Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Refresh!



Summer is here in NYC, and with temperatures breaking 100, all of us need ways to beat the heat while we're on the go.  Be kind to the people next to you on the subway, and try one of these effective methods of keeping (and smelling) cool!

- Philosophy Pure Grace and Amazing Grace fragrances: a little spritz of either (or both-they layer beautifully together) will truly have you smelling like you just took a nice, refreshing shower.  The former is a pure, clean, unisex scent (think ivory soap); the latter, a more feminine version (think clean laundry hung out to dry).  I love these products and find them totally unlike anything else on the market (they're head and shoulders above Clean's scents, which smell tacky and cloying to me). 

- Aveda Blue Oil: this little rollerball beauty is a real life saver.  A little dab on your pulse points will give you a strong, refreshing, minty chill (but chamomile will keep you from smelling like a candy cane).  I had some of this at a baseball game last summer where my husband and I were roasting in the heat; even he had to admit that it made him feel cooler.

- Crabtree & Evelyn LaSource body wash and lotion: I've known this unglamorous brand for as long as I can remember, but I didn't know they had anything besides old-lady scents until I came across this stuff at my college bookstore.  It smells fresh and clean like real water and oxygen--if you've ever gone swimming in a waterfall before, you'll recognize the smell.  It's far beyond most products that have watery notes but smell like cheap men's cologne; on a hot, landlocked day in the city, a cool shower with this light blue gel leaves me feeling like I've taken a swim.  

- Caudalie Beauty Elixir: this tingly mist refreshes like no other, loaded with essential oils in an exclusive formula originally formulated for the Queen of Hungary.  It's also available in a value set of 3 travel sized bottles, which is perfect for carrying in your handbag.  I love this product for travel and use it as toner in part of my everyday beauty routine!

- Borotalco: the classic Italian talcum powder that has graced the behinds of the inhabitants of the bel paese for over a century.  I discovered this while living in Rome and I haven't been without it sense!  This smells more adult than Johnson & Johnson's but not at all cloying.  This is great for preventing chafing and sweat stains (gross, I know, but come on, it's a fact of life!  I'm just being real with you. ;))  

Stay cool!  Be sure to post your comments and any additional tips you have to share.  

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Lost Luggage : VERMONT



Everybody's heard the old question, "If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you bring along?"  But how many of us have taken a moment to ask the much more important question, "If the airline lost my luggage, where would I buy new products?"

I was inspired to begin this segment on my blog because of something Sharon Gault said at The Makeup Show.  She was telling us about one time when she was at a photo shoot and her luggage was delayed, so she didn't have her makeup kit--she had to go to Target at the last minute and buy everything she needed for the shoot.  She was telling us this as a makeup artist because she wanted to drive home the point that makeup artists can't get so attached to our favorite artistry and luxury brands that we are totally unfamiliar with the other mass market products that are out there.  

This week, we're off to Vermont, where we'll be picking up some loot for you at the decidedly un-chic Vermont Country Store--home of the Tired Old Ass Soak.  Relax--even in the most granola of states, a little bit of glamour can be found if you just know where to look (or you're shopping with me, naturally! ;)) 

- Tired Old Ass Soak -- this mineral bath is no joke!  Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Vetiver essential oils will make your room at the Holiday Inn Express smell like a spa.

- Because you know I'm obsessed with good-smelling hair, the original 70's clasic Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific would be a must-have for me!

- Fragrance: Caron's Nuit de Noel in fall or winter, Bellodgia in summer, and Jean Patou's Joy for any black tie event!

- Marutake Rice Powder to stand in for my can't live without it MUFE HD Powder!

- Original Indian Earth Powder -- a legendary multitasker, this concentrated bronzing pigment would be perfect for anywhere on the face.  (A great stand in for my NARS multiple!)

- Cake Mascara -- in a pinch, this could also double as a liquid liner

- Joey's Chiseled Cheeks Plumping Gel Blush -- a great complexion faker; the perfect replacement for my Benefit Benetint.

- Pssst Instant Spray Shampoo -- awesome for travel (I have it!), and a handy stand in for volumizing spray as well.  Makes a great preparatory step for updos!

- Smith's Rosebud Salve -- they also carry this at Sephora; makes lips look naturally full, and is super moisturizing (great for cuticles and other rough spots, too).  Mix it with some Indian Earth Powder and you've got your own custom moisturizing lipgloss!

- Sweet Almond Oil -- touted as being Jackie O's beauty secret, this one could stand in for a face and body moisturizer, as well as a deep hair conditioner; mix it with some Indian Earth powder and it will stand in for your Nars Body Glow!