Imaginative Scents: Caudalie Perfume Reviews + Win A Free Facial at The Plaza

Fleur de Vigne, Zeste de Vigne and Thé des Vignes perfumes by Caudalie.

Hello my darlings,

Good morning! I have to tell you about a new, gorgeous trio of perfumes from the beauty brand Caudalie. Fragrance adds music to everyday life. I also am happy to announce an exciting contest (please scroll down to read all the details).

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne

If you are searching for a lovely addition to your perfume collection, look no further. Caudalie Fleur de Vigne ($36) is ideal. The scent of delicate, romantic white rose mingles freely with refreshing grapefruit and hawthorn touch. This dewy floral fragrance seems sentimental, but not excessively so. 

Inspired by the grape blossom on a June day at dawn, perfumer Anne Flipo has created an evocative scent. If you are a perfume fanatic, you may be familiar with other scents Flipo has developed, such as L'Artisan Parfumeur Fleur de Narcisse and Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de l'Homme.


Caudalie Zeste de Vigne

Zeste de Vigne opens with a bold, citrus note. It's really such a treat and reminds me of eating fresh mandarin oranges on Sunday at the farmer's market. When I was younger and lived in San Rafael, a suburban town in Northern California, I often went  to the outdoor market next to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Civic Center and we would eat ripe fruits from the farmers set out on paper plates and trays. This perfume's complementary note of bergamot creates a relaxing atmosphere as well.

Certainly, if you like Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarin-Basilic, you will really enjoy Caudalie's Zeste de Vigne. I adore this cheerful and splashy perfume, and love starting my day off right with just a few dabs.

Caudalie Thé des Vignes

One of my favorite new perfumes is Thé des Vignes. Notes of white musk, neroli and ginger form an intimate trio. Inspired by the fields of Bordeaux, at times, it smells like the skin of wet grapes. This scent is both introspective and reflective. If you enjoy wearing, say, a vintage ivory silk shantung blazer or one of this season's top trends, a long flowing dress, the scent adapts easily to your style and mood.   Also, while I find this perfume to be feminine, perhaps an open-minded man could wear it too? I think it can dress up jeans and a t-shirt without too much fuss.

The Thé des Vignes scent was created by the master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, who is also the man behind Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey perfume. L'Eau d'Issey was a fragrance we kept around my house growing up, and always showcased a unique, modern sensibility. My mother rarely wore perfume, but I remember pulling L'Eau d'Issey out of the cabinet in the vanity area to enjoy on my own.

I like the way Caudalie has described this scent.  Mathilde Thomas, the co-founder of Caudalie, says, "Thé des Vignes is inspired by that secretive moment at dusk, the warm sunlight flares in the horizon while the scent of my family's vineyard deepen into musk and suspend into a caress of ginger and neroli." Thomas makes life in the countryside sound so perfect.


CONTEST: Please share your favorite time of day and how you like to spend it with Eyeshadow Government to participate in a special Caudalie contest. Mathilde Thomas will choose her favorite answer. The grand prize is either a facial at the exquisite Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at the Plaza or, for out-of-town town residents, a gift basket valued at $150 filled with Caudalie beauty products. Just e-mail eyeshadowgovernment [at] gmail.com with your favorite time of day for a chance to win! Entries must be submitted by 7/23/2011.


BUY IT: Caudalie perfumes are sold at Sephora.com, Bluemercury and other specialty stores.

In a Literary Fashion

Virginia Woolf and Clive Bell: stylish at the beach.

Sale Steal: I Adore You

...and this dress. Talk about goddess to the max!

Diane von Furstenberg Isadora dress $682.50 (was $975), Shopbop.com

One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Multi Balm Review

Today I received a UPS package from the beauty brand One Love Organics just as I was running out the door. My ability to open envelopes, read press information, go on elegant strolls and wink simultaneously is just one of my many talents. But I had to stop in my tracks when I noticed a very unusual ingredient: chia seed extract.

Yup!  Ch-ch-ch-chia! If you have ever owned a Chia Pet, today might be time to upgrade to the One Love Organics Skin Savior Multi Balm with chia seed extract. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

This fancy potion, which also contains super-moisturizing virgin coconut oil and calming oat extract, appears diminutive, but a little goes a long way. You can use this creamy balm to wash your face or apply it on your cheeks as an illuminator.  I dabbed some onto my dry elbows this afternoon, and they now are soft and smooth. Ditto for my hands! This balm could work as a primer too before applying mineral powder.

Brownie Points: All One Love Organics products are created from ethically sourced raw materials. And for all you sweet tooths, the balm will leave your skin smelling like coconut cake.


BUY IT: One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Multi Balm ($68), oneloveorganics.com.

