FORECAST: Beauty Trends Fall/Winter 2010-11

On a beautiful fall evening in October 2009, the lovely ladies of Edelkoort Inc. and beautypress joined forces to host an invitation-only event at Edelkoort’s NYC headquarters, The Firehouse.

Attendees included representatives from Amazon Beauty, Bleu Magazine, Chantecaille Beauté, Erno Laszlo, Good Housekeeping, Givaudan, LashControl, LUSH, Marc Rosen, Meniscus magazine, MyBeautyBerry, Priti Nails, Scenterprises, WWD Beauty Biz, 3&Co., and more. Guests enjoyed apple cider and Bouké wines, and were then seated for two informative presentations:

First, beautypress founder Gabriele Fuchs, reported about the rapid growth and acceptance of beautypress by the editorial community.

Next, Emmanuelle Linard a leading trend expert and executive director of Edelkoort Inc., provided an inspiring look at beauty trends for Autumn/Winter 2010.
 

TREND UNION

FALL/WINTER 2010-11

 

“MONOLOGUE”

 
In a response to the economic downturn, we choose to slow down, take a very close look at our identity and re-assess our brands and products lines, as well as our manufacturing and distribution ways. We will scrutinize every step of our personal and professional behaviors and open our minds to different solutions to adjust to a new world in motion.

Weary of trying to create everything for everybody, accepting that we have diluted the quality of our merchandise into excessive production and scattered our skills in too many product lines, we strive to simplify it all.

We quiet everything down and we focus on the essence of our brands, the core of our lines, on the magical origins that attracted our customer base in the first place.



T-B, L-R: Brandi Halls of Lush, Camilla Barungi of African Moringa, Jen O'Holla of Lush, and Allie Leung of Lush; Kathryn Cusimano of Betty Confidential and Marianne Mychaskiw of Good Housekeeping; beautypress founder Gabriele Fuchs updating attendees on beautypress growth; Ragna Frodadottir of Edelkoort, Diana Tedesco of beautypress, and Emmanuelle Linard of Edelkoort

This concentrated state of mind becomes a MONO recipe to redefining a sustainable solution for reinventing and marketing our way ahead.

This mono-minded inspiration will apply to many categories of design. Distinct and focused beauty trends are identified for the Fall/Winter 2010-11 in this concentrated approach, where we will comply with sharper design choices, chosen references and accurate creative ideas. We will be assertive in our beauty looks, to make our seduction known in a distinct choice of color, brick red, all red, black, grey, metallic and more. Packaging materials and shapes will be adopted without hesitation, sustainable or eerie, decorative or minimalist, historical or futuristic, pure or passionate. Specialized brands and one-destination store will be elected by consumers who are restructuring their lifestyles and reinventing the way they shop.

To make sense, for now! Consider yourself now in the know ...
 
source: beautypress; Edelkoort

GIVEAWAY: Light, Camera Lashes! Tarte MultiplEYE Lash Enhancing Mascara

Ooooooh la la ... Wow-Factor Lashes!

We know how fabulously innovative Tarte Cosmetics is; we know how devoted to green beauty Tarte creator Maureen Kelly is; and we love that with Tarte we can have the best of both worlds.

MultiplEYE lands on the heels of Tarte's Light Camera Lashes, the wildly popular 4-in-1clinically proven natural mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes and conditions eye lashes.

This is the brand new lash enhancing mascara from Tarte, and now is your opportunity to win one of your very own.

MultiplEYE™ Clinically-Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Mascara

A one-of-a-kind mascara that is clinically proven to immediately increase the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length with regular use.

Fortify lashes by naturally increasing the appearance of lash volume by 638%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length and growth. Using a unique blend of high-performance natural™ botanical nutrients, tarte has engineered a nourishing onyx-black mascara base infused with their proprietary HydroPlant™ peptide (a soy-amino super protein) to help stimulate lashes for a 638% increase in the appearance of lash volume and increased appearance of length, growth, and strength.

To achieve maximum results use as a part of the multiplEYE™ 3-step regimen for naturally enhanced lashes without the prescription or the harmful side effects. Use with multiplEYE™ clinically proven natural lash enhancing primer for an incredible 1102% increase in the appearance of lash volume! The towering spiral brush separates and envelops each lash in the nutrient-rich formula to help promote the appearance of sky-high lashes.

