted wand layers for strong, high-impact lashes, it’s hard to believe this mascara is new to the game!
- Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($55) – New to the team, but packing a punch, this age-fighting hydrator will balance, nourish and soften your skin.
- NARS Orgasm Illuminator ($29) – Joining the NARS Orgasm family in a must have, an illuminator! Get an instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing look with a new twist of the brand’s most beloved shade.
- Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream ($55) – A rookie formula with the results of a seasoned veteran, this revolutionary elastin-strengthening, firming hydrator will lift and smooth!
- Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set ($70, $107 Value!) – Treat yourself to this trophy-worthy trio! With a spray, lotion and gel, your skin will smell sweet and sexy.
Need a Makeover? Get Thee to Sephora!
Tired of the short days and long, cold weather? Revive and revamp your look with Sephora’s trend-setting beauty. From accessories designer Tarina Tarantino’s sparkling new line-up, to Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries’ second fragrance, Santa Barbara, you’ll find something to spice up your mid-winter lull! Rejuvenate yourself with these fresh and fun favorites:
- Tarina Tarantino Pearl Glow Primer ($36) – Get glowing again! Made with pearl powder and light-reflecting pigments, this makeup base leaves your skin looking healthy and radiant.
- Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – Create full-volume lashes with this superior mascara formula, infused with Vitamin E and Shea Butter.
- Tarina Tarantino Conditioning Lip Sheen ($22) – A lightweight, vitamin-enriched lipstick creates a gorgeous satin finish while moisturizing your lips in one easy swipe. Available in 12 shades.
- Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow ($19) – Sweep this finely milled powder over lids for a high pigment payoff. Available in 24 shades.
- Tarina Tarantino Fuchsia Revolution Brush Set ($69) – Inspired by Tarina Tarantino’s signature hair color, this set of five professional-quality brushes are perfect for effortless makeup applications.
- Tarina Tarantino Sparklicity Shimmer Dust ($39) – Sprinkle this shimmer dust on skin for a light, sparkly glow, or use it on your hair for a playful touch.
Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara ($55) – Inspired by Leslie’s travels, escape to blue-skied Santa Barbara, with a scent that captures the true essence of the sea.- Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara Roller Ball ($16) – Create your own fragrant memories with this travel size scent that glides on effortlessly and lasts for hours.
Get Your Fragrance Fix! Perfectly Petite Perfumes …Only at Sephora
Need a holiday gift idea? Why not give that special someone a delicious new fragrance to start the new year. Find your favorite fragrance in affordable and portable miniature rollerballs and solids. These perfumed pieces are perfect for your everyday cosmetic case or your chic evening clutch. Check out these fragrant finds:
- Kat Von D Saint or Sinner Rollerball ($16) – Whether you’re feeling sultry or sweet, Kat Von D has you covered with these handy rollerballs that will keep you smelling fabulously fragrant wherever you go.
- Sephora Collector’s Edition Fragrance Sampler ($75, $160 Value!) – Let them pick their present this holiday season! This set of seven samples of Sephora’s most popular fragrances for him or her comes with a gift voucher for a full-size bottle of their favorite!
- Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Perfume Solid in Bare Skin ($35) – Just a dab of this spill proof solid housed in a pocket-watch compact will freshen your scent and linger on your skin for hours.
- La Vanila The Healthy Fragrance Mini Rollerball Set ($28, $48 Value!) – This set of four rollerballs offers a healthy scent from every fragrance family: fresh, fruit, oriental, and woody. Worn alone or layered, these scents are ideal for touchups.
- Michael Kors Very Hollywood Solid Perfume Cocktail Ring ($40) – Smell sweet and stay fashion chic with this glamorous sparkle piece of adornment.
- Stella McCartney Stella Rollerball ($18) – This sophisticated yet powerful fragrance of felinity, slips easily into a handbag or pocket for a sensual scent on the go.
Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini Nars Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.
For more Sephora Claus details, visit www.Sephoraclaus.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150. Shop for these travel-friendly fragrances – available at Sephora stores, by calling 1-877-Sephora or by logging onto Sephora.com.
Get Your Yum on at Sephora!
This Thanksgiving, satisfy your cravings without an ounce of guilt! From creamy lotions to hydrating cleaners and luscious lip shines, Sephora offers an array of skincare essentials that will have you glowing at your fabulous feast.
Check out these sumptuous deals:
Sephora Sweet Candy Gloss Trio ($18 a $21 Value) – Better on your lips than on your hips, this set of hydrating lip glosses will leave your lips soft and deliciously irresistible. Choose from delectable flavors like Guava Passion, Tropical Jasmine, and Apple Pomegranate.
