The Luxury Gift Guide

Finals are done. Time to think about the presents. And at Fetch hunter, I would be doing a disservice to name check any old Chanel No. 5 for mom, Lacoste polo for the men on your list, and you get the idea. We all know gift giving is about seeing the joy on the recipients face but let's admit now that it is also an opportunity to say "I have the best taste" so for those of you looking for your sartorial cues, I've got you covered with selections of the best in niche luxury that'll impress everyone on your gift list.

1. The Diptyque Holiday Collection: does anyone NOT have a Diptyque candle? That's what I thought, so these limited edition festive candles are just the thing to add some edge to your home fragrance collection. They come in spicy scents like Orange Chai and Indian Incense, and they're packaged in colorful head turning glass jars. Definite buy for the colorful personality or to infuse a kick of color into the home.

2. Toasted Living Casa: an uberchic ultrasonic diffuser for the aromatherapy aficionados out there. If the last sentence didn't make a lick of sense to you, well then open your mind cause this might be the coolest new discovery you make on your gift giving journey this year!  This gorgeous ultrasonic diffuser helps to diffuse essential oils through the air in a cool mist. The ultrasonic method means it doesn't heat or change the unrefined oils which keeps it pure. It looks good in any room and makes a great conversation starter. It's great for the Patrick Bateman in your life or for the health freak who is anything but a hippy.

3. Frederic Malle Joyeux Noel: Yes it's another candle (spoilers: one more to follow), no it's not that I'm obsessed with candles. Holidays are when these limited editions come out and for anyone who loves fragrance, these are almost collectors items so now is the time to stock up. Frederic Malle is a brand that represents the best of the fragrance world, the Bentleys and Rolls Royces if you will. His fragrances are mainly unisex and they're so pure and complex, making even the most expensive mainstream fragrances seem juvenille and unsophisticated (seriously this got me completely off Tom Ford). The scent of this candle is decidedly holiday inspired: pine, cinnamon, and cotton candy outfitted in the most gorgeous package. This candle is made of a high quality wax blend that holds onto a lot of the oils so it is only recommended for burning at 10 minute intervals.

4. Byredo LANES: Last candle line on the list. Byredo is the epitome of cool and this collection of limited edition candles are no exception. Outfitted in a beautiful black and white case that fits into mod, art deco, and minimalist home decors, these candles are extremely versatile. The standout from this 3 piece collection for me is the Cotton Poplin, a blend of Blue Chamomile, Fresh Linen, and Sweet Musk but they're all quite good and different from the personal body fragrances.

5. Aesop Athlete Grooming Kit: Ok I admit, just because I work up a sweat at Equinox 5 times a week doesn't mean I'm a legit athlete, no matter how many Tracy Anderson classes I "kill" at. But this Aesop kit of the essential locker room products is absolutely a must have for those on your list who live at the gym. It features the body cleanser, shampoo, and hydrator to take care of all your post work out needs. This actually motivates me to go work out and as odd as it is, I get excited thinking about the post sweat shower because the body cleanser and shampoo are just so fresh. Oh and the dopp kit fits neatly into the gym bag too.

6. Smythson Luggage Tag: We all have someone on our list who travels a lot. For the road warrior on your list, give them a touch of luxury with this understated but high quality luggage tag from Smythson. As a seasonal traveler, I can't tell you how important these little touches are when you're away from home and getting treated like cattle at the airport.

7. LSTN Ebony Wood Troubadours: When it comes to high end headphones, the market is packed. For the discerning gentlemen seeking to break out from the seas of Beats and Bose, there is LSTN, a niche line of quality constructed headphones that has a higher purpose. Every pair that is bought provides a donation to the Starkey Hearing Foundation to restoring hearing to a person in need. Sounds like a good deal: you get a pair of gorgeous headphones made out of handcrafted reclaimed wood (that stuff is LUXE), and you help someone out - which sure beats those "I just donated to random charity in your name" cards.

