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Written by: Millissa Mathai, Editor in Chief of Haute Mimi International

Foravi is the new high-fashion boutique founded by socialite, Devora Avikzer Goltry, that is taking the retail industry by storm. The boutique offers a full range of highly edited ready-to-wear collections and accessories from some of the hottest designers like Vivienne Westwood and Anisa. I was blown away by the vintage Versace jewelry and wide selection of gorgeous cocktail dresses. Foravi is one boutique where glamour resides and resonates. Located on 80th and Madison, Foravi is the boutique of choice for upper-east side fashionistas who craves sophistication with a splash of decadence.
foravi

FORAVI

1067 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10028
212-288-1773
 
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The team of testers from Closet of Style, via [my] style files, took the newest craze in lip gloss for a whirl ... Huge Lips Skinny Hips. Cool Makeup — Purple Lab NYC! See why we love the lip gloss in this video.

*The team of testers were not paid to review this product. However, product was supplied as a sample for review purposes.
 
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Thanks to the Team of Testers for sharing their reviews so that you can buy with confidence! Enjoy!

tapestrybraceletTwisted Silver: Tapestry Bracelet
Anything that is unique, pretty and easy to wear makes me happy! This beautiful vintage flexible bracelet brought on some serious compliments. And that doesn't even count the ones on the inside of me wanting to come out. It's adjustable, so you get a really good fit. And it's easy to layer other bracelets with. Personally, I love wearing my alone. It's such an attention grabber! Green Goddess gives this an A.

Boscia: Skin Perfecting Primer, Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
I don’t wear foundation anymore, but sometimes I want to even out my skin tone. I have been a fan of tinted moisturizers since they arrived on the scene so I was thrilled to review Boscia's products. The primer is a preservative-free, oil-free gel that reduces the look of pores while creating a silky, matte finish. Genius! Made with peppermint to refresh and reduce pores, it’s the ticket to making my skin look smooth. I followed up with the tinted moisturizer. It’s 100% natural and fragrance free. Though it does have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (1.56%), I still use a sunscreen underneath it. It truly does go on sheer and feels silky on my skin. It gives me a healthy, even-all-over light color tone to my skin and moisturizes all day long. Mamaqueen gives both products an A.

Antidote Skin Care: All Seasons Glow gradual self tanner
Having fallen in love with the Summer Glow System by Antidote, I was eager to try out the new gradual self tanner. To my very pleasant surprise, it's not so gradual. How fantastic is it that you get all the benefits of a gradual tanner — quick application (sans gloves) with no need to be perfect — yet you see

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The Team of Testers either had too much spiked eggnog over the holidays, putting them in a heightened state of happiness, or these products surpassed expectations! I am delighted to report it's the latter. I've never seen so many As.

esmereldanecklaceTwisted Silver: Esmerelda Necklace
Funky cool, those are the words that come to mind when describing this necklace. The chain is silver, but has on antiqued quality that makes it versatile enough to go with just about anything. The piece is interspersed with gems and small discs, and can be worn long, or wrapped two, three or even four times for a multitude of looks. I wore it long with both a turtleneck and an open neck blouse. I wrapped it three times to get that bunched at the neck look that is so hot right now. I have yet to wear it wrapped 4 times as a choker, but I plan to do it soon. I will go to this piece over and over again as it can be both sophisticated and bohemian depending upon my outfit or my mood. Can't wait to browse the other items Twisted Silver has available. I admire the uniqueness of the materials and styling in this necklace and its high quality workmanship. Twisted Silver Rocks! Product Junkie gives this an A!

The Gap: Real Straight Cords in Snow White
I love cords in the fall and winter. They’re a nice alternative to jeans on a cold day. Plus, they add some color to your wardrobe. These have a super straight leg with a flattering fit. And the fit is dead on — like they were made just for me. The rise on the waist is slightly high and they’re super comfy thanks to some stretch. They come in a variety of colors with a great price point to boot! Great with boots or flats. MamaQueen gives this an A.

