NEW YORK CITY Saturday, September 16, 2006 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Tickets: $25

Event Timing:

* 9:00 am - 10:00am: Private kick-off breakfast for the first 150 ticket purchasers at the "W" Hotel Union Square
* 10:00 am - 10:30 am: Kick-off prize raffle and Fall Fashion Trend Presentation at the "W" Hotel Union Square. All ticket purchasers welcome
* 10:30 am - 6:00 pm: Courtesy shuttles for all ticket purchasers with door-to-door service to top Manhattan fashion boutiques

Details:

* Cadbury Schweppes refreshment lounge at Midnight Oil located in the "W" Hotel Times Square
* SHOP Etc. gift bags to all attendees
* All tour ticket proceeds benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

Presenting Sponsors:
Adrienne Vittadini, Cadbury Schweppes & Lord & Taylor

Click here to purchase tickets or please call 877-SHOPEtc. (746-7382). For additional information please call 212-649-3015.

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In my never ending search for all things black and beautiful, I came upon a site that has me intrigued. Mahoganybutterfly.com is a website devoted to both inner and outter beauty for women of color. Created by one fabulously devoted woman, it has now become a place for women of color to come together and learn about ourselves.

From dealing with Black Hair Myths...yes, they get really crazy....to raising spiritually healthy black children; from finding the right color red for our rainbow skintones to knowing where to find the latest and greatest styles even if you have your mama's hips, Mahogany Butterfly has become one of my favorite places to lurk on the net.

New media is an area that I struggled with. I wasn't sure if the sources could be trusted or if it was even worth my time as a publicist. I have learned, however that for many, many women, it is becoming their first choice for news and information. This site is a perfect example of the reasons why.

As an underserved population in print (we are, indeed getting more and more titles directed at us...Jolie, Vibe Vixen, Jewel, etc) we are hungry fr any and all info that pertains directly to us. So internet savvy editors, keep it coming! I'm excited and I think many more like me will follow.

Ciao for now,
Nikki

Three major nail polish manufacturers, OPI, Inc, Orly International, and Del Laboratories (which makes the Sally Hansen brands), are now in the process of removing potentially harmful toxins from their products. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics lobby group has spent years targeting specific nail polish brands whose products are said to contain ingredients like phthalates, formeldahyde and toluene. These ingredients are on California’s Prop. 65 list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity.

Sally Hansen, perhaps one of the most well-known U.S. nail varnish companies, has said that they are now reformulating all of their products in order to remove dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde and toluene. Orly and OPI, however, have only decided to remove DBP and stated that some of their polishes will still contain traces of the other chemicals. According to Simon Pitman of cosmeticsdesign.com, “recent scientific studies have stressed the line between DBP and underdevelopment of newborn baby boys. Although the chemical is banned by the EU, in the U.S. the FDA has not made any such move.”

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics states that “The EPA restricts toluene in drinking water because it can cause nervous system disorders and damage the liver and kidneys. The FDA does not require that cosmetics products be tested for safety before they are sold.”

This most recent move to eliminate harmful chemicals follows changes already made by large cosmetics multinationals, including Avon, Estee Lauder, Revlon, and L’Oreal, who have already confirmed the removal of DBP.

Makeup artist Ken Mendelson talks about mineral cosmetics, color trends and Jane Iredale at New York fashion week.

Levels of vitamin E in women during pregnancy are inversely associated with the risk of asthma in their children, according to a report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

However, in an interview Dr. Graham Devereux emphasized that "the message for pregnant women isn't to go out and stock up on vitamin E." He explained that the use of vitamin E supplements during pregnancy is controversial with many studies suggesting no benefit and possibly even a harmful effect.

As such, the current findings have no immediate implications for treatment, but hopefully will lead to studies that could provide definitive answers, Dr. Devereux, from the University of Aberdeen in the UK, noted. For now, "pregnant women should just be encouraged to eat a healthy diet."

It's no secret - Victoria's new makeup line is a success. Victoria's Secret, the intimate apparel unit of retailer Limited Brands Inc. said on Wednesday its new makeup line has surpassed its own forecasts, adding to Victoria's Secret overall growth.

After seeing early demand in New York and Los Angeles, the company plans to expand the full cosmetics line, which features sensually named lip colors like "Beg Me" and "Make Out" to more of its 1,000 stores, from the current 600.

Far be it from me to critique a worthy cause like raising funds for breast cancer research but has anyone else noticed that the entire month of October that one is inundated by "worthy" purchases of lipglosses, eye shadow palettes, shower gels, and other beauty products by companies hoping to gain publicity and better sales rates through participation in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Now real beauty addicts don't need an excuse to add to their collection of cosmetics but it is a worrying trend that one can now find literally hundreds of products purporting to donate a portion of sales to worthy breast cancer charities.

If you are really in the market for a new pink lipgloss or shower gel then by all means this October make sure it is one that is participating in fundraising.

But if you are buying out a genuine desire to help fund breast cancer research then perhaps you should donate the entire amount of your purchase to a charity like the Susan G. Koman Foundation. Better yet, you can get yourself a mammogram and use the money to buy yourself a nice shot of wheatgrass or an antioxidant rich smoothie and log online to find ways to help reduce your own risk of getting breast cancer.

Otherwise the funniest possible product for a breast cancer month tie-in surely has to be a breast firming cream but that doesn't have the same public relations ring to it as a nice pink lipgloss now does it?

This week, the TODAY show has been doing a series called Hidden Germs. Who knew Matt Lauer was such a germaphob? They did germ investigations in grocery stores, baby bags, and …makeup counters! Now, I was always squeamish when trying on different shades at counters (who knows who’s been touching those things!), but after watching Janice Lieberman’s report, never again will I try ANYTHING at these counters, no matter how pretty the colors look. Not that I have to anymore, but I’ll get to that later.

Liberman brought samples of the makeup testers from some unknown department store to researchers. They found germs in everything – lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadow, brushes and even the containers that hold the little spatulas! One of the germs found was staphylococcus aureus which causes pink eye and other infections.

Just by using the testers at the makeup counters, you can spread your germs and pick up someone else's. Even free makeovers can be harmful if the makeup artist that’s doing it is using the testers on display. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission reported that thousands of people can contract skin and eye irritations from shared testers every year.

Now, onto why I don’t have to be afraid of germs in my makeup – JANE IREDALE! Iredale Mineral Cosmetics has done extensive bacterial testing so every product in safe and healthy for the skin. Her line of mineral cosmetics is inert, meaning nothing can harbor bacteria. So, in a nutshell there’s no need to be afraid of germs in her testers!

My favorite cosmetic critic responds;

Q. I am a massage therapist and I regularly use essential oils in my treatments. In fact, certain specialty treatments call for copious amounts of pure essential oils to be put on the back and limbs, along with other vegetable oils. Is this safe? After reading your book, and treating my own facial skin, I know that essential oils aren't good for the face (because of irritation or a sensitizing skin reaction), but are they a problem on the rest of the body? How can I incorporate aromatherapy into my massages without compromising the health of the skin?

Anything that irritates the skin is a problem. In terms of essential oils (meaning aromatic oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, etc.), their possible benefit for providing antioxidant protection is easily replaced with other oils that have no risk of causing irritation, such as olive, evening primrose, canola, and sunflower oils, which you are already using (at least that's what I assume you mean by other vegetable oils). If aromatic oils have other benefits when applied directly to the skin, I have seen no research indicating what they may be, but their potential for problems is well-established.

In terms of massage, a favorite indulgence of mine, I always ask the massage therapist to spray essential oils in the air or to use a heat diffuser so my senses get the benefit and my skin doesn't have to risk the irritation. However, because people get massages periodically and not daily, the occasional use of essential oils during a massage is not going to be a big problem. It is the repeated use of irritating substances, particularly on the face, that is cause for the greatest concern when the goal is to keep your skin healthy.

If the paper of note (New York Times) says it is a trend then it must be true: buttock facials With the recent fixation on the junk in the trunk, spas are promoting special “facials” for the posterior in Miami, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Boston, as well as in New York.

For those who missed it, Barbies manufacturer Mattel sent The Body Shop a cease and desist order after posters featuring Ruby - a self proclaimed Anti-Barbie spokesperson started appearing in American shop windows. This banned advertisement was also forbidden to be hung up in the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway. The complaints included her “nude and nippless figure” being exposed to the public which offended people in the US and China.

I knew the day would come when one of the top 5; Lauder, L'Oreal, etc. would jump on the organic band wagon. Clarins steps in organic cosmetics. French cosmetics maker Clarins has concluded an agreement with organic cosmetics producer Kibio for the joint development of a line of natural organic cosmetics. Under the terms of this agreement, Clarins acquires a 10% stake in Kibio SAS and subscribes to the full amount of a convertible bond issue. The total investment is EUR 3 million. The conversion of the bonds which will be possible starting in 2008 will enable Clarins to increase its shareholding in Kibio to 60%.

Kibio, created in 2005 by Pierre Cabane and Laurent Potier, has developed a line of organic products certified by Ecocert.

Currently in the initial commercial development phase, Kibio products are mainly distributed through direct sales using the method of home demonstrations. The products are also available for sale at the brand's website: www.kibio.com

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Pampering and healthy skin across the nation. Every woman loves a little time for rest and relaxation. According to a survey conducted by the International Spa Association spas are one of the biggest growth industries in America.

According to the results, 95 million visits are made to spas in the United States annually generating $5 billion in revenues. Spas generate more in revenue than ski resorts ($3.1 billion) and only slightly less than box office receipts ($7.5 billion).

With these kind of numbers in mind it is no wonder that Spa Week has grown into an incredible public relations event for spas around the country. With over 300 spas participating from coast to coast and all around the country, Spa Week is setting up shop in a city near you. Spa Week hits New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Miami and Minnesota October 16th-22nd.

But Spa Week isn't just about facials and massages. Keeping in spirit with the desire to reach out to women across the country desiring to be pampered Jane Iredale Cosmetics is one of the sponsors of Spa Week

One lucky winner will receive Jane's Fall 2006 line. So hop to it and enter here! Just think how great your makeup will look freshly pampered skin after Spa Week!

I was grabbing my usual morning cup of java the other day at my favorite local café in LA when a lady and her teenage daughter stopped me in my tracks and demanded to know what I use on my skin. Caught off guard by the beauty inquisition from the mother/daughter duo, a flashback of my bathroom medicine cabinet quickly came to me and I immediately blurted the word, “Skingenic!”

Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. expects China to surpass South Korea as its second-biggest market in Asia by 2010 as aggressive marketing efforts help the cosmetics firm expand faster than its rivals, a company executive said. The U.S. firm is outperforming the growth of the Chinese market for high-end beauty products, which it expects to top 30 percent in 2006, Carol Shen, managing director of Estee Lauder in China, told Reuters in an interview.

"We're growing at 35 to 40 percent in China, and we expect to remain in that range in the next two to three years," Shen said. "Based on our internal projections, by 2010 we should be the No. 2 market, next to Japan and beating Korea."

Estee Lauder, whose brands include Clinique, Aveda and Bobbi Brown, ranks China as its fifth-largest market in the Asia Pacific region, where sales totaled $869.7 million in the 2006 fiscal year -- accounting for 13.5 percent of the whole group. Estee Lauder mainly targets women between 25 and 35 years of age in China, where skin-whitening lotions rank among the most popular products.

Shen declined to provide figures for the Chinese business but said she hoped the Estee Lauder brand would replace L'Oreal's Lancome line as the leader in the country's small but booming market for prestige cosmetics. China's overall cosmetics and toiletries market grew 10.8 percent in 2005 to $10.3 billion, according to Euromonitor data -- just one-third of the Japanese market. Taiwan-born Shen estimated the luxury segment accounted for some 4 percent of the Chinese market and said Estee Lauder had a 20 percent market share within its distribution network of some 60 department stores nationwide.

Procter & Gamble's SK-II skincare products used to be the second best-selling prestige brand before regulators in September raised concerns about its safety, prompting P&G to halt sales, which boosted Estee Lauder, she said. A key challenge for the firm in the fairly young Chinese market is to retain customers, who are not as faithful to specific brands as consumers in other, more mature markets. "We do see a lot of brand switching, because this is the first batch of luxury cosmetics users. They want to try all the new brands," Shen said.

The firm expects an aggressive branding plan to benefit the Clinique and Estee Lauder brands, which were launched in China in 1993 and account for 70 percent of its sales in the country.
"Our brand Clinique is doing a lot of programs with students. We want to make sure that when they get their first paycheck, the brand they go to buy is Clinique," she said. Despite high costs for such campaigns, Estee Lauder is profitable in China, Shen said. The New York-based firm's Asia Pacific business accounted for roughly one-tenth of group operating income in the 2006 fiscal year, which ended June 30.

The advent of long-lasting make-up and the resurgence of heavy creams are stimulating a lot of dirty activity on skin, contributing to under-surface congestion and an overall dull complexion. Add in our skin’s natural sebum (oil) and environmental pollutants that surround us in the air and we have quite the cocktail of debris lingering on skin and working down into our pores.

Now just think back to that cleanse you performed today: does it seem like it was thorough enough to cut through it all? Chances are it was not, because the average person cleanses their skin for only 20 seconds with a water-soluble cleanser that cannot thoroughly break down and remove all that oil-based debris.

