Recently in Cosmetics and Fragrance Category

Winning two FiFi Awards ( 2009 Women's Luxe Fragrance of the Year and Packaging of the Year) last year is a well-deserved recognition for Harajuku Lovers. It can be also a tough act to follow... for some that is.

The new Harajuku Lovers 'Sunshine Cuties' - Love, Lil' Angel, Music, Baby and G are beach ready! Each with their own personal style and signature scent transporting you to a tropical paradise. Like the seasons, the Harajuku Lovers 'Sunshine Cuties' will come and go. So, grab a hold of one or all of the girls before they say sayonara!

Love: A Fruity Floral, mixes and matches a vintage inspired one piece with modern wrap sunglasses. Music: A sensuous floral, Music keeps it nautical. Her navy blue bikini scattered with sweet yellow and white hearts. Never without her signature headband, she dresses it with a few fragrant Plumeria flowers. Baby: A dewy floral, Baby is a quintessential girlie girl in a pink on pink polka dot bikini ruched top and string bottom. G: A creamy musky, G wears a tuxedo bandeau bikini top and for a pop of color, turquoise boy shorts bottom. Her sweet headband adorned with a mix of tropical Plumeria flowers.

When I first experienced SJP NYC Perfume... New York, fun, stylish, and Carrie Bradshaw came to mind! A perfect blend of fruit and floral scents that you can wear day or evening and would compliment any look. The perfume bottle nestles fabulously in a canister adorned with vibrant colors and bold patterns. I totally like the canister idea. This way you can have your SJP NY perfume in your handbag without the worries of spills, breakage, etc. Lastly, gotta love the price! SJP NYC is definitely one of my top fragrance picks for spring/summer. Macy's has a bonus offer with any $49 SJP NYC purchase, receive a free cosmetic bag (shown left). Offer good while supplies last.

Snow and freezing temperature are not the only things guys have to worry about during cold season. Having and maintaining a well-balanced facial regimen is crucial this time of year. With our face being the exposed to the elements, prevention against dry flaky skin, chapped lips and breakouts is important. If you already have a regimen, it wouldn't hurt to revisit and make necessary changes that works best for cold weather.

Miss Dior Cherie 1.7 oz $72.00, Michael Kors 'Very Hollywood' 1.7 oz $65.00, Juicy Couture 'Couture Couture' 1.7 oz $85.00, Jo Malone Vanilla&Anise 3.4 0z $100.00, D&G 'L Imperatrice' 3.4 oz $65.00

After testing 20 women's fragrance, 9 fragrances stood out and made the list of my top picks for fall. I had some criteria that put all the fragrances to the test luxurious, wearable, sensual,  feminine and opulent. If I have to pick my faves, they are Marc Jacobs 'Lola', Michael Kors 'Very Hollywood' and D&G 'L Imperatrice', all three tickled my olfactory nerve and just can't stop smelling them. I have to commend Jessica Simpson's 'Fancy Love', it scored very well beating out some luxury designer fragrances. As always, whatever season it is, wear lighter scents during the day and bolder at night.

As I was getting my haircut, I told my hairstylist how someone with short hair like me have problems with the humidity and how my hair gets frizzy. And the only way I can remedy this problem is styling my hair or wear a hat when I'm out and about. After hearing my dilemma, my hairstylist recommended Dead Calm Straight shampoo and conditioner by JLife Haircare. I was a little apprehensive at first but I was assured that if I didn't like the products I can return them for a refund.

I'm very satisfied with the product. It has a fresh clean scent and left my hair shiny, smooth, easy to manage and frizz free! I also liked how the conditioner didn't feel greasy when used. Some conditioners just leave to much moisture sometimes that I have to keep washing my hair.

So, if you hate the frizz I suggest to give Dead Calm Straight shampoo and conditioner a try. I'm so happy with them I might give there styling products a try.

I went to the mall today to look (and smell) for the best women's fragrance to wear this summer. Twenty scents later I came up with my top eight. My plan was to pick five but just can't seem to narrow them down to that. With all the choices out there, I suggest to remember the 3 F's when shopping for fragrance. The 3 F's are floral, fresh and feminine. Avoid over-powering and heavy scents. Keep in mind that a fresh scent makes you feel fresh as well. Which is crucial under the summer sun's sweltering heat. Have a fabulous day!

I recently joined a product review panel, that specializes on hair products. I'm selective when it comes to doing such and featuring products on The Smart Stylist. So, rest assured my dear readers that all of the items I feature have been thoroughly considered and pass the toughest quality control inspection... me!

Moving on, the first product that I had the opportunity to test is Retro-Chic Shampooing Potion. This shampoo uses vitamins and anti-oxidants to protect the hair. It was developed by Joshua Bernard, a professional hair artist, to restore damaged hair, lock-in color, and provide lasting protection against the drying effects of harsh sunlight and chemical environments. To make this possible, Joshua has teamed with two of the world's leading molecular scientists to develop the industry's first "Microcapsule Remediation System" for hair conditioning.

I have color treated hair and using the right product is crucial to preserve the color keeping my hair healthy and manageable. Based on my experience, using just any shampoo and conditioner can lead to color stripping and very dry hair. After using Retro-Chic Shampooing potion, my hair was very manageable and soft. The shampoo also has a great fresh clean scent. And $16.00 for a 12 oz. bottle is a good price considering other comparable products are priced over $20. I say Retro-Chic Shampooing potion gets The Smart Stylist's seal of approval!

False eyelashes were popularized in the 60's. Through the years they remained as staples in beauty pageants and in fashion. Lately, faux eyelashes are seen worn by everyday women. I think this is fabulous. I'm not ashamed to admit that I myself have worn false eyelashes in the past. Let me tell you, it can be tricky applying them on. But the end result is well-worth it. Just keep in mind these tips if you are about to start wearing false eyelashes or a seasoned one:

• Volume and length - for everyday use, light and medium length eyelashes are best. There are a variety of false eyelashes, corner, individual and full which means the different looks you can achieve. Thick and lengthy eyelashes are heavy. Trust me I know. Besides, you don't want your beautiful eyes covered.
  
• Color - stick with your eyelashes' natural color as much as possible. Remember that false eyelashes are primarily used to enhance your eyes. You don't want people looking at you wondering how and what's up with the bi-color eyelashes.
• Style and design - save the orange and purple false eyelashes for Halloween. I know some eyelashes are so fierce and tempting. Those are o.k. to wear for evening, out clubbing with friends, etc. As I always say, moderation is key.

Harajuku Lovers Fragrance and Sean John's 'I Am King' were honored as this year's Women's and Men's Luxe Fragrance of the Year respectively, in New York for the 37th annual Fragrance Foundation FiFi Awards. Harajuku Lovers Fragrance also shared the Best Packaging of the Year Award with Jean Paul Gaultier, 'Ma Dame'. 2009 FiFi Awards Men's Luxe Fragrance of the Year, 'I Am King' by Sean John 1.7 oz. $54.00 Macy's.

Fragrance Foundation Hall of Fame inductee Marc Jacobs with partner Lorenzo Martone. *Photo Courtesy of WWD.com

Aside from recognizing the beauty and fragrance industry's best, top American designer Marc Jacobs was inducted into the Fragrance Foundation Hall of Fame. Jacobs looking dashingly handsome was accompanied by his partner, Lorenzo Martone.
Other 2009 FiFi Awards winners were: Paris Hilton (Female Celebrity Fragrance of the Year), Tom Ford (Fragrance of the Year Unique Boutique) and Angels by Thierry Muggler (Bath and Body Line of the Year). Congratulations to all the winners! For a complete list of winners and photos from the even click here.