Beauty pro division

With spring right around the corner, neutral is the hot new shade of the season. Get the look with neutral nails! Muted shades of gray, cream and pink will bring this chic trend of spring all the way to your fingertips. The cream tones of the light shades leave your nails looking elegant and feminine. To keep you on trend, try butter London’s Yummy Mummy and Tea With The Queen to give you the perfect neutral shade and keep your nails looking fabulous!

Tips for neutral shades:

* Keep your nails short. Let your nail color make the statement, not the length of your nails.

* Layer on the Lacquer! To keep the opaque colors from becoming sheer, be sure to layer two coats of every color for a lasting look.

To complete the look, pair these muted tones with a bright outfit for the season and you are sure to be set for spring!

It is about that time of year here in New York, when we are fed up with winter and need some warmer weather. Skin and hair are dry as dry can be so if you can’t jet off to Mexico for the weekend, why not take a little retreat in your shower? 

This weekend, I decided my brittle hair had about enough abuse and I slathered on an Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Instant Repair Treatment. The smell is incredible! I felt instantly better, uplifted, and had a brief daydream of being on a beach, sipping a pina colada, and swimming in the bluest of waters. I was entranced in this daydream until the wind howling at my window jerked me back to reality and the bitterly cold snow flurries outside.

I rinsed the Organix Instant Repair Treatment off my hair (greeted again by the naturally delicious scent) and combed effortlessly through my hair (and if you have ever seen my hair, this was a miracle in itself!) After a quick dry, my hair was back to its shiny self, happy to have spent an imaginary vacation in Mexico.

Is your winter hair in need of desperate repair? Make sure to also check out Organix's Nourishing Coconut Milk Split Ends Mender, which was also nominated for a CEW Beauty Award!

Like no other skin care products available today, Sircuit Cosmeceuticals offers a complete line of professional, all natural, high performance skin care products using the latest in Chiral Technology and a commonsense "be good to yourself" approach. This is a brand new concept in professional skin treatments that blends the best of both science and beauty! Sircuit Cosmeceuticals goes way beyond regular topical skin care; this is skin care at the molecular level.

All Sircuit formulas are specifically designed to help maintain the skin's all-important moisture balance (the pH balance), resulting in maximum skin protection and a more vibrant, youthful appearance. The concept is to address specific skin conditions more than just skin types. We all understand that the skin changes daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally, hormonally, after a crazy weekend or vacation to the desert. Michael Wolfgeher, founder and creator, figured out that designing a product for a particular skin type doesn't make sense. Sircuit products are formulated to adjust to the body's changes by maintaining its proper moisture levels and pH balance and working with the body, not against it.

Mainstream skin care in today's market is primarily topical and mostly formulated with ingredients that are racemic compounds, such as a pair of chemical molecules known as enantiomers. In virtually all aspects, the two parts are physically and chemically identical, except for one critical area, how they link up and interact. More importantly is how they react with other molecules in the body.

Continue reading "Beauty PR: Sircuit Cosmeceuticals Chiral Technology" »

It's only a natural progression, along with facial treatments such as Botox and chemical peels, why not have doctor exclusive beauty products? Understanding your skincare needs is best understood by your doctor who then can recommend which products are appropriate for use after treatment. Allergan, best known for Botox Cosmetic and the dermal filler Juvederm, is the one leading the way for this doctor-exclusive skincare trend.

Allergan presently has two skincare systems that you can only find exclusively through your physician: Vivite and Prevage MD. Vivite is a cosmeceutical skincare system that consist of 10-20% glycolic compound while Prevage MD has the highest concentration of Idebenone (1%) of any other cosmeceutical. Along with Prevage MD, the other Prevage series of products is a collaboration of Allergan & Elizabeth Arden.

Now it has just been announced that Allergan will also be working with Estee Lauder brand, Clinique to develop a skincare line that will work with in-office procedures and will be sold exclusively through a physician this Fall. I find this new trend intriguing--skincare so powerful that you can only get it from a doctor. Whether it actually works or not may be mute, but the psychology behind it may just boost visits to the doctor seeking out a skincare miracle.

