IN New York

From Kiehls- Inspired by the “Crème de Corps” body cream, is the Crème de Cookie. Yes, cookie. I didn’t know this, but Kiehl’s has a Milk & Cookies Bakery found in an espresso bar in the Flagship Store on 13^th and 3^rd Ave. I do like Kiehl’s products and, obviously, the brand is doing something right as it has been going strong since 1851. Anyway, the cookie is a buttery cake-like treat with hints of honey, almond and citrus topped with a vanilla-citrus icing. I wonder if it’s as good for your skin as the product line? The Crème de Cookie does sound a bit fattening. But what the heck, you only live once.

I’m a big fan of the Donna Karan design collection, and Ms. Karan, it seems, has been busy branding a couple of new items in her Fragrance division, as well. The first one, recently introduced is Liquid Nude (another member of the 15-year-old Cashmere Mist line). It’s said to evoke the feeling of cashmere on bare skin. It’s not available until July (in Nordstrom only) and then later in September in the rest of fine department stores throughout the country. I love the glass bottle, a reinterpretation of the original Cashmere Mist one with curves in all the right places.

The other DKNY introduction is called pureDKNY. Now this one features vanilla from Uganda. The brand is in partnership with CARE, a leading humanitarian organization which fights global poverty. Seems that pureDKNY is taking the lead in making sure that the fragrance industry begins to take steps toward responsible practices in the production of scent. The brand is eco-friendly, made from 100% recyclable bottle with a carton made of recycled and compostable materials.

Finally, who doesn’t love wearing flip-flops? Well, new to the market from Georgia, I believe, come the OKA b, Shoes That Love You! These rubber shoes are non-slip, non-marking and feature soothing massage beads, arch support, an ergonomic heel cup and are made of one-piece construction. The kick is they feature ribbons, beads and bows and are designed in dozens of splashy hot colors (including an entire line of whites for bridal!) These reflexology-inspired slip on flip-flops (or in some cases mules), retail for about $30 and can even be thrown in the washing machine. You can’t beat that.

If you haven’t been to the Institute, it’s an amazing, garden-like space with beautiful natural lighting. Despite the throngs of photographers and reporters, Banderas kept his cool and smiled at everyone in the room, shaking hands and accepting congrats on the exhibit, as well as the new fragrance, which btw, had a nice aroma.

I stood, with Anna, my art director at the less-crowded far end of the room, a coveted spot, for sure. Next thing I know, I see the actor casually sauntering over to us and began a conversation. He was as cool, relaxed and unassuming as you might expect. I shook his hand and congratulated him on his new endeavor, reminding him that our paths crossed about 6 years earlier, when his image graced the cover of IN New York. “Yes, I remember, I loved that cover,” he remarked, flashing a toothy Hollywood grin. “I remember it well,” he continued, curling his “r” in a fabulous Spanish accent. The cover story promoted the play, Nine, in which he made his Broadway debut singing and dancing up a proverbial storm. “You were so good in the play, Antonio, why didn’t you do the movie role?” I asked. “Don’t get me started, it’s a long story. I like the cast, so it’s not that, Penelope did a good job, they all did, but…that’s a story for another day,” he said. Not wanting to rock his world, I moved on saying, “Okay, now that the fragrance has launched, what’s next…are you coming back to Broadway?” Without hesitation, he replied, “Absolutely…in Zorba.” What? Wait a minute, don’t you have to be … have a body like … ummmm … Anthony Quinn or Zero Mostel to do that role? Now, my eyes are giving Antonio’s physique a fast once-over … pretty hot for a man in his 50s, pretty hot, indeed, I thought. “You’re in too good a shape for that role!” I kidded. He laughed pointing his index finger to his temple. “It’s a role about the mind, not the body. Zorba was a philosopher…this is a terrific part … it’s perfect for me,” he assured. The man has conviction, that’s for sure. And, I just bet, he’ll make the role his own. I wished him the best of luck, asked if he’d ever consider doing another cover for IN New York and was met with a resounding, “Absolutely!” As he moved to rejoin the crowd, I mentioned Melanie and the children… “They’re great…very happy,” he smiled, kissed me on the cheek and said, “I’ll see you at the opening.” I brushed my cheek. Nice man. I wondered if everyone knew about Antonio’s plans to return to Broadway. Was that “The Secret”? Did I just get a scoop?

I have to be honest, I’ve always dreaded going to a salon. Not that I don’t want to get primped and polished, it’s just that it takes so darn long to go through the process.  Now, I’m not referring to a quick cut and blow. Rather, I’m speaking about the process of hair coloring, specifically getting my roots colored with a bit of highlights around the face. So, in covering Le Salon East for a piece I’m doing in the July edition of IN New York, my colorist Nicola Goldberg (their International Artistic Director and Salon Manager) does my hair. But this time, time’s not a factor. She’s quick! The standard procedure, in my experience at least, starts with the colorist spending time doing your roots, which is followed by the highlights. Put it this way, you could finish that classic edition of War and Peace you were intending to reread. But Nicola does the highlights first (with the usual foil flaps) and then without missing a beat, hits the roots and goes in-between the foil to make sure nothing is missed. Very quick. Rather than 3 hours, it took about 90 minutes tops. Gotta love this time saving technique. Oh, and by the way, my hair color looks great. Le Salon East, 220 E. 60th St. (btw. 2nd & 3rd aves.), 212-888-2828, lesaloneast.com.

