Goodbye 2008 - Hello 2009!

Here’s my countdown to the best 5 products I bought in 2008!

• Chantecaille Bengali Bronzer – this is a limited edition bronzer, with part of the proceeds going to TRAFFIC, an organization helping to stop this endangered species from being traded to extinction.  I was hesitant at first about this bronzer, it had too much glitter, but once you sweep the glitter off, you are left with one of the most natural bronzers on the market.  It’s just a hint of color,  but in the winter, a hint is all I need.  Healthy, not pasty white is what I was looking for, and this delivered.

• .Urban Decay – Gash and Gravity Lipsticks -  While I’m not thrilled by the packaging…(I’m always afraid the little gunmetal dagger at the end of the tube is going to get me in serious trouble at airport security! J) the colors are the best.  Gash is a brighter reddish/berry that gives my face that extra needed color and Gravity is a bit more subtle and sheerer, but still in the reddish family.  Both have long-lasting stay power and fade away evenly. 

• Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Touch – I found this gel wasn’t as strong as the perfume, but still gave a powerful punch of fragrance.  An added bonus is the hint of shimmer it leaves on the skin.  You can’t go wrong with this fragrance.

• Lush King of Skin Body Butter and Ultra Bland Face Cleanser – In the winter months, you just can’t beat the body butters from Lush.  They keep your skin moisturized like no other lotion can do.  Some days, I don’t even use lotion, this is enough.  Just rub it on during your shower, rinse off, and you’re ready to go.  The product goes quickly in the shower, but for me during the winter, it’s a must.  I like King of Skin with fresh banana; it just seems to work best with my skin’s chemistry.  Ultra Bland is one of those cleansers that you don’t appreciate until you don’t have it anymore.  It takes everything off, eyeliner, mascara, foundation, and leaves your skin moisturized.  This cleanser takes some getting used to, you have to wipe it off with a wet cotton cloth, but the results are worth it! 

• Giorgio Armani “Designer” Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20. – I’ll admit, the first time I tried this foundation, I didn’t like it.  The second time a MA used it on my face, I was hooked and it’s been a love fest ever since.  In the summer, I don’t like to use foundation, but in the late fall and winter months, I need something to give me a glow.  This foundation evens out my skin tone, and gives me a radiance I would normally have to use shimmer to achieve.  You can layer this on for more coverage, but I find a little goes a long way.  This is my number one favorite product of 2008!

Have a safe and happy end of 2008 and a joyous and beauty filled 2009! 

New Kid on the Block

360 Beauty

A new cosmetic store has sprung up on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC, within two blocks either way of Pure Beauty, Douglas Cosmetics and Blue Mercury cosmetic shops.

I first noticed this shop on the way to work a couple of weeks ago. It reminded me of the cosmetic shops I used to see in Paris before the mega-Sephora stores replaced many of the smaller boutiques. Needless to say, I had to investigate.

The hours were the first thing that grabbed my attention! — Monday - Friday, 7am-9pm | Saturday, 8am-8pm | Sunday, 9am-7pm…. That means you can get a beauty fix on the way to work, as well as on the way home!

Beauty 360 is an offshoot of CVS, offering boutique and niche cosmetic and beauty lines such as Paula Dorf, Clarins, ME, Canyon Ranch, Freeze 24/7, Cosmoholic, Pure, Talika, Japonesque, Bloom, Sampar, Fusion Beauty, Laura Geller, Stendahl, Borba, Blinc, Calvin Klein, Modelco, Pop Beauty, Ahava, Elizabeth Arden, Lavere, Dr. Brandt, It Cosmetics, Tini Beauty Mineral Essence and more! Many fragrance brands are also available.

Services offered include nail polish changes, mini-facials and make up application. Trained professionals are available to answer questions and to provide services.

Check their beauty calendar for a list of events each day from specific companies, offering free tip and gifts!

The shop that opened last week in Washington is the first of its kind, but more locations are soon to follow.
From the street, I thought I would be entering a tiny little shop, but the front of the store is really just the beginning, as the store wraps around a space that used to be part of a small miniplex theater, it ends up
in a bright new CVS store that offers all of their regular drugstore brands, as well as their boutique of European skin care lines, such as Vichy, Lierac and La Roche-Posay.

While not nearly as big and as comprehensive as Sephora, Beauty 360 is a welcome addition to our list of cosmetic shops in Washington, DC. It offers convenient hours and is conveniently located at the Dupont Circle metro stop at 1350 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036. The next Beauty 360 opening will be in Mission Viejo, CA in the next couple of weeks. If you would like to see a shop open up in your area, send your zip code to Beauty 360 at the bottom of this page.

Happy Shopping!

