The Fetch Holiday Beauty Gift List

It's that time of year when everyone is looking to spend their hard earned money on the indulgences they've saved up for! I've compiled my own list of the top beauty products that any fetch hunter should put at the top of their beauty list.

Diptyque Bais Candle ($60): Scented in Rose and Blackcurrant Leaves, Bais is an exceptionally high quality floral candle from the French candle maker. The limited edition black glass and wax makes this even more of a hunt for the fetchest amongst us. Unlike a lot of French scents, this isn't a strong, overwhelming fragrance, it is instead a very natural scent that imagines a fresh field of roses in any room. A wonderful addition to your bathroom or bedroom when you spend those extra 15-30 minutes pampering yourself. A jar of this will transform any room into the ultimate spa getaway.

YULI Cellular Lip Conditioner ($26): A oil-serum hybrid in a chic green glass bottle which protects it from UV damage and also mimics plants natural chlorophyll filters to keep the plant actives vibrational energy 'alive'. YULI's Conditioner reminds me of Aesops Lip Heal, but is a thicker more hydrating formula and loaded with a lot more high-tech plant actives. I love that they're a natural company so the entire formula is non-toxic and food-grade which is important since so much of lip products are ingested anyway. This bottle packs quick a punch from antioxidants to supercritical extracts, a must have for beautiful, healthy lips!

RODIN Crema ($80): The ultimate chic hand and body cream. Crema's thick white cream smells just like their renowned facial oil and absolutely smothers the skin with moisture. Add to that a beautiful and simple modern metal tube packaging and you have yourself the fetchest addition to any travel kit or beauty routine.

Red Flower Icelandic Moonflower Body Wash ($22): Kind of like the REN of the US, Red Flower's gorgeously scented Icelandic Moonflower Body Wash is not only hydrating, but the exotic Icelandic Moonflower smells exquisite. Also a natural brand, the honey base will leave skin supple and balanced and the delicious aroma will lift spirits and mood in one wash, guranteed.

Chantecaille Nano-Gold Energizing Eye Serum ($210): A golden stick with a gold roller-ball applicator, does it get more flashy than this? For the ultimate in eye relief, Chantecaille's Nano-Gold Energizing Eye Serum comes to the rescue. Tired, puffy eyes with dark circles are no match for the Nano-Gold Particles which promise to energize, fight oxidation and inflammation, and plant stem cells. Not only will your eyes look good, but you'll literally feel more energized just applying this cool serum.

Nasomatto Black Afgano ($185): Lady Gaga wasn't the the first one to market a scent that turned from Black fluid to clear spray. It seems in all facets of her work, she's derivative of the work of more credible artists and scent is just one of many more examples. Nasomatto's Black Afgano is a very grimey, green fragrance from this cult house. It's meant for the man who is unafraid to be represented by a unconventional scent. The signature note is raw Hashhish, and production of the scent was halted numerous times due to import issues of the main raw material. As I said before, this is for the brave: light, airy, subtle this is not, it is a smokey, statement making scent that you'll either love or hate. But I can guarantee no one will smell like you.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Foundation ($62): The new foundation from this house renowned for their "second skin" type products, Giorgio Armani's Maestro Foundation is regarded as the new "odd child" in the foundation game. For starters it is a hybrid foundation-facial oil, whereas traditional foundations have a water-base. This gives it a unique texture and what Armani believes to be a certain "lasting power" while remaining very natural on the face. It's a very sheer, light coverage foundation but definitely does give the perfect layer for those who, like me, have somewhat normal-oily complexion but don't want their skin to be dried out either. This revolutionary product will take some adjustment but will definitely keep you informed and ahead of the game, which is what we're all about here.

Sunday Riley Effortless Tinted Primer ($48): The innovative tinted primer that also lets your skin breathe, this is a perfect product for those of you who want a primer that provides some (light) coverage while letting your skin breath with its innovative use of silicones which unlike other primers on the market, will allow skin to breath a little more leading to a healthier complexion and possibly less breakouts. Can be worn alone or with a foundation, this tinted primer will compliment any beauty regimen or be applied alone for those 8am classes.