Sephora BODY Super Supreme Body Butter To Go ($15) – This rich, hydrating body balm literally melts into the skin for a one-of-a-kind experience. Made with shea butter, it moisturizes, nourishes, protects, and leaves skin silky and smooth.
Philosophy The Gingerbread Man™ Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel ($16) – Pamper yourself with this ultra-rich, moisturizing shower gel that’s decadent, creamy, and perfect for daily use.
Philosophy Pumpkin Spice™ Muffin Flavored Lip Shine ($12) – Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice collide in this luscious indulgence, which works to hydrate and soothe while offering a high-gloss shine with lots of flavor.
Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Spray Perfume Set ($24) – This set of natural spray perfume, signature soy candle and customized box of matches is a delight to your sense with its addictive Tuscan Blood Orange scent! Spritz it on, light it up and enjoy.
*Holiday News Alert* Beginning November 18th, just in time for the holidays, Sephora Claus is taking over Sephora’s Twitter (www.twitter.com/sephora), giving away beauty products everyday for 31 days until December 18th. For beauty buffs who would like to enter, simply tweet on Twitter an @Sephora message and tag your wish with a #sephoraclaus “hashtag.”
Plus, you can “share” your wish on Facebook and receive one of three deluxe samples, including YSL Black Mascara, Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion or Mini NARS Duo Lipgloss. To get your glamorous goodie, enter any of these gift with purchase codes: WISHME, Claus, or Clause.
For more Sephora Clause details, visit www.Sephoraclause.com. You must be 18 or older and a US citizen to win. Prizes must be found on Sephora.com and less than $150.
Who Are You Wearing?
Here's a question for you: does a perfume's brand matter to you?
Here's why I'm asking. My sister and I were walking around Ulta, sampling perfumes. I noticed that I gravitate towards classics scents by Chanel, Dior, etc. She was a little less discriminating and sniffed all kinds of products. And the two she kept going back to were fragrances by Gwen Stefani and Ed Hardy. Now, I can support her getting a Gwen Stefani perfume but Ed Hardy? Eek. I think we all have bad associations with Ed Hardy thanks to that douchebag Jon Gosselin.
Anyway...I digress. My point is this: if you just smelled a perfume without knowing who it was by, you'd probably be more honest about what you like and don't like. And you might be surprised with who you might end up wearing.
The other day I received some fragrances to try, notably Forever by Mariah Carey and With Love by Hilary Duff. Normally I would never give these scents the time of day. But I stopped and checked them out. And I have good things to say about both.Forever by Mariah Carey is a bit too girly for me, but it wasn't unpleasant. It wasn't as strong as I thought it would be and there's something a little musky mixed in with the floral scent. What I love, love, love about Forever is the bottle. Seriously, it's packaged beautifully. The bottle would look great on a vanity.With Love by Hilary Duff shocked me. I was expecting something ultra-feminine, something flowery and way too girly for me. But instead it reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dune by Christian Dior. I likey! And the bottle is pretty which is a bonus.
Bottom line: Don't judge a perfume by it's maker! If you have an open mind, you might just be surprised at what you end up liking.
Disclosure: A press sample of Forever and With Love was provided.
Attack of the Killer Perfume!
This news story is currently making its way around the Interwebs:
FORT WORTH, Texas - At first, fire officials suspected that carbon monoxide or some other toxic fumes had sickened almost 150 people at a Texas bank call center.
It turned out that perfume was to blame.
MedStar ambulance spokeswoman Lara Kohl says 34 people were taken to hospitals, 12 by ambulance, after reporting dizziness and shortness of breath Wednesday at a Bank of America call center in Fort Worth. Medics treated 110 at the scene.
Fort Worth fire Lt. Kent Worley says the incident started with two people complaining about dizziness after a co-worker sprayed perfume. Others reported being sick when an announcement was made that anyone with similar symptoms should exit the building.
Investigators do not know what type of perfume was sprayed.
Ok, so this brings up two thing:- I can't wait to know what perfume caused the problem
- The perfume wearer should have read my tips for appropriate perfume usage...and you should read it too, unless you want to cause this sort of office mayhem!
Sephora Samples in Time for Summer Travel
Planning for your pretty weekend or summer getaway? Be sure to tote these travel-friendly treats from Sephora! From multi-purpose mascaras to skin-sational moisturizers and fabulous fragrances, Sephora offers everything you need to make it through security…while looking snazzy! Slip these travel savers into your makeup bag and you're good to go.
Travel is made easy with these vacation necessities. And let me tell you, these samplers rock! I, for one, can't wait to try some of these babies out!
