Sunday This and That

My computer's infection this week with the dastardly System Care Antivirus, which itself is a virus, was only the beginning of a long quest that has not ended. I am on the hunt for every kind of malware, spyware, trojan, and every other kind of malicious software on my computer - and I've found more.

The original virus, which took over my computer, is gone, as verified by two programs, but I had to finish the removal job myself. I was annoyed beyond belief when I went to the "computer doctor" get my computer at 4:00 Friday and was told it would be Monday before he could finish. All he was doing was running a free Malware program - the very program that I had in the instructions for removing System Care Antivirus that I had downloaded and printed online. He had removed the virus, and he started a quick scan for others while I waited. One came up, and I asked him to delete it. I told him I was taking my computer as soon as he could shut it down.

He didn't want the computer to leave potentially "dirty." However, I told him I was just as capable of running the malicious software removal program as he was, and then my computer wouldn't have to sit there until Monday afternoon. I brought my computer home and ran scans by multiple programs until it reported "clean." I thought the drama was over.

On Saturday morning, I clicked on a Google search result for "Print USPS Postage," so that I could finally send out Erin B's prize. I was re-directed to a car site. At that moment, I knew I had another problem. I posted a question on the Firefox support site, and two gentlemen promptly provided assistance. One gave me links to about 10 free scanning programs and told me to run all of them because some pick up one bad actor, but not another, and so on. It made sense to me, so I have been downloading, installing, and running anti-malware programs all weekend. That has left me unable to blog.

One made me pretty angry. I wasted Friday night on Kaspersky, advertised as free. When it found and identified dirty files, it wanted me to buy a license before it would fix them. It was advertised as free, but was hardly free. I uninstalled it from my computer. By then, I was ready to kill a hacker.

Today, I think Microsoft Security Scanner found the redirect culprit: Win32/Medfos.B. It is malicious JavaScript that redirects search queries when you use search engines. It is installed as a malicious Mozilla Firefox extension. How did I get it? Who knows? It's gone now.

My Facebook friends have suggested some other cleaners, so I'll be running them tonight. I'm going to run these detectives until my system comes up clean to all of them. Meanwhile, I'm losing valuable blogging time. I'm sorry I've appeared missing in action, but it's important that I get this right.

I saw The Conjuring this past Tuesday night. You know what Klout is, right? It's a social media site that "rates" your influence. The higher your influence, the more perks you can earn. Perks are freebies. Clearly, my influence isn't all that good because the perks I have received have included cat food my cats wouldn't eat and sugar-free ice cream coupons, which would be nice if the brand were available in the stores I frequent. Anyhow, Monday, Klout offered me free tickets to an advance showing of The Conjuring, and I accepted for myself and my friend Paul.

The movie ran from 7:30 to 9:30 (way past my bedtime). Even though I do not like horror films, I have to tell you it was very well done. The film stars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators who come to the assistance of the Perron family (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor), who are experiencing increasingly disturbing events in the Rhode Island farmhouse they just bought. From the start of the movie, it is evident that the house is possessed, and the suspense builds from start to finish.

What is seriously amazing about this film is that it's based on a true story. The Warrens were real, and Mrs. Warren is still alive. You can read more at this link. The movie was called by Variety "one of the most viscerally effective thrillers in history." I must agree with the use of the word "visceral." During the whole movie, I realized that my stomach was in knots. I wish I had known to pop a Valium before I went.

The acting was first class, and the sound effects were extraordinary. As I said, this isn't my kind of movie (I'm a The Devil Wears Prada kind of gal), but if you like terrifying movies, you must see it. It opens on July 19. Caution though...if you think your house is haunted, do not go. I'm now wondering, though, if evil spirits infected my computer.

I must go select a winner for this past week's giveaway contest. Then, I am going to try to write a feature for this evening. There's a new fragrance I want to describe before Saks has its gift card event Thursday.

If you want to know the names of the anti-malware programs I have found most effective, just leave a comment. Thanks for bearing with me!

Update: I need to point out something. You have no exposure from this blog. My blog is hosted by Google, not my computer. Google is pretty bullet-proof.

