All Dolled Up: Lancome Hypnose Doll Lash Mascara

All 'dolled up' for this promo pic.  Slightly creepy, no?

Who doesn't love trying out a new mascara?  It can be just enough of a change to satisfy that quest for a little something different without a whole lot of commitment.  If you really go to extremes (think big fake lashes, metallics, or even white) then it can really change your entire look.  If you ask me, a person's lashes can say a lot about their personality too -- natural, sophisticated, va-va-voom, etc.


Me personally, I typically prefer the most dramatic, 'ka-pow' type lash that I can get without looking like I'm ready for a drag show.  For this reason, I was pretty excited about getting to sample the new Lancome Hypnose Doll Lash mascara through the Vogue Influencers Network.  Lancome has long been known for their mascaras, and this one is supposed to give you that much desired, fake perfect, long, fanned, curled, wide-eyed effect without actually being fake.  Though I currently have a favorite go-to mascara that I am thrilled with, I figured that this one could give it a run for it's money if anything could.  So, let's take a look at the outcome, shall we?  

For comparison, here is the 'before' shot; sans mascara (or any other eye makeup for that matter).

And now, the 'after' shot.  Several coats top and bottom.  Not bad, eh?

Here's a look from a different angle.  Anywhere near looking like a doll?

And now the entire look with mascara, liner, and shadow - hopefully not quite as creepy as the ad above.

What do you think?  Am I ready to take my place in the mascara ad with those lashes?  I will say I was a bit surprised by the results myself, as I wasn't expecting such a noticeable difference.  I should also say that this is not a mascara that goes on boldly, but one that offers a buildable application in order to arrive at your desired intensity.  Of course, with multiple coats, comes the higher likelihood of smudging, or hitting your lid with the wand, so I would say this is not necessarily for the first-time user.  I also had no flaking or noticeable smudging with wear throughout the day.


 Now that you've seen the outcome, read about the application, and are ready to go out and buy yourself a new tube of eyelashes I should remind you that everyone's eyelashes are different, and you can only work what you've got the best you can.  If you don't have much in the eyelash department to work with in the first place, then this may not be the mascara for you.  Likewise, if you prefer a more natural look, then by all means take heed.  If you're into big, bold eye fringe like me though, then maybe you'll want to give this new Lancome Hypnose Doll Lash mascara a try.


You can pick up your tube at a Lancome counter near you, or by clicking here to visit Lancome online. 

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PhotoHunt 284: Yellow, Ushering in Autumn

Autumn has officially arrived here in the northern hemisphere, and I couldn't think of a more perfect way to welcome it than to appreciate all of the beautifully changing color outside!  Fortunately, this week's PhotoHunt fits right into the now, and a lovely, though slightly damp, stroll through the neighborhood with Olivia (seen in the 3rd photo below) helped to capture some of the many wonderful shades of yellow to be found all around.  Happy autumn!

David Yurman Fall 2011: Dream Big

Look like Arizona Muse when you wear David Yurman jewelry?  Maybe. Possibly. Probably not, but if you're going to dream, dream big, right?

Directly off the heels of my last post(which you can see here, if you missed it) on the Bulgari Serpenti Collection for Fall Winter 2011, which was a real looker if I do say so myself, is another fantastic little piece of eye candy (again) courtesy of the Vogue Influencer Network for the world weary dreamers and appreciators of beautiful things.  Ah yes, another tiny escape into the fabulous world of sparkles and shine.  Funny how appreciation for something exquisite can just take you away from it all better than a bottle of Calgon.  It might not transform you into the young and exceptionally 'now' supermodel in the ad above, but it will hopefully make you forget about your nagging to-do list or whatever else happens to be weighing you down about now. So go ahead, take a minute or two to relax, unwind, breathe deep, and scroll through the luxurious world of jewelry designer David Yurman's collection for Fall Winter 2011.  

Sterling silver pave diamond bracelet from the Cable Buckle Collection.

Sterling silver black hematite ring with pave diamond bezel from the DY Signature Oval Collection®.  Want.

Sterling silver pave diamond curb chain bracelet.

Blackened sterling silver pave diamond sculpted cable cuff.  I'll take two please.

Sterling silver amethyst and pave diamond ring.

Sterling silver smooth and Cable link chain necklace from the Oval Link Collection.

Sterling silver and 14-karat white gold pave diamond earrings from the Crossover Collection®. (Available in sm, med, lg,  & xl).  I would wear these EVERYWHERE.

