Summer Lovin'

By Anne Marie Scanlon

One of my favorite words in the English language is 'new'. I am a sucker for that word. But who isn't? Think about it, something nice usually succeeds it in a sentence - new job, new shoes, new baby, new husband, new home, all things to be celebrated right. So when I see 'NEW' or 'New & Improved' on a label I'm overcome by the desire to buy the product whether it's something I need like toothpaste, or something I don't, like denture cream.

If you doubt the lure of the new then think about all the other words that mean essentially the same thing - novel, original, fresh, pioneering, groundbreaking, inventive, innovative and unsullied, not a negative meaning amongst them. So logically when you combine 'new' with any other word you immediately make that other thing better than it was right? With that in mind, could there be any combination of words in the English language better than 'new' and 'cosmetic'? Well, yes there could, they are 'lottery' and 'win' but we'll stick to the combination that most of us have a chance of experiencing.

Then there's that other lovely word - summer. Ah yes, summer - sun, sea, sand, sensuality, vacations, long days, cold beers, barbeques, an excuse to wear designer shades non-stop, ice-cream, sundresses, toe-rings, iced-coffee and being able to leave the house without spending half an hour getting into your layers. Then there's the other thing that happens in summer - the new collections, yes hot days and new cosmetics, what more could you want? Apart from the lottery win, obviously.

What a crop we have this year. Honestly, talk about spoiled for choice. I really don't know where to start. With all of the lovely new items out there I'm like a child in a candy shop or more accurately like me in Sephora. The Stain or Shine Summer 2007 collection from tarte is just the kind of thing I like. There are four components to this collection. I'll start with my favorite one - Sunglosses ($32), a set of three full-sized double ended lipglosses all named after 'beach' couples - gidget & moondoggie (pale pink & shimmery sand), frankie & annette (coral pink & watermelon) and kelly & zack (peachy pink & cotton candy), all three glosses come in a waterproof denim 'sunglosses' case. Yep, a full size sunglasses case, which not only looks fabulous but actually holds my large-frame shades. Apart from being practical it's the nicest sunglasses case I've ever seen, the waterproof denim cover looks really good and you don't need me to tell you how hard it is to find a decent case for your sunglasses. On top of that there's the bonus of six, SIX, great lip shades into the bargain... Ai-yi-yi. The excitement. I could do with a lie down but I'll soldier on because there's so much good stuff to tell you about. My second favorite item from the tarte Stain or Shine collection is the Lights, Camera, Splashes! ($18) mascara. This waterproof mascara comes in a waterproof denim cover - one that matches the sunglasses case (check out the anchor design). Never mind that it will stay on when you go for a swim, buy it for the covering! The rest of the tarte Stain or Shine collection is waterproof also.

Lock & Roll ($28 for the set of 2) are pair of crease proof cream shadow duos one in patina (green) and bronze (self-explanatory!). The duos are designed in such a way that you brush on your shadow and then set it - voila, it's locked, you roll. The final piece of the tarte collection is Mauve Rise & Shine ($21) a water-resistant lip stain and lip-enhancing gloss duo.

Apart from the Stain or Shine collection tarte have also recently introduced Perma Pout ($25.45 for a set of 2), a liquid lipstick and lipgloss duo. The liquid lipstick comes in two shades - warm rose and cool rose. You apply the lipstick, wait 10 seconds for it to dry then add a layer of the clear mint-scented moisturizing gloss and you're good to go.

Clarins Summer 2007 collection is the appropriately named Summer Fever inspired by the sultry tropics. The limited edition collection, available since May includes some gorgeous products. The Summer Fever Lip Colour Palette ($21.50) is a collection of six high shine glosses in sensational shades. The compact itself, complete with mirror and applicator, is so pretty that it seems like a sin to actually use it. Summer Fever Brush-on Bronzer ($28.50) is one of those products that you have to grab while stocks last. This featherlike powder inspired by the sun itself comes in two shades - Natural Bronze and Golden Bronze. The difference between this and other bronzers is that with this product brush and bronzer are all the one, which makes it both portable and easy to use. It's perfect for packing up to take on vacation. Apart from the practicality the bronzer itself works a treat and will give your skin a delicate shimmery iridescent glow.

For the ultimate in glamorous summer eyes try Summer Fever Kohl Powder Eye Colour ($21) available in three dramatic shades of Black Sparkle, Tropical Violet and Ocean Green. These are a great addition to anyone's make-up bag and especially good for summer nights on the town. If you only buy one product this summer let it be this. You'll look wonderfully glamorous - just remember to thank me. A quick word of warning though, have a quick practice go, don't use it for the first time as you're about to head out the door. The Summer Fever collection also includes a lovely scent - Sunshine Fragrance ($40) a product designed to refresh the skin and the senses with upbeat notes.

Jo Malone London have chosen June to launch additions to their delicious new Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne (3.4 fl oz $90, 1 fl oz $50), which sounds and smells good enough to eat. The original version of this fragrance was specially mixed for Jo Malone Mediterranean clients who loved the fruity notes. Who can blame them?

The new scent has top notes which include Blackcurrant, and Clementine Flower; the middle notes are Nectarine and Acacia Honey and the bottom notes are Vetiver, Peach and Plum. The new products available in this lovely fragrance are Bath Oil ($60), Shower Gel ($50) and Bath Soap ($50 for three).

With all of the wonderful collections available right now there is no excuse for not looking and smelling great this summer.