Today, I have an in-depth review of LONDONTOWN'S high-quality nail polishes. I was excited to do this review and test these polishes, as I have had many requests for more natural polishes. LONDONTOWN'S polishes are vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free and 9-free.



What does 9-free mean? It means that the polishes are free of 9 potentially harmful chemicals: formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, DBP (dibutyl pthalate and phthalates), formaldehyde resin, xylene, ethyl tosylamide, parabens, and lead.

Check out all of LondonTown's beautiful nail colors here.







Here are the polishes featured and tested in my video:

Chelsea Porcelain

The Full Monty

Portobello Plum

Double the Deck

Gel Genius Top Coat

Instant Smudge Fix

Nail Hardener and Base Coat

I test the polishes over many weeks and are very impressed with their endurance and quality. Be sure to check out this week's video for the whole review. Thank you to LondonTown for sending me these polishes to review!

News
Shannon Bardwell cites The Madame Chic Collection as inspiration for her new year resolution in The Dispatch.

The Entertainment Report selects The Madame Chic Collection for their gift guide.

Comment of the Week
Grammy Laura writes:

Thank you so much for adding a touch of class and grace to the world. There is so much going on that can bring us down if we allow it to. I have decided to be more discerning in which bloggers I follow, since their attitudes have a tendency to creep into my life, whether I am intentional about it or not. Thank you for daring to be different, and for the source of encouragement that you are to so many, including me. Many blessings to you and yours!

Grammy Laura, thank you so much for your kind encouragement!


See you on Thursday for another beauty review.



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FTC: Londontown nail polishes were sent to me to review. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliates.

Christmas is two days away, and in today’s chatty video, I wrap up many of the loose ends from past videos, and let you know what I’ve been up to during the month of December.

In the video I share with you:

How my Christmas planning went (and what we didn't end up doing!)

Seek out the arts inspiration including my review of the new Amelie musical, what it was like to take my daughters to the Nutcracker ballet for the first time, and Diavolo dance company’s suspenseful modern dance masterpiece, Trajectoire.

A nice gift idea for men (or anyone, for that matter!) My father loved the Nixplay digital photo frame I gave him for his 70th birthday. I’m sorry I didn’t mention this sooner. But it’s worth mentioning now so you can put it on gift lists for the future.

My postnatal hair loss. I've been wanting to do an update on this for a while!

What I'm wearing on Christmas eve

I hope you enjoy this final video of 2016.

It’s been another wonderful year and I thank you so much for coming along with me and being a part of The Daily Connoisseur. To all of you who have left comments, or emailed me through my author website, even though I have not responded to you individually, I have ready every single message and appreciate every one. Thank you!

News

Life with Dee includes The Madame Chic Collection in her holiday gift guide for this year.

Abigail Murrish includes the Madame Chic books among her favorites of 2016

Comment of the Week
Miss L writes:
Thank you for the recipe! I wanted to make a breakfast casserole for my family for Christmas morning and this is just right. :D
I personally (just myself) haven't made anything specific for my family on Christmas morning, but one time a few years ago my grandma did fried ham slices and homemade cinnamon rolls. They were just right and everyone enjoyed them thoroughly! Yum!
Have a very joyful Christmas!!!

Hi Miss L., my grandmother used to make fried ham and cinnamon rolls for Christmas too. What great memories!

Merry Christmas to all and a very happy new year!

I will be taking my annual break from the blog, but I really look forward to seeing you in 2017, and sharing another year of The Daily Connoisseur with you!

In the meantime, please stay in touch with me over social media (links below). See you there!

With love,

Jennifer x

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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliates.

I've had many fall makeup requests over the past few weeks, so today I'm showing you the eye shadow palette I have been using for the fall season, the BECCA Ombre Rouge eyeshadow palette.

I have been wearing the same eyeshadow combinations for a while now, and felt like trying something new, so I picked up this palette. I wasn't sure I would like it because of the tinges of red (hence the 'rouge') in the shades, but I was pleasantly surprised! These are very natural looking shades that would be universally flattering. I like them because they bring out my eye color and are still quite subtle.



In this week's video, I apply the eyeshadow and show you swatches. I also give a quick tutorial on how to apply eyeshadow on a hooded eye. Whether you have this palette, or not, I hope I provide inspiration to use whatever fall makeup you do have to change your le no makeup look with the season.


Also featured in the video are the usual suspects, YSL Faux Cils burgundy mascara, Urban Decay primer potion, Laura Mercier Eye Art Artist's Palette and CHANEL Rouge Coco lipstick in Mademoiselle. On my nails is OPI Barefoot in Barcelona.

I hope you enjoy this week's video!

News
The Slovak translation of Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic is now available from Ikar.

A photo posted by Jennifer L. Scott (@dailyconnoisseur) on Oct 18, 2016 at 9:18am PDT

The Madame Chic Collection box set comes out next week! Pre-order now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble


Comment of the Week
From last week's Facebook Etiquette discussion,
On YouTube, Kristen C. writes:

This is a great video. My general rule of thumb is: if you wouldn't want to see it on a billboard while driving down the freeway, don't post it online. This may sound a bit extreme, but you never know what can happen after you've shared something. No matter how good you think your privacy settings are, the things you post can be discovered, even after you've deleted them. Another thing to think about (that most people don't consider) is how your social media accounts could be used against you in a lawsuit. I am a paralegal, and I have seen so many cases where Facebook pages, and even text messages, are used to great advantage (or disadvantage, depending on your perspective). As we were told in paralegal school, always behave as though the judge were looking over your shoulder. In other words, be courteous and gracious, particularly in times of disagreement. If someone has wronged you, give that person every chance to make things right.

