Beauty
Summer best bet: Moisturizer with extra SPF
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You can spend $375 or $10, but no matter what you do, make sure that you've got enough SPF in that moisturizer. Our two favorites in the high-low categories are ReVive's Intensite Crème Lustre SPF 30 ($375), or, for you penny pinchers, Eucerin's Sensitive Facial Skin Moisture Lotion, SPF 30 ($9). An ounce of prevention now means not looking like a well-worn leather purse later.
What the heck is a BB cream?

Are BB creams the secret to model perfect skin? Maybe, just maybe ...
In today's Wall Street Journal, reporter Elizabeth Holmes dove deep into the rise of BB creams in luxury and mass market retailers. The truth is, beauty fanantics (me) have been chasing these multi-use "miracle" creams for years, ordering them compulsively off Asian e-commerce websites while attempting to decipher what exactly we were applying to skin while feeling a little more than just lost in translation. But fear not -- BB creams have arrived in the U.S. with serious gusto.
The list of benefits tends to be jaw-dropping on the labels for most of these creams, with the life-bettering effects stopping just short of walking on water. Okay, maybe we're exaggerating. But as women who apply a moisturizer, a primer, a foundation, a setting powder, and an SPF every morning ... they may be a small miracle. Overall, a one-step product that can protect, conceal, and correct texture and tone in a singular application. Too good to be true? Perhaps. But perhaps not.
We chatted with New York magazine "best doctor" award winning dermatologist, Dr. Neal Schultz, about what exactly is this BB cream and what should we be looking for when we buy one:
FULL ENTRYThree ways to make your makeup last all day

In Boston, season swaps not only signify that it's time to change out our closets but also our makeup must-haves. Warmer weather means an increase in sweat and oil production, meaning many of our favorite face and eye products end up slowly fading, muddling, and moving by the end of the day.
Help? We turned to Brian Granoff, a tarte makeup artist, who sent us three quick additions for our daily routine to make the products we already love stay strong (and in place!) all day long:
1. Before applying foundation, always use a lightweight primer. Try tarte's clean slate flawless 12-hour brightening primer -- it acts as velcro for your foundation even in the summer heat.
2. Translucent finishing powder should be the last step in your makeup routine. One dusting (with a big fluffy brush) will create an invisible veil to help set your makeup in place, while keeping shine under control.
3. Go for products that specify a matte finish -- they tend to last longer during the heat. They also help diminish shimmer and oil so your complexion has a smooth, slip-free finish.

From left: tarte clean slate flawless 12-hr primer, $30 at Sephora store locations; Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet foundation, $36 at Sephora.com; Real Techniques Powder Brush, $9.99 at Ulta.com; e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder in translucent, $3 at Target and eyeslipsface.com)
Gisele's makeup artist in town this weekend

Celebrity makeup artist Renato Almeida (left), who has worked his magic on the likes of certifiable babes Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss, will bring his talents to the Shiseido counter Friday and Saturday. Almeida, in the flesh, will provide complimentary personalized walk-throughs of what colors can work best for you, as well as customized makeup applications.
Will you walk out with Bundchen's chiseled cheekbones? We've got our fingers crossed.
Meet Almeida:
Friday, May 18, noon-7 p.m. at Macy’s, 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington.
Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Macy’s, 310 Daniel Webster Highway, Suite 104, Nashua, NH
Appointments are required for both appearances. Call 781-221-3804 for Burlington or 603-891-3800 ext.2117 for Nashua to schedule.
Hair dos: How to create a romantic cascade braided headband with curls

We asked the stylists at Mario Russo (9 Newbury St., 617-424-6676) to create super simple, fashion-forward hairstyles for the upcoming prom/wedding/graduation season. Stylist Elle Proulx created this look on model Mallory Dion, a glamorous (but practical) half-up, half-down do that would work on a variety of hair types and lengths and could be a humid weather hero for ladies with bangs.
We deem this look: The New Romantic.

