Flatout Fabulous Luxury Reviews

Luxury Beauty Product and Fashion Reviews by the Fabulous

Archive for March, 2009

JO MALONE LONDON

Posted Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

 The Heritage

 Founder Jo Malone began her career as a facialist. She practised a unique technique completely at odds with the electronic equipment commonly used at the time – the power of touch. Originally a secret of a select few,this incredibly effective treatment featured hand-mixed products, tailored specifically for each individual skin type. Word of mouth about this extraordinary woman and her hands-on approach spread quickly and soon there were over 2,000 clients requesting appointments.  As a thank-you gift for the original 20 clients, Jo turned her hand to fragrance, creating a Nutmeg & Ginger bath oil in her tiny kitchen that she carefully poured into miniature glass decanters. Jo’s passion for fragrance had been ignited very early on, even as a child the young perfumer picked flowers fresh from the garden, using the sweetly perfumed petals to create her own early interpretation of rose water. It was then that her passion for blending tantalisingly fresh ingredients – herbs, flowers and spices – began. Jo had an instinctive feel for unusual yet stunningly successful fragrance combinations. One client ordered 100 bottles of the uniquely scented bath oil to place as table favours at a prestigious dinner, starting a domino effect which is still in motion today. Of those 100 guests, 86 called to place their own orders. It was at this significant moment that the Jo Malone brand was born.

 News of the handmade products and original, deliciously scented fragrances, spread fast. Mixing up products at home in the kitchen was no longer an option – it was definitely time for a store. This became a reality in October 1994, when the first Jo Malone shop opened its doors at 154 Walton Street in London’s fashionable Chelsea. It was here that the early Fragrance Collection, with its unique combining philosophy, could be experienced through first-class service. From the beginning the presentation of each and every product was chic and beautiful. Elegant cream boxes and bags were finished with generous amounts of black grosgrain ribbon. The packaging quickly became iconic. The Jo Malone art of gift giving stated that every product, no matter what, should be presented as if it was the finest pair of diamond earrings. Over the next five years this bijou store was firmly established as a beauty destination, famously remembered for the queues which every Christmas would snake out of the door and down the street, loyal customers waiting patiently for a Jo Malone treasure. Following much planning in how to maintain the mystique within a larger environment, a new flagship store opened in 1999 on London’s renowned Sloane Street. All the original ideas and concepts remained but with new and innovative additions. With the introduction of the innovative Tasting Bar, inspired by café culture, Jo Malone led the industry in service and experience. For the first time clients were invited to sit at the bar and have deliciously scented crèmes and lotions warmed, whipped, then massaged on to their hands and arms in a ritual that was a rich seduction of the senses. This successful concept has since developed, becoming a social focal point of many of the Jo Malone stores, a place where friends meet to be pampered, try new fragrance combinations and discover the unique Jo Malone philosophies.

 

The Art of Fragrane Combining

- A Philosophy to create your signature scent -

 Encouraging a fresh, modern look at fragrance, the philosophy of Fragrance Combining is about expressing personality through a combination of two different Jo Malone fragrances that will create a unique signature scent. It’s as straightforward as spritzing the skin with one cologne, letting it dry, then spritzing a different cologne over the top. And it needn’t just be with colognes, as the creativity also extends to the Jo Malone bath and body collection, so a luxurious body crème in one scent can be used after a deliciously scented bath oil or shower gel in another. This elegant but playful philosophy can be adopted by both men and women and, alongside expressing individuality through the different scents, can also be adapted to suit a mood or an occasion. If you’re planning a romantic evening you might combine the seductive character of Pomegranate Noir with Red Roses for a fresh and sensual scent. A man’s favourite, on the other hand, is a combination of spicy Amber & Lavender followed by a zesty twist of Grapefruit which creates a scent that’s perfect for casual day wear. 

Each Jo Malone scent has a unique story and originality of its own, inspired by a different sensorial experience. For example, Lime Basil & Mandarin is evocative of the scent of limes on a Caribbean sea breeze, Pomegranate Noir, a red silk dress and Orange Blossom, the subtle aroma of clementine leaves covered with morning dew.