You remember the saying oil and water don’t mix, right? The same principle applies to your water-based cleanser and the oil-based debris on your skin. And if they don’t mix, and instead repel each other, how is your water-based cleanser going to ever remove that oil, dirt and grime?

Truth is only oil can cut through and thoroughly remove oil. (Don’t worry oil-phobes! There are oils that rinse clean from skin without leaving a greasy residue or contributing to any additional oily build-up.) And with the right oil-based cleanser, layers of oily debris are adequately removed, leaving behind nothing but ultra-clean skin.

Introducing Rihanna, CoverGirl'snew “IT” Girl

First there was Lana Ogilvie, Brandy and Queen Latifah, now CoverGirl has announced Rihanna as its newest spokesmodel for the multi-billion dollar color line. The ads will start appearing in summer of 2007, perfect timing since her next album is also due mid-2007.

Not only will the campaign serve to broaden Rihanna’s portfolio and put her in the running with supermodels such as Christie Brinkley and media moguls like Queen Latifah but it also serves to directly market CoverGirl to not only a younger group (the songstress is 18-years old) but a more diverse group. Long gone are the days where color lines are specifically tailored for a specific ethnic group. Now cosmetic giants are developing broader color palettes to accommodate women of all ethnicities: Caribbean, African American, Latina, Asian, Indian, etc.

Rihanna’s no newbie when it comes to cosmetics. In an official statement, she noted “I've loved makeup and dreamed of being a CoverGirl since I was a little girl.”
“Growing up, my mother was a makeup artist and I was fascinated watching her apply lipcolor, blush and mascara. Now I get to be surrounded by all of my favorites from CoverGirl!”
Gina Drosos, Vice President and General Manager of Global Cosmetics, Procter & Gamble Beauty commented, “Rihanna is a talented, confident young woman who exemplifies the CoverGirl ideals with her inner confidence and fresh beauty. We're proud to welcome her to the CoverGirl family.”

As a licensed esthetician I always get asked "Pierce what wrinkle creams really work?" My answer.... lasers, injectables and some good SPF! Interesting enough our beauty industry is becoming more and more jaded and the smart brands are no longer marketing anti-aging wrinkle creams. Though this is a 1 billion dollar category in the USA - intelligent companies are pushing the envelope with more lifestyle products.

But for those of us that do fall victim to the trend of a anti-wrinkle potions Consumer Reports Magazine in their January 2007 reveals that it really is just a bunch of b.s. I love this magazine largely because they don’t take PR pitches, mass consumer advertising or even let you submit products for testing. It’s 100% objective.

On page 12 is the Consumer Reports review of wrinkle creams. They review a ton and basically say that NONE of them work. Consumer Reports tells readers that the results were far from conclusive after scientifically monitoring and examining the women testers, who were between the ages of 30 and 70. The testing was done by Consumers Union's French counterpart, l'Union Federale des Consommateurs-Que Choisir, and the female testers were recruited by a European laboratory specializing in cosmetic evaluation.

After 12 weeks of testing "a sample of top-selling mass market lines (Olay, L'Oreal, RoC, La Prairie, StriVectin)'' what the researchers found was "only slight improvements.''

Only two brands of wrinkle creams show any signs of working after their clinical trial. And they only show by a low margin of 10% but hey – 10% is better than nothing.

So… what are the two ‘must have items for wrinkle busting’

Olay Regenerist (enhancing lotion, perfecting cream and daily resurfacing cream)
Lanc�me Paris Renergie day and night cream

What’s funny is they both have very similar names.

The worst brand that they said did absolutely nothing was La Prairie (very sad). And I feel horrible for the PR team at Paul Wilmont who works the La Prairie account, they are going to have to do some serious damage control considering anti-aging is what La Pairie was founded on. Other brands that were a bust; RoC, Neutrogena, Avon, L’Oreal, Stri-Vectin and ROC.

Get the article – they also review the best SUV’s, laptops, home computers, cell phones and laundry detergents for 2007 as well.

I love Consumer Reports! But I think I will still keep wearing my Prevage MD in the day and my Renova at night.

Just as with pin straight hair, wavy locks, bobs and any other hair style, bangs have a way of going out and coming back in. For a long while, my hair was all one length, but one day I looked in the mirror and so tired with what I saw, I promptly went to my hair stylist and asked for bangs several months ago. When you get bangs, it's important to take into consideration the shape of your face, but also your forehead size. You certainly don't want to drown your face in your hair or to look wider or heavier.

Unfortunately, I was given bangs that went straight across my entire forehead, which wasn't very flattering on me. When they were almost grown out, I decided to take to the scissors myself, create a part and then give myself angled bangs. What a difference! I look younger (yes!) and my face appears to look thinner, as well.

Many of the models gracing the catwalk now are sporting various styles of bangs, as well. There are those who have choppy bangs, those with angled bangs, some straight across and those with that thick bang look. Getting bangs can create a whole new look for you, but be sure that you talk with your stylist first on which type would be best.

Today I was reading in Women’s Wear Daily that Estee Lauder will be launching a foundation line under its very popular skin care line Resilience Lift Extreme. The foundation will be debuting in 2007 with a marketing campaign that includes Elizabeth Hurley. While ads with Hurley could never persuade me to buy this makeup, because really now, she’s already gorgeous and doesn’t portray the typical person who would need this foundation; the ingredients and science behind the foundation alone might do the trick.

At the age of 32, I’ve definitely noticed my skin losing elasticity and firmness. Since I am not yet ready to take the plunge into plastic surgery and cannot use anything involving chemicals or hormones due to being pregnant, I look to skin care and makeup to give me a temporary fix. The cocktail in this foundation is said to consist of triterpines, tetra and hexapeptides, just as the moisturizer it is named after does. It also includes Polylift, a protein-rich flexible film, that makes skin feel tighter upon application; a lipid complex designed to restore the skin’s natural surface epidermal layer, and seigesbecka, a plant extra that helps the skin maintain its natural elastin and collagen levels. It almost sounds too good to be true and for only $29.50, it surely sounds like it should have a much higher price point.

While Estee Launder will be mainly taking the traditional approach in marketing this foundation, they will also launch an internet campaign early next year. As a makeup Blogger, I am crossing my fingers and toes that this includes marketing to Bloggers for reviews. I will feverishly raise my hand to be one of the lucky ones to try out this foundation that seems like it may be the (temporary) answer to a lot of my aging woes.

What do you think? Too good to be true or truly good?

I remember in my junior year in high school when Elizabeth Taylor came out with White Diamonds. It was kind of odd to see a big name actress extend beyond marketing her movies to marketing a perfume. This time stands out most for me as the first time a celebrity began to mass merchandise their name through not only endorsing a product, but by having a product made specifically to launch sales based on their name being attached and a collaborative effort between the celebrity and fragrance company.

Once Jennifer Lopez's perfume “Glow” really took off four years ago, more and more celebrities have been lured over to creating a perfume line. The latest ventures are with Coty and Gwen Stephani and reportedly, although not confirmed, with Kate Moss. I happen to love Gwen Stephani, but to wear her perfume? I’m not so sure. However, I must be in the minority, as celebrity-endorsed scents represent 23% of the top 100 women's fragrances last year, growing in popularity from 2003 by 10%.

Currently, Kylie Minogue's fragrance is outselling all other celebrity fragrances in the UK, although David Beckham's Intimately Her comes in a close second. So why the surge in celebrity fragrances, and most notably, their surge in popularity? Most likely due to the public’s obsession with the celebrity lifestyle, that somehow by wearing their perfume, one can live vicariously through the scent. Also, the fact that the celebrity is intimately involved in the fragrance creation process. Just as with a song or movie, you want your work to be a hit and not fade into oblivion the minute it debuts, so setting high standards and making sure the scent is just right is a key factor.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer celebrity perfumes over powerhouse brands?

Looking for longer lasting results to cosmetically combat wrinkles? Then look no further than the newest dermal filler on the block: Radiesse. It was announced just this week that Radiesse has received FDA approval, which means you know that a lot of research and clinical independent studies went into this product and that it can stand by its results.

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected just below the surface of the skin to fill in lines, wrinkles, and scars. Unlike face lifts that stretch the skin, fillers add volume for a more natural youthful appearance. Dermal fillers tend to provide a more natural look than a face lift and can be typically done over your lunch hour.

There are several types of dermal fillers on the market; collagen, hyaluronic based fillers and now Radiesse, which is a calcium hydroxyl apatite filler. Radiesse is made of unique calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. Using this technology stimulates your skin to produce new collagen.

Of all the dermal fillers out there, Radiesse has been proven to have the longest lasting results. While most last up to a year, Radiesse can last 2 or more years, which means you require less frequent injections.

You can learn more about this new dermal filler by visiting their website www.Radiesse.com or by finding an experienced Radiesse doctor local to you.

For a long while the only scent I would wear was Red Door. However, I’ve found that in each season of my life, my preference towards a certain fragrance changes. While Red Door remains my "fall back" scent, I’ve stopped repeatedly only buying that scent and venturing out to discover new fragrances to suit me.

I’m not alone in my less than loyal approach to fragrances. Many years back, if you purchased a certain brand or fragrance, it became your signature scent and one you would replenish each time the bottle went dry. Now perfume addicts everywhere are moving out of their comfort zone of just one fragrance or brand and moving on to having a menagerie of scents in their collection, not remaining loyal to any one in particular.

Due to our fickle nature, perfume powerhouse brands like L'Oreal and Clarins are seeing a decline in their sales figures month after month, making them race to the drawing board to start over and reconfigure their marketing tactics. Not only their marketing tactics, but creating new scents to keep their consumers happy.

AHAVA, known for its wonderful dead sea salt treatments, has now added another addition to their product line: Pure Spa. The Pure Spa line is an anti-ageing line that contains Dunaliella Sauna, a unique algae living in the Dead Sea that contains exceptionally high concentrations of Beta-Carotene, essential vitamins and antioxidants. Beta-Carotene, which is a powerful, natural antioxidant, helps maintain smooth, disease-free skin, neutralizing the effect of free radicals, reversing the signs of aging, improving skin elasticity, moisture content and suppleness. A lack of vitamin A can lead to oxidative stress, and cause the skin to lose elasticity, to become dry and more prone to wrinkling.

With such products as an Energizing Body Mud Mask, Placid Bath Salts and Body Sorbet Caress, you can’t help but automatically feel ready to be relaxed and rejuvenated by this new product line. The scents involved are Mandarin-Cedarwood and Syringa-Green Apple, which will revive your senses and give you an enduring sense of calm. I don’t know about you, but the Uplifting Butter Salt and Energizing Body Mud Mask seem to be calling my name.

Designer Stella McCartney is launching a new organic skincare line, Care. McCartney was inspired to create Care because cult favorite organic skincare brands often lack the feel, look and smell of luxurious, high end skincare lines. McCartney notes that eco-friendly skincare brands need a more refined presentation: “The packaging, the textures, and the smells are always awful. I didn’t understand why you have to have something that looks terrible in your bathroom because it’s better for your skin or the environment.”

McCartney’s new skincare line uses organic fruits and botanicals from around the world and is packaged in beautiful and delicate bottles designed to be displayed on vanities and bathroom counters instead of hidden away in medicine cabinets. McCartney is proud because Care is a “responsible brand,” because of its use of organic products, recycled papers and materials, and use of wind power from Ecotricity.

If McCartney’s success as a fashion designer is any indication, Care will be a smashing success. McCartney’s collaboration with H&M caused a shopping frenzy around the world in 2005. McCartney notes, “There were people running in and grabbing 50 pieces, arguing. An in New York, all my cousins were calling and saying, ‘Hey, there is a massive line outside of H&M! They are closing down Fifth Avenue!” McCartney’s collaboration with Adidas was also such a hit that her initial three season contract was extended to 2010.

Care skincare line launches in early 2007.

Nestled away on the beautiful island of Mauritius, a new Destination Spa has opened this month. One that is complete with exclusive spa treatments, luxurious beach-front suites and villas, as well as, leisure and health activities that include a fitness center, yoga and meditation center.

The Shanti Ananda Maurice’s spa treatments focus on Ayurveda to Thalassotherapy using both Contemporary and Traditional methods. Both are rooted in ancient Indian culture and have medicinal and therapeutic values. One example of an Ayurveda technique is called Shirodhara. This involves gently pouring liquids over the forehead. These liquids can be oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water or even plain water.

Aside from the wonderful spa treatments it provides, the location of this enchanting destination spa alone will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens, taking in views of the hills and Indian Ocean.

The Shanti Ananda offers all-inclusive packages that range from anti-ageing to stress management to weight management, among several others. Each package offers generous treatments and are available at a 20-25% discounted rate until April 30, 2007. The Shanti Ananda Maurice is sure to become a top rated Destination Spa.

Via PRWEB: Infinity Sun is taking Beverly Hills by storm with the world's first and only anti-aging sunless tanning technology. Infinity Sun was co-founded by Veronique Munro, one of the sunless tanning industry's most prominent pioneers and celebrity spray tanners.

Infinity Sun is the first all-natural sunless tanning technology, made with anti-aging anti-oxidants and pure botanicals that not only offer the client the most natural looking customized spray tan, but also hydrate the skin, enhancing natural skin tones and producing a luminescent glow that lasts up to two weeks.

