The jasmine crates arrive at the factory (which is only a two minute drive from the field) and are loaded onto a 10-foot-longish conveyor belt that takes them from the ground level to a lofted area (see photo above).

Mul, the owner of the jasmine fields in Grasse took me through the entire process of how jasmine grows and gets picked, extracted and distilled. (Grasse, a beautiful yet simple farming town in France, is where many perfumers throughout history came to get supplies for scents.)

Ever wonder how your favorite scent ends up in a beautiful fragrance bottle at the department store? You'd be surprised to learn that the early stages of fragrance production are not as glamorous as you might think. I experienced this firsthand while visiting Grasse, France, the "world's perfume capital" (most famous for its rose and jasmine production). In the next couple of posts, I'll share the scoop on how raw materials like jasmine become perfume.

To celebrate their new, limited-edition Gold Fever makeup collection, MAC is partying it up in Los Angeles on Saturday night, Sept. 27 at The Grove (189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, 90036). Those who are lucky enough to be in town can stop by to see the new Gold Fever look in action, courtesy of MAC senior artist Christopher D Castillo, below, and hear the tunes of Andrew Andrew.

Recently Charli and I met with the creators of boutique fragrance company Ajne, who have a pretty unique way of matching clients to their perfect scents.

Tom's of Maine is sponsoring a contest to reward people for helping to preserve rivers and community waterways. If you know anyone who is also working for this cause, encourage them to share their story with Tom's of Maine. Not only will they help encourage others to join the cause but they could win a Toyota Prius!

High-end skin care company La Prairie is betting that at least some of you out there will. They've recently launched their Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, 1.7 oz. of which retails for $1,000, and is available at laprairie.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Kate Hudson really did hit the genetic lottery. She always has glowing skin and her hair looks great long, short, curly, wavy or straight. We'd love to hate her but she just seems too darn nice!

Clean & Clear is letting teenagers get a "re-do" on their bad yearbook pictures. At their event this Saturday, Sept. 20, in Times Square at Military Island on Broadway between 43rd & 44th Streets, they’ll have a team of people to help teens re-take their yearbook shots.

Actress Julianne Moore and Burt's Bees have joined the Natural Products Association in the effort to regulate the use of the term "natural" on products. (See Sarah's post back in June about the NPA's new certified natural seal.) Together they urge you to review the new NPA guidelines on what's allowed to be called "natural" and shop more selectively for natural goods.