Beautyhabit French Beauty Selections

Beautyhabit celebrates the season of vacations a la francais.

Celebrate summertime with these new Beautyhabit favorites and enjoy a fun sampler gift filled with chic, luxurious treasures all your own (details at bottom).

a. Des Filles a la Vanille Vanilla Girls Eau de Parfum $85 - fragranced with vanilla, orange and musc. The epitome of Parisian chic, des Filles a la Vanille has just introduced six new parfums, including Vanilla Girls, each carrying romantic names and tender messages. These fragrances are recognized for their special quality inspiring dreams of the South of France any beyond. I adore des Filles a la Vanille; their Toi ... Mon Ange EDT remains to this day one of my all-time favorite vanilla fragrances.

b. Crazylibellule and the Poppies Josephine Jonquille Solid Perfume $16 - a green floral Jasmine-Jonquil, sun-kissed with Tiaré flowers and sublimated with tangy Ginger coated in Dark Chocolate. Desirable in the extreme. The Garçonne masculine feel of ‘Joséphine Jonquille’ is expressed with Dark Chocolate. Fascinating and spirited… extremely desirable.

c. Paul & Joe Beaute Waterproof mascara in Black $24 - New! Keep lashes soft and supple with this waterproof formulation – Lashes look naturally beautiful without the stiff sensation often accompanied by waterproof mascara. Soft-curl polymers keep lashes feathery and light for a superior sultry blend. Quick-dry powder prevents clumping and allows for fast-drying beautiful lashes.

d. Diptyque Paris Santal Candle $60 - Reminiscent of India's spice markets. The exotic & earthy scent of sandalwood and its sacred woodsy notes.

e. Les parfums de Rosine Rose Praline $95 - Top notes of Cardamom, Italian bergamot and rose oil blend with heart notes of géranium, chocolate powder, rose absolue and Lapsang Souchong tea. Finishes on a base of amber, sandalwood, cacao and white musk.

f. Cinq Mondes Encens Aromatique Atlas, Morroco $32 - There are 5 Arômes et Couleurs associations that are based on the principle of the five elements of Chinese medicine. This incense brings together the power of essential oils and that of colors for a personalized sensation of well-being.To meet an energy need for Plenitude, Vitality and Strength Ingredients: Orange Blossom and Leaf Essential Oils.

g. Miss Ferling Kiss Me Sweet Mona Lip Balm $15 - Beat the wind, cold rain and sun with this glamorous pearly balm, a promise of sweet violet-scented kisses. With its retro look, delicious violet-scented aroma, lovely flowers and a hint of silver sparkles, this product sublimates the smile. Kiss me sweet Mona acts as an essential daily lip care. With its ultra natural formula which has the power to revitalize, soften and protect, it fights cracks, irritations and damaged lips.

h. Nuxe Touche Prodigieuse Complexion Multi-Perfecting Retouch Brush $30 - In one easy and precise step, Touche Prodigieuse acts simultaneously as a corrector that promises a flawless complexion, a radiance booster that illuminates the skin and a concealer that reduces dark circles and lights up the eyes.

Receive a seven-piece deluxe French beauty sampler filled with chic and luxurious product samples with your online Beautyhabit purchase of $50 or more. Offer expires 7/27/09.

Enter code: BHVOYAGE at checkout

Style's Must-Have Products for Summer

These summer destination-specific products are the faves and raves of Style.com's Summer 2009 Beauty Guide. Let's take a peek at their top picks for the city, the pool, the beach, the country and the park.


