SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Clarins FEED 15 Pouch -- Who Said We Can't Heal The World?

Not to sound like Sally Struthers, but did you know that, for only $30, you could provide 15 meals to school-aged children in impoverished communities? That's the goal of the Clarins FEED 15 Pouch ($30 at Nordstrom.com and Nordstrom stores), a philanthropic collaboration between the beauty brand and Lauren Bush's four-year-old non-profit organization, FEED Projects, which raises funds for the United Nations World Food Programme and strives to eradicate world hunger.

Packed with three of Clarins' most popular products — the Hand and Nail Treatment, featuring antioxidant-rich, moisturizing sesame oil, nail-strengthening myrrh extract, softening shea butter, and Japanese mulberry extract, which conceals and even reduces the appearance of existing age spots; Moisture-Rich Body Lotion, containing softening shea butter, moisturizing and soothing olive oil, skin calming peach extract, and toning orange blossom; and the Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, a mango extract- and shea butter-enriched lip gloss that soothes and softens lips, while also coating them with a hint of sheer color and 3D shine — the cream-colored Clarins FEED 15 Pouch features an envelope-like shape, a golden top zipper closure with red trim along either side, and the words "FEED 15" stenciled atop a red strip running horizontally along the bottom of the bag.

Within a two-year span, Clarins hopes to reach a rather admirable goal via the proceeds from the sale of this special-edition pouch: that of feeding 1 million underprivileged children. By purchasing this set, you'll quite literally be helping to put food in a child's mouth (or those of several children, for that matter). 

The set's value is over double its price, so that you're getting top-tier products at bargain prices — yet another way in which Clarins is persuading customers to tap into their humanitarian sides and, not only think about those less fortunate, but actually take steps to help them lead longer, healthier lives.

Put a little love in your heart. Feed 15 now.

 

 

Me and Mr. Jones -- New Mr. Jones Watch Styles Hit the Whitney Museum Store

 

 

After you check out these styles, you and Mr. Jones Watches may just have a thing goin' on. Crispin Jones, the mastermind behind the London-based timepiece brand, incorporates conceptual explorations of time, musings on the cultural significance of the watch, and even philosophical questions about human existence within every design, developing new and interesting ways through which to read the time on a watch dial, integrating phrases into the hour and minute hands, and incorporating illustrations from boundary-pushing artists and comedians into the pieces' faces.

Now, the Whitney Museum Store is exposing art lovers to this design-driven watch bran, with three designs available for purchase. The Cyclops watch ($198 at ShopWhitney.org), pictured above at center, looks like it integrates a color wheel within the outer periphery of the face, with colored circles forming a ring along this area. These colored spheres don't simply serve a decorative purpose — they each represent a specific hour. And, rather than utilize hour and minute hands to demarcate the time, this model includes a single hour marker in the form of a black loop that passes over each colored sphere, roping it perfectly at the top of the hour then gradually moving over it and past it as the hour rolls on.  This watch features a stainless steel case and strap, and measures 37mm in width and 46mm in height.

The Mr. Jones Accurate design ($168 at ShopWhitney.org), pictured above at left, features an hour hand that reads "remember" and a minute hand that reads "you will die" — which could perhaps be interpreted as dark and morbid but, really, is designed to remind the wearer of the brevity of life and the need to relish every single waking breath, every passing moment. Adding to the model's carpe diem overtones, the dial and rim of the glass are mirrored, which makes the wearer see his or her reflection, thereby facilitating the self-examination process.

Do you have a hard time making decisions? Are you the type to flip a coin or turn to a Magic 8Ball for answers? Then you'll appreciate The New Decider ($185 at ShopWhitney.org), pictured above at right, which features a black leather strap with white contrast stitching and a black dial with white minute and hour hands and, at the 3 o'clock position, a white bubble shape which contains either the word "yes" or the word "no" in red letters at its center. As the second hand moves from one spot to the next, the words "yes" or "no" are alternately displayed in this sphere so that, on any given moment, you can look to your watch for the answer to a surprise question.

 

 

 

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse -- Will It Hold Your Curls Down?

When argan oil soared in popularity, being lauded by the beauty industry's persnickety gatekeepers, Moroccanoil was at the forefront of the movement, advocating for argan oil (the key ingredient in its products' formulas) by simply exposing the masses to the ingredient's results on hair. The original Moroccanoil Oil Treatment was easily absorbed by hair and left it feeling shinier, smoother, healthier, and as soft as goose down feathers. How good is it? So good that one of my closest friends tries to sneak some out, squeezing it into a 0.5 oz. bottle that once housed her echinacea drops. 