Infinity Sun has joined forces with Jose Eber, world renowned hair stylist to the stars to offer both the famous and general public the most luxurious experience in sunless tanning available. Infinity Sun is enjoyed by celebrity notables such as Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton among others.

Infinity Sun is applied with a proprietary spray system, operated by a sunless tanning professional. The entire process takes approximately three minutes, leaving the skin with a stunning and natural golden brown glow.

Infinity Sun also offers a line of products to maximize the results and extend the life of the tan. Products include a non-abrasive exfoliator, which removes dead skin cells and a prep lotion, which evens the porosity of the skin, enabling the solution to more evenly penetrate the skin. Also available is an extender with shimmer, which extends the tan for an additional two to three days, leaving the skin looking dewy and radiant.

Infinity Sun delights the skin and senses with vanilla-scented aromatherapy in an alcohol-free sunless tanning aerosol. Created with 7 essential oils and vitamin A and E, Infinity Sun aerosol helps to maintain color on areas that are more prone to fading (face, hands and feet) between spray sessions.

Whether you enjoy star-gazing or would like to try Hollywood's latest and greatest advances in sunless tanning, Rodeo Drive is where you can now find this truly luxuriating treatment.

You can experience Infinity Sun at Jose Eber in Beverly Hills.

Clive Owen, a 41-year-old British actor, has been hired to be the latest celebrity to market products for the L'Oreal owned beauty company, Lancome. Previous celebrities that touted the brand are Uma Therman and Mena Suvari, among others. Lancome's hope is that his charming and rugged look will attract more men to feel comfortable purchasing skincare products.

Owen is reported to be getting $2.5 million pounds (you do the math to convert that to US$) for the advertising campaign. Owen will be appearing in ads for Lancome's new men's grooming line, called Lancome Homme, which includes fragrance and anti-ageing products. The ad campaign and products will launch this Spring in the US. However, you can see the products now on Lancome's international website, which I happen to think has a much better layout than their US website.

The almost ex-Mrs. Sir Paul McCartney has decided to take a stab at working in the beauty and health industry. Heather Mills, a former Model, will be launching her own website later this year called, “I Do Care,” offering fitness, health and beauty tips on how to live a green lifestyle.

Mills will also be launching her own line of beauty products that some see as a direct competition to Stella McCartney’s fragrance and soon to be released organic skin care line. Will the two be going head to head?

With an ongoing nasty divorce that involves a lot of he-said-she-said, most especially with a man many see as a musical icon and beloved legend, it’s hard to say if Mills can come out of it unscathed and launch a successful career in the health and beauty industry. Only time will tell.

What do you think?

I came across an interesting beauty line today by a company called SAMPAR. They are based in Paris and recently launched a new line of products called Winsome. The line is comprised of 5 products, which are meant to cleanse, contour, moisturize, protect and invigorate the body. What intrigued me most about SAMPAR is their investment in research to find natural active ingredients that can have a positive effect on the skin and go as far as looking at how their packaging can be beneficial to the product it holds.

The main component in their products is their Urban Active Complex, which contains Shea Butter, Mint Leaf and Vegetal and Milk Sugar. While I didn’t know the benefits of the last two ingredients prior to reading about them, I am well aware of how wonderful Shea Butter is for your skin. SAMPAR combines their Urban Active Complex with essential oils, biopeptides, natural vitamin C and antioxidants.

The Winsome Body line is one that offers protection from the elements such as lead, iron and chlorine found in tap water. While the Dew It Again Shower Gel, Joyous Body Milk and Lap of Luxury Sea Scrub sound divine; I am skeptical about two of the other products. Go Figure Slimming Gel claims to be able to eliminate and break down fats while preventing the appearance of new fat and the Lift Me Up Bust Cream says it can envelop the breasts with an invisible firming film for immediate enhancement. I honestly have yet to find any non-medical beauty product that can do either.

Have you tried any of the products from SAMPAR; what are your thoughts on them?

Add another celebrity to the mix in the fragrance industry. Christina Aguilera has signed a long–term deal with Proctor and Gamble Prestige Products to create a fragrance line in her name. Aguilera, a Grammy winner and popular singer-songwriter, P&G feels Aguilera targets a demographic they are looking to market to according to Women’s Wear Daily.

Aguilera’s deal comes on the heels of many other recent announcements of celebrities launching fragrance lines such as Gwen Stephani, Kylie Minogue and reportedly Kate Moss. There were 37 celebrity-endorsed scents over the last few years and the trend continues to surge. P&G says that they signed with Aguilera not to keep up with the trend, but because they wanted to reach a demographic and that the loyal fan base of Aguilera that is part of that demographic.

In a previous post I mentioned the surge in celebrity fragrances, but I have to wonder if soon the market will see an over saturation of it. While Jennifer Lopez has show staying power with her fragrance, will the over abundance of celebrity fragrances dilute the success of each new celebrity brand that makes it onto the shelves?

What do you think?

NicoDerm has launched a new anti-wrinkle campaign for smokers looking to quit called “The Beauty of Quitting.” This new campaign is targeted at the other effects smoking has on you that many do not take into account. Of course cancer is serious and absolutely life threatening, however smoking has a long list of side effects that also include wreaking havoc on your skin. Pierce Mattie is very much against smoking and encourages all of his employees not smoke. In fact, he pays for those that do to go on the patch.

As an ex-smoker myself, I can tell you that there were definite things I noticed while smoking. My “smoking hand,” most especially the fingernails nearest my cigarette, were always yellow; my skin was always dry no matter how much lotion I slapped on; and my teeth looked grayish in color. I was only a smoker for 5 years, but still began to see the effects take shape in that small period of time. When switching to a new health insurance 3 years after quitting, a blood test told them that I was still a smoker. I contested it and they revealed to me that nicotine stays in your bloodstream for up to 10 years after you quit.

I’m always surprised by the amount of people I encounter who soley use sunscreen in the summer months. No matter what time of year, UVA and UVB rays can cause damage to your skin if you are not well protected. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean your skin should brave the elementals, you’ll be sure to pay for it later.

UVA:
Can pass through window glass.
Is not affected by a change in altitude or weather.
Is present all day and every day of the year.
Penetrates deep into skin layers.
Are 5% of the sun's rays.
Is 20 times more abundant than UVB rays.
Affects long-term skin damage.

UVB:
Cannot pass through window glass.
Causes sunburn.
Causes tanning.
Helps the body with normal vitamin D production.
Varies with the season.
It is more intense in the summer than in the winter.
Varies with weather conditions.
Is more intense at midday than in the morning or late afternoon.
Is more intense at high altitudes and near the equator.
Are 0.5% of the sun's rays.
Is protected against by the SPF in sunscreens.
Is related to more than 90% of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Is related to cataracts.

Intimately Beckham is a his and hers fragrance line that is insanely popular in the UK. Intimately Him has notes of bergamot, grapefruit zest, cardamom, violet, nutmeg, star anise, sandalwood, patchouli and amber. While Intimately Her offers notes of white flowers, bergamot, rose petals, Casablanca lily, tuberose, orange blossom, vanilla, sandalwood and musk.

The Beckham's are going to be signing a $9 million dollar deal to launch the fragrance line here in the states and Victoria Beckham is said to have signed a $6 million dollar deal to design handbags and shoes in the US, as well.

Tarte Cosmetics, known for their fabulous Cheek Stains and double-ended lipgloss and BORBA, known for their all natural products and drinkable skin care, have come together for what is likely to become a trend among cosmetics companies this year. tarte Cosmetics has teamed up with BORBA to create their newest lip gloss set to launch in February called Inside Out. Inside Out is a vitamin-infused lipgloss that tarte calls a “double-duty” beauty product. It’s one that not only works on the outside of the body, but on the inside as well. The gloss works to soothe and hydrate your lips, while the nutraceutical blend delivers powerful skin care ingredients.

Scott Vincent Borba exclusively created the blend of vitamins for tarte’s Inside Out lipgloss. It is a combination of all natural ingredients from BORBA’s Clarifying, Age Defying and Replenishing lines. They include Acai & green tea extract which help strengthen capillary walls, reduce epidermal irritation and enhance skin’s clarity and radiance; Grape seed extract & Vitamin C which help accelerate production of natural elastin, protecting skin against free-radical damage & restore skin’s clarity, Vitamins A, E & K which act as antioxidants to give you that healthy glow, and Lychee extract promotes long-term skin hydration and chamomile extract soothes skin and helps to counteract redness. Inside Out comes in 3 colors; shimmery pale pink, hot pink and nude. Each gloss is 5.7oz. and is scented with pomegranate, the same scent as BORBA’s Clarifying Cotton Fibers.

Lancome is not one to let a lifestyle trend go by. As more and more companies begin to promote organic skincare lines, Lancome has decided to take it one step further by taking part in a green initiative with Carbonfund.org. The one who initiated the effort? Lancome’s own spokesmodel, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.

Carbonfund.org is a nonprofit organization that educates the public about the dangers of climate change and makes it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Their website even has a Carbon Calculator where you can see how much CO2 you are responsible for (mine was 61.01 tons of CO2 per year--yikes). The organization gives you simple tips to reduce how much CO2 you are responsible for such as things you can do for your home, car and when traveling.

According to WWD, Lancome will participate in a climate offset program that involves a paperless press office, where pictures, releases and videos will be accessible via the Internet; retrofitting its four freestanding Lancome boutiques to reduce their carbon footprints, as well as, planting a tree for each of the first 10,000 bottles of the new Primordiale Cell Defense & Skin Perfecting Serum sold in the U.S. when it launches in June.

Tarte Cosmetics--Inside Out nutraceutical lipgloss, Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion

Unilever--Dove Pro-Age (Skin care line)

Calvin Klein--Euphoria Blossom (fragrance)

Vera Wang--Truly Pink (fragrance)

Serge Lutens—Rousse (fragrance)

Smashbox--Limited Edition Tokidoki Collection (cosmetic line)

Rimmel--Underground (cosmetic line)

M-A-C Cosmetics--Raquel Welch Beauty Icon Collection, Barbie loves MAC

Guerlain--Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist

Balmain--La Mome (fragrance)

Chanel--Les Exclusifs de Chanel (fragrance) *Available at 16 select Chanel boutiques and Bergdorf Goodman.

Do you have a beauty product launching this month? Please be sure to let us know so that it can be added to this February calendar.

Kate Somerville, a widely respected industry leader in medi-skin care, will promote her products among her beauty industry peers such as Maureen Kelly, CEO & Founder of Tarte and Cristina Carlino, creator of Philosophy on Sunday, February 11th on QVC according to WWD. Kate Somerville’s debut comes at a time when beauty brands are beginning to see the value in promoting their lines on such networks as QVC and HSN.

Kate Somerville’s skin care products have a celebrity following like no other, it’s no wonder she has been touted on such shows as E!, Access Hollywood and Extra. Beyond her skin care products, Kate also has a Clinic on Melrose Place where her staff perform such non-invasive, non-surgical procedures such as Titan, an FDA approved treatment of lax skin of the face, neck and body (the before and after pictures are really amazing).

Bringing a more personalized approach to her products through promotion on QVC will only further Kate Somerville’s success in the skin care industry.

Have you used Kate Somerville’s products? If so, let us know what you thought.

I thought my parabens rant would be my last regarding claims and beauty scare tactics used in various parts of the press without substantiated and undeniable proof. After finding another press-covered story, by the AP no less, about the possibility of oils in bath products potentially causing breast enlargement in boys, I decided enough was enough.

The study the AP is reporting on was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study, which was looking into a condition called gynecomastia, suspected that essential oils such as lavender and tea tree oil could be the culprit for the condition. While the study could not pinpoint any estrogen-like compounds in the oils or make any solid claims to prove that without a doubt these essentials oils cause such a condition, the hormone specialist who oversaw the boys involved in the study went so far as to tell their parents, “I would not give these products to my children.”

Before I go any further, it should be noted that this was one study only done on three boys. It confuses me how this federally funded study without substantiated claims made it into the New England Journal of Medicine and then got picked up and distributed among the news media by the AP. We contacted Paula Begoun, founder of Paula's Choice and well known for several best-selling books such as The Beauty Bible and Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, for her input on this story. Paula told us,

"We looked at this story too, and your reaction was mine as well. Three kids is hardly a study by any standard and it doesn't prove a thing about those two ingredients. There can be many reasons why a male child might have enlarged breasts. This is not direct evidence and it would take hundreds of children in controlled, monitored environments to prove the possibility (soy milk would prove a bigger risk for phytoestrogens). The news media's job is to grab our attention and keep us on the same channel regardless of truth, reality, or balance."

With a very bold question mark, that is exactly what I was thinking when I read this headline in Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine. Global Cosmetic Industry Magazine only reported on the gloss and gave no opinion either way to support the claim, however, all sorts of questions popped into my head, as I am sure it would for anyone hearing that a lip gloss has been produced and can help you lose weight. The lip gloss, Promise, is made by Omega Tech Labs and claims that it’s users and dr. have confirmed weight loss through using it.

When scouring the internet for information about this product, I found out that it came out in April of 2006. I’m not sure why I haven't heard about this product before. Maybe because if it really worked it would be all over the news? I obviously can't say for sure, since I have never actually tried this product.

