Coquette

French Beauty: Bioderma Crealine H2O No-Rinse Cleanser - Best Makeup Remover

During my vacation in France, I purchased the Bioderma Crealine TS H2O Micelle Solution at a local French pharmacy that was filled with amazing beauty products. I already heard about this amazing cleanser via reviews on You Tube and knew it was for me when I spotted it in my mother-in-law's bathroom upon my arrival. It feels just like water and isn't greasy or oily. It really cleans your face well and even if you aren't wearing makeup, will remove traces of dirt (believe me I had dirt on my face after a day in Paris). The wonders of this little bottle is it's ability to remove makeup so well, especially eye makeup and mascara. I bought the 250 ml bottle and pre-treated wipes for the plane because I knew my husband would kill me if we carried a large bottle in our already full luggage. For the price in France, it is 8.5 Euros, about the equivalent of $10, so it's almost double the price in the US via Amazon ($19.84 for 250 ml). It is significantly cheaper if you get the larger 500 ml bottle in the US for $25. In any case, it's still very affordable in terms of beauty products. This product works for all skin types although they do have a blue colored cap/product line for sensitive skin. I can't seem to find that version on Amazon but I did get the pink capped one and it works perfectly on my sensitive skin.

While removing eye makeup, make sure to not rub your eyes. You will only be creating future wrinkles. Instead, let the product work for you. I love this video on makeup removal by Lisa Eldridge that shows how she removes her eye makeup with Bioderma by letting the product soak in the pads and set for a minute or so on eyes before she wipes it all away.

I do use my Clarins Gently Foaming Cleanser after I am finished using the Bioderma because I like the clean feeling of splashing water on my face and the softness in my skin I get from using my Clarins cleanser. But if you are in a rush, it's good to know that your skin is completely clean by just using Bioderma.

I hope to share more of my "French Beauty" finds in future posts here on Coquette. There are a lot more products I am trying out!

Coach Legacy Collection Fall 2012 - Preview the Lookbook!

(Lookbook photos courtesy of Coach)

As previously reported on Coquette by Leigh back in March (post here), Coach is coming out with the new Coach Legacy Collection for Fall 2012. The bags, accessories, and shoes pay homage to their classic designs with some modern updates. I can't resist the candy colors, I've had my eye on the blue legacy duffle ($348) one since Leigh posted the photos last March but now that I've seen the color block version below, I'm sold on the blue, red, and tan duffle.

legacy color block leather candace medium carryall ($458) + legacy color block leather medium duffle ($398)

(Photo: fabsugar)

The bags have already been spotted by celebs like Kristen Bell and Rachel Bilson. The relaxed and stylish duffle bags are perfect for both work and play. The line of bags, shoes, and accessories will be available in select Coach boutiques and you can shop by color on Coach.com.

See more bags, shoes, and accessories from the new Fall 2012 Coach Legacy Collection after the jump!

Web Snob Weekly Roundup

Here is this week's Web Snob with the latest in fashion, beauty, celeb, and lifestyle:

• BagSnob chooses the Top 5 Violet Vixens and from the classic to frugal to vegan, there’s something for every snob.
• Second City Style is pretty sure you know the peplum that made such a splash last spring, is back again for fall in Trend For Fall 2012: The Peplum Returns.
• The Jet Set Girls are wearing and loving the new Kiehl's Aromatic Blends.
• BeautySnob compares the Chanel Glossimer and the Maybelline ColorSensational.
• Stiletto Jungle counts down 10 ways to save on summer essentials, from sunscreen to mani-pedis.
• Have you heard No Doubt's new single "Settle Down" yet? Allie is Wired has it!

Sunski Sunglasses - Help Support Two SF Designers Who Are Bringing Back these Vintage Sunnies

Tom Stewart and Michael Charley, two San Francisco product designers want to reproduce Sunski Sunglasses that went out of production over 25 years ago. While on a surfing trip to Australia, Tom found Sunskis in a mom-‘n-pop surf shop right by the beach. A handful of pairs were out on a small sidewalk table, and they really caught his eye. They were like no sunglasses he’d seen before, so he bought the remaining pairs and wore them for the rest of his time in Australia. Needless to say, while back in SF he got so many compliments and people were asking where to buy these fab sunnies. Tom soon realized that he got the last of the stock and decided to partner up with his product design friend to re-create and add some tech improvements too. The new updated Sunskis feature polarized lenses and hand-polished polycarbonate frames.

Help support this dynamic design duo with a contribution at Kickstarter. They have already reached their funding goal of $9,800 in just three days. Anyone who pledges $30 or more will get a pair of Sunski sunglasses, and because the guys have reached their goal and the project is definitely going to be funded, the sunglasses will arrive in September!

View their page at Kickstarter for more info on Tom & Michael and their Sunski Sunglasses project.

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum - Give Your Face a Sculpted Contour

When I was approached by Clarins to test out the Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum ($75), this chubby-cheeked Chinese gal couldn't resist. It's the #1 serum in Asia to help create the perfect V angle for your face in just four weeks. I knew I had to give it a try. It's been over four weeks now and I am happy to report that I can actually feel the definition in my jaw line, that I didn't have before. My skin also feels more elastic especially in my cheek to chin area. It is crazy how I can feel the difference. This serum has helped reduce the puffiness I've been having under my eye area too. I actually had to do a double take the other day in front of the mirror because I had no little puffy bags.

