1. D&G Fragrance Anthology
Oui, oui, I’ll be loving you forever, Coco, but a big hunk of my heart now belongs to Dolce & Gabbana.
I wore Light Blue on my wedding day, and Sicily scented my skin for years.
This fall, I plan to fashion more D&G memories thanks to their new Fragrance Anthology.
Each of the five complex eau de toilettes smells naturally lush — not synthetic or artificial — and lingers for hours on my skin.
My favorites are 18 La Lune (a white floral with notes of apple, lily, tuberose and musk) and 10 La Roue De La Fortune (a green floral with pink pepper, gardenia, jasmine and vanilla). I think both smell totally femme and just plain pretty.
To buy: Sephora, $65 each
2. Long, side-swept bangs
They cover forehead zits and bald eyebrow patches — ’nuff said. For soft, flexible hold and shine, I smooth mine down with a pinch of Bumble & Bumble Brilliantine.
To buy: Bumble & Bumble, $20
3. Huey Lewis and the News
I’ve been rocking out to Do You Believe in Love since Sunday, and dagnabbit I’m not ashamed!
Huey and his homeboys cranked out dozens of karaoke-worthy tunes in the ’80s.
Join me for this brief trip back to a time when the saxophone solo reigned supreme. 🙂
To buy: Greatest Hits CD, Amazon, $14
4. Nimbus Microfine Toothbrush
The pimp daddy of all toothbrushes! My dentist gave me one of these bad boys last week and I’m hooked.
The ultra-soft brush head has alternating rows of bristles with different heights. The long ones help it wiggle into those hard-to-reach nether regions between teeth. Brushing my sensitive teeth and gums with it is kinda like brushing with a big fluffy cloud (ha, nimbus clouds, get it?!).
If you brush and floss like you mean business, mamacita, give the nimbus a try.
To buy: Nimbus, $10 for a pack of five
5. Mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad
So effortless, so yummy, so very last days of summer… It’s my new favorite meal for when I’m too hot or lazy to cook.
To buy: Head to your local grocery store or farmers market to get your ingredients, and prepare it at home (the recipe)
6. Zoya Color-Lock System
Zoya makes it easy to get durable, chip-free manis and pedis with this fantabulous six-piece kit.
Nail polish remover, base coat, nail strengthener, top coat — all the essentials for a salon-quality manicure — and the numbers on the bottles totally fool proof my process.
To buy: Zoya, $48
7. Yogi Kava Stress Relief Herbal Tea
I’ve been a crazy stress case lately because of that condo sitch (yup, it’s still up in the air), but this caffeine-free tea has definitely helped. It’s probably the best stress relief tea I’ve ever tried.
It contains Kava, a root native to the South Pacific and used by islanders for centuries to calm the body and soothe the mind, and tastes like cinnamon and chicory. I like to add a little milk and sugar.
To buy: Vitamin Shoppe, $4
What are some things currently rocking your world (beauty or otherwise)?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
I TOTALLY agree with you on the Nimbus toothbrushes. I am guilty of being a mad scrubber, so my dentist demanded I fork it out for these little puffs of greatness. The first time I used one I started laughing uncontrollably because it was such a NEAT feeling to brush your teeth with the equivalent of down feathers. So soft!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
Hi OneGreatSmile,
Yeah, it’s pretty darn fantastic. I never thought anything would be able to replace my Sonicare, either.
Ooh, now I wanna try the Nimbus toothbrushes! I also loved Huey Lewis and the News, still do! 😀
Currently rocking my world are:
1) Armani shadows from the Manta Ray collection – yummy matte gray goodness!
2) MAC Nail Trend lacquers coming out tomorrow! – I’ve already reserved my bottles of Dry Martini, Beyond Jealous and Cool Reserve!
3) My dear, sweet Hubby… he was gone all last week, so good to have him home!
4) Vanessa’s Bistro – A new local, family-owned restaurant, Vietnamese/French fusion… culinary fabulosity!
Hi Glosslizard,
I’m getting hungry reading all the comments from this post, LOL!
Do you know how difficult it is to find good Vietnamese food in Marin? Lucky you to have it nearby!
things that are rocking my world;
-l’occitane red rice ultra-matte face moisturizer
-mango black tea
-untreated coconut oil for skin and hair
-jeffrey campbell shoes
🙂
Hi Dip,
A big fat yay for the mango black tea! Love it with honey…
FAGE Fat Free Greek Yogurt has been rocking my world all summer! One container is just 90 calories, then pile on your favorite fruit, some slivered almonds (or ground flax seed), some cinnamon and a lil honey, and you’ve got a delicious, nutricious breakfast (or dessert)!!
