Editor’s Picks: Beauty ‘Lust-Haves’ for Fall 2014

1. Latoya Duncan—Contributing writer

“I’m lusting for a  Clarisonic Sonic Radiance™ Brightening Solution Set because I want clear, even toned and brightened skin! The formula is made without parabens and phthalates – a formula that will not be harsh on my skin.

Plus, the Solution Set claims to effectively clean skin; brightens and removes impurities; supports natural cell turnover; fades and combats dark spots, age spots, and acne-induced discoloration while providing intense hydration – all the qualities I am looking for in a skin care regimen!”

About Clarisonic Sonic Radiance™ Brightening Solution Set $249:

What it is: A two-step, morning and evening regimen to gently and effectively treat and control dark spots and uneven skintone for a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion.

What it is formulated to do: Unlock your brightest complexion ever. Clinically proven to significantly reduce dark spots, dark spot intensity, and overall pigmentation, Sonic Radiance complete solution includes Aria-Mia 3 facial cleansing device, radiance brush head, AM Skin Illuminating Cleanser, PM Skin Renewing Peel Wash, and Brightening Activator Serum.

The radiance brush head gently yet effectively cleans skin. Skin Illuminating Cleanser brightens and removes impurities. Skin Renewing Peel Wash supports natural cell turnover, and Brightening Activator Serum fades and combats dark spots, age spots, and acne-induced discoloration while providing intense hydration.

 2.  Rana Campbell—Contributing Writer

“I’ve always been a fan of dark lipsticks. This season deep berries and plums are all the rage. Because I’m a gal who does beauty on a budget, I could never imagine spending $50 on a lip color. However, this Tom Ford Bruised Plum is calling my name.  It’s part of their Fall 2014 collection. It looks so good in the pictures, I can only imagine how great it would look on my lips.”

About Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Bruised Plum $50:

To Tom Ford, there is no more dramatic accessory than a perfect lip. It is the focus of the face and it has the power to define a woman’s whole look. Each lip color is Tom Ford’s modern ideal of an essential makeup shade.

Rare and exotic ingredients, including soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil create an ultra-creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application. Specially treated color pigments are blended to deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity.

Tracey Brown—Editor-in-Chief

“I want to say, ‘I woke up like this.’ I want to look like I have 35 year old skin. While I am doing well in this area, there are days when I wake up look at myself and see every minute of 57 years of age.  Well, I’m probably exaggerating a bit, but at this age, I prefer to wear less makeup as opposed to piling on layer up on layer.

I think that as women age, they should do it gracefully and not try to hide behind so much makeup.  That’s why when I heard about Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Charlotte’s Magic Cream’ Treat & Transform Moisturizer it went to the top of my lust list.”

About Charlotte Tilbury ‘Charlotte’s Magic Cream’ Treat & Transform Moisturizer $95:

Charlotte Tilbury’s secret is out. Her Magic Cream is a secret mix of patented anti-aging ingredients combined with a hyaluronic booster and floral extracts to lift and transform tired skin in an instant. A breakthrough, multi-tasking ingredient, the BioNymph Peptide Complex, fights the aging process on all fronts, stimulating collagen production and cell energy while fighting free radicals to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smooth skin.

Sodium hyaluronate floods skin with moisture while replumping and extracts of wild pansy promote the renewal of hyaluronic acid in the skin’s surface. Rose hip oil, camellia oil and vitamin E transform a grey complexion into a hydrated one while nourishing vitamin A helps improve skin firmness and smoothness and energetic vitamin C promotes collagen activity for more youthful skin.

Chelsea Tate—Writer aka The Blinging Bride & The Blinging Mommy

“After spending four years at Cal Berkeley and earning a degree in English, I still felt this need to go back to school. No, not an MBA — Cosmetology School. I guess you could say that I am following in my mom’s footsteps. Anyway, in addition to doing hair, I love doing makeup and I have learned the value of a perfect palette when working with bridal clients. Bobbi Brown Deluxe Lip & Eye Palette is just what I need for my brides — all in one compact palette. It’s definitely on my lust list.”

About Bobbi Brown Deluxe Lip & Eye Palette $80:

What it is: A double-decker tortoise shell palette with an array of creamy lip colors and eye shadows for a range of day-to-evening eye looks.

What it does: All of the shades in this deluxe eye shadow and lip palette have been hand-picked by Bobbi Brown herself. In shades that flatter all skin tones, it is the perfect holiday accessory for anyone. This set lets you create subtle to standout looks that are gorgeous on all skin tones, and they’re just right for anyone who wants to sweep on a number of day-to-evening looks—and the mini eye shadow and lip brush offer easy application on the go.

Wyminn Boyington—Editor

“I am a fragrance lover!  In my humble opinion, a woman is not completely dressed until she applies her fragrance.  Make-up can be fierce, hair on point, but the lasting thought of her fragrance stays with you. One of my favorite fragrance designers, Estee Lauder,  has a new fragrance for Fall – Estee Lauder’s Modern Muse Chic.”

About Estee´ Lauder Modern Muse Chic $100:

Be an inspiration. Experience the fragrance that captures your daring, your creativity, your exuberant style. A bold contrast of two distinctively different accords—vivid floral accord and striking ebony woods accord—provides an intriguing dual impression. It’s a true innovation in fragrance design, as complex and fascinating as the woman who inspires it.

Notes: Floral Accord, Ebony Woods Accord, Jasmine Sambac China Absolute, Tuberose, Suede Musk, Patchouli. Style: Striking. Complex. Daring.

Marna Armstead—Writer 

“These fragrances from D&G’s Velvet Collection are perfect! I am literally lusting for the Parfum. Both are sensual and mysterious. Both fragrances suit my chemistry nicely day or night. They are effortlessly sexy, and I’m all about that! Sublime is a heady playful scent that I can see wearing a bit more casually. Desire is slightly more intense and I would definitely wear on a romantic date.”

About Dolce & Gabbana Desire $93:

Desire by Dolce&Gabbana is a deeply feminine fragrance that illuminates everyday moments into something special. A blend of luxurious ingredients as potent and captivating as the emotion of desire itself leads us on a journey of opulent seduction.

Fresh top notes of mandarin, lychee, and bergamot play softly against the sweet innocence of lily of the valley. At the core of an intense heart is a trio of ultrafeminine florals. The elegance of madonna lily and the heady opulence of Indian tuberose are blended with velvety jasmine and addictively sweet plum nectar. Adding an indulgent richness to the base is a gourmand note of vanilla infused caramel, melded with warming sandalwood, and a touch of mysterious musk and cistus labdanum.

Notes: Mandarin, Lychee, Bergamot, Lily, Tuberose, Jasmine, Plum Nectar, Caramel, Sandalwood, Musk, Labdanum. Style: Feminine. Luxurious. Seductive.