Valentine’s Day is all about showing love ones how much you care and love them. You can buy many gifts at any store, but nothing compare to presents you make with your own two hands. Valentine’s day is a gift delight, from cards, flowers, chocolate, perfumes and skin care products. Showing how much you love someone is important but finding out how to express your emotions is the best gift of all, so SAY IT WITH LOVE!

1.  Say it with Love or Flowers: AND it can be on your wall too! This bright and colorful Paint-by-Number wall mural is a great way to spark up a bedroom wall or any canvas. This big and bold design features a big pink heart, lots of colorful flowers and the word “LOVE” nestled amongst the flowers. This Paint-by-Number mural is easy enough even for the “artistically challenged”  anyone can do it! Simply TAPE, TRACE & PAINT and its done! Elephants on the Wall carries over 39 different themes and over 200 murals to choose from. Available at www.elephantsonthewall.com at $54.95

2.  Say it the French Way:   The French tea brand Le Palais des Thés introducing a limited edition of a sensual and spicy tea blends made with fruits, flowers, and spices just in time for Valentine’s Day. The “Thé des Amants pour Lui”  and “pour Elle“, is all-natural and comes in  many flavors such as apple, almond, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Priced at $22, the Thé des Amants gives you another way to celebrate and declare your passion romanticly. For more information visit www.palaisdesthes.com.

3. Say it with Elite Premier Crème Clinical Skin Therapy from Elite Therapeutics manages the feat with modern technology. Featuring Sea Whip Extract, derived from deep within the Caribbean Sea, it holds magical, yet real skin healing properties, while luxe African Mongongo Oil nourishes, renews and feeds the skin. Infused further with the scientifically proven mega-ingredients EUK-134, DMS and Beracare ARS, this all-powerful treatment will literally transform ravaged skin upon application. Elite Premier Crème is Paraben-free, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free and 97.3% Natural Ingredients that are physician formulated.  Priced at $65 and available at www.elitetherapeutics.com.

 

5. Say it with LIPS: The Sweetheart Lip Balm from Besame Cosmetics is the luminous lip moisturizing balm that provides an elegant and long lasting finish.   It is highly protective as it drenches the lips with exceptional comfort and hydration. The beneficial ingredients in this lip balm are known to be soothing, healing and antiseptic.  The lip balm comes in bold colors such as Sweet Rose, Cherry, Peach and Tangerine. Priced at $18 at www.besamecosmetics.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  Say it with Skinnygirl Face and Body: Created by Bethenny Frankel the Skinnygirl Face and Body products are design to pamper yourself. As the creator says “my whole collection is simple, yet luxurious and will fit into your everyday skincare routine.”  The products are full of all-natural ingredients, and are effective and true to the Skinnygirl brand ideals of: affordable, honest and effective products. This complete line features five collections: Skinnygirl Face Solotions, Skinnygirl Body Solotions, Skinnygirl  Lip Care, Skinnygirl  Mommy and the Skinnygirl Gift sets. The Margarita or Sangria Bath Sets, or as they refer to them as the Skinnygirl Cocktails, are the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.   It is exclusively available at Wal-Mart and on www.walmart.com.

 

7. Say it with Licking: Urban Decay Sparkling Lickable Body Powder Like kryptonite to Superman, the Sparkling Lickable Body Powders render men powerless. Redesigned with your vanity in mind, the ne  petite boxes swank-up any countertop or boudoir. Take your ensemble and your evening from sexy to scintillating, as a mere dust of this decadent beauty treat will make you the main course. The new petite Sparkling Lickable Body Powders feature sleek, more sophisticated, tassel-topped boxes each with its own signature pattern – complete with a deluxe purple puff.  Radiate so much beauty that he’ll be able to taste it…

Flavors: Marshmallow – soft white pearl shimmer in a chic, purple foil, zebra print box .  Honey –golden pearl shimmer in a seductive, bronze foil, leopard print box. Price:  $20, available at Sephora, ULTA, select Macy’s, Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Macys.com, Beauty.com and UrbanDecay.com

