Backstage Beauty: Fall 2008 Haute Couture

model - Natasha Poly (style.com)


The beauty elements among the haute couture showings for Fall 2008 in Paris were as different and contrasting as the collections themselves. Here, a peek into the artistic originality:




(L-R) Anne Valerie Hash, Armani Prive', Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian LaCroix, Elie Saab, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino

source: style.com

What will YOUR Hands Look Like?

You know, we spend a lot of time and effort on our facial skin, neck, body, decollete'. For me personally, my facial regimen consists of separate cleansers, toners, masks, serums and moisturizers. I have many body care products - anti-cellulite, toning products, moisturizing creams and butters; even various neck gels, creams and more. On top of this, my drawer contains specialized anti-wrinkle products - serums, gels, gel-creams, etc. Gosh, it's terrible, I know. And we've not even started on the makeup, haircare and fragrance items.

But how many of us truly give even a fraction of that attention to our hands? I didn't. Well, I didn't up until about a year ago. I turned 40 this year but I didn't ever think I really needed to; my hands were and still are relatively smooth and I wasn't very cognizant of aging or damage.

Now, I don't know if any of you darlings noticed this, but I certainly did. The DAY I turned 40, it was like bells, whistles and alarms of all kinds went off in my body, "She's 40, she's 40! Start the acceleration of aging!" And my body complied.

What I noticed almost immediately was that little brown spots started appearing on my hand. Now look at what I said there - my hand - not my hands, a single hand. My left one. Have you figured out the culprit causing these little spots yet? Yes, no? Well, do this. Picture yourself on an average day. For me it entails driving the kids to school or to activities, driving to work, travelling to meetings throughout the day sometimes for extended stretches on the highway - and there's my left hand, right up there at the top of the steering wheel during all the driving, in the spotlight of a beaming SUN! Yes, you've got it - the sun has caused these little spots to surface on my hand.

Amazing. It really drove home for me what the sun can do to skin when left unprotected. When I see photos and images, like the one of Faye Dunaway's hands above, it really makes me think prevention is the best practice for slowing the effects of aging and minimizing the effects of sun damage. So what's the resolution to this problem? For me, it's been to incorporate exfoliation and sunscreen into my hand skincare routine. Not only am I exfoliating my face and body, but I take extra measures to ensure I'm performing a good exfoliation on my hands when in the shower as well. On top of this, I'm hydrating my hands with a rich moisturizing cream daily. The last component is an absolute must-do, a healthy application of sunscreen every morning before leaving the house being sure to really rub it into the skin on top of my hands.

Here's what I'm using; I fluctuate between a few (well, you know, variety = spice of life and all), but the treasure chest is ripe with all kinds of wonderful products in this area of skincare - choose wisely! It's important to be sure you're using a broad-spectrum sunscreen product to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Exfoliator/Scrub:

• Shea Terra Organics Miombo Mango Shea Butter Dead Sea Salt Scrub
• Philosophy Microdelivery Peptide/Vitamin C In-Home Peel

Hydrator/Moisturizer:

• Shea Terra Organics Pink Guava Pomegranate Indigenous Body Butter
• Aveda Hand ReliefTM
• Origins Make A Difference™ Rejuvenating Hand Treatment

Sunscreen/SPF:

• Somme Institute Double Defense Day Moisture w/ SPF 30+
• Lancôme Absolue Hand Replenishing Unifying Treatment SPF 15 Sunscreen
• boscia Daily Hand Revival Therapy SPF 15

Josie Maran Finger Paints: Multi-Tasker Extraordinaire

Josie Maran Cosmetics... luxury with a conscience.

I have a new favorite multi-tasking product!

Josie Maran's Finger Paints in Sweet is a gem. Think you can't create sophisticated makeup looks with your fingers? Think again. This pretty palette holds a complete wardrobe of multi-use makeup in shades specifically chosen to flatter every skin tone. The feather-light shimmers bring soft, glowy color to cheeks, lips or eyes. The innovative formula contains natural, organic ingredients - no fragrances or parabens. What's more, the beauty extends to the packaging: each shade comes housed in Josie's state-of-the-art biodegradable compact. 7.5g/0.26oz - $36

Ingredients Include: beeswax, jojoba oil, pomegranate seed oil, avocado oil, flax seed, olive oil, corn starch, cocoa butter and shea butter.