Hi Kristen, Your advice really reinforces that what we post on Facebook is important. Thank you for sharing your experience as a paralegal with us!

This week, I would love to know... what is your favorite fall makeup right now? Do you have hooded eyelids like me? What are your tricks for applying makeup?



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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. Opinions are always my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

There is something so timeless and classic about a French manicure, but many women only get them if they visit a nail salon because they seem too complicated to do at home.




Today, I share my special technique with you. It requires practice and patience, but in the long-run is less complicated than many of the other techniques out there. Some people use a makeup brush dipped in polish remover, others use stickers or tape to create the little white line... I like to hold the brush still and roll my finger to create a natural-looking line. This technique is demonstrated in this week's video, along with some of my other tips to successfully create a French manicure at home.

Please check out this week's video for the full tutorial. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel (and don't forget to subscribe!) at www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

A classic French manicure is perfect for this upcoming holiday season, especially if you are on a budget or don't have time to go out and get a professional manicure. I urge you to try one at home!


News
Vicki Archer of the beautiful French Essence blog, has chosen Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic for her Christmas Edit.

Meghan Carver, Lawyer Mom lists Lessons from Madame Chic as one of two perspective-altering books.


This past week I signed more Madame Chic books at Pages, A Bookstore in Manhattan Beach. Thank you to everyone who ordered personalized and signed copies. Santa is coming to your house this year!


Letter of the Week
J. Claire writes:

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you so much for inspiring me to live better. I admit that when I first read some of your ideas, like how to fold towels or arrange flowers, I sort of rolled my eyes and thought about how I was too busy to be bothered by such trivial things. My apartment was a mess, my husband and I ate microwaved dinners in front of the TV, I would run errands in sweats, and I told myself that it was to be expected because I had so many other things to worry about. My husband and I both work long hours during the day and I attend law school in the evenings, so it's not unusual at all for me to leave for work at 7:30 in the morning and return home at 11:00 at night. Thankfully, I kept reading your books and your blog while I was on the subway and the ideas really started to sink in. I realized that I was using my crazy schedule as an excuse to be sloppy, and that the little changes you recommend are easy to implement but make a huge impact on quality of life. I derive so much more pleasure from little daily things, like having candlelight dinner with my husband or freshly folded laundry, now that I do them carefully and thoughtfully. I'm so glad that I finally embraced the message behind your books and your blog and learned that there is no such thing as being too busy to live well.

Thank you!


Dear J.Claire, I love that you started off reluctant and then were open enough to try the techniques. I am so happy to hear that they are enriching your life. Keep up the great work!

Comment of the Week

Ulrike writes:

Hello Jennifer,
I enjoy your piano performances very much, especially because you are not a professional! There is an honesty and courage in publishing a performance that is not absolutely perfect, and it is so inspiring, because it is something we amateurs can relate and aspire to as well. I am 48 years old, and last year I was finally able to fulfill a lifelong dream and start taking piano lessons. My children are ten and twelve, and both started lessons when they were seven years old, so I am just a measly 40 years behind... Playing and learning new songs is giving me so much joy and enriches my life way beyond the obvious. It is never too late to pick up a new skill, and as long as we are realistic in our expectations there is no telling where it will lead us.
Thank you for your books and this blog. Your message is such an important one, and I find it encouraging to see so many people here on this site who also wish to live beautiful and cultured lives and teach our children the value of manners and poise.


Dear Ulrike, I am so happy to hear you are taking piano lessons. Age really never matters with learning the piano and I am happy that at 48, you have decided to challenge yourself. I hope you enjoy the process!



If you try out the French manicure, let me know how it goes! Upload a picture and use the hashtag #MADAMECHIC


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In last week's video, A Midsummer Night's Makeup Tutorial, you saw me use a new way to apply foundation, with the Beautyblender. I've seen many YouTubers use the beauty blender and rave about it so I decided to try it myself and give you my thoughts. The Beautyblender sells for just under $20 and can be found at Sephora, Amazon, and many other beauty stores.

The beauty blender is a revolutionary makeup sponge applicator that has no sharp edges (like a traditional triangle sponge). When used properly, I find it blends your foundation flawlessly and seamlessly into your skin, so much better than a foundation brush or your fingers can. I've had my makeup airbrushed by makeup artists in the past for various events and the beauty blender is the closest thing to achieving that same professional finish. So, as you can tell, I love it!


How to apply

It's very important that you use the proper application when using the Beautyblender. Many people don't know this but the beauty blender should be damp before you apply your makeup. This allows the product to sit on the edge of the blender and not get soaked (and subsequently wasted) by being absorbed into the sponge.

Place the foundation or bb cream on the back of your hand and dab the damp Beautyblender in the product. Then bounce the product lightly on your skin and you'll be amazed at how it blends in.

You can clean your Beautyblender with soap and water (no need to buy the formal cleanser unless you want to) after every application or at the minimum, once a week.

There are many Beautyblender-esque products on the market and I have heard mixed reviews on them. I can fully recommend the original. (And P.S. I have no affiliation with Beautyblender... just sharing my honest opinion).

