Blog Archives
Dazzling Duo: Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine
✼✼✼
Philip B.’s revolutionary duo, Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, is designed to help infuse more life into dull, dry, and limp locks. It’s MegaBounce technology uses nano molecules which are small enough to actually penetrate the hair and moisturize each strand from the inside out. After a single use, hair is bouncier, smoother, sleeker, and shinier.
Agarwood Oil, also known as Oud oil, Aloeswood oil, and many other names depending on location, is an extremely rare and precious natural oil obtained from several species of Agarwood trees. It originates in North Eastern India, Bhutan and parts of South East Asia. Agarwood has a very long history of medicinal use, as a valuable component of incense, and aromatic oil. The fragrance is complex, deep and woodsy, and is highly prized as an incense in Japan and as an oil in the Middle East.
INSTANT, DRAMATIC RESULTS:
- An intensive hydrating complex treated with high-vapor energy – a new, patent-pending technology that breaks botanical oils into molecules tiny enough to sink deep inside the hair shaft.
- Time-released botanical delivery system (made with natural Safflower Oleosomes) for major volume and a lustrous shine that goes on and on.
- L-Amino Acids revive parched strands & tame frizz without weight.
- Sweet Blue Lupine Peptides for superior color protection.
- Pure Oud Essence for a rich, warm, sweet-woody scent.
- Sulfate-free shampoo cleansing base with a rich luxurious lather for gentle and effective cleaning.
- Safe for color-treated or straightened hair.
Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine shampoo and conditioner create a luxurious and aromatic shower experience. The formula looks like liquid gold and reflects in the hair creating a luminous shine. The shampoo is sulphate and sodium chloride free which is highly recommended for colored and/or damaged hair. It does not lather like most shampoos but leaves hair exceptionally clean. Just one use will make a remarkable difference in the overall look and feel of your hair. Literally just wash, condition, rinse and style. No other products needed. You will be left with bouncier, glossier and voluminous hair that lasts for days.
Pint-Sized Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
◘◘◘
Launching in the US tomorrow, November 29th, is the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. This pint-sized palette features five matte shades and one demi-matte shade. Four of the six shades are new and exclusive to this palette.
Perfect for travel or on-the-go, this palette can fit in your wallet or purse. It contains six full-sized eyeshadows, which include: Venus (soft, off-white demi-matte), Foxy (very light yellow/beige matte), Walk of Shame (very light pinky nude matte), Naked 2 (rosy taupe matte), Faint (warm, dusty brown matte), and Crave (deepest, darkest brown/black matte).
Urban Decay’s matte eyeshadows are some of the best I have used. They are in no way chalky, powdery or dry but super silky, finely-milled and pigmented. They are also long-lasting and true-to-color.
Starting on November 29th the Naked Basics Palette will be available at Urban Decay, Sephora, Ulta and select Macy’s. If you love neutrals and nudes to create a subtle and dramatic definition, then you will love the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette.
Four Favorites: Red Lipstick
❋❋❋
As the seasons change, the reach for a red lipstick grows closer. Unfortunately, many women are scared of scarlet. I believe there is a simple adjustment period or rite of passage, when wearing a bright lip. Just like anything else, to diverge from our comfort zone is an uncomfortable feeling. Try this: When home alone, cleaning house, reading a book, watching television – apply your bright lip and test-drive for the day. Let your eyes adjust to the unfamiliar look and I promise it won’t be so shocking next time.
Tips on Application: HOW TO: PERFECT RED LIPS
***
Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle: My all-time favorite. A bright blue-based red with glossy sheen. The Rouge Cocos’ are extremely moisturizing and allow you to wear both a sheer or heavy red lip.
NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red: NARS best-seller, Jungle Red is bright and bold. If you want to commit to a “Gwen Stefani/Rita Hayworth” red lip – this one’s for you.
YSL Rouge Volupt in #18 Red Taboo: Cool-toned red with a hint of raspberry. The Rouge Volupt lipsticks are comfortable and light on the lips. Extremely pigmented, long-lasting, uber-creamy and incredibly glossy.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge: The classic brick red. For those still uncomfortable wearing the bright lip – this is your training wheels. Deep and luxurious – the color is beautiful and sophisticated – the formula is hydrating and long-lasting.
Shop Your Closet: Beach Cover-Up
⍚⍚⍚
Cover-ups keep you comfortable and stylish on the beach. If you do not want to bare all in swimwear, throw on a simple piece for a walk on the beach, dining al fresco or party/BBQ. You can invest in items created specifically as a cover-up, or find pieces in your closet that serve double duty on the beach.
