Beauty411

Pacifica Solid Perfume

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume is my new latest summer fragrance obsession.  And the best part is, I discovered it completely by accident.  While on my lunch hour a couple of weeks ago, I popped into a medi-spa to see what skincare lines they offered and got distracted by the Pacifica display.  I knew I was going to be travelling for business and thought that solid perfume would be a great way to avoid the "plastic bag" issue. When I took one whiff of the Hawaiian Ruby Guava, the fragrance was intoxicating.  It's fruity and tropical and citrusy. Instant aromatherapy.  On top of that, there are no preservatives, there are natural essential oils and it's vegan. The price?  Small, too at $ 9.00 (although prices may vary by retailer).

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Solid Perfume is part of a collection of nine solid fragrances, each of them heavenly in their own right.  The Pacifica line also includes candles, soaps and body butters (I definitely want to try those).  The adorable little tins are very collectible and very addicting.  I'd encourage you to check the website to see if this line is available in your area and give the Pacifica Solid Perfumes a try.

Fabulous Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is just around the corner and I'm not the only one making gift suggestions...my husband is, too!  He's offered his impressions of a few products that you might consider as Father's Day gifts. 

First, for the guy who is into taking care of his skin (or needs to start), is the Age Defying Duo set from Zirh.  My husband is a big fan of this set, which contains the Rejuvenate Anti-Aging Face Cream and the Restore herbal under eye cream.  The Rejuvenate Anti-Aging Face Cream contains ceramides, peptides and other anti-aging ingredients that improve hydration and elasticity.  The Restore herbal under eye cream contains ingredients to de-puff, increase circulation and help to improve dark circles.  My husband has also recently purchased the Protect moisturizer.  Zirh products are available in department stores and at www.zirh.com.

Space.NK.Blue

is a fresh fragrance with notes of lime, grapefruit, star anise and basil in a woody base of cedar leaf, patchouli and oak moss.  The Body Wash cleanses, conditions and moisturizes the skin leaving a subtle fragance.  The Space.NK.Blue Travel Set would make an excellent gift. The Space.NK.Blue line is available exclusively at Space.NK.apothecary stores or on the Space.NK.apothecary website.

Hope these gift suggestions help to make your shopping easier! 

Sephora Beauty Book: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin And Hair

While certainly not the definitive guide, the recently published "Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority" is a good read, especially for beauty addicts.  Stylized to look much like the Sephora catalog, it's meant to also have the high-energy vibe of the store.  Throw in beauty advice from industry icons and insiders, great photography and lots of dishing on makeup, this book will inspire you to try a new look.

The book is full of tips and tutorials, such as the one on the Smokey Eye, featuring advice from Carol Shaw (LORAC) and Vincent Longo.  One of my favorite sections is the product shopping guide.  The other chapter I find fascinating is "The future of beauty", where experts in the beauty field take out their crystal ball and predict what's coming next.  All in all, an enjoyable reference and a good read for makeup lovers.

Manolos and Mimosas....Gear up for Sex and the City!

Just in time for the highly anticipated opening of the Sex and the City movie, the Ritz Carlton, Naples has come up with a "Manolos and Mimosas" package.  Grab your BFF, your NetJets Card and head out.  Here's what's included:

• Welcome mimosas upon arrival
  Two nights/three days luxury accomodations in a Two-bedroom Gulfview Suite
  One 1-hour beauty consultation (professional analysis for cut, style, hair color and make-up) per person
  One (1) mani-pedi and Anastasia eyebrows service per person
  One (1) 50-minute Ritz-Carlton, Naples Massage per person
  $200 shopping spree at The Signature Shop per person
  Four (4) tickets to see Sex and the City at Regal Hollywood 20 in trendy Naples
  Pre-show dinner for four (4) at The Grill ($500 dining credit)
  Limo transportation (complete with cosmos!) to and from the screening
  In-room DVD collection of the final season of Sex and the City
  Special Sex and the City-themed turndown

 **Rates starting from $4999 for two nights/three days.  Package is based on double occupancy and is valid May 30 - July 31, 2008, subject to availability.  For more information, visit the Ritz Carlton website.

Sounds like a great time, doesn't it?  The Ritz Carlton in Naples is a seriously gorgeous hotel. And with this package, a girl could feel like they were "living the life". I'm ready to go; of course, first I would want to buy some Manolos--to get in the spirit of things!  Girlfriends Weekend, anyone?

