Beauty Maverick

Jemma Kidd Make Up School Dewy Glow

Since mourning the loss of my beloved Pout Afterglow, I've been desperate to find an illuminator that's refined enough to give a believable glow (sans sparkles). I'm happy to report the search is over; I've finally found my match in this discreet crème compact by Jemma Kidd.

You can use Dewy Glow under/over foundation or on a bare face, all-over or just to highlight, and on your body (legs, collarbones...) as well. It provides the perfect touche d'éclat.

Available in two shades: Ice Gold (my favorite; pictured) and Rose Gold.

Retailer: NeimanMarcus.com
Cost: $32.00

Polish Me Pretty

It's time to put away the Winter boots and break out the open-toe shoes- it's officially Spring!

In preparation, I've been busy painting my nails with every shade of polish imaginable, to sort out which are the ones-to-watch this season (or buy-up before they're sold out).

Some were... well, flat. Others, too much. But these six shades (pictured left) are absolutely amazing:

1. Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in Cannes. A classic, rich fire-engine red.
2. Chanel Le Vernis in White Satin. Elegant and sheer, it's the new nude.
3. Schiap Nail Polish by NARS. A bright, shock of pink; Think: Agyness Dean.
4. Coral Reef  by Essie. The perfect compliment to any neutral ensemble.
5. Chanel Le Vernis in Blue Satin. The undeniable 'it' shade of the season.
6. M.A.C Nail Lacquer in Pretty Miss. Ultra feminine and universally-flattering.

Spring Cleaning

My must-have cleansing treatments for the season, from top-to-toe.

01. Tocca Cleopatra Bagno Profumato (Body Wash) 02. Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Body Scrub 03. La Mer The Refining Facial 04. Kanebo Sensai Silky Purifying Pore Clarifying Essence 05. Yves Saint Laurent Freshness Rinse-Off Foaming Creme Cleanser 06. Molton Brown Purifying Plum-Kadu Hairwash.

Lipstick Queen Oxymoron Matte Lip Gloss

Poppy King is truly a Lipstick Queen in my books. I'm totally taken with her Oxymoron Matte Lip Gloss at the moment...
It's like no other.

This gorgeous 'gloss' comes in four sheer shades that each blush your lips and/or cheeks (if you wish) with just the right amount of color. Best of all, your kisser is left feeling soft and supple, though the finish is matte. It's all very romantic.

A must for Spring.

Retailer: Barneys.com
Cost: $20.00

Waiting to Exhale

I randomly came across Exhale Spa today whilst en route to Columbus Circle, and decided to book their  60-minute Deep Tissue massage ($130) on a whim. In hindsight, I wish I'd given the decision a bit more thought...

My initial feelings of regret came when I opened the door to my little locker in the changing room.  There, waiting for me, was an uncomfortably stiff robe and a pair of awkward plastic sandals. After resisting the urge to keep my own clothes on, I went to wait in their 'relaxation room'. The name of this space is highly misleading, as it's really an excessively dim area with no reading materials, plastic cups for water, and the echo of instructors leading their fitness classes nearby. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly what I had anticipated.

Thankfully, my massage therapist (Jean) was a sweetheart with skilled hands, so the actual treatment was quite pleasant. Place Jean in a different environment, and I'd probably go back. Unfortunately, considering my overall experience, the chance of a return visit is slim to none.

If you're seeking a yoga center that happens to also provide spa services, Exhale may be the perfect sanctuary for you. But, if you're looking for a tranquil, solely-spa experience (as I was), I'd reserve elsewhere.

Exhale Spa
150 Central Park South
Nr. Sixth Avenue
(212)  561 7400

Millennials on a Mission

In the Spring '08 issue of Time Style & Design, Deidre van Dyk discusses one of the latest consumer trends: The influence of Millennials* on their parents' luxury purchases, from the right concealer to the latest pair of J Brand jeans.

It's an interesting topic, and one that definitely rings true for my family. I'm generally the one to recommend products and trends to my mum, and I'll occasionally even purchase things for her that I know she'll love. In return, she allows me to raid her closet for vintage finds every time I'm home (she's become my personal What Goes Around Comes Around boutique). It's an unsaid agreement, and one that we both enjoy.

Is the same true for your family, or do you take your fashion/beauty cues from your elders?

*Millennial (mil·len'ni·al): An individual born between 1980 and 2000. They are considered the largest group since the Baby Boomers, and have been raised during the 'instant wealth' era of dotcom billonaires, young celebrities, and (seemingly more) accessible luxury goods.

For the Love of Lavender

Beauty brands are constantly introducing new, innovative fragrance combinations to entice us, but there's just something about the simplicity of lavender. Nothing quite compares.

