Miracles Do Happen - Everyday!

When shopping for that ‘right shade’ of foundation or coverage, do you often ask or say to yourself:

I wonder if this is hypoallergenic?

Let’s see if the label state’s that it has sunscreen…

It better match my shade or at least as close to it as it can get!

I hope it doesn’t smudge or run easily.

I ask myself these exact same questions also and even more. If you’re acne prone like me, the chemicals that are in the foundation is of utmost important, ya know!!

Mineral Make-up is the ‘in’ make-up these day’s because of the "minerals" that are in them to make our coverage more even, smooth and create a great finish….

But there are so many brands on the market today, it’s very difficult to find that perfect brand of mineral makeup. I’ve found a brand that work’s great for me ---- WITHOUT THE BUMPS, PIMPLES, AND ACNE, also. For sensitive skin, this is the best find, really.

Sheer Miracle mineral foundation is manufactured without Bismuth Oxychloride. I heard your thought, ‘what in the world is that?’ and ‘does my make-up contain it?’ Well probably so, most mineral make-up has this chemical and it’s added to increase that much needed and wanted shimmery glow or look .

Side affects: itchy skin, break out/acne prone skin, blemishes

So ladies, we can have that even, glow coverage of mineral makeup without the hassles; and did I say that it’s reasonably priced?! Prices range at around $18.00 per bottle.

So guys, go out and try this make-up and let me know what you think. I bet you won’t go back to ‘that other brand’.

~ Nekiwa Smith

Tricks of the Trade

Ahhh...

It's been such a long week for me, stylish readers. The boy was leaving the country for two weeks and his job of four years permanently (translation: going away parties galore), my bestest friend was in from the West Coast and there were a couple of work related events that required, ahem, suggested..late night revelry. Hence, it's the beginning of the following week and it is all catching up to me. It’s when I finally have a cozy night to relax, de-compress, and sub chamomile for sauvignon blanc, that the exhaustion envelops me. People start asking me, "ooo...did you sleep ok?" Yes, its kind of a problem when it gets to that, but one that I encountered today.

So let's discuss our little remedies for hiding the debauchery- that I clearly didn't employ today and completely blew my cover.

I have only a few tried and true methods for masking my rebel child so I am actually quite eager to hear your assessment of the best products for doing so, as I could use more tricks. But a few highlights that helped me avoid (or at least prolong) the dreaded, “Did you go out last night?” question.

The first indication of a long weekend is the skin tone. So in my case, I turn to a light dusting of powder (something I almost never do because of my sensitive skin). But first, before powder, I apply smashbox photo finish. It’s one of those items I thought was a huge gimmick but because I hate, HATE when makeup cakes up around my eyes I gave it a try and fell in love. It primes and smoothes your skin so foundation is totally even. I rarely use under eye concealer, even when those dark circles are recalling costume makeup more than “normal face.” Instead, I apply primer and a little extra powder near my eyes (delicately, mind you). Maybe this is a sin in beauty land, but I have never experienced any repercussions.

My foundation is a discontinued Sephora brand- but I have seen amazing results with Versace long lasting hydrating foundation.

True story: One morning, I came into work and asked my co-worker if she had gotten a facial that morning because her skin looked amazingly smooth and fresh. That was what she was wearing. In the beauty/fashion world you hear a lot of those stories and I usually assume they are made up anecdotes. Not so. That really happened.

Second, blush. I find skimping on bronzers or bronzer combos is a good thing post all-nighter. I can’t say why, but bronzer never helps the “fresh” look we are trying to achieve on these days.

Next, and this is something I use daily but is particularly helpful for those rough mornings- Shiseido Accentuating Color Stick. A truly effective highlighter that brightens my skin up with a few strategically placed strokes- it’s the one constant in my daily makeup ritual.

Last, and of course not least, black mascara. Brighten up those eyes people. It’s a no brainer.

And to top it off, there is nothing like a good shower, a nice body moisturizer and spritz of perfume. Smelling fresh is the first step in your repentance.

I know there aren’t any real tricks in my makeup routine, which is why I am imploring you to lend me some. Something tells me that after the week I had, I’ll be putting them to use.

