Ava Luxe- No. 23

In ancient numerology the number 23 was regarded as a sacred number of magic and enchantment. It's sometimes referred to as The Royal Star of the Lion and it bestows abundant grace and blessing to those influenced by it.                     ---Ava Luxe website

I know very little (as in nothing, really) about numerology. I'm partial to 13 because it's sort of an underdog and I was born on that day, but that's about it. As a math teacher I have a more practical relationship with numbers, and 23 never stood out to me, except when teaching about prime numbers. I like the idea of a perfume created with the idea of grace and blessing much better, which might be among the reasons I'm no longer teaching fifth grade.

No. 23 by indie perfumer Serena Ava Franco of Ava Luxe might not be a magic potion but it's both calming and uplifting. It's often compared to Tam Dao (Diptyque), and for a good reason. Both are built around sandalwood on all its warmth and creaminess. Tam Dao, though, is more woody and dry, and while more creamy it doesn't get as sweet as No. 23. The Ava Luxe creation is also spicier and has an anise note (not listed, but my nose insists it's there). On very cold winter days No. 23 smells to me like the lovechild of Tam Dao and L'Heure Bleue. I guess if a perfume is going to resemble an illegitimate offspring, the above is a very good lineage.

But, seriously, Ava Luxe has created a beautiful perfume that offers both an incense-like meditative quality and a sensual elegance. The sweetness may have a come-hither vibe, but it's also warm and rich with a lot of substance. I own it in the perfume oil version and no longer have a sample of the EDP, so I can't comment on any possible difference between the formulations. The oil is long lasting and has a decent projections, though you only get the full spectrum of nuances when approaching skin level. I like this intimacy with the scent and find it very fitting for this special perfume.

No. 23 by Ava Luxe ($25, 5ml perfume oil or $30 15ml EDP) is available from the perfumer's website, ava-luxe.com.

Art: Memories 6 by Pamela Sukhum

Kate Bosworth At The 27th Annual Night of Stars

Kate Bosworth looks cute as a button in her Proenza Schouler dress at the 27th Annual Night of Stars in NYC last week. She is probably one of very few women who can pull off this pink lipstick shade. Everything about her face is gorgeous- from the eyebrows (and odd-colored eyes. It's the first time I've noticed them) to  her perfect skin and bone structure. The question is what happened to her hair and/or who thought this hairdo would be a good idea?

Photos: redcarpet-fashionawards.com and the Daily Mail

Burberry Warm Glow Natural Bronzer 01

I actually bought the Warm Glow Natural Bronzer from Burberry in August, which makes sense considering one usually wants a bronzed look in summer. But I'm finding myself reaching for it even more often now that my complexion really needs some warming up. It might be a psychological thing or simply the change in light, hard to tell. Besides, Warm Glow #01 (this specific shade is also named Warm Glow. Obviously Burberry wants us bronzed and confused) doesn't make me look tan, it just gives a little color and life, especially when applied with a light hand and blended carefully.

It's hard to describe and define bronzer shades- they vary by their levels and ratio of brown-gold-orange. I find Warm Glow #01 to be the less orange on my skin* and most natural. It really doesn't look like makeup, which is probably why it's such a great choice for the season. It can be built up, though, for a more sun-kissed effect.

Burberry bronzers, like their other powder products, feel very luxurious and finely milled. They have a satiny finish that makes skin glow with no actual shimmer or any visible shiny particles. The texture is the silkiest imagined and a pleasure to apply. I've been using several bronzer and face brushes and it works with all of them- I can't say I have a specific favorite for this bronzer, but Edward Bess Face Brush is probably the best.

*I'm often asked about my exact skin tone. It's a pale olive with both green, yellow and pink undertones and no blue. I don't wear MAC makeup, but I've been told that I'm around NC30-35, but there was no exact match the last time I visited their counter, but that was years ago. I can wear several shades of Chanel foundations, as long as they're on the pale yellow beige side. In Nars terms the best match I found was Stromboli (though I don't own it, so my testing was limited), and in Cover FX numbers I'm M40 (Honey).

Burberry Warm Glow Natural Bronzer ($48) is a Nordstrom exclusive.

All photos are mine.