To enter:
We want to know why you'd like to try MultiplEYE Lash Enchancing Mascara or why you simply must have MultiplEYE . Share your comments in the entry form below along with your email (won't be shown online) so we may contact you if you win. One winner will be chosen at random to win this prize. This contest is open to residents in the USA only. Good Luck!

NOTE: Your entry acknowledges permission to provide representatives for Tarte with your contact and mailing information if you win this sweepstakes. One (1) winner will be chosen to receive this prize. Mascara shade is black. Contest open to residents of the USA only. Contest ends Sun., April 11, 2010 at 11:59 pm.

And for a yummy exfoliating treat to soothe and prepare lips for a healthy showing for spring and summer months, be sure to check out Tarte Frxtion, an award winning duel-sided stick that's both a natural sugar exfoliator as well as a lip balm. Use the sugar crystals to exfoliate your lips, then apply the vanilla scented lip balm on the now-smooth surface to condition and protect lips. Sugar craving anyone?

Get $20 Back on Olay Pro-X Skincare

So you all know how wonderful I think the Olay Professional Pro-X line of anti-aging skincare is.  Olay Pro-X is a scientifically advanced line of professional skin care products created by an inspired partnership of Proctor & Gamble Beauty scientists and renowned dermatologists. We gave you the scoop about it's launch this past December. Since then, Pro-X has been flying off the shelves, and with good reason. Quite simply - it works!

Get $20 back when you spend $50 or more on Olay Pro-X skin care products at drugstore.com. Offer ends 04/09/10, but you have until 4/23/10 to postmark your rebate request.

Click link for $20 off $50 on Olay Pro-X at drugstore.com

WINNER: NVPerriconeMD Cold Plasma

Congratulations to ...

BERTA

Entry # 74R8XECB1XNJ

Berta has been selected as the winner of our NVPerriconeMD Cold Plasma giveaway!

Formulated with Dr. Perricone's patented delivery system, Cold Plasma addresses the 10 most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, discoloration, redness, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness and loss of radiance.

Our winner has been notified by email of her winning entry. Berta, please send along your shipping address via the link provided in the notice we sent, and NVPerriconeMD will ship you your prize.

Another giveaway is coming up in just a few so stay tuned.

Anti-Aging Skincare FOUND and Remembered

Remembering an exquisite line of anti-aging skincare with a serum and a moisturizer so stunningly unique, potent and rare it draws a heavy sigh just at the memory of the very first experience of the formulas penetrating my skin ... FOUND.

As skincare really is my #1 passion amongst the beauty categories, it's surely not difficult to imagine that I circulate skincare brands and products ... ahem ... frequently.  So frequently in fact that it's rare that I use the same products two days or nights in a row, unless I'm reviewing.  Now having said that, I do certainly have my favorites, my ones that I go back to over and over again, my tried and true loves that sit upon my bathroom counter or secure a place in one of my bathroom drawers because they're called upon more regularly than others. Yet even those are only maybe 10 - 15 in number.

FOUND, however, has earned a very exclusive location on display in my bedroom atop the chest of drawers.  Oh, you'll find other "products" upon that chest, but not facial skincare.  I have some select body creams, a few fragrance bottles, a shine serum I love for my hair, some lipsticks (another guilty pleasure) and the Christmas card from this past year from my honey (he's been in the UK and further abroad for months on business, so it's special to me to have it close), but no other skincare "system" has pulled at my heartstrings strongly enough to warrant that I keep it out and close at hand as FOUND's Sarpa and Istr has.  You've heard about these luxurious, powerful products from me before when I first reviewed them in Fall 2008, so please check the review to read about the uniqueness of this brand, its creator Eric Cosson (a self-admitted science addict and natural ingredient espouser), and the products in more detail.  I just had to rave about them again today as having not used them in several months, I decided to apply them last Sunday night before bed and got completely lost in the luxurious experience of these treaures once again.  I've used the serum and moisturizer (the only two products by the brand currently, by the way) every night this week not able to deny myself of the pleasure using these products brings to my senses, my skin and sure, I'll say it, my very being.

