Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne

 Jo Malone introduces Wild Bluebell, a clean and sleek fragrance with the essence of wild bluebells, lily of the valley and eglantine, persimmon and sparkling lemon. Add a bit of musk and immerse yourself in an elegant sea of the wild flowers found in the English countryside. Combine with other Jo Malone creations and add a note all your own. Whether it’s vanilla, lemon or cocoa that hits your fragrance fancy, Wild Bluebell adds the sophistication to take your favorite Jo Malone fragrances to another level. Available September 2011 at Jo Malone, JoMalone.com, Neiman Marcus, Neimanmarcus.com, Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com



30ml-$55

100ml-$110


Body Cream-$75


Hand and Body Wash-$50


Candle-$65

MAC Semi-Precious Collection for Summer 201

Available in U.S July 7th 2011

Lipstick

• Gem of Roses

• Lush Amber

• Musky Amethyst

• One of a Kind

Cremesheen Glass

• Geo Pink

• Looks Like Sin

• Natural Flare

• Pure Magnificence

• Richly Revered

Mineralize Blush

• Feeling Flush

• Pressed Amber

• Warmth of Coral

Mineralize Skinfinish

• Semi-Precious Crystal Pink

• Semi-Precious Goldstone

• Semi-Precious Pearl

• Semi-Precious Rose Quartz

Mineralize Eyeshadow

• Blue Sheen

• Clarity

• Dark Indulgence

• Faux Gold

• Golden Glaze

• Hint of Sapphire

• Jade’s Fortunate

• Mineral Mode

• Quartz Fusion

• Rare Find

• Smoky Ruby

• Unsurpassable

Zoom Fast Black Lash

• Deepest Black

Brushes

• 234

• 235

• 128

• 179

Mineralize Charged Water

Mineralize Face & Body Lotion

Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar Body Butter

I have always been a lover of coconut scents; but not all coconut scents have met with my approval. I guess it has come down to my preferring a more smoky coconut, you could say. I don’t like them sweet and I don’t particularly like them smelling like suntan lotion. And I don’t like them to overpower me or those around me! Not everyone likes coconut, plus I prefer my scents to be my little secret!

Nothing will transport you to that warm tropical island faster than this deliciousness in a tube! It is a divine coconut scent with a touch of warmness and toastiness. Not sweet and icky, but a coconut a grownup can enjoy. I love that the body butter absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. It is uber moisturizing so it’s the perfect cream for the cold winter months. Pacifica has a range of scents from fruity to floral; the formulation is 100% vegan with no animal testing, free of parabens and does not contain anything harmful to people or the environment. The price point is very affordable considering that some can run upwards of $50! You can enjoy 8oz for$18, how great is that! For a complete scent experience, team it with their shower gel and perfume in the same scent and be scented from head to toe in Indian Coconut Nectar! I get mine at either Sephora or Whole Foods Market, but have also seen it at Sprouts as well.

My Best Products for 2010

With the new year upon us, I wanted to recap on some products that were a constant in my routine in 2010. Some of the goodies have been a long time staple but some are new found loves that I think will be around for awhile! With so many new product releases and promises of the best and brightest, it’s a chore to weed through them all and find things that I absolutely love enough to use consistently. Since I love trying and testing things, I use all kinds of stuff that I like and use here and there, but these are just a few of the items that are staples in my routine. Believe me, there are more that I use regularly but you would be here forever; hence my name Product Junkie! I hope all had a safe and happy New Year and thumbs up for the best and brightest in 2011!

Edward Bess Lipstick-Edward Bess is my long time love, and at the top of my list are his decadent lipsticks. The shades are fabulous for any skin tone and regardless of any shades I’ve tried they all seem to work fabulously with my skin tone. The formulation is super creamy, wears well and super sleek in packaging. I’m not thinking this item is going to disappear from my list of favorites any time soon.

 Origins re-usable water bottle- I have several of these bottles that I use almost daily. In an attempt to buy fewer bottles of water I'v began using my home water cooler and filling these for use during the day. Originally the bottle cost $15 for a 16oz bottle which seems a bit expensive, until you look at the cause you are supporting. The purchase of each bottle helps support Origins campaign to replant tree's in area's that have been depleted. So, in my opinion purchasing this bottle has helped to to be a bit more environmentally friendly in two forms, using less plastic and replanting tree's. I"ll go for that!

 philosophy purity made simple cleanser-this cleanser is my life saver and will never leave my routine. It is a simple product to use and tackles several issues at once. It removes makeup, tones and cleanser all at the same time. However, for me it’s the mildness that hooked me. My skin is finicky and sensitive and this cleanser has never irritated it.

Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip balm- I love the creamy texture of this lip balm not to mention its excellent moisturizing capabilities. Now that winter is upon us it can wreak havoc on our skin and most importantly the lips. This balm keeps them soft and moisturized and absorbs quickly so if you want to apply lipstick immediately after, you can.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Polishes-I love this brand for what it doesn’t have! No toluene, DBP, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and absolutely no animal testing. Not to mention that the lounge itself is just an absolute joy to visit. The polishes offer less of the “nail polish” smell and wears exceptionally well considering what is missing from the formulation. I recommend using a ‘sticky’ type base coat, even better is theirs, and you are set for a beautiful manicure for a week.

L’occitane Apricot Flower 95% Shea Butter- When all else fails; Shea Butter is the perfect treatment for all of your skincare needs. I use this on my cuticles, lips, dry heels and even on my hands when they are going to be exposed to the elements. It’s perfect for travel and its compact tin fits perfectly into your pocket, just in case you will be without your purse.

Laura Mercier Body Wash- I love Laura Mercier for her gourmand bath and body line, the products are creamy and non drying and oh so yummy. I could probably do with a less expensive body wash, but this is my little luxury at bath time!

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau foundation-With my never ending search for the foundation that would make me look perfect but still look as if I'm not wearing any, this has come up top so far this year. It becomes one with your skin and gives a perfect airbrushed look. It has a sheer to medium coverage and an ever so slightly luminous look for that fresh appeal. So far so good, so lets cross fingers that it lasts through 2011!

Teavana Tea’s- Teavana teas are a pure indulgence for me, And I just cannot live without them! This is truly an investment in my health and wellness, not to mention the superb cup of tea.

philosophy's holiday greetings

As all who read my blog know, I LOVE philosophy’s holiday sets. No exception for this one! It’s absolutely yummy and once again, I am wishing they made these little pretties in the full sized items. But for now I will enjoy them while I can.

The set contains the most scrumptious Brown Butter Cookie 3-in-1 and Coconut Macaroon Body Butter with a Pink Frosted Cookie Lip Shine to add shimmer and shine for a delicious holiday pout. The wash is 4oz and the body butter is 2oz with the lip shine in full size. The set comes housed in a box shaped like a mailbox with holiday scenes which is perfect for gift giving should you chose to gift this. I gifted it, right to me, myself and I! I love foodie comfort scents and this one has hit the spot. Especially with the cold weather upon us, this gives me just the right amount of comfort and joy. It’s a sweet cookie scent but not so sweet that it overwhelms. And the body butter is wonderfully yummy and doesn’t clash with the wash. I’ve been using this with my night time bath so I can enjoy the scent while I am relaxing for bed. How’s that for getting relaxed for a good night’s sleep!

philosophy Holidy Hostess Gift Set

As much I love any thing philosophy, I love their holiday creations even more! It always makes me sad that they are only her for a quick short time; I wait all year for the yummy holiday treats. This year I am especially in love with the Icy Cinnamon Sugar collection. It’s a yummy treat without the extra calories and even though it sounds very sweet and sticky, it’s just enough to fulfill the craving for the foodie comfort scents.

The Holiday Hostess is a perfect little set to get or give; it contains a body lotion as well as the infamous 3-in-1 shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo both in an 8oz size. This particular scent did not come with the lotion in the normal 16oz size, so it was a special treat for the set to contain a matching lotion. Plus, at the price point of $20 for the set it is an affordable treat. When you think of Icy Cinnamon Sugar you would think it would be an overly sweet scent, but it really isn’t. The cinnamon tones down the sugar making it a bit more of a grown up sweetness. The shower gel does not clash with anything you might chose to moisturize with, but if you layer with the matching lotion you can carry the scent outside of the shower. The lotion is a great body moisturizer and absorbs quickly; and the scent is soft and not over powering. So no worries on smelling like a sugar cube!

I purchased my first set during Sephora’s friends and family event. Luckily I got my order before the event was over because I was able to place another order and stock up on a few more. They are still available at most locations that carry philosophy. But I must warn you, they have a lot of holiday goodies this year!

Bath and Body Works Cashmere and Silk Hand Cream

Now that fall is nearly here, I take out the hand creams! I always carry one but during the cooler months, I have one everywhere. Not only is it cold, but I live in a dry climate on top of it. I have used them all, from the ones the normal person can afford to the ones that could possibly cost me my first born in my next life! Some great and some not so great.

