- By Andrea Mestrovic - 

When abroad, finding the perfect place for a fab manicure is a convoluted process. Options are endless, plus you are on unfamiliar grounds. Should you need a quick fix (facial or otherwise) while exploring the streets on Hamburg, Spreeberg Nails & Cosmetics is the best we found. They set a high standard for their team of magician beauticians, so the immediate effect is immediately visible.

We highly recommend their Parallel 1 compendium – a complete manicure (with a rainbow of colors to choose from), pedicure, customized facial, hand treatment and a deep shoulder massage. It’s a flawless afternoon of extravagance at an approachable price point.

For a full list of product offerings and services, check their webpage at Spreeberg.de And book in advance – it turns out Spreeberg is not a well-kept secret.

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Andrea Mestrovic is a multi-lingual, multi-talented, but modest multi-tasker who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Andrea has a sure-footed instinct for discovering magnificent finds all over the globe. You can follow her on twitter @AndreaMestrovic or read all her posts on oliviapalermo.com/author/andrea 

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- By Dana Randall -

Everpurse has a special charging pocket into which you place your smartphone. Their patent-pending docking system guides your phone smoothly onto a dock connector at the bottom—so you don’t have to fish for a cord!

To charge Everpurse itself, you can simply place Everpurse on its charging mat. It uses inductive charging to send energy wirelessly from the mat to the purse, so you never have to plug the purse in! You can leave a charging mat plugged in wherever it’s convenient for you—at work, at home, wherever—and drop Everpurse onto it when it needs charging. They suggest leaving Everpurse on its charging mat overnight, and it will have a full charge the next morning.

Now here is where things get interesting…

Retrofit your own bag with Everpurse technology!

Love the Everpurse concept but want to install it into your own handbag? They can custom retrofit it for you!

How it works

The process

1. Fill out the retrofit request form.
2. Once they have established that your bag is eligible for an Everpurse retrofit, they add the retrofit option to your cart.
3. Once you check out, they will send you a prepaid package in which you can ship your bag to them.
4. The retrofit process will take approximately three weeks.
5. They will then ship your retrofitted bag back to you.

Based out of New York City, Dana Randall is the CEO of Built by the Factory. As a woman in technology Dana is an entrepreneur with a love for fashion & beauty. You can follow her on Twitter @BBTF_Dana

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-By Jillian Magenheim-

Finding that perfect moisturizer can be quite the challenge – our over-stuffed medicine cabinets are proof .  We long to discover one that leaves our skin feeling hydrated and illuminated while keeping our complexion free of oil and shine by the end of a busy day.  Lucky for us, RODIN Olio Lusso’s luxury face oil is here to satisfy all of these needs and then some.

We know what you’re thinking, oil = breakouts, but au contraire.  This lightweight formula created by editor, stylist and all time low maintenance beauty, Linda Rodin, uses a fusion of essential botanical oils that compliments all skin types, allowing for your skin to breathe and leaving zero greasy residue behind.  All you need are a few drops of this light reflecting elixir from its eyedropper applicator for exquisitely fresh glowing skin that will last all day long. Suddenly, our medicine cabinets are a lot less cluttered.

Jillian Magenheim is the Editorial Coordinator for Oliviapalermo.com.  She’s a New York City based editor, writer and blogger with a true love for fashion while remaining a foodie at heart.  Follow her thoughts on Twitter @magenhaz

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- By Teresa Greenfeld -

Around the corner from the famous green and white facade of Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella in Florence, lies one of the world’s oldest pharmacies (certainly the world’s oldest still operating).  Bearing the same name as it’s neighbor, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is an homage to old-world traditions; each pot, jar and bottle seeped in history.  Founded in 1221 when Dominican friars from the neighboring Basilica de Santa Maria Novella began making potions, balms and herbal remedies to use in their monestary’s infirmary, one of it’s first elixirs was a distillation of rose petals to use as an antiseptic cleanser for houses post-plague.  The Officina still stocks the elixir, though you may find the rose water more useful as refreshing facial toner, rather than a household cleanser.

Though word of their renowned remedies had spread world-wide, it wasn’t until 400 years later in 1612, that Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella opened its doors to the public – long after it already secured a place in the history books.  Some 100 years before their grand opening, Catherine de’ Medici, just 14 years old (and a newlywed, having just married the future King of France), commissioned a signature scent from the legendary farmaceutica, thus giving birth to the first Eau de Cologne.  The bergamot and citrus scented ‘Acqua della Regina’ – or ‘Water of the Queen’ was so loved by the young Queen of France that she gave it out as gifts to  friends during her tenure on the throne.  Using the same original formula created for Catherine de’Medici, Santa Maria Novella’s signature scent remains one of their most popular scents to this day.

