Take a Page From the French

The other day in the Strand bookstore, I found a title called "The French Way of Beauty" by Linda Dannenberg. This book from the Seventies is packed with little secrets, makeup tips and hair ideas from French spas and salons. While I found some of the material to be outdated or bizarre (do any of you see a manicurist who rubs your hand with mink oil?), there were some quality gems from Catherine Deneuve's makeup artist and hairdressers who worked with Yves Saint Laurent and princesses and such. (Stay tuned for weekly tips and ideas from this book.)

This hair look from page 108 is so "you" for spring. Note the French called anything that involved twisting the hair a "chignon," but I would call this a front bun.  If you want to be very edgy, you can pin brown or cream dyed silk ribbons at the nape of your neck, and incorporate the ribbon into your hair and the bun as well. 

Totally Obsessed: Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil

As your summer vacation is probably still many weeks away, try this potion on for size.  I am in love with the new limited edition Bobbi Brown Shimmering Fragrance Oil ($34, BobbiBrown.com). Scented with Bobbi Brown's signature fragrance Beach, this oil smells like sand and ocean all the while hydrating your skin. A little goes on a long way too. Spritz a little to make your skin glitter like the sea at sunset.

XOXO!

What's Hot at the Shiseido Counter at Bloomingdale's

I popped by Bloomingdale's in New York yesterday and at the Shiseido counter, spring is in full bloom.

Eyeshadows in Techno Gold, Purple Dawn and Moss.

Shimmering green cream eyeshadow in Moss will make you look as cute as a cricket chirping. This item is selling fast. Use just a little dab and blend the cream across your eyelids for an instantly pretty, youthful look.

Another must-have is Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eyeshadow in Techno Gold. Be Cleopatra-esque! You can apply this shadow on your eyes to dress up a simple outfit, like a white t-shirt and jeans, or a feminine pastel dress.

Meanwhile, Shimmering Cream Eyeshadow in Purple Dawn would be great with a dark navy or yellow dress. Don't be afraid to try contrasting colors for a high fashion look!

For the lips, Shiseido Shimmering Rouge lipstick in Iced Rose (RS 312) is delicious. This beautiful sorbet-colored lipstick is flying out the door.

Spring Ahead

On a cool spring morning, wear these cute zippered floral laser cut gloves ($50, Topshop)...

And shell pink eye shadow ($8, The Body Shop)...

Slip on your favorite jeans and rainboots (Hunter Original, $125 on Piperlime)  for traipsing in damp, grassy fields...

Warmer days are around the corner!

XOXO,
Charlotte