Finally!  Here they are, one of the first looks at the Degree Women Natureffects new body mists and deoderants in their new scents.  I told you a few days ago about the new fragrant combinations created by Ann Gotleib, now you can enjoy them yourselves as well.

Beauty on a Budget – that’s what Degree Natureffects has for all of us.  Beauty in scent and protection and at a budget price of only $3.99 retail!   These fresh new scents were created to release your “Outdoorphins”.   Now that Winter is waning and Spring is knocking on our doors, these new scents make me anxious for Spring. 

Avaialable at retailers nationwide.

Are you ready to add a touch of beauty to your home?  These flowers are the 3rd of the senses to pique my (our) interests.   Instead of actual touch – it’s the figurative of the word touch this time.   There’s actually nothing more wonderful than to add nature to the inside of your home -especially in the dreary, winter days.

The flowers represent some of the elements in the new Degree Women Natureffects line, with olive leaf, orange flower, honeysuckle and tea tree oil.   The new Natureffects line was designed by world-renowned fragrance expert Ann Gottlieb – “the nose” behind some of the most successful and prestigious fragrances.  I can finally divulge to you what are some of the scent combinations in the products:

• Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil
• Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper
• Orange Flower & Cranberry

These lovely 3 scents will have a retail price of only $3.99 for body mist and deoderant. 

A survey by Degree Women found that 88% of those being surveyed agreed that bringing nature into their homes lowers stress and makes them happier.   I’m going to add that I think the same applies for bringing nature into your office too – because isn’t that where we spend most hours of the day anyway?   I know all these elements of the new Degree Women line is really making me anxious to give them a try!  How about you?

I’ve put together my list of “Best of 2009″ products after going through many blog posts and my bathroom and makeup bag(s).   The list consists of products that I continually use and like love, and restock my supply when out.     They are in no particular order, not all are new to 2009, but they are my personal “Best of 2009″

High End Fragrances  – By Kilian Fragrances.    Originally a perfumer for such names as Armani, Dior and others, Kilian Hennessy then started his own fragrance line “By Kilian”.  It was originally released with seven and now an eighth fragrance has been added to the collection.   Based on love and seduction these fragrances are full bodied, rich fragrances for men and women.   The bottle is so beautiful to a man or woman with the tooled leather detail and it is refillable.   Around $225.

Fragrances - Lisa Hoffman Beauty Variations.  I know you’ve heard me sing the praises of Lisa Hoffman’s products and now you can add the Variations Fragrances to the list of things I can’t quit talking about with this line!     Japanese Agarwood scent is one of my favorite in the line as it’s not too sweet, nor is it too manly.   It’s a scent my sensitive nose loves.   Shown at top is the wonderful packaging concept for these fragrances (there are 5 scents to choose from) which are labeled Morning, Daytime, Evening and Bedtime.  These essential oils have different blends of the fragrance to satisfy a woman’s olfactory senses throughout the day.   Brilliant!  $95 for the leather case and oils, and the case is refillable.   If you like a more feminine fragrance, the Tunisian Neroli is beautiful as well.   (I haven’t smelled the others to compare)   The Madagascar Orchid and Japanese Agarwood scents are available in this limited edition 2-Vial set in recycled plastic case (shown in photo 2 & 3).  $43.

Exfoliant – Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - pure skin care excellence!   I use this once or twice a week and a little dab of the green magic goes a long way.  This fruit enzyme exfoliated removes dead skin in just 30 to 60 seconds flat and leaves your skin baby bottom soft.   If you have sensitive skin, there is a formula for that, but my “tender” skin can tolerate the regular version because it is on for such a short period of time.   ExfoliKate is beloved by beauty bloggers everywhere!   $85, but it lasts for about 6 months.  I have bought this many times over the last few years.

