web snob weekly

Snobbery is alive and well and it lives on the web:
Stiletto Jungle contemplates Yummie Tummie, the shapewear that's meant to be seen.
All About the Pretty is really enjoying her custom Bobbi Brown Palettes.
Bag Snob ponders Louis Vuitton: To Louis or not to Louis?
Beauty Snob snags an interview with Jose Eber!
Calculatus Eliminatus guides you through the scary world of logos on t-shirts.
Cheap JAP keeps it classy by showing us The Top Five Things Not to Buy at American Apparel.
Coquette gets crafty for the DIY Paper Hermes Kelly Bag.
Fashion, Evolved examines the innovative new fashion factory called Catwalk Genius
Fashiontribes travels to the Age of Discovery on a sexy Steampunk time bender.
I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Helena Christensen's entire look for under $125.
KRiSTOPHER explores Tokyo.
Papierblog looks at the wisdom behind Banana Republic Monogram stores.
Quinta Trends finds a Chilean designer in New York: Maria Cornejo.
Second City Style asks who wore it better (and why) in our weekly Celebrity Fashion Smackdown.
Straight to the Closet or Leave it On the rack? You decide at Shrimpton Couture.
From the Fashion Bomb: I thought my light leather bag was beyond repair, but found it could be fixed for a small fee!
Pinching your pennies? Look like a million while saving money and gas with over 200 cheap chic online finds at StyleBakery.com.
Stylehive's Next Big Thing: Cassie Kogler of New York Couture.
Stylenotes chats with Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway's Season 4.
Sxy Fashion Queen loves celebrity coloured jeans trend.
The Coveted Shares her tips on How to Buy Vintage Clothing
The Shoe Goddess dishes about Christian Louboutin.
If you are tired of the same old trendy purses, V-Style has found some fabulous evening bags for you.
WE LOVE BEAUTY.com chatted up celebrity stylemaker and hairstylist Adir Abergel to get the 411 on Christina Ricci's Met Costume Institute Gala sleek pony!

burning question: do glasses make you less attractive?

When I was a kid, I longed to have a pair of glasses. They were just so gadgety-cool and the kids who wore them seemed special somehow (in a good way) – like little geniuses. But as I grew older, I began to see the stigma attached to wearing glasses that was only highlighted in '80s popular culture: that they're only for the uncool, pocket-protecting, computer-nerd set (and needless to say, the unattractive). But apparently, the kids of today didn't get the memo: according to a recent study, young children thought those wearing glasses are not only more intelligent, but also no less attractive than those without. So it would seem Chloe Sevigny, seen here in black horn-rimmed glasses this week, is channelling that very idea, and making nerd-chic cool again.
So what do you think? Do glasses make someone less attractive or more so?

skin fix: liz earle energising hip & thigh gel

With bathing suit season upon us, it's time to pay a little attention to an oft-neglected area: that beautiful backside. And no matter how fit or svelte you are, it's a sad fact that we all have that dimply skin known as cellulite (well, maybe not Gisele, but she's superhuman). While we can't completely erase this unspeakable problem without truly invasive measures, we can try to beat that skin into submission by using products to help to tone down cellulite's appearance and one product that makes the grade for me is Liz Earle's Energising Hip & Thigh Gel. While some products make all sorts of claims that they can trim inches from your body, this stuff doesn't claim to be something it's not: It's an invigorating gel with a mix of 15 different circulation-boosting natural ingredients like ginkgo biloba, caffeine and the Liz Earle staple, butcher's broom, as well as essential oils such as grapefruit, geranium and peppermint, that seek to tone and firm the skin, giving it a more even look. After using it, my skin felt rejuvenated and a little tingly and seemed to be smoother than before. It doesn't work miracles by any means, but the act of massaging this divinely-scented product on the skin and giving some love to an area that's treated to nothing but sitting all-day long is definitely therapeutic.