Chantecaille Just Skin SPF15 Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturizer
Laced with a mineral sunscreen and free-radical fighting antioxidants, this sheer finish tinted lotion protects skin form both the sun and city smog, while delivering the perfect natural finish for summer makeup. $62 Neiman Marcus, Barney's, SpaceNK

DERMAdoctor Med e Tate
A wipe-down with these individually packaged hyperhidrosis-controlling towelettes promises dryness that rivals the effects of antiperspirant Botox injections. What's more, they can be used virtually anywhere wetness control is required, from underarms to the soles of feet. $48 for 30 towelettes DERMAdoctor

Butter London Stiletto Stick
Nothing ruins the look of a stylish summer sandal faster than dry, cracked heels. A few routine swipes with this moisturizing stick smoothes, softens and otherwise improved the appearance of abused soles without any greasy residue. $30 Butter London, b-glowing

Philip Kingsley Swimcap
A dab of this super-conditioning, strand-protecting treatment prevents chlorine, not to mention sun, saltwater and wind, from discoloring and damaging delicate hair. $35 Philip Kinsgley, SpaceNK





NARS Vintage Nail Polish Collection
In celebration of the brand's 15th anniversary, makeup aritst François Nars reissued five vintage nail enamels, for a limited time only. Two bright shades in particular - Cha Cha Cha, a shimmery tangerine and Blue Lagoon, a blue with specks of gold and silver, both circa 2001 - look fab poolside. $16 each NARS Cosmetics, Beauty.com

Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle
One side boasts four ultra-thin blades for a super-close shave. The other side features a battery powered trimmer for precise pruning. Together they make this new razor a must-have for anyone summering in a teeny bikini or otherwise this summer. $11 Available at drugstores

EOS Ultra Moisturizing Shave Cream
Thanks to an extra moisturizing aloe, oat and shea butter infused formula, this versatile shaving cream can be used on wet or dry skin with equally impressive results. $3.50 Target

Elemental Herbology Beach Prep
Exfoliating fruit enzymes and sea salt, moisturizing buriti and macadamia nut oils, and brightening Kombuchka and fig extracts make this triple-acting body polish the go-to scrub for skin prepping prior to all sun-tanning (faux tanning, of course). $34 SpaceNK

Rodial Skinny Beach SPF15
A blend of anti-cellulite ingredients and UVA and UVB sunscreen gives this moderate skin protector bonus slimming benefits. $49 Beauty.com, DERMAdoctor

SheerinO'kho Outdoor Meetings Summertime
Thanks to a formula that mattifies, reduces irritation and inflammation, and stimulates the skin's regenerative functions, this multipurpose moisturizer is ideal for muggy mountain and lake climes - and the activities that are enjoyed there. $108 SpaceNK

Beekman 1802 Bug Repellant Bars
These goat's milk soap squares are infused with citronella and eucalyptus to thwart the advances of annoying insects. Lather up with one in the a.m. and enjoy a whole bite-free day, or, for more spur-of-the-moment endeavors, rub a square on pulse points; the bug repelling aroma will be released as your skin heats up. $15 for ten squares Green Depot, Beekman 1802

Supergoop 4 Lips Pocket Stick Set
A must-have for your purse, diaper bag, travel bag, or little one's pocket, these lip balm sticks feature a soothing aloe vera base; antioxidant vitamins A, C and E; and a high SPF protection. In Original or Wintemint, a fresh flavor that's guaranteed to make it an easier sell for your kids. $19 for a set of four sticks, Supergoop


Want more fresh ideas for summer beauty finds? Click on over for more top picks from Style.com's Summer Beauty Guide 2009.

Philosophy Favorites for July Sweepstakes

philosophy: summer fun has just begun

Did you forget to enter Philosophy's June Sweepstakes? Well, you've got another opportunity in July. Different products, but deliciously summer-ful (yes, I just made that up), nonetheless. Five lucky winners will receive this collection, worth a whopping $250. I love Philosophy! (heavy sigh)

Included in the collection:

Hope in Jar World Famous Moisturizer 1 oz

Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser 8 oz
New Eye Hope Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream .5 oz
The Microdelivery In-Home Peel
Shelter Sunblock SPF30 4 oz

Amazing Grace Perfumed Shave Gel 7 oz
Kiss Me Clear Lip Gloss SPF 20
Senorita Margarita Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 16 oz
Melon Daiquiri Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble bath 16 oz
Black Philosophy T-Shirt (choice of sizes)

I've already entered and hoping to be one of the five, so good luck to you other Philosophy Girls who consider this a drool-worthy prize. The contest ends 7/31/09 and winners will be notified end of August. See website for details.

