NARS Summer 2010 Colors

A girl can never have too much makeup, expecially when it's NARS makeup. Their Summer 2010 colors are inspired by Catherine Deneuve's sexy Severine character from "Belle de Jour." I am especially impressed with The Multiple in Lamu.  The fresh glazed-apricot shade is speckled with tiny gold sparkles but it's not too shimmery at all.

It's just a natural, beautiful color - you an use it all over your cheeks, forehead, jawline, eyes or lips. I use it lightly for a healthy glow to the cheeks but really layer it on for the eyelids. Coupled with the shiny apple-brandy Coup de Coeur lip gloss, you've got an effortless yet sophisticated look for the entire season.

We often use sunscreen for the face but we tend to forget the delicate lip area. Available in six shades, the new Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment will help you protect that pretty little pout. Packed with wild mango butter, acai oil and polar berries, this SPF 15 treatment will repair chapped lips while adding a light veil of color - perfect for those light makeup days. I tried Lara (pastel pink) and Greta (mauve), and both gave off a very subtle, barely-there payoff.

 

Also, starting mid-July, NARS will be launching five special lip glosses at Sephora. Named after their signature blush shades, this limited-edition collection will get NARS blush lovers all excited. You can now pair your favorite blush with the matching gloss! I really love the Super Orgasm shade - it's a delicate, peachy pink with micro flecks of gold glitter. It won't get all over your face and the effect is real shimmery but not too over the top.  I wore it alone for a natural summer look but you can amp it up with a darker lip liner.

www.narscosmetics.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Amelie Fleur de Lys Glassware

A lot of my friends know green is one of my favorite colors so it's no surprise that I was instantly attracted to this Amelie glass decanter and its matching tumblers. The elegant fleur de lys design is coupled with a hobnail base, so it's not too fancy for daily use.  I also adore the subtle color gradiation.

Image souce: Madison Belle

I found these lovelies at the De Young Museum gift shop before enjoying the new Musee d'Orsay Impressionist exhibit. If you're a museum member you get 10% off all purchases - that was enough reason for me to pick up the tumblers! They also have it in light pink and clear glass. If you don't live in the SF Bay Area you can also buy them online at Madison Belle.

Marie Veronique Organics Kid Safe Screen SPF 25

I got to try the new Marie Veronique Kid Safe Screen SPF 25 and was quite impressed with its broad spectrum UVA/UVB formula. It contains 20% non-micronized zinc oxide (no nano technology) and you get instant protection upon application. That means no more waiting 30 minutes before going outside!

There's no greasy residue at all. The smooth, matte texture absorbs right into the skin and it's gentle enough to use around the eyes. This sunscreen also contains a proprietary MVO butter, a blend of organic butters that features the moisturizing and water-resistant mango butter.

I also tried the no-tint version of the MVO Everyday Coverage SPF 30. It contains a chockfull of anti-aging ingredients as well as healing properties from yangu and emu oils. This SPF product contains 24% zinc oxide. I'm not sure if it's because of the zinc oxide minerals but my pores seem to be diminished whenever I use this sunscreen. Another plus for me.

For both products, the mineral pigment from the zinc oxide might take a while to fully disappear into the skin. In my case it took about 20-30 minutes before I lost the white film, but that's no biggie for me. In any case these two items are now on my list of SPF favorites.

Marie Veronique sells the Kid Safe Screen in a 3-bottle pack, so stock up for the entire family and save 11%. Get it online at marieveronique.com.

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Atelier Cologne

I used to be in love with only a few French fragrance houses, but newcomer Atelier Cologne has captivated my heart. From the hand-applied leather bottle caps to the natural raw materials sourced from Grasse, everything about these colognes ooze luxury and refinement. Featuring much higher concentrations (12%-20%) than a traditional Eau de Cologne formula, their Cologne Absolue line consists of five beautiful unisex scents.

It's pretty hard to choose just one favorite but I'd pick the bright and zesty Orange Sanguine. It really felt like someone was waving a juicy blood orange slice right under my nose. Bitter orange, blood orange, geranium, jasmine, amber woods, tonka beans and sandalwood combine together to add depth and complexity to this gorgeous scent. A pure delight.

The fresh and grassy Trèfle Pur is very lovely - it opens up with bitter orange, cardamon and basil, which soon leads to clover absolute, violet leaves, neroli, patchouli moss and musk. I find myself drawn to this fragrance long after I've applied it to my skin.

