Archive for July, 2010

Even though I tend to carry a big bag most of the time, I’m trying to be better about packing it so full that my shoulders hurt  after carrying it around all day.  (It is kind of a theme in my life that I have trouble packing light.  You should see the trauma I experience when packing for vacation!)  Recently though, I’ve tested out two new products that promise to help me pare down my product content.

DuWop’s new Flight Stick is kind of a genius invention.  Although it’s technically for travelers, anyone who needs a quick pick me up can use it.  Sephora calls is a “skin-enhancing, hydrating stick” and that about sums it up.  It’s a twist up stick that you apply to your face and then blend in, allowing the antioxidants and bit of caffeine in the formula to perk up your skin.  It does have a tiny tint to it, but I don’t notice any color when I apply it to my skin, so I think it would work equally as well on any skin tone.  What I do notice is a nice, cooling feeling that would be perfect on your descent into your destination, but I’m enjoying it on a regular basis as I run my errands in Los Angeles.  It just makes my skin look a little more awake and alive and the cooling effect is a nice bonus in the hot weather.  It’s also the perfect size to throw into your bag or carry-on and it has the added bonus of not needing your fingers or a brush for application, so it’s great for on the go. (more…)

I’ve loved every single Benefit palette I’ve ever tried and their two new fall releases definitely keep that trend going.  (I really can’t believe that we’re already talking about fall makeup.  I haven’t even started to enjoy the summer yet!)  The two palettes are called Scene Queen and Sunday Funday and each comes packed full of enough products to do a complete look, making them the perfect travel companions.

It would be hard for me to pick a favorite out of the two, but if I was absolutely forced to choose, it would probably be Scene Queen.  When I first opened the palette, I caught myself saying “Oooohh,” which is always a sign that I’m really impressed.  (more…)

This holiday weekend (or whenever you are preparing to throw a summer party) consider one of the coolest new launches from Godiva. Their new Ice Cream Truffle is exactly as it sounds- a chocolate truffle filled with a delicious ice cream center. Their limited edition flavors are all inspired by the classics, among them: mint chocolate chip, pecan caramel sundae, neapolitan, and oranges and cream. After having been lucky to taste test all of them, I have to say that my favorite is mint chocolate chip, a cool refreshing truffle that brings back childhood memories of licking on the cone, but now with a decidedly grown up feel. The tuffles are perfect for summer parties because they are so low maintenance (just pick them up from your local store) yet look and taste so luxurious. Each box comes with 4 truffles and you can mix or match for a colorful, festive display.

This week, I got the opportunity to meet actress Zhang Ziyi (Memoirs of a Geisha; House of Flying Daggers; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), who was in town at Chong Hing Jewelers to debut Omega’s new Constellation Collection of ultra-luxury watches. One of Omega’s latest celebrity ambassadors, Ziyi joins the company of George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Cindy Crawford and the infamous James Bond. Her uncommon beauty, grace, femininity and international appeal has also helped her rise to the highest ranking woman on Forbes’ list of China’s most powerful celebrities — all by age 31.

But perhaps what is most fascinating about Ziyi — and I don’t think I’m alone on this — is not just her luxury appeal but her paradoxical nature; she brings such a strong, arguably intimidating presence and zealous dedication to every role — whether it involves dodging and splitting her way through a sword fight or dancing aggressively in foot-high, dangerous platform shoes. Yet in reality, she is this tiny, seemingly fragile girly girl.

I only had about five minutes to chat with Ziyi, so rather than try to ask her the myriad questions I had initially written down, I stuck to the subject we at TDO love best: style. (After all, I believe it can reveal a lot about someone!) (more…)