Coquette

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum

I'm not a huge perfume person but I am starting to venture out of my safe signature Chanel scents. Each time I'm at a department store I'll try something new. Yesterday at Bloomindales I had already sprayed on a Jo Malone scent and wanted to try Miss Dior but I was smelling too much like apricots to smell anything else. So while picking up my Dior Show Mascara, the sales associate gave me a small sample of Miss Dior to take home.

This morning I tried it and I fell in love. The fragrance is soft, but not too soft. It lingers with you and has such a sweet smell. I adore the beautiful bottle too that has a cute silver bow. Pick up Miss Dior at Nordstrom.com and get free shipping.


Dior 'Miss Dior' Eau de Parfum Spray ($90 for 1.7 oz, $115 for 3.4 oz at Nordstrom)

Dior 'Miss Dior' Signature Gift Set ($125 at Nordstrom)

Clarins Get the Look: Lauren Bush at the Met Gala 2013

I'm always on the look out for wonderful makeup application tips, especially for a dressed up evening out. Lauren Bush look positively radiant at last night's Met Gala 2013 dressed in Ralph Lauren and with makeup by Clarins. Her skin just looked flawless and I just had to find out how she got this minimalist clean look that looked fantastic for night.

Clarins makeup artist Jean Fayard shares how she achieved Lauren's look:

To get Lauren ready for the Met Gala, I first prepped her skin with Clarins Everlasting Foundation in Amber #112 mixed with a little bit of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm for an instant glowing complexion. I then highlighted her brow bone and the ridge of her nose with Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector in Bronze Shimmer #03.

The theme was Punk so we wanted to give Lauren a bit of a dramatic eye that would really pop and complement her gorgeous Ralph Lauren gown. For the eyes, I opted for a soft smoky look going from the lightest purple to black. I used Clarins Ombre Minérale Mono Eyeshadow in Lavender Tea smudging the color along her lash line along with Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil in Black #01. Next, I created a fading effect along the crease using Clarins Ombre Minérale Mono Eyeshadow in Sparkle Black and highlighted the brow bone with Clarins Ombre Minérale Mono Eyeshadow in Nude.

On her cheeks, I lightly brushed the Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Colour in Soft Peach #02. I went for natural lips using Clarins Lip Definer in Nude #3 and Clarins Rouge Eclat in Nude Caramel #15. To complement the lipstick color and add a little shine, I finished with Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in Apricot Shimmer #02.

Clarins Double Serum: My Must-Have for Beautiful Skin

I didn't realize how much I loved my Clarins Double Serum ($85 at clarinsusa.com) until I went on vacation for a week and brought a travel-sized serum from another brand so I didn't have to check my luggage in. What a mistake! There's just no comparison and I realized that once my trusty serum was away from me.

Clarins Double Serum makes your skin feel soft and supple. I've got a better "bounce" in my cheeks which means my skin has more firmness to it. The serum contains 20 pure plant extracts and high-tech molecules and it instantly feels amazing when you apply it to your face. The container is a unique one in that it has two separate chambers that come together when you pump the serum. I apply this each morning and night by pumping just 2 drops on my palms to warm it up and press gently on my face. I get so many compliments from makeup & beauty professionals on how great my skin is and it's honestly in no small part to this serum and the Clarins products I use.

Note: Product was provided by Clarins for review.

Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream: Your Skin, But Better

I've been using the new Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream ($40 at clarinsusa.com) for a month now and love how it makes my face look amazing. What is BB cream exactly? BB cream stands for blemish balm and it started in Germany in the 60's. It's recently popularity here in the US grew from Asia. BB cream is an all in one cream giving you the best of multiple products in one. (i.e. moisturizer, foundation, SPF, etc.)

I'm not a foundation person so I love how the Clarins BB cream is really moisturizing and it definitely gives me a more even skin tone. To me, it's your skin, but better. It's very natural looking so it doesn't look like makeup on your face I like that it has great sun protection too at SPF 25. The cream comes in three shades: light, medium and warm. I am using it in the light color and it's working perfectly with my skin tone. I normally would have thought I was medium but light is perfect, even as I am a bit more tan from Hawaii now. So go lighter if you think you will be trying this out or head to your favorite Clarins counter to get your perfect match.