-Judith

Denise’s 2008 Holiday Wish List

Happy Holidays, everyone!   This time of year is so busy for all of us.  Full of shopping, wrapping, cooking, parties and celebrations of all kinds.  The month of December is always a blur to me – a happy, albeit stressful one.  Before the madness begins, I thought that I’d take a few minutes to tell you about my fun new “obsession” and the products that would make up my ultimate, money-is-no-object 2008 wish list.   

This year, I’ve been happily immersed in the mystical world of niche fragrances.  I am loathe to even call these scents “perfumes” because most of them are simply a completely different product than the perfumes that many of us have grown up with.  The best way that I can think of to explain it is that artisan perfumes don’t smell like “perfumes” – they smell like “good scents”.  I know that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but once you’ve smelled them next to a traditional department store perfume, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.  Artisan perfumes do not have any of the alcohol-like, nose-crinkling tang that even the most well-known and expensive mainstream perfumes have at first.  These fragrances are created by artisans all over the world, using high quality ingredients, and are designed to trigger a sensory memory in each of us.  Some are based on the most ordinary and precious of experiences, such as Snow and Burning Leaves (both done by I Hate Perfume), and some are a complex blend of both familiar and unfamiliar notes. 

One thing that most niche perfumes have in common is that they are pretty much out of my price range.  Usually priced at $200 and up per bottle, it is difficult for me to commit to a whole bottle of any of these scents – especially since I love so many of them.  And that, my friends, is the beauty of perfume samples.  Many niche and artisan perfumes can be part of your repertoire for a mere $3 - $8 for a 5mL sample, thanks to websites like Lucky Scent and The Perfumed Court.  The easiest way to start exploring is to think of some fragrance “notes” that make you happy.  For me, those are the warm, cozy vanillas, incense, and amber notes.  On the websites, perfumes are generally sorted by families of basenotes, which enables you to pull up a whole variety of amber scents, for example, read the descriptions of each one, and select which samples you would like to try.  

One of the most fun and interesting aspects of artisan perfumes is how they will smell differently on me at different times of the year, and even different times of the day.  The essences are subtly but undeniably different when the perfume is first applied, then after a couple of hours different notes will emerge, and by the end of the day it might have become something entirely new.  I’ve always thought that a beautiful scent, if created and worn right, is one of the most important aspects of a person’s (man or woman, really) beauty regimen.  A good, quality, scent will not make you smell “perfumey” but will instead give you that indescribable quality that is all your own.  Your personal scent  signature, if you will.  

But look at me . . . all of this rambling, and I still haven’t gotten to my wish list.  Bottom line is this – your wish list probably won’t be the same as mine.  The art of scent is wonderfully subjective.  But I highly recommend that you explore the world of artisan perfumes and develop your very own perfume hall of fame.   Here are a few award winners in my world.  Santa, are you still with me?   Read on . . . 

Tabac Blond by Caron   

I actually haven’t tried this scent yet, but from everything I’ve read, it’s one that I will fall in love with. I can’t wait to receive my sample in the mail.  And with this scent, samples will have to do – I’ve seen prices ranging up to $1000 for a 6.7 Eau de Toilette.   Tabac Blond was created in 1919 by the still-to-this-day independent Caron Parfumerie in Paris.  The opening notes are of supple leather softened by a hint of carnations and possibly a mellow rose, then brightened by notes of iris and ylang ylang, all set in a base of cedar, patchouli, vanilla, amber, and musk.  From what I’ve read, the dry down is frequently primarily a spicy vanilla scent.  Carons describes the personality of this scent as “the troubling sensuality of a woman in a dinner jacket.”  Tabac Blond was created in a time when women were first beginning to assert their independence and squash the boundaries between the smoking room and the boudoir.  It is touted as a fragrance created to mark the dawn of female liberation, and certainly has the nearly 100 years of cult following to prove it. 

Nag Champa Indien by Memoire Liquide

I’ve always loved the calming smell of nag champa incense burning in a yoga studio or a spa, but I hadn’t thought of the incense note as actually wearable until I tried this perfume by Memoire Liquide.  It starts out with an almost chocolatey note, along with woods and amber.  The nag champa scent is very distinct, but not overpowering at all.  After a few hours, a light vanilla blends with the amber and incense.  When I wear Nag Champa Indien, the scent lasts for a good 10 hours or so, and melds wonderfully into my skin.  This is one sample that I will order again and again.  The price tag on this scent isn’t as out of my range as many other artisan perfumes might be.  However, purchasing a bottle would also incur travel costs, since Memoire Liquide scents are only sold at Studio Fred Segal in Santa Monica and Henry Bendel in New York City.  Can you say road trip, anyone?  

