Sunday, July 22, 2012

Finding Your Fragrance with L’Artisan Parfumeur--by Allyson

You undergo a rite of passage when you find your signature fragrance. This is the scent that people will sense before they see you and the one that will linger in the air after you leave the room. Your fragrance can give others a good idea of the type of person you are before they even meet you. If you wear a light, fresh perfume, then you might be a person who enjoys simplicity and beauty. If you wear a darker, spicy perfume, then you might be one for late night adventures with one foot over in the wilder side of life. However, the search for your signature fragrance can be difficult and overwhelming. Here at Jackson & Hines, we carry the lovely L’Artisan Parfumeur line that, with its multitude of fragrances, caters to all types of people. We are sure you can find your fragrance here.

Perfume is built like a pyramid with top, middle, and base notes. The top notes are the ones you smell initially, like citrus. They last for a few minutes before fading into the middle notes. These are sometimes called the “heart notes” because they make up the core of the perfume, like florals or spices. Then, finally, there are the base notes, like amber or musk, which are the longest lasting scents in the perfume. They will remain for up to 8 hours on the skin. Because there are these multiple layers to every perfume, they mix with our skin chemistry and can change depending on how long you wear them, morphing into a new and completely personal fragrance.

There are generally five categories to the L’Artisan fragrances: fresh, floral, fruity, spicy, and woody. A lot of the perfumes in this line cross boundaries to become fresh and spicy, or fruity and woody. A good way to better understand each category is to think of a song that can represent it. Perfumes can tell a story in a similar way that a song can.

Each category evokes a certain type of feeling just like a specific genre of music. So, with each category, their is a fitting song (click on the titles to listen). Now, let’s get to know each perfume, to better help you on your journey to finding the one.

Fresh:
If you are looking for a bright, young fragrance, then these are the ones for you. Each one is reminiscent of the sun. Hear Colbie Caillat’s “Brighter Than The Sun” when spritzing yourself with any of these perfumes. 

1.) L’Eau de L’Artisan: Translated to mean “The Artisan’s Water,” it is the signature scent of L’Artisan. Made up of lemon, verbena, mint, and basil, L’Eau de L’Artisan leaves you smelling like sun-drenched, green fields.

2.) Mure et Musc: “The Blackberry Musk,” made up of lemon, blackberry, and musk, conjures the whole experience of picking blackberries under the sun to eating the fresh baked pie at the end of the day. You can almost smell the blackberry vine and the aromatic dirt it grows in.

3.) L’Ete en Douce: My personal favorite. This translates to mean “Sweet Summer,” and what an accurate translation that is. The major notes in this perfume are mint, orange, lime, hay, and woods. Recall those days where you spend hours outside in the sun barefoot. As the sun begins to set, you finally go inside for a shower. This fragrance captures the scent of that refreshing shower that can’t quite wash off the smell of the outdoors.

Floral: 
These perfumes capture a classic, but unique floral scent. The song that comes to
mind for these is “Liz on Top of the World” by Marianelli from Pride & Prejudice.

4.) Thé Pour un Été: This fragrance, “Summer Tea,” is made up of notes from lemon, peppermint, and jasmine, which is very strong making this a definite floral fragrance. Imagine steeping bags of peppermint and lemon tea in a large jar, and leaving it in a sunny window for a few hours. Refreshing and fragrant, this perfume is perfect for a summer girl.

5.) La Chasse aux Papillons: “The Chasing of the Butterflies.” Isn’t that beautiful? And that is exactly what this fragrance is, beautiful, reminiscent of a springtime flower shop. This perfume smells the way that a May wedding should smell. It should come as no surprise then that La Chasse aux Papillons is one of our best-sellers here at Jackson & Hines.

6.) Drole de Rose: I love this perfume for what it reminds me of. Picture this: an eight year old little girl awake late at night playing with her dolls. Suddenly, she hears high heels and the whisper of a dress on the kitchen floor downstairs. She quickly, but gingerly, puts her dolls away, turns out the light, and slips into her bed. She pulls the covers up to her nose and squeezes her eyes shut. Her mother appears in the door, silhouetted by the hall light. She enters the room, quietly so as to not wake up her little girl. Her gown graces the carpet as she makes her way toward her daughter. “Goodnight, my love,” she says, and places a kiss on the little girlʼs forehead, leaving a pink lipstick mark behind.
This fragrance smells like that lipsticked kiss! With notes of rose, almonds, honey, and leather, this perfume evokes the memory of goodnight kisses after mother and father return from their late night gala.

