Best of 2005: The New, the Vintage, the Gloriously Familiar

December 31, 2005

2005 has turned out to be a larger-than-life year for the world and as a historian, I am endlessly fascinated by it. For little ol’ me, it has been equally eventful, albeit on a far smaller scale. I moved back to a heavily populated, real city (scratch that: calling LA “real” is debateable). I got two great jobs that awakened me to the fact that I truly love helping people and derive therapeutic pleasure from such endeavors. I made important decisions that will hopefully seamlessly segue me into 2006. My family and friends are doing well, and since they are the most important thing to me, I am utterly grateful. Last of all, my grandfather showed me the humble humanity that we as mortal creatures are capable of in our most fragile hour.

My dear friends, another year is coming to a close and thus, bring out the fizzing champagne and stand below the mistletoe. And on that note, allow me to kiss my favorite finds of the year.

New Category of Fragrances to Obsess Over
Chypres
From the very modern Parfums de Rosine Une Folie de Rose and Serge Lutens Rose de Nuit to classic Guerlain Mitsouko and Guerlain Chant d’Aromes, to the impossibly elusive Deneuve and vintage formulas of Miss Dior and Balmain Vent Vert, chypres have won me over for their ineffable elegance, sophistication, and unclashing sensibility. As a category, they are the Louis Vuittan Epi of perfumes.

Latest Guerlain Love
Guerlain Chant d’Aromes (vintage and parfum)
… and so my love affair with this house continues with no end in sight. What unique delicacy Chant d’Aromes conjures—an aldehydic tangle of creamy petals, velveteen stems atop the polishing flair of a chypre base. When I want a more floral Guerlain Mitsouko, this is my pick. It was one of Grace Kelly’s favorites and I can see why. It is refined, it is understated, and its structure is classically simple. And yet, there is that fantastic woodsy quality that wafts throughout, giving it character and for those of us who dig oakmoss and vetiver, smooth, glistening touches are evident. As usual with this line, the parfum version is my undisputed favorite. However, thanks to a dear friend, I have a bottle of the vintage formula, which has a similarly enticing subtle sweetness. The peach note is more prominent and plush in the parfum—simply delicious—but how I treasure my vintage bottle (thank you so much, dearest).

Best New Fragrance
Frederic Malle Carnal Flower
Rare is the case when a much anticipated fragrance not only lives up to the hype, but surpasses it in expectation. Carnal Flower, the newest perfume in the Frederic Malle line-up, did just that. It is outstanding. A hypnotic floral built around the magnificence of tuberose and jasmine with fascinating touches of eucalyptus, coconut, and orange blossom, from the first time I tested it, I was beside myself with excitement—it was not only masterful, but gorgeously wearable. The opening is brilliantly constructed—a multifaceted prism of notes that has so much going on, but oh how it sings in perfect harmony like a Mozart symphony.

Best Vintage Fragrance Find
Givenchy L’Interdit (vintage)
This is the year that I finally tried this beauty, a fragrance that the legendary duo of iconic Audrey Hepburn and trailblazing Hubert de Givenchy helped to create. Although I should be a good sport and remark that it has been worth the wait, I am going to cry, “For pete’s sake, what took me so long?” It is a mist of powdery aldehydes, peach, rose, and jasmine resting on a warm bed of amber-colored goosedown feathers. It did not surprise me that the original L’Interdit would be this elegant. What took me a bit by surprise is how delightfully warm it is, just like Ms. Hepburn.

The Soulmate
Guerlain Vol de Nuit
Just perfect. I have admired and worn this fragrance for years, but sometimes fragrances happen to you all over again, and you see something different, you appreciate how perfect of a partner they are. Indeed, you recognize how comfortable and familiar that best friend of yours is and that you probably should have married him/her 10 years ago. This past year I finally understood how much Vol de Nuit belongs to me.

An Obvious Winner
Lip glosses with working brushes instead of sponge tips
These are a godsend for the woman who is always on the go. My favorites are Helena Rubinstein Star glosses, Guerlain Kiss Kiss glosses, and Giorgio Armani Lip Shimmers.

Best Lip Gloss for Anytime, Anywhere
Helena Rubinstein Star Lab Pink
I am halfway through my tube and the Helena Rubinstein counter just packed off and left the States. Is this a problem? Not at all, cherie! All the more reason to get a flat in Paris. Whenever I wear this, my mouth looks just the way I like it—the angelic look of a baby who has just licked his/her rosebud lips. I can wear it alone or with lipstick and without fail, I achieve the perfect, natural pout. Genius.

