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Entries from September 1, 2014 - September 30, 2014

Tuesday
Sep302014

NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation

NARS Cosmetics just launched All Day Luminous Powder Foundation, their new light-to-medium coverage foundation. If you're looking for a soft matte finish, this is the one to try. The modern formula includes broad spectrum SPF 24 and an exclusive Luminosity Enhancing Technology, a blend of 17 amino acids, vitamin C derivative and marine fennel to promote cell renewal and reduce hyperpigmentation.

The ultra-fine texture glides silkily onto the skin and has great staying power. I'm usually in between light and medium shades but Fiji (light with yellow undertones) matches my skin perfectly. Blotchy red patches are instantly erased, resulting in a beautifully radiant visage. Your real skin shines through so there's none of the heavy covered up effect. I prefer a dry sponge for a light and natural look, but you can use a damp one for medium coverage. My final verdict? It's one of the best powder foundations I've used all year.

NARS All Day Luminous Powder Foundation in Fiji.

Available for $48 at www.narscosmetics.com and all NARS counters. 

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

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Monday
Sep292014

Recchiuti Confections Autumn Dragee Sampler

For a limited time, chocolate connoisseurs can order the Autumn Dragee Sampler from Recchiuti Confections. Featuring different blends of Valrhona chocolate, the sumptuous trio of chocolate-covered burnt caramel almonds, spicy candied ginger and tart cranberries will be an instant hit at all holiday parties. 

It's really tough to nibble on just a few pieces — the burnt caramel almonds are insanely addictive. Order extra boxes for Halloween or Thanksgiving as these treats will disappear within minutes.

The Autumn Dragee Sampler (12 oz; $29) is available now through the end of November at www.recchiuti.com.

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

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Thursday
Sep252014

Aftelier Palimpsest Perfume

Palimpsest, the new natural luxury fragrance by renowned perfumer Mandy Aftel, is replete with fruity essences and lush florals. Mandy's beguiling scent evokes a time and place of mysterious origins, deftly weaving an intricate tapestry of the past and present.

It starts out sweet and heady but the ambergris and firetree form an animalistic base. An alchemized blend of jasmine, yuzu, peach and ylang ylang brings out voluptuous, earthy notes of wet roses, lilac, spices and vanilla. In case you are wondering, a palimpsest is an old manuscript on which the original writing has been removed yet the traces remain. Replaced with different content, the result is a beautiful layering of old and new. 

Palimpsest is available in the following sizes: 30 ml Eau de Parfum spray ($170), 1/4 oz perfume ($170) and 2 ml perfume miniature ($50). 

Available at www.aftelier.com

For editorial consideration, a review sample was provided by the brand's PR representative.

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Tuesday
Sep232014

Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Mono Cream Eye Colour

Dolce & Gabbana makeup fans can look forward to the Perfect Mono Cream Eye Colour ($36). The first cream eyeshadow from the luxury beauty brand, you can choose from 14 long-lasting shades in matte and pearlescent finishes.

Scarlett Johansson for the Perfect Mono campaign.

Innocence 10 is a semi-sheer pearly silver that makes the eyes glow beautifully. I use my ring finger for easy, on-the-go coverage but you can use a fine eyeliner brush for more precise application. It feels velvety to the touch and the featherweight formula blends effortlessly on the eyelids. I didn't see any creasing nor fading for most of the day (9+ hours), which is amazing for a cream formula. 

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. 

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

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Tuesday
Sep162014

Eminence Age Corrective Skincare Launches

To expand their popular Age Corrective skincare line, Eminence is adding two new products to its existing collection. These items also feature Natural Retinol Alternative and Swiss Green Apple Stem Cell Technology as the star ingredients, which will boost collagen by 25% after a week's usage.

The Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser ($38) is especially great for dry skin. It contains an effective blend of fruit AHAs and finely ground olive seeds to gently exfoliate and refine skin texture. Of all the Eminence cleansers I've tried this one is my favorite. I think it's gentle enough for sensitive skin as you can barely feel the olive seeds. It also smells like a divine tropical cocktail, making my skincare routine extra fun.

The thick and creamy Bamboo Age Corrective Masque ($54) helps smooth and repair aging skin. Bamboo extract, argan stem cells and nutmeg seed are included to increase collagen levels and reverse fine lines. If your skin is really dry you can leave it on for an extended period as a deep moisturizing treatment.

If you haven't experienced the original collection they also launched an Age Corrective Starter Set ($79). Housed in a convenient travel pouch, it includes the Bamboo Firming Fluid, Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer and Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum. It also has trial versions of the new bamboo masque and the monoi exfoliating cleanser so you can try the entire collection.

For more info, visit us.eminenceorganics.com

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

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Tuesday
Sep092014

Clarins Ladylike Fall 2014 Makeup

The Clarins Ladylike fall 2014 makeup collection introduced some of my beauty favorites for fall. Classy and elegant, every shade and product is extremely wearable and easy to use. 

Available in six flattering shades, the new Ombre Matte Cream to-Powder Matte Eyeshadow ($24) is one of the star products. Bamboo powder within the formula ensures a long-lasting matte effect. Apply it with your ring finger and you're good to go for at least six hours. My absolute favorite is 05 Sparkle Grey, a pewter shade with a slight shimmer. You can use it alone or layer it with 03 Taupe for a stunning smoky eye. 

Prefer dry eyeshadow? The Ombre Minerale 4 Couleurs Eye Quartet Mineral Palette ($42) in 13 Skin Tones provides an understated smoky eye that's suitable for a daytime look. In fact, it has a very similar result as the Ombre Matte 04 Rosewood cream-to-powder eyeshadow.

For the cheeks, the Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour ($31) in 07 Tawny Pink is a warm dusty rose with a hint of brown. Color payoff is superb so you don't need to apply a lot of product to make it last.

Lips get a natural look this season. The ultra-creamy Rouge Eclat Satin Finish Age-Defying Lipstick ($27) contains plant waxes (sunflower and jojoba) and their Nutri-Youth Complex to create younger-looking lips. 16 Candy Rose, a subdued raspberry pink, makes my lips pop nicely. The 17 Pink Magnolia is a gorgeous warm rosewood you can wear every day; 18 Strawberry Sorbet matched my natural lip color perfectly. As with all Clarins lipsticks, it's really hard to choose just one shade!

Rouge Eclat in Strawberry Sorbet, Candy Rose and Pink Magnolia.Available at all Clarins counters and www.clarinsusa.com.  

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

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Thursday
Sep042014

NARS Velvet Lip Liner

To complement their fabulous Audacious Lipstick line NARS also released 12 new Velvet Lip Liners to coordinate with any lip color in their permanent lipstick collections. 

I tried both Waimea (nude peach pink) and El Agua (lavender rose) shades, which matched the Jane and Anna Audacious Lipsticks perfectly. The mechanical pencil design also ensures a constant sharp point, eliminating the need for sharpening. Worn alone, they're very long lasting and I didn't experience any flaking or drying. If you want to forego lipstick this is an excellent alternative. 

Waimea Velvet Lip Liner.

El Agua Velvet Lip Liner.

Available for $24 at www.narscosmetics.com.

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

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