Review & Swatches: Estée Lauder Fall 2009 Pure Color Eye Shadow Singles

Also new for Fall 2009, eight Pure Color Eyeshadow Singles will join the Estée family for a limited time. The four matte and four metallic shades reflect the hottest color trends of the fashion season and are totally buildable--allowing for complete personalization of wear. I found the pigments to be rich, and super long-lasting. Additionally, the glitters in the metallic shades stay put and don't leave glimmering residue all around the eyes, which I find to be a huge problem with many metallics.

Metallic Shades, from left to right: Aquamarine, Amber, Amethyst, Charcoal 

Matte Shades, from left to right: Forest, Granite, Aubergine, Nautical

Price: $17.50 each

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Estée Lauder Sumptuous Color Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara

These, limited edition, new-for-fall mascaras are essentially Estée Lauder's unprecedented Bold Volume formulation, pumped up with popping shades of rich, pearlized pigments. They apply smoothly with minimal clumping thanks to an ultra-light, mouse-like consistency and barely flaked after 8 hours of wear. Of course, Sapphire is my favorite, and all but the Emerald shade work with my skin tone and blue eyes.

Shades,  from left to right: Garnet, Sapphire, Emerald, Amber, Amethyst 

Price: $19.50 each

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NEW: Clinique Skin Supplies for Men Daily Eye Hydrator

They say men don't typically show signs of aging until their 30s--then in the blink of an eye, wrinkles start to appear. In order to help in growing men's trend of remaining everlastingly youthful, Clinique developed their all-new Daily Eye Hydrator with a cocktail of ingredients designed for de-aging, de-puffing, diminishing dark circles and protecting against future damage around the sensitive eye area. The gel formula is light, non-greasy and absorbs quickly, so there's no excuse not to use it, guys! 

Price: $20

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Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Concealer

Make Up For Ever's new HD Invisible Cover Concealer is an essential line addition to the second step of the brand's signature 3-step complexion program:  Prep, Cover, Finish.

 

HD Invisible Cover Concealer is specially formulated for the HD age by meeting the constraints of HD imagery while also being an everyday, natural looking concealer. Oil-free & lightweight, this liquid formula features four standout ingredients than ensure flawless coverage:  

• Extremely Fine Highly Concentrated Pigments wrapped in Amino Acids not only appear  

invisible on skin but stay atop the outer layer of skin, rather than sinking into pores  (which can highlight lines rather than hide them).   

• Sericite Mica reflects and refracts light to give a “soft focus” effect to the delicate skin 

under eyes.     

• Fucogel is used to boost skin’s hydration by repairing the balance of water and retaining 

moisture throughout the day.   

• Silocone Elastomeric Powder gently fills in lines and wrinkles to create a smooth 

undereye surface  

 

HD Invisible Cover Concealer is available in 14 shades, is conveniently portable, and equipped with a unique, built-in applicator made of flexible silicone that allows for precise application.  

Price: $28.00 

Availability:   Exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com

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Review: Anokha Lotus Flower & Rosewater Toner

I'm such a sucker for pretty packaging, yet I'm often disappointed with what lies within those superior exteriors. When I first saw Anokha Lotus Flower & Rosewater Toner, I was drawn to its sleek bottle with minimalist details. Inside, I found a gentle, refreshing toner formulated with pure ingredients like water distilled from the essence of rose petals, extracts of the lotus flower, burdock root and gotu kola plant. It's also free of parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil and artificial fragrances and colors.

How it works: Rosewater and burdock root soothe inflammation and redness while providing an effective astringent effect.  Lotus flower stimulates circulation to the skin while gotu kola provides overall rejuvenation.

Price: $22

Available for purchase at anokhaskincare.com

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Chanel Introduces: ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT

This new, high tech anti-aging formula from Chanel was formulated based on TENSIN, a critical protein, naturally abundant in young skin, that anchors and connects cells to the skin’s dermal network. Scientists at Chanel discovered an exclusive, powerful ingredient targeted to stimulate the production of this age-defying protein that provides a lifted, firmed and tones appearance.

ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT naturally firms and lifts skin from within. Collagen and elastin synthesis is intensified, supporting and fortifying skin’s newly reconnected network. Suitable for all skin types, new ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT measurably enhances skin’s appearance as facial contours are redefined and skin achieves a visibly toned and revitalized look. The uncompromising quality of CHANEL turns research into results.

