Fabulous Over Forty – Where Beauty Is Ageless

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.

I was completely enamored with the ByKilian  fragrances I spoke about here previously.  My husband has said that this line of fragrances are his favorite too.  I love it when he wears the “Straight to Heaven” scent.  The seven L’Oeuvre Noire now have an eighth fragrance added to the collection called Back to Black: Aphrodisiac. 

Back to Black: Aphrodisiacbuilt on notes that range from honey to fruity, to woody and ambery, combined to reconstitute a “tobacco” accord.   Since I have not actually had the opportunity to inhale this fragrance, here’s what the company has to say about the scent.

The freshness of the Bergamot contrasted by the heat of the spices – Nutmeg, Cardamom and Coriander – creates an elegant yet unusual opening. A touch of fruit – Raspberry – and a hint of aromatic note – Blue Chamomile – accentuate the originality of the top.

The heart is composed with the Honey from Laos, the Oliban from Somalia and with rich and sensual woods – Cedar from the Atlas and Vetyver from Haiti. A few notes of Oakmoss and Patchouli coat this woody marquetry.

This “Tobacco” composition is further intensified by powerful ambery notes – Cistus labdanum from Spain – reinforced with a soft accord of powdery vanilla – Vanilla from Bourbon islands and bitter Almond – which provide the power and tenacity to the perfume.

My guess is that this is a wonderful addition to the collection that I’m sure will not disappoint. 

Available at by.kilian.com, and saks.com 

I have mentioned several times before, I am PICKY about my fragrances.   There are many that I cannot wear because of my sensitivities to certain scents.   However, with any of the fragrances from by Kilian, this is not the case.   These fragrances are simply intoxicating.

Kilian Hennesy, grandson of the founder of The LVMH Group has created perfumes for such beauty giants as Dior, Giorgio Armani and others.   Now he’s created is own line of seven fragrances that have made a lasting impression in the fragrance world. 

The collection includes seven fragrances - three for women, two for men and two for a man or woman.

For women:

• Prelude to Love – an invitation to love
• Love – don’t be shy
• Beyond Love – prohibited

For men:

• A Taste of Heaven – absinthe verte
• Straight to Heaven – white cristal

For men or women:

• Cruel Intentions – tempt me
• Liaisons Dangereuses – typical me

Cruel Intentions is possibly my favorite of the women’s fragrances, but seriously it’s difficult to tell as I love them all! 

Ladies, if you want to get your man the most intoxicating, sensual fragrance that I’ve ever smelled, get your man Straight to Heaven as a gift for him and you!   In fact, Father’s Day is coming right up!

Nothing is spared in the well thought out packaging too.  All the fragrances are in the beautiful bottle shown above has the Greek motif on the sides and it comes in box that is like a chest with black satin lining  the box and a tassle and key to open the treasure.    

A 1.7 fl. oz refillable bottle is $225 and to refill it is $115.  Check out the website for more details and locations for purchasing.

By Kilian, is a high end fragrance line created by Kilian Hennessey, heir to LVMH.  Like the beautiful handbags the company is well known for, these too are exquisite products. 

Kilian has now created these beautiful travel fragrances for men and women to slip in your handbag, travel bag, and are airline carryon acceptable.    They are beautifully monolithed engraved as well.   Have I said “beautiful”  enough?   Can you tell I’m enthralled with these?

Like all the By Kilian fragrances, these too are refillable at the By Kilian counters.

Here’s what the company has to say about one of the fragrances, such a romantic way to describe the scent that I couldn’t say it nearly as well.

Embracing the theme of “Love and its prohibitions”, Prelude to Love Invitation, the seventh fragrance from “L’Oeuvre Noire” is an olfactory memory of a first encounter…

 

As a splash of crimson blossoms across the cheeks and hearts beat wildly, a refined yet bold bouquet of the noblest citrus soothes and refreshes mounting sensations of exhilaration. The sweetness of bergamot, the delicacy of Seville orange and the brightness of lemon swirl into a spiral of seduction, an invitation to love.

 

Intense ginger and pepper pierce the heart of the fragrance, imbued with neroli and orange blossom, disclosing a subtle undercurrent of intent. From this emerges the crowning note, the irresistible Iris of Florence whose majesty sweeps away all inhibitions.

 

Perfumer: Calice Becker