In Fiore Nourrit Complexe & Fleur Vibrante

I've recently stocked up on two of my favorite In Fiore products to protect my skin from the cold weather. The Nourrit Complexe Face Oil Concentre ($85) and the Fleur Vibrante Face Balm Concentre ($95) are two of my winter skincare weapons to keep dry skin at bay.

Nourrit Complexe is great as a first moisturizing layer after cleansing. It features jasmine, myrrh, frankincense, rosemary leaf, and rose oil to replenish and strengthen the skin. I use 3-5 drops and my skin just drinks it up during this time of the year. 

Whenever I use the gorgeously aromatic Fleur Vibrante my friends ask me what I'm using—it smells that good. After adding my serum I layer the Fleur Vibrante face balm for extra protection from the elements. I use it all over my face, even on my lips. This balm is one of my go-to skin savers and has accelerated healing from various irritations and rashes. 

Available at www.infiore.net

In Fiore Made in Japan

I'm already a big fan of In Fiore's body balms and face oils, but I got way excited when I first heard about the Made in Japan skincare line. The San Francisco-based beauty company teamed up with the prestigious Albion brand to create an ultra-luxurious six-piece collection. After premiering in Japan last year, it is now available stateside. 

Made in Japan combines In Fiore's use of precious floral essences with traditional Chinese plant pharmacology to create visible results. I'm smitten with the Raffermissant Fleur Essence Concentre ($125). This serum seems to smooth out my fine lines almost immediately after application and with subsequent use my skin looks way more vibrant. It contains ramanas flower (rosa rugosa), red algae, cucumber, sage and clove to boost collagen and reduce oxidative damage. As with all In Fiore products, it also smells plain amazing. The formula is 99% natural. 

The Energisant Oriental Cream Concentre ($225) is ideal for winter use, at least for me. It's too heavy for summertime but it's extra healing and rich for those who need it. Featuring Chinese litchi seed, osmanthus, hawthorn berry, iris root and jujuba fruit, the cream is inspired by the ancient Eight Treasures Tea elixir. This formula contains 85% natural ingredients. 

I also tried the Regenerant ($150) and Transparence ($130) botanical waters. These act like a toner and serum in one. The Transparence is ideal for those who want a light veil of hydration. Regenerant definitely has more skincare properties so it can easy act like a light moisturizer in itself. I'm so putting these on my beauty wish list!

The key players behind the Brillance Cleansing Balm ($135) consists of rice bran, sesame and camellia seed oils. No water is needed for this pre-cleansing step, but definitely follow up with your preferred cleanser. It will make your skin baby soft.

Last but not least, the cute Clarte Fleur Cleansing Bar ($55) is worth a splurge. The gentle bar soap is also small enough for travel. 

Available at www.infiore.net.

Nana Joes Granola

I always appreciate healthier snack options, so imagine my excitement when I learned about the vegan, certified gluten-free granola from Nana Joes. Based in San Francisco, founder Michelle Pusateri and her team make each small batch by hand. 

The grain-free Urban Blend ($11; 10oz) is an awesome blend of crispy coconut, chewy dried fruit, seeds and nuts. There is no refined sugar; the amount of organic maple syrup is just right, not too sweet. If you can't have oats in your diet, you need to try this.

For those who can tolerate oats, the Cluster Blend - Cashew & White Peach ($9; 14oz) is just delicious. It comes with little bites of unsweetened dried peaches, which you can mix into the granola or eat them straight from the packet. Like the Urban Blend, it has the perfect combo of spices to make it yummy without being too rich or heavy.

 Grain-free Urban Blend.

For portable convenience, there are granola bar options. I can see myself stashing several bars of the Swell Grain Free Bar ($3.50) whenever I'm traveling. It has a coconut base, almonds and cocoa nibs to give a boost of energy whenever you need it. The Big Wave Bar ($3.50) has crunchy bits of quinoa, mini chocolate chips, almond butter and cranberry. I don't normally like cranberry but these are infused with apple juice so it adds a hint of tartness. Both are available in a package of 6 or 12 bars ($20-40). 

Available at www.nanajoes.com.

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

Clarins Spring Beauty Preview

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Clarins media breakfast at the Four Seasons in San Francisco. I got a chance to catch up with my dear friend Natalie from Coquette while learning about the latest spring launches from the venerable Parisian beauty brand.

