Givenchy Le Soin Noir Yeux & Black For Light Mask

Givenchy's latest 'haute couture' skin care launch, the decadent Le Soin Noir Yeux eye cream, has a wonderfully moisturizing gel texture. Using a patented extraction process, the star ingredient is the Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate. Listed as the first black eye cream in the market, this algae-based cream is supposed to regenerate the tissue cells around the delicate eye area. The glass packaging is also pretty slick - the container looks like a sleek jewelry box.

Don't be alarmed at the dark charcoal grey color - it will disappear the second your skin absorbs it. I've been using this for a couple weeks and my fine lines have slightly diminished. The results are especially amazing when I wake up in the mornings. It seemed like those pesky fine lines disappeared temporarily. After a 1-month trial, 31 women reported a 74% reduction in dark circles and an 83% reduction in fine lines.

I can now see why the Black For Light Mask is such a popular product. Your face practically emits a subtle glow after using it for ten minutes. It's like wearing a delicate photoshop filter - even the SO noticed the effect. If I were to use this in the mornings before heading out, I probably wouldn't need a highlighter or pearly primer to enable a radiant complexion. The product is pre-measured in nine applications, which makes it very handy for travel. The box also comes with a great brush. When you're done using the entire kit you can re-use it as a concealer or foundation brush.

For more info and to buy: givenchybeauty.com and parfumsgivenchy.com.

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

Camper Fall 2010 Shoes

Oh, my...I love purple and Camper's Fall 2010 designs are all beckoning me to shop at their SF boutique this weekend. They really are after my own heart. Just look at these awesome designs! The Ariadna ankle boot has a killer stacked heel. I bet the flexible rubber heel would make this so comfy to wear.

Ariadna ankle boot from Camper's Fall 2010 collection.

The Mamba heel gives a casual yet sophisticated flair for a work ensemble. Much better than plain black shoes! The Lulu ankle boot has such great detailing on the side of the sturdy 2.3 inch heel. They also have great etchings on their outer soles. Love love love.

Mamba court shoe in leather and elastic material.Lulu ankle boot in leather with side zipper.

The TWS (twins) collection is always fabulous, but these new colors are just tooooo cute. I can't decide which one is better - if only I can buy both pairs! On the wish list they go...

TWS brown suede mary jane heels & blue leather pumps.

To buy: shop.camper.com

Borghese Fango Active Mud & Tinted Lip Plumper

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the famous Borghese Fango Active Mud collection. Rich in minerals and nutrients, this iconic mud mask is derived from the volcanic hills of Tuscany.

The Fango Delicato is the most ideal mask for sensitive dry skin. It tingles for a few minutes but it doesn't leave any pink blotches after you rinse it off. My face felt so very soft and revitalized after using this mask - I didn't even use moisturizer. You can even use this on your body. The formula is also packed with Aloe Vera, Mango Butter, Green Tea, and lots of moisturizing oils (Olive, Chamomile, Safflower and Grapefruit).

The Fango Brillante Brightening Mud Mask stung a bit more than the Delicato, but this one contains Vitamin A and Citrus Unishiu Peel Extract to encourage a brighter complexion. This formula also seemed to be thicker as well, so it's trickier to wash off if you don't use a washcloth or sponge.

I also got to try the Labbro Più Paffuto Tinted Lip Plumper. The sheer Charme Naturale shade gave a pretty gloss of berry color, which is great for a casual makeup look. Even after wiping off the product, my lips looked smoother and a bit plumper than before. It tingles a wee bit but it doesn't sting at all. The package claims that the plumping action can last up 48 hours, but we'll see...

To purchase: borghese.com

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

Silver Moon Ice Cream

Finally, there's a heat wave going on this week, and luckily I've got some Silver Moon ice cream so I can literally chill out after dinner. The local dessert company was created after founder Sheri Tate spent several years making the popular liqueur-infused ice creams for her friends and family. If you love cocktails and sugar, this is a delicious marriage of both worlds.

Of the flavors I got to try, I like the Praline Irish Cream the most. The Coffee with Brownie Bits had a nice strong coffee liqueur flavor but I found the brownie bits to be too mushy for my taste. Overall the product recipe is very generous with the boozy flavor - you have to be 21 in order to buy it! I suppose if you were to down the whole pint you might get a bit tipsy. I also enjoyed refreshing Mango Mimosa (infused with Champagne) and Pomegranate Martini (vodka and pomegranate liqueur).

