Turbulences by Revillon (Parfum)- A Cheap Oakmoss Thrill

I'm sitting here smelling of oakmoss, amber and the 80s.

Like the decade that saw its launch, Turbulences by Revillon is a big, colorful pastiche, not necessarily in the best of taste, but warm, fun and more than a little sexy, as long as you don't mind some shoulder pads.

Revillon is an old (as in 1723) fur and fashion house that still exists, though I can't find any reliable information on their perfume franchise other than it dates back to 1934. Details on Turbulences (1981) vary widely from one website to another, though there seem to be a consensus between them and my nose that there's quite a bit of oakmoss involved. But Turbulences doesn't smell like a classic chypre. Yes, it's mossy and woody (sandalwood, I think, because of a certain creaminess), but it's also quite floral (carnation), sweet and dries down into an ambery powder richness that is just a bit over the top.

I've only tried Turbulences in extrait de parfum, which is deep and strong but doesn't project too much sillage. I'm not sure I would dare wear the PDT or EDT formulation for fear of Giorgioing my nearest and dearest. A couple of discreet dabs where it counts feel very nice, especially on a cool day. More than that and I'd be dating myself more than I care to do.

I have a bottle of the pure parfum that while not vintage, only lists water, alcohol and perfume as ingredients, which most likely means it has all the original oakmos. Surprisingly enough, it can still be found online for under ($25), though I can't guarantee what batch and formula you get from different websites. Since oakmoss-heavy perfumes are quickly disappearing, this is one of the easier ones to get. For now.

One little 1981 bonus- Two of the biggest icons of that year (and decade) on covers of British and American Vogue:



Ads for Turbulences by Revillon: okadi.com

Living Proof Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Treatment for Thick to Coarse Hair

I might be the only one in and out of the blogsphere who isn't singing the praise of Living Proof's Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Treatment for Thick to Coarse Hair (try saying it three times). On paper, it seemed like the perfect product for me: My hair is wavy-curly, it's thick and tends to frizz if not treated with moisturizing products.

The problem is this product isn't really moisturizing. I tried using a little, I tried using a lot, the end result was a coarse, crunchy hair with no significant frizz reduction. To be fair, I tested it during some of the most humid days in NYC, but I also used it in much nicer (and more hair-friendly) days. It was the same.

Since it was clear the No Frizz Styling Treatment was actually drying my hair, I tried using it over other products. There was some improvement, but still, the defined waves were crisp to the touch, and I could get better results with the hair creams alone, so why bother?

I've heard the No Frizz Styling Treatment is a lot more effective when used with heat- blow dryers or curling irons. But I don't use heat except on the rare occasions I'm straightening my hair (which I didn't bother in crazy August humidity), and since this is a wave and curl defining product, the whole thing is moot. I'm back to products from Sebastian, Jonathan and Carol's Daughter, that let me keep my rule of only one styling cream at any time.

Living Proof Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Treatment for Thick to Coarse Hair ($24, 4 oz) is available from Sephora, online and in store.

Photo of Jean Shrimpton from bygonefashion on livejournal.

Bobbi Brown Ivy League Collection- Eyes

Bobbi Brown's first offering for fall, the Nude look might have been a huge snoozefest, but she has fully redeemed herself with the Ivy League collection. It has a cute "back to school" vibe, pretty colors and green eye shadows. I couldn't ask for more.

The Ivy League collection offers a new Long Wear gel eyeliner color, Forest Shimmer Ink. It's a dark almost-green brown with gold shimmer. The color is very pretty, perfect for daytime (don't be scared of the shimmer- it's low key) and it coordinates well with green eye shadows as well as with taupe and brown neutrals. The quality is the same as always- this eyeliner stays put and doesn't budge. The color, however, loses some intensity after 8-10 hours.

By the way, Bobbi Brown re-did the Ultrafine eyeliner brush. It is now cut even slimmer, making it easier to draw the finest line. I've seen SA for other lines use these brushes on customers, so I feel even more justified in loving Bobbi's tools.


My eyeshadow of choice from the Ivy League collection is Golden Leaf (Bash is a stunning metallic deep emerald green, but I've already bought the new Chanel Murano quad, so my greens are covered). It's a delicate shimmer golden khaki/brown color. Hard to describe, beautiful to wear. The pigment is substantial and can be deepened if you pile it on, but I see no reason to go that way. I wear it over a primer and the shadow stays on without creasing, crumbling, flaking or fading until I take it off. The golden green color is very flattering and brings out my eye color- they look extra chocolaty brown.

Bottom line: Love.


The model for this collection speaks to the 80s preppiness in us and Ralph Lauren lust, but I looked for older fashion inspiration and found this cuteness from vintage Seventeen magazines. All photos are from 1948-1953:



Bobbi Brown's Ivy League Collection is available from most decent department stores and from bobbibrown.com.

Product photos are mine
Vintage scans from myvintagevogue.com