A travel friendly, drugstore available, stick in your purse sunstickwith high SPF to use before heading out the door and for touchups throughout the day.
We know we need to protect ourselves from the burn but truth be told we don’t want to gain any more sunspots or lines on our face or body. The stick appears to be a good solution because they’re small enough to carry around and don’t spill. Both these companies are reputable. There are others, but I prefer these two brands for sun protection.
Also, it’s so light you can hardly feel it. It doesn’t replace my usual tinted moisturizer for face with SPF 60 but it’s great for use around the eye & high cheekbone area specifically.
It will become my new staple.
as long as you worship it mindfully and protectfully
Nothing like sourcing beautiful body care & fragrance products from beautiful locales where lives beautiful women with a knack for looking after themselves. Which brings me to this place:
Santa Maria Novella, Florence – one of the oldest pharmacies in the world! They carry products with a meaning. They come with tradition and historywhich in my books makes them extra special.
photo: d. king
In all fairness I didn’t know about this until my good friend came back from Florence and gifted me with an elegantly wrapped package of what appeared to be some amazing skincare…made in Italy. I could tell right away these were exceptional from the tasteful ribboned box they came in and even the bag. Of course I couldn’t wait to open it up and try them.
And the best part is their story (I love a good story)….
THEN:
The long name is Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It was established in 1221 by Dominican Monks shortly after their arrival in Florence. The friars began cultivating medicinal herbs in their gardens to prepare medications, balms and ointments for their convent’s small infirmary.
Once fame of their extraordinary products spread beyond Italy, it became opportune, in 1612, to open the pharmacy to the public.
The ingenuity of the formulas developed by the apothecary fathers, in the 18th century became renowned and crossed numerous borders reaching Russia, the Indies, and as far away as China.
NOW:
They have a tea room
Today the tradition is perpetuated and renewed. They use the highest quality natural raw materials and follow the artisanal procedures first established by the Dominican fathers.
The Officina is particularly attentive to the herbalist’s art which has triumphed since the enterprise began, basing all its preparations on herbs and natural lipids, with nothing tested on animals.
Each of the products has its own peculiar history. For instance one of the products “Acqua della Regina”is an essence that was created especially for Caterina de’ Medici (a noblewoman, crowned Queen of France after marrying Henry II).
There are other ancient recipes that deserve mention but perhaps that is the most popular perfume.
The original Via della Scala premises, where production took place until just a few years ago, while still a store, are genuine museum rooms. The museum’s purpose is not only to educate people about the Santa Maria Novella’s products but to benefit visitors who simply wish to see a “museum of tradition.”
The products are available in Florence.Address: (Via della Scala, 16, 50123 Firenze, Italy) and major cities in Italy. They have travelled to France, Spain, Belgium and England and a few locations in the United States.
In North America you can find them at:
Address: 285 Lafayette St #2, New York, NY 10012, United States
Phone:+1 212-271-0884
Address: 8411 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069, United States
Phone:+1 323-651-3754
Address: 9700 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154, United States
We love natural beauty products but how about…edible?
It is believed that most women end up eating their lipstick (not out of hunger, more by accident) so maybe edible makeup is a good idea, although I’m not so sure how palatable it will be.
Leave it to clean living, health conscious Gwyneth Paltrow to collaborate with JuiceBeauty in developing a line of 78 plant-based products, from foundations to shadows. Like Juice’s main collection, it’s organic, but the difference is she expanded the range of colour choices, focusing more on saturated hues extracted from fruits and plants, like purple carrots and crushed rose petals. Can’t wait to sample some of these products!
Handsome fashion designer and film director Tom Ford knows a thing or two about beauty. After all, aside from his own “Tom Ford” label the man was the former creative director for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent.
He directed “A Single Man” – a stylish film set in 1960’s Los Angeles starring Colin Firth as an English professor who is unable to cope following the death of his boyfriend. The moody movie also stars Julianne Moore who has been known to show up on many a red carpet occasion wearing a stunning “Tom Ford” creation. Loved the film!
And if that wasn’t enough he just launched a luxurious beauty collection. As you can expect, the products are synonymous with sultry elegance.Products like get ready for summergold-spun bronzer, gorgeous lip shades and essential palettes for cheeks and eyes are now available at Sephora.
