BEAUTY

La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift Elevate your skincare game with this beauty weapon, the ultimate in luxury and innovation. The 2024 edition still rocks a sleek dual-chamber design that blends cutting-edge science with pure decadence. Packed with newly infused Caviar Infinite and Caviar Micro-Nutrients, this serum means serious business—it’s like a sculptor for your eye contours, enhancing the appearance of lifted upper lids and brows, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, improving overall firmness, and diminishing under-eye bags and puffiness. The formula is further enriched with La Prairie’s Exclusive Cellular Complex™, their rejuvenating signature, to augment the benefits of the brand’s singular Caviar Science. Use it twice a day, and in less than a week, watch as your eyes look brighter and more energized, and the delicate skin around your eyes appears rejuvenated as if you’ve had a week of beauty sleep! $570 www.laprairie.com

Lolita Lempicka Le Parfum Get ready to fall under the spell of Le Parfum’s legendary comeback! From its inception, Lolita Lempicka’s creation has captivated with its timeless allure. Today, this iconic fragrance returns with a historic bottle that marks the start of a new fairy tale. Indulge in the enchanting blend by Master Perfumer, Annick Ménardo—a sensual and delectable nectar that’s instantly recognizable thanks to a harmonious symphony of licorice and violet, accentuated by a surprising twist of anise, all enveloped in a luxurious cloud of musk. Not just a fragrance, Le Parfum embodies a commitment to environmental and animal welfare. Made with premium natural ingredients, this 100% vegan perfume is free from dyes, filters, and endocrine disruptors, ensuring both ethical integrity and luxurious indulgence. 3.4 EDP Spray $135 www.macys.com

Better Not Younger – Superpower Eye Lash Enhancing Serum Say goodbye to expensive prescription serums and hello to fabulous lashes with this game-changer. We gave it a go, applying a thin layer on the eyelid, and the results? Absolutely stunning! This potent lash potion is clinically proven to boost lash density by up to 82%, giving you thicker, darker, fuller, and stronger lashes in under four weeks. It’s brimming with goodies like pumpkin skin extract, peptide complex, hyaluronic acid, and biotin—your lashes are in for a treat! Get ready to flutter those luscious lashes and make everyone wonder if they’re real. $55 www.betternotyounger.com

DRINK

Neft Vodka A smooth, small-batch rye vodka that’s perfect for savoring straight, no need for fancy garnishes or dilution. Pepper notes dance on your tongue, giving way to a symphony of sweet caramel, vanilla, and lemongrass, culminating in a velvety finish. Crafted from ancient non-GMO rye and mineral-rich mountain spring water, sourced deep beneath the Austrian Alps, Neft is a testament to purity and quality. Awarded an impressive 98 Points by The Tasting Panel and crowned Best Vodka at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, its accolades speak volumes. Neft also stands out as a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community, with a special Pride edition. And let’s talk design—the iconic barrel packaging not only keeps your vodka chilled for up to 6 hours but is also shatterproof, easily recyclable, and boasts a lower carbon footprint than traditional glass bottles. www.neftvodkaus.com

Dirty Monkey Banana Peanut Butter Whiskey Go bananas with Dirty Monkey Whiskey—a delicious blend of peanut butter, bananas, and real whiskey that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before. This one-of-a-kind concoction will have your taste buds swinging with delight, guaranteed to make you whoop with joy, if not swing from the chandeliers! Crafted with all-natural ingredients and allergen-free, Dirty Monkey Whiskey proudly boasts no high fructose corn syrup and packs a punch at 70 Proof. It’s a smooth sip that marries the richness of peanut butter and the sweetness of bananas with the bold kick of whiskey. Explore some mouthwatering recipes on their website, like the PBB&J cocktail and the legendary Fat Elvis, a tantalizing mix of whiskey, bitters, and maple syrup. Each sip is an adventure in flavor, perfect for those who crave something adventurous and unique in their glass. www.dirtymonkeywhiskey.com

Drinkmate OmniFizz your new favorite kitchen companion that turns any drink into a bubbly sensation! Sure, there are other soda-makers out there, but what sets Drinkmate apart? It’s all about the sleek design and effortless operation, paired with top-notch customer service, especially when it comes to those essential CO2 Refill Carbonator Cylinders—you even get a sweet coupon for returning the empties. But here’s the kicker: With Drinkmate, you’re not limited to just water—you can carbonate any cold drink! Feeling fancy? Turn that regular wine into sparkling champagne in a snap. It’s versatility like you’ve never seen before. Available in five chic colors to match your kitchen aesthetic, the Drinkmate OmniFizz isn’t just a soda-maker—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. $110.99 www.idrinkproducts.com

