Fresh Fragrance: ManeTeeze Hair Perfume

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Hair perfumes, refreshers and mists are currently trending in the beauty world. Fragrance houses and hair aficionados are unveiling product left and right.

Hair perfumes are designed to give your flowing tresses the alluring aroma of your favorite perfume. Hair is a great fragrance diffuser as it holds the scent for longer periods – due to the oils in the hair and the heat of the scalp.

These days women are washing their hair less and less. Hair can absorb the smell of surrounding food or smoke and even sweat post-workout. To freshen-up any unwanted scent reach for ManeTeeze Hair Perfume. Available in three different aromas, these sweet smelling hair perfumes contain a high concentration of fragrance, but more gentle for the hair than traditional perfumes. Eau de parfum and toilette contain a high alcohol content that can be very drying on the hair. ManeTeeze Hair Perfumes lasts for up to 12 hours and create soft, shiny and delicious-smelling hair.

• Black Widow – a foggy, luxurious, enchanting scent filled with undertones of dark amber
• Haut Mess – a luscious mix of chocolate, caramel and dessert like scents that engulf the hair.
• Social Butterfly – sweet, soft vanilla infused luxury that matches a busy, bubbly life.

Beauty Gifts: Stocking Stuffers

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This year I have picked my favorite stocking stuffers that will bring a Christmas Day full of cheer. From the best makeup sponge – ever – perfectly packaged as a sweet treat to luxurious purse-friendly perfumes delicately decorated in metallic gold. It is all about the small gifts with big payoff.

Fill their hearts and stockings with these small treasures:

Lancome ~ Eye Lash Curler Set: $36.00

Willa Skincare ~ Smile Butter: $19.00

Jane Tran ~ Polka Dot Bobby Pin Box: $15.00

Burberry ~ Lip Glow Natural Lip Gloss Set: $65.00

TOCCA ~ Perfumo Veloce – Cleopatra: $48.00

NARS ~ Travel Brush Set: $75.00

beautyblender ~ Candy Cane Holiday Treat: $49.95

Fresh ~ Sugar Perfection Duo: $22.50

Sophisticated Scent: Chanel Coco Noir

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A 2012 launch I was extremely excited for was Chanel’s new fragrance Coco Noir. The scent is the third in the Coco franchise, joining 1984’s Coco and 2001’s Coco Mademoiselle. As a loyal servant to Coco Mademoiselle, I had to test it’s counterpart.

Created by Jacques Polge, master perfumer at Chanel, Coco Noir marks a return to Oriental fragrances for the House. Recalling his journey to unveil the mystery of black through fragrance, Monsieur Polge explains, “The night vision of the ‘Orient that starts and ends in Venice’ imposed itself upon me, and that is where I wanted to go.”

Striking top notes of Grapefruit and Calabrian Bergamot accentuate the floral accord with Rose and Jasmine, while Indonesian Patchouli, Sandalwood and Bourbon Vanilla notes add warmth to the seductive scent.

The Coco fragrances by Chanel are very personal to me. My mother has worn Chanel Coco ever since I can remember which is why I believe I am so drawn to it’s younger sibling Coco Mademoiselle. As for the newest family member, Coco Noir is an exquisite fragrance that reeks of sophistication and luxury. Saved for a very special occasion, this is no versatile, everyday perfume. One day I will graduate to Coco Noir’s level of sophistication, but as of yet I feel I am still too young.

Summer Travel: Beauty Essentials

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Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a long-haul to an exotic locale, there is nothing like a summer vacation. Look your best while traveling with these beauty essentials:

Oxylent Oxygenating Multivitamin Drink: The effervescent multivitamin drink is formulated with the highest quality of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and electrolytes. Perfect for travel, the convenient packets are easily transported, so you can drink it anytime, anywhere – just add water. It is great for keeping the immune system in peak condition; a low calorie choice before or after working out; a true friend to the outdoor enthusiast; an easy-to-use daily multivitamin; or a wonderful late afternoon pick-me-up at work. Oxylent not only offers a unique effervescent delivery system, but unlike most, all of the formulas are both sugar and calorie free. Oxylent’s formulas do not contain any gluten, caffeine, lactose, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors.

Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water: This uplifting aromatherapy water instantly refreshes and hydrates the skin. Made from the bitter orange blossom, this facial spray soothes and hydrates the skin. The moment your face feels tight, one spritz will instantly hydrate and refresh the skin. Use as a toner after cleansing the face or as a body spray after showering. Or keep cool in the refrigerator and spray on hot, humid days. Perfect for après beach.

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum: This light yet powerful serum is both a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30. It fights the signs of premature aging – think fine lines and sunspots – and prevents future photo-damage from UV rays. Built for year-round use, this serum is amazingly lightweight and comfortable. Supergoop’s unique Hydrovotin 24 complex works with the skin’s own moisture mechanisms to increase hydration levels, while vitamins E and B5 heal past damage. It absorbs both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn. The top-of-the-line “PA +++” rating means the formula meets the highest standards for sun protection.  Also paraben and fragrance-free—just what the doctor ordered for sensitive skin.

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil: Formulated with an aromatic blend of 11 essential oils, this opulent oil relies on flowers and botanicals for their calming and illuminating properties. A staple of many top pros and makeup artists, this oil can be used to take makeup off, to moisturize and as a massage oil (expensive massage oil?). Add a couple drops to foundation to create a dewy finish or pat on the cheekbones and undereyes for a beautiful, fresh glow. Just a few drops will make your skin look radiant. Use as an alternate or supplement to your moisturizer and apply whenever your face needs a pick-me-up.

Dior Hydra Life BB Cream: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE

Bobbi Brown Bronzer/Blush Duo: Inspired by the look of “skin bathed in afternoon light,” this dynamic duo creates healthy-looking skin. On one side, Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Bahama Brown packs a blend of sheer powder and micro pearls (for a seamlessly glowing finish all over the face). The other side boasts Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Peony, the perfect way to add a pop of color to the apples of cheeks. Great for travel, this duo eliminates bulk and the need for too many face products. Tip: Sweep bronzer over eyelids for instant contour.

MAC Bare Study Paint Pot: This multi-purpose paint pot is perfect for travel. Bare Study is a metallic nude/champagne cream eye shadow that can be used as a primer, eye shadow and/or highlighter. Sweep onto the eyelid before applying a powder shade to ensure longevity. For highlighting, pat product on the cheekbones, brow bone, cupid bow and décolletage for subtle illumination. The soft, light-reflecting pearl finish will brighten any area.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 in Hue 30G: Lip balm with SPF is a must while traveling. Lips are often neglected and can suffer the same effects of the sun just as much as any other part of the body. Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 offers protection, relief and color. Lip products like gloss, stains or lipsticks can attract the sun with their shiny finish. This formula combines a sheer wash of color with UVA and UVB protection. Hue 30G is a beautiful light golden color with peach undertones.

Blinc Mascara: I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof mascara. While most formulas do last all day, they are a pain to remove. Blinc Mascara is a “tubing” mascara. It uses a copolymer-based formula to create little tubes around each one of your lashes preventing flaking, running or smudging. The formula is waterproof, sweat-proof and won’t irritate even the most sensitive of eyes so you can wear it all day without worrying about touch-ups. At the end of the day, use a damp washcloth to gently dislodge the tubes. They’ll slide off with just a little pressure.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE

Adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body & Face: Organic and biologically pure, Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is a gorgeous multi-tasking body and hair oil. Great for travel, coconut oil solidifies when temperatures are below 76 degrees – this makes it wonderful to pack and not worry about leaking. Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is available in five scented oils and travel-size, Oriental Jasmine, Soothing Lavender, Heavenly Peach, Innocent Rose, and Refreshing Green Tea. (Favorite: Jasmine) READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS & USES OF COCONUT OIL: HERE

Flo Refillable Perfume Atomizer: Packing a big glass perfume bottle can be inconvenient and cumbersome. Tote your favorite fragrance wherever you go with the Refillable Perfume Atomizer by FLO. This ingenious gadget allows you to carry your perfume in an easy-to-use, compact atomizer. The modern design enables fast and efficient refilling without a funnel – preventing any danger of spilling a single drop of your expensive perfume. Suitable for all types of perfumes, this atomizer holds up to 77 sprays. Perfect for a purse, clutch, beach bag or travel bag, never leave home without your favorite fragrance again.