Anastasia Skincare: Line Erasing Serum, Hydrating Oil, Sheer Moisture Cream SPF 30
We've all heard of Anastasia's amazing talents with brows. As of late, her mascara has been making headlines as well. And now, skincare. The line erasing serum's signature ingredient is Tibetan Goji Berry. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants and have health benefits that protect the liver, aid eyesight, boost immune function and promote longevity, to name a few. I have been using this serum for two weeks, morning and evening and have noticed a difference in the appearance of my crow's feet (yes, sadly, they are there, but happily, I got them from smiling!) and overall hydration in the eye and mouth area. The product comes in a dropper bottle and a little dab will do. It sinks into the skin immediately. My problem areas are softer and smoother. The perfect prelude to Step 2 in the line, the hydrating oil. I have to admit, this product daunted me a bit. Using an oil on my face for hydration seemed extreme and I didn't think it would sink in. Boy was I wrong. This oil is amazing. It goes on smooth, absorbs quickly and left my face feeling super hydrated. With an ingredient list including Jojoba, Borage, Black Currant, Rosehips & Meadowfoam Seed Oil I felt like I was doing something really good for my skin. Even though this is an oil, it isn't greasy. As with the Line Erasing Serum, you apply it with a dropper, so you can easily control the amount. Using it morning and evening as part of my skin care routine left my skin feeling supple and fabulous. The creme is ultra light. I used it after the line erasing serum and hydrating oil, and needed only light coverage. We all need sunscreen every day and I love that this creme carries an SPF 30 rating. The formula is fragrance free and comes in a jar where the dispensing pump ensures that a small amount of 'clean' creme comes out each time. The creme is never exposed to the air with this packaging. Light and airy, a small amount of the creme provided great coverage and working in concert with the other products in the line my skin is smoother, more hydrated and brighter. Anastasia does it again. Product Junkie gives this an A!

T3: Bespoke Featherweight Blow Dryer
Another timesaver! Yes! Tourmaline technology makes all the difference —cutting the time of blow drying to almost half! And the results are smooth, silky hair. While my frizz didn't go away completely (without using hair product), this blow dryer definitely decreased the amount of frizz I typically encounter. I love the rhinestone detail on the handle, too! Style and function! Another A from the Aficionado.

Mittenberry: Thumbless Gloves
Practical and edgy. What a great girly accessory to have in your arsenal of unique items to turn heads and have people think you are very cleaver. The softness of the fabric made it very easy to use the buttons on my blackberry with my thumbs while keeping my hands toasty. Not only were the mittens practical for blackberry usage but for my touch phone and other electronic gadgets. The small buttons on the thumbs gave me flexibility by allowing me to cover my thumbs, making it look like any other mitten. The price of the mittens is a little more than I would pay for a simple pair but these are anything but simple because they are trend setters and great conversation items. Shopaholic gives the Mittenberry gloves two thumbs up and an A for fun and warmth!

L'eggs Profiles: Tummy Toner Black Opaque Tights, firm control

As somebody who hates the winter cold, black tights are a staple in my wardrobe. With a firm control panel, you can forgo your shaper with these tights (13% spandex)! The fit and feel were great and they were pretty comfortable despite its heavy-duty control panel. They not only shaped my waist, they smoothed my hips and thighs. Everything stayed sucked in. The tights also have all-natural ingredients claiming to reduce the appearance of cellulite (I'm not so sure about that), but they're a great tight! MamaQueen gives these an A.

Diptyque Paris: Savon Perfumed Soap

I love a creamy soap in my shower in the morning. Let me just say, when I put this pretty box of French soap (boxed and wrapped suitably for gift giving—think hostess gift!) in my bathroom, the entire room filled with its sweet French fragrance. With sweet almond oil, it leaves your skin feeling silky with a nice light fragrance that stays with you all day. If you know anything about Paris, you know only the very best comes from the Saint Germain neighborhood and this soap does not disappoint. MamaQueen gives this an A.

YOYO Lip Gloss Mini*: Cha-Cha Chocolate

What a great way to say "I am always prepared". The Chocolate Mint flavor made for a wonderful taste and tingly feeling on my lips in the cold winder air. The nice shimmery tone was an added touch. The retractable cord extended just enough to add the product if clipped on the inside of your jacket collar. The lip gloss itself was small enough to not create a bulky or intrusive look on your person and can be worn with any casual outfit. I also found the clip to be very functional by clipping it to the inside of my oversized purse which made it very easy to locate the gloss without having to empty the content of my bag to freshen up my lips. The cost was so great that I purchased several flavors for friends and family as stocking stuffers this past holiday season. The lip gloss is a creative and great feature for ladies on the go who enjoy a little fun on a string. The staying power of the gloss was no better than the average gloss in the $3 price range. What made it different was the retractable clip which also made it easier for me to keep up. Shopaholic gives the lip gloss an A.