1. Make a dramatic side part on the far left side.
2. Beginning at the side part, French braid along the front of the hairline, moving towards the right ear.
3. Continue to braid, weaving in more and more hair as your work towards your right ear. Stop braiding just behind the right ear and secure with a dark or clear elastic.
4. Take the remaining loose hair and curl 1-2" sections with a large barrel curling iron or a flat iron.* Gently run your fingers through curls to separate.
5. To finish the look, wrap curls around bottom of braid to cover the elastic. Add a light mist of hairspray.
* Confused on how to curl your hair with a flat iron? It's easier than it sounds. Check out this great YouTube tutorial for a quick how-to.
-- Anna Marden, Boston.com correspondent
Christian Louboutin adds beauty line, set to launch in 2013

Christian Louboutin -- the king of the red sole -- told Women's Wear Daily in an exclusive interview that he will be entering the beauty category with a collection of products launching late 2013. Other than being slated as a "luxury" product line that will have "global distribution," details on what exactly will be included in the first sampling of Christian Louboutin Beauté are pretty vague.
According to Louboutin, the line "has to mirror the quality of the shoes, of the bags, of all the DNA of the brand" (read: be expensive) and will feature packaging and product as "detail-oriented" as his approach to shoe design.
[image via REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth]
Sassoon Salon goes for the gold with Olympic inspirations

Editor's note: We were saddened to hear about Vidal Sassoon's passing on May 9 in Los Angeles. To honor his career, we took a look back at highlights and some of his most iconic cuts.
Bronze, silver, and gold tones, round shapes, and natural movement are some of the features of the new Olympic-inspired Sassoon Salon Spring/Summer collection: Athletica.
Cole Thompson, the new Boston creative director at Sassoon, sat down with us to discuss the salon's summer direction.
“We’re really tapping into that high-fashion, but still wearable, contemporary look,” Thompson said. “We believe that’s gonna be huge this summer with the Olympics.”
He said many fashion designers were inspired by sporty styles to create high fashion versions of athletic looks for the runway. This season, Sassoon's creative team was inspired to follow the trend with cuts for the Athletica collection.
“In terms of technically with the haircuts, we were really inspired by the Olympic rings, so all of the hair curvature and all of the haircuts are very rounded with lots of movement,” Thompson said.

An additional source of inspiration for the creative team was the imagery of women in sports throughout the decades, beginning with vaulting in the early 1900s. Sassoon’s relationship with the Olympics dates back to 1984, when Vidal Sassoon cut the famous bob for gold medal figure skater, Dorothy Hamill.
The Athletica collection includes mostly short versatile styles that can work for all hair types. Thompson stressed that the Sassoon technique is customizable and a stylist can easily adapt a haircut from the collection for anyone’s personal lifestyle and hair type, including customers with longer length preferences.
To wrap things up, Thompson provided us with tips for keeping your hair healthy throughout the summer:
Problem: Sun exposure
Solution: Use products with UV protection. If you're going to be swimming, make sure to find a product that is also waterproof.
Problem: Greasiness
Solution: Only use conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, not many people need to apply it directly onto the root. If you have naturally oily hair, a color treatment will also help absorb some of the excess oil.
Problem: Dry, frizzy hair
Solution: Search for moisturizing products or visit a salon for treatments that act as injection of strength and conditioning into the hair. If treatment and conditioner aren’t enough, get a haircut. Sometimes the ends of the hair are past the point of no return and products just won’t do it. Also, a conditioning color would help to restore the natural shine and gloss of the hair.
Problem: Chlorine damage
Solution: There are deep cleansing shampoos that are perfect if you’re suffering from having too much chlorine in your hair. The product will remove the chemicals and then next time you shampoo, switch off for something that’s more nourishing to condition the hair.
Problem: Humidity
Solution: Use products with moisture in them. If you use heat in your hair and don’t add moisture to it, when you go outside, the hair will absorb the moisture in it and that’s when the humidity affects it.
Visit Thompson and his team in person, visit Sassoon Salon at 399 Boylston St., Boston.
-- Anna Marden, Boston.com Correspondent
Brad Pitt is the new face of Chanel No. 5
According to EW.com, Mr. Angelina Jolie has been announced as the newest face of the iconic fragrance Chanel No. 5 with a new film ad campaign in the works. Pitt will receive a hefty seven figure compensation for linking up with the brand, but we're still scratching our heads as to why a male actor was chosen for the coveted role. Recent No. 5 peddlers include actresses Audrey Tatou and Nicole Kidman, but Pitt will be the first man to lead the fragrance campaign.
Details regarding Pitt's campaign are still tightly under wraps (though sources report shooting will take place in London "sometime this week") but we're anxious to see what glamorous dreamscape the folks at Chanel come up with.
Fashion experts talk body issues at Harvard
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Photo od Franca Sozzani from the Huffington Post
In previous years, the Harris Center at Massachusetts General Hospital has enlisted fashion gliteratti such as Diane von Furstenberg, Anna Wintour, Michael Kors, and Natalie Portman to bring attention to eating disorders. This year, the April 2 discussion, which is free and open to the public (although online registration is required) will feature internet magnate Arianna Huffington, Amber Valletta from the show “Revenge,” and Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani. While Huffington was blessed with the gift of the gab, expect Sozzani, who has been outspoken on the issues of models with curves – along with pretty much any other issue germane to fashion -- to steal the show.
In a word, no
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I get all manner of wrong-ness in my email, and here's the latest. Agent Provocateur trumpeting that Madonna is wearing their bra-like contraption on the cover of her latest single. Please Madge, you and your daughter are designing clothes now. Wear them.
Golden Globes 2012: Best of beauty
Fashion isn't the only subject on center stage when starlets walk the red carpet during awards season. I'm a strong believer that hair and beauty can make or break a look -- or, in my opinion, save a particularly bad dress -- especially when it's applied to withstand multiple step-and-repeats, a live show, and, if you please, a series of after-parties. Here are my top picks for the stars that showed best face (and hair) at this year's Golden Globes.

I was not won over by Sarah Michelle Gellar's tie-dye Monique L'huillier gown, but I did love her royal blue smokey eye and the sublime ethereal glow that was so perfectly dusted on her shoulders and decolletage.
Makeup artist Jake Bailey (who has personally given me a killer pink pout and softly smoked-out eyes during a fashion week of yore, and so I can attest to his greatness) created Gellar's smoldering look and shimmery skin for the occasion. He "mixed equal parts AHAVA mineral body lotion and M.A.C. strobe cream to add a healthy sheen" to her exposed upper body. Her eyes were emphasized with L'Oreal's new Infallible eyeshadows in "Midnight Blue" and "Sultry Smoke" (a shimmering royal blue and dusty dove gray, respectively) applied with his fingertips -- a budget-friendly tip, and we'll certainly be taking note.
I was also psyched that "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" actress Paula Patton led the marigold yellow trend that was dominate at the GGs, but so much could have gone wrong if she opted for a bold hued lip. Luckily, makeup artist Fiona Stiles gave Patton a sheer sparkling peach lip color (COVERGIRL Queen Collection lip gloss in "Starlet Sand") and opted for rosy cheeks to bring warmth to her face. Stiles layered COVERGIRL's Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in "Lush Berry" under Patton's face powder and a layer of powder blush to set the look for a lasting flush.
[Patton image via Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]

Oribe's Richard Marin (part of the team that is also responsible for Taylor Swift's Vogue-worthy bangs) gave funny gal Tina Fey her stylized bedhead for the show. (Fey wore a berry-colored Oscar de la Renta that I felt pretty "meh" about.) Marin added serious volume and movement to Fey's layered bob by layering on three of the brand's signature products (Creme for Style, Royal Blowout styling spray, and Impermeable Anti-Humidity spray) and using a flat iron to bend the edges into soft waves. The final product was spritzed onto the underside of Fey's hair while her head was flipped upside down for extra "omph" factor.

I was really (really) not a fan of Zooey Deschanel's lime green "one-of-a-kind" Prada, however, I was struck by her "doe-ier than usual" eyes. Jorjee Douglass (who also handled the beauty for "500 Days of Summer") used Rimmel products on the brand's spokes-gal (of course) to create the look and said she was inspired by Emma Peel from the '60s show, "The Avengers." Several coats of Rimmel's Lash Accelerator mascara were applied to Deschanel's lashes and a "feathered line of liquid liner was added to her bottom lash line to emphasize and thicken the shape. And what about the "New Girl" starlet's "tuxedo" manicure? Definitely deserves an honorable mention of the night.
[Fey & Deschanel images via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]
Deborah Lippmann's guide to surving carol season

With carol season upon us, we snagged celebrity manicurist (she's polished the talons of the likes of Kate Winslet, Mariah Carey, and Reese Witherspoon) and color creatrix/not-so-secret soul singer Deborah Lippmann for some tips for the tone deaf. Lippmann's latest holiday jazz 3-track album (a follow-up to her two previous full-length albums, "Vinyl" and "Nightingale") "Deck the Halls" debuted this season, accompanied by three aptly named mini polishes in Christmas-ready shades. A longtime caroler, Lippmann recalled her many years in her native Arizona with childhood friend Darrell Brown (who also produces her album) and their experiences spreading neighborly cheer to give us her top 5 tips for surviving a singalong.
Stick to the basics: "Go for a 'Frosty the Snowman' or 'Deck the Halls' - anything fun and light-hearted where you don't have to hold out any notes," Lippmann advised. "You get into trouble when you try doing 'Oh, Holy Night.'"
Pick a song that everyone knows: "With caroling, these are songs that everybody knows so it becomes all about heart. Even when you're at karaoke, there's nothing like the person that gets up [and] just belts it out with their whole soul. Since you already know the tune, just go in with confidence and enjoy."
There's strength in numbers: "I think the whole thing about singing carols is so universal, that when you're with a group you're less likely to get called out."
Hit up the neighborhood, reap the benefits: "We still get Christmas requests every year from our old route [in Arizona]," said Lippmann, "We hit everyone, from the firehouse to the governor's mansion to a trailer park - we ran the gamut. We started at 5 in the afternoon and we got to hit everyone's Christmas Eve party on the way. We ate like champions."
Remember that perfection is overrated: "We have plenty of tone deaf people [in my group]. I'm not naming names but some of them are in my family. It doesn't matter, with caroling it's all about just being together."
Miss Piggy steals the spotlight... once again.
The most glam pig we know, Miss Piggy, will be paid a pigment and powder tribute with MAC's inspired makeup collection debuting online on Nov. 14. The 3-piece collection includes a fuchsia powder eye shadow named Miss Piggy Pink, an ink black liquid liner, and fluttery faux lashes worthy of a wink at your bashful froggy beau.
Also, to tie in with the "The Muppets" movie's Nov. 23 premiere, O.P.I. released a character-inspired polish collection this month with shades named for some of our favorite fuzzy heroes. (Think: sparkling colors deemed "Divine Swine" and "Getting Miss Piggy With It".) Wondering why the influx of beauty tie-ins? In Miss Piggy's new flick she will play the editor of Vogue Paris, complete with a wardrobe designed by Zac Posen and Christian Louboutin. Are we beyond jealous of the porcine diva yet? Oui! -- Gina Tomaine, Boston.com correspondent
[Image courtesy of MAC]
Dear Lindsay Lohan: Back away from the blush.

Lindsay Lohan may be facing time in the slammer and obviously has bigger problems, but there's something about her appearance at her Wednesday hearing that has since haunted our beauty nightmares: her ridiculous misuse of contour blush.
Come on, you had to notice that Lohan -- who was very innocently dressed in a demure pastel Fendi sundress and Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe pumps -- managed to ruin her (uncharacteristically) cheerful look with dramatic smears of dark blusher under her cheekbones. Lohan, who we loved in 2006 for her chippy Chanel "Black Satin" manicures and despised last week for her frighteningly poor dental hygiene, has hit highs and lows with her beauty choices. (Remember when she was a redhead and everyone really liked her?) But this wacky blush certainly falls into the latter category.
In Lohan's defense, however, Grazia noted that the streak-tastic blusher look has made runway appearances at the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Jeremy Scott. But as most fashionphiles know -- not all runway trends should be replicated in real life.
[Top image via Mark Boster-Pool/Getty Images]
Go pink! Support BCA month with a lock (or two) for love.

National Breast Cancer Awareness month is coming to a close, but for those of us who are still looking for an opportunity to do a little good -- Boston-based hair extension company Hair Stiletto has partnered with area salons to offer semi-permanent strands of pink in return for a $10 donation toward breast cancer research.
For a list of participating salons/stylists* in the area, follow the jump.
FULL ENTRYCalifornia bans tanning for those under 18
This past Sunday, Reuters reported that California governor Jerry Brown signed a bill officially banning the use of tanning beds for those under 18 years of age. The bill is the first of its kind and follows up on a previous bill that banned minors between the ages 14-18 from using the beds without parent consent and those younger from using the beds all together. According to a statement from the Governor's office, the bill will work toward an act to "improve the health and well-being of Calfornians."
However, the underage crowd in California won't need hang up their tanning bed goggles just yet -- as the bill won't go into action until January 2012.
What do you think of an underage tanning ban? Do you think Massachusetts should take similar action? Discuss below.
Magnetic nail polish? Of course they make that!
I actually was obsessed with this concept a while back when I read that Lancome created a magnetic polish called Le Magnetique. I scoured eBay to track down a polish -- which at the time was already a few seasons back and led me to auctions that were insanely astronomically priced -- but after hitting many-a dead end, I decided it was probably for the best. Magnetic nail polish? Where's the FDA statement on that? I'm a nail biter and I'm wondering what the health effect of potentially digesting a small amount of metal on a daily basis would be?
However, I spotted magnetic nail polish popping up in the states again this month. UK-bred nails inc., a newcomer to U.S. Sephora stores, released a line of shimmery metallic magnetic polishes and the October issue of People Style Watch featured nail care and polish brand LNC's jewel-tone versions. Am I still smitten? Why, yes -- of course!
Still wondering what exactly a magnetic polish is? It's just your average polish infused with iron powder that makes a swirly design when you hover a magnet over it shortly after it's been applied. The result is a unique marbleized masterpiece with a glossy finish.
Cool? Very cool. Out of the print decals, crackle top coats, and ombre glitter effect I've seen over the past few months, this may be my favorite nail art advancement yet.
Will you try magnetic nail polish? Have you spotted any other brands offering iron-infused polish? Does it work? Is it too cool for words or just a big ol' mess? Discuss in the comments below!
P.S. Want to see more hair and beauty trends for fall? Check out this list of trends -- straight from the runway!
Obit: Tom Brady's Long Hair 2009 - 2011

Tom Brady’s long hair passed away on Monday after brief but controversial life widely chronicled in gossip columns and the sports press. It was 2 years old.
The death was visually confirmed at a New England Patriots press conference earlier today when Brady appeared before reporters wearing a baseball cap, his chestnut hair closely cropped around the sides. His longtime Newbury Street stylist, Pini Swissa, told a reporter that the QB’s long locks were cut down in their prime on Monday.
Born in Foxborough in 2009, Brady’s flowing hair went on to achieve international stardom, becoming an object of adoration for some and abhorrence for others.
Shortly after its birth, Tom Brady’s Long Hair (known to family and friends as TBLH) drew attention for its spunky personality and ability to excite and incite fans of the Patriots. The flowing locks at one time reached No. 12’s shoulders. More recently, TBLH was bobbed to around chin length and seemed a bit more auburn than usual, a byproduct perhaps of summer sun and stress over the NFL lockout, now passed.
Initially accused of impersonating Canadian teen heartthrob Justin Bieber, TBLH soon developed its own rambunctious persona, growing at a rapid clip, and even traveling to Rio de Janeiro last year and disguising itself as a ponytail to evade paparazzi. Fans could not stop talking about it, at one point speculating that the Prince Valiant-like hairdo was a misguided attempt to cover an incipient thinning of his hair. Such rumors have never be confirmed.
Many observers have attempted to determine the birth mother of TBLH, hypothesizing that the guiding influence behind it was Brady’s wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, well-known for her own flowing tresses. The hair also is rumored to have used its influence to get former Patriot Randy Moss traded after the receiver reportedly claimed that TBLH made Brady look like “a girl.”
TBLH is survived, of course, by the newly shorn Brady, the QB’s wife Bundchen, and several lucrative endorsement deals including one for Ugg Australia, famous for its line of shaggy boots. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made to the Vidal Sassoon and Aveda lines of hair conditioners.
Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com.
Muther can be Tweeted @Chris_Muther
New Kiehl's shop set to open in Chestnut Hill
Skin and body care brand Kiehl's announced that their latest Hub location will open on Sept. 29, 2011, at the Mall at Chestnut Hill (199 Boylston St.). Lucky for us (and for them) that date is just around the same time that wind-chapped skin starts settling in, so a newly-stocked Kiehl's may be just what we need to stock up on seasonally-fit serums and lotions.
What do you do to protect your skin in this transitional period? Any must-have skin products for the fall? Let us know below!
[Pictured: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free collection, image courtesy of Kiehl's]
Pointer sisters: How do you feel about the pointed manicure trend?

Last night's MTV Video Music Awards marked multiple big wins for Adele and a big announcement for Beyonce (below -- with baby bump!), and while all eyes were on two song birds, our eyes were on their talons. Both ladies donned manicures with pointed tips in creamy shades of light caramel, a neutral shade for a shocking shape.
Nails filed to sharp, sleek points, deemed "stiletto nails," have been popping up on celebs and the runway for several seasons now, but how soon will it be before they finally transition into our everyday lives?
How do you feel about a sharp-end manicure? Would you wear it?
Are they baby friendly? (We're looking at you, Beyonce ...)
Take our poll below!

[Adele image via REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni; Beyonce image via REUTERS/Danny Moloshok]
The hottest hair trend, now easy for the office

When actress Zoe Saldana hit the red carpet for a Miami premiere on Monday, she rocked a glittering gold and cream Balmain gown and low-slung ponytail made of mini braids. Kirsten Dunst wore her blond locks in an elegant braided updo at Cannes. And Rihanna bested them all with her cherry red hair woven into a complicated French braid at the Costume Institute Ball at the Metropolitan Museum earlier this summer.
There’s no question that braids of all types will continue to be the hot hair trend this fall, but how to wear them in the real world (translation: to work) without looking weirdly overdone? Nick Penna Jr., owner of Salon Capri in Dedham, recommends the waterfall braid. Basically a loose French braid that wraps around the back of your head, the waterfall allows you to wear your hair down but braided in a way that’s interesting and office-friendly. Works for us.
See below for Penna’s directions and advice on the best products to make the look work. -- Hayley Kaufman

- Start with dry straight or wavy hair. Brush through hair with a wide tooth comb to remove tangles.
- Part hair at your natural part using a fine tooth comb and apply a dime-sized portion of smoothing serum, starting at the hair shafts through the ends. Nick uses L’Oreal Professionnel Textureline Smoothing Serum.
- Collect a small section of hair at the top of one side of your head, close to your part, and begin by braiding the strands three times like a French braid.
- After you’ve French braided the left section of hair (now in the center) drop the right strands and let them fall along the side of your head.
- Pick up a new piece of hair in the dropped section’s place, as well as a new piece on the left side like a traditional French braid, and braid the three sections again, dropping the right portion after you’ve completed the braid.
- Continue this process, wrapping the waterfall braid toward the back of your head as you go.
- Once you’ve passed the back of your head with the waterfall braid, end with a traditional braid and secure the end with an elastic.
- If desired, add some style with a flower or jeweled clip where the waterfall braid and traditional braid meet.
- Finish with a light spritz of hair spray around the braid. Nick suggests Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer.
[Images by Essdras M Suarez]
Harvard grad invents a perfume that 'flirts' for you
When the story about a perfume named eau Flirt landed on my desk a few weeks back, I was skeptical. After all, the fragrance supposedly "flirts" for you.
It all started with the founders' mother. Class of '08 Harvard graduate Shaan K. Hathiramani created a perfume named Ageless, with crisp fruity notes of pink grapefruit and pomegranate and the goal of counteracting smells associated with aging. Shaan, along with his brother Raj, continued to experiment with scents and what feelings these scents were associated with. This led them to create Harvey Prince, a women's fragrance brand that intends to "put the power of scent back into women's hands," Shaan told me by phone.
"It’s all done with good humor," he explained. "Every day we get e-mails with very funny stories [from users] about how they walk into bars and get guys trying to get a second whiff."
eau Flirt was developed after two series of focus groups and blind smell tests at the the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation and Columbia University, where Harvey Prince worked with scientists (and male testers) to develop perfumes with strong positive scent associations and that were pleasant as a scent on its own. "We asked what scents guys recalled and what kind of images of women they would expect to smell like them," said Shaan.
The result was a mix of pumpkin pie, lavender, mango, plum, and gardenia.
"Cinnamon and nutmeg is a very nostalgic combination," he explained. "It's associated with really classic, great memories that we collectively have -- whether it's growing up or interacting with people we love and care about."
Does it work? I'm not so convinced, but I'm willing to give it a go. As for now, Shaan still tries to keep my hopes up:
"I got an e-mail from a woman in the Persian Gulf the other day," he said. "She ordered our perfume online and had eau Flirt airdropped into a war zone. She said she had to be careful about using it because too many guys came up to her and started saying 'Hello.' But as you can imagine, the ratio of guys to girls is pretty favorable to her ..."
But does it really work? Have you tried it? Let us know in the comments.
Find Harvey Prince's eau Flirt online at HarveyPrince.com.
[image courtesy Harvey Prince]
Contributors
Hayley Kaufman is editor of the Style section.
Rachel Raczka (@rachelraczka) is the lifestyle producer for Boston.com.