Update #2: I am so exhausted, I'm going to bed at 7:00. I will approve comments at 4:30 am tomorrow, and I promise I will write tomorrow when I get home from work. There are no options I can summon. I just need to sleep. I'm tired of getting up in the middle of the night to instruct one program and launch another to scan my computer.

Photos courtesy of thenorth.com, amt.com, and The Conjuring

The Bare Bones Friday Forum

The Bad Actor

Yesterday, when I returned home from work, I awakened my computer and found a foreign-to-me "antivirus program" going nuts, scanning and "finding" all kinds of malware, trojan horses, and more. I did not recognize the program at all, and I tried to pull up my own anti-virus software and couldn't. So, I rebooted. The foreign software came right back up, reporting deplorable results.

I called my PC guys who instantly recognized the name of the software as a malicious virus. They told me to shut my computer down immediately and bring it in. I said, "I have a blog post to write!" The answer? Don't.

My computer is at the PC doctor, hopefully being decontaminated as I write from work. I have many questions, such as, "Why did my antivirus software let in this intruder? Since Firefox won't allow an executable to run without permission, how did it happen?

Anyhow, it's time for the Friday Forum - our open beauty chat time. I hope your week is going better than mine! Don't forget this week's giveaway contest.

Please wish me luck!

NEST Sicilian Tangerine Home Fragrance Collection

NEST Fragrances has introduced a new home fragrance collection, Sicilian Tangerine. I had heard from PR it was coming. Based on a verbal description, I knew I would love it, and I do!

The first time I was able to get a whiff was at Neiman Marcus, when the representative from another line took me over to smell NEST's newest, which he had bought the moment it arrived. He was very excited about it. He purchased multiple diffusers and is enjoying them in his home. He told me how sublime it was to awaken in the morning to the fragrance of Sicilian Tangerine. When I got that whiff, I knew instantly that it would have the same effect on me.

So far, there are only two pieces in the Sicilian Tangerine Collection, but more are coming. Votives, a three-wick candle, and NEST's liquid soap will debut in September. Today, you can find a Classic Candle ($34) and a Reed Diffuser ($38). NEST sent me the Sicilian Tangerine Classic Candle, which transports me - even before I light the wick. Cue Rachmaninoff and roll Somewhere in Time.

I'm in a garden in Sicily - the garden of a large estate that houses my hotel by the sea. I feel like I've been here before, although my mind tells me that's silly. I'm surrounded by greens, an orchard, and walking paths, and their aromas mingle with the Mediterranean air to convince me there may be no better place on earth. - Flight courtesy of NEST.

Sicilain tangerine and bergamot are entwined with the tropical nuances of exotic mango and passion fruit blended over a base of musk and praline. The citrus scents are dominant, producing a fragrance that is fresh, crisp, and beckoning - tranporting.

The Classic Candle offers 50 hours of burn time, ensuring that I'll return to that garden frequently. I think Henry Van Dyke was there before me, for he wrote...

O garden isle, beloved by Sun and Sea,
Whose bluest billows kiss thy curving bays,
Whose amorous light enfolds thee in warm rays
That fill with fruit each dark-leaved orange tree...

I won't be traveling to Sicily (again) any time soon, so I'm grateful to NEST for the luxurious addition to my life. Beauty originates within. I'm convinced that tranquility does as much as skin care to help us look and feel our best. The luxury that NEST Fragrances brings to my home is incomparable.

You too can experience NEST's new Sicilian Tranquility - err, Tangerine. The collection is available now at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and their Web sites, as well as at NEST Fragrances.

Photos courtesy of NEST Fragrances and homeaway.co.uk

Tom Ford Atelier d'Orient Private Blend Collection

As Fragrantica noted, Tom Ford has been prolific in bring new fragrances to market. Before last year, he had introduced 38 fragrances. He had five new fragrance launches in 2012, including the Jardin Noir Collection (Summer 2012 - I purchased all except Café Rose). Recently in 2013, he released Sahara Noir. It's safe to say that Tom Ford's fragrance offers have been growing by leaps and bounds. I wish he'd put as much energy into his makeup, giving us more frequent launches.

