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November 20, 2008

Death of a Stylephile

This, dear readers, is the final Stylephile post for the foreseeable future.
Along with Wall Street, WaMu and the city of Detroit, this esteemed lifestyle blog has fallen victim to the bananas collapse of the American economy.
A few days ago, I was informed of my forthcoming execution.
And as I kneel, blindfolded, neck on recessionary chopping block, let me take these last few moments to flash back through history with you...
The Stylephile was envisioned by Variety Vice President of Sales (online) Dea Lawrence, who spoke with Tom Tapp (editor of VLife magazine) about her idea to create a style blog and newsletter. VLife writers Ginny Chien and Anna Lisa Raya developed the concept and on Oct 22, 2004, The Stylephile was born. Jean Paul Gaultier had just launched his men's makeup line, ShopBop.com had just entered cyberspace and the very awesome Alpha Male store in West Hollywood had just opened its doors. Happy days.
Here are some of the very first posts.
When VLife ended, Ginny stayed on as The Stylephile editor with Tasha Nita Adams as a contributor for the blog. Ginny suggested The Stylephile also appear in print to complement the print daily paper's Vpage section and it eventually did (after Ginny's departure) and was integrated into the Variety Weekend section under the editorial direction of Monica Corcoran with Laura Repstad as a contributor. When Variety Weekend ended, the Stylephile went back to being an online-only product under Mia McNiece. I took over in November 2007.
The very talented Tara Simm and Martha Hernandez designed the current look of The Stylephile Newsletter, which won a Gold Award in Newsletter Design Excellence for "Best Consumer Subscription Newsletter" in 2006 from www.Newsletterbiz.com. And The Stylephile was a finalist in the 2007 L.A. Press Club awards for best Weblog.
In just a few minutes, The Stylephile's life support will be set to minimum, and the site will peacefully enter a vegetative state.
Please don't cry. All of the posts of the last four years will remain online (should you ever wish to research what Hollywood was wearing in August 2005, for instance).
Please do continue to read all of Variety's excellent blogs, which you can find at www.variety.com. And should you have any questions, comments or requests, don't hesitate to contact me at caroline@carolineryder.com or visit me at www.carolineryder.com.
On behalf of everyone at Variety and the former editors of The Stylephile, I'd like to thank you all for coming on this most fashionable of rides. It's been a blast...

November 20, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (33)

November 18, 2008

$100 off kaplanMD Skincare

kaplanMD is a high-end skincare line created by dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Stuart Kaplan, M.D. (click here to read his celeb testimonials). Each product in his line contains no less than 10 active ingredients, at their highest concentrations, designed to combat to treat the three types of skin aging – chronological, hormonal, and environmental.
In time for the holidays, kaplanMD is offering the entire collection at a discounted price—all four items for $395 (normally $495).
The kaplanMD Collection Set includes full-size bottles of the famous Cleansing Lotion, Revitalizing Toner, Day Cream SPF 15, and Replenishing Night Cream.
To receive your discount, go to www.kaplanMD.com and enter the promo code kmdholiday08 upon checkout.  You will automatically receive $100 off your purchase of the Collection Set. 

November 18, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 13, 2008

Fancy a glass of Tasmanian Rain?

Nicole Kidman is a drinker of Tasmanian Rain, water that is captured as it falls from the clouds over Tasmania, Australia, where the World Meteorological Organization has recorded the purest air on earth.
Holiday party hosts should consider investing in a crate of the stuff. It is ten times purer than spring and artesian water, and softer than a wispy cirrus. The sparkling version contains the lowest sodium content of any carbonated water on the market, and let's face it: "Would you like a glass of pure unfiltered cloud juice from the cleanest skies on earth" does sound sexier than "tap or Dasani?".
With Tasmanian Rain's new "Rainman" service, you can have bottles delivered to your doorstep any day of the week. Sign up online with the promotional code KELLEY, and you'll receive a complimentary case of 24 x 375 ml bottles each month.
Sign up here. To try it out first, a case of 24 375ml bottles is $79 from here.

November 13, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 4, 2008

SK-II's new serum

SK-II, makers of Cate Blanchett's favorite face potions, have a new elixir on the market—New Signs Wrinkle Serum, a light cream that claims to "stop wrinkles in their tracks".
I was first introduced to SK-II by a fabulous male friend of mine a few years ago. "It's the only sh*t that works," he declared, echoing the words of Ms. Blanchett, who says "SK-II isn't part of my skincare regime, it is my skincare regime."
Pitera, the magical ingredient in SK-II products, was discovered about thirty years ago, when a scientist noticed that the hands of workers at a Japanese saké brewery were unusually beautiful and young. Five years of research later, and Pitera was pin-pointed as being the cause.
I've been using their mainstay essence combined with the new Wrinkle Serum for the last month or so, and am glowing so much I should be pregnant. The vitamin-packed serum leaves your skin lightly tingling, and my fine lines are fully aware of who's the boss. I like to think of SK-II Signs as reins for my wrinkles.
Signs Wrinkle Serum is $200 at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.

November 4, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2008

Sexy polish for sad nails

If you've ever found mushrooms growing on your toes after a dodgy pedicure, you might want to switch to 3LMD, a brand new line of nail polishes designed to reduce the risk of nail fungus and bacteria while safely covering up infected nails.
Revolting but true—around 35 million Americans are thought to have some kind of nail infection at any given time. On top of that, many drugstore nail polishes contain toxic ingredients, including toluene and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which has been linked to multiple birth defects. Yikes.
With this in mind, dermatologist Dr. Lori Hobbs and her twin sister, pediatrician Dr. Lisa Hobbs-Richardson, developed the 3LMD line. "We envision that 3LMD Nail Lacquers will tap into a segment of the cosmetic and wellness community that has been, until now, virtually overlooked," says Hobbs.
3LMD Nail Lacquers are $25 per bottle. Buy here.

November 2, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2008

Un-sensible scent: Homage Attar by Amouage

During a recession, is it possible to justify spending $360 on a tiny bottle of perfume oil? When it's Homage Attar by Amouage, maybe.
It takes an entire field of roses to create just one 12ml bottle which, with its potent blend of rose Taifi, silver Frankincense, Tayyiba (jasmine), sweet amber, white musk, silver oud and Al Andalus notes is rich and fecund, like a pregnant Donald Trump.
Created by Amouage for its 25th Anniversary, only a small drop needs to be applied to the pulse points, allowing the heavy, multi-faceted fragrance to develop over many hours.
As with buying $2,800 tubs of La Prairie Caviar Luxe face cream or Ginza Tanaka's $1.9 million platinum handbag, there can be a certain guilt involved in such indulgence. But for those who believe money was meant to be blown, you can buy your microscopic bottle of Homage Attar here.
(Broke? Order scented blotters of the fragrance here.)

October 23, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 21, 2008

Sonya Dakar winner!

We asked you to share your best breakout stories for the chance to win a Sonya Dakar's pimple-clearing Clarifying Collection, and your entries ranged from the revolting ("i love pimples, it is with pure pleasure that i squeeze them in front of the mirror, seeing them ooze and squirt straight onto the glass surface") to the utilitarian ("bottom line, if you're not using a moisturizer now, start and I bet you will see an improvement in a couple of days").
In the end, we picked the below entry, by Natasha. It covers all the bases—her's is an epic tale that starts with an 8th grade graduation, continues to a breakup, and ends in a disastrous, whitehead-infested wedding.
Congratulations Natasha!
If you didn't win, you can buy selected items from the collection here.