SEPHORA FAVORITES Naturally Gorgeous Skincare & Make-Up Sampler ($40 a $111 value) – Be a natural traveler with these eco-chic pieces: Korres Natural Primer, Tarte EmphasEYES, Tarte Lash Hugger, and Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss.
SEPHORA FAVORITES Splashstash Waterproof Deluxe Sampler ($36 a $65 value) – Made to make - and take - a splash, this waterproof sampler includes Tarte Lights Camera Splashes, Too Faced Mini Lash Injection, Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash and Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes Makeup Remover.
SEPHORA FAVORITES Eau Girl Fragrance Deluxe Sampler ($40 an $80 value) – This scent-sational pack of petite spritzers includes some of Sephora’s most notable fragrances such as Marc Jacobs Daisy, Christian Dior Miss Dior Cherie, and Prada Infusion d’Iris.
SEPHORA FAVORITES Get Pink’d Pink Lip Deluxe Sampler ($37 an $80 value) – Pucker up with Sephora’s most kissable lip glosses, including Smashbox O-Gloss, Urban Decay Lipstick in Jilted, DuWop Prime Venom, Sephora Super Shimmer and Stila Cherry Crush.
SEPHORA FAVORITES Face Quenchers Moisturizer Deluxe Sampler ($37 a $100 value) – Treat your skin to Sephora’s ahhh-mazing face refreshers including Philosophy Hope in a Jar, Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer, Fresh Soy Face Cream, and Murad Protecting Day Cream SPF 30.
SEPHORA FAVORITES Fix-Its Skincare Deluxe Sampler ($40 a $118 value) – This emergency skin kit includes: Kinerase Extreme Eye Lift, Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask and Perricone MD Ceramic Skin Smoother, so pack them on for instant skin rejuvenation!
SEPHORA FAVORITES Lashstash Mascara Deluxe Sampler ($39 a $96 value) –You’re your bevy of lashes with these mini-mascaras. Including Buxom Lash, Smashbox Bionic Mascara, Lancôme Cils Booster, Sephora Atomic Volume Mascara and more, the options are eye opening!
May Most Asked Questions
I've got answers!!!! well, at least for some questions I've bee
Make Over Your Makeup Bag at Sephora
Make over your makeup bag this spring…only at Sephora!
Spring has arrived…and so has spring beauty. Spring cleaning means out with the old, in with the new – new beauty that is! Get a fresh new look and give yourself a makeover with the hottest and the latest. From color palettes to skincare essentials, Sephora has it all. Stop by to have one of their friendly specialists give you a consultation that will have you springing towards the right direction.
I made a visit to my local Sephora recently and got some good stuff. Here are some other ideas to revive your look for less with the season’s freshest finds:
Sephora ColorPlay Palette ($22 a $120 value!) The color star of spring! Save big with an all-in-one ensemble featuring 36 shadows, 12 glosses, 3 blushes and 1 bronzer, spring beauty never looked so pretty.
Sephora PURE Palette ($36) – Get gorgeous…naturally! This green makeup palette features six eye-mazing shadows and a blush in a chic eco-friendly case.
Marc Jacobs Splash - Cucumber ($68) – Beauty-full scents are in full bloom! This crisp, cool fragrance of cucumber will leave you feeling clean and rejuvenated.
Korres Materia Herba Moisturizing Cream Oily to Combination Skin ($15) – Let your flawless skin flourish with this all-natural lightweight moisturizer that helps control oil while regulating skin hydration.
Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss ($19) – Turn heads, literally! This highly pigmented gloss releases pheromones with each application to enhance mood and attraction!
Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit ($48 a $98 value!) – Give your makeup a healthy jumpstart with this all-natural kit packed with a lip gloss, mascara, eyeliner, blush and organic argan oil for glowing skin!
When Worlds Collide...
I have an older sister. Growing up, I was the girly-girl younger one, and my older sister was more the tom boy. She has always been a huge fan of Star Wars, Star Trek, and almost all things Sci-Fi. Me? Yeah, not so much. I was forced to attend a Star Trek convention with my sister and saw all sorts of people dressed up like Klingons and other non-humans. It was bizarre. I appreciated the strangeness of it all even though I am not a fan.
Well, I saw this article from the Seattle Times and chuckled to myself. It looks like the world of Star Trek and the beauty world (the perfume world, specifically) have collided together. There must be a warp in the space-time continuum.
For your reading pleasure, I give you information about the upcoming Star Trek line of fine fragrances:
"Star Trek" fragrances boldly go where no cologne has gone before
By John Lendman, Chicago Tribune
The world of fragrance is about to boldly go where few have ventured before: the Trekosphere.
