Being the ever-willing editor that I am, today I tested out Monica Olsen’s Restore peppermint cleaner and Refine clay masque. While I’m usually very particular about the products I put on my skin (I’m prone to breakouts) I’m a sucker for anything peppermint (and anything that promises deep penetrating clean). A dime-sized dollop of the cleanser left my face tingling, and the masque—which takes two minutes and is not meant to dry—made my cheeks feel baby soft. While some masques leave my skin feeling dry, this one feels like it removed the city grit without removing the moisture from my face. Best of all, the line includes everything from lip plumpers to anti-aging compounds, as well as a complete men’s and baby’s line. Monica, I’m a fan. For more information visit www.skinbymonica.com.

Before

After

Bedbugs suck the blood of humans as they sleep. They scuttle. They scamper. And they hide in dark, unsuspecting places waiting to jump out and scare you, so you drop a fresh bowl of Easy-Mac all over your new pajamas. Ahhrg.

Bedbug complaints rose 7 percent in 2010 — and those are only reported cases. (It’s rather unfashionable to admit you have dirty bugs crawling about your home.) So what’s the pest outlook for 2011?

According to bedbug experts, “Each year it’s always a little worse.” In other words, batten down the exterminator hatches — 2011′s gonna be brimming with bedbugs.

Link Love: WSJ

Natalie DiStefano, who specializes in makeup, has offered up a trick to looking moisturized with just the perfect amount of foundation. But first things first, you need to apply your eye makeup first! Ever notice those little specks of eye shadow that fall on your face and ruin the foundation? This is the best way to avoid that. Do the shadow first and the foundation after. And always make sure that your face is good and moisturized before you throw that foundation on.

If you’re a blond, be sure to heighten that color in the middle of the winter. Making the hair blonder in these cold dark months is essential, says John Whelan, colorist. The same goes for the red heads, “this is not a hair color for the faint of heart,” he says. As for the brunettes out there, try out some highlights. Nothing too crazy, but soft ones can really do the trick.

Arsi Tavitian, an Aesthetician, gives us some at home remedies to keep our skin looking healthy. Chamomile tea bags, parsley, honey and egg yolks all make the list of concoctions for various at-home creations!

01) Be sure to apply makeup to a cleansed and moisturized face. If your face is unwashed, your skin’s natural oils will seep through the makeup quickly, causing it to come off!

02) Apply a face and eye primer to even skin tone, eliminate sheen and prolong the wear of the makeup.

03) Apply a sheer foundation, such as a light liquid foundation or a tinted moisturizer, all over face and neck. Apply a cream-based concealer to any blemishes.

04) Buff a pressed powder all over face to seal foundation and concealer with a large, fluffy brush.

05) Apply a highlighter or slightly shimmery powder to your t-zone (forehead and nose). If your skin is on the oily side, skip this step or apply to your cheeks only.

06) Apply a peach blush to the apples of your cheeks. If you have a pale skin tone with a lot of red undertones (like me!), choose a blush with a more neutral tone to avoid looking too dramatic. If you have darker skin, choose a peach blush with a bit more pigment in it!

07) Line your upper lash line and the outer corner (or the whole lower lash line if you wish) with a black or brown eyeliner pencil. Gently smudge the line with your finger or a Q-tip.

08) Apply a light colored eyeshadow to your eyelids. I’d recommend a pearly white, shimmery beige, icy blue or pale lilac.

09) Apply a coat or two of black mascara.

10) Apply a lipstick or lip gloss in a neutral shade (with orange undertones), or go bold with a tangerine shade. if you choose lipstick, be sure to put foundation on your lips and then lip liner to prolong the wear of the lipstick!

(All images via Style.com)

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As you can see in the pictures, I tore into the new Shiseido Strata BR 307 Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio as soon as I got it, before taking photos and swatching. It was so silky and easy to wear I just couldn’t wait. The set has quickly become part of my regular rotation because it’s such a basic and classic combination that goes everywhere and doesn’t require any effort or too much thought- it’s August, after all and I’ve been keeping some atrocious hours, not to mention my two year old niece is visiting. So elaborate makeup has been out of the question lately.

The simple sophistication of these Shiseido colors has been perfect. The Luminizing Satinn eye shadows have the smoothest possible texture. They blend like cream, so they are essentially mistake proof (important when you do your makeup at 4 AM). The pigments are rich, so even the lightest color in the trio shows up nicely and gives good highlighting. Strata (BR 307) is mostly in the neutral brown range, and while there are gold undertones, on my skin it’s not too yellow- even the middle color. You can also see photos and swatches on a different skin color by Christine of Temptalia here. They look good on sunny summer days, but would also go well with fall wardrobes, making this trio very useful and an excellent choice for the season.

Bottom Line: a staple.

Shiseido Strata BR 307 Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio ($33) is available from most decent department stores as well as from Sephora.

All photos are mine.

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

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Want to steal Rihanna’s green and yellow eye makeup look? I’ve got a break down for you! Plus the colors used will look great on all shades of brown skin. It’s basically a win-win situation.