Needless to say, whenever the brand announces a new product launch, it feels like Christmas. And, thus far, we've raved about every single addition the line — among them the Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream, the Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray, and the Moroccanoil Light Treatment.

When I heard about the new Morroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse ($22, visit Moroccanoil.com for retailers), then, I put aside my reservations about mousse formulations, which are known to dry hair, exacerbate damage, cause breakage, and give hair a starchy and at times even crunchy texture that's downright repulsive. Since Moroccanoil had never led me astray, I expected nothing but top-tier results from the argan-infused mousse. Designed for women with wavy to curly hair, the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse is meant to nourish hair, seal in moisture, define ringlets, eliminate frizz, and provide hold without sacrificing manageability. Sounds amazing, right? 

But, alas, my experiences with the mousse weren't anywhere near the amazing mark. Sure, it did make my curls stay in place, but it was impossible to run my fingers through my hair without feeling some of the starchiness I've come to associate with mousse products. My hair looked and felt somewhat stiff, as if my curls had been artificially created via a scrunching technique, as opposed to me having natural curls that were resuscitated with the help of a moisture-infusing styling aid. Unlike the Intense Curl Cream, which defines waves and ringlets without compromising your hair's movement and bounce or its caressable texture, the Moroccanoil Curl Defining Mousse performed only a notch above your run-of-the-mill, drugstore brand mousse. The argan oil's benefits, then, were nullified by the accompanying ingredients in the formula.

Bottom line: if you have curly hair that's dry or damaged, stick to the Moroccanoil Oil Treatment and the Intense Curl Cream.

 

 

 

Summer Skin Savers Part 2 -- Tinted Moisturizers, Shimmer Lotions, and Self-Tanners Galore!

How much time have you actually spent at the beach this summer? How often have you had the chance to sit on a park bench, eat at an outdoor café, or bicycle through the park, basking in the sun's rays rather than looking at them through a glass window in your office or home? Most of us dream of summer, imagining beach romps worthy of Jeff Spicoli's crew in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and topping these imaginary moments off with images of romantic beach bonfires like those Kelly and Dylan enjoyed in so many Beverly Hills 90210 episodes. But, sadly, once we graduate from college and enter the professional sphere, the rigors of adult life (work, kids, errands, etc.) often prove so time-consuming that our leisure time becomes non-existent.

Aside from the frustration of not spending time at your favorite summer haunts, that also means feeling disgruntled over your lingering pallor — a sentiment that's only aggravated when you see some of your more well-to-do counterparts flaunting the tans they developed during their exotic tropical vacations and weekend beach house excursions. While we can't free you from those weekend shifts at work or cut your work hours down, we can at least help you feel better about your limited time in the sun by letting you in on some of our secrets to achieving a natural-looking faux glow that will fool even the most discerning of onlookers and leave you feeling like the sexy siren you are.

 

SHIMMERING LOTIONS AND SELF-TANNERS

 

GloMinerals Body Glisten, $20. Available at GloProfessional.com

If you don't want your skin to glisten without looking like you've been glitterbombed, consider applying this luminous lotion, which is enriched with vitamins A, C, E, an K, as well as soothing green tea, lavender, chamomile, and aloe extracts to soften and nourish the skin while also coating it with tiny golden mica particles. Since the glimmer is the result of the mica particles' light-reflecting properties, your skin won't shimmer as brightly when in dimly lit areas but, once you bathe in sunlight, your skin will look like it's covered with this delicious baked frosting. From my experience, this shimmer lotion won't streak nor will it transfer to clothing. In fact, once it's fully dry, you can smooth your hands all over your skin without winding up with sparkly palms. And, when you run your hands over your skin, you'll notice how much softer it feels — which, of course, is the Body Glisten's main claim to fame: how both skin care and immediate cosmetic benefits were considered when formulating this stellar product.

