Beauty pro division

Beauty PR: CVS Launches Beauty 360

2008-09-04T14:23:49Z

CVS Could Soon Stand for "Central Vanity Station"

A few weeks ago I ran out of my moisturizer, but had to settle for a “hold-me-over” at my local CVS since I didn’t have the time to visit Sephora. I walked to the normal space in the front corner of the store where the beauty products were always housed, but what I found wasn’t what I was expecting. Halogen lighting dimly peeked through the glass that replaced the ugly metal shelving and a pleasant well-dressed woman stood behind a podium and asked if I needed any help finding something. Had I walked into the right store? This is CVS?

My positive reaction to the amped up beauty offerings was obviously one of many. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the chain just released drafts to open beauty emporiums called Beauty 360 beside their drugstores that will house what they call “department store or specialty store” skincare, fragrance, and cosmetics brands. The store will be its own entity with a breezeway to walk from the regular CVS to the new Beauty 360.

This effort has been in the works for a few years now, but thanks to the consumer frugality in our present economy—the concept finally took flight. Recessionista points go to CVS for honing in on a way to position luxury products to the thrifty consumers that frequent their regular stores.

For example, I know I like certain mass-market beauty products like Maybelline mascara, but I prefer luxury skin care products like Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. If this concept takes off I will have a one-stop shop for all my beauty needs. Whether Fresh will be participating is undisclosed as is the entire list of the 32 brands that they will be carrying.

If successful, CVS will be competing with Sephora, BlueMercury, Ulta and Space NK in the new category of beauty stores that carry brands previously exclusively distributed to department stores. CVS’s current real estate is said to be Beauty 360’s competitive advantage. Sixty percent of females live within a 5-mile radius of a CVS so with the future expansion plans (500-1,000 units) this concept would almost definitely affect every female reading this post.

Pretty soon we might be able to buy Christian Dior Eyeshadow while we pick up our prescription and get some milk all in one place.

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Beauty Trends: Fall 2008

2008-08-28T21:57:21Z

Facing the Fall 2008 Fashion Trends

With the non-official summer fashion cut-off finally arriving yesterday, it’s time to update your makeup routine to correspond with the new fall trends. Naturally, I like to think my fall fashion trend picks from our Fashion Rag are also all encompassing of the hottest makeup trends this fall so I went ahead and found the best beauty looks to go with each trend.

Goth Glam: This is not the Goth of the 90’s, so please get the hope out of your head that your dark red lipped and raccoon eye lined ways were making a comeback. Instead, the 2008 brand of Goth calls for a simple sweep of pewter shaded shadow, a clean black lash line and a plum matte lip. I like Duwop Gray Eyes Shadow Kit (I also LOVE their Reverse Eye Liner that will compliment the clean eye desired for this look by preventing smudging and running of the eyeliner) and Urban Decay makes a terrific lipstick in Apocalypse.

American Classic: This trend beckons for a fresh face—the natural “all American beauty” if you will. To follow the clean lines of these fall offering, stick to enhancing your own beauty with minimal color and lots of attention to a luminous complexion. Choose from peach colored glossy lips, pale blush and a simple eye that plays up natural lashes. Fresh makes a Twilight Freshface Glow primer that achieves the desired radiant skin and Benefit’s Posie Tint doubles as the perfect cheek and lip color.

SoHo Boho: Since the look is all chic hippiedom, make sure you add the appropriate amount of drama with a smudged black liner and a prominent brow. I recommend the Anastasia Go Brow for brow shading and highlighting. Balance the look with a muted lip. The addition of a lightly applied jewel toned shadow, like Shu Uemura in Me Yellow adds some color to this otherwise bleak palette.

Future Femme: This is where we get to have a little more fun with the creative opportunities this trend makes available. The colors are unexpected, the liner is exaggerated (think a lighter version of Amy Winehouse’s trademark cat eyes) and the lip is dark. For eyes, first pick a color you wouldn’t normally wear. Mine will be the bright pink and green hues found in the Laura Gellar Baked Marble Eye Shadow in Starburst. The pop out colors of the Sugar Cosmetics Round The Clock Eye Shadow Palette in Punch Out, rivaling Crayola, are perfect for this look.

