Beauty — Page 17

Editor’s Holiday Pick: Beauty Kits for All Occasions

November 24, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Investing in a beauty product is like starting a new relationship; it requires commitment and time before reaping the benefits. Every year beauty companies create new and innovative kits that save women the time of having to search for the “perfect” product. Whether it’s eyeliner, lipstick or oil pads, there are beauty kits tailored for every occasion.

This holiday season Fashion Reverie has come up with some great beauty kits that not only will save you time and money, but will also enhance your beauty, and turn heads at every corner, for every occasion or celebration.

The Big Day

Every “blushing bride” has a brief moment of anxiety before walking down the aisle and sometimes … it surfaces on the skin. Sephora created the “Beauty and The Bride” kit that includes everything a bride needs to remain stunning while she dazzles down the aisle.

Bride image courtesy of theknot.com. Bridal kit image courtesy of Sephora.com

The 11-piece sampler includes:

0.20 oz Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick in Rosy (dusty rose)

0.09 oz Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten (shimmering nude pink)

0.125 oz Sephora by O.P.I. Nail Colour in True Romantic (sheer cool light pink)

0.25 oz Benefit The Porefessional

0.28 Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling

0.10 oz Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Mascara in black

0.05 oz bareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer

0.04 oz Sephora Collection Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Black

0.004 oz Buxom® Big & Healthy™ Lipstick in Brooklyn (harvest fig)

Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens (100 sheets)

0.16 oz Flora by Gucci Eau Fraîche

Voucher for a complimentary Special Occasion Makeover at the Sephora in-store Beauty

Studio

Reusable keepsake box

Ladies Night

Makeup is a crucial element to the completion of your overall look. Gone are the days of investing in tri-color shadow compacts, instead opt for a beauty kit that contains an array of colors and provides versatility to your look. Victoria Secret’s new “Hottest Holiday Makeup Kit” provides 79 essentials, plus a step-by-step guide to eyeshadow application.

Model image courtsy of Getty Images, Victoria Secret beauty kit courtesy of Victoria Secret

Includes:

56 eye shadows
4 gel liners
2 eye liners
1 mascara
3 blushes
3 bronzers
1 luminous powder
1 translucent powder
4 lip glosses
4 applicators

The Jet-Setter

The most common compliant to dermatologist is dry skin found in women that are frequent travelers. Most travelers are unaware that the air on airplanes is re-circulated from the engine, which is why you should create a barrier to protect your skin. British brand Elemis kit “The Ultimate Travel Collection for Her” is perfect for the constant traveler.

Jet plane image courtesy of Getty Images. Travel kit image courtesy of Elemis.

Includes:

Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser 30ml

Soothing Apricot Toner 50ml

Papaya Enzyme Peel 15ml

Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask 15ml

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 30ml

Frangipani Monoi Body Oil 35ml

Skin Nourishing Shower Cream 100ml

—Chandia Brennen

Beauty Brands Are Tickled Pink for a Cause

October 20, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

As fall temperatures change from Indian summer days to frisky, cooler weather, beauty brands around the country are gearing up their pink campaigns this October to affect the lives of women affected by breast cancer. For Breast Cancer Awareness month many beauty brands look to help the cause of breast cancer by using fashion-forward products. Fashion Reverie gives a nod to three brands that are giving a portion of the proceeds from their fall products toward organizations that directly help benefit the research and/or awareness of breast cancer.

ORLY is launching a Pretty in Pink collection of nail polish, which 20% of the profits will go towards Cancer Schmancer. Cancer Schmancer, founded by actress and uterine cancer surviver Fran Drescher, provides support for early detection of cancer and preventative education. The Pretty in Pink collection includes a color palette that ranges from cool pink glitter, purple holographic glitter to pink holo glitter. All of these polishes also include a free Breast Cancer Ribbon charm. Available through orlybeauty.com, Sally Beauty, and various beauty product providers throughout the country for $10 each.

Photo courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications

IMAN Cosmetics is partnering with Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC) and donating 20% of the proceeds from the brand new IMAN pink luxury lip stain during the month of October. The ICC provides policies, programs and research that help elevate the unequal burden of cancer among racial minorities and communities of color. Debuting this October the pink moisturizing lip stain is the 2012 “pink product” enriched with vitamins to protect and nourish lips. Grab your very own at Target.com, Walmart.com, Drugstore.com, and Sears.com. This limited edition pink lip stain retails for $10.

Osmotics Cosmecutical partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, which is a group that provides information on diagnosis and treatment to help women affected by the disease. Osmotics Cosmeutical will be donating 15% of proceeds from their FNS Pink Ribbon Collection, a set of clinically proven formulations developed to nourish the hair follicle. The three-step hair care system includes a shampoo, conditioner, and a serum with anti-aging vitamins, minerals and amino acids to product lush, thick, shiny hair. The FNS Pink Ribbon Collection will be available throughout October in Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, and also available at www.osmotics.com. The set, including all three products, will retail for $98.

—Cory Orlando

This Fall Find the Fountain of Youth in your Makeup Bag

October 13, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

As women mature, style and appearance should evolve to further enhance and compliment maturing features. However, what resides in your makeup bag has the potential to make you look five years older or several years younger.

Flawless Features

The most common mistake women make when attempting to hid imperfections is applying heavy amounts of face powder. Face powder actually settles into creases, making imperfections more prominent. Instead, opt for a weightless liquid foundation with total coverage that allows pores to breathe, while still providing a natural smooth finish. A sheer liquefied formula creates the illusion of a glowing complexion. However, older women are encouraged to avoid bronzers, as they tend to accentuate age spots. MAC makeup artist Toni Hamilton suggests applying liquid foundation with a brush or a damp sponge for the ultimate “flawless” appearance. Hamilton suggests Studio Fix Fluid Foundation with SPF15 by MAC.

Studio Fix Foundation courtesy of MAC.com

Beautiful Brows

Fuller brows with a high arch are a sign of youth, which can be achieved by applying a brow powder to enhance thin hair. The eyebrows are often underrated but have the ability to redefine a woman’s face. To create the illusion of fine brow hairs, use a powder similar to your natural hair color, and apply the powder with a small angled makeup brush for the perfect shape. Clarins Pro Palette Eyebrow Kit was voted the best brow kit for fall 2012.

Clarins Pro Palette Eyebrow Kit images courtesy of clarins.com

Blush

Often the underdog in cosmetic bags, blush provides immediate color to dull skin. Achieve a glowing appearance by applying blush to the highest point of the cheekbone for an instant lift. Ideally a rose toned blush is perfect for contouring cheekbones, and is flattering to all skin tones. For the perfect hue, try Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour, which is an eco-friendly blush that contains antioxidants and skin-firming clay.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour courtesy of tartecosmetics.com

Eye Candy

The perfect eyeshadow is essential in achieving a radiant appearance. Harsh bold shadows are aging, and shimmer shadows expose creases. Instead, use colors that are matte based that make the eyes appear larger and lifted. Used by the best industry makeup artists, Dior 5-Colour provides satin and matte finishes with infinite pairings.

Dior 5-Colour image courtesy of dior.com

Lipstick

As women mature, their lips have a propensity to get thinner and “smile lines” become more prominent. Darker lipstick shades accentuate age lines, whereas neutral and rosy-colored lipsticks are better alternatives. Chanel Glossimer is a high shine gloss that will provide the appearance of a fuller pout and vivacious color.

Chanel Glossimer image courtesy of chanel.com

—Chandia Brennen

Editor’s Pick: SoftSheen-Carson’s Miracle Oil Collection

August 28, 2012 by admin 1 Comment

You think you have it all together. You’ve got great outfits, the pearly whites are dazzling, your skin is glowing, and all that time you spent in the gym has paid off. No one will have anything on you for New York Fashion Week. Yet, like a lot of women, there are always concerns about your hair. Though you may have a great coif, if you are running from one runway show to the next, ending your day at a splendid Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week party, the key to your hair’s success is versatility.

SoftSheen-Carson Laboratories has come up with the Optimum Salon Haircare Miracle Oil collection, which includes 6-IN-1 Miracle Oil, Miracle Oil Hair Moisturizer and Miracle Oil Hair Crème. Whether you want to keep your hair natural or your hair is relaxed into a stylish coif, the Optimum Salon Haircare Miracle Oil collection keeps your hair moisturized and strengthens hair to help prevent breakage.

”The Miracle Oil Moisturizer is composed of six different oils (apricot, argan, avocado, coconut, sunflower and jojoba). They are all essential oils and for women who want to wear their hair naturally, this is a great product. You will get condition, shine and softness, all at the same time. There are several uses for this product. You can use it also as a conditioner, hair moisturizer, hair frizz controller, even skin moisturizer,” explains Mezai Jefferson, SoftSheen-Carson senior manager of education.

Actress/Model Tracee Ellis Ross agrees, “I always have so many hair products in my bathroom, but with the 6-IN-1 Miracle Oil Moisturizer I can get rid of all those product and get what I want for my daily needs in one product. And at $8.99, think how much money you will save.”

“This product will control your frizz and provide moisture all day. The Miracle Oil products are light enough that they won’t weigh your hair down … And for women who want that versatility for their hair this product will condition your hair after flat ironing and if you want to wear your hair natural, it is great for frizz control,” details Mezai Jefferson.

Images courtesy of Softsheen-Carson

Okay, great clothes, great skin, dazzling smile, slammin’ physique, and now great options for your hair. Hmm, I think you are ready for Fashion Week!!

—William S. Gooch

Beauty Alert: Beat the Heat with Dark and Lovely’s New Anti-Reversion Cream Serum

July 19, 2012 by admin 3 Comments

“I am having a heat wave, a tropical heat wave. It isn’t surprising the temperature rising …,” or so the popular Irving Berlin song goes from the 1938 film Alexander’s Ragtime Band. And a heat wave, lots of humidity and just sweating during your workout can work havoc on your relaxed hair. Well, ladies put your fears of frizzy hair aside, Dark and Lovely has a new product that keeps hair silky, straight in spite of humidity and steamy summer days.

Dark and Lovely® 6 Week Anti-Reversion Cream Serum helps keep your hair perfectly straight and manageable up to six weeks in between relaxing. A lot of women use relaxers in their hair and the first week after the treatment their hair looks great, but as time wears on the humidity and new growth prevents their hair from having that silky smooth look. Dark and Lovely has come up with a new product that blocks our humidity, allowing their hair to retain its silky, straight quality for up to six week,” details Mezai Jefferson, senior education manager for Soft Sheen-Carson. This new technology from Dark and Lovely will also help smooth out new growth and helps to reduce the need for flat ironing between relaxing treatments. “The humidity block technology is a combination of natural ingredients L-arginine and candelilla. The L-arginine gives the hair its softness, while candelilla helps the hair stay smooth and manageable,” explains Jefferson.

Images courtesy of Dark and Lovely

Surprisingly, relaxed hair is not just part and parcel for African American and some Hispanic women. “Twenty-five percent of our customers are non-women of color who either buy our relaxers or use our hair treatment products,” informs Erin Kass, an account director for Dark and Lovely.

And at an affordable $8.99 the price, you can weather that heat wave and still keep your hair smooth, bouncy and silky straight.

Dark and Lovely® 6 Week Anti-Reversion Cream Serum is now available in stores nationwide.

—Earlean Suitte-Henderson

Editor’s Pick: Molton Brown’s Londinium and Limited Edition MMXII Collections

July 17, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

For Molton Brown there is no place like home. With the London Olympics being less than two weeks away, Molton Brown didn’t have to look any further than their own backyard for inspiration for their Limited Edition MMXII hand and body wash products. Known as the quintessential connoisseur of hand and body wash products, since 1973, this London-based brand has traveled around the world for rare ingredients for its products.

In honor of the London Olympics, Molton Brown has reissued hand and body washes from the Naran Ji, Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod and Re-Charge Black Pepper Collections, packaged in gold, silver, and bronze bottles. Infused with sweet Florida orange oil and a squeeze of grapefruit, ‘Gold’ Naran Ji Fine Liquid Hand Wash is Molton Brown’s original blend, brimming with naturally deodorizing citrus antioxidants to keep hands clean and fresh. For her, try ‘Silver’ Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower, packed with a fresh ginger and patchouli punch. For him, choose ‘Bronze’ Re-Charge Black Pepper Bodywash, blending fiery Madagascan black peppercorn oil with lively bergamot for the ideal wake up call.

Molton Brown continues to celebrate the London Olympics with Londinium, its limited edition unisex fine fragrance. As a part of its Navigation Through Scent collection Molton Brown draws inspiration from ancient spice routes with ingredients ranging malt accord, myrrh, wild juniper, bergamot, and peaty oakmoss.

Images courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications

Londinium combines the old with the new, the old London of fine cigar smells, smart Savile Row suits and whisky cocktails paired with the New London and its rich tapestry of world cultures. All packaged in a limited edition, gold banded bottle.

Londinium retails for $140 and is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Molton Brown stores and at moltonbrown.com. The Limited Edition MMXII collection retails for $28 and $30, respectively, and is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Molton Brown stores, and at moltonbrown.com.

—William S. Gooch

The Midas Touch of Lee Stafford

June 4, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

British hairstyling celebrity Lee Stafford is charming, witty and full of focus. Come to any of his demonstration and Stafford can make something as unseemly as getting a great haircut in five minutes seem like a shared, fun adventure that renders a fine result. Entertaining demonstrations aside, unlike the current crop of celebrity hairstylists that have flooded the airwaves and red carpets thanks to the plethora of reality television, Lee Stafford is truly committed to his craft and the beauty industry. And though hairstyling was an unlikely career for Stafford, once he picked up his first pair of styling shears, he knew he had found his true calling. “Being a hairstylist was never a burning desire of mine. I do remember when I was young sitting in the hair salon with my mother, my mother suggested I become a hairdresser because I hated getting my hands dirty and I loved fashion. It was kind of an offhanded remark from her, but once I pursued it, I fell in love with it,” explains Stafford.

And that love has given Stafford an international following and a hair care line that is sold in over 35 countries. But like all great artists, Stafford realized early on that in order for him to be successful at his chosen profession he had to work hard and acquire the requisite skillset. “I really fumbled my way cutting hair at first until I went to the Vidal Sassoon Academy. I didn’t have much money, nor did I have a lot of extra time because I was cutting hair full time. So, I knew I had to be frugal and spend my money and time wisely. And I wisely chose the Vidal Sassoon Academy to acquire the precision and fine tuning. The training there had a massive impact on my career,” confides Stafford.

Though Stafford’s signature cuts are sometimes compared to the late Vidal Sassoon, Stafford has forged his own unique path. And unlike Sassoon, Stafford has used the media and new technologies to advance his career and create new opportunities. From winning the British Men’s Hairdresser Award to his regular appearances on the British morning magazine show This Morning to creating the 5-minute cut, Stafford takes the proverbial bull by the horns and has learned how to turn even the smallest opportunities into gold. “In the UK, I became the resident hairdresser on This Morning, one of the morning magazines shows. Usually if the show had five extra minutes to fill a segment they would come to me and ask me to do something. So I came up with the 5-minute haircut to fill in live time on This Morning. It started out as a bit of fun, but I discovered that cut always comes out fine because you are using the shape of the head to the cut the hair, so the hair always falls right to frame the face. I now use the 5-minute cut as an entertaining element of demonstrations I do globally,” details Stafford.

With all his success, Lee Stafford has not forgotten his humble beginnings and is striving to pass on his knowledge and love of his craft to others. “I am very passionate about proper training for our youth. Unfortunately, most of the government-sponsored beauty and hair training schools in Britain are subpar, so I’ve started my own hair academies in the UK,” confides Lee Stafford.

With his hair care products now in the US market and his chain of hair academies in the UK, Stafford has come full circle. Still, Stafford projects toward the future. ”The next hair trend is going to be matte hair. Shine and healthy-looking hair will always be in fashion. However, many young people want the opposite and don’t want to look like their parents, they are leaning toward the way people wore their hair in the 18^th century, you know almost dusty.”

Dusty hair, well I don’t know. But, who would have thought that a boy from the seaside town of Essex would become an international hairstyling celebrity. Prove me wrong, Lee!!

For more information, about Lee Stafford and his products, go to leestafford.com.

—William S. Gooch

Uncovering the Modern Bra: Fashion Reverie’s Discussion with Bra Guru and Stylist Jene Lupoli-Luciani

April 17, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

Fashion Reverie: Now Jene, are you like the modern Herminie Cadolle, fitter of bras to queens, princesses, dancers, and actresses? Please tell us about your background and how you became the Bra Guru.

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: I was a TV producer for outlets like NBC News for several years right out of college. After about five years working in news, I forayed into fashion broadcasting and journalism, and never looked back!! My parents owned a designer clothing boutique called The Jean Station while I was growing up and my mom used to make her own clothes and comment on trends in the local newspaper. You could say that fashion was in my “jeans.” In 2005, I began producing content for fashion designers and writing a fashion column in a local luxury publication here in Westchester. I also began appearing on-air as a fashion commentator and expert on local news outlets, which eventually led to national TV.

In 2006, I wrote an article on bras for the magazine for which I was the fashion editor at the time, and realized there was such little info out there, and so many women who wanted help. OPRAH had just done her first “bra intervention” show so everyone was talking about it. I decided I should tackle the task of writing a book on bras because there was such a void in the marketplace, and began the proposal process and really refining the concept with my agents Michael and Kristina at Ebeling and Associates. Three years later, it was published by BenBella Books. Now I’m one of the country’s top three bra experts in the media. I love helping women and truly have my dream job! I have truly researched the topic and lived and breathed it for the past six years.

Besides the aforementioned article, I had a personal reason to want to help other women with bras and body image issues related to their breasts. I suffered from Tubular Breast Deformity and had two reconstruction surgeries in my twenties. Before my surgeries made my breasts look “normal,” I used to use a Victoria Secret Miracle Bra and take out the padding on one side and leave it in the other, and at least my breasts appeared even and symmetrical under my clothing. It had a major impact on my life and I wanted to share my story to help other women. I tell the whole story in the introduction to The Bra Book.

FR: Are most women like myself, in a love/hate relationship with their bras and undergarments?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: I would definitely say this is true. Foundations can have a huge effect on how you look and feel in your clothes, and on a woman’s self-esteem. Some women equate breast sagging to failure. So, when we’re looking and feeling good, we’re loving it, and vice-versa. I do think all women hate the process of shopping for bras. That’s something I’m trying to change. The mentality that it has to be a negative experience. If you read The Bra Book and get educated before you hit the stores, you’ll feel a lot more confident.

FR: What is the most common source of problem for women when it comes to finding the right bra size?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: Women get stuck in a size rut. They either think, they got sized 10 years ago so will remain that size forever, OR they think they will be the same size in every brand under the sun. This is simply not true. All fit models are different across the spectrum and not every style is made for every woman. You must just use size as a guideline and try everything on!!!

FR: Is there a “right” bra, or is it more like trying to find the “right” man—an illusion of sorts?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: Funny that you say that because I use this analogy in the very beginning of The Bra Book. Some women are always on that quest to find the right bra, like they are on a quest to find the right man. Also, your perfect bra one year might be the worst bra for you the next. Our bodies as women are changing so frequently, we need to keep our bra wardrobes up to date.

FR: Are there any recent advances in technology or materials that make you excited?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: There are always advancements being made. But, what I like to see is manufacturers, like Curvy Kate for example, a British line now just launching in the US, catering to the way women want to fit into their bras RIGHT NOW. What I mean is that now that the industry is finally realizing the old ‘rule’ of adding plus 4-5” to a woman’s band measurement no longer works. Women are measuring more true to size, which typically means a smaller band with a larger cup. So you have a lot of 32G’s walking around. Unfortunately though, most brands are still catering to the ‘average’ sizes of 34A-38D. This makes sense for them because it means fewer bras that they have to manufacture. However, the number of women who are in these ‘odd’ size combo’s are growing and they need options.

FR: What are some of your favorite names for everyday bras?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: There are so many great brands and styles out there at all price points, from Bali, Barely There and Playtex to higher end brands. I like sites like BareNecessities.com where you can find most of them under one roof, and decide for yourself.

FR: In looking for a good sports bra, what factors should a woman consider?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: First off, what ‘sport’ you will be using it for is a major consideration. Whether it’s high impact or low impact, and the range of movement you need it for. Also, your bust size plays a factor. Generally anyone larger than a D cup should have an encapsulation style, which has two separate cups, like a regular bra. Some of the bra brands make great options or you can look at sporting goods like Under Armour, who definitely understand the physics involved. Our breasts bounce up and down while we’re exercising and that constant movement can eventually lead to sagging or in the short term, pain. We want to avoid that of course. I give a whole guide to sports bras and what to look for in The Bra Book. This is the most common question I get asked, next to the other dreaded “S”—strapless bras!

I.D. Sarrieri’s Mysteries Collection – Spring Summer 2012. Image courtesy of Iemybra.com

FR: How about for that special occasion, how should a woman handle a plunging neckline and/or a backless dress?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: Again, there are tons of style bras to go underneath even the craziest necklace. You can try a backless strapless or an extreme plunge bra!! Or, another trick is to buy those foam pads at the fabric store and have a seamstress sew them right into a top or dress. Add some double stick tape for extra security.

FR: Where should women go if they need more help in finding the right bras?

Jene Lupoli-Luciani: The Bra Book of course! Or, my website for links to various publications and information.

You can learn more about Jene and bras on her website www .JeneLuciani.com and follow her onTWITTER: @JeneLuciani.

—Jeanine Jeo-Kim