fête à fête

Talk about a breathtaking collection of Spring gifts from Vosges! Just in time to shower Mom with your adoration, here are some last-minute gift ideas to make her smile:

The Green Collection is a gorgeous celebration of life and is inspired by the spices, teas, fruits and flowers indigenous to Asia. The Ellateria truffle is a beautiful Indian green cardamom, while the Kaffir (Thai kaffir lime) is a nice interpretation of this exotic flavor. The Kayoko (Japanese macha green tea) goes very well with the white chocolate. I just loved the aromatic and earthy Buddha's Leaf (Malaysian pandan leaves).

For more of nature's bounty, the pretty Les Fleurs du Chocolat Collection will send you into a blissful dream of organic fruits and flowers. This limited edition collection includes Siam Citron (jasmine tea , lemongrass, coconut), Mirabelle Orange (mirabelle plums, orange flower water), Rose Vert (tarragon + rose water), and Platanos y Orchidus (orchid vanilla + caramelized bananas + Jamaican rum).

Lastly, the pièce de résistance...go splurge on the Red Velvet Party Cake. The sweet chocolate red velvet cake is layered with cream cheese & white chocolate ganache (oh my!) and organic New Mexican pecans. This Southern darlin' will thrill everyone, and it's encased in a flower embellished white chocolate shell. It's almost too darn cute to eat!

Buy at: www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the best ways to pamper mommy dearest on Mother's Day is to send her to Miraval, the award-winning retreat. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, AZ, it's the perfect place to show your mom some TLC.

Miraval offers luxurious focus on a balanced body, mind and spirit. Guests are free to create agendas that suit their whims, goals and mood. Amidst mesquite trees, wild flowers and stunning cacti, this paradise features a yoga center, spa, swimming pools, healthy gourmet cuisine, and a Zen garden. There are also tons of meditation, fitness and nutrition classes, as well as adventure challenges, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Miraval offers special all-inclusive packages, including the favorite "Bring a Friend Special" -perfect for you and mom! Rates begin at $535 per night and the package includes:

* Luxury accommodations & use of complete resort facilities
* Three gourmet meals daily, unlimited snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres and all non-alcoholic beverages
* One spa service, or one round of golf up to a $125 value per room/per night of stay
* Unlimited access to all scheduled programs and activities
* Round-trip transportation from Tucson International Airport

www.miravalresort.com

-Tami

Tagged as: entertainment, health, holiday, Luxury, spa, travel

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NARS has a talent of making neutral shades look so sexy. The new Summer 2008 Exotica collection has a great edgy range of natural looks for everyone. The nude pigments help exude a mystique of the sensual coquette.

There a couple of great eye color duos. Portobello is a matte ecru and a soft mushroom, giving the lid a very natural wash of color for an everyday look. Unconditional Love (duo cream eyeshadow) has a lovely cream to powder feel, with delicate shades of seafoam and shimmery copper. This is great for those sizzling days at the beach. Galapagos, a bitter chocolate with flecks of gold, is really awesome for a dramatic smoky eye.

I love the buttery smooth glide of the velvet matte lip pencils. The Dolce Vita is a pretty dusty rose, while Roman Holiday is a pale pastel pink. Both are nice by itself, but to make it punchier add a touch of the sparkly Supervixen lip gloss (sheer mauve). You can pretty much add Supervixen to every lip color and it will shine. This will definitely stay in my on-the-go makeup bag!

The Mindgame lipstick (sheer warm brandy) is now my fave neutral lip color. It gives the face a nice polished feel, and with Misbehave gloss, you will get the desired come-hither effect with the cherry red glaze dusted with gold shimmer.

Check out the entire line at: www.narscosmetics.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, lip color, lip gloss, lips, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

With true Italian sophistication, Giorgio Armani Beauty brings rich coffee shades to the lips this Spring/Summer. The new black of this season is lacquered brown, and his new Caffè Collection is a bold statement ranging from transparent mochas to deep noble browns.

The ArmaniSilk Caffè lipsticks have a special new formula to perfect the balance between high color and long lasting comfort. Available in eight easy to wear brown-beige shades, I liked the No. 59 Caffè Granita - a frosty mocha that can be worn alone or with a gloss. The star shade, No. 62 Ristretto, is a bit too dramatic for me, so I toned it down with Lip Shimmer No. 45 - a beautiful shimmery bronze that is also great for a nude lip.