Hair Care - Shu Uemura Art of Hair.  When I was sent the Prime Plenishshampoo and conditioner I thought I would try it with no expectations.   The results blew me away!    Prime Plenish is the perfect formula for over 40 women.   Formulated to build and replenish time worn hair, it leaves my hair full of body and volume and manageability.   It also does not strip colored hair.    $40 for the shampoo, $50 for conditioner.   It’s expensive for shampoo and conditioner, but I am willing to fork over the money for them – they’re that good.    Essence Absolue is their conditioning oil that is like gold magic!    I just raved about this recently so you can read all about it here. 

Eyeliner - Estée Lauder Gel Eyeliner.  I have raved for years about the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, but this one by Estée Lauder tops it!  Why?  Because it’s smoother and easier to apply (the Bobbi solid colors are “drier” than the shimmer colors)  It’s creamy for application and gives you time to fix any flaws before it dries and it stays all day.   $19.50.    My only hope is that they add many more colors to the line as it is only available in black, for now.  Do you hear me Estée Lauder?  Browns, plums, greens, blues.   I’ll take one in every shade if you please would make them!   

Mascara - Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill.  I first bought Eyes to Kill mascara late summer 2009 and was amazed at how it made my eye lashes pop.    I have fairly good length to my lashes, so I need volume.   This gives my lashes both incredible volume and length.  In fact, when I started wearing it I was stopped by complete strangers (seriously!) telling me I had incredible eye lashes and some even asking if I use Latisse.   I do not use Latisse and much earlier in the year I had tried NeuLash, but hadn’t for months when I began wearing this mascara.   It never flakes, never smudges, and doesn’t dry out my lashes.    It’s my perfect mascara!   $28.00

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer – Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint.  Every woman over 4o should have a tinted moisturizer in her makeup bag for adding a hint of color, but also much needed moisturizer as well.  I use the Golden shade and it’s not too dark for my fair skin.    It adds warmth to my face and just the right amount of moisture too.   Some tinted moisturizers I’ve used either are tacky feeling or leave my face super-shiny.   This Luminizing Moisture Tint works perfectly for me.  The bonus is that it’s oil free and has SPF20.

Lipstick - Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge.  I first noticed this lipstick at the Lancome counter display with Kate Winslet’s photo and her favorite shades.  If memory serves me, there were 12 she had selected and of course if anything has Kate Winslet’s name with it I surrender full blown, must try, must have, you had me at “hello” type of reaction.  My first purchase of this extremely creamy, moisturizing, soft lipstick (with SPF 12) was the beautiful shade Aubergine Velvet – a shade that is typically darker than my normal shade range, so I also picked up Rich Cashmere – a great shade for every day polished look, and Tulipwood and Crushed Rose to round out my can’t-live-without-lipstick.   $29.  A bonus is the case is magnetic so you never have to worry about losing the top.

Face Powder - Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder.  I typically have a love/hate relationship with face powders.   I know they work to set your makeup, but I have an extremely difficult time either finding the right shade or they turn color on me throughout the day or they leave my face looking overly powdered.  Yuck to all of those.    I was introduced to Becca Cosmetics this fall at a conference and haven’t gone a day without using the loose powder since.   The shade that perfectly matches my skin is Sesame and it doesn’t discolor or settle in wrinkles or even look too powdery.   I’ve tried countless finishing powders from inexpensive to ridiculously expensive, and I will not go without my Becca!  $35. 

Body Lotion - Korres Body Butter in Guava. While searching Sephora for a travel size lotion and body wash, I came across Korres Body Butter in Guava.   I love a good lotion, but it can’t be sticky, must absorb quickly and of course, leave my skin silky.   This lotion does it all!   It is thick like a butter and I love the light guava scent.  It comes in a variety of scents, but this one is my favorite.   Starting at $9.50 and up.   Korres comes from Greece and uses advanced natural formulations in their products.   (I love the lip glosses too!) 

Palettes – Jouer Cosmetics.  Palettes are a wonderful and convenient for travel, work or any time you want a “put together look” without having to think about it.   I am in love with Jouer Cosmetics for many reasons and this is another reason why.  Their palettes are completely customizable and all the pieces snap/slide together, even the glosses!    They now have these great collections called Signature Collections that are pre-packaged for you.   (I’ll be sure to post about those another day!)  Prices vary depending on item.

