Top Notes

Brilliantly described as "the red lipstick of perfumes" Fracas was created for bold and confident women. Oft chosen as a signature scent, the powerful tuberose aroma leaves a definite impression long after the bearer has made her exit. For those seeking a more subtle application during these hot summer months, I suggest the Fracas Solid Parfum. Slightly less dense than the alcohol-based version and spread across pulse points rather than sprayed, the bouquet of the unguent clings to your aura rather than your surroundings. Presented in a lustrous silver case on a bed of pink satin it makes the perfect gift. ($65)

Vanity Hair

While ringing up at my favorite New York City apothecary, C.O. Bigelow, I spied some charming Japanese hair sticks in the case. Sleek and sophisticated, they're typically used to decorate longer hair shaped into updos, but I'm quite sure my super-thick and extra-curly hair can hold anything in place now that it's grown out a bit since last summer. More decorative than functional, (atleast for my purposes) sticks like the one pictured were traditionally produced for Geisha and Maiko dancing girls. Always partial to wearing fresh flowers in my hair, an investment in faux flower Japanese hair sticks are a bit more economical and sure to last many seasons. ($30)

Bloggers Night Out

Whilst everyone follows pop-princess Rihanna down the technicolor nail varnish highway, I've decided to take a short trip back to the Vampy nineties. Black Cherry Chutney, from the OPI India Collection, was as close as I could get to the Chanel's Vamp which I believe is no longer in production. I sought out the black-red polish at Element Beauty Lounge in Brooklyn and feel all goth and sophisticated as a result. Fashion Binge's Mary-Kate Hopkinson opted for a surprisingly groovy cloud grey color which I'll have to try next time and Watch Holly got hooked up with some pretty in pink toe candy. Followed by garlic knots, chocolate and Prosecco... all in all, a lovely evening out with the gals! ($8.50)

What Price Clear Skin?

The skin on my face has been plotting against me ever since puberty.  Retin-A Micro worked for one blissful summer, yet until now I've never found a non-prescription product that worked as consistently well as Kinerase Clear Skin. The not so secret ingredient is kinetin, a kind of plant hormone known for it's anti-aging properties. With just the Clear Skin Moisture Light along with my other cleansers and scrubs, I've noticed a significant reduction in blemishes and the fading of acne scars. That translates into less application of base and concealer, a more natural look. My ultimate goal is to look fabulous without any makeup and so far the results with just one product have me convinced that I might just make it there. Since I've come to the end of my Moisture Light bottle, the sensible thing to do is upgrade to a proper three-step beauty regimen at a price I can live with. ($85)

Cuckoo for Coconut Oil

After running out of body lotion, I decided to make the switch to Virgin Organic Coconut Oil. Consisting of about 90% saturated fat, it's quite possibly the most emollient of vegetable oils, completely natural, and recommended by Mama SoFine for skin issues like sunburn and rough elbows. I like to use it for deep conditioning hair treatments and all over my skin after showers. The coco-nutty smell is fabulously delicious, and you get noticeable results after a few weeks use. My super curly hair is much more manageable, and ashy skin is a distant memory. ($22)

Play Misty for Me

Having been raised in a warm and humid tropical climate, I never look forward to dry winters like this one. Skin, hair, eyes, and even nasal passages become irritated — sometimes painfully so — the only way to bear it all is with a humidifier. This model from Venta can output 3.5 gallons per day and boasts a whisper quiet motor. A special demineralization cartridge prohibits the growth of microorganisms, and the best part is that you only have to change it once a year. ($160)

Back to Basics

After nearly loosing several full-sized Jurlique skin products going through the airport's security checkpoint, I've learned to travel with travel-sized products in order to get under that 4oz. rule. It would be wise to take advantage of the current holiday sales and stock up on great luxury products in mini sizes like this Borghese luxury pampering set complete with cleanser, tonic, mud, moisturizer, sunblock, eyecream and nightcream... the basics. ($50)

Sunday Muddy Sunday

Ain't nuthin' better than Kentucky mud for facial masques — at least not in my medicine cabinet. The Masque de Glaise is a truly amazing product that literally draws out impurities deep within your pores without that yucky dry feeling. I've even dotted it on blemishes before bed and woken up sans bump. The price tag may be a bit hefty for mud, but aren't you worth it? ($145)