 

 

 

Bath & Body Works Enchanted Orchid: The Scent of Spring

Bath & Body Works has welcomed Spring with a gorgeous new fragrance:  Enchanted Orchid.  This is a lush, tropical fragrance that any woman would love.  Part of the B & BW Signature Collection, Enchanted Orchid has top notes of pink grapefruit, wet greens, waterlily and crisp apple; middle notes of Calypso Orchid, fresh gardenias, delicate iris and violet petals.  Base notes are vanilla orchid, heliotrope, creamy amber and skin musk.

A basket of several Enchanted Orchid products would make for a special Mother's Day gift.  I would choose the Satin Body Veil, Creamy Body Wash and Eau de Toilette, which would make a nice layering set.  I've tried the shower gel, the lotion and body spritz and that trio also would be a perfect gift suggestion.  On the website, there's a Buy 3 Get 1 Free promo going on, so pick something out for yourself, too!  This really is a lovely fragrance and perfect for spring and summer.  Additional product information can be found on the Bath & Body Works website or in-store.

The "Scoop" on Open Sundaes

Open Sundaes is a Canadian Bath & Body line that gives new meaning to the words "girly girl".  These handmade products are not only fun, but are done with incredible attention to detail.  All the fun and eye candy of tempting treats without the calories. 

Here's the scoop:  The Bon Bon Bath Melts come four to a container.  With flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Raspberry, Cherry Almond Shortcake and Bubble Gum, they look exactly like a colorful box of candy.  Drop one into your bath water for a heavenly treat.  If you didn't know better, you'd swear the Blue Hawaiian Cupcake Bubble Bath was the real deal!  Shaped like a cupcake with frosting on the top, it's a real treat.  An interesting product is the Chocolate Shake Hair Powder.  You shake it into your hair, work through and it's like a dry shampoo with a chocolatey fragrance.  And one of my favorite products is the Lip Toppings, which is a delicious tasting, sheer lip gloss with a hint of shimmer.  Not goopy or sticky, this really feels--and tastes--good on your lips.

If you need a gift for a 'tween, shower favors, a Mother's Day or Girlfriend gift, or just want to treat yourself, check out Open Sundaes.  All the fun without any of the calories!  For more information on Open Sundaes products, visit the online store.

Space.NK Apothecary Bath & Body Collection

Space.NK Apothecary is a trendy beauty store that has migrated from Britain to the U.S. and is already a huge hit with beauty product junkies.  The reason?  A fabulous selection of highly sought after product lines and knowledgeable staff; an unbeatable combination.  In addition to the niche lines, Space.NK has it's own line of fragrances, as well as bath and body products, which are--like the store--fabulous.

There are a total of nine fragrances, which were designed to evoke forgotten memories and emotions.  Here's a sampling of my favorites:

• Enrapture:  Enrapture is completely romantic.  A blend of tuberose, ylang-ylang, blackcurrant bud and orange blossom, it's sensual and perfect for a romantic summer evening.  I tried this fragrance in a hand lotion, which is rich and moisturizing.

Soulful:  Woody and floral; a blend of cedar, sandalwood, rose and lily of the valley.  Not overpowering; think gentle, tranquil, relaxing fragrance.

Laughter:  Uplifting and fresh, Laughter is a blend of lime, rosemary and juniper with a bite of ginger.  A walk in the fresh air or on the beach, Laughter is a light fragrance.

Expression:  If Enrapture is romantic, Expression is sexy.  A blend of vetiver with jasmine, bergamot and a hint of nutmeg.  This is a more personal fragrance; uniquely yours.

Each of the fragrances is available in select formulations, such as perfume, body balm, hand lotions or washes and so on.  The quality in each product is apparent; the body balm and hand lotion is rich; the bath oil, so fragrant and moisturizing.  You can purchase at a Space.NK store or the entire collection is available on the Space.NK website.

Mother's Day~ Give a gift of beauty!

Mother's Day is such a special time to remember Mom.  Give her a gift of beauty that will help her feel extra beautiful, inside and out.  These are some of my favorites:

Pamper your Mom with Breakfast in Bed:  This cute set from philosophy includes the famous 3 in 1 scented show gels in Cafe au Lait, fresh cream and Belgian waffles fragrances. One of my favorite lines, leave it to philosophy to come up with sweet treats without the calories!  Available at Sephora.