Just a gander at the ingredients is enough to make a compelling argument in favor of the probability Sarpa and Istr are indeed potent, effective anti-aging products:

SARPA

a creamy-pink viscous gel serum, simply heavenly feeling on application

Hyaluronic Acid

Increases hydration and moisturization

Argireline, Leuphasyl and Syn-Ake

(a wrinkle reducing tripeptide similar to the peptide found in the venom of the Temple Viper snake)

Each of these three wrinkle reducing, peptide-loaded ingredients work together to produce Botox-like results, blocking muscles responsible for expression lines, reducing muscle cell contraction, relaxing lines and wrinkles.

Matrixyl and Matrixyl 3000

Peptide messengers that boost collagen, elastin and fill-in wrinkles

ISTR

a rich cream custard-like in texture, buttery in color with a distinct peppery-marine-herbal scent

Living Sea Water

Rich, active living water enriched with Spring Seawater and Spirulina Blue Algae; moisturizing and anti-inflammatory in properties

Acqua Biomins

Rare trace elements like Germanium, Copper and Manganese that help protext against external aggressors and free radicals

Encapsulated Vitamins A, C and E

Ostrine

A unique oyster extract, amino acid rich that assists skin in eliminating toxins

Dermaxyl

Peptide messenger that boosts collagen, elastin and fills-in wrinkles

  

Sarpa and Istr both contain essential oils, each with its own special aromatherapeutic healing property 

• Palmarosa - "turkish geranium", fungicide and bactericide restores balance and allows skin cells to rejuvenate 
• Sandalwood - soothing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties for dry, sensitive skin 
• Ravensara - "tree with healing leaves"; considered to be a magical plant by the Malagasy; restores balance, calms and invigorates; also thought to have anti-viral properties 
• Clove - purifying, large-spectrum anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-fungal, invigorating and healing 
• Black Pepper - stimulates circulatory system and muscle tone 
• Coriander - invigorating aphrodisiac soothes stressed skin (no wonder I'm attracted to these products so much)
• Nutmeg - powerful tonic that restarts cellular vitality

Sarpa and Istr each come packaged in sleek, glass white jars and boxed with extra literature on the products and a tiny spatula (each has its own) to aid in keeping product fresh and untainted by not having to dip your fingers into the product.  The price is extravagant, but worth every single penny and then some. One only needs a tiny bit of product (a pea size for entire face) for each application. Therefore, a little goes a long way!

SARPA retails for $225 a 1-ounce jar, ISTR retails for $195 a 1-ounce jar.  FOUND skincare is available at Aedes (love that store), Zuneta (for our UK friends) and online directly from FOUND. I cannot wait for 9 p.m. to roll around so I can cleanse my face and experience Sarpa and Istr again tonight ... heavy sigh!

VOGUE: More or Less ~ Fashion Model Kim Noorda Journals Her Struggles with Weight

That of which we do not speak ...

Fashion model Kim Noorda braved a year of emotional, mental and physical ups and downs and journaled her experiences for Vogue magazine.  This is a story that can't help but tear at the heartstrings.

When the beautiful dutch model began this process, she was, at five-feet-ten-inches tall, 110 pounds.

In January 2009, 22-year-old Kim Noorda visited the office of Vogue's Sally Singer to discuss her relationship with food. Kim had been identified by her agent at DNA as a worthy candidate for an intervention underwritten by the CFDA Health Initiative.

The CFDA Health Initiative was founded in 2007 to combat anorexia and bulimia in the fashion industry, to provide information and resources to models in the throes of these diseases, and, more generally, to change the aesthetic on the New York runways from extreme skinniness to a more realistic, fit ideal.

What appears below are excerpts from the article appearing now in the April 2010 issue of Vogue and also available online at Vogue.com.

