SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Limited Edition Clinique Runway Coral Long Last Lipstick — Inspired by the Beauty Look At Karen Walker Spring 2012

When creating her Spring 2012 collection, showcased during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, New Zealand designer Karen Walker derived inspiration from Martin Scorsese‘s 1976 classic Taxi Driver, imagining the aesthetic that would result if the elegant, DVF wrap dress-loving Betsy (played by Cybill Shepard), and tomboyish-but-feminine Iris (immortalized by Jodie Foster), in her oversize floppy hats, shorts, and floral print blouses, were fused together into one retro-loving woman with equal parts toughness and romanticism. In accordance with this theme, makeup artist Jenna Menard created a fresh-faced look centered on a strong, vibrant coral lip paired with peach-toned blush, light honey-colored eye shadow, an a hint of mascara.

The coral lip look Menard created for the Karen Walker show was so well-received that she teamed up with Clinique to replicate the hue and have it produced as a limited-edition lipstick hue. The result was the Limited Edition Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Runway Coral ($15), which debuted on Clinique.com earlier this month.

Unlike some of the deeper pink and red corals we’ve seen this season, the Clinique Runway Coral shade manages to appear vivid without being overpowering, making it a good choice for fresh-faced, youthful, beachy looks rather than more editorial, statement-making affairs. In addition to having an extremely creamy consistency, the Runway Coral Long Last Lipstick features a semi-sheer finish that will entice those who prefer more understated makeup, and the poppy-esque hue manages to appear lustrous without being infused with any shimmer particles.

The bad news: in just three weeks, the Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Runway Coral sold out on Clinique.com, where it is exclusively available in the US, which means you’ll have to try your luck on Ebay or wait to see if any additional units are placed on sale (we will, of course, keep you posted if the latter occurs). International readers, however, will be happy to know that the shade is still available at Clinique.co.uk and Clinique.com.au.

Curious to see how the shade looks up close? Check out the swatches after the jump!

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Posted at 12:50 AM in Beauty | Permalink | Favorite This | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

May 22, 2012

Vision Of Love — Lancôme’s Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector Promises A Better Complexion

Mariah Carey may have found her “Vision of Love” alongside Nick Cannon, but the one that was waiting for me was Lancôme’s Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector ($84 for 1 oz. and $105 for 1.7 oz. at Lancome-USA.com and Sephora.com), a near-magical anti-aging serum that took 12 years of research and clinical trials to perfect. Why so long? Well, the effectiveness of the product relied on the creation of a stable, non-comedogenic, plant-based molecule that would effectively transmit messages to skin cells, triggering a series of reparative processes that would, in turn, combat visible aging signs.

It all started with the discovery of jasmonate, a lipid-based hormone signal found in plants that plays a crucial role in repairing damaged tissue and improving defense mechanisms. It can control germination, communicate with genes responsible for storing proteins, prompt mitochondiral death to prevent the spread of infections, and generally bolster a plant’s ability to defend itself against herbivores (animals that consumer plants for sustenance) and subpar environmental conditions. Upon discovering this plant-derived “signal molecule,” Lancôme’s researchers set out to create a similar compound that would be compatible with human skin, one that could effectively mimic the skin’s own structure, therefore successfully penetrating the top layers of skin. Twelve years and 20 patented compounds later, Lancôme finally developed the LR2414 molecule that lies at the heart of Visionnaire.

