Hiram Green Vetiver

I was so pleased to learn about Vetiver, the latest creation from natural perfumer Hiram Green. Evoking the spirit of Hollywood's golden era, the fragrance represents something that a sophisticated, urbane leading man might wear. The image of a dapper, witty Cary Grant immediately came to my mind.

Spicy, woody, and a touch smoky, the unisex scent starts off with citrus and sweet ginger, but soon features vetiver, its star ingredient. Two varietals from Haiti and Java were used, which is a clever move in my book; the blend adds an intoxicating but not overwhelming result. Cedarwood and ambrette seed give it a gentle finish, which makes this perfume all the more special.

A spritz of Vetiver and I suddenly feel like Lauren Bacall or Katherine Hepburn in a sleek silk gown. I'm already a vetiver lover in general, so I could be a bit biased; nevertheless, this might be one of my favorites from his entire line.

Available in a 50ml EDP bottle (€155, free sample included) at hiramgreen.com. Free worldwide shipping on purchases over €40. 

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

True Botanicals Chebula Serum

Looking for a new serum? Check out the True Botanicals Chebula Active Immunity Serum, the newest product from the Bay Area skincare brand. Its star ingredient is chebula, an anti-inflammatory plant native to South Asia.

Chebula contains 60% of bioactive antioxidants, while most other fruit sources contain only 10%. Elderberry, echinacea and ginger are added to boost anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. An optimal combination of low and high weight hyaluronic acid is included to lock in hydration.

 

This serum absorbs easily into my skin and there's no sticky residue. After two weeks my skin texture feels noticeably silkier. I use half a dropper and it's more than enough. I also use less face oil, which is what I typically layer on to lock in more moisture. It's an essential product if you want to maintain radiance and suppleness.

Available at TrueBotanicals.com for $90 (1 fl oz). If you're not ready to commit you can try their deluxe sample size for $18 (0.2 fl oz).

This post contains affiliate links; I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

True Botanicals Chebula Serum Preview

True Botanicals launched an exciting new product today. The Chebula Active Immunity Serum features chebula, a plant that's native to South Asia. It's the first time a skincare company has utilized this potent ingredient and it's supposed to correct the top five sings of aging.

According to True Botanicals, chebula is one of the most bioactive antioxidants. 60% of chebula is bioactive, while most fruit sources are around 10%. The super high percentage of bioactive chebulinic and chebulagic acids can easily penetrate upper levels of the skin and intercept oxidative stress before it can trigger inflammation -- a root cause of skin aging.

I'll be reviewing this serum soon, so stay tuned! If you absolutely can't wait, you can buy it here.

This post contains affiliate links; I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Clarins recently sent me their bestselling Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch makeup primer to try. It features acacia micro pearls, which help blur lines and absorb excess skin oil. Vitamin E is included to add hydration and protection against free radicals. 

It creates a super smooth surface and won't dry your skin out. It also absorbed skin oil quite well. You can use it alone for a minimalist look, layer lightly under makeup, or mix with your foundation. You don't need a ton of product to see results so the jar should last a long time! 

 

Available for $39 (0.5 oz) at www.clarinsusa.com.

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

Clarins Shimmer & Shine Holiday 2018 Makeup

Clarins makes it easy to look polished for the holidays, which is a relief if you have a busy social calendar. The limited edition Shimmer & Shine collection consists of only three products. 

A few swipes of the Illuminating Sculpting Powder ($40) will add a beautiful glow to your cheeks and decollete. This pale gold pressed powder is the perfect finishing touch for any festive occasion. 

The new Red Berry Glam shade of the ever-popular Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil ($26) is just so pretty. The shimmery red gloss is the perfect color to brighten any complexion. You'll be ready for anything if you keep this in your makeup bag. 

Your lashes also get a gilded makeover with the Gold Mascara Top Coat ($28). Dab it on the lash tips or apply it over your mascara (or by itself) for a flashier look! 

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

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

SK-II Overnight Miracle Mask

If you've neglected your skin this past summer, it's time to give it some love. SK-II just launched their Overnight Miracle Mask, which features their signature ingredient Pitera and sleeping tree extract. This leave-on nighttime gel mask is designed to make your skin look smooth, nourished and bright. 

After cleansing, apply a layer of the mask; do not rinse and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash your face as usual and continue with your daytime regimen.

It comes in a set of six masks, but I found that each portion has enough product for at least two applications. I woke up with noticeably softer skin and felt that my skincare sunk in better in the morning. 

Available for $105 (6 masks) at www.sk-ii.com.

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

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.