Posted by Robin
on
25 November 2011
It’s Black Friday or Buy Nothing Day — take your pick. Whether you’re shopping or not, it never hurts to look, right? We’re kicking off this year’s string of holiday gift posts with a bunch o’ scented bath & body products. Lots more to come!

To start things off, we’ve got the eminently covetable (and reportedly as good as it looks) Vol de Nuit Powder Spray from Guerlain: “Inspired by the legendary Vol de Nuit fragrance, this silky, ethereal loose powder creates a light-reflecting veil with a subtle iridescent finish. The powder is perfumed with the mythical Vol de Nuit fragrance. Apply on the face, body and hair for an allover glow!” $87 for 17.5 g at Nordstrom…
Read the rest of this article »
Posted by Jessica
on
2 January 2011



I can’t believe it’s been nearly three years since I wrote a post about vanilla lotions, with suggestions for fragrance layering; but time has indeed flown, and the new year seems like as good a time as any to revisit some favorite themes. I still agree with my own recommendations from that earlier post, and now I can add another half-dozen ideas for products that feature vanilla, often mixed with other notes for results that may also appeal to the non-vanilla-lovers among us.
First, an option that’s traditional all around: Caswell-Massey Vanilla Orchid Hand & Body Lotion (above center), from the venerable toiletries company. Even though its name mentions the flower of the vanilla plant, this is a rich gourmand vanilla with a caramel note. If you’re really in the mood for some head-to-toe vanilla-bean sweetness, you could also try the matching shower gel, dusting powder, and Eau de Toilette. ($17, currently on sale for $12.75, at the Caswell-Massey website)
I have a weakness for certain high-end natural lines, and since I already loved certain skincare and haircare products from this company, it wasn’t surprising that I fell for John Masters Blood Orange and Vanilla Body Milk (above right). This light lotion is packed with antioxidant-rich oils, soothing botanicals like comfrey leaf, and extracts of vanilla, honeysuckle, blood orange oil, and grapefruit peel oil for fragrance. It smells like a Creamsicle…
Read the rest of this article »
Posted by Robin
on
18 April 2010


From Caswell Massey, a fragrance brought back from the archives: Casma, “A bold fragrance that’s bound to turn heads. We’ve taken the scents of rose, jasmine and magnolia petals and touched them with vanilla and silken musk to create a unique fragrance that’s sophisticated and oh-so-feminine.” Shown here in bar soap (3 bars for $18) or talc (3.5 oz for $12)…
Read the rest of this article »
Posted by Robin
on
31 May 2009
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21…time to get shopping!


From Santa Maria Novella, Latte per il Corpo Uomo – Body Milk for Men (shown at left): “This 700 year old formula, containing hydrating vegetable oils, cocoa butter, white beeswax, and avocado oil hydrates, tones and gives the skin softness and elasticity. Infused with a subtle spicy scent this rich fluid emulsion absorbs without a trace, leaving even the most parch body toned, nourished, and moisturized – but never greasy.” $74 for 250 ml at Aedes…
Read the rest of this article »
Posted by Robin
on
11 April 2007
I’m starting this year’s series of Mother’s Day gift posts early only because I’ve seen so many great gift ideas this year. And shopping early never hurts, right?

Tops on my own wish list: the Prada Parfum de Sac, a stainless steel travel atomizer with a snap hook. The Parfum de Sac comes with two .34 oz refills, and is available in either Prada Eau de Parfum or Prada Tendre. Reasonably priced at $65…
Read the rest of this article »