His new Atelier d’Orient Collection - additions to his Private Blend, top-of-the-line scents - is the latest to launch. The four new fragrances are Shanghai Lily, Plum Japonais, Rive d'Ambre, and Fleur de Chine - all created to evoke an Asian connection. I had an opportunity to try them all at Neiman Marcus about two weeks ago and fell for Fleur de Chine, my "hands-down" favorite of the four.

The 1.7 ounce bottles are $210, and the large, 8.4 flacons are $520. For a month or so, they are supposed to be Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman exclusives, but I've read they've been sighted at Nordstrom.

Each new Private Blend fragrance aims to capture a different, distinctive mood: romance, colonial elegance, exoticism, and sensuality. For Fleur de Chine, Ford said, "I imagined the romantic and mysterious women from Asia’s cinematic past - from the 1930's femme fatale in a cheongsam and dark lipstick, to the 1960's Hong Kong heroine of In the Mood for Love. I wanted to capture that fascinating, exquisite, and slightly scandalous femininity.” With Tom Ford, it's often about scandalous and sensuous. His advertisements telegraph his vision.

The floral Fleur de Chine features notes of the HuaLan flower, star magnolia, hyacinth, and tea rose, complemented by jasmine tea, syringa (lilac), plum, white peach, woods, amber, styrax, and vetiver. It's a soft floral and divinely feminine. I must have a full bottle. Right now I'm wearing samples made for me by Jason Layden at Neiman Marcus.

“Rive d’Ambre was inspired by the tradition of presenting precious citrus fruits as gifts,” revealed Ford. “True to my nature, the sparkling fruits are wrapped in rich and warm sensuality.”  The fragrance is described as a golden-toned eau de cologne, an interesting portrait that attributes color to the scent of the fragrance. It features citrus fruits (a talisman of good fortune in Asia), offset with amber, tarragon, cardamom, spearmint, Cognac oil, and tolu balsam.

Plum Japonais, as its name suggests, was inspired by the ume plum. “I have always been fascinated by unusual ingredients from exotic cultures,” Ford revealed. “The ume plum…has great meaning in Oriental culture; in Japan and China, it is a sacred symbol of spring. I wanted to craft a fragrance around the ume because it has a texture and aroma that is so luscious.”  Described as a luxury fragrance for true scent connoisseurs (the rest of his fragrance aren't?), Plum Japonais juxtaposes the ume plum with a lush and unconventional mélange of exotic Asian ingredients: saffron, cinnamon bark, and sawara cypress. Other key notes include camellia, agarbois, amber, benzoin, and vanilla.

I was entirely prepared to love Plum Japonais, but I don't. It is a heady fragrance, and there is one note that's off-putting to my nose. The fragrance has been unofficially attributed to perfumer Christopher Sheldrake. You know Tom Ford himself isn't creating all these fragrances, right? The perfumer for his fragrances is always closely guarded information, but somehow it eventually leaks out.

Shanghai Lily completes the quartet. “This fragrance began with a dream of the Silk and Spice Roads - the ancient, Asian trading routes for luxurious and precious goods,” Ford explained. “I imagined caravans piled high with treasures and being surrounded by a multi-sensorial abundance of opulence.” Shanghai Lily is an exotic floral scent that transports the senses into a world of rare and opulent ingredients from the historic Silk Road. Warm spices, elegant florals, and addictive notes of vanilla and frankincense create a hazy reverie of glamour and temptation.

Shanghai Lily opens on notes of bitter orange, pink peppercorn, and black pepper, combined with vetiver and cashmeran. The base blends benzoin, castoreum, cistus labdanum, and guaiac wood, alongside vanilla and frankincense. If you envision the scent of lilies or a floral fragrance, based on the name, you'll be as disappointed as I was. I'm not a spice girl, and Shanghai Lily is a very spicy, woody oriental fragrance.