REVIEW: These are creamy, forgiving, lightly shimmering shades that flatter any skintone. I've used the pinky color and the peach as blush and lipstick, the copper color to contour cheekbones, both the copper and peach shades as eyeshadows and for definition on sides of forehead, and the white shade truly is unbelievable. I've used that over lipstick for depth, dimension and shimmer, underneath brow bones just under the arch as a highlight, on cheekbones as a highlighter and in corner of eyes to bring brightness and open up my eyes - just love it!

Raised in a bohemian household in Northern California, Josie Maran grew up appreciating natural, unpretentious beauty. At the time, makeup – heavy and mask-like – seemed anything but pretty to her. Josie Maran Cosmetics is a fabulous, eco-conscious brand of beauty products. Here's what Josie has to say about founding a beauty company in today's environment and being responsible:

"When I compared the supposedly glamorous women I saw in magazines to my mother, who never wore a stitch of makeup, it was no contest," says Josie. "My mom was, and still is, a true beauty."

I believe in balance.
Inspired by my interest in environmental education for children, I've teamed up with Global Green to support their new Green Schools for Southern California Initiative. Green schools connect students and teachers to the natural world, reduce operating costs, and reduce overall impact on the environment. Global Green takes the kind of balanced approach to environmental issues that I respect, and I'm honored to be part of their team.

I believe that doing the right thing can be glamorous.
When creating our cosmetics formulas, I worked with the Environmental Working Group's website Skin Deep. Their vast database on raw materials was instrumental in helping me choose the most non-toxic ingredients for our products.

I believe in beauty without the baggage.
When starting the line, I knew I wanted to avoid using toxic ingredients such as parabens and petrochemicals. Therefore, I aligned Josie Maran Cosmetics with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of women's, consumer rights and environmental health organizations. We are a signatory to their Compact for Safe Cosmetics – a meaningful commitment to eliminate carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins from personal care products. Over six hundred companies have now signed the Compact.

Josie Maran Cosmetics is just getting started, but it is our goal to be known for the responsible choices we make. Our products, packaging and processes are only the beginning, as we endeavor to broaden our scope of responsibility each day. Our efforts include small but important steps – printing only when necessary and using recycled paper and eco-friendly products in our day-to-day operations. Our display units at our retail counters have been constructed from sustainable materials and we do our best to be responsible in our manufacturing and shipping materials. We learn as we go and these things take time, but we're getting there.

I want to prove that a cosmetics company doesn't have to sacrifice luxury and performance in order to create products that are kind to the natural and social environment. And if we make the world– not to mention women's cheeks and lips– a little rosier while we're at it, even better.

For more information and to purchase: Josie Maran, Barneys

SMASHBOX: Wicked Lovely Fall 2008 Color Collection

Smashbox believes every woman is naughty and nice, daring and demure, light-hearted and darkly alluring. For looks that are charmingly sweet, devilishly sexy, or a little bit of both, experience the Wicked Lovely Collection, new for Fall 2008.

WICKED LOVELY CREAM LINER & LOOSE SHIMMER (LE) - $32
Three sultry cream liners and a sparkling loose shimmer in one mirrored pot! The liners provide totally customizable eye definition that doesn’t flake, run or tug. This mistake-proof formula is a great tool for the perfect smoky eye, and is ultra-blendable to create a range of eye looks! The loose shimmer provides the finishing touch for wickedly lovely eyes.

WICKED LOVELY LIP PENCIL (LE) - $16
A dark, creamy lip pencil to entice a sinful pout. Wear under WICKED/LOVELY LIP GLOSS in SULTRY for a smoldering look.

BLUSH RUSH (LE) - $24
Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing blush packaged in an innovative swivel mirror compact for touch ups on-the-go.

WICKED LOVELY DOUBLETAKE LIP COLOR (LE) - $22
A double-ended lip pencil and creamy lip color in a soft nude shade that perfectly complements a sensual smoky eye. The vitamin-packed formula has caffeine and nourishing wheat glycerides to moisturize and protect lips.

