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

Project Runway is Bravo’s biggest hit. Over 2 million viewers tune in each week to watch 15 up and coming fashion designers compete for a chance to win a cash prize and jump-start their career in the fashion industry.

According to a recent WWD article, since the debut of Project Runway, fashion design programs nationwide have experienced a huge surge in their enrollment rates. In 2003, 250 students graduated with a fashion design degree in the US as compared to 700 students in 2006. Project Runway has not only demystified the fashion industry for viewers, it has also served as an inspiration for hopeful designers who would not have pursued fashion design as a career otherwise.

It’s 5 o’clock on Friday, time for some much need R&R, so what do you chose, superficial self indulgence or happy hour? Martinis vs. manicures? Well ladies (and you metro-men), you can stop fretting. The age old dilemma has been solved. You can now have your cake and eat it too at the Beauty Bar. Kill two birds with one stone, buy a ten dollar martini and receive a free manicure. I would like to personally applaud the geniuses behind this ground breaking concept. If the thought of complete nirvana has ever crossed your mind while receiving a manicure, then you haven’t tried it with a dirty martini in your other (manicured) hand.

Seen above is Masela Lusha having her eyes adorned with minerals from Jane Iredale. Jane Iredale was one of the sponsors at the Ultimate Green Room. Jane believes "The most beautiful cosmetic you can wear is a healthy skin" Other celebrities who visited: Daphne Zuniga, Nick Gonzalez, Ashley & Courtney Peldon, Kathy Griffin, Kathy Najimy, Bahar Soomekh & Daryl Hanna. Take a walk around with Daryl Hanna and view the video below. The first interview is on Jane Iredale.

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!

Are you like me - a guy on the go who never has time for the sun but longs for the lust look that has been kissed by the UV? If I go three days without the rays I swear I turn blue. I have always admired Hong Kong's beauty obsession with porcelain skin. Do you think that trend will ever hit the USA? I hope so, then my self tanning expenses wouldn't be so high. But will American's put Mercury on their face to inhibit the skin from getting darker? According to a recent study in China SK-II the brand owned by Procter & Gamble says yes. Now that Reuters has released this story on SK-II the prestige line at Saks Fifth Avenue that competes with Cle de Peau, Natura Bisse and will need to do some serious beauty PR damage control in the USA if this leaks.

I am thinking "NO MERCURY" stickers like "NO MSG" when I go for lunch on the side of the bottles, yes? (kidding)

Liza Ng, a public relations executive living in Hong Kong, has no time or inclination to cultivate the sporty, tanned look either. "I love to be pearly white because that is more beautiful," the 38-year-old said. Ng is not alone.

Women across Asia pay exorbitant prices for cosmetics that promise to whiten their skin and give them a fair, frail look which for centuries has been considered a sign of beauty in women in China and across much of the region.

But the demand for skin-whitening cosmetics -- which can cost as much as $385 for a 50-ml bottle -- has more than a monetary cost. Health experts say that mercury -- a potentially deadly substance that helps to keep skin white -- has been found in a number of skin-whitening cosmetics.

"In Hong Kong, there are no strict rules for product labeling and you can buy cream that says it is mercury-free, but when we examine it, it is full of mercury," said Christopher Lam, a professor of chemical pathology at the Chinese University.

If you're too busy to make an appointment at a day spa or can't spare the cost for skin care treats such as facials, read on to see how a few key organic ingredients and homemade recipes can help you become a do-it-yourself skin care specialist.

Many devoted skincare users have long celebrated organic ingredients and products as an alternative to the sometimes chemically enriched skincare products being churned out constantly. However, knowing what specific ingredients do to benefit skin care practices can help anyone concerned about whether such products would suit them and their skin type. While there are literally too many such ingredients to account for, there are a few whose roles definitely deserve to be in the spotlight.

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.

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Bree Williamson of ABC's One Life To Live asks, "How well do you know your breasts?" in this PSA for breast cancer awareness.

When Lucinda Hughes heard she would have to drink sea moss elixir while vacationing in the Bahamas, she was certain it would make her sick. Sure enough, three months later, Hughes is very sick - every morning - and expecting her first baby in April. She got pregnant after she and her husband went on a three-day Procreation Vacation at a resort on Grand Bahama Island.

It's part of a trend in which hotels around the world are luring couples who are trying to have a baby. Resorts are offering on-site sex doctors, romantic advice and exotic food and drink calculated to put lovers in the mood and hasten the pitter-patter of little feet.

Even some obstetricians are promoting the trend. Dr. Jason James of Miami said he often encourages couples trying to have a baby to sneak away for a few days, and he often sees it work.

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.

Nudes and the pale look of lips made its way out of the trend this past Fall and were replaced by red and bold lip colors. Fall into this winter have seen many celebrities and beauty experts making a statement with color. I know that many times color is feared, most especially red, but if you find the right mix of a bold color to match your skin tone, then anyone can wear the colors of the Winter season.

My favorite celebrity to make a statement with color is Gwen Stephani. Many pale-skinned women shy away from cherry reds, but Gwen always looks glamorous, as does another pale skinned music diva, Christina Aguilera.

Spring and summer will have some reds and fuscia’s remain, but it will make the transition to peaches, corals, and browns. The matte look will be back in and glosses out, which I will sorely miss as I love shine.

As we are only weeks away from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC, I’m already looking forward to finding out what the trend will be for this time next year. What are you predictions?

John gets a car for his 16th birthday, while Vanessa gets a nose job. Sound unrealistic? It’s not and it’s a growing trend among the youth of our country and abroad. Actually, the high holidays are when most of these procedures are done so be on the lookout for very refreshed and well rested teen with effervescent perkiness! Plastic surgery as birthday gifts and graduation presents; what used to be reserved for adults and cosmetic purposes, slowly creeped into the world of those under 18. It began with microdermabrasion and facial peels to help with severe acne, then breast augmentation in respect to reductions or leveling out unevenness, but now has turned into something teens do “just for fun.”

The problem with teens is in how casual they take plastic surgery and do not understand the risks, or are mature enough to handle change or even worse, severe complications. In regards to maturity, most teens want the perfect nose, perfect breasts or to lose the extra pounds simply because they see their Photoshopped idols in a magazine and want to be just like them. Teens see plastic surgery as a quick fix.

The most sought after plastic surgeries for teens are liposuction, breast augmentation and rhinoplasty. The issue young teenage girls don’t take into consideration when opting to have the liposuction or breast implants is the obstacles later in life should they settle down and have a family. Such issues are not being able to breast feed if you have implants and the weight gain when you are pregnant which post-pregnancy may result in dimpling of your skin from liposuction. Should you be a candidate for bariatric surgery in your late teens, getting pregnant means that all of the nutrition goes directly to the baby and little to the mother, which then requires close monitoring and possible health risks.

Education of the risks, both short and long term, as well as the emotional changes are things that need to be discussed at length with a teen wanting to go under the knife.

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?

As we begin the Spring and Summer months there’s a new hairstyle trend becoming more noticeable to go along with the season’s fresh and sassy style: texture. The textured look isn’t just curl, it’s anything from volume and lift to soft waves and extreme curls. This new trend had me thinking about adding life back to my hair, which is currently pin straight. In the past I used to perm my hair for texture. I know what you are thinking, “A perm?” Yes, a perm, and perms are not what they used to be—smelly, poodle curled, brittle hair.

I know, even the thought of smelling like a skunk for several days is nothing short of appealing, but I recently found that Zotos has come out with a new perm formula called Texture EFX that is the perm minus the smell. I currently use a few Zotos products, so I am always checking out their site to see what’s new. Texture EFX’s has two formulas, one for normal and resistant hair and one for color treated or previously permed hair so that women who chose to also color treat their hair can also perm their hair without worrying about fading and breakage. Both of the formulas use the cysteamine chemistry technology to produce healthy curls full of shine and texture. A fortifying splash is also introduced during the process to strengthen hair and eliminate that traditional odor from yesterday’s perms. So there goes that notion that perming your hair means living in isolation until the smell has disappeared. Another benefit is that the color treated formula processes in as little as 2-3 minutes, which is nothing short of amazing.

