On a rare off day, I ventured on down to meet up with the SKAGEN DENMARK team to take a gander at what’s new for spring and what to expect for autumn.
Skagen Denmark – men’s
For the uninitiated, SKAGEN DENMARK is a Danish lifestyle brand that offers high quality products at an affordable price point. You probably know them for their watches – simple yet refined. They’re classic pieces that aren’t definied by trends while at the same time remaining quite modern. While they may be known for watches, I fell head over heels over the jewelry collection.
For Autumn/Winter 2013, the brand’s Perspektiv collection features a new take on Danish design through flawless, delicate details and innovative materials. Gorgeous pendants that have a hint of sparkle when it hits the light allow for interchangeable necklaces (you pick between a soft leather or steel chain. Along with the pendants were beautiful rose gold rings which – admittedly – captured my heart and will be mine come Fall.
As with jewelry, the women’s Perspektiv watch collection is pretty neat and consists of high-quality genuine leather straps in pebble grey, dark brown, camel and burgundy. The watches are slim but not too delicate. The Klassik collection (the watches you see above towards the left) are just that – classic pieces by the brand.
In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, the NET-A-PORTER beauty launch was one that had beauty girls everywhere buzzing. Home to some of the world’s most premier fashion brands, NET-A-PORTER’s foray into beauty means we get access to some brands we know, love, and may even crave due to exclusivity. The site is always refreshing with new items and brands so it’s only natural to check in once a week to see what’s new. Your wallet may not agree, but when does that ever matter
I’ve been stalking the site anxious to make my first order and have narrowed it down to the following:
Chantecaille Lip Chic in Rose Délice: a deep fuchsia shade that has the rich coverage of lipstick, with the plumping effects and shine of a gloss.
KORA Organics by Miranda Kerr Exfoliating Cream: This is exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.COM which only ups the want factor in my book. Formulated with tiny Oat Flour and Bamboo granules, this product buffs away dead cells. It’s perfect for the coming summer season (if it actually ever decide to arrive in NYC)
Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil: oh, Tata Harper. I fell in love with her face serum a few months back and the scent alone relaxed me. I love a good body oil so this is one I’m itching to try. With 14 active natural ingredients this product infuses the skin with botanical nutrients to hydrate skin.
Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow in Liquifuchsia: I typically stay away from cream blushes because I have oily skin but this is making me reconsider. This bold fuchsia cream blush is the perfect pop of color one needs in the warmer months. Added bonus: dab it on lips for a two for one beauty product. You know I love a twofer.
Guys, the weather situation is stress inducing. One day it’s cold, the next it’s hot. Even on the days when it’s hot, the temperature will drop at, like, 6pm and my BARE legs are freezing. I’m in a perpetual state of confusion – in MAY- and all I want is for it to end. Yesterday I ended up at a Too Faced Cosmetics event that temporarily relieved me from this stress with pink and white decor (the key true to my heart) that seemed like a real-life version of a certain somebody’s Pinterest board. There were pretty drinks in mason jars, beauty products galore and, more importantly, mini-foods.
I mean…
We were there to fête the brands extensive bronzer collection (seriously something for everyone) as well as a few other products. A sneak peek at a couple of the products I received…
Bronzed & Poreless: a pore perfecting bronzer that’s infused with the same ingredients that made the brand’s Primed & Poreless (primer) famous. The bronzer claims to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and imperfections. It’s also filled with Vitamins A, C, & E (antioxidants), Mulberry Extract for brightening and is fragrance and oil free.
Endless Summer – 16 Hour Long Wear Bronzer: 16 hours is a long time – and a hefty claim from a brand! I’m curious to see how this lasts and will definitely report back from the trenches. The brand has an exclusive “Double Bond” formula that combines staying power technology with long wear pigments. It’s also said to be good for contouring but I do wish it came in a darker shade for us darker skin women
Sweet Sun Shines Lip Gloss: I seriously haven’t looked at lip gloss seriously since I’ve dedicated my life to lipstick (deep, whoa) BUT I did fall in love with these guys, especially Papaya Slushie which is a gorgeous orange shade. It looks neon in the tube but fear not, it imparts a hint of color and the shimmer isn’t intense. It’s lightweight, non sticky, and lasted a solid two hours (my coffee and allergies prevented it from staying any longer). These are great for summer when lipstick is too much and you’re looking for something that’s quick but pretty. Perfect for the beach!
Et voilà! My brief moment with summer. It definitely makes going back to reality a little bit better when your makeup is as fun as this. There will be more reviews to come but I just had to share the cuteness provided by Too Faced.
Too Faced Cosmetics are available at Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s and online friends. Go get ‘em!
I’m a great believer in beauty products that save time and clear up space in your makeup bag – not that I EVER have space because I’m also a great believer in packing for the what ifs in life. Like what if I get invited to a last minute dinner with Prince Harry and need to change up my makeup? OBVIOUSLY it requires me carrying a full bottle of foundation, eye shadows, five different lipsticks, two blushes, a highlighter, two concealers, and a set of brushes, right?
I’ll spare you the details of my excessive makeup bag and focus on something that is intended to making your life easier while providing a flush of color. Created exclusively for Sephora and available now are blush and bronzer duos from NARS that pairs Laguna Bronzer with one of four best-selling cheek shades (Desire, Oasis, Orgasm, and Deep Throat)
aren’t they pretty?
Pictured above are three of the four and I’m pretty sure we all know which one I’m in love with. It’s a suprise to absolutely no one that the Desire / Laguna combo is my clear favorite. Desire is one of my many favorite blushes by NARS as it’s a bright pink blush that leaves a slight baby doll flush on my brown skin.
Deep Throat (sheer pink) and Oasis (pinky champagne) round out the two above with the fourth duo consisting of the cult classic Orgasm.
The duos are available at Sephora for $41 (cheaper than buying them separately).
For some people, doing good seems to come natural. It’s inherently part of their DNA and any chance to give back is taken. One such woman whom I’ve admired for that reason alone is designer Rachel Roy, who has over the years raised awareness and funds to support Ghana, Haiti, and Japan.
Last year during her travels to India (a trip Rachel called “emotional”), she worked with local artisans to create the FEED India bag.
The best part of the initiative is that each FEED India bag ($78) sold will provide 100 meals to hungry school children in India. I’ve been a longtime supporter of FEED because each collaboration is beyond looking cute for a cause. It’s about helping to fight hunger and eliminate malnutrition throughout the world. The FEED India bag is available in two colors online, so hop to it!
Event alert! If you’re in the NYC area, Rachel and Lauren Bush (founder of FEED Projects) are going to be at Bloomingdale’s on 59th for a special shopping event. Details below!