Hi Karen F,
Yum! Now I’m hungry for yogurt. 🙂
I’m totally loving Urban Decay’s new Pore Perfecting Primer. Makes my foundation go on sooo nicely. I’ve also been putting Persian cucumbers from the Farmer’s Market in anything and everything. Even just plain with a bit of onion vinaigrette – delish!
.-= Trude’s last blog post… Well… =-.
Hi Trude,
Persian cucumbers sound yummy. How are they different from regular cucumbers?
I have been doing the heirloom tomato/mozz salad on a reg basis girlfriend!! I love the new D&G fragrances as well 😉
.-= Lianne’s last blog post… Fall 2009: New! Bobbi Brown Metallic LongWear Cream Shadow… =-.
Hi Lianne,
I might as well inject that salad straight into my veins. I’ve been eating it so much I’m like 50% tomato/mozz now.
Things rocking my world lately-
-Vitalis muesli with apple bits and cranberries, I’m addicted to that stuff.
-Summer dresses all the time
-Sitting on the beach with my best friend too lazy to even jump into the sea
-Completely forgetting to sleep (2 weeks of going to bed at 4 am, waking up at 9)-the exam session is near and I can only study at night…
-Chanel Rouge Allumiere in Comedia.
-Silk black night gown paired with a hoodie.
-‘Waltz for Debbie’ by Bill Evans Trio over and over again. ‘Blue’ by Joni Mitchel too. Trying to play ‘River’ on piano until my hand falls of /failing miserably/
-Watching tevenovela ‘ Cuidado con en angel’, so stupid and predictive, but damn that boy is Apollo reincarnated.
I’ve been eying that ‘La luna’ for a while, maybe I’ll give it a try. Though I’m a bit skeptic. I keep buying new perfumes and keep using 2 of the same for past 4 years.
Hi Sonja,
I love that Chanel Rouge Allure shade! It’s so great for summertime.
Which two scents have you been wearing for the last four years? They must be very good!
OMG, Karen! I’m a Chanel girl too, but I totally agree with you on Dolce & Gabbana fragrances being up there with the all-time greats. I’m especially partial to The One and original-recipe D&G… but I’ll have to wait until my next trip to Manila for those new ones, since we don’t have that stuff here in the literal (Tagalog) boonies. 😉
Rocking my world:
– daily exercise (I’ve lost 7 lbs since I moved back to the Philippines)
– oil blotting papers
– PB & banana sandwiches on whole-wheat bread
– strappy heels
– Asia-exclusive cosmetic lines, like Ponds Age Miracle and Shiseido’s collab with Alexander Wang
– sideswept bangs that won’t get into my eyes (I need to blog about those soon)
.-= meimei’s last blog post… Pinay Celebrity Quote(s) of the Week =-.
Hi Meimei,
Totally. Everything I’ve ever smelled from them just *works.* They’re complex, but not heavy and in your face.
Which one of the D&G scents is your fave?
My language arts teacher told me about the kava root. She said she went to Figi over the summer and that when certain people needed to cross into other lands, they’d have them drink water strained through mashed kava root in order to make them calm enough to cross the border. Apparently, it’s not a drug, but it makes you so emotionless that you can cross. She said that at very watered-down, low strength kava it can still leave you completely emotionless, and at the strength that the natives drink it, it must be REALLY effective. Just remember from this that kava doesn’t just relieve stress – it relieves EVERYTHING! 😉
Hi Redhead,
LOL, I want the stuff the natives drink.
Maybe I need to go to Figi, ASAP!
7 things currently rocking my world. Here are my skincare ones: Burt’s Bees Honey lip balm and Biore Dual Fusion spf moisturizer. There are 2 items on my must buy list bc they rocked my world hard when I was in this cosmetic outlet the other day: Bobbi Brown blush in sand pink 1 and MAC lipstick in Ahoy There. They both looked really good on me, but I couldn’t afford em right then and there. The holidays are coming so they’re going on my list. When I was shopping with my Mom she picked up a Michael Kors bag for me and I can’t wait to get it!!! It is soo nice, but I have to wait for my b-day. Finally, the last two are slickdeals.net and philosophy Amazing Grace perfume.
Hi Rachel,
How funny, my mom called me the other day to tell me she bought me a Michael Kors bag when she was on vacay!
Anyway, when is your birthday? Happy early b-day!
Rocking my world at the moment would definitely be Clinique Creamshaper for eyes. OMG these babies are the best! I already have a dual one and today I checked out the one that came out with the Spring collection and it was love, I can assure you. What else? My dog always rocks my world with her happy face (yes, she smiles! I’m not mad!), and at the moment some rest would too. 🙂
.-= Marce’s last blog post… Looks – Sephora Extreme Smoky Eye =-.
i need to try that toothbrush. i am totally a hard brusher (my toothbrushes get ruined in just a couple weeks), and that’s caused my gums to reced a little bit.
things that rock my world right now:
1. estee lauder tuberose gardenia – orange blossom, gardenia, tuberose & vanilla bourbon. divine!
