Weekend Roundup

Last week some of you discussed the image I'm using for the Weekly Roundup. The idea the woman could be Lindsay Lohan has given me good chuckle. This is actually a cropped detail from a 1960s ad. I didn't save the source, but it was either Avon or one of the major drugstore brands. I do wonder who was the model.

Kari at Fabulous Over Forty tried out Clarisonic's new Opal Sonic Infusion System, with anti-aging sea serum for the eye area. It's the latest addition to the much-loved Clarisonic family. You will covet the Opal after you read her post!

Charlestongirl fell in love with Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ample Angora Volumizing Light Foam. She told us about its wonders at Best Things in Beauty.

Anne at BeautyXposé and Charlestongirl had their makeup perfected last weekend by Renato Almeida, National Makeup Artist for Shiseido. Renato used the fabulous new colors from Shiseido's Spring 2010 Collection. You have to see the eye shadow that they both loved - and the results!

Kelly told us what she would buy for Anne's mother, Connie, with a $100 gift card from Sephora. See what made the shopping cart for Connie's summer at Gouldylox Reviews!

Debbi at DivaDebbi spent at third of her youth doing what we all did: trying to get bronze. Now she has found Rephase D-White from an Italian anti-aging line to help undo the damage. She is thrilled with the results!

Cindy made some awesome product discoveries this month - from blush to hair to books. See what she's loving at Prime Beauty.

The swatching queen, KarlaSugar, got her hands on the new Tom Ford Lipsticks! Bet you'll pick out at least one of these beauties at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

Enjoy your weekend and stay tuned for a special fragrance giveaway on Monday.

Weekend Roundup

Last week some of you discussed the image I'm using for the Weekly Roundup. The idea the woman could be Lindsay Lohan has given me good chuckle. This is actually a cropped detail from a 1960s ad. I didn't save the source, but it was either Avon or one of the major drugstore brands. I do wonder who was the model.

Kari at Fabulous Over Forty tried out Clarisonic's new Opal Sonic Infusion System, with anti-aging sea serum for the eye area. It's the latest addition to the much-loved Clarisonic family. You will covet the Opal after you read her post!

Charlestongirl fell in love with Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ample Angora Volumizing Light Foam. She told us about its wonders at Best Things in Beauty.

Anne at BeautyXposé and Charlestongirl had their makeup perfected last weekend by Renato Almeida, National Makeup Artist for Shiseido. Renato used the fabulous new colors from Shiseido's Spring 2010 Collection. You have to see the eye shadow that they both loved - and the results!

Kelly told us what she would buy for Anne's mother, Connie, with a $100 gift card from Sephora. See what made the shopping cart for Connie's summer at Gouldylox Reviews!

Debbi at DivaDebbi spent at third of her youth doing what we all did: trying to get bronze. Now she has found Rephase D-White from an Italian anti-aging line to help undo the damage. She is thrilled with the results!

Cindy made some awesome product discoveries this month - from blush to hair to books. See what she's loving at Prime Beauty.

The swatching queen, KarlaSugar, got her hands on the new Tom Ford Lipsticks! Bet you'll pick out at least one of these beauties at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

Enjoy your weekend and stay tuned for a special fragrance giveaway on Monday.

Weekend Roundup

Last week some of you discussed the image I'm using for the Weekly Roundup. The idea the woman could be Lindsay Lohan has given me good chuckle. This is actually a cropped detail from a 1960s ad. I didn't save the source, but it was either Avon or one of the major drugstore brands. I do wonder who was the model.

Kari at Fabulous Over Forty tried out Clarisonic's new Opal Sonic Infusion System, with anti-aging sea serum for the eye area. It's the latest addition to the much-loved Clarisonic family. You will covet the Opal after you read her post!

Charlestongirl fell in love with Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ample Angora Volumizing Light Foam. She told us about its wonders at Best Things in Beauty.

Anne at BeautyXposé and Charlestongirl had their makeup perfected last weekend by Renato Almeida, National Makeup Artist for Shiseido. Renato used the fabulous new colors from Shiseido's Spring 2010 Collection. You have to see the eye shadow that they both loved - and the results!

Kelly told us what she would buy for Anne's mother, Connie, with a $100 gift card from Sephora. See what made the shopping cart for Connie's summer at Gouldylox Reviews!

Debbi at DivaDebbi spent at third of her youth doing what we all did: trying to get bronze. Now she has found Rephase D-White from an Italian anti-aging line to help undo the damage. She is thrilled with the results!

Cindy made some awesome product discoveries this month - from blush to hair to books. See what she's loving at Prime Beauty.

The swatching queen, KarlaSugar, got her hands on the new Tom Ford Lipsticks! Bet you'll pick out at least one of these beauties at The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself.

Enjoy your weekend and stay tuned for a special fragrance giveaway on Monday.

Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier- Santal Noble

I don't have any statistics to back me up on this, but when it comes to sandalwood perfumes the more popular ones seem to have that comforting creaminess of 10 Corso Como and Tam Dao. These scents go well with hot cocoa and a cashmere blanket, which is probably why they are considered more unisex than the formal Santal Noble by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier.

Santal Noble is a very dry incense and wood scent with a dark amber-patchouli drydown. It's quite spicy and peppery, especially during the first couple of hours I have it on, and has an exotic vibe at times. If I spray enough of it (and I do. It makes a world of difference for Santal Noble's staying power), I seem to pick a light saffron note, especially in warm weather. The overall impression of this Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier cologne is very woody, crisp and impossibly proper. It can be the male equivalent of a cashmere twin-set and heirloom pearls, except that it's a lot more tailored than that. Santal Noble is a scent fit for Tim Gunn, and just like him, it's always right.

The original version of Santal Noble (before MPG repackaged and reformulated) seemed to have a richer, almost thick drydown, but since the sample I have is much older than my bottle of the newer formula, it also might be due to aging. In any case, the new Santal Noble is very good and satisfying, with its dignity intact. As for the gender issue, I understand why many women would balk at wearing a scent that goes well with a tux.  I still think it's worth trying, because you never know. I'm as girly as they come, but it's no secret that I wear vetiver, cedar and other woods much better than I wear rose or violet. It's all about skin chemistry and personal taste, after all.

Santal Noble as well as the other Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier fragrances ($120, 100 ml EDT) is available from Henri Bendel in NYC, Luckyscent/Scent Bar in Los Angeles and beautyhabit.com, which was where I purchased my bottle.

Photo of Tim Gunn from chicagotribune.com

Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier- Santal Noble

I don't have any statistics to back me up on this, but when it comes to sandalwood perfumes the more popular ones seem to have that comforting creaminess of 10 Corso Como and Tam Dao. These scents go well with hot cocoa and a cashmere blanket, which is probably why they are considered more unisex than the formal Santal Noble by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier.

Santal Noble is a very dry incense and wood scent with a dark amber-patchouli drydown. It's quite spicy and peppery, especially during the first couple of hours I have it on, and has an exotic vibe at times. If I spray enough of it (and I do. It makes a world of difference for Santal Noble's staying power), I seem to pick a light saffron note, especially in warm weather. The overall impression of this Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier cologne is very woody, crisp and impossibly proper. It can be the male equivalent of a cashmere twin-set and heirloom pearls, except that it's a lot more tailored than that. Santal Noble is a scent fit for Tim Gunn, and just like him, it's always right.

The original version of Santal Noble (before MPG repackaged and reformulated) seemed to have a richer, almost thick drydown, but since the sample I have is much older than my bottle of the newer formula, it also might be due to aging. In any case, the new Santal Noble is very good and satisfying, with its dignity intact. As for the gender issue, I understand why many women would balk at wearing a scent that goes well with a tux.  I still think it's worth trying, because you never know. I'm as girly as they come, but it's no secret that I wear vetiver, cedar and other woods much better than I wear rose or violet. It's all about skin chemistry and personal taste, after all.

Santal Noble as well as the other Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier fragrances ($120, 100 ml EDT) is available from Henri Bendel in NYC, Luckyscent/Scent Bar in Los Angeles and beautyhabit.com, which was where I purchased my bottle.

Photo of Tim Gunn from chicagotribune.com

Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier- Santal Noble

I don't have any statistics to back me up on this, but when it comes to sandalwood perfumes the more popular ones seem to have that comforting creaminess of 10 Corso Como and Tam Dao. These scents go well with hot cocoa and a cashmere blanket, which is probably why they are considered more unisex than the formal Santal Noble by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier.

Santal Noble is a very dry incense and wood scent with a dark amber-patchouli drydown. It's quite spicy and peppery, especially during the first couple of hours I have it on, and has an exotic vibe at times. If I spray enough of it (and I do. It makes a world of difference for Santal Noble's staying power), I seem to pick a light saffron note, especially in warm weather. The overall impression of this Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier cologne is very woody, crisp and impossibly proper. It can be the male equivalent of a cashmere twin-set and heirloom pearls, except that it's a lot more tailored than that. Santal Noble is a scent fit for Tim Gunn, and just like him, it's always right.

The original version of Santal Noble (before MPG repackaged and reformulated) seemed to have a richer, almost thick drydown, but since the sample I have is much older than my bottle of the newer formula, it also might be due to aging. In any case, the new Santal Noble is very good and satisfying, with its dignity intact. As for the gender issue, I understand why many women would balk at wearing a scent that goes well with a tux.  I still think it's worth trying, because you never know. I'm as girly as they come, but it's no secret that I wear vetiver, cedar and other woods much better than I wear rose or violet. It's all about skin chemistry and personal taste, after all.