The dreamy and feminine Grand Neroli opens with a warm burst of Moroccan neroli, lemon, bergamot and petitgrain. Galbanum, moss, white amber and vanilla keep things perfectly balanced. The pink pepper and vetiver in the intense Bois Blonds sort of remind me of the Armani Privé Vétiver Babylone. With ingredients of bergamot, oolong tea, tobacco flower and gaiac wood, the Oolong Infini is definitely sexy and wondrous. These colognes beg you to take a second sniff, and a third...

Available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus (all stores) and ateliercologne.com.

Sweet Jo's - Flavorful Comfort Food in Laurel Heights

Tucked inside the bustling Jewish Community Center in Laurel Heights, Sweet Jo's cafe is a neighborhood gem. Chef Joanna Karlinsky (of Meetinghouse fame) has done an excellent job in creating flavor-packed comfort food. For the busy moms out there, this is a very kid-friendly place.

First off, I'm amazed at the signature Sweet Jo's Vegan Chili. Don't let the word 'vegan' fool you. Made with quinoa, bulgur and tofu, it's so darn flavorful that I didn't even miss the meat. It also has a nice kick to it. I don't eat a lot of chili as it's too heavy for me, but this one is so healthy that I don't mind eating it on a regular basis.

I heard the pizzas were quite tasty and now I know why. Joanna uses a sourdough crust to bring more oomph to these New York-style pies. We tried the 'Make Your Own' vegetarian pesto pizza and the house flatbread with caramelized onions, rosemary, camabozola cheese and roasted garlic puree. As a testament to their bold flavors, I saw plenty of folks around us inhaling these pizzas.

For ice cream lovers, don't miss the house-made Lucky Dawg Ice Cream. We liked the Lemon Curd, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Coffee, Caramel and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie flavors. They might also sell takeaway pints in the near future so call them to find out. Straus Creamery organic frozen yogurt is also available as a healthier alternative. 

I've saved the best for last. For those who miss Joanna's famous buttery Meetinghouse biscuits, you can get them at the cafe or order them online at meetinghousebiscuitssf.com. They're available in a box of 24 handmade biscuits for $35.

Photo Credit: John Benson

Simone Perele Summer 2010 Collection

As one of the leading French lingerie companies, Simone Pérèle represents elegance, style and comfort. To make shopping easier for us, the brand launched their U.S. online boutique late last year. They are currently selling some of their summer colors and styles on the website.

Simone Perele Avant Premiere demi-cup bra in Lilac.

For well-endowed ladies (lucky you), the Avant Premiere stretch lace collection is available in E and F cups. This season they are featuring the pretty Lilac color for most of the styles within this collection.

Simone Perele Nina demi-cup bra and boyshort.

From now through August 1, Simone Pérèle is partnering with Dress for Success to help disadvantaged women succeed in the workplace. The company will donate $5 for each online purchase (total minimum of $25,000) made through their U.S. website.

And, for the brides-to-be: the Fiji bridal collection is 20% off through 7/31. Enter promo code SPBRIDAL at checkout.

Head over to www.simoneperele.com for more new summer styles.

Photo Credit: Simone Pérèle

Head to Toe SPF

As we plan our trips to the beach, we're also seeing lots of news about proper sun protection and skin cancer prevention. While it's very important to protect our bodies from year-round sun damage, we also need to get enough Vitamin D to prevent other types of cancer. In other words, balance is everything. Go out and have fun, but do be careful of your body's limitations.

Here are some sunscreen products that you might want to consider before enjoying the sun rays:

Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 - Ideal for those with light-colored or thinning hair, this potective leave-in spray protects hair color and highlights. Definitely use this if you do a lot of outdoor sports or gardening.

ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 - Perfect for busy gals, this 2-in-1 product acts as a makeup primer and tinted suncreen. It also contains a proprietary lipopeptide to stimulate collagen production. 

Colorescience Sunforgettable Orb SPF 30 - If you prefer convenience, this small purse-friendly powder puff provides great protection. I've used the brush version for years and love it. It comes in three shades (All Clear, Perfectly Clear and Almost Clear).

Juice Beauty Green Apple SPF 20 Antioxidant Body Moisturizer - I love the apple pie scent of this moisturizer. The non-greasy formula contains amino acids to fight fine lines as well as a chemical-free sunscreen for broad spectrum protection.

 

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.