The Art of Shaving Horn Fine Badger Brush ($175): My favorite brush from this high-end company that focuses exclusively on mens shaving needs. The brush is thick and densely packed with fine hairs and the horn base is elegant and natural and doesn't show aging like how some plastic handles will over time. The brush provides a gentle exfoliating effect and also softens skin leading to an easier shave and post-shave skincare product regimen. The brush is made of pure badger hair which really helps to generate a full lather. The brush was made in collaboration with Gillette technologies for their expertise on giving the perfect shave.

By Terry Rose Balm ($60): A multipurpose balm for any dry place: lips, cuticles, elbows, hands, you name it! This is like a gorgeously chic and luxurious Aquaphor! It will hydrate and soften and give off a tiny amount of sheer. Now here is the best part: it smells of roses! I love my scents with Jasmine and Rose at the top. Rose is just so relaxing and luxurious so this completes the Bais candle from Diptyque quite perfectly. The rose is from this balm is just so lovely and the rose hued jelly is the perfect embodiment of the scent!

YULI Metamorphic Elixir ($50): An anti-aging elixir, this must be the Elixir of Life that the Spanish were looking for. YULI is one of the cultiest new lines out this year and they combine natural ingredients with innovative technologies in a very simple unisex packaged product. Their elixir contains Hyaluronic Acid, naturally derived bio retinols, Frequency enhanced water (which together with their botanical infusions generate really high vibrational energy that feeds and corrects aging skin). For the rose lover in me, this slightly pink hued elixir also contains actual crushed roses in its Eternal Rose Complex that has 3 different types of rose. Luxurious and decadent for the person wanting younger, smoother, brighter skin.

Investing in these products will make anyones beauty regimen chicer and skin will reward you for it!

THIMISTER

Before there was Nicolas Ghesquiere, the head honcho at Balenciaga was Josephus Thimister, who was named by Anna Wintour in 2001 as "one of the 21st best fashion designers". Thimister now realizes his vision, what can only be described as "broken elegance, melted down silver" (Cathy Horyn), through his own label, THIMISTER.

Although not as widely known as Balenciaga, THIMISTER presents uncompromising edgy, luxury fashion that both tells a cohesive story, remains beautiful, and is undeniably fascinating. I hope he achieves greater renown because his collections inject a fresh breath of air to the sometimes too safe other times too comical side of haute couture fashion.

BRAD Skincare Sea Minerals Purify Review

I've spoken LA's cultiest line, Brad Skincare before. What struck me about Brad's line is how all the products seem to be focused on modernity but use very natural ingredients. Sea Minerals Purify is one of the two cleansers sold by Brad, the other, Universal Cleansing Gel is a bit drying for my skin despite my skin type being acne prone.

Sea Minerals Purify is meant to heal, repair, and detoxify dry, blemished, damaged, sensitive skin which are kind of the three perfect words to describe my skin this winter. I've noticed that moisturizer tends to just sit on my face but my skin feels so dry, yet I'm super blemish prone and have lots of acne scars, and my skin tends to run sensitive. Could this become my holy grail cleanser?

When I got my hands on this cleanser, I was taken by the black plastic box which is semi-transparent much like the glass bottle the product comes in. It's been a few days since I've been using this (twice a day) - and I have to say, I'm really enjoying this line. The cleanser needs really just 2 pumps for the entire face, it doesn't foam a lot but it's enough, I don't like cleansers that foam too much because I find them drying. The gel is unscented even for my sensitive nose and I found the cleanser to really rinse off everything. It might be a little light if you're wearing a face full of HD makeup, but for normal day to day, this should suffice. I haven't seen any of the purported scar and discoloration repairing that is listed on the product site, but I will update after I finish using up the entire bottle.

