Coquette

Clarins Summer Beauty & Sun Protection

Are you ready for summer? I'm feeling the warm heat finally and I'm ready for our family July 4th getaway to Napa next week. I've been loving the new Clarins Splendours Summer Colour Collection that is perfect everyday beauty that feels good on your skin.

Here are some of my favorite products from Clarins right now:

Clarins Splendours Summer Bronzing Compact ($35)

I have been using this generously sized bronzer everyday since I received it. I love applying it on my face and adding a bit of pink blush the apples of my cheeks for a natural summer look. Pick up this limited edition bronzer before it's gone. I linked it to Nordstrom because it's out of stock now on the Clarins site. It's my must-have summer beauty item!

Clarins Splendours Color Quartet & Liner Eye Palette ($42)

This is probably my favorite eye palette of all time. The mineral shadows go on perfectly and I love the additional liner that can be used wet or dry. The pigmentation of the shadows is excellent and the shadows blend together really well. The looks in this palette can go from day to night. It is a perfect compact travel piece! Watch the video on the various looks you can make on the Clarins site.

Clarins Ever Matte Shine Control Mineral Powder Compact 01 Transparent fair ($30)
I love this silky mineral powder that feels so light on my skin. It has a great matte finish. Comes in 3 shades.

Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel ($22)

This new gel texture plumps up your lips and gives it just the right amount of shine with subtle color of pink or purple. Definitely not gloopy at all. I love the sweet smell of it too!

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control ($68)

You can't mention Clarins beauty without talking about their wonderful skin products. I swear by their hand and body lotions so I couldn't pass up the chance to try their new Body Lift Cellulite Control Treatment. The lotion targets early and stubborn cellulite and will smooth out and refine your skin on your hip, butt and thighs. The lotion should be applied with Clarins' self-massage body contouring method (video here) which will help give faster and better results.

Clarins Sun Control Stick For Sun-Sensitive Areas SPF 30 ($26)

This is a great portable tube of sunscreen perfect for sensitive skin and is great for you and the kids. I have been keeping this in my handbag everyday. It is a great stick to apply sunscreen for those hard to apply areas such as the ears and neck.

Clarins Sunscreen for Face Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 ($32)

Something I haven't tried yet but need to get is this sunscreen that moisturizes and prevents premature aging. My skin always feels dry when I'm in the sun so I'm hoping this will keep me moisturized.

See more Clarins Sun Protection products to find the right product for your needs.

Receive 3 Free Samples + Free Shipping on orders over $75 everyday at Clarins.com.

Disclaimer: The products above were provided by Clarins for review purposes.

Ramble & Rove A Travel Journal

On my spring break trip to Hawaii, I brought along my Ramble & Rove A Travel Journal ($16.47 on Amazon) created by textile designer John Robshaw. I love that the pages in this book aren't completely blank. Complete with batik prints and clever writing prompts, this journal will inspire you in capturing your travel memories. I chose to use it as both a journal and sketchbook and found the beautifully printed pages gave me just the right push to doodle away. Bring a small glue stick and you can also paste in souvenirs from your trip. It also includes a pocket for loose mementos and an elastic closure.

Disclaimer: Journal was provided by Chronicle Books for review.

Thursday Friday Artist Series - Get Samantha Hahn's Diamonds or Moto Canvas Bags

Spending your time this summer at the beach or by the pool? I love the whimsical canvas bags by Thursday Friday which feature popular luxury bags. My friend, illustrator Samantha Hahn (remember her shoe journal?) is now a part of Thursday Friday's Artist Series. Pick up one of the roomy Red Diamonds or Blue Moto canvas bags ($65). Each bag has an inner patch pocket so you can easily find your phone and keys. I love her signature watercolor style on these bags!

For quick trips to the grocery store or for your makeup, you may like the adorable pochette in Red Diamonds or Blue Moto ($35) which is lined in nylon and includes a D ring to clip your keys.

Read Samantha Hahn's Q&A with Thursday Friday.

Winner of the Nails, Nails, Nails Book Giveaway

Congratulations to Jennifer from Brooklyn, NY for winning a copy of the new DIY nails book, Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole in my recent giveaway! Thanks to everyone who entered. More giveaways to come soon. Stay tuned!