For a full review and to see the application process, check out this week's video. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

If you've tried the Beautyblender or a similar products let us know your feedback in the comment section below.


For more on the Beautyblender, check out the informative page on their website here.

Napa Valley Trip
This weekend my sister and I hopped on a plane to northern California to visit our Aunts, Uncles and cousins who live up there. We spent two days with them and on Saturday had a lovely afternoon in Napa Valley. It was my first time ever away from my girls so two days, though short, was perfect because I already missed them after the first hour away!

Here I am at the airport. I was channeling the mysterious traveling woman I wrote about in Lessons from Madame Chic. Can you tell?



Saturday's trip to Napa Valley was so much fun. We sought out the arts by visiting the Hess Winery's fine art gallery. Here I am standing in front of a larger than life piece by artist Frank Stella called Silverstone II...



Here were two other pieces from the fine art collection. The untitled piece on the left is by Danish artist Per Kirkeby, and the upside down portrait on the right is by Georg Baselitz aptly titled, Self Portrait Disaster.


After our art gallery experience we visited the charming, old-fashioned grocery store Oakville Grocery Co., where we bought some artisan treats and ended the afternoon with a picnic at the Rutherford Hill winery in Napa. What an adventure! It was great catching up with family again, but now, of course, I'm very happy to be back with my own.

Here's a picture of the stocked shelves at the Oakville Grocery Co.


News
Simon & Schuster editorial assistant, Kaitlin Olson, has written a very touching piece on Madame Chic books 1 and 2 on her blog, Adventures in Crazytown.

At Home With Madame Chic is coming out one month early! The new publication date is October 7, 2014. Not long to wait now...

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Take advantage of these last days of summer by enjoying a picnic in a beautiful spot. Block out a few hours, put the cell phones away and languish outside with some delicious food. Purchase everything at a nice deli or grocery store if you don't feel like preparing food in your hot kitchen. Sometimes all you need is a baguette, a high-quality cheese, olives, meats and a nice refreshing lemonade or a glass of wine. As my aunt Deb says, "Everything tastes better outside." I couldn't agree more!

This week I would love to know... what are your thoughts on the Beautyblender?

Have you ever visited Napa Valley? What did you do while there? What were your favorite wineries?

See you next time!


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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! I am so blessed to have such an amazing mother and feel so grateful to be a mother myself. A mother's work raising the next generation is so important and you should be treasured, each and every one of you. I hope you have a marvelous day with your family.


#VulgarityNoMore
Thank you for your amazing and supportive response to last week's video on Vulgarity No More. You have voiced your opinions. They matter and they have been heard! I will continue to explore this topic in future posts and videos with the hope that we can resurrect a more elegant society. Thank you for helping me in these efforts.

TEDx Talk
If you follow me on twitter, facebook or instagram you've already heard my exciting news: I have been invited to give a TEDx talk in New York City on September 6th of this year. This is such a dream come true for me! The talk will be taped and there will be a link for you to watch it. I am also working on scheduling a meet up or book signing with the hopes that I can meet some East Coast readers. I will keep you posted. Thank you to author Laura Saba for nominating me for this talk and thank you to TEDx organizers Chris Ojaste and Tim Desiderio for selecting me. It is so appreciated!

Get Ready With Me: Spring Makeup


This week's video was actually shot a few weeks ago. We get ready together and I show you some of my spring makeup tricks, including how to create a glowy cheek using cheek stains.

As always, you do not have to use the exact makeup I use in this video as there are comparable shades and matches at every price point. Have fun doing the detective work and finding out what works best for you!

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur. If you never want to miss a video please subscribe to my YouTube channel (it's free!) and upon subscription select the option to receive email updates.

Here is a list of makeup used in the video:

Benefit Gimme Brow
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay Naked Palette shades used are:“side car” and “half baked”
Urban Decay Glide on Eye Pencil in “underground”
Shu Uemeura eyelash curler
Buxom mascara
Benefit Sun Beam
Benefit Lollitint
Clinique chubby stick in “whole lotta honey”
Benefit high brow highlighter
Urban Outfitters nail polish in “rodeo sweetheart”

News

Thank you to Christine from The Refined Side for your lovely book review of Lessons from Madame Chic.


Madame Chic Inspiring Thought

I firmly believe that we can all be Madame Chic: our own unique very best version of ourselves. I am going to start a new way to end the blog each week with a Madame Chic inspiring thought. I hope you enjoy this! Today's inspiring thought is:



The manifestation of a rose is a magnificent thing. Here is my first double delight of the season from the container garden on my patio. When you are out walking today try to get out of your mind. Don't focus on your problems or your to-do list, put your phone in your pocket. Take note of the beauty in the landscaping around you, even if is only a tiny weed flower poking out of the concrete. Appreciate nature and be in the now.


I would love to hear from you... how do you like the makeup look? If you try it out send me a picture on social media with the hashtag #lenomakeuplook. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on everything else like TEDx, #VulgarityNoMore and Madame Chic inspiring thought.


FTC: all products used in this video were purchased by me. All opinions remain my own.

See you next week!


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This week's video was shot on my iPhone. Who knows what happened, but the viewing window is very narrow. Nevermind, you still get to see what's on my vanity and I also have written it out for you on the side panels (handy, that). I have a terrible cold this week, which is why my narration sounds so nasally and subdued. But enough about the backstory... let's get into the discussion!