A tribute to the historical origins of perfume, the new Armani Prive – Les Eaux collection is inspired by the legendary gardens of the world. Rare and exquisite, the notes are selected with great care. Vétiver Babylone is a lavish interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's love for his wife Amytis, who dedicated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to his beloved.

The perfume opens up with bright bergamot and citron notes, blending with juicy mandarin. Spicy green cardamom, coriander and pink pepper excite the senses, echoing the primal energy and heat of the desert. Earthy patchouli rounds out the base note, reminiscent of the intermittent shade within the sparse trees. It's a sexy fragrance that is mysterious, seducing you into the lush gardens of paradise.

Available at: Select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Barneys and www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

-Tami

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Spring has never been so yummy. With the Eminence Citrus-C Collection, you are bathed in juicy bursts of pink grapefruit, zesty mandarin, and tangy lime. Already the #1 best-selling collection, this line will get you all primed for radiant skin.

I love the Citrus Exfoliating Wash. Great for all skin types, this refreshing cleanser buffs off dead skin cells with grapefruit seed/peel, infusing the skin with antioxidants and vitamins. The lime juice also helps minimize pores. The silica provides the right amount of exfoliating so my skin felt soft and clean. Many other brands are to harsh on my skin, but this one feels great, like a mini-massage.

The Pink Grapefruit-C Gel is a good hydrating product for oily/acne skin. It provides just the right moisture for the skin, along with healing properties of peppermint and aloe. Perfect for warm weather, this also bathes the skin in a nice layer of Vitamin-C and their Biocomplex™ (antioxidant booster with Vitamins A, Ester-C, E, Coenzyme Q-10, Alpha Lipoic Acid). The Pink Grapefruit Clarifying Masque is also a great healing product if you are having those pesky blemishes. Kaolin clay purifies while grapefruit seed provides antioxidant protection.

A nice anti-aging treatment, the Pink Grapefruit Vitality Masque is a wonderful spa treat at home. I use it in a bath and let the steam activate the masque to do its magic. Great for dry skin, the firming qualities and Biocomplex help boost nutrient levels. Follow with the lovely Lime Refresh Tonique to balance and tone the skin. The lime juice provides an extra shot of Vitamin-C and antioxidants.

Another winner is the Mandarin Grapefruit Body Butter. I love how I end up smelling like a citrus souffle. The fluffy texture of the butter is so light it absorbs instantly with no greasy residue. Grapefruit stimulates and tones while jojoba and aloe heal and moisturize.

As part of an ongoing commitment to the environment, Eminence is launching the Clean Energy Event to help reduce carbon emissions and increase clean energy usage. For every 2 Citrus-C products purchased, they will make a donation of 2 energy credits to the clean energy fund to promote wind power energy.

www.eminenceorganics.com

-Tami

Tagged as: fruit, health, organic, organic ingredients, skin care, skin care product, skin cream, skin renewal

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am addicted to Shu Uemura's fun lipsticks. The new Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine collection incorporates light-reflective pearls with special hybrid pigmentation to create the ultimate brilliance. The innovative fusion results in a luscious formula that is light as a feather, with 17 sparkly shades to play with. I really like the Shimmery Berry (RD 174 S) and Universal Red (RD 165 S). The artistic shade (Iridescent White) is a great way to transform any ho-hum lipstick into a splash of sexy color.

Portable and convenient, you can achieve lash-curling precision with the new Mini Eyelash Curler. Paired with the famous full-sized curler, the mini curler enables professional control on creating the perfect curl. You can now curl those hard-to-reach inner and outer lashes! It's a must-have for any makeup bag.

www.shuuemura-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, cosmetics, lip color, lipstick

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cosmopolitan chic reigns in Guerlain's spring 2008 Fleur de Feu collection. Radiant pinks, berries, and ash grey combine to reflect the modern woman.

The black gold case of the Ombre Éclat eyeshadow opens up to reveal four shades stamped with a bright pink floral design. Whether you want sparkling turquoise, a sandy beige or silvery bronze, the matte and iridescent textures will result in the perfect wash of color.

