Cosmetics and Fragrance

SENSAI Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves

by Unknown (RSS feed) — Apr 16th 2011 at 4:01PM

SENSAI Cellular Performance Hydrachange Tinted Gel Cream

By: Ariston Anderson

I've long been a fan of luxury beauty line SENSAI, the Japanese masters of skin care and cosmetics. The key ingredient to all of their products, from their Double Cleansing Program to their Sun Care line, is silk. The rare Koishimaru Silk holds 300 times its own weight in water, giving the products throughout their line a way of softening the skin that has never been achieved by regular skin care products. They've launched a brand new line, highlighting their ever-advancing science and exclusive ingredients ready to take you through summer.

Gallery: Sensai Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves

CELLULAR PERFORMANCE BODY COUNTOUR CONCENTRATE

Products are available for purchase on kanebo.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, NeimanMarcus.com, or by phone at 212.872.2537/800.588.1855 x2357.

Tags: cosmetics, Sensai, skin care, skin care products, summer

HOMMAGE Atelier by Julien Farel: The Ultimate Urban Destination for Men

by Unknown (RSS feed) — Apr 16th 2011 at 3:01PM

By: Ariston Anderson

When it comes to the ultimate in relaxing and unwinding for men, there's little to be found in today's fast-moving world. Even most airport executive lounges nowadays have little to offer besides a roomy chair and free wifi. But where can a man truly relax before a major business deal, or destress from a red eye flight? HOMMAGE, the brand that has redefined what luxury is for the modern man, has come up with just the spot, their first global atelier by Julien Farel.

The exclusive club, opened its doors April 4 in New York City. And don't worry, this club is not for metrosexuals. It's for the discerning jetsetters and dealmakers of the world, who deserve to have their own man time in the only way suitable: in a classic penthouse hideaway surrounded by the absolute best service and offerings.

HOMMAGE, the brand behind the world's most expensive razor counts Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig and Cory Monteith among its many fans of products. Elevating the brand into a new realm of indulgence, one only needs to take one step nto the doors of the new HOMMAGE Atelier and discover a world set apart from the busy Manhattan streets. Chairs are modeled after first class seats on the most premium airlines. Guests are welcomed with a glass of single-malt scotch, complimentary shoe buffing and jacket steaming. Every detail of the space is carefully accounted for, including art work curated by the Lincoln Center Vera Art List Program.

Luxist spoke to HOMMAGE CEO and Founder Tom Wilscam to learn about his vision for the new atelier.

Tags: grooming, HOMMAGE, HOMMAGE Atelier, Julien Farel, luxury spas, spa, Tom Wilscam

Continue reading “HOMMAGE Atelier by Julien Farel: The Ultimate Urban Destination for Men”

StriVectin-SD Launches Virtual Anti-Aging Tool

by Unknown (RSS feed) — Apr 16th 2011 at 2:01PM

By: Ariston Anderson

StriVectin is a brand that's all about results. To celebrate this brand legacy, they've launched a new product which has been on their wish list for a long time: a virtual tool that lets you instantly see results on your own face.

The skincare line has always promised high outcomes. The new StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate takes this even further, showing that test subjects demonstrated in just eight weeks, a 20 percent decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, 25 percent improvement in skin laxity, and nearly 100 percent improvement in texture, not to mention it increased skin barrier function by 40 percent for long-term skin health benefits. The secret weapon is a patented NIA-114™, niacin derived formula that works to strengthen the skin's barrier by 40 percent to protect it from environmental wear, as well as increasing peptide levels 4x to stimulate higher-quality collagen.

But what does this all mean for your face? After discovering incredible before-and-after photos in clinical trials, they were so impressed with the results that they wanted to give users a way to see how the products could change their own skin. Enter the first virtual, anti-aging results tool for the web, Facebook and iPad, a new product built by ModiFace that uses advanced facial recognition and HTML 5 to show users real results.