~ Olivia Villanti

Summer Lips 101: Color & Fullness

Don’t let the sizzling heat get the best of you! Stay fresh and sexy with minimal makeup by focusing on the lips. Actions speak louder than words and so does great lip color. That's why it is so important to select the right colors for your lips this summer.

If you want to stand out take a plunge with a bold shade of red. Red will always be a classic color and a show-stopper. When you want to spice it up remember red is your friend.

Pink is an excellent summer color for your lips. The possibilities are endless with pink. Virtually any shade of pink will work for the summer. It’s a light pastel color that blends well with most attire. If you want a natural glow try a shade of pink that appears almost translucent to your lips. Stay within two shades of your natural lip pigment for a sheer polished look.

Shades of cool mauves are also a summer trend for lips. Add a clear gloss over lip color for more shine. There are a variety of tints available that are perfect to get your lips summer ready if you prefer a lighter feel.

Another trend for the summer is plump, full lips. Although we all are not blessed with sexy Angelina Jolie lips, there are a few tricks of the trade that can do wonders for a more fuller look. Various lip plumpers are available in the market designed specifically to increase collagen production, making your lips appear larger. They also reduce fine lines and wrinkles on your lips. Who wouldn’t love that? Always use a shiny lip gloss with your plumper to create more dimension.

A fantastic product I like as lip plumper treatment is Neiman Marcus’s Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. It has a mixture of blackcurrent oil designed to plump up the lips with essential fatty acids. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 consists of a blend of oils, vitamins, antioxidants, waxes, and real sugar. Sugar has a way of making everything much sweeter doesn’t it?

Stay sweet and sexy this summer with sensational lips!

~ Ange Perdu

Puff Be Gone!

I am a full-time mom, student and wife so my life is extremely hectic, 24 hours a day.

Sometime’s, I barely get the minimum amount of sleep. The evolution of my world, pretty much, keeps me routinely busy. Sometime’s when I’ve pulled a late nighter (you know, surfing the web, blogging, research, Myspace, that whole deal) I wake up the next morning and my eyes are so big and puffy, it’s looks as if I’d been crying my heart out all night before.

There’s a lot of stuff on the market today for eye puffiness. I’ve tried Avon-Eye Renewal for puffiness, Neutrogena, Olay and others. At the start of my usage or regime, these products felt so good to my face and skin - there was a tingling feeling, you know, the feeling that it’s REALLY WORKING. To me, all worked pretty fine, considering, but with routine use, it could get pretty darn expensive, and aren’t we all on some kind of budget nowadays?

So, I scratched that and began my own search for a cheaper solution to my problem that I could also use consistently. I was speaking with my great-grandma, bless her heart (90 years old) one day regarding this issue and she let me on to what I thought was an outdated old-wives tale treatment for puffiness. Of course, I thought I did have to use something that was at least within this DECADE.

But she told me that she and her sisters used to use fresh, under-ripe CUCUMBERS. I said "Cucumbers, I think I might have heard that from somewhere previously.”

I definitely gave it a try and truthfully, it superseded my expectations, you guys. Cucumbers really do work to prevent and treat puffiness under the eyes! Just wanted to put such a great tip out there for everyone, it worked for me and I believe you’ll enjoy also.

~ Nekiwa Smith

Tea for Two

We’ve all been there…drank a little too much last night, cried my eyes out over a romance not meant to be, or a severe allergy attack brought on by our beloved furry friend. You wake up with eyes that are red and swollen. Yikes!

You can spend tons of money on lotions and potions or you can shuffle into your pantry and pull out two tea bags. I’m a hopeless experimenter of new products- I try everything. Honestly, I think this home remedy delivers the result.

Because caffeine shrinks blood vessels (puffy eyes are caused by these irritated blood vessels and increased blood flow to the eyes) applying tea bags will help reduce redness and swelling. Placing the tea bags in ice cold water has a rebuffing effect that is soothing to the eyes. Tea also contains tannic acid, which acts as an astringent and may even tighten the skin around the eyes, at least temporarily. Keep a few stored in the refrigerator for emergencies…a girl can never be too prepared.

~ Eileen Lang

Summer Lips 101 : Shimmer!