The processing tools that you can use with this product are also not set to the typical time-consuming perm rods of the past. You can get creative using bridal tulle, large bender rods and even aluminum foil to accomplish a variety of textured looks. If you are interested in achieving this no-smell textured look, be sure to discuss it with your stylist, as they can purchase it at Sally’s Beauty Supply for about $6. So no odor, great price and I can have a long lasting textured look in under 5 minutes? I’m sold.

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.

While I am all about enhancing your brows, I can't quite grasp onto the beauty trend of bold eyebrows. In the what's old is new again scene, this was something you often saw back in the 80's when I was growing up. I'm a fan of the 80's looks being reinvented into our fashion for the season, but eyebrows that dominate the face? No.

*Photo Credit: KissandMakeup.tv

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When I think of celebrities who have the total package, one word comes to mind: Fergie. The Disney star – you know you watched KIDS Incorporated – turned international pop sensation has a rockin’ body and a face that was meant to don billboards. And while her abs are famous in their own right, it’s her lips that she’s most famous for. Get ready to put them to work Ms. Stacy.

Fergie has signed on as the new MAC Viva Glam spokeswoman, a position once held by the divine Rupaul. As such, Fergie will be promoting her new lip gloss, Viva Glam VI Special Edition, which will benefit the company’s HIV/AIDS fund. In an interview from METRO newspaper, Fergie talked about her own makeup rituals, stating, “I was completely into the chola lip line. Nowadays, I’ll do that only for the stage. I realize that my lips look beautiful naturally."

In face, these days, Fergie is known for wearing a nude lip, and there are no complaints from her millions of adoring fans. She’s Lip-alicious!

Here's some fabulous nude lipsticks and glosses:

MAC's Viva Glam IV Tinted Lipglass
Lavera Organic Lipstick No. 21 in Shell
Colorescience Lip Candy Glaze in Suga Baby

What are your favorites?

Tags: Beauty PR

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Food and cosmetics are becoming more intertwined this year to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. Probiotics, super fruits and green tea are the three booming ingredients that are making its way into our beauty products. Pierce Mattie has already predicted that probiotics were making a big impact in the cosmetic industry, and they most definitely are. Probiotics are essentially dietary supplements that are live organisms (in forms of bacteria) that contain potentially healthy ingredients. Probiotics strengthen your immune system and help with stress, which can help with anti-aging.

Recently, Clinique teamed up with Allergan- a health care company (noted for Botox cosmetic) just launched a probiotic cleanser under the Clinique Medical line that is used before and after non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can be ordered by your physician. This new line of products are suppose to strengthen your skin, minimize discomfort and unintended effects after surgery. The collection also has a treatment for the effects of certain prescribed medications that leave skin dry.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is drawing to a close. The pre-Fashion Week parties began last Monday as fashionistas prepared for a month-long line up of parties in New York, London, Milan and Paris. For Fashion Week it’s essential to have the right outfit and along with the right outfit comes the right makeup. Here are some makeup trends that were popular at fashion parties this prior to the fashion week kick off:

Red Lipstick
This is a universal classic and has yet to go out of style. Heidi Klum was seen numerous times throughout this week sporting this look. When wearing red lipstick, make sure to go light on the eyes and blush, to risk not looking clownish. When re-creating this look keep in mind your complexion. If your complexion is pink, a more plum shade of red looks great. Yellow tones look great with warmer reds that have a brown base to them. Some favorite lipsticks are: Clinique High Impact Lip Colour, Christian Dior’s Rough Dior Lipcolor, Chanel Super Hydrabase Lipstick Cashmere and Yves Saint Laurent Radiant Touch.

To set yourself apart from other men at the office this Spring, Details Magazine profiled the updated brush cut, reintroduced by Eugene Souleiman for Dolce & Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2009 runway show. Instead of taking a tip from Hollywood hair heavyweights such as Patrick Dempsey, George Clooney, and for the younger generation, Zac Efron, take a pointer from a new twist on an old hair style classic.

Remember when mom used to tell you that the secret to wearing makeup is to look like you’re not wearing any at all?  Well the Marc Jacobs fall 2009 presentation has reversed the belief and brought back the 1980s makeup trend at clubs such as the daring smoky eyes and the bright frosted lips. 

The man behind the revivification is surprisingly Francois Nars, founder and creative director of NARS Cosmetics.  Nars is most known for encouraging a natural sun-kissed face that has defined over a decade-long makeup movement.  His most notable accessory is his subtle yet glittery blush “Orgasm,” which quickly found its way into nearly every woman’s makeup case (yes, including my own).  Ironically, he this time chose to give the models a sexy-vixen-from-the-future look, with emphasis on icy blue lips — very much the opposite of his signature style.

“We wanted the models to look like girls ready to go clubbing, to reflect the edgy spirit of those years,” Nars said to the New York Times.  “The inspiration was Debbie Harry and all the girls like her who would really spend time putting paint on their faces.”

Bringing back this style of makeup is more than just aesthetically pleasing — it means the return of experimenting, intrepidness and enjoyment.  For Nars, it meant his return to the runway after a 10-year hibernation.  But he came back swinging, spending sleepless nights with Jacobs and Guido designing the 65 different looks that were tailored for each model.

“Imagine if you took a blender and filled it with some Stephen Sprouse, a little Saint Laurent and added a few nightclubs from the 70s and 80s, like Studio 54, Area and Mudd Club.” Nars said to TimesPeople.  “You get this wonderful mix, much like Marc mixes it up with the clothes.”

What valuable makeup secret did he share for those who want to pump up the bass on their face?

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.

In this economy I have noticed an increase in spending on faux luxuries aka knock-off’s especially sunglasses this summer but Botox, come on!

I will confess amongst my peers we have all been spending a little less time in our favorite surgeon’s office. The reality is that getting facial injections in this financial slump is not a priority with the majority. For those of you who refuse to go without those wrinkle flatteners and find a surgeon who has a record breaking price do your homework and please don’t skimp.

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.

Touted as the next "fashion accessory," Minx Nails are really the newest nail trend to show off your daring, sassy side. Minx is a solid film with an adhesive back that requires heat (and a salon professional) to apply. The best part is that regardless of how you "wear" your nails--au naturale, acrylic, gels or silk wraps, Minx can be a good fit. Pierce Mattie has marked Minx Nails as a hot beauty trend for 2010.

At Pierce Mattie PR we publish a Trend Forecast showcasing the trends to come for the next 24 months. Top editors know the newest tool to revolutionize the beauty, fashion and wellness industries isn’t another funky handbag or a psychedelic nail polish, but the Trend Forecast for 2010/2011 from Pierce Mattie Public Relations.

This year as in years past, the Pierce Mattie team set out to find experts that are the best of the best in their respective industries. What has resulted is a compilation of the most well-respected names in the industry contributing comprehensive articles for a trend forecast that gives insight not only on what is hot in beauty, fashion, jewelry and fitness for 2010 into 2011, but where the industry has been and why these trends are occurring.  

Targeted to editors of all mediums, the Trend Forecast is a reference tool to help eliminate the guesswork of industry trends with a concise report and those experts easily accessible for further commentary.  A free copy of the Trend Forecast 2010/2011 is available for trade, consumer and online editors, please contact Shannon Nelson, Corporate Communication Director of Pierce Mattie PR for complete details: 646-688-3167 or Shannon@PierceMattie.com

Our authors & topics for Volume III include:

Hair & Skin Care

The Changing Landscape of Hair
by Nick Arrojo

Trends in Dermatology
by Dr. Tanya Kormeili, MD

Natural Beauty

Parabens and Preservatives
by Paula Begoun

Natural Product Formulation Trends
by Warren Becker

The Nature of Beautiful Skin
by Melissa Jochim

Fragrance

Home Fragrance Trends
by Anne-Marie Faiola

Fragrance Now
by Pierre-Constantin Gueros and Kevin J. Verspoor

Cosmetics and Packaging

The Power of Makeup: Runway to Reality
by Rebecca Williams

Future Trends for Mineral Makeup
by Diane Ranger

Game Changers of the Cosmetic Industry
by Ruth Winter, MS

Packaging and Branding Trends
by Kelly Kovack and Larry Paul

Fashion and Jewelry

Handbag Trends
by Ben Harnett

Women’s Fashion: Life Dictates Style
by Jean Voute Pratt

Luxury Fashion Industry Trends
by Jason Jobson

Jewelry Trends
by Katrina Kelly

Gemological Laboratories Trends
by Jerry Ehrenwald

Fitness

Fitness Industry Trend Report
by Kimberly and Katherine Corp

Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Awards, one of the largest North American consumer survey programs focused on new product development and innovation, today revealed the program's top winners, along with research and insights from its companion second annual BrandSpark American Shopper Study.

