Beauty Maverick

A Much-Needed Escape

Can't get away for a proper holiday? Create your very own private retreat with an assortment of these island-inspired luxuries:

Kai Body Buffer
Scented with the brand's signature blend of exotic florals, this (hypoallergenic) foaming sponge works to cleanse, exfoliate & moisturize the skin.

Nude Hibiscus Monoi
An all-over body oil that lavishly treats skin from top to toe with hibiscus-infused Tahitian coconut oil.

Jo Malone Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Bath Oil
Lush and softly foaming, this intoxicating bath oil awakens the senses and energizes the soul. 

Bumble and bumble Creme de Coco Shampoo, Conditioner & Masque
Use this ultra-rich, extra-gentle trio to help restore sheen & softness, improve flexibility and minimize frizz.

Straight from the Source: Nicky Kinnaird

Nicky Kinnaird— founder of cult beauty emporium Space.NK and recent OBE honoree— shares her current obsessions:

Takashimaya High Mountain Green Tea
My favorite morning drink instead of coffee for my caffeine hit and to boost my antioxidant levels from within.

David Kirsch Vanilla Protein Powder + Supercharged Greens
Blend with water in a blender and you have the perfect healthy liquid meal that stops you eating junk when time pressed or on the road and unable to easily access fresh nutritious food.

Eve Lom Cleanser
Much copied but never bettered, Eve’s treatment cleanser complete with muslin cloth acts as your eye make up remover, cleanser, toner and daily exfoliant – why make cleansing more complicated than it has to be.

Zelens Intensive Triple Action Eye Cream
Dr. Marko Lens’ antioxidant and peptide-packed formula banishes dark circles, puffiness and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles whilst hyaluronic acid effectively boosts hydration levels.

Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Oil-free with 5% sun damage repairing pro niacin, this sunscreen is suitable for year-round use under make up and leaves no white residue.  It’s also perfect for tennis and running as it never runs into your eyes.

Clarisonic Skincare Brush
Regular use of this with your favorite daily cleanser dramatically improves the clarity of your skin and ensures you are not wasting your expensive serums and creams on dead skin cells.

Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara
Imparts unbelievably long full lashes without leaving them “crunchy” - has a great rosewater smell too.

By Terry Touche Veloutee No 3
Terry de Gunzburg’s brush-on skin perfector evens out my skin tone, imparts a healthy radiance and banishes any hint of tiredness around my eyes— I panic if I travel without this as nothing else comes close!

Chantecaille Lip Chic in China Rose
This season’s perfect orange-red hydrating lipstick.

Oribe Royal Blowout Spray
Contains a special polymer which protects the hair shaft from heat damage whilst cutting my blow dry time by one third— simply genius!

Exfoliate, The Right Way

Chemical, physical, dual-action, topical— ask any dermatologist for "the secret" to a youthful complexion, and you'll likely hear one word more than any other: exfoliation.

Reveal your most radiant self with a combination of these tried & true favorites:

Daily: Cloth, Mild Peel or 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser; OTC Retinoid

Life.NK Japanese Wash Cloth
Gentle yet effective, this cleansing cloth transforms your daily skincare routine into a relaxing, spa-like ritual.

Demalogica Daily Resurfacer
A daily, leave-on treatment that smoothes, brightens and refines.

Philosophy Microdelivery Micro-Massage Exfoliating Cleanser
A mini-peel, mild daily exfoliant and facial cleanser all-in-one.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
This award-winning formula is clinically-proven to turn back time whilst you sleep. (Up to 10 years!)

Weekly: Chemical Peel and Scrub or Dual-Action Masque

Estee Lauder Perfectionist Peel
An intensive, 2-step thermal facial peel that delivers the instant skin-rejuvenating benefits of a professional 30% Glycolic Acid peel.

Bulgari Exclusive Radiance Facial Exfoliator
An advanced, 3-phase gel that turns into a light oil and then into a creamy lotion, guaranteeing comfort during application.

Givenchy Peel Me Perfectly
Works three ways to treat the skin: microspheres refine, oarweed extract and glycolic acid exfoliate, and clay extracts help to cleanse and tighten pores.

