fete a fete

Hiram Green Vetiver

2021-06-29T18:52:08Z

I was so pleased to learn about Vetiver, the latest creation from natural perfumer Hiram Green. Evoking the spirit of Hollywood's golden era, the fragrance represents something that a sophisticated, urbane leading man might wear. The image of a dapper, witty Cary Grant immediately came to my mind.

Spicy, woody, and a touch smoky, the unisex scent starts off with citrus and sweet ginger, but soon features vetiver, its star ingredient. Two varietals from Haiti and Java were used, which is a clever move in my book; the blend adds an intoxicating but not overwhelming result. Cedarwood and ambrette seed give it a gentle finish, which makes this perfume all the more special.

A spritz of Vetiver and I suddenly feel like Lauren Bacall or Katherine Hepburn in a sleek silk gown. I'm already a vetiver lover in general, so I could be a bit biased; nevertheless, this might be one of my favorites from his entire line.

Available in a 50ml EDP bottle (€155, free sample included) at hiramgreen.com. Free worldwide shipping on purchases over €40.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

True Botanicals Chebula Serum

2021-03-08T14:00:36Z

Looking for a new serum? Check out the True Botanicals Chebula Active Immunity Serum, the newest product from the Bay Area skincare brand. Its star ingredient is chebula, an anti-inflammatory plant native to South Asia.

Chebula contains 60% of bioactive antioxidants, while most other fruit sources contain only 10%. Elderberry, echinacea and ginger are added to boost anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. An optimal combination of low and high weight hyaluronic acid is included to lock in hydration.

This serum absorbs easily into my skin and there's no sticky residue. After two weeks my skin texture feels noticeably silkier. I use half a dropper and it's more than enough. I also use less face oil, which is what I typically layer on to lock in more moisture. It's an essential product if you want to maintain radiance and suppleness.

Available at TrueBotanicals.com for $90 (1 fl oz). If you're not ready to commit you can try their deluxe sample size for $18 (0.2 fl oz).

This post contains affiliate links; I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

True Botanicals Chebula Serum Preview

2021-01-04T13:00:03Z

True Botanicals launched an exciting new product today. The Chebula Active Immunity Serum features chebula, a plant that's native to South Asia. It's the first time a skincare company has utilized this potent ingredient and it's supposed to correct the top five sings of aging.

According to True Botanicals, chebula is one of the most bioactive antioxidants. 60% of chebula is bioactive, while most fruit sources are around 10%. The super high percentage of bioactive chebulinic and chebulagic acids can easily penetrate upper levels of the skin and intercept oxidative stress before it can trigger inflammation -- a root cause of skin aging.

I'll be reviewing this serum soon, so stay tuned! If you absolutely can't wait, you can buy it here.

This post contains affiliate links; I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the links.

Hiram Green Vivacious

2020-07-20T23:16:00Z

Hiram Green's latest creation, Vivacious, is a much-needed breath of fresh air during these stressful times. The violet-themed fragrance sends a jubilant energy to anyone who wears it, which is such an endearing quality to possess. Who wouldn't want that?

Bergamot, spicy carnation, orris, and amber complete the profile. I liked how the amber didn't overwhelm the composition. Wearing this, I can imagine myself swanning around with violet posies, bringing out my romantic side.

Available in a 50ml bottle (€155) and as a 1ml sample (€5.40) at hiramgreen.com. U.S. customers can purchase at luckyscent.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Nordgreen

2020-03-17T00:18:27Z

I had a chance to check out Nordgreen, a Scandinavian watch company from Copenhagen. Their watches were conceptualized by design veteran Jakob Wagner, who had worked for Bang & Olufsen, Alessi, B&B Italia, and Muuto.

Native watch with white dial and gold mesh strap ($194).

The company is also passionate about giving back to the community, which can be appealing for many conscious consumers. Each purchase allows us to make a donation to a charity (choose from 3 options). You can read more about it here.

Infinity watch with dove grey vegan leather strap ($209).