Soleil Blanc (above):
A shimmering body oil that captures the sultry effect of sunkissed summer skin and tempts the senses with a fragrance of scorching sensuality. Yes, I’m tempted!
Right now it’s revealing some out of this world mystic-minded skincare concoctions to add to our growing stockpile of beauty products.
just be daily cleanser – a powder cleanser energized with reiki, crystals, positive words and music. $65 – justbeskinline.com$72 – urban outfitters: add it to your drink to calmnerves and assist in collagen production.
It’s the new trend in the beauty and wellness community.
Something that promises to deliver spiritual meaning along with a clear complexion.
Whatever works right? I think the marketing idea is divine and in all honestly you will probably come across a few transcendent finds.
A body mist with oils blended to balance the sixth chakra – which governs intuition, imagination and perception. $42
Chakra 4 (above) is the center of sympathy, empathy and love. When the heart chakra is balanced, one feels love and connection to self and others.
Seek Spirit Essence – $128. A scent blend of bergamot, labdanum and neroli said to be “grounding” and help one find “wildness of the soul” intelligentnutrients.caThis simply divine facial oil will bless your skin with nothing but pure goodness. $75 Shop page.
Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue, November 2014
While red is the flower of love I prefer a bouquet of white roses. And I’m the girl who couldn’t resist the crushed rose de rose petal blush from by Terry sold exclusively at Barneys. It’s divine.
Why mess with a sure thing?
All things Rose. The seductive, beautiful aroma of Rose, considered the Queen of Oils, has been used for beautification purposes since the beginning of time.
The usage of rosewater dates back to early Egypt, when Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) used the natural product in her skincare regime. Why not follow in the footsteps of the world’s most legendary beauty queen? And the girl who would be King!
Not to mention it has found a place in almost every Indian household. The girls who do my brows are Indian and when they finish threading they massage a tiny amount of rose gel from Bombay on my browbone to help soothe the area. The scent is so heavenly I ended up buying a jar from them.
Pure rose oil is an ingredient in my Divine Oil from *Skin so Divine. Also I use rose water in the Divine Facial Mist.
Pure rose water is the distilled water of roses. When purchasing rose water buy only the 100 percent pure form. Often what is available in pharmacies and even some natural food stores is synthetic rose oil and water with preservatives added.
Rose has one of the most lasting effects on the body compared to most other essential oils. The frequency of rose essential oil is over 300hertz. This is due to the enormous amount of roses it takes to make Rose essential oil. Imagine the positive energetic frequency of that plant power when used on the skin? Its simply amazing. There is no substitute for rose in aromatherapy, its divine therapeutic benefits are unsurpassed.
This From Vogue Magazine:
Bottles of the old-school elixir have pride of place on many a makeup table—Romy Soleimani’s included. “I’m half-Persian, so I grew up with rosewater. My aunts drink it; they put it on their face,” explains the makeup artist, who stocks Jurlique’s rose mist in her kit. On set and in the real world, rosewater does double duty, Soleimani explains: “You can use it as a hydrating toner, or spray it afterwards to reawaken your foundation, pressing it in with a sponge.” As for the reaction from those in her chair, basking in the garden-scented cloud? “It’s usually ‘Ahhh!’” she says with a laugh.
That sense of universal calm is fueling a growing passion for rosewater. Elsewhere in the beauty world, it’s turning up everywhere from bold-face skin care (Le Weekend de Chanel) to small-batch start-ups . Of course, hydration doesn’t stop at the skin. New York–based Juice Press recently released its bottled Water + Rose, tinged with the venerable Bulgarian rose, and Juice Served Here, in Los Angeles, launched a smartly packaged version in February, touted for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. JSH just wrapped a six-week partnership with the water-filter company Soma, in which a portion of the Rose Water proceeds benefitted clean-water projects in Flint, Michigan; a new charitable collaboration is on deck. What’s not to love?
Rose Water Beauty Tips:
Use rose water to prevent or reduce eye puffiness.
Just place a bottle of rose water into the fridge for half an hour and then, apply some of it on a cotton pad and gently place it on your eyes. It will help sooth the tender skin around your eyes and prevent or reduce eye puffiness.