The secret to looking sexy without appearing overdone is to keep it simple.

Your lips have the power to turn heads this summer with the right application. Adding a touch of shimmer or gloss to your lips can make a huge difference from bland to total glam. It’s important to give your sexy pout protection from the summer’s heat, humidity, and harmful UV rays.

Enhancing your lips with shine or a little bit of color will give you a dewy sun-kissed look for the summer. Avoid applying heavy makeup and pursue a more natural glow with seductive lips.
Sephora’s Juice Beauty lip formulas are the perfect solution to get your lips summer ready. Their lip moisturizers consist of certified organic plant oils, fruit essences, honey, and vitamins which aid in hydration. I love the scent and richness of Juice Beauty Lip Moisturizers. They are a must have for this summer. It comes in a set of three including one naturally clear gloss, a mineral tint called playful and another natural tint called joyful. You can alternate the colors or combine together for a new look. Lip gloss and tints are a fun way to feel super sexy without the effort.

If you’re looking for a more tasty and fruity smelling lip balm to wear this season, The Body Shop has Born Lippy Balms to suit your needs. They are packed with moisturizers, organic ingredients, and the flavors of the summer to leave your lips shimmering all day long. The high-gloss effect and convenient size make it great to carry around in your tote bag or purse for quick touch-ups.

For the environmentally conscious that seek more shine and less glam, Urban Outfitters Peacekeeper Eco Sensual Balm is a good investment. The company PeaceKeeper donates all of their after tax profits to women’s health advocacy and human rights organizations. The balm is loaded with oils and vitamins to give you soft shiny lips at an inexpensive eco-friendly price. Peacekeeper Eco Sensual Balm tastes extremely minty cool and fresh which is perfect for any time of the year.

~ Ange Perdu

Lumpy Bumpy

Cellulite.

The word just makes my stomach drop. It’s something of an embarrassment to 85% of all women (even though it’s not our fault). I’m sure you’ve all seen it, if not on your own backside then on someone else’s.

Just when you think it’s a lost cause…rescued by the French! LPG Systems pioneered a sub dermal approach to treating those lumps and bumps. Endermologie was originally developed in the 1980’s as a treatment for keloid scars. While being treated, many patients noticed a reduction of problem areas (i.e. hips, saddlebags and tummy pooch) and skin texture. Since then the treatment has been improved and cleared by the FDA as the first treatment to improve the appearance of cellulite.

The treatment lasts for 35 minutes and involves wearing a full length bodysuit (definately not a great look) followed by a massage. The massage is done by a certified technician with a mechanized device that has two motorized rollers and regulated suction - a bit like a vacuum cleaner. The results are a loss in inches and the reduction of cellulite's appearance. The Endermologie treatment feels amazing and really gets the blood flowing!

Ok, it’s not a miracle or complete cure-all, but it sure helps! It’s recommended to start with two treatments a week for 14-20 sessions followed by once-a-month treatments for a year. Prices generally run $100.00 per treatment session.

For more information check it out: http://www.endermologie.com.au/about-lpg

~ Eileen Lang

Red Lips, Nude Face

This is a recipe for the easiest evening glam.

I have been on the hunt, like every dutiful girl on the Lower East Side, for matte red lipstick.

OK, full disclosure, I haven’t actually “hunted” as much as swooned every time I saw a girl with the perfect shade and subsequently dreamt that one day my perfect shade would find me. My idealism was severely questioned when my bestie came in from LA this weekend. She’s always armed with the best options as far as red lipstick goes and I threw up my hands and brought her with me to Sephora today to help me find my match.

As referenced in Dawn’s post, relying on the salesgirls at beauty counters or the ones that float through Sephora aisles is about as risky as closing your eyes and waiting to see what your finger stops at. Not to mention how much I loathe having someone that I don’t know stare and critique the condition of my skin and as result prescribes me an entire regimen of products that I MUST purchase. Especially directly following a long night of vices (it is the weekend after all).

I have, unfortunately, discovered that red lipsticks don’t come in “one shade flatters all.” Although my friend rocks her red shades with a certain gusto that initially turned me onto the trend, our conflicting complexions sometimes leave much to be desired of the shade when I give it a go.