I got to review the Native watch ($184), which is a well-made, classic minimalist style. Each piece can be paired with interchangeable straps, so you can buy extra colors to match your outfits! They also offer vegan straps for those who are seeking an eco-friendly alternative.

Native watch with black dial and pink leather strap ($184).

Shipping was super fast; I received mine within a few days. There is a 2-year warranty for their products.

Available at Nordgreen.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

2020-02-11T02:16:00Z

Clarins recently sent me their bestselling Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch makeup primer to try. It features acacia micro pearls, which help blur lines and absorb excess skin oil. Vitamin E is included to add hydration and protection against free radicals.

It creates a super smooth surface and won't dry your skin out. It also absorbed skin oil quite well. You can use it alone for a minimalist look, layer lightly under makeup, or mix with your foundation. You don't need a ton of product to see results so the jar should last a long time!

Available for $39 (0.5 oz) at www.clarinsusa.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Hiram Green Voyage 2019

2019-10-30T14:00:44Z

Hiram Green's new Voyage 2019 perfume is a smooth, lighter version of its 2015 predecessor. It's still beguiling as ever, but the limited edition natural fragrance is reformulated with a more delicate update.

As before, the Oriental scent opens with a very subtle citrus note. The biggest difference is the addition of the lotus flower, which I really like. Its gentle and sweet personality gives way to a warm pas de deux of vanilla and amber.

If you enjoyed the original formula, I think you'll love the 2019 version. And, like all of his creations, this one also has great lasting power. Only 280 bottles were created so make your holiday shopping plans soon!

Available in a 50ml bottle (€155) and 1ml sample (€5.40) at HiramGreen.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Hiram Green Hyde

2018-12-12T15:17:19Z

If Hyde represents the grand adventures I'll soon embark on, then I'll leap in without hesitation. Smoky and intoxicating, this new unisex fragrance by Hiram Green will seduce anyone who's up for the unexpected.

Hyde is easily one of my favorite natural perfumes of the season. It's bold and spicy but not overwhelming. The leather-themed scent offers up opening notes of lemon and bergamot, which then melds with oakmoss, birch tar, labdanum and cassie flower. Vanilla lends a faint sweetness to mellow out the smokiness. And, it has an impressively long-lasting power. I can still smell it the day after.

Hyde is available in a 50ml bottle (€144) and 1ml sample (€5) at hiramgreen.com. San Francisco shoppers can also find Hiram's perfumes at Tigerlily.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

Clarins Shimmer & Shine Holiday 2018 Makeup

2018-11-14T15:00:52Z

Clarins makes it easy to look polished for the holidays, which is a relief if you have a busy social calendar. The limited edition Shimmer & Shine collection consists of only three products.

A few swipes of the Illuminating Sculpting Powder ($40) will add a beautiful glow to your cheeks and decollete. This pale gold pressed powder is the perfect finishing touch for any festive occasion.

The new Red Berry Glam shade of the ever-popular Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil ($26) is just so pretty. The shimmery red gloss is the perfect color to brighten any complexion. You'll be ready for anything if you keep this in your makeup bag.

Your lashes also get a gilded makeover with the Gold Mascara Top Coat ($28). Dab it on the lash tips or apply it over your mascara (or by itself) for a flashier look!

Available at all Clarins counters and www.clarinsusa.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.

SK-II Overnight Miracle Mask

2018-09-13T14:00:54Z

If you've neglected your skin this past summer, it's time to give it some love. SK-II just launched their Overnight Miracle Mask, which features their signature ingredient Pitera and sleeping tree extract. This leave-on nighttime gel mask is designed to make your skin look smooth, nourished and bright.

After cleansing, apply a layer of the mask; do not rinse and leave on overnight. In the morning, wash your face as usual and continue with your daytime regimen.

It comes in a set of six masks, but I found that each portion has enough product for at least two applications. I woke up with noticeably softer skin and felt that my skincare sunk in better in the morning.

Available for $105 (6 masks) at www.sk-ii.com.

For editorial consideration, review product was provided by the brand.