 

 

St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Shimmer Stick, $22.50 at Nordstrom.com and StTropezTan.com

Rocking a romper or short skirt and need to give those legs a bit more color? Get a faux glow with the St. Tropez Wash Off Instant Shimmer Stick, a pigmented body gloss formulated with natural waxes that hydrate the skin and coat it with a brownish bronze hue and a dose of alluring shimmer. To apply, you simply roll the stick over any exposed areas, blending the color in using hands and fingers. The wax-based formula can be a bit viscous when you first glide it over the skin but, as you keep smoothing it onto skin, the color seems to start softening, transferring onto the skin with greater ease, as if it were melting right off. You can apply it all over your skin for a tanned look or use it as a highlighter, to contour specific areas, by applying it on such key areas as collarbones, the decolletage region, or the front ridge of legs. Best of all, the product washes right off when you shower so, after you've dazzled everyone and returned home, you can remove the body makeup completely — no scrubbing to remove lingering bits of amber or orange color. 

 

TanTowel Full Body Plus Application 5-Pack, $27. Available at Sephora.com and Nordstrom.com

Much like the Kate Somerville Somer360 Tanning Towelettes we raved about last summer, these towelettes are meant to simplify the oft bewildering self-tanning process and reduce potential messiness. As with the Kate Somerville option, the TanTowel towelettes rely on DHA to give skin a natural-looking pigmentation boost. What is DHA? It's a glycerin-derived chemical that interacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a temporary brownish pigment. Since these cells will be polished off skin, any DHA-derived faux tan will last about a week. And, since no artificial pigments are mixed with the DHA in the formula, the TanTowels will yield a rather natural, sunkissed effect.

Each of the Full Body Plus towelettes is large enough to cover your entire birthday suit. All you have to do is rip open the heat-sealed pack, unfold the towelette and smooth onto skin using even circular motions, making sure to cover all desired areas. And, since the towelettes are made of pulp fiber, they will naturally exfoliate the skin, which means the tanning formula will be applied evenly, so that there won't be any regions with excess pigment concentrations (a dead giveaway that your glow is oh-so-faux). The tea tree extract in the formula, meanwhile, soothes and conditions skin. Bottom line: this is one of the best self-tanning products I've ever encountered.  

 

Rodial Brazilian Tan Airbrush, $64. Available at Rodial.co.uk

What if you could get deliciously smooth caramel skin by simply spritzing a fine mist onto your birthday suit, without having to smear any lotions or gels onto your hands that could potentially stain your palms? That's the option Rodial attempts to deliver with its Brazilian Tan Airbrush spray, which relies on 360-degree airbrush technology for easy and streak-less coverage (theoretically, that is) and delivers a color boost via caramel extract, while softening skin with Tahitian monoi and moisturizing and soothing with aloe vera extract. To use, you have to hold the can 30cm from the skin and spray slowly and evenly, applying the same pressure to the spritzer with your finger so as to yield continuous coverage.  

What's the catch? Well, the application process isn't quite as simple in practice as it is in theory. Unless you're a veteran aerosol artist, it's difficult to maintain the required distance from skin (30 cm) as you move the bottle along different areas of your skin. And, of course, if you start getting too close when covering certain regions, you'll inevitable wind up with darker patches. Another hiccup: if you have any hair on your legs (even blond baby hairs), the color will clump around the hair follicles for a spotty look that's more mangy dog than tanned goddess. Your best bet is to have a friend or family member help you out with the Rodial Brazilian Tan Airbrush since it'll be much easier for them to gauge the distance at which they're spraying and to spritz continuously (as you would when applying hairspray). Also, I'd recommend using on shaved, clean, exfoliated, and fully dry skin.

That being said, the color itself is gorgeous and the gardenia scent makes you feel like you're in Hawaii or some other tropical paradise.

 

 

 

 

Sue Devitt Microaquatic Tinted Body Moisturizer, $36. Available at SueDevittBeauty.com

There are times when you want a dose of shimmer or a light sun-kissed glow. And then there are moments when you need to pull out the big guns (to use a tired cliché), taking your skin directly from a spooky alabaster shade to a rich amber hue. When you want these type of dramatic results, the Sue Devitt Microaquatic Tinted Body Moisturizer is an excellent resource. This rich lotion smells like Frangipani flowers, transporting you to a tropical landscape via the delicate, ultra feminine scent. Your skin will benefit from Devitt''s Signature Microaquatic Complex, which includes rejuvenating marine extracts and soothing floral and plant-based ingredients like water lily extract, orchid extract, and aloe extract. 

When you first apply the lotion onto your skin, you may feel rather intimidated since it's a rather dark russet color with red undertones in its most concentrated form. Blending it in does require some vigorous massaging action but, once absorbed by skin, you'll be left with a true bronzed look that leans towards the reddish, rosier side of the spectrum as opposed to the typical yellow and orange range.