fixation: wen sweet almond mint cleansing conditioner

If you're like me, when it's hair-washing day, you would never think of leaving the house without using conditioner and a plethora of other hair products to go along with it. But this morning, I only used one product on my hair - Wen's Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner – which replaces both shampoo and conditioner, and I don't think I'll go back to using my regular stuff again. Seriously, my hair has never looked better. If I'm sounding a bit like an informercial, well, that's no coincidence, because there's an infomercial circulating around the airwaves right now featuring Laura Ingalls herself, Miss Melissa Gilbert, and the bohemian, guyliner-wearing creator of Wen, celeb hairstylist Chaz Dean. The product is pitched as a revolution in haircare: it's not a shampoo, but rather an all-natural, moisturizing cleanser that you leave on throughout the duration of your shower, almost like a leave-in treatment. It doesn't have any harsh detergents, so it cleanses without stripping the hair and is excellent for keeping color-treated hair truer, longer. So this isn't some 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner fusion product; you really can't compare it to anything else on the market. And the before-and-afters from the infomercial, featuring women who used only the cleansing conditioner on their hair and nothing else, are pretty compelling.
I have to say I was skeptical, though eager, to try this so-called wonder product that has Hollywood starlets abuzz; I felt it would inevitably weigh my hair down, given that you have to use at least 20 pumps(!) of this stuff to get it working, and then have to leave it on for several minutes. But I was pleasantly surprised that it left my hair wonderfully moisturized yet full and soft and the shiniest I've ever seen it. The scent of the sweet almond mint is divine too: refreshing and minty, it's like an aromatherapy treatment in your shower. I've since found out you can use it as a body wash and facial cleanser too. There's no end to the benefits of this stuff. Sold!

man-paint is catching on

Not since the days of The Cure and Boy George have we seen such a proliferation of man-paint. But it's not just emo boys from bands like the delightfully weird German outfit Tokio Hotel (dude from said band pictured) and my Chemical Romance swiping on the liner and lacquer – according to the experts, more men are prettifying themselves and the market for guyliner is growing. Lines by Jean Paul Gaultier and Biotherm offer up a range of products for dudes, including concealer, eyeliner and even colored lipbalm. And trailblazing MAC Cosmetics has always pitched its line of beauty products as suitable for all sexes and races, giving them instant – (though perhaps under-the-radar) – dude appeal.
So my question is this: do you think guyliner should be the domain of emo boys only? Let me know in the comments.

beauty duty 3/13/08

A Touch of Blusher can't decide which new eye palette to get...
All About the Pretty believes in pretty karma.
KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, hating playsuits.
Makeup Moxie reviews the new Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Brush bronzing gel.
Product Girl is giving away 4 goodie bags from the upcoming Sex and the City movie!
Lianne at TheMakeupGirl is loving Prescriptives latest for Summer 2008 Urban Heat.

beauty breakthrough: profound beauty desert sand

Living in a big city in the northeast means that summertime often becomes one big oven full of smog, pollution and humidity. Don't get me wrong, I adore the warm weather and all the wonderful opportunities for cute new shoes it brings – just not the hot mess of a frizzball it creates for my hair. So while a move to a more arid, desert-y climate may not be possible, I can still channel that dry desert air with Profound Beauty Atmosphere Desert Sand. A controlling gel and cream fusion product from salon brand Profound Beauty, Desert Sand works to change hair's "relative humidity" to manage it into submission, making it behave like it's somewhere else (in this case, the land of cactuses and tumbleweeds). Now, I'm often skeptical of serum-type concoctions to tame frizz as they tend to be greasy, but this one actually made my hair fuller and softer than before; it brings texture and separation without weighing hair down or making it feel "crunchy." You can run it through your hair and let it air-dry on those lazy days when you don't want to do much to it and it works equally well when you use it with a hairdryer. With Desert Sand, I now feel ready to combat summer in the city.