Santal Noble as well as the other Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier fragrances ($120, 100 ml EDT) is available from Henri Bendel in NYC, Luckyscent/Scent Bar in Los Angeles and beautyhabit.com, which was where I purchased my bottle.

Photo of Tim Gunn from chicagotribune.com

Jennifer Lopez Has Something On Her Head

Jennifer Lopez is everywhere these days, promoting her new movie The Back-Up Plan (the trailer looks decidedly awful, but what else is new?). It looks like whoever is doing her makeup these days has toned down the bronzer and figured out that a nude lipstick in Jennifer's case cannot be an orange based beige, so it's all good. What I can't understand is this hairdo. I put my hair up like this when I'm doing things around the house and can't have 3' of hair getting in the way, but I wouldn't call it a red carpet look. Maybe that's where she's been hiding Marc Anthony.

Photos: Dlisted

Jennifer Lopez Has Something On Her Head

Jennifer Lopez is everywhere these days, promoting her new movie The Back-Up Plan (the trailer looks decidedly awful, but what else is new?). It looks like whoever is doing her makeup these days has toned down the bronzer and figured out that a nude lipstick in Jennifer's case cannot be an orange based beige, so it's all good. What I can't understand is this hairdo. I put my hair up like this when I'm doing things around the house and can't have 3' of hair getting in the way, but I wouldn't call it a red carpet look. Maybe that's where she's been hiding Marc Anthony.

Photos: Dlisted

Jennifer Lopez Has Something On Her Head

Jennifer Lopez is everywhere these days, promoting her new movie The Back-Up Plan (the trailer looks decidedly awful, but what else is new?). It looks like whoever is doing her makeup these days has toned down the bronzer and figured out that a nude lipstick in Jennifer's case cannot be an orange based beige, so it's all good. What I can't understand is this hairdo. I put my hair up like this when I'm doing things around the house and can't have 3' of hair getting in the way, but I wouldn't call it a red carpet look. Maybe that's where she's been hiding Marc Anthony.

Photos: Dlisted

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eye Shadow (Bois Bleu and Safari)

When it comes to Chanel eye shadows, the quads and sets are the one getting all the attention, while the single eye shadows are unjustly left behind. The Ombre Essentielle range is worth trying, and from my experience the color payoff is often better than in some of the quads. The texture is silky soft without crumbling and easy to blend. I love the finish I get from them- both the subtle wash when applied dry and the rich intensity you see when used with a damp brush (see the swatches). It's also buildable enough for contouring.

A few seasons ago I fell in love with Le Bronze (#73) but had my eye on the other color released with it, Bois Bleu (#74) which I only bought recently during my quest for the perfect non-navy blue. I think I found it here. Bois Bleu is not quite teal but has a bit of green in it to make the color stand out.

Safari (#45) is a Chanel classic. It's one of those colors that are extremely hard to capture on camera. A complex satin taupe that goes everywhere and with almost anything. If I had to pick just one Chanel eye shadow from this range, I think Safari would be the one because of its versatility.

I find that using an eye primer is a must with the Ombre Essentielle shadows. They're very soft and need something to boost their grab on the lid. Chanel actually has a new eye primer in a pen which I'm very curious about, so expect a review soon.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eye Shadows ($28.50 each) are available from most decent department stores as well as online. I bought mine at Saks.

All photos by me. 

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eye Shadow (Bois Bleu and Safari)

When it comes to Chanel eye shadows, the quads and sets are the one getting all the attention, while the single eye shadows are unjustly left behind. The Ombre Essentielle range is worth trying, and from my experience the color payoff is often better than in some of the quads. The texture is silky soft without crumbling and easy to blend. I love the finish I get from them- both the subtle wash when applied dry and the rich intensity you see when used with a damp brush (see the swatches). It's also buildable enough for contouring.

A few seasons ago I fell in love with Le Bronze (#73) but had my eye on the other color released with it, Bois Bleu (#74) which I only bought recently during my quest for the perfect non-navy blue. I think I found it here. Bois Bleu is not quite teal but has a bit of green in it to make the color stand out.

Safari (#45) is a Chanel classic. It's one of those colors that are extremely hard to capture on camera. A complex satin taupe that goes everywhere and with almost anything. If I had to pick just one Chanel eye shadow from this range, I think Safari would be the one because of its versatility.

I find that using an eye primer is a must with the Ombre Essentielle shadows. They're very soft and need something to boost their grab on the lid. Chanel actually has a new eye primer in a pen which I'm very curious about, so expect a review soon.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eye Shadows ($28.50 each) are available from most decent department stores as well as online. I bought mine at Saks.

All photos by me. 