Conducted by independent market research firm BrandSpark International, the study surveyed more than 50,000 consumers and uncovered key findings in the areas of: recessionary shopping behaviour, healthy eating, future spending priorities, private labels versus premium brands, organic and natural foods, environmental accountability, money-saving strategies, and more.

The study is used to compile the winners of the 2010 Best New Product Awards where consumers voted upon 135 products, with 42 winners chosen from 55 leading manufacturers.

The Top 2010 Best New Product Award Winners are:

• Best in Health & Beauty Category and Best in Show: Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Protocol
• Best in Food & Beverage Category: Yoplait Smoothie
• Best in Household Care Category: Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs

For a complete list of winning products, please visit www.BestNewProductAwards.biz

"Better Homes and Gardens and BrandSpark have teamed up once again to bring these  survey results to marketers and  help them understand how consumers are behaving in these unprecedented times," James Carr, Vice President, Group Publisher of Better Homes and Gardens.  "We expect these insights to help them make informed decisions on how to reach and influence today's principal shoppers."

At a January 26th New York breakfast presented by Better Homes and Gardens, Robert Levy, President and CEO of BrandSpark International and founder of the BNPA will present key findings on:

Recession Impact – More Americans Eating at Home, Not Time Crunched as in Previous Years

"We can see the impact of the recession on attitudes towards the environment and health – with both losing ground in terms of importance," says Levy, "even so – the vast majority of Americans (69%) still like trying new products. People have made a big shift to eat at home more and as a result are spending more time and money in the grocery store. Finding new products that really deliver is more important than ever, especially with shoppers demanding greater value for money."

• 69% of Americans like trying new products.
• 66% of Americans agree that they "enjoy cooking for myself and my family."
• Only 23% of Americans agree that they "often don't have time to cook."
• Only 23% of Americans agree that they "would be happy to never have to cook."

Private Label versus Premium Brands

"Understandably Americans want more value for their dollar," says Levy, "and many are turning to private label or in-store brands to deliver. Although consumer perception of private label quality has decreased slightly, more Americans are still buying private label brands versus premium brands as they perceive they offer extremely good value for money."

• 59% of Americans think that private label or in-store brand products are just as good as brand name products
• 66% of consumers believe that private label brands are usually extremely good value for money.
• 56% of Americans have purchased more private label products in the past 12 months
• 68% of Americans tend to purchase the same brands on a regular basis

Environmental Accountability

"Over the past number of years, we have seen environmental accountability grow to be a major concern for American consumers," says Levy.  "However, we have also seen the impact of the economy on environmental attitudes."

• 77% of Americans still feel that companies are exploiting environmentally friendly claims for marketing purposes.
• Packaging is still one of the top environmental concerns for consumers; 75% believe that manufacturers still have a long way to go to reduce the amount of packaging.
• 52% of Americans feel that it is important that a new product is better for the environment, a decrease from 63% in last year's study.

Healthier Options in Food & Beverage  

"Healthy living is still an important concern for Americans," says Levy. "Consumers want products with added health benefits and they are willing to pay more for products that will help to prevent illness. One of the most interesting things we're seeing is a rising consumer confidence in food safety."  

• 71% of Americans want products that offer healthier option
• 60% of consumers are concerned about receiving added health benefits from the products that they purchase.
• 61% of consumers say they concerned about food safety, down from 71% last year

The top five health concerns Americans reported:

1. Health Insurance  2. Weight Loss 3. H1N1 4. Diabetes 5. Cancer.  Health Insurance rose to the top spot this year, up from # 6 in last year's study.

• 79% of Americans believe that "there is a lot I can do with food and nutrition to prevent illness."

Although the debate between natural versus organic products rages on, 50% of American consumers believe that "it is important that a new product is made from all-natural ingredients" and 37% believe that "it is more important to me that a product is natural than organic." "Part of this can be explained by consumer skepticism," adds Levy. Among consumers who did not purchase organic products, 39% stated that they "don't trust that all products labeled as organic are actually organic" and stated that they "are confused by what the term organic actually guarantees." "It appears that further consumer education is required in the natural versus organic debate," adds Levy.

What Makes Americans Buy Certain Products?

The BrandSpark American Shopper Study also asks consumers why they make certain purchases. Following are the top five "Purchase Drivers" in the three categories the survey tracks.

Food & Beverage:

1. Taste 2. Price 3. Fresh 4. Looks Appetizing 5. Smells Good

Health & Beauty:

1. Price 2. Proven Effective 3. Simple to Use 4. Trusted Brand 5. Allergy Tested

Household Products:

1. Cleans Thoroughly 2. Price 3. Effective 4. Delivers as Promised 5. Works the First Time

First Annual Global Trends Study

In addition to the BrandSpark American Shopper Study, the company also conducted trend research in several key global markets including Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Australia, Brazil and China. "What became clear is that on certain issues, shoppers globally had similar views, but on many critical issues the views of the shoppers in these countries differed significantly – especially in the areas of the economy, the environment and confidence," says Levy.

• American consumers continue to be concerned about the economy, as 81% feel we are still in a recession. The majority of consumers in the UK (79%) and France (71%) are just as concerned about the economy, whereas only 58% of Canadians are concerned
• Only 59% of Americans are willing to purchase reusable bags to reduce the amount of plastic,  less than Canada (75%), the UK (85%), Brazil (88%) and even China (92%).

About the Study

Conducted October 12th – December 8, 2009, the BrandSpark American Shopper Study included key questions about individual product appeal, intent to repurchase, consumer confidence level, expected future spending habits, and a number of other insight provoking queries.  This year, 135 products were evaluated, with 42 winners chosen from 55 leading manufacturers in categories that included cereal, juice, ice cream, anti aging skin care, oral care, shampoo and household cleaners.  Each category had a minimum of three products from at least two different manufacturers.  In order to win, the product had to have the highest combined score on re-purchase intent among those who had previously purchased the product and product appeal.

Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Awards, one of the largest North American consumer survey programs focused on new product development and innovation, today revealed the program's top winners, along with research and insights from its companion second annual BrandSpark American Shopper Study.

Conducted by independent market research firm BrandSpark International, the study surveyed more than 50,000 consumers and uncovered key findings in the areas of: recessionary shopping behaviour, healthy eating, future spending priorities, private labels versus premium brands, organic and natural foods, environmental accountability, money-saving strategies, and more.

The study is used to compile the winners of the 2010 Best New Product Awards where consumers voted upon 135 products, with 42 winners chosen from 55 leading manufacturers.

The Top 2010 Best New Product Award Winners are:

• Best in Health & Beauty Category and Best in Show: Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Protocol
• Best in Food & Beverage Category: Yoplait Smoothie
• Best in Household Care Category: Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs

For a complete list of winning products, please visit www.BestNewProductAwards.biz

"Better Homes and Gardens and BrandSpark have teamed up once again to bring these  survey results to marketers and  help them understand how consumers are behaving in these unprecedented times," James Carr, Vice President, Group Publisher of Better Homes and Gardens.  "We expect these insights to help them make informed decisions on how to reach and influence today's principal shoppers."

