subscribe to beauty blog via RSSThe Rise Of Private Residence Pampering
September 1, 2011
Growing up next to a pharmacy in Liverpool had its advantages for British beauty expert Juliana Landis, who stopped by her local drugstore frequently to watch the glamorous ladies behind the cosmetics counters apply blush and powder. The fascination with face painting stuck and after moving abroad to model, Landis returned to the U.K. to study at the prestigious London Esthetique College of Beauty Therapy and Makeup. Next stop: Hollywood, where she developed a loyal following for her makeup expertise, brow shaping, and lash extensions at the chic and discrete Lulur spa (which reportedly tends to the likes of Penélope Cruz, among other low-profile A-listers). With confidential client list in tow, the talented expat recently went out on her own to open an intimate outpost, quite literally in her L.A. backyard. “It had lots of light and a beautiful feel. So it seemed natural to use it as a private makeup studio,” she says of the posh bungalowlike guest house behind her home in Hancock Park—which is bathed in snowy tones and features a fireplace, sleek couches, and sparkly chandeliers. The by-referral-only space opened last December and has since then “blown up,” says Landis. The menu includes a full range of beauty services, but lashes are the specialty (Landis has a line of handmade extensions, JB Lashes). Additional pros will stop by for house calls by request, too, like facialist Nadia Knight and hairstylists Jennifer Thomas and John Vance, who can be booked for beachy blow-outs and windswept updos following any appointment with Landis. Also on offer: one-on-one makeup lessons with the proprietor herself for those who want to learn what’s in her makeup bag. We hear Clé de Peau concealer, Face Atelier Ultra Foundation, and Glominerals mineral makeup are on the short list.
For more information, visit www.julianalandis.com.
tags: Juliana Landis, Makeup
Jessica Simpson Hawks More Wares; Taylor Swift Is Wonderstruck; And More…
September 1, 2011
BeachMint.com is brand-building. First the online retail destination debuted JewelMint.com, a collection of affordable baubles designed by Kate Bosworth and her stylist, then Mary-Kate Olsen’s collection of T-shirts for StyleMint.com went live. On October 1, BeautyMint.com will join its predecessors, offering up anti-aging skincare products backed by celebrity aesthetician Nerida Joy and Jessica Simpson. [WWD]
Taylor Swift’s ads for her debut signature scent, Wonderstruck, are out and currently raking in the “likes” on Facebook. In case you were wondering, the curly girl says “no” to the blow-dryer, keeping her signature waves intact for the print visuals. [Fashion Etc.]
Another, somewhat less likely crooner is also getting in on the fragrance game: That would be Julian Casablancas—the Strokes frontman stars in new adds for Azzaro’s latest men’s offering. [Consequence of Sound]
Youve seen the Rosie Huntington-Whiteley images, and now that Burberry Body has finally landed on shelves, the house’s designer is speaking out about the impetus for the new fragrance: “We wanted to develop something that really epitomized the DNA and the spirit of the iconic Burberry trench coat,” says Christopher Bailey, referencing the “different sides” of the iconic outerwear that have now been reinterpreted through scent. “Sometimes it makes you feel sexy, sometimes it makes you feel confident, other times it makes you feel protected.” [T]
tags: BeachMint.com, Burberry Body, Christopher Bailey, Fragrance, Jessica Simpson, Julian Casablancas, Skincare, Taylor Swift, Wonderstruck
Marc By Marc X Minx
September 1, 2011
Its revolutionary nail overlays are oft-imitated, but there’s only one Minx—the only brand Sephora trusted to help create its popular Chic Prints for nails; the only brand Sarah Burton commissions to design custom tips for Alexander McQueen; and the only brand Marc Jacobs has partnered with on a limited edition collection of nail covers inspired by his Fall Marc By Marc collection. Created by Lisa Logan—the woman who frequently minxes Beyoncé and Katy Perry—the One Night Stand range features five different homages to fabrics from Jacobs’ show, including Jags Velvet, a tri-colored chevron; Jungle Silk, a burgundy-on-brown cheetah print; Panthera Jacquard, which showcases the jungle cat in tan on a black background; Rosy Print, Jacobs’ autumnal palette of Fall blooms; and Running Impalas, our personal favorite and the print that inspired our lust for the skirt in look 20, pictured above. Unfortunately, One Night Stand will only be offered as a gift with purchase at Saks during Fashion’s Night Out, but it just might be the best reason we’ve heard yet to trek uptown on September 8th.