8. Yuli Immaculate Kit: No matter what your skincare philosophy is, you're hard pressed to find something as scientific, pure, or higher quality than Yuli which sources their own ingredients, produces everything after you order it, is free of ALL the bad chemicals that you know of (parabens, fragrance, petrols) AND do not know of (hormone disruptors, carcinogens, etc.), and uses green biotechnology so everything has chirality and is bio-active. This kit has some of my favorites from their line including full sizes of the Pure Mask and Panacea Elixir (and a sample of their face oil which is AMAZING and actually helps CONTROL oil and acne). The bonus? This limited edition kit comes in a handcrafted leather dopp kit that is actually made by the designer Melissa Fleis of LA's Fred Segal, whose clutch bags normally retail for $500 - in other words, run don't walk to order this kit as the white version sold out in a month.

It Bag: Viktor & Rolf Bombette Bag

I'm currently obsessed with Viktor & Rolf's Bombette Bag ($1,995) which is a huge contender for "It" bag of the year. Everyone from Cate Blanchett to Gwen Stefani has been seen carrying it around. While I'm not usually one for the most on-trend accessories (such as the celebrity obsession with Proenza Schouler's PS1 bag or the Chloe Paddington), Viktor & Rolf is different because they're interested not in selling to mainstream luxury buyers but the few who get their boundary pushing aesthetic. This bag perfectly matches their minimalist architectural design ideas with mainstream luxury.

 The supple leather, understated sophistication, functionality, structural clasp - it is a masterpiece in modern luxury! It's described as the perfect balance: roomy but not cumbersome, simple yet eye-catching. It is perfect for storing just about anything and goes well with most outfits.

I can't seem to find this at most of the regular retailers but I'm told there is inventory at select Neiman Marcus so call to find out!

CR Fashion Book

What a feat for Kim Kardashian, who (surely with some pull from boyfriend Kanye West) secured an editorial and the cover of ousted Vogue Paris Editor, Carine Roitfeld's magazine CR Fashion Book. A party was held in Paris to celebrate this issue. The shoots was styled by the Kaiser Karl Lagerfeld himself. Not bad for a girl who first got press for being Paris Hilton's buddy then for the sleeper of a sex tape.

Mr.Porter Expands into Men's Grooming!

What an exciting time it is for men! Mr.Porter will officially launch it's grooming department online this October. Current selections include Aesop, Perricone MD, Malin+Goetz, and Le Labo. I love the focus already on current, niche brands including some of my favorites: Aesop and Le Labo. I'm really hoping they can go for newer niche brands like they do with their clothing selection as the current line-up resembles that of Barneys. Here's to hoping to seeing lots of great things happen!

A Fetch Moment: Reed Krakoff

Every season, I am glued to New York Fashion Week coverage, it's like the stock market only with fashion designers. Last seasons darlings can take a stumble (Rodarte) while others triumph and feed their brand even more. Reed Krakoff is one such designer who I used to lump into the startup pile with Simon Spurr and Rag & Bone due to their new brand appeal but with Simon Spurr falling apart, there doesn't seem to be a real heir to this throne left by the Proenza boys that bridges the ideas of modern, high end, and commercial.  

 

Between his gigs at Coach and his acclaim in handbags, Reed Krakoff has a tough balancing act, be approachable enough for the masses, show off the bags that he's gain recognition for, but also highlight the ready to wear element and create a direction for the clothing.


While the clothes weren't 'show stoppers', they impressed me for their fluidity and soft feminimity that drew comparison to Chloe, Celine, and even Jil in it's minimalism. I'm real excited for the future of Reed Krakoff, and he seems to be smart enough to not make the mistakes that have been the end for other emerging labels.

Green Beauty takes over New York Fashion Week

Although not a purist green beauty consumer, I do love my high-end green brands. This year they've come together for the event A Night for Green Beauty on September 4th at the James Corbett Studio in New York. Participating brands are listed above, but in addition to beauty, participants are also treated to refreshments provided by Pressed Juicery and consultations by make-up artist to the stars, Katey Denno. Although this LA college boy cannot attend, I know this is going to be the biggest news in the green beauty bloggersphere which many avid bloggers flying in just for this evening.

