Bliss Naked Body Butter

On a recent Sephora visit, they told me it was time for my birthday gift as a beauty insider. It wasn't my actual birthday time, but the computer had it listed as such.

The gift was a large travel size of Bliss Naked Body Butter. I had never tried the Bliss butters before, and wow was it great.

Now I know, I am a beauty blogger, how could I not have tried one of the more popular moisturizers out there. Well one main reason is that they still have parabens in them. Yes I use plenty of makeup that must have them, but I ,for the last several years ,have tried very hard to buy lotions that have no parabens. They are out there, good ones too like the Pacifica butters I reviewed awhile back. Drugstore brand wise Curel only in the Ultra Healing version doesn't have them. Unfortunately many great brands do have them, and I do read labels. So thats why Bliss hasn't made it into my lotion use yet.

Back to the butter. I knew the Bliss stuff had to be good, most of their products are, but I was really impressed how quickly this sunk in, no greasiness left at all and it really did moisturize into the next day. I actually liked that it was unscented. It truly has no scent, and sometimes that can be a nice change. It doesn't compete with other scents, or doesn't bother you if you don't need any scent around sometimes.

I remember smelling the Plum one some time back and loving it, so I am now thinking should I get it ?? Plus the new Snow Wonder sounds good too.

Bliss- lose those parabens and you're mine.

Bliss Body Butter available at sephora stores and online, Bliss ,http://www.blissworld.com/and department stores.

8.5oz $35.00

Holiday Gift Guide Part 2

It's not even December yet, and it seems like so many people have their lights up already and more. It's enough to make you feel behind before the month starts, but don't.

There is lots of time, and Christmas and the shopping for it should be a fun time. Try and enjoy it.

There is a great piece in the December Vogue written by a woman who wanted to do all her shopping at once in a nice store, so she went to the Saks flagship in NY. It's all decorated up and everything is in one place. You may not have a Saks budget, but department stores area great place to shop. Festive and with a wide selection, you can go in and get a lot done at one time.


Ok on to the gifts:




Checking out the Sephora selection in person, I came across 2 great pallettes. First is Napolean Perdis. This pallette is medium sized and has a slide put tray in the bottom. Whats great about this one is it has lipsticks, blush and shadows. Not all palettes have all of those in one. Priced at $ 39.00









Next is the Hard Candy tape pallette. This one is really small and oh so cute. It manages to pack a lot in. A strip of colors for eyes and 3 lip colors. $ 15.00, and it comes in 3 color combos



http://www.sephora.com/







I also went into The Limited, haven't been to one in awhile, and I came away very impressed with their jewelry/accessory selection. I had to take camera phone photos, but I think you'll get the idea. These reminded me of the MAC Stylistics compacts , at least in color. It would coordinate great with those, or just on it's own. Super for the makeup loving people on the list . It comes in a velvet pouch. $ 12.50




A cute Passport case was another Limited item. I show it in gold metallic, but it comes in many other colors. These are great gifts, because you may not need a passport cover, but they sure are fun. $ 12.50




The Limited also had several really nice clutch purses incl. a heavy metal one that was more a minaudiere. Some pretty earrings and necklaces round out the items.




santa photo: macys NY window previous year /about.com

YSL Elle Perfume

One of my favorite fragrances this year is finally more readily available. YSL Elle is now not only on the YSL beaute site, but at Neiman Marcus, just in time for holiday giving and receiving.

Read my review in the archives October:

http://thebeautyalchemist.blogspot.com/2007/10/elle-fragrance-from-ysl.html

"Unpredictable and unique, Elle is the essence of femininity which embodies Yves Saint Laurent. A vibrantly feminine, audacious fragrance that blends dazzling floral and woody notes."

Top Notes: Cedrat, peony, lychee.• Middle Notes: Pink berries, freesia, jasmine.• Bottom Notes: Patchouli, vetiver, ambrette.

The eau de parfum is available in two sizes, a l.6 oz. and a 3. oz.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53000085&parentId=cat2820739&masterId=cat2690731&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000285cat4830738cat350735cat2690731cat2820739

elle Yves Saint Laurent Eau de Parfum, 1.6 ounces.
Price:
$78.00

elle Yves Saint Laurent Eau de Parfum, 3.0 ounces.
Price:
$109.00

Holiday Gift Guide part 1

I have always wanted to do a holiday gift guide and now I can. I plan to try to cover all price ranges.

I like to think I am a great gift giver, not only do I love it, but I pay attention always to the things people point out as liking. I also am not afraid to ask someone what they would like for Christmas. It's a sure way of getting them something they really want.

So some guidelines- don't be afraid to ask what someone would like, and don't be afraid to tell them that it's cool if it isn't what they want to return it. Enclose a gift receipt if you can. This way you need never know if they returned it. Hopefully you'll give a great gift, and lets face it, a gift of beauty almost always works, so you're in the right place.