7.) Fleur de Liane: This fragrance, which means “Vine of the Flower,” smells like orchids in the rain. Imagine an English garden, filled with ivy, orchids, jasmine, and hydrangeas, speckled with rain drops from the quick storm that passed by three minutes ago.

FruityEach of these fragrances satisfies a more adult need for a sweeter scent. Think of Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” or even Kylie Minogue’s “Can't Get You Out Of My Head” when wearing any of these. People really won’t forget you with these perfumes.

8.) Premier Figuier: This is a special one because it is the first ever fig fragrance. It paints pictures of Italian fig groves, and picking them in flowing, white, cotton dresses and straw sun hats with no shoes on. Premier Figuier is very rich so be careful not to drench yourself in it, as much as you’ll really want to.

9.) Mechant Loup: “The Naughty Wolf” will get your mouth watering with its notes of pepper, honey, and various woods. It has a powerful, alluring scent that is perfect for either men or women to wear. This perfume would be perfect for a late night, rooftop soirée with friends and that special someone you want to impress.

10.) Bois Farine: Along with a fruity smell, this perfume has a nutty tone, with its fennel seed and almond notes. Bois Farine translates into “Flour Wood,” fitting because it has a powdery finish to it that is reminiscent of a tiny, local bakery.

11.) Poivre Piquant: It means “Fiery Pepper,” but it doesn’t smell as fiery as it sounds. In fact, it smells sweet, like a fresh pie. This fragrance is made up of notes of berries, milk, and honey.

Spicy:
These frangrances are more sensual, deep, and have a dark kick to each of them. Think of Feist’s “The Bad In Each Other.” Deep undertones, heavy bass notes. With each of these perfumes you are in for a fun, alluring ride.

12.) Navegar: This fragrance is another one of my favorites. It translates into “Traveler.” Breathe in and find yourself transported to the sea. With notes of ginger, rum, pepper, wood, and sea salt, it reminds me of standing on a beach in a far away place. Navegar is great for both men and women.

13.) Fou d’Absinthe: Yes, there is absinthe in this perfume, and it smells like it, along with various other alcohols and a dash of pine. This fragrance is like a great cocktail. Imagine Paris, the twenties, and late nights with the little green fairy. You are bound to attract some attention when you walk in a room with this spritzed lightly on your neck and wrists.

14.) Timbuktu: Transport yourself to Africa with this sexy fragrance. Made up of notes of pepper, wood, and incense, this perfume is great for both men and women. It has been called a love potion because so many people who wear it attract attention from that someone they have been eyeing the whole night. Wear this on a nighttime date and see what happens. You really won’t regret it.

15.) Dzonghka: This spicy fragrance has notes of tea, incense, and leather. The very first thing I thought of when I smelled this for the first time was Ernest Hemingway travelling abroad in Africa, writing away by candlelight, and dreaming of women lost. This fragrance is really nice for men.

16.) L’Eau d’Ambre: Made up of notes of patchouli, amber, and musk, this “Amber Water” reminds me of an adult baby powder. It has those sweet undertones of powder, but then there is something dark and sensual lurking underneath.

17.) Passage d’Enfer: Translating to mean “The Gate to Hell,” this fragrance smells as dangerous as it sounds. Rose, ginger, wood, and musk all combine to create this deeply alluring scent. This is another one of those date night perfumes. Spray this on the hips and see where the night goes.

Woody:
If you are looking for a simple, almost vintage scent, then these fragrances are for you. Listen to “The Dreamer” by The Tallest Man on Earth to more fully grasp what the woody fragrances might feel like.

18.) Dzing!: This name is meant to represent the crashing of cymbals. The fragrance has notes of ginger, musk, woods, leather, and coffee. Dzing! is when you are sitting in a coffee shop, reading the perfect book, nestled in an old, leather, wingback chair, when a handsome stranger drops his phone number in your lap. Dzing!

19.) Havana Vanille: With notes of vanilla, wood, leather, and sand, this fragrance transports you to 9 o’clock on a Cuban beach. The wind that rustles your skirt and hair is captured in each bottle of Havana Vanille, and leaves you feeling silky and sultry.

20.) Coeur de Vetiver Sacre: Another coffee shop regular, only this time, it’s fall. Notes of ginger, orange, and musk create memories of crisp air, crunchy leaves, and warm apple cider in fingerless gloves.

Hopefully you can jive with one of these categories and find the right fragrance for you! There are thousands of perfume lines out there, but L’Artisan Parfumeur, a high quality, beautiful line, has found a way to create a signature scent for everyone.


If you have any questions about L’Artisan, the fragrances we carry, or anything else, we would love for you to call us at 585-385-6995. We love helping you with your beauty product needs!


