Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Come What May

Coty Prestige has tapped "Big Fish" Ewan McGregor as the face of its new Davidoff men's scent, set to launch early next year. "Ewan McGregor is a natural choice to represent Davidoff's new male fragrance," said Francoise Mariez, senior VP of international European marketing licenses of Coty Prestige. "Not only is he one of the most talented actors of his generation, but he also has a charisma and an authenticity that will be very important for the new Davidoff fragrance."

[WWD]

Monday, July 09, 2007

What's in H&B's Beach Bag?

Any fashion mag worth its sea salt runs some sort of "What's in her bag?" column these days. But as a former beauty editor, people are always asking H&B what's in her bag. So, what did H&B carry to the Hamptons this weekend? Peek inside:

1. Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Face: With its non-greasy consistency, SPF of 30 and anti-spot protection its like a triple threat to wrinkles and sun damage. Plus, it can absolutely double as a moisturizer under makeup. Also, (not in picture) Estee makes individually packed sun towelettes in SPF 15 which are great for packing in your bag (they take up no space) in case you "accidentally" find yourself at the beach instead of at work. EL Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Face, $22 for 1.7 oz. Estee Lauder

2. Matrix Biolage Sun Repair Treatment: Use it for its amazing smell ("If you like pina coladas...") and love it for the way it'll transform your hair back to soft and silky from salt water/chlorinated straw. $11.50, BeautyMart.com

3. Floppy wide-brimmed hat: This is the first year that I have ever a) worn sunscreen every time I've been out in the sun and b) even considered wearing a hat. Strangely, it's also the first summer I haven't suffered an awful burn. Hmm... The hat allows me to tan my body and keep sun spots at bay. Plus, it's a lot less pressure to not always have to be angled perfectly. Apparently, the beach can be...relaxing.

4. Clinique Gentle Waterproof Mascara: A summer classic! Sweat-proof, swim-proof, tear-proof. It provides decent volume but really is more of a basic day-wear mascara. Remove with eye makeup remover. $14, Clinique

5. Vincent Longo Light Canvas Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: I have long said that VL's liquid canvas dew finish foundation (which also has SPF 15) is the best foundation on the market - a statement that I do stand behind! But, I recently have started switching off with his tinted moisturizer because I find it gives more coverage than many other tints and it's cheaper than his foundation so it's lighter on the wallet too! $38, Sephora

6. Kadima: Shameless plug. I am always up for a Kadima challenge. $6.99, Paragon Sports

7. Lip Service: I definitely use the warm weather as an excuse to buy a bevvy of new cosmetics in the name of SPF and it certainly extends to lip balms. These days my rotation includes Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 in Blossom Tint, $17, Bobbi Brown and Incredible Sheer Lipcolor SPF 15 in Iced Coffee, $17.50, Prescriptives. The Bobbi is really sheer and I use when sitting out to keep lips refreshed. The Prescriptives is this brilliantly sheer lipstick that has now become my #1 for both on and off the beach. It leaves just the right amount of summer color.

8. H20 Bath Aquatics Poolside Moisturizing Balm: After the day is done, it's time to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Lately, I'm totally into H20's Poolside - for starters, the name alone sounds refreshing but it smells SO good. Scented with green melon and blended with hydrating seaweed extract and aloe, it smells clean, absorbs quickly and keeps legs, arms and everywhere soft, shiny, radiant and ready to start the whole thing over again next weekend! $11.50, ~ H20 +

Monday, July 02, 2007

Make a Dash to The Blue La'goo'

Pre-weekend evacuation, I made a much needed dash into the trés pink Dashing Divas on 8th Street to repair 2-weeks of high heel induced harm and to try out their new 'Isle of Capri' pedicure. Friday nights the salon hosts "Girls Night Out," a combo happy hour/spa party where the mood was decidedly loud and festive. Every station was filled with small groups of friends sipping on pink bubbly, cracking up from the v. fab host, Dominick, and indulging on several fronts. Tired from a long day of work and from shuffling around, I was (forgive me for sounding aged) admittedly feeling a tad less boisterous than my couch mates. But what DD lacks in serenity, it makes up for with a fun atmosphere, uber-accommodating staff and a seriously kick-ass pedicure.

The Isle of Capri starts with a cleansing massage, enhanced by a lemon zest gelee. Next—and this is what truly sets this pedi apart—instead of soaking in water like you would during a traditional pedicure, feet are submerged into a blue "Jellybath," a thick fluffy gel that I have affectionately been calling the Blue La'goo'. Unable to stop wriggling my toes, it felt AMAZING, and seriously is like nothing you've ever tried ("Oohs" & "Ahhs" could be heard up and down the stations). The rest of the experience includes a limoncello sugar scrub for exfoliating, a toe-to-knee strawberry gelato moisturizing masque and finally a 10 minute-massage featuring a honeysuckle soufflé lotion. After polish is applied, you can shake things up with their Capri Glow Shimmering Body Lotion, which is also avail. for sale. The lotion (which btw rinses off) was a bit too glittery for my taste but you know what they say, "When in Rome..."

Overall, the 60+ min. pedicure was delicious (and not just because all of the fruity products). The "Blue laGoo" and massage were real standouts and while I started out craving quiet, the mood can be infectious (or was it the bubbly?). Either way, my toes look great, it felt divine and maybe the real lesson is that sometimes you just have to kick up your newly exfoliated heels and go with it.

Dashing Diva Isle of Capri Pedicure, ~$60
Locations in NYC (incl. Brooklyn), CA and NC

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Rock Out With Vivienne Westwood


When you wear Vivienne Westwood, you know your style is rockin' but now, thanks to a forthcoming fragrance, you can smell rockin' (wait, is that a good thing?) too. Westwood is launching Let It Rock, a new fragrance licensed by Coty Prestige, in August. Let It Rock's top notes feature patchouli, that hippy-dippy Sixties and Seventies-favored scent, but it also comprises notes of bergamot, red freesia, jasmine and amber. The eau de parfum will be available at $59 and $94 price points. An ancillary line includes a body lotion and shower gel.

I WANT CANDY



It was indeed a Beauty Rush at Victoria's Secret's pop-up candy store on 52nd and Broadway today. Bringing to life every girl's dream spread, there was tons of candy, a dais of beauty products, bubbly and the oh so important presence of flashing bulbs. Visting the candy shoppe when we stopped by were the resplendent Rachel Hunter and reality show scenster Britney Gastineau.

Open today only, the red carpet was rolled out to introduce a host of new products including its Beauty Rush body line, inspired by its wildly popular gloss of the same name. The line features body washes, lotions and mists in yummy scents like Grapefruit Blast, Appletini and Strawberry Fizz. Come to think of it, thank goodness there was candy on-hand. Those scents make me want sweets all over again.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Mani Golightly

China Glaze is paying homage to Breakfast At Tiffany's with its new limited edition "For Audrey" nail polish. While we can't say it looks quite as great as a Tiffany sparkler on fingers, it does keep everyone's favorite shade of blue at hand for an anytime pick-me-up.

Available at nail salons and beauty supply stores.

[Bella Sugar]

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Josie Maran To Launch Cosmetic Line

As the face of Maybelline cosmetics for 10 years it's safe to say that Josie Maran picked up a thing or two about the beauty industry. So it's only natural (more about that in a sec.), that sooner or later the fresh-faced model would launch her own beauty line. Starting in September, Josie Maran Cosmetics, an organic, eco-friendly make-up line will be sold exclusively at Barneys and online at JosieMaranCosmetics.com.

The line reflects Maran's natural look with a focus on vibrant, glowing skin. "What most women don't realize is that when models and actresses look fresh-faced and makeup-free, it's because they know exactly how to apply their makeup to make it look that way," Maran says. "I want to open the vault on all the tips and tricks that I've learned from my time in the makeup chair."

But more than merely aligning with Maran's sense of style, the line will embody her personal philosophy of luxury with a conscience. All of the products are housed in biodegradable casing, and made of gentle, non-toxic ingredients. "I want to effect positive change, but also create something fun, beautiful and luxurious," explained Maran.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Stud to Play Cowboy

I don't think anyone is doubting Tom Brady's manliness these days. He's about to have a child with Bridget Moynihan, is dating Gisele and has won 3 SuperBowls all before the age of 30. Not too shabby, eh? So must be thinking over at Coty - where Brady was just tapped the latest Stetson man.

"An athlete of the caliber of Tom Brady is the epitome of masculinity because he's strong and he's a leader," said Steve Mormoris, VP of Global Marketing for Coty Beauty.

The advertising campaign featuring Brady, dubbed "Set Free," is slated to break this fall, and will include print and TV. TV spots — which feature the rock song "Slow Ride" by Foghat — will show Brady driving a vintage Mustang convertible in hot pursuit of his cowboy hat, which has been blown off by the wind. Alongside the convertible is a galloping thoroughbred racehorse.

Giddyup!

[WWD]

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Picky Picky

To be filed under: Do as I say, not as I do...

Confession: I am a repeat offender of the numero uno beauty editor cardinal sin. The very first thing we are taught (well, after Thou Shalt Worship at the House of SWAG) is Thou Shalt Not Pick. And yet, for as long as I can remember, my evening wash-up ritual has been extended a solid 30 mins by my scouring my face as if I was screening for skin cancer. Shame on me! I know better. Hell, I preach better. And yet, left to my own devices, I, H&B am picky. SO picky!

Worse even, is how my skin doesn't rebound the way it used to. Melanin deposits draw attention to spots where I've picked and I'm ruining what was once a perfect complexion. I am determined to stop however, and while 12 steps seems excessive, I'm having a good run of success with a 4-step program. After trying nearly every skin lightening, brightening, whitening product on earth, I'm loving Rodan + Field's Reverse line. Created by the dermatologists behind ProActive, the 4-step regimen combines exfoliation, a brightening lotion and finally sunblock to lighten brown spots and even overall skin tone.
One month into using it, my skin truly looks the best it has appeared in a year, and since good behavior begets better behavior, I've really managed to get a much better handle on the picking situation. Redemtion sure does taste sweet.
Rodan + Fields Reverse, $135 for 4 full size products.