Tags: anti-aging, skin care, skin care products, Strivectin, StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate

Continue reading “StriVectin-SD Launches Virtual Anti-Aging Tool”

Dr. Frank Lipman's Remove Cleanse

by Unknown (RSS feed) — Apr 16th 2011 at 10:01AM

Dr. Lipman Eleven Eleven Wellness Remove Kit

By: Ariston Anderson

I have to admit, I'm not one for fasting. I've tried it all: lemonade, green juices, Organic Avenue. They all just left me craving more of the foods I was trying to rid my diet of in the first place.

But when I came across Dr. Frank Lipman's Cleanse Program, I knew the kit created by a medical professional, seemed a step above the rest. My primary goal was to cut my sugar cravings, rather than multiply them. And many health fanatics from Kevin Bacon to Donna Karen have given this detox the gold star of approval for helping to reset their own systems.

The cleanse consists of three protein shakes a day, plus a lunch and dinner consisting of greens and protein. No booze, no sugar, no gluten for two weeks straight. A big bottle of glutamine capsules is included, known to help curb sugar cravings, as well as daily vitamins. And in just two weeks, it promises to boost your body's own ability to detox.

The program is designed to be taken on the go, with a blender bottle that easily mixes up shakes wherever you are. I decided to put it to the ultimate test and bring it with me to South by South West. The annual festival, held in Austin, Texax, is not only home to amazing interactive panels, show-stopping indie films and emerging rock acts, but also to liter-sized beer mugs and huge baskets of BBQ brisket. I knew if I could do it in Austin, I could do it anywhere.

The shakes ended up being great on the plane and kept me from indulging in processed snacks. The taste, a thick vanilla with a hint of lemon, wasn't bad, and I never dreaded making it a part of my daily routine. Once I arrived in Texas, I had the added convenience of two morning shakes, and not having to worry about where to find breakfast.

The festival became a breeze, and for the first time while traveling, I felt that I was actually getting healthier rather than destroying all the progress I had made back home. I did make the mistake of putting a shake in a water bottle for later, and having a colleague ask me if I was drinking cake batter. I since put it in opaque bottles when I was chugging in the open.

Did I cheat? A couple of times. You try and turn down a famous Austin fish taco. But overall, I stuck to it, and even with the few cheats managed to lose five pounds and flatten my stomach after the two weeks were over.

And the best part? My sugar cravings were gone. I was able to walk by the chocolate aisle without even glancing at it. The cleanse is a great thing to do annually to reset your system. And it's the perfect kit to take while traveling if you fear you're going to kill your diet and pack on a few pounds.

Tags: cleanse, detox, Dr. Frank Lipman, Eleven Eleven Wellness Remove, health

Benefit Launches High SPF Moisturizer

by Unknown (RSS feed) — Apr 16th 2011 at 8:01AM

By: Ariston Anderson

Every summer, I'm on a search for the perfect SPF day cream -- something light enough for my sensitive skin, yet provides both UVA and UVB protection.

San Francisco makeup giant Benefit recently launched a skin care line with promising products that work fast for brighter, younger, radiant skin. The collection is packaged in fun vintage bottles, inspired by the waters of San Francisco's gorgeous coastline. After sampling the line, I discovered a beauty must-have that I'm looking forward to wearing in the warm months ahead: Triple Performing Facial Emulsion.

The facial emulsion offers full SPF 15 PA++ sun protection, boosted by plant extracts, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to provide maximum antioxidant advantages. With a light citrus scent, that's not too medicinal, it's the perfect lotion to wear under makeup or alone on a bare summer face. It also provides supreme hydration through Benefit's patented tri-radiance exclusive complex, designed to capture and maintain water to rebuild the skin's natural reservoir.

One hit of the emulsion on my face, I instantly felt refreshed. It provided a silky gloss that was neither greasy nor oily. In weeks, you will see a decrease in spots and fine lines and an increase in skin firmness. It's the one product to protect your skin against sun damage that no beach bag should be without.