alison raffaele gets a makeover

I was introduced to the cult makeup artist line, Alison Raffaele, about a year ago and was impressed by its high-performing beauty products that boast skin-nourishing ingredients (particularly the tinted moisturizer). And now, the line has gone through a makeover in more ways than one: the products have been been tricked out with slick new berry-red lacquer packaging as well as reformulated to be talc- and paraben-free. So rest assured you're getting the same great products, but now they're better than ever. One of the products I'm loving is the Transparent Finish Powder, a colorless, cornstarch-based super-milled loose powder that nixes shine and delivers a nice matte finish. I've since heard that pro makeup artist Billy B. is a fan of this stuff, and with good reason: the powder is ultra-lightweight, so it doesn't feel heavy or look at all mask-like. And, ladies, a good powder is a must for the warmer months (and really, all year, especially if you're oily-skinned) to set your makeup and keep you looking fresh all day-long. I also love that in a pinch, you can use it as a dry shampoo to sop up that delighful hair grease.

styleshock: kate bosworth at the costume institute gala

There was only one place to be this week: the Met's annual Costume Institute Gala. And while there were plenty of fashion standouts (Lake Bell's lightning-bolt mini and Naomi Watt's starry gown to name a couple) for me, only one lass stole the show, beauty-wise, and that was Kate Bosworth. With bold swaths of electric teal across her eyes, she seemed to be the only one to channel the gala's superhero theme through her makeup. Making an appearance on the arm of the perennially superhero-garbed Karl Lagerfeld (seriously, these two are like the Boris and Natasha of the 21st century), Kate looked edgy and fashion-forward, all the while having fun. I just wish more of the gala's attendees would have taken a creative cue from Kate.

my fair ladies: beauty blog network reads

For your weekend reading pleasure, some lovely recent posts from around the Beauty Blog Network:
Product Girl is giving away 4 goodie bags from the upcoming Sex and the City movie! Check out Product Girl for more information. StyleBell shows you how to make some serious waves with your flat iron. Beauty Anonymous reveals the jelly pinkness of the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Spring 2008 Salon Collection Raging Rouge announces the MAX Factor May Makeover giveaway. Over $750 of MAX Factor products will be divided up between TEN winners on May 17th. Good luck! The Muse whispers in your ear about Benefit's Newest Cheek Stain for Summer! Pssttttt! Enjoy the first ever images, product photos, and swatches from a link available at Musings! This mascara ended A Touch of Blusher's mascara search...Beauty411 reviews Soaptopia, a bath line that promised to be "100% junk free"! Check it out! Beauty Blogging Junkie schools you on how to avoid snaggy, dry lips. Looking for skin care products that deliver results? Read The Makeup Divas review of the Somme Institute Skin Care Line. Beauty and Fashion Tech is giving away two sets of John Frieda Lustrous Touch Shampoo and Conditioner. One for blonde hair and one for brunette. At Girl Gloss, you can win a set of seven Classic Badger Balm Lip Balms. Beauty Junkie in SF is on her way to a flawless face with the help of a new high-tech skincare system. The Beauty of Life brings you the highs and lows from the celebs' beauty looks at the Costume Institute Gala. Beauty Banter dishes on the new Spring Hair Style and actress Shiri Appleby models the look! Need a nail intervention but can't afford regular trips to the salon? Glossypink goes there to get great nails. What makes you feel your most beautiful? Toya at The Life of A Ladybug wants to know! Kitiya from Mischo Beauty helps you determine if you’re a candidate for microdermabrasion! A reader at makeup loves me claims to have gone up one cup size by using victoria's secret bust enhancer! Makeup Moxie finds Complexion Perfection when she reviews the foundation and concealer duo compact by Global Goddess. Face Candy reviews NARS Orgasm Multiple, Lip Gloss and Nail Polish. The Muse whispers in your ear about Benefit's new cheek stain and has a link to swatches!. Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog Gets a Surprise Stage Makeup Makeover with Kryolan Professional Makeup. Pursebuzz.com does a step by step tutorial on how to create that extra dramatic smokey eye look as seen on Gwen and Fergie and everyone on the red carpet. What has a delectable chocolate fragrance when you smooth it on that morphs into a fresh, powdery scent once it sinks in? Spoiled Pretty tells you what it is and why you need to try it! Cybelesays gets to the Shea of Things with their picks of the best Shea Butter products out there. 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gives you the low down on Kristin Davis's makeup for the SATC publicity tour!