One of my favorites is Bath and Body Works Shea Cashmere and Silk Hand Cream. Not only does it work superbly well but I love the price tag of $6. I love that it softens and nourishes my hands for instantly replenished skin. It absorbs quickly so I have no greasy residue, which is nice considering how nourishing it is. With all of the skin conditioning ingredients you would think it would be thick and greasy, nope not this one! I also love its soft and comforting scent of vanilla and almond. It’s just enough comfort o give you a bit of calm in the middle of a busy and hectic day. And even better, it’s not tested on animals; it is tested on willing humans!!

If you haven’t tried this, it certainly worth a trip to Bath and Body Works. If you don’t like it, they will take it back, but I don’t think that will be a problem! Over all, I love that

it lives up to it claims and I love that it’s an affordable luxury!

It’s a philosophy Christmas

My favorites to get and give are the goodies from the philosophy holiday collection. Most are available now with the remainder to be released mid October.


christmas morning set $20

 the gingerbread girl body lotion-$16

 the gingerbread girl shampoo, bubble bath, shower gel-$16

silent night body lotion-$16

heart of the season shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath-$16

 candy cane lane gift set-$25

 warm and toasty gift set- $25

 glow and behold shampoo, bubble bath, shower gel-$16

 silent night shampoo and shower gel-$16

 

Laura Mercier for Holiday 2010

Some of these are already available on Lauramercier.com but expected to be at select counters mid-October.



Eye Colour Sampler ($48)

Travel Brush Set ($85)

Mini Lip Glacé Set ($48)

Cool Petite Eye Palette ($28)
Warm Petite Eye Palette ($28)
Color Wardrobe ($98)

Cool Palette

Warm Palette

Color Wardrobe

Crème Brûlée Set ($40)
Almond Coconut Milk Set ($40)

Almond Coconut Milk Collection ($75)


Crème de Pistache Collection ($75)

Soufflé Body Crème Sampler Set -($50)

Crème Brûlée Candle($32)


Crème de Pistache Candle ($32)


Warm Roasted Chestnuts Candle ($32)

Creme Brulee Candle

Creme de Pistache Candle

Warm Roasted Chestnut Candle

photo's courtesy of Lauramercier.com

philosophy’s Everything's Coming Up Rainbows™ Set

The amazing thing about philosophy’s bath sets is that they allow you to indulge the scrumptious scents without indulging in calories. ‘Everything’s Coming Up Rainbows’ allows you to enjoy the scent of Rainbow Sherbet with a shower gel and bubble bath, lotion and lip shine, while cleansing and softening. The set includes a 4oz Rainbow Sherbet 3-in-1, a 4oz Rainbow Sherbet Body Lotion as well as a Rainbow Sherbet Lip Shine. The scent is refreshing and delightful, yet soft enough as to not over power any other fragrance you apply. End your summer indulgence with a shiny and plump pout of Rainbow Sherbet Lip Shine and have a day that is bright and happy! Whenever I need a pick-me-upper, I go for something philosophy. They never fail to lift my spirits with their refreshing and energizing scents. I added this to my never ending collection and only sorry I didn’t get more! The set is available for $28 and what a wonderful way to spend $28!

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia

Due out in September is Jo Malone’s newest collaboration with Christine Nagel. Christine Nagel has worked with Jo Malone on past projects, and although considered a master of perfumery herself, she understands the Jo Malone philosophy. English Pear & Freesia, inspired by the autumn season is a sensation of juiciness, with a top note of King William Pear, a heart of freesia and patchouli, and an ending of white amber and musk. A unique fragrance to the Jo Malone collection, there is no doubt it will be fruitiness with sophistication. The release is anticipated to consist of a 30ml and 100ml parfum, a bath gel, body cream and candle. I predict that since the fragrance is releasing with a full collection right out of the gate, it is going to be an in demand collection!

philosophy 'apricots and cream' gift set

The newest collection of yummy scents to grace the philosophy collection is Apricots and Cream. Available in the shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo formulation each 8oz bottle from the gift set gives you a healthy, blissful treat. Layer from head to toe for healthy skin and hair; skin that is revitalized and super hydrated. Add the fresh, sweet scent and you will be running to the nearest store for the super size! Full sizes are available for $16-$24 and a gift set is available with 8oz sizes for $25.