At a January 26th New York breakfast presented by Better Homes and Gardens, Robert Levy, President and CEO of BrandSpark International and founder of the BNPA will present key findings on:

Recession Impact – More Americans Eating at Home, Not Time Crunched as in Previous Years

"We can see the impact of the recession on attitudes towards the environment and health – with both losing ground in terms of importance," says Levy, "even so – the vast majority of Americans (69%) still like trying new products. People have made a big shift to eat at home more and as a result are spending more time and money in the grocery store. Finding new products that really deliver is more important than ever, especially with shoppers demanding greater value for money."

• 69% of Americans like trying new products.
• 66% of Americans agree that they "enjoy cooking for myself and my family."
• Only 23% of Americans agree that they "often don't have time to cook."
• Only 23% of Americans agree that they "would be happy to never have to cook."

Private Label versus Premium Brands

"Understandably Americans want more value for their dollar," says Levy, "and many are turning to private label or in-store brands to deliver. Although consumer perception of private label quality has decreased slightly, more Americans are still buying private label brands versus premium brands as they perceive they offer extremely good value for money."

• 59% of Americans think that private label or in-store brand products are just as good as brand name products
• 66% of consumers believe that private label brands are usually extremely good value for money.
• 56% of Americans have purchased more private label products in the past 12 months
• 68% of Americans tend to purchase the same brands on a regular basis

Environmental Accountability

"Over the past number of years, we have seen environmental accountability grow to be a major concern for American consumers," says Levy.  "However, we have also seen the impact of the economy on environmental attitudes."

• 77% of Americans still feel that companies are exploiting environmentally friendly claims for marketing purposes.
• Packaging is still one of the top environmental concerns for consumers; 75% believe that manufacturers still have a long way to go to reduce the amount of packaging.
• 52% of Americans feel that it is important that a new product is better for the environment, a decrease from 63% in last year's study.

Healthier Options in Food & Beverage  

"Healthy living is still an important concern for Americans," says Levy. "Consumers want products with added health benefits and they are willing to pay more for products that will help to prevent illness. One of the most interesting things we're seeing is a rising consumer confidence in food safety."  

• 71% of Americans want products that offer healthier option
• 60% of consumers are concerned about receiving added health benefits from the products that they purchase.
• 61% of consumers say they concerned about food safety, down from 71% last year

The top five health concerns Americans reported:

1. Health Insurance  2. Weight Loss 3. H1N1 4. Diabetes 5. Cancer.  Health Insurance rose to the top spot this year, up from # 6 in last year's study.

• 79% of Americans believe that "there is a lot I can do with food and nutrition to prevent illness."

Although the debate between natural versus organic products rages on, 50% of American consumers believe that "it is important that a new product is made from all-natural ingredients" and 37% believe that "it is more important to me that a product is natural than organic." "Part of this can be explained by consumer skepticism," adds Levy. Among consumers who did not purchase organic products, 39% stated that they "don't trust that all products labeled as organic are actually organic" and stated that they "are confused by what the term organic actually guarantees." "It appears that further consumer education is required in the natural versus organic debate," adds Levy.

What Makes Americans Buy Certain Products?

The BrandSpark American Shopper Study also asks consumers why they make certain purchases. Following are the top five "Purchase Drivers" in the three categories the survey tracks.

Food & Beverage:

1. Taste 2. Price 3. Fresh 4. Looks Appetizing 5. Smells Good

Health & Beauty:

1. Price 2. Proven Effective 3. Simple to Use 4. Trusted Brand 5. Allergy Tested

Household Products:

1. Cleans Thoroughly 2. Price 3. Effective 4. Delivers as Promised 5. Works the First Time

First Annual Global Trends Study

In addition to the BrandSpark American Shopper Study, the company also conducted trend research in several key global markets including Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Australia, Brazil and China. "What became clear is that on certain issues, shoppers globally had similar views, but on many critical issues the views of the shoppers in these countries differed significantly – especially in the areas of the economy, the environment and confidence," says Levy.

• American consumers continue to be concerned about the economy, as 81% feel we are still in a recession. The majority of consumers in the UK (79%) and France (71%) are just as concerned about the economy, whereas only 58% of Canadians are concerned
• Only 59% of Americans are willing to purchase reusable bags to reduce the amount of plastic,  less than Canada (75%), the UK (85%), Brazil (88%) and even China (92%).

About the Study

Conducted October 12th – December 8, 2009, the BrandSpark American Shopper Study included key questions about individual product appeal, intent to repurchase, consumer confidence level, expected future spending habits, and a number of other insight provoking queries.  This year, 135 products were evaluated, with 42 winners chosen from 55 leading manufacturers in categories that included cereal, juice, ice cream, anti aging skin care, oral care, shampoo and household cleaners.  Each category had a minimum of three products from at least two different manufacturers.  In order to win, the product had to have the highest combined score on re-purchase intent among those who had previously purchased the product and product appeal.

Better Homes and Gardens Best New Product Awards, one of the largest North American consumer survey programs focused on new product development and innovation, today revealed the program's top winners, along with research and insights from its companion second annual BrandSpark American Shopper Study.

Conducted by independent market research firm BrandSpark International, the study surveyed more than 50,000 consumers and uncovered key findings in the areas of: recessionary shopping behaviour, healthy eating, future spending priorities, private labels versus premium brands, organic and natural foods, environmental accountability, money-saving strategies, and more.

The study is used to compile the winners of the 2010 Best New Product Awards where consumers voted upon 135 products, with 42 winners chosen from 55 leading manufacturers.

The Top 2010 Best New Product Award Winners are:

• Best in Health & Beauty Category and Best in Show: Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Protocol
• Best in Food & Beverage Category: Yoplait Smoothie
• Best in Household Care Category: Cascade Complete All-in-1 Action Pacs

For a complete list of winning products, please visit www.BestNewProductAwards.biz

"Better Homes and Gardens and BrandSpark have teamed up once again to bring these  survey results to marketers and  help them understand how consumers are behaving in these unprecedented times," James Carr, Vice President, Group Publisher of Better Homes and Gardens.  "We expect these insights to help them make informed decisions on how to reach and influence today's principal shoppers."

At a January 26th New York breakfast presented by Better Homes and Gardens, Robert Levy, President and CEO of BrandSpark International and founder of the BNPA will present key findings on:

Recession Impact – More Americans Eating at Home, Not Time Crunched as in Previous Years

"We can see the impact of the recession on attitudes towards the environment and health – with both losing ground in terms of importance," says Levy, "even so – the vast majority of Americans (69%) still like trying new products. People have made a big shift to eat at home more and as a result are spending more time and money in the grocery store. Finding new products that really deliver is more important than ever, especially with shoppers demanding greater value for money."

• 69% of Americans like trying new products.
• 66% of Americans agree that they "enjoy cooking for myself and my family."
• Only 23% of Americans agree that they "often don't have time to cook."
• Only 23% of Americans agree that they "would be happy to never have to cook."

Private Label versus Premium Brands

"Understandably Americans want more value for their dollar," says Levy, "and many are turning to private label or in-store brands to deliver. Although consumer perception of private label quality has decreased slightly, more Americans are still buying private label brands versus premium brands as they perceive they offer extremely good value for money."

• 59% of Americans think that private label or in-store brand products are just as good as brand name products
• 66% of consumers believe that private label brands are usually extremely good value for money.
• 56% of Americans have purchased more private label products in the past 12 months
• 68% of Americans tend to purchase the same brands on a regular basis

Environmental Accountability

"Over the past number of years, we have seen environmental accountability grow to be a major concern for American consumers," says Levy.  "However, we have also seen the impact of the economy on environmental attitudes."

• 77% of Americans still feel that companies are exploiting environmentally friendly claims for marketing purposes.
• Packaging is still one of the top environmental concerns for consumers; 75% believe that manufacturers still have a long way to go to reduce the amount of packaging.
• 52% of Americans feel that it is important that a new product is better for the environment, a decrease from 63% in last year's study.

Healthier Options in Food & Beverage  

"Healthy living is still an important concern for Americans," says Levy. "Consumers want products with added health benefits and they are willing to pay more for products that will help to prevent illness. One of the most interesting things we're seeing is a rising consumer confidence in food safety."  