I tend to only keep the products I use in heavy rotation and/or the most beautiful products I have on display on my vanity. The rest goes in the drawers in the vanity or the cabinet underneath. So you will see makeup/ haircare and beauty products in this video, but those aren't the only ones I use, they just happen to be what I am currently using the most. We don't have a lot of storage in our bathroom. In fact, this vanity is all we have (no shelves, no medicine cabinet, etc.) so I have to make it work.

Please Note** This is probably the most I've ever had on top of my vanity. Half of the products shown in this video are normally stored away in my drawers but I kept them out to show you what I'm loving lately. So this is a bit of a dual-purpose blog post.



Everything in this video has been purchased by me (except for the perfume, which was a gift from Mr. Connoisseur). I am including links where necessary.

Here's what's on my vanity:

Orchids! (of course)

Various orchid pots to store makeup brushes/ tooth paste

Mason Pearson Hairbrush (Investment piece but nothing compares. I mean nothing. Let me know if you want me to do a video on mine.)

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer spf 20

Aquaphor (I have had some eczema on my hands this winter... total bummer. This helps.)

Sephora eyebrow powder in blonde

MAC Prep & Prime natural radiance base (I'm loving this primer!)

Jurlique Redness Rescue Calendula Cream (You know I love calendula. This cream is wonderful.)

YSL Top Secrets BB cream (I've tested a few BB creams... this one is my favorite by far.)

Epicuren Volcanic clay face mask

Éminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer (The most magnificent moisturizer ever. Is that being too dramatic?)

Éminence Clear Skin Probiotic Masque

CHANEL Perfection Lumière Foundation

NARS Dolce Vita lipstick

MAC Dazzleglass in Bare Necessity

Hourglass lipstick in Vintage

Theodent Fluoride-free toothpaste (I get this at Whole Foods.)

Balenciaga Florabotanica (A present from Mr. Connoisseur. Gorgeous scent. Perfect for spring and, dare I say it, is rivaling my beloved Stella.)

Éminence Calendula Oil (and my love affair with calendula continues...)

Living Proof Prime Style Extender(for hair)

Simple cleansing facial wipes

Ecover lavender hand soap (I love this soap!)

Voilà! If there's anything you like the look of and want to know more about, leave a comment below and I'll try to do another more in-depth beauty video discussing it.

Check out this week's video for a closer look. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur .

Book Club
If you'd like to join our book club in February, make sure you read The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer.

News


Last Friday I reunited with photographer extraordinaire, Kevin McIntyre, to shoot the new author photo for my next book jacket. The fabulous Rita Montanez did my makeup for the day. She airbrushed my foundation... it was pretty amazing.

I can't wait to show you the finalized pictures. Thank you Kevin and Rita!


This week I would love to know... what's on your vanity? What are your most used beauty products? Tweet, Instagram, or facebook me pictures of your vanity and/or most used beauty products using the hashtag #DailyConnoisseur

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I know the title is scintillating. A Ten-Second Updo? Well, we take a little more than ten seconds in this video because of the demonstration, but once you practice this easy updo, you'll be able to master it in ten seconds flat. Natasha Sunshine, founder of BYUTI Salon in Brentwood, shows us how.

First, secure your hair into a low side ponytail with a hair elastic. Then secure the bottom of the hair on the ponytail with an elastic, being sure to grasp on to a few strands of hair that are sticking out. Then gently push the bottom elastic until it meets with the top elastic. Wrap the long strand of hair that you have held onto around the updo. Secure with four or five bobby pins. Set with hairspray.

This is a messy, but controlled updo that is easy to do and has very pretty results...


Check out this week's video for the tutorial. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: http://www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

There is background noise in these videos. A viewer said she was annoyed by it in the comment section of the last video. We started shooting early in the morning when the salon was empty, and as the day went on, it filled up with customers. Pretend you are watching one of those fabulous backstage fashion show hair tutorials, which always have ambient background noise. Focus on the good, not the "bad". You could watch it on mute and still understand the tutorial. Don't be annoyed, be happy!

:)

Many people are asking where my dress is from. It's the Tory Burch dress featured in this year's fall/ winter ten-item wardrobe.

Many people also ask where the music is from. It is royalty-free music I have purchased from pond5.com. On YouTube you must use royalty free music. It's expensive! But you guys are worth it.

For more on BYUTI Brentwood, visit them at www.byutiluxe.com

Book News

♥︎ The manuscript for my second book is finished! My agent and I turned it into my editor this week. I love this book so much and I can't wait for you to read it. So far it is scheduled to come out around Christmas 2014. I will keep you updated.

♥︎ Lessons from Madame Chic is now going into its 4th printing! Also, Marshalls and TJ Maxx are now carrying our book. Thank you so much for keeping it going. It truly is the little book that could.


See you on Friday for another hair tutorial: a twist on the traditional top knot xx

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This week we are talking about skincare updates. My skin has been "acting out" recently due to stress. Whenever this happens, I push the pause button and know that my body is trying to tell me to relax! Can you relate?

This video shares some tips I recently gleaned from my esthetician, Juliana, at Petite Spa. She recommended I use an oil for my skin. To which I replied, "An oil? Are you serious?"

She was, in fact, serious and I'm so glad I listened to her! I show you my calendula oil by Eminence in the video, but you can also use a coconut oil, sweet almond oil or even an olive oil (I hear this is one of Sofia Loren's beauty secrets), all of which can be purchased at your local grocery or health food store.

