Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Beauty Trends for 2010: Mood & Language, Baby



Are you ready for these newly predicted beauty trends?
A report by Reuters (London) says those in-the-know think austerity chic will make way for mood-enhancing make-up in 2010 alongside naturally sourced cosmetics and those enhanced by biochemistry and nano-technology advances. The trend for cutting back on the use of cosmetics ruled the beauty industry in 2009. But innovation and consumer resilience have shaped a new landscape for products in the coming year, according to consumer marketing and consulting firm Mintel in its Global Beauty Trends for 2010.


The four predicted trends for beauty products are: Mood Beauty, Nu Natural, Pro-Tech't and Turbo Beauty 4G.


"While 2009 brought its challenges for the industry, beauty brands and suppliers have continued to seek creative new ways to merge science, nature and sustainability for better results and more eco-friendly formulas and packaging," said Mintel's Director of Beauty Innovation Nica Lewis .

The report said 2010 will see more consolidation in the beauty industry and the evolution of old trends as well as new ones as consumer confidence returns. Recent product evolution has seen actual ingredients that will enable consumers to enhance their mood through make-up and skincare in 2010, going beyond aromatherapy and use of scent.

Mood Beauty: entails a new concept of beauty that intersects with psychology and wellbeing. Think beauty products with psychological benefits and ingredients that act on neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that effect mood.

Nu Natural: is a new vision of natural beauty products evolving from a current trend toward organic ingredients, with an eye on purity and local production. Mintel Beauty Innovation said it expects to see more products claim labels like "free from" and "sustainable" though will simultaneously contain synthetic ingredients. Manufacturers will explore simpler formulas such as infusions and fluids, creating with a new generation of phytochemicals, anthocyanins and fermented actives.

Pro-Tech't: will extend an existing emphasis on protection, one of the basic functions of skincare, hair care and color cosmetics. This is already heavily in the scheme of things - so not a new concept. Beauty products are offering protection against sun damage and other environmental factors, physiological changes as well as man-made factors. Expect marketers to utilize computer technology language (e.g. "fire walls") to engage consumers via product description. Also expect to see a growth in immune-boosting and enhancing skin defenses claims in products.

Turbo Beauty 4G: high tech beauty capitalizing on advances in biochemistry and incorporating the use of next-generation nanotechnology in beauty products is expected to boom. This trend features more quasi-medical results and "mix-it-yourself" solutions: at-home kits, cures and gadgets that offer alternatives to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures. Well, we're seeing a lot of that already and looking forward to more.

And you thought this was going to be an article on mood lipsticks. Pshaw. = )

source: Reuters Life, fashionmag, Mintel Beauty

Monday, January 18, 2010

Nordstrom GWP Beauty Gift

See Details

Give back to yourself with a little beauty joy from Nordstrom. Get nine travel-size beauty favorites in a cosmetics planner with your $100 beauty or fragrance purchase. Your complimentary beauty gift is valued at $100 value. Gift includes:

• PREVAGE® Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer (1.7 oz.)
• Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black (0.14 oz.)
• Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (0.69 oz.)
• Cartier 'Délices' Eau de Parfum Spray (0.33 oz.)
• AHAVA Dermud™ Enriched Intensive Foot Cream (1.3 oz.)
• L'Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm Stick (0.07 oz.)
• Xen-Tan® 'Transform Luxe' Premium Sunless Tan in Light/Medium (1 oz.)
• Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum (0.1 oz.)
• DDF Brightening Cleanser (2 oz.)
• Cosmetics planner with brush pockets and two detachable pouches (8"W x 5"H x 1 ½"D)

Shop Nordstrom for more information on this offer. They've got all the best in new beauty collections, skincare and fragrance for the new season. Treat yourself to a free gift of beauty simultaneously. Enjoy! xo

Pomega5's Newest Skincare Products - Yay!

New Pomega5 Logo
Pomegranates

Picture of Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing BarPicture of Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar NEW Picture of Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar NEWPicture of Bois de Rose NEW!

Goody, goody, goody ... I've been waiting for Pomega5 to come out with some of their newer products and here they are. There's more to come so keep checking back with them, but these are sure to please even the most discriminating of skincare divas.


NEW! Skin Perfecting Cleansing Trio
3 Bars, 4.2 oz / 120 g each

I'm never without at least one of Pomega5's cleansing bars in my bathroom! I adore these gentle yet effective bars. Each has its own unique and heavenly scent (to die for!) and they render a creamy lather that feels wonderful on the skin.

Based on a blend of extra virgin olive oil and pomegranate seed oil (yes, they were way ahead of the game incorporating these must-have ingredients in skincare), Pomega5’s Skin Perfecting Cleansing Bar Trio incorporates purifying and skin rejuvenating botanicals and essential oils to offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience for your skin and soul.

Lemongrass Clarifying Cleansing Bar - invigorating lemongrass and eucalyptus deeply cleanse, purify and calm troubled skin; this is their classic bar newly packaged and 'tis definitely my favorite ... mmm mmmm mmmm absolutely scrumptious! $18
Green Tea Balancing Cleansing Bar - antioxidant green tea, pomegranate and verbena balance pH and fight against free radical damage $20
Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar - Bulgarian rose, vanilla and red clover restore moisture while soothing dry or sensitive skin $24

Get the trio at $60 or buy the bars indiviually. They last a long time so enjoy the luxury of gifting yourself with one or all of these delightful treats for the skin.