• 71% of Americans want products that offer healthier option
• 60% of consumers are concerned about receiving added health benefits from the products that they purchase.
• 61% of consumers say they concerned about food safety, down from 71% last year

The top five health concerns Americans reported:

1. Health Insurance  2. Weight Loss 3. H1N1 4. Diabetes 5. Cancer.  Health Insurance rose to the top spot this year, up from # 6 in last year's study.

• 79% of Americans believe that "there is a lot I can do with food and nutrition to prevent illness."

Although the debate between natural versus organic products rages on, 50% of American consumers believe that "it is important that a new product is made from all-natural ingredients" and 37% believe that "it is more important to me that a product is natural than organic." "Part of this can be explained by consumer skepticism," adds Levy. Among consumers who did not purchase organic products, 39% stated that they "don't trust that all products labeled as organic are actually organic" and stated that they "are confused by what the term organic actually guarantees." "It appears that further consumer education is required in the natural versus organic debate," adds Levy.

What Makes Americans Buy Certain Products?

The BrandSpark American Shopper Study also asks consumers why they make certain purchases. Following are the top five "Purchase Drivers" in the three categories the survey tracks.

Food & Beverage:

1. Taste 2. Price 3. Fresh 4. Looks Appetizing 5. Smells Good

Health & Beauty:

1. Price 2. Proven Effective 3. Simple to Use 4. Trusted Brand 5. Allergy Tested

Household Products:

1. Cleans Thoroughly 2. Price 3. Effective 4. Delivers as Promised 5. Works the First Time

First Annual Global Trends Study

In addition to the BrandSpark American Shopper Study, the company also conducted trend research in several key global markets including Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Australia, Brazil and China. "What became clear is that on certain issues, shoppers globally had similar views, but on many critical issues the views of the shoppers in these countries differed significantly – especially in the areas of the economy, the environment and confidence," says Levy.

• American consumers continue to be concerned about the economy, as 81% feel we are still in a recession. The majority of consumers in the UK (79%) and France (71%) are just as concerned about the economy, whereas only 58% of Canadians are concerned
• Only 59% of Americans are willing to purchase reusable bags to reduce the amount of plastic,  less than Canada (75%), the UK (85%), Brazil (88%) and even China (92%).

About the Study

Conducted October 12th – December 8, 2009, the BrandSpark American Shopper Study included key questions about individual product appeal, intent to repurchase, consumer confidence level, expected future spending habits, and a number of other insight provoking queries.  This year, 135 products were evaluated, with 42 winners chosen from 55 leading manufacturers in categories that included cereal, juice, ice cream, anti aging skin care, oral care, shampoo and household cleaners.  Each category had a minimum of three products from at least two different manufacturers.  In order to win, the product had to have the highest combined score on re-purchase intent among those who had previously purchased the product and product appeal.

International stars such as Sofia Loren, Angie Chiu, Halle Berry, George Clooney and Chow Yun Fat have long been envied for aging gracefully and beautifully, maintaining good health and physique. How do they do it? No doubt good genes play a role, but even more so do access to top quality health care, the best doctors and the latest technologies in anti-aging.

Anti-aging medicine, also known as preventative medicine, makes it possible to slow, stop and substantially reverse the physical deterioration and diseases which are commonly considered “natural” aging. Such progress allows not just for an extended existence, but for the enjoyment of optimum wellness and quality of life.

China has a great demand for this type of integrative health care.  The country’s rapid increase of health problems is related to a longer life expectancy - 81 years now in Shanghai ₁ - as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases like respiratory illnesses, cancer, and diabetes.

In China, where does one find quality anti-aging healthcare, with doctors they can trust and feel comfortable with?  Many of the more privileged have travelled abroad to seek disease prevention or beauty treatments, to countries with a long history in the anti-aging field.  For example, last year 10 Chinese women each paid 200,000 Yuan to receive treatments to extend their youth at a famous anti-aging center in Switzerland.  One of the patients stated "I believe it is worth every penny.”₂

Finally the best in luxury anti-aging healthcare is coming to China.  World Anti-Aging is the collaboration of many international physicians with years of expertise in the field of anti-aging and all of the medical disciplines that entails, as well as entrepreneurs with the experience and influence to implement the latest technologies in this field.  The first clinic was founded in Laguna Beach in 1985 by Drs Ping Wu and Shu Li.  Since then World Anti-Aging has been combining 5000 years of time proven traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific discoveries from anti-aging experts in Switzerland and the US.

International stars such as Sofia Loren, Angie Chiu, Halle Berry, George Clooney and Chow Yun Fat have long been envied for aging gracefully and beautifully, maintaining good health and physique. How do they do it? No doubt good genes play a role, but even more so do access to top quality health care, the best doctors and the latest technologies in anti-aging.

Anti-aging medicine, also known as preventative medicine, makes it possible to slow, stop and substantially reverse the physical deterioration and diseases which are commonly considered “natural” aging. Such progress allows not just for an extended existence, but for the enjoyment of optimum wellness and quality of life.

China has a great demand for this type of integrative health care.  The country’s rapid increase of health problems is related to a longer life expectancy - 81 years now in Shanghai ₁ - as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases like respiratory illnesses, cancer, and diabetes.

In China, where does one find quality anti-aging healthcare, with doctors they can trust and feel comfortable with?  Many of the more privileged have travelled abroad to seek disease prevention or beauty treatments, to countries with a long history in the anti-aging field.  For example, last year 10 Chinese women each paid 200,000 Yuan to receive treatments to extend their youth at a famous anti-aging center in Switzerland.  One of the patients stated "I believe it is worth every penny.”₂

Finally the best in luxury anti-aging healthcare is coming to China.  World Anti-Aging is the collaboration of many international physicians with years of expertise in the field of anti-aging and all of the medical disciplines that entails, as well as entrepreneurs with the experience and influence to implement the latest technologies in this field.  The first clinic was founded in Laguna Beach in 1985 by Drs Ping Wu and Shu Li.  Since then World Anti-Aging has been combining 5000 years of time proven traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific discoveries from anti-aging experts in Switzerland and the US.

International stars such as Sofia Loren, Angie Chiu, Halle Berry, George Clooney and Chow Yun Fat have long been envied for aging gracefully and beautifully, maintaining good health and physique. How do they do it? No doubt good genes play a role, but even more so do access to top quality health care, the best doctors and the latest technologies in anti-aging.

Anti-aging medicine, also known as preventative medicine, makes it possible to slow, stop and substantially reverse the physical deterioration and diseases which are commonly considered “natural” aging. Such progress allows not just for an extended existence, but for the enjoyment of optimum wellness and quality of life.

China has a great demand for this type of integrative health care.  The country’s rapid increase of health problems is related to a longer life expectancy - 81 years now in Shanghai ₁ - as well as the prevalence of chronic diseases like respiratory illnesses, cancer, and diabetes.

In China, where does one find quality anti-aging healthcare, with doctors they can trust and feel comfortable with?  Many of the more privileged have travelled abroad to seek disease prevention or beauty treatments, to countries with a long history in the anti-aging field.  For example, last year 10 Chinese women each paid 200,000 Yuan to receive treatments to extend their youth at a famous anti-aging center in Switzerland.  One of the patients stated "I believe it is worth every penny.”₂

Finally the best in luxury anti-aging healthcare is coming to China.  World Anti-Aging is the collaboration of many international physicians with years of expertise in the field of anti-aging and all of the medical disciplines that entails, as well as entrepreneurs with the experience and influence to implement the latest technologies in this field.  The first clinic was founded in Laguna Beach in 1985 by Drs Ping Wu and Shu Li.  Since then World Anti-Aging has been combining 5000 years of time proven traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific discoveries from anti-aging experts in Switzerland and the US.

The following was released today by the Chicago Dental Society:

Who: The Chicago Dental Society surveyed its members about current trends, dental care tips, and more. More than 250 of the society's member dentists responded to the fall 2009 survey.

As we countdown to CDS's annual Midwinter Meeting, one of the largest displays of dental products in North America, here are some of the topline findings from the survey.