Sold at Woodley & Bunny $45

Azature Black Diamonds

I don't wear nail polish but I was at a dinner party this week and the theme for men was "all black everything" and the theme for women was "diamonds are forever". There was a lot of mixing and my tablemate, this British former popstar had this unique, eye-catching nail polish on. I had to know what it was and when she said "Black Diamon by Azature" - I immediately knew this was a Fetch Hunter find.

There is one bottle of this that contains almost 267 carats of black diamonds that will set back buyers by $250,000. Celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne, and Megan Fox have been photographed wearing this on red carpets.

 

For those who have other places to spend $250K, Azature also has a more economic version that only has 1 black diamond retailing for $25 available at Ron Robinson at Fred Segal. Available here (Azature Black Diamond, $25/$250,000)

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

I usually find H&M's collaborations with fashion houses to be hit or miss. I think it works really well when the fashion house in question is minimal (like Lanvin for H&M) instead of ornate (like Versace for H&M, which aged fast and is virtually unwearable in public the week it came out).

The Margiela for H&M collection is the perfect collaboration: it's edgy, but minimal, has character but is muted, to be more timeless. I took a look at the entire lookbook and I must say, the men's collection looked way more versatile and wearable than the womens which was a bit more "avant garde". This might be a first where I'm not so envious of the womens collection.

In recent years Margiela has been rather underwhelming without its namesake designer at the helm but this collection has it all, from universal minimalism to reknowned structural pieces. I think this is the right step for H&M, who has seen relatively disappointing debuts from collaborations with more colorful characters such as Anna Dello Russo, and whose red-hot Versace collaboration is the definition of tacky, fast-money fashion.

Winter Skin Care Essentials

Let's face it, winter in LA is not a tough life but even slight drops in temperature and changes in air humidity can affect the skin. For me personally, winter is when my skin needs the most care. Everything is harsher and it doesn't help I usually spend my free time on the slopes in Colorado, visiting family in New York, or going on vacation to snow resorts in Europe. With all of this, it is so easy for skin to become irritated, depleted, and dehydrated. That is why when the seasons change, so too does my regimen. For my sensitive slightly oily skin, I pretty much figured out I can't use creams as they break me out but I have found many things to keep my skin properly moisturized and relieved.

1. Clark's Botanicals Deep Moisture Mask

Francesco Clark developed this line when he had an injury that caused a serious skin ailment where he had chronic breakouts. The entire line is derived from Jasmine Absolute which is gathered from one of my favorite flowers, Jasmine (as you can tell from my review of the Acqua di Parma Jasmine fragrance). Francesco believes the Jasmine is suitable for all skin types and provides a very balancing effect.

My favorite product is the Deep Moisture Mask, which is a must for post-slope skin recovery. Not only does it replenish moisture lost by the chill winds and snow, but it revitalizes appearance so skin is back to looking soft an radiant. It is the ultimate recovery product for ski/board addicts!

Sold by Clarks Botanicals for $72

2. REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

This light oil-based gel serum from the minimalist British brand, REN, is essential for nourishing and repairing skin overnight. In the winter, even as we sleep, skin is continually stripped of moisture from heaters and cold temperature, so the lipids and omega 3 really do their part to replenish skin to maintain its plumpness.

Sold by Ren Skincare for $60

3. YULI Liquid Courage

I've talked about it here before as a cleaner alternative to the cult product CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum from Skinceuticals. Since then, it has become a skin care staple! Lately I've gotten into facial oils, and this brand does it right. Liquid Courage uses a base of botanical oils and then goes into superspeed with antioxidant actives and ferulic acid to give you the benefit of a hybrid of hydrating gorgeous facial oil and legitimate powerhouse skin serum. It is loaded with antioxidants which I believe are really important even in winter even with less sun because you're even ore exposed to the elements. The Vitamin E content is also really important for keeping skin soft against the cold.

Sold by YULI Skincare for $125

4.  kyoku for men Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

In the winter with less sun, I relax on the SPF a little bit, but I religiously apply it because you can still get UV damage from ice-glare. It is a little deceptive since it isn't as sunny or hot, but the UVs are still all around so it is really important to keep protected. This uses microparticle technology and is a moisturizer + sunscreen in one which is important because I hate applying a moisturizer and then a suncreen as it makes even the lightest lotions seem thick.