Tags: Benefit, Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion, cosmetics, moisturizer, skin care, skin care products, SPF

SkinMedica Launches New Anti-Aging and Redness Relief Skin Care Products

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Apr 13th 2011 at 8:01AM

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and Redness Relief CalmPlex

SkinMedica takes skin care seriously, in fact it's all they do. Created by dermatologist and renowned "beauty industry visionary" Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, the brand has recently added two new products to their already impressive lineup: an anti-aging serum and a redness relief lotion.

TNS Essential Serum

Description: An all-in-one anti-aging product that combines antioxidants, peptides, and plumping ingredients with SkinMedica's patented growth factor serum, TNS Recovery Complex.

What we think: The formulas are clearly separated in a dual-chamber pump that simultaneously dispenses a bright red gel and a creamy white lotion. The product has no noticeable fragrance, is not oily or greasy, and skin feels and goes on silky smooth after application. And it might just be wishful thinking but after about two weeks of use wrinkles do appear less obvious, plus I think my face looks smoother and fresher even at the end of the day. The directions state to apply it morning and night but be warned it's not a super-fast process -- the instructions call for dispensing the product onto the back of the hand and blending before applying, which isn't a big deal unless you're trying to speed through an already rushed morning routine.

Price: $260

Redness Relief CalmPlex

Description: "Save the red for your soles" by soothing redness at the source: the underlying inflammation. Key ingredients include CalmPlex, which works to inhibit vasodilation, and Vitamin B-3 (Niacinamide), which increases moisture retention and improves the skin's functioning as a barrier.

What we think: The largely glycerin based lotion is heavier than expected, although not greasy. The first application tingled quite a bit, but according to the website that's normal and should lessen with continued use. It leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized, and although I don't have any particular issue with inflammation, my face does feel soothed as well.

Price: $80

SkinMedica is available through a network of licensed physicians and medically supervised spas. Visit skinmedica.com for locations.

Tags: anti-aging, Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, redness, serum, skin care, skin care products, skincare products, skinmedica

Paul Mitchell Celebrates 30 Years With Awapuhi Wild Ginger Collection

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Apr 7th 2011 at 1:01PM

Paul Mitchell is celebrating the hair care brand's 30th birthday with a line of luxury products featuring one of the brand's signature ingredients, Hawaiian Awapuhi.

The Awapuhi Wild Ginger collection consists of eight products, all specially formulated from the most lipid-rich part of the awapuhi plant's root for moisture and shine, as well as an exclusive Keratin blend, KeraTriplex, that repairs weak, damaged hair from the core out.

I've been using several products from the line exclusively for the last week or so, including the Moisturizing Lather Shampoo, Styling Treatment Oil, Finishing Spray and Keratin Intensive Treatment, and am noticing good results. My hair is fine and prone to damage and breakage so I was particularly interested in the KeraTriplex and I think feel it may be making my hair stronger.

My favorites are the Moisturizing Lather Shampoo (it smells great and works up into a thick and silky lather) and the Intensive Treatment (my hair feels really beautiful afterwards). All the products have a mild and slightly spicy ginger scent. But I wish the bottle designs were a little less masculine. All inall, a great line.

Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Collection ($16.95-$24.95)

Tags: arawpuhi, hair, hair care, paul mitchell

Linea Pro Swarovski Crystal C2 Iron

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Mar 21st 2011 at 10:00AM

Linea Pro Appliances knows how much girls love sparkly things and that bling isn't reserved for going out. Even the most time-consuming Monday morning grooming routine will get an instant glamor boost from a Linea Pro Swarovski Crystal C2 iron (how could you not feel fabulous as you use it?).

Linea is the only company in the world allowed to use Swarovski on a flat iron and the 2500+ crystals are all hand applied with a special heat-proof glue. The flat iron itself features extra long titanium plates, a PTFC heater (originally created by NASA), tourmaline-infused ceramic, the world's first digital cord temp control with auto shut-off, and Exclusive Nano-Silver that kills 99.9% of bacteria.

Each iron is individually numbered and made to order $850.