Burt's Bees New Lip Products & Giveaway

I've been using Burt's Bees lip balms since high school and it was nice to see them launching two new scents. The new Rejuvenating Lip Balm with Açaí Berry and Nourishing Lip Balm with Mango Butter are the latest additions to their popular lip care collection. Certified by the NPA (Natural Products Association), these fruity balms contain natural moisturizing ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil and sunflower seed oil.

To celebrate the debut of the Açaí Berry lip balm, they're running a contest to win an Amazon eco-getaway. The contest runs through December 31, 2010. For an extra shopping deal, they're also offering a Premium Grab Bag ($50 value) for only $24.99. It contains 5 full-size products, 14 mini-size products, and 5 special gifts. What a fun way to stock up on your fave brand huh? This promo ends in July or while supplies last.

Giveaway Time!

Two lucky winners will each win a mini assortment of Burt's Bees Lip Balms and Lip Shimmers (surprise grab bag style!). I happen to love their new Peony Lip Shimmer.

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Burt's Bees Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/26vsbjj). If you don't have a Twitter account, leave a comment below and tell me which product you'd like to try. New followers to my Facebook page or Twitter feed will get an additional entry.

Step 2: Email your name & address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Enter 'Burt's Bees Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link in the body. DO NOT forget to email your name & address or you'll be disqualified automatically!

Two winners will be chosen at random. Deadline is Friday, June 25, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. USA residents only.

BurtsBees.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review. Giveaway sponsored by Burt's Bees.

Bay Area Rising Stars Showcase Talent at StarChefs.com Awards

If you were near Ghirardelli Square last night you might have been curious about the swanky event taking place at their outdoor plaza. Some of the hottest young luminaries of the local culinary scene were being honored at the StarChefs.com Rising Star Awards Gala.

Marinated Striped Bass, Petrossian Caviar, Green Strawberries, and Brown Rice by Louis Maldonado of Aziza.

There were plenty of gourmet dishes and wines to keep the guests busy. Josh Thomsen of the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa had a tasty Laura Chenel Goat Cheese-Potato Terrine with Slow-Roasted Baby Beets and Aged Balsamic Syrup.

Each honoree and their teams were working furiously to feed the hungry crowds. Just look at the Aziza team working together!

Louis Maldonado and Mourad Lahlou of Aziza put finishing touches on their dish.

I haven't been to Flour + Water yet but Thomas McNaughton's Ravioli Doppio of Pork and Pea gave me enough reason to check it out real soon.

There was a line at the SPQR area too. The Bone Marrow Sformatino, Smoked Bacon and Onions from Matthew Accarrino was silky and flavorful, but not too rich. Well, not too rich for me!

Matthew Accarrino of SPQR.
The desserts were also stellar. We enjoyed both Melissa Chou's (of Aziza) Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta with Plum Soup as well as the Apricot Mousse, Cherry Sorbet and Lemon Verbena from Catherine Schimenti of Michael Mina.

It was quite hard to choose a favorite dish but guests voted for Scott Nishiyama's (of Chez TJ) Moulard Duck Foie Gras "Neige," Blackberry, Cashew and House-Made Mustard Toast. It was a very creative endeavor - imagine cool, light-as-air foie gras shavings floating on your taste buds. Sublime.

Vicky Wasik/StarsChefs.com

Scott Nishiyama of Chez TJ

Curious about upcoming events? Check out starchefs.com for more info.

Photo credits: Vicky Wasik/Starchefs.com & Giovanni Nakpil.

Zoe Bikini 2010 Collection

Designed and made in San Francisco, Zoë Bikini's 2010 collection is featuring classic styles that will last for more than one season. These are her "Greatest Hits" of the entire line and the fabrics are durable. You can choose from 10 new colors and 14 different tops and bottoms. I still have my adorable custom bikini from 2005! 

Zoe Bikini 2010 Collection

Zoë is wonderful to work with. She wants to empower all women to embrace their unique body shape. Her website has tips on which tops are good for smaller cleavage. For ladies who are well-endowed, you can also custom order your bikini top. Want to hide or show off your derrière? She will tell you which bottom will match your bikini top.

I love this Lux/Talis style from the 2009 collection. This top is meant for the active types (stays in place). The bottom features sexy gold chain detailing on the hip areas.

Lux top & Talis bottom from the 2009 collection.

The new 2010 styles are now on sale at the Mission store and can be seen on Zoë's Facebook page. One-piece swimsuits will be available later this year, so stay tuned! To view older styles, check out zoebikini.com.