And so we hit the brightly lit Sephora on Broadway near Prince. It was decided in advance, since this store is a hugely tempting playground that offers the best impulse buys at every corner, we would stick to the goal- lipstick. And for that we would stick with the pros of matte lipstick, NARS.

Lucky for me, at this particular outpost of Sephora, there was a section of matte reds specifically separated from the plethora of other colors being offered. I started with “Jungle Red”- the stick appealing to my inner party girl. It’s a vibrant shade, with hints of fuchsia and va va voom apple candy red- totally fun, mischievous and sexy. It wanted for something on me however. A bit too pink, a bit too much “fake mouth color.” On my friend it was amazing (always a bummer when you find yourself admiring something deeply on someone else and knowing it just won’t work for you).

Next up was “Red Lizard.” A slight step down on the pink and a bit truer red. I felt like a classic film noir star- really everything I hope to evoke when wearing a red lip. The shade was the perfect balance of mystery and in-your-face allure. A top contender (which was only reaffirmed when a girl stopped me in the aisle to ask what I was wearing).

To protect myself from complete judgment impairment (this happens when you test way too many products) I gave myself one other chance. “Trans Siberian” felt like a logical progression- much more brown than the others. It was a sophisticated color on; a bit sultry like the color that you imagine a woman kissing an envelope shut would leave behind. More classic than it’s tester predecessors, it was an interesting transformation on me. It picked up more pink from my mouth than I would have expected from seeing it off.

Decent, but didn’t have the element of fun that I was looking for.

So I left with Red Lizard in hand. Victorious.

(And yes there was one impulse purchase- a NARS eyeshadow duo of yellow and auburn. I tend to be partial to statement makeup in the evenings. As you may notice, the theme was fun, and I am planning on having plenty of it with my new cosmetics.)

~ Olivia Villanti

Father's Day Skin Care

Father’s Day is almost here! This year, let’s do something to pamper those men in our life. It is about time that their skin was as soft as the hearts hidden inside those tough exteriors. Besides, my man does not need another T-shirt in that overfilled T-shirt drawer. What he needs is something to keep his outside as beautiful as his inside.

If you man is like mine, he spends his day working hard at the office; only to come home and play hard with the kids and work hard around the house. Taking good care of his skin is the last thing on his mind. Sure he showers, but it is with whatever is at hand; bar soap, kid’s soap…no special products for him. Never mind that huge array of skin care products I have available, those are for women.

That’s right, part of the problem in getting your man to take care of his skin is to find good products for guys. Nothing girly for these tough, manly men. That's why Clinique.com packages their great line of men’s grooming products in sleek black containers.

Their products are all geared towards giving your man great skin and a great shave. Their 3 step product system can take all the guess work out of skin care for your man. What is great is that then you can follow it up with Clinique’s great smelling Happy for Men or their Men’s Chemistry, so your man smells as good as he looks.

Of course, if natural products are more your man's style, you can check out the line from Solessence.com; they offer a great line of men’s shave products that are all natural. With a great mix of herbs and essential oils, these will leave your man soft, smooth and smelling good.

Once you get your man started on great skin care products, you can gently lead him into bigger and better things…like tackling that T-shirt drawer!!

~ Jennifer Flaten

Summer Skin

Summer’s here and that means either getting a tan or clothing yourself like a mummy and avoiding rays all together. Even if you opt not to get the golden glow, sun protection is a 365 day must for all!

One of the newest products available in the US is sunscreen containing the ingredient Mexoryl. The FDA just approved it here although it’s been available in Europe for 13 years. In fact, it’s the first new sun filter approved by the FDA in 18 years! I guess we’re a little slow on the draw.

Most suntan lotions are good at screening out the sun’s UVB rays- those are the ones that make us look like lobsters, but most people don’t realize that the other rays (UVA) are the ones that give us wrinkles and make us look like alligators. Up until now, no sunscreen was able to address the UVA rays. Without getting super technical, anything containing Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide or Parsol 1789 will give minor protection of UVA rays. Mexoryl offers even better protection.

Anthelios is the product to look for made by La Roch Posay. They make a daily moisturizer as well as sunscreen all containing Mexoryl.

