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An Adult in a Candy Shop

If you’re an out-of-towner, visiting New York with the kids, or just a candy connoisseur, Dylan’s Candy Bar is a destination not to be missed.

Lara in Candy Land
I may not make the most attractive gummy bear (and evidentially I should have brought a few dates) but at a recent Dylan’s Candy Bar event, I was a happy one. Surrounded by all kinds of tasty treats, there was no way I could walk out empty handed.

In fact, I picked up a Big Hunk (candy bar that is).

One of the largest candy stores in the world, this place will not only appease your sweet tooth, but also bring back the magic I feel is lost in many modern day candy stores.

This candy emporium is 15,000 square feet with over 5,000 candies, a candy café, fashion

Holiday Treats!

Looking for a yummy treat without all the calories? Here are some of my favorites.

yummy story

1. Soft & Dreamy Drenched in Pink Super Soft Body Lotion by Victoria’s Secret

This light weight, limited edition lotion absorbed effortlessly into my skin with the delicious smell of meringue and vanilla whipped cream. The Pink line is my general go-to for the teenagers in my life, and it hasn’t let me down yet.

$12/ 500mL/16.9 FL OZ.
For more information visit victoriassecret.com

2. Almond Cookie Candle by Carol’s Daughter
Get into the spirit with the soft aromatic blend of almonds and marzipan. Hours after I blew out this soy candle, the scent lingered in my room, and the wax stayed soft enough to use a little on my dry patches and cuticles (like a salve to add moisture).

Burns for approximately 50 hours. $29/7.2 oz.
For more information visit carolsdaughter.com

3. Cherry Blossom Hugs & Kisses by L’Occitane
I love this little duo set — Ultra hydrating, sweet smelling cherry hand cream that’s not overpowering with a lightly pigmented red cherry lip gloss that’s not too sticky; all boxed up in a cute package.

$18/ Hand Cream 1 oz, Lip Gloss 0.5 oz.
For more information visit loccitane.com

4. Holiday Treats Mini Juice Gems Squeeze on Lip Gloss by Mark.
Four limited edition glosses in fun, high pigmented, thick gloss flavors including

Party for a Cause – Do You Really Need More Stuff?

Take a queue from Scott Harrison (Founder of charity: water) and Sean Parker (Napster Co-Founder, Founding President of Facebook, Chairman and Co-Founder of Causes) and consider asking your friends to donate to a worthy cause instead of gifts.

CHARITY: WATER

Founded by Scott Harrison, charity: water is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people globally. He launched this project on his birthday in September 2006, and asked guests to donate $15 instead of giving him presents.  That evening, Scott raised $15,000, and charity: water was born. It’s been a recurring event ever since.  This birthday campaign has become such a success, between Scott’s birthday and those who followed suit, they were able to raise $965,000.

charity ball

Join Scott Harrison and host Adrian Grenier for the charity: ball 2009. Monday, December 14th, 7pm.  For more information and to buy tickets click HERE

Don’t have the funds? Donate your time (or both). Charity Water is always looking for volunteers.  That’s what I’m doing, so I hope you’ll join me at the charity: ball or at future volunteer nights. Visit charitywater.org for more information.

 

MALARIA NO MORE

In celebration of his birthday, Sean Parker threw a benefit for Malaria No More, the non-profit organization dedicated to ending malaria deaths, by asking for donations instead of gifts.

Let’s help Sean reach his goal of $50,000 by donating at www.facebook.com/malarianomore, and to learn more about the cause visit malarianomore.org.

On a beauty note, Sean has really good taste in skin care, sporting Molton Brown’s Naran Ji Fine Liquid Hand Wash and Soothing Hand Lotion in his guest bathroom.  A celebrity studded birthday and I’m taking pictures of his hand soap…go figure!

A Night to Remember…

Lara Eurdolian, Francois Nars, Simon Doonan

Having recently ordered Francois Nars’ latest book NARS 15×15, I could not pass up the opportunity to see the man behind the brand that began my career in beauty almost 5 years ago (and I wanted my book signed!). So I began my evening at Barneys, where Mr. Nars (alongside Simon Doonan) was more than gracious with his time and appreciation for my past work with NARS. Having the opportunity to see Francois Nars again and reunite with some of the makeup artists and NARS team was very special for me.