Body: Bi-Weekly Microdermabrasion Treatment

Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Body Exfoliating Cream
Polishes and softens skin with aluminum oxide crystals, leaving even the driest areas of the body— elbows, knees, and feet— soft and supple.

Must-Have Tool: Exfoliating Brush

Clarasonic Plus
Designed for use on both the face and body, this brilliant brush not only smooths and refines, it also works to visibly firm skin and reduce pores.

What's your all-time favorite scrub/peel/treatment?

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.

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.

Unexpected Applications

Give your beauty staples a second look, and you may be surprised at what you see. Thinking outside the box— tube, jar or bottle— can instantly transform the most classic concoction into the latest innovation.

A few favorites:

Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Body Oil
Glow from head-to-toe with this nourishing Body Oil, which doubles as a brilliant shine serum. Simply apply a few drops to the ends of your hair to calm frizz, smooth split ends, and tame flyaways.

Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm
Skip the pricey cuticle creams and use your favorite lip balm to condition your hands and nails instead. The trick is to use a balm formulated with natural oils, as it will absorb easily and won’t leave a sticky residue behind.

Stila Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz
Give into temptation, and draw outside the lines with Stila’s Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz. Used backstage at Fashion Week, this apricot nude liner adds a muted, matte finish to any cream-based lipstick when applied over top. Just be sure to sharpen the pencil before using it again on the eyes, to remove any bacteria.

Bumble & bumble Creme de Coco Conditioner
Create some space in your tub or shower by using your hair conditioner as shaving cream as well. Not only does it moisturize the skin, but conditioner also helps avoid those nasty nicks and cuts that can come from shaving with soap.

M.A.C Cosmetics Eyeshadow
The next time your roots start to show a little sooner than expected, reach for a rich, matte eyeshadow in the shade closest to your colored hair. Simply part your hair where desired, then gently rub the powder onto the visible re-growth for a temporary fix. 

Lancome Color Design Blush in Freeze Frame
If you’re only using this shimmery, soft pink rouge on your cheeks, you’ve been missing out. Try a touch of Freeze Frame on your eyes and lips too, for a youthful glow that lasts throughout the day.

Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum
Your hair won’t be the only thing sporting a healthy glow once we’re through with you. Apply a few drops of lightweight shine serum (for hair) to your legs, to achieve a subtle sheen without the greasy finish of a body oil.

"Fake It" Like a Pro

Blame our obsession with success, love of luxury goods or addiction to uppers, but a good night's rest is as foreign as a front lawn to a New Yorker. 14+ hour days are the norm, and a symphony of ConEd construction, police sirens and AC/radiator buzz helps soothe us to sleep.

So how do New York women "fake it"? With creativity and discretion, naturally.

Bright Eyes
Treat, camouflage and illuminate the under eye area with this tried & tested trinity:

Benefit Ooh La Lift
Contains raspberry extracts and light-reflecting pigments to instantly perk up tired eyes. Can be used on bare skin, or under makeup.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
A unique two-tone system that allows you to match your skin's depth of color and undertone, as well as custom-blend your own perfect shade.

YSL Touche Eclat
The award winning, must-have, take anywhere instant highlighter that banishes shadows, erases signs of fatigue and leaves skin looking radiant.

Luminous Complexion
Revive sullen skin, correct tone and conceal blemishes with these must-have multitaskers:

Chanel Base Lumiere
A fresh, oil-free gel primer that evens out and illuminates the complexion.

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation
Its unique, lightweight Micro-fil formulation allows infinite blending and layering to enhance the natural glow of the skin.

La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15
Infused with gemstones that capture light to reveal a naturally flawless complexion, this luxurious powder is perfect for those who prefer a semi-matte/matte finish.

Philosophy The Supernatural Healthy Cream Blush
A super-blendable, creamy, natural mineral blush that moisturizes, energizes and adds sheer, healthy color to cheeks for the most natural-looking flush.

Smooth, Shiny Tresses
Pump up the volume, tame frizz and manage unruly hair with these latest innovations:

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner
Whatever your hair type, this revolutionary duo of products is a must. Their key ingredient, PolyfluoroEster, creates an invisible shield on the hair to lock in moisture-proof smoothness and repel dirt and oil, so you can go longer between washes to break the frizz and damage cycle.