~Sally Singer (Vogue)

She has a soulful grace to her, a certain introspective elegance that has endeared her to such houses as Balenciaga, Prada, and Chanel. But what was apparent by fall of 2008 was that Kim was now very thin—very thin for a statuesque Amsterdam beauty who should have been coming into her own as a woman instead of shrinking to the proportions of a naturally scrawny fourteen-year-old. Our goal, I told her, was to help her see how she could diminish the centrality of food in her thinking to ultimately have a richer and more fulfilling adult life, in and out of fashion—to, in a sense, learn to be “a little more.”  Kim agreed ... off she went to a four-week outpatient program at the Renfrew Center, a facility in New York (among other locales) that has for 25 years been treating patients with eating disorders through a multipronged therapeutic approach. This was the start of Kim Noorda’s journey of self-discovery and wellness.

Extracts from Noorda's Journals

Kim Noorda - Lanvin Fall RTW 2009 L and R

January 2009
Yesterday I went to see my doctor for medical clearance. I told him that I did not have an eating disorder, but that I also believe that I do not take care of myself well enough and that I will learn something through the treatment. I am actually afraid of telling people that I am about to do this. I do not want people to see me as someone with an eating disorder. I want them to see the underlying reasons why I do not take good enough care of myself ... my BMI is too low.

I told her (the Renfrew nutritionist) I would try to agree to (gain one pound per week) because my agents have also told me that they would like me to gain an extra five pounds. She told me that five pounds is not that much, and probably no one would even see it. I told her that people in the fashion industry see every gram of fat. . . .


I have an appointment with the nutritionist and learn that I had lost weight. I was convinced that I had gained. That was the reason I had consciously started to eat less. Surreptitiously I felt somewhat relieved. According to the rules, she had to do a weight-gain contract with me with sanctions if I had not gained at least one pound per week. I was slightly upset.


February 2009
Every season I gained a little weight, and every time it felt like I was doing fewer shows. During the shows the pressure caused me to lose weight, and people complimented me on that.... Not a single person has told me that I have gained weight since the start of the shows. Not during the castings, and not even my European agent has said anything. Everything fit. This confused me, because I thought people could see every gram. Then again, no one has said that I look good, either, or commented on my appearance otherwise. When I started looking at pictures from the first show, there were still some things I disliked. My legs and cheeks have become fatter. I really need to do something about that. Exercises. On the Internet there are no positive reactions to how I looked.

Kim Noorda - Chanel Cruise, Resort 2010 L and R

Spring 2009
I avoid scales and mirrors. Only my jeans make me aware of my weight gain. My skin is getting worse; I don’t have my period (except that one time during the shows); I don’t fit into nice clothes, don’t sleep well. So what is good about it?

At the end of April I take a job in London and stay on an extra day for castings. I call up my friend Iekeliene, who lives there, and she invites me to come along on a trip to Devon in the camper van she and her boyfriend have just bought. We listen to music, go for walks in the countryside, and talk a lot about all sorts of things, including modeling (it is good to speak with someone who knows that world). Being with them on holiday shows me how relaxed and fun it can be having lunch or dinner all together.

Now I feel quite well in myself, but it has taken a while. There were things that made me start doubting myself again. For example, the Chanel cruise show. It was my first show since prêt-à-porter. I asked my agent several times if she was sure I could do the show given the way I now looked.... I was not 90 hips anymore. My agent called me back and said the 90 hips are a bit stupid. They were going to change it on all the girls’ cards to what it really was. At the show everyone was really nice, though. They specifically said I looked good like this. From then on I got more confident.

Kim Noorda - Alberta Ferretti Lookbook, Resort 2010 (L) and Lanvin Resort 2010 (R)

Summer 2009
I travel in and out of Amsterdam for jobs and quite like it this way. I go to Pilates weekly and go swimming.

I do work for three look books. At Alberta Ferretti I can’t help noticing or imagining that they think I’m too big. Not what they wanted. I just try to do my best. At Lanvin I get canceled on the second day; they want a blonder girl. Next is Givenchy, with two models who are a lot skinnier. I try, but the shoot does not seem to work..... Halfway through the day I wanted to leave and felt I really shouldn’t be there, being this size. So I apologized and left.

Kim Noorda - Stella McCartney Lingerie S/S 2010 

I did a lingerie shoot for Stella McCartney, which was something new to me. I had never dared to do something like that before. It was strange at first but fine after all. I was happy I was not so scared anymore.