Sold by kyoku for $31

5. Weleda Skin Food

This is a god send for winter months to get rid of dry, rough patches especially along my elbows. Weleda is a very natural brand sold at Whole Foods who makes affordable all purpose skin care. I have a tube of this in my car and another in my bathroom, they're perfect when you're slightly dehydrated during the day or after showering to lock in moisture.

Sold by Weleda for $18.50

6. YULI Cocoon Elixir

My skin often gets redness during the winter. Especially if I'm going from snow to sitting in front of a fire, my skin kind of has a hard time balancing itself out. And then there are those times when you're working out but the air is so dry and cold that your pores just get confused. For all the irritation I get Cocoon Elixir is the perfect remedy. It is a soothing, calming natural mist that takes care of irritation and redness. Cocoon is such a perfect name for it because you really feel your skin is wrapped up in a healing cocoon of pure moisture. Perfect to heal skin that needs a break.

Sold by YULI for $36

7. Skyn Icelandic Relief Eye Cream

I have used so many brands of eye products! I find a lot of not natural brands to be irritating to my eyes, causing slight burning sensations so I quickly changed that by switching to natural products. After using an array of products that tightened my eyes or super-moisturized them, this was one product that just made my eyes feel 'calm'. For winter I think this could not be more important. What better skin care brand for winter than an Icelandic formulation? It glides on very easily and is not heavy. There is a wonderful tingle when you first apply it and overnight your eyes will feel hydrated and contoured without the feeling of tightness. It truly does make the area under eyes appear rested.

Sold by Skyn for $45

8. Brad Intensive Algae Concentrate Relief Serum

A concentrated "supreme healing" serum that will restore skin. I think this is perfect for winter in restoring luster to skin and providing it with the healing relief necessary. It uses a lot of herbs, flowers, and sea minerals to energize and restore skin and I found that it typically "recharges" my skin over night. Even when I come back from skiing looking like a burn victim, dabbing this with Liquid Courage works overnight to replenish my skin.

Sold by Brad for $153

Leica M9-P “Edition Hermès”

Recently I had a conversation with my friends over whether or not in this day and age of 8 MP cameras on smartphones, if an investment in a quality digital camera is worth it. It seems that most photos I see are either from peoples iPhones uploaded to Instagram or quick shots at dinner - but I can't help it whenever I look at a really amazing fashion website during fashion season, in noticing the brilliant pictures posted with high end cameras that the iPhone just can't touch yet.

Enter the Leica M9-P Special Edition Hermes Camera, a true fetch hunter find for the technophile who wants the best and the fashion trust funder who must collect the coveted. At $25,000, this doesn't come cheap, but then again, most good things don't. The camera is not only technically superior to most cameras out there, thanks to Leica's flawless track record at producing reliable, high quality cameras, but the craftsmanship is just AMAZING, just check out this video:





Besides the exceptional craftsmanship, the camera is that perfect balance between high-performance and compact making it a perfect fit for vacations - it won't take up a lot of room and you won't look like a pap, but your pictures will look like perfection! If you have $25,000 sitting around or are looking for that perfect holiday gift already, this should be considered! $25,000 from Leica

Lanvin High Top Sneakers

 These Lanvin Suede Textured High Top Sneakers are all I have been thinking about lately for my next big purchase. I saw them in Barneys a few weeks ago and have been in love with them! They're constructed on the outside with suede which is actually not a great material as it shows the tiniest speck of dirt and isn't that durable in rain - but as I live in LA where a rain day is cause for an emergency stay-at-home day, I'm not too worried.

What I love the most about these sneakers is that they're edgy and unique, instantly recognizable without being loud. You can pair them with jeans and wear them into the office on a casual day (which again, in LA is EVERY day), or wear them when you're just out and about, they'd still look good at night if you're going some place nice for dinner. 

