I honestly can’t image someone who wouldn’t like a Kiehl’s holiday present. They are wildly appealing and the iconic brand looks fabulous even in the most manly man’s bathroom. It also is a great time to check out some of their classic products at a huge value. They didn’t disappoint this year. These 10 sets were designed by Brooklyn-based Eric Haze and range from $29-$89. Sign me up for the Hydration Essentials! Check out all the details:
Indie Lee went through a terrifying experience to inspire her all-natural and sophisticated skin care line. Suffering from headaches and change in vision, she underwent an MRI and discovered a life-threatening brain tumor. The tumor was successfully removed, but they discovered it was caused by enviromental toxins.
Motivated by the impact of what we put into our bodies, Indie developed natural alternatives to combat our main skin care concerns. Relaunched in April of this year, her products and packaging are sophisticated, sleek and modern. Plus, full of all that good stuff so you can feel guilt-free about slathering it on.
While I haven’t tried the skin care – hope to soon! – I have tried their body oil. You know I am a sucker for any body oil. This goes above and beyond, also suited for face and hair. The formula isn’t greasy so I can see all skin types loving it. The vanilla and sweet orange scent is very subtle, but pleasant. I love that it won’t interfere with my favorite fall fragrance.
The oil is made from four simple ingredients: Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (apricot) Oil, Vanilla Planifolia (vanilla), Citrus Aurantium Sinensis (sweet orange). Just a very small amount goes a long way. Apply 2 to 4 drops of oil to hands and rub palms together to warm. Massage gently over face or body until skin feels hydrated. For best results, apply to damp skin after bathing to seal in moisture.
Available at IndieLee.com, Urban Outfitters, and Dermstore.com.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream has long been a favorites, particularly for the bright and cheerful scent (blood orange and spicy white pepper top notes with nuances of coriander and white musk). The rich formula absorbs quickly and leaves skin nourished.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
This spring, Illume and Sephora are expanding their Eternal Nomad collection – I hadn’t come across Illume goodies at Sephora so I was anxious to try out the product lineup. Not only does the name “Eternal Nomad” speak to my heart – I have a traveller’s soul – but the fresh, tropical scents are perfect for this time of year.
First, a little about Illume: the company is infused with the culture of travelers and seekers, reflecting on culture and color. I’ve known Illume mostly for their home fragrance. Made in the USA, Illume candles are made with either food-grade paraffin or an all-natural blend of coconut wax, beeswax and essential oils. I’m hooked on Gardenia, Tahitian and Amber Dunes (although I can’t say there isn’t a fragrance of theirs I don’t like).
The Eternal Nomad collection comes in three signature fragrances:
The Coconut Mango collection has been warming me up for spring. I’ve been layering the products for a gentle, but long-lasting fragrance. The whole product lineup includes:
The capsule collection is available online and launched in 63 stores (including Times Square, Union Square, Soho, Short Hills, Santa Monica, Topanga and South Beach) yesterday. I love everything I tried, but please please don’t miss out of the Sunlit Bronzing Lotion – it is too good!
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
“Designer deodorant” you say? “She’s gone too far” you are thinking. But listen up. I wasn’t a believer and I am now a devotee. Cashmere Mist was my trademark perfume in high school. I still always have a bottle on my vanity as I consider it my trademark scent, even if I cheat on her frequently these days.
So, I was aware the line offered a Deodorant / Antiperspirant but couldn’t justify the splurge. But the fashion world was murmuring (aka @dkny was tweeting) how wonderful this product was. So I gave in. She is quite convincing, that Ms. DKNY PR GIRL®.
And like I said, I am a complete convert. My skin is smoother and far less irritated. The scent is subtle, and much more pleasing than anything I have found in the drugstore. And it just plain works. Just as well or better than the “advanced” and “clinical” formulations I was using. For those of you unfamiliar with cashmere mist, it is a light floral, with notes of Moroccan Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Bergamot, Sandlewood, Amber and Musk. Nordstrom describes: “It is intended only to be smelled by the wearer and those closest to her” and it couldn’t be more true.
I normally don’t encourage one retailer of another, but in this case there is a clear winner. Where this product retails for around $18 elsewhere, you can find it at Nordstrom for $12.
I realize that many drugstore offerings are just as good as their department store counterparts. For instance, chemical formulations of self tanner are generally the same across the board. EXCEPT for delivery and scent. Wait…. delivery and scent are the two most important things, at least to me, in a self-tanner. Now, most brands have figured out how to avoid the orange cast, so I am always focused on getting it on evenly and not smelling like a spray tan booth. I am still a HUGE fan of Xen-Tan, but if you are more of a spray girl (or boy), then give this a whirl.
I’m not saying this isn’t a splurge – $35 for a can. But considering I used to pay $30 a pop for professional spray in my San Francisco days, this is a bargain. The can still feels full after three applications to my legs and arms over the last month. (side note: self tanner should be discarded at the end of every season)
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray is a fine spray, allowing for all the angles (important if you live in singledom). The spray lasts approximately four of five days on me. There is a naturally looking depth of color, but the highlight is the scent. St. Tropez uses Aromaguard™ fragrance technology that eliminates “self tan aroma by a minimum of 70%”.
Smells good, easy to use, good color. Can’t really ask for more.