  • Products are Available at Jo Malone Shops, www.jomalone.com, speciality stores including Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus and Saks Stores nationwide. Available exclusicely at Holt Renfrew in Canada.

My Review

 

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Personally I have never smelled anything like it, my favorite scent is French Lime Blossom. The smell is inspired by a stroll along the Champs Elysees. French Lime Blossom is a romantic, full-bodied floral. The scent of sweet lime blossoms with a twist of bergamot and tarragon is evocative of the first day of spring.

  • The French Lime Blossom Collection
  • Cologne (3.4 fl oz; 10 ml) $100
  • Cologne (1 fl oz; 30 ml) $ 55
  • Bath Oil (8.5 oz; 250 ml) $60
  • Body Lotion (8.5 fl oz; 250 ml) $65
  • Body Creme (5.9 fl oz; 17 ml) $75

*** New Collection The Kohdo Wood Collection *** which is available online and at-counter as of today

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  • Lotus Blossom & Water Lilly
  • Dark Amber & Ginger Lilly

Jo Malone introduces two new offerings to the limited edition Kohdo Wood Collection, two captivating fragrances created as a modern interpretation of Kohdo, the ancient Japanese art of incense appreciation.

The blend of mandarin, sacred lotus blossom, bamboo and aloeswood within Lotus Blossom & Water Lily encourages energy, inspires confidence and focuses the mind, making it the ideal scent to use during the day.

  

  • Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Collection
  • Cologne (3.4 fl oz; 10 ml) $100
  • Cologne (1 fl oz; 30 ml) $ 55
  • Bath Oil (6.8 fl oz; 200 ml) $100
  • New Bathing Soak (285g) $75
  • Home Candle (200g) $65

 

  •  Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Collection
  • Cologne (3.4 fl oz; 10 ml) $100
  • Cologne (1 fl oz; 30 ml) $ 55
  • Bath Oil (6.8 fl oz; 200 ml) $100
  • New Shower Gel (8.5 fl oz; 250 ml) $50
  • Home Candle (200g) $65

Spring Roses with the body shop

Posted Monday, March 30th, 2009

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About  The Body Shop

The Body Shop® believes that there is only one way to beautiful — Nature’s Way.

For many years, The Body Shop® has constantly sought out wonderful natural ingredients from all four corners of the globe, and brings you products bursting with effectiveness to enhance your natural beauty. While doing all of this The Body Shop® also strives to protect this beautiful planet and the people who depend on it — not because it’s fashionable, but based on the belief that it’s the only way to do business.

 

 

Experience the seasonal mood with The Body Shop this Spring with Roseflower make-up collection and Moroccan Rose bath and body treatments.

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Refresh your look this Spring with the perfect seasonal makeup-collection from The Body Shop!

The Body Shop offers an exquisite collection of delicate shades with modern innovative textures, infused with a delicate rose scent, skin-caring ingredients and featuring attractive rose-inspired designs. Trade ingredients such as marula nut oil from Namibia, Shea butter from Ghana and organic beewax.

 

Roseflower Spring Make-Up Collection (includes)

Roseflower Eyes (special edition)

Create of – the – moment, eye catching looks this season!

  • Sunshine Gold (very natural shimmer)
  • Mint Green ( soft pale mint)

Retail price

$14.00 each

 

Roseflower Blush (special edition)

This special edition rose-scented cheek color ensures you blossom with its high performane powder technology and skin caring ingredients. Featuring a modern rose design.

  • Pink  (Flirty soft)
  • Fuschia (Vacation glow)

Retail price

$20.00 each

 

Roseflower Lips

Tempting trio of mouth-watering Roseflower Lip shades.