I know it's become a terribly common scent (thanks in part to the organic/all-natural movement), but that just gives us all the more lovely lavender-laced products to choose from. You'll hear no complaints from me...

If you're equally addicted, you must try:
Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil
Jo Malone Amber & Lavender Bath Oil
Savon de Marseille Extra Pur Olive et Lavande Liquid Soap
Gianna Rose Atelier Lavender Scented Drawer Liners
Diptyque Feuille de Lavande Scented Candle
Neal's Yard Remedies Lavender Cleanser

Also, if you find yourself in Martha mode anytime soon, you can make your own lavender body scrub in the same time it takes to place an order. Just mix together one cup sea salt (or sugar if you'd like), 1 tbsp. vitamin E oil, 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil, 1/2 cup almond or grapeseed oil, and 2 tbsp. crushed dried lavender flowers (optional). Use this scrub immediately on dry skin for best results, or on damp skin for more mild exfoliation.

Who Inspires You Most?

In honor of International Women's Day, Diane von Furstenberg is offering the chance to win a $5,000 DVF shopping spree, complete with a trip for two to NYC and seats at her 2009 show. Also up for grabs are $2,500 gift certificates to DVF.com and copies of Diane's new book, Diane: A Signature Life.

Want a chance to win one of these fab prizes? Simply click here, and submit a story about the woman in your life who inspires you most.

Contest closes on April 19th 2008.

Best of luck! xx

I'll Show You Mine, If You Show Me Yours

They say you can tell a lot about a person by peeking into their medicine cabinet, so go on... What do you see?

Listed from the left, with my latest obsessions in bold: 

Top Shelf
Biore Pore Cleansing Strips
DermaNew MicroDermabrasion Tool
La Mer The Refining Facial (Absolutely amazing! A must.)
REN Jiaogulan Revitalizing Facial Mask
Fresh Sugar Face Polish
Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask
Darphin Instant Lumiere Serum
Murad Clarifying Body Spray
Amore Pacific Time Response Creme
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
DDF Benzoyl Peroxide 5% with Tea Tree Oil
Schick Razor Cartridges

Middle Shelf
Decleor Rose d'Orient Night Balm (Wonderfully soothing)
Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads
REN Frankincense and Boswellia Revitalising Night Cream
La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion (Fantastic toner; One of the best I've tried...)
Visine Eye Drops
Kanebo Sensai Pore Clarifying Essence (Leaves your skin feeling fab)
Dior HydraAction Sorbet Creme
Jurlique Rose Water Balancing Mist
Caudalie Contour Cream for Eyes and Lips
Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Cloths
Elemis Pro-Collagen Wrinkle Smoother
Acqua di Parma Collezione Barbiere After Shave Lotion

Lower Shelf
Jo Malone Amber & Lavender and White Jasmine & Mint Bath Oils
Model Co. Lash+Brow
Tweezerman Tweezers
Ole Hendriksen Body Sleek
Alessi Otto Floss Dispenser
GoSmile Rinse
Ted Gibson Goodnite Hair Serum
Tocca Delicates Wash in Stella (Highly addictive!)
Rembrandt Toothpaste
Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

What's in your medicine cabinet at the moment?

Off the Runway

From the eccentric looks at Vivienne Westwood to the minimalist makeup at Chloe, many designers chose to showcase a rebirth in beauty this season by going blanc.

Of course, you're probably not wanting to stroll down the street with a layer of chalk across your face (as seen on the runway), but a soft touch of white can instantly illuminate your complexion and brighten your eyes. It's an extremely versatile color, and an easy one to incorporate into your Spring beauty wardrobe.

My favorite ways to white out:

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Luna
Brush this sheer, stark-white powder across the top of your cheeks, above your brow bone, and (very lightly) in your cupid's bow for an angelic glow.

Yves Saint Laurent Ombre Solo Eyeshadow in Iceberg White
Perfect for highlighting, or providing a soft wash of white around the eyes.

Cargo Eyelighter Eyeshadow Pen in White
Use this dual-sided pen to brighten the eyes with the matte eyeshadow, and highlight the inner corners with the complimentary shimmer shadow.

M.A.C Cream Colour Base in Luna
This do-it-all product can be used on your eyes, lips, cheeks, and collarbones to achieve an icy, dewy finish. 

Benefit Mr. Frosty
Simple and easy-to-use, this sparkling white pencil provides a playful pop of color around the eyes. Try it on the inside of your eyelids to widen/brighten in a flash.

For inspiration, check out the Spring '08 shows of: Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, DKNY, Chloe, Ashish, Nicolai, Rick Owens, and Bluemarine.