"The other day, I asked my mother if we had any pictures of my 8th grade graduation, to which she replied that 'we didn't take any pictures that day.' Apparently, I had forgotten that my face had broken out so much that all of the tetracycline in the world wouldn't help me. Plus, my dress was a dark pink color- to match all those pimples I had on my face. lovely. So, there you go, no pictures of that and a dress that matched my complexion. sad. This one is far more severe, though- fast forward 12 years. It's 2004 and I'm 26. My boyfriend and I break up and I'm beyond devastated. A friend offers to treat me to a facial to cheer me up and give me a day to relax. I go to the facial and the man talks me into buying his line of skincare. All i know is that when I got home and went to bed, my skin was fine. I woke up and had the worst breakout i've ever had in my life and the next day was a wedding that my ex would be attending (with his new girlfriend, of course). I am not being dramatic at all when i say that i have never looked so horrible in my life. It wasn't an allergy, either. It was a series of whiteheads all over my face and neck. I guess that the facial really did draw everything out, right? It was so upsetting. so, anyway, i go to the wedding and tried so hard to avoid my ex but still tried to hold my head up high when i met his new girl and saw him and noticed them just staring at my face. It was horrible and absolutely humiliating- the one time you want to look nice to prove to someone that they're missing out and yeah...not so much. it was really sad. He even told a mutual friend that he couldn't believe how i had let myself go and stopped taking care of my face/skin/etc, as he used to think I was so lovely. Now, it's 4 years later and I'm still having some trouble with everything and am always trying to figure out what the best thing to eat/drink/put on my face, etc would be to help alleviate this problem but nothing's worked so far and man, does it do a number on your self-esteem!"

October 21, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 14, 2008

Heidi Klum in-person makeovers next week

"Project Runway's" Heidi Klum hasn't let the Bravo/Lifetime debacle get her down—right now, she's all about her new chocolate flavored lipgloss.
“This creamy gloss is infused with chocolate flavor, my personal touch,”says Klum of the product, part of her Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Makeup collection. Klum will be demonstrating new fall colors and giving out personalized makeovers at the VS store at The Grove in Los Angeles next week, showing Plain Janes like ourselves how to achieve her camera-ready face.
If you can't make it, the new colors will be available to purchase next week. As well as the Lip Gloss in Cupcake ($14), the new collection features a green and gold Glitter Eye Liner in Licorice ($10) and a nude lip color, Perfect Lipstick in Malibu ($14). “I balance a dark eye with neutral lips, like this warm nude," says Klum. "I love the creamy feel.”
If you can make it, I suggest you book an appointment today to receive your makeover along with your purchase of the new collection.
Thursday, October 23rd from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 323 634 9177 to book your makeover appointment. 
Victoria’s Secret Store at The Grove at Farmers Market, 6301 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles (cross street Fairfax Avenue). www.victoriassecret.com

October 14, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 9, 2008

Sonya Dakar pimple-clearing giveaway!

As we mentioned back in March, porcelain-skinned Gwyneth Paltrow is just one of Sonya Dakar's many celebrity fans. "Sonya Dakar is the best facialist in the world," she once said. "I don't really let anyone else do my facials except her." (Jessica Biel, Fergie and Megan Fox also swear by Dakar's approach.)
A beauty biz veteran who has been pampering celebrity skin 1971, Sonya Dakar runs a five-level skincare complex on the edge of Beverly Hills, offering high-end treatments like her green tea and diamond peels.
Her much-loved product line is about to launch its Clarifying Collection, made with açaí, copaiba, and andiroba to address the main causes of acne while nourishing and protecting the skin.
The collection features an Acai Clarifying Wash, a Deep Pore Clarifying Serum, and a Pore Minimizer, designed to be used daily over the course of six weeks. During test panels, 99% of subjects said they saw overall improvements in texture and clarity from pimples and breakouts, as well as improvement in pore size. And 100% reported lightening of acne scars with a major improvement in the reduction of oil production.
Sonya Dakar is offering one Stylephile reader the trio of products (worth around $150). To win, leave a comment describing a time when pimples have really messed up your day. Don't forget to leave your email address in the comment. Deadline is Wednesday October 15 at 5 p.m.

October 9, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (35)

October 7, 2008

Karl Lagerfeld's new gender-less Kapsule

Karl Lagerfeld, the fashion designer who I may be impersonating this Halloween, has announced his new "Kapsule" fragrance collection. It's unisex because, as the wise man says, "gender doesn’t matter, as long as you have style."
The collection comprises three scents—called "Light", "Floriental", and "Woody"—based on Lagerfeld's interpretation of the three major fragrance families. They can be worn alone, or layered all three at once.
According to the press release, they're "chic and accessible as a capsule wardrobe, and just as rich in possibilities."
Lagerfeld's swirling autograph is embossed on the glass base of each bottle.
The scent officially launches November, exclusively at Neiman Marcus...we suggest you take your place in line now.
Kapsule Eau de Toilette Sprays are $110 for 2.5 oz.

October 7, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 30, 2008

Medieval lipstick for modern-day enchantresses

Morgan le Fey, the powerful sorceress from the legend of King Arthur as portrayed by Helen Mirren in 1981's "Excalibur", had the ability to transfix men with just one pout of her provocative, preternaturally rosy lips.
Lipstick Queen's new lip stain "Medieval" won't necessarily endow you with le Fey's magic powers—but you may find yourself kissing a few more princes, thanks to its sheer, moisturizing formula. 
"Medieval" was created by beauty expert Poppy King, who realized that many women don't like heavy, matte lip colors, and prefer a lighter, more subtle effect.
"Medieval" is $20 at Barney's New York. Buy here.

September 30, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hourglass Cosmetics makeovers

Makeup junkies take note—Hourglass Cosmetics, a brand known for its stunning packaging and cutting-edge ingredients, will be offering free makeovers in California in the coming weeks.
The Hourglass Artistry Team will demonstrate new fall colors at Barneys in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and will invite participants to check out their new "Solar Tan", a patent-pending self-tanning primer formula created to hydrate the skin while helping you achieve a year-round bronze glow.
Hourglass Cosmetics was launched in 2003 by beauty biz whizkid Carisa Janes. Janes, who started out at Urban Decay and went on to launch a multitide of cosmetic brands (Body & Soul, Animalia), will be at the event in Beverly Hills.
Schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with a member of the Hourglass team, or visit www.hourglasscosmetics.com to learn more about the line. (Their Color Link eyeshadow palette has always been a favorite.)
The San Francisco event takes place Saturday, October 4 from 10am-6pm at Barneys New York, 77 O’Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94108. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 415 268 3540.
The Beverly Hills event takes place Saturday, October 11 from 10am-6pm at Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212. For details or to schedule an appointment, call 310.276.4400, x 5598.

September 30, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 24, 2008

La Prairie's $1,000 moisturizer

Swiss beauty company La Prairie's newest moisturizer Cellular Cream Platinum Rare is so high-end, they're not even advertising it. At all. Instead, they're distributing the $1,000-a-tub platinum-infused age-fighting cream among stars, stylists, beauty editors and makeup artists, and letting word of its magical powers spread. It's a new promotional tactic for La Prairie, which, until now, had not reached out to the entertainment community in such a targeted way. "At $1,000, this product is not for everybody," the company's publicist explained. "It's really for people for whom skin care is a major priority, like actors, presenters and so on."
The cream officially debuted here in Los Angeles over Emmy weekend, at the über-exclusive Platinum Guild International Gifting Suite in Beverly Hills. Platinum's healing and restorative properties are well-known, but the metal has not been incorporated in to a beauty product until now. The cream is climate sensitive, and adjusts to heat (useful if you spend your days slowly baking under studio lighting) and humidity (helpful if you're starring in "Pirates of the Caribbean").
Cellular Cream Platinum Rare (50ml / NET WT. 1.7 OZ.) retails for $1,000 US and is available at laprairie.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Holt Renfrew in Canada.