1. As always, beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize skin according to your skin type.

2. Since several colors are involved with this look and eyeshadow fall-out is possible, let’s do the eyes first. Apply an eyeshadow base like MAC Paint Pot or Urban Decay Primer Potion. Grab a green with golden sheen eyeshadow like MAC Eyeshadow in Swimming (or if you want something a bit lighter try MAC Eyeshadow in Juxt) and blend it on the bottom portion of the lid. Use an eyeshadow brush like MAC #224 for a smooth and blended application.

Next take a matte deep plum shadow like MAC Eyeshadow in Shadowy Lady and in a windshield-like motion, apply it into the crease. Try a crease brush like MAC #217.

For your brow bone highlight, try a shimmery golden eyeshadow like MAC Eyeshadow in All That Glitters or try a matte eyeshadow (or even concealer) 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone—this will give you a great defined look.

Line eyes with a black eyeliner pencil. For a pencil that lasts even through sweat and tears, try Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in 01 Mat Black. For a little drama, use a liquid liner like Urban Decay Liquid Liner on the top lash line and allow it to extend a little past the outer corners of the eyes. Hold the liner wand at a 15 degree angle or use the edge of a business card to help guide you.

Now take a pencil brush like MAC #219 and dip it into the green shadow shade and carefully line underneath your bottom waterline (the area underneath your bottom lashes) about half-way of the length of your eye. Then take a shimmery golden yellow-green eyeshadow like MAC Eyeshadow in Bitter and apply it along the other half of the bottom lash area as well as in the inner corners of the eyes. Apply two to three coats of mascara. Clean up any fallout or mistakes with a Q-tip dipped in water or eye makeup remover.

3. Apply liquid foundation using a foundation brush like MAC #190 or a makeup wedge. Be sure to blend all the way to the hair line, by the ears, and by the neck to avoid foundation mask. Set with a loose powder like Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder using a fluffy brush like MAC #187. Some liquid foundations to try: Black Opal True Color Liquid Foundation, Face Atelier Ultra Foundation for Women of Color, Make Up For Ever Face & Body, Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation.

4. For the cheeks, apply a bright orange blush (don’t be scared—the pigments in our skin look best in brighter blush colors and if applied with a light hand will look gorgeous) like Cargo Blush in Laguna. If you went a little overboard with the blush, that’s nothing a dusting of loose powder can’t fix.

5. For the lips, try a Barbie pink lipstick like MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick. As tough of a shade as it may look, it actually works through the spectrum of our skin tones. Still not feeling it? Grab a nude lip or be bold and rock a red lip.

6. To add radiance to the skin (or to help avoid “powder face”) give your face a spritz of MAC Fix+ Spray. Or if you have trouble getting your makeup to stay put, try Urban Decay De Slick Makeup Setting Spray.

Tools of the Trade:

More M·A·C…

And that’s that! Who’s trying this look?

~Danielle

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It’s Friday, Bombshells! *cues up Johnny Kemp’s ‘Just Got Paid’*

A bright pink lip and smoky eye may be a hit amongst your girlfriends, but sitting across the table from a cutie at your favorite restaurant? Maybe not so much.

For a date, keep it fairly simple by highlighting one feature at a time (unless you and your boo love to paint the town fashionably red together). I’m no relationship expert, but I hear the most alluring parts of a woman’s face are her eyes and lips. Bring out yours with a volumizing mascara like Rimmel Glam’Eyes Lash Flirt and a creamy lipstick like Yves Saint Laurent Rogue Volupté. Add vibrancy to the face with a touch of blush on the cheeks. Go here for blush colors for your skin tone.

Check out the gallery below (click pics twice to enlarge) for more date night makeup ideas.

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Sting & The Police famously sang about their S.O.S. to the world, much like your skin is now likely singing its own cry for help after getting hit with a few intense (though hopefully sweet!) months of summer.

Lucky for you, treating yourself—and your dermis—just got a little easier today, Saturday, and Sunday, as ideeli brings you our first-ever dedicated Beauty Weekend: Summer Skin S.O.S.!

From anti-aging to sun protection to deep moisturization, we’ve got your most important skin and cosmetic needs covered. Our savvy lineup of restoratives includes Cosmesis Skincare, Crystal Peel, Elave, Enessa, and She Essential Beauty. Read on for the 411 on each all-star’s pedigree!

Goal: Fight fine lines, undereye circles, and puffiness with anti-oxidants
Cosmesis Skincare is dermatologist-formulated, and contains antioxidant tea extracts (including red tea, green tea, and white tea) designed to correct problems such as darkness and puffiness under the eyes, fine lines, etc. Shop now!

Goal: Slough away flakes and diminish discoloration
Crystal Peel’s microdermabrasion miracle-workers contain corundum crystals to exfoliate away dull, dry skin; improve skin texture; and even out skin tone. Shop now!

Goal: Protect against environmental damage without chemicals or preservatives
Made by Ovelle pharmaceuticals, which is based in Ireland, Elave is free of parabens, alcohol, sulfates, SLES/SLS, formaldehyde, dyes, pthalates, lanolin, fragrance, soap, and more. It’s also designed to combat the environmental factors that contribute to aging without any harmful ingredients or preservatives—perfect for sensitive skin. Shop now!

Goal: Balance a combination complexion with essential oils
Enessa’s aromatherapy skincare collection is made with essential oils (extracts of plants, flowers and herbs) that contain healthful nutrients and antiseptic properties. Celeb clients include Carmen Electra and Reese Witherspoon. Shop now!