These ice creams are now available at Whole Foods Market in Northern CA. You can also sign up for their email newsletter to win 4 pints of ice cream.

For more info head over to www.facebook.com/SilverMoonDesserts and silvermoondesserts.com.

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

YSL Rock & Baroque Fall 2010 Makeup

The YSL Rock & Baroque Fall/Winter 2010 makeup collection is high on dramatic flair. Metallic eye shadows meld with velvety jeweled lips, and sumptuous nail color take the stage as one of the star players.

The new Rouge Volupté Perle Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 collection is so rich and pigmented that I didn't have to swipe hard to apply it properly. The über creamy product practically leapt off the tube and jumped right on my lips. This is one of the most luxurious lipsticks I've tried - a few dabs was plenty of glossy satin color. I just adore the shimmery 104 Stellar Pink and 105 Insolent Beige shades. For the goth girls, the 106 Mesmerizing Purple is this season's limited edition shade.

For the eyes, the Ombres Duolumières in 29 Purple Amethyst/Tawny Brown delivers a light cocoa and mauve veil on the lids. It's completely buildable but I like to use a light hand for a gentler look. As for single shadows, the silky soft Ombre Solo in N° 13 Aquamarine brings a bright wash of playful drama. I also like how there's an actual tiny shadow brush to accompany the sponge tip applicator.

The Blush Variation in 19 Venetian Rose combines two matte and iridescent textures into one convenient compact. The finish is very natural and you can use the darker color as a bronzer. This is a pretty basic blush duo, so if you already have a similar compact then it might not be worth the splurge. If you don't, then definitely check it out. I do, however, love the soft blush brush that comes with it.

If you sign up as a YSL member online, you get free shipping on your first order, as well as free shipping on all subsequent orders of $75 or more.

YSL Fall 2010 Manucure Couture nail polish duos.

To purchase the collection: www.yslbeautyus.com

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

Summer Beauty Essentials at Sephora

We're finally seeing more sunshine after a pretty chilly summer. To welcome the late summer warmth I've been checking out all the fun goodies from Sephora. They have so much travel-friendly items for a late summer getaway - I'm having a hard time just picking a couple of things.

The portable Sephora Collection Summer Goddess Palette is an all-in-one kit that contains a flattering bronzer, 2 mini eyeshadows, mascara, blue eyeliner pencil and 2 brushes. It even has a mirror and application instructions on the back of the cover. The thin small notebook size will fit in anywhere (beach tote, carry-on, purse, etc.). I was pleasantly surprised to see how soft the bronzer brush was - not scratchy on the cheeks at all. The blue eye pencil is super bright though - you might want to smudge it to diffuse the color.

How cute is this Harajuku Lovers Makeup Girls clutch? The transparent pink design lets you see your makeup contents, and it's a handy way to store everything without lugging a heavy purse. Great for a night out with the girls.

Heading to the beaches? Don't miss this Sephora by OPI Havana Nights Mini Collection. This mini-set contains four hot summer shades to keep your toesies bright: Teal We Meet Again, Read My Palm, Rumba Romance, and Caliente Coral. The formula is free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde.

Shop at: www.sephora.com

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

Pacifica California Star Jasmine Scent Giveaway

Pacifica's latest scent, California Star Jasmine, is a carefree floral scent. Inspired by founder Brook Harvey Taylor’s beachside neighborhood in Southern California, this fragrance includes notes of star jasmine, bright orange and lush driftwood. Laidback and fun, this is an easy to wear scent. The perfume roll-on tube is also quite portable - you can tuck it into a small purse or jacket pocket, and there's an ample amount of product so it'll last for a while.

Giveaway Time!

We're partnering with Pacifica to let two lucky readers try the California Star Jasmine perfume roll-on! You'll love this new scent as much as we do.

To Enter:

1. Tweet this: "RT @feteafete Pacifica Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/2drwubj." If you don't have a Twitter account, leave a comment below on which Pacifica product you love. For 2 extra chances to win, NEW followers can either 'Like' us on our Facebook page and/or follow us on our Twitter feed.

2. Email your name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Enter 'Pacifica Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link (or comment/Facebook profile) in the body. DO NOT forget to email your address after you comment/tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically!