Hoping to profit from the May 8 release of J.J. Abrams' new Star Trek film, chronicling the beginnings of Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise, Maryland-based Genki Wear will release three Star Trek-themed scents on April 24.
John McGonigle, president of Genki, said the two men's colognes and one women's perfume will retail for about $30.
Soon, Trekkies will be able to channel their inner Starfleet commander — or inner William Shatner — with "Tiberius," based on Kirk's character. The scent which carries the tag line "Boldly Go," is described by Genki Wear as having a "warm vanilla, white musk and sandalwood" base.
For those living like the next workday could be their last, there's "Red Shirt." This cologne, with the tag line, "Because tomorrow may never come," is in honor of the unnamed Enterprise officers who don't typically survive past the TV show's first scene. It's described as having a "leather and gray musk" aroma.
But it's the "Pon Farr" perfume that may require a double take. That's right, it's for the ladies. Perhaps a great gift for mom for letting you crash in the basement for 50-some-odd years? Maybe not. It actually refers to the Vulcan mating ritual which occurs every seven years. So maybe this one's only for special occasions?
John Tenuto, merchandise editor of TrekMovie.com, the largest independent Star Trek news site, said fans have responded positively to the fragrances.
But some Trekkies still have doubts.
"I predict incredibly stinky Trek conventions in the near future," one online comment said.
Others simply made fun of the idea: "No Worf scent? You know, peaty, with a hint of lilac."
Stimulating the Economy
Maybe it's the bad economy, maybe I've been in a funk....whatever, but I haven't been shopping as much as normal. Now, that is not a bad thing, but I realized that I hadn't taken a trip to Sephora in quite some time.
Well, this weekend I made my first visit to Sephora this year and spent lots of time (and money) wandering around, checking out all the lovely goodies. I'm sure I'll be blogging about some of these things later, but here's what spent my money on this weekend:
- Benefit's Girls Night In Kit: a fun zipper bag containing a lipstick, two cream eye shadows, a makeup brush, and cute mannequin magnets, $48.
- Dior Iconic Look Diva to Go Kit: this comes with a nice case, a tube of mascara, and a small-sized high shine lipstick, $27.
- Cargo blu-ray High Definition Lip Gloss: this has something called "Timestrip" technology that I'll be telling you about soon, $24.
- Clean Shower Fresh: a rollerball of perfume to go, $22.
- Sephora Brand Slim Pink Atomizer: what I originally came in for! Add your favorite perfume and viola, you have an instant travel-size of your favorite scent, $10.
- Fekkai Dry Shampoo: since I spent so much money, I got a free trial of this product. I've been dying to try it for ages now, and I've mentioned it a few times on my site...now I get my chance without spending any money. Nice!
Shop to Your Heart's Content at Sephora!
Cupid’s bow is aiming for a beauty-full place this Valentine’s Day. Follow his arrow and it’ll lead you to Sephora, where an alluring array of beauty bounty awaits you. Anything and everything that will light her fire and spice up his night is available, affordable and above all, romantic. From soothing skincare sets to fresh fragrances, there is something that both you and your Valentine will adore.
Treat your sweetie to beauty:
- Sephora Brand Chocolate Espresso Bath & Body Collection ($12 - $16) – Create your own at-home spa experience for less with this delicious blend of energizing espresso with indulgent chocolate.
- Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in A-Go-Go ($18) – Seal his V-Day card with a kiss after you’ve slicked on this rich and sexy red lipstick from Kat Von D.
- On10 Hershey's Chocolate Fans Scented Soy Wax Candle ($20) – Give in to her chocolate cravings with this mouth-watering natural soy wax candle tucked in a portable tin.
- Anthony Logistics’ The Perfect Shave Kit ($50) – This ensemble is a must-have for a romantic weekend getaway, making sure his skin is smooth and refreshed for those close-ups.
- Sephora Brand Sweet Candy Lip Gloss ($7) – Pucker up! In eight yummy flavors, this skin-conditioning treatment will leave your lips moist, soft, and deliciously irresistible. The color choices are decent, and the price sure is right!
- Lily Pulitzer Eau de Parfum Spray ($48 - $68) – She’ll smell as sweet as candy with this delightfully pink, pretty, and flirty celebration of feminine style and gusto. Plus the bottle will look great on her vanity.
- NARS The Love Set ($49 a $73 value) – Get pretty in pink with this sleek black box packed with pinky peach hues of blush, lip gloss and lip pencil. This includes their famed Orgasm blush and likewise suggestively titled Pillow Talk lipgloss and Sex Machine velvet matte lip pencil. What more could you need?