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eye Shadow (Bois Bleu and Safari)

When it comes to Chanel eye shadows, the quads and sets are the one getting all the attention, while the single eye shadows are unjustly left behind. The Ombre Essentielle range is worth trying, and from my experience the color payoff is often better than in some of the quads. The texture is silky soft without crumbling and easy to blend. I love the finish I get from them- both the subtle wash when applied dry and the rich intensity you see when used with a damp brush (see the swatches). It's also buildable enough for contouring.

A few seasons ago I fell in love with Le Bronze (#73) but had my eye on the other color released with it, Bois Bleu (#74) which I only bought recently during my quest for the perfect non-navy blue. I think I found it here. Bois Bleu is not quite teal but has a bit of green in it to make the color stand out.

Safari (#45) is a Chanel classic. It's one of those colors that are extremely hard to capture on camera. A complex satin taupe that goes everywhere and with almost anything. If I had to pick just one Chanel eye shadow from this range, I think Safari would be the one because of its versatility.

I find that using an eye primer is a must with the Ombre Essentielle shadows. They're very soft and need something to boost their grab on the lid. Chanel actually has a new eye primer in a pen which I'm very curious about, so expect a review soon.

Chanel Ombre Essentielle Eye Shadows ($28.50 each) are available from most decent department stores as well as online. I bought mine at Saks.

All photos by me. 

Ormonde Jayne- Orris Noir

What to wear when Mercury is in retrograde?

I don't know if it's the alignment of the planets, the weather or the pollen, but some days just feel off. A disturbance in the Force, if you will. So I wear Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne, and I'm not sure if it's the cure or simply a reflection of my mood. But it's beautiful, dark and has a lot of spicy incense of the kind you smell in Donna Karan's Black Cashmere, only rounder and a lot more balanced with a touch of fruit macerated in liquor.

Orris Noir has the signature Ormonde Jayne notes- red and pink pepper and a very dry musky wood. They serve as bookends to a black velvet mantle of incense, gorgeous jasmine and a surprisingly pale iris. I was a little disappointed the first time I tried Orris Noir. I hoped for a more distinct and edgy iris, maybe with some unresolved anger. But I've learned to love and respect the subtleties and elegance of this composition. It's dramatic enough  without going all the way to Bertha Rochester's territory.

While the first 20 minutes of Orris Noir are quite strong and bold, it calms down a bit later and hovers just above the skin. That's when the incense and wood are at their best. Ormonde Woman has a similar feel, but I actually prefer this one because the wood isn't as austere and I can sometimes smell an animalic touch. I find Orris Noir warmer and sexier on my skin; while I think it's a perfectly gender neutral scent, when I'm wearing it there's a distinct femininity. This is one I think I want in the parfum concentration (though I've only tried the EDP), preferably with an engraved stopper, just because. Just thinking of it is already making me feel better.

Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne can be purchased at the London boutique (12 The Royal Arcade  28 Old Bond Street) or from Harrods. Thankfully, it's also available online directly from Ormonde Jayne and they ship oversees. I originally bought the discovery set (£35.00, free shipping) which I highly recommend.

Photo of Tina Modotti by Edward Weston, 1921

Ormonde Jayne- Orris Noir

What to wear when Mercury is in retrograde?

I don't know if it's the alignment of the planets, the weather or the pollen, but some days just feel off. A disturbance in the Force, if you will. So I wear Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne, and I'm not sure if it's the cure or simply a reflection of my mood. But it's beautiful, dark and has a lot of spicy incense of the kind you smell in Donna Karan's Black Cashmere, only rounder and a lot more balanced with a touch of fruit macerated in liquor.

Orris Noir has the signature Ormonde Jayne notes- red and pink pepper and a very dry musky wood. They serve as bookends to a black velvet mantle of incense, gorgeous jasmine and a surprisingly pale iris. I was a little disappointed the first time I tried Orris Noir. I hoped for a more distinct and edgy iris, maybe with some unresolved anger. But I've learned to love and respect the subtleties and elegance of this composition. It's dramatic enough  without going all the way to Bertha Rochester's territory.

While the first 20 minutes of Orris Noir are quite strong and bold, it calms down a bit later and hovers just above the skin. That's when the incense and wood are at their best. Ormonde Woman has a similar feel, but I actually prefer this one because the wood isn't as austere and I can sometimes smell an animalic touch. I find Orris Noir warmer and sexier on my skin; while I think it's a perfectly gender neutral scent, when I'm wearing it there's a distinct femininity. This is one I think I want in the parfum concentration (though I've only tried the EDP), preferably with an engraved stopper, just because. Just thinking of it is already making me feel better.

Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne can be purchased at the London boutique (12 The Royal Arcade  28 Old Bond Street) or from Harrods. Thankfully, it's also available online directly from Ormonde Jayne and they ship oversees. I originally bought the discovery set (£35.00, free shipping) which I highly recommend.