Just in time for Mother's Day is the gorgeous new Gardenia Collection from Kiehl's.  Choose from a variety of products, including Hand & Body Lotion, Gardenia Liquid Body Cleanser and Gardenia Candle.  What a beautiful collection this is...in a classic fragrance that any Mom would love.  Hurry into your local Kiehl's store to mix and match a gift set.

If your Mom's not into fragrance, give her the gift of skincare.  This Pampering Weekend Kit from Liz Earle has everything she needs to feel indulged.  Inside the exclusive vanity case is a selection of mininature Liz Earle Daily Essentials, Bodycare and Special Treatment products.  You can find my review of Liz Earle products here.  Available at www.lizearle.com.

This is the time of year when cosmetic and fragrance companies put together gift sets, which can be a terrific value.  Check out the sets above or head out to your favorite store to pick out something wonderful for Mother's Day.  And who knows, you might find something irresistable for yourself!

Soaptopia: 100% Junk Free!

Soaptopia is a small soap company in California with a big sense of humor and a fabulous product!  I love being able to feature artisan businesses with great product lines and Soaptopia definitely fits that description.  Add that the bath products are handmade, natural and with a dedication to being "100% Junk Free" and you have the makings of one hip, bathing experience.

Soaptopia creates over 40 different flavors and scents, so there's a soap for every body.  The soap is made with a base of olive oil, shea butter, hemp seed oil, coconut, palm and essential oils.  I tried the Orange Blossom and Blue Velvet soaps and totally love them.  They last forever and are so moisturizing that even out of the shower, your skin is left soft.  I also tried ALOTTA Bubbles, which is a sulfate-free, sugar-based bubble bath.  Great scent and lather.  And my favorite product is called the 50/50 Body Balm.  When I first looked at the jar, I went "what is this?".  Then I put it on my skin and went "this is sensational!"  The 50/50 Dr. V'Nilla, is a 50% blend of deep natural therapy creme swirled with 50% Madagascar Vanilla Essential Oil.  It's unlike anything I've ever tried, and it's incredible. Trust me on this one.

Soaptopia offers a 5 for $25 special on their soaps when you use code 5for25 checkout.  Orders are shipped in recycled boxes with natural nesting fibers and leaves, flower buds and other natural fillers.  Gift wrapping is free. Make sure to browse the website to see the entire of line of products.  Give Soaptopia a try and bathe 100% Junk Free!

Diana B. Bath & Body Collection

Diana B. Bath & Body products were started with a trip to exotic Morocco and a desire to create something new.  On that trip, the Diana B. Sugar Scrub was born and from that product, an extension into body lotions, bath gels and a new line of facial products. 

The Body line consists of three steps:  Cleanse, Exfoliate and Moisturize.

• Diana B. Bath Gel:  Thick, rich and wonderfully fragrant, you only need a dime-sized amount of Peach Frangipani Flower Bath Gel to work up to enough lather to cleanse and cover your body.  This hydrating bath gel formula contains Aloe Vera, seaweed extracts, Spirulina and chamomile to leave your skin soft and supple.  Can be used in the bath or shower.  Heavenly!
• Diana B. Sugar Scrub:  The signature product of the line and not to be missed.  There are a couple of features that set this sugar scrub apart from other exfoliating scrubs.  First, the amount of product you get...at 21 ounces, the jar is ginormous!  Inside, you'll find a blend of all natural, super-fine sugar and salts mixed with cane sugar syrup and antioxidants.  The scrub doesn't contain oil, yet smoothes and exfoliates your skin to glorious perfection.  And the fragrances?  The Maple Sugar Lychee Nut is fabulous, as is the Green Tea Desert Grapefruit.  If you've got sensitive skin, this scrub is for you.  In addition to being oil-free, it's wax and chemical-free.
• Diana B. Body Lotion:  Thick, hydrating, the scent of Black Fig is intoxicating and crisp; I think this could be a unisex moisturizer.  The body lotion formula contains Aloe Vera, sugar cane extract, marine oils, seaweed, Vitamins E and A, Spirulina and chamomile, so that your skin feels completely moisturized.

Overall, I loved the entire Diana B. collection.  I really feel each product gives you a pampering, indulgent experience.  You can purchase the Diana B. collection online at Orange Blossom Spa, Lucky Scent and Kiss and Makeup Ltd., as well as select spas and stores, including the Studio at Fred Segal, the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas and Henry Bendel. More information on the line can be found on the Diana B. website.