- Jean Paul Gaultier LE MALE Eau de Toilette Spray ($39-$77) – Let your sweetie indulge in this scent-sational blend of cinnamon, cumin, wood and musk. Jean Paul Gaultier's packaging is unique and cheeky...just like him!
- Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Duo ($20) – Show your lips some love with this seriously tasty treat in two irresistible flavors – pink bubbly and angel food cake. These tubes will make your lips shiny and yummy. Plus they're packaged with iconic conversation hearts on them--cute!!
Everything Zen
With the economy the way it is and with all the bad news in the world, it's easy to get a little worn down. A few posts back, I talked about ways that you can be good to yourself and I mentioned that I like to use wonderfully scented body moisturizers to give myself a moment of tranquility before heading out to face the day.
Well, it looks like Shiseido and I are in step! This spring, Shiseido Zen The Fragrance introduces Zen Perfumed Shower Gel and Zen Perfumed Body Cream, new aromatic indulgences for the body. Shiseido Zen blends the citrus freshness of the now extinct Blue Rose with the spicy, warm base of Amber. Combined with the spicy truffle notes of Patchouli, Zen is a scent that is subtle yet seductive enough to be worn year-round.
Both new Zen body products include Loquat Leaf Extract from the exotic Biwa plant to provide increased moisturization for supple and smooth skin. The Biwa plant is native to Japan and has traditionally been used as a remedy for various skin and health ailments.
Zen Perfumed Shower Gel($35) indulges skin with a rich lather and a dewy touch. Zen Shower Gel gently exfoliates and rinses clean, leaving skin luxuriously moisturized and fragrant. Specially formulated to also be used as a sensual bubble bath or as a fragranced hair shampoo!
Zen Perfumed Body Cream ($58) melts into skin with its velvety texture. Incorporating the most advanced skincare technology, Zen Body Cream provides long-lasting hydration and re-texturizing benefits without leaving behind a sticky residue on the skin. After application, the body is lightly scented with the aromatic essence of Zen.
Available at fine department and specialty stores nationwide beginning April 2009. The Shiseido Zen collection is also available online at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales and Dillards retailers. For more information or to find a store location near you, please visit www.sca.shiseido.com.
Want to try it now? Well...here's your chance! I'm giving away a bottle of Zen Perfumed Shower Gel to one of you lucky readers. All you need to do is leave a comment on this entry--be sure to include your email address or email me at asklydia@hotmail.com. The contest closes at midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, February 4th. A winner will be announced on Thursday, February 5th. Good luck!
Saved BEFORE The Bell at Sephora!
Hear that? That's time ticking away if you're one of the many last minute holiday shoppers. I told you about some great products over at Whole Foods, but don't forget to head over to your local lifesaver, Sephora.
The holidays are officially just days away, so make sure you have all your gifts and treats in tow! From makeup-packed palettes to delicious skincare sets and sweet fragrances, Sephora comes to the rescue of every last-minute shopper.
Pick up these presents in a pinch:
Sephora Brand Super Shimmer Set ($22) – Ten sparkling lip glosses that shine your pout to pucker perfection.
Giorgio Armani’s Armani Code Gift Set ($55) – A seductive signature fragrance for him in a toilette spray, shower gel, and after shave balm.
Tarte The Vanity Limited Edition Palette ($52) – This gorgeous three-tiered makeup palette contains everything you need to create endless holiday looks.
Sephora Brand Holiday Butters Trio Gift Set ($16) – The perfect stocking stuffer, this tantalizing trio of rich, lightly scented body creams come in two flavorful sets.
LaVanila – The Healthy Candle ($32) – Infused with pure essential oils for an uplifting fragrance and a healthy glow throughout the season.
Dylan’s Chocolate Cupcake Collection ($16 - $22) – Savor the delicious flavor of this mouth-watering bath and body collection.
Aquolina Pink Sugar Shimmer Nights Set ($60) – A playful blend of vanilla and caramel scents in a toilette spray, roll-on perfume and lip gloss.
Bare Escentuals Ruby Collection ($54) – The ultimate luxury, this nine-piece makeup collection is infused with real ruby powder.
Sephora Scent Sampler for Her ($50) – Let her decide! This kit includes 10 deluxe samples of Sephora's most sizzling scents for her plus a gift voucher for a full sized bottle of her favorite!
Sephora Gift Card ($25 - $250) – Solve your gift-giving indecision! The card—tucked in a white glitter-specked, mirrored compact— can be redeemed in store, online or through any Sephora catalog.