Memoire Liquide is a relatively new line of bespoke perfumes that can be blended by note to create a unique scent for each one of us.  The Memoire Liquide blending bar at both of their locations is reminiscent of an old fashioned apothecary.  Customers are encouraged to sample and smell a wide variety of over 150 fragrance offerings, and then, with the assistance of an expert perfumer, their very own scent blend will be concocted!  From what I’ve read, for a set of three 7.5 mL pure perfumes, the cost is around $75. 

Douce Amere by Serge Lutens

My wish list would not be complete without at least one fragrance by French scent master Serge Lutens.  Douce Amere is one of the first artisan perfumes that I tried, one that started me down the road into this wonderfully-scented world, and I never looked back. It was Douce Amere that first illustrated to me how a scent can be beautiful, and not perfume-like at the same time.  Douce Amere means “bittersweet” in French.  It is described as a “fresh Oriental” scent, which I feel is pretty accurate.  It starts out with the slightly tangy aura of artemisia absinthium, which is the bitter herb commonly known as wormwood, and famous as the source of the liquor absinthe.  I also detect a touch of cinnamon-sprinkled lemon at the beginning, which calms down to almost a semi-sweet, mildly spicy gourmand scent.  I read this description of Douce Amere somewhere, and it totally rings true to me: Oriental exoticism mixed with dessert-loving hedonism.  As a side note, reading the descriptions of some of these artisan perfumes is almost as fun as sniffing them.  There are so many eloquent, beautiful narratives out there, which really only scratch the surface of the individual experience of wearing these scents.  

Serge Lutens has an entire line of amazingly-crafted perfumes.  Some of them are non-export, meaning that we cannot buy them here in the United States. Fortunately, Douce Amere is part of the export line, so it is available for about $200 a bottle at Barneys, Bergdorf Goodman, and selected Neiman Marcus stores around the country. 

There is so much to this world of niche perfumes that I could go on and on.  But in order to really “get” what all my rambling is about, you have got to try them for yourself.  I promise you, you’ll be walking around all day with your wrist to your nose, breathing in the ever-changing complex aromas.  I still catch myself doing it . . . sometimes with a different scent on either arm. 

Enjoy the fragrance journey.  I hope you derive as much joy from it as I have.  And I wish all of you the very happiest of holiday seasons. 

Love, peace, and good health to us all!   

Super Antioxidant Moisturizer!

Skin Script Acai Berry Moisturizer   ($30)                 

As most of you know from reading my prior reviews, I’ve been using the Skin Script line of skin care products lately, and have been very happy with them.  My skin looks and feels awesome, even now as the drying winter weather is setting in.   The tight, dry skin on my hands is a different story . . . but I digress.  

Just when I think that my skin care regimen can’t get any better, Skin Script has developed an amazing new moisturizer packed full of the antioxidant “superfood”, the acai berry.   Acai berries are grown in the Amazon rainforest, and are popping up these days in everything from concentrated juice to dietary supplements.  They are a tremendous source of antioxidants, which have been clinically proven to combat the signs of premature aging and to protect the skin against the environmental damage that we all encounter every day.   Skin Script’s Acai Berry Moisturizer also contains vitamins B, C & E, as well as aloe for added hydration and Co-Q10 to minimize fine lines and wrinkles.  All I know is that this moisturizer feels like silk on my skin.  It is rich and nourishing, without feeling heavy or greasy.   The Skin Script website says that this moisturizer is perfect for normal, combination, and sensitive skin.  I think that it would be great for anybody, especially during the winter months that can wreak such havoc on our skin. 

You can check out the brand-new Acai Berry Moisturizer and the rest of the Skin Script line at www.skinscriptrx.com

Foundation Primers

When I put my makeup on in the morning, I expect it to look fresh all day, not patchy and fading by lunch. What I’ve discovered as a key product to give me the results I want is a foundation primer. This invisible layer goes on after your skin care and before your foundation or concealer, acting as both an extra barrier against the elements (so key during fall and winter) and a canvas for color. Pick the right one for your skin and a primer can add hours of wear to your makeup, and even make it look better by filling in fine lines, adding extra moisture or reducing shine (depending on your skin type). With so many benefits and so many choices, I decided to try a few to see how they are. If you have a favorite, send me your tips.

NP Set Pre-Foundation Primer Makeup

Napoleon Perdis is one of the new designer brands to hit Target stores, under the name NP Set. Previously only available in fine department stores, Napoleon Perdis is offering a wide range of items, from this primer to foundation and color cosmetics for eyes, lips and cheeks. My first introduction to the line is the Pre-Foundation Primer ($29), a creamy, pearly-pink lotion designed to add moisture and create a smooth surface for the rest of your makeup. As someone with light colored skin that has pinkish undertones, I find the light pink tone of this primer to work really well for me, but I wonder how it would look on darker skin, or more yellow or olive skin tones. Because of the moisture component, I would not recommend this primer for skin with any tendency toward oiliness; you will most likely end up with an oil slick. I also take issue with the price point - frankly, I think $29 for any makeup at Target is ridiculous. Knock it down to $12 and I would consider buying it again. I will enjoy my tube but move on.

