5 Fragrances Every Woman Should Have in Her Collection

Posted by Eautalk on Thu, 06/23/2016 - 3:35 PM

In an ideal world, all women would own a bottle of Chanel No. 5. In 1921, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel tasked perfumer Ernest Beaux with creating a fragrance that would define women. Nearly 100 years later, Chanel No. 5 remains the top-selling perfume in the world. Why is it called Chanel No. 5? Because it took Beaux five attempts to get it just the way Coco Chanel wanted it.

Chanel No. 5 has been the fragrance choice of many celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Nicole Kidman. The notes that make up this famous fragrance include aldehydes, bergamot, lemon, neroli and ylang-ylang; a heart of jasmine, rose, lily of the valley and iris; with a base of vetiver, sandalwood, vanilla, amber and patchouli.

Just four years after the release of Chanel No. 5 came Jacques Guerlain's now famous Shalimar, another fragrance every woman should own. Shalimar is said to be inspired by an Emperor's love for a woman he met in the Gardens of Shalimar and the Taj Mahal he later built for her. Shalimar is nothing if it's not the epitome of an exotic oriental fragrance, complete with sweet, floral notes of jasmine, iris, rose and vanilla.

Yves Saint Laurent's Opium came to fruition in 1977 turning traditionally light fragrances on their head. This opulent fragrance, with its bold and sensual blend of mandarin, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla and patchouli, became one of the all-time best sellers in fragrance. The marketing campaign for Opium was just as intriguing, if not a little risque, given its comparison to the "fatal ecstasy" of falling in love.

Sugar and spice and everything nice. That's Thierry Mugler's Angel perfume. Relatively new compared to the classics like Chanel No.5 and Shalimar, Angel became a staple of the 1990s as a fun, flirty gourmand fragrance. Its near edible notes of bergamot, vanilla, chocolate and caramel make Angel a tempting, delectable delight.

This list of must-have fragrances would not be complete without a little love for Calvin Klein. The first designer to purposefully create a unisex fragrance, Calvin Klein released CK One in 1994 in one of the biggest fragrance launch campaigns in history. CK One came to represent androgyny and was fronted by a waifish Kate Moss. It was instantly popular and still is today.

Ready, Set, Sun! It’s Time to Get Prepared to Meet the Heat!

Posted by Eautalk on Mon, 06/20/2016 - 8:00 PM

Ready, set, sun! It’s time to get prepared to meet the heat!

Sunscreen - Now that we’ve climbed over the Memorial Day hump, it’s safe to say that summer is officially here. And with those barbeques, pool parties and music festivals on the horizon, comes long hours spent under the sun. Choosing products with an SPF content of 30 or more is a start.  But don’t forget about other exposed parts of your body….like your lips.

Makeup - Some days, it’s just too hot and humid for a full face of makeup, so brighten up your face with a tinted moisturizer (with SPF of course)

Hair – Tame the mane with a leave in conditioner and use a clarifying shampoo

Feet - Rock a pair of open-toed shoes like it’s nobody’s business with softening foot cream

Skin - Between sweat, dirt and makeup, the summer season really does take a toll on our skin. So, if you want to bring a squeaky clean to your complexion try cleansing wipes to get rid of pollutants

Fragrance - Summer is a time to get away, to feel relaxed, refreshed and renewed. Treat yourself to a new tantalizing fragrance to help set the summer mood. From crisp summer linens to the irresistible smell of the Mediterranean, from the smell of the ocean to the taste of the tropics – now’s the time to switch it up!

Eyes – Waterproof your liner, mascara and concealer for sweat-proof beauty

Nails – Nothing says summer like a great mani.  Unfortunately, chlorine and salt water can make your nails brittle.  Make sure you moisturize them as you would your skin!

Diet – Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  Not only by drinking water, but fruits are “in” season – eat, enjoy and reap the benefits!

Clothing – Heading out for a day in the sun – try wearing a rash guard or SPF sun shirt.  Stylish yet safe! 

The Best Hair Products for Curly Hair

Posted by Eautalk on Mon, 06/20/2016 - 3:30 PM

When it comes to perfecting your curls, we know it can take an arsenal of products to control frizz and define your texture so we're here to help. Depending on what type of curls you have, you'll need to whip up a curly hair cocktail. Here are some of our favorite hair products for curly hair.

First off, find a shampoo and conditioner that is free of sulfates. Why? The presence of sulfates is bad for hair in general but it’s especially harmful for us curly girls as it can strip the hair of its natural moisture and make it coarser. Chi's Curl Preserve Shampoo and Treatment is a low pH duo that cleanses, strengthens and protects while balancing hair's moisture level to create well-defined, frizz free curls with incredible shine.

After you’re done giving your scalp a thorough cleanse, you’ll want to help it retain moisture. Applying a leave-in conditioner and a hair serum will help fight frizz and preserve your precious strands. If you’ve got thicker, drier hair, don’t be afraid to use a lot of product here, curly hair tends to absorb these easily. If your hair is thinner, try to use these products sparingly and start by running them through the underside of your hair, then apply to the ends of your strands, and the remainder to the roots to avoid any excessive buildup. The Living Proof Curl Leave-In Conditioner mixed with TIGI's Catwalk Curlesque Defining Serum is a great combo for any type of hair.

What product you mix into your routine next will depend on the type of effect you want. You can get smooth touchable locks with the help of a curl crème mixed with a curling lotion. These formulas are light and will keep your hair from “crunching.” Bumble and Bumble's Curl Defining Creme will help to create a really defined look that’s touchably soft. If you're opting for something with more definition and a stronger hold, try a light defining gel like DevaCurl's Curl Light Defining Gel.

What kind of curly hair cocktail are you most likely to rock this summer? Do you have a favorite product? Let us know in the comments below!