YSL's Parisienne, the Fragrance for the Girl that Adopts Paris

YSL has just released their new Parisienne fragrance. This frangrance was created for the girl that isn't from Paris, but rather has adopted the city. I want that girl to be me! I love Paris. I want to go back sometime (my amazing husband says he'll take me). I want to wander the city and just take pictures of every street I see. I want to buy crepes from the street vendors, and I want to sit in a café for hours and drink coffee.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Ojon Revitalizing Mist

This leave-in conditioner promises to be detangle, refresh your hair and not weigh it down. This October you can buy it in a limited-edition pink ribbon box was designed exclusively for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ojon® will donate 20 percent of North American sales of Pink Ribbon Revitalizing Mist during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, with a maximum donation of $35,000.

$26 (4.8 fl. oz/142 ml)

Available at Sephora, Ulta , PureBeauty / BeautyFirst and online at Ojon.com

My New Undereye Secret: Origins GinZing Eye Cream

I have a little bit of an undereye circle problem. They aren't dark really, but they're there and noticeable to the point that I do get asked if I'm tired or feeling ok. Until recently my only secret for hiding them was a highly pigmented concealer. (You'd be surprised how hard it is to find a good one, my favorite right now is the MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer, which works great when used over a moisturizer. Tarte's The Eraser is another great one.)

But, I've now added a second product to help with those undereye circles, and I had to share it with everyone!

Breast Cancer Awareness: Darphin Energic Firming Décolleté Treatment

This offering is not 1 product, but rather a duo designed to work together. The Energic Firming Décolleté Treatment includes
a gentle cleanse with Darphin’s new Aromatic Cleansing Balm followed by a lifting, firming massage with Arovita C Energic
Firming Cream, a popular anti-aging cream.

Darphin will donate $5.00 from each sale of the Energic Firming Décolleté Treatment during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$25.00 at select spas. For locations look online at Darphin.com

Is There Really Such a Thing as a "Smart Shade"? I Test Out Almay's Collection

Recently I found myself at the vet's office about 30 minutes before a scheduled appointment. Not wanting to wait in the lobby for that long, I headed next door to CVS to see what was new. (Don't worry about the dog, he waited in the car for 10 minutes and I think a husky can do this when it is 45 out without any issues. I think he was just bored judging by the licks on the inside of the window when I returned.)

I wandered the aisles and got sucked into an Almay display. Granted their Smart Shade foundation and companion products have been out for probably over a year, but I haven't tried them yet. And they had a package with the foundation and a matching concealer for free, and then there was a buy 1 get 1 free deal, so I could also get the blush for free! How could I not take advantage of this bounty and buy all 3? Yes, I know you would have done the same thing in my position.

Adventures in Facial Cleansing: Lisa Hoffman's Spa Facial

I've been a bit preoccupied with other things recently, hence the lack of non-BCA posts. Hopefully that will change, as I'm finally sorting out the huge number of products I have around here to share with you! In fact, the majority of the products hanging out around my house (and being tested out) right now are all facial cleansers in some form or another. I have cleanser, masks and scrubs everywhere right now! So, stay tuned, because every day this week I'll be featuring those products.

Today's featured way of cleaning your face is that little pile of pink tubes. Just what is that? It's a travel spa facial from Lisa Hoffman!

Breast Cancer Awareness: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

The new Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex is featured in this year's Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. I've looked over the information I can find about this product on-line, and can not find information about the ingredients. They say it does include hyaluronic acid (which attracts water like crazy, so really helps hydrate your skin), and there is discussion about preventing damage which makes me think there are likely anti-oxidants present.

Estée Lauder will donate $500,000 in connection with the sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$74.50 (1.7 fl. oz/50 ml)

All Estée Lauder counters in the United States and Puerto Rico as well as on Estée Lauder.com

Breast Cancer Awareness: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

This year Clinique is once again offering their Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion in a special limited-edition (giant) bottle! The bottle comes equipped with a pump for convenience and features a collectable Clinique Charm Bracelet featuring a pink ribbon and “C” charm!

$10 per Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion sold during the month of October will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$35 (6.7 fl. oz/200 ml) at Select Clinique counters in the USA and Clinique.com

Is a Dry Mani as Good as a Regular One? I Try Out Incoco

I am a big nail polish freak. I try to hide it a bit, but the truth is I am a girl with hundreds of nail polishes in my office closet (the only area big enough to store them all). I am very particular about brands I will use and I have a very in-depth manicure routine, which allows me now to get about 6-7 days chip free from a manicure. From start to finish a manicure takes me about 10 minutes to complete, but I then have about 10-15 minutes of doing nothing at all and then about an hour for the manicure to be fully dry.

So, knowing how particular I am about my manicures, you might understand why I was a bit skeptical that a dry manicure like Incoco would work as well as my regular routine. Incoco claims to take just a few minutes and that their manicures will last for up to 2 weeks. How did they do? Find out after the jump.