Goal: Spoil your skin with organic ingredients, and reduce redness and inflammation in the process
Natural, organic, and based on Chinese medicine, She Essential Beauty is less focused on anti-aging and more focused on the importance of the mind-body connection, and taking care of yourself and your skin. Shop now!

LINK LOVE:ideeli's First-Ever Beauty Weekend!

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Not every hot makeup look requires a full face of makeup and crooner Leona Lewis shows just that in her hot barely there face, bright lip look. It’s also perfect for the beauty who is perpetually 15 minutes late—a swipe of lipstick and you’re out the door.

Here’s some tips:
1. If you need to even out your skin tone but still want a fast look, apply concealer or stick foundation only where you need it then blend with a foundation brush or makeup wedge. Set with a loose powder. Try: Black Opal Foundation Stick and Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder.

2. Open up the eyes with a few coats of mascara. Give them some extra definition with eye liner.

3. Make the cheeks pop with a touch of luminizer on the tops of the cheeks in addition to your blush. Try a powder like MAC Mineralize Skinfinish. As for blush, check out this guide to find your perfect shade from NARS–one of my favorite blush brands.

3. Apply some moisture to the lips before applying your bright lip color. Dry lips and bright colors don’t seem to mesh well together. Also try a product like Too Faced Lip Insurance to help prolong the wear of your lip color.

Tools of the Trade:

More NARS…

Not sure which bright to try? Check out:
Wear a Bright Red Lip
Rock a Hot Bright Lip
Lavender Lips
Orange is the New Red

~Danielle

LINK LOVE:Get the Look: Leona Lewis’ Barely There Face and Bright Lip

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I was sent this video by a friend and it really struck me.  Read my email response:

“I have worked fall and spring NY fashion week shows since fall 2008.  There are several things here that I have seen and know from working backstage. 

1. There is a tendency to use 1 or 2 Dominican models (It seems being black and exotic is trendy over being “regular” and latinas are working more than blacks from what I’ve seen)
2. There is a tendency to use mostly white brazilian models and models from the Ukraine
3. There is a tendency to use 1 Asian model
4. There is 1 or 2 African-Candian or African-American models. (usually Chanel Iman)
5. Alek wek looking models are starting to be phased out

The only show that I attended (not worked) that had a lot of black models was the ARISE Magazine show this past Spring (African Fashion Mag).  Every working black model was in that show.

Now where does it start? Who's to blame. I really believe we designers are largely to blame. I know that when I have shows I purposely choose models that aren't the industry standard. While I'm not big enough yet to make an impact, I will continue to do this.  My hope and dream is to have many fashion week shows that isn't labled “African” that features mostly black, latina, native american, Indian and Asian models.  Because they are constantly stealing our flyness and remixing it for old and oddly shaped (mostly white) women and selling it for $1000s.  Do you know how trends start? Trend spotting agencies travel the world and take photos of US. Then take those photos and make mood boards and presentations for designers. Think of all the “ethnic” trends there have been recently. Come y'all can steal from people of color all over the world and those people can't be apart of the presentation?  Fashion is one of the many venues that helps the masses to embrace imperialism.  When Britain was occupying India, having silk was such a status symbol.  Not a coincidence. I can go on and on but just know that I'm working to chance the industry from within.  It may take my whole life but I will keep at it.

Love,
Chay”

And I mean it. Please leave your thoughts and comments.

Until then,

Chay

LINK LOVE:The Colour of Beauty

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“Underneath this skin, this flesh, there is nothing” you said as you slowly got up and walked down the hallway.
I followed you close, making sure my steps made no noise at all.
The air is heavy, my heart gained a ton.
I may have been dizzy too, but to remember is a little hard to do now.
Your hand touched and slipped out of mine.
But Ive lost you long before this, havent I?
The flick of a cigarette, sound of people walking and talking.
The crowd that would soon swallow you whole.
The boy who faded quietly and disappeared.
The ghost that haunts me still.

*I havent seen this film before and I want to so bad.
*The text is from an unfinished short story I wrote nearly 2 years ago.

LINK LOVE:Les Amants Réguliers.

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Are we having fun yet? It’s been a sizzling week in every possible way. Between summer sales and amazing fall collections, my friends and I have been quite busy. Here’s what we’ve found:

Kari has been running a series about her trip to the dermatologist and what she did to return her skin to tip-top shape. Check out Part 1 at Fab over Forty. Then read Parts 2 and 3 too.

Kelly’s post at Gouldylox Reviews has the best title ever: Argan Oil, Poop and Goats: Things I Learned on Tuesday.

Charlestongirl had an endorphin rush when she finally swatched the first of her new Guerlain eye palettes for fall. Find out why she loves Champs-Élysées at Best Things in Beauty. My own review is coming next week.

Like orange? You’ll want to read Chelsea’s fashion-forward and economical ways to stand out in orange this summer at BeautyXposé.

Just in time for this weekend’s heat wave, Cindy shared with use her top picks for great lightweight summer foundations at Prime Beauty.

Laurie got her hands on NARS new Douceur Blush. Check out Product Girl to see why most of us need it. I just got it today, so testing will commence this weekend.