natureshock: yarok green with envy haircare

I am, without a doubt, lured by pretty packaging in beauty products. But sometimes, if a product looks too pretty, I'm skeptical of its performance power, and this was the case with organic line Yarok's Green with Envy Shampoo and Conditioner. With its gorgeously floral/botanical graphic on the side of the bottle, I thought it just might be all style and no substance. I'm happy to report, however, that I was wrong, as this stuff delivers, and then some. It's not only invigoratingly aromatic – (the shampoo is a lovely herbally-minty concoction, while the conditioner smells of rosemary and fresh cinnamon stick) – and the products cleanse and condition hair without making it feel stripped of all moisture and coating it in gunk. And its only made with the finest in organic and wildcrafted ingredients which boast a myriad of vitamins and minerals, which yes, you will pay a pretty fee for, but trust me, your hair will thank you.

dove's realness of concealness?

If it's true, this could be major: Dove's real beauty campaign may not be so real after all. In an exhaustive New Yorker profile of fashion industry digital retoucher Pascal Dangin, writer Lauren Collins gleans that a whole lotta photoshopping was done in the Dove "real beauty" ad campaign, which featured a plethora of semi-clad non-models, with lumps, wrinkles, and all – or so we thought. The campaign's benchmark was the award-winning "Evolution" ad spot, which shows an everyday pretty woman who is transformed into a billboard-worthy supermodel through the magic of makeup, styling and computer retouching. It kind of feels like being told Santa Claus isn't real, doesn't it?
UPDATE: Dangin, in a statement from Unilever (Dove's parent company), has since clarified his involvement in the "real beauty" retouching controversy by saying that he only did retouching work on the ProAge campaign ads (and not the Real Beauty campaign). He also says his work involved only color correction and removing dust from the shots. It's funny, I smelled something fishy about this from the beginning: The section about Dangin and the Dove campaign in the New Yorker piece was incredibly vague, and never specified what actual retouching work went on, and for which campaign. Hmmm, seems like shoddy fact-checking/reporting to me....

skin fix: apivita express oily skin balance face mask

If you've ever been on an extended trip or vacation, you'll know that sometimes you have to make those suitcase-space-saving decisions - and that means most of your usual beauty bounty (face masks, exfoliators, foot scrubs and the like) may have to stand by the wayside to make room for your myriad cute outfits and shoes. But one of my recent discoveries, the Greek beauty line Apivita, has the answer to this problem with its Express line of skincare, which come in cute little one-use travel-friendly pouches; from scrubs to hair and face masks, you'll never have to forsake your special beauty treatments again. Apivita's selection of face masks alone is astounding: there are 14 different varieties to choose from, so depending on your skin's woes (dehydrated, acne-fied or stressed out to name a few), you're sure to find one that suits. Given that my skin wants to be oily at the moment, I tried the Oily Skin Balance Face Mask with Propolis (that lovely little bee-made antioxidant wonder I've mentioned previously). With clay for deep cleansing and vitamin E to hydrate, this mask amazingly tightens pores and refines without sucking out all the moisture in your skin. My skin felt refreshed and glowy afterwards, just as it should post-facial treatment.

fragrance trend: coming up roses

Rose scents are nothing new, but for a while, it seemed they were relegated to mere supporting roles in perfumes or banished altogether for being too "granny". Now, it seems the traditionally romantic note is poised for its big fragrance comeback, with starring roles in a new crop of scents. From the Bulgarian-rose bouquet of Fresh's new Cannabis Rose to the Damascus rose-based by Kilian's Liaisons Dangereuses to Paul Smith's aptly-named Rose, which blends the scent of a rose given to the designer as a gift from his wife, it seems everything's coming up roses.
But rest assured these aren't the dusty florals of old: tempered with deep notes like dark chocolate and woodsy accords, the new rose scents are sophisticated and sexy. Call it retro-modern if you will. And who do we have to thank for blazing this rosy trail? Perhaps Stella McCartney, whose signature fragrances have proved that rose can indeed be modern. For that I say: Thank you, Stella!