 The original farmaceutica in Florence, still in existence today. 

Most of their incredible, beautifully wrapped potions and products date back hundreds of years; their formulas and production methods unchanged for centuries.  The ‘Pasta di Mandorle‘, or ‘Almond Paste’, thought to be the first product the Dominican friars ever concocted,  has amazing skin healing and rejuvenating properties.  Containing sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, egg yolk, virgin beeswax, and glycerin, this hydration powerhouse also evens skin tone and diminishes age spots.  Unbelievably fragrant, the world-famous Pot-Pourri has been produced using a secret formula of herbs and flowers – which are hand-picked in the Florentine hills, soaked in essence within huge terra-cotta jars, then aged for several months -  since its creation in the 1200′s.  Using equipment hailing from the 1800′s, the Jasmine Milk Soap is molded – one by one – aged 60 days, then gorgeously hand-wrapped.  The Santa Maria Novella Water has perhaps one of the more charmingly humorous back-story.   Used to relieve female hysteria due to over-zealous  corset-lacing, ‘Acqua Anti-isterica‘ or ’Anti Hysteria Water’ as is was orginially known as, was created in 1614 by the Dominican friar Angiolo Marchissi. Made of essential oils known for their relaxing and calming effects, Santa Maria Novella Water is a best-selling item today, used to prevent motion sickness and aid in digestion.

Then, of course, there are the fragrances.  Gardenia, Orange Blossom, Lily of the Valley, and Honeysuckle are just a few amongst the more than 40 different scents available. Many of their colognes – like Tabacco Toscano, a light tobacco scent with notes of Vanilla and Amber (trust us, it’s incredible) – are unisex; all are truly unique.

The Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Rose Water at their Piccadilly, London shop.

Though no longer under direct monistic direction, the Officina is still run by their descendants (a nephew of the last monistic director purchased the company in the late 19th century, and four generations of his family have been at the helm ever since). Ruthless devotion to original, centuries-old recipes and production methods, combined with modern technology and innovation, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella is something extraordinary; its treasures a much needed indulgence in a world where five minutes is long enough to declare something “out”.

Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella has locations in over 20 countries world-wide. For store locations or to find an online retailer, visit SMNovella.com.

For US orders, visit SantaMariaNovellaUSA.com

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-By Andrea Mestrovic –

In a marketplace saturated with incessant options and promises of “lengthy lashes that last”, it’s a weighty task to pick out a favorite.  What we seek is an all-day, all-night mascara that is consistent and correct for any occasion.  We want one product that will give us an intense, striking lash look in a single stroke, with long-lasting effectiveness and luxurious volume enhancement.  We want color that is evenly dispersed with no flakes, clumps, or smudges.  Should a trip to the gym or a few laps at the pool sneak into the daily routine, we want our lashes to stay in pristine form.  Finally, we want it waterproof – nobody wants to come out the rain looking like their makeup is trying to make a run for it.  To make sure our makeup stays right where we want it, no matter what the weather, we always go for waterproof.  So, we tested, tried, and reapplied to come up with the top three perfect mascaras for all your lash needs.

Chanel Inimitable Intense Waterproof Mascara has a unique brush technology that makes for an easy application without any spiking.  Most importantly, it precisely separates even the finest lashes, hence giving you more curl and volume.  Besides the standard brun and noir, it is also available in purple and rouge noir – should you wish to elevate your lash game this spring.

Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effect Faux CILS is free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and triclosan paraben-sulfates.  Not only that, but it is formulated with a pro-Vitamin B compound, which strengthens, conditions, and softens the lashes.  We love the slim, inversed-spiral brush, which is specifically designed to maximize lash volume.  Best of all, it stays on rain or shine – this formula was made for long-wear, 24 hour hold.

Our third pick is Diorshow Iconic Waterproof Mascara in extreme jet black.  Rumored to have been created backstage for use in fashion shows and red carpet events, where there is zero room for error, this mascara truly does it all. With its oblique cut comb brush made of soft silicone bristles, you are able to apply, separate and curl from the stem of the lash to the tip.  The extra-hold formula provides a 24 hour-curl with 100% smudge-proof results.

