Beauty pro division

Pampering and healthy skin across the nation. Every woman loves a little time for rest and relaxation. According to a survey conducted by the International Spa Association spas are one of the biggest growth industries in America.

According to the results, 95 million visits are made to spas in the United States annually generating $5 billion in revenues. Spas generate more in revenue than ski resorts ($3.1 billion) and only slightly less than box office receipts ($7.5 billion).

With these kind of numbers in mind it is no wonder that Spa Week has grown into an incredible public relations event for spas around the country. With over 300 spas participating from coast to coast and all around the country, Spa Week is setting up shop in a city near you. Spa Week hits New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Miami and Minnesota October 16th-22nd.

But Spa Week isn't just about facials and massages. Keeping in spirit with the desire to reach out to women across the country desiring to be pampered Jane Iredale Cosmetics is one of the sponsors of Spa Week

One lucky winner will receive Jane's Fall 2006 line. So hop to it and enter here! Just think how great your makeup will look freshly pampered skin after Spa Week!

Via PRWEB: Infinity Sun is taking Beverly Hills by storm with the world's first and only anti-aging sunless tanning technology. Infinity Sun was co-founded by Veronique Munro, one of the sunless tanning industry's most prominent pioneers and celebrity spray tanners.

Infinity Sun is the first all-natural sunless tanning technology, made with anti-aging anti-oxidants and pure botanicals that not only offer the client the most natural looking customized spray tan, but also hydrate the skin, enhancing natural skin tones and producing a luminescent glow that lasts up to two weeks.

Infinity Sun has joined forces with Jose Eber, world renowned hair stylist to the stars to offer both the famous and general public the most luxurious experience in sunless tanning available. Infinity Sun is enjoyed by celebrity notables such as Jessica Alba and Paris Hilton among others.

Infinity Sun is applied with a proprietary spray system, operated by a sunless tanning professional. The entire process takes approximately three minutes, leaving the skin with a stunning and natural golden brown glow.

Infinity Sun also offers a line of products to maximize the results and extend the life of the tan. Products include a non-abrasive exfoliator, which removes dead skin cells and a prep lotion, which evens the porosity of the skin, enabling the solution to more evenly penetrate the skin. Also available is an extender with shimmer, which extends the tan for an additional two to three days, leaving the skin looking dewy and radiant.

Infinity Sun delights the skin and senses with vanilla-scented aromatherapy in an alcohol-free sunless tanning aerosol. Created with 7 essential oils and vitamin A and E, Infinity Sun aerosol helps to maintain color on areas that are more prone to fading (face, hands and feet) between spray sessions.

Whether you enjoy star-gazing or would like to try Hollywood's latest and greatest advances in sunless tanning, Rodeo Drive is where you can now find this truly luxuriating treatment.

You can experience Infinity Sun at Jose Eber in Beverly Hills.

Clive Owen, a 41-year-old British actor, has been hired to be the latest celebrity to market products for the L'Oreal owned beauty company, Lancome. Previous celebrities that touted the brand are Uma Therman and Mena Suvari, among others. Lancome's hope is that his charming and rugged look will attract more men to feel comfortable purchasing skincare products.

Owen is reported to be getting $2.5 million pounds (you do the math to convert that to US$) for the advertising campaign. Owen will be appearing in ads for Lancome's new men's grooming line, called Lancome Homme, which includes fragrance and anti-ageing products. The ad campaign and products will launch this Spring in the US. However, you can see the products now on Lancome's international website, which I happen to think has a much better layout than their US website.

Add another celebrity to the mix in the fragrance industry. Christina Aguilera has signed a long–term deal with Proctor and Gamble Prestige Products to create a fragrance line in her name. Aguilera, a Grammy winner and popular singer-songwriter, P&G feels Aguilera targets a demographic they are looking to market to according to Women’s Wear Daily.

Aguilera’s deal comes on the heels of many other recent announcements of celebrities launching fragrance lines such as Gwen Stephani, Kylie Minogue and reportedly Kate Moss. There were 37 celebrity-endorsed scents over the last few years and the trend continues to surge. P&G says that they signed with Aguilera not to keep up with the trend, but because they wanted to reach a demographic and that the loyal fan base of Aguilera that is part of that demographic.

In a previous post I mentioned the surge in celebrity fragrances, but I have to wonder if soon the market will see an over saturation of it. While Jennifer Lopez has show staying power with her fragrance, will the over abundance of celebrity fragrances dilute the success of each new celebrity brand that makes it onto the shelves?