What's Cool Now: Priti NYC Nail Polishes, Fusion Beauty LipFusion Moisturizing Stick and Street Trends

Splashes of Color: Priti Summer Nail Polishes

I totally cherish my new Priti NYC nail polishes. The Silver Flare Peony shade is an intense hot pink and Sky Waltz Delphinium is the color of the sky on a beautiful day.  This afternoon, I painted my nails pink and added blue hearts because I wanted to use both shades. Crafty, right? Better yet, all Priti nail polishes are very girl-friendly, so they don't have formaldehyde, dibutyl phathalate, camphor, or toluene. (This means that you can do your nails on the kitchen table without leaving a chemical smell. Rock.)

There's a Silver Flare peony-colored pink heart on my thumb.

I Spy Lips: Fusion Beauty LipFusion Conditioning Sticks

In the summertime, pouting is much more fun. The Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion conditioning stick with SPF 15 makes lips appear plumper and feel softer. It's true. I use the conditioning stick in the Butterscotch color which matches the color of my lips exactly. Buy it, stash it, do not give it away.

Street Trends: Hello There Nude Eyewear and Dreamy Denim Vests

The latest summer trends are so cool and so you. These are two looks I have noticed in Williamsburg, my neighborhood.

It doesn't take a lot of bravery to show some skin these days. Hello, pop stars! But wearing skin-like eyewear is much more fun. I saw one girl wearing nude sunglasses that were almost identical to this pair from Forever 21 (see below), and another wearing pale beige eyeglasses with a flowery outfit.

Nude sunglasses (good enough to eat for Hannibal Lector?), Forever 21

If you have been wearing cute vintage 90s rompers, maybe you are my neighbor but maybe you need a new vest too.  I'm very happy that denim vests are making a comeback. Whether you are skinny or curvy, they add a certain zing to many outfits. This vest, sold by Free People, says "great" to me. You also can look around at thrift shops or Etsy for a non-$200 vest. (Not to restate the obvious. XOX.)

Vintage Levi's denim custom vest ($228), Free People

Let's talk again soon! Hearts!

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What's In My Makeup Bag: TheBalm Hot Mama!, Topshop Rock Chick Eye Crayon, and Neosporin

Ahhh, I thought I could act as if all the products I use are kept in one makeup bag in a purse. But I have to admit, my beauty products flow like the Amazon through my entire apartment. In my home, you could be ambushed by a spear-shaped mascara brush, attacked by extremely bright lipsticks, go for a dip in my eye makeup remover lake, or use your binoculars to watch some exotic birds (my lovely roommates).

Some days, we have to wrestle a grizzly bear and by that I mean, nimbly open a container of $175 Scandinavian eye cream. Life is hard. (Make it less so!)

Here are products I am using that freely float from my medicine cabinet to my purse to my face:

1. TheBalm Hot Mama! blush leaves cheeks pink and shimmery. I love, love, love this blush, which is only $19 at Sephora and should last all summer long. As I said, the blush is shiny, which makes me feel like it might be better for more informal occasions like a date or spending time with friends. My life is pretty laidback lately, so I wear it everywhere.

Also, you can dab some on your eyelids too.

2. Topshop Crayon in Rock Chick ($10) will make you feel edgier, tougher and sexier. This eyeliner goes on thick, giving you an "instant" smoky eye.  Also, the plum color doesn't scream purple. It's just very pretty. If you buy any Topshop makeup product, get this one!

3. In hot and sticky weather, I crave toner. Earth Science Aloe Vera Complexion toner ($9, Whole Foods) cleans skin thoroughly and leaves you feeling fresher than ever. The alcohol-free formulation also contains moisturizing hyaluronic acid and soothing calendula extract.

4. My Chanel Aqualumiere lipstick in Lipari is an oldie but goodie from the Cote d'Azur Summer 2009 collection. I wore this sheer, glossy lipstick just the other day. Chanel no longer sells this lipstick, but you can find anything you truly want on the internet. 

5. Neosporin. Weird, right? You should use this on your face, like, only if you get extractions at a spa. My new aesthetician in Williamsburg advised applying a light amount of Neosporin for three nights in a row after her facial. I am not really into going off the beaten track when it comes to my face, but I went with it and I'm so, so glad I listened to her. The ointment helps reduce inflammation and speed the healing process after a facial.

Anyhoo, I'm feeling sleepy from typing and seeing Best Coast gig downtown. Stay tuned for more tidbits, beauty advice and gossip! Love ya!

XOXO,
Charlotte
  
P.S. Follow me on Twitter!

Project Time: Make Pillows That Match Your Designer Clothing

1. Marc Jacobs Silk Twill fabric, sold at Mood.

I was checking out Mood Fabrics online today and felt the need to share my favorite textiles. Sharing is caring!