I apply it after I moisturize and place a small amount in my palms and warm it up. Then I press it onto my face. I also sometimes use a foundation brush when I want more overall coverage. The good news is that this feels amazing on your face. It's very light feeling and I have never broken out from using it.

Watch Prisca Courtin-Clarins show you how she uses the new Clarins BB cream. (via Clarins' Beauty Flash Blog)

For a limited time at clarinsusa.com, receive a Quick Fix Make-up Kit (Double Serum sample, Mini Wonder Perfect Mascara, and Mini Joli Rouge in 04 Candy lipstick) with a $40 purchase with code BBCRM416. Offer ends 11:59 PST on 4/18/13.

Clarins Spring 2013: Age-Defying Lipsticks + Intense Color & Shine Gloss

Clarins brings some new colorful bursts to lips this spring. With their first age-defying lipstick, Clarins Rouge Eclat ($26) comes in 15 different shades that covers the spectrum from nude to deep reds. This lipstick features an innovative combination of 100% plant waxes - mimosa, jojoba and sunflower – and unsaponifiables of cocoa. Phytosphingosine reinforces the skin’s protective barrier, protects against dehydration, boosts collagen synthesis and fights the appearance of fine lines. The lipstick glides on with a feather-light satin feel and the color is vibrant. I am wearing Pink Berry 05 (left) on a daily basis and just love the vivid color on my lips. For evening, I love Red Wine 07 (right) as it gives just the right shade of bordeaux I want for an evening out.

Here are all the shades of Clarins Rouge Eclat:

Clarins Gloss Prodige

For lip gloss lovers (and who isn't one?), there's a new limited edition shade for the Clarins Gloss Prodige in Vibrant Rose ($22). The lip gloss has a sweet light fruity smell that just wakes up my senses for spring. Trust me, I don't usually like scented cosmetics but this just feels and smells so darn good! I promise that you will find yourself opening up the gloss just to smell it! The gloss gives my lips a very pretty rosy hue matched with lots of shine that doesn't feel overly sticky when it's on your lips.

Both the Rouge Eclat lipsticks and the lip gloss tubes are compact and light in weight making it easy to carry these around in your smaller cross body bags or clutches when you are on the go or out on the town.

Note: Review products were provided by Clarins.

Benefit Fine One One: Sheer Brightening Color for Cheeks + Lips

Currently in my makeup bag is this perfect blush by Benefit called Fine One One ($30). After watching the video below, I found out all the different ways to apply it correctly which really helped. It's the best blush because The three shades of pink champagne, sheer watermelon and soft coral apply easily on your face and you can blend the powder-soft blush perfectly on your cheeks. The highlighter color really helps to sculpt my cheekbones and I love the look it gives. You can also apply Fine One One to your lips for a soft pink spring/summer natural look. I love products that can do dual things and it's probably the reason why I can't stop using Fine One One each day. This is my must have makeup item for the season!

Red Carpet Beauty with Glam Beauty Board

I love watching the red carpet but nothing will beat the red carpet of the Oscars this Sunday. Of course for every dazzling dress and flawless look, there are lots of beauty tools and more that can help you look your very best. As part of the Glam Beauty Board, this season the Glam Beauty Board members all received an extra special Red Carpet Beauty Box filled with goodies that will help us get red carpet ready.

Hollywood Fashion Tape ($11.50): Whenever you need your dress to fit just the right way this tape is amazing. The small double-sided pieces of tape work well to have fabric adhere both to your skin or just the fabric to make sure you aren't showing too much of yourself.

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes ($12): I love these soft, fresh wipes to clean makeup. They are
fragrance free and are perfectly sized for travel so you can pop one into your bag when you are on the go. Proceeds of the wipes also benefit the Polar Bear SOS Initiative that helps save these endangered animals.

BITE Beauty Cinnamon Plumping Lip Oil ($22): I'm a lip gloss lover and this lip plumper contains 99% natural cinnamon and Resveratrol-infused lip oil to naturally hydrate and shine lips. I love the cinnamon spicy smell!

