Clarins Joli Rouge & Black Fall Makeup

Clarins is keeping things slightly minimalist with their fall 2018 Joli Rouge & Black makeup collection. The eyes only get black eyeliner and mascara so the focus is all on the lips. 

If you like the ombre look then you'll love the Joli Rouge Gradation two-toned lipsticks ($30). The formula boasts up to 6 hours of hydration while the creamy texture keeps lips soft and comfy. Available in three pretty color duos: 801 Coral Gradation (coral with papaya), 802 Red Gradation (red with rose nude), and 803 Plum Gradation (plum with deep red). The plum duo is perfect for fall! 

Get effortless lash line definition with the limited edition Waterproof Gel Eyeliner ($28). Highly pigmented with carbon, it stays transfer-proof for up to 12 hours. This gel eyeliner also comes with a mini liner brush to keep things sharp and defined. 

And, the beloved Supra Volume Mascara ($28) is back with a cute design packaging. It contains cassie flower wax to keep lashes soft and protected. 

Available at all Clarins counters and at www.clarinsusa.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Esqido Gel Eyeliner

False lash expert Esqido just launched their new Gel Eyeliner, which is available in both black and brown shades.

I love the color payoff and the creamy formula doesn't skip or tug on the eyelids. It's also waterproof and rub-proof but it removes easily with an oil cleanser. Each eyeliner pencil comes with a tiny pull-out sharpener at the end of the pencil—super convenient!

Available for $10 each for a limited time ($16 regular price) at esqido.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Clarins Water Lip Stain

Clarins is always on-trend with their makeup products. This time they've launched the Water Lip Stain ($28), which is available in four shades: Rose Water, Red Water, Orange Water and Violet Water.

Clarins Water Lip Stain in Rose Water.

Featuring organic raspberry water, organic aloe vera, and an anti-pollution complex made of succory dock-cress, white tea, and furcellaria, the matte texture stays kiss-proof for hours. The water gel formula feels very light and fresh; you can barely feel it on your lips! You can also let it dry out a bit and apply another layer for a darker wash of color. 

Water Lip Stain in Violet Water.

A small amount goes a long way so you only need to dab on a little bit of product. The tube is going to last a long time, even with frequent use. I love the little brush applicator as it feels like I'm using a tiny watercolor brush to paint my lips. 

Clarins Water Lip Stain in Red Water.Water Lip Stain in Orange Water.

Available at www.clarinsusa.com and all Clarins counters. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Eminence Wildflower Collection

Celebrating the bounty of summer, Eminence just launched the Wildflower Collection. Designed for all skin types, the two-piece collection features the healing benefits of European wildflowers. 

The Wildflower Cleansing Balm ($52) transforms into a cleansing oil for a double cleanse regimen. Elderflower, cornflower, linden flower and poppy seed oil provide antioxidants and essential fatty acids to protect and rejuvenate the face. You can also emulsify it with water to turn it into a light cleansing milk. Either way, it will leave the skin extremely soft, clean, and hydrated. 

The Wildflower Ultralight Oil ($56) is a lovely body oil for summertime use. Evening primrose, primula, and echinacea oils come together to nourish the entire body. It has a beautifully light floral scent and its dry oil texture soaks into the skin instantly. It's also quite versatile so you can use it to condition cuticles and tame frizzy hair. 

For spa retailers, go to eminenceorganics.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Aftel Archive of Curious Scents

Last Saturday I was invited to visit Mandy Aftel's amazing little Aftel Archive of Curious Scents in Berkeley. A labor of love between Mandy and her husband Foster, this museum took them three years to build and complete. 

Photo credit: Joel Bernstein

This beautiful archive is a special opportunity to see, touch, and smell Mandy's personal collection of antique perfume essences, raw materials, and rare perfumery books. It has taken her thirty years to collect these precious treasures, so we're extremely lucky that she has decided to share them with the public. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and generosity on this topic are boundless.  

Photo credit: Joel BernsteinThere are a lot of fabulous discoveries: an ambergris display; an interactive breakdown of her Curious perfume notes; a custom-built perfume organ that contains over 200 botanical absolutes. You'll get to taste some chocolate that's flavored with your choice of Chef's Essences. As a parting gift you'll also get to choose three letterpress scent strips to take home.

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, I highly suggest you visit this lovely museum. If you're a perfume lover, this is definitely a must-see. 