Many times I also have helped people ( sometimes total strangers in a store) pick out something for someone else. I would love to be a personal shopper, so I am opening up the comments for you to state your gift challenges,and I will try and help. It doesn't have to be beauty/fashion related, but that would most in keeping with our theme.

On to the gift guide

When the Penhaligons catalog arrived , well I wanted lots of stuff from it, but also I immediately saw this shower gel set and thought what a great gift. You get six 50 ML shower gels including Lily of the valley and Lavandula. Penhaligons is great quality , and it comes in a nice gift box. $ 55.00.

http://www.penhaligons.co.uk/shop/home.html

Fresh Hesperides Gift Set. I have this , the price point is so good , and the scent is a citrus beauty. You get a lotion, soap, and an EDT. This is a perfect scent for anyone who loves citrus, but also for one who doesn't want something overpowering . $ 38.00

Sephora stores, http://www.neimanmarcus.com/, http://www.fresh.com/

Everyone would love to get a gift in that iconic blue Tiffanys box. If your budget doesn't run to jewelry, Tiffany has two perfumes. Both are beautiful full florals. These used to be more widely available but now are just on the company website as far as I can tell, and in stores. They will wrap them in that blue box as well. Tiffany EDP 1.7 oz is 75.00, 3.4 oz 100.00 ( Pure Tiffany priced separately. )http://www.tiffany.com/

Kiehls has released several holiday exclusive candle scents including Pear Tree Corner . Pear is a great year round scent, and through 11/26 use code FRIDAY to get 20% off. ( All the holiday scents also come in body gel and lotion)

http://www.kiehls.com/

NARS Acapulco candle

When I was in NY last month one of the things I stumbled upon was Nars Candles. I had no idea NARS did candles, I have to say. Probably because even though I love NARS makeup, I rarely get to a counter, and then it's a small one. This one had everything including candles. I gave two a sniff, and the first one in the red glass( Jaipur) was a bit too floral for me. However, the black one called Acapulco smelled amazing. Woodsy and spicy. I haven't actually burned one since I didn't buy it, but I am tempted to get one.

Here is the description :

"A delicious top note of rich, velvety chocolate is combined with a delicate blend of whipped cream accord and coffee bean for intensity and depth, while the dry down captures the senses with a distinctive base of cocoa powder and creamy vanilla. "

The candle has 70 hours burn time, is paraffin free and retails for 45.00

Available at http://www.narscometics.com/, http://www.fredsegalbeauty.com/, and department stores.

Lancome Friends and Family

The Friends and Family sales continue. This time it's Lancome with not only 20% off but free shipping as well.

Hard Candy/ Urban Decay Sale

Urban Decay and Hard Candy are having their friends and family sale thru tomorrow( 11/20), for 30% off. A great deal.

Some gift ideas are the Kaleidoscope eyeshadow compact from Hard Candy, that holds an entire collection of shadows. This pallette can take you through most eye looks and is 22.00 pre-sale price.

Hard Candy also has a new fragrance out that has notes of white tea caramel, vanilla and musk and is perfect for the young perfume lover on your list.

Urban Decay has the fun Foreshadow palette shown below.
As for yourself, well, no doubt you can find plenty. Plus a chance to stock up on Primer Potion.

I have my eye on the 24/7 eyepencils. The Code for the sale is FFH30.

http://www.hardcandy.com/


http://www.urbandecay.com/

Bond 9 Holiday

It's hard to say out of all the holiday collections what I would most like to find as my gift, but this stacked box sampler of perfume from Bond 9 is a front runner. Called the I Love New York Double Decker set, it's a wow, with 50ml bottles of their popular scents.

This year also sees a new Swarovski crystal bottle, in Scent of Peace and the new Saks for Her.

A new candle in West Side joins in as well.

The Double Decker is 1600.00



Swarovski bottles - Saks for Her 550.00,Scent of Peace 470.00

Candle 85.00

http://www.bond9.com/

7th on Sale Gala

Thursday Night was the opening gala for 7th on Sale, a huge designer discount sale taking place in NY . I went to one of the first ones many years ago, and what a crush of people, but so much neat stuff. Not making this one, but here are some pics of the gala.

Dita Von Teese looks great in a gorgeous Marchesa gown. Jennifer Connelly wears a lovely Oscar De La Renta. Elle and Iman 's dresses are less then spectactular considering they are Valentino. The see through bodice thing just doesn't work. Uma Thurman did that recently at a London awards show, and it didn't work for her either. Coverage , ladies.

The Olsen twins split, Ashley picked a beauiful gown and looks really good, Mary Kate went short with rather bad shoes.

pics: hello magazine

MAC Stylistics

MAC Stylistics is a pretty collection containing one item I have been waiting for- the new Air of Style fragrance. Since it and all of this collection are only at MAC stores, it will be awhile before I test it, but it sounds promising, and in such a lovely hand blown bottle. The price point of 60.00 is really good also.