KHROMA Beauty Sidelong Glance Lash Set ($7.46): From the new makeup line by the Kardashian gals, I love this compact eye shadow duo that comes with a pair of false eyelashes.

R.J. Graziano "Star Attraction" Large Stone Medallion Drop Earrings ($39.95): These earrings are showstoppers and are the perfect statement earrings to wear on a night out. I wore them out to dinner for my hubby's birthday dinner pairing it with a sleek black outfit. The earrings feature a hematite-color acrylic stone that shines perfectly against the gold hardware.

Remington TIStudio Silk Ceramic Wide Styling Wand ($29.99): This no clamp curling wand let's you easily wrap your hair around to create loose wavy locks or tight curls. I personally love the loose waves look and this curling wand does the trick with my straight hair. The 1" - 1.5" barrel let's you really define the size your curls. It also comes with a glove to protect your hands from heat.

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide 2 Hour Whitening Kit ($19.97)
Rembrandt Peroxide Mouthwash ($4.99)
Rembrandt Peroxide Toothpaste ($19.48 for pack of 2)

If I knew whitening my teeth at home would be so easy, I would have tried this ages ago! The Rembrandt 2 hour whitening kit that comes with everything you need to get your teeth sparkling white. The comfytray applicators fit comfortably on my teeth. The mouthwash and toothpaste taste great and as a big coffee drinker I like how these products will strengthen my tooth enamel and keep my smile looking it's very best.

Note: All products for review were provided by Glam for the Glam Beauty Board.

Intraceuticals + Boosters Collection

Intraceuticals has launched a new Intraceuticals + Boosters Collection which will help you customize your skincare results. About a week and a half ago, I was able to test out the new products and had a wonderful Intraceutical Rejuvenate Oxygen Treatment at the Remede Spa at the St. Regis in San Francisco. I have since been using the skincare system along with some of my other products and have found that my previously dry forehead is now continuously soft.

The oxygen treatment was a great way to prep my face and detoxify my skin. At the press event, I met Gina Brooke, a celebrity makeup artist who is the spokesperson for Intraceuticals. She's been using the oxygen treatment and Intraceuticals products on countless celebrities and models from Jessica Biel to Miranda Kerr. (Just read all the celeb testimonials.) She gave me a great tip for those of you who travel a lot. Get an oxygen treatment the day before you fly to lock moisture in your skin and get another treatment the next day you are back. It's also perfect to do a series of the oxygen treatments before events such as weddings or special parties whenever you want your skin to look it's very, very best.

Now that I am using the Intraceuticals three-step products along with the boosters each day and night, my skin has been locking in the moisture it needs. (Watch the video at the bottom of the post to learn more.) The Intraceuticals products utilize a process of hyaluronic layering. Right now I am using the Vitamin C+3 booster in the day and at night the Vitamin A+ Booster with my step 1: Revive, Rejuvenate Daily Serum.

Here's a list of all the new Intraceuticals + Boosters products:

Each Intraceuticals+ Booster has been developed in two forms; a professional Intraceuticals+ Booster Treatment Serum designed to enhance the results of the Rejuvenate Oxygen Treatment performed by a skin care professional and an accompanying take-home Intraceuticals+ Booster product to be added to the Rejuvenate Daily Serum (the at-home version of the Rejuvenate Oxygen Treatment). Each product in the collection addresses a different issue for a focused and specific skin care solution. Multiple boosters can be combined into one regimen (morning and night) for a truly customized treatment plan.

Antioxidant+ Booster revitalizes and balances dull, stressed skin with exceptionally powerful natural antioxidants sourced from the Australian Rainforest. The Antioxidant Booster defends against free radical damage and also addresses visible puffiness and dark circles around the eye area. Perfect for tired or travel weary skin. $49; 0.51 fl. oz.

Collagen+ Booster provides a potent cocktail of collagen messenger peptides to promote renewal and rejuvenation and helps to restore volume and tightness to skin that has lost its elasticity, tone and density. $49; 0.51 fl. oz.

Vitamin C+3 Booster helps strengthen, protect and support healthy skin with 3 synergistic forms of Vitamin C. Benefits all skin types but especially skin with signs of premature aging, irregular tone and sun damage. $49; 0.51 fl. oz.