Does this bright Marc Jacobs print (#1) look familiar? If you keep a close eye on Marc Jacobs, you probably have spotted this fabric used in his splendid dresses and tops.

Aaaand if you bought one of those delightful, electric-colored paisley Marc Jacobs items, wouldn't you like some more of those eye-popping, retro cool patterns in your life? Like, wouldn't it be fun if your pillows, sheets or curtains matched your dress? Why, yes it sure would be great. Mood Fabrics sells this hot pink Marc Jacobs silk twill pattern by the yard.

2. Marc Jacobs purple and off-white crepe de chine.

All you need is a sewing machine, a simple square pillow insert and the right amount of fabric. The cost is $25/yard and up for all the textiles I picked for this article, so you might want to go with one or two smaller pillows or...like ten doll-sized pillows in a row.  It's easy to stitch up a basic square pillow cover in no time at all. You will use a yard of fabric to fit a basic 14"x14" pillow. Then, you can follow this easy tutorial on Readymade to make the pillow cover. Or if you are an experienced seamstress, you can probably handle this project with your eyes closed.

Not satisfied with just one designer fabric? I hear ya, fashionistas. Add a spring to your step with this pretty Oscar de la Renta silk (#3), which would be beautiful for a valance. Or if you have a vintage suitcase around your house, you could line it with this fabric to make an enviable Picnic Suitcase!

3. Oscar de la Renta warm lavender and cream silk fabric.

If pink and lavender are not your thing, well, that would be sad. But there are other options. Mood Fabrics also sells this darker, sophisticated brocade by Carolina Herrera (#4). You could pick some up to create becoming fabric-topped boxes or even reupholster a stool. 

4. Carolina Herrera dirty gold / black floral silk brocade.

The possibilities are endless! Let's talk again soon! I adore you.

XOXO,
Charlotte

Reading Rainbow

Fashionista - Stella McCartney Spring 2012: Secret Garden Party
Sugarlaws - Bronze Goddess Tutorial
Temptalia - Hourglass Jett Script Precision Eyeliner Review


Beauty quandaries? Makeup kerfuffles? Ask for advice, darlings! Just write to eyeshadowgovernment [at] gmail.com.

Follow me on Twitter!

Yum + Hearts to You + Nail Polish Smackdown

Hello darlings,

Do you ever get the urge to eat almond cookies instead of writing? I am covered in crumbs while wearing a very professional-looking jacket and I owe you 1,000 updates on life, makeup, skincare products, and other nonsense.

The Government would like to issue a formal decree though. Eyeshadow Government encourages you to express yourself to the fullest, but in the Battle of Grey Nail Polish vs. Blue Nail Polish, grey nail polish has won. I am wearing Essie nail polish in Chinchilly ($8) around the clock, and perhaps you are too? It's so au courant and feminine and fresh. 

Blue nail polish often makes Eyeshadow Government feel slightly ill and consumptive, unless the shade is an aquatic, pool-like color. I adore a light blue polish too and encourage you to embrace your inner Esther Williams. Meanwhile, the dark blue nail polish can be quite Hot Topic, especially in metallic (I grimace as I type), which is not very "moi." Perhaps it boils down to the fact that if you're going to be a rebel, you're going to need more than ugly nail polish to convince me. You will have to scratch me first!

Stay divine! Eat caviar! Avoid tiresome, uninteresting people!

XOXO,
Charlotte

Beauty Tip From the Boys + Fatboy Perfect Putty

While flipping through magazines the other day, I learned that applying milk to a razor burn can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. And by golly, I never expected advice on how to make my lady-like legs look better from Men's Health. 

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Also, if you're looking for a fun hair product to give a hip dad for Father's Day, Fatboy perfect putty is the jam. This little jar gives your hair some lift, à la Jim Jarmusch. I just learned about this putty during a recent jaunt to the Odin boutique in the East Village, where it's displayed in the very back of the store.

The hold is soft and natural, not one bit greasy or stiff.

XOX,
Charlotte

I Dream Of...

I wish I could wrinkle my nose and make this Solange Azagury-Partridge pink enamel ring appear on my finger.

Solange Azagury-Partridge Hot Lips ring ($1,500), Net-a-porter.com

I Remember Me

Heat Wave

You know how flowery I often feel and how much I abhor violence, but this photo seemed apropos.

Note the matching lipstick and nail polish!

Sheer Ambition

On a hot and sunny day, trim your beauty routine.

Eyeshadow Government recommends blending liquid foundation with jojoba oil or your usual moisturizer for lighter coverage. Sheer is chic! Let the real you shine through and allow your skin to breathe.

Make Up Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation and pure jojoba oil.

Finish your look with an easy, nude lipstick, such as Benefit lipstick in Lady's Choice, and a happy, bright shade of nail polish.

