A great way to carry loose powder. At Sephora!

I almost titled this post "cool new thingie" but I went with "this thing rocks" instead. Anyway, this Powder Jar with Sifter by Sephora totally rocks. As of yesterday in NYC, the temps are summery and humid. It's definitely time for powder. On the go. And for only four bucks. Nice.

Watching the Gilmore Girls last night, I had to capture this frame.

Confession: Lorelai Gilmore is one of my fashion idols. And when I saw her in this particular shade of lipstick on a fine Spring day, I thought, hey! I could wear that. And so, off I went to the MAC store, digital camera in hand, to find the shade.

Success! FYI, the matching shade is "Dare You" Cremesheen, #A11. $14.50. Next, to figure out how to wear an outfit that doesn't include black.

MAC "Dare You" Cremesheen lipstick [image via the Internet]


MAC "Dare You" Cremesheen lipstick [image via the Internet]

Lancôme Éclat Miracle, $37 at Sephora


Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, $41 at Duane Reade


Becca Loose Finishing Powder, $35 at Duane Reade

Well, I'm still waiting to hear back from Malibu Magazine as to what products they used to create Rashida Jones' fabulous shimmering cover look. In the meantime, I am doing some investigating on my own. For some reason, I went to Duane Reade first. I know the reason. I wanted to avoid the crazy pushiness of the makeup counter sales people in department stores. But I don't really want to use drug store makeup.

Anyway, to get the job done and create the shimmer look, you could use Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector at Duane Reade. I liked the effect very much. I was just not so sure about the ingredients. They may be good. They may be too chemical. I have no idea. So I'm more likely to go with a brand I trust, Lancôme. Surprisingly, the Lancôme Eclat Miracle is less expensive than the Becca. The Lancôme product is a serum and a highlighter. Hmm. I have no idea what that exactly means.

At least Becca gives you tips of how to use the shimmer product. They say:

Apply as a base over the entire face and add a touch of Compact Concealer to blemishes if required.

Set with Fine Loose Finishing Powder for a natural looking glow.

Mix with a small amount of Luminous Skin Colour for a radiant complexion.

Use to highlight cheekbones, brow bones, and temples by dabbing over foundation and powder for an extra-dewey look.

For maximum shimmer and radiance, apply over a BECCA Primer and leave skin unpowdered.

Oh well, I think I'll have to do more research.

[images via Malibu Magazine]

Guess who this is? Rashida Jones. I know, I totally didn't recognize her. I thought it was some teen surfing sensation. I wrote to Malibu Magazine in hopes that they would share every single makeup product they used on her face. Quite frankly, I would buy it all. The silver shimmer foundation looks spectacular. I heart Rashida Jones.

I'll let you know if they write me back with product information!

Anyone ever tried Batiste Dry Shampoo?

Do you know what I love about walking around NYC at lunchtime? Everyone hands you some sort of fun freebie. I think I get a freebie once a week. Dove chocolates. SoyJoy (A lot. Too bad I don't love their bubble-gummy texture.) Mini boxes of cereal. Energy bars. Ice cream sandwiches. (That was the best!) Gum. Mints. Chap sticks. Eye shadows. And on and on. Today I got a goodie bag from Duane Reade. In it, a SoyJoy (oh well), a sample of Fructis, some allergy eye relief, and the most interesting: Batiste Dry Shampoo in "Blush." I wonder what "Blush" smells like. I'd try it, but it's an aerosol, and I'm not a fan of aerosols... Maybe I'll get someone else to try it and smell their hair.

Yes, I must have it. It is so shiny. And a perfect size to hold a lipstick and a chapstick. And just $14. And while I'm at the Marc Jacobs store, I am getting this too, if they still have any left. $5. [images from marcjacobs.com]

Have you seen the latest from Method, the popular eco cleaning products sold at Target, and, I am happy to report, non-big-box stores like Ricky's, and small local stores like Bridge Apothecary on Jay Street in Dumbo? The product is Almond Flower Natural Moisturizing Hand Wash. The price is around $5. The quilted matte plastic packaging is so great, you could give it as a gift. Be sure to check out the other scents in this product line as well, including White Tea, and a more restrained Olive Leaf. There is a Natural Moisturizing Body Wash and Body Bar too. Remember, matching sets are always better to give and receive. hint hint.

Pacifica Solid Perfumes, clockwise from top left:
Waikiki Pikake, Tuscan Blood Orange, Hawaiian Ruby Guava, Mediterranean Fig
plus so many more, not pictured. [image from pacificacandles.com]

I was just in Ricky's and found the greatest fragrances. By Pacifica, the scented candle makers. I have tried their bar soap and really liked it. Their Solid Perfume comes in many flavor combos, each for about $9. I wonder how the scent wears? Has anyone tried Pacifica Solid Perfume? Please post a comment.

I have a permanent locker at the Y now. It is actually a wire basket with a lock, and it only costs $5 per month. I thought that saving my shoulder was worth the money. But as a result, I have to maintain a double supply of products for home and locker. It's actually not that bad. I use them up half as quickly, so it all evens out. When I found this Wide Tooth Comb today at Sephora for $4, I bought two. Even when you factor in these additional product costs, the monthly locker is still worth saving my shoulder.