I love that there is a zip on the side because lots of high tops like my current Dior Homme Hi-Top, are gorgeous and comfortable but it can be annoying trying to put them on. They're also ventilated so your feet don't feel all overheated in there. I just heard that the Malibu Lanvin received a new shipment, so I'm tempted to go over this weekend - will keep everyone up to date on my weekend buys, if any!

Lanvin Suede High Top Sneakers ($1,075, Mr Porter)

Oliver Peoples X Balmain

Oliver Peoples is one of my favorite labels for sunglasses. When it comes to sunglasses, I find that even people who wouldn't usually shell out to buy luxury will save up for a pair of their favorite designer shades. Even in college, you can see frat guys with their hundred dollar Ray Bans and Dolce & Gabannas, but that may also be because I live in LA.

Similar to perfume, when I buy accessories it becomes even more important that I'm truly searching for a luxury niche item that not everyone has. Oliver Peoples has been around for a while and is known for designing really well made, solid, timeless shades. They're a quite company but what they lack in media noise, they make up for in a cult following amongst true eyewear aficionados.

Oliver Peoples frequently collaborates on 1-off collections with designers, and when they worked with Balmain, it was like a match made in heaven to me. I've long been a fan of Balmain but anyone who has been to one of their boutiques knows it is one of the most expensive. I am fairly certain the prices are even higher than Tom Ford and Givenchy.

The entire collection revolves around 3 pairs of reinterpreted aviator shades with a double bridge nose. When they were first released, they retailed at around $595, but I was able to buy a pair at Barneys over the summer for $150. A definite worthwhile item that will surely be a timeless piece in anyone's collection.

Oliver Peoples X Balmain ($150, Barneys)

Giles S/S 13

Last week was London Fashion Week, and rising designer Giles Deacon presented an unbelievably chic, interesting, and edgy collection for his label Giles. Not since Alexander McQueen, have I been more inspired by any British designer - the shattered glass, insane headpieces, and animal motifs were all so beautiful, haunting, and moving.

 

 

Collection available for retail this winter.

The Scent: ACQUA DI PARMA Gelsomino Nobile

Acqua di Parma is known as a niche Italian line of handmade fragrances who have a cult following. They are known for their light scents, and deep Italian roots - in fact most of the scents contain botanical oils native to Italy. Acqua di Parma is one of those companies that is small enough that not everyone knows who they are yet large enough to be sold at major department stores such as Neiman Marcus. Their brand image has been in a rut in modern times, struggling to find a voice, a niche - but their timeless bottles, effortless scents, and quality hand manufacturing earn them a place on my fetch list.

The perfect summer fragrance is their Gelsomino Nobile scent. It's a wonderful scent, translated to be "Nobel Jasmine". Jasmine is a very fragrant, fresh, white flower, known amongst fragrance enthusiasts as the king of flowers. Gelsomino Nobile is made for women, but I find that despite the floral, there is subtle musk and spices which make it suitable for men as well. The fragrance is part of the Nobile series which aims to explore and focus on a single flower for each product.

Sometimes Jasmine can get a bit too overwhelming and heady, but this light scent is perfect - sweet, floral, giving just the right amount to green quality. Now that we're going into fall, this fragrance is perfect as it illicits the feeling of white flowers in a gentle breeze in Southern Italy (where the Jasmine flowers are cultivated).

Definite recommend.

Available at Neiman Marcus ($174, 3.4oz)

Miracle Product: The Antioxidant Serum

Usually my posts feature the most awesome things that I've 'fetched' for you. This post is about my serum addiction. Serums are really concentrated treatments for skin, they're costly but a good serum is easily a magical product that can transform your skin. This post, I'm going to talk about the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid) - a super antioxidant serum. Antioxidants are the latest craze from health nuts prescribing high-antioxidant diets to nearly every beauty product advertising its antioxidant benefits. But few products match Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum in antioxidant concentration.