Victoria, co-founder of La Bella Figura Beauty

This event is hosted by La Bella Figura Beauty who see this as an opportunity for brand owners to interact directly with their customers in the very niche green beauty world. They're based out of Chicago and is run by Victoria Fantauzzi and Karen King. They're teaming up with their friends, the green brands that extend from other skincare companies to make-up companies, including a few of the founders below:

By Row: Vered Back, May Lindstrom, Katherine L Heureux of Kahina Giving Beauty, Dr.Alkaitis,
Suzanne LeRoux of One Love Organics, Sasha Plavsic of Ilia Beauty, Anne De Mamiel, Adina Grigore of S.W. Basics

Phew quite a few lines right? It is sure to be a huge gathering with bloggers and reporters from No More Dirty Looks, The Chalkboard Magazine, and Well+Good! I'm so amazed by the supportive community that the green beauty movement has behind it and I urge everyone in New York to go check it out! For many in fashion, this is the night before New York Fashion Week starts, so you can attend without missing other events!

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Update: As a few of you pointed out to me over social media, not all green brands are participating in this event including Marie Veronique Organics, Intelligent Nutrients, Rahua, Tata Harper, and YULI. Obviously this type of event isn't going to have 100% of the brands due to all the logistics involved (the sheer fact that there are about 15 different brands participating is SOMETHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT)  and the fact that some brands could be working on other projects. I'm all but certain that Tata Harper and YULI will indeed be preparing for their own Fashion Week events based on snooping around their social media.

Tata Harper

Tata Harper has in the past worked with Zac Posen, Catherine Malandrino, and Peter Som and I fully expect similar fashion week endeavors for this season. The model at the bottom is using Tata Harper's oils from the Catherine Malandrino presentation, and to the left is a Tata Harper staffer giving facials at Peter Som. Given the launch of her superserums, I'm expecting even more of a kick for this fashion week. Tata prefers to give facials and relaxing treatments, and prefers to work with brands who are known for their elegance and classical sensibility.   

                                    

Here's a staffer applying the aromatic stress treatment backstage, much needed for the hustle and bustle of a fashion show!

Here's a picture posted on Tata Harper's facebook that Zac Posen instagrammed of her eye cream so there is definitely a lot of love from both sides. I'm predicting rebooking from these three labels and maybe more? Regardless, it's clear that Tata Harper who recently launched at Sephora and has been taking shelves at Neiman Marcus has made clear her intention of departing from the rest of the green beauty field and is setting her sights on the mainstream big boys. 

YULI

YULI is quite an enigma: a quiet stealth brand that doesn't do PR, yet is crushing it when it comes to niche luxury, with a dedicated cult following and making fans of the next wave of cool kids from the fashion industry. They're firmly establishing themselves in this space and based on their social media, it's all but certain that they'll be working with Bergdorf Goodman's newest menswear designer Marlon Gobel formerly of Michael Bastian and Thom Browne who is speculated by many American menswear journalists as the 'next big thing':

They also run tight with editor-in-chief Sarah Hay (in collage above with Chanel muse Irina Lazareanu) from Milk Studios and iD magazine, who last season tweeted a picture and a solid recommendation of their line while chilling at her office at Milk Studios in between video interviews with ASAP Rocky and live streams of fashion shows from emerging designers such as Suno and Cushnie et Ochs. And similar to the Zac Posen-Tata Harper relationship, they seem to have a great rapport with Barneys and Saks newest pick up, wonder-kid designer Alexander Lewis, who similarly posted this pic to his instagram from his trip to Bahia:

I'm predicting a great season for this under-the-radar brand that has captured the heart of the new guard of fashion's zeitgeist attaining the coveted adoration of the difficult to impress crowd while simultaneously attracting a dedicated growing cult following of performance seeking green beauty customers (the most selective if you ask me) all without press coverage! One thing is for certain, their path is one that is all their own, and this makes them one of the most exciting brands to watch.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask

For the Patrick Bateman in all of us is this iconic SK-II Facial Treatment Mask available at Sephora for $125 for 10 sheets. These are the standard for which all sheet masks are compared.

I must admit, this summer for my various travels I relied on these delicate liquid masks to keep my skin moisturized and radiant. I used it all the time on flights and yes you will get some stares but your skin will thank you and the stares you get later from people wondering how your skin looks so gorgeous from all that travel is more than worth it if you ask me.

Pitera, SK-II's signature ingredient from sake ferment is especially concentrated in this mask. Pitera is especially plentiful in Vitamin B and organic acids that rejuvenate skin.

What more can I say? Go pick up a 6 pack or a 10 pack, and indulge your inner vain investment banking sociopathic self (Patrick Bateman reference).