 

 

 

 

 

Rodial Brazilian Tan Light, $64. Available at Rodial.co.uk

A gentler formulation than its predecessor, the Rodial Brazilian Tan Dark, this self-tanner is designed for women with lighter skin tones, costumers who might have found that the DARK model produced too dramatic a pigmentation difference. This self-tanner's consistency is absolutely delicious -- it's almost as lightweight as a gel, but it's not the last bit sticky. Enriched with softening avocado and coconut oil, the Rodial Brazilian Tan Light moisturizes, balances, and conditions skin, while giving you a Fiji femme fatale glow.

As soon as you pump the product onto the skin and massage it in, you'll see your skin transformed into a sheer, warm, honey-meets-toffee shade thanks to the caramel in the formula (yes, caramel is an active ingredient), which immediately delivers a luscious glow. Within about 3 hours of application, you'll notice the color deepen a bit while still looking incredibly natural. 

Another plus: the lightweight formula dries incredibly quickly, making it ideal for on-the-run applications (you can pretty much get dressed within 2-3 minutes).

 

 

TINTED MOISTURIZERS FOR FACE

 

Cover FX Tint FX Moisturizing Treatment & Tint SPF 30, $42. Available at Sephora.com

This multi-tasking moisturizer offers SPF 30 protection from UVA and UVB via a combination of physical blocks like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and chemical sunscreens like octinoxate, octisalicylate, and oxybenzone.The vitamins A, C, and E in the formula, meanwhile, protect the skin from harmful free radicals, brighten the complexion, promote cellular renewal, and function as emollients, while chamomile-derived bisabolol soothes the skin, preventing irritation and reducing inflammation or redness. In addition to soothing and protecting the skin, the Tint FX also boasts anti-aging properties, with hyaluronic acid spheres delivering continuous hydration, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, and ceramides and peptides that prompt the skin to regenerate and fortify its natural moisture barrier.

Available in six shades, this liquid treatment will offer as much coverage as many a cream powder, while also illuminating the complexion thanks to the pearlized minerals in the formula. 

 

Benefit You Rebel Lite Tinted Moisturizer, $30. Available at HSN.com

This tinted moisturizer, designed for women with light to medium skin tones, offers SPF 15 protection and is enriched with free radical-fighting antioxidants, soothing aloe vera, and allantoin, a crystalline powder that seals in moisture and increases the longevity of coverage. Though it's easy to blend into the skin and it does feel comfortable, offering sheer but even coverage, it can feel a bit greasy so that you'd need to follow application with a mattifying powder or bronzing veil. I'd only recommend Benefit's You Rebel for women with dry skin as it could otherwise lead to breakouts — which, of course, is never a benefit.

 

 

 

Mark Your Calendars! Lauren Merkin Summer Sample Sale in NYC From Aug 9th To Aug 12th

It's that time of year! Handbag designer Lauren Merkin will be hosting a new sample sale from Tuesday, August 9th through Friday, August 12th at the Lauren Merkin Showroom (231 W. 29th Street, Suite 201, between 7th and 8th Avenue). Her elegant but downtown cool handbags, clutches and accessories will be priced at up to 70% off.

Among the great deals, you'll find: the Ava in Navy/Black Shiny Bricks Fabric pictured at top (now $100 from $250), an envelope clutch with a curved top flap featuring tiny pintuck details along the center;  the Iris in Grey/White Leopard Calf Hair ($150 from $395 during the sale), a boxy number with an Art Deco-ish closure featuring two rectangular gold plate details in different sizes, each with concentric grooves along its perimeter, and a thin chain strap; and the Caroline in Merlot Shiny Baby Croc ($125 from $250), an understated envelope clutch with folded details along the top flap to create and even greater play in texture. 

To check out more styles or learn more about the designer, visit LaurenMerkin.com. For more info on the upcoming sample sale, call 212.239.2459.

Hello Kitty Beauty Graffiti Collection "Gets Up" At Sephora Starting Today!

