Carillon pour un Ange Eau de Parfum Riche

Carillon pour un Ange Eau de Parfum Rich ($75), a new fragrance available at LuckyScent, caught my eye the moment I saw "lily of the valley." I couldn't resist. My own Carillon pour un Ange (Carillon for an Angel, or Bells for an Angel) arrived last week. I have been wearing it every day. Before I give you my own impressions, let me share the description from its creator, Andy Tauer.

Smelling lily of the valley is always a joy for me. I love the idea that you cannot buy a natural concentrate of lily of the valley, that the flowers resist to any large-scale concentration of their fragrant soul. Perfumers may try to come close to the natural fragrance, but you can never quite get there. Thus, you have to wait through long winter months until you can finally smell their green, silvery, opulent, and elegant exquisite natural perfume. Building a fragrance with lily of the valley singing in spring was a wish since I started making perfumes. Carillon pour un ange is my tribute to this wonderful forest treasure. It is a green choir of flowers. Enjoy!”

With notes of rose, ylang ylang, lilac, lily of the valley, jasmine, leather, ambergris, moss, and woods, Carillon pour un Ange is unlike any other lily of the valley fragrance I own. It is rated on LuckyScent's scale as being a hybrid between feminine and unisex. It's definitely not cloying or sweet. Instead, it strikes me as a modern lily of the valley that expresses its wooded surroundings through its fleeting floral fragrance.

To my nose, the fragrance is a green floral with an edge - the edge being the leather, moss, and wood notes. While they are subtle, they prevent the fragrance from being a clone of other lily of the valley scents. The initial floral burst is followed by a rich, but soft blend that should please lovers of floral and green fragrances, while offering something for others as it dries down.

This is not Diorissimo! It's a more modern and totally unique interpretation of lily of the valley. I like it, even though lily of the valley doesn't dominate. Something about it reminds me of sitting in a leather easy chair, relaxing with a bouquet of flowers, stems, and branches nearby.

Carillon pour un Ange is handmade in Switzerland. The packaging is unique. The box holding the precious cargo is wrapped like a gift in white paper with all the eau de parfum's information. Once the ribbon and wrapping are removed, the plain white box holds the rather small spray bottle (15 ml). I found the presentation rather classy.

You can purchase Carillon pour un Ange at LuckyScent, where you can also purchase a sample for $4 to see what you think of this unique fragrance.

Photo courtesy of LuckyScent

Bobbi Brown Beauty Rules

Beauty rules at Bobbi Brown, with a new limited-edition Beauty Rules Palette ($45) and Beauty Rules ($24.95), Bobbi's sixth book - this one an updated, fresh, energetic beauty bible for young women. When I first saw the new book at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, my lovable Bobbi Brown reps said, "Beauty Rules was not written for you. Think teens and twenties."

Emphasizing natural beauty in the book, Bobbi shares the best tips and tools for fresh, healthy skin and beautiful hair, makeup, and nails. Bobbi Brown's goal is to help women - all women - look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident. True to this philosophy, Beauty Rules was written to help young women learn the beauty basics, then get creative and experiment with their look,and ultimately find their own style.

The book isn't just about makeup. Beauty Rules covers everything from good eating habits to self-esteem. Bobbi used "real girls," not professional models for the photo shoots, just like she did in her Pretty Powerful campaign. She wanted to teach young women to appreciate their own unique beauty.

Fortunately for us women of a certain age, despite the fact that the Beauty Rules Palette is geared toward teenage beauty, it's perfect for women of all ages! The palette's box is designed like a school notebook, with lines for the owner's name - cute. What's inside the notebook palette are some fabulous everyday colors.

Ivory Eye Shadow

Lightning Sparkle Eye Shadow

Orchid Sparkle Eye Shadow

Eclipse Eye Shadow

Baby Pink Pot Rouge

Homecoming Pink Pot Rouge

Air Kiss Lip Gloss

Rum Lip Gloss

Crystal Gold Glitter Lip Balm

Jet Creamy Eye Pencil

Most of these shades are new, which meant I had to have the palette!