This serum uses active forms of Vitamin C and Vitamin E which promote skin brightening and suppleness. Vitamin C serums are a must have for skin to prevent hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and collagen loss. This product acts as a preventative treatment to combat free radical damage and provide UV shields.

The Ferulic Acid gives this serum kind of a 'sticky' texture which isn't too bad but I know some people don't like the feel. Nonetheless, after a month of use, my skin just glows from within. I highly recommend this to everyone who wants to just prevent their skin from the signs of aging. I put this one after cleansing but before moisturizer/sunscreen so it really penetrates into my skin. So far my skin just feels like I'm indulging it!


Alternate Universe - Natural Version

A clean antioxidant serum I recommend for those of you into products without harsh chemicals is YULI's Liquid Courage Antioxidant Serum. They use an antioxidant seed complex, which is derived from organic botanical seeds which are believed to be the most concentrated in nutrients. They also use something interesting called Biofermented Black Garlic, which is a type of garlic they cultivate in a special process called biofermenting which intensifies the garlics natural antioxidant properties! There is also a chirally correct form of Vitamin C + Vitamin E which means it is really stable and will not deteriorate in effectiveness over time.

I would also recommend this to people who might not like the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid's sticky texture as this is a very light serum that melts into your skin. I've been using this under my sunscreen after cleansing for a week and I can see my skin just GLOW and look really healthy. I think it really does prevent a lot of the UV damage that LA people are so frequently exposed to. I also applied some under my eye where I frequently get dark circles, and it really tightened the area and faded the darkness. Despite being a very natural product, this serum really utilizes a lot of advanced techniques to deliver very effective results. I think for the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum lover who wants to try a natural version, you won't be disappointed in this product either.

These two products have somewhat become miracle products that always give my skin an extra kick when I need it. Skinceuticals is my current daily driver, but YULI is what I use when I really need that healthy, organic dose.

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($146, 1 oz, online)
YULI Liquid Courage ($125, 1oz, online)

Woodley & Bunny

Woodley & Bunny is a East Coast transplant in LA with roots in Brooklyn, NY. Woodley & Bunny calls itself a source of "culture and curation in beauty". And indeed that is what one can expect here: far flung brands, esoteric bottles, and eclectic concoctions. Even the most avid beauty buyer is sure to find something new and random here.

The store space is light and open. The products are arranged on the walls in the streamlined cutouts. Products range from Brad Skincare (see this post) to MCMC Fragrances to Kjaer Weis & Ellis Faas makeup. In fact I'd say most modern lines can be found in this store. If you're looking for easy to find regulars from the beauty pages, try Sephora or Neiman Marcus, if you're looking for the hard-to-find niche product with the random ingredient - this is the place to search first. Essentially every brand I have thought about writing on this blog is sold at this place, that's how tight the curation is here.

8318½ W. 3rd St., Los Angeles; 323-951-9906.

Brad Skincare

As a LA native, I get envious sometimes of how New Yorkers have more access to global brands and the latest niche products, so it was a surprise to me that one of the newest niche luxury skincare lines originated right in my city! Brad Skincare is a line of minimalist packaged, unisex skincare products created by Brad Hunter. His line was initially carried in his spa in LA but has since diversified to some of the coolest retailers: Woodley & Bunny, Beauty Cube, and Beauty Bar. Fans of this niche line include editors at Allure, and the fashion muse Michelle Harper.

The products are formulated using a process called biofermentation and are biophotonic meaning the dark glass bottles facilitate some type of UV activation with the fluids for increased potency. The spa in LA boasts minimalist white walls and furnishings that compliment the bold black glass bottles. The star products are the Ultra Elastin and Ultra Peel. Ultra Elastin is a weighty anti-aging cream that heals skin and rejuvenates the appearance of fine lines. While the Ultra Peel is the ultimate home-chemical peel to give skin a fresh start.

The product I really want to try is the Multi-Peptide Youth Regenerating Serum, which is described on their website as a 'youth powerhouse'. I am really curious about peptide technology so this is on my to buy list.