The rest of the collection is Sheerspark Pressed Powders , and Sheer Mystery Powders set in very pretty compacts, with coordinating lipsticks and glosses,special brushes with a designed handle, and a clutch handbag that hits counters Nov. 21st.

Bobbi Brown Holiday

Bobbi Brown Holiday is on counters now.I love the look on the model for this. She simply glows .

A highlight is always a new Shimmerbrick. I loved last years Gold one, and this year brings Pink Quartz.

Pink Quartz is a lovely nude pink. Not too pink, but more neutral almost, it's a great shade for almost any skintone. In the picture I took, the nude shows up even more, but there is plenty of sheer pink in there. On the face I got a nice medium wash of color that lasted all day. On the model it is layered over pale pink blush.

The collection also includes the Best of Chocolate pallette; a mix of neutral browns for lips and eyes, Glitter Lip Gloss, Pink Quartz Nail polish, a cute mini brush set in a pink pouch, and two new long wear eye palettes. All are LE.

More info is available on www. bobbibrown.com

New MAC Of Beauty and Metal X

MAC already has some pretty new goodies out for us. Of Beauty is a set of luminous powders and highlighters, Metal -X , a collection of new cream shadows and Glitter Liners- Fun.

Of Beauty is available Nov.15 , and Metal -X on Nov. 21st, so in plenty of time for stocking stuffing( whether yours or someone else's)

Of Beauty
NEW BEAUTY POWDER/LOOSE.
SHADE-COORDINATED WITH THE CREAMY SOFT
AMBIENT HIGHLIGHTS PROVIDED BY
A NEW ARRAY OF FIVE STUDIO LIGHTS.
THE ESSENTIAL TOOLS:
THE 183 FLAT FACE BUFFER BRUSH,
THE 188 SMALL DUO FIBRE BRUSH, AND
THE 222 TAPERED BLENDING BRUSH
TO CREATE THE RADIANT
SCULPTURESQUE LOOK
OF BEAUTY.
LIMITED EDITION

Beauty Powder/Loose Profile:
A light sheer loose sumptuously pearlescent powder in soft colours with
precious/unusual reflective qualities for a glamorous shimmering effect,
highlighting and blushing. Gives a wash of colour and luminous shimmer
to eyes and cheeks. Provides a sheer coverage with a lightweight feel.
Smooth, even application. Suitable for all skin types, ophthalmologist-tested,
non-acnegenic. Suitable for all skin types. Not tested on animals.

Beauty Powder/Loose:
Dancing- Light Creamy gold with white gold reflect
Drizzlegold -Fleshy beige with copper and gold reflect
Natural Flare -Peachy champagne with white and gold reflect
Sunspill Coral- Peach with white and gold reflect
Tenderdusk- Soft pink with red and gold reflect
Soft Flame- Rich plum with reddish copper reflect

Suggested Retail Price: $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN
Studio Lights:
Skin Lure- Soft creamy beige
Ideal Pink -Palest pinkish beige
Smoothspice -Caramel
Frangipan -Pale golden yellow
Sand Soft- peachy beige
Suggested Retail Price: $14.50 U.S./$17.50 CDN

Metal- X

Metal-X Cream Shadow Profile:
A cream to powder metallic shadow that provides liquid metal effects.
New combination of waxes allows superior blendability, and goes on smoothly.
Build to high intensity with a one stroke application. Can be used on
eyes, cheeks, brow bone, décolletage. An extremely luxurious finish for eyes,
cheeks and skin.

Metal-X Cream Shadow:
Virgin Silver -White with silver pearl
Pure Ore Metallic green gold
Goldspice- Metallic coppery gold
Fusion Gold- Light pinky beige with gold pearl
Pink Ingot- Mid-tone blue pink with gold pearl
Metalblu -Navy blue with silvery pearl
Cyber -Metallic silver with silver pearl
6th Sin- Forest green with silver pearl
Plum -Electric Deep purple with red pearl
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50 U.S./$20.00 CDN

Glitter Eye Liner
Blitzed -Yellow gold with multicolour glitter
Wonderwhite- Silvery white with multicolour glitter
Enbronze- Deep brown with multicolour glitter
Pewterpink- Blue purple with multicolour glitter
Lime Dandy- Mid-tone yellow green with green glitter
Suggested Retail Price: $16.50

Fashion On Ice

I will be covering this skating event Saturday. Not only do I love skating, but I cannot wait to see what Heatherette comes up with for the skaters to wear.
Here is a special offer if any readers are in the area or want to make the trip for the show.
It will be broadcast on NBC on January 20, 2008, 4-6 PM EST.