  • Soft  Pink ( Flirty and fresh)
  • True Pink ( Glamorously sheer)
  • Deep Pink ( Rich and fruity)

Retail Price

$16.00 each

 

Roseflower Radiance Stick

It converts from cream – to – powder upon contact with the skin and delivers a sensational, light-reflective luminescent effect. Also smells like roses. ( love this :) )

  • Sheer Pink ( Soft, natural look )

Retail price

$22.oo

 

Moroccan Rose Body Collection ( To die for)

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Moroccan Rose range with it’s fresh, dewy scent with lemon oil, a hint of spice, warm vanilla and sensual musk, offering you a modern interpretation of traditional rose fragrance. The rose oil used in this sensational new range is sourced from an area called ‘ the valley of the roses ‘ in Morocco, where the roses grow between the picturesque snow-capped Atlas mountains and the scorching, sandy desert.

collection includes

  • Moroccan Rose Eau De Toilette
  • Moroccan Rose Bath & Massage Oil
  • Moroccan Rose Body Butter
  • Moroccan Rose Body Milk

Retail price (from top)

$25.oo each; $16.00; $20.00; body milk price not provided.

Availibility   www.Thebodyshop.com

 

My Review

I loved this whole collection, that’s why I have the whole collection :) I had never had anything that smelled of roses before except the roses my wonderful boyfriend Peter would buy me (thank you honey xoxo) So this was a new smell to wear… However I like it… I like to spray the Eau De Toilette on my pillows or towels it reminds me of being outside very fresh and relaxing. My favorite thing from the collection would be the body milk… OMG! when you get out of the shower spray it on and you have gone to heaven… Makes my skin so soft.

The blushes are very girlie, they give your cheeks that perfect hint of glimmer and color. Sometimes it’s hard to find a great blush that can provide both great color and shimmer without looking like a disco queen…  So go out and get some before they sell out!

Video of Minette receiving a beauty facial from Celebrity and Hollywood Skincare Guru Marc Edward

Link to You Tube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjyI-tlQIQ0

top_logo  About  julie hewett

Julie Hewett has created a stellar line of cosmetics straight from the heart, with passion, as a labor of love for her craft.

She is one of the foremost beauty makeup artists actively working in Hollywood today. and is also a member of the exclusive Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, of which there are only 150 members internationally in the Hair and Makeup Category. This honor is bestowed to those having demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in the art of Motion Pictures

An idea born of necessity on the set of Pearl Harbor , Julie needed to create her own line of long-lasting technicolor reds. The Noir Collection was the answer to the call for good, old-fashioned red lipstick made with today’s updated, more natural ingredients.

Julie’s philosophy has always been to work from the lips up. She was Inspired by her love of 1940’s French black and white films, where the eyelid was clean and the lips were a strong sensual focal point. Throughout history red lipstick has been an absolute beauty staple, like the “little black dress”. Embracing the divine, Julie has created these classic film noir colors which are ageless and timeless.

For every woman who never thought they could wear red lipstick, this is their line. Julie Hewett takes the intimidation out of wearing red. From sheer to matte with matching lip liners you’ll be confident and feel beautiful.

Julie saw that even in this overcrowded marketplace there was still a lack of absolute beauty classics. Collaborating with leading chemists, Julie has made lipsticks of the highest quality natural ingredients. The lipsticks are made of a Camellia oil base, which is said to be the closest to human skin oil, creating a perfect natural texture. Also using pure essential oils for fragrance, such as rosebud and orange blossom oil. Julie Hewett’s products perform to makeup artist’s standards.

Celebrities have relied on Julie Hewett’s exquisite eye for beauty for 20 years. We know you will too. h


Julie has 20 years of experience working with
such award-winning actresses as:

  • Annette Bening
  • Jodie Foster
  • Nicole Kidman
  • Liv Tyler
  • Anjelica Houston
  • Hilary Swank
  • Winona Ryder
  • Kate Beckinsale
  • Mary Louise Parker
  • Mandy Moore
  • Debra Messing

 

 Available at www.juliehewett.net

 

Retail Price

  • Lipsticks $22.50
  • Lip Liners $15.00
  • Lip Lush high shine $20.00
  • Body Shimmer $22.00

My Review

I was lucky enough to receive the Mandy Pallete (yes made for julie hewett’s friend Mandy Moore. The palette is so cute black with a lip gloss, eye shimmer, and two stains for the lips or cheeks very cute! I love the textures and it wears perfect. I also received the Camellia balm in the lipstick form. It also comes in a pot. OMG! I have already thrown away all my other lip treatments :) it’s like the best lip treatment ever.  For those of you who don’t know what the secret benefits of Camellia Oil you will have to buy it to find out!