2. having a kitteh. it’s really made me much less lonely – i live by myself and it kind of sucks if you come home and all the lights are off and stuff, but having a cat gives you something to come home to.
3. federic fekkai glossing spray. the cream i use more in the winter, but the spray gives me major shine, moisturizes & controls flyaways without being greasy. plus, it smells fresh.
4. dove go fresh beauty bar in green tea cucumber. so fresh & clean!
5. bobbi brown nectar blush. perks up bare faces on humid days, plus it’s matte, so it won’t make you look all shiny inn a bad way – it just kinda blends in.
6. RAY ROSE CYCLONE 3″ LATIN SANDAL – I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT YOU. MY FOOTWORK HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER AND YOU LAST LONG. IF THEY EVER STOP MAKING YOU, I WILL BUY EVERY LAST PAIR IN MY SIZE.
7. the body shop monoi oil – great for shaving, moisturizing, and adding a nice summery glow. plus, it’s light, so it’s not too greasy.
8. dior creme de gloss. HOLY GRAIL LIP GLOSS TEXTURE. i finally have it. MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH *evil finger pyramid of triumph*
.-= ines + cha cha’s last blog post… Top 5 – Beauty Finds in the Grocery Store =-.
1. peaches!!! oh my goodness, they are in season and so wonderful right now!
2. tea by the republic of tea, especially the “get relief” tea from the wellness line
3. pure shea butter as a lip balm. so moisturizing and not irritating as all, as i keep getting lip irritation lately. 🙁
4. l’oreal telescopic clean definition mascara, the best cheapest mascara i’ve ever used.
5. cnd cuticle eraser, it sinks in quickly and leaves my cuticles feeling soft, supple and not dry but also not greasy. at bedtime i pair it with some solar oil for a tag team of cuticle awesomeness!! 😀
6. grey nail polish! i just bought 2 more today!
7. oscar blandi dry shampoo, in the bottle, not the spray. used sparingly, even on my dark hair, it saves my hair from the stress of over-washing. and it smells wonderful!
.-= Meghan’s last blog post… An Ode to Liquid Liner Pens =-.
Currently rocking my world beauty related-
OPI & Zoya’s Matte NPs (although Zoya’s are chiptastic!)
Essie Matte top coat
Lancome Indigo Paris NP
Benefit’s Dear John
Non beauty related –
True Blood
Insalata Caprese from Wholo Foods
Carne asada tacos
my kindle
.-= Marisol’s last blog post… Shopping is my middle name =-.
I love this kind of post.
Lately the things rocking my world are:
*nap time (for the baby I’ve been watching)
*this yummy salad I make with mixed field greens, spicy candied pecans, goat cheese, dried cranberries and a creamy lemon dressing. I could eat it for every meal!
*Splendid Lipglass (from the Dame Edna collection) frosty, shimmery and kind of coraly peach. It goes well with my simplistic version of make up lately. Four kids, one Mom=outnumbered, frazzled and short on time.
*My lotus diffuser and all the delicious essential oils I can use in it. I’m especially digging Serenity lately, it’s a blend of lavender, vanilla and chamomile (and some others that I can’t tell what they are)
*Lemon or Peppermint essential oils in my drinking water
*Organic Virgin Coconut oil for lotion, taking with my supplements and for the ends of my hair.
*Playing with the newest stash of gems and beads and charms, the possibilities and options are limitless. I get giddy just thinking about creating jewelry with them!
My lovely husband is from FIJI and I have had Kava on several occasions. It’s definitely a stress buster. It tastes like dirty soapy water though. And they’d laugh at you and kick you outta the circle if you asked for milk and cinnamon in your half coconut shell of grog. It’s also used in ceremonies and for cultural purposes as well. WE have a giant carved wooden basin for serving it out of and some half coconut shells to drink it from.
.-= TaLaisa’s last blog post… Happy Valentines =-.
1. CRAISINS!!! Ocean Spray Craisins, to be exact. I can’t get enough of these. I bought a 3 pound bag and I couldn’t be happier. Haha, they’re amazing! 😀
2. Neutral Eyeshadows. I used to love color, but lately I’ve been diggin’ the nudes.
3. Mozarella. Love it.
4. Your blog. I always love your updates. And on those days where you’re a bit absent (which has surfaced recently), I frantically click onto your blog every hour to see if you’ve posted something new. Yeah, I basically have no life. 🙂
What I’m not obsessing over? Summer ending and me going back to school. Augh!
.-= Maggie’s last blog post… Copper Pennies (EOTD) =-.
Things that rock my world:
1) Bubble tea
2) Japanese magazines
3) Blogs like urs
4) Circle lens
5) Bubble gum nail polish ( esp Etude House ones)
.-= Blovet Beauty’s last blog post… *WISH LIST * =-.