A tiny amphiphilic (compatible with both water and fat) molecule, LR2412 can easily merge with the aqueous and lipid structures in the skin, allowing it to penetrate the skin and, while doing so, triggers a series of chain reactions that stimulate cellular renewal and repair. Way gentler than such trumpeted anti-aging and acne treatments as retinol, LR2412 helps to diminish the appearance of age spots, acne scars, and blotches, therefore evening skin tone, while also refining the skin surface so that pores appear smaller and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

I’ve been using Visionnaire for over a month now, and I can honestly say I plan on investing in this product from now on so that it can remain a mainstay in my regimen. Visionnaire can be applied in the morning and the afternoon, right after cleansing. The serum is really lightweight and your skin will sop it up almost immediately, so it won’t leave your complexion looking greasy in any way. You can then follow the serum application with your regular moisturizer (one with SPF protection for day time and an anti-aging cream for night time) and, since it doesn’t contain volatile ingredients that react adversely to the sun’s rays, you can continue using it throughout the summer (though, of course, you’ll want to apply SPF as you would ordinarily do).

Not only does Visionnaire tackle a number of skin gripes simultaneously (wrinkles and uneven skin tone, for instance), it’s also great for women with dry and sensitive skin since it won’t dehydrate you (as so many products with retinol and salicylic acid can do).

Try it and you’ll see why its my vision of skin care love!

Posted at 11:44 AM in Beauty | Permalink | Favorite This | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

May 21, 2012

Prabal Gurung for Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips — Sensual Flowers Adorn Your Fingertips

Though floral prints abounded on the Spring 2012 runways, only a handful of designers managed to make blooms appear bold and graphic, stripping them of any dainty femininity and instead positioning them as ultra modern motifs. Perhaps the most successful at accomplishing this feat was designer Prabal Gurung, who manipulated floral prints to make them appear pixelated, digitized to the point of near surrealism. Even the work that inspired him — the photographs of deep violet blooms in decidedly erotic shapes that can be found in Nobuyoshi Araki’s Sensual Flowers series – proved to be a satisfyingly provocative choice. In the end, Gurung produced one of the most exciting collections showcased during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, with dresses and separates replete with psychedelic, Rorschach-like print and engineered floral motifs, interesting sheer panels to create the illusion of nudity, laser-cut and hand-painted materials, and interesting textural juxtapositions.

If you’ve been lusting after Gurung’s wares, bemoaning your inability to afford these pieces, here’s a ray of sunshine: the CFDA winner joined forces with Sally Hansen to create two Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips designs, each featuring one of the prints in Gurung’s SS12 collection: Good Morning Glory, which features illustrations of exotic blooms outlined in a deep violet color set against a white backdrop; and Sweet Marble Floret, a splatter-like design with pops of pink, violet, silver, white,and black.

Both designs are available for $9.99 each at mass food and drug retailers (cop them online at Ulta.com).

These limited-edition Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are my favorite to date, which is quite the compliment given how much I’ve raved about previous offerings.

Take a look at how the designs look once applied after the jump!

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Posted at 11:41 AM in Beauty | Permalink | Favorite This | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

May 20, 2012

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Photo-Age Defense — Does Your Hair Have Caviar Tastes?

As a beauty writer, I’m constantly discussing how environmental factors — ranging from pollution to UV rays — can accelerate the skin aging process, but did you know that hair, too, can be adversely affected by these aggressors? When we ponder the ways in which aging and hair correlate, we tend to think of going gray, thinning strands, and hair loss. In reality, however, there are many other ways in which our hair ages — it can become duller, drier, brittle, and more prone to breakage. And while the passing of time is the primary culprit in hair aging, UV rays also play a villainous role. prompting our tresses’ overall degradation.

To curtail the hair aging process (or, at the very least, slow it down), Alterna Professional Haircare created its Caviar Anti-Aging line, which features products formulated with a blend of marine botanicals (among them pikea robusta extract, an antioxidant and conditioner derived from algae) and a proprietary Age-Control Complex that features caviar extract, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins; vitamin C, a natural antioxidant; and cytokines (small protein molecules that aid in intercellular communication).