The unique formula of the KISSKISS STICK GLOSS glides on with the convenience of a lipstick but finishes with a gloss' brilliant shine. Lightly flavored with hints of fruit, the colors of berry, cherry, pink and grape will paint the a portrait of feminine elegance.

www.guerlain.com

-Tami

Tagged as: cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, lip color, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Burberry's new perfume The Beat is a bright floral woody fragrance with notes of bergamot, mandarin, Ceylon tea, cardamom, pink pepper, bluebell, iris, white musk, vetiver and cedarwood.

The edgy bottle design is minimalistic, shaped like a trendy flask and etched with the iconic Burberry check. The scent is aimed at the ultra-cool hipster crowd, but no matter. You can create your own individual beat.

www.burberrythebeat.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, fragrance, perfume

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Leave it to Givenchy to create another playful makeup collection. The 2008 Denim Fétiche is inspired by the modern and sexy spirit of denim. The limited edition topstitched package design says it all.

Don't be fooled by the vivid colors. They're quite easy to blend and all the products complement each other. Denim blues and dark purples give a dramatic flair amidst all the lilacs and pinks that are normally offered in spring makeup palettes. I love all the Accessor’eyes Powder & Cream Eyeshadow Quartets and the Rouge Interdit lipsticks. Each is a beauty product and fashion statement all in one!

www.parfumsgivenchy.com/make_up

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, eye color, eyeshadow, limited edition makeup, lip color, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Polished and über sophisticated, Giorgio Armani's Spring 2008 colors are sleek, muted and fresh. To start, a light wash of color is imparted with the fluid sheer radiance (light sheer apricot #17 or vibrant pink #18). This is a nice contouring or hightlighting product. It can also be used as a blush.

The silky maestro eye shadow #13 is a fresh satin green that will make the eyes pop. I love how light and smooth the formula is, it glides on nicely and doesn't fade.

For the pale lip, apply the creamy and long-lasting armanisilk lipstick in beige #55 or soft pink #67. To add depth to your lips, layer with the #49 lip shimmer for a sparkly effect.

To get the look, see the master class here:
http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com/_us/_en/advisor/spring_2008_1.aspx?

www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, Giorgio Armani, lip color, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Evoking seductive images of the 1930s silent screen temptresses, the NARS Spring 2008 Shanghai Lily collection is a pearly melange of shimmery neutrals, along with bright pops of lip color.

The Alhambra duo eyeshadow is a gorgeous metallic rose with a golden champagne. I love the golden champagne (the one on the right), it makes my eyes glow like a film siren. You can pair this with the Abyssinia shadow as a highlighter, blending it up to the brow bone.

The lip collection is an absolute hit in my book. The Success lipstick, a warm sienna shade, goes very well with the sparkling pink Greek Holiday lip gloss. For the vixens, the true red shade of Manhunt (aptly named) will draw all the boys to ya.

I also like the dusty rose of the Dolce Vitalip gloss, a popular lip shade reformulated as a gloss. The great thing about the NARS lip colors is that you can blend to your heart's content.

Fans of the best-selling Orgasm blush will adore the new Orgasm Multiple. Now you can apply this flattering peachy pink shimmer to the eyes, cheeks or lips. It's just great as an overall face highlighter. For those lazy days where you don't want to slap on any makeup, this multiple will take care of it in 3 minutes.

www.narscosmetics.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, blush, cosmetics, eyeshadow, lip color, lip gloss, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Exploring the realm of hair, Shu Uemura has formulated a luxe hair care line worthy of his reputation as a beauty innovator. Incorporating unique natural oils of Camellia, Rose, and Argan, The Art of Hair line is comprised of an extensive selection of products for all hair types and styling needs. I love the Liquid Fabric, a great sea mineral spray that defines and accentuates curls.

www.shuuemuraartofhair.com

-Tami

Tagged as: conditioner, hair care, hair products, hair styling, shampoo

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Starting today, the fourth color in the Lancôme Pout-à-Porter lipstick series makes its anticipated debut on lancome-usa.com. Previous colors were created for fashion designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, and Peter Som.

The Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink is a pretty sheer raspberry shade created by emerging designer Thakoon and celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman for his Fall 2008 show at New York Fashion Week. Get it while it's available on lancome-usa.com or on March 1st at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Lancôme’s five U.S. boutiques.