Friday, June 15, 2012

BEYOND MINERAL MAKEUP--Brand new at J&H!




CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY is a revolutionary natural makeup line designed to nourish, protect, and beautify the skin. Created by celebrity makeup artist Christopher Drummond, these luxurious products combine ingredients that are healthy, organic-based, paraben-free and PETA approved, offering an artisan alternative to other mineral makeup lines, along with uncompromising ingredient integrity not found in many conventional cosmetics.

Traditional mineral makeup contains ingredients that can be drying and irritating to certain types of skin. By removing known irritants such as bismuth Oxychloride, CHRISTOPHER DRUMMOND BEAUTY has become a leader in the industry with products that are hydrating and non-irritating. Select items are also free of titanium dioxide for those who may be sensitive to that ingredient.

We are thrilled to offer Christopher Drummond Beauty at Jackson & Hines.





A common concern or worry about all natural makeup or mineral makeup is a matter of coverage. For those of us used to our daily chemical mask of makeup, we worry that the transition will leave us--well--exposed. Will the concealer really conceal?! Will a lead-free lipstick--well, ANYTHING is better than lipstick with traces of lead. However, the Christopher Drummond Beauty line has surpassed all my expectations--the products are PHENOMENAL! Not only does the mineral powder offer healthy coverage, but also offers added sun protection. And, I have to rave about the DUO-PHASE CONCEALER. The smallest dab produces the most complete and natural coverage. You do not have to pick and choose products, worrying about layering, caking, and clogging pores. And I worried about sacrificing vivid colors for healthy alternatives--this is where Christopher Drummond Beauty spoils us all. The colors are FANTASTIC and fit every skin tone and preference. The lip options range from gorgeous glosses, lasting lipsticks, and stunning stains. Just remember to start with the Revitalizing Facial Serum (a primer/fabulous moisturizer) and your look is picture-perfect and day-lasting. We are constantly battling makeup vs. skin care products, but the Christopher Drummond line values health and wellness, along with artistry. Talk about win-win!

So, I'll keep you posted with my all natural makeup transformation and review the products individually. Please let me know if you have any favorite CDB products and what you decide to try! Goodbye chemical face and lead lips!

So, if you are in the neighborhood schedule an appointment with Elena to take your look to the organic next level--makeup applications start at $35. And for our long-distance relationships, peruse our website and enjoy the helpful hints and trips from the experts at Christopher Drummond Beauty. If you have questions about the perfect shade or usage, please call us (585.385.6995).

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Balancing Act: Mind, Body & Soul

I had the pleasure, nay, the privilege, of attending Elena O'Connor's (co-owner of Jackson & Hines) break-out session at this year's Women for Women Conference.  She was, as  always, her stunning self and her presentation was spectacular. As seen in the title, her presentation was addressing the difficult "balancing act" performed by women today (everyday...always!).  It is more than just a balancing act; it is juggling while balancing. It is essential to step back and re-evaluate your life. Are you neglecting one (or more) aspect(s) of yourself? Even Rosie the Riveter would struggle to find and maintain that center, the balance of all external and internal forces. However, her motto still rings true: "We can do it!" I wanted to share a few of my thoughts from her presentation, but please note that I am far from my ideal balance. These are points that I took away to apply in my life.

Mind: As a mom, this is an area that I make a concerted effort to maintain. Granted, my "Mommy-Brain" rears it's forgetful face every now and again. (Thanks to my husband's relative for pointing out that it is a result of the brain cells you lose from having babies--yeah, thanks!) Still I try to read and learn as much as I can given time constraints.  A challenge that I face is finding time to even ORGANIZE my thoughts, let alone evaluate or analyze.

Elena mentioned journalling as a way to be able to examine our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a concrete way. I find myself getting too caught up on the appearance of a journal; I want it to be the "perfect" (a dangerous trend in my thoughts) cover for my informal autobiography.  What good are my thoughts and daily record of my life, if the vessel is--well, just a notebook?!  This is something that I am going to work on this year--a new New Year's Resolution in May.  I think that this is a great way to organize my thoughts and have an uncensored look at my mind (scary, I know).

She also discussed something that connects mind and body: the confidence you have when you feel you are looking your best. We need to get past the idea that we have to be "perfect" (that word again!), to be the "complete package." Elena shared the story of a very beautiful and brilliant executive who found a humidity-caused-bad-hair day to be a seemingly impenetrable obstacle in a business meeting. At the end of the day, she is still a brilliant businesswoman, just with slightly volumized hair. :) Maybe this is a rant coming from watching "Mad Men, " but wouldn't it be nice if men could feel the same pressure?