Even though it was "fixin' to rain" (I chuckle every time my West Virginia friends use that expression), I was able to get some half-way decent photos of the palette colors on my arm. Naturally, I couldn't photograph the Ivory Eye Shadow. I didn't even try. It's the perfect base shade for your eye look if your skin is fair, and a great highlighting color if your skin is dark. Many of the other shades are sheer and natural. You will barely see some of them on my arm photos.

In the photo at left, top to bottom, are Lightning Sparkle Eye Shadow, a very sheer and shimmering shadow that's barely visible under my wrist; Orchid Sparkle Eye Shadow, also sheer, but with a little more pigment; Eclipse Eye Shadow for your smoky eye; and Jet Creamy Eye Pencil.

In the photo at right are the two pot rouge shades for lips and eyes. Both are pink; the only difference is that one is warmer than the other. I will enjoy both.

The photo below left shows the three lip colors. From top to bottom, Air Kiss Lip Gloss, Rum Lip Gloss, and the sheer Crystal Gold Glitter Lip Balm. Gorgeous!

This palette is perfect for your daughter, but it will also be perfect for women of any age who want sheer, natural colors with touches of shimmer or pizazz. I think I'm going to enjoy it! All the shades work together, and they can be applied with the fingers (teen beauty is supposed to be simple!).

Beauty Rules - the book and the palette, is available at Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus, and, I'm sure, all the Bobbi Brown counters. The Bobbi Brown counters are ready to show young women how to use the palette for a look that they will love: gloss, sparkle, and clean colors!

Book and palette photos courtesy of Nordstrom

Giorgio Armani Cosmetics Launches New Ads With Megan Fox In October

Sultry Megan Fox. You've already seen her in sexy ads for Giorgio Armani jeans and his Emporium underwear. And come October, the famous Italian designer will debut the dark-haired beauty as the new face of Giorgio Armani Cosmetics.

We cannot wait to see those Armani commercials. Mr. Armani creates incredibly beautiful fashion, and he has an elegant makeup line, as well.

The 24-year-old former Transformers actress will appear in the Armani brand’s ads photographed by Craig McDean, with makeup by Linda Cantello.

"Mr. Armani is an iconic visionary for all things fashion," Megan tells WWD. "I’m honored to be associated with him and part of this campaign."

The newly married Megan Fox replaces Dutch model, Lara Stone, as the new face for the Armani cosmetics brand. Why? According to a spokewoman for Armani, Megan Fox is a sexy, modern woman:

"She embodies the spirit of the women of today: Free, confident and seductive. Her beautiful features reveal femininity, sensuality and strength."

Meantime, you can copy Megan's classic red lips with one of her favorite Armani cosmetics, his Rouge d’Armani Lipstick in Red No. 400, $30.

Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain

Let's celebrate Tarte with Tarte! The company has reached a milestone: 10 years of beautiful, skin-friendly, earth-friendly, and animal-friendly products filled with Tarte's "skinvigorating" ingredients. Effective, affordable, whimsical - cosmetics with a conscience - those are terms to come to my mind when I think about founder Maureen Kelly and her groundbreaking creations.

In June, I showed you Tarte's 10-Year Anniversary blockbusters, which were only available at Sephora at the time. I purchased them and hope you did too. TEN Natural Cheek Stain ($30) and the TEN Limited Edition Collector's Palette ($44 and exclusive to Sephora) are must-haves. You can see a swatch of TEN at this BTiB link.

Today, let's take a look at Tarte's revolutionary new LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain ($24). LipSurgence is the only lip stain that has ever felt creamy after I applied it...hours after I applied it! My lips have to feel moist, or I am an unhappy gal. I have converted countless friends to my lip moisturizing favorites. Dear friends, get ready to try LipSurgence! It has to be the current gold standard for lip stains.

Just like the original and best-selling Tarte natural lip stains, LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain glides on smoothly for a rich matte finish that will stay all day. Each of the matte shades boasts a high pigment concentration, but unlike drying long-wear lipsticks, Tarte's LipSurgence stains are infused with high-performance, natural technology, clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6,000% after 28 days of use. Since "matte" is in, this new matte LipSurgence has entered the market at just the right time.

