fragrancenet

LOVE it or Leave It?

The key to beauty is knowing when to take on a trend, and when to leave it on the runway:

LEAVE IT -- The spring runway's "bare face" was simply gorgeous!  We are all for fresh faces glowing with bronze skin and nude shades.  But no mascara?  No way.  That simply doesn't translate well on street...or even the beach.  Makeup artists reveal that eyes simply don't pop without mascara; even one coat of waterproof can help delicate lashes stand out.  And don't forget an eyelash curler!  It takes just one squeeze to boast uplifted fringe.


LOVE IT -- Finally, the antidote to maximal dressing is here!  Minimalist looks were prominent on the runways, and are key for spring/summer 2013.  Chic black and white looks appeared casual (by Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, and 3.1 Philip Lim) and glam (Oscar de la Renta, Valentino).  Prada is jumping onto the trend with a summer capsule collection of "breezy patterned dresses and accessories in the graphic color combination" now in stores.  No matter what your style, less is more this season!


LOVE IT -- While the thrill of a new scent is fantastic, we clamor for classic summer fragrances that take us back to summers' past.

*  Calypso Violette makes us reminisce about beach vacations, hearing the sounds of the ocean waves crash along the shore.  With an overall sweet floral bouquet, Violette captures the heady combination of rose hip, bergamot, and violet, followed by down-to-earth sensual base notes of sandalwood, tonka bean, and honey.

*  Burberry Summer captures the essence of summer's carefree nature, reminding us of afternoons lingering by the water and cool evenings with friends. Sweet, light, and fresh, Burberry Summer features florals like rose, waterlilly, and freesia, which are complemented by fruity notes of citrus and green apple.

*  Bulgari Green Tea, a unique blend of green tea extracts combined with jasmine, citrus, and rose, invokes incredible memories of summer travels.  Whether going to the Hamptons, Capri, or wherever your wanderlust takes you, this unisex scent will contribute to the joy you feel.

Heatless Hairstyles

When the weather gets warm, it’s time to say adios to styling tools. Face it, the idea of standing in a cramped bathroom and turning it into a sauna with the help of a blow-dryer just doesn’t sound like a good time. It’s easier to throw your hair up when its wet and head out the door, but a messy bun just doesn’t cut it at the office, and it’s not that cute. So what can you do? Find an easy to do style that requires no heat. Here are three options we tried in our office:

The Half Up, Half Down Ballerina Bun

Part your hair at just about ear level around the base of your head and sweep all of your hair back into a tight pony tail then secure it with an elastic. You can create a center part in your hair for a more editorial feel. Twist your ponytail around its base to form a tight small bun, secure this with either an additional thin elastic or a bobby pin.

The Topsy Turvy Pony

Create whatever part you want at your scalp and then tie your hair back into a low loose pony tail. Lower the elastic about a half an inch down your pony tail. Above the elastic, split your hair into two, then flip the actual tail portion up and through the split hole. Pull the pony to ensure the style is tight.

The Braided Top Knot

This look is the most time consuming and it might take you a few tries. Flip your head upside down and start to create a braid near the nape of your neck, gather more hair into the braiding strands as you work your way up. When you’ve braided to just above your ear level secure the braid with thin elastic. Spritz with hairspray to prevent any frizz, and use a bobby pin to keep down any lumps. You can either leave the look as a pony tail, or twist the pony into a tight bun. If desired you could use a sponge on the remaining hair to create a sock bun style on top.

Which of these styles will you try?

Astro Assets: Products that Predict Your Beautiful Future

Aries
You’re a shining example of what one can do when they put their mind to it, Aries, so others will be turning to you for guidance. We think the scent that best illuminates your gift is, of course, Radiance by Britney Spears.

Taurus
You have a clear conscience, Taurus, no matter what comes your way, so be sure to keep yourself clear of any doubts. One way to immerse yourself in this coherent mindset would be to get your hands all over Ole Henriksen Clarifying Body Wash.

Gemini
It’s time for you to take center stage at work, Gemini. You and your brilliance have been behind the scenes for too long now. So that you feel comfortable in the spotlight, we suggest applying some Smashbox High-Def Dual Finish Powder.

Cancer
You can handle anything, Cancer. You have dealt with a lot in the past, so there’s no need to worry about the future. Although, to keep your hair looking hue-thful it’s a good idea to employ the services of Joico Color Endure Leave-in Protectant Spray, just in case.

Leo
You’re fierce and fabulous, Leo – just as any lioness should be. But as of late you haven’t been feeling you’re brave-hearted best, so we suggest you pick a perfume that will inspire your greatness, and Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi definitely fits the bill!

Virgo
Get off that couch, Virgo, it’s time to get in the game. Start exercising, eating right and get ready to take on spring with new life. And speaking of getting things going, you can keep your peepers in check too, with a little help from Natura Bisse Stimul-eye Active Gel.

Libra
Change is good for you, Libra, so get ready to embrace some alterations in several aspects of your life. The best way to handle this? Keep calm, carry on and deal with any havoc head-on. Here’s where Cameleon Velvet Touch Makeup Palette works wonders (at least for your face).

Scorpio
You’re heading for new heights this spring, Scorpio, so be set for a little struggle that will bring some serious success. Having the strands that can handle any hairy situation is ideal, so brace for impact and boost their body with Amplify by Matrix Volumizing Shampoo System.

Sagittarius
You’re a superhero, Sagittarius, and don’t let anybody tell you different. You can achieve any goal you conceive, and we’d say the aroma that captures your awesome essence is obvious and easy – which means Power Puff Girls Flower Power, for sure.

Capricorn
Ok, sometimes you’ll go to any lengths to get what you want, Capricorn, and that’s cool. But often it’s just for your mind and not always making a major impact on your body. Here’s one way to face that challenge, by enlisting the assistance of Kinerase Extreme Face Lift.

Aquarius
Sometimes you go about things in a roundabout way, Aquarius. So you need to think about being direct and beefing up your boldness; it will do you good. You can start with puffing up your pout via Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Lipstick.

Pisces
Don’t be too serious right now, Pisces. You may rub people the wrong way and regret it later. Try to soften up a bit when dealing with underlings. Take a tip from your tresses, and try to be smooth and strong by using Chi Nourish Intense Hydrating Silk Hair Masque.