Kate Spade Cosmetic Bag – Garance Dore Davie

The Master List: SPACE.NK Event

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Last night I had the privilege of attending a wonderful event at SPACE.NK Costa Mesa hosted by local blogger and friend, Sarah Ollenberger of Juggling in Heels.

SPACE.NK is a luxury beauty retail (located inside Bloomingdales and stand-alone) filled with a well-edited selection of hard-to-find beauty products. Nicky Kinnaird, founder and the initials behind SPACE.NK, taught a master class revealing her must-have beauty products for summer. A weath of knowledge and experience, Nicky Kinnaird travels the world searching for the latest and greatest in beauty. The Master List is compiled of Nicky’s go-to products for protecting, enhancing and beautifying this summer.

THE MASTER LIST:

Eve Lom Treatment Cleanser: This cult favorite is your makeup remover, cleanser, toner, mild exfoliant, skin re-texturizer and brightener in a jar. (One of my favorites: review here)

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads: A one-step exfoliator that evens out skin tone and minimizes pores.

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads: Glycolic treatment pads reveal a brighter, smoother body complexion while helping to rebuild collagen and firm the skin.

Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate: Retinol-like results without the irritation.

Bakel P-Lipic Serum: Deeply hydrating, skin strengthening serum that protects against free radical-damage.

Zelens Triple-Action Eye Cream: Hydrates, smoothes, lifts and minimized the appearance of dark circles.

37 Extreme Actives: The cream that does it all – eyes, face, neck… morning and evening.

Zelens 31 Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream: Deeply hydrating antioxidant-loaded formula helps to minimize visible signs of aging.

By Terry Baume de Rose SPF15: Cult lip treatment that doubles as a cuticle cream.

NIA 24 Rapid Repigmentation Serum: Best to even out skin tone, addresses sun damage, freckles and age spots.

NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen: SPF 30, this oil-free formula contains 5%Pro-Niacin to strengthen skin and help repair sun damage. (One of my favorites-review here)

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: Keeps makeup fresh all day long.

By Terry Hyaluronic Eye Primer: Keeps eye makeup color true and fresh without caking or creasing all day.

By Terry Touche Veloutee: The perfect highlighting concealer brush. It instantly sweeps away any signs of fatigue, redness and minor imperfections. (One of my favorites: review here)

By Terry Terrybly Mascara: Lash growth boosting mascara.

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler: The best one out there.

Kevyn Aucoin Volumizing Mascara: Never smudges, never flakes, sweat-proof yet washes off with water.

Kevyn Aucoin Lip Glosses: On trend colors with a unique chubby applicator that mimics a makeup artist’s pinky.

Rococo Nail Apparel: Fashion-forward colors for the season: Lady Lavender (on trend lavender), T-Cup (vintage baby blue), VIP Red (the perfect red), Wild Roses (hot fuchsia pink).

Oribe Apres Beach Spray: Texturizing spray for tousled, touchable waves and sun-kissed shine.

Oribe Maximista: Maximum volume with thermal protection, gives enduring lify and hold.

Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray: Conceived and tested in Miami.

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Anti-Wrinkle Tanning Cream: Cult French anti-aging sunscreen for face.

Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Sea & Tropics Tanning Body Lotion: For safe tanning under extreme sun.

Life NK Japanese Wash Cloth: Unique textured cloth makes all-over body exfolliation simple.

Beautannia Brighton Bath & Shower Gel: Addictively scented paraben-free hydrating body cleanser scented with grapefruit, orris, sea moss and vetiver.

Beautannia Brighton Body Lotion: Moisturize, soften and protect the skin while polypeptides encourage firmness.

Sai-Sei Mineral Revive Body Veil: Super lightweight hydrating body veil with essential minerals from Japan’s Toyama hot springs.

David Kirsch Thermo Bubbles: Thermogenic blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to help boost metabolism, curb your appetite and promote lean muscle mass.

David Kirsch Ultimate Detox Diet: Comprehensive detox and nutrition system that helps to jumpstart your wellness routine.

Sunday Riley Liquid Diet: Helps relieve swelling, bloating and puffiness, and smooth the appearance of cellulite.