THE LEGENDARY RESTORATIVE POWERS OF THE ELEMI TREE

With its ethnobotanical approach, CHANEL searches for the natural ingredients in legendary plants known to heal skin from within. Indigenous to Luzon, a remote island in the Pacific Seas, the Manila elemi tree was selected by CHANEL Research for its renowned powers to heal skin in traditional Chinese medicine. The tree, which lifts itself to soaring heights of up to 190 feet, secretes a resin so potent that the tree will heal itself with absolutely no visible traces of injury.

PURIFIED TO ITS MOST POTENT ESSENCE: ELEMI PFA

CHANEL has created a specific process — Polyfractioning — to isolate the most powerful ingredients of a plant. Through a series of sophisticated and masterfully orchestrated steps, the purest, most active molecules are selected. Through this course of action, CHANEL was able to create elemi PFA, an exclusive, powerful ingredient that improves skin firmness.

THE YOUTHFUL BEAUTY OF SKIN THAT APPEARS LIFTED

This pure, powerful and polyfractioned ingredient, elemi PFA, showcases exceptional abilities, specially for ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT. Boosting the production of tensin, elemi PFA enables cells to re-bond to the skin’s dermal network. With energy newly circulating between cells, they can function fully once again. Collagen synthesis is given a powerful boost and the mesh of skin tissues becomes tighter. Through the restructuring effect of ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT, skin looks denser, more toned, stronger. Facial contours appear lifted and redefined. Revitalized, your face is virtually defying time. Luxurious textures, rich and silky, are scented with a delicate floral bouquet, heightened by crisp green notes. 

ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT Sculpting Firming Concentrate 5.0 oz. $165.00

ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT Lifting Firming Day Fluid SPF15 1.7 oz. $150.00

ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF15 1.7 oz. $150.00

ULTRA CORRECTION LIFT Lifting Firming Night Cream 1.7 oz. $165.00

On counter: September 2009

Available at www.CHANEL.com, select CHANEL boutiques and department stores.

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Makeup Artist Kimara Ahnert: tips for taking a foolproof picture

Translating your makeup look from real life to pictures can be quite the difficult task. Luckily, premiere New York Makeup Artist Kimara Ahnert shares insider tips on how to look your very best in photos. 

Make Eyes POP!

 

To make eyes really stand out, line the inside rim with a white pencil.  Apply an iridescent shadow to the inner corners of the eye lid and dust the rest of the lid as well

 

Great camera eyes are created using shimmering shades of champagne, neutral, gold and copper.  The sheen shows off the sparkle within the eyes and creates the most impact, helping you to look beautiful, not painted

 

Always use mascara. Plump natural lashes by adding individual false eyelashes on the corners of your eyes and within your natural lash line

 

Even, Conceal and Contour

 

To reduce redness in the skin, apply a powder bronzer to the entire face. This will neutralize the redness and even out skin tone

 

To instantly contour the face, use a fan brush to sweep bronzer along the cheekbones, nose and jaw-line.  This will draw attention away from any redness or other flaw such as a large nose, and will accentuate the shape of the face

 

Use a cream-based blush on the ball of the cheek to create a flushed, "pinched cheek" look; even using your lipstick will help

 

Under eye concealers should be painted on with a concealer or foundation brush.  The best formula to use is a stick foundation for strongest and longest lasting coverage. Another great trick is to use an illuminating concealer to not only hide circles but brighten the entire eye area in one step

 

Create Fuller Lips

 

To maximize your smile, brush lips with a toothbrush to exfoliate and create a fuller pout.  Then line lips outside of the natural lip-line, fill with your favorite lipstick and dab a pearlized gloss to the center of the lip for added “VaVoom”

 

To create shape, dab a shimmer eye shadow very subtly just over the top lip before lining to create the perfect “cupid’s bow”

 

LIP GLOSS ADVISORY – glossy lips are very sexy, but always use a gloss with color so you have definition with shine – it’s not as much about what color as what texture you choose

 

Troubleshooting and Bonus Tips

 

Cover a Big Zit - Start by painting on a cream foundation stick or dermablend to conceal.  Then set the concealer with a foundation powder using a make-up sponge.  If it’s a dry and flaky blemish, use Vaseline prior to using concealer; this will prevent it from getting cakey

 

Instantly Shrink your Nose - Contour the sides of your nose with a bronzer using a fan brush and highlight the bridge with a good concealer

 

Highlight - Powder highlighters work well to add shimmer and reflectiveness to your look.  Apply to the top of cheek bones, temples, décolletage and shoulders 

 

Color Code - No matter what, always have a pop of color somewhere – blush, lip or eyeshadow color

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Seen: Becks buying CREED

David Beckham was spotted at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills on Monday buying CREED's new scent, Acqua Fiorentina for his "posh" wife, Victoria. The fruity-floral scent was inspired by 15th century Florence, Italy and is is hand made with flowers and fruits from the orchards and gardens around Florence. 