September 24, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 23, 2008

Oscar-winning hair and makeup secrets revealed

Do you see yourself standing on the Oscars podium one day, clutching your Best Makeup award and thanking your mother, God and Max Factor?
If so, then you might want to attend a three-evening seminar series called “Makeup Artists and Hairstylists: A Forum on Contemporary Technique” being held by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Sessions will be held on Thursdays, October 16, 23 and 30, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood.
"Beauty Makeup" is the topic of October 16's seminar, and will be moderated by Oscar winner Bill Corso (“Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events”), with Academy Award nominee Ronnie Specter (“Batman Returns”), Academy governor Leonard Engelman ("Moonstruck"), Morag Ross ("The Aviator") and Bob Mills ("Pretty Woman").
October 23 focuses on "Character and Special Makeup Effects", moderated by Engelman, with six-time Oscar winner Rick Baker ("Men In Black"), two-time Academy Award nominee Kazuhiro Tsuji ("Norbit"), two-time Oscar winner Greg Cannom ("A Beautiful Mind") and three-time Oscar winner Ve Neill ("Ed Wood").
October 30 is all about Hairstyling, and features Oscar winner Gail Ryan ("Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas"), two-time Oscar winner Yolanda Toussieng ("Ed Wood"), Roy Helland ("The Devil Wears Prada") and Kathy Blondell ("Cast Away"). 
Tickets for the entire “Makeup Artists and Hairstylists:  A Forum on Contemporary Technique” series will be available beginning September 25 at a cost of $30 for the general public and $20 for Academy members and students with valid ID.  Tickets may be purchased by mail, in person at the Academy during regular business hours or online at www.oscars.org/events.  Tickets for individual evenings, if available, will be $10 at the door.
The Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood.  For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

September 23, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 22, 2008

Emmys 2008: Red Rug Redux

Wall Street collapse, a security alert, and possibly the lowest ratings in Emmy history—such things were of minor import on the Nokia Theatre's red carpet Sunday, where the sartorial mood was decidedly bright and cheery.
That's not to say that there weren't any depressing hues at the 60th Annual Primetime Emmys—there were plenty (Glenn Close, Debra Messing, Nicolette Sheridan, Hayden Panettiere, America Ferrera and Kate Walsh all opted for drab-fab noir)—but the Black Widows lost out to the Ladies in Red, Emerald, Amethyst, Marigold and Plum, whose Technicolor gowns dazzled and shimmered in the afternoon sun.
(Click here and here to see Variety's photo coverage of the Emmys.)

The Stylephile's Emmy 2008 Style Awards:

Best Green Goddess: Christina Hendricks

"Mad Men's" Joan Holloway, aka 30-year-old actress Christina Hendricks, looked like the Wizard of Oz's concubine queen in this emerald Tadashi Shoji goddess gown, which the designer had created in green, just for her. "It's my perfect dream dress," gushed Hendricks, whose Rubenesque figure and heaving porcelain bosom pick up exactly where Ava Gardners' left off.






Best Princess Bride: Olivia Wilde

"House" star Olivia Wilde, 24, looks like a fairy tale princess bride in her pearly Reem Acra satin and chiffon cap-sleeve gown and Jimmy Choo heels—although she's more alterna than her sparkly red carpet attire would suggest. Wilde is married to boho L.A. filmmaker Tao Ruspoli, who is a member of LAFCO, a film and art collective that travels the country in a converted school bus. On the red carpet, Wilde was more interested in talking about her admiration for Hugh Laurie than her hubby's beatnik lifestyle. Working with Laurie "is a dream come true," she said. Winning the coveted Stylephile Princess Bride Award, Wilde beat off stiff competition from fellow fairy princesses Sandra Oh (named "most improved" by carpet commentator Lisa Rinna, thanks to her ruffled Oscar de la Renta gown), and Marcia Cross  (in nude Elie Saab Haute Couture gown, Rene Caovilla heels and Hearts on Fire diamonds).

Best Red Carpet Clash: Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields' fuchsia organza dress by Badgley Mischka was a showstopper when she was on stage presenting, but the dress' impact was muted on the carpet, where the red competed with Shields' pink. Shields, 43, who stars in "Lipstick Jungle" with Mary Tyler Moore playing her mom, said it was the first time she had been to the Emmys.







Best Yellow Fever: Teri Hatcher

Teri Hatcher, 43, and Mariska Hargitay, 44, both went for in-yer-face marigold yellow, a shade which is bound to catch the eye of the paparazzi, but is too loud to be truly stylish. Hatcher's dress was by Monique Lhullier, whom the actress described as "the nicest person, so sweet."








Best in Black: Kate Walsh

"Private Practice" actress Kate Walsh, 40, was East Coast sassy in black Zuhair Murad. "Dont mess with the Zuhair," deadpanned Walsh, who was bedecked with Neil Lane diamond-and platinum jewelry worth $1million. "Private Practice" premieres October 1.









Best Flowerchild-Meets-Xena-in-a-Texan-Whorehouse: Phoebe Price

Professional nobody Phoebe Price, age unclear, understands the value of worst-dressed lists—they're better than no list at all. With that in mind, Price went totally bananas in a lacy red see-through gown (designer unknown—and it's probably better that way), red floral headband and red panties, creating a look better suited to the AVN Porn Awards than the Emmys rug. With this colossal mistake of an ensemble, Pee-Pee—described as a "trainwreck-famewhore" by TMZ—is headed straight for the 2008 Fug pile.

September 22, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

September 18, 2008

Eva Mendes' sexy Secret Obsession

Call me filthy-minded, but doesn't Eva Mendes' bottle of Secret Obsession by Calvin Klein look like a giant sex toy? Or a garlic bulb, depending on the light. Either way, she certainly looks like she's getting ready to have a good time with it...

This image is from the print campaign—the television ad, which shows a fleetingly delicious glimpse of Mendes' left nipple, was banned so as to protect impressionable children from suffering premature sexual awakening.

We say it's not Mendes' nipple parents should be worrying about, it's her bottle—with Secret Obsession, the possibilities truly are endless.

Treat yourself to a bottle here. Click here to read a thorough review of the fragrance itself, written by someone who has smelled it.

September 18, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (2)

Anya Sarre's Emmy beauty: What all starlets should know

Red carpet stylist and "Entertainment Tonight" fashionista Anya Sarre has been dressing and beautifying stars for the Emmys for six years. "During the Emmys I'd estimate there are around 20 crises per day," says Sarre, explaining how red carpet styling, despite the common perception that it's a lesser art than costume design or magazine fashion styling, is an intricate and demanding science unto itself. In fact to her, and to the stars that hire her, red carpet beauty is an issue of serious gravity, one that can make and break careers in a town where image=everything.
Sarre, who is styling Mary Hart, Pat O'Brien and many others for Sunday's Emmys, knows all the tricks, from strategic spray tanning (to create the illusion of sculpted muscles), to portable teeth whitening pens (which brighten smiles after a glass of post-Emmy Pinot).
Are you taking notes, starlets?

Suddenly Slimmer Body Wraps
Talk about instant gratification—you'll lose anything from 6 to 12 inches per hour-long session, as the all-natural mineral wraps draw toxins from your body
Colonics at the Beverly Hills Wellness Center
The secret to glowing skin.
Water Pills
Water pills are diuretics that will eliminate bloating, fast. You can get them through a friendly doctor. Or you can try over the counter brands like Aqua Ban.
Shape Wear by Dr Rey, aka Dr 90210.
Bye bye bulges. "It's like armor," says Sarre.
Portofino Spray Tanning at your home
"For $300, they will come to you house and spray you there," says Sarre. And they even know how to draw in definition, giving the illusion of toned muscles. And they'll customize the color so you won't ever look Valentino orange.
Endermologie anti-cellulite massage
"They literally massage the fat out," says Sarre. "It's amazing."
Glycolic peels
Ask your favorite facialist for one, ahead of time of course. Raw red skin is never a good look on the red carpet.
RevitaLash conditioning eyelash treatment
Created by a doctor whose wife lost her hair following chemotherapy, this product "literally makes your eyelashes grow," says Sarre, fluttering her own, insanely long, natural eyelashes at me. She has her clients start using it a month before they step foot on the red carpet.
Botox
Go figure.
BriteSmile To Go
These handy teeth-whitening pens have a time-release formula that helps keep starlets' smile pearly, even after gallons of red wine. 
Sassynips by Sassybax 
These gel nipple covers ensure your boobies will remain PG even if your dress demands no bra.
Scott Barnes' Platinum Body bling
Shimmering body lotion.

And let's not forget:

Shoes
"Never wear a closed toe on the red carpet," says Sarre. "Ankle straps are a no too, as they will make your legs look stubby." She recommends a nude peep-toe.
Faux diamonds
"Why not. I love 'em."
Nails
For red carpet, they should be neutral: light pink or buff. "Otherwise viewers' eyes will go straight to the nails."
Fragrance
Sarre advises her stars to keep a fragrance in their purse for those chance red carpet encounters with George Clooney. "I always have 'Child by Ron Robinson'," says Sarre.