The Only Red is Ellis Faas Red

Beyond fetch ad campaign from one of the coolest makeup brands, Ellis Faas. Her cosmetics have a very grotesque-chic quality about them, with colors inspired by universal bodily colors like blood. Prior to starting her self-titled line, Ellis Faas was a makeup artist who specialized in special effects, thus the inspiration for a line inspired by colors that exist in every body. Besides the cool influence and brand, the packaging is one of the best I have ever seen, so go to her website to learn more about her products and where you can purchase them.

http://www.ellisfaas.com/

Haircare Favorites

Living in LA, summer time means beach time! And if you're like me, you probably don't get out to enjoy the fresh ocean air as often as you'd like. To get that killer beach hair without the damage, use these niche luxury items for the most healthy and head-turning hair.

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo: Love this Swedish haircare brand that makes understated and simple products that perform well. The scalp shampoo is important for keeping dandruff and flakes at bay which is common for all the things the hair follicles go through during the summer.The herbal scent of rosemary and menthol is very awakening and calming.

Sachajuan Ocean Mist: The perfect name for beach hair. Ocean Mist is a wonderful leave-in conditioning spray that texturizes hair, giving it the illusion of beach hair with waves and volume. This is to summer beach hair what St.Tropez is to faux tans.

Rahua Jet Setter Kit: 100% Natural & Organic, I picked up this travel kit at Barneys because let's face it, a niche luxury natural beauty brand is hard enough to find, so when I do, I support them. I had heard great things about their shampoos and conditioners from Joel Dart who stocks them in his store Jacob & Sebastian and I kept hearing great things. The texture, scent, and feel are all amazing. The shampoo kind of smells like those after-dinner mints. The classic shampoo is great for oilier hair but for regular use I would pick up the Voluminous shampoo for myself since my hair can feel dry. Each of the products really did contribute to making my hair feel healthier within 2 weeks of use, so I would definitely invest in the full sizes when this kit runs out, but as it is, it's a wonderful kit for the weekend beach getaway.

Rodin Luxury Hair Oil: To hydrate and repair after a day under the sun, this is sure to give life to dried out hair. Apply a few drops onto scalp for a moisture mask before washing out with shampoo to condition hair from root to tip.

What are your favorite hair essentials?

My Coachella Beauty Essentials

Alphabetical order:

Brad Sea Minerals Purify Cleanser: A great detoxifying cleanser that is very gentle for even normal skin. Lots of skin nourishing essential oils, retinols, and minerals to sooth and revitalize skin. Said to fade scars and brighten skin, but I have not seen this happen. Despite that, a very good regular cleanser to have in your skincare arsenal. Perfect at the end of long days spent outside. (Full Review)

Jack Black Beard Lube: (razor not shown) A very cool and refreshing cream that takes on three rolls, essential for a busy weekend out! It is shave oil, shave cream, and facial treatment in one. It is very light and has Jojoba and Eucalyptus to texturize facial hair and condition skin. Plays well with razors for a fine close shave in minutes. A must-have travel item for guys.

Jack Black Sun Guard SPF 45: A heavy duty sunscreen for when time calls for a serious sunscreen. Oil free and paraben free, this sunscreen is packed with vitamins (Plantago Leaf Extract, Calendula Extract, Edelweiss Water, Vitamin C) and a healthy dose of physical and chemical sunscreens. A bonus, this sunscreen is water and sweat resistent which means good long term wear in the outside heat! This was MADE for Coachella!

John Varvatos Artisan: A subtle choice that exudes understated masculinity with a modern edge, Artisan is a class apart from all major fragrances. It is light, delicate, and evolving. The top notes are unmistakably citrusy, that develops with a twist into a modern woodsy scent that doesn't risk offending. Strong enough to be present while keeping the air of mystery. This is a scent for the guy who does not seek to be loud but rather quietly captivating.

Omorovizca Balancing Moisturizer: A cooling and light gel cream that keeps skin happy and hydrated through the day (and night) without disturbing skin's natural sebum production. A lot of moisturizers I use tend to leave my skin with a greasy shine which leads to breakouts by the end of the day if I'm not careful. This balancing moisturizer makes sure the grease and sebum production are in check which is so important when you're outside and might get sweaty. This keeps skin hydrated without risking the grimy feel at the end of the day.