Products available at Brad Skincare

Uxua Casa Hotel

There are so many things going for Brazil now - in 4 years it will be the epicenter of the global sports arena as the top athletes from all over the world gather to compete in the Rio Summer Olympics '16, it is also currently a hub of economic development, noted by many top economists as possessing the largest potential for wealth behind China. Brazil right now is a mix between undiscovered treasure- the quiet beach towns, and urban metropolis that resembles that skyline of Shanghai.

A while back, we went to Brazil for vacation and stayed in Bahia - known for its rich natural landscape, gorgeous beaches, and abundant historical architecture. We stayed at Uxua Casa, a boutique hotel that has garnered much acclaim from worldly travelers, including features in Conde Nast traveler, ELLE Decor, Time magazine, Travel & Leisure, etc.

Uxua Casa is located in the village town of Trancoso, known for their white, sandy beaches and tropical forests. The property is the vision of Wilbert Das, the former creative director of DIESEL. Uxua Casa is a series of bungalows that were converted from restored fisherman houses. These casas retain their traditional flare by using local building methods and reclaimed materials from the local forest. All casas offer a seemless blend between indoor and outdoor, taking full advantage of the year-long tropical climate. The surrounding is idyllic: a quiet fishing town, overlooking the beach- you truly feel as though you've stumbled off the beaten path yet surrounded in a gorgeous boutique hotel. A must visit!

Boxed Water Is Better

A few years ago, if you asked for high-end water, the options would be Evian, Fiji, or Voss. Now the market is filled with niche products ranging from limited collection Gaultier Evian bottles to scientifically advanced Penta bottles and everything in between. So how do you establish yourself as a new brand in an already crowded market with so many players selling one of the most basic goods?

Enter Boxed Water Is Better, a company based out of NYC started by Benjamin Gott, described as "part sustainable water company, part art project, part philanthropic project, and completely curious". The premise is very straightforward, in a crowd of plastic bottles and heavy glassware, Boxed Water IS Better uses old school cartons to house their water. It is kinder to the environment, more sustainable, and not to mention incredibly retro-chic. It is just incredibly refreshing, attention grabbing, and the personality of the company jumps off through the minimalist container with heavy, bold lettering.

Besides the fetch appeal, this is also a company that tries to do good - 10% of their profits go towards reforestation foundations, and a further 10% goes towards global water relief foundations.

Available at over 500 retailers, check on Boxed Water is Better for locations.

Fatboy Perfect Putty

I can't even fully express how fetch fatboy is. I didn't even want to write this in fear of turning them into the next bumble&bumble, you know- a cool company that everyone and their mom ends up using. I like my cult niche products to be just that. But fatboy is the product that does everything I could possibly want: that controlled-casual look where hair is perfectly coiffed and styled but looks like the wind just blew it that way.

The matte finish, and lightweight texture leaves hair natural and soft to touch as though you truly don't have product in your hair. The lightweight cream is misleading because it can hold your hair anyway you want and is extremely buildable- and I say this as someone who does not have 'easily manageable' hair like those models in the youtube hair tutorials.

To get this product so damn awesome - mega-talented hairstylist & musician Tyson Kennedy spent over 18 months experimenting with different batches in the kitchen of his LES apartment in New York. And you can tell a lot of thoughtfulness went into this unassuming product, from the texture down to it's fresh minty scent.

Price $18, Available at Urban Outfitters & select salons

Sisley-Paris Eau de Campagne Perfumed Deodorant

There is nothing I dislike more than a bad deodorant! Unlike perfumes, deodorants have always been seen as a gym-goer necessity. I've been using 'designer' deodorant since high school, when I realized the white chalky plain brands were staining my favorite shirts. The designer deodorants are usually a solid-gel like stick, however my new favorite is the Eau de Campagne from Sisley-Paris.

It is a spray deodorant housed in a minimal aluminum nitrogen spray bottle. The scent is a strong at first but fades so by the time you get to the gym, it won't be obnoxious. It has a cooling effect and the actual fragrance notes remind me of a winterfrost mint so it is perfect for hot LA summers. A lady at Equinox actually went up to me to ask what I was using. A little goes a long way so the 5oz can will last a long time!