Sake Hair Cream by Fresh, $24

Browsing at Fresh yesterday on Broadway & 18th and smelling all the pleasing smells like Sugar Lychee and Sugar Lemon (I like top notes), I found something that I might want to purchase. The Sake Hair Cream. Good for curly hair (and straight too) said the sales person. And so I got a sample to try. This morning, I am most pleased with the results. A fresh smell, smooth curls, not sticky, not too heavy. Pretty perfect. At $24, a reasonably priced investment for the summer.

Flowerbomb, $150, 3.4 oz. eau de parfum spray, available at Saks

It is no surprise that the Dutch avant-garde fashion design duo, Victor and Rolf, who have a penchant for the extreme, the witty and the subversive, have a fragrance called Flowerbomb, where the bottle is shaped like a grenade. Of course! Who needs subtle anyway.

Indeed Flowerbomb packs quite a floral whallop. Although touted as a most wearable fragrance with a wide appeal when it debuted in 2005, I must beg to differ after taking a cautious sniff at the Saks flagship yesterday where they were running a special in-store promotion. The scent is like a hug from 100 grandmothers, all at once. But I think that Flowerbomb would knock anyone's grandmother out cold with a single spray. If you like a rather chaotic heady mix of florals including freesia, jasmine, rose and orchid, along with notes of amber, patchouli, bergamot and vanilla that all come together in a rather explosive way, go take a whiff. But be forewarned. Please note: there is also a Flowerbomb Extreme offered in limited edition at Christmastime. As if one would need a more extreme form...

Savor the Victor and Rolf aesthetic here: view their Spring Summer 2007 fashion show on viktoretrolf.typepad.com!

The Flowerbomb grenade-shaped bottle which Saks delicately
describes as "a bottle cut like a multi-faceted diamond,"
and it's accompanying elegant box with wax seal.

Three 'Love Your Look' collections from Benefit let you express your lifestyle through color.
Pictured above and just below, Gabbi, for 'extra-oomph'

The Gabbi Look
"These medium neutral shades are your wearable wows!"

Lana is 'neutrally sweet'

Betty is 'dramatic'

Benefit has an eye-catching display at Sephora. The San Francisco-based cosmetic line's mantra: "Laughter is the best cosmetic...so grin and wear it!" I like it. And I like the glamourpuss plastic toy dolls on the boxes. Talk about an unattainable aesthetic! I am definitely attracted to the brand for its sense of humor and play. Yes, that is a great selling point. To read more about the brand, click on each doll.

I will tell you a secret. The Marc Jacobs solid perfume in the irresistible white leather carrying case got the better of me the other day. I was walking home and there was Sephora, glowing (because it was nighttime), and pulling me in. I went in to browse aimlessly and maybe spend some of my gift card money on Decleor skincare products, although I was already fully stocked. Sometimes a girl just needs to browse products to clear her head. At least this girl does. But then I saw Marc! The last one on the shelf! HAHA!

It is mine now. And it only cost me $21.47.

[page print from zoozoom.com]

Published: Zoozoom.com, The Zoo Daily
Read it on Zoozoom: click here
Writing: Elaine Perlov
Photo: courtesy of 4mula



Just in case you forgot to read Zoozoom this week, here was my piece from Monday. Check out this previous post for a little background information on my new gig, if needed. Aren't these modular soaps by 4mula clever? I think they make great gifts.



If you cannot view on Zoozoom: click on the image above
To read more of my articles for Zoozoom: click here

Ergonomic, eco-friendly 4mula turns three years old today, and to celebrate, the Philadelphia-based company is offering free shipping on orders of $100 or more, today through April 30, 2007. I got the e-mail, so I thought I'd pass it along.

The product that caught my eye: The 4mula Barbox. Naturally. It's modular! Three 'vegan, bio-degradable, cruelty free' soaps in one. Inside the 'box' composed of two ergonomic body bars (see diagram) is a mini bar. Tricky? Indeed. This clever soap trio is perhaps a little over-described on the Website, but certainly a unique design product worth noting. Choose from 4 fragrance formulae, or opt for the sampler pack.

Remember the good old days when Tom Ford was head designer at Gucci? It has been 3 years since he left the Gucci Group. What ever happened to Tom Ford? Where does he show?

It seems that the designer is soon to launch his Menswear Collection, Spring 2007, along with his first free-standing Tom Ford store at 845 Madison (at 70th Street) in New York.* The initial distribution of his collection will be exclusive to the 9679 square foot shop, with expanded locations in the following year. He is also doing a Beauty line, available at NeimanMarcus.com. And an Eyewear Collection, available at Saks and Henri Bendel in New York, and many locations worldwide. But sadly, Tom is not designing Womenswear. For now. I will keep you posted.


*I have read conflicting reports that his collection will be self-funded or funded by Ermenegildo Zegna. I think I will take a walk over to the space this week and see how the project is progressing.

