Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Pure

Velvet Pure, a new fragrance released by Dolce & Gabbana, is a fresh floral blend that celebrates the reseda flower. Also called mignonette, reseda is a highly fragrant herbaceous plant that grows in the Mediterranean region.

The Italian luxury fashion house designed Velvet Pure as an homage to the art of traditional perfumery. Other notes include galbanum, jasmine, cistus labdanum, fig leaf, narcissus, jonquille, North African neroli, geranium, Haitian vetiver, and orris butter.

While marketed as a unisex perfume, this is definitely an airy, bright floral. However, the fresh green notes will allow any confident man to pull this off with success. Either way, it's a pretty scent that will appeal to those who love sweet and herbal notes.

Available in a 50ml (1.6 oz) bottle for $230 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

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

Function of Beauty Haircare

My friend Natalie recommended Function of Beauty's haircare and I was so glad I tried it. The customizable haircare line lets you tailor everything from formula to scent to shampoo color. You can also personalize your order by having your name printed on the bottles. How fun is that?

I took their hair quiz to pick a formula based on my concerns (color protection, hydration, etc.) The ordering process is easy and the price is much more affordable than many premium haircare brands. For instance, a set of 8 oz shampoo and 8 oz conditioner is $26. Free shipping is included. 

I liked how the shampoo gets my hair clean without stripping my hair. It feels soft and healthy even before using conditioner. The conditioner is pretty weightless so it doesn't leave a residue, which I love. I selected white tea jasmine as the fragrance, which wasn't strong or overwhelming at all—it's just right for me as I'm sensitive to certain scents. All Function of Beauty products are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan. It's also vegan-friendly and gluten-free.

Curious? Get $5 off by purchasing via www.functionofbeauty.com/?ref=57CF3797D9C86

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

Memento Mori by Aftelier

Aftelier's newest perfume, Memento Mori, is an unusual one. Mandy Aftel is stretching her creative genius by creating this deeply personal interpretation of a beloved's scent.

Notes of butter, beta-ionone and orris conjure the ephemeral saltiness of one's skin. Turkish rose plays a pivotal role in retelling this love story, but it's the civet, ambreine, patchouli and ambergris that add a warm muskiness. Exotic yet familiar, Memento Mori has a strong sillage, allowing the wearer to cherish the happy memories for just a bit longer. 

Available in a 1 oz eau de parfum spray ($180) and 1/4 oz liquid perfume ($180) at www.aftelier.com. 

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

Clarins Supra Volume Mascara

The Supra Volume Mascara ($27), the latest mascara from Clarins, is a solid one. It includes cassie flower wax, panthenol, and carnauba wax to condition lashes and boost volume. There's no clumping and you only need two coats to create flirty lashes. It's weightless and goes on smoothly, and is quite easy to clean off with cleanser or makeup remover. 

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

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

Rouge Dior Couture Colour Lipsticks

The new Rouge Dior Couture Colour Lipsticks ($35) offer something for every lippie addict. Whether you want something bold or neutral, you get to pick from 50 gorgeous shades (35 satin, 15 matte). Each one is formulated with hyaluronic acid and mango butter to plump and hydrate the lips. 

I tried shades 060 Premiere, 414 Saint Germain, and 555 Dolce Vita. Premiere is a pretty mauve pink while Saint Germain is a delicate pink nude. My favorite is Dolce Vita, a warm nude with hints of red and brown—it's absolutely perfect for fall and flattering on many skin tones. 

Rouge Dior 060 Premiere

Rouge Dior 414 Saint Germain555 Dolce Vita

Available at www.dior.com. 

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

True Botanicals Hydrating Cleanser and Nutrient Mist

True Botanicals (formerly True Nature Botanicals) recently revamped their brand identity as well as creating many new skincare products. As for the existing formulas, each one has a new name but they're all just as awesome as before.

I tried the new Hydrating Cleanser, CALM ($16-$48) and Nutrient Mist, CALM ($16-$48). Both are available in 1 oz travel sizes and are tailored for sensitive skin. The cleanser does a great job of removing makeup and sunscreen without irritating my skin, which has been regularly prone to redness during hot weather. Aloe vera, green tea seed oil, helichrysum and German chamomile come together to banish dry, flaky and reactive skin. 

The Nutrient Mist smells so lovely, instantly soothing my fussy complexion. Blue chamomile, algae oil and avena oat extract contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties to repair and calm compromised skin. I definitely need to keep a bottle of this around at all times!

Another product I love is the new Polishing Grains ($44). Made with adzuki bean, rosehip seed, oat flour, kaolin clay and rice powder, this is one of the most natural exfoliating products you can find. You can customize your cleansing routine by using 1 shake for a gentle exfoliation, or 2-3 for a more intense cleanse. You can also use this with any cleanser. 

Available at truebotanicals.com.

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