What do you think?

Lancome is not one to let a lifestyle trend go by. As more and more companies begin to promote organic skincare lines, Lancome has decided to take it one step further by taking part in a green initiative with Carbonfund.org. The one who initiated the effort? Lancome’s own spokesmodel, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann.

Carbonfund.org is a nonprofit organization that educates the public about the dangers of climate change and makes it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Their website even has a Carbon Calculator where you can see how much CO2 you are responsible for (mine was 61.01 tons of CO2 per year--yikes). The organization gives you simple tips to reduce how much CO2 you are responsible for such as things you can do for your home, car and when traveling.

According to WWD, Lancome will participate in a climate offset program that involves a paperless press office, where pictures, releases and videos will be accessible via the Internet; retrofitting its four freestanding Lancome boutiques to reduce their carbon footprints, as well as, planting a tree for each of the first 10,000 bottles of the new Primordiale Cell Defense & Skin Perfecting Serum sold in the U.S. when it launches in June.

Josh Holloway is pure bad boy, yet immensely sexy. Being on Lost, where he is on an island surrounded by beautiful aquatic waters where his rugged good looks and bad boy charm make me tune in each week, somehow make perfect sense with his new label as spokesmodel for Davidoff’s Cool Water Cologne worldwide.

Cool Water Cologne, known as the perfume that launched a thousand other aquatic perfumes, is fresh and crisp with notes of lavender, menthe, iris and musk. It’s a fragrance I’ve loved on a man since my younger days. Holloway who prior to his acting credits, was a model, is the perfect match for this fragrance.

Get a jumpstart on your career with ground-breaking lectures and live demonstrations at the General Session and immerse yourself in continuing education presentations that include trends, wellness, technology and business topics. Learn from the best industry educators at detailed manufacturers’ workshops.

4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
PHONE: 1.800.471.0229 / 305.443.2322
ONLINE: www.LNEONLINE.com
E-MAIL: registration@LNEONLINE.COM
FAX: 305.443.1664
After April 27, 2007, admission tickets are available on-location only for $75.

The $60, three-day, all-inclusive pre-registration fee grants attendees access to: • The General Session (lectures and demos) • All manufacturers’ workshops • Continuing education • Wellness Mini-Retreat • Entrance to the exhibition hall

Call 1-(800) 471-0229 for a complimentary show program and visit our website at www.LNEONLINE.com for up-to-the-minute information.

I’m sure Simon Cowell is just wishing that Jennifer Hudson would’ve made it all the way through with American Idol now that she is has become a household name. Her celebrity status has outshone all of the Idol winners combined. Not only did her star shine in Dream Girls, soon after winning an Academy Award for her role, now Avon has scooped her up as spokesmodel for their best-selling fragrance.

Imari, a perfume that has been part of the Avon line for 20 years, is described as petal-light flowery overtones that grace an opulent oriental blend of wood, amber and vanilla. The Imari line comes in an anti-perspirant deodorant, shimmering body powder, perfumed skin softener, body lotion, bath & shower gel, Eau de Cologne spray and Eau de Parfum Cologne Spray. This August Avon will be launching Imari Seduction in the US.

From PR Web: A little over a year ago, eyelash extensions were just another new buzz beauty treatment on the beauty scene. Today they are the hottest service in town! LA Times' Reporter Elizabeth Snead went to Frederick Fekkai's Beverly Hills salon days before the Oscars to check out what stars were doing this year to prepare for the big event. According to Elizabeth's 'Styles and Scenes' article about her experience, "Xtreme Lashes were the most popular beauty treatment at Fekkai, ranking above mani-pedis and blow-outs." She said "99% of Hollywood actresses" are having them applied this week to "get noticed at the Oscars," including stars Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson.

So, what is it about eyelash extensions that have these stars and others hooked? Beverly Hills Celebrity Stylist and trends expert Billy Lowe has some thoughts on the Hollywood lash boom. Lowe believes the high demand is due in part to a combination of busy lifestyles and the perpetual beauty that eyelash extensions provide. For celebrities and other high profile women Billy said, "Eyelash extensions can provide a time saving step in the hair/makeup beauty treatment process and they have the added bonus of never tearing up, running or smearing. Less fuss, less touchups and the mornings go by that much faster when pressed for time. Everyday these ladies can virtually get up and go, whether at home or on vacation, and look fabulous with little or no makeup." Xtreme Lashes can last indefinitely if touch-ups are done every two to four weeks to replace lashes lost due to natural shedding. For stars that are photographed daily, even while running to the grocery store, eyelash extensions have become almost a necessity.