Tags: beauty, flat iron, hair, hair care, hair tools, linea, Linea Pro Swarovski Crystal C2 Iron, Swarovski

International Cosmetics & Perfumes Donates Sales, Totes to Japanese Relief

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) — Mar 18th 2011 at 7:00AM

International Cosmetics & Perfumes Hanae Mori Tote Bag

In response to the devastation in earthquake, tsunami and now nuclear-ravaged Japan, New York-based International Cosmetics & Perfumes -- home to such brands as Creed and the Japanese inspired Hanae Mori -- has announced an expanding charitable campaign.

Earlier this week, ICP CEO Emmanuel Saujet announced that a portion of proceeds from both the sale of items at Creed's New York boutique and Hanae Mori web sales would go to benefit the American Red Cross' Japanese relief efforts. In addition, a part of future sales of the new Hanae Mori No. 3, available in June from retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Sephora, will also be donated for the same purpose.

The next day, ICP announced that 50 Hanae Mori reusable tote bags, originally intended as an in-store customer appreciation gift, would also be donated to the American Red Cross to assist Japanese displaced from their homes and belongings. And finally today, Creed declared that any winnings from the 2011 season of their official polo team would find their way to the American Red Cross as well.

Japan is a market that has long and enthusiastically embraced luxury goods, so let's hope that more brands follow ICP's lead and give back.

Tags: charity, creed, earthquake, hanae mori, ICP, international cosmetics perfumes, japan, tote bag, tsunami

Harry Slatkin on How to Choose a Fragrance That's Right for You [VIDEO]

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Mar 14th 2011 at 4:30PM

Harry Slatkin, founder and creative force behind Slatkin & Co. and one of the country's top fragrance experts, believe you shouldn't rush into buying a fragrance when shopping.

"Take a step back before deciding what fragrance to wear," he says.

Indeed, what a fragrance smells like on one person may smell completely different on someone else.

"So just because you like the way something smells when it is in the bottle doesn't mean that is what it is going to smell like when it is on you," says Slatkin. "Let your nose direct you."

Tags: fragrances, Harry Slatkin, perfume, scent, video

Continue reading “Harry Slatkin on How to Choose a Fragrance That's Right for You [VIDEO]”

New Kiehl's Dry Skin Cream Powered By Hardy "Resurrection Flower"

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 27th 2011 at 6:01PM

Can a tough little plant that blooms in harsh and arid conditions impart its wondrous properties to your skin? Kiehl's has announced a new skin cream that uses Rosa Artica (Haberlea rhodopensis) also called the "resurrection flower" to moisturize aging skin. The new Rosa Artica anti-aging cream was created to "wake up" skin cells triggering a chain reaction that will lead to visibly healthier, regenerated and more youthful skin. Results include the reduction of the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and improvement of overall skin firmness.

Haberlea rhodopensis is indigenous to the rugged Rhodopes Mountain Range in Bulgaria and it can dry out completely and survive periods of dryness for up to 31 months. With only a few drops of moisture, the plant resumes normal growth within hours and is restored in one to two days. This amazing feat is due to its ability to protect water content within the cell, allowing the capacity to restart the cellular energy process. Our friends at Racked recently tried the product and fell in love.

The cream also contains Vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter and essential fatty acids and sells for $60 for 1.7 fl. Oz. and is available March 2011 in select stores.

Tags: anti-aging creams, kiehls, rosa artica, skin cream

Lady Gaga's Deliciously Creepy Ad For MAC Viva Glam

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 24th 2011 at 4:01AM

Leave it to Lady Gaga to make nude lipstick goth. The pop star stars in a uniquely eerie video for her Viva Glam line with MAC Cosmetics. Her image flickers in an out, changing color in a mirror surrounded by crystal-studded skulls and a martini glass with a goldfish swimming inside. Gaga's nuder-than-nude MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick and Lipglass raise money to benefit the Viva Glam program and the MAC AIDS Fund. The collection can be purchased via the official website. Our sibling blog Stylelist recently tested out the new shades and said that the "creamy lipstick goes on smooth and when topped with the shimmering lip gloss, it creates a doll-like finish that would make Nicki Minaj blink 10 times as fast."