Many people have also asked me if I remove my makeup before using the Clarisonic. My answer is, I do now! I share how I remove my makeup in the video and show you what I am currently using for eye and face makeup removal.

Finally, many of you have written to me telling me you'd love to try the Clarisonic, but it is not in your budget. I am trying out the Spa Sonic, which retails at around 1/3 of the price of the Clarisonic. I'll do a more comprehensive review of the spa sonic, as well as a giveaway, in a few weeks.

If you are unable to see this week's video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel, www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

I urge you to become a connoisseur of your own skin... learn to read it and more important, to listen to it. Listen to your skin when it is trying to tell you something. Never give up your curiosity about how to best care for it and don't make assumptions (like me, assuming that oil is detrimental to the skin!) about new ideas. The most expensive products don't always equal what's best for you. Look at the beautiful Sofia Loren... olive oil sure worked for her :)

This week I would love to know... what are your skincare updates?

See you soon! xx

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I've been playing around with makeup recently and wanted to share some new finds I absolutely love. So here we go!

CHANEL Perfection Lumière Foundation
I normally either wear tinted moisturizer or mineral foundation and was looking for something heavier for when I need more coverage. I've always loved CHANEL makeup and this foundation is no exception.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Caviar Ink
and
Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush
I love this eyeliner and eyeliner brush! My friend, Bex, first used it on me for the Rayli photo shoot I did recently and I fell in love with it. I never thought I could apply a gel liner but, it turns out I can. I'm having fun experimenting with the different variations on le no makeup look "defined eye" (my favorite!) I can achieve with this liner. I highly recommend it.

CHANEL Éclat Lumière Highlighter Face Pen
This is really great for when you want to add light under your eyes for dark circles. It also works for any other areas you'd like to add a touch of light (like the sides of the nose or tops of cheek bones). It works simultaneously as a highlighter and a concealer. While shooting this video, the high-voltage lighting I'm using is making it stand out really prominently. I promise it does not look like this in natural light, or even with the flash of a camera. I now know to blend it a little better when shooting my videos! But honestly, I had the worst dark circles the day I shot this video and the highlight pen covered them up nicely. A lot of the online reviews complain that this product wears out too quickly for the price, but I've used mine regularly for three months now and it isn't finished yet...

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder
This is one of those fun products to experiment with. I love Hourglass (their tinted moisturizer is awesome) and these ambient lighting powders give your face the effect of being seen through various shades of light.

Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick in Vintage
A lovely "no makeup look" shade, perfect for that natural, rosy lip.


For a closer look at the makeup, check out this week's video, New Makeup Loves. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

This week I would love to know... what are your new makeup loves?

My Talk at Harvey Mudd College


I'd like to say thank you to the students of Harvey Mudd's Entrepreneurial Network for being such a great audience last week. The talk focused on my experience as an artistic entrepreneur. I hope I inspired some young entrepreneurs to get passionate, take control of their careers and to let their darkest moments raise them up. Thank you, again, to Harvey Mudd for hosting such a fantastic event! I will share my insights (and hopefully an edited video of the talk) on a future episode of the Daily Connoisseur.


News

Hear my thoughts on yoga pants, marriage and the fabulous Madame Chic in this interview for Feather Factor.

Lessons from Madame Chic is not just for women. Check out this awesome review from M. Lane's Epic blog on why men should read it too. High praise from a true gentleman.

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I hope you had a great weekend! This week's video discusses three different beauty topics that are on my mind:

Pür Minerals
Pür Minerals sent me their 4n1 Pressed Mineral Powder to review. It's great! It provides full coverage and is packaged in a pretty little compact made of recycled materials— perfect for when you are on the go.

Hair after baby
I've experienced hair loss after having both of my children. The fine baby hairs around the crown of my head are particularly hard to style. (*Update* Thanks to all of my YouTube viewers who have already provided helpful suggestions such as putting a small amount of hairspray on a boar bristle brush to smooth the flyaways and using clear mascara. I will try both techniques... thank you!)

Glowing Green Smoothie
For breakfast lately I've been drinking Kimberly Snyder's glowing green smoothie. Kimberly is the author of The Beauty Detox Solution and Beauty Detox Foods. Even though I am not a vegan I really enjoy her books because I appreciate her healthy recipes. And I tell you, this smoothie makes me feel fantastic throughout the day. I can't recommend it enough!

To hear more about these beauty topics, check out this week's video. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Book News

♥ The Independent Florida Alligator writes about Lessons from Madame Chic in an article called, Eating well: The Chic way.

♥ Lessons from Madame Chic is now available at Anthropologie (so happy about this... I love their selection of books!)

See you soon! x

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In this week's video, Ten-Item Wardrobe Follow Up, I answer questions such as: Do I really wear those clothes everyday? and What do I do with clothes from prior seasons?

If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

In this post I also thought it would be fun to share my favorite YouTube channels with you. Some of you might already be familiar with these channels, but for many, I know they will be a new treat.

Sara Sabaté

Sara Sabaté is a beauty blogger who does videos in both French and Spanish (sorry, no English!). Her hair and makeup tutorials (her chignon series are my favorite) are so informative and inspiring. You can usually follow the steps even if you don't understand what she is saying.

Here is one of my favorite videos of hers called Chignon diva 60s:



Visit her YouTube channel for more lovely tutorials.