NEW! Bois de Rose
A soothing, hydrating moisturizer for normal, dry and combination skin

A gift for her daughter who was always difficult to please, Bois de Rose is Tzeira’s classic must-have for every woman. Designed to counteract dehydration and early signs of aging, this moisturizer combines the skin rejuvenating properties of Bulgarian Damask Rose with Bilberry, purifying Panama Bark and nourishing Sweet Almond Oil to restore skin’s natural balance, leaving it smooth, hydrated and velvety soft. Sensuous, sweet, and incredibly fresh, Bois de Rose is like that little black dress you just can’t do without! Botanically preserved; contains no fillers, synthetics, parabens, or perfumes. Not tested on animals.

You can learn more about my love for Pomega5 here. Be sure to visit them online at Pomega5.com; their products are also available at The Marin Store, Makeup.com.

Elle's Spirit of Style Sweepstakes

Spirit of Style Sweepstakes

Are you an indie film lover with a penchant for clothing black and white? If so, you don't want to miss out on this contest from ELLE magazine and White House Black Market.

White House Black Market invites you to win a stylish, star-studded trip for two to attend Film Independent’s 2010 Spirit Awards in Los Angeles. One lucky winner will receive roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles, two nights accommodations at a hotel, dinner at an LA hotspot, ground transportation to and from the airport, backstage passes to the coveted ELLE green room at the Independent 2010 Spirit Awards, plus a $1,000 shopping spree provided by White House Black Market!

Enter the Spirit of Style Sweepstakes for a chance to win!

Shiseido to Buy Bare Escentuals but Blodgett Still Involved ... Bleck!



Shiseido, Japan's largest cosmetics company (and one of my very first cosmetic loves ... their eyeshadows are the dreamiest!), is said to be buying U.S.-based Bare Escentuals for a whopping $1.7 billion, the mineral makeup line that enjoys quite a following (though I can't stand them ... so irritating). The California-based firm will operate as a separate division of Shiseido, and CEO Leslie Blodgett will continue to run its brands.

Well, if there has to be a down side, right? Really, does Leslie Blodgett irritate the hell out of anyone else like she does me? I realize I may be in the minority as many a beauty addict likes BE; I just don't understnad why. Personally, I think Shiseido got the raw end of the deal here. Waaaaaayyyy too much $$$ spent on this endeavor. Mineral makeup and BE's fledgling skincare brand isn't here to stay - just my opine.




Class vs. Well ... No Class

source: wwd

Sunday, January 17, 2010

67th Annual Golden Globes 2010


Jennifer Morrison on the red carpet; dress designer Luis Antonio, Judith Leiber clutch, and Martin Katz jewelry my favorite look of the night


Well, no surprise fashion made its color statement in shades of purple this awards show. Lots of violet, periwinkle, lavender, orchid and amethyst abound at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Surprising to see so many short dresses this evening, but elegance definitely ruled the night. Checkout JustJared and Fab & BellaSugar for the best in photos from the night!



Rose Byrne in a gorgeous Lanvin gown, shoes by Brian Atwood, Judith Leiber clutch and jewels by Stephen Russell, Jane Krakowski in an orchid charmeuse gown by J. Mendel, Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton gown and Brian Atwood "Wagner" pumps, Sandra Bullock in a violet Bottega Venetta gown and Casadei platform shoes, Leona Lewis in a Roberto Cavalli gown, Emily Blunt in a strapless pink tulle and chiffon Dolce & Gabbana gown Jimmy Choo shoes and pewter Ferragamo clutch, Chloe Sevigny in a silvery-lilac Valentino gown and lavender satin Roger Vivier night box clutch, Fergie in a beautiful periwinkle Elie Saab gown, and Lisa Edelstein in a silvery Georges Chakras plunging neck-lined gown.

Kristen Bell, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, January Jones, Julianne Moore, Maggie Gyllenhall, Olivia Wilde, Emily Blunt (hair by Frederic Fekkai), Fergie, Amy Adams and Nicole Kidman



Marion Cotillard in a dark green Christian Dior gown, sandals by Jimmy Choo, Chopard jewels and black crocodile Roger Vivier clutch, Heather Graham in a glittering black gown by Elie Saab and Ferragamo shoes, Olivia Wilde in beaded Gucci gown, Jimmy Choo shoes, Tiffany jewels and Judith Leiber clutch (loved this whole look!), Maria Menounos in an elegant red Romona Keveza gown, Kristen Bell in a shorter-hemmed Jasmine di Milo dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels and Judith Leiber clutch, Kate Hudson in a white Marchesa silk crepe gown and signature pumps by Casadei, Maggie Gyllenhall in RM by Roland Mouret mermaid gown (fab!), Prada shoes and jewles by Bulgari, January Jones in a beautiful black Lanvin gown and Brian Atwood "Wagner" pumps.

And don't Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler look adorable? Just love them together. They complement each other very well. Jen wore a Valentino couture dress, Versace shoes, and Fred Leighton jewelry. Gerard cleaned up very well himself in a tuxedo by Dolce & Gabbana.

images: JustJared, WireImage, Getty

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Classic Bohemian Seduction of Nanadebary Pink



Softly spicy, warm and powdery, undeniably feminine, Nanadebary Pink is a fragrance lover's dream scent. It's been described as a fragrance so delicious you want to wear it every day then spritz on a little more before you go to bed. Made from natural raw materials using organic methods, the signature fragrance from Austrian designer Nana de Bary is exquisite in every detail. Subtle and distinctive and sexy.

Notes: nutmeg (very subtle), coriander, giner, Sicilian tangerine, bergamot, jasmine, sandalwood, cedar, Indian amber, Bourban vanilla



Victoria wrote me asking where she could buy a bottle of Nana's fragrant pink fragrance for shipping to the UK. Victoria, all three of Nandebary's fragrances are very, very hard to keep in stock. They've been offered at a number of fragrance emporiums over the years, but they never stay for long. You generally have to catch them when you can. This scent is so gorgeous I can easily understand why it's lasted the test of time as a classic loved by many across the world.



Nanadebary fragrances are available in Pink (her signature first, the classic), Green (a sparkling scent with hints of citron, basil and vetiver) and my personal favorite of the three Bronze (the warmest and most intense of the scents with mandarine, ylang-ylang, tuberose, iris and a base of rich amber, cedarwood and light mush ... truly divine!) Currently, you can find Nanadebary at Luckyscent online or by telephone orders and through Nanadebary directly.


Both will ship to the UK as well as other parts of the world. Enjoy, Victoria! xo


Readers can find earlier my reviews and more information about Nanadebary fragrances here.

Chanel's Bringing Sexy Back with Lipstick


Vanessa Paradis in Chanel Rouge Coco

In a lipgloss wearing culture, Chanel decides now is the time to lure women back to the sultry allure of the "stick". Good news indeed. As one who never left lipstick (yes, have been faithful these past 10 years still; and, yes, I know I'm in the minority), I'm hugely excited about Chanel's news to introduce a whole new line of lip product.

“Rouge Coco is one of the most important launches from the House of Chanel in 2010,” said John Galantic, Chanel’s U.S. president. The new long-lasting and hydrating collection called Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour consists of 30 shades, each named for a part of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s life, such as Mademoiselle, a soft pink; Camelia, a deep rose, and Paris, a bright red. As you know, Chanel reds are already the epitome of the classic red lipstick. Rouge Coco will replace Chanel's existing Hydrasbase line. I'm psyched about this new launch!

The colors are broken down into four color families: Roses-Pinks; Reds-Corals; Violets-Berries; Neutrals-Browns. Rouge Coco lipsticks will retail for $30 and are set to launch in March 2010. Visit Chanel Beauty soon for more information.

source: wwd

Sunday, January 3, 2010

REVIEW: REN F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask

F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask - All skin types

Yes, Louise, you can exfoliate without sugar, salt, particles or harsh granular scrubs.

Got a question via my little Contact Me option from my banner up top. Louise of Charlotte, NC asks, "Can you recommend a gentle product that doesn't have grains in it but still gives the face an excellent exfoliation?"

Your wish, Louise, is my command. Now I suppose I should qualify this by reminding everyone I am not a dermatologist or skincare professional; I'm just a woman who loves skincare, so you should check with a professional if you want more information about what you read here. There are many products on the market that offer chemical versus physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation generally consists of applying forms of alpha hydroxy acids and/or beta hydroxy acids. The acids help to dissolve the "glue" around the cells, ultimately shedding several layers of the epidermis. We're not talking about the potency of say battery acid, we're talking about gentle acid found, for instance, in many of the fruits we eat.

One such product I enjoy with excellent results is REN's F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance Facial Mask. The mask has the consistency of a sweet honeyed jam of sorts. There are no harsh granules to bother sensitive skins. Fruit enzymes provide a deep yet safe and gentle way to slough away dead cells and debris. There's no burning and no irritation. The mask is formulated to gently exfoliate and detoxify, and boosts cell renewal leaving the complexion smooth, toned and bright. Enzymes from papaya gently remove dead cells while Vitamin C from Barbados Cherry extract and essential oils of orange, mandarin, grapefruit and pineapple neutralize antioxidants and fight free radicals. In addition Arctic Blackcurrant oil rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids help to repair and soothe skin. 1.7 oz pump bottle retails for $37

Using this mask just once a week helps keep my skin in check and very smooth. I've often noticed little bumps or dry patches that have been present the day before are gone by the next morning after using the mask. The mask has a slight fruity tea-like scent to it, very natural; it's effective for all skin types. Apply generously after cleansing the skin, leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Apply a moisturizer to enhance hydration and you're set to go.

For more information or to purchase this gentle, lovely facial mask, visit REN Skincare. Also available at Apothica, Skin Botanica and Sephora.

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