What do you think of this new trend in skincare?

Based on ancient Eastern traditions of natural remedies for the betterment of the body, mind and soul, Panpuri has set forth to change the way we look at beauty and skincare. Panpuri represents a place where we awaken to the perfect balance and harmony between our inner and outer selves. Made for normal to dry skin, Panpuri's Inner Peace Body Butter provides a sophisticated blend of hydrating skin care and well being.

Key ingredients: Ylang Ylang, Turmeric, Moist 24, Olive

Ylang Ylang - Native to the Philippines and grown all over tropical Asia, ylang ylang is known as one of the best trees for perfumery work. Since ancient times, ylang ylang has been treasured for its anti-depressant and stimulant properties as it soothes nervousness, increases sensuality, improves circulation and relieves skin irritation.

Turmeric - Turmeric essential oil is viewed as a strong relaxant and balancer. It also has historical applications as an antiseptic, and for skin care use against acne and facial hair in women.

Moist 24 – From the Imperata Cylindrica plants in India, which is used in creams for immediate moisture as well as a long –lasting penetration.

Olive – Used for its nutrient rich and highly emollient properties, olives are used to not only combat fine lines, but also promote healing to the skin.

Inner Peace's fragrance is a floral-balsamic and slightly spicy. There are no added perfumes or fragrances; only 100% pure essential oils are used to create Panpuri’s original scents. You can learn more about this product at www.panpuri.com.

There's a certain oil finding its way from Morocco and into the beauty products you are using these days. What has started out as a low hum has now erupted into a full blown chatter--everyone is talking about the amazing properties of Argan Oil. Just as Ojon nuts produce the hair's elixir in the rainforest, oil from the Argan nuts have gained momentum as "Liquid Gold" for the skin.

There are two beauty brands that I am familiar with who use Argan Oil as an ingredient in their products. Kaeline Argatherapie and Solessence. Argan Oil is the heart of Kaeline's products and Solessence uses the potent oil in their skin care set. So far I have only ever used Kaeline's products with amazing results.

Some of the benefits of Argan Oil are:

* Hydrates the skin while neutralizing free radicals.

* Reduces active blemishes and visible scars.

* Revitalizes and improves the skin's elasticity.

* Relives symptoms of eczema and psoriasis

* Reduces redness

Argan oil is also good for use in your hair and on your nails; it's even been said to help soothe rheumatism and arthritis pain. Argan Oil is virtually scentless and is not greasy as one would expect when you think of a typical oil. It's great for all skin types and will help heal acne, not cause it. Believe me, I was skeptical myself, until I tried it and haven't stopped using it since.

Have you used Argan Oil yourself? I'd love to hear how it worked for you.

To say that Billy Brasfield, known as "billy b" in the beauty industry, is simply a Makeup Artist would be an understatement. While some things in Billy's life have been black and white, such as his decision to leave Mississippi for New York, there is much more depth to billy b that goes beyond skin deep.

A world renowned Celebrity Makeup Artist painting faces from the Red Carpet to the small screen, billy b has never forgotten where he came from and is on a mission to revitalize his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi. I have been a long time fan of billy b the Makeup Artist, but now I can firmly say that without a doubt I am an absolute fan of billy b the person.

Shannon: Before venturing into the beauty industry, was there another career path you had set for yourself?
billy b: I ventured into the beauty industry by accident. For me, it was a matter of survival. I moved from a tiny Mississippi town (Aberdeen), and only knew NYC was where I wanted to be. I faked my way through the audition process for The American Academy of Dramatic Art, but had never thought of being an actor and had no experience whatsoever. It was a just “way” of getting to NYC, with my parents paying for it. I attended 1 semester and dropped out. My parents were not happy with the move and insisted I return to Mississippi.