tags: Marc By Marc Jacobs, Minx, Nails
Face Off: Red Lips On The Red Carpet
September 1, 2011
That red lips dominated the Fall runways is a well know fact at this point—only further evidenced by the hoards of women adopting a crimson pout on both the sidewalk and the red carpet of late. Today we had the pleasure of witnessing two great displays of scarlet mouths, which we’ve decided to pit against one another in a truly epic “who wore it better?” debate. Down Under, where she’s enjoying the festivities at Sydney Fashion Week, a typically barefaced (save for a slight flick of black eyeliner) Alexa Chung sported a bright, matte red adaptation, while in Italy, promoting her film W.E. a the Venice Film Festival, Madonna was spotted with a glossy, metallic iteration of the statement lip color. We ask you, dear readers: who wore it better?
tags: Alexa Chung, Madonna, Makeup
Staghorn Party
September 1, 2011
Our favorite kind of collaborations are those in which we have nothing but love for both brands involved. Such is the case with the latest meeting of the beauty minds, which has allied two New York fragrance collections with serious cred together in olfactory harmony. On one side there’s Joya, Frederick Bouchardy’s uniquely-imagined fine fragrance and candle line; on the other is D.S. & Durga, the indie perfume label with a story-driven approach to scents. Their first release: Staghorn Sumac, which boasts hints of wild lily and bison grass, along with its namesake leafy shrub for an effect that’s meant to mimic the “windswept grasslands of the Great Plains and the inner air of a Dakota teepee.” It has an immediate sharpness, but dries down to an appealingly earthy aroma that seems to meld with the skin. Each of the limited-edition porcelain-plated bottles has been sewn into a swatch of vintage dead stock fabric—a thoughtful finishing touch that makes us hope that this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the brands.
$120, available at www.dsanddurga.com and www.joyastudio.com.
tags: D.S. & Durga, Fragrance, Joya
Paperself’s Fringe Festival
August 31, 2011
When Sephora’s latest store opens in two weeks in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, it will reportedly be unlike any of its other outposts. While most of what awaits shoppers is being kept under wraps, we know of one brand that will be carried exclusively at the beauty emporium’s new location: Paperself. The London-based design firm, which specializes in furniture and lighting made from paper and cardboard, has recently begun applying its laser-cutting prowess to faux lashes. To be expected, these are not your average falsies; rather, all four styles are intricately designed miniature pieces of art inspired by nature and selected for a specific symbolic meaning. The Peacock design represents luck; the Deer and Butterfly model stands for freedom; Peach Blossoms are for love; and Under the Sea—an assemblage of fluttery seahorses, starfish, and coral that was designed in collaboration with London-based DJ duo the Broken Hearts—signifies secret treasure. Apply the full set for high-powered drama or simply adhere the smaller size to the outer corners of your eyes for a dose of flirty fun. Consider it an avant-garde way to take fall’s lash trend to a whole new level.
Paperself False Lashes, $17 for small lashes, $19 for full lashes, www.sephora.com.