Vitamin A+ Booster clarifies and refines the appearance of skin prone to blemishes, visible pores, sun damage, rough texture or deep wrinkles with a new “release on demand” form of Vitamin A for increased potency, enhanced product stability and reduced irritation. $49; 0.51 fl. oz.

The Remede Spa at the St. Regis is one of my favorite spas in San Francisco. (A glass of champagne before a massage or facial is always nice, no?) To book your Intraceuticals treatment please call 415-284-4060.

Note: Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatment and products listed above were provided by Intraceuticals for review purposes.

Valentine's Day Spa Packages at Burke Williams

If you're like me, a spa gift is a welcome gift anytime. California-based spa Burke Williams has the perfect Valentine's Day gift featuring three relaxing spa packages to pamper the ones you love (or yourself). Each exclusive package, “Romance,” “True Love,” and “For Two” offers a unique combination of soothing treatments and services to create the perfect way to experience romance this holiday.

Valentine’s Day package specials are available now through February 14 and vary per spa location (see details below). To make a reservation, find your nearest Burke Williams location.

San Francisco folks, the Burke Williams San Francisco Spa is in a perfect location at the Westfield Shopping Center. Get a spa treatment with your loved one, catch a bite to eat at the new Martin Yan restaurant M.Y. China and then catch a movie -- all in one place!

2013 Valentine’s Day Packages

Offered at Burke Williams Orange, Torrance, Santa Monica, San Jose, Pasadena and Sherman Oaks

Romance: Just $149 (regular price $180)
Enjoy a Spa Pedicure with your choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -or- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

True Love: Just $249 (regular price $310)
Indulge in a Spa Pedicure with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

For Two: Just $279 (regular price $360)
Each of you will enjoy a luxurious 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancements or Spa Style Facials with peels.

Offered at Burke Williams, San Francisco

Romance: Just $159 (regular price $205)
Enjoy a Spa Pedicure with your choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -or- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel.

True Love: Just $259 (regular price $340)
Indulge in a Spa Pedicure with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel.

For Two: Just $299 (regular price $400)
Each of you will enjoy a luxurious 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement or Spa Style Facial with peel.

Offered at Burke Williams, Mission Viejo and West Hollywood

Romance: Just $159 (regular price $205)
Enjoy a 25-minute Salt or Sugar Glo with your choice of a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -or- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

True Love: Just $259 (regular price $335)
Indulge in a 25-minute Salt or Sugar Glo with a 50-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement -and- a 50-minute Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

For Two: Just $279 (regular price $360)
Each of you will enjoy a luxurious 80-minute Pure Relaxation massage with enhancement or Spa Style Facial with peel or brightener.

Clarins Total Eye Concentrate: Keep Dark Circles and Puffiness Away

Since last summer, I have been looking for a new eye cream. I wanted something that would be good for anti-aging as well as for keeping my dark circles and puffiness away. (Ah the joys of having a toddler.) I have now been using Clarins Total Eye Concentrate ($82) for over a month now and the results have been great. I look more refreshed around my eyes and I can skip concealer to cover up some of my past dark circles.

A huge plus about what I love about the Clarins products is that they feel light and are not stocked with heavy perfumes. Also, Clarins does one of the best jobs to show you how to apply the product (see video below). To me, it's not just important to have a product, you really have to know how to put it on in order to get the results you want. For eye cream, it is very important you only put it on the skin around the bone of your eye. Do not rub it right below your delicate eye skin or on the entire skin of your eye lid (that will make your eyelids droopy when you are old). The pressure point to releive puffiness is right at the bone in the middle below your eye and the pressure point to relieve stress is at your temples. I usually use my third and fourth fingers to gently tap on the eye cream and I press on the pressure points with my fourth finger.

Give yourself 3-4 weeks to see the results and follow the method that Clarins easily outlines. It's all well worth it to maintain the natural beauty and youthfulness of your skin.

A wonderful tip I got from Clarins was to put my eye cream in the fridge. It feels wonderfully cool when I put it on each day!

Note: Total Eye Concentrate Eye Cream was provided by Clarins for review purposes.