After quitting school, I was forced to move out of housing, my parents cut me off financially, so it was sink or swim. I moved into a YMCA in Times Square and only had experience in retail, so I went to Macy’s Herald Square (because it was the only store I knew of from watching the Thanksgiving Parade on T.V. while growing up in Mississippi. They had a job in cosmetics so I lied and said I had experience, got the job and luckily discovered my talent there doing makeup on real women.

Shannon: When you began doing makeup, who were the makeup artists that you admired for their work?
billy b: To be honest, prior to my retail job selling makeup at Macy’s, I had never given any thought to who actually did makeup for magazines etc. I always liked fashion etc., but was so naive from Mississippi, I had never thought about it until I started doing makeup and then of course became aware of Kevyn Aucoin. He was already a working makeup artist then. I knew he was southern, so I was intrigued. He became my makeup hero.

Shannon: Are there any emerging makeup artists now whose talent you marvel at?
billy b: There are so many incredibly talented makeup artists out there known and unknown! I always say in my classes that every Sunday there are thousands of incredibly talented singers in church choirs that can sing circles around Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, but will never have record deals or be famous. It is the same with makeup artists. There are so many talented artists (known and unknown) who are unsung heroes.

Shannon: Which do you enjoy more: creating a story for a photo shoot, creating a story for a video or creating the look of a celebrity for the red carpet? Why?
billy b: The answer to that question depends on so many factors, but I enjoy it all. I think the best thing about our job is that it is something different everyday! The answer for a photo shoot depends on the photographer, the model, the hair, the stylist, the magazine, what type of makeup I am asked to do etc. For a video it depends on the video concept, the director, the director of photography, the singer, the song etc. For the Red Carpet, all of the same factors come into play. Making a magic image isn’t just left up to the makeup artist. As a matter of fact, making magic is a RARE thing and absolutely a "team" effort, but I LOVE the challenge every time.

Shannon: You just launched your own brush collection, billybBeauty Paint Brushes, what inspired you to create your own collection and how are they different from other brush lines on the market?
billy b: I’m glad you asked this question! I have always been very particular about my brushes. I think tools make all the difference in the world. For me, there are several factors, but the MOST important is that the brush help me do what I want to do. The shape, density, texture of the hair etc., but I also wanted to do a brush that is comfortable to use (ie. the length, weight, etc.) All of those factors are important. I designed the brushes for me; brushes that I use everyday to make my job easier. I am making tools that I love and use with the hope that others will love them, but I made them for myself. How they are different for me is that I incorporate some aspect of every great brush I found. Now I love every aspect of every brush I have designed; they are meant to be light and comfortable to use. This collection is ever evolving and what you see is not the final collection. I am in the process of designing a retractable lip brush and I'm sure I'll be inspired to design more brushes in time.

Shannon: You are a keynote speaker at The Makeup Show run by The Powder Group and now you will be doing The American Beauty Tour with them, as well. Do you find that you enjoy being out in the spotlight teaching pro's and non-pro's your techniques more so than being "behind the scenes" for your work, or is it equally rewarding?
billy b: This is a good question! I don’t know how this whole “teaching” and “speaking” thing happened, but I do enjoy giving back. I didn’t have anything like this available to me when I started out and if I had had the opportunity to learn from someone “who had been there” it would have helped me so much. When I speak/teach, I just try to be honest. I just “tell it like it is” and people seem to enjoy it. That makes me feel good, yes. I receive the most incredible letters after speaking. It always amazes me what exactly helps someone. It’s not always about watching me work or learning a tip about makeup. It’s nice to know I might validate, teach or inspire someone. It is a totally different type of satisfaction than creating makeup.

Continue reading "Pierce Mattie PR Interviews Celebrity Makeup Artist Billy B." »

Technology and nature have collided to create the HydroPeptide Collection from Azure Cosmeceutical. Every ingredient in the HydroPeptide Collection has been carefully blended together to perform synergistically, maximize penetration, and create a youthful complexion that stands the test of time.