Overall, bright luminous complexions, dark lips and shimmering bright eyes seem to be the prominent palette for fall 2008. If you ever feel stuck on which shades to choose for which trend, check out the name of the hues available. Marketers (for the most part) name shades appropriately so you should be able to link the trend up accordingly (i.e. Apocalypse is the lip shade I found for Goth Glam).

While I’ve never been one to enforce the no white shoe after Labor Day law, I will make a conscious effort to gradually shift towards the darker hues that fall beseeches us to incorporate into our every day looks in the coming weeks.

Pierce Mattie PR's Haute List of Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Brands

2008-08-22T22:21:50Z

We have always prided ourself for staying ahead of the trends and having the foresight to know who is on track for becoming a haute property. We've comprised a Haute List that contains brands that are haute now as well as brands you should be keeping your eye on.

Indie Fashion & Beauty Magazines:
1. Visionaire
2. Metro.Pop
3. VMAN

Foreign Beauty & Fashion Magazines:
1. Company (UK)
2. Jessica (Hong Kong)
3. Trendi (Finland)

TV Shows:
1. 90210
2. Kath & Kim
3. Gossip Girl

Women’s Apparel:
1. Topshop
2. Valentino under Alessandra Fachinetti
3. Rodarte

Men’s Apparel:
1. Pastelle
2. RMC Martin Ksohoh
3. ANAMA

Jewelry Brands:
1. John Hardy
2. Alexis Bittar
3. Trollbeads

Handbag Lines:
1. Rebecca Minkoff
2. Foley+Corinna
3. Timi & Leslie

Cosmetic Lines:
1. e.l.f.
2. Colorescience
3. Classified Cosmetics

]]> Skin Care:
1. Korner
2. Lavera
3. Kaeline Argatherapie

Hair Care:
1. Re:nu by Joico
2. bain de terre
3. Intelligent Nutrients

Dermal Fillers:
1. Restylane
2. Evolence
3. Elevess

Nail Brands:
1. Butter LONDON
2. Dr. Remedy Nails
3. Borghese Nail Care

Fitness:
1. Mixed Martial Arts
2. Triathlon Training
3. Boxing

Cocktails:
1. Bourbon
2. Martinis (Lychese, Pomegranate, Apple, etc.)
3. Mojito

Vacation Destinations:
1. Panama
2. Costa Rica
3. “Staycations” (finding hot spots close to home)

Social Media Sites on the Rise:
1. LinkedIn
2. Ning
3. Ustream

Skincare Review: Dermaquest

2008-08-21T14:08:56Z

On a quest for perfect skin?

Dermaquest Skin Therapy came onto the high-tech skin care scene in 1999, but didn't have it's big debut until more recently. Don't be fooled by its sleek and fancy packaging that might lead you to believe it's just another line putting less than perfect products into attractive packaging--they are for real. I have had the opportunity to try a slew of their products and watch friends of mine do the same, so my raving is backed up with personal experience.

Their line encompasses a perfect balance of scientific research and an esthetician formulated product to create some of the most efficient products out there. They have become best known for their DermaLash product, a lash thickener featured on Rachael Ray as seen below:

Their skin care is what I am in love with.

For Acne sufferers, their Rejuvaderm is somewhat of a life saver. My friend and liscensed esthetician, Lauren Zebro, and I decided to put our stubborn acne prone faces up to the challenge and Dermaquest delivered. All the claims associated with the product were starting to be seen within two weeks. My skin has never felt so smooth and hydrated while staying so clear. Zebro has had similar results and reccomends Dermaquest to all her NYC clients.

Their age management line is also totally buzzworthy with many results-driven (and proven) products. My favorite, Peptide Mobilizer, will set you back almost $200 for 1.5 fl oz., but it's worth every penny. A thin application of this product is like a mini session of Botox. It resurfaces and increases skin thickness while relaxing muscle contractions that cause the fine lines and wrinkles everyone is trying to prevent and/or combat.