The latest addition to this collection, which both restores elasticity and moisture to aging strands and prevents future deamage, is the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Photo-Age Defense ($35 at Sephora.com), a leave-in treatment that helps to shield hair from potential photo degradation while also improving its overall texture and look. The paraben-, phtalate, and petroleum-free formula features such ingredients as: caviar extract; Japanese horseradish, which contains phytochemicals that boast rejuvenating properties; soybean extract, which contains isoflavones that act as antioxidants and increase both collagen and hyaluronic acid production, thereby boosting elasticity and moisture; titanium dioxide, a physical sunblock; hydrolyzed yeast protein, a natural conditioner; phospholipids, which act as emulsifiers and help the hair cuticle seal in moisture; and mica and silica extracts that refract natural and artificial light, hence protecting hair from harmful rays, while also boosting shine.

So how does it work? Well, the Photo-Age Defense “resurfaces” strands, forming molecular bonds that effectively fills in any porous patches along the hair fibers to make the hair cuticle both look and feel smoother. If you apply the product to damp, towel-dried hair, working it from root to ends, and then proceed with your regular styling routine, you’ll likely notice that your hair looks a bit fuller and that strands feel softer and look less static-ridden and frayed.

I’ve been testing this product out for over a month and have had mostly positive experiences with it. Despite the incorporation of marine botanicals and caviar in the product’s formulation, the leave-in treatment doesn’t smell fishy or unappealing in any way — in fact, its scent is barely perceptible. In terms of consistency, the product is only slightly thicker than your average serum, making it easy to distribute and lessening the chances of it weighing hair down. As you work the product into your damp hair you might notice that strands seem to almost bind together, which can prove a bit bewildering and bothersome at first, but which is part of the product’s resurfacing process. If your hair is really dry and thin (as mine is) I’d recommend using a highly moisturizing conditioner and detangling hair thoroughly before applying the Alterna Photo-Age Defense, then waiting a few minutes for the product to seep into the hair cortex before smoothing on any additional hair styling aids (like smoothing serums or blowout creams). Though you might be caught of guard by that initial post-application sensation, which can feel like hair is becoming tangled (rest assured: it’s not actually doing so), once you allow the product to settle and proceed with your styling routine, you’ll appreciate the improved texture of your final ‘do.

Best of all, you’ll be tackling any existing problems while also preventing future ones by essentially offering your hair the same type of TLC you bestow upon your skin when you apply sunscreen.

Posted at 01:24 PM in Beauty | Permalink | Favorite This | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

May 17, 2012

New from John Frieda — Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends Collection and Full Repair Style Revival Spray

Back in mid-March, I attended a special John Frieda dinner alongside many of my fellow beauty bloggers and editors during which we were treated not only to delicious culinary confections (including a trio of fluffy mousses poured inside an edible chocolate box made to resemble the John Frieda Precision Foam Color packaging) but also to a presentation by brand executives and John Frieda creative consultant Harry Josh, the man behind the red carpet gorgeous locks of such celebrities as Rose McGowan and supermodel Gisele. During the evening, then, we learned all about John Frieda’s latest launches — chief among them the John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends Collection ($12.99 at food, drug, and mass retailers nationwide) and the John Frieda Full Repair Style Revival Heat-Activated Styling Spray ( ($8.99 at food, drug, and mass retailers nationwide). At the end of the evening, we were sent home with full tummies and a bag filled with these new products for us to experience.

So first, let me give you the scoop on the new John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends Collection ($12.99 at food, drug, and mass retailers nationwide). On the heels of last year’s hugely successful Precision Foam Colour launch, John Frieda decided to expand its hair color offerings, focusing on incorporating various tonalities for a nuanced, multi-dimensional effect. Though described as “custom blends,” that terminology can prove a bit misleading since the foam hair colors obviously weren’t personalized for each and every user (the mere fact that they were mass produced indicates they’re not one-of-a-kind blends) and you can’t mix and match tones to concoct your own unique mix (though that’s probably a good thing since these types of experiments can go horribly awry). That being said, these colors were blended exclusively for John Frieda, making the term “custom” applicable on a pre-production level.

