words/images Judith Ecochard
ELEMENTS Fragrance and Skincare/Beauty Showcase---is now on our to-do list---as it presents niche fragrance/skincare/beauty brands ...including very hard to find international collections, in a spacious event space on the fringes of the Chelsea art area...and a short stroll from the Javits Convention Center where the Gift Show is going on.
Highlights:
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| So Oud. By master parfumer Stéphane Humbert Lucas |
We are as amazed by some of the glam packaging we see...almost as much as the scents!
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| Cire Trudon-from France---luxury vegetal candals with cotton wicks. Make a statement! |
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| works of art in a way... |
TEN OVER TEN is a new collection of polishes and nail salons (two -as of now- in NYC)...founded by gal pals Nadine Ferber ---and Adair Ilyinsky-who was at the show---
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| pretty and edgy---lots of choices |
As explained to us---the 112 Reade Street locale is a relaxed 2nd story oasis for the harried types---seeking expert mani/pedis- and a few other grooming services. Custom furniture and iPads all set up to swipe away... so no mussed up nailbeds flipping through those printed words....
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| Spring 2013 Nail Polish colors-named after streets of the Big Apple...free of formaldehyde, fyi |
There is also a mani/pedi salon in midtown-at the Parker Meridian Hotel.
And in a nod to reality-one can book appointments online.
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| She ave aour nails a quick efficient polish change...NICE |
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| One of Oprah Winfrey's O magazine's favs...ROSA MEXICANA---roses roses roses $54 |
OVANDO is an upscale florist design/event production shop-entity that showcased intoxicatingly scented candles---with aromas inspired by the gorgeous flowers that were on display.
A sense of humor with a handy cocktail recipe...to mix-up and drink down as your nails are drying...all in a tidy package of cool nail polishes that are
free of formaldehyde, TFF, and DPB---- from the aptly named
Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics.
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| Andrea Pahn |
Founder Andrea Pahn-is somewhat of a serial entrepreneur---and a mom and a gal who got bored with the nail polishes out on the market.
We never really gave gluten-free cosmetics a thought---but it makes sense if one is sensitive to THAT---after all the skin absorbs a lot...so we were intrigued with
Kaia Natural Cosmetics...also from the Great White North country of Canada. A treatment primer-made of argan and moringa oils-is surprisingly lightweight---we tried. And so we were told, moringa oil=from the seeds of the pods of a leafy Himalayan tree, fyi- has 6x the vitamin C of ranges and 17x the calcium of milk. What this means for skin---a formulation that's anti-oxidant loaded, a free radical fighter that helps with pollutants that can wreck a complexion- and rejuvenating-with massive amounts of oleic acid that penetrates the skin, easily.
Juicy Bambo cleansing cloths- are pre-moistened, cleansing clothes that takes it all off-meaning make-up and grime---in a really pleasant scented manner. Interesting- certified organic honey (Canadian), and plant based essential oils-are in the mix---and sooth not irritate---while also doing double duty as a toner. Nice...PLUS bonus-no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances or alcohol.
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| Mary Futher-founder-Kaia Naturals...cruelty free/Vegan |
Portable aromas---were
maybe more common back in the days when indoor plumbing was far far off in the distant future. These luxurious baubles--- are inspired by pomanders with with spices--- are a must for those with sensitive noses.
These beautiful (and hefty) 'necklaces' are by the Italian based fragrance house,
Simone Cosnac Profumi, founded by a Brazilian by birth, Simone Cosac Naify-a woman who resides in the glamorous Villa La Tana-an ideal Medici abode in the hills above Florence with a storied 'love nest' past ---starring Francesco I De Medici and his betrothed, Bianca Cappello.
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| in background-Perle Di Bianca line of perfume, body oil, body cream=head notes Neroli, Core notes-Iris, Mulberry, Jasmine,,,Base notes-Amber, Musk, Myrrh |
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| refills for the necklace-solid perfumes |
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| crystal bottles-elegant |
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| sparking rosebuds-head notes of thorn of roses, pink and black peppercorns, lychee-core notes-damask rose essence, tuberose, jasmine and peach- in base notes of virginia cedar, indomesian patchouli, mineral amber, laos bezoin, peruvian balm, |
Eau de Parfums ($143+), home fragrances-diffusers/sprays (starting at $37), candles ($56) and body care products are available in different scent groups including the Atelier line of ---Spices fragrance (with geranium, lavender, cinnamon and cloves), and Green Accord fragrance (fresh citrus, floral and woody notes)---
The exotic Trama line---of Trama and Trama Nera perfumes, and three body essences-Innocenza, Nostalgia and Incanto...are also available-each complex and elegant.
Lovely.
Why we don't see Beauty So Clean™ antibacterial cosmetic sanitizer
system(s)---that one can actually spray on powder make-up---or clean brushes with in a sec or two (brush cleanser)---is a crime in a way.
Just ask the hundreds of gals who sample Sephora's cosmetic splendors---yet manage to get some dermatitis irritating
something...thanks to all those double dippers.
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| hard to see in these images-but one quick spray---here on a MAC blush, dries instantly---leaves the powder blush bacteria free...so does not effect application at all...or the color/texture |
We think---just carry a portable spray around---so easy...as are the wipes.
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| Fun-scents for the holiday |
Home diffusers are immensely popular...but for a more intense aroma for an indoor space-with the scent permeating a larger area---incense is more applicable. Parfum d'Atmosphere (aptly coined-ha ha)...is by Osense Paris (and available here at
New London Pharmacy).