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum: A anti-aging treat from New York socialite Tata Harper's line of all natural, green beauty products. This uses 29 actives to stimulate collagen and restore skin vitality and radiance. The rejuvenation is key for so much environmental exposure and I look forward to using this light cream at night to bring my skin back to health.

Tom Ford Oliver Sunglasses: A classic timeless design that is right for any situation. I consider this a refined upgrade to those Ray Ban Wayfarers EVERYONE had on last summer and the year before that. I got mine in a Tortoise Shell to stand out from the crowd so this isn't mistaken as a black acetate Wayfarer, which I'm sure there will be many of in the hipster/yuppie crowd.

YULI Cellular Lip Conditioner: A concentrated serum to protect lips with a plethora of actives including an Antioxidant Complex, UV shields, Supercritical extract blends in a glass roll on. This conditioner is made of completely food-grade ingredients so you don't have to worry about chemicals being ingested. Lips immediately feel the boost of conditioning agents and becomes silky within minutes as the serum sinks into skin. Leaving behind no bogged down or heavy greasy feeling that is common with lip balms. (Full Review)

YULI Liquid Courage: This essential antioxidant serum was one I raved about when I first tried this small, niche line as a green, natural alternative to Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid, read that review here. This is truly a revolutionary product! Research has shown that Ferulic Acid when combined with vitamin C+E, increases skins photoaging protection by up to 8-fold and has synergistic benefits including: neutralizing free radicals, building collagen, stimulating anti-aging benefits and regulating hyperpigmentation. The botanical seed complex contains the densest concentration of nutrients since the seed is the life force of the plant and CO2 extracts/Black Garlic bioferment to up the preventive antioxidant activity. Skin damage doesn't stand a chance. You really can't do your skin wrong when you nurture it with this serum.

YULI Panacea Elixir: If it seems I am crazy about YULI, it is because I am. As a brand, they are the epitome of a under the radar niche brand: quiet, modern, & cool but as a product line they offer some of the most unique innovative products without relying on harmful chemicals. Panacea Elixir is the most essential product on this list because I will use this probably every hour. It is the ultimate refresher that will break down sweaty, tired, grimy complexions and invigorate skin. It is so healing and balancing which keeps breakouts at bay and it just smells so amazing! If anything makes you believe in the power of pure botanicals, it is this intoxicating mist!

YULI Cellular Lip Conditioner

When I decided to pursue skincare that was made with more natural ingredients, for some reason lip products were the last on my list to change out. I am very loyal to what has worked because my lips are incredibly prone to dryness. During the coldest, driest times, my lips would be chapped, cracked, and bleeding, it isn't pretty. I was an avid fan of the iconic Kiehl's Lip Balm and on my driest days, always carried a tube of Aquaphor. Then I read a study that said around 80% of the products we put on our lips is digested, I took a closer look at the ingredients list. When I realized the primary ingredient in these products is Petrolatum, and both contain parabens, I was a little aghast that I was putting carcinogic products right on my lips and into my body!

After doing more research, I learned about how balms work by creating a barrier that seals moisture and prevents air and water from breaking through. Essentially we're suffocating the lips under layers of waxes and balms, and some studies cite this as a reason that lips too dependent on balms lose their natural ability to retain moisture over time. So I started looking at the green brands out there and saw YULI's Cellular Lip Conditioner.

It's described as a multivitamin serum/conditioner concentrate with an antioxidant complex to deeply heal and rejuvenate lips from within. I looked at the ingredients and no waxes or balms - just a serum. The way the product works is through using its nourishing serum with supercritical extracts and skin softening Vitamin E to  actually TREAT damaged lips instead of just coating it.

I have to say that within minutes of applying the conditioner, my lips felt plumper and definitely rejuvenated all without the heavy feeling you get with balms. I think whats important to realize is that this isn't a lip balm but rather a conditioning serum that restores and rejuvenates lips. So some people might confuse its non-heavy feeling for weak moisturizing power but this product moisturizes in a different way. The avocado and camellia seed oil are deeply nourishing and contain natural squalane which keeps cells moisturized. The antioxidant complex repairs lips but also protects lips from UV damage which is so important since lips are frequently exposed to the elements. This product is different from balms because with balms, you have to keep relying on them but this product helps your lips be their healthiest over time.

