Swell Smells: Marc Jacobs New Lola Ring

I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I started a new job this week and the training is kicking my butt! 

Have you seen this - a ring version of Marc Jacobs Lola perfume?

Cute! I have a feeling that Lola is going to be like Daisy, with a variety of accessories to go with it. I wore Lola just yesterday. I remember the first time I tried it. I walked into the grocery store and thought, "mm, someone smells good," and it was me! Pretty funny.

You can get the solid perfume ring for $21. It's only available in a size 7 for a limited time, so if Marc Jacobs perfume-jewelry is your thing, better grab one before they are all gone. Sephora shoppers give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Marc Jacobs Lola fragrance notes: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Grapefruit, Rose, Peony, Geranium, Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Musk

Swell Smells: Smell Bent's Fall Fragrances

I got the newest batch of Smellies in the mail from niche perfumery Smell Bent. Included in the shipment were the limited edition Fall/Halloween fragrances.

One. One has a subtle spicy-woody-vanilla smell to it. It has a nice balance, with the vanilla note coming across the strongest. The notes include Cardamom, Dark Vanilla, Dry Wood, and Sweet Musk.

Lucy Fur. Lucy Fur has "a splash of patchouli," so if you aren't a patchouli lover, you aren't going to like it. Me, I'm pro-patchouli, so I loved it. I keep sniffing my arm again and again. I'd like this one in a candle. (Hey, there's an idea Brent, from Smell Bent - how about some candles?? Possibly I have suggested this idea before. I've got a candle problem.) The notes include Red Musk, Vanilla Cream, and Patchouli.

Helen Carnate. Helen Carnate smells like a cupcake - but not a vanilla cupcake. Oh no. This cupcake would be rich and sinful and chock-full of dark chocolate goodness. Wow. I think this is the chocolate-i-est perfume I've ever smelled. I love it. The notes include Red Musk, Dark Chocolate, Red Mandarin, and Vetiver.

Lumberjack Werewolf. Lumberjack Werewolf smells like a pine forest. It smells like both the trees and the soil. How do they do that? Is it the musk?? The notes include Musk and Timber.

Bewitched Bothered & Bewilderness. BBB stumped me a bit. I definitely smell Cinnamon in there, but I got my daughter to help me try to figure out the rest. She guessed "cinnamon and lavender." I'm guessing there's also an orange element to it, because it reminds me of a pomander, the type you make by studding an orange with nutmeg. Smell Bent describes it as, "the sweet, spicy brew of a bubbling cauldron set against the lush scent of the forest at night." Very mysterious, but a very satisfying fragrance.

Smell Bent now carries their fragrances in a spray, too.  All the above fragrances are only available for a limited time. Get yours before November 1, 2010.

Image credit: Smell Bent.com

Swell Skin: Pacific Shaving Co for Men & Women

Awhile back I had the opportunity to try some of the wonderful products from Pacific Shaving Company*, but as my primarty sampler was my wonderful son, Max, I found it difficult to write my review until now. Max had Cerebral Palsy and I did all his shaving for him. He had very sensitive skin and I really had to try quite a few products before I found something that wouldn't irritate him.

I tried both the All Natural Shaving Cream as well as the Blade Oil that you spray directly on the razor on Max. It worked wonderfully - gentle, effective, smelled great. Max's face looked extra handsome and felt very smooth. The Shaving Cream, it's a little misleading - it comes in a little jar. I thought, wow, we are going to blow through this thing, but you use a smaller than normal amount, possibly because it's not all air.

The girls and I also tried the cream. It works well on legs and underarms. The Blade Oil extends the life of your razor and the All Natural Shaving Oil is a perfect for a girl like Bailey - no more shaving bumps. Instead of cream, you use a few drops of oil for a smooth shave.

All Pacific Shaving products are made with essential oils and certified organic ingredients. You can find them at Whole Foods, Harmon Discount Health & Beauty, Drugstore.com, Bed Bath & Beyond, Path Mark, Snyders, or your locak A&P.

*Product sample furnished to writer for review.

Image credit: Pacific Shaving Company

Swell Style: Her First Dance

My youngest daughter went to her first dance last night. She was so excited in the days leading up to it. The kids were told to wear lots of white because it was a black light dance.  We picked her up a dress at Forever 21 for $6.99, she added earrings and her favorite heart necklace and she was on her way.........

She had a wonderful time and is really looking forward to her next dance. It kind of makes me miss jr high, but just a little.....

Swell Style: Ellen Degeneres Struts the Catwalk

It's Fashion Week in NYC. Have you seen the photos of Ellen Degeneres strutting down the catwalk at the Richie Rich Runway show yesterday? Take a look at this...

I love Ellen and although that little hat makes me laugh, she's totally pulling off that silver suit - great color with her blue eyes.  Very impressive - Ellen really has that model-disdain look down.




Image credit: PicApp.com

Swell Shopping: Urban Decay Shadow 75% Off

Check out this Weekly Special makeup deal from Sephora.com ....