The 60th Primetime Emmys take place this Sunday.

September 18, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (3)

September 16, 2008

Sexy beast: Strange Invisible Perfumes' "Musc Botanique"

Feral and somewhat pungent on the initial spray, Strange Invisible Perfume's new unisex Musc Botanique fragrance does mellow out, evolving over time from libidinous alley cat to distinguished Siamese.
Launched in 2000 by Alexandra Balahoutis (stepdaughter of producer Jerry Bruckheimer), Strange Invisible Perfumes is known for its refined yet unusual scents—and this latest launch is no exception.
Created entirely from flower and plant essences (no synthetic deer aroma here), Musc Botanique (7.5 ml Parfum is $185 and 50 ml Eau de Parfum is $135) features notes of geranium, white amber, angelica and frankincense. Wearers are encouraged to layer it with other perfumes.
I found the frankincense a little overwhelming—but then I like my scents powdery and boudoirish. My friends who are a little less girly than me were impressed with Musc Botanique's subtly animalistic effect, however.
Growl.
Strange Invisible Perfumes is celebrating the launch of Musc Botanique at Turpan, in Brentwood, CA on Thursday, September 18th from 5-8pm. You're invited. Turpan, Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th Street, at San Vicente Boulevard, Santa Monica (310-451-9500)

 
 

 

September 16, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 12, 2008

Facials and Lingerie for the ladies of Silverlake

This just in, from the marvellous Body Bar Urban Day Spa in Silverlake:

Urban Day Spa Party featuring Bittersweet Butterfly’s Fall Lingerie Collection

"On Wednesday September 17th Body Bar will be giving mini facials for $30 and free mini makeovers from their cutting edge skin care line True. We’ll be showing our new collections from around the world including Mimi Holiday, Myla, and Stella McCartney. If you purchase a lingerie set at the event you will receive a FREE Stella McCartney Day of the Week Embroidered Panty. Wine and cheese will also be served."

Wednesday September 17, 7pm-9pm, 3037 Sunset Blvd, Silverlake, CA 90026. Tel: 323 663 1533
www.bodybarspa.com

September 12, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 4, 2008

Saaf: earth-approved beauty, on sale

Saaf Pure Skincare has a list of third-party accreditations longer than your arm.

Born in the UK and launched in the U.S. this summer, Saaf has a thumbs up from the UK Soil Association and Naturewatch, plus it's vegan, halal and kosher certified.  Oh and did we mention it is 100% alcohol-free, non-irradiated and free from Genetically Modified Organisms? No animal testing, of course.

Launched by skincare expert Dr. Mah Hussein-Gambles, the line is made of high quality organic raw materials featuring active ingredients like Rosehip Oil, Black Seed Oil Safflower Oil, Neem Oil and steam distilled essential oils. Products come in the form of smooth textured cleansers, serums and oils.

Saaf Pure Skincare is available exclusively in the U.S. at www.Beautorium.com. Click here to save 20% on Saaf Organic Eraser Body Oil.

September 4, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 21, 2008

Cor: the silvery soap

If the classic Neutrogena bar had a sophisticated Continental aunt, the Cor Silver Series soap bar would be it.  The silver-based, all-natural Cor is a one-stop healthy skin shop: it cleanses, evens skin tone, maintains moisture, and replenishes collagen. Silver has been recognized since the Roman era for its anti-bacterial and healing properties, the soap's other ingredients (marine collagen, silk protein, chitosan, sericin, etc.) help absorb sebum, hold onto moisture, and provide SPF 4 protection level. 
Cor founder Jennifer McKinley grew up in New Zealand where her skin suffered from excessive sun exposure. After trying the Cor soap formula, she was blown away by how well it seemed to be repairing her skin. She then decided to spread the creed of Cor across the globe.
A six-month bar is $125; a travel bar that lasts about 2-3 weeks is $14. Buy it at www.corsilver.com, Bliss Catalog and in boutiques nationwide. 

August 21, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tried and tested: Jan Marini Green Papaya Peel

Chances are you’ve had some sun exposure in the last few months...and post-summer breakouts from dried-out skin are not uncommon.

So what to do?

Begin a weekly at-home peel with a salon strength formula, like the two-part system from Jan Marini Skin Research. Called Clean Zyme and Skin Zyme, the two products use green papaya enzymes that break down and digest protein molecules without harming sensitive or irritated skin. Clean Zyme is the cleanser and prep for Skin Zyme, the mask. Use both, and give your skin a helping hand in rejuvenating itself after all those days frying yourself on the beach. It can also be used on your hands and cuticles.
P.S.: As with any peel, use your judgment—don’t apply to broken skin, and be careful if you use a retinol face cream. 

Call 1-800-347-2223 to find a supplier near you. www.janmarini.com

August 21, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hollywood's "barely there" make-up master Paul Starr found dead

Make-up artist Paul Starr, who was found dead at his L.A. home yesterday, had created some of our favorite "barely there" editorial looks, amping up Hollywood's glamour with measured, masterful brush strokes.
Take a look at this magazine spread of a "Girl Interrupted"-era Angelina Jolie, in which the au naturel makeup enhances Jolie's natural beauty, while allowing it to speak for itself.
Inspired by the faces of silent movie era actresses, Starr claimed to be able to entirely resculpt a woman's face, just with foundation. Even the biggest divas of all, Boy George and Marilyn Manson, trusted him to do their makeup.
His book, "Paul Starr on Beauty", featured 30 interviews with some of Starr's biggest clients, including Iman, Diane Lane, and Michelle Pfeiffer. (The book is temporaraily out of stock on Amazon, but can be ordered here here.)
Click here to see Starr's breathtaking work in Madonna's "Bedtime Stories" music video (and marvel at just how much Madonna borrows from Bjork's sound and aesthetic).

August 21, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (2)

August 19, 2008

Smell like a Caribbean breeze...

As part of its ongoing "fragrant destinations" series, online perfume hub osMoz.com has picked three scents which evoke the balmy spirit of the Carribbean .
Pretend you're in the Virgin Islands with that skinny dot.com millionaire you picked up in Vegas with Creed's Virgin Island Water, a unisex fragrance that pairs lime, island woods and a warmer coconut note.
Imagine rolling in the white sands of Saint Barth with him, just by spritzing Floral Solaire by Filles des Iles, based on the Tahitian tiare flower.
Then, imagine partying it up swinger style with your loverman in Kingston, and huff on JAMMIN, a woody scent that evokes Jamaica’s musical heritage.
With air fares still hovering in the realms of the ridiculous, perhaps smelling like your favorite tropical island is more realistic than actually going there...
osMoz.com is customized exclusively for the new iPhone 3G and features daily updates on new perfume releases plus an extensive encyclopedia of global fragrances, including detailed scent descriptions, market positioning, fragrance videos, and television ads. 

August 19, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ayurvedic scarves heal through your skin

Ayurvedic scarves from India make you look good on the outside...but they also help you feel good on the inside, according to fashion entrepreneur Lisa Bittan. She's just started importing hand-loomed, organic ayurvedic scarves from India that are dipped in ayurvedic broths, infusing them with special healing powers that can help boost your immunity, brighten your skin, or loosen your joints.
So how, exactly, can a scarf make you healthy?
Apparently, the ayurvedic remedies enter your cellular structure though your skin, via a process called "transdermal induction".
As many as 40 different herbs are infused in to each of Bittan's scarves.  The gray scarves are made with veteveria, apamarga (Chafftree) and myrobalan, and promote good digestion. The pink scarves, dyed with Indian madder and brazilwood, will condition your skin. The green scarves are immunity boosters with anti-stress and anti-aging properties, thanks to the clustered withercherry, holostemma and pomegranate formula. Gift the brown scarf to your elderly aunt—it'll work wonders on her arthritis and rheumatism.
Bittan started distributing her scarves in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara areas about two months ago. "People seem to respond to their beauty and fragrance, and also because they have a wonderful story behind them," says Bittan. "They are also about as politically perfect as possible…organic, handmade, bio-degradable and fair-trade!"
Ya Living is coming out with a special holiday scarf which has extra gold thread woven into it and comes in a handwoven screwpine box.
Organic Ayurvedic Scarves are available at Turpan, Andrianna Shamaris,  Diani, and Salt on the West Coast.  Fred Segal will carry them in September. For more information, contact yaliving@yahoo.com.