Lisa Eldridge

Lisa Eldridge is a British makeup artist who has the most amazing YouTube channel for makeup lovers. She has such a lovely, soothing way about her (you'll see what I mean when you watch her videos) and her makeup tips are very achievable for us non-professionals. Check out her makeup tutorials on her YouTube channel.

Here is one of my favorites (surprise, surprise) 'No Make-Up' Make-up



The Hungry Planet
I ran across an article in the Daily Mail this past weekend called 'The Great Global Food Gap'. It showcased pictures from the book, The Hungry Planet, by Peter Menzel and shows portraits of families from all around the world surrounded by what they eat in a week. I was so intrigued by these photos (note the families from poorer countries eat more healthfully with more fruits and vegetables and little to no processed foods). After reading this article, I ordered The Hungry Planet and Material World: A Global Family Portrait, both by Peter Menzel.

Learning how other people live and eat has always fascinated me. I am really looking forward to reading both of these books to see if I am inspired to make changes in my own life. I'll keep you updated.

Have a wonderful week!

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Going into the weekend I have several things to share with you... so here we go!

Neuma Blow Dry Lotion

Always on the lookout to achieve the perfect at home blow dry for my hair, I recently tried out Neuma Blow Dry Lotion, which is a sustainable heat protectant and styling cream. It adds hold and manageability to your hair, reduces frizz and makes great use of plant extracts and essential oils.

Neuma sent me this blow dry lotion to try out and I've used it several times over the last few months. I really like the smoothness this high quality cream gives my hair. It really does make a great companion to accomplishing a professional-looking at home blow out. I'm happy to add this to my list of favorite blow dry creams and serums which also include: Fekkai Ironless Straightening Balm, Kérastase Nectar Thermique, and CHI Silk Infusion.

What makes Neuma Blow Dry Lotion so different from my other blow out creams is that Neuma use only renewable, beneficial plant-based ingredients.

It contains (info from their website): ZERO synthetic fragrance, sulfates, sodium chloride, parabens, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, glutens, neurotoxins, aluminum compounds, glycols, formaldehyde donors, ureas, carcinogens, environmental pollutants

More earth-friendly aspects of the Blow Out Cream include:
• Renewable, beneficial, plant-based, colour safe ingredients
• Certified Organic Extracts
• 85% post consumer recycled bottles
• 100% certified wind power
• 100% recycled fiber containers
• Vegan
• PETA approved
• No animal testing

Here are some of the blow dry lotion's key ingredients:

• Neuma’s Signature Phyto UV Shield™: A proprietary blend of certified organic plant extracts that enhance hue, reflectivity and vibrancy of color
• Sunflower Seed Oil: Provides UV protection while adding shine, as well as shields hair from heat damage
• Sage Extract: Soothes scalp and conditions hair
• Rose Hips Fruit Extract: Aids in making hair softer and more manageable
• Apricot Kern Oil: Conditions and helps to smooth the hair cuticle, controlling flyaways and frizz, while adding shine

As I start to become more conscious about the types of beauty products I use I am more drawn toward natural brands like this one... If you give it a try I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Neuma Blow Dry Lotion sells for $24 and is available at select salons and beauty stores nationwide. For more information, please check out www.neumabeauty.com

Pinca Pendants


I hear from so many readers of the Daily Connoisseur who are artists and entrepreneurs. I applaud this greatly and especially love to hear about women entrepreneurs. Recently Daily Connoisseur reader Marie Thérèse of Pinca Pendants sent me one of her hand crafted necklaces. I thought it was so lovely I just had to share.

For more information on Pinca Pendants, check out their facebook page and Etsy store.

Red Cross Relief

Hurricane Sandy left so much devastation in its wake. My heart goes out to all of the families affected. A very easy way to donate to the emergency disaster relief is to text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. This may not seem like a lot but if we all chip in, our contribution can really make a difference. The deduction is taken from your cell phone bill. For more information, or to donate another amount, visit www.redcross.org


Book News

I have two more exciting Lessons from Madame Chic giveaways to share with you. The first is with CobbleStay (a wonderful service that helps you reserve luxury apartments in Paris). Read my interview with CobbleStay to see everything from my thoughts on raising daughters to my favorite Paris pastry.

The next giveaway to share is on The Glamorous Housewife blog. Thank you to Bethany for your lovely review of the book.

I hope you all have a great weekend... see you on Tuesday for the book launch!

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Do you remember the video I did on Benedetta's Best Deodorant? I had discovered Benedetta in the Santa Monica Marketplace by my home and recorded the video after having fallen in love with their beautifully made, organic products. Since then I've gotten to know the owner of Benedetta, Julia Faller, who is a lovely woman, totally committed to her company and to producing high quality organic and biodynamic beauty products that are also earth friendly.

Recently Julia and her team sent me a pampering package to congratulate me on having my baby, which included Benedetta's amazing Seaweed Bath, Seaweed Mask and Blossom Hydrosol. These products are not only interesting and effective but innovative as well. And the great news is Benedetta has kindly offered to give away one Seaweed Bath to a reader of The Daily Connoisseur!