 

 

 

 

 

Don't let her affinity for hair bows, blue overalls, country chic aprons, and all things pink fool you — while the cupcake- and cookie-loving character may be associated with girlish innocence, there's a more rebellious, thrill-seeking side to Hello Kitty's personality. As it turns out, Hello Kitty is taking a cue from female graffiti pioneers like Lady Pink and renowned muralists like Toofly, writing her name using every lettering style imaginable (bubble, wildstyle, and quick tag letters) and flaunting her paint-covered, drip-accented ensembles for all to see. Or, at the very least, she's serving as the blank canvas for urban artists, occupying the moving museum role once played by New York City subway trains. See, the new Hello Kitty Beauty Graffiti Collection, launching at Sephora stores today, features several pieces created by Tokyo-based, Hello Kitty designer Yuko Yamaguchi alongside LA-based graffiti artist POSE (whose tags and illustrations appear on the surfaces of these cosmetics offerings).  

Though more concise than prior collections, the new Summer 2011 Hello Kitty Beauty Graffiti Collection is considerably edgier, sparking the interest of street art lovers, beauty fiends, and Hello Kitty fanatics alike. Rather than an arsenal of cosmetics, the collection includes only one palette: the Hello Kitty Eyeshadow and Blush Palette ($35 at Sephora.com), which includes four eye shadow shades (a mossy greenish gray, soft petal pink, moody teal, and dark charcoal gray) and, underneath it, a pull-out tray with two powder blushes (one peachy pink and a light bronze).  Frankly, I was relieved to discover that there weren't too many eyeliner sets, lip gloss palettes, nail lacquers, and other cosmetic offerings in this limited-edition collection since my experience with the Hello Kitty Beauty collection has been that each product's packaging way surpasses its contents in terms of quality. Given that, then, I was ecstatic about the collection having such a strong emphasis on tools and accessories.

Aside from the Hello Kitty Rollergirl ($18 at Sephora.com), a rollerball fragrance that resembles a Pez dispenser, with a sculptural, kitty-shaped head as the tube cap, the remaining items in the collection place more of a premium on decorative concerns. The Hello Kitty Compact Mirror ($18 at Sephora.com) features retro, Beat Street-esque lettering along the top lid of the cat head-shaped compact, while the medium-sized Hello Kitty Makeup Bag ($28 at Sephora.com) features a tarnished silver, slightly crackled, leather-like backdrop with misty splatters of bright color like yellow and teal adding a sense of excitement to the zip-top design. Each makeup bag measures 6.5" x 4.5" x 2.5" and is adorned with one-of-a-kind artwork, making each roomy piece feel all the more precious. 

But the tour de force in this collection is the Hello Kitty 5-Piece Brush Kit ($49 at at Sephora.com), which features a Face Brush, Eyeshadow Brush, Shader/Blending Brush, Angled Eyeliner Brush, and Lip Brush — all hidden inside a tag-covered, silver figurine with a removable head that reveals the brushes neatly tucked inside a reusable, easy-to-clean plastic cup nestled in the bottom section (the body) of the container. Measuring 4" x 4.5" x 6.5", the Hello Kitty 5-Piece Brush Holder is sure to go All-City in a matter of days, so make sure to grab yours pronto!

Two Travel Essentials: MAC Sized To Go Collection & TOCCA Delicate Washes Travel Pack

 

 

Are you intimidated by the ever-restrictive TSA policies regarding the acceptable size and packaging of liquid, gels, and aerosol goods? Do you moan and groan about having to buy spray-top, pump-top, and squeezable plastic bottles (each holding up to 3.4 oz. amounts, as specified by TSA regulations) in which to pour your favorite face wash, eye makeup remover, hair styling serum, facial mist, and other hygiene must-haves just to make it through airport security? Well, ladies, time to exhale. MAC Cosmetics is taking some of the guess work out of the packing experience with its new Sized To Go collection, featuring an assortment of travel-sized skin care essentials and makeup tools.