Body Care - Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Shower. Did you seriously think I wasn’t going to have these on my list?  The #1 Shower Gel moisturizes your skin as it cleans #2 is a gentle Body Scrub and #3 is the Body Oil that you apply when your skin is still wet – leaving it soft, moisturized and a lovely scent (Japanese Agarwood).   If you want travel convenience, you can get the Travel Packettes for only $9.50.   They’re perfectly size for a weekend away and meet TSA size requirements if flying.  $27.50 on up for the full size.   I think in 2010 I’ll be adding the #5 Hand and Foot cream to my must have list as well.    

Face Moisturizer -Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells.  Created especially for women 50 and over this rich, creamy moisturizer is one I have fallen in love with and consider it my go-to daily moisturizer.   With some powerful scientific claims behind it (by Lancôme’s research) I like this for several reasons.   It’s not too heavy that it clogs pores or makes it difficult to apply makeup over it.   It has SPF 15.  It keeps my face moisturized throughout the day without being oily and it has treatment ingredients as well.   It’s kept my skin looking great and the scientific claims behind it are difficult to ignore.   Only time will tell!  Recently in More magazine this was chosen as one of the favorite treatment moisturizers among a group of testers/readers.  $145.

Enjoy some of my favorite beauty products for the season, in all price ranges!

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Make a Smilebox slideshow

It’s time to get yourself beautiful for the start of the Holiday Season! 

Join me and Dior Specialists from Macy’s in downtown Minneapolis for a fun event filled with holiday beauty.    Find a beautiful look for all your upcoming parties, gift ideas for yourself and friends and how to keep your skin vibrant throughout the stressful season.  Learn how to go from work to a party with the ease of a Dior palette and how to take your day clothes and turn your look into an outfit worth celebrating!   Let the models of all ages show you how fabulous you can look!

Treat yourself and your girlfriends to a special evening in the prestigious Oval Room of downtown Macy’s.  There will be holiday drinks and appetizers for you to enjoy while perusing the holiday beauty of the various Dior Collections and the fashions of the Oval Room.   

Have fun with us and kick off the holiday season on Thursday, November 19th.  The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on the third floor in the Oval Room.   Tickets are free, but are required to attend as space is limited.    Contact Justin or Anya at Dior Macy’s at 612-375-2360, or email me at kari@faboverforty.com if you’re interested in attending and I’ll reserve you a spot as well.

For any purchase over $50 in fragrance or beauty you’ll receive a Dior makeup bag with goodies inside.  But for only the first 9 people who spend $300 or more in Dior product, you’ll receive a beautiful custom Dior bag with goodies inside!  We hope to see you there!

What’s the common denominator with all these women pictured above.  That is besides famous, rich, beautiful and talented.   Yes, they’re all those things but something else as well.   

They all have a fragrance they claim to have created.   

Now I’m not saying that some of them aren’t truly involved with the creation of the fragrance, but most I really question.    It used to be once and a great while there would be a celebrity who not just endorsed, but claimed to have created a fragrance.  Now it seems like a new fragrance comes out weekly with this claim, with many more on the horizon about to appear.   And it’s not just the women, it’s the men as well.

Personally, I don’t mind celebrity spokespeople.  Take the lovely Kate Winslet for Tresor by Lancome.  They don’t make you believe she created the fragrance – they just want you to think that you too can be like Kate if you wear Tresor.   OK – I get that.   

Call me a skeptic,  but I don’t think that most people will purchase a fragrance because they think someone actually created it vs being the spokesperson for it.    I wonder what truly trained perfumers think of this trend.   It’s not only with fragrance I’m seeing this bothersome trend.  For example Cindy Crawford designing bedding and fabrics and furniture.   Really?  What does she have to do with designing all those things.   Does she really know the mechanics of how the pitch of a sofa is created better than trained actual furniture designers?   I don’t think so.  Had she created a clothing line, I might actually get it after she modeled clothes for years.

Tell me, what do you think.   Is it smelly business going on?