Flatout Fabulous Luxury Reviews

While beach waves are fair game for summer, autumn promises sleeker strands

Tousled, air-dried beach waves are chic for summer—and according to hair guru Ted Gibson, they’re also practical: “The hair goes through a lot of damage with sun, chlorine, etc., so it’s important to steer clear of too much heat-styling. Instead of flatironing hair to make it bone-straight, embrace and enhance your natural wave.” For fall, however, Gibson says straight hair will reign supreme.

“It’s making a comeback,” he says, noting the sleek styles he crafted for the Vena Cava and J. Mendel fall 2010 shows.

Smooth strands also complemented Anna Sui’s fall collection (see photo at right). “We decided to go silkier and shinier this season,” says mane-master Garren, who created the hairstyle for Sui’s show. “After center-parting hair and blowing it dry, we used a pressing iron.”

To flaunt catwalk-ready straightness without falling flat, Gibson recommends sectioning locks accordingly. “To maintain movement and volume, iron more hair at a time, versus less,” he says. “The finer the sections, the flatter your results will be.”

About:

Who better to design a travel collection than an order-obsessed modernist and traveling anthropologista?
Stephanie Johnson launched her line of namesake travel accessories in 2000 after countless trips abroad and weeks spent packing and unpacking suitcases. Unruly belongings have no place in Johnson’s stylish Type A universe. Her thirst for organization, compounded by insatiable wanderlust, has made her a master consumer of packing order. After a beguiling 13 year run as a high-powered executive for MCI WorldCom, Johnson abandoned her stock options and six-figure salary and devoted herself fully to uniquely compartmentalized design. Johnson eschews the latest trends and seeks to continually re-imagine the perfect travel accessory. Her Venice, California studio is layered with inspiration and her signature classic style. Rows of leather bound books with engraved titles line the walls next to crisp linen fabrics so white they seem to glow. Her minimalist aesthetic keeps her continually motivated to create cleaner, more streamlined pieces that make the everyday cosmetic or toiletry bag surprisingly versatile.

Got wanderlust? Wander in style.
You may be a UN Ambassador or just spend weekends at your boyfriend’s, but either way, the Stephanie Johnson collection will speak to the organizer and style siren you aspire to be. Studied details like zipper pulls are Stephanie Johnson’s signature adornment made with Turkish silk knots and colorful grosgrain ribbons. Fabrics reminiscent of Missoni to Marimekko speak to the classic, traditionalist, hipster or gypsy. Inside, each bag is lined with contrasting fabric to better see your precious belongings; some with pink azalea and others with geometry that’s so much more fun than it was in 6th grade. Some pieces also have ultra-convenient removable pouches, pull-out mirrors, coin purses, make-up brush holders, bottles, and for the Virgos in the crowd, a detachable bag with three separate compartments for lips, cheeks and eyes. Each is finished in classic, luxurious trims like suede, faux crocodile, patent leather, grosgrain and velvet with an occasional nod to whimsy in lime or pink faux lizard. The bags are a breeze to take care of and most are lined with a plastic overlay that makes cleaning a cinch. For the outside, we suggest hand washing with diluted soap and water when necessary.

What Makes Our Bags Different?
Traditionally, make up cases and jewelry rolls were considered a necessary, but style-free component to a woman’s personal carry-all. The design spotlight has, until now, been reserved for the purse and shoulder tote. Through Johnson’s eye for great patterns, shapes and her obsessive quest for beautiful functionality, they have now been resurrected to regal status to the happiness of travelers everywhere. You may not get lucky enough to have Johnson pack your suitcase (rumor has it, no one does it better), but you can be the beneficiary of Johnson’s creative solutions born from a life at 30,000 feet.

What to expect when you buy a bag from Stephaine Johnson you ask..

I can personally tell you people stop me all the time to say ” Where is that from? ” Especially my tote… The quality is unmatched along with the style.  Here are my picks for Fall 2010

1.  Nantucket Wine Collection:  Inspired by the art of traditional basket weave, timeless elegance meets contemporary chic in glossy woven aubergine vinyl. Retail $26 ALONSO Pencil Case; $32 IRIS Small Box; $38 LAURA Large Trapezoid

2.  Monte Carlo Collection:  The glamour of the French Riviera comes to life as sparkling squares of metallic silver zigzag across a checkerboard of woven ivory brocade. Plush amethyst nylon liner and glitzy gold metallic tassel zipper pulls and trim elevate a collection sure to delight starlets and high-rollers alike. Retail: $56 for the Jewlery Roll

3.  Calcutta Tote: Fierce faux python entices in earth tones of auburn, white and bisque, highlighted by subtle hints of metallic gold. This striking serpentine set opens to reveal a surprisingly bold teal liner, while metallic gold tassel zipper pulls and trim conjures a far-off foreign land where intrigue is found amongst the crowded streets of a bustling metropolis. Retail: $92 Tote

For more information on Stephaine Johnson or to order please visit her website at www.stephainejohnson.com

Denim Leggings $63

About:

www.kerastase-usa.com

Please hurry this offer ends on Aug 31st, Midnight!