And, don’t forget to surprise your friends and family with an early gift, an adorable Sephora Mistletoe Makeover eCard. Just place their pretty faces on one of four animated costumes, work your makeover magic and send away! So cute you’ll want to send it to everyone on your list, plus it’s free! Available through the holiday season at MistletoeMakeover.com.
Grab these limited-edition goodies before time runs out! These gift ideas and more are available at all Sephora stores, by calling 1-877-Sephora or by logging onto Sephora.com.
Beauty for Boys
This holiday season, don't forget to pick up a personal care product for the men in your life. Men may not admit it, but they like to be pampered just as much as we do...and unlike us girls, they don't always buy themselves anything nice.
Here are a few of my favorite men's products you should check out:
- Sephora Brand Scent Sampler Best Sellers for Him, $50. If your guy thinks that Old Spice is the best he can do for a fragrance, maybe he needs to have his horizons broadened. This kit includes deluxe trial sizes of the ten best selling scents for men. Once your man picks the fragrance that suits him best, he returns to Sephora with the included gift certificate for a full sized bottle of his favorite scent. Nice! (They have this for women, too!)
- GoSmile Smile Whitening Kit, $89. I tried a sample of this product and was instantly impressed. Brighten up the smile of the man in your life with this high-tech tooth whitening set.
- Clinique's 3-Step Face Care for Men (prices vary). Men need to take care of their skin just as much as we do. Clinique's famous 3-step skin care system for men will encourage your guy to wash, tone, and moisturize. Since men are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer, be sure to pick up the moisturizer with SPF to protect his skin.
- Ear/Nose Trimmer, $15. Hey, we're all humans...we get hair growing in the strangest of places. It may seem like a weird gift, but an ear/nose trimmer for men is a must-have!
- Korres Absinthe Shave Cream. This product is tough to get in the USA and I have no idea why. I got it a few years back for my husband and he loved it. If you like in Europe, pick up this product immediately! Its pricey, but its creamy and gives men a great shave. My husband was very happy with this product! (Hey Sephora! You used to stock this...please bring it back!)
Scents and Sensibility
Perfume is one of the most personal beauty products out there. Your signature scent may smell amazing to you, but be completely repellent to those around you. When it comes to fragrances, you have to know what you're doing. Not only do you need to find the scent that suits you best (and there are so many fragrances on the market it can make you a little crazy!), you also need to know what type of product to buy, and how best to wear it.
Thanks to some advice from Allure magazine, here's all you need to know about the world of fragrance.
SELECTING YOUR FRAGRANCE
- First know that finding the right perfume takes time. You need to figure out how a product wears over a period of time. There are different scent "notes" that require a certain degree of consideration...the fragrance world is almost as confusing as the winery world! I am by no means an expert on perfume, so you may want to check out a few scent-centric blogs out there to learn the lingo.
- Don't bother trying out scents you don't like. I am not a big fan of floral scents, so I wouldn't want to waste my time sniffing rose-scented perfume. Let the salesperson know of any preferences (likes/dislikes) you know you have.
- When shopping for a scent, don't spray directly on your skin. First try the scent on a test strip. Let the product dry a minute and then sniff it. Sniff it again after a few minutes to see how to scent changes and opens up. After 10 minutes, you should have a feel for the full range of elements in the fragrance.
- Clear your nose and your head! Sniffing coffee beans between fragrances helps to neutralize your "palette" for lack of a better word.
- Once you have two to four favorite scents picked out, try them out on your skin (on your pulse points--different areas of your arm) to see how the fragrance reacts to your personal biological makeup.
- Give yourself plenty of time to find "the one." You want to let the scent open up on your skin for about 10 minutes. If you like the way it smells, you're all set. If not, it's back to the spraying and sniffing.
- Perfume: Perfumes contain the largest percentage of perfume oil, about 20 to 25%. Because of this, perfumes are the longest lasting and most expensive. They come in small quantities and should be applied with care. One or two drop will last 8 to 12 hours.
- Eau de Parfum: This usually comes in a spray form and contains 15 to 18 percent perfume oil and will last 6 to 8 hours.
- Eau de Toilette: This is the least expensive and least concentrated formula. If you want just a light scent, this is your best bet since it only contains about 4 to 10% perfume oil.
- Cologne: I always think colognes are just for men, but they're for both genders! They are more diluted than perfumes and can be used as a spray or a splash.
Extend the life of your favorite perfume by following these tips:
- Wear the right amount. If you're wearing a perfume, you only need a drop or two. For eau de parfum, no more than three sprays; no more than four sprays of eau de toilette, and no more than six sprays of cologne. You don't want to over do the amount of fragrance you're wearing because doing so can be offensive to others.
