Aftelier Curious

Natural perfumer Mandy Aftel just launched Curious, her newest olfactory creation. Named after her Aftel Archive of Curious Scents, the latest Aftelier fragrance offers a special je ne sais quoi to the composition. 

Labeled as a smoky musk perfume, this unique scent reacts differently on each person's skin chemistry. I catch myself sniffing my wrists often as if expecting a new treasure. The light layer of tobacco and smoke shows restraint, adding intrigue without being overwhelming. Sweet hay and creamy Siam wood add wisps of sensuality without being flashy. Dirty orange and orange leaf brightens up and balances out the smoke and musk.

Credit: Joel Bernstein

If you're in the Bay Area, drop by the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents to see how Curious was constructed, note by note. Admission is $20 for a 1-hour visit, open each Saturday 11-6pm. Address: 1518-1/2 Walnut St. Berkeley, CA 94709.

Curious is available as an EDP and liquid perfume ($6-$180) at www.aftelier.com.

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

Younghee Essential Rinse

Despite using a shower filter and living in a place that has soft water, I can still feel some mineral buildup on my hair. Thankfully the Younghee Essential Rinse Purifying Scalp & Hair Toner changed that.

There are two formulas: Apple Cider Vinegar and Mint. I tried the vinegar, which removed mineral buildup perfectly. It's good for sensitive scalps as it contains rose, chamomile, lavender and calendula. It's also free of silicones, parabens, and sulfates.

I use it after shampooing; you can also use it alone on days you don't shampoo to refresh your hair. If you want to try it, you can request samples online and get 10% off your first order.

Available for $29 (4 fl oz) at www.essentialrinse.com.

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

Musgo Real

If you're procrastinating like I am, you're probably still wondering what to get Dad for Father's Day. Musgo Real has an extensive collection of men's grooming products that will definitely fit the bill. This special brand was launched in the 1930's and it's still a beloved brand in Portuguese households. 

Choose from four scent collections: Classic Scent, Orange Amber, Spiced Citrus, and Oak Moss. Each fragrance line offers a Cologne ($60), Shaving Cream ($22), Body Soap ($15) and Soap on a Rope ($25). 

The soaps are really excellent. Made with 100% vegetable oils and walnut extract, each one is handcrafted to perfection, ensuring a scent longevity that doesn't exist with many other brands.

Available at clausporto.com.

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

Eve Lom Kiss Mix Colour

Eve Lom just released a lovely trio of Kiss Mix Colour ($24) tinted lip balms. A new addition to the original clear formula, these are made with palmitic and amino acids to plump lips while beeswax soothe dry skin. Use it alone for a simple polished look, or layer under lipstick to enhance moisture and color saturation.

I got to check out Demure, a sheer pale pink and Cheeky, a bright cherry red. There's also Lippy, a nude shade that's flattering on most skin tones. If you want color, definitely get the Cheeky. The Demure is pretty sheer so that's ideal for beauty minimalists. 

Available at Space NK and Sephora. 

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

Kiehl's Grooming Solutions for Men

Just in time for Father's Day, Kiehl's launched a new Grooming Solutions line for men. The six-piece body and haircare collection features a beard grooming oil, body soap, styling gel, cream wax, texturizing clay, and a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. 

The Exfoliating Body Soap ($15, 7oz) contains jojoba seed powder and pumice to buff away rough skin while pracaxi oil conditions the skin. The light cedarwood and sandalwood fragrance makes it especially appealing.

The Texturizing Clay ($18) is made with Moroccan lava clay to let you style and define hair without weighing it down. The scent is barely noticeable so it's great for those who don't like strong fragrances. 

The Nourishing Shampoo + Conditioner ($8-$50) lets you skip the conditioning step. Free of sulfates and silicone, the gentle formula has arginine to nourish the scalp. 

If you order by June 12 you get free shipping and gift wrapping, so hurry on over to www.kiehls.com.

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

Endorfin Foods Chocolate

Based in Oakland, CA, Endorfin Foods specializes in organic dark chocolate that's made with unroasted, ethically-traded cacao. Blended with coconut milk, coconut sugar, spices, and essential oils, these dairy-free bars are ideal for vegan and paleo diets as well as anyone seeking a healthier confection. 

Because the cacao is not roasted, the antioxidants and flavor profile are present in each bite. It's not as smooth as regular chocolate, but it's definitely worth a taste if you have a gourmet sweet tooth.

I got to try three flavors. Ginger and rose are the stars of Passion (56% cacao). I love the warmth of ginger but thought the rose is too mild to stand out. Featuring SF's Ritual Roasters, Turkish Coffee (60% cacao) has fragrant cardamom to lift the lovely coffee notes. My favorite by far is Heirloom Nibs & Salt (72% cacao), which has heirloom Ecuadorian Arriba Nacional cacao nibs and Peruvian pink salt. The nibs and salt make this one extra tempting—there's a mild nuttiness that's hard to resist. 

Each bar is $6.75 (1.4 oz). Available at endorfinfoods.com.

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