Beauty Splurge: Tatcha Blotting Papers

Tatcha Blotting Papers were recently released in mid-September. These papers are rather interesting (you can read more about the history of Tatcha Aburatorigami here), basically the papers were used by artisans when they hammered gold to use on things like buildings in ancient Japan. Somewhere along the way the geisha started using the papers as blotting papers to preserve their makeup and remove shine. The papers are still used in Japan today, and now you can use them here!

The papers are very thin with a lattice work on them. They have gold leaf embedded in them (this is just for show, the gold will not come off onto your skin). When used the papers definitely remove all oil and do not leave a residue behind on skin. True, there are other blotting papers on the market. Yes, some of them are cheaper than these ones. But these ones just feel really very special and I felt spoiled every time I was using them.

Tatcha Blotting Papers

A Closer Look at Kiehl's Acai Collection

Recently I told you about my trip to the New York Kiehl's store, and the great new products I tried there. One of the new collections was the Organic Acai Collection. This collection has really high amounts of Acai Berry extract, which is a very powerful anti-oxidant. I've now been able to try out the collection more in depth (meaning, I had super cute little lab samples sent to me), so I thought I'd share what I thought!

Breast Cancer Awareness: Estée Lauder's Beautiful

Beautiful has been a best seller for years with good reason. This year it is featured in a pink sleeve for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Estée Lauder will donate $500,000 in connection with the sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$68.00 (2.5 fl. oz/75 ml)

Available at all Estée Lauder counters in the United States and Puerto Rico as well as on Estée Lauder.com

Breast Cancer Awareness: Altru Appreciation Candle

Altru makes amazing soy candles. They are fairly large (I think about 4 1/2 inches tall, 3 inches in diameter), burn for over 70 hours and they are well scented. I think my favorite part may be their containers, I have a few of their candles and I love the hammered copper around them!

The Appreciation candle is scented with Tahitian tiare and daffodil buds with petals of white freesia. 20% of proceeds go to Susan G. Komen Foundation
Altru Appreciation Aromatic Soy Blend Candle

Fight Aging with Your Foundation? PTR Help You Do Just That!

I love it when products do more than 1 thing. I'm all about saving time and providing extra benefits, especially if those benefits are anti-aging. So, I was pretty excited to try out this Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Foundation.

First, I feel like I should explain a little bit about how I came to try it out. In September I went to NYC to meet with other beauty bloggers. While in the city I arranged a few meetings with PR agencies, honestly because I get a million e-mails a day with product pitches, and it is incredibly overwhelming to sort out. During a meeting at Alison Brod PR I noticed one of the reps had amazing (I really mean amazing) skin. While she helped show me the new holiday stuff from Stila (buy those sets girls, the smudge pot one especially looks great), Philosophy and candles from Altru (which I want to put in every room of my house), I admired her skin.

When we got to the Peter Thomas Roth line, she confessed that when she started at the agency she had bad skin. She had a lot of the same concerns as me (combination, acne prone and definitely dry in areas), and I had to try out the products she uses. She agreed to send them to me. She sent me Blemish Buffing Beads, Viz 1000 Hydrator and this foundation. I'll be featuring the other two products soon, but I had to share the foundation first.

Breast Cancer Awareness: DKNY Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum Spray

Cashmere Mist is a warm, subtle fragrance that is a huge bestseller. The limited-edition bottle has a pink ribbon on it.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Lily of the valley
Middle Notes: Moroccan jasmine, Sandalwood
Base Notes: Amber, Musk

Donna Karan Cosmetics will make a donation of $15,000 in connection with the sales of the Limited-Edition Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum Spray to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$90 for 3.4 fl. oz at Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Donna Karan Collection Boutiques in the USA.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Origins Peace of Mind

This product is a best seller, and I can see why. This little lotion has Basil, Eucalyptus and Peppermint, ingredients that are proven to produce calm feelings. I love it for nights on-call in the hospital or away from home in a hotel.

Origins will donate $35,000 in connection with the North American sales of Peace of Mind® to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$10 (0.5 fl. oz/15 ml)

Available at Origins retail stores and select department stores in the USA.
Origins.com

Breast Cancer Awareness: Estée Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Set

The Lip Sets released every October by Estée Lauder are definitely among my favorite BCA offerings. Every year the pink is featured, though the products and formulations are little bit different. They are limited edition, amazing deals and since they want them to sell well, the shades are usually universally very flattering. Truly, run and check them out!

This year the Liz Hurley set features a lipstick, lip gloss and lip pencil. The shades are a bit lighter than the corresponding Evelyn Lauder set. The lip collection will be packaged in a pink fabric covered, mirrored lipstick holder case.