Promise is made of essential oils that are indeed known to be appetite suppressants and the website says that by licking your lips these oils are delivered into your blood stream. Some things that pop out at me are the lack of directional use; how many times a day do you apply it and is there such thing as lip gloss overdose? Sounds silly, but when a lip gloss is meant as a means to lose weight, you do have to wonder. Also, the website simply states, "Many people have lost weight and keep it off." How many is "many," how much weight did they lose, how long did they keep it off, how many tubes of Promise were the norm for an average weight loss, and honestly, my questions go on and on and on. The testimonies page simply shows 3 testimonies of weight loss, two of which are quite strangely, from the same town.

I don't want to be one to put down a product I have never used, so if you have used Promise, I invite you to leave your thoughts about it in our comments.

Josh Holloway is pure bad boy, yet immensely sexy. Being on Lost, where he is on an island surrounded by beautiful aquatic waters where his rugged good looks and bad boy charm make me tune in each week, somehow make perfect sense with his new label as spokesmodel for Davidoff’s Cool Water Cologne worldwide.

Cool Water Cologne, known as the perfume that launched a thousand other aquatic perfumes, is fresh and crisp with notes of lavender, menthe, iris and musk. It’s a fragrance I’ve loved on a man since my younger days. Holloway who prior to his acting credits, was a model, is the perfect match for this fragrance.

Get a jumpstart on your career with ground-breaking lectures and live demonstrations at the General Session and immerse yourself in continuing education presentations that include trends, wellness, technology and business topics. Learn from the best industry educators at detailed manufacturers’ workshops.

4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
PHONE: 1.800.471.0229 / 305.443.2322
ONLINE: www.LNEONLINE.com
E-MAIL: registration@LNEONLINE.COM
FAX: 305.443.1664
After April 27, 2007, admission tickets are available on-location only for $75.

The $60, three-day, all-inclusive pre-registration fee grants attendees access to: • The General Session (lectures and demos) • All manufacturers’ workshops • Continuing education • Wellness Mini-Retreat • Entrance to the exhibition hall

Call 1-(800) 471-0229 for a complimentary show program and visit our website at www.LNEONLINE.com for up-to-the-minute information.

French brand L’Artisan Parfumeur is venturing into skin care with an organic line based on the Himalayan nard plant Jatamansi. Jatamansi is wrapped in essences of blue chamomile, saintwood and rose, as well as, jojoba extracts and is said to be an herbal-scented luxurious fragrance to wrap your body in with this skin care line.

The Jatamansi plant is said to have healing and relaxing properties and is used in Ayurveda, an Indian practice that deals with the measures of healthy living, along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. L'Artisan Parfumeur’s Jatamansi skin care line has received organic certification by France's Eco Cert. Jatamansi consists of a Body Oil, Shower & Milk Bath and Body Cream.

Jatamansi will be launched in the US next month. It is currently available in France and the United Kingdom. An eau de toilette based on the skin care line will be available in May.

Les Exclusifs de Chanel is the new fragrance from Chanel marking key dates and places from the legendary life of Coco Chanel. As reported by Jason Jobson in my interview with him last month, Les Exclusifs will include 10 fragrances of which 4 existing fragrances will be relaunched and then there will be 6 new ones.

The 4 existing scents that will be relaunched are No. 22, Gardenia, Bois des Iles and Cuir de Russie. The six new scents will be Eau de Cologne, 31 rue Cambon, No. 18, Coromandel, Bel Respiro and 28 La Pausa. These scents range from floral to oriental to a fresh clean scent, which is sure to captivate the hearts of all perfume addicts. Each fragrance comes in identical 200ml and 100ml bottles with magnetic caps.

Les Exclusifs launched this week at 16 select Chanel boutiques and Bergdorf Goodman in New York. You can read all about Aromascope’s Blogger, Ina, first hand account of what each scent is like when she went to her local Chanel boutique to try the fragrances out for herself. From her review, it sounds like Les Exclusifs will be a success.

After months of speculation about a possible deal between fashion model Kate Moss and powerhouse beauty brand, Coty, today it was confirmed that Moss has indeed signed a long term contract to create a house of fragrances under her name. The fragrance line itself has yet to be named, but the fragrance concept is said to be a smokey rose and black undertones with a vintage English feel.

This comes at a time when celebrity fragrances have inundated the market and caused over saturation to the point of declining sales. With so many celebrity fragrances amid designer fragrance launches, retail shelves can only hold so much, making retailers pick and choose which brands will grace their stores.

While celebrity fragrances duke it out, classic and designer scents are beginning to make a comeback according to WWD. Celebrities come and go, and while JLo has proven staying power, can you imagine wearing her scent 30 years from now? It is classics like Chanel and Elizabeth Arden that have the track record of being “in” no matter which celebrity is all the rage at the time.

When was the last time the life of your lipstick came to an end and you simply planted it’s packaging in the ground only to grow something green and beautiful? Sound a little out of the ordinary? With Cargo’s new PlantLove packaging you can now beautify yourself and the earth at the same time.

Available just this month at Sephora, Cargo Cosmetics has launched PlantLove, the first ever botanical lipstick in 100% biodegradable packaging. The lipstick tube is greenhouse gas-neutral made entirely out of corn and the box is made of recycled paper and infused with plant seeds. Simply wet the box, plant it and viola, not only did you just buy a lipstick, but you began a garden as well.

Of course their always has to be more to a product than its packaging and PlantLove’s lipsticks come in a gorgeous array of colors and the lipstick is made of meadowfoam seed oil, orchid waters, shea butter and jojoba. It is petroleum and mineral oil free. Celebrities such as, Evangeline Lily, Courteney Cox and Lindsay Lohan created five of the twelve lipstick colors.

As if a botanical lipstick and a flowerbed made from its packaging wasn’t enough, $2 from every purchase of a PlantLove lipstick is donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Now there’s a beauty product that does double duty. Have you used PlantLove? Let us know what you think of it.

The Cucumber Eye Care Kit from Earth Therapeutics offers a soothing oasis in the middle of the stress, pollution, environmental factors or even a late night after the Oscars, which can take their toll on the eyes and the delicate skin surrounding the eyes. To soothe, calm, and condition, try the Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads. Infused with real Cucumber extract, Vitamin E, and a beneficial blend of nutrients, these pre-moistened treatment pads cool and soothe on contact – offering a convenient, one-step solution for comforting and replenishing delicate skin around the eyes. Over time, these treatment pads help restore the skin.

Tired eyes are pampered. Tired skin is nourished and nurtured. Puffiness and swelling are relieved. Dark circles are visibly diminished. After a relaxing treatment with the Recover-E Eye Pads, try on the Herba-Gel Beauty Mask to put the finishing touches on your eye care regimen. The Herba-Gel Mask can be used either warm or cool to further soothe and invigorate tired, strained eyes. Eyes will feel fresh and rested. Skin around the eyes will look and feel soft, smooth, and radiant. -Enjoy in good health

All beauty mavens know that when Bobbi Brown launches a product, many times it sells out fast, as was the case with her Chocolate Palette. Below are the products that are new to her line. So if you see something you love, my advice is to scoop it up fast.

Living Beauty Palette
This is a Limited Edition makeup palette inspired by her book “Bobbi Brown Living Beauty” that recently came out on February 15th. This palette has a gorgeous array of colors for lips, cheeks and eyes that require more than a glance.

Eye Brightener
This lightweight under eye coverage gives eyes a brighter look while concealing dark circles. If you pull all nighter’s working or simply don’t get enough sleep, you can fool everyone looking like an 8 hour well rested beauty with this Eye Brightener.

Brightening Lip Gloss
These four new glosses (and who doesn’t love lip gloss?) are infused with brightening pearls giving your lips a fuller look. You can wear them alone or in combination with her Lip Colors.

Tawny Shimmer Brick & Lip Kit
Everyone always raves about Bobbi Brown’s bricks. The Tawny Shimmer brick is a mood brightening color with 4 lip colors in the palette to beat the winter blah’s while we wait for Spring to make its arrival.

Bridal Face Palette
Another Limited Edition palette by Bobbi Brown should have all brides-to-be scooping up this kit. When you want to look your best on your wedding day, why put your face into anyone else’s hands?

Exclusive Face Palette for the Pro’s
Even if you’re not a pro, this face palette will keep you busy for a long while as it contains all of the concealer and foundation shades in Bobbi’s BBU collection.

I’m sure Simon Cowell is just wishing that Jennifer Hudson would’ve made it all the way through with American Idol now that she is has become a household name. Her celebrity status has outshone all of the Idol winners combined. Not only did her star shine in Dream Girls, soon after winning an Academy Award for her role, now Avon has scooped her up as spokesmodel for their best-selling fragrance.

Imari, a perfume that has been part of the Avon line for 20 years, is described as petal-light flowery overtones that grace an opulent oriental blend of wood, amber and vanilla. The Imari line comes in an anti-perspirant deodorant, shimmering body powder, perfumed skin softener, body lotion, bath & shower gel, Eau de Cologne spray and Eau de Parfum Cologne Spray. This August Avon will be launching Imari Seduction in the US.

 "Drop-Dead Gorgeous Guts" I can’t say that I have ever thought of a fiber laxative as a beauty product or that it even garnered a thought of sex appeal. However, this is the way that Metamucil is repositioning itself to capture the attention of divas both young and old. The train of thought is that cosmetics beautify our outside while a fiber laxative can beautify our insides.

While the fiber market’s target age range is those 65 and older, Metamucil is taking a leap and targeting women in their mid-30’s who are health and wellness conscious. They’ve changed the packaging to pink and ramped up their ads with younger looking attractive models to promote the product as a “colon cosmetic” and a fashionable way to “beautify your insides.”

Maybe their repositioning is not that far off with “beauty foods” and “beauty pills” hitting the market. I can’t say their new ad campaign would compel me to go out and buy some Metamucil as part of my beauty regiment, but I guess only time will tell if the campaign is working if we suddenly start seeing more 30 and 40 year olds in line at the supermarket check out with some Metamucil next to their shower gel and lipstick.

What are your thoughts on Metamucil targeting beauty addicts?

Reviews tend to sway me when thinking about purchasing a product, most especially when it comes to a beauty product. I recently saw an ad for Blinc’s Kiss Me Mascara in the quarterly beauty magazine, New Beauty. The advertisement caught my attention when it boasted being a non-traditional mascara in that the formula actually encapsulates your lashes in tubes. Tubes? I found it intriguing and decided to take a look through the blogosphere to figure out if this was a product that really worked and the science behind it.

My first stop was at TeamSugar. When the words, “Holy grail of mascara” somehow find their way into a review, you pay attention. The TeamSugar reviewer loved this product and highly recommended it. Beauty & Fashion Tech gave it a try, and while she loved its ease of use for a contact lense wearer like herself, she wasn’t so enamored with the clumping. Best Beauty Answers loved it and proclaims boldly, “It works!” I also went to Amazon.com to check out the reviews for this product and it gets 4.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviews (there were 17) raved about this product, but the two things reviewers “complained” about was lack of volume and that if you weren’t quick to comb out your lashes the mascara would clump.

Of course, my last stop was at the Beauty Brains, who are a pair of cosmetic chemists that explained exactly how this product worked:

Unlike most mascaras which are made with waxes, Blinc’s Kiss Me is formulated with acrylate polymers. These polymers are similar to the ones used in hairsprays and they’re what give Kiss Me its ability to form tiny tubes.”

Over the last several months, I’ve noticed more and more beauty brands announcing that they are going on tour. Of course, what better way to capture a beauty addicts attention than to lure her in with a beauty tour. I’m sure anyone who has a favorite beauty brand or just loves all beauty products in general will admit to the fun of indulging in some pampering while socializing with others who share their same love for beauty products.

Since last year we’ve seen several beauty tours make their way across the US, most only going to major cities. Last October CoverGirl promoted their new LashExact mascara by traveling to 8 US locations and giving away the mascara for free when guests turned in their department store brand. They traveled in a hard to miss purple van to generate the buzz as they traveled.

Last month Laura Geller didn’t just hold a tour, she had a cruise. On March 25th fans of Laura Geller booked their 7-night cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines and headed to the Bahamas. While on the cruise Ms. Geller gave makeup seminars. What a great way to relax while traveling with your favorite beauty brand and learning directly from the owner herself? Beginning last month and continuing into this month the Style Network has Garnier and Maybelline hitching a ride on their tour bus as they travel the country to give makeovers and promote the charity Dress for Success. Then of course, there is the BE Fan Tour traveling the country. Bare Escentuals has a cult-like following that has made them very successful and already their upcoming tour date in Chicago is sold out.

It’s obvious that the brands listed above understand that interacting with their consumers on their home turf promotes a relationship that is incapable of being established just from making a purchase at the store. Not only will it create loyalty and a buzz, but it will get the brand’s fan’s talking and doing much of the promoting for them. A happy customer, after all, is your best advertisement.

What do you think? Are beauty tours something we will see more of this year?

Women’s Wear Daily had an article today that brought attention to one of the newest beauty trends going on that involves pomegranate. Last year we began to see the trend when it came to food products, but now it has made the cross over to skin care and cosmetics as well.