You have to read Shimmer Spray for Grown Ups at Beauty Info Zone Blog and find out how Lisa found her summer glow with Hampton Sun’s Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray.

Stay cool, beautiful and enjoy your weekend.

Image: Beauty pageant parade by Joe Steinmetz, 1950

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

LINK LOVE:Weekly Roundup- July 24th

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A little while back in the Weekend Makeup Idea: Lavender Lips post, we featured former UK Sugababe Keisha Buchanan rocking the look. Fashion Bombshell Fly on a Dime requested a breakdown, so here we go!

1. As always, beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. Be sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin according to your skin type.

2. Apply foundation and loose powder—or just concealer where you need it or skip it all together if you can. Since a lavender lip can draw attention to your mouth area, be sure to conceal any blemishes in this area. Try Becca Foundation Stick, Compact Concealer, and Fine Loose Finishing Powder (all available at beccacosmetics.com). 2 minutes.

3. Line your eyes with a black pencil (like Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner Pencil in Mat Black 0L) and gently smudge it with a brush like MAC #214 or the edge of a makeup wedge. Follow with two coats of mascara. You can skip the lashes if you’re short on time, but if you have a couple of minutes, apply lashes like MAC #1 Lash or for a more natural look try one like MAC #4 Lash. Perk up your under eye area with a luminous concealer like Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat (if you’re about Keisha’s complexion, try shade 04 Luminous Toffee). 3 minutes (without lashes).

4. Apply a rosy blush to the cheeks like NARS Blush in Dolce Vita. If you goof and use too much blush, dust some loose powder over it to tone it down. 1 minute.

5. To get Keisha’s lovely lavender lip try MAC Lipstick in Saint Germain or Illamasqua Lipstick in Liv. Add a touch of a gloss in the same color family (like Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Fierce) if you prefer a more glossy look. 1 minute.

And you’re done!

Tools of the Trade:

More M·A·C…

Questions/comments—see you in the comment section. Or contact me.

Will you be trying out this look?

~Danielle

LINK LOVE:Get the Look: Keisha Buchanan’s Lavender Lip Look in 10 Minutes or Less

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10 Top-Rated Facial Firming Beauty Products

See which skin care products boast anti-aging benefits like more youthful looking skin

This is a TotalBeauty.com anti aging skin care article Check out the facial firming products that did smoothing-and-firming wonders for Total Beauty readers. See products

No. 10: Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Creme SPF 15 for Dry Skin, $70

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.9

“It helps my face and under eyes feel tighter …”

No. 9: St. Ives Blue Clay Firming Mask, $4.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8

“It really does firm your face …”

No. 8: Olay Night of Olay Firming Cream, $6.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

“Honestly, I believe this product helps keep your skin looking younger …”

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

©2010 Hot Beauty Health. All Rights Reserved.

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LINK LOVE:10 Top-Rated Facial Firming Beauty Products (Total Beauty)

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Guest post from my friends at College Candy!

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Korres Bronze & Protect Set featuring Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer in 1 Light Sand, Silicone-Free Primer & Monoi Oil Bronzer in 01 Sunglow Light.

Why this should be in your bag: Summer for me is all about bronzed beauties with flawless skin. As I’ve said before, I’m pale myself, but I love basking in the sun and getting a bit of a glow (no sunburns though!). This set provides you with three essentials for gorgeous summer skin: a primer, a tinted moisturizer and a bronzer! Together, these three are a skin army, tackling all of the elements so your skin remains smooth and shine-free throughout the day.

How to use it: First step is to start with a freshly cleansed face and apply the primer. I love the texture of this; silicone primers tend to be heavy and cause breakouts but this is light while still doing the same job. Next, swipe on the Watermelon tinted moisturizer. I find this stuff sets quickly, so don’t dawdle during application. Feel free to use a makeup sponge to blend this, although use a lighter hand than you would with liquid foundation. The coverage should end up being sheer. Lastly, swirl a big bronzer or powder brush in the Monoi Oil Bronzer and dust on your face, focusing on the cheeks, nose and forehead!

Spend the cash or simply pass? Korres is a rock-solid brand and this set is a STEAL! For $29.50, you get these three awesome products, while the Watermelon Tinted Moisturizer or Monoi Oil Bronzer will both run you $28 each! Clearly, this is a huge SPEND. With this set, you will be all set for any summer day and can use all the products throughout the winter season, just go light on the bronzer!

If you like what you see or are interested in purchasing from Korres, then I have a special treat for you! Just for U.S. College Candy readers, Korres is offering a 25% discount, as well as a free mini Cherry Oil Lipgloss in Fuschia when you enter the code CCANDY at checkout. Hurry, the code is only good until the end of the month!!

©2010 Hot Beauty Health. All Rights Reserved.

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LINK LOVE:In Our Makeup Bag: Korres Bronze & Protect Set (College Candy)

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11 Questions to Ask Your Skin Doctor

Find out which questions to ask your dermatologist to maximize your next visit

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article We sat down with board certified dermatologist, Dr. Ronald Moy, to find out all the questions related to acne, anti-aging and skin cancer you should ask your derm. See questions

©2010 Hot Beauty Health. All Rights Reserved.