Image credit: Clarins

I got to check out the limited edition Face Contouring Palette ($42), which includes a blush, highlighter, and bronzer. Both the blush and bronzer are super pigmented and they won't fade for a long time, even without primer. The highlighter is a bit too muted for me but I like that it's not shimmery. You can read my reviews on the rest of their spring makeup here. 

 

The Hydra-Essentiel skincare line was also introduced, which I had covered back in January. We got a chance to try the refreshing Hydra-Essentiel Cooling Gel ($48), which is going to be a hit for summer. The soothing gel will be so comforting when temperatures hit the 90s. 

Last but not least, the new Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert ($70) seems like a great way to get in shape for summer. I've never tried anti-cellulite products before but I'll share results if I see any. 

There are a couple more new makeup items I'll be reviewing in the next month so stay tuned!

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

S4 Skincare Replenished Mask

S4 Skincare just introduced their new Replenished Mask ($84.50), which I think is great for cellular turnover. It features plant stem cell extracts, which co-founder Shelley Costantini sources from organically grown red clover, wheatgrass and broccoli. Super cool, right? I've also known Shelley for a long time and she's always spot on about all things related to skincare and beauty. 

This nutrient-dense mask is suitable for those with dry, reactive skin like mine. I was happily surprised that the lactic acid didn't irritate my face all that much. It only tingled a bit for 3 minutes—a major win for me. Since it contains fresh plant actives you will need to refrigerate it and use it up within a month. For best results you should also use the mask 2-3 times a week. 

As of today there's still a flash sale so it's $10 off the retail size (sample size is $5). There's also a free shipping code (MASK00) if you act quickly. 

Available at www.s4skincare.com. 

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

April in Paris Amelie Collection

I've been admiring Beatrice Amblard's work for many years and I used to peruse her luxurious leather goods whenever I was in the neighborhood. Her daughter, Amelie, is now continuing the legacy of her mother's artisan profession by introducing her own leather designs. 

Naomi Tote

The Amelie Collection consists of five basic designs, which include a backpack, tote, shoulder bags and a clutch. Hand-stitched and designed in their San Francisco atelier, each bag takes 20-35 hours to complete. The fun colorblock trio of orange, red and taupe will go so well with neutrals. The bright red is so gorgeous against the taupe!

Sienna shoulder bag

I love the Naomi Tote ($2,800). It's the perfect size if you're carrying a laptop and the tab closure keeps everything in place. If you're looking for a stylish bag for work, this one's it. The Sienna shoulder bag ($2,200) has a detachable strap and the simple geometric design keeps things fresh and modern.

For just a few more days, you can get 20% off any item from the Amelie Collection. Use the code Amelie2016 through August 1. 

To learn more and see more designs: aprilinparis.us. 

The 59th SF International Film Festival

I always look forward to the San Francisco International Film Festival (April 21-May 5) and this year's lineup doesn't disappoint. The Opening Night Film, Love & Friendship, stars Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny in a period comedy based on the Jane Austen novella Lady Susan. 

Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny in Whit Stillman's "Love & Friendship," playing at the 59th SF International Film Festival. (Courtesy of SF Film Society)

Here are a couple festival picks:

Journey to the Shore - A missing husband's ghost returns home to take his wife along a journey in Kiyoshi Kurosawa's supernatural drama. As Mizuki meets her husband's former colleagues and friends, each character deals with their own story of grief, loss and loneliness. A gorgeous and melancholy trek across Japan's peaceful landscapes, this meditative and wistful film deftly weaves magical elements with seemingly quotidian life in modern Japan.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "Journey to the Shore." (Courtesy of Sayuri Suzuki and SF Film Society)

Microbe and Gasoline - Michel Gondry fans will enjoy the whimsical teen road trip. The two young protagonists, Daniel and Theo, escape the stifling constraints of family and bullying peers by embarking on an ambitious trip across the backroads of France. The charming tale is a different spin on the classic coming-of-age story, delivering gentle lessons on life and a few adventures along the way. 

Michel Gondry's "Microbe and Gasoline." (Courtesy of SF Film Society)

For more info and tickets: www.sffs.org/sfiff59

Little Shop Artisan Box

Sometimes I get a little homesick, and when I do, I'm constantly craving treats from San Francisco. That's where Little Shop Artisan Box comes to the rescue. Founder Maricela Yee personally curates each Holiday Gourmet Foodie Box with goodies made by local food artisans, giving you a taste of the SF Bay Area culinary scene.