Click HERE to enter contest

By the way, if you're needing to restock your own Philosophy favorites, there are fab deals going on this weekend at QVC and SkinStore. I'm out of Amazing Grace Spray Fragrance, one of my all-time favorite fragrances, and took advantage of a fantastic boxed set on QVC just moments ago (see below). But you should also know that SkinStore is offering 20% off storewide right now, so nice savings there too.

Included: 16-oz buffing wash, 5-oz body butter, 8-oz body spritz, 2-oz eau de parfum
Bonus 2-oz perfumed hair conditioner - Introductory Price $64.62

Visit QVC for more information on this offer and many other Philosophy offers this weekend. To take advantage of SkinStore's 20% off celebration event (on Philosophy or any other brands), enter code: JULY20 at checkout.

Ron Robinson: Beauty and the Beach

Check out what Ron Robinson has in store for you for beach worthy beauty and then some.

Folks are raving about COOLA suncare products. They're more than just sunscreen, though. Silky, transparent, age defying, and vitamin/antioxidant-rich, COOLA FACE ($32) is specially created to protect, hydrate and soothe delicate facial skin. Formulated with twelve certified organic extracts including Cucumber, Rose Hips, and Comfrey that, among other benefits, help to tighten skin and stimulate healthy tissue growth. Absorbs quickly, leaving a sheer matte protective finish. COOLA FACE is perfect as an everyday moisturizer.

OSEA skincare is causing some waves ... the nice, relaxing kind. Case in point, Osea's Ocean Cleanser ($44) - This gentle marine-based cleanser effectively removes dirt and impurities while hydrating and re-mineralizing the skin. Red Algae, a mineral rich variety of marine algae extremely high in microelements, proteins, vitamins, mineral salts and amino acids gentle cleanses the skin to allow greater permeability. Ocean Cleanser is free of chemical surfactants and great for easy makeup removal.

How about a nice refresher for your locks? Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($29) leave in formula delivers a beach feel. The hair gets a natural twist like after a day at the beach with sun and great waves. How to use: Use in clean, wet or dry hair.

Of course, there's much more in store for you. Check out the beauty of Apothia at Ron Robinson for more fabulous products to get you beach ready, summer kissed and stunningly beautiful!

Shu Uemura Summer 2009 Collection: Eternal Gold

The Art of Beauty Meets the Energy of the Sun

This summer, the art of true beauty merges with the everlasting energy of the sun in Shu Uemura’s summer 2009 collection Eternal Gold. Skin illuminates with a range of shades and textures that capture and reflect the golden rays of one of the world’s most venerated natural phenomena. With sheer veils of gold, beige and pink, discover a shimmering glow and beautifully bronzed tan that will leave you in an aura of light throughout the summer solstice.

UV UNDER BASE MOUSSE SHIMMER SPF 10 – STAR PRODUCT!
This limited-edition shimmering under base creates a radiant complexion while smoothing and evening out skintone. The beautiful mousse texture melts into skin allowing three different types of pearls to spread evenly across the face, highlighting it with a subtle glow. Golden Pearls catch the sun's rays to reflect a soft shimmer. As fine White Pearls add a bit of iridescence, delicate Red Pearls wrap skin in a healthy glow. Hammamelis extract helps tighten pores, while fluoride coated pigments resist water and oil to keep color true and fresh. Best applied with Shu Uemura’s Pentagon Sponge. Suggested Retail Price: $35.00

BRONZING POWDER – NEW!
For a beautiful, bronzed finish with a sheer glow, enhance skin with one of three shades of Bronzing Powder. Transparent powders prevent a white and ashy finish by absorbing sweat and sebum. Large Plate Micas reflect light creating a glowing finish, while multiple pearl effects create the desired look. Double Red Pearls give a natural reddish appearance and the Golden Pearls enhance skin’s glow. The pressed formula controls the amount of powder taken onto the brush for a natural-looking application. Use with Goat Brush Natural 50H. Available in Light, Medium and Dark. Suggested Retail Price: $38.00

GOAT BRUSH NATURAL 50H – NEW!
New and permanent to Shu Uemura’s vast array of makeup brushes, this tool is perfect for any pressed or loose powder. All of Shu Uemura’s makeup brushes are hand-laid in place for shape and optimal makeup results. This brush’s Hulbert shape defines contours and highlights facial features. Two types of uncut goat hair give a soft, gentle touch that is ideal for all types of pressed powders. Suggested Retail Price: $75.00

The new Shu Uemura Eternal Gold Collection products launch this month. They are available at shuuemura-usa.com, Shu Uemura boutiques and counters nationwide.