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LINK LOVE:11 Questions to Ask Your Skin Doctor (Total Beauty)

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Who knew that one of the loveliest red fruits to ripen during summer were amazingly good for your health as well!

According to Alive.com Tart Red Cherries contain…”contain flavonoids called anthocyanins–naturally occurring pigment compounds that impart colour to fruit, vegetables, and plants. Flavonoids, which contain antioxidants, help to protect the plant from disease. Research has shown that these natural plant chemicals also help remove toxins from the body.”

Removal of toxins from the body contributes to clearer skin and better overall health and well being! Great skin and a great body will help you look your best, in your best red dress, so let’s hear it for Tart Red Cherries!

Find out more here.

LINK LOVE:The Best Red Dress Tip: Tart Red Cherries – Good for your Health!

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LINK LOVE:I Love Being a Girl!

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I had a hard time deciphering Tom Ford's White Musk Collection when it first came out last year. I enjoy the entire Tom Ford Private Blend line and love many of the perfumes, but Ford's habit of mass releases is making the sniffing and choosing too overwhelming. Every time I played with the testers at Saks or Bergdorf I ended up forgetting which was which. Add to that the general softness of these scents that gets lost in the department store's air, the fact they all require several sprays to show their true selves and develop right and you get a very confused blogger. It was only when I got larger decants of the four White Musks and started giving them my full attention that things started falling into place for me.

I have no idea what Urban Musk means. Did Tom Ford mean the funk of the NYC subway? The smell in the East Village the night before garbage day? The unwashed hair of some the hipsters in Williamsburg? Where does an urban musk even come from? I mean, after the Mystery Of Musk project I’ve definitely broadened my musky horizons and learned to identify the feeling of musk, but I can’t describe any of it as “urban”. Still, there’s something about Ford’s Urban Musk that’s a bit angular, less fuzzy, maybe.

I might be anosmic to some of the musk molecules used in this fragrance. I smell it, but at times the core drifts away from me and then comes back. I feel like I’m missing a piece of the composition, even though I greatly enjoy everything that’s around it. I like the floral opening. It’s a somewhat abstract jasmine, maybe a bit too synthetic but the whole man-made industrialized feel might also be part of the urban concept. Most of the perfume as I perceive it is about honeyed sweet musk. Any strongly barnyard/animalic aspect is lost on me here. Then again, part of the reason I adore musky perfumes is because they tend to smell cuddly and soft on me, as my skin neutralizes any beastly aromas. The same goes for honey. Miel de Bois is nothing but loveliness for me (note to self and to scent twin- let’s try layering MdB and MKK and see what happens), while some people describe it in litter box terms.

While Urban Musk never veers far from skin level, its longevity is very satisfying. I get whiffs of its vanilla and leather dry-down 12 hours and more after application.

Is it a must-have for musk afictionados? I can’t say. Sample first to make sure you actually smell all of it and enjoy the entire journey, even if it was sort of meh at the store. Give Urban Musk some air and time before dismissing it. I’m glad I did, even if I definitely don’t need a full bottle of this one.

Tom Ford Private Blend, including the White Musk Collection, is available at Tom Ford boutiques worldwide and top department stores. $180 for 1.7oz.

Photo of Natalie Wood in the 1950s from theniftyfifties.tumblr.com

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

LINK LOVE:Tom Ford Private Blend- Urban Musk

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LINK LOVE:Walter Van Beirendonck | READ MY SKIN

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Bruno Gmünder and French photographer Fred Goudon present photo book CINQ, which is an extraordinary touching and sensitive piece of work. Of course the title is way more than a simple enumeration. The number five — cinq in the French language — is in many cultures a symbol for the human being, for love, but also for unity, harmony and balance.

“This is what I feel when I am working”, explains Goudon. Of course “Five” also stands for the five senses. And one can truly gain the impression that this is a book for all of our senses: You can almost smell the alluring odor of these infatuate men, feel their strong bodies, taste the salt on their skin and hear their sighs … it’s due to Goudon’s unique talent that every single picture is drenched with amazing intimacy.

Fred Goudon’s models — some of them wrote accompanying texts for the book — tell how easy and enriching it is to work with Goudon. His idea is clearly visible and successfully implemented: to create his own interpretation of the men he photographs. As an example, the actor Gilles Marini (“Sex and the City”, “Brothers & Sisters” and others) — who was discovered by Goudon at the age of 18 — writes: “He has the ability to evoke in his models that je ne sais quoi that makes him the unique human being that he is … what an artist!”

Fred Goudon was born in Cannes in the south of France on June 1, 1965. He studies journalism, worked as a radio DJ and then as a press photographer. He has been working as a fashion and advertising photographer and reached further prominence with the release of the photo books Aqua, Bedtime Stories, Sunday Morning and Virility by Bruno Gmünder.