In Peace eau de parfum: A sophisticated yet serence white floral perfume that blends freesia and pimento flower blossom with French iris and mimosa in a sunsual base of sandalwood and tonka bean. Created in partner ship with Women for Women International, 10% of proceeds benefits their sponsorship program for women survivors of war to enable them to rebuild their lives.

Springtime in Paris: TOCCA Violette

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The latest edition to the TOCCA family of fragrances is “Violette”. A romantic and whimsical floral scent perfect for spring and summer.

TOCCA DESCRIPTION:

Violette evokes the whirlwind romance between a young soldier on leave and a young girl at the fragrance counter of Le Bon Marche in 1940s Paris. It is Springtime in Paris, vibrant blooms along the Champs-Elysees awaken the youthful spirit of first love.

Top Notes: Italian Bergamot, Ginger Oil, Coriander Seed Oil
Middle Notes: African Violet, Bulgarian Rose, Black Currants
Bottom Notes: Creamy Cedarwood, Cashmere Musk, Benzoin

TOCCA’s Violette emulates springtime in Paris. Sexy yet utterly romantic, it reeks of sophistication. Plus, the “old world” glass bottle looks incredibly chic on the vanity. TOCCA fragrances are long-lasting and never overpowering. Also lovely to spritz on freshly washed bed linens and towels. Comparison: If you like or have sampled Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde, you will love Violette.

THE STORY OF TOCCA:

TOCCA launched in 1994 by a group of friends with a vision for beautiful yet affordable clothes. Their early collection consisted of candy-colored terry cloth tube dresses to sari-inspired embroidered mini dresses. In Italian “TOCCA” is the word for “touch” – named after it’s intricate embroideries and luxurious fabrics. The launch of TOCCA Beauty  came in 1997, with three unique and unusual products: a solid perfume, a dry oil skin smoother and a laundry delicate for fine washables. The first fragrance was a gardenia-based potion called “Touch”. TOCCA Beauty continues to be renowned worldwide as a fragrance house of distinctive and exquisite scents. TOCCA’s coveted fragrances can be found in our luxury candle collection, fine fragrances and bath and body products and are sold in the finest boutiques worldwide.

Summer in a Bottle: Bobbi Brown beach

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Nothing gets me more excited for summer than Bobbi Brown’s beach Fragrance. Layered with notes of jasmine, sea spray and mandarin, it is truly summer in a bottle.

An intoxicating combination of suntan lotion, salty sea and sand, the scent is comforting and nostalgic. The full line of Bobbi Brown’s beach Fragrance include: Body Lotion, Body Oil, Body Scrub, Shower Gel and Fragrance. The products are designed to keep skin glowing and hydrated all summer long. When layered, these products will also keep the fragrance locked-in for hours.

Use these products on a particularly gloomy day when you need a little pick-me-up. The refreshing scent will instantly recall memories of warm sunny days and a calm sea breeze.

Fragrance Tips: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

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Coco Mademoiselle

When it comes to purchasing fragrances and/or perfumes, ever wonder how to make the aroma last longer?

Purchase perfumes in gift sets, where you receive lotions, bath gels even antiperspirants along with a bottle of perfume. To make your favorite fragrance last longer, layering is key.

Identify your pulse points, these are areas blood vessels are closest to the skin, giving off more heat; wrists, behind the ear, crook of the arm/knee and base of the throat. First, apply the body lotion to these areas, then spritz fragrance on top of the lotion. By using the body lotion as a base, when perfume evaporates off the skin, the lotion will still work to provide the scent.

Purchase your favorite fragrance in antiperspirant form. These products are created to work overtime with your body chemistry in which when you sweat, the fragrance is activated. When a perfume works with your body chemistry, the scent becomes stronger. Direct sunlight can unbalance the ingredients in a perfume, store in cool, dark areas. This will also keep fragrance from evaporating.

Fragrances are typically classified according to the strength of their scent. this is normally based on the concentration of scent, oils and levels of alcohol. “Parfum” or “Perfume” contains the highest concentration of these oils. Then come Eau de parfum, Eau de toilette, Eau de cologne and lastly body sprays and lotions.

I grew up with a mother who constantly wore Chanel No5. When I smell this perfume,  it instantly reminds me of her. Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle is my signature scent. It has the same notes of Chanel No5 but a much younger version. When I wear it, I instantly feel warm and comforted.