WICKED LOVELY EYE SHADOW DUO (LE) - $24
Sweep these luxurious shadow duos across lids for a truly smoldering look. The velvety cashmere texture glides on for buildable color and blends smoothly for looks that last. These shimmering duos can be worn day or night to play up eyes. Duos - Sexy/Demure; Sinful/Demure

WICKED LOVELY LIP GLOSS (LE) - $18
Entice a sinful or sweet pout with these sexy glosses. Shades - Coy (sheer nude); Sweet (sheer apricot); Sultry (black cherry)

The Wicked Lovely Collection is available now at Smashbox and Sephora

Creme d'Olives: Skincare on a High Note

Crème d'Olives calls their cream "the Mediterranean diet for beautiful skin". The namesake, the olive tree, is recognized the world over as a symbol of peace and embodies the Mediterranean region's rich Greco tradition. The creation of Barcelona physician Fernando Aleu, MD, Crème d'Olives boasts an all natural composition, infusing that rich, Greco tradition with today's Mediterranean health secrets and modern advances in scientific research and manufacturing techniques.

The difference in this skincare product is its use of key ingredients - olive leaf extract - a powerful antioxidant, and pea extract, both of which protect elastic tissue important to the maintenance of proper skin tone. The claim is that together these naturally occurring ingredients help slow down the aging process.

Crème d'Olives is an extra rich, hyper moisturizing, nourishing and protective skincare product derived from natural substances: extracts of olive leaf, peas, cannabis seeds (yes, those), Mediterranean herbs, vitamins and minerals.

Here is what they say about the benefits:

ACME - as in highest point, or "peak" of perfection

• A - Antioxidant: Oxidation is a complex process cause by free radicals that break down the skin's structure. The natural antioxidants in Crème d'Olives inhibit this process and help prolong the skin's youthfulness.
• C - Circulation: The cream is applied by gently patting the skin (as opposed to rubbing it in), which in combination with hits ingredients increases micro-circulation, boosting nutrient levels and flushing waste by-products.
• M - Moisturizing: The painstaking way in which oil and water are bonded together in Crème d'Olives results in a formula that increases moisture retention in the skin.
• E - Elasticity: The cream helps preserve the skin's elastic components and produce a paradoxical "firm-softness" effect, which decreases the appearance of aging, eliminates dryness, and leaves skin feeling protected, relaxed and radiant.

REVIEW: This is a unique product in its texture. It's quite creamy, but you'll notice as you pat it onto skin that it has almost an adhesiveness to it. Should you try to blend it in with fingers instead of patting it on, you'd certainly rub your skin too harshly. The cream is kind of a light green shade in color. I've been enjoying patting it onto forehead lines and fine lines and wrinkles around my eye area. It's doing a nice job at maintaining and improving elasticity and tone, though I'm not noticing any real diminishing of lines (though it doesn't purport to do so). I like the light, fresh scent. It's very similar to L'Occitane olive products if you're familiar with those - clean and fresh. It gains this scent from its natural fragrance content (nothing added to enhance fragrance). The packaging is nice - white, glass jar containing 2 oz., but a tad pricey at $125. Final analysis is I really like this cream and will use it sparingly to treat myself, but not something I HAVE to have at this price.

Crème d'Olives is available at Zitomer.

Seriesse Glyco Essentials Kit Giveaway: Another Winner Today!

We had a tremendous response to this contest - wow! Thanks to all of you who entered. Our winner of the Seriesse Glyco Essentials Kit Giveaway is ...

JOHN F. of FLORIDA

Well, there you go - congratulations! Notification has been forwarded to the winner by email. All contest winners today were chosen using random generation by Britetix. Be on the lookout as there are many more giveaways coming up on For the Love of Beauty. One will post before the end of this week! xo

Shea Terra Shower Elixir Giveaway: Here's the Winner

Thanks to all of you who participated in this contest. We had great response and received a lot of positive feedback about the product in emails. The winner is ...

EMI S. of NEW YORK CITY

Congratulations to our winner! Notification by email has already been sent to the winner for mailing address verification. Emi, you can expect your prize to be sent before the end of the week provided our mailing information is correct. :o )

Carol's Daughter: Pop-Up Store in New Orleans ~ Limited Time

(click images above to enlarge for detail)

Carol’s Daughter will be opening its third annual Pop-Up Store in New Orleans over the July 4th weekend. Help celebrate July 2nd, official “Carol’s Daughter Day” proclaimed by the City of New Orleans. From July 3rd to July 6th, Carol’s Daughter fans will be able to shop their favorite store for all their favorite beauty products in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Designed to replicate existing Carol’s Daughter boutiques, the store has become a pampering safe haven for revelers enjoying July 4th weekend in New Orleans. The store will only be open for this limited time and will feature an array of fun activities and giveaways for consumers, including:

*Celebrity in store appearances by Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige
*The Coca Cola Red Room inside the store will have refreshments for visitors who can also receive a two-minute Carol’s Daughter makeover, hang out in the meet and greet lounge, or join the Lisa Price and friends chat session.
*Sweepstakes every two hours for the chance to win a trip to next year’s festivities in New Orleans.
*A free gift with purchase – For every $75 purchase, visitors will receive a free Verve Music CD.
*The store will also carry limited-edition phone charms to benefit the Lupus Foundation.

What: Carol’s Daughter Pop-Up Store

When: July 3rd-July 6th
Open to the public 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily

Where: 622 Conti Street
New Orleans, LA

About Carol’s Daughter:
Carol’s Daughter is a complete line of hair and body care products inspired by nature and created with love. In the early 1990’s, founder Lisa Price (a.k.a. Carol’s daughter) began experimenting with fragrance, essential oils and natural moisturizers to make gifts for her family and friends. When the products Lisa whipped up right in her kitchen were a hit with loved ones, Lisa branched out and began selling her products online. Lisa’s unique recipe of natural ingredients has turned her at-home enterprise into a highly successful business within a matter of years. Today, Carol’s Daughter is sold at seven Carol’s Daughter stores, along with select Sephora, Macy’s and Dillard’s locations. The brand’s extended family includes celebrity fans like Jada Pinkett Smith, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, and Chaka Khan.


UPDATE: Sharing some photos and images from the event, which was a huge success in the midst of New Orleans' Annual Essence Festival.


(L-R, T-B): inside the store, Chris Paul and Lisa Price (Creator, Carol's Daughter), Tasha Smith, inside store

Lucy B Pink Frangipani EDP

For those unfamiliar with Lucy B Cosmetics, it really bears knowing a little more about the brand and the woman behind it. Ancient healing lore and plant wisdom come together with the most modern technology, innovative organic ingredients and hip, seductive packaging.

Lucy B Cosmetics is unlike any other beauty range. By including Australian Bush Flower Essences and pure aroma-therapeutic extracts in every product, we have harnessed the power and magic of the Australian botanical apothecary to bring you benefits that go way beyond beauty. The result is a range that helps transform the body, mind and soul.

Technically known as vibrational healing, the flower essences work by subtly balancing the energies of the body and being. Based on the idea that negative mental, emotional and spiritual states impact negatively on the body, the essences help rid the body of toxic emotions, fears and imbalances. Lucy B also includes pure, organic essential oils for their aromatherapeutic healing properties in most products.

Essential oils, the pure extracts of plants, trees, fruits and herbs, are powerful natural chemicals with anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties which have an affinity with the skin and body. Lucy B employs both flower essences and organic essential oils because they’re dynamic, active and highly sensitive wholistic healing agents.

Created by international makeup artist Lucy Baldock-Sacchi the range not only offers an opportunity to experience the bliss of pampering and luxury, it’s also designed to give women intelligent skincare and make-up tools. With the simple philosophy that there was a gap in the market for the perfect combination of natural, organic ingredients & colour cosmetics, Lucy designed a fresh range that encapsulates the natural resources found only in Australia.

Lucy B is the only colour range in the world to have infused the natural Australian Flower Essences within their products offering you a taste of the Australian energy & lifestyle.

Her Mission: is to create the natural alchemy of beauty & healing with a blend of luxurious cosmetics that channel the healing resources from the pure and magical Australian Botanical Apothecary.

Her Vision: is to balance image and style with heart & soul.

Lucy B believes:

• that six deep breaths a day can improve your life

• we are all beautiful inside and out

• that you already make a difference in the world

• to speak your mind from your heart

• a good laugh is an essential ingredient to your day

• that you can measure success in many ways

• in hugs and kisses

• that if at first you don't succeed to try until you do

Description of Pink Frangipani:
Lucy B's gorgeous new fragrance is infused with her signature Australian Flower Essences magically blended with top notes of pink grapefruit & pineapple with a middle of red suva frangipani and bottom notes of heliotrope & coconut milk. Pink Frangipani is a tropical Australian beach scent with the added benefit of boosting the mood with Australian Bush Flower Essences.

REVIEW: I have to admit, I was expecting a lot after reading about the fragrance and its popularity. What I wasn't expecting, was for the fragrance to open with such a floral presence. With a description of top notes of pink grapefruit and pineapple, I thought the first whiff would have more of a fruity sense to it. So I wasn't sure I was going to like this fragrance right out. During the summer, I tend to want something a little less floral for some reason. However, this is one of those magical fragrances that truly changes from one thing to quite another. As the fragrance lingered a bit, I noticed a sweetness to it and as it dried, the fragrance that remained was gorgeous - simply scrumptious. It has a bit of a beachy smell to it with its coconut milk bottom note blended with hints of its fresh Australian flower essence (just light hints though). Please don't misunderstand - this is not a suntan oil beachy smell, it's very subtle - beautiful. I never noticed the pink grapefruit or pineapple so it you're not a fan of fruity, don't dismiss this fragrance till you give it a try. And look at that bottle - lovely! 100ml - $48.

Lucy B's Pink Frangipani EDP is available at Beautyhabit and select retailers.

Model Focus: Ai Tominaga

Japanese supermodel and actress Ai Tominaga has appeared on the cover of Vogue and Bazaar in her native land, and in runway shows for John Galliano, Vivienne Tam, Gucci, Christian Dior, Valentino and many others. There is some discrepancy about her birthdate, some showing August 1, 1981, others showing January 8, 1982. She's appeared as the spokeperson for Tag Heuer and has appeared in ads for Banana Republic, Gucci Parfums, Yves Saint Laurent, Gap, Lux among others. Yet, it was her appearance in the Paris Elie Saab Fall 2008 Couture show that mesmerized my attention (see prior post).

Ai has her own website, and more information about her may be obtained at FashionWATCH, NY Magazine and Style.

SHEA TERRA ORGANICS: Pink Guava Pomegranate Indigenous Body Butter

This ultimate, healing body butter pampers skin with nourishing shea butter and African herbs. Considered to be the fruit of paradise, fertility, and longevity, it is no wonder ancient women coveted the pomegranate as their secret to beauty. This anti-aging super fruit is known to fight disease and aging with its potent dose of antioxidants and punicic acid. In this sensual combination, pomegranate couples with intoxicating pink guava. Pink guava's tantalizing nectar promenades the soul with a melody of dry sweetness and a kiss of tangy tartness. Wild harvested African herbs of aloe ferox, kigelli and African potato tone and encourage skin renewal. Forty percent organic shea butter deeply moisturizes the skin, penetrating deep beneath the epidermis to deliver valuable nutrients. This potent blend reduces stretch marks, soothes eczema and sends dry skin running.

99% Natural. Paraben Free. No Artificial Fragrances. Contains 40% Shea Butter.

Doing good: Shea Terra Organics knows that sustainability is the key to Africa's success. In addition to supporting sustainable growth through trade, Shea Terra also purchases goods through NGOs teaching natives to support themselves while preserving their environment. Purchases of baobab oil and indigenous herbs from the Miombo forest help to save it from foreign logging and local slash and burn farming. Reforestation projects underway are aimed at planting trees economically beneficial for food, medicine and non-consumable goods. Honey, propolis and beeswax purchased from a cooperative in Uganda supports one of many other NGO projects that Shea Terra works with closely to empower natives with the knowledge and means that they need to have self governing and healthier lives.

Shea Terra Organics' herbal formulations have healed, soothed and revived thousands of bodies across the globe. Shea Terra's concentrated formulas of exotic African oils and herbs have won it a reputation for performing small miracles. But the real Shea Terra Organics legacy lies in Africa's people, wildlife and land. We've embarked on a global mission knowing that what happens in Africa affects the entire world. If we can save one forest we offset the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. If we can stimulate economic growth through sustainable means then we have empowered a people. And if we can nourish a little body and feed a mind then we have empowered one person to be capable of hope and change.

REVIEW: Another winner! This cream, Pink Guava Pomegranate Indigenous Body Butter, is so decadently rich and firm. The scent is truly one of sweet ripe fruit with a hint of tartness. With a whopping 40% organic shea butter in this cream, it goes to work instantly and is readily absorbed into the skin. There is no greasy, oily feel at all. What results is wonderful hydration and toned skin. Instead of using essential oils, Shea Terra has created a blend of all-natural sweet pink guava essence and tart pomegranate extract which give this body butter a vibrant, fresh aroma, and as with the other Shea Terra products, not at all overpowering. So, here's what I like best about the body butter:

• healing to all skin types
• loaded with antioxidants, minerals and skin soothing herbs
• contains the anti-aging superfruit - pomegranate
• the intoxicating, yet very light scent on pink guava
• richly high content of organic shea butter
• luxury in a jar for under $20, an incredible bargain

Shea Terra products are available at Shea Terra Organics, Nordstrom and b-glowing.