Best Hairstyle
The swinging ponytail
I shower, towel-dry, run some gel through my hair, comb, and then pull it back. My hair life has never been this easy and low-maintenance. Because my medium-thick hair is growing quite long and I do not want to be bogged down by the weight of a ponytail that swings like a grandfather clock, I expect that in 2006, I will discover the blessings of the chignon or French twist.

Best Skincare Treatment
Korean spas
It is the end of the work week. Your eyes are sore from all of the reading, your muscles ache from all of the rushing, your brain yearns for some peace and quiet, and you continue to search for new ways to persuade out that extra beaming glow from your skin. What do you do? The answer for me has been regular Korean spa visits. While I have always been a devotee to Korean bath houses, this year, with my move to Los Angeles, I have found them particularly enjoyable. I have hung my clothes (literally) at a panoply of wonderful alcoves that are often sans glam but refreshingly authentic in a city that is anything but, and best of all, they have proven to be mighty effective in helping me maintain my skin’s balance and getting much needed R&R.

Best Community
Makeupalley and the Blogosphere
Being a member of the Fragrance Board at Makeupalley has been wonderful, and I will add, nothing short of fascinating. I have met some incredible people there and made some friends whom I hope to know for the long haul (heck, you folks are expected at my wedding, god willing).

One of the most significant happenings of the past year is that many members of the Fragrance Board started websites. To repeat, Fragrance Board individuals are an extraordinary lot, not only for their remarkable talent, but their amazing willingness to share their knowledge, help complete strangers, and inspire stomach-aching chuckling. One of the pleasures of the past year has been getting to know people through their blogs—the photos they post, the essays they compose, the ideas they share. Moving back and forth from the Fragrance Board to members’ blogs has served as a wonderful way to keep in touch with friends, get to know new people, and learn oh so much.

It never fails to amaze me at how much more helpful MUA and these blogs are than Dear Abby, Dr. Ruth, and the In Style Best Of lists. Take these Best of 2005 lists, for example. Please click on the links below and enjoy. With a raised flute, allow me to exclaim, “Happy New Year, everyone! I hope the very best for each and every one of you in 2006.”

16 Comments »

The URI to TrackBack this entry is: http://alabasterbrow.blogsome.com/2005/12/31/best-of-2005-the-new-the-vintage-the-obvious/trackback/

  1. I am so with you on the lip glosses with working brushes. I know the sponge-tip wands have fans, but I so prefer the ease of working with a brush instead. My HG glosses are the Bourjois 3Ds (esp. the Miel Fantanas: wuv, twue wuv), and I totally know just what you mean.

    I see that you too have picked the vintage VV (also on Cait’s list.) I shall have to dig out my wee mini and give it another whack one of these days.

    Comment by Katie — December 31, 2005 @ 4:41 pm

  2. As I read your list I am tempted to call out “Tell it!” and “Teach!” in a call and response mode. I totally agree on chypres. The Korean spa idea is genius. Although I’ve none to go to up north, Osento and Kabuki in SF, Japanesesque and Japanese baths, are quite restful. Happy New Year and thanks for the tips on gloss and Guerlain.

    Comment by Cait — December 31, 2005 @ 5:05 pm

  3. Hooray! I love your list, darling.

    Here’s to more swingin’ ponytails, great lipglosses (like the HR one that I love to see you slap on!), and more vintage fragrance finds. And, I am hoping that I will be able to join you at the spa in ‘06.

    Love you, D! Hugs!

    Comment by mreenymo — December 31, 2005 @ 7:08 pm

  4. hello dearest D!
    I have been waiting most impatiently for your list to make its appearance, and of course I am not disappointed! I cannot wait to get my paws on FM Carnal Flower.

    I also can’t agree more about lip glosses with functional lip brushes… it’s part of the reason why Armani lip shimmers are my favorites (and the only minus for the Midnight collection!)

    And one day, I need to get to a Korean spa!

    much love and hugs to you, darling D!

    Comment by koneko — December 31, 2005 @ 8:20 pm

  5. Oh, I have to try Chant d’Aromes, it sounds incredible. Deneuve is indeed elusive and when it is available, on ebay for instance, boy is it expensive :-)
    Happy New Year!!

    Comment by Marina — January 1, 2006 @ 10:53 am

  6. What a great list. I really must try Carnal Flower as I love tuberose and jasmine. I hat that name though! Yuck.

    I agree with you about the MUA fragrance board. I haven’t been around much this year but it will always be my cyber home. I’ve met many friends there and had laughs, love, support, and, of course, fragrance discoveries aplenty!