Tom Ford's Private Blend Atelier D’Orient fragrances are presented in the signature Private Blend bottles of Cognac-brown glass. The flacons are finished with a gold-colored name plaque and are packaged in brown boxes.

Tom Ford's vision for and execution of his Asian collection is very different from By Kilian's Asian Tales Collection. Kilian's perfumers created fragrances that stay close to the skin, offering subtly sophisticated fruits and florals - my kind of fragrances, and scents appreciated by Asian people, I'm told. On the other hand, Ford's Asian vision came to life with use of aromatic Asian ingredients - the more exotic, the better. His fragrances are bold where Kilian's spoke softly. See which collection you like best.

My recommendation for Atelier d'Orient? Try before you buy. Tom Ford counters will make samples for you, so make sure to ask. If you can't get to a counter and would like help, give Tom Ford representative Jason Layden a call at (202) 966-9700, extension 2385, at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. He will take good care of you.

Photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus, Moodie Report, and wakayama-kanko.or.jp

RéVive Intensité Crème Lustre SPF 30

Many of you have asked me about the products I use every day. I'm always hesitant to describe that - not because I've found the fountain of youth and wish to keep it secret - but because I'm always testing this or that. I seldom have a routine. However, during the last few weeks, RéVive Intensité Crème Lustre SPF 30 ($385) has been part of my daily routine.

After getting a bit red in the cheeks from a very short exposure to the sun, when I had been wearing an SPF 15 product, I decided I had to increase my protection level. I work inside a glass building, so I get plenty of sun exposure indoors. I had a jar of this marvel product on hand, a gift from RéVive representatives, and I put it into use immediately.

This moisturizer is fabulous, albeit pricey. RéVive has been one of my most favorite skin-care lines in the last three years. I think the quality warrants the price - for the most part. There are products I've used that are beyond pricey, and while I love them, I realize they cost a rent payment for many people.

Powered by "RES" and Firming Enzymes, RéVive Intensité Crème Lustre SPF 30 is a firming moisturizer designed to help increase elasticity while reducing the appearance of sagging skin. While I don't have sagging skin (knock on wood), the antioxidants and SPF 30 help protect against the free radicals and UVB/UVA rays that normally lead to visible signs of aging - like sun spots and wrinkles. This wonderful moisturizer gives the skin a firmer, brighter, younger look, with the appearance of diminished fine lines and wrinkles.

RéVive lists Intensité Crème Lustre's key benefits.

• Helps increase elasticity to firm, lift, and tighten skin [a nice feature for anyone over 40]
• Protects skin against daily environmental aggressors and free radical damage that can lead to premature signs of aging
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Brightens the complexion for the legendary RéVive glow

What amazes me is that the company doesn't prominently feature the SPF 30, which is one of the major benefits from my perspective. The active ingredients that provide the sun protection are Avobenzone (3%), Ensulizole (3%), Octisalate (5%), and Octocrylene (8%).

The crème is thick. I make sure to apply it rather thickly and evenly over my face and neck for adequate sun protection, including my nose. It has not created an oil slick on my face, which might be a concern with such thick application. It absorbs quickly. I apply my foundation effortlessly about an hour after I apply Intensité Crème Lustre (my routine). My makeup does not rub off in ribbons, as it can with the wrong moisturizer or one that's thick.

When I use it, my skin looks good: hydrated and rested. Who can ask for more? You can find RéVive products at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and at RéVive's Web site. If you ever need help with RéVive, please call Anna Befanis at (703) 761-1600, extension 3295. She is a real pro - and a sweetheart too.

I know you are going to ask me what else I used on my daytime face in the last weeks. Here's the list.

• Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum
• Le Métier de Beauté Revive Eye Concentrate
• No serum - I wanted to test the moisturizer alone 
• Natura Bissé Tolerance Enzyme Peel
• I used an assortment of cleansers - whatever was at hand. I used a sample Le Métier de Beauté eye makeup remover.

Update: This product was made in the U.S.A.