The best part is that the entire product is food-grade and thoughtfully made to be edible and safe enough for pregnant women. Just such a wonderfully effective and well made product that is loaded with lip saving nutrients. You must buy some, your lips will thank you.

Available at YULI Skincare ($26)

SACHAJUAN Normal Hair Shampoo

My shampoo changes as often as my cleanser and lately I've been obsessed with a Swedish line called SACHAJUAN that I discovered through Woodley&Bunny. The sales people tell me that Ellen DeGeneres swears by their stuff but that is besides the point.

SACHAJUAN is extremely simple, from the bottles to the no frills label, but thats their appeal. It kind of reminds me of a even more pared down Davines. The Normal Hair Shampoo uses something called Ocean Silk Technology to stimulate hair and scalp and give it a healthy look.

I noticed after a week of using it that my hair seemed stronger, softer, and shinier. I don't have long hair so the fact that I notice a positive difference in such a short amount of time really speaks to how wonderful this shampoo is. This is a daily shampoo, which is important for me because I need something not harsh but that also cleanses my hair which tends to get oily and prone to dandruff if I don't take of it. Using this shampoo has left my hair and scalp balanced and I definitely see myself buying another bottle.

SACHAJUAN Normal Hair Shampoo - $24

Soma Innovative Water Filters

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows that I love drinking water, I've reviewed two water companies and this one is one of the most special yet. While research is still being done on the sustainability of packaged drinking water, and toxicity issues are a cause for alarm with plastic bottles, I've stumbled onto something different and exciting.

Meet the SOMA Water System, a beautiful and innovative way to get wonderful tasting, clean water. The magic in this brilliantly engineered piece comes from the revolutionary filter which is comprised of 100% compostable materials such as Malaysian coconut shells, vegan silk, and a special food-based PLA plastic that is considerably safer than ordinary plastics on the market that leech out toxins.

The glass carafe is extremely sturdy and holds a wonderful amount of water, but let's not kid ourselves - the design is the selling point. Not only will it look good in any setting, but the design is decidedly minimalist and utilitarian. The shape makes it easy to grip and gives it increased surface area.

Unfortunately this is not currently sold on the market (I told you I love an underground, niche brand), but for those interested, bookmark: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zachallia/soma-beautifully-innovative-all-natural-water-filt to stay up to date on availability. They've finished fundraising and met their goals, so those of you who missed out on placing an order might have an opportunity in the near future!

Celine FW13 RTW

Celine was the highlight of Paris Fashion Week. Each look was demure, romantic, and chic in only the way that the French can produce. But there was a true creativity and passion behind the seemingly simple silhouettes. Each cut had a purpose, each draping so fresh and refined, one can't help but recognize Philo as a master designer on top of her game. 

Elijah Liu

Love this kid, a shame he didn't make it further. We could use a Chinese-Mexican Bieber!

YULI Pure Mask Review

From one of my favorite new cult lines, comes a mask that is true to their DNA - made with natural "good for you ingredients", using advanced science and technology, and delivering results that truly make a difference. It's obvious that YULI is not only a "natural" line but a line deeply rooted in incorporating the most advanced breakthroughs thanks to the founder Yun's background as a chemist who has formulated products for various brands before creating her own line of "uncompromisingly effective" skincare.

Pure is the quintessential mask that clears blemishes, purifies skin, gently exfoliates and renews skin, and provide anti-aging nutrients. Pure comes as a powder that is water activated. This keeps it fresh and active, preventing the need for fillers such as preservatives, alcohols, silicones, emulsifiers that can irritate skin and be bad for overall health, this also means 100% of the formula is active. The base of the mask is made of a composite blend of 4 types of mineral rich antioxidant clays, then loaded with traditional botanicals (Mung Beans, Rose Petals, Willow Bark, Cucumber) which hydrate, fight inflammation, and irritation, with botanical enzymes to gently exfoliate and clarify skin, and an advanced Biophotonically charged Matcha to really repair and improve skin. I'm so impressed with YULI's list of ingredients that are both high-end, powerful, and inventive. Unlike a lot of high end brands that promote natural, clean ingredients, YULI does not overpower their awesome products with things like essential oils that are needless and mainly used for scent, instead their products have a beautifully natural subtle scent.

The non-activate mask in powder form

Per YULI's suggestions, for winter to add some moisture benefit and infuse more nutrients that can be delivered by the mineral-rich antioxidant clays, I mixed in some Royal Jelly with the mask as I was activating it with filtered water. It became a silky fluid mask that was scented of honey rose tea, just delicious! Infusing royal jelly helps the mask stay hydrated, for those who do not need something too active that purges skin of impurities.

Activated Mask (w/Royal Jelly)

I used a few drops more water than I really needed but its okay because it goes onto skin very velvety and creamy. You can really feel your skin drinking up all the nutrients like it has been starving all week for this treat! The texture made the product work really well in restoring balance to moisture and really infusing my skin with the nutrient cocktail in there. The wonderful thing about their clays is that they're so full of minerals and nutrients that they're wonderful to balance any skin type: dry/mature skin will benefit from the nutrients whereas acneic skin will benefit from the sebum balancing properties.

Upon washing off, I felt my skin looking brighter and yes- glowing. I don't want to use that word because it seems every mask says it will leave complexion glowing, but I never really notice a difference besides my skin feeling lighter at least but this mask truly left me looking in the mirror in amazement and how healthy and bright my skin appeared. All the grime and gunk trapped inside the pores are gone, all blemishes are minimized with redness calmed, the gentle exfoliation makes skin feel and look brand new, and I even noticed that smile lines even appear more "relaxed" possibly due to the collagen stimulating nature of the anti-aging actives. There is no dryness and yet dry patches are neutralized as well, and skin looks calm and restored.

I highly recommend this active but non-irritating mask. It truly shows the power of a naturally formulated, advanced product and is bar none the only mask I'll be using from now on. It is available for $52 and because it is in powdered form, a little goes a long way so you really get your moneys worth for this finely created mask that will change your skin! It is a must go-to weekly treatment I use no matter what I'm doing or where I am because it truly is the one thing you need above all else to make your skin the best it can be!

Available at YULI Skincare $52 - Here

Eve Lom Cleanser

Eve Lom's Cleanser is one of those products that on its own strength can carry a line, much like Rodin's Facial Oil or La Mer's moisturizing cream. Eve Lom's Cleanser is the perfect product for someone like me who has larger pores, and skin that tends to get oily at the end of the day who doesn't want it to get too stripped.

The Cleanser is a balm, made of plant oils and butters that melts upon contact with skin. The sweet herbal scent is luxurious and the oil emulsion gently sweeps away oil and pore cloggers while leaving skin balanced and hydrated. The muslin cloth (that comes with orders over 100ml), massaged skin and gently exfoliates off the dead skin cells as the oils are sweeped away. Revealing healthy, radiant skin.

Eve Lom Cleanser (with muslin cloth) $80 

Brand Spotlight: Hourglass Cosmetics

To anyone who has watched the Golden Globes this past Sunday, whether you love beauty or not, you've seen Hourglass Cosmetics at work. Hourglass Cosmetics is a chic, edgy, youthful, luxury beauty brand known for their primers and foundations which have legions of fans. They're available in top retailers like Barneys & Bergdorf Goodman, but a few large Sephora's also carry them.

Beauties such as Emily Blunt and Jessica Alba used Hourglass products for most of their look at the Golden Globes. Hourglass was created by a makeup artist, Carisa Janes, and is known for being cutting edge, luxuriously packaged, and modern. Their products are high performance but give a natural effect.

My favorite products from them are:

The No28 Primer Serum which is like a facial oil/primer hybrid that not only allows foundation to apply evenly and hold in place longer, but also moisturizes dry rough patches while balancing shine due to the oils. It makes foundation go on like silk and holds everything in place. The skin truly looks like real life airbrushed perfection.

The Illusion Tinted Moisturizer is an amazing light tinted moisturizer that is perfect for covering small imperfections and acne marks while delivering moisture into skin. It's more on the thick side so I consider this a light weight foundation instead that has moisture.

Got this for my mom over the holidays and have to say this is quickly becoming her favorite lipstick. The wand makes it easy to control how much color you want at precise spots. And the liquid is heavily pigmented like traditional lipsticks but is not drying which is so common in heavily pigmented lip colors.

As you can see Hourglass cosmetics makes really gorgeously packaged products that also are high performance. You can view the collection at their website.