Check their site for stores or order on-line…your skin will thank you!

http://www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/consumer/home/index.aspx

~ Eileen Lang

Step 1: Get a Celebrity

So Kate Hudson is releasing a line of hair care products (David Babaii for Wildaid).

Translation = someone much less famous that KH looking for some extra cash is cashing in.

I hate to sound so cynical but there are a few rules that I like to employ when choosing my beauty products. My rules are admittedly unfair, being that I am quite sure that there are many talented masterminds behind these celebrity endorsed...ahem "designed"...products. But I can't get past the idea that in a saturated market- one in which I think (or is it hope) people are starting to calm down the search for MORE MORE MORE and embrace the old "quality over quantity" adage- we are still so willing to throw money at products that have as much longevity as the elusive and transitory Hollywood careers that are behind them.

Maybe I'm old fashioned but what I look for in beauty products is a company that has either been around for a while, or specializes in that field. It's my own personal way of weeding through the masses.

I know those celebrities aren't donning lab coats and mixing up the concoctions that are hitting the shelves (at least not when photographers or videographers aren't around) and the people that are actually at the drawing board are seasoned professionals quite schooled in the field.
But personally, I would respect them more if they weren't courting a celebrity at the launch, naming the product after them, etc. Maybe the initial sales aren't going to boom but I have a sneaking suspicion that if the product works, we'll still see it on the shelves after said celebrity's latest movie gets panned and they exit the world into the abyss of Hollywood retirement.*

It's merely speculation on my end that even if KH's hairline worked wonders, it still has a shelf life of approximately 10 years (and that's pushing it people).

OK OK, to be fair here- there is something really wonderful about the mission behind the line: David Babaii for Wildaid (this is the product’s name- nary a reference to Kate in sight, although with the insane press coverage we may as well call it the Kate Hudson line). The line is all natural- no sulfates, no parabens, and not tested on animals. David Babaii actually was quoted on Fashion Week Daily saying Kate was his test “animal.” Ummm...(?) Anyway, 10 percent of the proceeds from the sales are sent to Wildaid, a global wildlife conservancy.

I am on the eco-friendly bandwagon everyone, don’t get me wrong, but I have trouble with the celebrity aspect. I’m sorry, but I do. All in all, it just feels like one ginormous press-ploy. I’m not knocking Kate (love her!) nor David Babaii (maybe could love him?) but these products are not going to be hitting my shelves because I’m just not that kind of a girl. Call me old fashioned.

~ Olivia Villanti

*Or they get a reality show and God knows no beauty aficionado is lining their shelves with reality star endorsed beauty products.

Dior Promo Woe

Makeup counters can be helpful - unless they are running a promotion. Wait a second, you say. Before you start the lynching, read on.

I use Dior makeup, for example. We have a love/hate relationship.

I love how easy Dior makeup is to use. I love the colors, the sheen, and the blending palettes. Dior make-up is wonderful. Yet, I hate that every time I find a new product I like, they discontinue it. Everything they make is for the now. There is no future, no signature shade, nothing permanent.

Having said this, I buy everything from foundation to mascara from Dior. Their new colors are even better than the old – they keep getting more youthful and dewy.

I walked into Bloomingdale’s where Dior was promoting their new mascara. This was the exchange:

SALESWOMAN: “You look like you barely have any mascara on. What brand do you use?”
ME: “Dior Show.”
SALESWOMAN: “Oh, well, this one is better because it’s new.”
ME: “Is Dior Show being discontinued?”
SALESWOMAN: “No, um, is there anything I can help you with?”
ME: “I could use a pale shade of lavender or lilac lipstick.”
SALESWOMAN: “Oh, I sell a lot of auburn. You should wear that.”
ME: “Okay, but I’m looking for lilac or lavender today.”
SALESWOMAN: “This is a great color of red.”
ME: “I would like to purchase this lipstick. [Points to display]”
SALESWOMAN: “We’re out of that one. Oh, we have deep plum.”

Normally they have great salespeople. However, when a make-up counter is running a promotion they hire outside help. The next time your favorite make-up counter is offering a promotion, run to the nearest Sephora.