Go Behind the Scenes with Luxury Brands: Goyard & Louis Vuitton

(Photos: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle)

French luxury brands Goyard and Louis Vuitton and known for their history of craftsmanship and their recognizable canvas patterns. I love getting a peek inside the studios of these two brands where you can see artisans working with their hands to create art.

Goyard

The SF Gate recently covered Goyard's painting workshop located in San Francisco in it's article Goyard Monograms - ABCs of Luxury. It's only one of three around the world where artists carefully paint and embellish bags with monograms, stripes, flowers, or custom designs.

A custom cable car design on luggage.

Louis Vuitton

(Photo: Marie Hennechart, The New York Times)

This week, Louis Vuitton opens up their exclusive doors to their atelier in Asnières, France (a suburb of Paris). The New York Times has official coverage of A Rare Look Inside the Atelier of Louis Vuitton. The article includes a plethora of photos that show the process of creating Louis Vuitton bags and luggages. Drool worthy!

(Photo: Purseblog)

Back in the U.S., Purseblog also has a preview inside the new Atelier at Louis Vuitton Soho in NY. Take a look!

American Craft: The Craft of Design

American Craft magazine has a special digital bonus issue out now. The Craft of Design goes behind the scenes with 25 artists and craftspeople and showcases what they create. You won't want to miss Wendy Stevens metal purses and Jennifer Merchant's layered acrylic jewelry.

Download the interactive app from iTunes or browse the issue online.

Finny Stools by Scott McGlasson

Lost & Found Mug Set by Andrew Gilliatt

Diorshow Mascara

I love mascara but I sometimes feel I shouldn't be spending so much for mascara. I had been using some drug store brands to no satisfaction and decided I definitely needed to splurge and get myself another tube of Diorshow Mascara ($25 at Nordstrom). I had received one last winter from a friend and loved the way it makes my lashes fuller without over clumping. A 2012 Nordstrom Beauty Award nominee, the XXL brush literally plumps up your lashes. Trust me, your eye makeup will look all the better and it's so worth the $25. I also love wearing it with no eye makeup (and bronzer on the cheeks) for a fresh summery natural look.

Pick up your Diorshow Mascara at Nordstrom and get free shipping (and free returns).

DIY Half Moon Nails from the Book Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole + Giveaway

Today I am so excited to have a project excerpt from the new book from Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole (published by Chronicle Books). This small format book features 25 gorgeous and creative DIY nail designs. Each project comes with step by step photos so you can make your own nails fancy!

Giveaway
One lucky Coquette reader will win a copy of Nails, Nails, Nails!. To enter, please leave a comment to this post telling me why you want this book. Please note that you must be a resident of the US or Canada. The giveaway will end on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 5pm PST. Good luck!

Half Moon Nails

from Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole

This is a girly yet grown-up look, featuring painted crescents and retro color contrast. Color-coordinate your outfit for two-toned fun.

Get the full DIY for the Half Moon Nails after the jump!

Boots No7 Men - Hair & Skin Care for Men Now in the U.S.

Boots No7 Men has now launched in the U.S. at Walgreens. The new men's line from the famous UK apothecary has a total of 6 products ranging from hair care to skin care for the man in your life.

Here are a list of the products:

• Energising Face Wash ($7.99)
• Energising Face Scrub ($8.99)
• Energising Hair & Body Wash ($7.99)
• Rapid Revival Eye Roll-on ($16.99)
• Protect & Perfect Intense Serum ($24.99)
• Protect & Perfect Intense Moisturizer with SPF ($22.99)

Shop Boots No7 Men at Walgreens

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 16th.. Here are some quick gift ideas for dad that he'll love to have!

1. ClarinsMen Smooth Shave ($18 at Clarins) and ClarinsMen After Shave Soother ($25 at Clarins)

2. "I <3 Dad" Photo Mug (35% until June 5th on Shutterfly, reg price $13.09-$16.99)

3. Azarro CHROME Summer Edition Eau de Toilette ($68 at Macy's)

4. Zepp GolfSense Sensor for iPhone/iPad + Android ($129.95 at Apple Store) or iGrill Grilling/Cooking Thermometer ($79.95 at Apple Store)

5. Coach boxed cut-to-size reversible belt ($158 at Coach)

6. Converse - Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox (Black) - Footwear ($50 at Zappos)

7. Monogrammed BBQ Tools Set ($115 at Williams-Sonoma)

8. Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses ($155 at Bloomingdales)

Note: Products #1 & #3 were provided for review.