Beauty pro division

This month Heidi Klum had her first appearance on QVC to launch her collection for Mouawad. This highly anticipated debut certainly got a big piece of the QVC pie. Her appearance was well received and everyone loved her pieces as the collection sold out of 14 of 16 styles in the first 36 minutes. Klum’s collection is inspired from a four leave clover as well as the pattern from the Duomo in Milan. (Duomo is the Italian word for the church in the middle of the city/town. Most Italian cities have a Duomo—Milan’s is the most well known for its gothic architecture.)

Personally, I really like this collection. I love the playfulness of the shamrock but I love that it can also be dressed up (ie. Heidi at the Emmy’s this year.) It could also be that I love Heidi Klum and everything she does! The nice thing is that, if one can’t afford the pieces from Heidi’s collection, there are options with similar designs and styles. My favorite kind of steal is from Endless Diamonds. They have similar pieces with a diamond in the center of the pendant.

Either way, we can all look beautiful in diamonds! After all, they are a girl’s best friend!

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

Actress and writer Suzanne Somers is facing some criticism over her newest book "Ageless." In the book, Somers touts the effects of bioidentical hormones for menopausal women to supplement their bodies. Somers uses a controversial researcher in her book named T.S. Wiley. Wiley encourages women to use the hormones at the same levels they had in their bodies when they were in their 20s. Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are custom-made by a pharmacy. Major medical associations disagree with Wiley's claims. They say the hormones are no safer than hormones made by pharmaceutical companies, and may even be more dangerous because they're not regulated by the FDA.

In the book, Wiley is identified as an "anthropologist focusing on evolutionary biology and environmental endocrinology in molecular medicine and genetics." She claims to be a hormone expert, but only has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from Webster University. Her association with two professional organizations is also under scrutiny. Wiley says she's being attacked by doctors who don't care about women's health. In response to the book, the American Medical Association's House of Delegates passed a resolution last week asking the FDA to increase its regulation of bioidentical hormones.

The 72-year-old actress - who was recently accused of going under the knife by a respected surgeon - says her secret age-defying weapon is make-up. She told US TV: "The most glamorous thing you can do is use lipstick." However, Alex Karidis, a London based plastic surgeon, claims he saw evidence of cosmetic surgery when he met Joan 18 months ago. He said: "I clearly saw the scars behind her ears indicating a facelift. I saw that she had also had her eyes lifted. I would say she has had this done in the last five years." The glamorous actress - who has revealed her top tips for staying young in her new book 'The Art Of Living Well' - has previously made her position on surgery abundantly clear, and recently described Botox as "poison". She said: "Everyone should do what they want. If they want lips like a trout let them. Plastic surgery is the plain women's revenge."

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.

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?

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Formulated by renowned Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D., kaplanMD Skincare is a revolutionary collection of treatments specifically designed to prevent and treat all 3 types of skin aging caused by Time, Hormonal Imbalances and Environmental Damage.

Rich in patented peptides, botanical extracts, and amino acids, every kaplanMD product contains no less than 10 active ingredients. In addition, every kaplanMD product is enriched with an an exclusive Phytogenic Triactive Complex of organic Soy to firm and plump skin, Grapeseed extract to combat free-radicals, and exotic Black Cohosh to keep skin youthful and supple.

The kaplanMD collection is a potent 4-piece skin renewal system that gently cleanses, soothes, hydrates and renews your skin. Each product contains no less than 10 active ingredients specifically formulated to prevent all 3 types of skin aging, which are caused by time, hormonal imbalances, and sun damage. kaplanMD pH-balanced treatments work synergistically to deliver beautiful, more radiant skin in four easy steps.

Only kaplanMD contains 10 active ingredients in each product to combat all 3 types of skin aging in 1 concise and synergistic line! The result is healthy, radiant and glowing skin — for life.

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.

I don’t know about you, but I love watching America’s Next Top Model just for Jay Manuel. You also would be hard pressed to find me skipping past E! when he is a guest on any of their Red Carpet shows. Jay Manuel is also the star of the Style Network’s Style Her Famous series and has his own line of cosmetics, Manual Override. Is there anything this top sought after makeup artist can’t do?