Top Note: Greengage plum 

Heart: Renaissance roses, pink carnations, vivid bergamot and Calabrian lemon 

Base Notes: Virginia cedar & Indian sandalwood

Becks also purchased CREED Tabarome, Original Santal and Silver Mountain Water for himself.

CREED Acqua Fiorentina for women is available exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and their websites and is $130 for one ounce. 

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M∙A∙C Make-Up Art Cosmetics. A Video.

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Check this out: Estée Lauder Virtual Makeover Widget

Estée Lauder introduces the first-ever branded makeup widget of its kind, which allows online customers see how makeup products will look on their own faces before buying! GENIUS!

 

Available on www.EsteeLauder.com/LetsPlayMakeover  or the Estée Lauder official Facebook page, download the Estée Lauder Virtual Makeover Widget to your desktop or social media page and upload your own photo. Then just choose from Estee Lauder's vast array of makeup choices and create endless possibilities – from foundation and lipstick to your best blush, eyeliner, and more!

 

The state-of-the-art technology enables users to play with the Estée Lauder makeup collection, customize looks product by product or instantly apply ‘One Click Looks’ from current advertising campaigns and new color collections.  From the shimmer of an eyeshadow to the wet shine of a lipgloss, online shoppers can now realistically visualize and experience the Estée Lauder makeup line.

Will you try it??

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Benefit Matterial Girl: Free Shipping with Purchase

Matterial Girl is an all-new, mattifying loose powder by benefit. Use it as setting powder, and keep skin shine-free and foundation in place with just one light dusting! Plus, from now 8/25/09, you can get FREE shipping on your entire order with the purchase of Matterial Girl. Just Enter the code MATTGIRL at checkout. Click here for more awesome offers from Benefit, including up to 50% off select summer products!

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Giveaway: Stila 8-Piece 'Best of Stila' Ulta-mate Set

Once again, I'm teaming up with BeautyTicket.com to bring y'all an amazing giveaway. Stila is one of my most favorite brands, and I'll be giving away one Best of Stila Ulta-mate Set courtesy of Beautyticket.com. The limited-edition kit includes full sizes of the Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer, Major Lash Mascara in Black, 4 Eyeshadows (Kitten, Go Lightly, Wheat and Mystic), Lip Glaze in ULTAmate Pink and a deluxe size of Convertible Color in Peony. Good Luck!

And don't forget, Beauty Buzzed Readers will receive an extra 10% off already reduced items at BeautyTicket.com through October 1, 2009. Just enter the code BEAUTYBUZZED at checkout!

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Review: Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner

I'm the first to admit that I am borderline obsessed with having perfect skin, and ever since my teen years, I've been searching for a product that would make those pores on my nose disappear for good. I tried the Biore strips, kaolin masks--anything and everything I could get my hands on, and none of it ever made much of a difference.  Needless to say, I was super-excited when the NEW Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner showed up on my doorstep. 

Formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, silicone dioxide and eijitsu rose, this treatment was created to helps loosen blackheads while absorbing excess oil from pores. After just one application, I noticed a significant difference, and now after almost a month of twice weekly use, my nose is virtually poreless, and always shine-free! It's so easy to use too--just apply a thin layer to areas of concern, leave on 5 to 10 minutes until dry and product turns light blue. Then, rinse with warm water and pat dry. $45, drbrandtskincare.com

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M∙A∙C COLOURVIEW, AUTUMN/WINTER 09 TRENDS

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Estee Lauder Introduces Sensuous Gold Fall Color Collection

A warm mix of limited edition, luminous shades designed to complement the upcoming cooler months, Sensuous Gold creates of soft veil of Gold Tones for skin, eyes, lips and nails.

Signature Eyeshadow Quads in new, limited palettes of Rose Gold and Rose Amethyst feature a unique hammered gold texture and have been sprayed with a multi-dimensional pearl for a luxurious “crystallized” effect that delivers luxurious buildable color to eyes. Whether it is a soft, subtle look or more dramatic effect you wish to achieve, the Signature Eyeshadow Quads make it easy, enabling you to mix, match and blend each of the four eyeshadow tablets to expertly create the look you want.

Add a beautiful veil of high shine and multi-dimensional effects to lips with New, Limited Edition Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Gold and Rose Amethyst. This sensuous, high shine, emollient gloss features three tones of semi-precious color in one elegant package, which when opened, combine together into one perfect shimmering shade that can be applied alone or over lipstick for a sensual lip look.