A final product of Dermaquest's that I feel compelled to highlight that any skin type can benefit from, is the Glyco Creamy Cleanser. Skincare junkies united over this fabulous cleanser before my very eyes. I know one woman whose steadfast dedication to a particular cleanser for almost 6 years was terminated immediately upon trying this cleanser. The key to this cleanser are the deep cleansing agents without the drying of the skin. As we all know a great complexion is only achieved with the correct balance of hydration.

Our skin is our presentation to the world so it ought to be taken care of with the best of products in the best care. There are a lot of medi-spas that are carrying Dermaquest and have access to professional products otherwise unavailable to consumers. I recommend trying some of their products and/or find a spa that uses them in association with their treatments. I'd love to hear about anyone who already has taken the derma "quest."

Beauty PR: Pakistan has become an Emerging Market for Men's Grooming Products

2008-08-20T14:54:54Z

Pierce Mattie was recently interviewed by Cosmetique News in Paris about how men's grooming products in Pakistan are beginning to become more acceptable and opening an opportunity for growth. Below you will find the original interview that took place that I believe will shed some insight into this emerging market for beauty.

Courtney, Cosmetique News: I’ve read a few reports detailing how men’s beauty products and services do well in Pakistan, as the influence of global pop culture and an existing cultural acceptance toward men ‘adorning themselves’ for special occasions like weddings make even men’s makeup products acceptable there, despite the strong influence of Islam. What can you tell me about this market?

Pierce Mattie: Pakistan is currently experiencing a rapid growth rate annually higher than most Middle Eastern countries with their economy and commerce. It currently remains as the world’s sixth largest growth rate. Their two largest areas of growth are finance and manufacturing. Previously, Pakistan’s economy was primarily an agricultural base, but over the past ten years it has increased to being a service-based country. This mostly includes wholesale and retail with an increase in marketing and public relations, both of which are image related industries. The trend is going from men in the workforce who may have worked outside mostly during the week to ones that are now indoors, at a computer, taking meetings and attending social functions for lunch and dinner. Thus, their grooming demands have increased.

In 2006 Pakistan signed the Free Trade Agreement with China to increase its bilateral trade to other markets. This has caused the workforce again to become more competitive both in their appearance and business savvy skills. The men are taking on a more global esthetic than that typically centric to Pakistan. There is a huge influence coming from East India at this time with men’s fashion and grooming that is melting Pakistani trends with an Indian Asian inspiration. I also see a huge amount of lineage between Pakistan and France. The Fashion Institute of Pakistan has an equally male staff as it does to its female counterparts, something unique to the country’s leading fashion school, thus increasing the enrollment of men in the college as well.

Courtney, Cosmetique News: In your understanding, which products/channels are the most successful, and which have the most potential for growth?

Pierce Mattie: Close to half of Pakistan’s population is Punjabi, an Indo-Aryan ethnic group from South Asia. They continue to enjoy their spicy dishes at lunch, but realize that during meetings it’s best to have a neutral aroma. There is an increase in men splashing cologne after lunch with popular notes that neutralize food smells, as well as, increasing their shower rituals to both morning and night. Their music and dance of choice is a folk music called Bhangra and it’s known for being very colorful. Currently it’s being mixed into workout videos and used similarly to the way the US Fitness industry exploded with a Miami dance called Zumba. Pakistan features several of their videos with male instructors. Famous Punjabi men include; Hrithik Roshan, who is an award-winning Bollywood actor. A partnership with him would make for a great branding opportunity for a grooming brand to align with.

]]> Cosmetique News: Have clients of yours shown a growing interest in this market for men’s products? Have advertising campaigns been stepped up there?

Pierce: There is a communication interest from our US clients to get the word across to the Middle East, most definitely with the film and TV shows that air in that country including Bollywood. With the US Economy at a standstill, our clients at Pierce Mattie PR are asking us to provide PR services for beauty, grooming and cosmetic packaging programs reaching China, India, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon as well as Pakistan, including Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Most countries that are creating a strong public relations, marketing and advertising strategy for this emerging consumer market include; China, France, England and Canada.

Cosmetique News: Overall, what do you think the outlook is for this very particular market, and what can companies marketing men’s skincare or beauty products do to get a foothold in what seems to be a difficult market?