Thanks to the Sized To Go collection, you won't have to go a second without your favorite MAC skin care products. When it comes to removing makeup, you can pick between travel-sized versions of the Cleanse Off Oil ($10 at MACcosmetics.com), a gentle, mineral oil-free formula enriched with jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, and olive oil; the skin-calming Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil ($10 at MACcosmetics.com), which also features chamomile oil, sea grass, grape seed, peach leaf, and lavender; the Demi-Wipes ($15 at MACcosmetics.com), a 30-pack pouch of damp towelettes that remove foundation, powder and blush; or the Pro Eye Makeup Remover ($10 at MACcosmetics.com) for completely removing stubborn eyeshadow, liner, and mascara. And, of course, you can also keep your skin clear and radiant with the mini-sized Green Gel Cleanser ($10 at MACcosmetics.com), a great option for removing dirt and oil from your face and soothing skin with cucumber, green tea, and algae extract; the Oil Control Lotion ($15 at MACcosmetics.com), which restores skin to its ideal pH balance, controlling oil production, and mattifying the complexion; the Studio Moisture Cream ($15 at MACcosmetics.com), which boasts hydrating, softening, and anti-aging benefits thanks to the coconut, wheat germ, spinach leaf, passion fruit, algae extract, and green tea in the rich formula; and the magnificent Strobe Cream ($15 at MACcosmetics.com), a vitamin-enriched, green tea-packed, radiance-boosting cream that soothes and hydrates skin while also covering it with iridescent particles that yield an alluring, celestial glow. And, last, to keep your makeup looking fresh all day long, you can always spritz the Fix+ ($10 at MACcosmetics.com) on your visage before walking out the door. 

If there are must-haves in the Sized To Go collection, I'd say it's the Strobe Cream, which is a staple at backstage areas during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week since it literally transforms tired sallow skin into a glowing complexion; the Demi-Wipes, which are gentle but remove makeup rather quickly an effectively; and the Fix+, my favorite makeup setting spray along with the Skindanavia No More Shine.

Laundry may be the last thing on your mind when you book the plane tickets for a beach getaway or while you efficiently pack your carry-on luggage for a meeting-packed business trip — but, if you plan a long enough stay, chances are that, at some point, you'll run through every last bra and pantie set, not to mention your pantyhose and silk or lacy chemises. And, when that happens, do you want to attempt to hand wash these items with hotel soap? Would you run to buy a detergent you didn't fully trust, one that might be billed as gentle yet wind up being surprisingly harsh? With the TOCCA Laundry Delicate Washes within your reach, you'll never be in that situation. In fact, even if you stain your favorite silk dress while on a trip, you'll have a quick way to restore that garment to its previous glory days. 

Packaged in a leak-proof, reusable, white pouch with crisscrossing stripes of light golden yellow color and trimmed with a carnation pink hue, the TOCCA Laundry Delicate Washes Pack ($22 at TOCCA.com and at Sephora stores) features four miniature detergent bottles, each in one of the brand's signature fragrances: Touch, a fruity-floral accord with pomegranate, gardenia, and Egyptian balsam notes; Cleopatra, an invigorating, crisp grapefruit and cucumber fragrance; Stella, a zesty Italian blood orange scent; and Florence, a delicate and romantic blend of iris root an rose. These washes are gentle enough to use on lace, cashmere, silk, and satin, and they leave behind just the softest, most elusive fragrance. Since these four washes were wisely packaged in 2 oz. bottles, the TOCCA Laundry Delicate Washes Pack are TSA friendly, making them ideal for stylish jet-setters.

 

 

New Lip Colors From Bobbi Brown Tortoise Shell Collection -- Bare Shades Worth Bearing?

 

 

 

 

Though the days of fashioning sunglasses, hair combs and mirrored compacts out of the spotted shells of hawksbill sea turtles are behind us (the creatures are critically endangered and, hence, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species wisely banned the capture of these animals, their sale, and the manufacture of products derived from their parts), we've found more humane ways to benefit from the beauty of these shells, deriving ways to use synthetic materials to mimic the semi-translucent, golden amber, bronze, and brown shades on their surface. Chances are that, over the years, you've donned many an accessory crafted out of tortoise shell, which exploded in popularity in the '60s and '70s — with everything from horn-rimmed, Buddy Holly-style eye glasses to oversize chains with interlocking traslucent oval links and retro frame purses bearing the glossy print. 

Rather than selling seashells by the sea shore, as the old tongue-twister goes, makeup goddess Bobbi Brown is offering a collection of cosmetic essentials that pay homage to the tortoise shell (selling faux tortoise shell is way more chic, right?). The shining stars of the new Bobbi Brown Tortoise Shell Collection are, of course, the two eye shadow palettes, each of which comes packaged in a shiny, square tortoise shell compact with a handy mirror under the top lid and a pull-out drawer holding additional eyeshadow covers beneath the main surface.