DuWop Introduces NEW Keep Blushing – Breakthrough Water Resistant Powder Blushes

Create long lasting coverage this fall with DuWop’s Keep Blushing, new powder blushes crafted with a unique water resistant formula designed to provide a bold pop of Rose or Peach color that won’t fade away. Unlike other powder blushes, Keep Blushing provides extended wear and full coverage even when wet due to its proprietary blend of water defiant ingredients.

In addition to its water resistant formulation, Keep Blushing contains Sage and Green Tea extract to soothe and hydrate the skin while depositing color. It also boasts an attractive tiled design that allows makeup brushes to pick up the perfect amount of product with each stroke leaving the skin looking and feeling beautiful.

“Keep Blushing is available in two universally flattering shades: Rose and Peach, so all women can wear them regardless of their skin tone,” says Ashley Vilgiate, Vice President Sales & Brand Management for DuWop. “Powder blush will be very popular this season, but DuWop’s newest product takes this trend to the next level with an innovative long-wearing, water resistant formula.”

DuWop offers beauty with an unexpected twist, featuring multipurpose makeup that’s impossible to live without.  DuWop’s Keep Blushing will be available September 2010 at DuWop.com for $22.00.  For more information on DuWop, please call 866-61-DuWop (866-613-8967) or visit www.DuWop.com.

Advanced in design and unparalleled in benefits, teen tanda clean acne light therapy treatment is the way of the future.

Each year 85% of teens will ecperience piples and acne breakouts. For the majortiy of teens, acne is a serious concern. It affects not only their self-esteem, but also how others perceive them. Developed to gently and effectively treat acne with LED light therapy, the visionary device is a clean, green way for teens to maintain clear complextions. Teens can even customixe the device with limited-edition tandsSKINS, making the high-tech tool their own just like their iPod or their cell phone.

for more information on Tanda products please visit www.sephora.com

Retail$250

Laura Mercier, creator of the signature Flawless Face, launches a new, thought-provoking campaign called ” What is Flawless? ” With this new campaign Laura Mercier invites you to contribute to a unique online converation, by submitting a person definition of ” What is Flawless? ”

This conversation starter is designed to challenge the conventional definitions of beauty and re-think this tradtional paradigm in a competely fresh and modern way. Perhaps it’s your best friend’s freckled nose, an uninterrupted Sunday afternoon in the park, or that perfect bite of gelato… There is no right or wrong anwser – that is just and opportunity for women to reveal their real thoughts on the flawless beauty that surrounds life.

Why participate?

For every anwser submitted to www.lauramercier.com. Laura Mercier will make a donation to theGulf Relief  Foundation. Given that Laura value’s the flawless nature of charity, each submission will work to help restore the wetland preservation in  Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana and return the Gulf and New Orleans to their previously flawless state.

timeless beauty
Carisa Janes Reinvents Luxury Cosmetics

Hailed as “the world’s youngest beauty-biz veteran” by Glamour Magazine in 1999, Hourglass founder Carisa Janes quickly established herself in the cosmetic business as a beauty innovator. Having started as an original member of a now iconic Gen-X line, Janes learned the inner workings of the cosmetics industry by developing products all the way from concept to market. She eventually went on to become the creative force behind two successful prestige brands and in the teen market. In 2004, Janes’ visionary approach to cosmetics led her to create Hourglass Cosmetics.

Having sensed a void in the luxury cosmetics arena, Janes was inspired to create a brand that truly exemplified modern luxury. She developed a line that was not only beautiful and functional, but also incorporated advanced skincare technology without the use of parabens and overpowering fragrances commonly found in many beauty products.

Today, with Veil Fluid Makeup and Veil Mineral Primer as their bestselling products, Hourglass Cosmetics has quickly established itself as the must-have staple in a woman’s daily makeup routine—including Janes’. “I feel makeup is the most feminine form of creative expression,” Janes said, “and it’s also one of the great luxuries of being a woman.”

From their patent-pending Solar Tan Self-Tanning Primer to the cult-favorite Veil Fluid Makeup and Veil Mineral Primer, Hourglass pushes the boundaries when it comes to creating innovative, luxurious makeup that any beauty junkie would be proud to carry in their beauty bag. And their foundation assortment is no exception. Revealing the latest in treatment and anti-aging technology, each Hourglass one is formulated with advanced, cutting-edge ingredients that repair, slow, and prevent the signs of aging. Featuring smooth-to-the-touch textures and formulas, the entire complexion line offers the makeup coverage you crave with all the benefits of quality skincare—so you get the best of both beauty worlds.