As the sun goes down and it starts to get chilly, cover-up with a light oversized or cropped knit sweater or chambray shirt. The knit sweater will keep you warm and cozy with effortless style. The chambray shirt looks easy breezy worn open or for a bit more drama tie-up the ends.
For situations where you might need a bit more coverage: dining al fresco/outdoor pool party/beach BBQ, cover-up with a simple slip dress or tunic. These lightweight pieces are easy to slip-on over your swimsuit, and if the material happens to get wet, it will dry quickly. Spice it up a bit with some unexpected accessories that wouldn’t normally be worn in such a casual style: statement necklace, bold and vibrant earrings or stacked multi-textured bracelets.
Wraps are the most versatile way to cover-up your swimsuit. Usually made of a lightweight fabric, wraps come in solid colors and a variety of bright prints. Scour your closet for your favorite lightweight scarf. These are great alternatives for wraps and available in a wider variety of prints, patterns and colors. Simply wrap the scarf around your waist for a skirt cover-up or transform into a strapless tube dress by wrapping it like a towel. Safety pin to secure.
Repurpose these pieces found in your closet for a great day at the beach:
Brandy Melville ~ Kayla Sweater: $60.00
Calypso St. Barth ~ Castaway Cotton Tunic: $99.00 (sale)
T by Alexander Wang ~ Matte Jersey Crossback Maxi: $156.00
Gap ~ 1968 Chambray Tunic: $54.95
Juicy Couture ~ Chevron Striped Scarf: $23.40 (sale)
Back to Basics: Layering Favorites
✱✱✱
Layering articles of clothing is not only practical but stylish. The art of layering will create insulation to keep you warm but will also lay the foundation for a very versatile wardrobe.
Start with your favorite basics. When shopping for basics, buy for comfort and quality. This will ensure getting the most wear out of the article of clothing. Then… buy in quantity. If you love a particular piece – purchase in different colors, patterns or styles.
For instance, H&M tanks and camis are great – they are cheap, come in an array of colors/patterns and are made long in length. It is quite difficult to find a good tank, long enough to cover the bum when wearing leggings or tights. These tanks will also layer beautifully under just about anything, without any added bulk.
Old Navy is another great place to find layering basics. I love the light-weight v-necks and crew-necks. They are soft, comfortable, inexpensive and come in great basic colors. I wear them everywhere from the gym to work. On their own, accessorized with a great scarf or layered under a sequin/leather/boyfriend blazer to create a textured-casual look.
When it comes to quality, Splendid and KAIN Label, are unbeatable. They both provide silk blend basics that are extraordinarily comfortable and styles that are continuously on trend each season. These are the best basic pieces to collect each season, that will last a lifetime.
What are your favorite basics?
Cozy Sweaters: Vince
✯✯✯
When it’s cold outside, nothing is cozier than a warm sweater. Like a comfortable blanket, winter knits should be soft, cozy and also shapely. Sweaters designed by Vince are some of my favorite. Always on trend year after year, Vince sweaters not only provide warmth but style. Celebrate cold winter days in these cozy sweaters.
VINCE
Sole-Mate: J.Crew Wellie Socks
✯✯✯
J.Crew Wellie Socks
Keep warm this season with J.Crew’s Wellie Socks.
Warm fleece-lined socks that keep both toes and legs cozy. The tops are designed to fold over any boot paired with them, abolishing the annoying slip-down.
Available in a multitude of colors, these socks accessorize any outfit. Wear with tights or go bare, the J.Crew Wellie sock will wrestle any cold weather ahead.
Boot Week: Cole Haan Air Whitley Knit Boot
✯✯✯
Cole Haan Air Whitley Boot
Boot Week ends with a fun lace-up boot.
The Air Whitley Knit Boot by Cole Haan provides both comfort and style. Supported with Nike Air technology, these boots feel like running sneakers. The classic lace-up style is detailed with a stretch knit sock that lines the entire boot. The cap-toe detail provides a military twist and the over-lapping sock screams cold winter days. Pair these boots with black leggings and winter coat for a warm and comfy elegance.
Choose a boot this season that suits your needs and taste. With so many different styles and designs available, you don’t have to pick just one…
Have a wonderful weekend!
Ashling
Fragrance Tips: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
✯✯✯
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.
Glow-T 