My Top 5 Summer Fragrances

Summer may be waning for some, but here in sunny Southern California, summer is still in full swing. I wanted to share with you my favorite fragrances this for warm season. We must treasure the bright days while they last, so I hope you enjoy these scents as much as I do!

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey ($60 for 1 oz or $115 USD for 3.4 oz) is a mild clean floral on my skin. It seems to pull much sweeter on everyone else who I have sniffed while wearing it. Though it would have been nice for my body chemistry to highlight the nectarine note, I really do love how crisp and clean this honey fragrance wears on me. This scent is a proven crowd pleaser and ideal for any occasion since it is safe yet memorable, but I do recommend layering it over the Body Crème for prolonged lasting power. 2 SPRITZES

Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea ($29.50 USD for 1.7 oz or $39.50 for 3.3 oz) for is perfect if there is a budget to be respectful of or if or you would rather try your luck with a discount perfume before committing to more expensive fragrances. Green Tea is a mellow citrus that has a soothing dry down of the tea without any bitterness. It smells like sweet rain in a cool green meadow. This does require a couple spritzes throughout the day since it is a subtle scent, but each spray feels refreshing, making it ideal for summer. 2 SPRITZES

DKNY Be Delicious ($68 USD for 1.7 oz or $85 for 3.4 oz) is the very first department store fragrance I ever picked up as a wide-eyed adolescent. Be Delicious is bright and refreshing, though women in their late twenties and up may find it too young and fruity. I might not eat American apples, but I still love the green apple scent's lasting tartness and freshness. The sweet notes of the fruit do not come into play since it is balanced by the grapefruit and sandalwood, making it perfect for a summer brunch or beach day. 1 SPRITZ

Serge Lutens Nuit de Cellophane ($120 USD for 1.7 oz) is one of the tamest aka most wearable scents by this powerhouse fragrance house. The name of this perfume is to reference the smell in the Parisian markets when fresh flowers are wrapped up in cellophane and bursting with concentrated floral fragrance. This sweet and refined floral lasts a good six to seven hours. There is a hint of musk mid-wear, but I find that makes this feminine fragrance more sensual. It is the more 'powerful' version of Jo Malone's Nectarine and Honey Blossom without being too cloying. 1 SPRITZ

Kenzo FlowerbyKenzo ($78 USD for 1.7 oz or $99 for 3.4 oz) is one of my favorite powdery scents, and that says a lot considering I refused to wear anything powdery until encountering Flower. It starts off as a musky floral and quickly dries down to a soft powder that reminds me slightly of baby powder. Rest assured, it is not offensive at all and manages to last all day. Powders tends to be hit or miss, even this tender one, so try it on in stores before splurging. 1 SPRITZ

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Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayons Review, Photos, Swatches [Abstract, Avant Garde, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo]

Jouer Crème Eyeshadow Crayons ($24 USD each) are available in five beautiful, wearable colors.   These highly pigmented, blendable crayons can be applied across the eyelids or smudged among the lash lines for a sophisticated smoky eye. These are versatile cream shadows since they can be paired with each other or with powder eyeshadows. Check out the shade break downs and swatches after the jump!

THE TEN: Best Anti-Aging Skincare Products

Today is all about the best products for preventing the lines and reducing the dark spots that are a dead giveaway of a mature or maturing complexion. I have been using anti-aging products for several years now, and I attribute my lack of crow's feet and wrinkles (despite a wonky sleeping schedule) due to the preventative methods I have taken. 

NOTE: Many of the products below are some of the best but not necessarily the most affordable, so I recommend exploring popular options from LifeCell, Juice Beauty, or Paula's Choice if there is a budget to be respectful of. 

1. OLE HENRIKSEN Truth Serum Vitamin C Collagen Booster ($48 USD for 1 oz)

An antioxidant-rich brightening and nourishing serum enriched with Vitamin C, the lightweight Truth Serum absorbs quickly and easily into the skin. This serum supports natural collagen production, brightens the complexion and minimizes fine lines. I love the iconic uplifting citrus scent that is not too tart or too heavy-handed.

2. CLARINS Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate ($85 USD)

This product is a groundbreaking serum grounded in plant extracts that is recommended for all ages, all skin types, and all ethnicities. The dual chamber system combines two formulas into one serum to make the skin firmer, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, produce a more even skintone, and minimize pores. This formula delivers on all fronts and and the beautiful floral scent calms the nerves during application.