Dope Soap

Shea butter soap is best for dry skin like mine, it's gentle and extremely emollient. The lather is so rich and creamy you probably won't even need lotion after your bath. Unfortunately my beloved beauty brand, L'Occitane, recently increased its prices by nearly 20 percent! Unacceptable for the Sista on a budget. A comparable alternative is another French brand, Panier des Sens. Milled in Marseilles using traditional processes and natural ingredients, the Verbena Shea Butter Soap is half the price of it's L'Occitane counterpart and equally satisfying. ($5.50)

Cream of the Crop

What's the best body cream on the market? I nominate L'Occitane's Ultra Rich Body Cream. The super-thick creamy formulation has a silky smooth consistency because it contains 25% shea butter! That's a ridiculous amount of tree fat for a body lotion, other brands that tout the ingredient typically contain 10-15%. Exfoliate in the bath or shower with a loofah and then coat yourself from head to toe for glowing, lightly scented skin. ($38)

Power Puff

Every dame knows to set her makeup in place with a final light application of powder. Today's woman typically uses whatever sponge or brush packaged with her compact; women of the past used down puffers. That's right, little handmade goose down powder puffs. The base is crafted of pleated satin with a delicate turned wooden handle for easy application. A lovely addition to any vanity. ($58)

Diamancel Doll

Pumice ain't got nothin' on diamond dust! That's right, the leftover grit from the hardest substance on earth can become your high end foot sloughers. "Dissolve" dry, cracked, foot calluses with a simple flick of the wrist; the diamonds do most of the work. Stretch out your pedicure and retain maximum foot buffyness and toe integrity with the pedi-paddle trio. ($115)

Little Miss Sunshade

Remember when Diddy's former valet Farnsworth Bentley was always in tow with that huge sun blocking umbrella? Well this summer, create a sensation with this lovely Battenberg lace parasol. The ultimate Victorian ladies accessory has been embraced by celebugoth child Kelly Osborne, to help keep her pale skin Vampire fresh. Alternate colors are classic black, white, ivory, and red. Perfect for outdoor weddings, Valentine's and Easter celebrations, and Civil War battle reenactments. ($40)

America's Next Hand Model

I like products with immediate results and One Minute Manicure is one of them. You can probably mix this up in your kitchen, but who has the time? Made from dead sea salts, emollient and essential oils, simply massage onto dry hands, feet, elbows and knees to see and feel the difference. Strike a pose in the mirror because ugly cuticles and wrinkly hands will be a thing of the past! ($28)

Beauty Classic

You can't mess with a classic — which is why Smith's Rosebud Salve, has been using the same formula since 1892! Packaged in a vintagey reusable tin, it can be used on chapped lips, dry hands and elbows, diaper rash and even bug bites. Makes a great stocking stuffer. ($6)

Oil-rich

Forehead turning into an oil field this summer? Draw out excess oil with this drying mask, it literally cleared up my "heat bumps" overnight. Spread a thin layer over problem areas before bed and wake up with dramatically clearer skin. Dot on pimples and experience the magic. The Kaolin clay leaves a bit of residue on pillowcases and your pores, so follow with a toner. Geepers, it's my favorite product of the moment! ($18)

Mustard Lovers Unite!

Summer is finally here and we're all working out trying to get fit while the sun shines. If you're like me, you're beginning to feel your age, and a good tub soak is the usual remedy. Epsom salts will retain it's place under the sink, but Dr Singha's Mustard Bath, ($10) has just taken the place of honor. Based on an Ayurvedic herbal formula, it smells wonderfully pungent and will actually clear your sinuses. The Mustard Rub, ($17) is a blend of organic and essential oils that you must insist your massage therapist use. Buy in bulk because this product isn't in many stores.

Causing a Fracas

Quite possibly the most intoxicating floral scent ever created for a woman, Fracas is at the top of my fragrance list. During humid 90 degree Brooklyn days, this handy Fracas Eau de Parfum Roll-On is a girls best friend. Apply to pulse-points and that subtle sheen of perspiration will smell of tuberose and gardenia. Reapply daily for best results, comes with a handy velvet case for protection from the million other things cluttering your handbag. Reasonably priced at $25, this package is only available at Sephora.

Hair Investment Tools

If you have extremely dry and natural hair like me, no doubt you've experimented with dozens of hair products. After deciding to shun the mineral oils and petrolatum products and switch to natural oils I turned to Carol's Daughter. Their most popular hair product, Khoret Amen Hair Oil, $22, is also my favorite. The old pump sprayer I tried to use was messy, but the Quick Mist oil sprayer from Williams-Sonoma sprays an even mist. Designed for kitchen use, this environmentally friendly non-aerosol sprayer uses your hand pump action to create the spray pressure. For only $17, it's a worthy hair investment.