Kim Noorda w/ Iekeliene Stange backstage Chanel Haute Couture (L), @ Armani Prive' Haute Couture (Center), @ Jean Paul Galutier Haute Couture (R)

Haute couture in Paris: I expected not to be booked at all. I rent a room with Iekeliene.... I admire how independent Iekeliene is, making her own decisions, looking after what she thinks is important.

Then, before the summer holiday starts, I fly to Milan for one more job. This worries me a little, since it is with a stylist who has always complimented me when I have been really skinny. Indeed, I feel she is not too happy with how I look now. The other model has some difficulty with weight as well. She seems not really happy and at one point asks me if I am happier “like this.” When I try to speak with her more directly about it, she stops the conversation. I got kind of sad about that.

Kim Noorda - Oscar de la Renta Spring RTW 2010 (L), Proenza Schouler Spring RTW 2010 (C), backstage at Lanvin Spring RTW 2010

Fall 2009
In New York I want to be enthusiastic about the shows, but I can’t seem to: I keep being unsure about my weight. By the end of it I want to go home. Skip London. But my agents advise me to go there. Then I let go again and just do my best.... Milan, The shows do not go great, and people definitely made me feel I was too big .... at Bottega I am offered the choice at seven in the morning to bleach my eyebrows or leave, I just want to go. I am crying.... I decide to watch my weight again a little.

Kim Noorda - Nicole Miller Fall 2010 (L) and Emanuel Ungaro Fall 2010 (R)

~ Sally Singer

Just before Christmas, Kim does a flurry of work in London and Los Angeles. She studies for exams and then flies off to Thailand for a vacation with friends: “two vegetarians, one omnivore, one vegan.” When she returns, she feels “energetic and good”; she has not lost any weight.

January 2010
I was in doubt whether to write this article, thinking it should be a success story. The success is not that food and weight are never on my mind anymore, but that the influence of these thoughts has become a lot less. I watch my weight, but I do not want to compromise my health, or my happiness. ...  I see a lot more of my friends. It really feels like my life is getting some more shape.

 
The full feature article may be read in the current issue of Vogue.  You may also check out more on this feature online at Vogue.com.  It's a compelling, heartfelt and thought-provoking story for all women. 


source: vogue; images: fashionspot, style.com, rades

While Sampling at Sephora

Don't you just love when you have a day where if you spend two or three hours just playing around in Sephora you don't have to feel guilty about the indulgence?  Such was a day for me yesterday and I enjoyed it to the hilt.

Here, some ramblings about my thoughts and experiences sampling these well known brands and products:

KATE SOMERVILLE EXFOLIKATE
First, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate (2 oz - $85).  Oh my goodness ... I have to say I'm quite surprised by my reaction to this one. I expected to love it with all the hype and rave reviews.  I can't stand it!  Well, that may be a bit strong, but seriously, ladies, the smell of this product left me so turned off I can't imagine applying it to my face. Yes, I know it's enzymatic and that perhaps lends to the smell of this exfoliator, but please!  Now the physical element of its exfoliation is gentle and I'm sure probably effective (as may be the product as a whole), but even after wiping the product from the top of my hand (which is where I sampled all the products I'm writing about) with water and a cotton pad, I could still smell the thing lingering in the air. Bleck!  I couldn't get used to this if you paid me.  I'm sticking by my REN Skincare F10 Enzymatic Smooth Radiance for gentle enzymatic exfoliation and REN's Glycolic Skin Renewal Peel for when I want a more potent treatment. For physical exfoliation, I'm still in love with my Rodan + Fields Microdermabrasion Paste, which I've literally used for years and haven't found anything I like as much.

KATE SOMERVILLE DEEP TISSUE REPAIR
So as I was already at the Kate Somerville shelves, I tried her famous Deep Tissue Repair Cream (1 oz - $150) next. Ok, so it's a nice thick cream in texture, but when I read the ingredients, I see there are lots of different alcohols (which concerns me, as will it be drying on facial skin?), some silicones, but also some rather nice anti-aging ingredients and cannabis seed oil, squalane, jojoba, copper ... by the way the cream boasts a high conentration of  "Peptide K8" ... Kate's clever utilization of her name (again) in her products. Anyway, I'm not blown away by this one, though I've hardly given it a fair shake as longer term use may have left me pleased with results; the skin does become firmer upon absorption of the cream.  I have to say, I'm so disappointed as I was sooooo ready to love this brand!  I can't imagine paying the price for the line, it left me that under-whelmed.

PHILOSOPHY MIRACLE WORKER
An anti-aging cream I AM loving is Philosophy's new Miracle Worker (2 oz - $55).  This product is the bomb, ladies!  Let me first admit that I've never been a fan of Philosophy's cult favorite Hope in a Jar (even though the divine Ms. O raves about it on her favorite things list as do others).  Again, it's a smell thing for me; I could never get used to the smell of Hope in a Jar, and for that reason alone I just never "acquired the taste" for it. I am a Philosophy Girl, though, don't get me wrong, loving lots and lots of their other skincare, fragrances, 3-in-1's and more. And I've found a new favorite anti-aging cream in their Miracle Worker.  This is a satiny almost gel-cream in texture product, much lighter than some of their other creams.  It glides onto skin, and with such potency that a little goes a long way.  It feels delightful on skin, and it's loaded with vitamin C, resveratrol, and antioxidants.  I loved the way this made my skin feel, very smooth. This one I bought!

BLISS TRIPLE OXYGEN +C ENERGIZING CREAM
Onto Bliss Spa's section to try their new Triple Oxygen +C Energizing Cream (1.7 oz - $54). This is a cream with a light weight kind of custard-y gel-cream texture and the satisfying shade of light orange (though don't look for it to smell subtly of sweet oranges or even vanilla-orange, a facet I wish they'd have provided; it doesn't have much of a scent at all).  The cream feels lovely on skin and is quickly absorbed.  The idea behind this product is the brightening and renewing effects of both oxygen and vitamin C.  I think I could easily love this, just wish it had the extra sensory pleasure of a sweet subtle apricot, citrus, peach, melon any of those scents to pair with the color.

TARINA TARANTINO PEARL GLOW PRIMER
Here's one more that needs mentioning.  Playing around with the Tarina Taratino collection and loving the Pearl Glow Primer (1 oz - $32).  This is an opalescent pinky-pearl primer that applies easily and yields a fresh glow to the face.  it's not too shiny, too highlight-y, just enough that even a 40-something year old can get away with wearing it without it looking too made-up.  I'm liking this.  It's a true surprise for the trip, as didn't expect to take to much from the collection geared mostly to younger beauty addicts.  It's a definite must-see on your next trip to Sephora.

Disclaimer: All products mentioned above were sampled while browsing at Sephora.

MAC Give Me Liberty of London Collection

What a bold pairing!

MAC partners with Liberty of London to product a a collection all a-flutter with flowers, bird and shades of every color.  The MAC Give Me Liberty of London is a bright spring line, based on a print made by British textile designer William Morris in 1883 entitled “Strawberry Thief."  The lively colors appear extra-vivid, thanks to the white packaging as MAC abandons its usual matte-black compact for this collection. I believe MAC afficionados will probably lap up this delicious collection, as much for the lovely color offerings of the cosmetics as for the beautiful limited edition packaging.  As for me, I'm particularly liking the deep, rosey and plummy pinks, purples and blues of this collection.  They're going to be gorgeous for spring.

Beauty Powder ($25.00 U.S. / $30.00 CDN)
The luxurious, soft pearl finish of M·A·C Beauty Powder packaged in a glossy white compact. The lid is decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern. Limited edition

• Shell Pearl Pale peach with gold pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Summer Rose Soft violet pink with pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Eyeshadow ($14.50 U.S. / $17.50 CDN)

• Give Me Liberty of London Flat creamy pink (Matte) (Limited Edition)
• Free to Be Creamy true coral (Matte) (Limited Edition)
• Dame’s Desire Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Birds & Berries Frosted dark green blue (Veluxe Pearl) (Limited Edition)
• Bough Grey Mid-tone bluish grey (Satin) (Limited Edition)

 

Lipstick ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Ever Hip Creamy light coral (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
• Peachstock Neutral peach (Satin) (PRO)
• Petals & Peacocks Creamy bright magenta pink (Amplified) (Limited Edition)
• Blooming Lovely Creamy greyed lilac mauve (Amplified) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass ($14.00 U.S. / $16.50 CDN)