Summer Bridal Beauty

Every bride want to look her very best on her wedding day, and that includes gorgeous hair, flawless skin and perfectly manicured nails. Beauty beginners and beauty-savvy brides alike will find these tips from Planet Beauty useful for looking radiant and camera-ready on the big day.

Look bright-eyed by getting as much sleep as possible the night before. Combat any dark circles or puffiness with Yonka's Phyto Contour Eye Firming Cream $54. Use eye drops if eyes still look red or tired.

Make sure you use waterproof mascara that can withstand "tears of joy". Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara by Too Faced will prevent smearing; its exclusive 3D polymers build waterproof tubes around each lash. $19.50

Achieve a flawless complexion as good as professionally created with this smoking-hot product. Winning rave reviews from all over the world, ERA Face Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics is like having a professional makeup artist in a can. This is an oil-free foundation tha contains a nourishing vitamin and botanical base ideal for all skin types. It comes in an array of shades and blends flawlessly into skin. $55

L-R: ERA Foundation Spray in shade R6, AirBrush Shimmer, AirBrush Primer

Keep hair looking radiant and shiny with I.C.O.N.'s AirShine Brilliant Shine Spray $19.50. AirShine blasts dry air for incredible surface gloss and shine while shielding your style from environmental damage. I.C.O.N is fast becoming a favorite hair care brand of many a beauty addict. This stuff rocks!

Create a perfect, pouty lip and blendable soft, shadowed eyes with Napoleon Perdis Palette Patrol $39. The palette includes his seductive set of rich, versatile colors for lips, eyes and cheeks. People StyleWatch says this about the set, "(a) sleek blush, shadow, and gloss double-decker kit from the Aussie brand ... a secret weapon for conquering any beauty battles."

Don't forget all eyes will be on your new bridal bling. Get your fingers ready for the closeup with Barielle's Natural French Manicure Set $16.50, including Cherish, a light pink, Enduring, a white shade, and Top Shield for glossy shine with a protective shield.

For the honeymoon, give yourself a glow from head to toe with Tan Towel's Self-Tan Towelettes. Each towelette is concentrated with a self-tan formula that ensures a quick and even application with no streaking or mess ($4.00 for a full face and body application).

Bridal tips courtesy of Planet Beauty. All products mentioned in this piece are available at Planet Beauty. You can find more tips and trends from Planet Beauty's team of professional makeup artists, hair stylists and licensed estheticians.

images: Zoe Clark, Whiterz

Bliss + Philips Team Up to Help us De-Fuzz for Summer Fun

Get the summer buzz on how to de-fuzz and enter to win a fan-tab-ulous summer swag bag (valued at $600) while you're at it!

Learn about Bliss-Philips' new perfect spa-at-home grooming system just in time for wearing your favorite one-piece or bikini, find summer-sational tips and trends, and a sure way to prevent irritation for spahh-smooth results.

A hot summer is in the bag! The Bliss-Philips beach tote is packed and ready to go with a towel, Philips GoGear MP3 Player, H20 Bottle, exclusive Bliss products and a beachin' bikini. They're giving away a bag a week for seven weeks.

Click HERE to enter

Tarte Partners with Hayden-Harnett for Beach Goodies Giveaway

Beauty and the Beach

Hurry over to the Hayden-Harnett site and enter now for this fab giveaway of beauty goodies from Tarte Cosmetics paired with all kinds of wonderful items from this apparel, accessories and footwear giant.