Fred Goudon | books | Bruno Gmunder

buy: CINQ BOOK | CINQ CALENDAR

www.fredgoudon.com | www.brunogmuender.com

FIRST LOOK! CINQ by FRED GOUDON is a post from: YVY MAG – PHOTOGRAPHY MALE MODELS FASHION EDITORIALS

Tags: Books, Bruno Gmunder, Fred Goudon, Home, MeatMarket, NSFW, Sports

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LINK LOVE:FIRST LOOK! CINQ by FRED GOUDON

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We continue the natural musk-less musk adventure. I'm  anosmic to some musks (I tested some of the oils and blends they sell at Whole Foods and couldn't smell several. Many of those were labeled “Egyptian Musk”), but when I can actually smell them, they are among the best things to ever happen to my skin. The sultry dirty warmth sits very well with me, as is obvious by looking at my personal collection. Experiencing the different musk stories couldn't have been more enjoyable (remind me I said this if we ever do a vanilla project)- I'm not just in my element, I'm in my catnip.

Drifting Sparks from Artemisia Natural Perfume begins smoky and woody. The very animalic quality remains there even as the scent takes a sharp turn and morphs into a big white floral centered around jasmine. It's a bit shrilly on me, but at the same time I can't keep my nose away from my arm when wearing it, trying to follow the progression and constant change and movement. There's a salty quality, sea air that drifts closer and then goes away for a while only to reappear and bring with it a hint of smoke and fire from afar. That's where the musky quality becomes so apparent. My favorite part of Drifting Sparks is the dry-down. The blend of smoke, salty skin and sweetness is a great interpretation of the theme. While it doesn't live long enough on my skin, the two  hour journey is exhilarating.

Tallulah B2 by Jane Cate from A Wing & A Prayer Perfumes started so citrusy I was worried at first I got the wrong sample. A juicy blend of grapefruit, orange and mandarin is not how I'd expect a musk perfume to open. Then came the sweet and creamy vanilla, but before one can say Theorema, the scent becomes soft and incredibly fuzzy. It's like smelling Theorema through a thick layer of cashmere- an interesting and pleasant sensation, though not necessarily one I'd connect with the legendary Tallulah Bankhead.  But a serious shape-shifting takes place after a while- a very familiar musk appears on my skin and the first time I tried it had me floored- It smelled like a softer version of MKK. That sweet and warm no-longer quite clean skin scent that has a hint of fruit and a whole lot of promised pleasure. I have a feeling this dry-down would have won Ms. Bankhead’s approval. It certainly won mine. Longevity is good (more than six hours), sillage lower than low- this is a skin scent if there ever was one.

More musk tomorrow and a big giveaway on Wednesday. In the meantime, please visit the other participants in the project:
I Smell Therefore I Am
Olfactarama
Perfume Shrine
Indie Perfumes
Bitter Grace Notes
CaFleureBon
First Nerve
Olfactory Rescue Service
Grain de Musc

Photos:
Jane at Sunrise by Leora Long
Tallulah Bankhead, photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1934

Copyright ©2006-2010 Gaia Fishler, The Non-Blonde. Content poaching is both illegal and ugly.

LINK LOVE:The Mystery Of Musk- Part 2

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How to Find the Best Red Dress for You – Coloring, Body Type, Event

So you’ve decided that for that special occasion you’re looking for the perfect red dress. Good choice! Red has so many variations and
shades, and with the right assistance, is a stunning color on just about
everyone. There is a red hue out there no matter your shade, undertone
or coloring.

There are also red dresses with all sorts of draping and cuts that flatter a variety of body types, and of course where you’re
going to be wearing the dress has a lot to do with the type of red dress
you will buy.

Whether you wear a red dress every day or you have hesitated to do so in the past because you thought it wouldn’t flatter
you, just keep reading. By the time you’re done, you’ll pick the most
flattering red dress ever, feel great about how you look in it, and grab
more admiring looks than you would have ever imagined.

This article will help you find the right dress for you shade, shape and
event.

The first thing you need to do is: Determine your undertone

Stand next to a natural source of light, and hold a piece of blank white paper underneath your hand. What tone in the most
prominent? What secondary color do you notice? Remember you’re not
looking at your color, but the hue that you notice despite or in
addition to your coloring.

I’ll give you an example. When I do this test, my undertone is Red, and my secondary color is yellow. This
means that I have a warm undertone, and that rich true reds, along with
reds that have a pink or orange tone suit my skin best. Now this isn’t
to say that a red with a blue undertone wouldn’t look good on me, but
for the best red dress, choosing one that compliments my complexion will
help me to look my best.

With this in mind I would choose a warm shade of red which would help my skin to glow.

But the color of the dress isn’t the only thing one has to think about when buying a red
dress.

The second thing your need to do is: Determine your shape

You also have to consider your shape. There are four basic shapes that are used for women. Apple, Pear, Hourglass and Tube
(Banana). Most people, whether they realize it or not, fall into the
Tube category. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact it’s quite easy to find
something that works with this shape, so quite often Tube or Banana
shapes have the most choices when it comes to finding a red dress.

Apple shaped women are broader up top than they are on the bottom.

Pear shaped women are broader on the bottom than they are the top.

Hourglass shaped women have a lower and upper half that are nearly equal in size
with a visibly small waist in comparison to their hips and buttocks.

Banana or Tube shaped women have minimal hip to waist ratios, in other words
though you can tell that they have a waist it’s not as obvious as it
would be with someone hour glass shaped.

Have you determined your shape? Good. Now your have two of the things you need in order to choose
the best red dress for you.

How a dress fits your shape, has to do with the fabric, drape and cut of the dress.