BOOKS

Louis Vuitton: A Perfume Atlas By Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud et al (Thames & Hudson) a sumptuous, large-format exploration into the time-honored crafts of perfumery. With exclusive access to Louis Vuitton’s master perfumer, this book reveals the intricate stories behind the precious natural elements that compose the house’s unique fragrances. Featuring specially commissioned illustrations, photographs, and texts, it delves into the sources of raw materials, harvesting techniques, and processes of extraction, distillation, and composition. From Chinese magnolia to Indian tuberose, each element evokes far-off places, trade routes, and the rhythms of the seasons, beautifully illustrated with 206 images. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Keith Cunningham – Paintings (Heni) Cunningham (1929–2014), a reclusive Australian artist of the 20th century, is finally being rediscovered in this landmark publication. Known for his striking use of silhouettes and screaming heads, Cunningham’s figurative paintings, characterized by their melancholic tones and rough impasto, draw notable comparisons to the works of Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach. This collection serves as a compelling introduction to Cunningham’s remarkable yet little-discussed oeuvre, highlighting his unique contributions to modern art. www.artbook.com

Mickalene Thomas: All About Love By Mickalene Thomas (DAP) This major monograph chronicles the vibrant, rhinestone-adorned works of the New York-based artist. Renowned for her expansive body of work spanning painting, collage, print, photography, video, and immersive installations, Thomas empowers visions of womanhood while challenging conventional notions of beauty, sexuality, celebrity, and politics. Arranged in thematic chapters, the book features notable works and includes an interview with the artist by Rachel Thomas, along with essays from Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Darnell L. Moore, Claudia Rankine, Ed Schad, and others. www.artbook.com

City of Artists: Baltimore By Chelsea Lemon Fetzer et al (BmoreArt) a vibrant chronicle of Baltimore’s rich artistic and literary heritage. Spanning over a century, this book explores why “Charm City” continues to be a fertile ground for significant creative production. Through essays by award-winning writers and artwork by nationally recognized visual artists, the book offers a multifaceted view of a city often misunderstood but passionately loved by its residents. Featuring contributions from artists and writers like Derrick Adams, Rafael Alvarez, and Madison Smartt Bell, City of Artists provides an inspiring and witty look at Baltimore’s thriving art scene. www.artbook.com

California Houses: Creativity in Context By Michael Webb (Thames & Hudson) showcases thirty-six exceptional residences completed in the last decade that embody the essence of California living. These homes, ranging from expansive oceanfront retreats to innovative urban dwellings, reflect a deep engagement with their natural and built environments. Architects, both seasoned and emerging, exhibit a remarkable spectrum of creativity, from landscaped concrete domes to adaptable inflatable shelters. Each house, meticulously documented with 345 vivid illustrations, celebrates the symbiotic relationship between architecture, landscape, and lifestyle. It’s a testament to visionary clients and architects pushing the boundaries of residential design, making this volume a definitive homage to California’s architectural innovation and diversity. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

The Art of Balkrishna By Hans Ulrich Obrist (Author), Balkrishna Doshi, et al (Walther Konig) As the first Indian architect to win the Pritzker Prize, Balkrishna Doshi (1927–2023) was a groundbreaking figure in modern Asian architecture. Influenced by Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, Doshi’s modernist and brutalist designs are celebrated worldwide. This pioneering monograph delves into Doshi’s contributions to painting, exploring how his vibrant conceptual drawings for architectural projects reflect his practical approach. His paintings, however, move beyond architecture’s physical and mathematical confines, presenting abstract renderings in dark, muted colors, featuring overlapping silhouettes of shapes, people, and buildings. www.artbook.com

Mecanoo: People Place Purpose Poetry By Herbert Wright (nai010) Wright’s authoritative monograph on the Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo offers an in-depth exploration of their philosophy and work. Founded in Delft, Netherlands, in 1984, Mecanoo is celebrated for creating sensory-rich architecture. This volume highlights their significant U.S. projects, including the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC. Complete with full-color photographs, illustrations, and design plans, this publication presents a comprehensive and up-to-date portrait of one of the world’s leading architecture firms. www.artbook.com

Jeremy Demester By Jeremy Demester (Holzwarth Publications) Jeremy Demester’s vibrant and symbolic works blend heritage, folklore, and spirituality. Born in Digne, France, in 1988, and trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Demester draws on his French-Romani background to create pieces that explore themes of transformation and esoteric traditions such as alchemy and Hermetic philosophy. His canvases, characterized by intense colors and organic forms, feature motifs like ghostly masks, birds, and archetypal figures, acting as portals to dreamlike landscapes. This monograph, documenting four recent exhibitions, showcases his expressive landscapes and abstract renderings, cementing his reputation in contemporary art​. www.artbook.com

Bijoy Jain / Studio Mumbai: Breath of an Architect By Bijoy Jain (Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain) The book captures the essence of the legendary Indian design firm’s custom commission for the Fondation Cartier. Inspired by the rhythm of breathing, Jain crafts structures from bamboo, brick, and stone, creating a meditative landscape that converses with Jean Nouvel’s original building. This catalog, published alongside the exhibition, serves as a “work in progress” of the completed space, showcasing Jain’s aesthetics and philosophy. It features Jain’s drawings, studio photographs, and current projects, alongside sculptures, objects, and furniture interacting with artworks by Hu Liu and Alev Ebüzziya Siesbye, whom Jain invited to collaborate. www.artbook.com