ace of base: face atelier ultra foundation

Foundation is one of those things that I'd kind of given up on a while ago – I'd never really met one that gave good enough coverage without looking mask-like, and truthfully, I've become hooked on dabbing on a spot concealer only where I needed it. But in the warmer months, my trusty concealer often does that dreaded slip n' slide and just doesn't have the lasting power I need to get me through the day. So, since I'd been hearing the buzz about Face Atelier's wonder foundation that's beloved by celeb makeup artists like Billy B (coupled with the fact that it has Madonna's seal of approval – she used it on her Confessions tour), I decided to give its star product, the Ultra Foundation a whirl. It's dubbed a high definition foundation (but it's still useable by us mere mortals) with a silicone base that's said to float on top of the skin. And yes, refreshingly, it does what it says it does. You might think that because it contains silicone, which is typically used in foundation primers, that this stuff would be ultra-thick and chalky, but it's surprisingly light and airy, yet covers just as well as my usual concealer and gives a lovely satin matte finish. So it's basically two products in one – a foundation and a primer – so it keeps oil at bay and stays put throughout the day (even after a workout, I still looked fresh).

burning question: would you wear runway makeup in real life?

On my nightly trek home yesterday, I noticed the most astonishing sight: a woman walking down the street, in fairly normal T-shirt and jeans attire, and a fairly bare face, except, slashed across her eyes, she wore eye makeup in lime-green green and vivid teal blue – literally the color of fluorescent markers. Her hair was otherwise long, wavy and looked somewhat lifeless next to these somewhat clownish, day-glo colors. The funny thing is, I actually liked her eye makeup, as it would be perfect for the runway (just like this model from the Fall 2008 Dior show), and I could envision this woman walking down the catwalk. But sadly, it was wildly inappropriate for walking down the sidewalk in broad daylight. But I really wished I had my camera handy.
So what say you? Would you wear runway makeup in real-life? Is it ever appropriate?
Photo by Matteo Volta/imaxtree.com

beauty duty 05/06/08

This mascara ended A Touch of Blusher's mascara search...
Beautiful Makeup Search has discovered the best tinted moisturizer with SPF for the Summer.
KRiSTOPHER has a marriage-mirage in Vegas.
Makeup Moxie reviews the Complexion Perfection Foundation and Concealer Duo by Global Goddess.
Lianne at TheMakeupGirl invites you to peer into her handbag...
WE LOVE BEAUTY.com chatted up celebrity makeup artist, Jake Bailey to get the 411 on Cameron Diaz's sexy British GQ cover look!

fragrance notes: by kenzo vintage edition

I've always had a thing for wearing traditionally masculine scents: going back to my rebellious teen years (and the grunge days of the early '90s), I unabashedly wore the citrusy-woodsy Calvin Klein Escape for Men. Maybe I was on to something, because now, after years of feminine, fruity-floral concoctions, it seems the fragrance pendulum is swinging back to more masculine-feel scents (just witness Estee Lauder, who's coming out with the wood scent called Sensuous – a complete 180 from what they normally do). Another case in point: byKenzo's Vintage Edition, which launches in June. Commemmorating Kenzo's 20 years in the fragrance biz, Vintage Edition channels the scent of the '70s (when Kenzo emerged on the fashion scene), this unisex scent mixes cedarwood, mandarin and heliotrope in an eau de toilette, which gives it a surprisingly light and airy feel. At first whiff, the scent seemed way too masculine even for me, but at dry-down, it's refreshing yet grounded and has immense staying power that creeps up on you – at the end of the day, I still caught a glimmer of it. In short: It's somewhat sparkly, yet totally wearable. Oh, and the bottle? Not as beautifully spare and architectural as the typical Kenzo bottles, but a pretty purple-y and moody gem nonetheless.

