A Sea Change: La Prairie’s Advanced Marine Biology Collection

June 28, 2011 By 1 Comment

Imagine a cream that harnesses the inherent protective powers of our seas for both human and environmental benefits. Seems impossible? La Prairie blends this paradoxical equation into a new product that we can begin using in our 30s to counteract the earliest stages of aging skin. Its Advanced Marine Biology collection carries the brand’s iconic marine biotechnology research to another level, combining five deep sea elements in a protective, anti-oxidant treatment that soothes and nourishes the skin, boosts collagen, improves hydration, strengthens the cohesion between the dermis and epidermis, stimulates cell oxygenation and reduces redness.

And that’s not all. While protecting your skin against premature aging, La Prairie also helps conserve the ocean’s ecosystem. The fermented algae extracts that lie at the heart of these products are derived exclusively from plants grown by means of sustainable, land-based aquaculture without endangering the delicate balance of the sea. In addition, for each jar sold, La Prairie makes a contribution to the Ocean Futures Society, which undertakes a variety of projects to promote the awareness and preservation of our planet’s oceans. Impressive, wouldn’t you say?

Excerpted from Casaviva India, July 2011


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Love at First Sight: Dior Vernis Saint-Tropez

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Top of my must-have list for the season is this scrumptious turquoise blue nail polish, which has been specially created by Dior for the opening of it’s boutique in Saint-Tropez. If I can’t go and live on the French Riviera, I can at least splash an evocation of its sparkling waters on my hands, right? Sadly, this limited edition is only available from the Saint-Tropez boutique, Paris Montaigne boutique, Paris le Bon Marche boutique and New York’s 57th boutique. Anyone there feel like getting me a gift?????????

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FDA (Finally) Releases New Sunscreen Label Rules

June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

It might have taken 33 years (the proposal to have stricter requirements for sunscreens actually came up in 1978) but the FDA is finally ready with an updated directive for sunscreen labelling:

- Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or less and those that have only UVB protection (which means they don’t protect against UVA) now need to carry a warning saying: “This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.” Why the difference? Because while all sunscreens protect against UVB rays, UVA rays are more difficult to tackle. UVA rays lead to ageing (think wrinkles), while UVB rays cause burning. And both cause cancer!

- Sunscreens can no longer promote themselves as “sunblock,” “waterproof” or “sweat-proof” as the FDA calls these “exaggerations of performance.”

There is one more proposal on the anvil that hasn’t gone into effect yet: 

- SPFs will be capped at 50, unless the company can prove that they warrant an even higher number.

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Tom Ford Extends Beauty Line (Yippee!!!!)

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Photograph by Thomas Iannaccone – Image Courtesy WWD

Remember those luscious, ultra-pigmented, won’t-budge-despite-a-zillion-martinis Private Blend lipsticks that Tom Ford put put last year? This time the uber-uber-cool designer steps up the beauty stakes with an extended line of colour cosmetics and skincare formulations. And in keeping with his signature aesthetics, the products are both fabulously dramatic and fully functional. “I don’t like B.S. and a lot of promises, and there are a lot of products out there you don’t even need,” he said during an interview with WWD. “My brain works in the same way whatever I do. The approach is practical, architectural and I use the same vocabulary whether I’m designing clothing or color cosmetics.”

In the same interview, Ford also revealed that he had always wanted to do cosmetics, even as far back as his Gucci days adding that, “My intention was to do color cosmetics out of the gate, but not everyone else was convinced that I had a voice in color until the lipsticks started selling out again and again.” As an ambition come true, the new collection delights with a late ’70s Studio 54 aesthetic and is inspired by iconic stars such as Jerry Hall, Lauren Hutton and Bianca Jagger. There are highly pigmented eye and lip colours, skin cleansers, moisturisers, foundation sticks, primers, illuminators and sculpting products amongst other goodies.

Can’t wait to get me hands on the entire lot!

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Bronzer Basics

June 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Question: Where, exactly, should I apply bronzer?

Answer: While a bronzer can be the quickest way to give your skin a golden glow, applying it can be a bit tricky. Makeup artists suggest you base the application on the texture of the product. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Gel or Serum: These are the sheerest, lightest formulas and give a dewy effect to the skin. Spread a small amount all over your face for a subtle glow.

Powder: These are best for controlling oily skin and creating a matte effect. Blend with a light hand on the temple, bridge of the nose and cheeks.

Cream: Perfect for adding luminescence, these should be blended on cheekbones and temple; skip the nose.

Shimmer: Any bronzer with shimmer should be restricted to the cheekbones as it would look unnatural and odd at any other place.

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