Photo of Tina Modotti by Edward Weston, 1921

Ormonde Jayne- Orris Noir

What to wear when Mercury is in retrograde?

I don't know if it's the alignment of the planets, the weather or the pollen, but some days just feel off. A disturbance in the Force, if you will. So I wear Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne, and I'm not sure if it's the cure or simply a reflection of my mood. But it's beautiful, dark and has a lot of spicy incense of the kind you smell in Donna Karan's Black Cashmere, only rounder and a lot more balanced with a touch of fruit macerated in liquor.

Orris Noir has the signature Ormonde Jayne notes- red and pink pepper and a very dry musky wood. They serve as bookends to a black velvet mantle of incense, gorgeous jasmine and a surprisingly pale iris. I was a little disappointed the first time I tried Orris Noir. I hoped for a more distinct and edgy iris, maybe with some unresolved anger. But I've learned to love and respect the subtleties and elegance of this composition. It's dramatic enough  without going all the way to Bertha Rochester's territory.

While the first 20 minutes of Orris Noir are quite strong and bold, it calms down a bit later and hovers just above the skin. That's when the incense and wood are at their best. Ormonde Woman has a similar feel, but I actually prefer this one because the wood isn't as austere and I can sometimes smell an animalic touch. I find Orris Noir warmer and sexier on my skin; while I think it's a perfectly gender neutral scent, when I'm wearing it there's a distinct femininity. This is one I think I want in the parfum concentration (though I've only tried the EDP), preferably with an engraved stopper, just because. Just thinking of it is already making me feel better.

Orris Noir by Ormonde Jayne can be purchased at the London boutique (12 The Royal Arcade  28 Old Bond Street) or from Harrods. Thankfully, it's also available online directly from Ormonde Jayne and they ship oversees. I originally bought the discovery set (£35.00, free shipping) which I highly recommend.

Photo of Tina Modotti by Edward Weston, 1921

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar

It says a lot about my trust in Erno Laszlo skin care that I was willing to test their firming face soap. I'm not a huge fan of soap bars in general, and face soaps tend to be far too drying. But the concept of a treatment bar that promotes skin renewal, firming and moisture binding seemed quite good. Moreover, this is not an acne fighting product and is labeled as suitable for slightly dry to slightly oily skin. And it's blue.

Testing Blue Firmarine for weeks has gotten me addicted to the clean feeling it creates. The main result I see after about four weeks of use is a more even skin and less tendency to flake around the nose, as long as I don't use the bar on very cold days. Super dry days are not the right time for an overachiever cleanser, so I'll never use it in the winter, but after a day spent in a sunny NYC, this is the perfect treatment.

The instructions for use recommend we follow with Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30, but I admit I use either my trusty Secret de Vie or the Erno Laszlo pHormula 3-9 cream.

Bottom line: This is going to be a summer essential. Not for mature or extra dry skin.
Bottom line 2: I still wish it came in a liquid formula. Leaving a bar of soap out in a house full of cats is asking for trouble.

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar  ($39) is available from select department stores. I received it as a PR freebie.

Image: The Big Blue by Bob Clark

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar

It says a lot about my trust in Erno Laszlo skin care that I was willing to test their firming face soap. I'm not a huge fan of soap bars in general, and face soaps tend to be far too drying. But the concept of a treatment bar that promotes skin renewal, firming and moisture binding seemed quite good. Moreover, this is not an acne fighting product and is labeled as suitable for slightly dry to slightly oily skin. And it's blue.

Testing Blue Firmarine for weeks has gotten me addicted to the clean feeling it creates. The main result I see after about four weeks of use is a more even skin and less tendency to flake around the nose, as long as I don't use the bar on very cold days. Super dry days are not the right time for an overachiever cleanser, so I'll never use it in the winter, but after a day spent in a sunny NYC, this is the perfect treatment.

The instructions for use recommend we follow with Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30, but I admit I use either my trusty Secret de Vie or the Erno Laszlo pHormula 3-9 cream.

Bottom line: This is going to be a summer essential. Not for mature or extra dry skin.
Bottom line 2: I still wish it came in a liquid formula. Leaving a bar of soap out in a house full of cats is asking for trouble.

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar  ($39) is available from select department stores. I received it as a PR freebie.

Image: The Big Blue by Bob Clark

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar

It says a lot about my trust in Erno Laszlo skin care that I was willing to test their firming face soap. I'm not a huge fan of soap bars in general, and face soaps tend to be far too drying. But the concept of a treatment bar that promotes skin renewal, firming and moisture binding seemed quite good. Moreover, this is not an acne fighting product and is labeled as suitable for slightly dry to slightly oily skin. And it's blue.