Dental downturn continues. The effects of the recession on the local dental industry have worsened since last year. More than 90 percent of dentists surveyed said their clients are putting off cosmetic procedures, up from 60 percent last year. More than 75 percent of dentists say their patients are putting off needed dental work -- in 2008 nearly 55 dentists noted the same. And visits for preventative dental care are also on the decline according to more than half of dentists, up from more than 40 percent of dentists reporting the same last year.

Stressed out? Check your mouth. Nearly 75 percent of dentists surveyed said their patients are reporting increased stress in their lives. And 65 percent of dentists are seeing an increase in jaw clenching and teeth grinding amongst their patients, signs that stress may be taking its toll on the mouth.

The following was released today by the Chicago Dental Society:

Who: The Chicago Dental Society surveyed its members about current trends, dental care tips, and more. More than 250 of the society's member dentists responded to the fall 2009 survey.

As we countdown to CDS's annual Midwinter Meeting, one of the largest displays of dental products in North America, here are some of the topline findings from the survey.

Dental downturn continues. The effects of the recession on the local dental industry have worsened since last year. More than 90 percent of dentists surveyed said their clients are putting off cosmetic procedures, up from 60 percent last year. More than 75 percent of dentists say their patients are putting off needed dental work -- in 2008 nearly 55 dentists noted the same. And visits for preventative dental care are also on the decline according to more than half of dentists, up from more than 40 percent of dentists reporting the same last year.

Stressed out? Check your mouth. Nearly 75 percent of dentists surveyed said their patients are reporting increased stress in their lives. And 65 percent of dentists are seeing an increase in jaw clenching and teeth grinding amongst their patients, signs that stress may be taking its toll on the mouth.

The saying goes, "like mother like daughter" and this has become even more evident in the emerging beauty trend of mothers and daughters opting to get cosmetic surgery procedures together. Something as simple as a little Botox to more in depth procedures like rhinoplasty and face lifts are quickly becoming the procedures done as a family than alone. And while mother-daughter duos are currently the trend, it wasn't long ago that cosmetic enhancement enthusiasts started hosting Botox parties at medspas to share in the experience together.

There’s only one strength enhancer that’s Harvard tested and Harvard approved. And if we’re going on SAT scores, Force Factor must have scored a perfect 2400 to have been good enough for the Harvard Crew Team. They used Force Factor in 2004 to help the championship team to increase their endurance and strength when they couldn’t find a product to do the job.

Force Factor is a more natural way to bulk up. It’s made of amino acids that help move more oxygen into your muscles, which in turn creates extreme muscle growth and strength gains. Or more simply, Force Factor will pump you up. Force Factor doesn’t contain caffeine like most other strength enhancers. In addition, it boasts nitric oxide boosting arginines, a natural dietary substance which have been known to aid healing woulds, remove waste products from the body and potentially has heart benefits.

If the summer sun has dried out and damaged your healthy locks, kick off fall with a new BIGENing. As the temperatures begin to cool, Bigen offers that tender loving care your hair needs for a vamped up look for fall.

As black holds its place as fall and winter’s color of choice, this year’s fashion trendsetters are naming brown the season’s “it” color. Perfect for fall, Bigen’s rich shades of chestnut are fashion forward and sure to compliment all skin tones.

• Medium Chestnut
• Dark Chestnut
• Rich Medium Brown

The permanent powder is activated with water which works to open the hair’s cuticles, while color molecules penetrate the hair’s shaft for even coverage. Bigen permanent hair color leaves hair feeling silky, natural and elegant looking.

Some of the benefits are:

• Easy to use
• Gentle on hair, when compared to competitors
• Ammonia-free; no hydrogen peroxide required
• Long lasting color with controlled and predictable results

The best part? It's only $4.99 and available at easy to access retailers like CVS, Sally's Beauty Supply and select Walmart's. Visit: www.hoyu-usa.com for more information.

*Disclosure: Beauty PR client

Quite honestly, it's about time that beauty brands include women from all races into their marketing. While it appears they are only capitalizing on the growth of the personal care market in Korea, China and beyond...better late than never.

Two major beauty brands adding Asian faces to their marketing lineup are Estee Lauder with Liu Wen (pictured) and Maybelline with Shu Pei Qin. Lancome added YouTube sensation Michelle Phan to their marketing efforts just a few months ago when making her their video spokesperson.

So which brand will be next? Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Consumers are always looking for the next best thing...this includes ingredients in beauty products that are rare or make you stand out from the others. And where there is consumer demand, there is demand in the media as well. (Beauty publicists rejoice!) 

So what will we see more of in 2011? Whole plant extracts, bamboo, and sea whip to name a few. What trends are you seeing in terms of cosmetic, hair and skin care ingredients?

There’s no denying – decadent desserts are in, and with shows like Cake Boss, Ace of Cakes, and Cupcake Wars, it’s hard to escape the sweet treats. Now, the mini delicacies have crept their way into another facet of our lives. Enter Cake, a Canadian beauty brand started by beauty expert Heather Reir in hopes of creating a line of delicious products that women of the world hungered for.

Although you won’t be able to eat this particular kind of cake, I have a feeling you’ll enjoy it just as much. Like the traditional treats, Cake beauty starts in the kitchen. True to its name, the indulgent products have sugar and milk bases which not only smell delicious but have wonderful exfoliating and moisturizing properties.

“As Seen On TV” commercials are an American tradition. They’re corny, mindless, and a bit gratuitous, but a tradition nonetheless. The Shake Weight is one of the newest, most contagious advertisements that has people everywhere talking, especially the PR pros at Pierce Mattie.

The Shake Weight is a “revolutionary” new fitness product that uses dynamic inertia to sculpt lean, sexy muscle – the weights at either end oscillate back and forth while you hold the Shake Weight. This back-and-forth motion works out the entire arm and promises to tone up the flab in just six minutes a day.

Intentional or not, Shake Weight commercials have created media frenzy. The comical advertisements show women demonstrating how to use the product, but the visual is suggestive of more than just an arm workout. The ads went viral soon after the Shake Weight hit the market, and hundreds of parodies followed thereafter.

Have a daughter or niece in the 8-12 year old age range? Walmart has their sights set on her and her tween friends. A trend has emerged in the beauty niche for the last year specifically singling out this demographic of young girls...catering to them with spa treatments, spas and salons that only service the under 18 crowd and now Walmart looks to cash in with their own line of cosmetics named GeoGirl.

The eco-friendly line is said to be an attempt to promote natural beauty products to a younger generation. Not only are the ingredients natural, the packaging is as well. However, this seems to be a bit of a contradiction to me. Promoting "all natural" shouldn't also mean that when you are 8 years old that your face is au naturale as well...not dolled up with mascara, blush and eyeshadow?

The launch of this new line, coming February 25th, seems to parallel recent sentiment that we sexualize our daughters at such a young age, as I recently wrote about when discussing Peggy Orenstein's book Cinderella Ate My Daughter.  While Walmart states that they worked in partnership with parents to provide an age appropriate way to wear makeup, I ask, age appropriate compared to what? Toddlers and Tiaras? 

While I don't doubt that a little clear lipgloss here and there is OK sometimes, and I'm sure GeoGirl will do well with the tween market, I don't really look forward to seeing girls as young as my niece donning lipstick and a face full of makeup. What are your thoughts on this?

*Photo Source: Become Gorgeous

Counting calories can be a real pain. Especially when you're dining out and unsure of how many calories is in your penne pasta that you ordered from your favorite restaurant. It's much easier to count them when you are cooking your food, but it can be a different story when you're out dining.

Introducing Pocket Posh Dining Out Calorie Counter: Your Guide to Thousands of Foods from Your Favorite Restaurants. This compact book was written by nutritionist Pamela Nisevich Bede. This woman knows a thing or two about what it means to be eat and exercise a healthy lifestyle. I mean she has ran about 13 marathons to date. With this book, she wants her readers to be able to live the best life that they can and be able to moderate the foods that are going into their system.