Oribe Smooth Style Serum
If you have thick/coarse tresses, opt for a moisturizing styling aid to smooth without stripping. This one, by celebrity stylist Oribe, is rich in exotic oils, which work to soften each strand and amplify shine.

Kerastase Noctogenist Voile Nuit
Fine, limp locks? Make the most of your "beauty sleep" with this innovative overnight treatment from Kerastase. It combines amino acids and a vitamin E derivative to effectively restore/renew, strengthen and protect.

Blackberry Obsessed

Rich, noir-esque shades of wine, black cherry and plum have taken over beauty counters this season— and for good reason. Such mischievous tones are the perfect compliment to the '40s and '80s- inspired fashions of fall.

Find your fix in one (or all) of these favorites:

CHANEL Rouge Allure Lipstick in Hysteria and Mania
Look-at-me lip color that's both rich and long-lasting. Limited edition.

GIORGIO ARMANI Lip Wax in Deep Chianti
For those who prefer a matte stain, Armani's unique formulation can't be beat.

LIPSTICK QUEEN Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Mystery
This gloss-in-a-stick provides the perfect wash of color. (Sheer.)

YSL Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue in Shimming Burgundy
A brilliant way to draw attention to your eyes. Use all-over, or in the corners of a smoky eye, for best results.

DIOR Liquid Eyeliner in Plum
Discreet and easy-to-apply, Dior's classic eyeliner is now available in a rich plum hue.

M.A.C Mineralize Eyeshadow in Young Punk
Whether you dust this sparkling shadow across your lids, or use wet as eyeliner, it's sure to get attention.

NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Swing
Try smudging this shimmering cream shadow (all the way) around your lash line for a sexy yet subtle look.

CHANEL Le Vernis in Vendetta and Diabolic
Two berry good reasons to invest in CHANEL's new Noirs Obscurs collection.

ILLAMASQUA Nail Varnish in Unnatural
A deep, blood-red hue that's both flattering and chip-resistant.

O.P.I Nail Polish in Give Me Moor!
A dark, black plum shade that screams "gothic glam." (In a good way, of course.)

Fall's Best Beauty Buys

From China's love of color to Russia's flare for the dramatic, opulent eastern influences are ever-apparent in the fall '09 collections.

So how does one translate these over-the-top trends from runway to real-life? With a selection of the season's top offerings, of course:

Flawless Complexion: La Mer The Radiant Concealer
Blends seamlessly to camouflage imperfections and correct tone. SPF 25.

Sculpted Features: YSL Palette Y
A limited edition blush and powder duo that can be used individually to highlight and contour, or together for all-over radiance.

Rosy Glow: Fresh FreshFace Blush Powder
This long-wear blush provides a natural, healthy-looking flush.

Look-At-Me Lip: CHANEL Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon
Strikingly rich, this liquid lip lacquer boasts intensity and shine that lasts for hours.

Barely-There Lip: MAC Lipstick in Myth
This pale, muted nude is the perfect compliment to a bold eye.

Bold Eye: NARS Essential Eye Palette
From cream to copper and midnight grey, these six shades are all you need.

Dramatic Lash: Shiseido Perfect Mascara
Achieve volume, length and luster with this latest innovation from Shiseido.

Defined Brow: Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil
A cartridge-type brow liner that smoothly draws beautiful, delicate eyebrow. Includes brow brush to smooth and tame brows.

Metallic Nail: Lancôme Le Vernis in Indigo Paris
Opt for short nails when wearing this stunning shade of blue.

Bump Busters

Refining body care products to keep in your arsenal this season:

Nude Smoothing Body Refiner
A detoxifying, clinically proven firming serum that moisturizes and smoothes skin. 

Fresh Sugar Acai Age-Delay Body Cream
Enriched with Açaí oil, this beautifully scented moisturizer provides antioxidant protection, helps to maintain elasticity,  and also enhances collagen production and naturally firms, lifts, and smoothes the skin's surface.

Clarins High Definition Body Lift
Redefines the body, minimizing the appearance of cellulite whilst  contouring the lower body and creating a more toned, fit silhouette.

Avon Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother
Visibly reduces those not-so-hot scars on the body with patented Trilaser technology to stimulate collagen, boost elastin, and help lighten & fade existing stretch marks whilst preventing against new ones, as well.