Like the silky, soft feel of fine lingerie, Estee Lauder’s Signature Lipstick in NEW, Limited Edition, sensuous shades of Cinnamon, Terracotta, Rose Amethyst and Plum Amethyst, glides onto lips with exceptional moisture and shine. Packaged in a contemporary new rose gold color fluted case, the lipstick features a multi-dimensional pearl overlay for an added touch of shimmering illumination.

Complete the Sensuous Gold look with nails perfectly polished in NEW, Limited Edition shades of Rose Gold and Black Amethyst, and leave a lasting impression with Sensuous, a warm, inviting, woody amber fragrance that captures the many facets that make today’s woman so complex and fascinating.

The complete collection includes:
Signature 5-Tone Shimmer Powder for Eyes, Cheeks, Face in Pink Shimmer and Bronze Shimmer*, $36
Gilded Rose Marbleized Shimmer Powder*,$36
Sumptuous Mascara in Black, $19.50
Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Rose Gold, $35
Double Wear Eye Pencil in Bronze,$19
Signature Lipstick in Cinnamon, $19.50
Signature Lipstick in Plum Terracotta, $19.50
Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Gold, $18
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Rose Gold, $18
Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Rose Amethyst, $35
Double Wear Eye Pencil in Black Plum, $19
Signature Lipstick in Rose Amethyst, $19.50
Signature Lipstick in Plum Amethyst, $19.50
Pure Color Multi-Shimmer Gloss in Rose Amethyst, $18
Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Black Amethyst, $18
*Available starting September 2009
All may be purchased at Estee Lauder Counters nationwide or online at www.esteelauder.com 

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Get 50% off bliss softening socks!!

Please tell me you have these, and if not, get some, NOW! They are completely amazing, I promise, and also on sale for 50% off! Sweet deal. Slather on your favorite skin cream, wear the socks for as long as you want and your previously rough & wretched feet will be totally transformed!

Get 50% off bliss softening socks with a footwear purchase at blissworld.com. Enter code SOCKS at checkout. Offer ends 08.16.09.

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Got $4.50? Try PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Conditioning Hair Mask

Seriously, if you have a spare $5 bill laying around, and are looking for a simple beauty pleasure, spend it on PLANET SPA Mediterranean Olive Oil Conditioning Hair Mask from Avon. It's a top-rated product with consistent scores of 4.9 out of 5 stars! Just click on the image to order!

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Review: Sampar Prodigal Pen

I've been singing this product's praises for  a while via Twitter and since this handy-dandy blemish fighter just worked its mystical magic on me yet again today, I decided to give it the proper review that it truly deserves.

A French import that's quickly becoming an American favorite, the Prodigal Pen is a purifying & perfecting product, which uses eight natural essential oils (lavender, sage, savory, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, oregano and clove) to treat and prevent blemishes and blackheads. At just 2.5 inches in size and thinner in circumference than a tube of lipstick, Prodigal Pen is portable enough to take anywhere--because you never know when a pesky pimple might pop up. I applied the soothing, spa-smelling blend twice this morning, and now at nearly 4 p.m., my zit has been officially zapped. It's really that simple! And, unlike harsh chemical-based treatments, Sampar's unique formula won't ever irritate or over-dry even the most sensitive skin. As an added benefit, Prodigal Pen's antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities also work to soothe insect bites and razor burn, too! $21

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Today Only: Free Lipstick at Prescriptives.com

Spend your lunch hour shopping online at Prescriptives.com. On all orders of $50+ placed between  12 p.m. and 3 p.m., you'll receive a FREE, full size  Colorscope Lipstick in Dusty Rose ($17.50 value) and FREE shipping. Just enter the code LUNCHTIME at checkout. Happy Shopping!

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Repurchases: the beauty stuff I buy again & again

I've received a few emails asking me about products that I actually buy. I've been a beauty journalist for 10 years, so I am a bit spoiled by abundant samples, but there ARE prodcts that I do buy, and am never without. This is the first blog post of many in which I will reveal my repurcahses. 

1. Maybelline New York Pure Stay Powder Foundation

This has been my go-to powder for about 5 years now. It evens out my skin without looking cakey or unnatural, contains essential SPF 15 and never clogs my pores. It has long-lasting staying power with minimal touchups necessary--even in the super-humid South Florida heat. Sometimes I apply it with the sponge that comes with, and other times I use a big, fluffy powder brush for super light coverage. 