August 19, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

August 12, 2008

Prada uses film shorts to promote new fragrance

Young U.S. filmmaker Michael Merryman is one of nine auteurs who created short films to launch Prada's new men's fragrance, Infusion d’Homme.

His film shows two astronauts traversing a barren wasteland only to remove their bubble helmets, risking everything for the sake of a kiss.

Academy-award winning film editor Pietro Scalia (“JFK” and “Black Hawk Down”) will edit together the nine shorts into one film, which will be shown in selected Prada stores around the world.

You can view the films at the Prada website, under "Projects". Buy the fragrance here.

August 12, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

bliss blowout sale, next week!

You can save up to 70% on yummy spa and beauty products during the bliss blowout sale, which starts next week.
Kicking off Monday, August 18th and lasting through Sunday, August 24th, the sale takes place at all bliss spa stores (click here to see a nationwide list) and online at Blissworld.com.
I'm obsessed with the "bliss serious seaweed cellulite soap ", which stimulates anti-cellulite lymphatic action when rubbed over my dimply thighs.
My friends love the bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, which was the best-selling mask of last year and is great for perking up dull, tired, overworked skin. Any takers?
www.blissworld.com

August 12, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

August 7, 2008

Johnny Wright: hair guru, therapist, BFF

Johnny Wright is your hair guru, therapist, and BFF rolled into one.
One of the star stylists at the Frederic Fekkai salon in L.A.'s Melrose Place, Wright is exceptionally intuitive, so don't be surprised if you find yourself engaged in a conversation that ventures way beyond the usual hairdresser/client banter.
Wise beyond his 31 years, Wright is candid about his own life ("I can't wear the same pair of socks twice," he sighed), and genuinely interested in yours. When I confessed my darkest woes, he prescribed the kind of no-nonsense, Mother Hen advice that usually costs $100 bucks an hour at the shrink's office. In fact, he's like Oprah with scissors (he's an aspiring talk show host himself, with a pilot under his belt.)
And then I looked in the mirror—while Johnny had been helping me figure out my life, he'd also worked some kind of voodoo on my hair, subtly shaping my bobbed style, trimming my bangs and flat-ironing me with Victoria Beckham-like precision. I looked great.
"Um...how did you do that?" I marveled.
"Honey, I've been doing this a long time," he shrugged.
Born and raised in Chicago, Johnny began crafting his styling skills at an early age. His grandmother was first to spot Johnny’s fascination with hair, when he was just three. “She knew I was going to be a hair stylist,” he says. "I was always there with a comb in my hand. It was a spiritual thing, and she recognized my passion."
A former creative director at L'Oreal, Wright was brought from Chicago to L.A. by Fekkai. Stationed at their Melrose Place salon since it opened, he's especially reknowned for his expert bang-shaping skills.
His celebrity clientele includes Anita Baker, Vivica A. Fox, and Vanessa Williams, and the A-List has been known to fly him all over the world just for a quick trim and flatiron—served with a generous helping of chicken soup for the soul, no doubt.
To book an appointment with Johnny Wright, call the salon at 323 655 7800. Www.fredericfekkai.com

August 7, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (6)

August 5, 2008

APOTHIA handsoaps evoke salty ozone and chili peppers

It's the simple touches—like fresh hand towels, vintage copies of The Face magazine, and most importantly, decadent hand soaps—that can turn a mundane trip to the bathroom into a lifestyle experience.
With this in mind, APOTHIA has launched a new collection of Hand & Body Washes, available in eight “experiential” scents.
The "Casa" wash smells like Casablanca lilies, fresh-cut grass and fresh air, while "Verde" carries the scent of bright cilantro, earthy tomato leaf, a zesty squeeze of lime, and a hint of chili peppers. The "Soul" wash is based on African ginger, taboti wood, rich mahogany, and grains of paradise, while "Wave" is comprised of white grapefruit, mandarin, yuzu, driftwood, seagrass, and salty ozone aromas.
Salty ozone? Earthy tomato? Grains of paradise?
I may never leave the bathroom...

APOTHIA Hand & Body Washes are $28 each, buy here.

August 5, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

Meet your shampoo soulmate, at Kiehl's

Are you still searching for your perfect shampoo soulmate? Is your conditioner keeping you (and your locks) down?
If these woes are yours, then a trip to one of Kiehl’s “Natural Recipes for Healthy Hair” days may be in order.
Each Thursday, from August 14 through September 25, you will be able to book one-on-one appointments with Kiehl’s experts, who can help determine exactly which type of shampoo, conditioner or treatment is best suited to your hair needs.
Each consultation will include a recipe for the perfect hair style, featuring the styling aids in Kiehl’s Stylist Series, as well as the opportunity to experience the Stylist Series formulas in store. 
Participants will also be introduced to Kiehl’s latest products, Ultimate Thickening Shampoo and Strong-Hold Styling Gel.
At the end of the consultation, each participant will walk away with a recipe card with a description of their look, as well as product samples to test, and to help recreate the look at home.
“Natural Recipes For Healthy Hair” takes place every Thursday from Aug. 14 through Sept. 25 during store hours at Kiehl’s Since 1851 stores.  Please call the store to make your appointment. Click here for a store locator.

August 5, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 28, 2008

Kryolan makeup for HD lenses

Kryolan, the oldest independent professional make-up company in the world, has launched a High Definition Makeup line that can stand up to even the most unforgiving of hi-res lenses.
By 2009, all television broadcasters will have to switch to High Definition, and with HD camcorders already available on the consumer market, it's only a matter of time before you'll be recording all your special moments on an HD camera.
Which is bad news for those of us with less-than-flawless skin, as HD tends to pick up and magnify even the slightest wrinkle, pockmark, and shadow.
With this in mind, Kryolan has created its High Definition Makeup line tailored specifically for high-resolution cameras. "Our HD make-up ensures that every camera light and angle is a good one," says Claudia Longo of Kryolan.
Products include a Micro Foundation Matifying Liquid ($39.95), Micro Foundation Smoothing Liquid ($43.95), and Micro Foundation ($32.95), Micro Silk Powder ($27), available in 18 colors.
You might even want to use it prior to sexy web-cam conversations with your long-distance lover.
To purchase, call 1-800-KRYOLAN.

July 28, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 21, 2008

Body Bar: an urban oasis on L.A.'s Eastside

It's what Angelenos on the Eastside of town have been craving for so long—a full-service pampering palace that won't involve you getting on a freeway.
Situated behind a pea-green Art Deco facade on Sunset Blvd. on the borders of Silverlake and Echo Park, The Body Bar offers a tempting range of restorative facials, microdermabrasion, massages, waxes, tub treatments and peels, for the lone ranger, for expectant moms and for couples.
Upon arrival you'll be offered a glass of wine and ushered through to the chill room, where lights are dimmed and you can snack on organic treats before your treatment starts.
I tried out the Body Bar Signature Facial, with a lactic peel. I'm peel-phobic, so this was a breakthrough for me. But I felt very safe in the hands of Body Bar aesthetician René Rutledge. She started by cleansing my skin using a Clairisonic brush, which is kind of like an electric toothbrush for the face. Then she applied a light papaya and pineapple exfoliating enzyme mask, followed by the very light lactic acid peel. Derived from sour milk, it is much milder on the skin than chemical peels and tingled only a little—but brought a whole lotta gunk to the surface.
She followed with the usual extractions and then used orange peel essential oils under a collagen-infused mask, to help heal my skin. Then she dusted off with a little mineral face powder, so I didn't have to step out in the world looking all greasy and post-facial. She used Body Bar's signature line of products for much of the facial, and I have to tell ya—my skin is smoother than a baby's behind.
You might also want to try their Volcanic Soak Bath, using pure volcanic ash to replace minerals, and their Seaweed-Infused Toning Treatment for the body, perfect for dry, undernourished skin that lacks tone. And we hear that their massage therapist Rubin has magic hands...
Body Bar Urban Spa, 3037 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90026. Tel: 323 684 7546.
www.bodybarspa.com

July 21, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 7, 2008

Mr Big becomes Mr Buzz

We hear that Chris "Mr Big" Noth has sheared the locks from his head, possibly to help him keep cool (it aint easy being hot shit, ya know?), or possibly for a new role, now that he's quit "Law & Order: Criminal Intent".
We were unable to find actual photos of Noth and his fresh new military-style crew cut, so instead The Stylephile offers you this realistic sans cheveaux rendering of Mr Big, as created by our highly able art department.
Noth looks pretty good, we think. Not too much like a rapist, and quite a bit like Bill Paxton's Chet character in "Weird Science".
Noth has just wrapped shooting the comedy "My One and Only" with Renee Zellweger.