The Makeup Show is an industry trade show that promotes networking, education and hands-on workshops. Unlike other Beauty trade shows, The Makeup Show focuses soley on the cosmetic industry. Run by the Powder Group and hosted at the Metropolitan Pavilion, last year’s event was a true cosmetics industry first with such industry giants as Sam Fine and Billy B. offering their expertise and well known brands such as M.A.C., Stila, Jane Iredale Cosmetics and Face Atelier educating makeup professionals on their brands. This year’s event is sure to be just as successful with 50 brands currently on the roster, including Shu Uemera, Awake Cosmetics and Becca Cosmetics, to showcase their products and promote their new lines.

This is a pro-only trade show and you must be an industry professional to be allowed entry into The Makeup Show; proof of profession and/or fashion/stylist/cosmetic student ID will be required, tickets must be purchased in advanced. My friend Elke von Freudenberg, who is a celebrity makeup artist, attended this event last year and said that the talents and education by Billy B. alone made it worth attending. Billy B. is on the schedule to once again grace those who attend with his exceptional wealth of talent.

For those of you who absolutely adore the extremely talented Billy B., you will be as excited as I am to hear that he got the greenlight for a pilot for his own show on Bravo! Read on...

From Bravo's Press Room:

Bravo announced the development deal for "The Beauty Foundation," a potential docu-drama series following Billy Brasfield (known as Billy B. in the fashion industry), a world-renowned make-up artist leading a jet-set lifestyle tending to clients around the globe. When he isn't charging $5,000 to prepare a celebrity for a photo shoot, he's down south trying to rebuild his tiny Mississippi hometown. The clash between the high-gloss make-up artist lifestyle and the grit of restoration projects provides a fascinating look at this unique individual and the many challenges he faces moving between two different worlds.

Dr. Stuart Kaplan, one of the nation's leading dermatologists and the creative mind behind the skincare line KaplanMD, recently wrote an article to distinguish the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and dermal fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. If you are not aware of the difference and how each product works, the article below is a good start to understand the difference between the two.

Botox vs. Fillers: How To Choose The Best One For You
By Stuart H. Kaplan, M.D. Beverly Hills Dermatologist

It is important to understand the difference between Botox, a muscle relaxer, and Juvederm, Restylane, Collagen, etc. which are fillers. The easiest way to visualize the difference is to think of a crease as a valley between two mountains. Botox prevents the mountains from being pushed together, and fillers fill in the valley.

Before Botox®Cosmetic

After Botox®Cosmetic

Injectable Wrinkle Fillers: The differences between fillers has to do with thickness and longevity. In general, the thicker the filler, the better it will fill creases, but the greater the chance of possible bumps. Bumps are more likely in thinner skin such as the lower eyelids, and crows feet. Zyderm (a type of Collagen), and Restylane Fine Line are the least thick and can be used around the eyes, but they are also the shortest lasting. Juvederm Ultra Plus is one of the longer lasting hyaluronic acid fillers. It can be used for deeper creases. Juvederm Ultra Plus can last between 3 and 6 months.

Fillers can also be used to improve or enhance facial structures such as:

* Filling in acne scars
* Enhancing cheek bones to make them fuller and more defined
* Enlarging lips for a fuller, softer pout
* Correcting lip deformities or asymmetry
* Non-surgical nose-job to fill in dips and valleys in the nose bridge
* Filling in hollows under the eyes that contribute to dark circles

Before Restylane Injection

After Restylane Injection

Other new trends include:

* Nipple enhancement
* Vaginal rejuvenation
* Injecting into the soles of the feet to make wearing high heeled shoes more comfortable

Self Magazine recently asked readers to test over a thousand new products, in all prices ranges, and rate the best of the best. The products were broken down into categories of Face, Body, Makeup, Hair and Sun. Readers voted for products that ranged from what you would find at your local drugstore to niche brands. I saw many brands that I love on the list, but was most excited to see Earth Therapeutics and Skingenic make the cut as well.

Earth Therapeutics won in the Body category with their Intensive Heel Repair. The Intensive Heel Repair is specially formulated to moisturize, soothe, and protect dry, cracked and callused heels. It contains Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Aloe Vera, Australian Tea Tree Oil, Peppermint and Cocoa Butter to soothe, protect and heal even the roughest feet. While I haven’t used this product myself, I have used other products by Earth Therapeutics that I absolutely love; you can see their review here.