Benefit Full-Finish lipstick in Lady's Choice.

Essie nail polish in Super Bossa Nova.

Sweet Stuff + A Delightful Time at Duane Reade

B.L. cupcakes. (Source: Yelp)

I am on a healthy eating kick that includes the most delicious desserts in the world too. Like, maybe I will eat kale and toast and drink green tea with soy milk for breakfast. (Gross, right? I knoooow.) By mid-afternoon though, I might eat a cupcake.

The cupcakes I am talking about are from Butter Lane in Park Slope. So far I have "tested" the Key Lime cupcake (sprinkled with candied lime, yay!) and the Chocolate Sea Salt cupcake. The cake part for both kinds was vanilla. Yesterday and today were very good for me in the category of yumminess. Make sure to eat dessert and often.

On to makeup chatter!

While strolling around the Prince Street stop today, I popped into one of those revved up Duane Reades to buy a notebook. Half the people in line were, like, male models though, and the selection of paper goods was frankly disparaging. (I was about to say male models don't need to write things down, but then how can they remember anything without pens and paper? Are male models the new supercomputers? Dunno.) Meanwhile, the cosmetics options were plentiful and overflowing.

I tried on Becca Luminous Skin Colour tinted moisturizer in Sand ($42), which I liked, thinking that would be the end of my thwarted attempt to buy a new notebook at Duane Reade. But soon I was trying on other products. In a neighboring aisle, the Pür Minerals line caught my eye. Some of the blushes are shaped like bits of fruity pebbles cereal and come in the prettiest shades. I chose two solid blushes, blending one layer of Pür Minerals Copper Sienna blush ($16) across my cheekbones and then dabbing on a bit of the pink Roselite shade as well. Both shades work well solo, but I prefer them blended together. Not yet satisfied with my experimenting, I also dabbed on a touch of the Pür Minerals See No More pore minimizer serum ($23). The serum worked pretty well for a first try. Or at least, I felt my skin tighten a bit immediately.

I may return to have my skin analyzed by a computer that was recently installed in this Duane Reade, but I was pressed for time. Perhaps if I can catch one of those male models in line with a butterfly net, we can brave the great computer and discuss beauty products together...forever.

Missed you!

Pür Minerals Copper Sienna blush.

Pür Minerals See No More serum.

Don't Do It

While Eyeshadow Government salutes creativity, really don't ever let your right eyelid look like a tacky velvet art painting. Similarly, rocking chairs are made for porches, not painting on your face.

BAD TASTE: Makeup artist Katie Alves at work.

Ba humbug,
Charlotte

The Photographer's Muse: Top Beauty Products for Posing + Lanvin on Sale at Barneys

If you have places to go and people to see, surely an army of cell phone cameras follows you wherever you go. How doth one shine brighter than one's companions in a photograph? Here's a few tips.

Highlighters and Illuminators

Highlighters and illuminators create a subtle, healthy-looking sheen on your skin, perfect for one-upwomanship. You can apply Nars Illuminator in Laguna across your cheekbones, nose and forehead.  Also, Benefit Cosmetics Girl Meets Pearl Luminizer is another great pick for lookin' amazin'. When the camera clicks, you will be sure to sparkle.

The Perfect Red Lipstick

It's impossible to go unnoticed in a photo when you wear red lipstick. If you're feeling bold, Ellis Faas Creamy Lips L103 is a brilliant, true red. Or heat up the night with Tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint in Fiery. 

Ellis Faas in L103

Facebook-Friendly Foundation

Before you put on any makeup at all, prep your face with Nuxe Floral Toning Lotion. Then, to look like a total doll, apply Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover foundation. Blend thoroughly across your face and along your jawline. This rock 'n roll foundation covers up unevenness and blemishes like nobody's business. Who needs Photoshop?

Ready for Your Close-up

Once I read a movie star claim it's impossible to look intensely into a camera with both eyes at the same time. Try using one eye more than the other, and you might notice a difference.

Vanity Is Your Religion

If you followed all of Eyeshadow Government's advice and still don't love your photos, you can fix 'em right away. Aviary is a free web-based Photoshop tool for a little after-the-fact manipulation. Banish red eye, spots and perhaps last week's boyfriend with a click of the mouse. If only real life was that easy!


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SALES WE HEART
 
BARNEYS: There are 123 Lanvin women's items on sale on Barneys.com today and each piece is more divine than the next. My heart skips a beat just looking at 'em.

GILT: Today, J Brand jeans are going for roughly $79-99 a pop on the site. Did I mention they make your body look really "fine"? Do it. Gilt.com

BLOOM: The beauty / social media site offers 10% rewards back on everyday purchases. Bloom.com

SKINSTORE: 20% off on all purchases with the code G2G20. Skinstore.com