The Sand Tortoise Shell Eye Palette ($60 at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com) focuses on softer netural shades, with only the occasional metallic or sparkling number. The Sand Tortoise Shell Eye palette, then, includes the following eight shadows: Ivory Eye Shadow, a creamy, off-white hue; Gold Bar Sparkle Eye Shadow, a yellow gold with subtle shimmer; Hot Stone Eye Shadow, a grayish nude; Black Chocolate Eye Shadow, a dark brown hue; and new shades like Desert Sand Metallic Eye Shadow; Antique Rose Eye Shadow, Terracotta Eye Shadow, and Sandy Rose Metallic Eye Shadow.

The Bronze Tortoise Shell Eye Palette ($60 at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com), meanwhile, focuses on slightly darker neutrals, with greater emphasis on shimmering, sparkling, and metallic shades. This palette features the following eight shades: Banana Eye Shadow, a yellow-tinged neutral color akin to an unpeeled banana; Copper Cocoa Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, a hot cocoa shade with reddish copper sparkle; Espresso Eye Shadow, a near-black brown with a dusky quality; and the new shades Gold Nugget Sparkle Eye Shadow, Amber Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Tiger's Eye Metallic Eye Shadow, Bronze Metallic Eye Shadow, and Olive Sparkle Eye Shadow.

I'm trying to secure one of the palettes (I've got my eyes on the Bronze Tortoise Shell Eye Palette!) but, in the meantime, I wanted to share some other pieces from the collection with you gals.

In addition to the eye palettes, this classic, timeless collection features the Tortoise Shell Mini Brush Set ($55 at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com), an ideal gift item since it includes four brushes with shorter, easier-to-grip handles and full-sized, soft-bristled heads: the Mini Angle Eye Shadow Brush, Mini Eye Sweep Brush, Mini Blush Brush and Mini Ultra Fine Eyeliner. 

The new collection also includes three new High Shimmer Lip Gloss ($23 at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com) shades: Citrus, Beach, and Bare Sparkle. I had the chance to try the Bare Sparkle High Shimmer Lip Gloss, a non-sticky, near-clear, warm champagne pink with microscopic clear pearls that, when applied to lips, imbues them with a vinyl-like coat of shine and a sexy dose of sparkle. In terms of the color, it's so close to clear that it's barely perceptible. I actually found this lip gloss quite boring and disappointing but I suppose if you need a really understated gloss, this would be a good quality option. 

Two new Rich Lip Color SPF 12 lipsticks ($23 at BobbiBrownCosmetics.com) are also introduced in this collection: Twig and Soft Nude. As the name implies, the Soft Nude shade (which I had the pleasure of trying) is a fleshy, pinkish brown shade — more reminiscent of Laccaria Laccata mushroom gills or Goya pink beans than bare skin, but nevertheless earthy, creamy, and alluring. 

Below, after the jump, you'll find swatches of these two lip colors. What do you think? Will you be copping them?

 

Flashing Brights -- Neons To Make Your Wardrobe And Makeup Go Pop!

In Kraftwerk's 1978 synth-laden single "Neon Lights," the influential German electronica group captured the excitement of city life in the evening time with lyrics like: "Neon lights/shimmering neon lights/And at the fall of night/this city's made of light." Though incredibly simple, these words captured the energy of sleepless, bustling, burgeoning metropolises with a single image: bright, almost blinding, colorful neon lights.

This season, designers have fused together the incandescent and buoyant feel of the larger-than-life neon signs that abound in party havens like Miami Beach, Midtown Manhattan, and the Vegas Strip, with the beach-ready, fluorescent colors that capture the sunniness, pep and effervescence of summer. The result is a carnival-like line-up of electric, confetti-ready, Op Art colors ranging from chartreuse green to electric yellow, neon pink, cyan turquoise, perky sunkist orange, and acid green.

Below, check out some of the bright fashions and accessories flashing before us like traffic lights, begging us to yield for a better look, then step on the gas and go full speed ahead.

 

 

 

 

Tibi Nala Printed Satin-Jersey Mini Dress, $149. Available at TheOutnet.com

This silk-and-jersey mini dress features a distorted, almost pixelated, arcade-worthy, Pac-man yellow floral print against a black backdrop. The striking piece also boasts a boat neck, three-quarter sleeves, and a sexy keyhole back.

 

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner, $23 each. Available at Sephora.com

Thanks to the amino acids and apple juice in their formula, these waterproof liquid liners (which I raved about in June) boast rich, long-lasting color. Most importantly, they're formulated with acrylic copolymer, a hydrophobic macromolecule that locks water out so your liner will stay in place. To add a pop of neon color to your lids, reach for the No. 4 shade, a shimmering emerald green; the No. 5 shade, an electric blue worthy of a Miami swimming pool; and No. 6, an '80s-flavored fuchsia pink. Check out swatches of the No. 4, 5, and 6 shades.