Dior Scarves: Fashion Stories By Maria Luisa Frisa et al (Thames & Hudson) curated by Maria Luisa Frisa, unveils the captivating journey of Dior’s iconic silk scarves. From their inception under Christian Dior to the visionary interpretations of Maria Grazia Chiuri, these scarves epitomize Parisian elegance and artistic finesse. This sumptuous volume not only chronicles their evolution through history but also showcases over four hundred designs organized by thematic resonance. Printed on exquisite textured paper that mirrors the scarves’ tactile allure, the book is a testament to their enduring beauty and cultural significance. With 490 vibrant illustrations, it offers a profound exploration of Dior’s scarves as timeless symbols of style and craftsmanship. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Factory Photo-Books: The Self-Representation of the Factory in Photographic Publications By Bart Sorgedrager et al (nai010) offers a definitive exploration of a unique genre that traces the evolution of industrial photography from 1890 to 1987. This comprehensive volume delves into how factories used photobooks as powerful marketing tools, showcasing their quality, innovation, and progressiveness. Featuring over 175 publications from 16 countries, the book highlights iconic works by renowned photographers such as Margaret Bourke-White, Piet Zwart, and Ed van der Elsken, alongside hidden gems that reveal new insights into the history of the photobook. Through a rich array of images and historical context, Sorgedrager provides a fresh perspective on this fascinating intersection of industry and art. www.artbook.com

Transform! Designing the Future of Energy By Mateo Kries et al (Vitra Design Museum) curated by the team behind the Vitra Design Museum, the focus is squarely on the design-led revolution sweeping through the energy sector. From innovative products harnessing renewable energies to visionary concepts for self-sustaining urban environments, the book poses pivotal questions about our energy future. How can design enhance the utilization of renewables and curb energy consumption on a global scale? This comprehensive exploration not only illuminates the urgent need for sustainable solutions but also underscores the pivotal role of design in shaping a greener tomorrow. www.artbook.com

Casa Susanna: The Story of the First Trans Network in the United States, 1959-1968 By Isabelle Bonnet (Thames & Hudson) curated with meticulous research and a rich array of photographs, offers a poignant chronicle of America’s pioneering trans community, Casa Susanna. Nestled in the Catskills during the 1950s and ’60s, this clandestine refuge provided sanctuary for transgender women, gender nonconforming individuals, and men embracing feminine identities. Through 400 captivating color illustrations, many unearthed from a serendipitous discovery at a New York flea market in 2004, the book vividly captures moments of camaraderie, experimentation, and liberation. Accompanied by excerpts from Transvestia magazine, it illuminates a transformative era where marginalized individuals found solidarity and self-expression amid societal constraints, making Casa Susanna a seminal portrayal of resilience and community in LGBTQ+ history. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

France: The Monocle Handbook By Tyler Brûlé et al (Thames & Hudson) the newest addition to their acclaimed series of country-focused guides, offers an insider’s tour of France’s most captivating locales. From the bustling boulevards of Paris to the sun-drenched landscapes of Marseille, and from the cultural richness of Basque Country to the rugged beauty of Corsica, Monocle showcases a handpicked selection of hidden treasures. This comprehensive handbook features top-tier hotels, gourmet dining spots, innovative boutiques, and iconic cultural landmarks, along with charming vineyards and smart residential areas. With 220 stunning color illustrations. www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Persians – The Age of The Great Kings By Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones (Basic Books) is a compelling narrative of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, spanning from Cyrus the Great to the conquests of Alexander the Great. From their seat of power in Persepolis, Persian kings like Darius and Xerxes ruled over the largest empire of antiquity, renowned for its cultural tolerance and monumental achievements. Through Iranian inscriptions, cuneiform tablets, and archaeological discoveries, Llewellyn-Jones reveals how this empire, despite its imperial ambitions, fostered cooperation across vast territories. This definitive history reshapes our understanding of ancient superpowers and underscores Persia’s enduring legacy in modern-day Iran. www.amazon.com

The Cleopatras – The Forgotten Queens of Egypt By Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones (Basic Books) Llewellyn-Jones gives us another gem, unveiling the saga of seven formidable queens who shaped the fate of ancient Egypt. Descendants of Ptolemy, these Greek-speaking rulers dominated Hellenistic Egypt with unparalleled charisma and political acumen. From the grandeur of their opulent courts to the strategic deployment of rituals and wealth, each Cleopatra wielded absolute power, often overshadowing their male counterparts. Llewellyn-Jones vividly resurrects the dynamic world of Hellenistic Egypt, tracing its tumultuous final centuries under these visionary leaders. www.amazon.com