"In her first appearance at historic Boardwalk Hall, Sarah Brightman stars in Fashion On Ice Saturday, November 17, at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The show will feature 8 selections from Brightman's beautiful repertoire ofhits including the worldwide smash hit "Time to Say Goodbye", along with material from her new album. Sarah Brightman will be accompanied by a 22piece orchestra, as a sparkling list of world renowned figure skatersincluding Olympic Silver medalist Sasha Cohen perform on the ice during thisvery special evening.

For a very limited time, take advantage of a Special Holiday Offer for four to see this extraordinary collaboration of soaring music, championshipskating, and high fashion. This offer is available from noon Wednesday (11/14) until midnightFriday(11/16).

Purchase FOUR tickets for just $120! Enter: 4pack in the special offer window to the right of the page on Ticketmaster.com

Among the dazzling cast of confirmed skaters are reigning U.S. champion andtwo-time world bronze medalist Evan Lysacek, four-time U.S. ice dancingchampions and Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, worldice dancing champion Shae-Lynn Bourne, two-time Italian Olympian Silvia Fontana, three--time Canadian Champion Joannie Rochette, eight-time British champion Steven Cousins, five-time U.S. ice dancing champions Naomi Lang andPeter Tchernyshev and three-time U.S. medalist Caryn Kadavy.

They will be performing in the custom-made designs from some of the hottest young fashion designers including Victoria Bartlett, John Bartlett, Heatherette and TracyReese. "

Thakoon Lancome Lipstick

Heres a pic of the new Thakoon Pout A Porter Lipstick from Gucci Westman and Lancome. This is the finalized shade after a few tweaks. It goes on sale in February.

So far I haven't gotten any of these, because only the newest Peter Som burgundy was even remotely good for me. Again, this new one looks very pretty, but not in my color. Saves me some money at least.

info/pic:WWD

Kingsbury Soaps

One of the fragrant friends I have made thru my perfume love is the lovely Dorothy McCall of Kingsbury fragrances. Dorothy is a super sweet lady, a certified aromatherapist and has trained in Grasse,France. She handcrafts her own candles , perfumes, lotions and soaps. I recently got an order of soaps, and wanted to share how great they are.


Dorothy happily confers with her customers to make whatever they want, and puts much more essential oils and essences into her soaps. Because of this they have some of the most lasting smell of any soap I have tried. Right now I have my Tuberose one just sitting out to perfume the air. After using these, the scent lingers on the skin for a time, something I rarely get with other brands.


Kingsbury soaps are also highly moisturizing, using cocoa butter, goats milk and more to make them extra creamy. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA and knows the value of moisture in the cold.


An extra special touch is the packaging. Dorothy told me simply " thats Kingsbury" when my soaps were placed into gift boxes, loaded with flower petals, potpourri( something else she hand-creates). I bought several soaps for gifts , but of course had to have a few for me. Now I have to decide who gets the boxes too.

Dorothy can be reached via her website. The site has only a small amount of her goodies to view, but an email or call will get you all started.

I think these make incredible gifts and many on my list will getting Lilac or Bitter Orange soaps this Christmas.

The Lilac( Dragonfly and Iris pictured) and Bitter Orange( pictured with seal , and in gift box topped with dried fruit) soaps sell for 6.25 for a large, thick bar. The Tuberose( pictured last) was done in a very limited way, as tuberose absolute is so pricey and she infused so much into these. They sell for 14.00. Far less than many high end soaps, and easily better.

http://www.kingsburyfragrances.com/

































Photos: the alchemist

Latin Grammys and Clinique

Clinique was a sponsor of the Latin Grammys last night and their Angel Red the official lipstick of the event. Here are some pics of ladies giving out the lipstick from boxes just overflowing with them. Angel Red is a nice, deeper, red currant like red. Perfect for darker complexions but would work on many. ( All the ladies in the pics look to be wearing it, of course)

Clinique was having an Angel Red giveway with purchase at counters, but I am not sure if that has ended or not.

Burberry Candle

Lots of new and nice sounding candles are hitting the shelves for winter and holiday. I admit I balk at spending 50.00 or more on a candle, but I know plenty of people who don't mind.

This new candle from Burberry looks pretty, the scent sounds really nice, and it being made with L'Artisan Parfumeur means great quality.

Burberry Hearth Candle

" If a plaid-lined trench and scarf aren't enough to keep you toasty this fall, Burberry has launched a new candle. The Hearth Candle is the first in a seasonal series designed by creative director Christopher Bailey and the scent evokes crisp autumn days in the English countryside, while the votive is consistent with the brand's classic luxe sensibility. To keep things top-notch, Burberry produced the fragrant candle in association with L'Artisan Parfumeur. Light one up and burn, baby, burn! "

50.00 at Burberry.com

info: the daily