* Anti-Aging Infusing Cleanser: This gentle face wash thoroughly cleanses and exfoliates. Peptides, glycolic acid and micro-fine renewing beads stimulate cell-turnover for an immediate improvement in tone, texture and hydration.

* Anti-Aging Stimulating Toner: Infused with peptides and natural skin lighteners, this hydrating toner instantly improves skin's texture and increases clarity while reversing skin damage, fading age spots, and reducing fine lines.

* C-P4 Intensive Delivery Anti-Aging Peel System: This wonder product comprised of vitamin C and peptides is a 4-minute face and body lift that is essential to any effective anti-aging regimen.

* Cellular Transformation Growth Serum: Growth factors, peptides, and alpha lipoic acid produce wonders in this age-defying elixir that increases natural collagen and elastin production while relaxing wrinkle-causing contractions.

* Eye Extreme Dark Circle Concentrate: Described as three eye crèmes in one, this life-saving eye cream brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and lifts fine lines with light refracting crushed pearls and peptides that increase luminosity.

* Full Body Anti-Aging Moisturizer with Stretch Mark: This ultra luxurious multi-peptide formula activates collagen production, strengthens damaged tissue, and renews damaged skin.

* Instant Corrective Peptide Enzymatic Treatment: This self-heating peptide and enzyme mask gently dissolves dead skin cells and impurities for immediate skin rejuvenation and a youthful glow that lasts for days.

* Face Intensive Concentrate Anti-Aging Corrective Crème: This anti-aging powerhouse reverses and prevents fine line and wrinkles with a powerful blend of six peptides and over ten antioxidants.

Learn more at www.hydropeptide.com (They also have a really great blog!)

Gucci Westman’s association with Lancôme has come to an end and she will conclude her role as International Artistic Director of Lancôme. Her contributions to the brand have been vast, from her imaginative and creative color collections to the New York Fashion Week program with emerging designers, as well as the bridge she built with the world of Hollywood.

"Gucci Westman has been an elegant and talented ambassador," says President of Lancôme International Odile Roujol. "She has captivated our customers with her beautiful products, fresh ideas and inspired sense of color, and we are very proud of the work we have done together. We wish her much continued success in her life and her career.”

"Gucci's eye for beauty has helped guide Lancôme to the next level in the worlds of fashion and celebrity," adds Lancôme USA President Eric Lauzat. "We are grateful for all she's done to elevate our brand with her ability, instinct and grace."

Says Gucci Westman, "My time with Lancôme has been wonderful. It was an incredible learning experience being with a brand of this caliber, and I'd like to thank the Lancôme team for the opportunities and friendship they extended to me."

Ms. Westman joined the brand in 2003 and her first color collection, French Riviera, debuted in Spring 2005. During her time with Lancôme, she created eight color collections. Her final two collaborations are the Spring 2008 L.U.C.I. Color Collection and the Thakoon Pout-á-Porter lipstick.

SkinTensive is an advanced, feather-light serum utilizing some of the most cutting-edge, ingredient technologies in the marketplace today. It employs a powerful, liposome delivery system that extends both the efficacy and potency of its keynote ingredients improving the appearance of skin firmness, smoothness and structure.

• GABA provides a Botox-like effect to the skin by helping relax facial wrinkles.
• Marine Collagen restores elasticity and improves the structure, firmness and smoothness of the skin.
• Matrixyl 3000 instantly decreases the appearance of deep wrinkles by 45%!
• Hyaluronic Acid is a “moisture-magnet” that holds 1,000 times its weight resulting in a smoother, softer appearance to the skin.

You Have - Increased Dryness of Skin; Fine Lines and Wrinkles; Rough Skin Texture; Ashy, Dull-looking skin, Blotchy, Uneven Skin Tone; Loss of Firmness.
You Get - Skin that is left appearing smoothed, firmed and toned.

Find it online at www.iqderma.com