3. LA MER The Regenerating Serum ($290 USD)

This serum has one of the most exorbitant price tags ever. Believe it or not, it is entirely justified. My lovely La Mer Sales Associate generously stocked me with samples last year, which I've been using sparingly. I plan to splurge on the 1 oz bottle soon since it makes a noticeable difference in the feel of my skin. The texture is silky, gliding across the face and soothing redness as well as imperfections. 

4. JENU Active Youth Eye Treatment ($52 USD) 

You do need to purchase the JeNu ultrasound wand to get the most of this eye cream, but it might be an investment worth making. Techies will especially love it since this 'activated' Eye Treatment will improve the appearance of wrinkles in as few as 14 days. I saw a difference in restored skin elasticity and more importantly, refined texture of the eye contour with regular use. 

5. LANCÔME Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Eye Cream ($68 USD)

A luxurious eye cream enriched with multi-tension technology to lift and firm the skin. I love the richness of the cream, but it absorbs quickly. The eye contour area feels smoother and firmer, while eye bags are deflated and dark circles are reduced. I also recommend the Rénergie Eye Multiple Action if you want an eye cream that comes stacked with a sheer concealer 'veil' that helps to brighten up the whole face. It's a very efficient, travel-friendly treatment.

6. LANCÔME Genifique Repair Crème ($100 USD)

This is one of the best night creams I have ever used. Those with dry to combination skin types will appreciate the hydration boost of this formula. Most reviews online rave about how users saw a difference in their wrinkles after a few uses. I did not have wrinkles to start with, but my complexion always looked and felt more supple and refreshed after each use. 

Note: This cream contains mineral oil so it might be best to avoid this one if you know your skin reacts negatively to this particular ingredient.

7. SHISEIDO Bio-Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream ($75 USD for 1.7 oz)

Prevent the first stages of line prevention with this richly textured, ultra-hydrating formulation. I find it particularly excellent on normal to very dry skin because it is very effective at boosting skin's resilience. My grandmother swears by this Super Revitalizing Cream and prefers it to even more expensive options. This product makes a great gift for moms. 

8. KATE SOMERVILLE Daily Deflector Waterlight Sunscreen ($48 USD for 1.7 oz)

This ultralight formula blends effortlessly into the skin, provides hydration, broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection, and antiaging benefits. It works well alone and under makeup. You can read the full review here, but this is a sunscreen worth trying even if you don't like SPF. Always remember that sunscreen is the best investment in preventing lines or wrinkles and discolorations.

9. DIOR DiorSnow White Reveal UV Shield Sunscreen ($58 USD for 1.3 oz)

Dior's face sunscreen will defend and moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and even. The DiorSnow range is excellent in its own right and is an ideal alternative to the Kate Somerville sunscreen for those with dry skin. I have tried both the older discontinued as well as the newly reformulated and repackaged UV Shield formulas. 

10. PETER THOMAS ROTH Max Complexion Correction Pads ($36 USD)

These exclusively formulated pads were designed to cleanse skin, clear up blackheads, refine pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. The glycolic and beta hydroxy acids clarify the skin instantly. This formula is one of the few that combats my blackheads effectively, and the 60 dual-textured pads can be cut in half to last up to 120 uses. I use these once or twice a week as a toner (no rinsing).

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Tom Ford Fall 2013 Color Collection — Official Images and Product Information

"A monochromatic play of three contrasting textures creates dynamic dimension for eyes." _Tom Ford

Tom Ford focuses on the art of the seductive eye with his Fall 2013 Color Collection. At the heart of the collection is the limited edition Ombré Eye Color Trio of monochromatic shades that uses light and depth to create a dynamic contrast. An innovative, dual-ended liquid liner enhances the look, adding sophisticated and provocative definition.

The complete Tom Ford Beauty is available online at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue, while select products are available at Bloomingdale's.

TOM FORD OMBRÉ EYE COLOR in In the Pink and She Wolf ($60 USD each)

Two new Ombré Eye Color Trio palettes masterfully shade and contour the eyes with an extraordinary play of contrast and light. 

