Viktor & Rolf Magic Lavender Illusion

Viktor & Rolf’s Magic Collection ($190; sephora.com) is new and a luxurious line of six fragrances that blend raw and natural materials with innovative accords to create gorgeous concoctions. I tried Lavender Illusion, a fresh and uplifting lavender and citrus caviar blend that makes for a relaxing, aromatic, fresh fragrance, perfect for the late summer-fall season. The packaging is stunning as each fragrance comes nestled in a drawer case embossed with the Viktor and Rolf black seal. The fragrance itself starts out as heady, fresh and aromatic all at the same time. The headiness fades as it settles down and I get more of the Lavender, Citrus and a hint of Patchouli. The dry down is mostly lavender, yet soft, slightly herby and clean. Overall, a perfect fall fragrance for the cooler days and definitely more of a grown up, sophisticated scent that lasts all day on me.

*Press Sample

End Of Summer Hair and Skincare Finds Under $20 | Wallet Friendly Picks

Five new end of summer, easy on the wallet, skin and haircare finds.

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Cream ($15.99; target.com) is a really nice,light day cream that smells like oranges and isn’t greasy. I have tried the oil-free version of this cream before and it was pretty good and this one is no exception.

The Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen ($12.99; ulta.com) and Botanical Kids Sunscreen ($14.99; ulta.com) were both great for outdoor use all through summer, The Kids Sunscreen is fragrance-free and perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. It is also a physical sunscreen. The Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen has very light coverage, doesn’t look ashy and doesn’t feel too greasy when used on the face.

Mustela makes some great bath, body and skincare for infants and toddlers. These Cleansing Wipes with Olive Oil ($6; mustela.com) are great for on the go and although marketed for diaper changes, I like them as gentle wipes for the face, hands and elsewhere.

The Live Clean Apple Cider Shampoo and Conditioner ($5.99 each; amazon.com) are a great clarifying duo for balancing out an oily scalp. Its a great line that is free of sulfates and rinses off clean without any residue. This line also adds a lot of shine and bounce back to my hair.

The Live Clean Fresh Water Body Wash ($5.99 each; amazon.com) is a great budget body wash and works just as well as ant other cleanser. Its gentle, has a mild, fresh fragrance and rinses clean.

*Press Sample

Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion

The Blush Color Infusions ($30; sephora.com) are new from Laura Mercier, a sheer, powder blush range that comes in ten new shades in matte and shimmer (sheen) finishes.  The colors are very natural, super blendable and buildable, The formula leans a tad towards the sheer side and I definitely prefer my blushes that way. I tried four colors from the range - Rose, a warm rose, Fresco, subtle, slightly shimmery nude with a satin finish, Strawberry, cool toned, matte pink and Chai, a nude pink with a hint of brown. They are all very flattering on my medium-dark skintone and make for natural flushes of color. The formula doesn’t have too much fallout and feels creamy for a powder. Overall, these are definitely worth checking out if you like neutral, sheer blushes that have a satin-matte finish and can be swiped on effortlessly without having to blend too much.

*Press Samples