-Tami

Tagged as: clothing, cosmetics, fashion, fashion design, fashion designer, fashion show, makeup, Makeup Artists, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rather than go through the usual motions of flowers and chocolate, here's a far more sexier and adventurous approach to woo your valentine. Jimmyjane has a great line of luxury gifts, from their coveted LITTLE SOMETHING vibrators (in 24K gold, platinum or steel) to their silky and flirty WINK blindfolds. For the ultimate indulgence there are the new gorgeous ETERNITY vibrators adorned with diamonds!

I love the EMBER candles - they do double duty as both scent diffuser and massage oil. Not only does it get you in the mood, the natural cosmetic-grade waxes and plant extracts will make your skin feel like butter. It has a low melting point so you won't burn yourself (well, you might be setting off your own fireworks in the process). The GINGER + DATE is warm and sensual, while the HABANERO + GRAPEFRUIT stimulates your libido.

www.jimmyjane.com

-Tami

Tagged as: fragrance, gifts, holiday, Luxury, scents, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Everyone loves a good love story, and Vosges Haut Chocolat interprets one of the greatest romances with their Gatsby Truffle Collection. Perfect for Valentine's Day, this will most definitely set some hearts a-flutter. There are two sublime flavors - one is a white chocolate ganache with rosewater and rosé Champagne (called the Daisy truffle), the other a dark chocolate with brut Champagne (Gatsby truffle). The gift comes with love letters that you can woo your darling with, so you don't even have to compose your own!

For the foodie lover, the Collezione Italiano makes for a very unique gift. The palette of flavors in this collection is Katrina Markoff's most creative one yet. Made with Taleggio cheese, organic walnuts and Tahitian vanilla, the Rooster truffle is simply indescribable. It will make you rethink how truffle flavors are formed as your tongue plays with the savory and sweet. The Olio d'Oliva is another unique combo with white chocolate, Kalamata olives, and extra virgin olive oil.

I could go on and on about this, but all the flavors are winners, such as the Balsamico (12-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena), the Sale del Mare (Sicilian sea salt caramel-so yummy), and the Polline di Finocchio (wild Tuscan fennel pollen).

There are many other great ideas to stir your lover's heart. The dark chocolate covered Caramel Marshmallows are deliciously decadent with a nice thick layer of French Guerande sea salt caramel. The Amalfi Flaming Chocolate Heart is another cute trinket, a total rock-and-roll passion with lemon zest and pink peppercorns. Alternatively, the Aphrodisiac Mini Bar Box has all the spicy flavors to ignite the flames, with ingredients such as curry, cinnamon, and Pasilla chili peppers.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, gifts, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The SK-II legend of the Pitera essence is known far and wide (discovered by a Japanese scientist during a visit to a sake brewery), but I didn't get to learn more about the magical ingredient until recently. The following superstar products are examples of this great skin care line:

After cleansing with the Facial Treatment Cleansing Gel (nice makeup remover, btw), apply the Facial Treatment Mask for about 10-15 minutes. It's an intense moisture treatment that's perfect for long flights or dry weather. The mask drenches the skin with the special Pitera vitamins and organic acids, resulting in a replenished and dewy visage. For real dry skin you can soak the mask pack in hot water for 10 minutes, then take it out and apply as normal.

Another popular product, the Facial Treatment Essence, is called the 'holy water' from skin care fans. Containing the highest amount of Pitera of all the SK-II products (over 90%), it absorbs easily and your skin will end up looking radiant, with a supple, smooth feel. The alcohol-free formula is nice, rebalancing the skin's renewal cycle. Skin texture is improved and cellular turnover is increased.

I do like the Facial Hydrating UV Cream - it's a good sunscreen moisturizer (SPF 15). It's a bit thick, so a small amount goes a long way. It absorbs nicely into the skin, so there's no greasy residue whatsoever.

www.sk2us.com

-Tami

Tagged as: beauty, beauty product, Cleanser, mask, moisturizer, skin, skin care, skin care product, skin cream, skin renewal

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the famous mode make-up collections, shu uemura introduces Spring 2008 REBIRTH with vivid splashes of color. Inspired by the fresh energetic vibe of the season, it features a special flower motif inspired by an abstract drawing made by Mr. Uemura.