Arbonne Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer

My friend Linda Cohen turned me on to Arbonne a few years ago, and I have tried several things and have never been disappointed. While placing my most recent order, she recommended this new product, Virtual Illusion Makeup Primer ($32.50). This lightweight, silky-smooth gel would be a perfect fit for any skin tone or type. It creates a smooth surface for makeup, or you can wear it alone after your regular skin care for a more polished bare face. It’s neither matte nor particularly moisturizing, making it an easy fit for any skin type. The one ounce bottle doesn’t seem large, but you need just one pump for your whole face (and it’s not a skimpy amount). This is my favorite primer of the ones I’ve tried.

Exuberance Miracle Bound Pre-Makeup Skin Firming Gel

Here is an example of a primer that crosses the line between makeup and skincare. With skincare ingredients like DMAE (short for dimethylaminoethanol, a naturally occurring substance that may make skin appear firmer) and aloe vera, you could easily use this in the morning as part your anti-aging skincare with or without makeup. Exuberance Skin Firming Gel ($45) is clear and leaves a slightly matte finish on the skin, so if you are dry, be sure to generously apply your regular moisturizer and let it soak in before you apply Miracle Bound. I have found that the matte finish makes my foundation go on more smoothly and allows me to use less product, especially with my current makeup, Lancome Teint Idole.

If you have a favorite at a budget-friendly price point, let me know!

Marissa’s Pick of the Week

I love this time of year! All the cosmetic companies are in full holiday gear and the best bargains of the season have arrived.  My pick this week is Bobbi Brown’s Exclusive Limited-Edition Artist Palette for Lips.  It’s a big name for a big palette - 42 of Bobbi’s colors all in one compact.  The palette is big, about the size of a novel, but slim.  I keep it in my gym bag as it’s way too big for most purses.  This palette is broken down into three categories: 21 lip colors, 11 creamy lip colors and 10 lip sheers.   I love this palette not for all the colors that I normally wear, but for all the colors I never bought or wouldn’t have tried because I thought that they weren’t compatible with my skin tone.  Plus, you can mix and match these colors. The other day I had on Burnt Red lip color with a touch of Bare lip sheer to tone down the red.

This is one item that all make-up junkies need to have in their hands this holiday season.  Right now, it’s exclusive to Neiman Marcus, but my sources say it will soon be available wherever Bobbi Brown is sold.

JK Jemma Kidd at Target

A couple of years ago, when Jemma Kidd’s Make Up School first was introduced in the US, I favorably reviewed most of the products in her range. At that time, her products were only available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in the US.

JK Jemma Kidd for Target

I was delighted to find that in the past few months, Jemma Kidd has made her her products available in a new line of cosmetics for Target which she calls JK Jemma Kidd. My findings, for the products I have tried thus far, did not disappoint.

I don’t usually wear any kind of primer under my foundation…just  a lot of moisturizer, but I decided to try JK Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Complexion Enhancer ($24). The product, infused with Vitamin E, has a faintly luminescent finish, but after rubbing it into your skin, it isn’t too noticeable. It does, however, make a beautiful finish for your foundation. In this case, I was using JK Jemma Kidd Pro Finish Moisture Tint ($28) in 02-Mid.  While   you could use this as a tinted moisturizer, it is layerable, so you can control how much coverage you want. Just like Jemma Kidd’s foundation in her high-end line, the foundation has a very yellowish tone, but blends beautifully into the skin and doesn’t look yellow at all once you have applied it. Only three shades are available. I used 02-Mid. I had thought I would have to go lighter for cold weather, but the foundation readily adapts to enhance your won skin tone. Compared to Jemma’s Light-as-Air Liquid Foundation from her original line, I like the new version better, as it is much more moisturizing.

Jemma Kidd’s blush products in her original line were my favorite items.  I still use them! IMO, her new blushes  are just as good as the old ones! My current faves are Chic Cheeks Powder Blush in 01-London,($21), a light mauvey pink and Stain/Flush/Blush Concentrate in 03-Flirt ($17), a sheer cream blush in a light peachy pink. Both give very sheer and natural color to your face.

JK Jemma Kidd’s products at Target hold their own against her  upscale department store Jemma Kidd Beauty School products. There is not much of a price difference between her two ranges of products, as her original line was very fairly priced for the stores that were carrying them. Having them available at Target certainly will widen her audience!  I heartily recommend giving them a try!

Happy Shopping!
-Judith