Earth-engineered from a proprietary blend of plant bionutrients, LipSurgence quickly absorbs into the skin, delivering a surge of moisture. Boosting peptides stimulate the skin’s own regenerative system and assist in the formation of collagen. Tarte's proprietary blend increases the lip's water content for a plumped-up appearance. The result? Naturally full, healthy, creamy lips without any irritation or stinging.

Although I haven't used LipSurgence for 28 straight days (I switch it up too often), I can tell you that it's the only lip stain that I have ever used that felt creamy on application and stayed creamy - even through meals (how rare is that?). Some lips stains beg for an immediate topcoat of gloss, and a few newer ones even come with a clear gloss to satisfy my craving for gooey lips. Tarte's LipSurgence doesn't need the gloss to feel good. Naturally, you can use one over LipSurgence if you like the shiny look. You can be certain that your LipSurgence will still be there hours after your gloss wears off.

LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain is available in six shades.

• Lucky - light pink
• Hope - warm rose
• Lively - hot pink
• Envy - mauve berry
• Fiery - true red and exclusive to Sephora
  
• Exposed - nude

On my arm photo are right, top to bottom, are Lucky, Envy, and Exposed. All are very pretty, although I think my two favorites are Envy and Exposed - just because my lips need a little color to brighten my pale face. I must try Hope next. Are you interested in wearing the matte fuchsia lip anointed by Allure as a hot trend for fall (page 182, September 2010 issue)? Lively is your shade! All six colors are delectable, so select the one(s) that you think will look best on you.

The first thing you notice about LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain is the softness of the thick pencil form. I think that's a clue to its properties on the lips. It contains vitamins A and E, which are anti-inflammatory emollients that protect against free radical damage; carnauba wax to ensure a smooth application; coconut extract that has known microbial and moisturizing properties; and peppermint oil to cool and soothe inflamed or irritated skin while freshening breath. Fortunately, the stain doesn't smell or taste like peppermint on my lips. I don't really want my lips to taste like Altoids!

I'm sure you know that Tarte's wonderful cosmetics are formulated without the following ingredients we are all trying to avoid - and they are cruelty-free.

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Fragrances
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petrochemicals
• Phthalates

I love that about Tarte! That's why I keep buying. There's little I can resist (seriously, you should see my collection of Cheek Stains, and I need another limited-edition TEN!). Tarte is bookmarked on my computer!

When you visit the Tarte Web site, you should check out Tarte Tokens, a new loyalty program to reward you for shopping. Not only does Tarte give back to its customers, the company gives back to Mother Earth. With the purchase of every Tarte product that incorporates the t5 super fruit complex, customers help preserve the Amazon Rainforest through forest conservation, improved living conditions, and educational opportunities for communities in Brazil. Tarte's supporting the Sustainable Amazon Partnership (SAP), a public and private collaboration to promote lasting sustainable management of the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, making contributions to SAP throughout the year. Some may think of beauty as frivolous; I think of it as an investment in our future when I shop with companies dedicated to the environment.

You can find Tarte's new LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain at Tarte's own Web site (the photos are there, and stock will arrive any day) and Sephora. It has my stamp of approval - check it out. While you're there, make sure to see the original LipSurgence Natural Lip Stains. You'll love them too.

I'll continue to tell you about Tarte's terrific 10-year anniversary products in the coming days. A little bubbly, please. Let's raise our glasses in a toast to Maureen and the Tarte Team. Here's to the next 10 years!

Top photo, cruelty-free logo, and stains courtesy of Tarte
Yes, I know Tarte doesn't capitalize their name (I'm old school)

Sofia Vergara's Look for the Emmy Awards

Haven't you ever wanted to style a celebrity for an awards show? Admit it! We all weigh in during and after the shows, selecting our favorites and tsk-tsking those whose stylists failed them. This year, Suave Professionals is giving all of us an opportunity to style Sofia Vergara's hair - well, select her hair style for the red carpet. What fun!

Suave Professionals Stylist Jenny Cho created three glamorous hair styles for Sofia Vergara, star of ABC's comedy Modern Family. Sofia is one of the hottest actresses in the country, and a look at her on Suave's Facebook page will show you why. What a beauty!