I love the two limited edition Glow On blushes (Harmonious Orange & Tranquil Pink). Don't be fooled by the seemingly bright shades. They actually go on very lightly, to create a gentle barely-there flush on the cheeks.

The same idea goes for the five new Pressed Eye Shadow shades. Reflecting the zesty life force of Spring, the non-fading formula will guarantee that it will stay put. I like the Earth Brown, Spring Breeze and Yellow Elation colors. They're all wearable alone or blended.

Lip color is a muted pink/beige this season (try Rouge Unlimited Serene Pink), so the emphasis is more on the eyes. Delicate lips are key for this look.

Of course, makeup is only a part of the beauty routine. Healthy skin is a major factor in achieving that lustrous glow. The new Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/I is infused with chamomile and licorice root to soothe dry and sensitive skin. This great anti-aging oil also doubles as a heavy-duty makeup remover. It will take off that stubborn waterproof mascara in a snap! It makes makeup application and removal a breeze - all you have to do is swipe a Q-tip with a few drops of oil and it's instantly gone.

Available at www.shuuemura-usa.com

See ya at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: blush, Cleanser, cosmetics, eyeshadow, lipstick, Make-up Remover, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fashion Contest Alert!

My dear friend Stevie is having a fabulous contest on her blog www.LA-Story.com, and you get to show the world how glam you really are! Submit your photos online to Brickfish.com and tell all your friends to vote for you. It's that easy!

The person with the most chic photo will win some pretty sweet Marc Jacobs accessories (leather handbag, cashmere glove/hat set) that retails for almost $1 K. The most viral entry (the person who has gotten the most views – and spread the word on the net) wins a $250 scholarship or cash. Not bad for just submitting your photos.

For contest rules and info:

www.la-story.com/events/lastorycom_wants_to_see_your_chic_fashionable_selv/

-Tami

Tagged as: clothing, fashion, fashion design, Handbags, Shopping, Style

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Special Beauty Event Alert!!

Come meet Gina Brooke, Artistic Director of shu uemura at this special Atelier Artist event! As a sought-after celebrity makeup artist to the stars (Madonna, Gisele Bundchen, Eva Longoria, Cindy Crawford), Gina will be at the SF boutique for one day only to create a new custom look for you.

This is truly a rare opportunity to learn a few industry makeup tricks from the very best authority in beauty and skin care. You can also check out her great Muse holiday collection for more inspiring holiday looks!

Schedule your appointment today by calling 415-395-0953.

Friday, December 28
11am - 7pm
shu uemura SF boutique
1971 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115

www.shuuemura-usa.com

-Tami

Tagged as: blush, cosmetics, events, eyeshadow, false eyelashes, lip color, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup, Northern California, San Francisco, San Francisco event, skin care, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Seductive and provocative, Kismet is the latest creation by celebrated San Franciscan perfumer Yosh Han. A gorgeous melange of narcissus, Roman chamomile, osmanthus and boronia, it contains layers of cedar and frankincense. Hay, dill, tumeric and ylang ylang dance throughout, teasing the senses. Truly a twist of fate with the natural world and its hidden mysteries...

Available exclusively at Barneys New York (New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and San Francisco).

www.eaudeyosh.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, beauty, essential oil, fragrance, gifts, perfume, San Francisco, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The venerable chocolate artisan Valrhona is offering several new items for the holidays. Whether they are given out as gifts or for your own enjoyment, the exquisite flavors will satisfy any chocolate connoisseur. The new ballotin assortment box includes 30 of their most popular bonbon flavors, including Palet Or, Ganache Moka, Caraffruti Abricot (simply divine) and Rinette Ivoire.

Available to the US market for the first time, the Les Exclusives line is a pair of specialty confections: the Orangettes (candied orange peel covered in Valrhona dark chocolate), and the Mendiants (milk and dark chocolate disks studded with apricot, hazelnuts and pistachios). These delicacies are traditionally made in French households during Christmas.

Available at: www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/valrhona.html

www.valrhona.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, confection, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Holiday Shopping Alert!!

Shu Uemura is having a FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE starting tomorrow 12/13 - save 20% off all items on their website! Just enter the promotion code HOLIDAY07 at checkout (www.shuuemura-usa.com)! Don't miss this great opportunity - stock up on your favorite eyeshadows, the legendary facial cleansing oils, fabulous lashes, and the new pretty lip glosses!