Game, Set, Braids; Quantifying Beauty; And More…
August 31, 2011
Electric nail lacquers ruled Wimbledon, but it looks like the emerging beauty trend at the U.S. Open, which is now under way, is long braids. They’re fashionable and functional. [NYT]
Dove is teaming up with MTV to launch Dove.MTV.com, which will feature DJ Jessica Who, DJ Chelsea Leyland, and DJ Diamond Kuts and their tips on fashion, music, pop culture, and beauty—specifically Dove’s new line of Go Fresh Rebalance Deodorant and Body Mist. [WWD]
Meanwhile, in spokesperson news, famed Brazilian skincare brand Clinica Ivo Pitanguy has pegged 80-year-old model Carmen Dell’Orefice to front its new Triple Action Hydra Serum, which is fitting considering Dell’Orefice attributes her radiant complexion to one simple beauty secret: “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.” [WWD]
Add this word to your growing beauty lexicon: “pulchronomics,” i.e., the economics and quantification of beauty. In his new book, Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful, University of Texas labor economist Daniel Hamermesh explains that below-average-looking females earn 12 percent less than their attractive counterparts.” [Forbes]
tags: Carmen Dell'Orefice, Clinica Ivo Pitanguy, Dove, Hair, MTV, Skincare, US Open
Scent of A Stylish Woman
August 31, 2011
Summer is not usually a time for new fragrance discovery. It’s just too damn hot, to be frank. But now that breezy days are becoming a more regular occurrence, we feel ready to start thinking about our Fall fragrance repertoire, and it looks to be particularly fashionable this season. Designers from all of the style capitals are releasing new signature scents and with fashion week right around the corner, we thought we’d devote a round of sniff tests to rag trade regulars dabbling in the olfactory arts.
Fan di Fendi
To relaunch its fragrance house, Fendi looked internally for inspiration, plucking the Forever buckle from its iconic Baguette bag to grace its new bottle. The fragrance itself is as rich as it looks; created by perfumer François Demachy it has a lavish blend of Calabrian tangerine, yellow jasmine, Damascena rose, and Indonesian patchouli that is noticeably long-lasting.
$76, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue, NYC; (212) 753-4000.
cK Forbidden Euphoria
Billed as a younger, sexier version of the first Euphoria scent, it’s not just the notes that have changed with this fruity floral: There’s also a new face. Blue-eyed beauty Natalia Vodianova has been replaced by Brooke Shields lookalike Barbara Palvin. She continues the cK tradition of titillating ads; the sexual innuendo in this one is explicit, as per usual. On the skin, the perfume’s bright mix of mandarin, peach blossom, pink peony, and cashmere woods retains the sophistication of its predecessor with a new spicy richness.
$80, www.macys.com.
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tags: Calvin Klein, Diane, Diane von Furstenberg, Ellie Saab, Fan di Fendi, Fendi, Forbidden Euphoria, Fragrance, Lovestruck, Vera Wang
Nails At The Museum
August 31, 2011
As we’ve devoted the better part of the past five years to poring over the fascinating world of nail art, our close friends are always sending along new and exciting ways to embellish our tips—like this gem. Beauty Counter’s favorite gallerina has just alerted us to DZine’s part-performance, part-sculpture installation at the New Museum involving—you guessed it—gels, acrylics, bright polishes, and all manner of miniatures that can be affixed to nails with a little glue and a shiny topcoat. As part of his continued investigation into “Kustom Kulture,” the Chicago-based multimedia artist will be setting up a mobile salon in the museum’s store lobby window on three consecutive Saturdays, beginning September 10, where visitors will be able to get one free nail design. The project is being put together in collaboration with Salon94 and the Standard Hotel and will feature the work of New York-based nail artists from a range of cultural backgrounds. As you can imagine, the interest has been overwhelming, which means individual appointments are hard to come by. But you can still watch the magic unfold—and pick up one of DZine’s 24-karat gold, limited-edition pinky nails. They go on sale at the museum’s store on September 8.
The New Museum Store, 235 Bowery Street, NYC; (212) 219-1222.
tags: DZine, Nails, The New Museum
Missoni Gets Pinned
August 31, 2011
The Missoni-for-Target collab hits stores in two short weeks, and while you’ve presumably already made a mental list of the sweater dresses, beanies, and floppy hats you plan to get while the getting’s good (words to the wise: The Target stores in secondary markets always have more stock than the ones in consumer hot beds like New York), we’d like to direct your attention to the beauty offerings that will arrive alongside their fashion counterparts. Train cases, cosmetics clutches, headscarves, and headbands in a range of the Italian house’s signature prints will make their debut on September 13, along with these little beauties at left. That’s right: You’re looking at two different iterations of Missoni bobby pins! Three words: fashion week essentials.
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