Benedetta has this to say about their Seaweed Bath:

This amazing bath combines three therapies for a truly indulgent, cleansing experience. Strengthening, calming and detoxifying, this Seaweed Bath is all that and so much more. Our Bath combines the effects of Balneotherapy (bathing in water hot enough as to be therapeutic), Thalassotherapy (therapy from the sea) and the power of Aromatherapy. Seaweeds are known thyroid tonics, aiding the natural processes of the body. This bath will leave your skin silky smooth. Our Bath oil is a blend of strengthening, immune enhancing and antiviral Essential Oils. Combined with the relaxing and purging effects of a hot bath, the union of these three therapies makes this Seaweed Bath a powerful, luxurious treatment.

Just this past weekend I used the Seaweed Bath again after one of those very loooong days where I felt completely exhausted and spent. After a 20 minute soak in the bath I felt rejuvenated and re-energized. I really love it and am very excited that one of you dear readers will get to try it too!

Be sure to watch my video to see the Seaweed Bath, Seaweed Mask and Blossom Hydrosol. If you are unable to see my embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

The giveaway is open to all readers who follow The Daily Connoisseur.

To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment below either on the blog or on the YouTube video telling us:

1. Where your favorite seaside retreat is (to keep with the seaweed theme, you see).

2. How you follow The Daily Connoisseur (Email subscriber, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google Reader, etc.)

3. Unless you have a very unique online handle, please leave your first name, last initial and location so as to avoid any confusion when announcing the winner.

4. To be entered into the giveaway twice, 'like' Benedetta's Facebook Page (and be sure to let me know you've done so).

The winner will be announced next week! Best of luck.

To learn more about Benedetta, click here, or visit www.benedetta.com

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Of all the seasons, summer is the most appropriate to wear le no makeup look. We want our skin to breathe and look radiant so minimal makeup is best. I've developed a very low maintenance five minute beauty routine for summer mornings.

If you are unable to see the embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

Makeup used in the video:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in ‘Bisque’

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in ‘SC-4’

Sephora Airbrush Concealer brush

Anastasia Eyebrow Powder in ‘Medium Ash’

NARS cream blush in ‘South Beach’ (they no longer make the one shown in my video, but NARS The Multiple is the same product).

Chanel Inimitable Intense mascara

Chanel Lip Gloss shade 46

Perfume: Stella Sheer (My Stella Sheer is limited edition from last season and no longer available. This summer's limited Stella is Stella Summer Rose).

Dress by Rebecca Taylor

FTC: All products used in this video were purchased by me.

This week I would love to know... What is your summer makeup look?



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Author Website
Before this post begins I would like to share with you my newly designed author website: www.jenniferlscott.com
On the new site you will be able to easily access news and events related to the book and blog, check out my latest videos and leave guestbook comments. You can also sign up for a seasonal newsletter I will send out to readers. I do hope you enjoy the new design which was created by AuthorBytes.

Tinted Moisturizer
During the summer months I generally like to use a lightweight tinted moisturizer for sheer coverage. It seems to be the easiest solution for my warm weather le no makeup look. In the past I've enjoyed using the Hourglass brand (which I still love) but I've recently decided to look for another tinted moisturizer to add to my arsenal.

This all led me to Sephora to do some research. So far I am just loving the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (I wear the shade bisque) that so many of you recommended, but I also tried Smashbox BB Cream as well as Amore Pacific.

If you are unable to see the video above where I share my beauty tip for buying tinted moisturizer, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

10 Item Wardrobe Collages

In anticipation of Lessons from Madame Chic's release this November, a group of ladies have started their own discussion about the 10 Item Wardrobe on Polyvore, led by BusyVP. I just love that people are getting excited about this concept. Check out BusyVP's 10 Item Wardrobe for fall and the creative collages on 10 Item Wardrobes and join in on the discussion...


This week I would love to know... what is your favorite tinted moisturizer?

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Happy Independence Day!

Before this week's post begins I'm happy to share with you that I (finally) have an author Facebook page. I do hope you will 'like' it to get the latest news and updates from my blog and books. Click here to visit my new page or visit: http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLScottAuthor

As this week is somewhat of a holiday I will go light on the blogging but wanted to share my follow up video with you that has further thoughts on the concept of jolie laide. I received a great response from last week's post on the subject and had a few requests to discuss it more.

Discovering the French concept of jolie laide (ugly pretty) was a really important aspect of stepping into my femininity. It was the moment where I decided to embrace all of my 'imperfections' and learn how to make the best of my features.

It's a wonderful concept to teach our daughters as well- that we do not need to fit into a certain glossy magazine mold in order to be beautiful...

If you are unable to see my above embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur. I am whispering in the video as I did not want to wake up Baby Connoisseur no. 2. (watch to see how that goes...)

Also, thank you to blogger Vintage Bel for featuring me in her Glamorous Mum series this week. Click here to see her article.

I hope you all have a wonderful week with your families. See you soon!

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I finally watched Madonna's film, WE (rented it On Demand) about the life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor. I was really excited to see this film as I wanted to know more about how Wallis and the King of England first met. The parts about Wallis were beautifully done and Andrea Riseborough did a marvelous job portraying her, but I found the modern storyline woven into the script very distracting. In short, I didn't learn as much about Wallis Simpson as I would have liked.

Because the film left me with so many unanswered questions about her life I read the biography, That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor by Anne Sebba. This is a very well written, interesting biography that highlights the major plot points of Wallis' life.


The thing that intrigues me about Wallis is that she was what the French would call jolie laide, which literally translates to ugly pretty. She was not a classically beautiful woman, but made the best of what she had by dressing beautifully and grooming impeccably.

