Beauty Maverick

Two Reasons to Rejoice

Complimentary Topshop Gift Cards
In celebration of next week's store opening, a Topshop-branded bus is touring the city and gifting cards of up to $500 ea. Click here to track the bus.

Hermes Sample Sale
Only twice a year can you get Hermes scarves, bags, leather goods, shoes, clothes, and housewares, at prices like these. Located at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 123 West 18th Street (Between 6th & 7th Ave).

Wednesday, March 25th to Saturday, March 28th; 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Sunday, March 29th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Fall 2009 Beauty Trends

As the haze of hairspray and powder settles following yet another Fashion Week, we’re beginning to see a number of beauty trends emerge for F/W '09.

Ones to watch:

Copper Smoke
Whether with a matte or shimmery finish, terracotta-hued eyes appear to be all the rage for fall. Worn with bare brows, a luminous complexion, and nude lips, this look should easily translate from the runway to real life.

Modern Lines
Seen here at Preen, the classic smoky eye is updated with a defined, day-friendly shape and bright white highlights.

Teased Tresses
Matte, voluminous updos are back and bigger than ever. Beehives, French twists, braided chignons— from Zac Posen to Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta, there was no escaping these over-the-top coiffs. 

Grey Lips
Muted, dove-grey lipstick appears to be replacing last year’s black patent lip gloss as the ‘shock shade’ of the season. It’s not a look for everyone, but the models at Doo.Ri and Rodarte wore it surprisingly well.

An Expression of Doubt About Facials

Check out this thought-provoking article to see why the NY Times is not convinced that facials are worth the expense.

Lancôme Génifique

Not a moisturizer nor a serum, Génifique is a revolutionary new youth-activating concentrate that boosts gene activity, which in turn stimulates youth proteins in the skin to improve tone, texture and luminosity.

The first of its kind, this patented elixir took over ten years to develop and produce in its most potent form. And though the scientific research behind Génifique speaks for itself, it's a product you need to experience to fully appreciate.

With just ten days of use (once daily), my complexion is visibly more radiant and refined. The results are really quite impressive.

Ideal for all skin types and ages.

Retailer: Lancome-USA.com
Cost: $78.00

Jo Malone Sweet Lime & Cedar Dry Body Oil

The annual transition from rich body care products and scents to lighter ones can be rather tricky, which is why I'm loving this latest innovation from Jo Malone. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula carries the perfect balance of moisturizers and earthy-sweet fragrance, to keep skin glowing come rain, shine— or even snow.

A first for the brand, Dry Body Oil is set to launch this month, in addition to a Sweet Lime & Cedar Shower Gel, Body Crème, and Home Candle. Click here to learn more.

Retailer: JoMalone.com
Cost: $65.00

Capsules, Capsules Everywhere

Alexander McQueen for Target. Matthew Williamson for H&M. YSL for Net-a-Porter. Spring '09 is proving to be the season of limited edition capsules, with retailers trying anything/everything to peak our interest in a time of economic crisis.

As for the clothes...

McQueen for Target is currently available online, and highly disappointing. I adore his signature line as well as McQ, but this collection is just beyond me. Remove the label, and you'd have no idea who designed these pieces (and why).

Williamson's collection will be released in two series, with the first available in select H&M stores on April 23. There are limited images available for preview, but I'm hopeful these pieces will stay true to the bright, playful esthetic that's become synonymous with his brand.

Last but not least, Yves Saint Laurent has paired with Net-a-Porter for an exclusive capsule of fashion and accessories, launching later this month. These items will be priced per usual, but are only available in limited quantities— so start saving.

UPDATE: The YSL for Net-a-Porter collection is now available online, click here to view/shop.

Fashion Week in Paris

I've just returned from a week's stay in Paris, and must admit that I avoided everything and anything having to do with Fashion Week. Considering my profession, it's terrible— I know— but I just felt like disappearing into the bakeries, boutiques, and apothecaries with friends and family more than discussing the latest collection to walk the runway. It was a truly memorable trip, and one full of fun beauty finds...

A few of my current obsessions:

By Redo Parfums Bougie Parfumée in Loose Lips
I found this Swedish brand sprinkled across the beauty section at Collette, and couldn't resist purchasing their limited edition, violet-scented candle. 50,00 €.

Bioderma Sébium H20 Lingettes Dermatologiques
Made by the same brand that produces my beloved cleansing water, these over-sized wipes gently (and thoroughly) cleanse combination/problem skin in a single sweep. Non-irritating, non-drying. 5,90 €.

Uslu Airlines Nail Polish in BHZ, TIA, MCT, NIK, & GRZ
... And the list could go on. These must have shades from Uslu's current collection are the perfect compliment to the nudes, florals, and airy textures of the coming season. Click here for individual swatches and color descriptions. 19,00 €.

Durance en Provence Brume d'Oreiller in Fleur de Coton
This relaxing, powdery pillow scent was an unexpected discovey at a lovely little flower shop in the 16th arr. Use on your bed linens to refresh midweek, or just before resting your head to ensure a deep sleep. 7,10 €.

Nuxe Bio Beauté Déodorant Fraîcheur
An organic deodorant that's as effective as it is long lasting. Subtly scented with a blend of lavender, rosemary and sage, Nuxe's aluminum and alcohol free formula ensures your skin's health whilst also moisturizing, and effectively protecting against wetness and odor. 7,90 €.

Midday Reads

Jezebel questions Vanity Fair's spoof of a previous cover featuring Tom Ford, Scarlett Johansson, and Keira Knightley.

Who What Wear discusses why it's best to go nude for spring.

Artificial noses to revolutionize the fragrance industry? National Geographic explains.

Gwyneth Paltrow gives us a personal tour of Paris.

Psychology Today sheds light on the pursuit of happiness, and how we can achieve a more positive state of being.

See which new masque is a must for color-treated hair on HairsTheScoop.com. (Shameless plug.)

Sneak Peak: La Mer The Body Refiner

I'm a big fan of La Mer's The Body Creme and adore their Refining Facial, so it's difficult to contain my excitement for the brand's premiere body scrub, which launches next month.

An extension of La Mer's luxurious approach to skincare, The Body Refiner uses fermented acidic sea muds to detoxify and purify the skin, whilst pure diamond dust (1.5 carats per container) and polished sea quartz act as physical exfoliants. When massaged into the skin, these electrically-charged minerals work to increase circulation and awaken. Then, once rinsed, tiny flecks of diamonds are revealed, creating a subtle sheen and shimmer to the skin. Your body is left glowing— literally.

Cream-based scrubs are generally not my favorite for the transition into spring/summer, but The Body Refiner holds the perfect balance of moisture, texture, and energizing properties. It's really quite impressive.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

La Mer The Body Refiner, $110/200ml. Available April 2009. See CremeDeLaMer.com for additional details.