 

 

Noir Jewelry Figure 8 Bracelet, $80. Available at NoirJewelry.com 

Four rounded, electric yellow strands woven using lanyard plastic and held together at each end by a row of solid brass caps, get the pretzel treatment in this quirky Noir Jewelry bracelet, with the intertwined strands forming a perfect figure 8 loop at the center for a crafty feel. 

 

Penny Loves Kenny Tetra L11 Platform Pump, $84. Available at Endless.com

These color-blocked, orange-and-pink, fabric pumps feature a 5.25" platform and 1.25" stiletto heel, with hammered golden studs covering the toe and infusing it with a rocker girl edge.

 

Rebecca Taylor Snakeskin Skirt, $135. Available at RebeccaTaylor.com

While most tiered maxi skirts conjure up images of free-spirited, incense-burning, gypsy-esque Boho types, this orchid purple piece is made of python-textured silk for a cosmopolitan twist, with the snakeskin effect providing a fresh new take on a folkloric fashion staple.

 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, $9 each. Available at mass food and drug retailers. Visit Drugstore.com

The next best thing to Minx, these colorful nail strips have mesmerized nail lovers with their easy application, realistic finish, and fun color and pattern offerings. For the summer season, choose between fun brights like: Electric Shock, a neon yellow; Teal With It, a deep turquoise; Cry Baby, a warm, Sharpie-esque pink; and Groove, an acid lime green. Or, you can jazz up your nails with perky prints like: Collide-O-Scope, which has a splatter paint-like effect; Frock Star, a multi-colored glitter pattern; and Girl Flower, a psychedelic, '60s-inspired floral print. Check out what the Collide-O-Scope pattern looks like after being applied to nails and then peep how the Electric Shock pattern looks on nails. Talk about quick pick-me-ups!

 

Henri Lou E Leather Handbag, $260. Available at ShopHenriLouJewelry.com

This bucket-shaped, sky blue, crackled leather handbag features a roomy front pocket with a trapeze-shaped flap featuring rounded bottom edges and a gold-toned ring dangling from a center strip on the pocket's flap. 

Trina Turk Resin Ball Ring in Fuchsia, $75. Available at MaxandChloe.com

Palm Beach style queen Trina Turk has once again pushed the boundaries of Mod style with this groovy, retro-flavored ring, featuring a gold-plated square band with edges etched with Turk's classic square motifs and adorned with a fuchsia resin ball stone accent along the top ridge. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mehron E.Y.E. Cream, $6.95. Available at Mehron.com

Best known for its popularity among professional makeup artists and performers readying for the stage, Mehron specializes in long-lasting, highly pigmented cosmetics that can withstand the extreme heat of theater and movie set lights without smearing or washing out. These E.Y.E Creams by Mehron are heavily concentrated and they transition from a creamy consistency to a powdery finish, plus they're easy to smooth onto skin and blend seamlessly. Check out swatches of the Yellow, Light Blue, and Deep Blue E.Y.E cream shades to get a feel for their vibrancy.

 

 

N.Y.L.A. Razzy Crochet Sandal, $39.95. Available at Nordstrom.com

These beach-ready thong sandals boast a breathable turquoise crochet pattern and wrap around the ankle for a more secure fit. You'll be yearning for some prime hammock time as soon as you see these island-flavored beauties!

 

Portuguese Footwear Brand ALL CAPS Debuts On Solestruck

 

 

 

These shoes may have more perforations than a slice of Swiss Cheese, but don't go pokin' holes in this footwear story. Now that ALL CAPS is making its debut on Solestruck.com, we're bound to see more modern, forward-thinking, quirky designs from the Portugal-based footwear brand but, for now, we're just enjoying the company of the above pictured ALL CAPS Rosalie shoes ($249.95 at Solestruck.com).

These booties feature a full-length zip-up running vertically from the peep toe to the ankle, which has slightly slanted sides for an angled profile look. These suede statement shoes incorporate a 4 1/2"-tall wooden wedge heel that peeks through the circular perforations on the suede material covering the bottom portion of the shoe,  a 1 1/4" wooden platform, and a square toe.

Punch into your job as a style maven with these rockin' boots, available in Turquoise, Black, or Parrot Red.