Black onyx bracelet with sterling silver box chain.

Sterling silver curb chain necklace with pave diamond link.

Handmade oversized acetate oval sunglasses in tortoise with 18-karat gold vermeil accents and turquoise stones, from the Albion® Collection.  My newest eyewear crush.

Fantastic, isn't it!?  Now, don't you feel better that you've had that tiny little daydream away from the rest of the world?  Thought so.  Maybe now you can make that looming 'to-do' list a little happier by adding a visit to your local jeweler.  Au revoir!

The BULGARI 'Serpenti Collection': Temptation At Its Finest

This 1975 ad campaign illustrates the range
of Bulgari’s serpent- shaped designs.

After a long, unanticipated blog break (sadly, I wasn't dashing off to NY Fashion Week or slipping away incognito for an unwarranted sabbatical), I've decided the best way to get back into the swing of things is with a little eye candy.  Everybody likes that, right?  Even better when it involves a little symbolism, a lot of style, and a whole lot of slither!

Straddling the line between accessory and art, Bulgari is the distinguished Italian brand that is recognized by it's quotient for luxury, large exceptionally rare gems, meticulous attention to detail, blending of classical and contemporary, and unmistakeable creative sensibility.  Though some might automatically draw parallels with the biblical connotation of the serpent as a symbol of temptation (which could certainly work especially well for some of these pieces!), the serpent's use in the Bulgari collection is reflective of Bulgari's Greco-Roman heritage, where it is a symbol of wisdom, life, and eternity.  For the first time in decades, Bulgari has revived their iconic enameled serpent design for their Fall Winter 2011 'Serpenti' Accessories Collection.  Through the Vogue Influencers Network, the luxury brand gives us an exclusive first look at their newest collection, as well as opening up their fashion archives to reveal the heritage behind their iconic serpent collection.  

Though a multi-generational standard for celebrities and socialites alike; there's a little something for everyone here ... even if only sheer aesthetic enjoyment (one can dream, right?).  So go ahead and have a look; I promise the only thing that might bite a little is the price tag.

Bulgari revived the enamel serpent for their FW 2011 Accessories Collection. This small bag is made of luxurious karung skin, and the snake-head closure has a light gold and enamel finish with pear-shaped malachite eyes. (Bulgari.com)

This bracelet was one of the inspirations for Bulgari’s Fall Winter 2011 Collection. The flexible bracelet imitates a coiled snake with white and black enamel scales and pear-shaped diamond eyes. 

Originally owned by fashion legend Diana Vreeland, Bulgari replicated this belt so it could have a permanent place in their Historical Archive Collection. This belt is made of pink and white enamel with sapphire eyes. 

Available from the FW 2011 Collection, both these medium- and small-sized bags are made of karung skin and their snake-head closures are made of black and white enamel with malachite eyes. (Bulgari.com)

This original hand drawing shows the elaborate details Bulgari put into their accessories. Numerous separate elements were used to make realistic looking scales, heads, and tails.

Available from the FW 2011 Collection, this stylish bracelet is made of karung skin, and the snake-head closure has a light gold and enamel finish with malachite eyes.

Made of karung skin, the snake-head details have light gold and enamel finishes with malachite eyes. Also available in Shanghai red, black, and amber karung from the FW 2011 Collection. (Wallet, Bulgari.com; Belt, Bulgari.com)

This photo of Bulgari’s snake accessories ran in a 1971 issue of Vogue, connecting two iconic brands and introducing Bulgari to the world of high fashion.

If you're dying for a serpent of your own now, but suffering from a little sticker shock, here are some options to check that will lend that luxury look without breaking the bank.  Happy hunting!  

Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Bracelet, shopbop

        

Premium Snake Necklace, Topshop 

Premium Snake Earrings, Topshop

Drink of the Moment: Mango-Mint Rum Slush

Though summer is nearly over, there are still a few days left to fit in a few frozen fruity temptations.  Whether you're at the beach, the pool, or just in your backyard this Labor Day weekend; this is one you are sure to enjoy.  Sip quickly before it's too late!

Mango-Mint Rum Slush  

Ingredients

• 3 cups coarsely chopped peeled mango
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 cup mango nectar
• 3/4 cup white rum
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Preparation

• Place mango in freezer for 1 hour. Combine mango, ice cubes, and remaining ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Cooking Light 
MARCH 2003