If you are Banana or Hourglass shape, you have an advantage of being fairly proportional,
so wearing a dress that clings to your shape can actually look nice
depending on the shape you’re in. This is key. Clingy outfits will
highlight and accentuate your body, so the point is, highlight your good
point.

If you have a nice bust line, than you might want to consider something that is clingy up top, but looser on the bottom.

If you’re a banana shape and you wear something clingy, consider wearing a
belt in a complimenting color 6cm or wider to give yourself the effect
of a curve.

For an Apple shape, you’ll be looking for something that gives your figure a more proportional look. Choosing something that
has a broader bottom (think layers) will make your bottom half a bit
fuller, thus matching your top half.

For a Pear shape, you’re trying to do the opposite of an Apple shape. You want your top to be
more proportional to your bottom. Choosing a dress with padding in the
bust, along with decoration up top, will help to create a fuller look in
the torso, bringing both your bottom and top half in line.

The third thing your need to do is: Determine your event

Are you going to a morning wedding, a party at a club in Ibiza, a formal evening
wedding, a corner office, a casual get together with friends? Let’s
break events down into 7 categories.

1. Casual
2. Semi-Casual

3. Office

4. Semi-Formal

5. Formal

6. Cocktail Party

7. Dancing

Once you’ve determined the type of event you are attending is, you can start looking at the best red dress for the
occasion.

For categories 1 and 2, you can get away with both very long (i.e. Maxi Dresses) and shorter than normal (mini or in the case of
casual micro mini).

For category 3, knee length through calf length is your best bet.

For categories 4 slightly above knee length through calf length will suit the occasion well.

For category 5 Ankle to Floor length is best.

For category 6 a couple of inches above the knee to knee length is the most common.

For category 7 your options are more open, but for your red dress to fit in
the with occasion a somewhat flair micro mini to knee length will give
you room for dancing, and hopefully a sense of flirty fun that will help
you enjoy the occasion.

Hopefully you’ve been able to apply these tips so that you find the best red dress for you!

LINK LOVE:How to Find the Best Red Dress For You – Coloring, Body Type, Event

American Apparel’s Complete Guide to Grooming

Last week, we learned that sextastic clothing line American Apparel hires and fires employees based on photos, and we shared internal documents detailing their No Uglies Allowed policies. Today, we bring you AA Grooming Standards—male and female.

We’ve obtained two emails that AA management sent out to store managers and others earlier this year, describing ideal grooming standards for both men and women—complete with photos.

AA’s grooming standards for females:

From: Katherine Johnson
Sent: Sun 3/28/2010 5:29 AM
To: A long list of AA employees
Subject: Grooming- Females

Hi everyone,

Please keep in mind that American Apparel is a retailer that celebrates natural beauty. We encourage employees to feel comfortable in their natural skin and natural state. This aesthetic is a part of the company image; as we do not photoshop our advertisements and our models appear in their natural state, it’s important that this image is cohesive in the stores.

a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.

b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-“Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we're moving in. (oh snap)
d) Jewelry must not be distracting. Please do not wear accessories with another brand’s logo on it- this includes watches. No gauges whatsoever. One earring per ear is encouraged. Earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, etc. must be simple and tasteful. Please E-mail me or work@americanapparel.net with a photo if you have any questions about a specific piece of jewelry you’d like to wear in the store.

Below are photo examples of staff from around the world as well as photos I’ve extracted from the website. Managers should circulate these photos and the suggestions I’ve made to their staff. Please let me know if you have any questions. You can call or E-mail me anytime.

Katherine

These are the three photos that were attached:

AA’s grooming standards for the men:

From: Katherine Johnson
Sent: Sun 3/28/2010 8:15 AM
To: AA employees
Subject: Grooming- Males

Hi everyone,

Males as well as females are expected to exude the understanding of the brand’s appreciation for a natural and healthy appearance. Below are a few notes as well as photographic examples that should be circulated to the staff, specifically to male employees.

a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.
b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.
c) Males should not wear makeup.
d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.
e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.

Reminders about basic dress code:
a) Button-up shirts must be tucked in to trousers.
b) Sneakers of any style are not allowed. Plain white clean Keds or Keds-like shoes are allowed.
c) Please do not wear any earrings. All accessories and watches must be clean, simple, and tasteful. They cannot distract from the garments.
d) Garments must fit properly. Trousers cannot be too tight or too baggy- and must be clean. Shirts cannot be oversized or too tight. If there is an employee that does not wear garments that fit properly, please contact me ASAP so we can resolve the matter.
e) Belts must be worn with trousers that have belt loops.

Thanks,
Katherine

Here are the three examples that were attached:

Click here to peruse a gallery with more of AA’s rules, which appear on the company’s intranet.

————————

One of the emails from past AA employees sent to Gawker-

————————

Instructions for how to remain “on brand” in “The New Standard” of AA:

ETA: omfg

ETA 2: Gawker just published a new post about how from now on, because of the leaked emails, all employees have to sign strict confidentiality agreements and anyone who spills to the media will be charged $1 million. Crazy bitches.

Source: Gawker1, 2

Fucking strange. And LOL at AA trying to move away from stereotypical hipster style toward a “classy” look. Good luck with that.