In case you are concerned that this was her tactful way of suggesting that lavender was not my color, I was a makeup artist for four years. She just didn't know where all the lipsticks were kept.

Sephora has a Dior Addict and they have a beautiful shade of pinkish plum, number 680. It is part of the new Ultra Shine line and I highly recommend it for summer!

~ Dawn Land

The Sunscreen Conundrum

Hello lovelies!

It has been positively violent here in New York what with the weather and all. If you have checked out my profile you'll see that I happen to be one of those (or am I the only one?) bizarro hot weather-worshipping, sun-loving fiends. Ahhh...heat makes me happy although I will acquiesce for the sake of you all not jumping to the conclusion that I am subhuman, these two days have been downright uncomfortable. There I said it.

On these days the penetrating sensation of sun on my skin, although a welcome change from those frigid, short days not long ago, fills me with so much anxiety it's difficult to enjoy something that ought to be invigorating. I have these horrible images popping around my head of skin cancer, dark spots, breakouts, wrinkles...oh my!

The sun has become public enemy #1, am I right?

So like all dutiful Americans that have been force-fed sunscreen since infancy, I slather on my daily moisturizer with a powerful SPF year round. As of late, however, I have been questioning this ritual that we are so ingrained to think is totally necessary for avoiding pre-mature aging or worse...

First, I know that the sun destroys cells. This is not at all debatable. I know it causes skin cancer. I know that dark spots and wrinkly, leathery skin are the results of too much exposure to Lovely Ms. Sol. But, is there a middle ground here? Is it any healthier to don protective chemicals year round? I know that there are "natural" sunscreens available and I am sure loads and loads in development. I haven't found one that I much like just yet- nor that I can tolerate the smell of. But I still question how "Natural" these natural sunscreens are.

OK I realize that this post is based entirely on gut reaction and this all begs for a bit of research (so don't worry, I will follow up once I school m'self) but take for example a "Natural" sunscreen available at Whole Foods called UV Natural. The ingredients still leave me in a pretty perplexed "huh?" state. Zinc Stearate, Iron Oxides, Capric triglercycerides...

I begin to wonder if, like all crazes come and gone, we are just a bit riled up and searching again for ways to control our environments. I read an article by a nutritionist guru out of NY, Natalie Rose, that a few hours of sunlight in the early morning is GOOD for you and to be honest, my intuition believes her.

For memorial day I was out on the North Fork with my family and lost my mind when I realized I had forgotten my moisturizer with SPF!! (For the record I use DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer). It was probably the first time in years that I had been so vulnerable to the horrors of the sun- with only my nighttime moisturizer to get me by (Bee Yummy, a totally granola concoction sans any chemicals that would raise eyebrows. But people- I SWEAR by it). I didn't sun bathe, or course, but an early walk on the beach, a lounge in a hammock under the shade, an outdoor evening dinner...I'm telling you lovelies, my skin had never looked better. It was only slightly tinted but seemed to glow a bit upon the reunion with its old friend. It felt lovely and for the first time since my childhood, I had little freckles speckled across my nose (faintly mind you!).

So ultimately I wonder if the old adage "everything in moderation" holds true- even with the all-powerful sun. After returning to NY, I have been back to my SPF routine, but I have a secret fantasy of ditching it again on my next trip. It honestly makes me feel ridiculously naughty and indulgent.

Am I just asking for trouble??? Please weigh in!

~ Olivia Villanti

The Loss of a Legend

Hi all! Today I have taken on quite the lofty writing assignment. The loss of one YSL this past weekend has forced all fashion aficionados (and far more than that) to wave their hypothetical flags at half mast and forced me to reflect on the influence that such a brilliant mind has had on a small peon like myself. My introduction to Mr. Laurent was really through his muse, Loulou de la Falaise. I adore the designer/muse relationship and long for the days of yore when it was totally clear whom the designer's right hand woman was as he conceived each collection (maybe I'm just blind but I don't see it lately!).