I also was treated to some of julie’s lipsticks, like nothing I have ever tried before. I used to think nothing was better than MAC or Chanel yeah try these…

The colors are: belle noir A beautiful red reminds me of the red that Angelina Jolie wore in Changling. The second color is film nior the perfect burgundy color. I was searching everywhere for this color and just couldn’t seem to get it right (thanks julie) and last but not least nude nior OMG! If your looking for the best nude lipstick this is it baby! Nothing compares. I also have the matching lip liners as well so my lips are all set… Thanks again julie your products are quality at it’s finest!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

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About  Jessica Nails 

Considered the world’s leading authority on natural nail care, Jessica Cosmetics understands what it takes to achieve and maintain naturally beautiful nails.

Jessica Nails was started in the 1970s when Jessica Vartoughian started her own nail salons in America. As her reputation as a manicturist grew, celebrities became her clients and referrals poured in. Jessica Cosmetics and the Jessica Nails range is now known around the world.

Movie stars, models and VIPs regularly have their nails done at the renowned Jessica Clinic on Sunset Boulevard, in Los Angeles, as well as being avid users of the Jessica Nail products.

Availability

Jessica Cosmetics are available at www.jessicacosmetics.com or by calling 1.800.582.4000.

Retail Price

$7

My Review

The Botanical Collection call it flower power. I just received and I love it. Very girlie with the soft pastels. I think it will be perfect for Spring and into Summer. I love the texture of Jessica Polish and it wears very well without chipping. The Colors of the collection are below!

Bring the ourside into the beds of your nails and slip away into captivating garden of exquisite beauty with the new Jessica Nail Botanicals Collection – guaranteed to breathe a breath of fresh spring air in to your nails.

  • Birds of Paradise
  • Rosy Romance
  • Loving the Lilacs (I love this color :) )
  • Coral Reef Daisies
  • Color Me Calla Lilly ( Also another Fav)
  • Butterfly Kisses

 

 

 

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OPI South Beach Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

 

About OPI

A family-owned company committed to the highest quality products and to our customers’ well-being, OPI has long been a leader in the community and within the Professional Beauty Industry. Quite simply, we are dedicated to excellence.

Avaliability

OPI is sold in high end beauty supply stores or online at OPI

Retail Price

$7 – $7.50

My Review

This shade line is the best… It has a mix of everything from sheer lilac to deep purple for people who aren’t ready to let go of the dark colors for spring and summer. I can promise they won’t last in the stores so make sure you get a bottle or two or three or the whole collection

Color shades for collection

  • Party in my Cabana
  • Bronzed to Perfection
  • Overexposed in South Beach
  • Feelin’ Hot-Hot-Hot
  • Sand in my Suit
  • On Collins Ave

I have been a fan of OPI for many years some of my favorite colors are:

You don’t know Jacques

We’ll always have Paris

Lincoln Park after Dark

I’m not really a waitress

sk-ii-serumAbout SK-II LXP Moist Softening Serum

LXP Moist Softening Serum , the newest addition to the LXP range of proudcts within SK-II. LXP Moist Softening Serum is both a delicate serum and a rich treatment that helps improve the skin’s softness. Formulated with a high LXP concentration of Pitera, Sodium Hyaluronic Acid, and other powerful humectants, this serum replenishes essential moisture leaving skin soft, delicate, and moist with a healthy glow.

How does LXP Moist Softening Serum work?