Studies have shown pomegranates to have powerful antioxidant properties. These properties are not only beneficial to our health when we eat the fruit or when it is an ingredient in a food product, but it is also beneficial in topical skin care. Pomegranates are said to promote the regeneration of cells in the two most important layers of healthy skin, the epidermis and dermis. One of my favorite facial moisturizers is Korres Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer. It’s perfect for my combination skin and also the elasticity as I get older. (The scent is pretty intoxicating as well.)

One of the cosmetic lines that I use is Jane Iredale’s, which is mineral makeup with skin care benefits. Most of Jane Iredale’s products contain pomegranate extract. As Jane notes on her website:

"According to researchers from the University of Wisconsin, it’s also a promising agent against skin cancer. Researchers assessed the effect of skin application of pomegranate extract on induced skin tumors. The skin pretreated with pomegranate extract showed substantially reduced tumor incidence.”

Jane Iredale’s Pom Mist is a facial spritzer that contains pomegranate extract to keep your skin healthy and as a base to set her mineral powders. Some of her other products that contain pomegranate extract are her Matte Loose Finish Powder, Pure Gloss, eye shadows and so on. You can check out her website and type in “pomegranate extract” to pull up the complete listing of products that contain this ingredient.

The pomegranate bandwagon is definitely one trend that is advantageous to get in on. With nothing but health benefits for our skin, it’s one ingredient that I don’t mind seeing so many brands adding to their beauty products.

For those of you who absolutely adore the extremely talented Billy B., you will be as excited as I am to hear that he got the greenlight for a pilot for his own show on Bravo! Read on...

From Bravo's Press Room:

Bravo announced the development deal for "The Beauty Foundation," a potential docu-drama series following Billy Brasfield (known as Billy B. in the fashion industry), a world-renowned make-up artist leading a jet-set lifestyle tending to clients around the globe. When he isn't charging $5,000 to prepare a celebrity for a photo shoot, he's down south trying to rebuild his tiny Mississippi hometown. The clash between the high-gloss make-up artist lifestyle and the grit of restoration projects provides a fascinating look at this unique individual and the many challenges he faces moving between two different worlds.

Dr. Stuart Kaplan, one of the nation's leading dermatologists and the creative mind behind the skincare line KaplanMD, recently wrote an article to distinguish the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. If you are not aware of the difference and how each product works, the article below is a good start to understand the difference between the two.

Botox vs. Fillers: How To Choose The Best One For You
By Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D. Beverly Hills Dermatologist

It is important to understand the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and Juvederm, Restylane, Collagen, etc. which are fillers. The easiest way to visualize the difference is to think of a crease as a valley between two mountains. Botox prevents the mountains from being pushed together, and fillers fill in the valley.

Before Botox®Cosmetic

After Botox®Cosmetic

Injectable Wrinkle Fillers: The differences between fillers has to do with thickness and longevity. In general, the thicker the filler, the better it will fill creases, but the greater the chance of possible bumps. Bumps are more likely in thinner skin such as the lower eyelids, and crows feet. Zyderm (a type of Collagen), and Restylane Fine Line are the least thick and can be used around the eyes, but they are also the shortest lasting. Juvederm Ultra Plus is one of the longer lasting hyaluronic acid fillers. It can be used for deeper creases. Juvederm Ultra Plus can last between 3 and 6 months.

Fillers can also be used to improve or enhance facial structures such as:

* Filling in acne scars
* Enhancing cheek bones to make them fuller and more defined
* Enlarging lips for a fuller, softer pout
* Correcting lip deformities or asymmetry
* Non-surgical nose-job to fill in dips and valleys in the nose bridge
* Filling in hollows under the eyes that contribute to dark circles

Before Restylane Injection

After Restylane Injection

Other new trends include:

* Nipple enhancement
* Vaginal rejuvenation
* Injecting into the soles of the feet to make wearing high heeled shoes more comfortable

Self Magazine recently asked readers to test over a thousand new products, in all prices ranges, and rate the best of the best. The products were broken down into categories of Face, Body, Makeup, Hair and Sun. Readers voted for products that ranged from what you would find at your local drugstore to niche brands. I saw many brands that I love on the list, but was most excited to see Earth Therapeutics and Skingenic make the cut as well.

Earth Therapeutics won in the Body category with their Intensive Heel Repair. The Intensive Heel Repair is specially formulated to moisturize, soothe, and protect dry, cracked and callused heels. It contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Aloe Vera, Australian Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint and Cocoa Butter to soothe, protect and heal even the roughest feet. While I haven’t used this product myself, I have used other products by Earth Therapeutics that I absolutely love; you can see their review here.

Skingenic won in the Face category with their Regenerating Moisturizer. I have this moisturizer in my cabinet myself, so I can attest to the fact that it is an amazing moisturizer. It contains Idebenone, the most powerful anti-oxidant available. This ingredient is renowned for combating overexposed and aging skin. When combined with complementary ingredients, such as DMAE, Hyaluronic Acid and Copper Peptides, this creme re-energizes the skin, resulting in a firmer, suppler, and healthier look.

Have you used either of these products? What did you think?

Media Contact: Beauty PR Division
Skingenic: Maryam at piercemattie dot com
Earth Therapeutics: Lauren at piercemattie dot com

NYX Cosmetics is launching a new mineral compact powder in May, Black Label Compact, available in 20 shades. The new Black Label Compact is a sunscreen, powder, foundation, and concealer all in one that offers a shine free, flawless finish. It contains no chemicals or preservatives so it is perfect for sensitive and acne prone skin.

Another NYX product soon to launch is the Black Label Lipstick. This lipstick is super creamy, has a velvety texture, and is silky smooth and moisturizing. It will be available in 144 fabulous colors, which means you can have your lips covered one color a day for almost 5 months.

I'm sure the new Black Label line will be just as fabulous as NYX Cosmetic's other products, as I am an absolute fan of their high quality, yet affordable prices. NYX Cosmetics are available at Ulta, Duane Reade, Longs Drugs, beauty supply stores nationwide, and www.NYXCosmetics.com.

Here are links to some of my reviews on different NYX Cosmetic's products:

Super Volume Lip Plumper
Trio Eyeshadow
Cream Rouge & Powder Blush
Tinted Lip Spa

Media Contact:
Beauty PR Division: Maryam at piercemattie dot com

Avon sure is doing some major collaborations for its brand these days. While Avon is a MLM and direct sales company, those who turn their nose up at such companies really need to look beyond stereotypes and admire Avon for their ability to be innovative. And honestly, I think many other niche beauty direct sales companies should pay attention to Avon and follow suit.

From the Avon News Room:

Avon Products, Inc. today announced a collaboration with French couture fashion designer Christian Lacroix and with Interparfums, its worldwide fragrance licensee, to create two signature fragrances, Christian Lacroix Rouge (for women) and Christian Lacroix Noir (for men), bringing Avon consumers worldwide the opportunity to experience Christian Lacroix through a fragrance that reflects the designer's originality, creativity, sophistication and elegance. Christian Lacroix Rouge and Noir will launch globally in 2007, debuting in the UK in September. In the US, Christian Lacroix Rouge will launch in November 2007, followed by Christian Lacroix Noir in February 2008.

Avon has been heightening their premium fragrance offerings over the last year with select partnerships and alliances. This exclusive collaboration with Christian Lacroix gives Avon the extraordinary opportunity to create elite designer fragrances for its fragrance portfolio, and bring a premium range of fragrances imbued with high fashion to the Avon consumer.

Christian Lacroix Rouge and Christian Lacroix Noir, both created by the perfumers at IFF, are striking, audacious and provocative, reflecting Christian Lacroix's original haute design sensibility. Christian Lacroix Rouge is a strikingly bold floral chypre with exuberant top notes of wild red peony blended with zesty citrus accents. Rouge's heart is rich with modern florals with a drydown consisting of warm, passionate notes such as cashmere woods, patchouli and musks. Christian Lacroix Noir is an elegant fougere design with fresh and spicy topnotes of ginger and saffron. Noir's heart consists of cardamom and textured orris with a drydown composed of a woody blend of cedarwood and vetiver. The luxurious packaging is distinctive of the House of Christian Lacroix, reflecting a passion for embroidered motifs with the bold use of red and black.

"Avon believes all women should have access to great style and fashion, and by bringing Mr. Lacroix's creations to the Avon consumer, we are helping women feel more special, and more beautiful," said Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and Brand President for Avon Products, Inc. "Avon is the global beauty company unmatched for its understanding and appreciation of its clients' sensibilities and aspirations. Together, Avon and Christian Lacroix will enhance and realize their respective visions, expanding their objectives of offering inspiring and quality fashion to women everywhere."

"I consider that every woman is a red carpet star and nothing gives me more pleasure than celebrating their individuality: their inner spirit, their seductiveness, their lives and loves," adds Mr. Lacroix. "By partnering with Avon, the company whose heritage is a virtual celebration of women, I can connect with women everywhere. I envision Rouge becoming the Avon woman's signature, one that's utterly feminine yet mysterious and bold."

Born in Provence, France, Christian Lacroix studied at both Paris' prestigious Sorbonne and Ecole du Louvre with the ambition of becoming a museum curator. Then destiny intervened: influenced to draw, Mr. Lacroix shifted his focus to haute couture, eventually establishing the House of Christian Lacroix in 1987. Today, its brands are sold in over 60 points of sale in France and 1,000 points of sale worldwide. Distinguished by their exuberant patterns, sensuality and attention to detail, his designs have been coveted by A-list celebrities, including award winning actresses and singers.

Christian Lacroix's imprint is apparent in every phase of Rouge's development: the scent, the packaging, even the name. Says Mr. Lacroix, "I believe fragrance reveals a woman's character even more than fashion. I was inspired by my love of red to create a powerful and fiery fragrance, the ultimate accessory embodying the energy of life, sensuality and passion." For men, the color black inspires mystery, elegance and desire.

Christian Lacroix's Rouge and Noir will be featured in the company's brochure, which is distributed through over 5 million Avon Representatives around the globe.

Billy B., one of the most assessable and talented makeup artists in the beauty industry, is going on tour doing seminars for The Powder Group. The American Beauty Tour will feature Billy B with seminars from a pro-artist perspective. See below for complete details and be sure to be on the lookout for my Industry Experts Profiles interview with Billy B in the coming weeks on our main blog.

Summer/Fall 2007 - The Powder Group is pleased to bring you our first round-the-country tour of one of the biggest talents in the makeup industry. Please join us as we travel the land celebrating the art of makeup with the incomprable Billy B!

Billy's stellar career counts some of the most well known women in the industry as clients including Beyonce, Sharon Stone, Pink, Mary J Blige, The Dixie Chicks, Laura Linney and on.... Check out Billy's website at billybbeauty.com

The tour will include pro-driven, consumer-friendly seminars that include product talk, tips and technique, as well as the opportunity to network and share your passion for makeup artistry with your peers.

The first leg of the tour will hit Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Dallas, Atlanta and a special benefit event for Unlocking Hope in the great city of New Orleans.

The Powder Group is pleased to announce W Hotels and behindthechair.com as our tour partner for the Billy B event series.

Tour dates are as follows:

San Francisco July 22

Los Angeles July 29

Dallas August 19

Chicago August 26

New York City September 23

Atlanta October 7

New Orleans Date TBD

In each city, Billy B will present two seminars. Each seminar will last two and a half hours and consist of two application demonstrations, question and answer period, as well as loads of discussion with Billy. The format of each seminar will be the same, although looks demonstrated may change during each seminar.

Billy will have his new collection of billybbeauty paintbrushes available for the special purchase price of 145.00 at the events.

The seminars have been developed from the pro-artist perspective, but as always, Billy's incredible talent and dynamic personality are a fascinating experience for all attendees pro's and non-pros alike!

In each city the event times are 10:00am - 1:30pm and 2:30pm - 5:00pm

Event fee is $145.00 per seminar.

To register or for more information please call 866.876.9337 or email info@thepowdergroup.com

Many of my readers on Makeup Minute often email me and ask if I know the name of the spray foundation Carmindy, Makeup Artist on What Not To Wear, uses on the shows fashion victims. Today in Carmindy's newsletter, she revealed the brand of this elusive product.

Carmindy uses two spray on foundations: ERA FACE Spray on Foundation by Classified Cosmetics and Sally Hansen Air Brush Makeup.

ERA FACE Spray on Foundation comes in 10 naturally sheer shades and are divided up into two color bases: yellow-beige and red-beige. On their website, each shade notes which color base it is in. There is an "Automatch" component to the Classified Cosmetics site, where you can find the best matching ERA color to your current foundation. The site states that if your foundation is not listed in their database, their makeup artists will personally research a match.

ERA FACE Spray on Foundation requires no blending, is water resistant and lightweight. It is oil-free and won't rub off on clothing. You can find ERA at various salons or you can simply order direct through their website.

Sally Hansen Air Brush Makeup is also lightweight and oil-free. It's irritant-free and hypoallergenic. It comes in 5 shades; even one called "No color." This product is available at local retail stores such as CVS and Walgreen's, and online at Cosmetic Mall and drugstore.com (see their website for a complete list.)

Have you used either of these products?

SAN DIEGO, July 17 /PRNewswire -- CEO, Steve Bonenberger of Blackhawk Fund Media Group stated, "We are so pleased to announce we are in production of two new beauty TV shows. Vanity Beauty TV for the 20 and older demographic and Teen Beauty TV, for the vast and lucrative teen market. Both shows will allow us to showcase beauty related products, services, fashion and so much more. The beauty industry will benefit greatly because our shows will fill a huge void, in that the beauty industry is still utilizing print for a majority of its marketing and product launches. Now they will be able to use the power and reach of television."