We're in full workout mode at Pierce Mattie as spring is almost here! Is your body swimsuit ready? Well in case it isn't, ExerciseTV has an amazing video designed to help you shed the weight you managed to gain during the winter season.

Paul Vincent, the owner of Training Adventure, has an awesome workout series called “Lose Weight in 8.” It's an 8 week program consisting of 5 workouts a week: 3 30 minute cardio/strength and 2 15 minute active recovery. I think the great thing about his videos is not only does it feature hardcore workout designed to sculpt your body, it also has two sessions allowing your body to recuperate. How many times have you decided to quit on your workout because it's “too hard?” More often than you would like to admit I'm sure.

HSN visionary Joy Mangano has helped millions solve everyday household challenges with fun, functional and practical solutions. Her success took off in 1992 with her first hit, the self-wringing ‘Miracle Mop.’ Since its invention, the entrepreneur has continued to crank out household necessities and currently has over 100 patents.

Mangano’s line of fitness equipment includes DVDs, a fitness ‘disk’, and shaping shoes. Her fitness disk helps tone, tighten and sculpt muscles through resistance training. The lightweight, portable disk requires no other equipment and is equipped to work on any floor surface. Always considering the negatives about a product, Mangano ensured the disk would be easy to use, as well as maintain. Clean up is easy, simply throw the neoprene base and fleece pads in the wash or wipe down the plastic disks with a damp cloth.

Long Island born Forbes Riley has had a taste of it all. She is an award-winning TV host, actress, author, motivational speaker, life coach and above all, an entrepreneur, but her passion is health and fitness. Recently inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, Forbes Riley’s mission is to help people make a lifestyle change, rather than just following fad diets that never work. Forbes magazine has even labeled her as a “megabrand CEO” for her SpinGym fitness system.

The fitness innovator has helped millions take action in their lives to make a positive change. She believes that being fit stems beyond just your physical appearance and can have a strong impact on your internal environment and mood as well.

Former reporter, editor and correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, Erik Calonius’ new book unveils the secrets of what makes business visionaries such as Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, tick. Ten Steps Ahead: What Separates Successful Business Visionaries from the Rest of Us highlights the shared attributes and draws on science, as well as emotional intelligence, to help us better understand how we too can see and make the future. Though this book is not specific to the beauty fashion public relations industry, we felt several topics could easily apply at Pierce Mattie. 

From his history in journalism, Calonius has interviewed many of the most innovative business people in the world today. And we at Pierce Mattie, though beauty/fashion focused have already applied some of these teachings to our practice. Based on his personal engagements with these people, he intertwines and weaves together their stories to analyze and reveal how their “extraordinary powers” are developed and applied.

With fall racing forward, some of us are saddened by the fact that our summer holidays are closing up shop. However, I look at it as a new season to have fun with - wearing new apparel trends, adapting to refreshing fall colors and trying out new beauty ideas and nail fashions!

As we all know the traditional nail colors for fall are a little softer in color, more neutral tones, or darker, deep tones such as, dark green, navy, brown and beige. OPI has come out with their new “Touring America” collection, which is seasonally ideal! They have created various revitalizing tones for this fall while sustaining the traditional colors we all love. "Road House Blues” and “A-Taupe The Space Needle” are just two colors out of the “Touring America” line that are perfect for this fall!

However, if you are going to miss those bright and sassy colors, and like your nails to do the talking, Studio Nails is where you need to be! Studio Nails is a German based beauty company that has expanded to Australia and Switzerland, and hopefully will continue to expand! In addition to their nail products, they also provide other beauty products for your face, skin, eyes and lips.

Studio Nails has come up with fast and easy nail designs that have zero dry time, prevent your nails from chipping and lasts up to 5 days! All you have to do is buff your nail, put on the correct sized sticker, file off the excess design and for a high-gloss finish - put a clear, sealing, top coat on! If you want to remove the nail design it is as easy breezy as peeling off a sticker. Watch their tutorial to see just how quick and easy this is!

What are your favourite nail colors and designs for fall? Let us know by tweeting us @PierceMattiePR!

I love innovative brands and when I came across Layla Cosmetics and their Magneffect three-dimension nail polish this past June, I became obsessed. I'm not an expert when it comes to nail lacquer, let alone nail art, but to have the ability to create something so eye-catching from the comfort of my own home that's a conversation starter? Well I'm first in line for that.

Magneffect nail polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and DBP. It's quick drying and doesn't require a base coat...and no worries, it won't stain your nails without that base coat either! It dries very quickly and the polish iteself is very thick, so there is a bit of trial and error when you first begin to use the magnet to create multi-dimensional stripes on your nail with the pigment. You have to work fast, so make sure you have everything you need without distractions when you are ready to get started with this polish.

The magnet for Magneffect is attached to the top of the polish applicator, so after each application you need only flip over the handle and hold the magnet above *wet* polish for it to work its magic. I have Silver Galaxy, but I really love the look of Golden Nugget (olive) and Black Metal. 

All Lacquered Up has some great close-ups on how Magneffects looks. The more the layers, the deeper the color and contrast of the magnetic striping. The best how-to video comes from Layla Cosmetics themselves, so be sure to check it out for yourself!

What do you think of magnetic nail polish? Will we see more of this with other brands? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR.

*Photo Credit: Looks for Less

Blink Fitness is a fairly new fitness chain brought to us by the luxury fitness and wellness club, Equinox. They have opened up three well-organized complexes across New York in Yonkers, New York City, and Paramus, New Jersey. Blink clubs offer over 160 cardio machines and a variety of weight training instruments to help us stay fit and healthy.

One of the best aspects about Blink Fitness isn’t just their clever tag-line, “Everybody Blinks”, but their amazing monthly membership of only $20. For a fresh, welcoming, and inspiring gym complex their monthly fee is minimal, whereas your experience and outcome will be substantial. Another great piece about Blink, that I am certainly a fan of, is that they are reported to have diligent supervising staff as opposed to personal trainers. I much prefer this, because whenever I go to the gym the trainers are always walking around and I often feel intimidated when doing my workout -- resulting in me getting pushed out of my workout-focus and mind-set.

If you’re looking for an affordable fitness membership that offers access to a great gym complex Blink is a definite way to go. Their website contains location information as well membership sign up - so registering is fast and easy.

Be sure to check out Blink Fitness to stay in shape during the colder months ahead. Are you a member there? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR!

Blink Fitness is a fairly new fitness chain brought to us by the luxury fitness and wellness club, Equinox. They have opened up three well-organized complexes across New York in Yonkers, New York City, and Paramus, New Jersey. Blink clubs offer over 160 cardio machines and a variety of weight training instruments to help us stay fit and healthy.

One of the best aspects about Blink Fitness isn’t just their clever tag-line, “Everybody Blinks”, but their amazing monthly membership of only $20. For a fresh, welcoming, and inspiring gym complex their monthly fee is minimal, whereas your experience and outcome will be substantial. Another great piece about Blink, that I am certainly a fan of, is that they are reported to have diligent supervising staff as opposed to personal trainers. I much prefer this, because whenever I go to the gym the trainers are always walking around and I often feel intimidated when doing my workout -- resulting in me getting pushed out of my workout-focus and mind-set.

If you’re looking for an affordable fitness membership that offers access to a great gym complex Blink is a definite way to go. Their website contains location information as well membership sign up - so registering is fast and easy.

Be sure to check out Blink Fitness to stay in shape during the colder months ahead. Are you a member there? Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR!

As we’ve all seen and heard, one of the best ways to get fit and relieve stress is through yoga and pilates. Vince Vaughn’s mother, Shea Vaughn has lived her life in belief that stress and negative attributes can be eliminated through yoga and exercise practices.  - And as we can all see in the above image, for a woman in her seventies…. She looks ah-maz-ing!

Shea has written a book that shares her knowledge on how to live a healthy and positive lifestyle. Shea Vaughn’s Breakthrough: The 5 Living Principles to Defeat Stress, Look Great, and Find Total Well-Being contains her thoughts and advice on how to achieve a healthy and successful life. The 5 living principles she refers to are: commitment, perseverance, self-control, integrity, and love, all of which contribute to anti-aging and stress-relieving methods.