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He signed my book ‘For Lara, with many thanks and love, Francois Nars’! My copy and I are going to have a very long and loving life together. The book is stunning and the proceeds will be donated to 15 charities selected by the featured celebrities.

KAWS Holiday Invitation-1

I then made my way to the Kiehl’s Since 1851 Flagship Store to celebrate the holidays with

2. & 3. California Baby Calming Newborn Tote and Holiday Bubble Bath

2. California Baby Calming Newborn Tote

CalmingNewbornToteSuitable for newborns and older, this set has everything to get your little one started off right. Lightly scented with their special Calming™ aromatherapy blend (which includes French lavender), their line which contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients is chemical and pesticide free.

California Baby Calming™ Newborn Tote Includes:

  • 2.5 oz. Calming™ Non-Talc Powder
  • 6.5 oz. Calming™ Shampoo & Bodywash
  • 1/2 oz. Calming™ Diaper Rash Cream
  • 1/2 oz. Calendula Cream
  • 2″- 3″ Natural Wool Sea Sponge

Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

3. California Baby Holiday Cheer! Bubble Bath

CaliforniaBabyBubbleBathIf you’re just looking for an easy stocking stuffer or Chanukah gift, California Baby’s Holiday Cheer Aromatherapy Bubble Bath is a fun little something for the little one in your life.  The essence of orange, lavender, (with a touch of vanilla) oils in a unique relaxing formula on the inside, with a cheerful, happy snowman packaging on the outside.  This tears-free product contains mild vegetable-derived bubbling agents enriched with a nourishing herbal complex to protect delicate skin and prevent irritation. If using on newborns be sure to dilute with water for a gentle, cleansing bath.

*The Holiday Cheer! Bubble Bath and Newborn Tote contains no sodium lauryl sulfate, DEA, numbing agents, or synthetic fragrances.

Suggested Retail Price: $13.99

For more information visit CaliforniaBaby.com

6. Glowology Simply Divine Gift Set

GlowologyA great choice for expecting mothers or new moms (or anyone with sensitive skin) is Glowology’s Simply Divine gift set from Noodle & Boo, which includes Glowology’s Heavenly Honey Wash and Lovely Body Lotion (also available for purchase separately).  Developed for sensitive skin, the combination of milk protein and clover honey is an effective way to soothe and moisturize dry skin, while gentle enough to still be used daily.

Glowology offers no harmful ingredients that could affect a nursing newborn or a developing baby.  They understand that some ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream which is why every ingredient is researched to ensure its appropriateness before it’s used in any of their formulations. Clinically-tested and hypoallergenic.

HEAVENLY HONEY WASH:

  • Developed to gently clean sensitive skin.
  • Nourishing milk protein and honey leave skin sweetly soft.
  • Organic lavender and clover soothe skin.
  • Vitamin E and Provitamin B5 moisturize.

LOVELY BODY LOTION:

  • Developed to gently moisturize sensitive skin.
  • Nourishing milk protein, almond oil and clover honey leave skin sweetly soft.
  • Organic calendula and white tea soothe skin.
  • Contains natural antioxidants vitamins A, C, and E.

Suggested Retail Price: $45

To learn more about the Glowology collection or to purchase, visit noodleandboo.com

7. Jurlique’s Baby Line

jurliqueWhen I worked at Jurlique, I gave this baby line countless times to moms all over the country and always received great feedback. Made with a natural, biodynamic blend of ingredients, this line does not dry out baby’s skin, and the fragrance is soft and subtle with the delicate scent of lavender.

My personal favorites are the Baby’s Gentle Shampoo & Body Wash ($18) and Baby’s Soothing Bubble Bath ($18).  These products contain parent-friendly packaging, which only requires one hand to open/shut the lid while holding the product, and comes in handy especially when you have a child in the other.

Jurlique baby collection is priced at $18-$29

For more information visit Jurlique.com

Kiehls and M*A*C Give Back

I would like to recognize Kiehl’s and M*A*C for their contribution to AIDS research today, on World AIDS Day.

Kiehls Mac

KIEHL’S LIMITED EDITION HAND CARE FOR A CURE

In proud support of World AIDS Day, Kiehl’s is launching a Limited Edition Hand Care for a Cure today with 100% of the net profits to benefit amfAR.  With new packaging for a limited release of their signature Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, it features a unique design of the symbolic red ribbon – worn internationally to increase public awareness of AIDS. Created out of red hand prints, this visual displays the many hands that AIDS has affected, as well as the many hands working together to find a cure.  This heavy-duty moisture treatment is a thick, rich formula offering all-day care and protection to hands. Featuring a blend of select ingredients that allows skin draw and absorb water from the air, this hand salve forms a protective barrier against moisture loss.

Limited Edition Hand Care for a Cure Suggested Retail Price: 2.5 fl. oz / $12.50, available on http://www.kiehls.com

About amfAR [from amfAR.com]:

Founded in 1985, amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research and has invested nearly $300 million in its mission and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide. For additional information on amfAR, visit www.amfAR.org

M∙A∙C ‘S MIRACLES HAPPEN VIVA GLAM LIP KIT

As part of M∙A∙C’s continued commitment to AIDS research, they are donating every cent of the purchase of their Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit to the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.  This compact features lip trio Viva Glam V and VI Lipsticks, and Viva Glam V Lip Gloss.  The set is part of their holiday collection, and truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Miracles Happen Viva Glam Lip Kit Suggested Retail Price: $22.50, available on www.maccosmetics.com

About M∙A∙C AIDS Fund:

Established in 1994 by M·A·C Cosmetics, the M·A·C AIDS Fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. Introducing its first

CosMedix Define and Affirm

Cosmedix Affirm DefineCosMedix is a full range of naturally potent skin care products that are formulated through a process called ‘chiral’ correction, which filters the ingredients to contain only molecules that positively interact with the skin.  This translates to a corrective skin care line that substitutes preservatives and chemicals for naturally efficacious ingredients — peptides, sirtuins, epidermal growth factors, and physical sunscreens – which ultimately rejuvenates the skin from head to toe.

My skincare regime included — Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum and Define Vitamin A Resurfacing Treatment.  These products are potent and very effective when used correctly – my skin felt firmer, more supple, and clearly made a difference with fine lines.

Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum – $78

Affirm is a gentle and soothing day/night serum, with a light, clean fragrance that quickly absorbs into the skin and firms without making it feel tight or greasy.  Immersed with ten skin-specific antioxidants, this lightweight peptide serum can be used for the correction and prevention of photodamage. Suitable for young or mature skin, Affirm can be applied morning or nights individually or under other products to reduce visible signs of environmental stress and sun damage.

Define Vitamin A Resurfacing Treatment – $74

Define is a potent cream made from a unique blend of gentle acids and 2% AGP Complex (a retinal alternative), which encourages cell renewal and collagen enhancement.  Additionally, Define is formulated to exfoliate and resurface skin by stimulating the

On My Whish List

whish_essential_set1Whish products are for any girl who wants to be pampered and expects more out of shaving then a dull razor and a bar of soap. This 3-piece set of pomegranate body wash, shave cream, and body butter, is travel friendly (products are TSA approved sizes) and an worthwhile way to become familiar with the line.  Priced at $20, it makes a great secret Santa or stocking stuffer for any lady on your list.

Pomegranate Whish Essential Set includes:

• 1.2 oz. Pomegranate Body Wash

• 1.2 oz. Pomegranate Shave Cream

• 1.2 oz. Pomegranate Body Butter

• Reusable clear plastic case

This collection cleanses and moisturizes for a clean shave that won’t dry your skin. Scented with pomegranate, the routine finishes with Whishes non-greasy body butter, formulated with shea butter and aloe to hydrate, and seaweed extract, to restore lost collagen and leave skin smooth.

Whish products are made with all natural and organic ingredients, and contain no