Estée Lauder will donate $500,000 in connection with the sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$22 at all Estée Lauder counters in the United States and Puerto Rico as well as on Estée Lauder.com

Breast Cancer Awareness: Clinique Lipgloss Key Chain

Clinique is offering a limited-edition Lipgloss Key Chain featuring a signature pink ribbon charm, Clinique “C” charm and three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit and Whisper. Each of these pink shades were chosen in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness’ signature colour.

$10 per Lipgloss Key Chain purchased during the month of October will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$18.50 exclusively at Sephora Stores and Sephora.com

Dr Brandt Increases My Daily SPF: A Look at UV SPF 30

I know I harp on sunscreen use a lot, but it truly is important to wear sunscreen everyday. Unless you spend every waking moment in a cave that is. It really is important to protect yourself from UV damage to prevent skin cancer, and if that isn't enough of a reason just start looking around at women over 50.

I swear you can tell who has used sunscreen and who worshipped the sun. My mom looks younger than she is (by years, she will deny it, but she really does), not because of good genes (though I would love to think we have those), but because she avoided the sun to prevent her Irish skin from freckling like crazy. My mom was pale in the 80s when the moms of my friends were dark nut brown. She now looks fab. Totally worth it!

So, I harp on sunscreen use. It's not enough to have it in your foundation or powder. I feel it should be in your daily moisturizer. Sometimes you can't find a moisturizer with SPF in it. In those cases you need to use a separate sunscreen. Too high of an SPF can overwhelm your skin, making it too difficult to wear everyday. How did Dr. Brandt do when he created this new sunscreen?

Read on to find out!

A Better Travel Iron? Ken Paves Tries to Make It

I have to admit that I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Ken Paves. I liked his hair styling products, but think his fake hair products are too shiny. I think he looks a bit. . . different (really, he needs to lay off the fake tanner). But I love what he does to Jessica Simpson's hair. So, I was wondering which way I'd go on his new line of styling tools. He's created a line of styling tools including a curling iron, flat iron (normal and travel) and hair dryer (normal ant travel). Would he hit it out of the park? Or would the appliances not be worth while?

Read on to see what I think.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Creme de La Mer

La Mer is pretty amazing (and expensive) stuff. Believe it or not, my review of La Mer is by far and away the most popular post on this site both in terms of comments and traffic. Whether you think that extra algae extract is worth it or not, this stuff is serious hydration. You can get a giant jar of it during October.

La Mer will make a donation of $30,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in connection with the North American sales of Crème de la Mer.

$230 (2 oz/60ml)
$1390 (16.5 oz/500ml)

Bergdorf Goodman and select Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and select specialty stores in the USA.
La Mer

Breast Cancer Awareness: Aveda Hand Relief

This hand lotion from Aveda is a favorite of mine and many of my friends! It's super hydrating and contains vitamins A and E (antioxidants to help fight aging! Yay!). This month you can get it in a 5 ounce size with a pink ribbon design for the same price as the regular 4.2 ounce size.

Aveda will donate $4 from each sale to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to fund environmental research to help find a cure, with a maximum donation of $300,000.

$21 at Aveda stores, Aveda.com and participating salons

Breast Cancer Awareness: Darphin Arovita C Energic Firming Cream

This cream is a big seller in Europe due to it's anti-aging ingredients. It has Artemia salina, Carrot Protein, Noni Extract, Vitamins C and E, and peptides in the formula to help firm skin and improve resiliency.

Darphin will donate $20.00 from each sale of Arovita C Energic Firming Cream during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

$80 for 1.7 oz at Select spas, Bergdorf Goodman, all Space NK and bluemercury locations and at Darphin.com

Did L'Oreal Dupe Givenchy? A Mascara Showdown!

I love a good deal as much as any other girl. I also love to have long and very full lashes. I am the girl that demands the look of false eye lashes from a mascara.

Last year Givenchy released Phenomen'Eyes, which I tracked down finally at a Sephora after looking everywhere for a few months. (I kept encountering empty display cases and promises that the mascara was "arriving soon... again.") I bought it, brought it home, and promptly forgot about it in my beauty closet. I finally remembered that I hadn't opened the box to review it when I received a sample of L'Oreal's new Telescopic Explosion mascara. It's fairly obvious that they were imitating the incredibly successful Givenchy. But, how is the mass market version?

Read on for more!

Breast Cancer Awareness: Jo Malone's Red Roses

This Jo Malone fragrance is created from 7 different roses and has notes of violet and lemon to keep it fresh and clean.

Jo Malone will donate $15,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in connection with the North American sales of Red Roses Cologne and Bath Oil.

$55.00 (1 fl. oz/30 ml)
$100.00 (3.4 fl. oz/100 ml)
Bath Oil- $60.00 (8.5ml/250 ml)

Available at Jo Malone Shops, Bergdorf Goodman and select Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.
Jo Malone.com