July 7, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 3, 2008

Kate Moss's hairy moment

Clip-on hair is for Kardashians and Hiltons, right? People who love teeny dogs, cosmetic surgery and stripping in Vegas. Oh, and people like Kate Moss.
As you may have already heard, Kate lost her head—or part of it—while leaving the Berlin launch party for her new fragrance, Velvet Hour. A track of blond hair extensions tumbled from Kate's tousled bed-head and plopped on to the red carpet, shortly before being scooped up by an intrepid papparazzo. He then sold the  locks on eBay, with proceeds benefiting a drug awareness foundation in Germany. Go figure.
To avoid such embarrassment in the future, we'd urge Moss to go the whole hog and get some proper celebutard tresses: from Hollywood extensions guru Sheila Stotts, of course. She charges ladies like LC, Paris and Courtney Love anything from $1500 to $16,000 for a 'strand-by-strand', where half-inch pieces of are glued or bonded into place.
Or Kate could go right to the source, and clip in one of Jessica Simpson's HairDos (created with Ken Paves), or a headband fall from Paris Hilton's new Dreamcatchers brand of  hair extensions which promise that "Finally, you can have the exact same hair as Paris Hilton."
Yikes.

July 3, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 23, 2008

Angelina gets her tats out

Angelina maxes out on body art in her summer flick "Wanted", giving her most famous tats an airing ("Quod Me Nutrit, Me Destruit" never fails to remind me of the dangers of pizza), as well as throwing in a few temporary extras for good measure.
In addition to Jolie's existing Cambodian prayer, tiger and tribal tattoos, her character Fox sports two massive  "Toil" and "Tears" tattoos on the undersides of her arms, and various words on her forearms—all of which make for one sexy assassin/UN Goodwill Ambassador.
P.S. After you see this film, do resist the urge to visit your nearest ink shop and get a copy-cat job. Angelina can pull off ginormous "toil" and "tears" gang tats on her spindly limbs—you can't.
"Wanted" is in theatres June 27th.

June 23, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 5, 2008

Flat-iron secrets, this weekend

If you, like I, have yet to master the elusive art of flat-ironing, you could benefit from an interactive event at The Doves hair salon in Santa Monica this Sunday, June 8. The new-ish salon, founded by the heads of Wella USA Sonya and Christopher Dove, is hosting  "Style Secrets", an afternoon of beauty where I'm led to believe many hairstyling secrets will be spilled. Topics will include the latest techniques for flat ironing (including how to produce curls) and the art of wig-wearing. Plus you can ask for a hair consultation, and find out about the best styles for your face shape, hair texture, skin type and the season.
The event takes place Sunday June 8 from 4:00pm - 5.30pm at The Doves Studio 2000 Main St, Santa Monica CA 90405. Tickets cost $25, with proceeds benefiting the The Peacock Foundation. To attend, sign up through "HIVING:: Parties for a Purpose" at www.hiving.net.  Referral code: DOVES
www.thedovesstudio.com

June 5, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 28, 2008

Nail polish for doggie "pet-icures"

My dog would bite my nose off if I ever tried to paint his nails—but for other mutts, the canine beauty revolution has been too long coming. At least that's what the folks over at OPI seem to think. Not content with making nail color for humans, they launched OPI PAWlish nail polish for dogs, a quick drying, one-coat pooch polish available in six bold, bright shades: Poodle Pink, Bow Wow Green, Mutt's New Purple, Fire Hydrant Red, Yuppy Puppy Silver, and Doghouse Blues. Perfect for glamming up a pet-icure.
Whatever next—Pet Sephora?
$10 from trixieandpeanut.com

May 28, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 27, 2008

How worthy is your shampoo?

I always thought it was because vegetarians ate a lot of nuts, but no—the key to soft, lustrous locks worthy of a macadamia-munching eco-warrior is actually Aubrey's J.A.Y. Desert Herb Revitalizing shampoo. Aubrey's creates a variety of no-nonsense, earth-friendly beauty products that have my earth-conscious buddies hooked. The line is filled with certified organic ingrediants, and Aubrey's products are completely devoid of parabens or petrochemical detergents. Even better, the shampoos are made from a mild, coconut oil base rather than the foamy petrochemicals most of us love to lather into our scalps each morning.
Buy here.

May 27, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 22, 2008

bliss out by the pool

Fancy sitting by the pool with a piña colada cocktail in your hand...and a piña colada mask on your feet? bliss in Los Angeles is opening up its swim-side spa tomorrow (May 23) meaning you can get everything from a rapid rub massage to a "pedi colada" pedicure while being pampered in bliss’ private cabana. The bliss cabana is open Friday-Sunday from 11am—6pm and is located at the W Los Angeles in the Backyard. 930 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90024. Hours are 9am-9pm, seven days a week. Call 323 930 0330 to book an appointment.

May 22, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 8, 2008

Jean Paul Gaultier's new eyeliner/concealer pen for guys

Jean Paul Gaultier has been making guys' make-up since 2003. And just in case you didn't get the memo, here's an update on his latest "guyliner". The Tout Beau Sharp Eyes Kohl Pen & Concealer is a dual action pen, with a concealer on one end to erase dark circles under the eyes, and a black kohl tip on the other end, perfect for that smudgy Kurt Cobain look. Not only will this pen add nighttime drama to your guy's look, it will also prevent him from ever borrowing your makeup bag again.
Other items in Gaultier's "Monsieur" line include an "undetectable" matte powder bronzer complete with pocket applicator for dandies on the go. He draws the line at lip gloss and mascara—for now.
Buy here.

May 8, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 30, 2008

How Allure's editor-in-chief protects her summertime skin

Allure was the first major publication in America to devote itself solely to beauty, so it comes as no surprise that founding editor Linda Wells has the scoop on every skincare and sun tanning secret you could think of.
First and foremost, she doesn't trust the sun as far as she can throw it—she wears 85 SPF and adds anti-oxidant drops to her glass of Perrier before venturing out at midday. It may sound a little extreme, but she is BFFs with many of America's top dermatologists, and they all tell her the same thing: sun = danger.
I spoke to Wells today and she reminded me that melanoma is the fastest-growing cancer in America.
That's right—frolicking on the beach without adequate SPF protection and relaxing in a tanning booth could land you in the radiologist’s office quicker than a daytrip to Chernobyl, if you're not careful.
To highlight this sad reality, Allure magazine is hosting an exclusive art auction next week, with nude portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss donated by some of the biggest photographers working today: Mert and Marcus, Annie Leibovitz, Michael Thompson, Steven Klein, Bert Stern, Reed Krakoff and Eve Arnold among them. The 2nd Annual ‘Most Alluring Bodies’ Exhibit takes place at Skylight in Manhattan, New York on May 7, and all proceeds from the silent auction will  benefit NYU’s Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group and kick-off Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
Ahead of the big event (which is invitation only), I snagged half an hour on the phone with Wells, and asked her opinion on tanning beds, SPF makeup, the best sunscreen and why so many of us think we're immune to the effects of the sun...
Read it and weep, sun worshippers...

So why do you take such a strong interest in skin cancer?

Well, I have the palest skin in the entire United States of America. So I have always been really aware of skin cancer and of my responsibility. The statistics are so terrible—it  is the fastest growing form of cancer in America, and the most common.

The statistics are out there...so why do we still like to bask in the sun like baby seals?