I love the idea of jolie laide because it suggests that we do not need to be cookie cutter beauties to be attractive. Suddenly features like tiny eyes, a jutting chin or a prominent nose could actually be deemed attractive. That these features need not be 'corrected' by plastic surgery in order to be considered beautiful. The motto of jolie laide is 'work with what you've got', and that is very refreshing indeed.

A great article called 'The Unfairest of Them All' that appeared in the New York Times back in 2005 gives a great perspective on jolie laide. To read the article click here.

If you are unable to see my video above where I discuss Wallis Simpson and the concept of jolie laide click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur



Check out That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor on Amazon.com by clicking here.

Image courtesy of nndb.com

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Before this week's post begins, you will probably notice that The Daily Connoisseur has an entirely new look! Thank you to Smitten Blog Designs for making my vision come to life...

And now for this week's post on The Perils of Salon Visits...

Last week I ventured out of bed rest to go get my eyebrows done (I get mine threaded). I was very overdue for this beauty maintenance fix that I am normally quite regular with. I know I was at home and eyebrows don't really matter when one is on bed rest but I was longing for some fresh air and I live quite close to the salon. So I made the trek.

When I walked into the salon they put me with a new lady, one who had never worked on me before. I wasn't worried because I've been treated by everyone in the salon and have always had great results. Still, as a peremptory warning, I requested before she began, "Please do not make my eyebrows thin". I have a hard time growing my eyebrows out and have had bad experiences in the past (namely with waxing) where the brow person has taken off too much.

Unfortunately, I think my new brow lady only heard, "Please make them thin", because when she finished, I regarded in horror my new emaciated eyebrows. I was so speechless I could not even complain. I just paid my bill and hobbled back to bed rest to forget about the entire situation (that is probably what I get for disobeying doctor's orders!)

This all got me thinking about the perils of salon visits. We go hoping to achieve a certain result and sometimes we leave less than satisfied. I know a lot of people have this trouble when they get their hair done.

Sometimes it is the way we communicate with our beauty practitioners that is key. Now I know to say, "Please clean up my brows, do not shape", when I visit my brow salon again. That command is less open to interpretation.

Another issue I had been dealing with of late is my skin having unfavorable reactions to certain beauty treatments. Which prompted me to do this week's video (which was shot before the eyebrow debacle), where I share with you a top skincare tip for sensitive skin.

If you are unable to see the above embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur.

So as I sit here impatiently growing my eyebrows back, I would love to know... do you have any disastrous salon stories?


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Before this week's special giveaway begins, I am so excited to announce that Lessons from Madame Chic received a glowing review in the New York Times! As you can imagine, I'm really thrilled (and in shock). You can see the article by clicking here.

Also, I want to thank you for joining me on Blog Talk Radio this morning. I had so much fun chatting with Charlotte Howard and all of you! Thanks again for tuning in. For those of you that missed the broadcast, I will have it posted on The Daily Connoisseur soon.

And now for this week's very exciting giveaway...

Do you remember my video from a while back on My Favorite Deodorant by Benedetta? Well the owner of Benedetta, the lovely Julia Faller, contacted me recently to thank me for my video and to discuss her wonderful products. She has graciously offered to giveaway one of their bestselling and most coveted products, "The" Eye Crème, to one lucky reader of The Daily Connoisseur!



This is such a generous giveaway. "The" Eye Crème sells for $75 on Benedetta.com. The giveaway is open to everyone (not just the United States). To enter the giveaway, please leave me a comment in the section below and tell me the following three things:

1. One thing that you find beautiful about yourself. (This exercise is a compliment to Monday's video Receive Compliments Graciously. It's a good self- esteem booster).

2. How you follow The Daily Connoisseur (Blogger, Google reader, Email subscriber, Twitter, YouTube subscriber, Kindle subscriber, etc.) Please note, you must be a follower of The Daily Connoisseur to enter.

3. Also, unless you have a unique online handle, please leave your first and last name (or last initial) to avoid any confusion when I announce the winner.

Below are all of the wonderful details about Benedetta's eye cream. I will announce the winner one week from today... Good luck!


BENEDETTA “THE” EYE CRÈME

"The" Eye Crème helps diminish dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles. This bioavailable, fully organic, plant based preparation has a 100% botanical delivery system the body recognizes; transforming dull lifeless skin around the eyes, as it assists your body's defense against aging.

Benedetta make their own extracts using certified organic green tea (tonifying) and amalaki (bioavailable vitamin c) made to cure for two months in certified biodymanic grape alcohol. Seabuckthorn and rosehips are added for their antioxidant efficacy, noted in the eye creme's rich orangy color.

The certified organic and biodynamic essential oils in this formula are specifically chosen for their ability to regenerate the skin while moving the blood and removing stagnation. All joined authentically together in more certified organic and biodynamic ingredients to deliver results that are corrective, prevantative and continued.

A little goes a long way as the botanicals in this formula absorb into the skin easily and effortlessly. This bioavailable preparation may also impart a cool feeling around the eyes, a sign of the active ingredients doing their job.

Best usage: after cleansing with Rosemary & Geranium Creme Cleanser, apply 1/2 pump of "The" Eye Crème to middle and index fingers and pat around boney ridge of eyes from inside corner above eyes to inside corner below eyes. Use daily as a preventative.

For more information on Benedetta visit www.benedetta.com

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