2. NARS Blush in Deep Throat

I love a good glow, and Deep Throat is the perfect peach shimmer for my skin tone. Unlike the uber-popular Orgasm shade, which is more pink, Deep Throat blends with my skin seamlessly and never looks forced, fake or unnatural.

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils

The creamy, waterproof formula is so easy to apply, plus it's totally blendable to create any type of look, from fine, precise lines to smudgy and smoky. I've built up quite a large collection of these pencils with my favs being "Baked", "Rockstar" and "Zero".

4. Stila Eyeshadow in Kitten

A few months back, when it was rumored that Stila might close it's beautiful doors, I completely panicked. Kitten, a shimmering nude with a hint of pink, is my daytime lid shade. When used over the entire lid, it brightens up the eye with natural appeal, plus it's also great as a browbone highlighter. A Kitten trick I learned long ago? Apply wet for a liquid shine look that's totally dazzling.

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Free Gift + Free Shipping at Bliss!

Get free shipping + a gift at blissworld.com! Enter promo code YOUTH89 at checkout. This offer is valid August 7th through August 15th.

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Product Pick of the Day: Global Goddess Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment

An ingredient and scent that I truly could not live with out, coconut, is just one of those feel-good, smell-great, essentials in my beauty world. The awesome aroma reminds me of so many fond times--my first pina colada, my first trip to the caribbean, and my Bahamian wedding in 2007. As Global Goddess’s top selling product,  Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment takes away tress stress and revitalizes lack luster locks.

Key Ingredients:

Amla Extract – rejuvenates

Avocado Oil – moisturizes scalp

Coconut Oil – nourishes

Grape Seed Oil – protects

Henna – adds volume and shine

Neem Oil – soothes scalp

The Global Goddess Shine Coconut Amla Revitalizing Hair Treatment is priced at $42 and is available at Dillard’s locations nationwide as well as www.globalgoddessbeauty.com

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BeautyTicket.com : the newest place to shop beauty online

Have you discovered BeautyTicket.com yet? If not, you must check it out ASAP. You'll find premium brands like Stila, YSL, Smashbox, Sue Devitt, etc. at up to 85% off! Prices and brands change often, so be sure to visit the site daily! BeautyTicket.com is also offering Beauty Buzzed readers an additional 10% discount through October 1, 2009.  Happy Shopping!

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Chanel Introduces: ROUGE ALLURE LAQUE Luminous Satin Lip Lacquer

Another legendary Chanel product, Rouge Allure, has been incarnated once again. A liquid lip color originally inspired by the legendary lacquered Coromandel screens in Mademoiselle’s rue Cambon apartment, this updated version features an elegant case, a perfectly precise applicator, intense color, and patent-like shine. The texture is creamy and the coverage is full.

Available in eight shades: Santal (Nude), Ming (Nude Rose), Phoenix (Candy Pink), Mandarin (Coral), Dynastie (Pink), Coromandel (Red), Dragon (True Red), Imperial (Deep Rose).

On Counters: October 2009

Price: $32

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Product pick of the day: benefit velvet eyeshadow

These velvet eyeshadows glide on light as a feather & the gorgeous shades look fabulous on everyone! Glide on bare lids for a dose of sheer, velvety color or layer over creaseless cream shadows for even richer color.

Click on the image for more info.

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Free Gift at Bliss!

Get a 'bliss the love handler' cream with a $100 or more purchase at blissworld.com. Remember to enter promo code FREELUV at checkout. This offer is valid August 2nd through August 9th.

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Scents of Summer...

Happy August! Can you believe summer is already halfway over? I know I live in the land of forever sunny & steamy, but there's just something about the months of July & August that make summer weather that much more special. In honor of my favorite season, I thought I'd share some of my favorite seasonally-scented products with y'all. 

Lilly Pulitzer Beachy

Watermelon, Citrus, Marine Air Accord, Jasmine, Tiare Flower, Frangipani, Salt Crystals, Amber and Vanilla mix together to create the essence of  Palm Beach, my home. It's not just a place, it is a state of mind. $48

Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Soy Candle

Let the sweet scent of ripe guava and bright pomelo whisk you away to a paradisical escape, even as Fall's leaves begin to change. This candle burns for 100 tropical hours. $16

Philosophy Coconut Frosting 

Revel in the classic aroma of sunscreen with a super-moisturizing dessert for your skin. The essence of pure coconut will take you far, far away. Might as well put one of those little paper umbrellas in your drink, too. $20

Kahala by Demeter Fragrance Library

Sea salt and pacific ocean essence is captured within, and it doesn't get any more simple or perfectly summer than this. $20

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