*Big Bounce Bubblegum
This mini lip gloss is functional and fun! It comes in a cute clip on package and you can pull the cord to apply your gloss on the go. The gloss has serious shine, a touch of sparkle and a great flavor. It did go on a bit sticky, but one blot and it was perfect and still shiny. I have been applying this over my lip color to make it pop and shine with great results. I loved my yo-yo as a kid and now that I'm all grown up I have a new YOYO to love. Product Junkie gives this an A.

Rowenta: Steamium Iron
Definitely my iron of choice, Rowenta's latest iron to use the new Steam Force injection system rocks! Funny how household chores become fun with a fabulous product such as this ... and this coming from someone who loathes ironing. The built-in pump injection system combines steam and power to deliver incredible results in a shorter amount of time. It also has an electronic thermostat and digital temperature display which alert you when the desired temperature is reached. Thank you, Rowenta, for making the process of ironing easier and giving me back some of my life. Aficionado gives this an A!

brequestrianbootBilly Reid: Lurleen Equestrian Boots
On the hunt for true riding boots with style, it doesn't get any better than the Lurleen, by Billy Reid. This classic benchmade riding boot is made by hand in Italy from black cordovan leather with an all leather outsole. You can smell the leather a mile away. I love the full length antique brass back zipper secured at the top by a leather snap latch. And comfort — tons. I am on my feet all day and these meet my high standards. You can tell these will look even better over time. No doubt, an A from the Aficionado.

enPointe Skin Solutions: Éclairci C Serum

While I don't care for the smell of this serum, I know I am delivering great ingredients to my skin every morning when I apply this product. The serum builds collagen, reduces pigmentation, and helps eliminates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Layer this under your moisturizer in the morning — and don't forget your sunblock. Aficionado gives this an B!

LiftKits: For Chicks
While our very own Soul Man is giving the male version of the LiftKits a whirl, I put these to the test myself. The idea of the LiftKits is to provide height (up to 1 inch) via an insole, versus raising the heel of a shoe. They come in a Lo Top full insert version, as well as a universal insole (just the heel). The Lo Top needed to be trimmed to fit into my boots. And while they are super comfy to walk in, they take space away from the toe bed (due to the added height in the heel, lifting your foot). The universal lift worked much better for me. However, I am not sure how they would work in anything other than a boot (I imagine my feet coming right out of a shoe). If you are a high-top sneaker or boot wearer and would love the extra height, then this is be a great option for you. Aficionado gives these a B-.

Kinerase: Pro+Therapy c8 Pepetide Intensive Treatment with Kinetin and Zeatin, Cream, Advanced Repair Serum
I have to say, I was surprised by the power of this gentle anti-aging treatment treatment serum. Applied only in the mornings, I noticed visible improvements in the appearance of my skin — wrinkles, skin tone and texture — much sooner than the typical 28 days. My skin felt and looked fresh and young. Other ingredients in this product are Snap-8, Stabilized Vitamin C, Beta-Glucan, Green Tea and Vitamin E. Truly an exceptional treatment! The Cream is luxurious and moisturizing infused with Kinetin, a plant based technology, to deliver superior hydration while improving the appearance of wrinkles, aging and sun-damaged skin without irritation. It held the moisture in so well I stopped having to carry my back-up moisturizer in my purse for emergency flaking skin. The repair serum plumps skin to fill in fine lines and wrinkles from the inside out. It creates a smooth skin texture while improving discoloration and blotchiness. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this line! Aficionado gives these an A.

The msf team of testers were not paid to review these products. However, the products were supplied as samples for review purposes.
 
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SPONGE: rose + sage cream, night cream, anti-fatigue leg cream, aromatherapy lavender mist
Talk about bringing the spa into your bathroom. The clean, fresh fragrance of plants and herbs was both relaxing and simulating. The products felt therapeutic, as if I were giving my skin and senses a dose of nature. The rose + sage cream (krema traintafillo) not only smells wonderful, but felt it as well. The night cream (kerma niktas) was the heaviest of the creams used at bedtime to repair the skin due to daily exposure to the elements. The mixture of olive leaf, linen and sage made for a wonderful relaxing smell which helped me settle down for a good night's sleep. My favorite of all was the anti-fatigue leg cream (jambes lourdes) which felt great on my tired legs, but more so on my shoulders at the end of a long work day. It was like warm heat in a cool bottle! Lastly, the aromatherapy lavender mist showered me with a soft refreshing fragrance reminiscent of a crisp clear sunny day. The SPONGE products have succeeded in bottling nature! The packaging is biodegradable, which one might expect of a company who respects and embraces nature. The products are a bit pricey, but well worth every penny when you just want to be pampered. Shopaholic gives SPONGE an A!