The Molton Brown store on 53rd and Madison

I think I figured out the secret to silken locks: Molton Brown Indian Cress Instant Conditioner. This product leaves your hair silky, shiny and smelling terrific. Imagine, curly hair with silky movement! It works on straight hair too, I am told.

I would suggest taking yourself to a Molton Brown or department store near you (Bloomingdale's, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Barneys) so you can smell the delightful aroma. And while you're there, take note of the Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash and Soother. My sales person likened it to a "shot of espresso in the morning." Sounds great to me!

Molton Brown Indian Cress Instant Conditioner

Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash & Soother

Oprah says America loves movie stars because they symbolize all that is possible. I say America loves stars because they are good looking. They have great skin, great hair, great clothes, great bodies. Yeah sure, because they devote a good portion of their day to beauty.

So I thought, why not devote more time and effort for the next seven days to a more rigorous beauty regime. Maybe I too can attain the Beyonce glow. Or the silken locks of Angelina, Nicole, Gwyneth, and well, not Britney, but you get the idea. I am starting immediately.

Step 1. Wash all makeup brushes. Eva Scrivo says to do that once a week.

Step 2. Go to the gym.

Step 3. Post work-out, trim bangs and deep moisturize hair with Kerastase Elasto-Curl. Finish with Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom, a quick blow-dry and my favorite barrette (currently, a red one).

Step 4. Apply full facial regime with Decleor products, instead of omitting certain products because they are expensive and I don't want to run out. This point will take some self-convincing.

There. I am well on my way. I will let you know the results in 7 days, perhaps with some updates in the meantime. It should be really good! You probably won't even recognize me.

Got the Winter blues? Can't wait for the beautiful Springtime rebirth? Well I hear you. So here is my list of nice things you can do for yourself until Spring springs. Do the first one that catches your eye. Or be indulgent and do them all. Why not? Winter is yucky.

1. Give yourself the gift of mood-enhancing endorphins. How do you get them? Join a new exercise class this week and stick with it, religiously. I have. After the gym, I feel great. (Before the gym, I want to eat a lot of biscotti.)

2. Buy yourself a moisturizer in a scent you love. You deserve to smell great. I love Gardenia-scented Shikai.

3. Resolve to read a new book each week. Think of all the new thoughts you will have. Stimulate your mind.

4. Go to a museum and have an epiphany. I want to pay a visit to the Klimt at the Neue Gallery and see the Spanish Painting exhibition at the Guggenheim.


5. Start a blog or other giant project and stick with it. You will be happy with your creative output.

6. Treat yourself to a facial at a spa you've been eager to try. And moisturize, moisturize, moisturize until Spring springs.

7. Investigate the notion of purchasing a quality hairbrush and ponder how it just might be a good investment afterall. I was watching this segment on Martha Stewart all about how to keep your hair healthy and shiny (you know, she used to be a Breck Girl). Martha's stylist, Eva Scrivo, recommended to brush your hair everyday to stimulate the natural oils in your scalp. You know, it works. I got myself a really nice brush at C.O. Bigelow in the West Village. A great place! Have you been? I got one brush for home, and a travel size for my gym bag. Why not. I decided I'm worth it.

8. Browse Sephora and experiment with a new eye color. While your at it, see what new lip color flatters your face.

9. Aromatherapy. Isn't there a candle out there you've been wanting? Bring it home and change your home environment with a new scent. Curl up with a good book and smell the smells.

10. Cook a new recipe each week. There are great ones on Epicurious. Just type in an ingredient that appeals to you, and go to town! Do it on the cheap. Use your existing cookware. The point is just to get cooking!

11. Try a new food every week. Have you ever made leeks? Now is the time to make a nice potato & leek soup. Cutting leeks is mesmerizing. I am always fascinated by the mathmatical patterns that underly vegetables. The way the leaves come off the stalk. I love leeks. They are mysterious. And super healthy!


12. Focus Focus Focus. Choose a project on your To-Do List that has been nagging you and vow to complete it. Give yourself a time limit and set your Egg Timer to get through it. Just be done with it! You (and I) will feel great.

13. Call a friend instead of e-mailing. Make real contact.

14. Put fresh flowers in the bathroom. It will feel like you are on vacation.

In my travels around Manhattan the other day, I found an bright and cheery oasis of beauty products. The labels on all the bottles were so striking, and the window display most amusing, that I had to step in for a chat and learn more about the line. As it turned out, I was in the national headquarters of Malin+Goetz, on Seventh Avenue (between 20th & 21st). You must stop in, or at least visit their website, because they have some lovely gift ideas for you and yours.

I, for one, would love to receive the Peppermint Hair Shampoo and the Cilantro Hair Conditioner. I have tried them both, and they are very fragrant and delicious. I think mint and citrus are my two favorite scents. A gift I am considering giving this year is called the 1 oz Essential, a selection of 6 of their products all zipped up in a travel case. Perfect for the gym. I would give you the direct link, but their website is done in pop-ups, so I can't. But please go to this page, and click on gifts. and it will be the first in the pop-up. Scroll down to see their selection of scented candles too. My favorite is Mojito.There is that delicious citrus scent again. Stop in! Or check out their products at these locations around the country (click usa.), or around the world (click international.).