NARS Spring 2008 - Shanghai Lily
February 24, 2008 Evoking seductive images of the 1930s silent screen temptresses, the NARS Spring 2008 Shanghai Lily collection is a pearly melange of shimmery neutrals, along with bright pops of lip color.
The Alhambra duo eyeshadow is a gorgeous metallic rose with a golden champagne. I love the golden champagne (the one on the right), it makes my eyes glow like a film siren. You can pair this with the Abyssinia shadow as a highlighter, blending it up to the brow bone.
The lip collection is an absolute hit in my book. The Success lipstick, a warm sienna shade, goes very well with the sparkling pink Greek Holiday lip gloss. For the vixens, the true red shade of Manhunt (aptly named) will draw all the boys to ya.
I also like the dusty rose of the Dolce Vitalip gloss, a popular lip shade reformulated as a gloss. The great thing about the NARS lip colors is that you can blend to your heart's content.
Fans of the best-selling Orgasm blush will adore the new Orgasm Multiple. Now you can apply this flattering peachy pink shimmer to the eyes, cheeks or lips. It's just great as an overall face highlighter. For those lazy days where you don't want to slap on any makeup, this multiple will take care of it in 3 minutes.
www.narscosmetics.com
See you at the makeup counter!
Tami
Try using a teaspoon of cardamom in a pot of rice for an exotic twist, or sprinkle it in some vanilla ice cream. Make dill butter for a seafood dish, or create your own curry dip with a packet each of the cumin, coriander, ginger and tumeric. Blend into a cup of sour cream and voila! Instant fancy appetizer.
I really dig the deeply smoky and tangy spices bursting onto your tongue. Unlike many other brands it's got such a thick, satisfying crunch. The new Sour Cream Onion and Chive also delivers with a nice tangy flavor. I also love the Cheddar Beer and Spicy Thai.
Named after their favorite lipstick, this album includes amazing versions of The Bangles' “Walk Like and Egyptian” and Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love”. The lovely trio (Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Stephanie O’Brien) also wrote some original tracks as well, including “I Can’t Believe I’m Not A Millionaire” and “Jilted". I just loved their rendition of “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)". I wanted to pop up and jitterbug across my hallway.
Listen to: “Crazy in Love” 
The Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink is a pretty sheer raspberry shade created by emerging designer Thakoon and celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman for his Fall 2008 show at New York Fashion Week. Get it while it's available on lancome-usa.com or on March 1st at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Lancôme’s five U.S. boutiques.
-Tami
I love the EMBER candles - they do double duty as both scent diffuser and massage oil. Not only does it get you in the mood, the natural cosmetic-grade waxes and plant extracts will make your skin feel like butter. It has a low melting point so you won't burn yourself (well, you might be setting off your own fireworks in the process). The GINGER + DATE is warm and sensual, while the HABANERO + GRAPEFRUIT stimulates your libido.
For a more traditional route, there is also the Valentine’s Day Large Box, filled with an exotic assortment of flavors such as Cardamom Nougat, Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn, Lavender Vanilla, Spring Jasmine Tea, Sesame Nougat, Rose Caramel, and Fleur de Sel Caramel.
No time to bake? You can also send some lovely Parisian Macarons. Two delicate and chewy cookies are combined with an airy buttercream (chocolate, vanilla and espresso). Made by pastry chef Jean-Yves Charon, they are guaranteed to be the real thing. Ooh la la...
For the foodie lover, the Collezione Italiano makes for a very unique gift. The palette of flavors in this collection is Katrina Markoff's most creative one yet. Made with Taleggio cheese, organic walnuts and Tahitian vanilla, the Rooster truffle is simply indescribable. It will make you rethink how truffle flavors are formed as your tongue plays with the savory and sweet. The Olio d'Oliva is another unique combo with white chocolate, Kalamata olives, and extra virgin olive oil.
I could go on and on about this, but all the flavors are winners, such as the Balsamico (12-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena), the Sale del Mare (Sicilian sea salt caramel-so yummy), and the Polline di Finocchio (wild Tuscan fennel pollen).
There are many other great ideas to stir your lover's heart. The dark chocolate covered Caramel Marshmallows are deliciously decadent with a nice thick layer of French Guerande sea salt caramel. The Amalfi Flaming Chocolate Heart is another cute trinket, a total rock-and-roll passion with lemon zest and pink peppercorns. Alternatively, the Aphrodisiac Mini Bar Box has all the spicy flavors to ignite the flames, with ingredients such as curry, cinnamon, and Pasilla chili peppers.