Pierce: Men in Pakistan are tradition-bound, but hair removal, hair styling products and nail care remain to show the most growth. Surgical hair restoration also remains on the rise. The Pakistan Association of Plastic Surgery reports that the Amin hospital in South Punjab is averaging around 35 hair transplant procedures a month. Rumored to have had a transplant is Pakistani politician Nawaz Sharif who has set the standard in keeping a youthful hairline. There is an also a wave of British citizens coming to Pakistan for plastic surgery as it’s much more affordable.

I would advise grooming companies to first and foremost educate themselves and understand the culture and traditions of Pakistani men. They need to research how their product can not only benefit them in personal care, but become a necessary part of their daily life. As with creating a celebrity partnership can make a company here in the states, it will also help introduce their products to Pakistani men via a person of public image that they trust and who has influence among that demographic.

Beauty PR: Paul Mitchell Philanthropy

2008-08-11T21:18:41Z

Would you believe me if I told you that one of the beauty industries biggest companies has a co-founder that used to make a measely three dollars a day returning bottles while living out of his car? Well it's true, and it's the rags to riches story of Jean Paul Dejoria, co-founder and president of Paul Mitchell, the multi-billion dollar beauty biz leader.

Because he is very familiar with what it's like to be in an unfortunate position, philanthropy is very important to him and he does everything in his will to instill it into the legacy of his company.

"It’s about each of us paying more than our share of rent on this planet in order to help many people have much better lives or even have the chance to live one. What a great culture that is!" -Dejoria

Lauren Thompson, student at the Paul Mitchell partner school, Parisian Beauty Academy, shares her personal exposure to the big-hearted nature of the Paul Mitchell family:

Heather: What role does fundraising play in your day to day studies?

Lauren Thompson: Since March, I have participated in two different large-scaled fundraising activities. The first being a fashion show that raised funds for such charitable organizations as Leeza's Place and The Larry King Cardiac Foundation. As a school we each committed to selling 100 bookmarks in addition to the raffle and show tickets. The second fundraiser I just finished was the 2008 Summer Caper, an annual nationwide (all the Paul Mitchell Schools) product sale whose proceeds contributed to various organizations including the Special Olympics and City of Hope. The role it plays is pretty significant. The fashion show is a big event the whole school participates in and even gets graded on. The fact that such a big event is also a fundraiser proves the fundraising importance the structure of the school.

Heather: Does the charitable involvement of Paul Mitchell, both at your scale and the larger scale, give you a sense of pride?

Lauren Thompson: Absolutely, I feel like it makes every effort worth my while knowing that I am contributing my time to an organization that gives back. Upon graduation I would love to continue to be a vehicle of Paul Mitchell's charitable efforts. It is nice to know there are large organizations who respect the importance of giving back to the community.

Heather: Do you feel the efforts are solely based on advancing the image of Paul Mitchell?

Lauren Thompson: No, I know that everyone involved really cares about giving back. We are all inspired by Jean Paul Dejoria's generousity and passion in philanthropy. He wants to create opportunities for those less fortunate. It is very important to him and the rest of the company to instill a sense of benevolance in anyone who is affiliated with the company.

So the next time you are using your super skinny serum (and if you aren't using super skinny, get on it), remember that it's coming from a company that has an enormously altruistic culture. It's always nice to hear about companys who are giving back not only in a PR capacity, but also for the sheer benefit of those they donate time and effort to.

Beauty PR: Pierce Mattie's Beauty Pro Blog in On Makeup Magazine

2008-08-11T14:45:47Z

On Makeup Magazine's summer edition is out and we are thrilled to say that Pierce Mattie's Beauty Pro blog was listed among some really fantastic beauty blogs in their editorial.

It's difficult to see here, but we promise we are listed 4th from the bottom on the page! On Makeup Magazine is a fantastic magazine written by and targeted to makeup artists and published by The Powder Group.

Beauty Tips: The Perfect Brow

2008-07-30T19:44:45Z

Score Beverly Hills Brows Without a Plane Ticket

Brow Envy [noun] \’brau en-ve\: to feel a strong desire to carbon copy the perfect arch of one other’s eyebrow in place your own lackluster formation of hair that happens to grow on your brow bone.

I recently had the sudden urge to makeover my brows and made it my job to become a brow expert. I wasn’t as blessed as say, Brooke Sheilds, with a natural strong arch that just needs a simple clean up to frame the face beautifully so I needed the help of some filler products to achieve a better shape.

So what constitutes as the perfect arch anyways and how can we achieve it at home? I was determined to find out. That’s when “definitive brow expert” Anastasia Soare came to my rescue. Her brow shaping techniques have been practiced on the likes of Madonna and Penelope Cruz and praised in publications such as Vouge and W. No, I wasn’t fortunate enough to subject my brow trouble to Anastasia’s personal care BUT I was able to score some of her products form her new line Anastasia Beverly Hills.

Her full range of products include just about anything imaginable to enhance your eyebrows. Stencils, kits, tinted gels, serums—you name it, she has created it in the name of brow beauty. I do have a tweezing problem so the catchy name of the “Tweezers Anonymous Kit” caught my eye right away. Because I am already a loyal Tweezerman girl (sorry Anastasia, I’m sure your tweezers are fabulous too) I found the kit to be a perfect addition to my already acquired brow supplies. $55 got me her patented eyebrow serum, a double shaded brow filler, a mini duo brush, and shape correcting stencils all inside a super cute metallic quilted carrier.

Tweezers Anonymous Kit, Sephora, $55

I took my kit home, complete with a 12 step Tweezers Anonymous program, and was eager to rejuvenate my brows to a fuller more "perfect" shape. Starting with my stencils to be careful not to over-pluck, Anastasia already made a previously arduous task enjoyable for me. On to the handy double tipped brush and my brows were already looking tamed and in place. The final steps with the serum and the brow filler were as easy as the first making my brow makeover easier than the rest of my make up routine. I was left with results that even my friends noticed!

If you don’t feel confident enough to start your brow makeover at home then you needn’t book a flight to the Beverly Hills Anastasia Salon in order to reap the benefits of the Anastasia technique. She has passed along her secrets to her certified technicians found all around the world. Visit her site to find a location nearest you.

Beauty PR: Makeup Line Launch for Kat Von D

2008-07-17T16:04:32Z

Kat Von D Coins in on a New Kind of Ink

Yesterday was a typical hot July day here in New York City but that didn’t stop Kat Von D’s fans, or me, from waiting on line at her meet and greet yesterday at Sephora’s 34^thStreet Flagship mega store. The event was held to celebrate Kat and Sephora’s joint venture: a self-titled Kat (and cat for that matter) inspired makeup line.

I decided to bypass the line and just take a gander around to catch a glimpse of the scene before her 7:30 pm departure. Gothic tattoo-inspired signage and deep jewel tones themed the décor. Exiting fans told me Kat was “breath-taking” in person and a very “chill and down to earth chick.”

I have always thought that reality television star Kat Von D’s makeup looks just as vibrantly and perfectly “inked” and as her tattoos do. Now you can achieve the makeup part of her signature look at home with the new line. I scored some samples at the event yesterday and I loved them so much I even purchased an eye shadow palette. The package design looks as if it was lifted directly from one of Kat’s many intricate tattoos. The line mainly consists of the accoutrement needed to get a smoldering dramatic eye, a nude lip and standout cheekbones—basically looking just like Kat.

This won’t be Kat Von D’s first success at branding her burlesque image. Kat made her reality T.V. debut as part of the cast of tattoo artists in TLC’s Miami Ink. Her personality and interesting beauty got her the spin-off, L.A. Ink in which she stars.

Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Beethoven $34

I really admire Kat for her way of somehow bringing classic vintage beauty to her more notably brazen fully tattooed look. Her pin-up girl looks even earned her the #62 spot on Maxim’s most recent Hot 100. Her line is available now both in-store and on Sephora.com.

Beauty PR: FDA Approves Collagen Dermal Filler Evolence

2008-07-01T19:20:43Z

The FDA has approved another dermal filler to be used in the US market. Evolence is a collagen-based injectable meant to correct moderate to deep wrinkles and folds. According to Evolence, because it is a natural collagen filler, your skin will look and feel more natural. Evolence is also said to last up to 6 months. With the release of this news, I decided to go to leading Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffery Benabio to get some insight as to how Evolence compares to other dermal fillers currently on the market.

How the the other non-collagen dermal fillers stack up:

* Radiesse - 8 to 12 months

* Restylane - 5 to 7 months

* Perlane - 6 to 8 months

* Juvederm - 6 to 8 months, except under the eyes where it lasts for 1.5 years

* Juvederm ultra plus - 7 to 9 months * Sculptra - 2 years

* Artefill - probably permanent

According to Dr. Benabio, the point is that Evolence is made of collagen. Most collagen fillers only last about 3-4 months. Other fillers that last 6 months or longer are made non-collagen substances such as hylauronic acid. It's unknown whether one type of dermal filler is "better for you" than the other and from comparing before and after images from the various sites, each woman seems to have a natural appearance. As with any injectable, I'm sure there will always be those women who overdo it and get that "plastic" look.

"I am honestly not sure that the fact Evolence is made of collagen and lasts for 6 months makes any difference except for a nice marketing sound bite," said Dr. Benabio. "An advantage over other collagen fillers is that it claims to last longer and does not require skin testing before its use. Unlike permanent fillers, it has the 'advantage' of dissolving over time, which is good in some instances when the patient does not like the way it looks. With permanent fillers, there is little if anything that can be done afterward."

I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. If you've received dermal filler injections before, please share your experience about the results.

Joico's Fall Fabulous Salon Event at Pierce Mattie's Media Oasis

2008-06-24T12:18:39Z

Pierce Mattie recently hosted Joico's Fall Fabulous event to promote the launch of 3 new products in the Joico Design collection that will be launching later this year. Editors from various publications came in for a wash and style with the new products. George Papanikolas, of the Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills, was the main stylist.

The Media Oasis was transformed into a Joico inspired/branded salon complete with fall flowers, soft lighting and fall trend posters. It looked absolutely amazing in here and everyone had a great time.

Now we can't tell you the 3 products just yet, but we can tell you that they'll be launching in a salon near you around October of this year. Stay up to date on all Joico products through their website and MySpace page.

Korea's Beauty Industry Booms And American Brands Follow

2008-06-12T22:04:48Z

That emerging market for beauty that you are looking for isn't necessarily found here in the U.S., but across the globe in Korea. While the beauty market is still holding ground here despite the economy, there are still fears of a recession and has American beauty retailers looking to foreign soil to plant their roots and grow. Korea's beauty industry is booming and we're all beginning to notice.

Korea is the home of many popular brands that are sold here in the U.S.; POINT, Charmzone, Enprani and Amore Pacific. Beauty is a longstanding tradition in Korea and something that is ingrained in girls since they are young. It's part of the culture, the tradition and has less to do with vanity (as it does in the states) as it is a way of life. So when I heard that one of my favorite beauty brands, Berwick Beauty, was launching their brand in Korea, I had to find out why.

]]> According to Angel, co-owner of Berwick Beauty, Korea has roughly a $6 billion per year cosmetic and toiletry industry. From 2006-2007 cosmetics sales had a growth rate of 4% slightly above Korea’s domestic growth rate. In general, the country’s wealth is growing, people have more money and they spend it on new and nice things. Korea is also a country with a very long history of woman beautifying themselves. It is in-line with the Geisha girl concept in Japan--a woman must be beautiful to get the best mate.

Korea’s cosmetic industry is made up of the popular western brands that have penetrated everywhere with long term marketing (Chanel, Lancome etc.) Korea also has its own market of herbal, ancient beauty products (home grown, old fashioned etc.). Doctor brands have popped up lately from the medical field, just as they have in the US.. Of all the countries of influence in Asia, Korea is probably the most pro-western, perhaps from the long standing influence we have had in that country after the 50’s. They tend to follow U.S. trends closely and are truly open to them. Many other influential countries in Asia, for example China or Japan, might follow our trends, but do not dive into them as fast as Koreans might.

It'll be interesting to see if this trend continues as our economy remains unstable and gives others the chance to flourish. What do you think?

Beauty Pro: Make A Salacious Summer Statement

2008-05-30T18:46:58Z

With Memorial Day come and gone, the unofficial start to summer is upon us. Before you head to the beach, it’s time to groom some unkempt [bikini] areas, get your body bronzed and dress up your beach wear for a trip to the shores that will rival summers past.

Polka-Dot No More
For the most sensitive spots on a woman, shaving and waxing can cause several problems, including rash and unwanted bumps. After months of dieting to fit into your bikini, this is the last look you want when sporting a “barely there” two piece. Min New York offers Solution2 Rollerball, an innovative post-shaving and waxing treatment that uses an advanced blend of liquid aspirin and organic spearmint to tighten pores and prevent redness, alleviating razor bumps, ingrown hairs and general skin irritation.
Available at www.MiN.com; $20.00

Bronzed Babe
Waxing “down there” is only half the prep for your day in the sun. Unless you’ve been lying in damaging tanning beds, chances are you could use a little color to help camouflage dimples and accentuate all the right curves. JOICO Skin Luxe Golden Shimmer allows you to show off your tan in its entire golden splendor, without the harmful effects from sun exposure. This luxurious, coconut-scented lotion builds an even, natural-looking tan without the dangers of sun bathing, while imparting a light touch of sexy, tan-enhancing shimmer on the skin.
For retail info, call 1-800-80-JOICO or visit www.JOICO.com; $15.95

]]> Sun Style Protect
Now that you’ve got the tan, it’s time to think about sun protection. Don’t stress though; there is no need to forfeit style when it comes to your sunscreen. Colorescience introduces the latest addition to their Sunforgetable Collection; the NEW Sunforgettable SPF 30 Orb. Simply twist and powder – no more greasy sunscreen feeling (or sand sticking to your arms, face, hands, or anywhere else for that matter!) This mineral-based powder provides instant sun protection and is water resistant up to six hours. The Sunforgetable Orb is available in “All Clear,” “Almost Clear,” “Perfectly Clear,” as well as matte or sparkle colore options.
Available at www.Colorescience.com; $40.00 for large Orb, $12.00 for mini

Barely There Beach Wear
Now that you have the beach-ready body, it’s time to dress it in something equally impressive. For women looking to make a statement on the beach this summer, Seven7 has the perfect styles. Seven7’s Laila Flower Collection features flirty florals in a variety of string, bandeau and halter top selections, making them perfect for a day in South Beach or an afternoon in the Hamptons. Available at www.sea-swimwear.com; $29 top / $29 bottom, and $58 for one-piece swimsuits

Summer Scent
No summer makeover is complete without a new summer scent. For summer jet setting or beach-bumming, being shower fresh just got easier with CLEAN’s new Sephora-exclusive Shower Fresh Eau de Parfum Roller Ball. The scent conjures images of a crisp summer shower, uplifting the mood with a blend of Lemon, Mandarin, Lily of the Valley, Orange Blossom and Jasmine. The Shower Fresh Roller Ball is designed for the uncomplicated, confidant woman who desires a naturally inviting fragrance without an overpowering scent.
Available at Sephora, info at www.cleanperfume.com; $22.00 (0.34 oz)

Beach Bagista
Now that your tan, sun protection and swimwear are in check, it’s time for the most crucial element; your beach bag. A new mesh revolution takes over this summer with the Sand Collection by GUESS. Soft metallic pvc is meshed to perfection for a look that is beachy and stylish. A beautiful and luscious bronze hue takes center stage for a look that glows from day to night. Available at GUESS.com, GUESS retail stores, and fine department stores nationwide; $150.00

Beauty PR: American Society of Plastic Surgeons Launches Beauty For Life

2008-05-23T13:16:55Z

Beauty for Life is a new website launched by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to educate people regarding the procedures they are considering and the surgeons who will be doing them. I had the opportunity to ask Dr. Richard A'mico MD FACS, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons more about their goal for Beauty for Life.

Shannon: Was beauty for Life conceptualized out of the concern that many women and men aren't doing their research prior to choosing a plastic surgeon or being misinformed about a procedure?

Dr. Richard D'Amico: As consumers' cosmetic procedural options increase, so too does their confusion about which ones can best meet their needs. To get answers, many turn to the Internet first-but with so much information on the Web, they often struggle to find specific, reliable information on the most appropriate cosmetic procedures for their stage of life and beauty goals. As they search, many also do not understand the importance of consulting with a qualified plastic surgeons for personalized, expert advice. So, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)- the world's largest association of board-certified plastic surgeons- formed Beauty for Life to help consumers make educated choices about cosmetic medicine procedures and providers. BeautyforLife.com is one of the components of our Integrated effort to educate patients about how to make safe decisions when it comes to cosmetic procedures of all types.

Shannon: How do you hope to educate them through this new website?

Dr. Richard D'Amico: To help consumers navigate the cosmetic medical landscape, four levels of cosmetic medical care are defined as well as the most common cosmetic concerns- and the most effective procedures- in each stage of life. To reach a vast new online audience we developed this dynamic website. BeautyforLife.com features a confidential, interactive quiz to match information about each visitor's age, appearance, beauty regimen, lifestyle, and body image with facts and images that reveal how they can look their best at any age. We also provide visitors with information that charts the aging process and most popular cosmetic procedures from the teen years through the 60's and beyond, not to mention a "Find-A-Surgeon" tool that allows them to search for a plastic surgeon in their area who is board certified and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and/or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

]]> Shannon: Have you heard from possible surgical candidates that they were able to make better informed decisions due to the site?

Dr. D'Amico: Since its launch just about two and a half weeks ago, we have received many inquiries from individuals looking to make educated decisions. From questions about specific procedures to locating board-certified plastic surgeons in their local area, we are confident that visitors are directed toward the information they need to make the best decision possible when choosing a plastic surgeon for their cosmetic procedure.

Shannon: What is involved in creating a personalized Beauty for Life plan?

Dr. D'Amico: With the help of the confidential Beauty for Life interactive quiz, visitors learn more about the procedures that suit their specific age, appearance, beauty regimen, lifestyle, body image - even your budget. The quiz takes them through the range of questions they'll need to answer when considering having any cosmetic procedure, such as:

Do you smoke?
How would you describe your comfort level with surgical procedures?
Following a cosmetic procedure, how much time are you able to take off of work?
Which areas of your body concern you most?

The plan offers direct links to information on each procedure, but it also might give you a reality check. For example, if your weight hasn't stabilized it's too soon for a tummy tuck, and you'll need to quit smoking before undergoing surgery. These are all of the unique features available when visitors choose to take the Beauty Plan Quiz.

If you are a candidate for plastic surgery or are looking for more information about a procedure or surgeon, visit www.beautyforlife.com

My New York MiNute Treatment

2008-05-19T21:47:30Z

In my line of work, I often have my pick of the litter when it comes to grooming products, giving me the luxury of trying a new product almost every day. Most recently, I had the pleasure of sampling MiN New York’s new ProEnzyme Facial Cleanser and Scrub, and was thrilled by the performance.

To start, I exfoliated with the ProEnzyme Facial Scrub. Right away I noticed a difference, as the scrub was very creamy with a light grit. After doing some research, I learned what differentiated this scrub from all the others on the market.

]]> Unlike other scrubs that may use a ground exfoliant like walnut shells, ProEnzyme Facial Scrub uses spherical beads. Why does this matter? At face value, you probably wouldn’t notice a difference, but if looked at under a microscope it becomes obvious. Ground walnut shells tend to have sharper edges, which can cut the skin and cause unwanted irritation. On the flip side, the spherical beads used by MiN New York have smooth edges, which remove dead skin without causing skin sensitivity. This means you can use this scrub several times a week, or as needed, unlike the more abrasive scrubs that can only be used 1-2 times a week.

After using the scrub, I went through my normal shave routine, applying a shave oil and cream. I finished off as always – face wash – and tried the ProEnzyme Facial Cleanser. There are two things I love about this product. For starters, it is has a creamy base, so there isn’t a lot of extra foaming action going on. This is great because I have sensitive skin, and too much foam tends to dry out my face. Second, I tend to get access oil in my t-zone, especially during the summer, and this product got under control in just one use. What more could you ask for in a facial scrub and cleanser?