The weather has been hit or miss here in the New York City area - 70 degrees one day and freezing snow the next - but it is still officially Springtime!
So, without further ado, here is my first 55 Favorites list for 2007 beginning the way I always do - avec la beauté.
Beauty
11. Global Goddess Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment.
You may have noticed one of my Marvelous links for Nirali magazine. It's an online magazine aimed at South Asian American and Canadian women. I forgot what I was looking for when I found it, but I love it. It's where I discovered Shalini Vadhera, a makeup artist with a positively intoxicating line of makeup and beauty products. Tia Williams mentioned the hair treatment a few weeks ago and since I am the biggest sucker for new hair products - and I trust Tia's taste - I'm going to give it a shot the next time I re-do my braids.
My blog buddy Afrobella recently gushed about Philosophy's Supernatural collection, especially 10. The Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas, an amazing powder that provides sheer yet powerful coverage and even SPF protection. I just bought a brand new batch of my trusty Prescriptives, but I am going to take Afrobella up on her glowing recommendation along with yet another Tia Williams recommendation, The Supernatural Airbrushed Color Correctors in Dark
. I am sure that both ladies are right on the money.
9. Benefit Cosmetics 10 - I was immediately impressed with the instant glow I got from this glamorous duo of pink and bronze powders. You're supposed to lightly sweep the brush so the pink powder is on one half and the bronze is on the other - and that works out great. But I simply ran the brush over the whole dang thing, swept it over my eyes and cheeks and went on my way. Sexy sweep indeed.
8. Boots No.7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator and 7. Boots No. 7 Radiant Glow Lotion - Boots, a London institution, has arrived in the U.S. in that most American of institutions - Tar-jhay. I can't wait to finally try their products, especially the micro-dermabrasion exfoliator.
6. Emergency 911 Leave-In Conditioner (Extra Dry Formula) This is an old standby for me. I used it when my hair was relaxed and it is very moisturizing on my natural hair as well. I like to use it right after I shampoo and I spray it on my braids every morning.
5. Oiseau Lip Balms - I told you about their soaps last week and their lip balms are just as fabulous. I am pretty partial to the Peachy Sheen lip balm, but the Strawberries with Cream runs a close second.
4. Nars The Multiple in Palm Beach and St. Barts - These are both long-time favorites for me. It's a cream-to-powder multi-purpose makeup stick for your eyes, cheeks and lips. I have had people stop me to ask what I use when I wear it, especially the Palm Beach, so I take that as a good sign.
3. La Mer - The Radiant Infusion (top) - Creme de la Mer is the truth my friends. There is a reason it has had cult status for decades. La Mer - The Radiant Infusion is due in April and it is designed to be used just before your moisturizer to minimize pores, guard against discoloration and make your skin glow beyond belief.
2. Donna Karan Gold Eau de Parfum Spray - I love bold florals when it comes to fragrance, so Donna Karan's latest has been really calling me. There are touches of amber, white clove and East Indian patchouli, but the white Casablanca Lily is the star of the show here. Robert Lee Morris collaborated with Donna to create the stunning bottle using metal in his jewelry to create the elegant armored gold metal sleeve.
1. Essie Nail Polish in Antique Rose - If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? You just can't go wrong with Essie. I'm going for Jackie Oh My (left) on my fingers and, along with the Antique Rose, Bing-o-Cherry
on my toes.
Can't Filmfest will make an occasional appearance as well.