Nope- this is not your hippy parents' smoky patchouli heavy scent fog inducing thing---but much more elegant---our fav so far the Nuit d'Été à St. Tropez-a transporting Ylang ylang and Gernium ($19.99) PLUS...comes packaged with a mini incense burner -as well as 24 sticks...and all conjure up exotic destinations... imo.
We wrote about
Kjaer Weis a luxury refillable -natural makeup collection from
last year's showcase...
Its glam packaging (Marc Atlan design)---and ---new Spring 2013 colors were all spread out to admire. No surprise to us---the kits with two or three products, pictured above ---are favored bridal gifts for the bridesmaids.
Aromatic homecleaning...dish and hand soaps, all purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, countertop sprays, scrubs, dryer sheets---that kind of stuff- are less the caustic ingredients stuff---infused with natural essential oils (not chemicals)...
but get the job done---and are-stylishly packaged in reusable/recyclable bottles/spray=VERY nice.
We are surprised we never heard of
CALDREA® before...but apparently, it's a well established line sold throughout the USA/Canada/online.
Seasonal scented collections-described with top, middle and base notes, fyi----aka this Spring 2013 it's Rosewater Driftwood join year round collections like Ginger Pomelo (with hints of grapefruit, ginger basil)...and our fav Mandarin Vetiver (orange, petitgrain, vetiver). Impressive.
AND: A natural extension of business...the Caldrea body care collections (body wash, bar soap, body lotion, body creme, body oil, perfume $10-$28)...with botanicals properties that heal, and chia seed + rice bran oils...that hydrate, heal and act as natural collagen stimulants for the skin. we tired the body lotion-in Tea Olive Lime-it absorbed right away---and left a very pleasant scent...with a hint of citrus. We liked!
Several other scents are available and smartly grouped by characteristics like fruity, citrus, floral, aromatic, herbal, aquatic and woody.
BONUS-
no phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, DEA or artificial colors.
Dr. Alkaitis Organic Skin Care products are collectively one of those adored cult beauty care lines used by those who make a living on their looks-and no doubt-get hordes of freebies...yet remain loyal to what works and seriously -what one can eat.
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| These biologically active masks are amazing---and a great way to get to know a collection. Four kinds available-we tried the Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask-that is anti-inflamatory/anti aging. Mix with a little water (purified, duh) or organic goat milk yogurt and organic raw honey... (1 tsp each)-and use 1x a week/or 2x month. Masks must remain moist on the skin...fyi. $55/25 masks |
Founded in 1996-ths family run biz-is based on the principal of using only edible, living ingredients-certified organic/biodynamic and wild crafted herbs (harvested from unpolluted habitats), fruits, (sea) vegetables and virgin cold-pressed vegetable and essential oils. Plus, and we loved this part-100% certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel is the base of the products, not water.
Meaning active ingredients that penetrate the skin ---not funky chemicals or synthetics (fillers)...that are DOA...or questionable in terms of effectiveness.
A concept we found novel---all the skin care offerings are for all skin types...oily, dry, sensitive, etc---with usage being the variable for individual needs.
We tired
There's a handy travel kit with containing organic day, night and eye cremes, herbal toner, purifying cleanser, soothing gel, nourishing treatment oil and one mask...
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| with pink pepper, aldehydes, orange, black currant flower, and leaf , hawthorn, rum and wine, rosemary, davana base notes---plus vetiver, patchouli, cedar, vanilla, amber, fir balsam, musk, oak moss...PLUS-to name a few. |
Beautiful bottle, exotic eau de parfum-with a surprising black currant note-the made in France-
Vagabond Prince is a work of love...with one scent-the Enchanted Forest---showcased. Inspired by the forest, woodsy aromas-this exotic spicy woody scent is divine.
OVANDO is an upscale florist design/event production shop-entity that showcased intoxicatingly scented candles---with aromas inspired by the gorgeous flowers that were on display.
We never really gave gluten-free cosmetics a thought---but it makes sense if one is sensitive to THAT---after all the skin absorbs a lot...so we were intrigued with Kaia Natural Cosmetics...also from the Great White North country of Canada. A treatment primer-made of argan and moringa oils-is surprisingly lightweight---we tried. And so we were told, moringa oil=from the seeds of the pods of a leafy Himalayan tree, fyi- has 6x the vitamin C of ranges and 17x the calcium of milk. What this means for skin---a formulation that's anti-oxidant loaded, a free radical fighter that helps with pollutants that can wreck a complexion- and rejuvenating-with massive amounts of oleic acid that penetrates the skin, easily.
We wrote about Kjaer Weis a luxury refillable -natural makeup collection from last year's showcase...
Its glam packaging (Marc Atlan design)---and ---new Spring 2013 colors were all spread out to admire. No surprise to us---the kits with two or three products, pictured above ---are favored bridal gifts for the bridesmaids.
AND: A natural extension of business...the Caldrea body care collections (body wash, bar soap, body lotion, body creme, body oil, perfume $10-$28)...with botanicals properties that heal, and chia seed + rice bran oils...that hydrate, heal and act as natural collagen stimulants for the skin. we tired the body lotion-in Tea Olive Lime-it absorbed right away---and left a very pleasant scent...with a hint of citrus. We liked!
Founded in 1996-ths family run biz-is based on the principal of using only edible, living ingredients-certified organic/biodynamic and wild crafted herbs (harvested from unpolluted habitats), fruits, (sea) vegetables and virgin cold-pressed vegetable and essential oils. Plus, and we loved this part-100% certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel is the base of the products, not water.
