Beauty Maverick

Rooted in Vetiver

Seasonless and unisex, this exotic grass is far more addictive than anything Amsterdam might offer. 

Jo Malone Vetyver Cologne
A modern interpretation of a spicy, aromatic classic. Vetiver, the legendary scent of India, is blended with sweet orange, nutmeg and tarragon for a powerful, mysterious finish.

Guerlain Vetiver Eau de Toilette
This fresh, elegant (and traditionally men's) fragrance combines notes of citrus, vetiver, and a touch of cedar with tobacco, nutmeg, pepper, and tonka bean.

C.O. Bigelow Vetiver Body Cleanser
Provides a rich, creamy lather whilst gently cleansing the skin.

Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinare
A blending of precious woods enhanced by spices, amber and musks.

Malin+Goetz Vetiver Perfume Oil
Hand poured and hand labeled, this intense and long lasting fragrance oil synthesizes natural grassy notes known for their medicinal qualities.

Hermès Hermessence Vetiver Tonka
A comfortable, confident scent that suggests wool, and balances the strength of vetiver with a blend of neroli and hazelnut.

Comme des Garçons Vettiveru Eau de Cologne
Offers notes of Italian bergamot, cardamom, neroli, Haitian vetiver, cedarwood and musk.

Pop a Pill, Change Your Hair Texture

It appears that researchers in Australia are working overtime to beautify the human race.

Their latest discovery comes courtesy of Queensland Institute of Medical Research, and involves a gene that predicts curly hair— a find that could soon result in texture-altering supplements, making chemical treatments and styling tools a thing of the past.

Click here to learn more.

Powder Perfect

Blame our obsession with time or the next multi-tasking "miracle" product, but the brilliance of a classic body powder is often overlooked. 

This holiday season, spoil someone you love with one of these beautiful blends:

Prada L'eau Ambree Perfumed Body Powder & Puff
Sensual notes of cedrat, rose de mai and amber envelop the skin, whilst a delicate powder base works to lock-in moisture and soften.

CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Fresh After Bath Powder
A finely milled, luxuriously soft powder that leaves skin silky soft, subtly scented and luminous, with a subtle pearl effect.  

Dr. Hauschka Body Powder
Use this gentle, highly absorbent powder to protect, moisturize and deodorize, lift your locks or even set your makeup. Safe for sensitive skin.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Talcum Powder Shaker
A (unisex) scented, superfine talc with an exceptionally soft finish.

Perles de Lalique Sparkling Body Powder
For the über indulgent, this art deco-inspired showpiece houses diamond dust scented with the brand's latest fragrance, Perles de Lalique. Limited edition of 500.

A Toast to Health

British academics have found that most forms of bubbly— including champagne, cava and prosecco— are packed with polyphenols, a plant chemical (commonly found in heart-healthy reds) that helps to widen blood vessels, easing the strain on the heart and brain.

Of course, polyphenols can also be found elsewhere— tea, olive oil, onions, leeks, broccoli and blueberries— but a daily flute of Krug seems far more festive.

Wine Flu

Wine Flu/ n./ An annual pandemic whose outbreak coincides with the holidays, usually the morning after an office party, as in, “If last year’s silly season is any indication, our entire staff is going to be out with wine flu.”

Symptoms can be alleviated with a shot— preferably of something from the top shelf.

Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm

Inspired by old-world Russian herbal remedies, this antioxidant-rich body balm is as luxurious as it is effective.

Honey and Fruit Glycolic Acids work together to impart softness and radiance, whilst a nourishing blend of natural butters help to protect skin from environmental damage.

For best results, use this product immediately after bathing for deeper hydration and faster absorption.

Retailer: Kiehls.com
Cost: $42.00

Lancôme Signs Julia Roberts

The iconic actress has signed on to serve as Lancôme's "Global Ambassadress" come 2010, though it remains unknown whether she'll be replacing fellow Oscar-winner Kate Winslet.

Youcef Nabi, the president of Lancôme International, tells WWD: "Julia Roberts is an emblematic woman of her time ... Her exceptional talent, her radiance and her strong commitments perfectly echo Lancôme’s values."

Tokidoki x Karl Lagerfeld

Tokidoki's latest creation honors famed fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in all his black & white glory. Limited edition.

Retailer: Colette.fr
Cost: $185.00

Q&A with Garren

Click here to read my recent interview with superstylist Garren.

Wella Clear Scalp Shampeeling

The other day, I was showing a friend my rather spectacular dandruff— think desiccated coconut— and while I thought it had real sideshow potential, she was horrified, said something about a forgotten appointment, disappeared into a cab and hasn’t returned my phone calls since. One man’s meat is another man’s poison, apparently.

Maybe it’s the weather, the fact that there is zero moisture in the air, or my scalp’s lingering grief response to Michael Jackson’s death but the situation was admittedly chronic and needed to be managed or I was looking at a life without friends.

Enter Wella's Clear Scalp Shampeeling (it only sounds scary) from their System Professional line. This intensive anti-dandruff treatment shampoo is miraculous. I noticed a dramatic difference from the first use and after a week— put away your toboggans, folks— the ski season on my shoulders is over.

Highly recommended for preserving friendships (and healthy scalp).

— Claire