Vegan coconut caramels from Sweetdragon Baking Co.

You get to nosh on handmade products from Feve Chocolates, The Candy, Chromatic Coffee, Sweetdragon Baking Company, Her Coconess, Friend in Cheeses Jam Company, and Il Morso. I especially liked the vegan coconut caramels from Her Coconess and the pate de fruit from The Candy. 

Pate de fruit from The Candy.

You can get either gift box or basket for $52-$119. To order: www.littleshopartisanbox.com.

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

Autumn Chocolates from Recchiuti

There's always something wonderful to look forward to whenever Recchiuti Confections rolls out their holiday treats. The seasonal Citrus Box ($26; 9 pieces) is one of the best small batch collections I've tasted from the artisan chocolate brand.

It includes a marvelously delicate strawberry pate de fruit, which is layered with candied grapefruit peel. The lemon truffle is beyond exquisite; white chocolate honey ganache, black pepper and lemon peel paste come together to form a culinary revelation. Lastly, the aromatic orange truffle features 70% dark chocolate and candied orange peel. It's a bit more subdued than the lemon but is just as sophisticated. Get your box soon as this one will likely sell out before Thanksgiving.

The Whooligan Box ($21; 8 pieces) just launched this week. A Halloween favorite, these burnt caramel truffles bring a sweet start to the holiday season. You won't be able to resist these adorable owls, especially when you see them in person! The Whooligans are available through the end of the month.

The super limited edition Shiitake Caramels ($8; 4 pieces) are currently sold out online, but you might be able to score a box at the SF Ferry Building store. Partnering with Far West Fungi, the shiitake gives a subtle, earthy note to a buttery caramel base. 

To shop Recchiuti's autumn chocolates: www.recchiuti.com

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

The 58th SF International Film Festival

The 58th San Francisco International Film Festival (April 23 - May 7, 2015) is starting tomorrow, so plan ahead for this annual star-studded event. 181 films will be screened over the next two weeks, representing recent cinematic work from 46 countries.

Winona Ryder and Peter Sarsgaard in "Experimenter." (Photo credit: Jason Robinette. Courtesy of the SF Film Society.)

Opening with Alex Gibney’s documentary Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine, SFIFF will also showcase The End of the Tour, James Ponsoldt’s portrait of David Foster Wallace. Acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro will receive the Irving M. Levin Directing Award and the festival will close with Michael Almereyda’s Experimenter, starring Peter Sarsgaard and Winona Ryder.

Here are a few festival picks:

Bota - Iris Elezi and Thomas Logoreci's intimate look at modern Albania is haunted by the legacy of its Communist regime. Juli, Ben and Nora work together in a cafe located in a remote village. The quirky regulars add color and drama to an otherwise stagnant environment, which is already suffocating under the weight of the former dictatorship. The protagonists desire a better life, but each must deal with individual problems as they face an inscrutable future.  

"Bota," playing at the 58th San Francisco International Film Festival. (Courtesy of the SF Film Society.)

Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere (Dap cánh giua không trung) - Diep Hoang Nguyen’s provocative debut is an unflinchingly honest look at life in the slums of Hanoi. 17-year-old Huyen, a pregnant college student, struggles against a multitude of obstacles to obtain an abortion. Her irresponsible boyfriend tries to raise funds with illegal cockfighting but soon leaves town to evade debtors. Huyen's desperation quickly results in escort work and she falls for her client, further complicating her increasingly troubling situation.

A scene from "Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere." (Courtesy of the SF Film Society.)

Fidelio: Alice's Odyssey (Fidelio, l'odyssée d'Alice) - Set in a gritty backdrop of cargo ships, Lucie Borleteau's feature brings us the story of a female naval engineer as she navigates a love triangle. Alice is in love with her artist boyfriend but is having a tough time resisting her captain, all the while juggling a grueling career at sea. Independent and sexually confident, she firmly establishes her place in a macho, male-dominated world while examining her emotional and physical desires.

A scene from "Fidelio: Alice's Odyssey." (Courtesy of SF Film Society)

For more info and tickets: www.sffs.org/sfiff58