Many people feel their healthiest and most alive when they are out in the sun. But it’s also the situation when they are most at risk. And there's the aesthetics of the sun tan. I know I should bite my tongue, but I still think that suntans look good. But I don’t recommend them.

How does a woman’s awareness of sun damage change as she grows older?

Women in their teens and twenties are the ones most likely to marinade their bodies in baby oil while they sit outside during spring break or go in to tanning booths in the winter. They believe they are immune. When women reach their thirties, they realize they have to protect their skin because they don’t want to look older. The cancer connection comes much later.

Tanning beds, once and for all—are they or are they not safe?

I believe there are more tanning booths in the U.S. than there are Starbucks. The tanning companies say it’s safer to use a tanning bed than to go in the sun. It’s not safer. They bombard your body with UV light. You should not be in those things. It's like sitting in the doctor’s office smoking a cigarette. But don’t expect the tanning companies to tell you the dangers, however.

Having a deep Donatella Versace/George Hamilton permatan is tacky anyway, right?

In terms of fashion, I go to the shows in Europe and New York and very few top models have tans. A lot of them are from Eastern Europe and their skin has never been touched by the sun, and they have no visible pores at all. These women have no interest in getting a suntan.

What about SPF makeup...does it really protect us?

Here’s the problem with SPF makeup– you think you're fully covered, but you’re not. You don’t put it on all over your face; you don't put on enough to equal the coverage you would get from a sunscreen. Also, you don’t reapply it all day long. So it really creates a false sense of security. It’s great that makeup has SPF in it, but that’s not always enough. Luckily most self-respecting cosmetics companies have daytime moisturizers that have SPF 30. And when you go to the beach you should put on regular sunscreen of course.

How do you look after your skin?

I just got back from being on a boat in the Bahamas for four days and I took anti oxidant supplements, and I put anti oxidant drops in my water. I reapplied sun screen every hour. The anti oxidants tablets are called Heliocare and contain a fern extract. They really help protect your skin cells against damage from the sun. But I would never rely on those alone.

What about using chemical-free mineral sunscreens. Are they equally effective?

Mineral products are great but I don’t think there’s that much that’s terribly wrong with chemicals. If the natural product can do what the chemical can do, then terrific, but in all likelihood the natural product probably does contain at least some chemicals. Trust me, the disease is worse than the effort to prevent it.

What are the key things to know when you're buying sunscreen?

You want to pick a broad spectrum of sun protection. It’s not just the SPF. SPF protects against UVB rays. You also need to protect against UVA, which cause wrinkling and skin cancer. I love Neutrogena with Heliocare. They make one called "Dry Touch" that doesn’t make your face greasy at all. I was using SPF 85. I wouldn’t touch an SPF 8 or 15. Aveeno makes a really good one too.

What about self-tanning lotions?

I think self tanning is great. That’s a way of having your cake and eating it too. I do that sometimes, during the summer. If you get a self tan then you’re not going in the sun, but you have to be sure that the self tanner contains sunscreens. There’s new research that says that in the 24 hours after you have treated your skin with tanner, your skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, so people should be aware of that.

What’s the most interesting thing you've learned about sun tanning over the years?

I am always fascinated by the psychology of it, and why we persist in doing something that is unhealthy. It always comes down to that tension between vanity and health. If you can appeal to vanity and take care of health, then you’ve won the game, especially in terms of what we do as a magazine.

April 30, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (3)

April 29, 2008

Smell like a samurai

These days, we just spritz on our Chanel No. 5/English Lavender Water/Paris Hilton Can Can, and are done with it. 
But in 16th century Japan, aristocrats and samurai took their perfumes much more seriously. They developed koh-do, a refined olfactory art which involved creating various special blends of incense and then burning them with much solemnity and bowing of heads. 
Inspired by this ancient art, Jo Malone has created a new unisex duo of limited-edition perfumes. Her Kohdo Wood Collection includes two incense-based scents, one for day (Lotus Blossom & Water Lily) and one for night (Dark Amber & Ginger Lily). You can also blend the fragrances, just as the ancient samurai and courtesans once did...and you don't even need to learn Japanese.
The fragances, bath oil and candles are available at Jo Malone Shops, www.jomalone.com, specialty stores including Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide. 

April 29, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 21, 2008

The fragrance of film

Young (and not so young) auteurs are being invited to create a three minute short inspired by perfume. The comp is part of the first ever Fragrance & Film Festival, organized by Vogue and The Fragrance Foundation. The winner will receive $10,000. Member of the public will vote for their favorite films online, and then a winner will be picked from the top four rated shorts by a panel of judges, including director/producer Brett Ratner (“X-Men: The Last Stand” and the “Rush Hour” series), Doug Keeve, director of fashion documentaries “Seamless” and  “Unzipped”, music video director Chris Robinson and producer Lee Daniels (“Monster’s Ball,” “The Woodsman” and “Shadowboxer.”)
I love this exercise in synesthesia—what a thrill to try and translate in to film the heady aroma of jasmine, the dizzying whiff of damask rose, the pheromonal allure of musk...
The filmmakers are supposed to pick one of five fragrances as their inspiration, and those that were hoping for Chanel No. 5, Giorgio Beverly Hills or Opium are outta luck. Instead, they get to choose from Paris Hilton’s Can Can, Usher for Men, Usher for Women, Missoni Acqua and Gucci by Gucci.
And you better get a shimmy on - the deadline for submissions is April 25, 2008.
Click here for more information.

April 21, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 7, 2008

Euro-phile: Five reasons to love the English

This week, The Stylephile is in Europe!
In his 2005 book "The Angry Island", writer AA Gill labels his English countrymen "some of the most objectionable people you could wish to avoid," adding that "they have a unique national habit of bringing out the worst in each other. I can't think of any other nation that has to be separated from itself for its own good—every collection of five Englishmen needs a foreigner to stop it beoming a social heath hazard."
I, unlike Mr. Gill, believe there are countless, innumerable things to love about the English. 
At least five, which I have listed below for your convenience.
1. The Lou Doillon collection for Lee Cooper. Ok, so she's only half British (her mom is Jane Birkin), but this 25-year-old fashion natural works the quirky Brit chic look like a pro, beating Sienna at her own game, and giving Chloe Sevigny a run for her money in the global hipster stakes. Check out her new, oddly underhyped capsule collection for British denim house Lee Cooper, launched this Easter. That's her, modeling the collection in the photo. Sickening, right? She'll be designing for Lee for three years using The Artful Dodger as her primary inspiration, apparently.  
2. The House of Lords has a blog 
England's oldest, wealthiest and grumpiest politicos live in the House of Lords, occasionally turning up to vote on issues of national policy, and to take naps in the rather comfy plush red seating. And now they have a blog. They've called it "Lords of the Blog", in true imperial manner. Hear, hear!
3. The dry shampoo craze
According to legend fact, the English have always abhorred showering/brushing teeth/lotion etc., so it should come as no surprise to learn that dry shampoo is enjoying a revival in Britannia, with retailers reporting a startling 45% rise in sales of powdery hair cleaners. Bumble and Bumble makes a fine dry shampoo for greasy-headed types, which you can buy here.
4. Brits are adopting Americanisms like "oh my god that's soooo fierce", "awesome!" and "you suck", all of which sound very funny when said in a Cockney accent. 
5. Sofia's Diary: England's stylish answer to Lonelygirl15 
It's not just Americans who love to watch adolescent soap opera/monologues on the internet as if there weren't other, more productive things to do. Oh no. Sofia Taylor  is a well-behaved, rather boring teenager whose catchphrase is "You think your life sucks? Watch mine." (see #4 on this list.), and she's a rising star of British made-for-web TV. She's the kind of kid who refuses to burn CDs for her friends because it's against the law, and who won't hook up with a young cutie called Josh, which all makes for rather dull television. She does love wearing Issey Miyake though, and for that reason alone, we'll keep watching. 