The five shades in the collection were developed with the help of John Frieda Creative Colour Director, Nicola Clarke, and were designed to reflect the most popular hair color choices of her salon clientele. The new hues offered are:

Dark Caramel Blonde (Natural/Beige/Gold)
Dark Cool Pearl Blonde (Pearl/Beige/Natural)
Lightest Cool Almond (Pearl/Beige/Natural)
Light Bronze Brown (Natural/Beige/Copper)
Light Amber Brown (Natural/Beige/Gold)

For optimal results, you want to select a hair color that’s no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. If your hair is dramatically color-treated (i.e. you went from having raven locks to platinum ones or you transitioned from strawberry blonde to dark mahogany), the Precision Foam Colour won’t deliver the type of results you need. If, however, you want to experiment with a slightly different hair color or you want to cover up gray hairs, you’ll love the easy-to-use quality of the foam formula (you literally mix the ingredients together, pump down on the applicator to release the foam and massage it into your hair and scalp until it’s fully covered in a froth-like cloud) and the depth of the colors. Thanks to the incorporation of different tones, your hair color will look natural and lustrous as opposed to the flat and dull feel of some at-home hair dyes.

Since I went from dark brown to light blonde almost a year ago, I was unable to test the new Salon Blends hues myself, but I did have one of our editors experiment with the Light Amber Brown shade, and she was stunned by the results (as was I). Her color looked believable but it had more razzle-dazzle than it did before — which, in turn, made her feel like she’d reinvented herself (and for less than $15 at that!).

What I personally adored was the latest addition to the John Frieda Full Repair collection: the John Frieda Full Repair Style Revival Heat-Activated Styling Spray ( ($8.99 at food, drug, and mass retailers nationwide). Since I do have severely color-treated hair and I rely on blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons to keep my hair looking presentable, I’ve managed to inflict quite a bit of damage on my mane. Sadly, it’s become a bit of a vicious cycle — my hair looks more brittle due to breakage, split ends, frizz, and overall dryness, so I lean on hot styling tools all the more but, by doing so, I effectively abet in the deterioration of my hair’s condition. Sure, I’ll spray some heat protective spray before styling and I’ll apply restorative hair masks and serums on a weekly basis, but these steps aren’t enough to effectively restore my strands to their golden days.

The John Frieda Full Repair Style Revival Heat-Activated Spray relies on a heat-activated, flexible polymer technology that essentially coats strands and increases volume without sacrificing movement, bounce or texture, so that your mane looks fuller but feels soft and smooth. This invisible “coating” also protects stands from heat damage — in fact, the heat triggers the protective layer’s formation. And, as with all Full Repair products, the Style Revival spray incorporates Inca Inchi Oil, one of the most buzzed-about ingredients to surface in the last year due to its restorative properties. Extracted from the Sacha Inchi plant native to the Peruvian Amazon, Inca Inchi Oil has an Omega-3 concentration of 48%, an Omega-6 concentration of 36%, an an Omega-9 content of 9%, making it an invaluable source of fatty acids.

Ideally, you want to apply the Style Revival Spray to damp hair before your styling routine, working section by section and lightly spraying each piece from root to tip. Though it’s not necessarily recommended for use on dry hair, I’ve done so in the past (whenever, for example, I needd to touch up a flat ironing job), and it’s managed to work just as well, without leaving hair feeling greasy or weighted down.

Is my hair healthier since I started using the Style Revival Spray? Well, I can’t say that the Style Revival Spray reversed the years and years of damage I’ve managed to wreak on my hair, but I can confidently say that, when I do use this product, the maltreatment isn’t as noticeable. And, of course, there’s the added benefit of knowing that I’m not furthering any existing damage by styling my hair, which eases my conscience about my over-reliance on flat irons. All in all, it’s a welcome addition to the Full Repair line.

Posted at 12:49 PM in Beauty | Permalink | Favorite This | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)