Shea uses yoga, tai chi, martial arts, dance and pilates to stay fit and healthy along with a positive and committed mind sight. In her book she explains and guides you how to achieve this ideal lifestyle.

Breakthrough is a good learning and inspiration tool to kick off your new healthy and fit lifestyle. What better way to being a new year with a new, healthier and stress-free lifestyle?

Are you going to read Breakthrough? Also a good Holiday gift idea for those on your list. Let us know what you think @PierceMattiePR.

Last week Bally's Total Fitness was sold to LA Fitness...unbeknownest to many Bally's members who only found out when they attempted to check in for their work out, and sadly, for some Bally's employees when they showed up to work only to find out they were out of a job. While buy-outs and acquisitions happen all of the time, there is usually open communication with current employees and customers. A lot of time is usually spent in regards to public relations to made the transition seamless. Not the case the LA Fitness' purchase and now, as a result of this side-stepping avoidance tactic, LA Fitness is looking at a class-action lawsuit.

PR Issue #1: LA Fitness is allegedly not honoring Bally's lifetime memberships and instead is asking current members to re-sign with LA Fitness paying new fees.

PR Resolution: This is a no brainer--honor the lifetime memberships. There are plenty of gyms out there that current members can make the switch to. If you aren't willing to honor those lifetime memberships, it is virtually guaranteed members won't re-sign with LA Fitness. 

PR Issue #2: The serious lack of communication heightens members and current employees level of skepticism and uneasiness about the transition.

PR Resolution: Each location should hold a membership meeting and separate employee meeting explaining what the sale means to that location. Hear out concerns and answer questions. 

PR Issue #3: There's buzz of a class-action lawsuit surrounding the shady practices of LA Fitness during this acquisition.

PR Resolution: Should a lawsuit be filed, it should be settled out of court. Lifetime members who will to not return to LA Fitness at all should receive a partial refund; those who choose to stay should have those memberships honored. Anyone with a yearly membership should have it honored until the end of the current contract.

Handled correctly going forward, and keeping all lines of communication open, should help LA Fitness change this PR crisis into something positive.

Tweet us your thoughts @PierceMattiePR.

Throughout history there are dresses that, when presented an image of it, we know exactly who was wearing it. Elizabeth Hurley's safety-pin dress by Gianni Versace, Caroline Bessette's wedding gown by Narciso Rodriguez, Chanel's little black dress...Diane von Furstenberg’s iconic wrap. These pieces are forever ingrained in pop culture and history.

100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein takes us on a visual tour of the most memorable dresses, along with insight into what inspired the design of each piece. And Rubenstein knows fashion. He is the fashion director of InStyle, as well as, one of its founding editors. The CFDA also recently awarded him the Eleanor Lambert Founder’s Award.

You can find it on Amazon for about $23. It would make a great coffee table book!

We seem to look down at our fingers and what’s on them multiple times throughout the day…typing away at your desktop, paying out the cashier for your morning espresso, or even biting them out of nervous habit. Whatever the state of affairs, we always want our nails to look good!

The ‘crackle’ craze has come and gone.  Crackle polish seemed like it came and went faster than feathered hair and blue eye shadow. Now, it seems to be all about ‘flakies’ for nail polish trends in 2012.

Flakies can be used as another term for glitter, typically larger pieces of glitter that resemble tiny sheets of metal. With rocking your real nails, you might want to add a little pizzazz and bring some passion to those beds.  Flakies are a great way to do so, considering they come in pretty much any color ever invented to mankind, but are paramount when used a layering technique over a solid color. It's like the mature version of glitter for your nails.

Many local nails salons usually carry an array of color choices for flakies, yet you can also purchase them online or at a local beauty store.  If you want to mix it up, OPI’s Spark-tacular top coat is a multicolored addition of glitz and can be found at www.Sephora.com.

Are you a fan of flakies? What’s your favorite winter color?  Just as off the shoulder shirts, Converse, and side ponytails reappeared on the fashion scene in this recent decade, have flakies conceivably become what’s hot, simply due to the creation of childhood nostalgia?

Let us know what you think @PierceMattiePR.

*Photo credit: Jessica's Nail Art

We seem to look down at our fingers and what’s on them multiple times throughout the day…typing away at your desktop, paying out the cashier for your morning espresso, or even biting them out of nervous habit. Whatever the state of affairs, we always want our nails to look good!

The ‘crackle’ craze has come and gone.  Crackle polish seemed like it came and went faster than feathered hair and blue eye shadow. Now, it seems to be all about ‘flakies’ for nail polish trends in 2012.

Flakies can be used as another term for glitter, typically larger pieces of glitter that resemble tiny sheets of metal. With rocking your real nails, you might want to add a little pizzazz and bring some passion to those beds.  Flakies are a great way to do so, considering they come in pretty much any color ever invented to mankind, but are paramount when used a layering technique over a solid color. It's like the mature version of glitter for your nails.

Many local nails salons usually carry an array of color choices for flakies, yet you can also purchase them online or at a local beauty store.  If you want to mix it up, OPI’s Spark-tacular top coat is a multicolored addition of glitz and can be found at www.Sephora.com.

Are you a fan of flakies? What’s your favorite winter color?  Just as off the shoulder shirts, Converse, and side ponytails reappeared on the fashion scene in this recent decade, have flakies conceivably become what’s hot, simply due to the creation of childhood nostalgia?

Let us know what you think @PierceMattiePR.

*Photo credit: Jessica's Nail Art

Working out barefoot is apparently all the rage lately. From Barefoot athletic shoes to literally jogging barefoot, the fitness industry is pushing for what they feel is a safer alternative to sneakers-- your bare foot. Personally, I'm not sure why it is abuzz lately, as I took dance and modern dance since I was young, in which you practice barefoot. I do, however, cringe when I see anyone going for their morning 5K run barefoot as I can only imagine my foot hitting the pavement along with any sharp item that may be in my path. Ouch.

However, barefoot fitness enthusiasts tout its benefits, stating that you can build a stronger core going barefoot because it allows you to connect with the ground. It's often been said that sneakers give a false sense of a platform when wearing them to work out (if you've ever rolled your ankle, you know this to be true.) 

Are you working out barefoot? Have you noticed a difference in your core strength since doing so? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR.

Thought ponytails were long-gone and departed? Only for toddlers and yoga class? Not precisely. Create something ordinary with those lustrous locks of yours.

Keep it simple, timely, and classy with this effortless updo.  Yes ladies, the ponytail trend is back…or continues to remain admired.  The high ponytail isn’t only being rocked on the runway this season.  It seems to harmonize well with a tasteful Valentino evening dress and pair of patent leather Louboutins.

Ponytail No.1 Seeking sleek? Achieve this smooth look with Pravana’s Relax Straightening Cream. First, straighten the entire head of hair with this cream to get that smooth finish you desire.  Then, finish off the sleek elegant ponytail by applying Pravana’s Finish Rock Hard Mist to scalp portion the head, followed by a comb-through.   This graceful and chic pony will have heads turning…literally, in yearning for a similar look. 

Ponytail No. 2 Not into tight, sleek updos?  Prefer something more casual, maybe even messy?  Then my suggestion is to sport a low ponytail for a more relaxed, informal look.  Don’t stop here, create that natural, beach-hair look by applying Pravana’s Curves Curl Enhancer.  Define your natural wavy or curly hair while adding a light bounce with this particular product. 

Want these looks to last?  Sustain your 'do with Pravana’s Super Shape Hair Spray, applying to wherever you desire no folicle movement.  I recommend spraying closer to the roots for Pony No. 1 and closer to your ends for Pony No. 2 in order to keep your roots and all hair prior to the tie, looking soft and loose against the frame of your face.  This long-lasting, lightweight spray assists in keeping either that lady of luxury…or lady of leisure look you crave.  

What do you think about ponytails?  Would you or do you wear them?  Which style of pony do you prefer? Twet us @PierceMattiePR.