Body: This brings us to body and a very helpful tip from Elena's presentation: don't eat Cheetos for breakfast! It is crucial to be careful of what you put in (and on) your body. Aside from finding baby shampoos that loaded with chemicals and carcinogens, we are beginning to pay attention to our eating habits and ingredients. Documentaries like "Food, Inc." and "Forks Over Knives" provide great investigative journalism into the world of factory farming and the obesity epidemic. I enjoy finding more blogs dedicated to finding healthy alternatives to what is widely available in processed foods. 

There is so much cross-over from these three categories. We all know that exercise is as beneficial to our brains as our waistlines. I also know that I have far more patience and a more positive outlook on the day after a Zumba class or Yoga class or mowing the lawn with a non-self-propelled mower. You feel good and you look good--there is no down-side here. :)

Jackson & Hines is dedicated to women's overall health. The latest test results and studies concerning harmful ingredients in beauty products are staggering. An article from the wonderful blog, "Chic and Green," discussed the growing list of lipsticks with traces of LEAD found in them. You know the stuff that goes on your lips--yeah, it has lead in it. Not to mention the harmful chemicals in the creams and products you apply to the more porous region of your body--your skin. Everything you use on your skin is absorbed into your body, which is why we promote organic and all-natural skin care products.


Soul: At the beginning of her presentation,
Elena passed out mini Gratitude Journals. She encouraged everyone to find beauty in everyday life, specifically in the fickle Rochester weather.  Sure, we Rochesterians could complain about snow in the beginning of May, or we can realize that most of the country is in drought right now--we're not. Even little things can boost our "Debbie Downer" days. My gratitude journal filled up very quickly, and is a helpful reminder to focus my energy and attention to something worthwhile.

Which leads perfectly into another point from the presentation. Elena discussed what her music and singing means to her. It is her moment of ecstasy, of transcendence. She urged the participants to find their "calling" in life. Finding your personal niche and pursuing your talents enriches your life, and in most cases, blesses others. She mentioned the ability to reach her audience through her music in a way that could not happen any other way. One of the fabulous women from the audience shared a story about a cast-iron skillet that had been in her family for a very long time. She loved cooking and entertaining, and when she used this skillet it was a connection to her past and the people that she loved. It was a beautiful story and truly inspired me to make sure that I am not the only one to benefit from my gifts and talents.

This was an incredible experience for all who were in attendance, including the rush of people anxious to talk to Elena and get her autograph at the end of her presentation. :) Great job, Elena!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Ahh, Shucks!

We recently discovered a marvelous review of Jackson & Hines posted in the blog, "This Little Light." It was a happy google accident that we came across this fabulous blog and we're so glad we did. Thanks, Michelle, for making our day, and we think that you are the bees knees, as well! 




You can read the review here.


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Even Better with Éminence Organics!


We had the privilege of welcoming our fabulous Éminence Organics Representative, Darlene, to the store today. She came equipped with wonderful, NEW product samples--well, those approved by the border patrol. :) We were thrilled to have her and thoroughly enjoyed the training.
I learned so much!

You can tell--we are SERIOUS about SKINCARE!! (Darlene and Vicki avidly listening to Suzanne)

For example, did you know that ONE jar of the incredible Pear & Poppyseed Microderm Polisher should last for 365 DAYS--that's right, a WHOLE YEAR! If you have not yet found this wonder exfoliant, you do not know what you are missing! This product works for most skin types by gently (GENTLY--remember, this is your face) exfoliating while exposing your skin to vitamins and antioxidants. This product can be a little messy, so for your convenience, we recommend using it in the shower. Follow-up with a tonique to restore your skin to a perfect PH level.



Also, we discussed the importance of PREVENTATIVE CARE in the form of a DAILY SPF product. This is the part of the conversation where I shamefully admitted to using the kids'
sunscreen on my face as we walk out the door. Eminence Organics carries SPF products for EVERYONE! You can choose the skin-evening Sun Defense Minerals or the luxurious Tropical Vanilla Sun Cream or the airy Persimmon and Cantaloupe Cream. We all know about skin cancer--it's treatable, curable, and, most importantly, easily prevented! So, let's discuss chemicals. Chemical reactions are caused by something as simple as adding oxygen: oxidation. What happens to the chemical mixture in your standard sunscreen when combined with oxygen and everyday pollutants? I don't know, but that is not a science experiment I want on my face! Adding a SAFE SPF product to my everyday skin care regimen adds mere seconds, and I am protected. With so many SPF options, you can really find something that will fit your lifestyle.
So, keep an eye on our WEBSITE for NEW Éminence Products or CALL NOW to schedule a RENEWING ÉMINENCE ORGANICS FACIAL!