03.08.2013
Kiehl’s Partners With DonorsChoose.org

We all know about my obsession with Kiehl’s…but not only do they make good products (seriously, they’re amazing), they also make good choices.  I love the fact that they are so philanthropic and what I love even more is the fact that they’re giving us a CHOICE.

In their latest do-good project, Kiehl’s has partnered up with DonorsChoose.org, so you can actually have a say where the money goes for your purchase.

Beginning March 11 through April 15, Kiehl’s will offer its 3.4 oz Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate in a specially-designed carton that highlights DonorsChoose.org. Consumers will receive a $50 Donors Choose gift code, which they can use online to donate to science and education programs across the country. You get to choose where your donation goes…I like CHOICE people…it’s all about the CHOICE. And, as an added bonus, the winning organization sends out handmade thank you notes.  Tres cute.

DonorsChoose.org is a remarkable nationwide organization that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Through DonorsChoose.org, public school teachers can post requests for their classroom, requests that can include anything from classroom computers to books, art supplies to other teaching materials. Donors can search by location, school or subject to find projects and donate to those that most inspire them. Once projects are fully funded, DonorsChoose.org then purchases the requested items and delivers them to the teacher – ensuring the funds are used specifically for the posted project.  Donors are then personally thanked with letters and photos from the teacher and students.

When all’s said and done, $50,000 will be distributed to worthy educational causes through the Kiehl’s and DonorsChoose.org partnership, which is nothing to scoff at, especially when you’re also getting an AMAZING skincare product to boot.  And where did I chose to donate?  Well, I’m from New York…and I’m absolutely terrible at math, so there you go.

01.03.2013
New(ish) Beauty Favorites


I try a LOT of beauty products and yeah, a lot of them are really good…but every once in awhile you get a group of favorites, and here they are:

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing CreamStructural support is monumental in preventing wrinkles—picture, if you will, a standard mattress.  When it’s brand-new, the coils are tight, the elastic is firm, and the mattress is soft and smooth.  But, after years of use, that same mattress sags and wrinkles.  This cream nourishes your own “mattress” -your skin, and keeps it firm, smooth, and moisturized, thanks to the lovely copper ingredient.

Phyto Revitalizing Shampoo: I used this shampoo for the first time today and was immediately wowed.  It’s said to improve the density and luster of temporary thinning hair with this unique combination of botanicals, preparing the scalp for Phytocyane Treatment. Gingko biloba and cinchona bark energize scalp and stimulate micro-circulation while grapeseed procyanidins combat free-radicals and protect the hair bulb. Hair becomes fuller, thicker and more lustrous, even after one use, as I proved today.

Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation: Lately I’ve been really into liquid foundations but after going to an event in New York where the makeup artist used this on me, I was SOLD.  The best thing aboutthis powder foundation is that it can be applied dry (for a full, matte finish) OR wet (for a sheer, satin finish).  Seriously.

10.24.2012
My Current Skincare Regimen

I try not to play product favorites but I have to admit, my skin has been in pretttty good shape lately.  And this means: only minor breakouts, no dry patches, not a ton of redness and hyperpigmentation…so I, naturally, had to share what I’ve been religiously using.  I’ve already blogged about most of these products but hey, here’s a roundup, in one place, so you can see everything that I’m currently using and loving:

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42: SPF, SPF, SPF.  Wear it every day, all day.  I’m a big Shiseido SPF girl because their sunblock formulas tend to be on the lighter side and don’t make you feel greasy and gross.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood: I told Darphin’s PR rep that I had dry, sensitive skin and she reassured me that I would LOVE this cleansing balm.  In fact, I believe she may have used the phrase “heaven on your face,” and yes, she was correct.  If you don’t like skincare that has fragrance, this might not be for you but I love how luxurious this cleanser feels and it doesn’t dry out my skin.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment: I’ve had my fair share of Kate Somerville treatments so any time they say they’ve captured a portion of one of their amazing (and costly) treatments in a bottle, I’m sold.  I’m into the cool burst of moisture and I like that I feel very high-tech when spraying it on my face (3 lines on each cheek and one on the forehead).  YES, ma’am.

Freeze 24/7 Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Aside from the fact that this product has “ice cream” in its name, it really is a fantastic anti-aging moisturizer…and, believe me, I’m picky about my moisturizers.

Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye Cream: I’m clearly a big Rosa Arctica advocate but the eye cream is also pretty fantastic.  They say moisture is pretty much the most important thing to prevent wrinkles and fine lines and this eye cream has it.

Kate Somerville Neck Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8: I’ve blogged before on my fear of my impending turkey neck and, because of this, I’ve been AVID about using neck products.  It’s a little too early to say that I’ve seen “improvements” (since I’m only 29) but I have good faith that this product will work because it’s Kate-endorsed.

09.20.2012
Secret Ingredient: Grapefruit

Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Eau de Parfum Rollerball: I love rollerball perfume and this Fresh version is really energizing and delicious.

ORIGINS Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Souffle: I’m not super huge on body creams but this “body souffle” smells A-MAZING and the citrus scent is known to help boost your mood.

Kiehl’s Nashi Blossom & Pink Grapefruit: When I was sent a bottle of this new fragrance, I was soooo excited to try it.  Not only because it’s Kiehl’s (and I LOVE Kiehl’s) but also because the idea of mixing Nashi Blossom and grapefruit just sounded like perfection to me…and it was.

Josie Maran Moroccan Argan Body Oil – Grapefruit scent: Everyone knows how good Argan Oil is for your skin but grapefruit-scented Argan Oil?  Even better.  It’s naturally scented to balance the mind, body and soul.

Burt’s Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit: Packed with vitamins, this lip balm is hydrating and tastes fantastic.  Granted, I know you’re not supposed to eat your lip balm but let’s be honest…everyone does.

Stila Lip Glaze in “Grapefruit”: A staple in the Stila makeup line, the grapefruit shade of their Lip Glaze is a fun, frosty pink that’s not too pink, if you know what I mean.

C.O. Bigelow Village Perfumer Hand Wash in “Grapefruit”: I’m a sucker for a fancy hand soap and I do enjoy this grapefruit-scented version.  The bottle makes me think it’s from the victorian era and it’s not too drying on my hands.

09.17.2012
The Monday Rundown

BEAUTY:: Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye: I love, love LOVE Kiehl’s (especially their Rosa Artica moisturizer) so when they announced the new Rosa Arctica Eye Cream, I simly HAD to try it.  The results are fab; the skin around my eyes feel super hydrated and, with time, should appear firmer and smoother.

HOME:: Z Gallerie Zig Zag Rectangular Tray: I’ve been trying to find the perfect serving tray and I’m really into this black and white chevron version from Z Gallerie.  So cute and chic.

FOOD:: Williams-Sonoma Truffle Salt: I discovered the art of the truffle a few years ago after trying the truffle french fries at Delicatessen (you would die for them), so when I realized that I could actually buy my OWN, I went nuts.

FASHION:: Alexander McQueen Oxblood Whipsnake Knucklebox Clutch: Oxblood, though it has a really gross name, was all over New York Fashion Week and I LOVE this clutch.  Clearly, I’m not going to be buying it any time soon (at the lovely price of $2,395) but a girl can dream, can’t she?

 

06.18.2012
The Monday Rundown

City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion, from Bohemian to Rock: As far as fashion in LA, this New Yorker can attest that this book is spot on.  It’s my new favorite coffee table item.

Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen for Body SPF 50: As you know, I love, love, love all things Kiehl’s…so when they recently launched a new body SPF, I had to try it.  As predicted, it’s amazing.  It’s lightweight, non-greasy and, of course, paraben-free.

Vodka-infused gummy bears: This idea came to me last week and I’ve been enjoying the result ever since.  It’s the perfect summer party snack…or, while you’re watching TV alone. Ha.

House of Harlow 1960 Two-Tone Horn Stacking Ring: As per usual, I love all things HOH1960.  This ring, from the new collection, is no exception. I ordered it last week, it came, I’m obsessed.

04.05.2012
Kiehl’s honors Earth Day with celebrity-designed packaging

If you read my tweets, then you know I have a major brand crush on Kiehl’s.  What’s not to love? Their products WORK and they’re very serious about several philanthropy projects, including Earth Day.  Who designed the gorgeous Deep Pore Cleansing Masque this year?  While it was hard to top last year’s designers (you can see here), Kiehl’s tapped Florence Welch, Rosario Dawson, Mark Ruffalo and Spike Lee to create limited-edition versions of the product, available online at Kiehls.com and in stores now – just in time for Earth Day.  Just an FYI, ALL PROCEEDS benefit Recylce Across America.  Pretty rad.

Check out InStyle.com to see all four designs.