Freshen your face throughout the day by spraying rose water mist on your skin.
Especially, in the summer time, rose water can become your faithful friend, caring for your skin like nothing else; just spray rose water mist on your face (or you can also apply it using a cotton pad), it will instantly freshen your skin, naturally hydrate and nourish it, adding a wonderful radiance and glow.
Add 2 cups of rose water into your bath for a divine and unforgettable experience. Rose water will soften and add freshness to your skin, and add a beautiful scent.
It’s very seldom that I spend a ton of money on a single skincare/makeup product. It’s not that I haven’t done it before but I’m simplifying so many areas of my life right now and skincare is amongst them. Add to that the fact that I make my own natural products.
In the exceedingly competitive beauty market it all comes down to what works for you and what you can afford to spend. If money is not an issue and you believe an expensive product will work better then by all means go for it. Sometimes the simpler the better but I won’t knock anything before trying it. And contrary to the naysayers, some of the more pricey products are superior and seem to work more effectively.
I’ve received various products to test out and blog about and even though I’m under no obligation to do so, I like to share my favourites. Which brings me to the most recent one from La Mer. It’s called The Concentrate or; the Miracle Worker (after all it has a trademarked miracle broth secret ingredient). I’ve been using it for only two weeks and it seems to have smoothed out a rough patch on an area of my face created by an allergy to something. I love the soothing texture and how evenly it spreads and helps hydrate.
Here’s the thing. In the short time span I’ve been using it, it appears to be a first-rate product but I would look around before I shell out several hundred dollars for a tiny bottle. Can I pay $320 for 1 oz of this so-called miracle product? The answer is yes. Do I want to? The answer is no. Will I? It’s possible only if it works. The high prices on many skincare and makeup products are beginning to put me off. I’m questioning where to draw the line on spending. Do you feel the same way?
Here is what the company has to say:
THE CONCENTRATE
A saviour of skin, the Concentrate complements skin’s natural healing process with the restorative power of the sea. Designed to soothe visible irritation and redness caused by cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments, it is infused with a dose of highly concentrated Miracle Broth™, the heart of La Mer’s profound powers of transformation. Irritation appears soothed and dry, fragile skin made strong for a radiant renewal.
Thoroughly massage onto affected area at least twice per day. For optimal results, follow with your *Crème de la Mer moisturizer. *another several hundred dollars.
Your thoughts on the cost of beauty and where do we draw the line?
When transitioning into Spring I begin to obsess about making changes to my wardrobe bit by bit. Spring cleaning on a whole other level.
Photo: d. king
I start to put away my heavy sweaters, wool clothing and switch my hefty luxury cotton bathrobe for a lighter waffle cotton, but not before making sure everything is stored away clean. Which brings me to some products to help in the process.
I am one who takes care of her belongings in every possible sense. I’ve been using Wolford wash for delicates like good nylons (namely Wolford) and undies for ages and Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena concentrated laundry detergent which is gentle on fabrics as well as the earth. I take all of that into consideration as a lifestyle choice. Also I prefer natural clean products with a delicate scent.
Which brings me to something that recently caught my eye when I walked into Hill’s Dry Goods Clothing Store on 4th (in Vancouver). Aside from noticing the obvious clothing labels I discovered a new cleaning product for clothing. It’s called The Laundress. I looked into the product further and thought I’d share some tips from the people over there that might help benefit you when springing into Spring:
FRESHEN FAIR WEATHER FAVORITES POST-STORAGE:
Our spring wardrobes are in full bloom with this much welcomed warm weather, but are they really ready to be worn? If your garments were in storage throughout the winter, chances are they’ll need a bit of freshening up! Here’s how to rejuvenate your pieces:
Be on team “steam” Steaming has MANY benefits and we love treating stored garments to a quick session before adding them back to our daily outfit rotation. The process removes wrinkles and kills most germs and bacteria, which helps eliminate odours. Add a capful of The Laundress Ironing Water, scented in our Classic scent, to steamer’s water tank for fragrance.
Spritz to achieve the ultimate “clean laundry” smell Banish musty odours and freshen garments by spritzing one of our fabric sprays – Fabric Fresh Classic is perfect for this task! It’s scented in a unique blend of lily of the valley, jasmine, sweet musk and sandalwood with a touch of citrus. Added bonus: it’s allergen-free so it’s appropriate for even the most sensitive of noses.
