Giorgio Armani Bronze Mania Summer 2010

Giorgio Armani Beauty has some of the most luxe makeup compacts on the market. If you want a great summer palette, their Bronze Mania 2010 Mediterranean Palette is inspired by the vibrant colors of Pantelleria, Armani's Italian island home.

The unique eyeshadow formula is designed for the perfect wet eye look. Sensual, bold shades of absinthe green, shimmering sand, emerald turquoise and copper gold set the stage for a sexy summer. The wet powder processing also lends a silky texture, which results in a refreshing and cool sensation on the eyelid. To make things convenient, the double-level compact also features a flattering copper mahogany bronzer. Like the eyeshadows, the bronzer shade is very buildable.

For the beach bunnies, the new Eyes To Kill waterproof mascara promises to deliver tons of volume and it's supposed to last 24 hours. There are also two new Eyes To Kill eyeshadow palettes in Turquoise Granite and Bronze Coral.

Available at www.giorgioarmanibeauty.com, Bloomingdales, Barneys, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

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

Sorrelli Cocktail Rings

I certainly can't afford the cocktail rings from Tiffany & Co., but Sorrelli has a few designs that are waaay more affordable. These run about $33 to $68, so they won't exactly break the bank. Plus, if you happen to misplace it, you won't be crying (too much) over it.

Detailed Oval Crystal Ring in Coneflower color and antique gold finish

Finished in antique silver or gold, these rings make a glamorous statement for any soirée. I just might snap up a couple of these darlings.

Oval Swarovski Crystal Cocktail Ring

Find these and more at www.sorrelli.com.

Pacifica New Body Wash & Sephora Promo

I love the fresh and easy-to-wear fragrances from Pacifica. One of my favorite scents is Tuscan Blood Orange and I was happy to see that it's now available as a body wash and body lotion. Their new body care collection is meant to complement the brand's comprehensive fragrance line - you can now get the body wash and lotion in seven of their most popular scents.

The body wash is really moisturizing and gives off a light amount of fragrance. I'm thinking of using it for a bubble bath. This formula is also 100% vegan and free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates.

 

Sephora is currently running a cool beauty promotion! From now through June 21, 2010, you can get a Pacifica Body Wash & Body Lotion Set in any scent for $25. The body lotion is already worth $22 so this is a pretty sweet deal. Get your set soon before they sell out.

Available at pacificaperfume.com and Sephora.com.

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

iPad Leather Case from Tovicorrie

The stylish gals at Splendora pointed me to tovicorrie's Etsy shop and I instantly fell in love with a couple of their iPad leather case designs. I don't have an iPad but these gorgeous designs make me want one right. this. instant. Just check out this purple lace design - soooo pretty...

The artist also makes these in different sizes for your iPhone, iPod or iTouch. I'm quite impressed with the craftsmanship.

 

You can also get these wonderful leather cuffs that double as a wallet. Just marvelous stuff. I want to buy them all!

Acne Fighter: Cosmedix Clarity Serum

I've been a total night owl lately and it's been wreaking havoc on my skin. Thank goodness I've got the Cosmedix Clarity Serum to keep the zits at bay. Made with witch hazel, tea tree oil and willow herb, this non-drying serum can be used as a spot treatment. The formula also contains AGP Complex, a retinol alternative for stimulating collagen production.

To ensure blemish-free skin, the Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser is a great way to maintain a clear complexion. I use this with my Clarisonic Mia for maximum results. The minty smell is invigorating and you can leave this on for 1-3 minutes as an exfoliating mask. Definitely follow up with the Clarity Serum and the Phytoclear Clarifying Moisturizer.

www.cosmedix.com

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

Napa Getaway: Milliken Creek Inn and Spa

Tucked away on three beautiful acres, the Milliken Creek Inn and Spa overlooks the idyllic Napa River. This cozy twelve-room boutique hotel is located on the southern tip of the famous Silverado Trail so you don't have to travel far to experience some of the best Napa Valley wineries.

Combining the amenities of larger resorts with their intimate ambiance, you'll soon forget about your hectic work week. Tealight candles, chocolate-dipped strawberries and soft jazz music greeted me as I entered the luxury suite. I could already feel the stress melting away. The luxury suite is beautifully appointed and there's an oversized spa therapy tub to soothe your soul.

You can relax in your own private balcony with a glass of wine or sit by the river to enjoy the sunshine. The hotel also offers a Magic Hour wine and cheese reception in the early evening. As an extra bonus, guests get the rare luxury of having breakfast anywhere on the property.