    Happy New Year,
    Laura

    Comment by kyahgirl — January 1, 2006 @ 2:46 pm

  7. Beautiful list D!
    Peej is going to be so pleased to see that the ponytail made your “best of” list.
    Hope you had a wonderful New Years Eve!

    Comment by Annieytown — January 1, 2006 @ 6:31 pm

  8. Dear Diane,I love reading your list, somehow since we live in the same town I feel like I KNOW each and each thing personally — it’s probably the Korean Spa reference that does it! I feel like VdeN is a twin soul too, so are we triplets?
    All the best for a great new year ! Wendy

    Comment by Qwendy — January 1, 2006 @ 11:56 pm

  9. Love you, too. Have a great 2006!

    Comment by sarasotagirl — January 2, 2006 @ 9:46 am

  10. Dearest D–
    Beautiful list. I love how poetic you made your list of favorites.
    The swinging ponytail does INDEED RULE!
    xo
    Cannot wait to hang with you again!

    Jen

    Comment by Parisjasmal — January 2, 2006 @ 12:42 pm

  11. ROFL!!! Just looked up and saw Annie’s comment about me loving that you put ponytails on the list!

    xo

    Comment by Parisjasmal — January 2, 2006 @ 12:43 pm

  12. Dearest D,

    Love your list! One of my most favorite “finds” of the year was in meeting and getting to know dear MUAers like you!!!! Everything else is gravy, for me. Lucky as those who are receiving the benefit of your knowledge; lucky students!! Must touch base sometime this year; lots has happened.

    Besos,

    Halyna

    Comment by Halyna — January 15, 2006 @ 5:03 pm

  13. A great list … your description of the Guerlain is worth the price of admission … I’m ashamed to say I have never tried Mitsouko or Chant d’Aromes or Vol de Nuit. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. Anyway. A happy New Year to you, dear cristaline. xoxo

    Comment by mireille — January 21, 2006 @ 4:12 pm

  14. Hello! I love your site and would love your feedback on mine, that is newly re-launched!

    Amanda
    http://hautetalk.blogspot.com

    Comment by Amanda Brewer — November 12, 2006 @ 5:28 pm

  15. Dear Editor,
    Shopzilla.com (and Bizrate.com) are seeking link partnerships with complimentary web-sites.
    Due to the quality of your site, we would like to purchase links on it to promote our price comparison shopping sites, where consumers can compare products and prices from different stores.
    If you’re interested, please contact me with your monthly rate.
    Also, please let me know if you have any other sites.
    I look forward to working with you!
    nnova@shopzilla.com
    PS- please don’t publish this comment – I couldn’t find other means of contacting you

    Comment by nnova@shopzilla.com — April 30, 2007 @ 5:02 pm

  16. Organoderm Safe for Pregnant Mothers and Children
    Organoderm skin care products are USDA certified organic or Circle of Green certified or both, which makes these products safe for pregnant women and children. The USDA label confirms that no synthetic preservatives are present, while the Circle of Green label assures the consumer that no harmful chemicals are within the formulations.

    Newport Beach, Ca (PRWEB) April 16, 2008 — Organoderm skin care products are USDA certified organic or Circle of Green certified or both, which makes these products safe for pregnant women and children. The USDA label confirms that no synthetic preservatives are present, while the Circle of Green label assures the consumer that no harmful chemicals are within the formulations.

    “I was afraid to use any skin care products during my pregnancies,” said Michelle Caldero. “I was concerned it would hurt my babies.” The average woman uses 12 personal care products containing about 168 chemicals per day according to a survey from the Envirnomental Working Group, many of which are considered harmful by various governmental agencies. “I was happy to discover Organoderm products, and now I am using them on my children,” continued Michelle, the mother of two young daughters.

    The USDA has strict criteria for certification and allows products to display the USDA seal only if they contain 95% or more certified organic ingredients and no synthetic petrochemical byproducts. The Circle of Green prohibits a long list of harmful chemicals in products that it certifies. Their list is a complation of several sources including the Environmental Protection Agency and is updated periodically.

    “It was challenging to meet the strict criteria of these two certifying agencies, but it was important to me,” said Dr. Edward Domanskis, a plastic surgeon who founded and developed the Organoderm skin care line. “I too wanted not only my wife but also my children to be safe in using my products.”

    Organoderm is sold exclusively through the internet, and its oversized products are reasonably priced from $12-$42, especially for a Doctor-developed and recommended brand.

    Contact Dr. Edward Domanskis,M.D. drdomanskis @ organoderm.com
    949 640-6324 (www.organoderm.com)

    Comment by Dr. Ed Domanskis — April 16, 2008 @ 6:04 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Leave a comment

Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>


Get free blog up and running in minutes with Blogsome | Theme designs available here