I love Anne Fontaine’s designs, especially the blouses. In business only 17 years, the brand is definitely doing something right, with 68 boutiques around the world. Now, I’m reading that Anne Fontaine is opening a new flagship store on Madison Avenue, mirrored somewhat after the one in Paris, which comes complete with a luxury spa. There will be two VIP rooms and four large suites for signature treatments. At that time, she is also introducing a organic cosmetic and beauty line. Stay tuned!

Ever wake up with puffy eyes in the morning? You didn’t have them yesterday, so what gives? Perhaps, those bags—and I’m not talking Prada here—are due to a lack of sleep. Well, not really. It’s all about keeping hydrated. Up, up, up your water intake, especially when you’re have a cocktail or two. In layman’s terms: alcohol soaks up the water in your system, leaving your under eyes aching for a “soft” drink. So to avoid those unsightly pillows, try drinking a tall glass of Bloomberg’s own, before, after or between cocktails.  On the same vein, after visiting Beauty First, a boutique mani/pedi salon over on 30th off Madison, Zen (the owner), shared that in acupressure massage, the under eye area is directly related to the liver; an organ which needs periodic flushing. She suggests gently pressing the under eye pressure points every now and then to keep things moving. Hey, it couldn’t hurt. If all else fails, depuff you eyes by placing a metal spoon in freezer for a couple of minutes and then let it rest on the area in question.

I rarely get a headache, but when I do it’s a whopper and is usually caused by hours spent at my computer, with a little stress and tension thrown in for good measure. Anyway, I recently came across Migralex. This is a new over-the-counter product which contains magnesium and is said to correct metabolic imbalances that cause the head to ache in the first place. Whatever. My headache was gone pretty fast. Check it out at www.migralex.com.

I’ve recently had the good fortune to experience the Moroccan/Turkish ritual called Hammam at the Sense Spa at the Carlyle Hotel. (Read all about it in my piece in the April edition of IN New York magazine (www.innewyork.com, “World-Class Treatments”.) Magnificant. Now, I hear that this luxurious spa is offering guests a “Spa Tapas” menu. Novel idea for those pressed for time, but want to try several treatments. The menu allows you to pick and choose your treatments. Start with BODY SENSE (30 minutes), which offers you a choice of exfoliation, clay wrap, scrub and boost therapy. Next up, MASSAGE THERAPY (20 minutes) Aromatherapy Massage, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, and Carlyle Signature Massage. And then there’s ESSENTIAL SKIN CARE (20 minutes) Facial, Intense Hydration or Reparateur. Now that’s an hour in your day that’s well spent. Ahhhhhh. Enjoy!

The latest brand of delivery, aside from Pizza, Chinese, groceries and dry cleaning is from STYLONY.COM. Now you can dial 24/7 and access all of your beauty needs in a flash. Say you want a massage, a hair cut, or need an expert makeup artist perform some last-minute magic…no problem. All you have to do is book the service online. Register at no cost, become a member, select a location, the time, and what you’re looking for. Presto! The hair stylist, makeup artist, massage therapist is on his or her way to your home or hotel. This service is great for brides-to-be, out-of-towners, residents and even those who are physically challenged with a long or short term illness or disability. Check it out: www.stylony.com.

BEAUTY BEGINNINGS…

Back in “the day” when I had the good fortune to land a job as Beauty Editor for a major national publication, I recall meeting a reader at a related trade show.

“Wow, you’re a beauty editor,” she said with eyes wide open and full of wonder. I nodded.

Now, my new best friend continued, “It’s such a glamorous job…getting to try all the makeup and going to spas and salons all the time…you’re so lucky.” I agreed.

“Geez, how’d you get that job? Did you have to go to beauty-culture school,” she queried.
Not exactly, but I’m sure some of my college professors wished I had. Only kidding, Mom.

Yes, I realize I’m in an enviable position. But it’s one that doesn’t come without responsibility. Cosmetics are expensive, so if I recommend one that doesn’t work, it’s my fault. Or if I say there is a great spa service and it turns out to be an awful experience, I feel I let you down.

So, I try to make sure that whatever I write about…has been tried or experienced by me, or a member of my team, just to make sure it’s up to snuff.

It’s my hope that Appleslices will give you a delicious slice of information about a product, service, new technique or late-breaking retail news.

And, of course, your more than welcome to send me the details on what you’ve uncovered spa, salon, gym, fitness equipment or retail-wise, so I can help spread the word.

So, without further delay…here are a few slices of the Big Apple.

-Trisha