Testing Blue Firmarine for weeks has gotten me addicted to the clean feeling it creates. The main result I see after about four weeks of use is a more even skin and less tendency to flake around the nose, as long as I don't use the bar on very cold days. Super dry days are not the right time for an overachiever cleanser, so I'll never use it in the winter, but after a day spent in a sunny NYC, this is the perfect treatment.

The instructions for use recommend we follow with Laszlo Blue Firmarine SPF 30, but I admit I use either my trusty Secret de Vie or the Erno Laszlo pHormula 3-9 cream.

Bottom line: This is going to be a summer essential. Not for mature or extra dry skin.
Bottom line 2: I still wish it came in a liquid formula. Leaving a bar of soap out in a house full of cats is asking for trouble.

Erno Laszlo Blue Firmarine Treatment Bar  ($39) is available from select department stores. I received it as a PR freebie.

Image: The Big Blue by Bob Clark

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick (Old Flame)

This tube of Lancome Color Fever Shine lipstick was a GWP (I can't remember if it came from a department store or Lancome.com), as you can see from the plain black packaging instead of the regular one*. I rarely have much luck with gift-with-purchase lipsticks because they tend to be either nude colors or very light, but Old Flame looked like it had some potential, so I kept it.

Color Fever Shine lipsticks (I have it in Simmering hiding in one of my purses)  are very comfortable and easy to wear because of their light weight. They are not sticky at all despite the almost oily texture (that's where the intense shine comes from). The glossy finish is pretty and not too shimmery, so it's daytime appropriate. There's an adequate moisture level so my lips don't get parched underneath, but its not as luxurious and pampering as the new lipsticks from some of the top brands, and there's no added benefit to the lips. The staying power is not impressive and I find myself leaving lip prints everywhere unless I'm filling the entire lip with a lip pencil underneath, which helps the lipstick hold.

Old Flame is a warm mauve. I suspect that like you see  in the swatch, if you have very pale lips you'll notice more of the brown base. My lips are much darker than my wrist and have a distinct purple tone that neutralizes the brown. The result is a very natural looking color, but because of the high shine it looks like I'm wearing an almost sheer gloss. I reach for it when I don't have the time or patience to make sure my lipstick doesn't clash with anything else I'm wearing and don't mind to reapply as often as needed.

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick ($25) is available from every Lancome counter under the horrible department store lights as well as online. I mentioned above that this tube was a free GWP.

Photos by me.

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick (Old Flame)

This tube of Lancome Color Fever Shine lipstick was a GWP (I can't remember if it came from a department store or Lancome.com), as you can see from the plain black packaging instead of the regular one*. I rarely have much luck with gift-with-purchase lipsticks because they tend to be either nude colors or very light, but Old Flame looked like it had some potential, so I kept it.

Color Fever Shine lipsticks (I have it in Simmering hiding in one of my purses)  are very comfortable and easy to wear because of their light weight. They are not sticky at all despite the almost oily texture (that's where the intense shine comes from). The glossy finish is pretty and not too shimmery, so it's daytime appropriate. There's an adequate moisture level so my lips don't get parched underneath, but its not as luxurious and pampering as the new lipsticks from some of the top brands, and there's no added benefit to the lips. The staying power is not impressive and I find myself leaving lip prints everywhere unless I'm filling the entire lip with a lip pencil underneath, which helps the lipstick hold.

Old Flame is a warm mauve. I suspect that like you see  in the swatch, if you have very pale lips you'll notice more of the brown base. My lips are much darker than my wrist and have a distinct purple tone that neutralizes the brown. The result is a very natural looking color, but because of the high shine it looks like I'm wearing an almost sheer gloss. I reach for it when I don't have the time or patience to make sure my lipstick doesn't clash with anything else I'm wearing and don't mind to reapply as often as needed.

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick ($25) is available from every Lancome counter under the horrible department store lights as well as online. I mentioned above that this tube was a free GWP.

Photos by me.

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick (Old Flame)

This tube of Lancome Color Fever Shine lipstick was a GWP (I can't remember if it came from a department store or Lancome.com), as you can see from the plain black packaging instead of the regular one*. I rarely have much luck with gift-with-purchase lipsticks because they tend to be either nude colors or very light, but Old Flame looked like it had some potential, so I kept it.

Color Fever Shine lipsticks (I have it in Simmering hiding in one of my purses)  are very comfortable and easy to wear because of their light weight. They are not sticky at all despite the almost oily texture (that's where the intense shine comes from). The glossy finish is pretty and not too shimmery, so it's daytime appropriate. There's an adequate moisture level so my lips don't get parched underneath, but its not as luxurious and pampering as the new lipsticks from some of the top brands, and there's no added benefit to the lips. The staying power is not impressive and I find myself leaving lip prints everywhere unless I'm filling the entire lip with a lip pencil underneath, which helps the lipstick hold.

Old Flame is a warm mauve. I suspect that like you see  in the swatch, if you have very pale lips you'll notice more of the brown base. My lips are much darker than my wrist and have a distinct purple tone that neutralizes the brown. The result is a very natural looking color, but because of the high shine it looks like I'm wearing an almost sheer gloss. I reach for it when I don't have the time or patience to make sure my lipstick doesn't clash with anything else I'm wearing and don't mind to reapply as often as needed.

Lancome Color Fever Shine Lipstick ($25) is available from every Lancome counter under the horrible department store lights as well as online. I mentioned above that this tube was a free GWP.

Photos by me.

Jean Patou- Enjoy

I bought a bottle of Enjoy in 2002 or 2003, shortly after this Jean Patou perfume was launched. I remember a little fanfare over it- after all, a new release from Jean Patou is quite major. There were displays and posters in some of the local department stores and scent strips in magazines (the husband says they smell the same to him and mostly like glue). It was an impulse purchase based mostly on a quick sniffing and spraying at the store and a wish to find a Patou that agrees with me (what a difference a decade makes!).

I liked the exuberance of the green fruit over an opulent classic floral heart (that's where the connection to the classic Joy starts and ends). In theory, that is. After wearing Enjoy for a week or so I realized we were not meant to be. The fruit notes (citrus, banana and pear. Sounds like mashed baby food) didn't like my skin and I didn't like them back and couldn't smell past them. A few weeks later I sold my bottle (and a full bottle of Sublime. Yes, I'm kicking myself).

You know how these stories end. After I moved and rearranged all the samples I have in drawers I discovered a couple of Enjoy vials. I decided to give it a try, and boy was that love. Years ago I've heard it described as a chypre and for the life of me couldn't figure out why and how. While Enjoy is definitely not a chypre (no oakmoss, for starts), it is one of those modern concoctions with a green note on a non-gourmand patchouli based. Don't mistake it for an Angel clone, though. The fruit here is sheer and the base free of any chocolate, caramel. There's no vulgarity or any of that cheap smelling yummy vibe.

Instead, this Patou (or rather Jean-Michel Duriez) creation is modern in the best sense of the word. It's approachable and friendly, but you can't mistake the good breeding and proud ancestry. It's no wonder the chosen face of Enjoy was Chiara Mastroianni, daughter of Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. While Enjoy was labeled and targeted at a younger demographic than the classic Patou perfumes, they didn't try to be too young or compete in the 15-minute celebrity game. Ms. Mastroianni was 30 when she got the job, and her look, talent and depth have put her in the same group of second-generation of fame with Charlotte Gainsbourg, not Rumer Willis or Peaches Geldof.

Enjoy's easy manners and understated charm feel quite feminine when I'm wearing it. But men who are not afraid of a fruity opening and heart of rose can probably pull it off easily. It's much lighter than DelRare's Bois de Paradis, for example. One would think that a perfume like this would be the bestseller the house of Patou (now owned by Procter & Gamble) needed to make a commercial comeback. Sadly, it never happened. While the fragrance has not been discontinued (yes, I know everyone says it was and I thought the same thing until yesterday), it was pulled off the counters in the USA and relegated to the online discounters. Patou's official website not only lists Enjoy as one of the current  perfumes on the market, there's also a full range of bath and body products. I assume they can all be found on the shelves in Europe for their full retail price. Here it's easy to find the EDP online for under $50. Monsieur Patou might be rolling in his grave, but personally I'm just happy that P&G didn't completely kill the brand (even if they try their best to strip it from every last bit of luxury).

Enjoy 2002 ad: Images de Parfums
Photo of Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve: The Independent, 2009

Jean Patou- Enjoy

I bought a bottle of Enjoy in 2002 or 2003, shortly after this Jean Patou perfume was launched. I remember a little fanfare over it- after all, a new release from Jean Patou is quite major. There were displays and posters in some of the local department stores and scent strips in magazines (the husband says they smell the same to him and mostly like glue). It was an impulse purchase based mostly on a quick sniffing and spraying at the store and a wish to find a Patou that agrees with me (what a difference a decade makes!).

I liked the exuberance of the green fruit over an opulent classic floral heart (that's where the connection to the classic Joy starts and ends). In theory, that is. After wearing Enjoy for a week or so I realized we were not meant to be. The fruit notes (citrus, banana and pear. Sounds like mashed baby food) didn't like my skin and I didn't like them back and couldn't smell past them. A few weeks later I sold my bottle (and a full bottle of Sublime. Yes, I'm kicking myself).

You know how these stories end. After I moved and rearranged all the samples I have in drawers I discovered a couple of Enjoy vials. I decided to give it a try, and boy was that love. Years ago I've heard it described as a chypre and for the life of me couldn't figure out why and how. While Enjoy is definitely not a chypre (no oakmoss, for starts), it is one of those modern concoctions with a green note on a non-gourmand patchouli based. Don't mistake it for an Angel clone, though. The fruit here is sheer and the base free of any chocolate, caramel. There's no vulgarity or any of that cheap smelling yummy vibe.