The key to unlocking the serum is the series of little exercises (see video below) that will massage it into your skin and get the serum working for you by releasing the toxins. Trust me, I didn't do this until two weeks ago and I am kicking myself for that. It is so relaxing to do before bed and takes me only a little over a minute to do each night. I actually do some deep breaths in conjunction with the hand strokes to get myself completely relaxed before bedtime.

Another thing to note is that a little bit of serum goes a long way. (This can also be said for most skin care creams. Don't pile it on!) They recommend an amount the size of a hazelnut and also to warm it up in your hands before application. I do this for all my creams now and I've noticed a huge difference because my face isn't all greased up. Having the right products for your skin as well as the right application techniques are so important I have learned this past month. I hope to share more with you soon on that.

I absolutely do use this product every night and I plan to buy a new supply of it when I finish my review product. It's truly amazing! I use this serum right after I cleanse my skin with Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed.

This unique serum will be available in the US starting in August 2012 at select Clarins counters and also at Clarins.com.

Watch this video for directions on how to apply the Clarins Shaping Facial Lift Serum.

Note: Review product provided by Clarins.

Old Navy Embroidered Sateen Skirt

I'm having a great time in the French countryside with the fam, which of course also includes little Lulu. I bought some skirts at Old Navy before my trip and right now this embroidered sateen skirt ($19.50) is by far my favorite. I love the embroidered details and super light cotton fabric. The skirt comes in the taupe shade below but also comes in a bright pink, purple and military green.

Also save 20% off your purchase by entering the code ONSAVE20. Good until 7/18.

Crafty DIY Roundup

BurdaStyle features eight new patterns inspired by the roaring 20's. I love this color block dress that features lots of panels and a low waist band. All of the dress patterns look fresh and modern for today's gal. Time to dust off your sewing machine!

My crafty friend Meg Allan Cole shows you how to make this driftwood wall garden that is a beautiful decor piece for your home. Subscribe to her awesome DIY videos on You Tube on her channel, Meg Allan Cole Crafts.

I don't know what it is about summer, but I love making at eating guacamole. Katie Goodman from GoodLifeEats was one of my favorite food contributors when I was editor at CRAFT. She always has great Tex-Mex recipes and her Roasted Salsa Verde Guacamole Recipe is perfect for summer lunches and snacks.

Also a quick alert to Bay Area peeps that the Renegade Craft Fair will be coming to San Francisco on the weekend of July 21-22, 2012 at the Fort Mason Center.

Kate Spade Bow Accessories

Oh Kate, how you tempt me... Love these Kate Spade bow accessories.

Skinny Mini Bow Bangle ($78, also in silver), Skinny Mini Bow Studs ($48, also in gold, silver), Le Soir Bow Studs ($78), All Wrapped Up Bow Key FOB ($50), Thin Bow Belt ($78, also in brown)

Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama Collection - Seeing Dots!

Louis Vuitton has collaborated with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama with a new collection that will launch at Louis Vuitton boutiques starting tomorrow, July 10th in NYC at the Fifth Avenue Maison and Soho Kusama concept store. The collection will then be available nationwide in select Louis Vuitton locations on July 19th.

Marc Jacobs has been a fan of the artist's sculptures and paintings when he encountered her work in Tokyo back in 2006. In this fun collection, Kusama's organic repetitive polka dot patterns cover everything from ready-to-wear to bags, accessories, and shoes. For the artist, who sees her life as "a dot lost among millions of other dots", this collaboration will allow her to spread her polka dots infinitely across the world and convey her message: "Love Forever".

You also won't want to miss all the beautiful Louis Vuitton windows worldwide which will be decorated with Kusama's emblematic motifs. If you are in NY, the Yayoi Kusama exhibit will be at the Whitney Museum. I can't wait to see the displays at Champs-Élysées LV in Paris!

Visit the Louis Vuitton Yayoi Kusama site for more info.

I love the Pochette Accessoires Monogram Vernis Dots Infinity in Black. So adorable.

For a preview of more accessories and shoes from the Louis Vuitton Kusama collaboration, just click the link below for more goodies after the jump!

Happy 7th Birthday Coquette!

(Photo Source)

I'm so happy to celebrate Coquette's 7th birthday! It has been lots of fun sharing my fashion, beauty, crafts and tech loves with you over the years. Thank you dear lovelies for continuing to read my blog! It's my labor of love along with Coquette Maman (for fashionable moms).

Here are some of my favorite posts from the past year:

• My outfit posts for Kohl's


• The Best White Blazers Under $100


• What's In My Bag: Coach Classic Stewardess Bag


• Q&A: Skin Care Expert Kate Somerville


• Skin Care Q&A with Lisa Mascaro: The Answers to Your Questions are In!


• Rose Gold Love


• DIY Arm/Wrist Warmers Roundup


• Sleep Better and Wake Up with LARK

I am off to France next week where I'll be until the end of July. Hope to share the beautiful things and fabulous food I encounter. Bisous!