[via Idolator]

Tags: lady gaga, MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2

Natalie Portman's Ad For Dior Directed by Sofia Coppola

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 23rd 2011 at 5:01AM

As we've mentioned before, Academy-Award nominee for Best Actress, Natalie Portman has a side gig. The lovely star is also the face of the Miss Dior Cherie campaign. The print ads were photographed by Tim Walker and Sofia Coppola, who shot a previous commercial for Miss Dior Cherie handled the filming, the result of which is shown above. The Miss Dior Cherie fragrance is described as a playful, modern fragrance and has notes of green tangerine, violette, and pink jasmine with strawberry leaves and caramelized popcorn. The advertisement echoes the soft, flirty tones of the scent, showing Portman and a handsome companion kissing and Portman alone, lost in dreamy reverie while holding the perfume bottle and taking a bath with sunglasses on while "Je T'aime Moi Non Plus" by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin plays in the background.

Indiewire says that the next famous film director to hit the fragrance ad spotlight is "Black Swan" director Darren Aronofsky who directed Vincent Cassel in a promotion for Yves Saint Laurent's Perfume "La Nuit de L'Homme."

[via Now Smell This]

Tags: black swan, miss dior cherie, natalie portman, sofia coppola

Khloe Kardashian And Lamar Odom's Steamy Fragrance Ad

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 7th 2011 at 10:01PM

Kim Kardashian has a fragrance line and now her younger sister Khloe does too. Khloe Kardashian and her husband, Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom are debuting a new unisex fragrance called Unbreakable which will be sold exclusively at Perfumania stores starting February 12. On her blog Kardashian says that she and Lamar are doing a meet and greet at the Florida Mall Perfumania in Orlando on the day of its release at 7pm.

The pair posed for black and white still images for the campaign and shot a sexy advertisement which shows Kardashian wrapping herself around her shirtless husband. The couple also has their own reality show in the works.

The scent notes say that it is a blend of Italian bergamot, sparkling clementine, Asian saffron, green apple, African geranium, sheer jasmine, lily of the valley, juicy red fruits, texas cedarwood, tonka bean, vanilla bean and dark chocolate. The 3.4 ounce Eau De Toilette spray sells for $42.99.

[via Now Smell This]

Tags: celebrity fragrance, celebrity fragrance line, Celebrity Fragrances, khloe and lamar, khloe kardashian, khloe kardashian lamar odom, Lamar Ododm, unbreakable

Luxist Giveaway: 3 TwinLuxe Men's Skin Care Products $100 Giftcards

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) — Feb 4th 2011 at 10:02AM

Luxist Giveaway: 3 TwinLuxe Men's Skin Care Products $100 Giftcards

Thanks to TwinLuxe, we have three $100 giftcards for any of their products (including high-end shaving kits, shaving creams, and other men's skin care products). TwinLuxe is a newer brand offering luxury shaving products for men, and the accessories to go with them. I initially announced and reviewed one of their shaving kits here. TwinLuxe offers seven skin care products, each having been specially formulated for the brand. The skin care products range from shaving cream, to post-shave creams, as well as moisturizers. To enter for a chance to win a gift card, all you need to do is visit TwinLuxe's website and choose what your most desired skin care product the offer is - and then comment below with your choice. You can see the full range of TwinLuxe skin care products here. Good luck and follow TwinLuxe on Facebook here.

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.

To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing which TwinLuxe skin care product you like most. The giveaway ends on February 11th at 8:00pm PST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before February 11th, 2011 at 8:00PM Pacific Time.
* You may only enter once.
* Three winners will be selected in a random drawing.
* Three winners will each receive one $100 TwinLuxe giftcard that can only be used once, subject to products availability, valued at $100, for full details and restrictions please contact TwinLuxe.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: giveaway, luxist giveaway, men, shaving, skin care, skincare, twinluxe

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