LXP moist Softening serum is a moisture-boosting beauty treatment contaning a generous amount of Sodium Hyaluronic Acid, an ingredient know for superior moisturizing properties, powerful humectants, and Hexapeptide-3.  In combination with highly conccentrated Pitera, these ingredients unfold in a rich, translucent gel which provides instant hydration, spreading across the skin without feeling sticky. LXP Moist Softening Serum helps to improve the skin’s vitality and texture by creating a seal of moisture on the skin surface, providing long-lasting hydration for up to 12 hours.

Application

Apply a pearl sized amount of LXP Moist Softening Serum onto the palm of both hands and massage from the center out. More product may be applied in the evening into enhance the moisturizing and softening benefits throughout the night.

Retail Price

  • $250

Availability

Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales

 

My Review

OMG! I don’t think I have ever used a product like this before. The texture of the Serum is amazing, the color is a milky white pearl color and feels like pure luxury on the skin. Another product I will use.

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About SK-II   The Miracle of Pitera Signs Eye Mask

This Spring, SK-II has developed a new mask to specifically address the three major ageing concerns around the delicate eye area, helping to revive tired looking eyes, improve texture and tone and create a youthful glow. SK-II’s new Signs Eye Mask helps to tackle these common problems, resulting in eyes that look instantly brighter, smoother and more youthful. Just one usage gives the appearance of the refreshed and vibrant look that is normall only expected after a good nights sleep.

The maks is made of natural materials that fit smoothly to the skin, stretching even to the outer corners of the eye. Ergonomically designed to fit under the eye and structured to hold maximuth liquid closer to the skin, the solution is directly targeted to the areas of concern. The substrate is made of a special 100% cotton weave that locks-in the moisture to help avoid most evaporation and enabling a deep, yet gentle penetration of the solution into the skin’s surface.

Application

The face should be first cleansed. SK-II Signs Eye Mask should be applied to the under eye area for 5 minutes.

Availability

Select Saks Fifth Avenue locations

Retail Price

Box of 14 pairs $105

My Review

I used SK-II Miracle of Pitera Signs Eye Mask after a long night out for a friends Birthday. I had a photo shoot the next morning and after using the Eye Mask I looked awake, rested and like I had taken a long relaxing vacation. Another great SK-II product!

Kinerase lotion contains kinetin (N6-furfuryladenine) to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  It also helps improve the appearance of skin texture, tone and blotchiness in sun-damaged skin and gently moisturizes dry and sensitive or post-procedural skin. Kinerase Lotion is non comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

I used this product as recommend applying to my face and neck twice a day.  I liked the results. It has a nice texture and has the feel of a quality product which I feel matches its price points in the market place. Kinerase Lotion can be purchased online for approximately $120.00

Kinerase Lotion

Kinerase Lotion

SK-II-Facial Treatment Essence

Posted Sunday, March 29th, 2009

sk-ii-facial-treatment-essence1About SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

Referred to as ” miracle water” by SK-II users around the world, Facial Treatment Essence was the first and only product offered when the brand launched in Japan more than 25 years ago, with its composition remaning unchanged. Facial Treatment Essence is more than 90 percent pure Pitera, the signature ingredient containted in all SK-II products.

Pitera is derived from a unique yeat’s fermenatation. It contains vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids that work together to allow the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process to functionat its prime.

Global Sk-II’s Princiapl Scientist, Misa Ito says ” In recent testing, the majority of women saw brighter, radiant and glowing skin after using Facial Treatment Essence for 14 days.

Application

Facial Treatment Essence is a simple step east to incorporate into any skincare ritual. Apply to cleansed skin, both dat and night, by sprinkling a teaspoon into hands, pressing gently and evenly onto the face and neck. Skin will absorb the Essence quickly and naturally.

Availability

Facial Treament Essence is currently available at select Saks Fifth Avene and Bloomingdales locations.

Retail Price

  • 2.5 oz $95
  • 5.0 oz $145
  • 7.0 oz $185

My Review

SK-II is a amazing product. I love the way it feels on my skin. I have been using it for a little over two weeks and have noticed a more even complextion. I will definatley keep using it!