“Yikes” moment? Here’s how to conquer yellowing…
On Cotton, Linen & Durable Synthetics
Treating very yellowed items Presoak the item in a basin of hot water mixed with 1 capful of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative. Then wash as normal.
Treating moderately yellowed items Add 2 capfuls of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternativeto a wash load (without detergent). Then wash again (using detergent) as normal.
Treating mildly yellowed items Add 2 capfuls of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternativeto the wash load along with detergent.
On Silks and Delicate Synthetics
Treating very or moderately yellowed items Presoak the item in a basin of tepid/lukewarm water mixed with ¼ cup white vinegar. We use The Laundress Scented Vinegar. Then wash as normal. For extra stain fighting when treating synthetics, add 1 capful of The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative to the basin of warm water. Do not use on silk or wool.
Treating mildly yellowed items Add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the wash load or handwashing basin along with detergent. Wash as normal.
The Laundress Product of Perfection Even if everything looks clean, your nose can sense when things are going sour. Spray stubborn smells away with our nontoxic formula that freshens items by eliminating odor-causing organisms. It’s free of allergens and skin-irritating sodium phosphate typically associated with fabric fresheners.
TRANSITION FROM WINTER TO SPRING WITH THESE TIPS:
We love our winter woolies and wish to keep wearing them for months (and years) to come! That’s why we at The Laundress take storing, both long term and short term, seriously.
Improper storage can result in the deterioration and yellowing of fabrics or prompt the growth of mold and mildew. As we can’t imagine our sweaters enduring discoloration and more (and know that you can’t either!), we’ve perfected the art of prepping and packing away seasonal wardrobes. Learn the start to finish process and the products we recommend for best results!
Wash garments before storing long term Washing before storing prevents mystery stains from appearing over time – even if no stains are visible we recommend including these pieces in your laundry load! Perfume, body products, body oil, food, and dirt can show up after some time and they are much harder to remove. Storing clothes clean also decreases the likelihood of a bug or moth attack.
When washing woolens and down, we suggest using The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. For cotton, linen, and durable synthetics, The Laundress Signature Detergent is ideal. Always wash items that are starched before storing – moths love starch!
Pack items in a breathable, cotton bag When storing wool, cashmere, and all fabrics to be stored folded, it is best to pack in a breathable fabric, such as cotton or linen, with a zip closure. We opt against plastic bins as this material can cause textiles to discolor over time. The Laundress Large Zip Storage & Laundry Bag and All-Purpose Storage Bag will work to protect the fabric’s integrity by shielding dust and critters. Did you know that moths can’t eat through cotton?
Delicate pieces and those prone to wrinkling are best stored folded with acid-free tissue. This practice is ideal for long term storage. Do not hang knits, silks, or synthetics as this will alter the pieces’ shape.
Fur, leather, and outerwear are best stored hung. Improper storage of such pieces can result in their drying out which causes the loss of natural oils. We recommend. The Laundress Hanging Storage & Garment Bag – it fits up to 6 jackets – over traditional, plastic garment bags as they can cause yellowing and prompt mold growth.
Store in rooms that are clean, cool, dark, and dry Avoid storing in attics or basements as humid areas are optimal environments for moth breeding, mold, and mildew. Areas that experience extreme temperatures or direct sunlight are not ideal as both will lead to the deterioration of fabrics. It is best opt for rooms that are clean, cool, dark, and dry.
Prepare for silverfish, moth, and bug issues before they happen Take preventative measures against critters by storing clothing with The Laundress Cedar Drawer Sheet or Lavender Pouch. Both cedar and lavender are scents that naturally repel bugs and moths. Spritzing garments with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray, our nontoxic, allergen-free fabric spray, is helpful as well! Avoid using moth balls as they are toxic, deadly, and have a noxious odour (which is nearly impossible to remove). We do not recommend cedar blocks/chips as their oil can transfer to fabric and create stains.
If your closet has been attacked by critters, you’ll need to quarantine the scene.