• Frankly Fresh Neutral pink beige with soft pearl (Limited Edition)
• Perennial High Style Creamy bright pink coral (Limited Edition)
• English Accents Creamy mid-tone blue pink (Limited Edition)
• A Different Groove Deep purple brown with pearl (Limited Edition)

Blush ($18.50 U.S. / $22.00 CDN)

• Dirty Plum Sheer dark plum (Limited Edition)
• Prim & Proper Neutral nude (Limited Edition)

Nail Lacquer ($12.00 U.S. / $14.50 CDN)

• Vestral White Creamy white (Cream) (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Blue India Dark green blue with pearl (Cream) (Limited Edition)

Liberty of London Makeup Bags

• Small A limited-edition laminated makeup bag decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull. Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 3.5″. ($22.00 U.S. / $26.50 CDN)
• Medium A limited-edition laminated makeup bag decorated with an exclusively created flower and bird pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Zip closure boasts a fabulously outsize floral pull. Measures 8″ x 2.75″ x 5″. ($25.00 U.S. / $31.00 CDN)

Liberty of London Scarf ($95.00 U.S. / $115.00 CDN)
A limited-edition scarf designed with an exclusively created floral pattern for the Give Me Liberty of London collection. Rows of coral, orange, yellow and blue flowers form a repeating pattern on a white background. The fabric is a soft wool/viscose blend. Made in Italy. Measures 27″ x 82″.

MAC Give Me Liberty of London makeup, nail and accessories collection is available now online at MAC and at Nordstrom.  Many items are already sold out and the collection just hit shelves on March 11th.

Lancome Launches Iconic Matte Lipstick Collection Just in Time for Spring

Lancome gets ready to play along with one of the top trends for Spring - the matte lip - and their Color Design Matte Lipstick creations are definitely to be envied and adored.

What's the one drawback many beauty lovers identify as the reason they turn their noses up at the matte lipstick? Dry texture. 

Problem solved!  To say that Lancome reinvented this iconic texture isn’t mere exaggeration. The new formula is described as soft and creamy, glides effortlessly and comes in eight dreamy colors. The credit goes to the new formula; its mattifying agent isn’t a dull powder but a light-diffusing gel. I can hear makeup divas everywhere cheering on this one element alone, much less the fantastic shade options available.  Look at them ... they are drool worthy! High pigment levels ensure that it wears for hours, while soft waxes and emollients deliver modern slip.

Makeup artist Daniel Martin used the Bronze Show shade at the Chris Benz Fall 2010 presentation for the perfect update on the 90’s lipstick. Celebrity makeup artists are already in love with the formula, too. Read what makeup artist Fiona Stiles had to say to Teen Vogue about the Corset shade!

Available in eight shades - $22 USD

* Red Haute * Posh Pink * Lucky Kiss * Corset * Plum Show * Pink Preview * Bronze Show * Stylista

Color Design Matte is a Macy’s exclusive and will be on both the Macy’s website this week and on lancome-usa next week.  I cannot wait to try this one!

Photographer Josh Kessler Shares How to Look Good in Photographs

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel Weisz (photos by Joshua Kessler)

Celebrity photographer Josh Kessler has snapped portraits of Mischa Barton, Mandy Moore, Susan Lucci, Betsey Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the Jersey Shore cast, to name a few. He's also had his fair share of beauty experience, creating lookbooks for Nexxus salon haircare, sponsor of Bravo's popular hairstyling show, "Shear Genius."

Kessler met with a few editors on the heels of the "Shear Genius" headshot challenge episode, offering up his expertise in snapping flattering portraits. Below, his tips shared with Marissa Gold of StyleList.
 
If you have a long face:
"The direction of the light can change the shape of a person's face. If the light is coming from above the camera, it will make the face appear fuller," suggests Kessler.

If you have a wide or round face:
"To slim out a rounder face, use light coming from the side and slightly above."

If you think you look heavy on camera:
"A wide angle lens will make a person appear heavier, and a telephoto lens will have a slimming effect," Kessler says. Telephoto it is!

If you want smooth-looking skin:
"The closer and larger the light source is, the softer and more flattering the light will be," says Kessler. And avoid red backgrounds: "Very few people look good on a red background -- it brings out the redness in skin."

If you have dark circles:
"Use the flash -- even in daylight. If you're shooting in mid-day sun from above, the flash will fill in under the eyes. Also, try using a white or silver reflector card to bounce light back to the face, removing any shadows under the eyes," says Kessler.

If you're on the pale side:
"A warming filter such as an 81A placed on the camera lens (or added later in Photoshop) will give any skin type a healthy glow."

If you want to shoot outdoors:
"Try shooting in the shade on sunny days, and embrace the beautiful soft light of an overcast day. The clouds diffuse the sun, making it a larger and softer light source," says Kessler. Another trick? "Shoot during the magic hour: either one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset -- lighting is ideal then to give a gorgeous glow to your skin."

If you want to look natural:
Many times posing for photos, especially a portrait, can look forced and stiff. "The most important thing is to feel comfortable and relaxed," says Kessler. He suggests striking up a conversation with your photographer so that you have the same easygoing facial expressions you normally do, and feel at east in the situation.

And a few additional beauty and fashion tips from Kevin Mancuso, celebrity stylist and Nexxus Creative Director:

• Get a trim a week within a week of the shoot so your hair looks healthy.
• Make sure your roots are touched-up, as they can stick out in photos, even black and white.
• Drape hair in front of your shoulders to help elongate the face and make you look thinner -- tightly pulled-back hair can look harsh and unapproachable.
• Pick clothing that works with your hairstyle -- big collars will look busy if you wear your hair down, and low-cut shirts won't work well with an up-do. It's all about balance, so stick to a simple crew or v-neck.

 
source: StyleList, article by Marissa Gold
photo images: Joshua Kessler

HAUTELOOK: Want the Benefit of Resveratrol, Pomegranate AND Acai in ONE Product?

Must confess I hadn't heard of this until visiting HauteLook's current sales.  Though there it is, in all its healthy glory ... Pure Inventions Antioxidant Fruit Extracts.  This one (above) in particular caught my eye as it contains all the skincare antioxidant benefits of resveratrol, pomegranate and acai berry!

"When we supply our bodies with the proper nutrients, diet and exercise we achieve balance in our bodies and in our lives. We can then achieve our highest aspirations of health, wellness and peak performance."

Pure Inventions is the creation of lifelong friends Lynne Gerhards and Lori Mulligan both Certified Clinical Nutritionists and Nutritional Consultants. Founded in 2003, Pure Inventions is the true pioneer of nutritional, liquid supplements in the beauty industry and a trendsetter in the healthy lifestyle industry.

Here's the idea behind Pure Inventions products. Enhance your favorite drinking water (hot or cold) with the delicious extract. This formula is rich in antioxidants and designed to provide multiple health benefits. Acai berries are known as the energy fruit, and this extract also includes grape pomace (resveratrol).

It is all natural and contains no calories, sugar, fructose, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, preservatives, alcohol or glutens.

What it Is: This extract contains Pomegranates, which are extremely high in powerful antioxidants, and are used to promote good health and well being, as well as Acai Berry, which is known as the energy fruit. Also found in this extract is grape pomace (which contains resveratrol), an extremely potent and heart healthy polyphenol, with amazing anti-aging properties.

Size: 4 oz (60 servings)
Directions:  Add two droppers full to 8 oz. of water (hot or cold, flat or sparkling, in a water bottle or in a tall glass with ice). Squeeze in a wedge of citrus for an extra burst! It is also delicious on oatmeal or yogurt.

High antioxidant value - just add to water for a healthy alternative beverage.

Flavor:  Pomegranate Acai
Scent:  Pomegranates
Active Ingredients:  Grape Pomace, Acai Berry, Pomegranates

Made in USA

This extract normally sells for $40.75 a bottle.  HauteLook is offering it to you now for over 50% off at a cool $20 for the bottle! You need a personal invitation to become a member of HauteLook and participate in their fantastic sales events.  I'm very happy to invite you.  Click your invitation just below.

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Accept my HauteLook invitation

And BE SURE to mark your calendars now for these "fantab-u-lous" sales events coming soon: