Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer

Just in time for summer, Giorgio Armani launched Flash Lacquer, a new lip gloss that provides an exceptionally high-shine finish. In fact, the finish is so brilliant it can maintain a nice luster even after blotting.

From nudes to pinks to dark reds, the lip gloss comes in over thirty gorgeous shades. I love Coral 300, a sheer light coral that's more on the pale tangerine side. I don't usually pick corals but this is a wearable one for light to medium skin tones.

Flash Lacquer in 526 Pink.
Coral 300Available at www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

Dolce & Gabbana True Monica Collection

Inspired by the sensual beauty of Italian actress Monica Bellucci, the Dolce & Gabbana True Monica Collection is an elegant and timeless makeup palette that emphasizes full nude lips and neutral smoky eyes.  

Dolce & Gabbana Make Up creative advisor Pat McGrath designed this classic lineup for easy, year-round use. Even if you don't wear a lot of makeup this collection can be your go-to for special occasions. 

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Clarins Splendours Summer 2013 Makeup

The Clarins Splendours Summer 2013 Colour Collection is all about bronzed cheeks, neutral eyes and bright shiny lips. 

I'm all about their lip products this season. The Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm is a hybrid lip color that's paired with a lip balm. The pigment core contains super rich color while the outer core repairs and moisturizes. It's available in four shades, and I just love 07 Crystal Gold Plum (golden rosy brown) and 08 Crystal Berry (dark berry). If you like bright pink, the 05 Crystal Rose is the perfect electric pink for summer. 

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Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection

Fashion aficionados everywhere jumped for joy when NARS announced its collaboration with shoe designer Pierre Hardy. Inspired by Hardy's summer 2013 shoe collection, the brilliant Pierre Hardy for NARS Collection consists of two large blush palettes and six nail polish duos. 

As an homage to Hardy's use of bold color and patterns, both oversized blush palettes showcase bright, highly pigmented shades. Each one also features Hardy’s iconic cubic print in a gold shimmer overspray. I absolutely love Boys Don't Cry, an electric red-pink with a touch of coral. It matches so well with the Vertebra nail duo. I'd be super careful with the application – it's quite easy to overdo it. Use a fan brush if you have it. Either way, this blush will last a very long time, even with regular use.  

Pierre Hardy for NARS Rotonde Blush.

Of the six nail duos, I love the Vertebra set (coral and dusty rose) the most. Each pair is packaged in a mini shoe box. It even comes with a tiny dust bag to store your nail polish – how darling is that? The no-chip formula is on the thicker side, so it's essential to work quickly to avoid clumping. I recommend two coats to achieve an opaque finish. It's been about a week and I hardly see any chipping, other than the tips wearing down a bit. 

The entire collection is available at www.narscosmetics.com. 

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

Mother's Day Gift Guide

It's time to show Mom some major love for Mother's Day! To help you pick the right gift, we gathered a few ideas that will earn lots of brownie points:

A favorite brand amongst celebrities, the Eminence Celebrity Picks Gift Set will have your special mama glowing like a star. The set includes a travel-sized duo of the popular Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum and the nutrient-rich Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser. $35; www.eminenceorganics.com. 

Linnea's Lights has two new gorgeous candles for spring, and we can't get enough of them. Feminine and lush, the Peony candle features velvety peony petals, green stems and wildflowers. If you prefer something with green notes the alluring Wild Fern is filled with crisp greens, stems, herbs and sheer woods. $30 each; http://www.shopterrain.com. 

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Beauty Finds from Net-A-Porter

Net-A-Porter is the online destination for luxury fashion, but did you also know that the e-tailer launched a beauty category? Starting with a small curated collection, they now offer favorites from cult brands like By Terry, Rodin, Natura Bisse and Leonor Greyl. Additional brands will be introduced each week, so definitely keep an eye out for your must-have products. 

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NARS Summer 2013 Makeup

Edgy and bold, the NARS summer 2013 makeup collection features bright flashes of sexy glam rock. You can expect attention-grabbing colors but there are a few gems that can be easily worn on a daily basis. 

For those who dare to stand out, the dandelion and African violet shades from the Fashion Rebel Duo Eyeshadow will definitely turn heads. 

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56th SF International Film Festival

The 56th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 25-May 9) is just around the corner. This year the festivities will kick off with What Maisie Knew and will close with the much-anticipated Before Midnight. I can't wait to see what happens to Jesse and Céline (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) in Richard Linklater's last installment to the Before Sunrise trilogy. 

Richard Linklater's "Before Midnight" with Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke (Courtesy of the San Francisco Film Society).

Here are a couple of previews from the festival lineup:

Audrey Tautou fans will admire her work in Claude Miller's Thérèse (Therese Desqueyroux, France 2012). An adaptation of François Mauriac's famed novel, Tautou portrays a young wife suffering from a stifling bourgeois existence in southwestern France and her unhappiness culminates in extreme consequences. Her withered soul may be dulled from ennui and social conventions, yet it barely conceals her desire for intellectual stimulation and personal freedom. Breaking from her usual gamine style, Tautou delivers a smooth, nuanced performance that's definitely worth a look. 

Audrey Tautou and Gilles Lellouche in "Therese" (Courtesy of the San Francisco Film Society).

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Butter London for Goop Nail Polish Trios

Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle website Goop has teamed up with Butter London again to launch three sets of nail polish for spring. The formula doesn't contain any formaldehyde, toluene or DBP, but you do need 2-3 coats for an even finish. 

The Candy Coated Trio features bright pastels of Fruit Machine (pink), Jasper (yellow) and Fiver (green).

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