Urban Decay Loose Pigments, which usually retail for $20, but are currently $5 for a limited time. Wow. Big discount.

Loose Pigments are intensely colored mineral eyeshadows. They can be used in a variety of ways and are available in 4 shades; Baked, a rich bronze, Shag, a pale bronze (looks sort of mocha-like online), Smog, a medium brown, and a white shadow called Yeyo. These shadows are rated at 3.8 out of 5 stars.

The Loose Pigment formula is actually mineral makeup, made from pearlized powders derived from minerals. No dyes or synthetic pigments are used. The coolest advantage over other brands' loose pigments? No messy pots! The spill-proof tube uses a special internal funnel to keep pigment inside until you're ready to use it. The cap features an ergonomic flared handle and a built-in premium brush. Dip the brush into the color to apply, or tap out a little color and use your own brushes.

Image credit: Sephora.com

Swell Skin: Euphoric Skin Care, Plus Free Shipping Offer

Kenzo recently added a couple of new items to their Kenzoki Euphoric skin care collection. Fresh Jelly and Gumdrops is an exfoliating gel cleanser and the Nighshift Cream is a creamy night-time skin replenisher.

Kenzo shipped me both of these new products to try for a Girl Looks Swell review. As with each and every Kenzo product I've ever tried - I love them both. (I admit it, I have had a Kenzo crush for a few years now...... It all started with Kenzo Amour....). I have combination skin that is starting to show some signs of my age (I'm 44). It can be sensitive skin and I sometimes get little tiny pimples on my forehead. I am always on the look out for good skin care products.

The Nightshift Cream is rich, but not greasy. Plus, it smells incredible. I want a product with anti-aging properties, but I'm not a fan of anything that stinks. I don't want my pillow to smell like chemicals. This cream smells gingery and pretty. It's formulated with both Plant and Ginger Water. Both of these waters are full of mineral salts, trace elements, vitatmins and essential oils, which is...... here let me use this quote to explain, "... bio-compatible with physiological liquids and optimizes the efficacy of the active ingredients contained in the formula by improving their absorption by the skin." In addition, Ginger Water reinforces the "anti-radical activiy of anti-oxidizing agents". In short, don't let the pleasant fragrance fool you - this cream means business. And it did not make my forehead break out.

In the past I've tried another cleanser in this line, the Cleansing Ice Jelly, also excellent.  I like a creamy or gel-type cleanser that does the job, but does not leave my face feeling tight. The Fresh Jelly and Gumdrops cleanser is a keeper - it gently exfoliates and leaves my skin feeling fresh, but not tight. It's infused with mineral salts, trace elements, and vitamins (like the Nightshift Cream), with the addition of Ginseng. Ginseng is known for it's stimulating and toning abilities. That means you can skip the toner.

Place any $50 order at KenzoUSA until September 7, 2010, and receive free shipping when you use the code GINGER10 at checkout.

Image credit: Chase Your Bliss Photography

Swell Smells: Kat Von D & Adora

It looks like Kat Von D has a new fragrance in addition to her new man, (in case you haven't heard, she's dating recent Sandra Bullock ex, Jesse James. Whoop de doo...... Gossip, gossip, gossip...).

I like the bottle, but the top notes are a little fruit-heavy for my nose. Although, I do love the base notes of Patchouli, Musk, and Amber Wood. Sephora shoppers give Kat Von D's Adora 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you've had a chance to smell it, I'd love to hear your opinion.

Adora means "Beloved One" in Latin. For Kat, Adora reflects the next chapter in her personal evolution—an introspective renaissance discovered through deep layers, stories, and scars. She's a romantic soul with an edgy exterior. Adora is a sensual and passionate perfume journey—unexpected and provocative. This scent reveals a stirring glimpse into an enigmatic life…tortured, beautiful, and brutally honest. At the top, crushed juicy notes of lychée and boysenberry intertwine with thyme and a crisp shot of cassis. The heart fuses the distinct sweetness of hyacinth with jasmine to create floral notes, enhanced by freshly peeled mango. At the base, patchouli finds her spiritual matches with sheer musk and amber wood.

It's only available at Sephora. The rollerball Parfum is $16 and the 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum is $55.

Adora fragrance notes: Lychée, Boysenberry, Thyme, Cassis, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Mango Flesh, Patchouli, Sheer Musk, Amber Wood

Image credit: Sephora.com

Swell Style: Love, June At Etsy

I've got another wedding dress for you today. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when this photo caught my eye...

Isn't it striking? This dress, from the Love, June Boutique at Etsy, reminds me of swimsuits that I used to pick out for my girls. The sort with lots of straps across the back, straps that reminded me of ribbons, turning a little girl into a pretty little package. It looks especially pretty when paired with the model's tattoo. I like a tattoo without a lot of color (I have two, both with very little color).

The dress is handmade and customizable. It would make a great bridesmaid dress, as well.

Tomorrow, something non-wedding related, I promise.

Image credit: Love, June at Etsy