White House | Black Market: Gray Velvet Jacket
I always say, every woman needs a structured jacket. This one is perfect for me. The ruffle trim and tulip hem are just beautiful. It's very feminine and the color is so soft, reminding me of Winter. And because it's a neutral, it goes with just about everything! Aficionado gives this a B+.

Urban Decay:
Complexion Primer Potion
It makes sense to use a primer on your face. After all, we put primers on our nails to obtain a smooth, even and finished look so why not do the same under our foundation. I just hate it when my foundation starts out looking fabulous and by mid-day requires a serious retouch. Well, I can actually say that the complexion primer potion helped eliminate the need to retouch. The oil-free brightening moisturizer felt smooth and silky when applying. And my face had a clean glow to it. The touch was a little tacky, however, I would expect it to be in order to ensure that the foundation would adhere to the primer and my skin. It was not gooey or uncomfortable in any way. To boot, the product claims to minimize the appearance of wrinkles for which I am always happy to be rid of. This potion surely gives the appearance of a more even tone and professional finish. So much so, that I have actually stopped using finishing powder as a part of my routine. The packaging was very contemporary and I just love the color purple. The cost of the product is affordable and you only need to use a finger tip full to obtain full coverage. Shopaholic gives this a B+.

Usher: Usher Cologne for Men
Usher is a surprisingly fresh and clean fragrance. A man in his fashion prime would tend to stay away from a cologne put out by a young entertainer. However, Usher is a scent for all ages. The cologne is great for weekends and evening casual wear. The clean scent does not clash with my wife's perfume and make us feel as if we were a walking fragrance counter in a department store! The fragrance is in the woodsy family of aromas, but nicely offset by the fresh scent of melon and pineapple, which gives it a unique smell. The cost is very affordable and would make for a great holiday gift. The packaging is simple and but masculine. The one downside ... I wish the fragrance stayed with me longer. Soul Man gives this a B+!

kincaidplatformMICHAEL Michael Kors: Kincaid Platform Sandal in Magenta
This suede beauty works hard for the money. It's a great 'working in my clients' closets' shoe for many reasons. One, it demonstrates how important color can be in a shoe. Two, it's comfortable. And three, since it's a platform, there isn't much of an incline. There wasn't really a breaking in period, which is nice since I'm on my feet a lot. However, I wouldn't shop in these, or any big heel for that matter. Most magnificent feature, the color! Aficionado gives this an A.

CellCeuticals:
Biomedical Skin Treatment Collection
This five-piece collection contains top-shelf ingredients, including next generation lipopeptides, retinol and antioxidants (Vitamins C and E). For starters, I used the daily Extremely Gentle Skin Cleanser, morning and night. It left my face clean and moisturized—it’s a bubbling cleanser, which I prefer. It truly is gentle. I used it as a cleanser and to rinse off eye make-up with no stinging. Next, for day time use, I used the Extreme Defense Anti-Cell Damage Skin Treatment. A powerful antioxidant day treatment containing age-promoting free radicals with Vitamins C & E along with Green Tea. It glided onto my skin easily, leaving no greasy feeling and had a hint of orange fragrance. For night time, I used the CellGenesis Regenerative Skin Treatment. More of a gel, it also quickly absorbs into the skin. This super potent night treatment has a patent-pending GFP Cellular Complex that acts as a cellular stimulant to encourage regeneration of surface cells. The packaging is unique for the day and night treatments—both use an airless pump. There is a downside to this one-piece bottle, though. For instance, if you want to shake the last drops out or if the pump fails, you’re out of luck. At first I was a little confused as to which one was day time use and which was for night time as it really doesn’t say on the bottle. You go by the color. The blue bottle at night, white bottle during the day. Maybe a little package re-engineering is needed. The NeoCell Micro-Resurfacing Skin Treatment is used 1-2x times a week. It contains natural enzymes and volcanic micro-minerals to resurface the skin. It revealed smoother, healthier-looking skin. CerActive Active Moisture + Barrier Repair Skin Treatment is to be used as needed. It’s an extra moisture boost and though this system wasn’t terribly drying, I found I needed this more often than not. It’s a great moisturizer and goes on after the day or night treatments. The results? The claim is that in just two weeks (per the clinical tests), "subjects' skin appeared firmer and more radiant, and the appearance of the deepest wrinkle depth dramatically decreased." Though my skin was clear, it didn’t appear firmer or radiant. And I still see my wrinkles just as I did on day one. A good system if you just need to maintain. MamaQueen gives this a B.