This great online sale is only valid 12:01am EST on Thursday, December 13th through 11:59pm EST on Monday, December 17th (offer is NOT valid on the purchase of gift certificates, taxes, shipping & handling, and in shu uemura boutiques).

Best of all, FREE shipping is available on purchases over $75! Just register online - when you spend over $75, your shipping is on the house. You will also receive advance notice of new product launches, get a shorter check-out process, and all exclusive online promotions (deluxe samples, product offers, in-store events, etc.).

www.shuuemura-usa.com

See you at the makeup counter!

Tami

Tagged as: Cleanser, cosmetics, eyeshadow, holiday, limited edition makeup, lip gloss, lipstick, makeup

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Having a major headache on what to get for your loved ones? Here's a list of holiday gift ideas to help you get through the holiday retail madness:

Vosges Haut-Chocolat has a cute Mini Exotic Candy Bars set that will impress the pickiest chocolate connoisseur. Features nine of their most popular Exotic Candy bar flavors: Red Fire, Black Pearl, Gianduja, Naga, Creole, Barcelona, Oaxaca, Woolloomooloo & Macha.(www.vosgeschocolate.com)

Feed Your Soul cookies lets the gift giver customize the entire process - choose the packaging, then pick the recipient’s favorite cookies, add an inspirational quote and finally pen a personalized note. They will even donate a portion of the proceeds to the charity of your choice. I love the tasty holiday flavors: Gingerbread, Chocolate Chip Mint, Pumpkin Pie (yummy!), S’mores, Chocolate Brownie Chunk, Strawberry Linzers, and the new White Chocolate Cherry Jubilee. (www.feedyoursoulcookies.com)

Recchiuti Confections has a lovely holiday collection of burnt caramel chocolates. Trust me, whoever gets this will LOVE you. The festive winter designs were created by Dave Braden of The Engine Room, a local San Francisco design firm. (www.recchiuti.com)

A celebrity favorite, Lily Lambert created two lines of sensual perfumes - The Master Number Series and The Spectrum Collection. The Spectrum's E perfume is particularly complex, with notes of cocoa, opium, rain, and musk. The #33 in the number series has an ethereal scent of green African musk, Tunisian musk, French vanilla, and sage. (www.lilylambert.com)

Fun and whimsical, Crazylibellule and the Poppies has an intriguing line of solid perfumes that will delight everyone. Worn alone or layered, the Shanghaijava collection includes the following scents: Musk & Patchouli, Ginger & Coconut, Mystic Incense, Litchi Blossom, Spiritual Lilac, Blue Orchid, and Ananas Imperial (my personal fave). (available at: beautyhabit.com, lacremebeauty.com, and b-glowing.com)

For the natural beauty addict, Sundari has two holiday sets that will satisfy any skincare fiend. The healing body care set contains the best-selling Neem and Manuka Body Cleanser, Neem and Blood Orange Body Lotion, Neem and Triphala Body Oil, a votive candle and matchbox, while the skin care contains the Neem and Burdock Cream-Gel Cleanser, Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer, Neem Night Cream, and Neem Eye Cream. (www.sundari.com)

For your special guy, the Sothys Homme Revitalising Hair & Body Care is a great two-in-one hair and body product. Great for travel and the gym, it contains d-panthenol and silicones to ensure healthy, shiny hair. It's also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. (www.sothys-usa.com)

Another worthy men's gift idea is the deluxe Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection . Perfect for both manly and metro types, it features the Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Lip Balm #1, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, and Facial Fuel. (www.kiehls.com)

Happy Holidays!
Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, gifts, holiday, moisturizer, pastries, perfume, seasonal, shopping, skin care, skin care products

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's that special time of the year to sparkle, and NARS has the arsenal to pull your glam holiday look together. Their new 2007 Holiday Collection is full of shimmery plums and glittery silver, along with pretty crimson shades for the lips.

There's a lot of fun colors to play with for the eyes. The Violetta duo eyeshadow contains a smoky lavender and a soft metaillic violet, allowing you to go for a soft and elegant look, or you can layer for a more dramatic effect. The Cheyenne duo is another winner with a metallic sienna and a gothic plum. I also love the sparkly glints in the Night Rider single eyeshadow.

The Luster blush is a nice golden apricot, imparting a warm glow that will