See and shop some other amazing waterproof cosmetics that we covet below:

Andrea Mestrovic is a multi-lingual, multi-talented, but modest multi-tasker who has lived on both sides of the Atlantic. Andrea has a sure-footed instinct for discovering magnificent finds all over the globe. You can follow her on twitter @AndreaMestrovic or read all her posts on oliviapalermo.com/author/andrea 

- By Dana Randall -

With Springtime here, so is festival season! Whether its Bonaroo, Sónar, Creamfields, Lovebox, Glastonbury, Pitchfork or Made in America Festival, it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy everything Spring/Summer has to offer. You’re most likely already planning your festival fashion along with an assortment of grassy-field friendly flats, yet one of our favorite parts of these festivals is snapping photos and videos of all the fun.  Your cell phones are now your own personal AV Production team capturing the highlights for your blog, Facebook page or Instagram account.  The problem is, all of that photo taking and video recording will be a major drain on your battery life, and while many events have charging stations, why wait in line for a power boost when you can gear up with your own personal charger?  This Arclyte Ultra Light Battery Charger is the perfect answer to your power-up needs and a great conversation starter with its apple shape design.  This way, no matter where you are, you’ll always be at 100%.

Based out of New York City, Dana Randall is the CEO of Built by the Factory. As a woman in technology Dana is an entrepreneur with a love for fashion & beauty. You can follow her on Twitter @BBTF_Dana

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- By Teresa Greenfeld -

Despite apparently bringing flowers, April showers destroy any hope of a good hair day. Whether your hair falls limp and stringy, or frizzes up at the first hint of moisture, rain is no friend of the coif – in April or any other time of year.

Since barricading yourself indoors isn’t always an option, I sat down with Andre Davis, the master behind Olivia’s tresses, to talk weather-proof styles and tips:

Skip the ‘poo. Not only does skipping a daily shampoo actually improve the health of your hair, but the texture of “dirty” will also hold any style better – and have less frizz. Shampooing strips your scalp of natural oils which nourish and moisturize the hair; your scalp responds by overcompensating and producing even more oil, creating a vicious cycle. So for those that insist your hair is much too oily to ever skip a wash, consider that it may actually be your daily shampoo causing the problem. Try using dry shampoo on your off days – or, if you absolutely must wash, try switching exclusively to a cleansing conditioner.

Give in to nature. Even the most dedicated slave to the flatiron is rendered powerless on rainy days , so instead of fighting the inevitable, try these two insanely simple hairstyles that embrace – and actually look better – if your hair isn’t pin-straight.

The Updated Pony:

1. Part your hair in the middle, and gather a 2 inch section at the crown of your head and tease – and tease some more. And then some more. Don’t worry about looking like you just walked out of a bad 80s movie – it needs extra teasing to keep that volume when you pull it back. For staying power, spray with flexible hold hairspray.

2. Without pulling too tight, gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, and secure with an elastic.

3. Tease sections of the ponytail towards the elastic to give it fullness and messy volume, and give it a final spray.

The Messy Bun:

1. Repeat steps 1 through 3

2. Loosely wrap hair around the base of the ponytail, pinning as you go. It shouldn’t look perfect, so don’t worry about loose strands. Finish off with another spritz of spray.

Both of these looks don’t have to be reserved only for a rainy day; either can work for the office or even a special occasion. Try it with a deep side part, a high pony, or swept to one side. An embellished headband or jeweled clip, placed to the side of the bun will give it extra glam for evening.

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- By Dana Randall -

We’ve told you which tech gadgets and gizmos are amongst our essentials, but this one may be at the top of our list.  The Well-Kept Screen Cleansing Towelettes are a must have solution to screen scum! The resealable closure does actually reseal, this means you won’t reach for a towelette only to find a stack of dried out wipes. The wipes are large enough to tackle your phone, laptop screen & sunglasses in one shot. Yes, you almost forgot about how often you are found cleaning your shades on your shirt. The wipes are a practical solution in a chic package, what more do you need?

Based out of New York City, Dana Randall is the CEO of Built by the Factory. As a woman in technology Dana is an entrepreneur with a love for fashion & beauty. You can follow her on Twitter @BBTF_Dana

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- By Teresa Greenfeld -

Part bohemian cool, part baroque chic, Etro’s printed cosmetic case is so gorgeous we almost don’t want to keep it hidden in our handbag.  Coated to withstand the inevitable makeup spill, this chic makeup bag is bathroom-counter display worthy  - and will take you from summer’s bright blushes and bronzers to fall’s moody eyeshadows and lipsticks.

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Shop our cosmetic case picks: