Kristen Stewart Debuts Red Hot Hair at Letterman and NYC Eclipse Premiere

Fekkai Celebrity Stylist Adir Abergel transformed Kristen Stewart's tresses from day to night (for her David Letterman appearance and the New York premiere of The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), and collaborated with Marie Robinson to color her hair strawberry blonde.

DAY: Abergel created a feminine and flirty style for Kristen's David Letterman appearance.

GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and working throughout the hair. Using a round brush, he blow-dried the hair straight, and spritzed the Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Sheer Shine Mist for added shine. Adir curled the hair using a 1-inch curling iron, and sprayed with Fekkai Coiff Ocèanique Tousled Wave Spray to create the flirty texture. He then pulled the hair back loosely and secured it by knotting at the nape of the neck. To finish of the look, Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray.

COLOR: Adir teamed up with Clairol Celebrity Stylist, Marie Robinson, to dye Kristen's hair strawberry blonde. Abergel encouraged Stewart to return to her natural roots, and pulled images from the 1950's for inspiration.
GET THE LOOK: To achieve Stewart's strawberry blonde color, Abergel suggests using the Fekkai Salon Color 6R Copper-Lucy.

NIGHT: Abergel created a soft and romantic braid for Kristen Stewart’s Premiere in New York for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots and dried her hair with his hands. Next, Adir applied a dime of Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax for added texture. Creating a side part, he braided the hair across the side line towards the opposite side of the head. With his fingers, he carefully pulled pieces of hair to soften and shape the face. To secure the look, he tied the hair into a loose knot. Adir sprayed Fekkai Advanced Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai products are available At fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Get The Look: Kristen Stewart at Eclipse Premiere

Avon Global Creative Color Director and Hollywood Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey prepped Kristen Stewart for the Eclipse premier. "We made her eyes pop with shimmery, icy tones and added definition with black liquid liner," she said.

Opting for a more classic look, Dempsey wanted to keep Kristen's look fresh, while playing up the eyes. For the premiere, Dempsey used:

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Duo Eye Enhancer in White/Jet Black Price ($9.00): One end of the Eye Enhancer contains a creamy, smooth eyeshadow, and the other has a perfectly coordinated luxurious liquid eyeliner.

Avon SuperExtend Mascara in Black ($8.50): The innovative stretch-formula contains triangular-shaped fibers that visibly lengthens lashes up to 55%.

Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Multi Pencil in Raspberry Radiance ($8.00): A double-ended pencil includes a soft, smudge-proof eyeshadow on one end and a complementary cream lip and cheek color on the other.

Frederic Fekkai's Adir Abergel tended to Kristen Stewart's tresses for The Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere.

INSPIRATION: A soft take on the 1950's pompadour

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Abergel started by applying the Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip at the roots throughout the hair. Using a round brush, Abergel blow-dried the hair away from the face, and placed it in pin curls. He allowed the hair to cool before removing the pin curls. He then styled the hair by hand raking the hair into a side pompadour securing with with pins. To shape the face, Abergel pulled a few pieces in front. To secure the look, he then applied Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray for all night hold.

Fekkai Full Blown Volume Styling Whip ($23) and Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray ($35) are available at Fekkai.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family: Take 20% Off

Chris Benz Signing Chris & Tell Lipsticks Tomorrow at Saks NYC

If you're looking for the Chris Benz Chris & Tell lipstick, here's one of your last chances to get it. Chris is doing a personal appearance at the Saks Fifth Avenue Lancôme counter in Manhattan tomorrow. He'll be signing lipsticks and sharing the inspiration for his Spring 2010 collection. Saks is the official retailer for Chris & Tell and this is one of the only counters that has any lipsticks left.

Chris & Tell was created specifically for the Chris Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week presentation held in September 2009. Since its debut earlier this month, it has become one of the fastest-selling lipsticks in the Lancôme Pout-à-Porter designer lipstick series. Six hundred of the lipsticks sold on lancome-usa.com in just 48 hours. Beauty aficionados have already snatched up most of the supply and some have already popped up on eBay.

Chris is also happy to sign previously purchased lipsticks...so if you already have a Chris & Tell, feel free to stop by. Joining Chris will be makeup artist extraordinaire Daniel Martin, co-creator of the gorgeous peachy coral lipstick, the Lancôme team and some of his favorite models, who will be wearing the clothing and the makeup look from the Spring show.

Chris Benz Personal Appearance
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Saks Fifth Avenue Lancôme counter
Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
5 to 7 p.m.

Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne

If you surveyed the perfumes on my vanity, you'd surely notice that the common thread amongst my favorites (the half empty bottles) is vanilla.

Most days, I smell like some variation of vanilla. But as I get older, I'm constantly searching for a more sophisticated take on the scent. I love vanilla, but I don't want to smell like cake frosting 24/7.

So I was thrilled to recently make the acquaintance of Vanilla & Anise, the latest fragrance from Jo Malone - a spicy, modern interpretation of my favorite flava.

The Composition

Top notes: Sicilian Bergamot, Tunisian Neroli, Wild Fennel Flower, Star Anise
Middle notes: Oleander. Tuberose, Frangipani, Purple Vanilla Orchid
Base notes: Madagascar Clove, White Amber, Vetiver Bourbon, Vanilla Bourbon Absolute, Tonka

The Vanilla & Anise collection consists of a 1 oz Cologne ($55), a 3.4 oz Cologne ($100). The fragrance is available at Jo Malone shops, jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

Ashley Greene's New Moon Premiere Makeup

Celebrity makeup artist Vanessa Scali transformed the already beautiful Twilight star Ashley Greene into a gorgeous vision at last night’s The Twilight Saga: New Moon premiere in Los Angeles.

"The look was classic 60’s," reports Vanessa. "Well-defined eyes with lots of lashes, a strong brow and clean skin with subtle pink/coral cheeks and lips."

To start, Vanessa evened out Ashley’s "nearly flawless skin" with Lancôme's Effacernes Concealer in Light Bisque underneath the eyes. "It gives clean, fresh, flawless coverage," she said. Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick followed. Lancôme's Blush Subtil in Shimmer Pink Pool topped the apples of the cheeks.

For Ashley’s dramatic eyes, Vanessa swept YSL’s Fard Lumiére Aquarésistant Cream Eyeshadow in Pink Sands over the entire eye. To define and elongate the lash line, Vanessa used Lancôme's Artliner in Black and lined the inner rims with Shu Uemura's Painting Liner in White. The finishing touch: a few generous coats of Lancôme's Ôscillation Mascara in Black for "seductively lengthy lashes," says Vanessa.

Ashley’s brows were sculpted with Lancôme's Le Crayon Poudre in Brunet. Finally, Lancôme's hot new lipstick from the Pout-á-Porter series -L’Absolu Rouge in Chris & Tell - made a sneak peek appearance. The gorgeous hue, which was created for designer Chris Benz’s Spring show, will be available in February 2010. The Chris & Tell waiting list is open at the Saks Fifth Avenue New York counter. Call 212.940.2033 to be added to the waiting list.

Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family

Take advantage of the Saks Fifth Avenue Friends & Family promotion, October 15-18. Enjoy!

Kristen Stewart at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards

Adir Abergel, Frederic Fekkai celebrity stylist, tended to the locks of Twilight/New Moon star Kristen Stewart for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards.

Inspiration: 60s rock and roll pompadour with a spiky ponytail.

How to get the look: Adir first started out by applying the Fekkai Coiff Nonchalant Piecing & Forming Wax to the palm his hands and then added the Fekkai Coiff Extra Control Styling Gel for extra texture and shine. He applied this to her damp hair until it was full saturated.

To get the right texture with short layered haircut like Kristen's, you must apply enough products until you get it to look right and feels right. It is important to fully saturate the hair with product.

Once the product was in the hair he took a blow-drier and hand dried into his desired style, directing all the hair with his fingers back to the nape of her neck.

To finish the look, he took the back of the hair and pulled it into a twisted ponytail letting the ends out and then spraying the front with the Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. Make sure to leave random pieces out for a more chill vibe.

Fekkai products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and fekkai.com.

Photo: gossipcenter.com

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection: Greige

The new fall dress code for Giorgio Armani is “Greige.” Subtle but distinct tones accentuate a deep smoky eye contrasted with a fresh, luminous complexion and a muted, but intense lip color.

Manta Ray Eye Duo Palettes, $38
The star product of the season is the eye duo palette, which is dressed with an exotic Manta Ray pattern. Inspired by the precious and luxurious materials used in Giorgio Armani fashion accessories, the palettes offer a beautiful selection of color harmonies inspired by nature. The collection features subtle hues that offer a new take on the timeless color “Greige,” create by Giorgio Armani. The rich filtered eye tones, presented in a matte Greige compact, give depth and mystery to the eyes with subtle contours and highlights.

n° 1 – charcoal and Greige: the ultimate eye shadow combination for this season’s smoky eye
n° 2 – deep ocean blue and intense ocean green
n° 3 – pale lilac grey and luminous fuchsia
n° 4 – light blue stone and sandy beige
n° 5 – shimmering lilac pearl and pale green pearl

Liquid Silk Eye Liner n° 1 and n° 2, $30

Armani Liquid Silk Eye Liners in matte charcoal grey or midnight metallic blue contrast the softer Greige tones with a smooth high precision stroke. The formula, which contains microdispersed waxes and micro-fil™ polymer, boosts the deep intense color and ensures a long-lasting, quick-drying application.

Armani Silk Lipstick n°92, $25

This season’s must-have Armani lipstick accentuates the natural lip color, keeping the focus on the eyes. The grey-blue tones in this soft plum lipstick add intensity to the lip without giving a dark contrast, the new alternative to beige. The Armani Silk lipstick formula dresses the lips with a hydrating and silky veil. Specific oils allow the shade to reveal intense and radiant color, resulting in a luminous blush on the lips.

The “Greige” Eye Look by Linda Cantello: “Eye shadow is about shading. Rather than adding shadows, these muted tones contour and define, accentuating the eye and the pupil; the focus is actually on the eye itself. My favorite is the Greige and charcoal duo shade palette, but the pale lilac grey and fuchsia offer a really beautiful pop of color.”

Application Tips:
* Use the Greige shade to contour the eye by sweeping the shadow along the crease of the eye. Follow by sweeping the shade under the lower lash line and over the upper lash line. Use charcoal to add intensity.

* A second option is to sweep the charcoal shadow over the whole lid and use the Greige to blend. For added intensity, apply midnight blue eyeliner along the upper lid lash line.

The Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2009 Collection is available for a limited time online at giorgioarmanibeauty.com and at selected fine department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

Fashion School Is In Session: Interview With Sydne Summer

Everybody puts their pants on one leg at a time. But while most of us are just throwing on an old pair of faded Levi’s and t-shirt, only a select few would think to pair a $23 skinny white jean with a BCBG leather jacket, Forever 21 lace camisole, Manolo Blahnik gladiator sandals, and assorted silver and black bracelets.

Such is the gift of Los Angeles based Fashion Editor, blogger and TV fashion commentator, Sydne Summer. On the Style Network’s website, Mystyle.com, Sydne deconstructs star style, advises real women on how to cop runway and red carpet trends, and interviews style icons. Sydne’s own blog, ThinkThruFashion, provides how-to solutions, fashion and beauty tips, trend breakdowns and pictorial inspiration of clothes on real people.

Recently, I had the opportunity to pick Sydne’s brain and learn some tricks of the trade. If, like me, you’re looking to up your style ante - read on. Sydne’s taking us to fashion school...

SP: When did you first fall in love with fashion?
SS: I can’t pinpoint one exact moment because I have so many childhood memories that involved fashion. I grew up in the 80s and I used to stage photo shoots in my backyard dressed in neon shirts over biker shorts with my hair parted as far to the side as possible. During a family holiday one year, I think I was about seven, I made my younger cousin produce a fashion show while the adults were having cocktails. We made a royal mess in my grandmother’s closet trying on her silk printed tunics and piles of costume jewelry. Then I charged everyone a nickel so they could see us model our creations. And I don’t know when I was first given my dress-up chest but I don’t remember every not having it. Whenever I had a playdate we’d immediately dig in to the box of elbow length gloves, silk pajama gowns and rhinestone shoes and prance around thinking we were Claudia Schiffer.

SP: What was your first big break in fashion?
SS: In college I was interning for Boston Magazine Publications. My editor was planning an event for Elegant Weddings to shows Boston brides how to create a New England-style wedding. I had to research New England based brands and have them ship us samples to use during the event. My editor was really pleased by the assortment of clothing, jewelry and party favors I came up with. She then trusted me to handle bigger projects, which was a great learning experience.

SP: What does it take to succeed in fashion?
SS: To make it in fashion in general, I think you need to study. Not study in the sense of cramming for a law exam but studying everything and anything about fashion. During fashion week, if I can’t make it to the shows I spend hours and hours on Style.com, analyzing each piece and writing down what I like and don’t like about the collection. When I’m out to lunch at the farmers market, I study what people are wearing to observe what works and what doesn’t work on different body types. I’m constantly reading up about designers, pouring over every fashion magazine and just talking to regular people about what they think about the latest trends or what so-and-so was wearing. You just need to absorb everything around you and of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the innate eye for style.

SP: What is your style philosophy?
SS: I think the most important thing is to dress for your body type. It doesn’t matter how much you love a trend. If it’s not right for you, you shouldn’t wear it. I have an hourglass shape, so even though I loved the dropped waists that were in style about two years ago I resisted. I knew they wouldn’t look good on me so I admired from afar as my more narrow shaped friends strutted around in the flapper style dresses.

I’m also big on mixing high and low, something I did way before Michelle Obama came along in her J. Crew and Lanvin combos. I splurge on shoes, two handbags a year and dresses I know I’ll wear season after season. Then I head to Forever 21 and stock up on all the trendy stuff I’m loving at that moment—but might get sick of in a few months.

SP: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
SS: My father passed away when I younger so on my 21st birthday my mother made a necklace using the diamond from her engagement ring my father gave her. She set it on a platinum strand with floating diamonds so it would be a present from both of them on my birthday.

SP: If you could spend the day with one fashion icon (living or deceased), who would it be and what would you do?
SS: I’d love to spend the day with Christian Dior. His New Look is perhaps one of my favorite fashions of all time. I’d spend a day with him in Paris and go to my favorite museum, Musee d’Orsay. Dior started in art before becoming a fashion icon. Then we would go to his house and he would create a dress for me that would make me look like Dita von Teese. We’d go out later in the evening and talk about his genius ideas over glasses of champagne.

SP: What makes a woman 'stylish?'
SS: Confidence. I know everyone says this but that’s because it’s true. I think I started gaining this confidence after I stopped comparing myself to other people. I grew up in Miami then moved to Los Angeles as a teenager so I’ve always been around beautiful women with great style. But over the years, I developed my own style and once you start becoming comfortable with your body and your sense of fashion it shows in the way you carry yourself. People would rather look at a woman standing tall and smiling in a Kmart dress than a pouty girl sulking in the corner in couture.

SP: Who are some of your favorite designers of all time?
SS: Missoni for prints, Dolce & Gabbana when I want to feel sexy, Chanel for handbags that I can’t afford, Rebecca Taylor and Catherine Malandrino for feminine pieces and Jimmy Choo for classic shoes.

But as much as I love designer pieces, my favorite thing is to mix them with inexpensive finds. I do that in my blog on a daily basis. It’s fun to put an outfit together and have people guess which piece cost $300 and which cost $30. Their guesses are often incorrect, which just goes to show, you don’t need designer good to look good.

SP: Which trends will be big this summer?
SS: Rompers are huge, which I’m super excited about because I never bought one last summer and I’m a big fan of jumpsuits. Cutouts are popular on clothing and bathing suits. Also a big bathing suit trend is the one shoulder, which we know is extremely popular for dresses as well. Maxi dresses are everywhere, I especially like them paired with a bib necklace, another trend for spring and summer. As people get more tan, they’re going to start wearing one of the hottest colors this season: bright pink. And as we’ve seen on Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan, Victoria Beckham and just about every other celebrity, denim is distressed. Plus, the boyfriend jean is still going strong.

SP: Which trend(s) do you wish would die?
SS: I hate over-the-knee boots. I’ve seen maybe one person pull this look off: Diane Kruger in Tommy Hilfiger. But the majority of time, the thigh high boots just look like Pretty Woman, pre-Julia Roberts’ classy makeover. Then there is the harem pant that just won’t seem to go away. They’re still popular for summer, which means we’re going to see plenty more baggy crotches on the red carpet.

SP: Current handbag obsessions?
SS: I am absolutely obsessed with Valentino’s spring collection. Of course, I can’t afford even a fraction of any of the handbags but I could sit and stare at the floral masterpieces all day. They truly look like pieces of art. Just look at this one!

SP: Which celebrities would you love to style and why?
SS: Anne Hathaway. I love feminine, elegant pieces and I can’t think of any current star who looks better in them than Anne. Recently she’s tried to look edgy, wearing suits and leather but to me, she looks best as a classic beauty. But truthfully, I’d rather style women that really need help, rather than those that have Marc Jacobs on speed dial. I get more enjoyment out of helping a friend realize how amazing her body when she has the right clothing.

SP: Where are your favorite places to shop?
SS: I recently got in to the whole vintage thing and even if I don’t buy anything, I have a blast shopping at thrift stores. My favorite one in L.A. is Jet Rag. I got this 80s velvet dress, cut off the skirt and now it looks just like a Balmain top, shoulder pads and all. I can’t wait to wear it with jeans this fall. For trendy items, I always go to Forever 21. And for my splurges I wait until Saks has their huge sales and stock up on everything I’ve been coveting online.

SP: What tips do you have for women who want star style on a budget?
SS: Don’t try to copy a star from head to toe. If Beyonce is wearing Balmain and you try to find the exact same $11, 000 jacket for $11 you’ll just look like a cheaper version of Beyonce. In my blog, I always recommend to take inspiration from celebrity style instead of copying it. Figure out what you like about their style and find ways to make it your own. Earlier this year I really liked Cameron Diaz’s all-American look. But I didn’t try to find an exact replica of her striped Michael Kors dress. Instead I thought about what it was I liked about her style and kept that in mind when I went shopping. Things always look more expensive when they’re original—or at least when they’re styled in a creative way.

SP: Can you share some figure-slimming fashion tips?
SS:
1) Create the illusion of long legs by wearing shoes that match your skin color.
2) Show off your best feature. Mine is my waist, so I’m always cinching everything with belts. My friend has the hottest legs, so you’ll usually find her hiding her stomach with a billowy top and showing off her gams in a mini. My mother has amazing shoulders, so she always looks thinner when she wears a shell or halter.
3) Wear monochromatic outfits. If you wear all black, navy, brown, etc, it will create the illusion of a longer and leaner figure.
4) And if all else fails throw on some statement jewelry. If you have sparkly earrings or a unique necklace, nobody will notice you’re having a fat day.

SP: What are three fashion accessories every woman should own?
SS:
1) Black pumps: They add instant sex appeal and never go out of style.
2) A bright or metallic clutch: It makes sure a LBD isn’t boring and dresses up a pair of jeans.
3) A tan leather carryall: If I could only have one bag, it would be my cognac Foley + Corinna hobo. I can wear it with black, brown or navy and the more worn the leather gets, the better the bag looks.

SP: What products are staples in your makeup bag?
SS: Mascara is a must. It’s an instant pick me up when I haven’t slept. I switch on and off between L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara and Stila Convertible Mascara. For lips, I’ve been carrying around a tub of Rosebud Salve since my freshman year of college. But recently I’m addicted to C.O. Bigelow Mint Lip Tint Gloss. The coral has just a touch of color and the minty flavor is refreshing. I also need a bronzer. Whenever I’m laying out on the beach I always cover my face with a towel or wife beater. So my face obviously is just a tad lighter than my body. Bare Escentuals A Little Sun is great because it gives me a natural glow. I start on my cheekbones then lightly dust the rest of my face.

For more of Sydne’s fab fashion advice and commentary, visit mystyle.com and thinkthrufashion.com.

It's Fresh, Exciting*: New Products From Fresh, Coming This Fall

This fall, Fresh will expand its fragrance portfolio with a new scent, Strawberry Flowers, created in celebration of Sephora’s 10th anniversary. The company is also expanding its bath and body, skin care and makeup offerings with a bevy of new beauty products.

Launching exclusively at Sephora in September, Strawberry Flowers Eau de Parfum is a fruity floral scent, designed specifically for a younger, Sephora customer. The fragrance, inspired by the scents of a typical spring morning, is composed of top notes of mandarin, yuzu and white peach, middle notes of mountain strawberries, freesia, orange blossom and osmanthus, and base notes of orris, musk and white woods.

Also in September, Fresh will debut the Fig Apricot body care collection, based on its top-selling Fig Apricot Eau de Parfum, which launched a decade ago. The collection will include a bath/shower gel and a body cream and will be sold at Barneys, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bluemercury.

Fresh’s fall color collection includes the Imperial Bedroom Face Palette, and a new Firebird Mascara. The palette’s cream-based colors include iridescent pearl and warm antique gold eye shades, an opalescent black eyeliner, a shimmer highlighter for the cheeks and a deep red gloss for the lips. Inspired by a Russian fairy tale and based on the company’s best-selling mascara, Fresh Supernova, Firebird is designed to thicken, lengthen and curl lashes. “Supernova gives your lashes a thick, dark and more defined look, whereas the soft lightweight fibers on the Firebird brush gives it a feathery and flirty feel,” said Alina Roytberg, Fresh’s co-founder and creative director.

Fresh has also come out with Twilight Freshface Glow, a multifunctional illuminating cream. The primer is designed to be used as a highlighter along cheekbones, brow bones and décolletage. On the retail front, Fresh has plans to open several freestanding stores by the end of the year.

This month, the company will open a location in Century City, Calif., followed by another store in Dallas’ Northpark Center in October. The company is also looking to open a store in Philadelphia (oh please, please...with Sugar Lip Treatment on top!) along with additional stores in the Northeast.

Source: WWD

*In case you haven't noticed, I've been on a Kool and the Gang kick lately.

Good Vibrations: TurboLash and Ôscillation Mascaras

On July 17th, Estée Lauder will release a “battery-operated, vibrating, all-effects mascara”, TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara. The mascara will retail for $30 and sold at exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, and will ne available at other retailers later this year.

TurboLash vibrates at 125 micropulses per second, and the formula consists of a "rapid-release gel formula composed of jellied water, olive oil and paraffin waxes, which nearly liquefies for application and immediately solidifies upon contact with the lashes. The remainder of the formula is a blend of micas, microspheres, kaolin clays and cellulose gums."

Hot on its heels, Lancôme will launch Ôscillation, a mascara that provides a 360-degree coat around each and every lash, this fall. The flexible, polymer-based brush vibrates at no fewer than 7,000 vibrations per minute for "perfect formula application" that extends, curls, shapes and thickens lashes. The wand is battery-powered and turns on a 3-centimeter motor.

Ôscillation has four patents for technology and formula and was created by a team led by Jean-Louis Guéret, the designer of all Lancôme mascara brushes. The King of Mascara, Guéret has been the father of nearly 400 mascaras during his illustrious career.

Mr. Sandman, Bring Me Smooth Skin

Get ready for summer with Bobbi Brown’s Beach, a collection of bath and body products that perfectly captures the atmosphere and attitude of summer. Beach Fragrance is a lightly intoxicating blend of Sand Jasmine, Sea Spray, and Mandarin. The Body Oil, Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 15 and Body Scrub share the same beachy scent.


My favorite item in the collection is the limited-edition Beach Sandbar Soap. Back by popular demand, this creamy bar soap has a luxurious lather, a fresh beachy scent (like ocean air and sunscreen), and it contains tiny grains of sand that clean, refresh and exfoliate the body all at the same time. The sandy side is especially effective on knees, elbows, and feet...but take it easy on more delicate skin. Plus, the bar looks super cute in the soap dish.

The Beach Sandbar Soap ($16) is selling like hotcakes, so get yours while supplies last. Buy a few just in case Bobbi decides to retire this perennial favorite. It's still available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

Hanae Had Me At Hello

This past weekend, I took a trip to the mall…shout-out to KOP (you Philly gals know what I’m talkin’ about). I was in Nordstrom’s cosmetics department for, literally, three minutes before a salesperson had me sold on a bottle of Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau Fraîche.

I usually spend weeks hemming and hawing over a new fragrance, and only break down and buy it once I’ve decided that my pulse points can’t live without it. Well, with Eau Fraîche, it took me approximately 180 seconds to come to this conclusion.

As I reported a few months ago, the latest incarnation of my favorite fragrance is the lightest formulation yet; this variation is airier and perfect for warmer weather. The new top notes of sparking tangerine and grapefruit lend a summery kick, but the fragrance dries down to the familiar notes of red fruits, wild berries and summer woods.

Besides the intoxicating scent, what really convinced me to swipe the plastic was the price tag. A 3.4 oz bottle of this limited-edition fragrance is only $65.

Hanae Mori Butterfly Eau Fraîche is now available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom*, Bloomingdale’s, select Macy’s and Sephora.

*Receive a Butterfly Body Lotion (0.2 oz.) and deluxe mini Eau de Toilette (0.04 oz.) with any $65 Hanae Mori purchase - online and in-store.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine

If you buy one lipstick this Spring, make it Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine. Actually, buy more than one…that’s how gorgeous they are.

Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine is “the first lipstick to incorporate a blend of light-reflective pearls together with Shu Uemura’s groundbreaking hybrid pigment to create professional caliber brilliance for lips.” And the unique, hydrating formula practically melts onto lips and helps them retain their natural moisture.

The swatches below demonstrate the high color fidelity and shimmering, dimensional shine. From left to right: WH 002S, RD 174S, BR 775S, BR 755S, and OR 563S.





Shu Uemura Principal Makeup Artist Jason Hoffman shares the following tips on how to get the best look with the product:

*For a light glossy stain, apply directly from the tube.
*If you want a slightly heavier shine, use a brush to apply. The brush will pick up more product and blend it evenly on the lips.
*For more color depth and long lasting wear, pair the crystal shine with a pencil.
*As with all Shu Uemura lipsticks, crystal shine is great for eyes and cheeks. Use a synthetic foundation brush and apply on the apples (the colors look very fresh and the shimmer offers a beautiful sheen).
*For the eyes, use a synthetic concealer brush. Beiges and browns will be the easiest to wear on the eyes as reds and oranges can often make you look tired.
*Every woman should own the shade WH (white) 002S. It is so versatile! It can be used alone for a light glossy finish or layered over ANY lip color. It will lighten the color and give it a hint of pink shimmer. Spoiled Pretty agrees - this shade is a must-have!
*The shade BG (beige) 901S is also a must have for anyone who likes wear a smoky eye. It is the perfect beige that compliments browns, purples, greens, blues and black.

Available in 17 shades, Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Crystal Shine is sold at select Neiman Marcus stores, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores, and at shuuemura.com.

John Varvatos For Women

I don’t typically get excited about warm weather fragrances. Smelling like the beach, fruit cocktail or a bouquet of wildflowers just isn’t me. So when I took a whiff of John Varvatos’ long-anticipated fragrance for women, I was pleasantly surprised. And after a few spritzes, I was hooked.

Varvatos drew his inspiration from the kind of woman who intrigues him...

She’s an uptown sophisticate and a downtown bohemian, but she is far from being all things to all people – she is ever herself. She loves socializing in the comfort o home, going out with friends to understated gallery openings, films, concerts and reading. She mixes high and low effortlessly – shopping at flea markets, vintage stores, jewelry auctions, and the hippest boutiques to create her confident, individual and uniquely chic style. This style extends beyond her wardrobe and is ever present in her home and her surroundings. She is a natural beauty with a quiet intensity born of intelligence and accomplishment. Unmistakably sexy, she exudes a soft sensuality that is universally appealing.

Notes include: Aromatic Grappa, Georgian apricot, Damascus plum, and golden mandarin (top); rubrum lilies, Indian mango blossom, Egyptian jasmine, and Turkish rose attar (middle); oak moss, patchouli, tonka beans, and wild honey (base).

The feminine, sophisticated scent is available in several incarnations. The Parfum ($125) and Eau de Parfum ($70-92) are packaged in forms reminiscent of Italian grappa bottles. The Moisturizing Body Milk ($50) won’t hydrate parched skin, but will leave behind a delicate scent that’s wonderfully warm on its own, and perfect for layering.

My favorite of the collection is the Cleansing Body Oil with Natural Exfoliating Grains ($58). The body cleanser is enriched with antioxidant vitamin E and jojoba oil to help nourish skin; and when you want to turn your shower into a spa, mix in some of the crushed granules to slough away dead skin.

John Varvatos is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.

Green Minds Think Alike

A few days ago, I posted an article about Nordstrom’s new Well Beauty counters. It seems that Nordies isn’t the only department store hoping to make some greenbacks by going green.

Women’s Wear Daily reports that Saks Fifth Avenue “is poised to launch The Beauty of Living Well, a dedicated sales area devoted to what Saks terms ‘natraceutical’ products.”

Saks has chosen four brands for the May, 2008 rollout:

*Skin Nutrition is a line of treatment products and vitamins that she promotes beauty from the inside out.
*Canyon Ranch Your Transformation is a high-powered skin care range from the luxury health spa of the same name.
*Blue Lagoon is a brand that was created from nutrients found in the thermal waters of Iceland's Blue Lagoon.
*Vinita is a skin care brand from India that focuses on ancient beauty rituals.

Five Saks stores will launch The Beauty of Living Well in Manhattan, Beverly Hills, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (CA), Phoenix, and Palm Beach Gardens (FL). In addition, sales consultants in each of the aforementioned stores will be schooled in the brands, to better assist consumers.

After the initial rollout, Saks hopes to expand the range of products, and open The Beauty of Living Well in more stores.

Not Your Average Jo

For what seems like forever, I’ve heard beauty editors go on and on about Jo Malone. I had yet to hear someone find fault with the products, which I thought was a bit fishy. So I tried their new White Jasmine & Mint line to see if the brand merits all of the rave reviews. OMG. I am completely enamored with Jo – you don’t even know. The products absolutely deserve every accolade I’ve read and heard. They deserve more, in fact – thus my subsequent stellar appraisal.

Last fall, Jo Malone debuted White Jasmine & Mint Cologne – a fragrance “inspired by a tranquil moment in an English garden when the sun emerges, the dew gently lifts and the blossoms are at their most fragrant. Notes of just-picked white jasmine, chamomile, wild mint, rose and coriander are entwined in this lush combination.”

In March 2008, Jo Malone introduced four new offerings to the collection – White Jasmine & Mint Bath Oil, Shower Gel, Body Crème and Home Candle.

The quality of these products is beyond compare. If I were to search my mental lexicon and come up with a phrase that best describes Jo Malone, it would be sumptuous indulgence. And the fragrance…where do I begin? The White Jasmine & Mint scent is an elegant, crisp recipe that is decidedly feminine – womanly, not girly.

The White Jasmine & Mint Home Candle is without a doubt, the best candle I’ve ever smelled. Every night this week, I’ve lit the wick immediately upon returning home. It fills my apartment with the most enchanting aroma…I could wax poetic about it all day long. Once you drink in the scent of White Jasmine & Mint, you’ll be a convert too.

Jo Malone products are available at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and jomalone.com.

Seeing Double

Yesterday, as I was perusing the CVS website, a new skincare brand caught my eye.

What struck me the most about 24.7 Skincare is its similarity the Freeze 24-7 skin care brand. From the names to the packaging to the product descriptions, they’re nearly identical. Take a look…

24.7 Skincare Instant Plump Volumizing Lip Shine: Triple action lip treatment works with Retinol, Niacin and GABA to immediately plump, hydrate and nourish lips. ($19.99)

Freeze 24-7 PlumpLips Lip Plumper: Revolutionary lip plumper and gloss that delivers full, pouty, buttery lips in minutes. Hydrates, smoothes and soothes…It’s addicting! ($40)

24.7 Skincare Smooth & Go Immediate Skin Perfector: Instantly illuminates and smoothes, bringing a newfound soft, flawless look to your skin. Performs brilliantly under or over makeup and wouldn't think of smudging or smearing. Perfectly portable for whenever or whenever you need a quick skin-perfecting fix - an absolute must have, with mistake-proof application! Treat fine lines and wrinkles, imperfections, dark circles, lip lines, laugh lines, large pores. Perfect for: quick touch-ups: Smooth & Go, use under OR over makeup, absorbs excess oil, instant brightening, instant smoothing. ($29.99)

Freeze 24/7 Freeze & Go Instant Smoother & Brightener: Use under or over makeup to fix fine lines, absorb excess oil and brighten skin for a flawless finish. Perfectly portable, this sleek, metallic, pod-like package is designed for optimal convenience and totability, with a removable mirror and metered dosage to ensure a flawless finish on-the-go. ($65)

24.7 Skincare Targeted Wrinkle Treatment: Targets lines and wrinkles with a latest-tech formula including GABA, Lavendox and Hyaluronic Acid Spheres. The results are impressive: 100% of respondents saw a 50-90% reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within 10 minutes, making it an effective, non-surgical cosmetic alternative to Botox and other invasive procedures. ($39.99)

Freeze 24/7 Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment: This dream cream is for real and delivers a powerful punch against wrinkles. Watch them melt away within minutes. Respondents saw a 50-90% reduction in the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within minutes of application. A safe alternative to Botox and other synthetic products which produces results - not side effects. ($65)

After noting the similarities, I instantly smelled a lawsuit. But it seems that the brands are in cahoots. 24.7 Skincare was created in partnership with an initial investor in Freeze 24-7. So maybe there won’t be blood. But there will be youthful skin and plump lips – whether you shop at the department store or the drugstore.

Freeze 24-7 is available at Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, Bloomingdale’s, Space NK, and Saks Fifth Avenue. 24.7 Skincare is sold exclusively at CVS.

Cate Blanchett’s Skincare Essentials

Cate Blanchett, SK-II global ambassador, carefully selected her favorite products for the line’s new Spring offering – aptly named Cate's Essentials Collection.

Cate was introduced to SK-II by a friend seven years ago and noticed instantly a profound difference in her skin. She says, "Throughout my career, I have only accepted roles that I am passionate about, and my partnership with SK-II is no different. I truly believe I already played this role as an ambassador long before SK-II caught up with me."

Each product in Cate's Essentials Collection is designed to aid the skin's natural 28-day renewal process, improving and rebalancing the skin's surface and promoting a healthy, radiant glow. It includes:

Facial Treatment Essence - The heart of the SK-II ritual, literally drenches your skin with over 90% pure Pitera, raising skin moisture levels and stimulating the renewal of the skin's outer layer, improving texture and clarity.

Facial Treatment Repair C - This Pitera rich serum is highly effective in moisturizing and enriching the skin - reducing the appearance of fine lines while improving overall skin texture and elasticity.

Facial Treatment Mask - These wonderful rich cotton masks provide the most intense Pitera experience - Giving the entire face a moisturizing boost, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Of SK-II, the actress has said, “It’s not part of my skincare ritual. It is my skincare ritual.”

Cate's Essentials Collection retails for $250 and launches this month, exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue - with extended rollout beginning in April.