 

 

8. Say it with Sugar: The sugar body scrub is an experience that should not be missed! Unlike a traditional exfoliating body scrub, the sugar soufflé scrub uses all-natural cane sugar to gently massage and exfoliate skin. Inspired by Valentine’s Day, LaLicious‘ new scent the Sugar Kiss, is a blend of citrus, rose and vanilla promising to be the best ever. Other scents include Brown Sugar & Vanilla, Coconut Cream, Lily Mango, Passionfruit Lime, Island Guava, Tahitian Flower, Peppermint and Coffee Bean. Once you try any of the scrub products  you’ll understand why Celebrities and fashion editors can’t get enough of it. it’s simple, there is  nothing like our sugar scrubs anywhere on this planet. Priced at $34, and available at www.lalicious.com.

 

9.  Say it with Cards:  Erin Condren’s custom paper chic products are beautiful and unique. For Valentine’s Day she offers greatinclude photo cards, address labels, gift labels, custom business cards, and even a personalized growth chart. Erin will add wrapping paper, canvas enlargements with personalized borders, and soon they will be offering custom wallpaper and more! Available at www.erincondren.com. About $30 for a set of 12.

 

10. Say it with Music: Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that Emerald City Theatre’s 2010 hit PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL continues to stay pretty in pink and celebrates that “Pink Is Love” for exclusive performances on Valentine’s Day Weekend on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 and Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, playing at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place ( 175 E. Chestnut St ). Individual tickets are on sale now. Patrons can walk the “pink carpet” on Valentine’s Day Weekend at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and enjoy chocolate Valentine treats prior to the performances.

 

 

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From left to right: EVOLUTIONMAN grouming products, Chloé Signature Solid Perfume, and the Metallo Tin candle.

1. Bottega Veneta, the parfum, is a leathery oriental chypre that combines the naturally refined scent of leather with a lush and sophisticated oriental accord. In contrast to the eau de parfum, the parfum has hints of vanilla, sandalwood, and tonka bean. The bottle is made of exceptionally fine glass hand-b  lown by artisans of one of the leading glassworks on the island of Murano. Exclusively at Bottega Veneta boutiques. 50mL / 1.7oz Parfum at $475

2. Intuitive in both design and function, the 20ml CK ONE on-the-go bottle is slim and light weight. This new format transforms the iconic CK ONE bottle into a modern, portable, and handheld version, making the original fragrance more free-spirited than ever before. Available at Sephora www.sephora.com. 0.68oz/20ml at $15

3. This delicately engraved locket is a luxurious case holding the Chloé Signature Solid Perfume. This beautiful necklace presents a new and unique way to wear perfume. Chloé’s timeless scent features rose, peony, lily of the valley, magnolia, amber and cedarwood. This “jewel” is available at select authorized Chloé retailers. $60

4. The Balenciaga “L’Essence” candle – More than a candle, it creates an atmosphere of its own, an ambience characterized by the fragrant interplay of leaves, delicate flowers and soft mosses. The Balenciaga “L’Essence” candle sets the scene for a beautiful nightfall, when nature exhales all its rarest scents. Available at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Balenciaga Boutiques.. $65

5. EVOLUTIONMAN’s modern skincare and grooming collection is created with every man in mind. It is not only polished and sophisticated, but the cutting edge formulations provide maximum results with minimal effort. Items included: recycled tire toiletries tag, cleanse & shave, revitalize eye gel, moisture protect SPF20, moisture protect SPF20 bronze, lip balm SPF 15 and conceal & treat. Available in select retail outlets and online at www.evolution-man.com. $10-50

6. The biodegradable Sojourn Line includes shampoos, conditioners and styling products. These eco- friendly products have zero alcohol, no artificial colors, paraben, or salt. Each folicle will be restored, free from frizz, and full of radiance and shine. www.SojournBeauty.com. $22-28

7. Fragrance designer Voluspa is known for its attention to detail and elegant fragrances. The Metallo Tin candle is an affordable gem that will delight any home. www.VoluspaCandles.com. $15

8. The Urban Decay 24/7 Urban Decay Travel-Size Set of 5 is a perfect gift for any occasion. These eye pencils provide long-lasting, waterproof color with a smooth and sophisticated velvety feel that actually conditions the eyes. www. UrbanDecay.com. $32

9. The Glop and Glam products are deliciously scented hair care products that includes hair cream, shampoo, conditioner and gel. They are certified, organic and natural. This hip line is perfect for kids or teens. www.GlopAndGlam.com. $13.99-15.99

10. The special-edition Sultra Wicked Gold Decadence Wave and Straight Iron creates long-lasting waves or shiny, straight looks. This innovative iron features the most advanced technology in hair irons, while providing consistent, even heat that both mends and protects the hair as you style. www.Sultra.com. $165

Combining 2,000 years of known Oriental natural healing and non-invasive modern medicine, Z Mei Skin Therapy Systems are some of the most sophisticated (and affordable) anti-aging, skin-care products on the market–treating the skin’s needs without disturbing its natural balance. It’s skin zen!

While every treatment in Z Mei’s product line contains unique elements that make it stand out against comparable creams and moisturizers, The Exfoliating Scrub/Facial Mask, Balancing Tone and Perfecting Eye Cream are three of Z Mei’s most distinctive.

Exfoliating Scrub/Facial Mask: A must for serious skin rejuvenation. This award-winning, sophisticated and innovative dual-use product was specifically formulated to be utilized as an exfoliating scrub while having the added ability to be used as a combination mask/scrub to help cleanse, purify and gently remove superficial dead skin cells. Stimulating circulation and removing pore-clogging impurities, a fresher, cleaner, moisturized and radiant complexion is evident after every application and use. Net wt. 2 oz. / 56.7 gm. $29.95

Balancing Toner: Z Mei’s balancing toner formula is touted as boosting the skin’s own natural recovery system  and is intended to prep the face before applying morning and evening moisturizers. However, the toner also makes for a great facial refresher and “heavy” eye lighter for tired mornings, long days and late nights . 8 fl. oz / 237 ml. $27.95

Perfecting Eye Cream: This light but rich cream features an effective nutritive cocktail with powerful anti-oxidants. Nourishing and smoothing the fragile tissues around the eye, It also helps normalize and correct skin lipid chemistry, increasing elasticity while instantly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Perfecting Eye Cream is specially formulated for wearing all day under makeup, allowing foundations, powders, eye shadow and brow liner to go on perfectly with no dried-out or smeary look. 0.5 fl. oz. / 14.8 ml. $39.95

Purchase and review these, as well as Z Mei’s full line (pictured above), at www.zmei.com.

Promise Me, the first and only proprietary fragrance to benefit breast cancer research. Promise Me offers a unique way to honor those who have been touched by breast cancer—a beautiful tribute to the bravery of each and every person who has been touched by this disease.

“The fragrance will give supporters a new way to participate in the breast cancer cause and is very important to our global reach,” Komen for the Cure founder and CEO Nancy G. Brinker said. “Promise Me offers a natural fit,” she added.” My sister Susan was always passionate about fragrance. She had a great fashion sense.”

Promise Me infuses the essence of Komen’s promise to end breast cancer into a scent that truly benefits and brings hope to those suffering from the disease. Developed by Drom fragrances and famed perfumer Jean Claude Delville, Promise Me speaks to strong, courageous women who live life to the fullest.

The sophisticated floriental opens with a fresh burst of mandarin, bergamot, and blood orange. Its feminine heart evokes softness and beauty with pink peony, wild orchid, and rosewood. The scent lingers on white patchouli and musk for a warm, sensual finish. Designed by Chad Lavigne and housed in an elegant glass vessel with interior floral motif, Promise Me is a stunning display item and gift.

Brian Robinson, founder of ZIRH Men’s Skincare and president of TPR Holdings, is proud to join forces with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “With fifteen years in the beauty industry, I wanted to lend my expertise to this profound cause,” says Robinson. “With the launch of Promise Me, we’re one step closer to finding a cure.”

Each Promise Me fragrance includes an insert with Komen’s educational messages and the contribution each purchase makes to the organization, as well as a limited edition scented bracelet. In 2011, TPR Holdings has committed to donate a minimum of $1,000,000 to Komen for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

Eau de Parfum 100 ml $59.00 (Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor and HSN) Eau de Toilette 100ml $29.99 (www.promisemefragrance.com,) Eau de Toilette 30ml $19.99 (www.promisemefragrance.com).

For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org.

For over 30 years, with over one billion units sold, Sweet Breath has been a highly recognized name in the breath-freshener category. These portable and easy to use dispensers kill germs instantly. All Sweet Breath products are fat and sugar free, and they come in three unique delivery systems: drops, sprays and micro mists. They are equally concentrated with over one hundred uses per bottle. For more information visit  www.sweetbreath.com

Manly men, who avoid mextrosexual merchandising but still want to culture their coiffure at a reasonable cost, should check out Fantastic for Men from Fantastic Sam’s salons.

Featured in the picture above (left to right) is the line’s Two in One Shampoo & Conditioner ($9.99)—a daily cleansing and conditioning treatment containing wheat amino acids to condition and strengthen hair—and the Simple Style Matte Wax ($12.49)—a creamy styling wax used to contour, control and revitalize hair’s natural texture with a low shine matte finish, wheat amino acids and UV-protecting sunscreen.

All Fantastic for Men products are comprised of a unique and exclusive “complex” formulation that, combined with the line’s simple, understated packaging and affordable cost, will fiercely do up a dude’s do without the stigma of girl-ish hair care.

Check the salon’s website for exclusive retailer locations and stay logged on to PINK for Fantastic for Men product giveaways coming soon to PINKmag.com!

by David Cohen

1. Sexy Little Things® Noir Tease™: Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things® Noir has been introduced as a limited edition fragrance for women. This remarkable Eau de Perfume bottle won the 2009 FiFi Fragrance of the Year Award.

Noir is elegant, playful and provocative. It is an enchanting blend of sparkling nectarine, sultry amber and exotic cattily orchid. You can also notice the aroma of black vanilla, frozen pear and blooming gardenia. In one word, Noir is a tease.

Available in 3.4 oz at $45.  For special promotion offers and matching body products visit www.victoriassecret.com/beauty/sexy-little-things.

2. Velvet Amber Blackberry Eau de Parfum: From the tradition of fine French perfumery, the Velvet Amber Blackberry was created from the most precious raw materials found in the world. Adding to that the heritage of beautiful lingerie yields get an exquisite fragrance.

The Velvet Amber Blackberry eau de perfume was designed to evoke the unique sensation of plush texture, rich depth color and indulgence. The fragrance adorns the skin in luxurious warmth of amber, lusciously ripe French blackberries and sheer Turkish rose. The Velvet Amber Blackberry is the latest fragrance from the Perfumes Intimes Collection and it is a concentrated scent of undeniable glamour. Available in 1.7 oz at $45

3. Chiffon Peony Freesia Eau de Parfum: The Chiffon Peony Freesia was designed to evoke the unique sensation of softness, ethereal beauty and romance. The fragrance adorns the skin in a soft bloom of peony, fresh South African white freesia, sparkling Italian bergamot and dreamy warmth of vanilla sent.

As the Velvet Amber Blackberry, the Chiffon Peony Freesia was created from the most precious raw materials in the world. Add the touch of Victoria’s Secret beautiful lingerie, and you get an exquisite fragrance evoking the sensation of Chiffon, the fabric that inspired it’s creation. Available in 1.7 oz  at $45

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Bold, Revealing and Unconventional.