I fell in *love* with #3 of the anthology–L’imperatrice is my favorite smell, ever.
Hi Diamond,
I like that one, too. Do you get a lot of melon with that scent? For some reason my skin brings out the watermelon notes like crazy!
i’m glad tailasa beat me to saying that kava tastes “like dirty soapy water,” bcs i just tried some last weekend at the made in hawaii products show. it didn’t quite taste like dirty soapy water, but it’s closer to that than cinnamon & chicory. it tasted very earthy and slightly grassy, and the less than half an ounce we sampled gave us this numb tongue and back of throat, sorta like how cocaine does…allegedly. anyway, more info on kava here: http://hawaiiankava.com/about.html. those of you traveling to honolulu can try kava someplace rachael ray did (and get a tasty acai bowl, too): diamond head cove health bar.
that said, the following are rocking my world:
1. MBB (i come here at least twice daily)
2. wet & wild creme eyeliner in black (better-lasting than fluidline)
3. neutrogena healthy skin eye cream (several nights of insomnia last week gave my eyelid wrinkles; this eyecream helped plump them up even tho i’m not getting significantly much more sleep now)
4. milk of magnesia swabbed gently on my face for oil control, esp in crazy humidity & high stress (something i learned from makeupalley.com)
5. tokidoki!
6. sonia kashuk powder brush (something i learned about from karen. waaaay better than the brushes from sephora)
7. the guy with whom i live in sin. someday, i’ll marry him. =D
Hi Nai,
Oh, thanks for letting me know about the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar. I’m so adding that to my “things to do on Oahu” list.
And yay, I’m glad you like the Sonia brushes!
Hey Karen!
My 2 favorite fragrances are Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel and Marc Jacobs original perfume. Can’t live without them!!
I just got Rock Princess from Vera Wang, but I don’t really like it anymore…
Hi Sonja,
Yes, Coco! I could wear that scent *every* day! How do you feel about Allure? I think that’s next on my Chanel list. 🙂
I like the salad. As you said Karen is perfect for the hot summer days. Tomatoes are my favorite vegetables so any salad that includes them is good for me:). Usually I like to eat tomatoes salad and feta cheese.
.-= Tavia’s last blog post… Dior-JazzClub Collection – Makeup trends fall-winter 2009-2010 =-.
Hi Tavia,
Me too. Did you know that technically tomatoes are fruit (LOL, I was once *this close* to majoring in botany)? Crazy, huh?
My 7:
1. Fage 0% yogurt with blueberries
2. Dark nails that are longing for Fall! (Essie Rock the Croc)
3. My four new Korres lip butters (I’m wearing Plum today)
4. Sky-high stilettos (Purple today!)
5. New double widescreens at work.
6. A freshly waxed car
7. Going to bed early (so boring but it makes the mornings so much more manageable!)
My b-day is 10/19.
Hi Darling,
Nothing in particular is rocking the beauty world at the present. I already have too much perfume and makeup, if such a thing is possible. Right now, I am playing around with falsies. In the olden days, that used to refer to the objects that you put in front of “the girls” to make them appear larger. But I am referring to eyelashes. I am into the 50’s-60’s thing now. I love the Twiggy eyelook. Bourjois has a beautiful model with a Twiggy eye look and fringy false lashes with lots of black eyeliner. Then I am also thinking about cutting my bobbed hair short and changing the color to platinum. My hair dresser is tired of my color changes and told me to get some wigs. LOL! The nerve of her. One of my retro idols is Brigitte Bardot. Such a blonde beauty and animal lover, too. BTW, I am a big fan of the Tarte blushes. The colors are so rich and the glow is youthful and pretty. I have one called Tipsy. You look beautiful no matter what you put on. Have a great last weekend of August. Bwah!!!!!!!!!!! Fall is almost here. Louise
Howdy, Karen! If I should rank my favorite D&G scents…
1) Dolce & Gabbana, the original. Liked the bottle, but fell in love with it on first smell – totally sexy.
2) D&G The One – more of an unpopular opinion, since it can be a tad fruity and meh on other people, but I think it’s lighter and flirtier compared to original Dolce.
3) A tie with Light Blue and Sicily – like you’ve said, it all just *works* so well. (I guess the only D&G fragrance that never worked for me and my nose was By D&G – the one in the leopard print atomizer can. Or maybe that’s because I never cared for the packaging?)
As for Chanel, I marinated myself in No. 5 during my senior year in high school, then followed it with Allure in college… and now Chance (which I bought, with my first paycheck, because it smells like fresh pineapple on me – love!) in my twenties and thirties. The spin-off lines from Coco and Allure are also winners in my book too.
.-= meimei’s last blog post… Pinay Celebrity Quote(s) of the Week =-.