Give the Gifts that Give Back…

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Tis’ the season of giving. Let’s not forget what this time of year is really about. Give the gifts that give back, locally and around the world. Companies make charitable-giving easy with wonderful gift options, suitable for anyone.

✳  Tory Burch: 100 % of all profits from the purchase of these adorable cosmetic cases benefit the Tory Burch Foundation, a cause committed to providing economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States.

✳  Paul Mitchell: A portion of all gift set purchases benefit Amnesty International, an organization that protects human rights worldwide.

✳  JBrand: Purchase a pair of JBrand Jeans in one of these exclusive colors and 100% of all proceeds are donated to City Year, a non-profit organization that fights the national high school drop-out crisis.

✳  Clarins: With the purchase of a Clarins FEED 25 Bag, 25 meals will be provided through the (WFP) United Nations World Food Programme.

✳  TOMS: With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

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.