Image credit: Joel Bernstein

The Aftel Archive of Curious Scents is open each Saturday from 10am-6pm. Admission is $20 for a 1-hour visit. Tickets and more info are available at www.aftelier.com.

For editorial consideration, a press visit was provided by the brand.

Eve Lom Radiance Face Mist

Now that it's summer, it's more important than ever to keep your skin hydrated. Thanks to the new Eve Lom Radiance Face Mist, maintaining a dewy complexion is super easy. 

Made with Bulgarian rose otto oil, the luxurious mist increases moisture levels by 80% upon application. Used twice daily, it can firm up skin in 4 weeks. Micro algae, wild indigo, magnesium, zinc and copper are included to keep skin calm, hydrated and protected against environmental stress. I like to keep it at my desk so I can mist whenever I can, and the elegant rose otto scent is so lovely and uplifting.

Available for $45 (1.6 fl oz) at www.evelom.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

In Fiore Sauvetage Serum & Lumiere Complexe

I am pretty excited to see In Fiore launching two new skincare products from their Made in Japan line. Partnering with Albion, these two items will ensure your skin will be in great shape this summer. 

The Lumiere Complexe Face Oil Concentre ($115) is a lightweight brightening oil that is used for strengthening the skin barrier as well as fighting natural and artificial radiation. I've been in the sun a lot lately and I feel this keeps my complexion bright and even. I layer this under sunscreen along with their Soleil Fleur Before Sun Treatment. 

Featuring freshwater blue-green algae from Kyushu Island, the Sauvetage Care Serum Concentre ($110) is designed as an intensive ten-day treatment. When you're on this protocol you don't need to use other serums, oils or moisturizers. You can also use it as a spot treatment for acne or alternate it with your regular serum whenever you need some extra TLC. My skin looks so much better the day after I use this. It's perfect for reviving your skin whenever it shows signs of stress, blemishes or fatigue. 

Available at www.infiore.net. 

Aftelier Patchouli Spice Body Oil & Hair Elixir

Last week I received a lovely gift from Mandy Aftel of Aftelier Perfumes. I've always enjoyed her Face Elixirs but I've never tried the gorgeous Patchouli Spice Body Oil & Hair Elixir before. Antique patchouli, black pepper and nutmeg come together perfectly to beguile the senses. 

This sensual body oil made me want to indulge in a plate of warm spice cookies. I don't think I've ever had a body oil make me crave sweets in such a visceral, immediate manner. The fragrance is just that amazing. 

As usual I couldn't stop smelling my arms after massaging it into my skin. The jojoba and coconut oil base makes it non-greasy and a pleasure to use. You can also use this to condition and scent your hair as the oil won't weigh it down.  

Available for $50 (100ml) at www.aftelier.com.

Clarins Sunkissed Summer Makeup

The Clarins Sunkissed summer makeup collection is here and I can't wait to use it during the next few months. As usual, there are a few items that are worth trying.

The limited edition Bronzing Compact ($42) is always something to look forward to—this year's version has a festive pink flamingo and palm tree motif. All three shades can blend together for a very natural sun-kissed effect without screaming dark bronzer. Black crowberry, camellia, acacia senegal, and succory dock-cress are infused into the powder for protection from environmental pollution.

After a successful launch of their first 4-Colour All-in-One Pen ($32) last year, Clarins came up with a fun summer version. The limited edition stylo comes with four versatile shades (black, turquoise, purple, pink) for both eyes and lips, making it a must-have for every occasion. Black acacia and sunflower wax give a smooth, gliding texture so application is a breeze.

Who could resist the popular Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil ($26), especially when it's in the new 08 Blackberry shade? Hazelnut seed, acai palm, and organic jojoba soothe the lips while giving a sheer plum tint. And, this lip oil just smells amazing. 

Available at all Clarins counters and www.clarinsusa.com. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Eve Lom Radiance Lift Cream

Treat Mom with something luxe for Mothers Day by gifting her the Eve Lom Radiance Lift Cream. Made with oat kernel, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this cream will lift and firm skin while increasing elasticity. Rosehip, raspberry and carrot oils are also added to protect skin against oxidative stress. 

Lightly scented with Bulgarian rose otto, it sinks in quickly and is suitable for sensitive skin. It's the ideal day cream as it forms a smooth base for applying makeup and sunscreen. 

Available for $72 (35 ml) at Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. 

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.