Instead, this Patou (or rather Jean-Michel Duriez) creation is modern in the best sense of the word. It's approachable and friendly, but you can't mistake the good breeding and proud ancestry. It's no wonder the chosen face of Enjoy was Chiara Mastroianni, daughter of Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. While Enjoy was labeled and targeted at a younger demographic than the classic Patou perfumes, they didn't try to be too young or compete in the 15-minute celebrity game. Ms. Mastroianni was 30 when she got the job, and her look, talent and depth have put her in the same group of second-generation of fame with Charlotte Gainsbourg, not Rumer Willis or Peaches Geldof.

Enjoy's easy manners and understated charm feel quite feminine when I'm wearing it. But men who are not afraid of a fruity opening and heart of rose can probably pull it off easily. It's much lighter than DelRare's Bois de Paradis, for example. One would think that a perfume like this would be the bestseller the house of Patou (now owned by Procter & Gamble) needed to make a commercial comeback. Sadly, it never happened. While the fragrance has not been discontinued (yes, I know everyone says it was and I thought the same thing until yesterday), it was pulled off the counters in the USA and relegated to the online discounters. Patou's official website not only lists Enjoy as one of the current  perfumes on the market, there's also a full range of bath and body products. I assume they can all be found on the shelves in Europe for their full retail price. Here it's easy to find the EDP online for under $50. Monsieur Patou might be rolling in his grave, but personally I'm just happy that P&G didn't completely kill the brand (even if they try their best to strip it from every last bit of luxury).

Enjoy 2002 ad: Images de Parfums
Photo of Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve: The Independent, 2009

Jean Patou- Enjoy

I bought a bottle of Enjoy in 2002 or 2003, shortly after this Jean Patou perfume was launched. I remember a little fanfare over it- after all, a new release from Jean Patou is quite major. There were displays and posters in some of the local department stores and scent strips in magazines (the husband says they smell the same to him and mostly like glue). It was an impulse purchase based mostly on a quick sniffing and spraying at the store and a wish to find a Patou that agrees with me (what a difference a decade makes!).

I liked the exuberance of the green fruit over an opulent classic floral heart (that's where the connection to the classic Joy starts and ends). In theory, that is. After wearing Enjoy for a week or so I realized we were not meant to be. The fruit notes (citrus, banana and pear. Sounds like mashed baby food) didn't like my skin and I didn't like them back and couldn't smell past them. A few weeks later I sold my bottle (and a full bottle of Sublime. Yes, I'm kicking myself).

You know how these stories end. After I moved and rearranged all the samples I have in drawers I discovered a couple of Enjoy vials. I decided to give it a try, and boy was that love. Years ago I've heard it described as a chypre and for the life of me couldn't figure out why and how. While Enjoy is definitely not a chypre (no oakmoss, for starts), it is one of those modern concoctions with a green note on a non-gourmand patchouli based. Don't mistake it for an Angel clone, though. The fruit here is sheer and the base free of any chocolate, caramel. There's no vulgarity or any of that cheap smelling yummy vibe.

Instead, this Patou (or rather Jean-Michel Duriez) creation is modern in the best sense of the word. It's approachable and friendly, but you can't mistake the good breeding and proud ancestry. It's no wonder the chosen face of Enjoy was Chiara Mastroianni, daughter of Marcello Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. While Enjoy was labeled and targeted at a younger demographic than the classic Patou perfumes, they didn't try to be too young or compete in the 15-minute celebrity game. Ms. Mastroianni was 30 when she got the job, and her look, talent and depth have put her in the same group of second-generation of fame with Charlotte Gainsbourg, not Rumer Willis or Peaches Geldof.

Enjoy's easy manners and understated charm feel quite feminine when I'm wearing it. But men who are not afraid of a fruity opening and heart of rose can probably pull it off easily. It's much lighter than DelRare's Bois de Paradis, for example. One would think that a perfume like this would be the bestseller the house of Patou (now owned by Procter & Gamble) needed to make a commercial comeback. Sadly, it never happened. While the fragrance has not been discontinued (yes, I know everyone says it was and I thought the same thing until yesterday), it was pulled off the counters in the USA and relegated to the online discounters. Patou's official website not only lists Enjoy as one of the current  perfumes on the market, there's also a full range of bath and body products. I assume they can all be found on the shelves in Europe for their full retail price. Here it's easy to find the EDP online for under $50. Monsieur Patou might be rolling in his grave, but personally I'm just happy that P&G didn't completely kill the brand (even if they try their best to strip it from every last bit of luxury).

Enjoy 2002 ad: Images de Parfums
Photo of Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve: The Independent, 2009