- Know that you are not a good judge of how much you have on. After a bit, you get used to your fragrance and are desensitized to it. As such, it's easy to over do it. Just stick to the number of sprays listed above and you should be ok.
- Apply fragrance to your pulse points (wrists, inner elbows, neck, behind ears, behind knees).
- Store your fragrance wisely. Heat and light will breakdown the compounds in your product, so store it in your bedroom or linen closet. Perfumes last anywhere from one to eight years after opening, depending on the scent.
'Tis the Season...Almost
What in the world is going on? It's not even Halloween yet, and already Christmas merchandise is creeping into retail stores. The economy is in the toilet and people are panicking about money. Consumer sales are down, so retailers are trying to push the holiday seasons up...so we'll spend more money than we planned, no doubt.
Whatever.
If you're starting to make your holiday wish list or if you're already starting your holiday shopping, here are some beauty treats to add to your list from the beauty gurus at Sephora:
SUGAR PLUM FAIRIES
From brilliantly bold to barely there, monochromatic shades of purple reign during the holidays. A pinky pout will keep the look sweet, while smoldering violet eyes will amp up sex appeal for those stolen moments under the mistletoe.
Korres’ Sugar Plums Limited Edition Kit has arrived just in time for the party season. With a plum lip butter, a plum cherry lip gloss, and a plum sunflower and evening primrose shimmering eyeshadow, this kit creates any look for a girls night out from dark gothic to a subdued sophisticated palette.
Not strictly limited to lips and lids, lashes come out and play in this passionate color story, flaunting hints of the hue. Benefit’s Bad Gal Plum Mascara thickens and lengthens your lashes with this beloved color and “BAD-itude”.
THE GLITTERATI HAS ARRIVED
Killer heels and fab frocks aren’t your only arsenal for resembling the glitterati. Now you have metallic shades with glitters galore that will instantly take your look from zero to 100, especially when sported all over.
The key to this look starts with bareMinerals Extreme Glimmers, a five-piece collection that contains three new high-impact, extreme glimmers that can be worn together or alone, a new customized Extreme Glimmers Brush for expert application, and a starter size bareVitamins Prime Time Eyelid Primer.
For a sparkly lash line to match you sparkling lids, turn to Sephora’s Electro Liners that are micro-infused with glitter. Our favorites for this season are Mauve Electro (matte plum), Electro Night (metallic midnight blue) and Metal Electro (metal dark grey) because they’ll have you ready to party in sync with the latest color trends.
To seal the deal on this scintillating look, opt for Kat Von D for Sephora’s Lightning Lip Gloss. With 11 glitzy shades to choose from, this lip gloss adds dimension to your pucker with a sparkle-inflected sheer gloss. Designed by the star of TLC’s LA Ink, Kat Von D, the gloss works on top of lip color or on its own and brings an edgy glamour to your face.
If you’re in search of something less flashy, we have an alternate method of shining. Dior’s Black Diamond Diamond-Effect Powder for Face and Décolleté is the perfect amount of shimmer for any woman that loves to indulge in luxury. Cased in a Dior-logo engraved compact with crystal-shaped gems, this finishing powder illuminates the complexion with an exclusive formula that features an intense concentration of mother-of-pearls. Sweep your face and décolleté with this powder to create an instant festive glow.
HEAVEN-SCENT
Even if you aren’t vacationing in any place exotic this season, you can still smell as if you did. TOCCA Beauty’s Brigitte is their latest fragrance inspired by screen siren and icon Brigitte Bardot. The perfume takes you to a scene of breezy bike-riding in the south of France filled with the intoxicating scent of the spice market in Marseille. With top notes of ginger, rhubarb papaya, middle notes of Moroccan rose, iris and saffron, and bottom notes of sandalwood and musk, Brigitte evokes images of baskets filled with rose petals and of course, the beauty herself.
I'll be updating you with more holiday-list worthy beauty products each week. I can't believe I'm already thinking about this!
Bring on Fall!
My favorite time of the year is fast approaching: FALL! I love the changes in the weather, the cool breezes, the crispness in the air, the autumn colors, and the fall beauty trends.
So what's in store for fall beauty? Here's what Sephora's beauty editors say will be hot in the new season:
AUTUMN COLORS 
CALLING ALL DRAMA QUEENS!
A smoldering gaze fit for a thespian starts with the smokey eye and Bare Escentuals’ BareMinerals Rocker Eye. Containing two eye colors (pearlized chrome and iridescent sparkling smoke), a liner shadow (blackest black), a double-ended brush, and a step-by-step instruction card, this kit is a no fuss approach to transform the lady into a vamp.
