February 2, 2018
Everything is coming up roses with Diptyque's latest launches, traveling with makeup has never been so fun, Foreo's new device is out of this world and scents that don't require spritzing.
Everything is coming up roses
I’ve never met a Diptyque product I didn’t like, whether a candle, hand cream or the car air-freshener that I’ve been eyeing for quite a while. The latest launch, a limited-edition collection of rose-tinged scents for the hair, body and home are no exception, and naturally they’ve arrived just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Since my perfume tray is full (for the moment), I’m somewhat obsessed with the Eau Rose Hair Mist. First, have you ever seen anything prettier? Second, this rose-with-a-spicy-twist is just what I need to keep my hair smelling fresh between Pilates classes and shampoos. Third, it’s enriched with camellia oil so it protects and smooths your strands as it imparts its sublime scent.
Since I’m vehemently against actual roses on Valentine’s Day (biggest rip-off ever), perhaps I should send my husband a link to this post so I can enjoy the sweet scent of one of my favorite flowers for many months to come.
An easier, neater way to pack your products
I always say I’m not going to check a bag when I fly—but then I start packing my toiletries. As hard as I try to stick to small TSA-approved carry-on sizes, there’s inevitably at least one product that can’t be decanted. This one product then serves as the gateway to bringing more full-size products that usually wind up in a Ziploc bag sandwiched between my clothing (which, for the record, is well-organized in packing cubes). Not so chic—or neat—in a hotel bathroom. Hence, my ongoing crusade to find the perfect product-packing accessories.
With two back-to-back trips coming up in March, this problem is at top of mind. Then I laid my eyes on Orgo—and I started to relax a little. Similar to packing cubes, these lightweight expandable cases corral skincare, makeup, accessories or just about anything else you want to take with you. Interior compartments prevent everything from rattling around, small pockets contain stuff you’re likely to lose at the bottom of a traditional makeup case, and perhaps the best part is the “slider” that lets you lay the whole Orgo out across a sink when the vanity is too small or nonexistent.
Available in black (with or without contrasting trim) and a bevy of prints, there’s an Orgo for every member of the family. And if you’re a wife, girlfriend, SO or mom who’s charged with packing (and unpacking) for everyone—or just a neak freak—you absolutely won’t want to leave home without this.
This new device is out of this world
Earlier this month, the Consumer Electronics Show (CEW) gave us a sneak peek at what 2018 has in store, at least in terms of gadgets and gizmos. From robots and virtual assistants to smart-devices galore, there was no shortage of exciting products especially in the realm of beauty. Amongst the innovations that received the most buzz was Foreo’s new UFO Smart Mask, and at-home facials may never be the same.
Billed as the world’s first “smart mask” for professional-grade DIY treatments, this device will change the sheet-mask game by cutting wear time down to just 90 seconds. (Imagine what you can do with all the extra time!) The UFO does this by using heat to enhance ingredient penetration—and adds three LED options for anti-aging, brightening and anti-acne benefits. The device itself offers three pre-programmed settings with different temperatures and levels of pulsation designed to work with two specially designed microfiber sheet masks that are infused with botanical extracts, oils and natural flower water.
The “Make My Day” mask serves up hyaluronic acid, red algae and pollution protection while the “Call It A Night” mask nourishes and revitalizes the skin with ginseng and olive oil—and the Foreo app keeps you up to date about additional mask options coming down the pike, lets you reorder with just a few taps and customize your UFO’s settings for a more personalized experience that meets your skin’s needs at a given time.
With an entry-level model priced at $179 and a full-feature model for $279, these devices are decidedly more expensive than traditional sheet masks you can find at the drugstore for less than $5, but I have a feeling this is going to be a big hit. And if you’re the early adopter type, you can snag one for significantly less before the product actually launches by contributing to the Kickstarter campaign.
So what say you? Do you want a UFO?
Fresh new ways to wear fragrance
My name is Paige, and I’m a perfume addict. I have about 30 bottles that rotate between my display tray in my bathroom and a cabinet in my office, generally based on season. If that’s not enough, I decant all of them into travel-sized atomizers and label them so I can take my scent of the day with me even if I’m only going to work out. I also have a monthly Olfactif subscription that introduces me to new fragrances that I’d never otherwise “meet,” and I’ve found more than a few of my favorites this way.
My most recent acquisitions have been Juliette Has A Gun’s Not A Perfume (I finally broke down and bought a full-size bottle after blowing through a miniature one in record time) and Byredo’s Gypsy Water perfume oil (purchased with a Net-A-Porter gift card my bestie gave me for my birthday)—which made me take notice of all the new non-spray options that I’ve seen popping up lately. Here, a few of the standouts…
With these brush-on perfumed powders you literally dust yourself rather than dousing yourself. Though only available in Bal d’Afrique, Blanche and Gypsy Water (which happen to be Byredo’s most popular), these perfectly portable scents are wonderful for travel and touch-ups on the go. I wouldn’t use these as my base scent for the entire day since they’re not super-fragrant, but they’re certainly a fun way to freshen up (and a lot more affordable than even the smallest Byredo bottle).
Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrushes
We all have a favorite Jo Malone scent (mine is Tuberose), and the nose behind the eponymous brand that she sold to Esteé Lauder is back with another line that takes fragrance innovation to a new level. Case in point: Jo Loves’ range of brush-on gel-based scents that you paint on your pulse points to smell fresh and absolutely fabulous.
These little bullets are bursting with fragrance—and there’s zero chance of spillage and 100-percent chance someone will stop you and ask what you’re wearing. Available in 12 of Le Labo’s signature scents (Santal 33 is mine), this perfume slips seamlessly into your pocket so you can have it on you at all times. They’re also refillable and easier on the wallet than the actual juices.
A whole new type of hair-stying product
When trying a new hairstyle, it can take a bit of trial and error to get your products straight. I’ve been rocking a volumized slicked-back look since my first “real” haircut last month, and while I’ve managed to keep my strands in place with a sh*tload of hairspray, I’ve known all along that there had to be a better way. Alas, I was right thanks for L’Anza’s Healing Style Air Paste.
Part styling paste (which is awesome for imparing both long-lasting texture and hold) and part hairspray that you have to shake before spraying, this aerosol is exactly what I needed to keep my hair from falling flat. It also helps me use less product before I even blowdry, in turn minimizing greasiness the next day.
While I’m super-thrilled I finally have the styling solution I’ve been looking for, it can also be used on wet hair before drying and styling, and giving that a whirl is on my to-do list for sure! Stay tuned for updates…