FROM LEFT: La Prairie; Kiehl's; Gucci.
FRAGRANCES OF THE MONTH
Many fragrances use rose as a base. When done well, it can transport; when done poorly, it can smell funereal. Both Rose Praline by Les Parfums de Rosine and Flora by Gucci do it exactly right—albeit it in completely opposite ways.
Rose Praline ($125) is a pairing of rose absolue and chocolate, married by Lapsang tea. It smells like the interior of Ladurée—there’s something about it that you want to ingest (which we do not recommend). Available at Barneys, 660 Madison Avenue, 212-826-8900.
Flora ($90) is a more traditional scent, combining rose with the Chinese osmanthus flower, also known as tea olive. But what saves it from smelling like your crazy auntie is a hit of sandalwood, which grounds it while providing that Gucci sensuality we’ve come to expect. Gucci, 725 Fifth Avenue, 212-826-2600.
LOCAL MOTION
Beloved skincare company Kiehl’s has been a fixture in the East Village at the same location— 13th Street and Third Avenue—for nearly 160 years. The flagship store has never strayed far from its roots as a neighborhood pharmacy and consistently delivers high-quality products along with unbeatable customer service. This spring, the company gave the space a few modern tweaks, adding a gifting station in the back of the store; refurbishing the original 1851 fixtures; and creating a display area for its Flagship Exclusive Collection, a selection of covetable products available only at this location. Our favorite? A lip-balm cap designed by Lori Leven of New York Adorned ($90). Kiehl’s, 109 Third Avenue, 212-677-3171.
UNDER THE SEA
We’re not entirely convinced that the phrase “aquaculture technology” will become buzzworthy in 2009, but luxe skincare brand La Prairie puts it to work in its new Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream SPF 20 ($175). What it does: uses marine plant extracts (kelp, algae) to combat fine lines and boost hydration, while also providing protection against UV-ray and free-radical exposure. What we say: If you’re looking for a multibenefit day cream, you’d be hard-pressed to find better. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue, 212-753-4000.
Getting to Know: Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Howard Sobel
When it comes to the latest and the best in skin health, Sobel, the clinical attending in dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center, is known for always being on the cutting edge. From his Park Avenue office, Sobel handles every dermatological concern imaginable, from injectables and peels to liposuction and lasers. He’s also the founder of skincare line DDF. Here, Sobel gives us a look at his loves outside the office:
Clothing: Eredi Pisano
Furniture: Objects Plus
Jewelry: 47th Street diamond district
Shoes: Lanvin
Bakery: William Greenberg Jr. Desserts
Restaurant: Center Cut at the Empire Hotel
Bar: Angel’s Share
Florist: Takashimaya
Museum: MoMA
Book: Tim Russert’s Wisdom of Our Fathers
Music: Jack Johnson, Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay
Dr. Howard Sobel, 96A Park Avenue, 212-288-0060; drsobel.com.