April 7, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

Euro-phile: Jourdan Dunn, Britain's hottest supermodel

Jourdan Dunn, supermodel du jour in the UK, bristled during an interview with London's The Observer Magazine when they reminded her where she was first discovered...Primark. Primark is a budget fashion retailer (think Hot Topic, Target or Old Navy), which allegedly pays its sweatshop workers in India around 25 cents an hour. Meaning: worse fashion sins have been committed, but a fake beard and fedora might come in handy when shopping there. "I wasn't shopping," she sulks. "I was mucking about in the sunglasses section." Clearly, there is an important distinction between "mucking around" in Primark, and actually parting with cash. (Try telling that to Paris next time she's photographed buying stillettos in Payless.)
Dunn was discovered by a scout from the Storm model agency on that fateful day in Primark. Since then she's been featured in U.S. Vogue many a time, fronted Gap ad campaigns and walked for 75 designers during the Spring/Summer '08 fashion shows. This year, she became the first black model since 1997 to walk the catwalk for Prada. She made headlines in February with her comments about racial inequality on the catwalk at London Fashion Week, pointing out "London's not a white city."

April 7, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 3, 2008

We're giving away a bottle of Safi perfume oil!

When I was 21 I spent an unforgettable three months in Kenya. I went on safari and had a close encounter of the baboon kind, right outside my tent. I watched polo matches and drank gin tonics for breakfast. I went to John Hurt's house. On the night train from Nairobi to Mombasa, I killed cockroaches by turning my can of deodorant in to a blow torch. I was licked by a giraffe, I dyed my hair purple and I made love in a tree house. And I'll never forget the intoxicating smell of early evening on the outskirts of Nairobi, looking out across the Great Rift Valley and praying I'd never have to go home.
Which brings me to Safi, the new fragrance by NYAKIO. Nyakio Kamoche, a first generation American with Kenyan roots, developed NYAKIO based on family beauty secrets. She launched Safi, which evokes the spirit of Kenya, earlier this month with a star-studded bash at APOTHIA in LA's Fred Segal Melrose, attended by Bryce Dallas Howard, Keisha Whitaker, Kristin Cavallari, and Emily Deschanel, among others. The fragrance itself is a super-sensual blend of essential oils, with top notes of fresh lychee, juicy pineapple and black currant, soul notes of stargazer lily, fresh-cut freesia, and neroli, and base notes of muhuhu wood, fresh bamboo, and crisp papyrus.
Yum. You can buy Safi here.
We have one bottle of Safi perfume oil, worth c. $70, to give away. To win, leave a comment telling us about the most beautiful place you've ever traveled to, and don't forget to leave your email address! Deadline is 5PM on April 9.

April 3, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (28)

April 2, 2008

Magic noodles

When I started a raw food cleanse on Sunday, I was bracing myself for a week of dreary vegetable hell. But thanks to my marvelous live-in raw food chef  (who happens to be my boyfriend) I have discovered a whole new world of gluttony—the healthy kind. Who knew the sheer joy of mock mash (made from cauliflower) and mushroom gravy? The decadent delights of coconut pastes, almond-pumpkin pate and carob desserts? And the delights of Mother Nature's best kept slimming secret—Kelp noodles. They're only a little unusual tasting, are eminently satisfying, and contain just one carb (and virtually zero calories). As a big-bootied woman whose one dietary downfall has always been pasta/noodles/rigatoni/penne etc., my kelp noodle discovery was something of a Eureka moment. Believe me, I've tried every pasta alternative in the world and they all taste like soggy cardboard. But these stringy babies taste like the real thing... albeit a little al dente. Eat them uncooked for full-on crunch effect, or soaked in water (cold or warm) for the authentic mama mia feel. Buy them at your local health food store, or here. And then feast, unburdened by guilt.

April 2, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 25, 2008

Kiehl's goes all D&D

Kiehl's, the New York apothecary, has ventured into somewhat unlikely territory...online gaming. On March 21, the 157-year-old company introduced “Kiehl’s Open Road”, an "interactive community contest".
You probably won't have to battle any halflings, elves or orcs, but you will need to plot an adventurous course across a virtual America. The more friends and family you bring on board, the more points you will accumulate. Whoever tallies the most points will win the greatest reward: a full year’s supply of Kiehl’s products (and a cauldron full of runes).
The competition lasts until May 15 and you can register here. For each friend you refer, you receive a point, increasing your chance of winning. (It sounds a little like one of those email chain letters, but for a year's supply of moisturizer, I'd totally go there.) Plus, all participants will be entered into a weekly drawing in which 10 are chosen at random to receive a complimentary, full-sized Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. Which'll make it easier to deal with the fact that you've turned into an online gaming geek.

March 25, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 20, 2008

APOTHIA AROMATICS: the smell of success

At L.A. Fashion Week you could literally smell the glamour in the air—thanks to the APOTHIA AROMATICS candles that were quietly burning away within the tents. Named "Interior Fragrance of the Year" by the Fragrance Foundation, the collection (which includes scents with alluring names like "Velvet Rope", "Juiced", "Scene" and "Bronze") is meant to evoke the essence of life in L.A. So throughout the five days of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, an assortment of APOTHIA AROMATICS' 11 interior scents were placed in the main lobby, the VIP green rooms and the press check-in area, infusing a gentle and calming aroma into the adrenaline-filled air.
APOTHIA AROMATICS is the fragrance, candle and home diffuser collection released by APOTHIA, the high-end luxury beauty and lifestyle boutique at Fred Segal Melrose. You can buy at APOTHIA at Fred Segal Melrose, and at fine department stores and specialty boutiques in the U.S. and U.K.

March 20, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pepto Bismol facials and other beauty secrets

Neosporin and toothpaste to zap zits? Green tea bags for sensitive skin? Baking soda as an exfoliant? I could write a book about the non-traditional beauty-treatments recommended by Stylephile readers.
And guess what, most of them are cheap! Think Preparation H and diaper cream to get rid of puffy eye bags, baby shampoo as eye makeup remover, and who knew Pepto Bismol made great facials?
You sent in your wise words for the chance to win a BODY by Sonya Dakar kit, and in the end, I chose the following two entries. One quite rightly reminds us that Mother Nature generally holds all the best beauty secrets, and the second told us about a marvelous book, “Look Younger; Live Longer”, written by Gayelord Hauser, a 20th century natural doctor whose progressive thinking made him popular among Marlene Dietrich, Grace Kelly and Gloria Swanson. The FDA didn’t approve of his approach, and seized copies of “Look Younger, Live Longer” during the 1950s. Today, Hauser is viewed as the founder of the natural food movement.
Congratulations, winners!

Best advice: you can find the remedy in nature. My epidermis gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "bad skin." Through the first 16 years of my life, I had eczema over no less than 60% of my body. My parents and doctors tried every cream, medication, bathing regiment imaginable to sooth the constant itching, flaking and burning. I scratched to the point of drawing blood! We were all just hoping for minimal scarring in my adult life. On a trip back to Nigeria, my father sought the advice of my grandmother, as he'd grown up with similar skin problems. Unfortunately, I never memorized the names of the plants & herbs. Each night that summer, I took a warm bath, rubbed the affected areas raw with these fresh leaves and then coated my body with this paste made from water and the powder of the dried leaves of another plant. It was a painful process, but if you could see my skin now, it was more than worth it. Not so much as a dark spot remains! I was lucky and I've always taken care to moisturize and use sunscreen from that summer on.

My grandmother, a woman with wonderful skin, gave me a copy of beauty secrets by Gayelord Hauser - fantastic book full of great beauty tips. One I still use on a regular basis is to exfoliate the skin using olive oil and salt - regular table salt. Gives the skin a wonderful glow and it helps stabilize the PH. Try it.

March 20, 2008 in BEAUTY | Permalink | Comments (6)

March 13, 2008

Anna Maria Perez de Tagle: longest name, cutest style

(I can't believe I am featuring a "Hannah Montana" star on The Stylephile, but here goes.)
Not only does Anna Maria Perez de Tagle have the longest name in Hollywood, she was also born in 1990. (Seriously. Do you know anyone who was literally, not metaphysically or spiritually, born in the nineties?)
Being born in 1990 means you get a special fashion pass that allows you to do whatever you want and still look adorable, as displayed by Anna Maria Perez de Tagle at L.A. Fashion Week. Here she is, in high-waisted mommy jeans, flouncy grape blouse and a