To complement the smokey eye, thick lashes are in order. Costume your lashes with Givenchy’s Phenomen’eyes: a revolutionary mascara with a high-tech patented round sphere brush that adapts to all eye shapes and reaches every last lash. With one dramatic stroke, a fanned-out panoramic effect is created, holding the curve of your lashes perfectly in place.
One swift swipe of NARS Shanghai Express seals the deal, and takes classic theatrics to sultry glamour reserved only for screen sirens. This warm brick red semi-matte lipstick contains special antioxidants to help keep color fresh for hours – a prerequisite for all drama queens.
POP ART
The face becoming an artist’s canvas presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in our artistic desires. For eyes, this means a single burst of blended color on the lids in a vibrant shade. The shadow can be dusted across the whole socket area or applied in half crescent shapes reminiscent of Pop Art. Pop Beauty’s Lid Neon has all the essential eyeshadows in one palette, with a shade for every creative mood. Watercolor brights like cornflower blue and fuschia are Sephora's favorite, but yellow is fun when feeling mellow, and when you want to make others green with envy – well, you know which color to choose.
To keep the focus on hot hues, opt for a more subtle approach to lashes. Fresh’s Firebird keeps lashes lush and feathery, while curving and lengthening. What makes Firebird truly fly is its ability to fluff lashes into a soft layer that flutters as one row. With one batt of your Firebird lashes, you will be famous for fifteen minutes.
Matte, nude lips are top choice alongside these exaggerated eye colors. Pale peaches and apricots that camouflage against the face are standard fare. Execute with NARS Honolulu Honey.
AUTUMN SKINCARE
For skin treats that make your natural state a natural wonder, Sephora present Cosmedicine’s Speedy Recovery Acne Treatment System. A breakthrough against breakouts, Speedy Recovery offers a unique synergistic system that not only fights breakouts and eliminates acne, but also improves the condition of skin. It is a revolutionary four-step acne regimen – exfoliating cleanser, daytime blemish lotion SPF15, nighttime blemish powder and on the spot gel - that has been scientifically proven effective. Flawless skin that is so in demand this season (well, every season, really) starts here: the basic skincare routine.
For an instant change of appearance, apply Philosophy’s Never Let Them See You Shine Oil and Shine Control Velvet Touch Primer. A matifying primer that dramatically reduces the appearance of oil, shine and large pores, it fashions a velvety base for a flawless makeup application. Just in time to deliver on fall trends’ promise of complexion perfection.
AUTUMN SCENTS
Scent has a way of transporting us to another realm at whim, and Sephora has two fragrances that will do just that. Emilio Pucci’s Vivara, a green floral perfume with hints of the Italian Riviera, allows you to breathe in the beach and soak in the sun long after summer has passed. Mixing amaretto, orange flower and Indonesian patchouli, Vivara sweeps off our feet and intoxicates you with Mediterranean romance after one spritz.
With summer nostalgia as only the beginning of a trip down memory lane, indulge in Kenzo’s Vintage Edition. A unisex fragrance that is reminiscent of the 70s, Vintage celebrates life with freedom and creativity. This limited edition fragrance mixes woods, florals and musk and evokes a sense of a bygone era filled with Woodstock, Mod and Pop Art. Packaged in four different psychedelic designs, Vintage mirrors the bold, bright patterns of Vivara’s bottle cap, both echoing a Pop Art influence that is in line with the color stories of the season.
AUTUMN QUICKIES 
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Metallic, industrial manicures are nailing the scene as the “it” beauty accessory for fall. A departure from summer’s acidic neon hues, these new shades have a fresh take on heavy metals from matte grays and ivories to textured blacks. Sephora by OPI spearheads the industrial revolution with finesse: the latest collection boasts 54 colors complete with kitschy names. Sephora loves the warm purple gray appropriately dubbed “Metrochic” and the textured black called “Never Enough Shoes” (obviously).
MATTE-R OF SKIN
To offer a clean slate for the hyperreal makeup colors of this season, fresh peaches and cream complexions that stay matte are key. Deceptively simple, skin is artfully primed, blemishes are concealed and foundations are set with translucent powders.
Make Up For Ever’s HD Foundation and HD Powder bring you a “care-free” flawless
face. HD Foundation is an oil-free, lightweight liquid formula providing full coverage that appears sheer and natural with a matte finish that is true to color. HD Foundation is ideally set with the HD powder: a universal, invisible finishing powder that mattifies skin and completely evens out the complexion for a just-pinched glow.
I, for one can't wait for fall....and for shopping for all new beauty products!
