Beauty Maverick

Bulgari Does Beauty (And well.)

Bulgari is a house that holds a great deal of meaning for me personally, so to be one of the first to try their premiere beauty offering was an honor.

Now, having experienced the collection, I'm pleased to report that it's truly exceptional and provides the glow only a rare jewel can give.

The point of difference with Bulgari's innovative skincare line is an exclusive Gem Essence, which includes four extracts of fine and precious stones chosen for their synergetic and beneficial effects on the skin: sapphire, malachite, tourmaline, and citrine. Bulgari's formulations also boast a powerful polypeptide III complex, which works with the gemstones to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and fibronectin in the skin.

The result? A noticeable improvement in tone, coloration, and elasticity.

But enough with the general statements. Every luxury collection has it's star product, and the one Bulgari product you need to own is their Masque Precieux ($130). I randomly purchased this product after falling in love with the sampling sent to me, and it's absolutely amazing. When worn overnight, this anti-aging masque eased expression lines and gave my skin an overall radiance. The compliments alone have convinced me that it's a product to purchase in bulk.

Retailer: NeimanMarcus.com
Cost: $50.00- $320.00

Travel Essentials

Leaving town for the weekend? Be sure to pack a few of these travel-friendly favorites:

CHANEL UV Essentiel Anti-Pollution SPF 30+
A heavenly, plant-based emulsion that works to protect your skin against environmental aggressors, while also helping to fade existing dark spots and imperfections. $49.

NUDE Travel Nude II
Housed in a washbag made entirely of reclaimed seatbelts, this skincare set includes a week's supply of their Cleansing Milk, Hydrating Water, Age Defense Moisturizer, Moisture Balance, and Replenishing Night Oil. $148.

Givenchy Prismissime Mat & Glow in Sun Caramel
Mixed together or applied separately, this combination of matte and pearlized powders works to illuminate, sculpt, and perfect your complexion. Can be used on the face, eyes and body. $53.

Dior DiorShow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara
Provides plush, look-at-me lashes that are sure to last through the hottest days (and steamiest nights). $27.

Sephora "Go Curl" Eyelash Curler
One of my all-time favorite tools, this mini curler is great on-the-go. $14.

Yves Saint Laurent Tresor d'Afrique 5 Colour Palette for the Lips
A limited edition palatte that comes complete with three lipstick shades: pearly pink, shiny orange, and fuchsia; and two lip gloss shades: pearly plum and light shimmery pink. $62.

GoSMILE Flashlites
Keeps teeth bright through all those naughty indulgences that come so naturally on holiday. $10.

ghd Travel Hair Dryer w/Introductory Set
Includes a mightly mini hair dryer, as well as their Guardian Shampoo, Guardian Conditioner, Thermal Protector (for normal to fine hair), Obedience Cream, two hair clips, and a travel bag to store it all. $135.

Demeter 1/2 oz Cologne Purse Spray
Available in an assortment of playful, seasonally-inspired blends (favorites include Gin & Tonic, Green Tea, and Laudromat). $10.

Bendels to Become a Beauty-Based Business

Beauty and fashion retailers have been hit hard this past year, and the major chains are no exception. As many cut back on costs and others pass out pink slips, some businesses are choosing to explore alternative survival strategies.

Henri Bendel, for instance, is doing away with clothes altogether. It's quite a surprising revelation from the famed NYC department store— especially as it follows a recent announcement of their plans to expand nationwide.

Bendel's focus is said to remain on niche luxury goods, limited now to beauty products and fashion accessories, with an emphasis placed on private label goods
(of course).

Simply Stila

Newly appointed CEO Lynn Tilton let it slip/strategically mentioned that Stila plans to launch a sister brand, Simply Stila, at the recent Makeup Show in NYC.

A no-frills version of the original, this line hopes to reach a broader audience through lower price points and mass distribution.

La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation

La Mer's latest innovation comes in the form of a lightweight powder foundation which boasts both gemstones, to help erase imperfections, and an exclusive Radiant Ferment, to add clarity and brightness.

Within minutes of application, all that's visible is a naturally flawless and luminous complexion.

A must for those who crave a matte finish but fear the aging effects of a typical powder formulation.

Retailer: CremedelaMer.com
Cost: $95.00

Midday Reads

Last night's Met Gala provides us with today's lust-worthy looks and gossip-worthy drama.

Cheerful news from the FDA: Avoid Hydroxycut if you have a will to live, and be sure to check out the new warning label on a box of Botox near you.

Style.com discusses Canada's natural (beauty) bounty, and the latest eco-friendly products worth importing.

Drum roll please... The results are in for the 2009 CEW Awards. Click here to view a complete list of the year's top products.

Should Michelle Obama go au naturel? The Huffington Posts explains.

Vanity Fair's June Cover: Who Cancelled?

I've been a fan of Vanity Fair for as long as I can remember, but really. Really?

In a time when established publications are folding on a monthly basis, they've chosen to feature a public figure that's neither popular nor controversial?

I'm just going to assume that Vanity Fair's first (second, and third) choice for June's cover model cancelled as they were going to print.

The alternative is simply too bizarre.

CHANEL "Train de Nuit"

Tuesday, May 5th marks a special day for CHANEL, and for all of us who adore the iconic brand.

The excitement begins at the stroke of midnight tonight, with the premiere of the latest CHANEL N˚5 masterpiece, "Train de Nuit." The third collaboration between acclaimed director Jean-Pierre Jeunet and actress Audrey Tautou, this short promises to be far more than a fragrance commercial. I can't give away too much quite yet, but the storyboard above should give you an idea of how Audrey's journey begins...

And in honor of this latest campaign, May 5, 2009 has been designated by the city of New York as CHANEL N˚5 Day. CHANEL and Saks Fifth Avenue have also partnered for this significant occasion, during which a portion of Fifth Avenue will be renamed Avenue N˚5 for the week. (Fun, no?)

Of course, the festivities will be celebrating more than just beauty in the form of fragrance and film. In thanks to the City of New York, CHANEL and Saks have also partnered to create a new arts program at P.S. 5, the Ellen Lurie Elementary School. The donation will provide funding for the arts program, specifically four separate after-school arts classes—graphic arts, photography, chess and drama—as well supplies and field trips to a local museum or cultural institution for each class.

Click here for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of "Train de Nuit," and here (on/after May 5th) to view the full feature. For additional information on the upcoming Saks event, click here.

A Reason to Defrost the Amex