Nicole by OPI: NIC's STICKS* in Express-ion of Love
OPI has such brand recognition. Amazing range of colors, cute, stick in your mind names, and widely used in many a nail salon. NIC's STICKS is the latest from OPI and puts a new twist on an old product. This nail lacquer comes in a tube. The brush is enclosed in a twist off cap, and you turn the tube over and 'pump out the color' until the brush has product on it. Swipe it on your nails and you're off! I love that it was fast drying and the color is a warm pink I adore. However, I am still somehow beholden to the old nail polish bottles for my full on mani/pedi routine. I will however, be matching a NIC STICK to my current color(s) of choice and carrying it along for sprucing up when called for. Product Junkie gives this an B.

* Brighten Up!
I loved this and will buy more! I have it in the drawer beside the back door and as I'm darting out the door and need to look a little polished, I reach for this pen. It goes on easy, is a great neutral color (with a hint of iridescent) and dries quickly. One coat is all I need. MamaQueen gives this an A.

* Red Eye to NY

The concept is great, however, the coverage was horrible. It took 3 coats to cover one nail. The brush was too soft, which made the polish go on light and left brush strokes in the finish. It was difficult to paint around my cuticles. When closing the polish top, the wet brush tended to fan out and loose its shape when adding more polish to the brush. The only exciting thing about this nail polish was the packaging, because the content left me wanting. The color 'Red Eye to NY' is a classic OPI name for which I always enjoy. However, this is one polish that is on a 'Slow Train to Nowhere'. Shopaholic gives this a C.

* Run Don't Walk
The ease of this nail polish pen is fabulous. The color (fuchsia) is so much fun. While the brightness of it definitely fits the clothing trend of the moment, it still seems more appropriate for Spring and Summer. It dries quickly and made it a snap to rush out the door quickly. Aficionado gives this a B+.

Mario Badescu: Seaweed Cleansing Lotion
I love this product! I have searched high and low for a cleansing toner that was portable, easy to use and effective. One that I could carry in my bag or purse to use after a hot yoga class. This is it! I apply it with a cotton pad on my steamed and vulnerable face and neck. It cleanses my skin, soothing any irritation or redness, and leaves it feeling soft and balanced. There is no residue, no tightness, no burning. Pure, clean and simple! Sold. Green Goddess gives this an A.

GAP: Cropped Destructed Jean Jacket
I've never been a jean jacket kind of girl. But this one! Seriously. Its tailored fit and fabulous deconstruction make it vintage like. It roughs up any outfit. Unfortunately, I can't find it online anywhere, so I can't show you what it looks like. Aficionado gives this a B.

Intelligent Nutrients: Anti-Aging Mist, Anti-Aging Serum, Hair and Scalp Treatment Oil, Aromatic Oils in Inner Calm - Wind Down and Seductive - Make Love
The face mist is light and fresh like a cool rain ... just enough to be enjoyable. I close my eyes and spray it directly on my face. There is no tingling or burning. Immediately after spraying the mist, I put two pumps of the serum in my hand. I warm the serum by briefly rubbing my hands together. Then I gently pat it all over my face and neck. It unites with the mist to hydrate my skin. It is gentle enough to use around my eyes. Initially, I did not like the feel of it: it felt too thick, too heavy. I was sure that it would clog my pores and reach havoc on my combination skin. But alas, I have been pleasantly surprised after 3 1/2 weeks of use! I feel confident in its performance, and I love knowing that I am putting something on my face that I could just as easily and safely put it in my mouth. The Hair and Scalp Treatment Oil is easy to use. I wash my hair, apply a quarter-sized amount, leave it on for 3-5 minutes (just enough time to shave my legs) and rinse. It leaves my hair feeling soft, healthy and nourished. The Aromatics are pleasant and fresh. I don't know that either directly facilitated a sense of calmness or heightened the desire for love-making, but my husband is a fan of both of them for me! He believes in the power of suggestion but discourages me from using them in combination for fear of contradiction. Green Goddess gives Intelligent Nutrients a B+.
 
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