Beauty Maverick

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

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

'Tis the Season

Visiting friends or family this Thanksgiving holiday? If so, skip the uninspired bottle of wine/box of sweets and opt for one of these luxurious, seasonally-inspired gifts instead:

Extreme Beauty in Vogue by Phyllis Posnick
Produced in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, this coffee table must-have is both audacious and outrageous. Vogue's images distinguish themselves by their willingness to explore the limits of contemporary ideas of beauty, as captured by "the greatest photographers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries." Hardcover. $55, Barneys.com.

Editions de Parfums Scented Soap Set
A trio of luxurious, unisex hand soaps. Included in the set: Anterenea (spicy floral), Vetivea (earthy vetiver) and Bigarade (bitter orange). $80, EditionsdeParfums.com.

D.L. & Co. Diffuser
Whether you choose to gift this elegant home fragrance diffuser in Lady Rhubarb (rhubarb blended with blood orange, sandalwood and vetiver) or Thorn Apple (applewood, vetiver, oakmoss, and patchouli), its beautiful glass casing and— ready-to-gift— silk hat box are sure to impress. Reeds included. $95, DLCompany.com.

John Derian Crystal Dome Paperweights
Playfully distinct, these brilliant little paperweights make the perfect host/hostess gift. And with so many images to choose from, you're sure to find something suitable for all occasions. $60, JohnDerian.com.

Good (Skin) Etiquette

I spent the summer couch-surfing in Australia on a recent trip back home. The art of being a good guest involves flowers, thank you notes, and making your stuff (if not your self) scarce. Hogging the bathroom is high on my list of don’ts so I was grateful to discover the super convenient EZ4U 4-IN-1 facial treatment by MD Skincare: individually wrapped pads that promise to cleanse, balance, treat and moisturize in one step, without the need for water.

I’m usually a little wary of 2-in-1 products, so the 4-in-1 claim tested my credulity but as a morning beauty routine, these freshen the skin without stripping and prep it perfectly for sunscreen (which incidentally can be applied from bed/the couch). With a throw cushion worn over your face at all times, your hosts will hardly know you’re there.

This does not entitle you to stay indefinitely, but it does promise a fuss-free skin routine.

— Claire

Spring 2010: Trends to Watch

NY Fashion Week left us with a number of buzz-worthy beauty looks for Spring '10.

Below, a round-up of the trends that aim to inspire, be worn— and test our limits.

Awe-Inspiring: Porcelain Doll & Faux Tatoos

Though we've not seen what the couture houses have in-store, NYFW certainly kept us entertained with a theatrical showcase of the industry's top talent.

Worth Wearing: The New Pink, Voilet Eyes & Subtle Metallics

At Zac Posen, flushed cheeks added a youthful effect to the fashions showcased, whilst Tracy Reese sexed-up pink lips and rosy cheeks by pairing them with punk-inspired hair and nails. 

Lavender-colored eyes also ruled the runways in NYC, with makeup artist Dick Page pairing the look with a muted, 60s-inspired lip at Michael Kors. (Another exciting spring trend, more to come on that in a bit.)

And, no surprise here, metallic eyeshadow returns as the go-to for the season. Whether gold, silver, white or nude, a subtle shimmer to (and around) the eyes and cheekbones works as the ultimate pick-me-up for a winter-worn complexion.

If You Dare: Lace-Covered Nails, Feather Lashes & Mascara-Less Eyes

I'm absolutely obsessed with the lace-covered nails created by celebrity manicurist Elle (for Barielle) at Reem Acra. They live on the fine line between brilliance and kitsch, and work with both the romantic and rock-inspired styles of the season.

Best Left on the Runway: Artliner, (Purposefully) Smudged Mascara & 'Punk-Colored' Coifs

Unless you're Lady Gaga, these trends shouldn't translate (directly) from the runway to real-life. Enough said.

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

From Russia, With Love

Guerlain’s fall collection is as much based on the fabrics of the gowns of Russian princesses as it is the bohemian city of Moscow.

The brand’s creative director, Olivier Échaudemaison, chanelled Russian-doll-esque Natalia Vodianova during the creative process and boy does it show: glowing it’s-cold-outside pink cheeks and sultry eggplant shadows to pick up her watery-blue eyes.

The deeper hues are on point for the pigment-rich fall trends without being too intimidating to wear on a girls night out, or date. (And riddle me this: who wouldn’t want want to look like Vodianova?)

— Daisy

Boost That Bum, Heidi Style

David Kirsch— "sculptor" of some of Hollywood's hottest bodies— now offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to firm, lift, and reshape your backside.

But the question is, do his suggestions work? After three weeks of "testing" David's techniques, I'm pleased to report they do. (And well.)

The illustrations are easy-to-follow, the exercises doable, and the entire plan adjustable to one's fitness level and lifestyle.

Retailer: DavidKirschWellness.com
Cost: $12.95

Nasomatto China White

Much like its namesake, China White is powdery, complex and utterly intoxicating.

At first sniff, a feminine blend of green florals, herbs and sweet, syrupy citrus notes present themselves, then settle to reveal a smoky, dry finish.

And, typical of a Nasomatto fragrance, China White is conveniently unisex, long-lasting, and packaged in a modern minimalist bottle.

A perfect transitional scent.

Retailer: Barneys.com
Cost: $148.00

Serge Lutens Encre Pour Les Lèvres

If you 'Google' this latest creation from master perfumer Serge Lutens, you'll likely land on more than a few mixed reviews.

Speaking from personal experience, however, I actually quite like it. Especially in Safrane— a fiery orange that's on trend, but also a bit unexpected.

Use either shade on their own, for a hint of color, or as a base to add depth to a complimentary sheer/semi-sheer lipcolor.

Cost: $65.00
Retailer: Barneys.com