CFO, Brent Fouch added, "Millions of people will be able to benefit from our reputation and experience for creating brilliant niche television programming that educates, motivates and stimulates. And with our just announced TV On DVD distribution program, they will be able to watch both of these new shows at their convenience on DVD."

Mr. Bonenberger added, "By adding these new beauty shows to our significant television show and TV On DVD portfolio is very exciting. This gives us a line up of TV shows that collectively attract a huge segment of the nation's population and therefore attract a huge sponsorship base. We are already attracting sponsors that are reallocating their marketing dollars from print and moving to both our TV and TV On DVD media properties.

Mr. Fouch added, "Niche is the key strategy to our business success in that we have created niche media vehicles coupled with amazing distribution channels that most businesses only dreamed about. Our business model focuses on creating, producing and owning niche media properties that attract large targeted viewing audiences and therefore provide a large number of sponsors with the instant ability to reach their ideal consumers. We feel very firm in our decision to enter the beauty industry with these amazing media properties and are confident we will enjoy a very favorable return for our investors."

www.blackhawkfund.com

Just as AVON has been branching out of the "direct sales box" with its celebrity pairings and television ads, Mary Kay has now thrown its mascara into the ring. Mary Kay was just announced as the 2007 CMA's official beauty sponsor.

The CMA's and Mary Kay consider this a mutually beneficial relationship as the awards show can tap into Mary Kay's network of more than 700,000 beauty consultants and their customers, expanding their viewership and the Mary Kay brand will gain more exposure through the female CMA viewers nationwide. You may remember that Mary Kay had some indirect exposure on The Apprentice Season 3 through finalist Tana Goertz, who was a top beauty consultant for the company.

This is a smart move on Mary Kay's part, as it will generate buzz leading up to the CMA's and possibly for some time after the CMA's air. To maximize the potential of their sponsorship, Mary Kay has started a national consumer sweepstakes and will be advertising during the event.

NYX is launching two glitter products, Glitter Mania Jumbo Pencils and Candy Glitter Liner, to add a little sparkle to your summer look.

The Candy Glitter Liner will brighten your day by adding a punch of color to your makeup routine with 18 shades including Baby Pink, Disco Queen and Tangerine. NYX Cosmetics Candy Glitter Liners are long lasting liquid liners that go on wet and dry shiny. The micro glitter infused liners are hypo-allergenic and cruelty free, making them wearable for even the most sensitive skin types. Each Candy Glitter Liner is packaged in a sleek portable tube with a fun and flirty tassel on top. Candy Glitter Liners feature a smooth tip that doesn’t tug or skip on the skin so results are impeccable. Apply onto desired body area: face, hair, chest and wherever else you want to add some colorful sparkle.

NYX Glitter Mania Jumbo Pencils create a stand out party look with a sweet scent in no time. NYX Cosmetics Glitter Mania Jumbo Pencils are chunky crayons of translucent color and long lasting glitter that smell as sweet as candy. The velvety smooth texture of the pencil and the long lasting, flake free formula is perfect to wear on the face and the entire body. Glitter Mania Jumbo Pencils are easier to apply than traditional loose glitter due to the mess free pencil form, making them perfect to take out for a night on the town. Glitter Mania Jumbo Pencils are available in 16 funky shades including Hampton (lime green), Ceramic (baby doll pink), and Pale Shrimp (peach), which all create an alluring and fun look.

Where to get it: www.nyxcosmetics.com

There isn't a face that cannot be enhanced and improved with the new Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil, by Redpoint. Instantly brighten, lift and firm the appearance of key areas of the face, while banishing shadows and dark circles with just a swipe of this amazing magic wand!

Unlike cream products found in inconsistent flow-through dispensers, Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil is non-messy and foolproof. The jumbo pencil contains light refractors, highlighters, color-correcting pigments and anti-aging ingredients that fill, treat, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles, furrows and indentations, optically airbrushing under-eye circles and shadows.

How does it work?

Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil is a cutting edge color cosmetic infused with anti-aging actives that adjust the appearance of the complexion's undertone, creating the image of younger looking skin. The pencil incorporates a highly effective powder - Soft Focus, which is a multi-layered structured powder that diffuses, rather than reflects light to help blur the appearance of wrinkles, sunspots, dark circles and blemishes. It also contains Elastimide Amino complex, a powerful blend of non-irritating peptides and the moisture-attracting Ceramide 2 to help address visible signs of aging. Vitamin E helps fight free radicals and protects the skin against environmental damage.

How do you use it?

Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil can be used before or after makeup, but for best results use the pencil as your final makeup step. Simply fill in bothersome wrinkles or indentations, such as the nasal-labial fold (from your nose to the outer ends of your mouth) or the "number 11" lines (the lines between your brows) and blend with the attached blending brush until the product disappears in to the surrounding skin. Use throughout the day for touch ups.

The Smooth & Remove Airbrush Pencil can also be used:

DermStore understands ecommerce and has mastered the art of making online shopping simple and rewarding. DermStore is not merely a distributor of high-end skin care and cosmetic products, but a safe haven for beauty brands to sell their products and consumers to purchase in confidence.

DermStore began in 1999 with the vision of fulfilling the unmet need for a reputable dermatologist-backed online store, carrying only the finest cosmetic dermatology products. DermStore has evolved into the premier online retail destination for cosmetics and skin care products, with the goal of exceeding expectations of even the most demanding customers.

With more than 150 brands and over 4,000 products, DermStore has quickly become the leader in luxury cosmetics online. Some of the most popular product lines are Dermalogica, Jane Iredale, Pevonia Botanica, Phytomer, Sircuit Cosmeceuticals and Kinerase – however, the list expands as new luxury brands are added monthly.

We're only into day two of Spring 2008 New York Fashion Week, but I'm already liking what I am seeing for Spring 08 beauty trends. As fast as the bold eyebrow trend swept in, it appears that it is just as quickly on its way out. Honestly? I couldn't be more thrilled. What seemed to be popular among designers and fashion magazines (as evidenced in their shows, in photo spreads and gracing red carpet celebrities) has not caught on with beauty addicts everywhere. I have yet to encounter anyone who embraced it wholeheartedly.

Softer, more natural looking eyebrows will be here for Spring 2008, once again bringing back natural beauty. Thanks to this great widget PopSugar created below, I can share Spring's fresh looks straight from the runway with you:

As I was reading through the blogosphere today, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw this post on one of my favorite beauty blogs, BellaSugar. Tom Ford's ad campaigns for his Fragrance For Men are about to debut in the fashion and beauty magazines as his fragrance launches on September 24th...but will sex sell?

The ads are something you would find in Playboy or the like (the above picture is the G version), definitely not something you expect to see displayed at you local retail outlet selling the fragrance. While Tom Ford exudes sex appeal, and I honestly don't know one woman who doesn't think he is sexy, I'm surprised that he would push the envelope this far. Ford is extremely creative and talented, yet these ads spell tacky with a capital T. Sure, they are not meant to appeal to women, it is a men's fragrance after all, but does Mr. Ford believe that a fragrance bottle between a woman's thighs that is about a centimeter shy of being considered porn, will garner him success with his first fragrance for men?

He's definitely gotten attention for these ads, mainly from women like myself who are just a little put off by them. However, maybe he is on to something. Women and men are different in the way they shop. For women, it is emotional and for men it is about meeting a need. Men are visual creatures, as well, and these ads definitely speak to them (maybe Tom has taken a page from Hugh Heffner?)

You can get an idea for the ad images by visiting Tom Ford's website.

What do you think? Will the adage be true--sex sells?

I came across a very interesting new product in anti-aging technology that uses a combination of Silon and sea kelp to deliver increased hydration through a skin firming patch directly applied to the wrinkles around your eyes and mouth. The product is SeaAllure and it was developed by Bio Med Sciences, a company with 20 years experience in treating wounds and scars in the burn care and plastic surgery fields. Intrigued? I know I sure am.

The SeaAllure skin-firming patch says it is the answer to a non-invasive way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The Silon gel on the patch provides increased hydration by reducing normal surface evaporation while holding and delivering hydrophilic nutritional molecules extracted from sea kelp to hold moisture in your skin even after the patch is removed. The increased hydration and bonding of these water-loving molecules is what firms and tightens the skin reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Mark Dillon, President of Bio Med Sciences and the creator of SeaAllure has said:

"Today's 45 year old woman doesn't really want to look twenty again; she wants to look like the best 45 year old woman she can."

This is something I completely agree with as I am at the age where a new wrinkle and line seem to appear out of no where on a daily basis. I don't want to look like I did 13 years ago, I just want to look like I have the best skin for my age now.

SeaAllure is meant to be worn at night which eliminates being yet another skin care product you have to apply to your face under your makeup during the day. Results are said to last up to one week after usage stops, but can be maintained by using SeaAllure every few days.

SeaAllure launched earlier this month, so if you have used this product, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

You can learn more about SeaAllure or purchase their product directly by visiting them online at www.SeaAllure.com.

Gucci Westman’s association with Lancôme has come to an end and she will conclude her role as International Artistic Director of Lancôme. Her contributions to the brand have been vast, from her imaginative and creative color collections to the New York Fashion Week program with emerging designers, as well as the bridge she built with the world of Hollywood.

"Gucci Westman has been an elegant and talented ambassador," says President of Lancôme International Odile Roujol. "She has captivated our customers with her beautiful products, fresh ideas and inspired sense of color, and we are very proud of the work we have done together. We wish her much continued success in her life and her career.”

"Gucci's eye for beauty has helped guide Lancôme to the next level in the worlds of fashion and celebrity," adds Lancôme USA President Eric Lauzat. "We are grateful for all she's done to elevate our brand with her ability, instinct and grace."

Says Gucci Westman, "My time with Lancôme has been wonderful. It was an incredible learning experience being with a brand of this caliber, and I'd like to thank the Lancôme team for the opportunities and friendship they extended to me."

Ms. Westman joined the brand in 2003 and her first color collection, French Riviera, debuted in Spring 2005. During her time with Lancôme, she created eight color collections. Her final two collaborations are the Spring 2008 L.U.C.I. Color Collection and the Thakoon Pout-á-Porter lipstick.

Gucci Westman rose to fame as the talented makeup artist on the Annie Leibovitz shoot for Vanity Fair and behind Cameron Diaz's makeup in Being John Malchovich. She's held the prestigious role of international artistic director for Lancome and after only leaving that post this past December, she has found a new place to call home at Revlon as their new global artistic director.

It's interesting to me that Westman would move on from a prestige brand like Lancome to a mass brand like Revlon. However, it may be a smart move in light of the economy. It's well known that when we are facing difficult financial times that women turn to their beauty products more so than ever to make themselves feel better. When the purse is strapped however, those beauty products are more likely to be a drugstore brand than a boutique brand. The role at Revlon may very well help improve upon that brand's value in the eyes of the consumer and provide the perfect opportunity for Westman to really help the cosmetics brand shine.

Revlon already has star power with its celebrity Brand Ambassadors such as Halle Berry, Elle Macpherson and Jessica Alba, but now you can add the talents of Gucci Westman to that list.

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.

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. 

Copyright © 2008 Beauty Pro. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, on a site giving proper attribution back to our blog or directly on Beauty Pro, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement.

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.

Copyright © 2008 Beauty Pro. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, on a site giving proper attribution back to our blog or directly on Beauty Pro, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement.

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.

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

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.

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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.

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I caught myself thinking about this very shift in makeup artistry when I was watching the local newsteam on my brand new HDTV.  I have begun to notice the newscaster's heavy makeup with this crystal clear view. 

Celebrity Katie Price has commissioned Classified Cosmetics to produce a private label line of their world class airbrush, spray on makeup. With a successful modeling career, published memoirs and her own clothing, lingerie and hair care product lines, Katie Price continues to build her empire. With this latest addition, Price could not have chosen better.

Classified is a celebrity favorite and recognized for its revolutionary formulations and airbrush application. Classified Cosmetics are the inventors of spray on beauty products with patents globally. Classified hit the scene in 2001 launching a prestige line of patented airbrush makeup that changed the industry. The Classified Cosmetics/Katie Price product line is expected to hit stores in 2009.

*Photo Credit: StarPulse.com

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In previous years the beauty industry transitioned into the importance of being all natural with products ranging from skin care to spa treatments to hair care to cosmetics. In 2009 the focus will no longer just being about who is green or all natural, but about specific ingredients and their benefits. Pierce Mattie is known for forecasting trends in the beauty industry, so without missing a beat, we've named the top 10 beauty ingredients that consumers will hear more about in 2009.

Argan Oil: This incredible skin care miracle, known for being one of the richest natural sources of Vitamin E with 80% essential fatty acids, has been a beauty secret of Moroccan women for centuries. It can be dually used on skin and in hair for its high level of antioxidants and ability to replenish hair and skin’s natural moisture.

Acai: Sometimes referred to as “The Fountain of Youth,” this Brazilian berry contains antioxidants, amino acids, essential omegas, fibers and protein that positions itself as a formidable fighter in anti-aging products. Acai can be found across the board in skin care, cosmetics and hair care products.

Goji Berries: This nutrient-rich berry, well known as Wolfberries in the Himalayas, has often been called a “super food” due to its abilities to fight free radicals and boost the immune system. While there are no inherent benefits of Goji in fragrance, that hasn’t stopped perfumers from including this sweet yet tart scent into their perfumes.

Baobab: Rich in riboflavin, niacin and vitamins C, A, D and E, baobab has incredible anti-aging properties although you won’t just find it in creams and moisturizers, but also in exfoliating scrubs and hair care.

Acerola: Ingredients high in Vitamin C, like acerola, are being used more often due to their ability to even out skin tone and brighten complexion. Skin care brands will be using acerola more to target those who have issues with skin redness and inflammation.

Blueberry: Chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin; it was just a matter of time before beauty brands began to incorporate it more into their skin care products.

Probiotics: Last year Pierce Mattie PR termed probiotics a “buzzword” among beauty brands, but now those brands are delivering more than just buzz with this sister category to Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals. Probiotic skin care will be branded as another “clinical-like” line of products, which beauty consumers tend to lean towards as science-based.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3: This Cosmeceutical that is becoming found more often in anti-aging products to fight fine lines and wrinkles will be even more prevalent in 2009. Products that contain Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 will be branded as a temporary alternative to cosmetic procedures.

Myrrh: With the increasing popularity of Ayurveda in the Unites States, this ancient ingredient is also resurging in perfumes and skin care products. The rich royal resin with the slight vanilla fragrance so popular in incense also stimulates circulation and has lifting effects.

Turmeric: A highly regarded ingredient in India, Turmeric is widely known for its medicinal properties. Turmeric will be found in acne-related creams and lotions, as it is an antiseptic and can aid in preventing and removing blemishes. It will also be found in hair removal products as well as in the formulation of sunscreen in more natural products as well.

Aquafina, the PepsiCo water company, has 'gotten its feet wet' in the beauty industry. In partnership with Added Extras, a cosmetics manufacturing company that specializes in licensed cosmetics, Aquafina is providing personal care products in the form of bath & body, skincare, and lipcare.  

For skin care, Aquafina is debuting their Qusome delivery system in their Daytime Replenishment Moisturizer SPF 15. QuSomes are a breakthrough technology delivering "microscopic water balloons that are 1/50th the diameter of a strand of hair and are made up of multiple layers." The moisturizer is lighweight, with a a non-greasy formula of vitamin E and retinyl palmitate. It's what your skin thirsts for! Even better, Aquafina is an affordable mass market beauty product since they have a lower price point and it is what your wallet thirsts for. The premium bath and body line offers shower gels, body washes, and a shea body lotion for all under $6. Aquafina's beauty line started from its humble entrance into the lip balm market, now the company offers three options for premium lipcare including the trio lip balm.

The lip barlm contains botanicals jojoba oil and a flavor unique to Aquafina. Learn more about Aquafina Skincare via their website www.aquafinaskincare.com.

Are affordable skin care products such as Aquafina's Advanced Hydration Rx line going to outlast and thrive in the recession? Share your thoughts on the products and the new buying habits of this economy.

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It seemed like only yesterday that Christina Aguilera released her self-named first fragrance under the slogan, “Sometimes, It’s All You Need To Wear” and taunting us on-screen with her porcelain skin. Her sequel fragrance, INSPIRE, is now in stores to continue her capitalization of the perfume market. Inspire is about elegant and enduring sexiness with a olfactory mixture of fruit notes and the scents of tuberose, freesia and gardenia. Inspire is made and distributed by Cincinnati-based mega corporation Proctor & Gamble. The fragrance comes in a teardrop-shaped bottle with decorated silver cap in Christina’s signature red. The entire INSPIRE presentation is sexy and confident: look for a playful pop art pattern inside the box.

Celebrity-branded perfumes continue to be a strong trend in the fragrance industry. With four other fragrances under her belt, Kylie Minogue has just launched her latest new fragrance Couture for women by Coty (the perfume house also known for perfumes from Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez.) Kylie has taken inspiration from the runway to her new floral–musky scented perfume. The fragrance is a stimulating blend of aromas with amarena cherry, lemon blossom and vintage violet; heart scents are exotic ylang ylang, night blooming jasmine and passionflower while the base notes are comprised of musk ribbons, which provide a cashmere effect, vanilla sorbet and white cedarwood. It is an all encompassing blend of elegance and sophistication. The note of natural ylang-ylang is known to open up pores and sinuses, to make you feel as great as you smell!

The MAC Spring/Summer 2009 exclusive limited edition collection of Hello Kitty launched today online and comes to US stores on February 12th and overseas in March 2009. This cosmetics collection is set to be a sure-fire hit even in light of a recession.

Clever and fun, the release of the Hello Kitty collection will be in right in line for Valentine’s Day. MAC is remembering the importance of timing and the newly licensed Hello Kitty line release proves just that. Since Hello Kitty is a global phenomenon that could mean major sales for MAC. Hello Kitty already has a huge following worldwide and MAC is releasing their line knowing that there will be instant collectors in association with Hello Kitty.

Beauty can be more than just glitz and glam — it is essentially the act of doing something beautifully positive.  MAC Cosmetics has mastered the art of staying gorgeous while taking a stand against a pressing issue.  Teamed up with VIVA GLAM Spokesperson and pop star Fergie, MAC recently revealed Fergie’s new VIVA GLAM VI Special Edition Lipstick and new VIVA GLAM advertising campaign in Los Angeles.  The new lipsticks are set to be available March 19th everywhere that MAC is carried.

Since it first launched in 1994, MAC's Viva Glam program has donated over $130 million to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS globally over the past 15 years. With 100% of the selling price going towards the MAC AIDS Fund, the duo hopes to bring the cosmetic company to their outstanding $150 million goal after the release of the lipsticks.  Now I’m waiting for other celebrities to step their game up in the charity department.

Dreams really do come true, as proven by Italian designer duo Dolce & Gabbana, who have finally realized their dream of launching a makeup line.  The switch from dresses to lipsticks from one of Milan’s top fashion names, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, came as challenging but smooth as they turned to the Sicilian and Mediterranean roots of their brand for range, modeled by Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson.

They also called on the help of make-up artist Pat McGrath who has worked at their shows for more than 10-years, yet the designers say they were at each and every step in the making of the range.

Gabbana described the transformation from clothing to cosmetics as a “studied and searched project more than usual,” because they had never before ventured down the road of eyeshadows and all things facial, so they had to be meticulous in sculpting their dream.

The designers brought their notoriety for their use of gold embellishments into their makeup line, packaging it with pure metal gold.  Perhaps what’s most interesting are the names given to the products which include eyeshadows named “Guilty” and “Elegance,” and lipsticks called “drama” and “devil.”  What was the inspiration behind these names?

Image via Wikipedia

Fashion week is over and the catwalk shows are always a good indication for next season's makeup trends. This summer's trends will bring softness and freshness to your look. This summer is all about strong eyes, colorful hues and pink flushed cheeks to make you look radiant all summer.

Eyes: Runway looks this past fashion week showed fun colors to experiment with such as lilac, or aqua (which Gucci sported this past fashion week), and also try some blue-rock glam that we saw at Alexander Herchocovitch. Use your imagination and combine pastel and bright colors to bring lots of personality to your look. Eyes are a big focus for this summer; wearing reds, oranges, purple, greens, bright blues and yellows to really stand out. Oranges and yellows are a little hard to pull off, but if you are a darker complexion these colors will complement you.

So many brands offer these shades, one of my favorite being MAC Cosmetics since their colors are so bold and offers such a variety of colors. Also, add some gold shimmer to your eyes to achieve a goddess feel, if you feel like it is too glitzy you should highlight the inner corners of your eyes with gold shimmer to create a subtle effect. Gold-based eye shadow is a great way to brighten up brown and hazel-colored eyes, but can also warm up other eye colors and different skin tones. A great product for this is Chanel's Fluid Iridescent Eye shadow in gold).

Next up is to store away your harsh black liquid liner, and replace it with violet eyeliner to create a softer eye that compliments every skin tone. Smokey eyes are still in, however such a dark tone is not necessary for the summer; so try to soften it up with light grays, blues, and purples to cater to the summer look.

With high profile personalities constantly taking over and linking themselves to clothing collections, perfumes, shows, and other various products, it seems like no product or service these days can avoid being branded by a celebrity. And why not, celebrity endorsement is a solid PR strategy… especially when paired with the right celeb. The ever-famous fashion house, Parfums Givenchy has just released that Uma Thurman is set to be the new face for their perfume.

Your favorite Bond No. 9 scents (that is, if your favorites happen to be The Scent of Peace, Chelsea Flowers and Nuits de Noho) will now get a packaging facelift just in time for Mother's Day. Why not get her the best of both worlds: jewelry and beauty; all encompassed in Bond No.9's newest Swarovski Stars collection.

After the long success of Marc Jacobs' Daisy, he is coming out with another vampy perfume personality to add to the mix: Lola. Jacobs’ told WWD, “Where Daisy is more innocent and sweet, Lola is more sensual - the name conjures up a flirtatious, warm spirit.” 

I am loving the name and the bottle (which differs according to it’s size.) Lola is fruity and floral, beginning with notes of pink pepper, pear d'Anjou and ruby, and leaving lingering hints of peony, fuschia, roses, geraniums and vanilla. Bloomingdales will carry the fragrance exclusively for one month starting in August. After August, the fragrance will be available at major department and specialty stores and go global. Are you anticipating this new scent?

I always look forward to the fall, maybe it’s the newly anticipated trends or in this case the new launch of designer fragrances. This fall, both Georigo Armani and Nicole Miller are planning on releasing new scents.

Georgio Armani's newest fragrance is setting to launch this September. The new fragrance will be a more floral scent with exotic fusions of Sicilian Clementine, pear, ginger, Egyptian jasmine, saffron, loukoum rose and patchouli. According to WWD, he wanted "To do a real tribute to femininity, a big thank you to all the women who have inspired him over the years," claimed Jean-Pierre Charriton, president of Armani Parfums worldwide. Armani is hoping that this new fragrance will become a classic. Armani also designed the bottle himself, with an art-deco inspired circular gals decanter, with rivets along the side. Look out for the huge print and TV campaigns that will be released towards the end of summer.

With Max Factor leaving the USA in 2010 this leaves more shelf space for other cosmetic brands to expand in the drugstore market. While CoverGirl currently dominates the space, will we see more Wet n Wild, Prestige or e.l.f. taking up shelf space? Or will we see more premium products like Olay’s new anti-aging lines? Will brands at lower price points continue to emerge?

Let us know your predictions for what you think the mass market beauty aisles will look like in 2010!

L'Oreal has been developing hair and beauty products that have changed the way the world views fashion and beauty. This year L'Oreal celebrates 100 years of bringing brighter lips, longer lashes, smoother skin and shinier hair to women (and men) around the world. One hundred years in the business is a tremendous milestone, so we thought we’d venture back and deem the top five L'Oreal products of all time:

After a decade of incredible success serving a group of loyal and loving clients, Joico (a Pierce Mattie PR client) Artist Robert Josef of the Robert Josef Salon in Dallas wanted to celebrate. Instead of simply throwing a party, however, he decided that the celebration should benefit one of his other passions—AIDS Arms, Inc. This local non-profit AIDS and HIV case management organization is one of the largest in North Texas, servicing four counties and offering education in area prisons. His clients, grateful for many years of gorgeous hair, rallied to the cause and at the end of the evening, the Robert Josef Salon 10th Anniversary Soiree had raised more than $5,000!

I have loved Brooke Shields since her first Calvin Klein ad and its makes sense that she remains the dominating spokesperson on TV during commercial breaks. I would love to get your opinion on this one – is it Brooke Shields overkill? Should celebrities limit their endorsement deals to one or two brands per year? Or should they take on whatever they can get?

Currently Brooke is running commercials for Coppertone, Latisse, Volkswagen, Colgate Total and Tupperware. Sure Brooke’s trademark is her brows – so it sort of makes sense that she would do the Latisse commercial. Being a SPF advocate for Coppertone revealing the damage the UV rays can do, again, is another good move. Especially since she recently found a precancerous spot on her face. But is the number of endorsement deals just too much? What do you think?

Photo Credit: Latisse

I love to see brand evolution. Brands that grow like babies into fine, young men. And Baxter of California, with its origins of 1965, is truly as fine as a gentlemen can be, it’s quite grown up with some of the best skin creams, shave lotions, candles and bar soaps in the industry. I caught up with Jean-Pierre Mastey (JP) the owner of the brand who resides in Los Angeles where he crafted his latest launch into men's fragrances with Bravado 2 and 3. It's launching this summer at Barney's New York and Colette in Paris. JP, since acquiring the brand in 2000, has evolved the brand not twice, but three times with a major redesign a few years back. He makes his debut into men’s fragrance quite nicely as both scents are adult, fragrant and fun.

Pierce Mattie: You launched two fragrances at once, why didn't you space them apart?

Jean-Pierre Mastey: Bravado EDC is now a mark that is under the umbrella of Baxter of California. I wanted this new category to be taken seriously among consumers, retailers and the press. I felt that launching a small series would reinforce our commitment to the cologne category vs. only one scent. It also helps us build off the number series giving us interesting options for future release either stand alone or more grouped series.

Pierce Mattie: Is the Bravado 1 personality the same as 2; how are they the same or different?

JP: Different - while the fragrance notes seem to be similar, the personality we are targeting is not exactly the same. We position both as clean and sophisticated but #2 (black) as the early adopter – “in the know” - reads blogs, design conscious, more progressive than peers. While we position #3 (White) as highly gift-able, appeals to a wide range of guys , fringes on unisex, modern approach to cologne.

Beauty.com recently announced that it has partnered with fashion designer Zero + Mario Cornejo Designs for their latest installment of prestige gift with purchase cosmetic and fashion travel sets. The Beauty.com collaboration with fashion designers is relatively new in the last year or so and one that has proven to be a success through partnerships with designers such as Lela Rose, Shoshanna and Rachel Roy. While speaking at Cosmoprof North America this year, I had the opportunity to sit in on the WWD panel in which Kathleen McNeil of Beauty.com discussed how this has really been a beneficial co-branding relationship across the board.

Where did the summer go? It's hard to believe it, but New York Fashion Week is almost here which means it's about that time to start wearing your fall makeup. And just in time to capture your attention, The Body Shop has collaborated with celebrity makeup artist, Chase Aston, to create an autumn palette of colors so gorgeous that you may be apt to just put them on display instead of wearing them!

What an awesome 2 weeks! butter LONDON’s creative director Nonie Crème used her expertise and predicted the hottest nail colours for Spring/Summer 2010. We once again created a custom colour for Vena Cava’s presentation – a shade we are calling Corporate Blue (a nod to its beginnings as a Stapler’s flier – read more at Style.com.) They sent this over to Nonie and voila, Nonie created the perfect blue shade – not too bright, not too dark, the perfect cobalt blue.

After a beautiful coat of Pillar Box Red (coral/red) at the Jenni Kayne show, we headed off to Alexander Wang where Nonie painted the models nails with a mix of Cream Tea and Nail Foundation. This gave the nails a “frosted glass” look. (see pics at beauty.com)

At Phi, it was all about the girl – clean, tidy, minimal nails.

Then came Betsey Johnson. After all of the nude and subdued colors, it was time to rock out. Betsey’s models were given the rockstar treatment with either a base coat of Branwen’s Feather (deep plum) with a topcoat of pink glitter (Rosie Lee) or, a basecoat of Thames (emerald green) with a topcoat of green glitter (Henley Regatta). During the presentation, the nails glittered in the lights and camera flashes – very kick ass, just like Betsey herself.

Last, but certainly not least, came the Calvin Klein show. The look was all about the tidy, luxuriousness of a perfectly manicured hand/foot over specific colour choices. Nails and toenails were clipped as short as possible, with only a tiny sliver of white on show. Cuticles were meticulously pushed and tidied, and skin was moisturized and rubbed to increase blood flow and give a healthy pink glow. Nails were left unpainted, while toes had a custom mix of half a bottle of Cream Tea plus half a bottle of Horse Power Nail Fertilizer, which gave a soft, milky sheen to the natural nail look.

All in all, an amazing Fashion Week with butter LONDON – let’s face it, it was all about the nails this season.

Luxury fragrance company, CREED, recently launched the beginning of their Royal Exclusives collection that appears to not only be enticing for the discerning perfume aficionado, but also from an art lover's stand point.

The unisex, Sublime Vanille, is the first fragrance in the collection that boasts of vanilla top notes from Tahitian orchids and Bourbon exquisitely mixed with a Tonka bean middle note and finished with basenotes of bergamot orange, Calabrian lemon and rare musk.

Targeted to be a collector's item, the flacon itself is a work of art. The Pochet hand-blown etched glass bottle has a removable fabric pump that can be replaced with a multi-faceted cut glass stopper.

Sublime Vanille is available now for $475 on www.creedboutique.com

With global consciousness attuned to environmental issues, companies from every major industry have endeavored to increase the sustainability of their business. Cosmetic companies are the latest organizations to take on the mantle of eco-responsibility and this Nov. 16-17, the beauty industry’s active commitment to going green will be on full display at the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit being held in Frankfurt, Germany.

The industry’s inaugural sustainability meeting will address important issues pertaining to the beauty trade – from Fair Trade products to optimal ecological practices to a broad and diverse audience which is expected to include leading natural cosmetic companies, large cosmetic firms, ingredient companies, packaging firms, industry associations, certification agencies and NGOs. In addition to distinguished speakers and delegates, the Summit also boasts an informative and compelling program including two interactive workshops geared at business, marketing and technical professionals.

Socially conscious makeup mavens agree that the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is truly a momentous step for encouraging widespread sustainability and establishing eco-friendly cosmetics as the latest beauty trend. With this industry-wide focus on the environment, going green has never been so beautiful!

Galderma Laboratories proudly announces that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, and Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 have recently been granted the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

The Good Housekeeping Seal was introduced in 1909 as one of the first "tested and approved" emblems in the U.S.

"It is a fantastic accomplishment for the Cetaphil brand to be backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal and further demonstrates our commitment to providing consumers gentle skin care for all skin types and conditions," said Cindy Kee, Senior Product Manager for Cetaphil products.

"I recommend Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers to my patients because it's a brand that I trust. I know that their products are non-irritating and effective, so I feel comfortable with my patients using them everyday," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz, M.D.

Galderma Laboratories proudly announces that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, and Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 have recently been granted the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal after evaluation by the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

The Good Housekeeping Seal was introduced in 1909 as one of the first "tested and approved" emblems in the U.S.

"It is a fantastic accomplishment for the Cetaphil brand to be backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal and further demonstrates our commitment to providing consumers gentle skin care for all skin types and conditions," said Cindy Kee, Senior Product Manager for Cetaphil products.

"I recommend Cetaphil cleansers and moisturizers to my patients because it's a brand that I trust. I know that their products are non-irritating and effective, so I feel comfortable with my patients using them everyday," said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz, M.D.

The fabulous Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas has hit the jackpot! [comfort zone] has recently joined the Bellagio’s award-winning beauty oasis, adding to their already luxurious and relaxing treatment menu.

Created in Italy, [comfort zone] quickly became an international brand, with distribution growing rapidly throughout the globe. [comfort zone] combines the highest quality ingredients and the most advanced technology with Italian style and elegance at only the top spas in the world.

[comfort zone] offers a complete sense of beauty and relaxation, incorporating the [comfort zone] ritual into every treatment to make every experience unique and enjoyable. The new partnership adds to the long list of already popular spa locations, including the Plaza Beauty NYC where [comfort zone] has become the stand-out brand of services among spa visitors.

*Disclosure: Beauty PR client

The fabulous Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas has hit the jackpot! [comfort zone] has recently joined the Bellagio’s award-winning beauty oasis, adding to their already luxurious and relaxing treatment menu.

Created in Italy, [comfort zone] quickly became an international brand, with distribution growing rapidly throughout the globe. [comfort zone] combines the highest quality ingredients and the most advanced technology with Italian style and elegance at only the top spas in the world.

[comfort zone] offers a complete sense of beauty and relaxation, incorporating the [comfort zone] ritual into every treatment to make every experience unique and enjoyable. The new partnership adds to the long list of already popular spa locations, including the Plaza Beauty NYC where [comfort zone] has become the stand-out brand of services among spa visitors.

*Disclosure: Beauty PR client

TRIA Beauty, the leader in light-based therapeutic beauty devices, today announced it received over-the-counter (OTC) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a hand-held blue light device designed for at-home use. The patented blue light technology is FDA-cleared for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

"This new platform validates TRIA Beauty's heritage of harnessing technology previously available only in a professional setting so that it is safe and effective for daily at-home use," said Robert Grove, Ph.D. and CTO of TRIA Beauty. "We believe this technology is far superior to any blue light device currently on the market and are confident consumers will agree."

Developed by the same scientists who designed the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System, the first and only at-home laser for hair removal on the market, the new blue light device will be launched as the foundation of a dermatologist-validated system for clear skin.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market the AWBAT Plus product line in the United States. This represents a significant milestone for the company as it is the second product line to be launched in the company's two year history. The initial product line, AWBAT, continues to gain adoption in burn centers throughout the US and is planned for launch in Europe later this year.

Like the initial AWBAT product line, AWBAT Plus consists of bioengineered wound dressings that are intended to close the wound and allow the body to heal in a moist environment. Clinical studies have shown these conditions expedite healing with reduced pain. The company Chairman and CEO Aubrey Woodroof, PhD, feels that the true potential of AWBAT Plus will ultimately be found on more challenging and chronic wounds. "Our next step is to conduct comparative studies to prove expanded clinical indications and demonstrate AWBAT Plus will be an effective, alternative treatment choice for chronic wounds," stated Woodroof. "We believe this product, with further clinical evidence and FDA review, has the potential to address the $2 billion chronic wound dressing market."

Aubrey Inc. employs principles of biochemistry and bioengineering to provide clinicians with more advantageous temporary skin substitutes. In clinical evaluations it has been found that AWBAT expands upon the attributes of existing temporary skin substitutes in its attempt to fulfill the ideal properties of bioengineered alternative tissues. AWBAT Plus, which utilizes the same silicone-nylon-collagen membrane as the AWBAT product line, contains significantly more collagen plus 5 additional biological components. It has been found by the FDA to be a combination product composed of device components as well as drugs.

"We are pleased with clinicians' acceptance of our initial product line to treat burn related wounds and look forward to the enhanced use of our products to aid in improving patient outcomes," stated Woodroof.

AWBAT and AWBAT Plus product lines are currently indicated for clean superficial burn wounds, for donor sites after hemostasis has been established, and as a protective covering for meshed autografts.

Move out of the way Stacy and Clinton. Carmindy, the make-up artist from the hit TLC show “What Not To Wear,” is adding another beauty book to her repertoire. Her 3rd book “Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous” is garnering rave reviews from critics at the New York Times to TLC viewers themselves. 

Carmindy’s goal is to make every women understand that she is already beautiful. It’s less straight make-up tips (though, there’s plenty of those within the pages), and more about self-esteem. And we absolutely love it. We shouldn’t compare our beauty to celebrities nor should we let the Hollywood lifestyle dictate what is beautiful. We don’t need to fix ourselves, Carmindy’s philosophy says, we need to have positive beauty thinking and the rest will come naturally.

The book also dives into finding your best features, learning your face shape, doing your make-up in different environments and catering to your “beauty moods.” It’s a fun read, as well as informative in terms of accepting and understanding your true beauty. Because there’s nothing wrong with a little TLC. And this time, we’re not referring to the television channel.

Move out of the way Stacy and Clinton. Carmindy, the make-up artist from the hit TLC show “What Not To Wear,” is adding another beauty book to her repertoire. Her 3rd book “Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous” is garnering rave reviews from critics at the New York Times to TLC viewers themselves. 

Carmindy’s goal is to make every women understand that she is already beautiful. It’s less straight make-up tips (though, there’s plenty of those within the pages), and more about self-esteem. And we absolutely love it. We shouldn’t compare our beauty to celebrities nor should we let the Hollywood lifestyle dictate what is beautiful. We don’t need to fix ourselves, Carmindy’s philosophy says, we need to have positive beauty thinking and the rest will come naturally.

The book also dives into finding your best features, learning your face shape, doing your make-up in different environments and catering to your “beauty moods.” It’s a fun read, as well as informative in terms of accepting and understanding your true beauty. Because there’s nothing wrong with a little TLC. And this time, we’re not referring to the television channel.

Move out of the way Stacy and Clinton. Carmindy, the make-up artist from the hit TLC show “What Not To Wear,” is adding another beauty book to her repertoire. Her 3rd book “Get Positively Beautiful: The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous” is garnering rave reviews from critics at the New York Times to TLC viewers themselves. 

Carmindy’s goal is to make every women understand that she is already beautiful. It’s less straight make-up tips (though, there’s plenty of those within the pages), and more about self-esteem. And we absolutely love it. We shouldn’t compare our beauty to celebrities nor should we let the Hollywood lifestyle dictate what is beautiful. We don’t need to fix ourselves, Carmindy’s philosophy says, we need to have positive beauty thinking and the rest will come naturally.

The book also dives into finding your best features, learning your face shape, doing your make-up in different environments and catering to your “beauty moods.” It’s a fun read, as well as informative in terms of accepting and understanding your true beauty. Because there’s nothing wrong with a little TLC. And this time, we’re not referring to the television channel.

Last week, Jessica Simpson's "The Price of Beauty" debuted on VH1 to mediocre reviews. The blonde songstress who has become more famous for her ridiculous chicken of the sea comment and who she has dated than her pretty cool shoe collection (just my opinion) or any other talent she may possess, set sail around the globe with pals Ken Paves and CaCee Cobb.

The premise of the reality beauty series was to bring exposure of what beauty means in different cultures to those of us here in the states. While I believe this is honestly something many women would be captivated by, I think what could be an amazing show is undermined by Simpson's ignorance at times. And by ignorance I don't mean not understanding the cultural differences, because hello, that is what the show is about--but instead I mean making absurd comments that devalue what the show intends to do.

UK natural skin care brand, Liz Earle, has been acquired by global direct sales beauty leader, Avon. Liz Earle, best known for simplicity in ingredients and