The thing you recognize most about Jay Manuel is his talent. His work can be seen in top fashion magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and In Style and through the faces of Tyra Banks, Iman and Jennifer Lopez. The Jay Manuel “look” is flawless, chic and distinctive. Whenever I see him, I can honestly say that he is the one guy that can pull off wearing makeup simply because he looks utterly gorgeous without a single imperfection; he just displays a clean canvas look that every woman desires for her own complexion.

Jay’s new cosmetics line is also just as innovative as his skills as a makeup artist. Manual Override doesn’t offer eye shadows, blushes or foundations to replace what you currently use, but instead he offers products to compliment and enhance the look of the various products you love and use each day. One thing that stands out among his products is the intention to ensure that these products protect your face by laying atop the skin’s surface and not settling into your fine lines for a more perfected appearance and longer wear.

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?

Sircuit Cosmeceuticals' Molecular Mist is hydrating moisture care that leaves skin feeling like it had a drink from the fountain of youth. Celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Marcia Cross, Jeremy Piven, Keith Urban and Hilary Duff have all discovered this youth enhancing miracle mist, which tends to be known as "Star Spray."

Molecular Mist uses “heavy water” and natural antioxidants such as Witch Hazel and Myrrh to restore skin's natural moisture barrier functions while helping to inactivate certain acne bacteria. All Sircuit Cosmeceutical formulas are specifically designed to help maintain skin's all important moisture balance resulting in maximum skin protection for a smooth, healthier look.

Molecular Mist is free of artificial colors, fragrance or preservatives and packed with these healthy nutrients:

+ Heavy Water (D2O)- This is 10% heavier than regular water so it doesn’t evaporate as quickly. It is calming, protective, and intensely hydrating.
+ Spin Trap- The most powerful antioxidant! It converts oxygen free radicals to oxygen for your respiratory cycle to be used for tissue repair.
+ Witch Hazel- An astringent with anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
+ Myrrh- This herb has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties to help fight acne bacteria.

All Sircuit Cosmeceutical products utilize the advanced "body friendly" Chiral Technology to separate the correct side of the active ingredient molecule and only use the side of the molecule that fits with the body’s cells. This incredible technology certainly raises the bar and Molecular Mist proves its rejuvenation power by leaving skin feeling hydrated, soft, clean and calm. May be misted before or after applying make-up, or any time a little “inspiration” is needed.

So the biggest awards show of the season finally happened! Sunday saw The Oscars and we all eagerly watched the arrivals on the red carpet to see what they had chosen. I must say, many of the celebrities played it safe. Choosing to stick with classic simple hair and makeup. Dresses were simple too, blocks of color and great tailoring, not as much glamour and drama that we have seen at Oscars in the past.

The only person who really took a risk (in my opinion) was La Vie End Rose star - Marion Cotillard. Although, I am sure many blogs and weeklies wouldn’t agree with me!

Hair wise, the most outstanding look of the evening belonged to Katherine Heigl. The Grey’s Anatomy alum and star of 27 dresses dazzled on the red carpet. Her hair was styled by Sean Flanigan, who was inspired by Marilyn Monroe and decided to pay homage. A big fan of Joico products, Sean set her hair with rollers using Joico JoiGel to create those beautiful curls. He finished off by locking her hair with the new Design Collection Humidity Blocker. He had to, it was raining and the temperatures were in the high 70s under the tents! Katherine Heigl won an US Weekly “Best Retro Style” Award for her style.

You can check it out in this week’s issue, which is in stores now!

Many of the fashion shows during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week included models sporting braids across their foreheads similar to a sweat band or flower child look. Almost every one of Charlotte Ronson's models wore their hair in this uncomfortable and unflattering way. Fashion shows have a tendency to be overly dramatic so I was interested in how this style was going to trickle down to everyday wear.

The latest episode of The Hills gave me the answer I needed. Lauren Conrad, or L.C., donned her famous side swept bangs in a side braid that she pinned shut with a very subtle barrette. This look might not work on everyone, but I'm certain it is going to be the look for the summer and replace the headbands of last season.

Here's a great video from WhoWhatWearDaily.com on how to achieve this summer trend look.