Available at Bergdorf Goodman

YSL CABAS CHYC BAG

I find this bag irresistable. Unisex, perfect size for plane rides, weekend trips, etc. The matte black is so subtle and chic - it will match anything! This will probably be my regular bag for the season. Minimal, quiet, but undeniably gorgeous! 

Available at SSENSE for $2395.00

Ellis Faas

The epitome of avant-luxe beauty: Ellis Faas is the self-named line launched in 2009 from renowned makeup artist Ellis Faas who has worked with the who's who of the fashion industry: editorials with Mario Testino, shoots for Vogue, ad campaigns for Vuitton, shows for Sonia Rykiel, Theyskens, Viktor & Rolf, YSL - to name a few. 

Her line is distinct for many reasons. Unlike a lot of traditional luxury companies that sell 'glamorous' colors, she's almost grotesque in her descriptions. She bases all her colors on hues that exist naturally in the human body, brought about by her experience working in special effects in movies (blood, bruises, wounds). The signature lip color is called Ellis Red which is sad to be a true interpretation of blood. 

The packaging is another major departure from anything on the market. To achieve the distinctive pens that resemble talons - Ellis Faas teamed up with industrial designer, Arnout Visser. The intention was to create bullet-shaped pens that not only looked distinct but were also functional. Her products are all sold in pen form including the foundation, concealer, eyes, lip products - and fit into a larger metal container so you don't have to worry about displacing one item. They're also incredibly durable, and perfect for travel.

Her foundation is the only product I have used. As a guy, I'm not interested in foundations that look too heavy or cakey - it isn't good to look too obvious in my book. The Skin Veil Foundation Pen is perfect for trips as it fits anywhere, won't spill, and already comes with an applicator brush. I found the coverage to be very light which is perfect for 'illuminating', fading redness, and balancing the face. I do have some acne scars but using a bit of concealer that's easily buildable with this foundation - my skin appeared very natural, bright, and flawless. Although her foundation is very light and subtle the lip and eye products pack quite a punch and the color-rich pigments pop off the face. 

The line is sold worldwide and is available for retail at Space NK, Woodley & Bunny, and online at Sephora.

The Nasomatto Project

The epitome of a Fetch Hunter product - avant-garde brand, beautifully simple-chic packaging, high-quality. The Nasomatto Project refers to the fragrance line created by Alessandro Gualtieri. If his name sounds familiar amongst the fragrance aficionados, it is because he is the mind behind the iconoic fragrances for Helmut Lang, Versace, Valentino to name a few.

His products can be found on Beautybar and Barneys, as well as Nasomatto's own website. This keeps his products very limited and relatively hard to find which I kind of love. I like that not everyone will see this or know what this is. There are so many perfumes and colognes out there, this is for those who find even the Chanel/Armani fragrances to be too pedestrian.

Another competitor who shares retail space with Nasomatto is Byredo, also from Europe. However I like the Nasomatto bottle and scents more. Byredo's smells to... woodsy and mossy for my taste. Nasomatto is also kind of cool because they don't actively court press, instead relying on their products to do the talking.

Black Afgano, is a stand out, black fluid cologne that evokes hashish. It goes on strong but fades to a beautiful scent. However, the standout in my opinion for men, is Duro which is said to enhance male strength - it is much more subtle. The first time I sprayed it on, I didn't think I'd like it, then it grew on me. After a day, I bought a bottle and it has been my go to since. For women, I love the Nuda perfume. The beautiful pink might make you think it is for girls, but the rich, pure jasmine is the definition of refined and sophisticated.

My first blog!

I'm a college student in LA, spend my days obsessing over Vogue editorials, on the find for the next 'fetch thing, Barneys regular, Givenchy addict, and love my products! Created this blog today to chronicle my adventures finding the next cool things whether it is a designer, architect, collections, beauty product, etc. Subscribe and enjoy!