I found this fun site while I was looking for my fairy godmother. Remember how much I love the Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365 products that showed up at my doorstep? That search led me to this fun Facebook site.

Suave has three photos on Sofia's page: Modern Sleek, Glamorous Waves, and Sexy Updo. You can vote for your favorite look. You can also roll your mouse over all three looks and watch videos to find out how Jenny Cho created them. All of Sofia's looks were created using Suave Professionals products.

Vote for your favorite by clicking on "Like." Then watch the Emmy Awards show on August 29 to see which style made it onto the red carpet. There's something in it for you too! Make sure to enter every day for a chance to win one of 10 celebrity swag bags. Additionally, one lucky winner will be flown to Los Angeles for an awards show and styled by Jenny, with all kinds of goodies worth approximately $4,500 thrown in (transportation, hotel, and more). See this link for the official rules.

Am I showing you all three looks? Nope! You'll have to go to Facebook to see the third, and I'm not sharing my choice - until after the show (although you could - just use the comments). I did enter the contest. Who wouldn't after trying Suave Professionals hair products?

Photos courtesy of Suave Professionals

Purple Lab Pearlesque Show Primer For Perfect Looking Skin

Are you 'primed' for perfect-looking skin?

Well, you can get there with the right makeup primer, ladies. And Purple Lab has a true beauty called, Pearlesque Show ($30), an amazing silicone-free primer blended with pearl powder, kiwi, and honey. Those, along with plumping peptides, and other intelligent ingredients, allow makeup to smoothly glide across the skin, creating an evenly toned complexion.

The beauty of a primer is its perfection at filling in fine lines and pores for a flawless finish BEFORE foundation application. Some women like to wear primer alone, and skip the foundation. But most primer fans love to create as smooth a complexion as they can, so that the next layer, that of foundation, glides over easily.

In other words, think of these steps, as building a house. Layer upon layer. Only in this case, you end up with an almost 'air-brushed' face. The primer allows your makeup staying power. Oily faces stay fresher longer. And if your primer doesn't contain 'built-in' dewy softeners for dry skin, then apply moisturizer before you prime.

Purple Lab Pearlesque Show Primer contains aloe and is friendly to all skin types. According to the company, ..." the formula is decadently rich and ultra moisturizing, giving you firm, even, toned skin.". We like the sound of that.

Primers seem to cost more than regular foundation makeup. At least starting in the $20 range. So, think of a primer as a good beauty investment. And Purple Lab has come up with a very good one, so we say it's a keeper.

For more information, check out Purple Lab NYC.

Chantecaille Bengali Bronzer

Isn't this gorgeous? Chantecaille's Bengali Bronzer ($85) is the prettiest bronzer I own! Who could resist that face?

This slightly iridescent/shimmering bronzer brushes on to deliver a beautiful, natural, sun-kissed glow. Packed with specially coated pearls for a flawless, luminous finish, this special-edition bronze compact is etched with an image of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The two-level rose gold compact houses a mirror and natural-bristle brush.

The shade is absolutely perfect to add a glow to women with light or medium skin. Because my skin is fair, I can't tell you how it will appear on darker skin (might be a highlighter on very dark skin). The shade is very sheer. Here is a photo taken in filtered sun with an arrow pointing toward the heaviest concentration of the bronzer on my arm. You can see bare skin on the section of my arm below the bronzer application.

Like the new Tiger in the Wild Palette, a portion of the proceeds from sales of Bengali Bronzer benefit TRAFFIC, an international wildlife trade monitoring organization trying to save the last tigers in the wild. Since 1998, the last Year of the Tiger, the population of tigers in the wild has diminished from 5,000 to 3,200. The disappearance of wild tigers has become a crisis. The loss of our top predators is the barometer of an ecosystem in trouble - a worldwide concern, which needs attention and focus.

If there was ever a time to spend money on makeup, this is it! You could own this gorgeous palette and support one of the world's most urgent efforts to protect wildlife and biodiversity. As if that weren't enough, I'm trying to show you the many fabulous products you can purchase to qualify for a very special current offer at Chantecaille. Right now, if you spend $225 at the Web site, you will receive a free White Tiger Poudre Délicate. Check out the link. I got mine!

Top photo courtesy of Chantecaille