• The IN THE PINK trio comes in three sensual pink shades and textures for a contoured nude look: Pink Rose, Pink Champagne, and Ballet Slipper Pink.
• The SHE WOLF trio comes in three smoldering tone-on-tone gray shades: Deep Black/Brown, Light Charcoal, and Silver Lead.

TOM FORD EYE DEFINING PEN ($55 USD), EYE PRIMER DUO ($50 USD), and ULTRA LENGTH MASCARA ($42 USD)

• The intuitive Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen in 'DEEPER' features a fine calligraphy tip on one end and a pro brush on the other for the ultimate in precision lining. The deep carbon black liquid liner delivers a spectrum of effects from sleek lines to dramatic wing tips or a full doe eye.
• The Tom Ford Eye Primer is a unique duo of powder and cream formulas that work with the shadows to deliver fifteen-hour hold, color-rich staying power, The stackable package holds a cream base formula containing the exclusive infusion complex, and a translucent pressed powder that ensures your eye color will stay fresh all day.
• The Tom Ford Ultra Length Mascara in 'ULTRA RAVEN' heightens the eye impact with carbon-black color and extra-long extension.

TOM FORD LIP COLORS in Vanilla Suede, Sable Smoke, Crimson Noir, and Bruised Plum ($49 USD each)

• Four Tom Ford Lip Colors offer a choice of sensuous neutrals or decadent bolds. Rare and exotic ingredients including soja seed extract, brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil create an ultra-creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application. Specially color treated pigments are blended to deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity for a polished finish.

TOM FORD NAIL LACQUERS in Show Me the Pink and Black Sugar ($32 USD each)

• This is a perfectly edited collection of two glamorous colors with extra-amplified gloss and shine to complete the Tom Ford look. This groundbreaking, high-performance formula with bendable coating delivers high coverage easily and fluidly, and the lacquer stays color true throughout wear.

TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID HYDRATING EMULSION ($55 USD)

• A luxurious satin-like body lotion that provides a sensual slide to the touch. Smoothes and moisturizes while leaving skin feeling silky and supple. Lightly scented with the intoxicating fragrance of Tom Ford Black Orchid. 

PRIVATE BLEND ATELIER D'ORIENT COLLECTION

Tom Ford presents Atelier d'Oreint, a collection for four Private Blend Fragrances inspired by the sublime beauty, enigmatic sensuality and exquisite luxury of Asian, and packaged in cognac-brown glass. Each scent tell his richly imagined olfactory story about Asia by using ingredients have has treasured prestige in the Orient, from voluptuous florals and precious fruits to aromatic spices and rare oils. Enlivened by a dynamic play of traditional and invention, the four Private Blend fragrances capture four distinct moods: Captivating Romance; Colonial Elegance; Luxurious Exoticism; and Richly Mysterious Sensuality.

TOM FORD PLUM JAPONAIS (EDP 50ML/1.7 OZ $210.00 USD or EDP Decanter 250 ML/8.4 OZ $520 USD): Plum Japonais reveals the extraordinary beauty of the ume plum by juxtaposing it with a lush and unconventional mélange of exotic Asian ingredients. Plum Japonais is a rich and luxurious fragrance for true scent connoisseurs.

TOM FORD FLEUR DE CHINE (EDP 50ML/1.7 OZ $210.00 USD or EDP Decanter 250 ML/8.4 OZ $520 USD): Fleur de Chine is an unequivocally romantic and haunting, floral fragrance that is touched with reverence for the great fragrances of the past. It evokes an atmosphere of sophisticated restraint that evolves slowly into rich grandeur.

TOM FORD SHANGHAI LILY (EDP 50ML/1.7 OZ $210.00 USD or EDP Decanter 250 ML/8.4 OZ $520 USD): Shanghai Lily is a floral Oriental scent that transports the senses into a world of rare and opulent ingredients from the historical Silk Road and Spice Route.

TOM FORD RIVE D'AMBRE (EDP 50ML/1.7 OZ $210.00 USD or EDP Decanter 250 ML/8.4 OZ $520 USD): Rive d'Ambre is a golden-toned Eau de Cologne with a veil of colonial elegance, precious citrus fruits — a talisman of good fortune in Asia — are beautifully illuminated by a warm and seductive, amber background.

The collection has started to trickle into stores 

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