Two winners will be chosen at random. This giveaway ends on Friday, August 27, 2010, 11:59pm EST. USA residents only.

Shop at: www.pacificaperfume.com and www.Sephora.com

For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review. Giveaway sponsored by Pacifica.

La Cocina Around the World Bistro Dinner

Last night, we got a preview of what folks can taste this Saturday at the San Francisco Street Food Festival. Hosted by La Cocina and Whole Foods Market, the Around the World Bistro Dinner showcased international cuisine from Nigeria, Mexico and Malaysia. 

El Buen Comer's Beef Albondigas with Roasted Corn.

We got to sample Scotch Eggs and Butter Lettuce Salad from Purple Hibiscus. Popular in West Africa, these  hard-boiled eggs are wrapped in a sausage mix and deep fried. El Buen Comer served a delicious Beef Albondigas with Chipotle-Tomato Sauce, Arroz Mexicano and Roasted Corn. Sliced nopales (prickly pear cactus) and a hand-made tortilla also garnished the tasty platter.

Prepping dessert at Whole Foods' Bistro in Potrero Hill.

Azalina’s Malaysian served a unique Sticky Rice Crème Brulée. A fragrant layer of pandan leaf sticky rice was hidden beneath the crème brulée, making this a decadent fusion dessert. Needless to say, everyone at the dinner left with happy bellies.

Azalina's Malaysian Sticky Rice Creme Brulee.

This coming Saturday, over 50 vendors will be at the SF Street Food Festival to satiate your taste buds. You'll get to try empanadas from Sabores Del Sur, Brazilian honey cakes from Kika's Treats, and papusas from Estrellita's Snacks.

Scotch Eggs from Purple Hibiscus.

Don't forget to check out their awesome silent auction - you can bid on a group dinner at Delfina's new restaurant, a private chocolate tour with Michael Recchiuti, a dinner for two with the Tablehopper, or a spend a day cooking in the kitchen of Chez Panisse.

For more info www.sfstreetfoodfest.com

(Image Credits: Giovanni Nakpil)

A press visit was arranged for this event.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage & 100th Anniversary Launches

With new packaging and advanced Idebenone technology, Elizabeth Arden's latest Prevage Face Advanced Anti-aging Serum promises eternal youth in a bottle. As with most serums, it will take a few weeks to see results. It does smooth out the fine lines on the forehead and cheek area. If you have sensitive skin, test it for 3 days on your inner forearm to make sure you're not sensitive to the formula.

This year also marks the 100th year anniversary of the brand, so they've been introducing a few special items to celebrate the important milestone. The Limited Edition Anniversary Lipstick in Red Door Red (sheer universal red) pays tribute to the company's iconic Red Door symbol. Besides, who can resist a classic red lipstick? I sure can't.

All sales proceeds from this lipstick will benefit Look Good...Feel Better®, a global organization that aids individuals battling with cancer. They also have a limited edition scented candle (Red Door fragrance) - it's never too early to think about gift ideas! The retro porcelain canister design was inspired by the Elizabeth Arden building on NYC's 5th Avenue.

Shop at: prevageskin.com, shop.elizabetharden.com, or Macys.com

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

Clarins Rouge Prodige Lipstick

Clarins recently launched their new Rouge Prodige lipstick collection and so far I'm pretty impressed with the formula. This full coverage lipstick delivers tons of bright color, comfort and shine to the lips. The long-lasting formula also features Brittany algae extract to deliver a high level of omega fatty acids and moisture to the skin.

Hands down, my favorite shades are 116 Coral Tulip and 111 Raspberry Sorbet. The former is a sheer, shimmery coral that flatters most skin tones, especially Asian skin with yellow undertones. It's definitely a light coral I can wear. Raspberry Sorbet has a real pretty deep berry shade. It reminds me of Guerlain's Rouge G in Bella, but this is a far more affordable choice.

The 104 Lilac Pink adds a delicate wash of pearly lavender pink. The 118 Clementine is way too bright on me, but it's great for adventurous gals. All 16 shades have a nice fruity scent that's not overwhelming to the senses. If anything, it sorta makes me wanna lick it.

The slim capsule packaging has a sexy, deluxe feel to it too. If you want to try this new lipstick, go over to clarins.bnkpromotions.com/frenchkiss to enter their fabulous weekly giveaway. One winner will win the entire 16 color collection each week!

To buy: us.clarins.com

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