fixation: josie maran fingerpaints

Josie Maran will remain forever etched in my mind as the love interest of Howie D in the Backstreet Boys's monster-mash-themed video for "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)." More recently, you may have seen her four-episode stint on Dancing with the Stars or maybe, as the ubiquitous face of Maybelline cosmetics (her contract lasted for a whopping ten years.) Maran is now saying sayonara to her boy-band days, but keeping a toe-hold in the beauty industry by launching her own natural beauty line, Josie Maran Cosmetics. Natural beauty lines are a dime a dozen these days, but most are skincare-oriented; Josie's line comprises a whole host of luxury yet earth-friendly makeup – an area that's been largely untapped. Trying the multi-purpose Fingerpaints, shimmery, universally-flattering shadows which you can use on eyes, lips or cheeks, I was astonished at how well these pretty shades performed without creasing. I love that they take the guesswork out of pairing colors and go on with a simple flick of the finger, imparting a lovely iridescent glow. What's more to love: the makeup contains skin-nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, rich in essential fatty acids. Not to mention, the luxe, rosy-gold compact is, shockingly, biodegradable (I would have loved to be in the R&D meeting for that one). This Josie Maran sure is a woman of surprises.

botox for your feet?

Except for special occasions, I'm not much of a heels-wearer; I prefer to get around in easy-wearing ballet flats, and my oh-so comfy Converse All-Stars (though if I was to have a fantasy-Carrie-Bradshaw moment, I would so be rocking these Very Prive peep-toe Louboutins). So maybe I was a little more taken aback by the latest cosmetic surgery trend, foot-pad injectables, than say, the perennially-stiletto-clad. The jist? It's a treatment where hyaluronic acid is injected into the balls of the feet to create, essentially, a pillow-top cushion, so you can wear stilettoes just as often as your little hearts desire. New York-based podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine has trademarked her "Pillows for your Feet" treatment, and according to fashion designer Michael Kors, in conversation with Fashion Television's Jeanne Bekker from an article in The Globe and Mail, "Absolutely everybody in New York gets it done." Ah, the things we do for love.

styleshock: emmanuelle chriqui at iron man premiere

While Gwyneth and her mile-high stilettos were just about everywhere this week promoting Iron Man (is it just me, or does this film seem like Robocop Revisited?), there was one lesser-known actress from the movie, Emmanuelle Chriqui, who stole the show with her simple, pared-down glamour. This ringer for Margherita Missoni was born in Montreal, Quebec and is probably best known for her role on Entourage. She's proof that neutral makeup needn't be boring: from far away it may seem as though she's wearing only pinky-brown shades from eyes to lips, but on closer inspection, you'll see she's opted for an unexpected, vibrant purpley-red shadow on the eyes. What seals this look for me though is the hair: part bouffant, part simple ponytail, it's a classic-meets-trendy look that's so now. Go get your hairspray girls, because volume is back!

my fair ladies: beauty blog network reads

For your weekend reading pleasure, some lovely recent posts from around the Beauty Blog Network:
Spoiled Pretty is giving away $1,400 worth of beauty products to one lucky bride-to-be. And if you're a future wedding belle from the Philadelphia area, we've got something for you too. Enter right away - contest ends May 4th. Find out how The Daily Cookie gets her flawless face with Clinique! Raging Rouge tests dozens and dozens of pink lipsticks and glosses, and narrows the field down to the best pink lip colors of Spring 2008. Beauty Anonymous shows you new colors of the DiorKiss Lip Gloss Line! StyleBell uncovers simple and easy tips to help manage and control curly hair. A Touch of Blusher reviews ck Calvin Klein's new mineral-based loose powder. Product Girl is giving away 2 pairs of Tweezerman's Animal Print Slant tweezers! Find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie recommends for achieving shimmery shoulders for summer. Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog interviews MAC Cosmetics Senior Makeup Artist Jennifer Karsten and gets the skinny on how it's like to work with Kanye West. The Makeup Divas reviews Bath and Body WorksHello Sugar! shimmering body lotion. The Muse reviews Etude House'sSpring Collection from Korea! The Beauty of Life no longer has to suffer from lash envy with the Dior Black Lash Kit. Toya from The Life of A Ladybug got sucked in by Darac Beauty's Sifted Blur Powder and TorQuam brush! She doesn't want you to get sucked in, too! Kyle at Face Candy gives you a peek at her favorite Makeup Minis. Don't know why you should be rocking the sunscreen every day? Beauty411 reminds us that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month! makeup loves me introduces you to a non-chocolate truffle that she is confident you will still love! Beauty Banter dishes on the top concealers on the market! Everything you need to know about covering-up and having a glowing complexion! Glossypink reveals an essential warm-weather item to give your skin its sexiest glow ever! Pursebuzz.com shows you how to create long lasting curls with just a few products. It's called the Wavy Waves. Cybelesays introduces us to a new line of mineral makeup. Kitiya from Mischo Beauty loves REN’s Mayblossom and Konjac Balancing Moisturiser and tells you why! Does lipgloss cause skin cancer? Makeup Moxie gives you the lowdown. 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out the new Essie Summer 2008 Colors!