Treat mold and mildew growth on garments If mold or mildew becomes an issue, worry not as such pieces can often be salvaged. The Laundress Stain Solution, Stain Brush, and Scented Vinegar are our go-to for mold removal.
Reorganize closets and drawers each season Clean drawers, closets, and clothes with each season to freshen items and ensure the absence of critters! Remove clothing and accessories from storage and launder as normal. While waiting on the wash cycles, vacuum and wipe down drawers. We use The Laundress Surface Cleaner and Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth to lift dust and lint. The Surface Cleaner is safe for all surfaces throughout your home, and is made with natural ingredients so it won’t harm fabrics!
Talking about the beauty company founded in Provence, France. Not me. I’m nowhere near 40!
The Beautiful Corner Location at Robson & Burrard – always loved the baskets
40 is the age of genius!
Many great artists created the majority of their works once they passed this milestone. Niki de Saint-Phalle’s Nanas, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi to name a few.
Lemon Verbena hand wash & hand lotion gift set
“No one is young after forty, but one can be irresistible at any age.” Coco Chanel
Anyway, some things get better with age. Certainly that would be true for the company known and loved for its irresistible French pampering products. I once visited the original L’Occitane location where you could smell fields of heavenly lavender from miles away.
Almond Concentrate
I always carry a hand cream in my purse. These all have Shea Butter.
To help celebrate, L’Occitane held an evening in their flagship Vancouver location last week – with hor d’oeuvres, glasses of rosé, dried lavender bouquets, free gel manis and surprise gift cards offering anywhere from $10 to $100 worth of product. It was a fun few hours with like minded women. Translation: we who want to be pampered.
For its 40th anniversary, L’Occitane is retracing the roots of its greatest products.
Time to uncover the secrets behind one of my all time favourites:
Almond Milk Concentrate body cream with its luxurious scent of the South.
Renowned since ancient times for its fruits’ softening and smoothing properties, the almond tree is a key part of the Provençal landscape. First to blossom, the trees adorn themselves in February with a delicately scented white veil, as the orchards continue to sleep. The flowers herald the start of Spring, before giving way to beautiful soft green shells, the nut of which is bursting with useful cosmetic properties. Yet at one time the almond tree all but disappeared from the region. Threatened by the mechanisation of agriculture and the expansion of more profitable crops, it gradually began disappearing in the 1930s. In the 2000s, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region pioneered an initiative, supported by L’Occitane, to get this symbolic tree back to its rightful place in the Provençal landscape.
THE ULTIMATE SOFT TEXTURE
Combining smooth, creamy oil with meltingly soft almond milk, this formula has the ability to both strengthen and soften. Its secret? A luxurious, almost addictive fragrance. Like covering skin with a satin-smooth veil, Almond Milk Concentrate hydrates for more than 48 hours, while at the same time smoothing, firming and restoring the skin’s natural density.
Voilà! Straight From the fields of Provence to your favourite L’Occitane store.
“Age does not protect you from the dangers of love. But love, to some extent, protects you from the dangers of age.” Jeanne Moreau.
Some of the best things come in the tiniest packages.
On my quest for keeping things simple and especially for travelling, here are two new products you should know about.
ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR CONCENTRATED RECOVERY POWER FOIL MASK – newly launched in February/2016
No offense to the rest of the world, but one thing is abundantly clear: Korean women have the beauty game on lock. Recognizing this, heritage beauty brand Estée Lauder is unleashing its shiny new “Iron Man” mask in Korea a month early as a market test drive.
The metallic, mask-selfie-worthy foil mask—which boasts a dual matrix (yes, MATRIX) technology that locks in the brand’s beloved Advanced Night Repair super serum—is already receiving rave reviews from discerning K-beauty experts. Let the countdown begin.
Coming soon to a store near you:
KLEENEX EXFOLIATING CUSHIONS
Kleenex, yes as in the tissue brand, is looking to tend to your face beyond your sniffly nose with a new facial cleansing line. The item women can’t wait to get their hands on? The exfoliating cushions, which in my mind are as lazy-girl-friendly as makeup wipes. With their dual-sided cushions, the sizable rounds gently buff away dead skin and debris, leaving skin smooth, polished, and squeaky clean in the process.
Cleaning, exfoliating and masking your face just got a whole lot easier and a lot more packable.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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