Skingenic won in the Face category with their Regenerating Moisturizer. I have this moisturizer in my cabinet myself, so I can attest to the fact that it is an amazing moisturizer. It contains Idebenone, the most powerful anti-oxidant available. This ingredient is renowned for combating overexposed and aging skin. When combined with complementary ingredients, such as DMAE, Hyaluronic Acid and Copper Peptides, this creme re-energizes the skin, resulting in a firmer, suppler, and healthier look.

Have you used either of these products? What did you think?

Media Contact: Beauty PR Division
Skingenic: Maryam at piercemattie dot com
Earth Therapeutics: Lauren at piercemattie dot com

Avon sure is doing some major collaborations for its brand these days. While Avon is a MLM and direct sales company, those who turn their nose up at such companies really need to look beyond stereotypes and admire Avon for their ability to be innovative. And honestly, I think many other niche beauty direct sales companies should pay attention to Avon and follow suit.

From the Avon News Room:

Avon Products, Inc. today announced a collaboration with French couture fashion designer Christian Lacroix and with Interparfums, its worldwide fragrance licensee, to create two signature fragrances, Christian Lacroix Rouge (for women) and Christian Lacroix Noir (for men), bringing Avon consumers worldwide the opportunity to experience Christian Lacroix through a fragrance that reflects the designer's originality, creativity, sophistication and elegance. Christian Lacroix Rouge and Noir will launch globally in 2007, debuting in the UK in September. In the US, Christian Lacroix Rouge will launch in November 2007, followed by Christian Lacroix Noir in February 2008.

Avon has been heightening their premium fragrance offerings over the last year with select partnerships and alliances. This exclusive collaboration with Christian Lacroix gives Avon the extraordinary opportunity to create elite designer fragrances for its fragrance portfolio, and bring a premium range of fragrances imbued with high fashion to the Avon consumer.

Christian Lacroix Rouge and Christian Lacroix Noir, both created by the perfumers at IFF, are striking, audacious and provocative, reflecting Christian Lacroix's original haute design sensibility. Christian Lacroix Rouge is a strikingly bold floral chypre with exuberant top notes of wild red peony blended with zesty citrus accents. Rouge's heart is rich with modern florals with a drydown consisting of warm, passionate notes such as cashmere woods, patchouli and musks. Christian Lacroix Noir is an elegant fougere design with fresh and spicy topnotes of ginger and saffron. Noir's heart consists of cardamom and textured orris with a drydown composed of a woody blend of cedarwood and vetiver. The luxurious packaging is distinctive of the House of Christian Lacroix, reflecting a passion for embroidered motifs with the bold use of red and black.

"Avon believes all women should have access to great style and fashion, and by bringing Mr. Lacroix's creations to the Avon consumer, we are helping women feel more special, and more beautiful," said Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President and Brand President for Avon Products, Inc. "Avon is the global beauty company unmatched for its understanding and appreciation of its clients' sensibilities and aspirations. Together, Avon and Christian Lacroix will enhance and realize their respective visions, expanding their objectives of offering inspiring and quality fashion to women everywhere."

"I consider that every woman is a red carpet star and nothing gives me more pleasure than celebrating their individuality: their inner spirit, their seductiveness, their lives and loves," adds Mr. Lacroix. "By partnering with Avon, the company whose heritage is a virtual celebration of women, I can connect with women everywhere. I envision Rouge becoming the Avon woman's signature, one that's utterly feminine yet mysterious and bold."

Born in Provence, France, Christian Lacroix studied at both Paris' prestigious Sorbonne and Ecole du Louvre with the ambition of becoming a museum curator. Then destiny intervened: influenced to draw, Mr. Lacroix shifted his focus to haute couture, eventually establishing the House of Christian Lacroix in 1987. Today, its brands are sold in over 60 points of sale in France and 1,000 points of sale worldwide. Distinguished by their exuberant patterns, sensuality and attention to detail, his designs have been coveted by A-list celebrities, including award winning actresses and singers.

Christian Lacroix's imprint is apparent in every phase of Rouge's development: the scent, the packaging, even the name. Says Mr. Lacroix, "I believe fragrance reveals a woman's character even more than fashion. I was inspired by my love of red to create a powerful and fiery fragrance, the ultimate accessory embodying the energy of life, sensuality and passion." For men, the color black inspires mystery, elegance and desire.

Christian Lacroix's Rouge and Noir will be featured in the company's brochure, which is distributed through over 5 million Avon Representatives around the globe.