Hourglass’ foundation does so many good things for your skin, you’ll forget you’re wearing just makeup. To start, its got an SPF, so no extra sunscreen is needed to protect your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. Next, its smooth, silicone-based formula also includes a 3% concentration of Matrixyl® to keep wrinkles at bay, while vitamins A and E work together to moisturize and nourish the skin with essential antioxidants. Lastly, Veil Fluid Makeup is ideal for all skin types and its oil- and fragrance-free formula is non-irritating, making it perfect for sensitive and rosacea- or acne- prone skin. Consider it a part of your everyday, anti-aging skincare regimen. Retail: $60; Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF 15, Retail: $52; Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15, Retail: $55; Illusion Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF 15

 
Application Tips:

• After allowing moisturizer to set, apply Veil Fluid Makeup in a circular motion using Foundation Brush No. 2 or your fingertips. Applying Veil Fluid Makeup with a sponge is not recommended.

• For a truly flawless finish, mix Veil Fluid Makeup and Veil Fluid Mineral Primer at a ratio of 2:1 prior to applying.

Special Ingredients:
Matrixyl®: This wrinkle-treating active peptide was developed to be superior to retinol and vitamin C in its efficiency toward the prevention and treatment of wrinkles. Its anti-wrinkle efficacy not only delivers results quickly, but achieves them without the irritating or negative side effects commonly associated with retinol, like redness, itchiness, scaling, or increased sensitivity to the sun. In a six-month study, daily application of Matrixyl® at 3% (the same amount used in Veil) resulted in:

• 21.6% decrease in wrinkle depth decrease

• 16.4% increase in skin smoothness

• 24.4% decrease in wrinkle volume

femme rouge – Retail: $30

A silky, richly pigmented formula that defines and shapes the lips as it moisturizes. This light as air formula immediately hydrates and softens lips for a luxurious feel and subtle shine. 

 Unique blend provides excellent skin-smoothing, moisture-enhancing, and reparative properties

• Custom-designed bullet features an embossed Hourglass icon
• Vitamin E conditions and treat with protective super antioxidants
• Water-resistant, long-lasting, and paraben-free
• Refillable

Visionaire pairs two silky shades of eye shadow in a mini 360° swivel compact – Retail $38

• Colors may be worn together or on their own
• Each shade may be applied wet or dry to achieve desired intensity
• Formulated without sulfates, fragrance, and phthalates

for more information on hourglass cosmetics please visit www.sephora.com

About:

Talika produces quality skin treatment products that have satisfied the beauty demands of the modern woman for over 50 years. Known as the “eye specialist,” Talika’s philosophy is one of total respect for natural plant based ingredients … the source of the purest and most efficacious treatments that nature can offer.

Talika research laboratories are dedicated to developing unique products that are simple to use, and made from natural, active plant ingredients that produce visible results.

Instant Beauty, This gel serum, with its light and delicate texture, gives you a radiant complexion in an instant.

Easy to apply, this semi transparent gel melts into the skin in a few seconds, leaving a feeling of freshness.
The skin texture is noticeably tighter and smoother. Signs of fatigue fade.

Application :
Instant Beauty can be applied anytime you feel your complexion in dull or tired looking. Its gentle formulation allows multiple uses per day. As a deep treatment, use every morning after cleansing your face and neck before applying your usual facial care product.
A daily application will help the skin keep a fresh and healthy look.

Ingredients :

Retail: $53.00

For more information on this product and more products from Talika Paris please visit www.talika.com

In the warmer months it’s always best to switch up your foundation with something light and airless so that it won’t look cakey or melt off your face.   I’ve been getting this question alot what’s the best foundation for the summer months. So I’ve decided to make a post on my best picks for summer foundations for oily skin, normal, combo, and dry. Look below to find one that might work for you.

• Oily Skin/ Combination Skin Best Products To Use - Always prime the face with a mattifier or oil free primer. Choose foundations that help reduce oil such as mineral makeup, oil free foundations and powder foundations. Good recommendations to try

• Primers

Dr. Brandt Pores No More
BE Prime Time
BE Oil Control
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Light

• Foundations

Bare Minerals BE Foundation
Bare Minerals BE Mineral Veil
Mac Studio Fix Powder
Mac Stuido Fix Fluid
Amazing Cosmetics Pressed Powder Foundation
Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation
Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder

• Normal Skin / Combination Skin - Prime the face with a oil free primer , or use one with a tint for a bronzed kissed look. Choose foundation such as tinted moisturizer, or powder foundations.

• Primers

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ( normal or bronze)
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil Free
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer

• Foundations

Mac Face and Body Foundation
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Normal Powder
Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer
Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
Bare Minerals BE Foundation

Dry Skin - Prime the face with products high in SPF stay away from powders.

• Primers

Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ( normal or bronze)
Stila Hydrating Primer SPF 15

• Foundations

Stila One Step Makeup Foundation
Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation
TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup
Smashbox High Definition Healthy FX Foundation with SPF 15

For more information ont thse products please visit www.sephora.com