For the first time ever, MARC JACOBS appears in his own advertising campaign. Marc shows off his provocative side with a daring visual—laying on a bed of shiny Mylar and covered only by the BANG Fragrance Bottle.

THE FRAGRANCE:

Confident and sensual, MARC JACOBS BANG is peppery, woody, spicy and full of power. Bang takes off with an explosion of its signature threesome of black, pink and white peppercorns—the remarkable mix is highly refined with an intriguing masculine elegance. The heart and base of the fragrance are wrapped with primal masculine woods adding comfortable warmth.

THE COLLECTION

EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY 1.7OZ/50ML $55.00 • 3.4OZ/100ML $75.00

Free and electrifying, sexy and alluring, BANG is peppery, woody and spicy. An explosion of a peppercorn threesome wrapped in warm sensual woods.

AFTER SHAVE BALM 5.2OZ/150ML $40.00

Comforts and soothes freshly-shaven skin, providing an energizing sensation. Leaves sking smooth, revitalized and lightly scented.

HAIR AND BODY WASH 6.7OZ/200ML $25.00

An invigorating, all-over cleanser with rich lather. Gently cleanses and conditions, leaving both hair and skin refreshed and subtly scented.

DEOSTICK 75G $22.00

Glides on smooth and clear, with a subtle hint of fragrance.

Exclusively now at Bloomingdales and MJ Boutiques. In September 2010 will be available at select specialty retailers nationwide.

Alluring blends of fruits, florals and musks captivate the senses in these two fragrances. The bottle design, done by Fabien Baron, instinctively combines the contradictory concepts of light to dark; metal to glass and hard to soft. Fcuk Him and Her is a contemporary scent held within a transparent glass flacon.

Him •  Created with an aura of  intriguing  leaves to leave a lasting  impression evocative of crushed Basil, Rosemary, Lavender, a little  Mexican Black Sage and Tea Leaves of Green Peppercorn.

Her • Cheeky yet provocative; she gives nothing away but the enticing trail of her fragrance: A mixture of flowers, from Water Iris and Bergamot with Peony to Jasmine and Violet as well as a bit of Cedar wood, a little Sandalwood, Golden Amber and Vanilla.

Both scents are 100ml, retail $54.00 available at prestigious stores worldwide.

Isn’t it amazing that despite all the external forces our eyes face each day, they are rarely ever dry?  The researchers at Eau Thermale Avène drew upon inspiration from the eye’s miraculous ability to hydrate along with the composition of the tear film in developing the NEW formulations of the Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream and Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream.

By reproducing two proteins, mucin and lipocalin, which play an essential role in the distribution of tears over the cornea, they were able to adapt this attribute to the skin, encouraging the absorption of Avène Thermal Spring Water and protecting it from moisture loss by creating a protective film. The newly revised formulations also feature meiboserine, a recreation of the lipid layer at the eye’s surface, which limits the evaporation of tears.  The tear-simulating agent reinforces the action of the Hydrance Optimale formula by increasing the amount of water available to the skin.  The synergy of the proteins and meiboserine allow the presence and capabilities of Avène Thermal Spring Water to be maximized, for long lasting hydration and soft, soothed skin.

Hydrance Optimale suits all skincare types with both the Light Hydrating Cream and the Rich Hydrating Cream.  For those with normal to combination sensitive skin, Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream is gentle and light, with a fast absorbing, non-greasy texture.  Say goodbye to blotting papers, sebum-regulating capsules absorb excess oil, reducing shine, so your skin receives the hydration it needs with a matte finish.  If your skin is dry, Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream has a creamy texture that gently melts into the skin for a soft, silky finish.  The formula features shea butter to nourish and help restore the hydrolipidic barrier for lasting hydration.

The New Hydrance Optimale Light Hydrating Cream and Rich Hydrating Cream will be available in June 2010 for $28 each at www.aveneusa.com.