Photo courtesy of RéVive

New Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Tawny Brown and Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Santa Barbara

Bobbi Brown has added two bronzing powders to her already fabulous bronzer line-up: Bronzing Powder ($38) in Tawny Brown (#1) and Illuminating Bronzing Powder ($38) in Santa Barbara (#13). I tried both of them at Bloomindale's, couldn't decide to love one over another, and purchased both. Tawny Brown, called Tawny online, is shown at left above, and Santa Barbara is shown at right.

Bobbi Brown's soft matte, silky-smooth Bronzing Powder gives skin an instant look of a natural tan, and it's perfect for contouring too. Bobbi suggests using Bronzing Powder year round to get a sun-kissed look. I've always liked Bronzing Powder because there are light shades that are appropriate for my pale skin.

Illuminating Bronzing Powder is an ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder that's formulated with a unique blend of sheer powder and micro-pearls. The powder glides on evenly and gives the skin a seamless and sheer natural-looking glow. Also available in light shades, Illuminating Bronzing Powder doubles as a blush. Although Bobbi recommends applying it with her new Bronzer Brush, I prefer her Face Blender Brush.

I took swatch photos of both new bronzers. I swatched at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator and used a brush below. My photos were taken in full, bright sunlight.

I have two very different photos of Santa Barbara - one is much lighter than the other (more direct sun). The color is a beautiful warm pink that's a blush on me, not a bronzer. There is a nice sheen in Santa Barbara. It earns its title as illuminating.

Here is what you need to know about Santa Barbara: A little goes a very long way. It is extremely pigmented. I applied some from a cotton pad in the store and ended up looking like Raggedy Ann. The Bobbi Brown rep had to demonstrate how to apply it lightly with the Blender Brush. While the color is gorgeous, those with pale skin must take special care not to over-do it.

Tawny Brown Bronzing Powder, on the other hand, is brown, like a more typical bronzer, and matte (shown below). It is a rosy brown that's perfect for my skin.

I love this shade. It's easier to apply than Santa Barbara - hard to over-do. You can see the subtle color that resulted from application with a brush. If you find many bronzers too muddy, this one's for you. There isn't a trace of mud in this shade, which leans rose. While Bobbi Brown's Web site calls it a warm beige, I'd call it a rosy brown. I think the shade appears more cool than warm on my skin.

You can see that Tawny Brown reflects sunlight nicely, even though it's matte. It's not flat matte. It will give you some life in direct light, but it's very natural in appearance.

I'm very happy with both of my new bronzers. They are very different. I'll use them in different ways, so my investment in both will serve me well - for years.

You can find both of the new bronzer shades at Bobbi Brown counters, where they are displayed with the existing shades, and at Bobbi Brown's Web site. What do you think?

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Coming Attraction: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

Jo Malone London will launch a new feminine fragrance, Peony & Blush Suede this fall. One source I have tells me we'll be able to buy it in September. Another says October or November. I'm betting on September.

Created by perfumer Christine Nagel, the cologne promises to be the essence of charm with peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile, and flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose, and gillyflower. The flowers will mingle with the sensuality of soft, blush suede for a luxurious and seductive dry-down.

The top notes are red apple, fresh almond, and bergamot. The heart notes are peony, jasmine sambac, rose, and gillyflower. The latter could be any one of several flowers: carnation, dianthus, stock, or wallflower. The base notes are suede, patchouli (unfortunately), and amberwood. I'm really hoping the patchouli is undetectable because it could ruin this fragrance for me. When I heard florals with a touch of leather, I swooned. When I saw the gratuitous addition of patchouli among the notes, my first thought was, "How un-Jo!"

The Peony & Blush Suede Collection will include 30 ml and 100 ml colognes, a 250 ml Body & Hand Wash, a 175 ml Body Crème, and a 200 g Home Candle.

As you might expect, thoughts of layering are already being suggested. The fragrance can be worn alone, or combined with other Jo Malone scents. Suggested pairings are English Pear & Freesia or Orange Blossom.

I think the demand for Peony & Blush Suede is going to be enormous. If you would like to reserve one, call Sydelle St. Jules at Neiman Marcus at (202) 966-9700. Ask for the Jo Malone counter.

Photos courtesy of Jo Malone