When you visit, do take advantage of their private spa. I got to experience their Milliken Aromatherapy Massage and it was simply amazing. Patti, my therapist, did an excellent job. If you have a ton of knots like I do, do yourself a favor and book her for a massage. As for facials, they use the holistic Eminence Organics product line.

www.millikencreekinn.com

For editorial consideration, a press visit was arranged for this review.

Micmacs Exclusive iTunes Featurette & Trailer

To say that I'm a Jean-Pierre Jeunet fan is an understatement. The genius director behind "Amelie" and "A Very Long Engagement" is finally presenting "Micmacs," his new wacky comedy. It opens in NYC and LA on May 28 (June 4 for SF - oh, the agony...), but here's the trailer and exclusive iTunes featurette to whet your appetite.

Clarins Instant Sun Light Summer Makeup

Inspired by exotic spices from around the world, the Clarins Instant Sun Light Summer Makeup Collection is an alchemy of warm and sultry colors.

Decorated with a shimmery star anise flower, the Instant Sun Light Eye Quartet & Liner Palette contains four buildable shades to mix and match (pearly ginger, iridescent cinnamon, matte cocoa and sparkling paprika). A metallic nutmeg eyeliner is also included for creating a smoky look.

For natural, kiss-me lips, the Instant Sun Light Click & Gloss SPF 6 line consists of three sheer colors (Vanilla 01, Coral 02 & Cinnamon 03). Shea butter and sunflower seed oil provide ample moisture to the lips.

If you want some color but don't want the UV damange, the new Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15 might be the thing you're looking for. Made with moistuzing mirabelle oil, this moisturizing mousse also contains safflower extract to accelerate the tan. If you have really fair skin, you might want to apply less product. You must exfoliate and moisturize your skin the day before application, or you might end up with an uneven tan.

I got to try the new Everlasting Foundation and I really like how it melts into the skin. The feel is comfortable and light. This formula is supposed to last up to 15 hours, but I didn't leave it on my face for that long.

Tailored for the 30's crowd, there's a new Multi-Active Skin Renewal Serum to combat fine lines. This anti-aging product is designed to prevent the early signs of wrinkles. Cellular turnover is achieved from the exfoliating properties of natural lemon and Nopal flower extracts. The non-irritating formula is also suitable for all skin types.

Available at Macy's and online at us.clarins.com.

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

Coco-luxe Confections - Elderflower Truffles

I adore anything with elderflowers, so imagine my excitement when I discovered these delicious chocolates. Just for this month, Coco-luxe Confections is presenting a new seasonal truffle for chocoholics. Delicately infused with St. Germain liqueur, the Elderflower Truffle contains a smooth and luscious white chocolate ganache.

The French liqueur is made with handpicked wild elderflower blossoms, so the flavor is elegant and very subtle. Dark chocolate surrounds the ganache to seal in the complex flavor profile. I need to restain myself lest I consume the entire box!

Locals can get this lovely treat at their Haight Street boutique, or you can get it online at www.coco-luxe.com.

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

Guerlain Summer 2010 Makeup Collection

Guerlain is celebrating this summer with a new launch of their iconic Météorites Perles Illuminating Powder. Re-formulated with three new color palettes, these radiant loose powders bring unusual luminosity to the skin. 

Adapting to different skin tones, each of the three color harmonies are designed to reduce redness (01 Teint Rosé), mask fatigued skin (02 Teint Beige), or banish dull, yellow undertones (03 Teint Doré). All harmonies contain corrective and light-enhancing properties to even out the entire complexion.

I happen to be on the rosy side, so the Teint Rosé harmony was ideal for me. The result is a healthy, ethereal glow from within. If you need a new loose powder brush, the Météorites Brush is great for picking up the right amount of powder.

 

The focus this summer is all about the radiant face and less drama on the eyes. The limited edition Ombre Eclat 4 Shades eyeshadow palette (409 Ombres Perlées) features a soft and neutral array of colors. From satin pink to light iridescent brown, these subtle hues lend a very natural look to the eyes. The white Météorites rosette is stamped on the palette and can be used as a fifth shade. I like the way these colors give a polished feel without the 'made up' look.

To round out the collection, two new seasonal shades (Coral Sunset and Cherry Summer) are created for the KissKiss Baby SPF 10 lip balm. Enriched with wild mango butter, these tinted lip balms are one of my favorite items in the Guerlain brand. I was delighted to try the Cherry Summer color. It delivers the perfect amount of sheer pink on the lips.

The entire Summer 2010 collection is now on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.

For more info go to guerlain.com.

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