Loulou de la Falaise is a truly magnificent personification of the brilliant mind of YSL. She is, in my estimation, a woman who is completely at ease with her femininity. Still rather enigmatic as far as the celebrity style icons go, just glance through pictures of this woman, and I assure you, you will be inspired as well! It's much more than just le smoking and trapeze dresses that YSL gifted us, it was a whole new way in which women could relate to their clothing (and the clothing in their boyfriend’s/ father’s/ husband’s closets as well). I have a serious soft spot for menswear, and before I had any idea that YSL and Loulou had a relationship (I think my first experience was through a random photo pf her on style.com), I was admiring the way she wore a jacket.

So what do we learn from this woman? Well for one thing, I like the way she wears her clothes in her later years especially. She is for me exactly what I will strive to be like when I get older- confident, effortless and fashionably inhabiting her age. There are no rules that she applies to the way she dresses and she clearly has never had any kind of relationship with a plastic surgeon. YSL defines the "only getting better with age" adage (all those pieces are meant to be worn 20 years from now) and Loulou mirrors this sentiment. Could you possibly imagine more seething femininity than Ms. De La Falaise? Her makeup is always flawless (ahem, looks like she is wearing no makeup at all…), she opts for hair that is never too "done" and I can imagine she chooses a really classic and sophisticated scent that is just as individual and mesmerizing as she is (for the sake of it let’s venture a guess and go with YSL “Opium”).

For me Loulou is living proof of the legacy of YSL- so much more than gorgeous clothing. At the risk of total cliché-dom: It’s the way you wear something that ignites the imagination and calls attention to the marvelous pieces you own. He gave women the gumption to wear it proudly and wear it well.

~ Olivia Villanti

In Search of the "Me" Scent

It's been far too long since I have regularly ascribed to a scent. This isn't for lack of trying. I mean it. It's a horrible dilemma I find myself in every time I scour the racks in search of a fragrance. The real issue is, if I like a scent off, how will it smell two hours later on my skin? I simply can't commit to any one perfume. Some seem to just kind of dissipate throughout the day to the point of not really smelling like much (Marc Jacobs Blush), save a light lingering flirty waft every now and then. Which I like, in a way, but I am convinced when you can smell the perfume, and it doesn't smell like part of "you" it just isn't right.

When you note the scent's progression over the course of the day, it's a sign that something isn't working. I've been able to clearly develop a profile of what I think my natural scent is and the kinds of scents that should logically harmonize with it.

Unfortunately my logic often falls short and can lead me far far far away (ummm...Fresh Canabis anyone?) but I know that I tend to feel most "me" with woody, warm smells. Although I adore the blatant femininity of a gentle, sweet scent (Stella, D & G's Light Blue, and SJP's Lovely) they just are NOT me. I've tried. I really have. It doesn't work.

So how in the world does one arrive at a fragrance? Testing, I think, is the answer. It's a tricky thing to do, admittedly. Once you've smelled three different fragrances in a short period of time, I find my senses get de-sensitized and everything smells the same: Generic "Perfume" Smell.

So if you are testing perfumes how do you know when you have arrived at YOUR smell?

I don't have the answer to that just yet, but there are some nice options available to guide you on your way. Sephora has a section on their site called “Fragrance Finder” where they help you narrow down your more abstract ideas of what you like into tangible objects (i.e. “Woody: Citrus, warm woods, Moss). From there, the categories are broken down further until they find your soul-mate scent (from a fairly predictable roster of names, unfortunately).

You may also choose to go straight to the experts, like Le Labo in New York City, where you can interact with a human that can give you samples to smell and really pinpoint what you like. I love this idea (although lament that the steep price tag for such a service is far too costly for me) because often times we may think we like something, when in fact, we like it more because of our familiarity with it and not so much because it suits us. At Le Labo (www.lelabofragrances.com) they will create a scent that is just your own and, like mad scientists, package it up and scribble Eau de (your name here). Add the date and voila! Match made in perfume heaven.
I was going crazy smelling the whole family of Comme Des Garcons colognes the other day and fell absolutely in love (or was it affixiated?) with one straight out of the bottle; but alas, after spritzing my wrist and walking around the East Village of Manhattan, I realized this was not my match. My skin added some really sweet qualities to it that I swear were not there before.

How do you arrive at finding a scent? Am I alone in my dismayed state? Do you have a signature scent?

~ Olivia Villanti