GRAND PRIZE valued at $659

Hayden-Harnett products
"Iris" keyhole maillot in painterly print $178
"Erol" large tote in sun $155
"Athena" sandal in moonbeam $158

Tarte products
eyeQuatic waterproof summer essentials set with scarf $35
CelluFIGHT anti-cellulite self-tanner $40
4 day stay natural lash stain $18
slide tin lip balm with SPF15 in "mouth-off" $12
24/7 natural lip sheer with SPF15 in "summer fling" $14
Sunburst face natural beaded bronzing moisturizer $28
rise & shine in "berrylicious" $21


RUNNER UP valued at $256

Hayden-Harnett products
"Erol" large tote in natural $155

Tarte products
eyeQuatic waterproof summer essentials set with scarf $35
CelluFIGHT anti-cellulite self-tanner $40
24/7 natural lip sheer with SPF15 in "summer fling" $14
slide tin lip balm with SPF15 in "mouth-off" $12

Click HERE to enter

Contest runs 5/20/09 - 6/10/09. Winners will be chosen 6/11/09 and notified by email, so be sure you verify your email address before clicking the submit button. Be on the lookout after entering as they will also give you a promo code to save 20% off items from both Hayden-Harnett and Tarte Cosmetics after you've entered the contest. x

YSL Limited Edition Summer 2009 Palettes

A YSL Beauty must-have for summer. YSL's limited edition palettes for the season are strikingly colorful and just as enhancing to your sun-kissed face. One palette for eyes and one for lips, inspired by the African universe of vivid color.

The eye palette gathers five radiant and surprisingly easy-to-wear shades that enhance a tanned glow (real or faux), while the lip palette offers five audacious shades for a summy look.

For more info and to shop the look, visit YSL Beauty counters nationwide or online and yslbeautyus.com.

Paul & Joe Sunkissed Beauty - Summer 2009

Set your eyes on Paul & Joe's gold themed summer 2009 beauty collection ~ Sunkissed Beauty. In shades of yellow gold, bronze gold and pink gold, these are sure to enhance a summer sun lustre. Particularly eye-catching are their new 3-layered nail enamels for uninhibited luxury and fun. Those lipglosses with the golden spiral add shine and dimension to lips for a perfected hydrated summer pout. As pretty on you as they are in their packaging. xx

With your $75 Paul & Joe Beaute' purchase from Beautyhabit, receive an adorable make-up pouch featuring delightful pink and white paisley design inspired by the Paul & Joe Spring and Summer 2009 fashion collection. Offer ends 5/20/09 or while supplies last.

To redeem, click link and use code: SUNKISSED at checkout.

Learn more about this limited edition collection as well as Paul & Joe's exquisite skincare products by visiting Beautyhabit today.

The Simple Pleasures of Talenti Sorbetto e Gelato

Sometimes there's just nothing more beautiful than a dish of divine italian confection. With the hot weather approaching, and for some of us - oh, it's here already, I thought I'd tempt you with this exquisite frozen delicious-ness.

Making everything from scratch with unparalleled artisanship, Talenti Gelato e Sorbetto has a 500 year tradition of creating their handcrafted gelato and sorbetto. They combine the impeccably chosen ingredients by hand in small batches and add their innovative spirit and passion in order to provide their customers with a myriad of enchanting flavors from which to choose.

Talenti incorporates the finest ingredients available by importing raw materials from around the world to enhance our recipes. Talenti gelato uses only freshly pasteurized milk which is free of the growth hormones rBGH and rBST. They use only extra fine pure sugar, fresh fruit and nuts straight from the growers, real Callebaut chocolate from Belgium, fresh whole Tahitian vanilla beans from Papua New Guinea, select coconuts from the Philippines, and dulce de leche from Argentina. Additionally, they roast and caramelize their own nuts, squeeze their own lemons, and they make their own nut pastes. No detail is ignored and no shortcuts are taken. Talenti truly is made with only the best.

With flavors like Sicilian Pistachio, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Double Dark Chocolate, Malaysian Mango, Hill County Peach Champagne, Lisbon Lemon and many more, it's truly no surprise these are as luscious as they sound. One more reason to love it - Talenti gelatos and sorbettos have 30% to 100% less fat than traditional ice cream!

You can find them at most Whole Foods Markets or alternately check them out at their online website, Talenti.