burning question: is lipstick your louboutin?

The beauty world is without a doubt a superficial sphere but sometimes it can also be a great sort of lens to gauge society at large. Case in point: The chairman of Estée Lauder, Leonard Lauder's claim, post-9/11, that when times are tough, women buy more lipstick, since it becomes a small-indulgence replacement for more hefty investments like a pair of Christian Louboutins. Given that we're supposedly headed into a big ole recession, the New York Times revisits this idea in an article in it's Style section today. Despite a huge push to turn us away from our beloved glosses, lipstick sales are down, but that isn't stopping brands like Clinique and Lauder from concocting all sorts of lipstick-gloss fusion products to get you hooked on the lippie again. (Why? It's slightly more expensive than gloss.)
Personally, shopping for high-end products has always been my way of indulging in a little luxury without breaking the bank. Because, truth be told, I couldn't afford a pair of Louboutins anyway. How about you: Is lipstick your Louboutin? And, do you plan to buy more lipstick in the coming months?

skin fix: amala purify skincare

Less is more should be the new motto for skincare – if you've ever (accidentally perhaps) squeezed out an entirely too huge dollop of product to suds up your face, only to find that your skin is totally parched afterwards, you'll know what I mean. New German organic brand Amala skincare has the solution for those gobs of wasted product going down the drain: Its Purifying Gel Cleanser pump bottle delivers just the right amount of cleansing power – just a few pumps are enough to get an invigorating yet non-drying wash. The citrusy scent is totally uplifting and leaves skin feeling refreshed; used in conjunction with the spray-on Toner, my skin looked radiant and felt instantly soft. Meant for oily complexions, the Purify line contains the vitamin and amino-acid-infused Blue Lotus to balance and clarify skin (the full range of Amala products includes the jasmine-based Hydrate line for dry skin and the cocoa bean-based Rejuvenate line for normal skin). Amala, which means "most pure" in Sanskrit, is undeniably luxe skincare, and has a pricetag to match, but rest assured that this stuff is indeed the whole package, from its 100% natural, whole plant ingredients, commitment to fair trade and ethical sourcing, to its quirky-cool recycled cardboard paper-towel-roll-like packaging with cork stoppers.

would you wear body splash?

Remember Jean Naté After-Bath Splash? It was that light, florally-citrus, all-over body scent that was so unmistakably 80s. And even though I probably haven't thought of "bath splash" since the big-hair decade – (and I was amazed to know that Revlon still makes it, albeit in a mist version) – I was reminded of this "clean-never-felt-so-fresh" little gem when I noticed that Marc Jacobs has his own line of splashes (they're a little more upscale, of course).

The brand has been creating body splashes for the last couple of years, and this season, they come in refreshing-sounding sorbet scents like basil, grapefruit and pear. While I haven't tried them yet, and have never been known to partake in the "after-bath-splash" phenomenon, I have to admit they look delightfully retro and fun to use (and of course, a great scent choice for summer, when you don't want to drown in a heady cloud of fragrance).
So, what say you? Would you wear a splash?