LINK LOVE:American Apparel is shady, grass is green

To properly style anyone, you must first understand what clothing flatters their shape and what colors flatter their skin tone and hair color. To an expert, this may seem easy, although very few people know what looks good on them beyond “just knowing” when they look attractive. There are some basic rules that apply to styling. Think of your body as a composition. Your goal is to create the most balanced composition possible by flattering your best features and minimizing your flaws. Accentuate the positive. Finding out what clothing works for your body type is the key.

If you need more tips on this, contact me with questions!

2. Get to Know Their Audience:

There is an obvious and clear difference between the look of a metal band and the look of a pop band, or country group, though lines are blurring a bit these days via the likes of crazy fashionistas like Lady Gaga. Getting to know what your fans wear is important. A band needs to fit in, but still stand out from the audience. Accessories are an important part of this process. A corset worn by a country singer would be paired with quite different accessories from a metal singer. Always keep in mind the audience.

3. Integrate Personal Style:

Everyone has their own flair for fashion, whether they like it or not. Whether it’s unplanned or meticulously picked out, we all have an eye for what we like. While it’s good to have an image in mind for a band, remember not to sacrifice personality for this style. Sometimes the things that seem to work the least are a signature for that person. Find the balance between these and you will do well in styling your band. It can be difficult if you have one band member who likes to wear sweat pants and another who likes to wear evening gowns. Find a happy medium so that everyone is well represented.

4. Determine Clothing for Photo Shoots:

In this day and age, image is everything. Combine all the tips from above and imagine how you want people to see your band. This is what you must communicate in your images. What sort of songs do you sing? If you sing cheerful, happy music, don’t wear all black, smudged black eyeliner and torn jeans with Chuck Taylors. Likewise, if you sing about death and mystery, don’t wear a daisy wreath in your hair and a peace sign t-shirt. This should be common sense, but you really never know.

You can wear things in photo shoots that would otherwise impede your ability to perform: strait jackets, huge floppy bracelets (though you play guitar), long bell sleeves (though you play the harp), or red lipstick (though you play harmonica). Try something different from your usual stage wear, but keep your overall image in mind.

5. Determine Stage Wear:

This is saved for last, because it can be the most difficult choice to make. You want to wear something that represents you, but also that gives you freedom to perform. Remember what you will be doing on stage. Do you have difficult choreography? Don’t wear anything that will hinder your movement. Do you need to be able to breathe well to reach that high note? Don’t lace that corset so tight! Will there be pyrotechnics? Don’t wear a long flowing dress if there’s a fan that could blow your dress into the fire. Planning on head banging? Don’t wear a hat. Will there be alcohol someone could spill on you? Don’t wear the family heirloom gown from Aunt Millie. A lot of this is common sense, but you would be surprised what people will wear, just to look good, without thinking about the venue, performances, or audience response.

There are many other factors that can affect personal style, but these are the most important ones for a band. To recap: 1. Start with the basics. Know what flatters you. 2. Get to know the audience. Keep in mind their idea of beauty. 3. Integrate personal style. Don’t lose sight of your personality. 4. Determine clothing for photo shoots. Take risks when there aren’t as many consequences. 5. Determine stage wear. Choose logically so you can give your best performance.

Have fun and best wishes in your musical careers!

Selena Marie Norris is a fashion stylist, freelance designer, and Fashion Indie contributor on theyenvy.us. She has worked as a tailor, stylist, and costume designer behind the scenes on photo shoots and stages since 2003. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design and Technology and is currently looking for local bands to style in the Indianapolis area. Contact her at selenamarie.draco@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/selenamariedesigns.

LINK LOVE:How to Style a Band in 5 Steps

Going from model to musician: “I was terrified! But he [husband Jack White] put me on the line and said, ‘If you want to do this, you have to be willing to take the risk that people won’t like it.’”

On age: “It’s taken me to my 30s to feel relaxed and comfortable in my skin. I think I’m going to be dancing on tables when I’m 50. I really hope I am.”

On fashion: “I just love vintage. I have far too many vintage dresses.”

On family: “Jack is doing his thing, and I’m doing my thing. We ask each other’s opinions, but there has to be a line that separates what I do from what he does and our family from all of that as well.”

On being a ‘freak’: “Ultimately I’ve learned to pride myself on being quirky. I very much adore people who are outcasts, and I’ve always loved to be around interesting, circus-type people.”

Photos: Simon Burstall

(marieclaire.com)

This redhaired beauty is proving that she is far more than just a face. I like the idea of exploring all aspects of oneself. Who says that any of us has to be defined by just one thing. Life after all, is about discovering all the many facets that makes us uniquely individual. Oh, and the clothes are fabulous too!

LINK LOVE:Karen Elson for Marie Claire

Fred Butler’s accessories have been seen in publications such as Dazed and Confused, i-D and Vogue. as well as the music world with special commissions for Patrick Wolf, Skin, Lady GaGa, Bishi, Little Boots, Beth Ditto and La Roux.

LINK LOVE: Fred Butler’s Paper Folds

If you ever walk into a store to find a moisturizer or foundation, sometimes its a bit difficult to find just the right one for your skin. Consultants at DDF are looking to help you out! The skin imaging system developed by the company works to provide the best beauty products unique to you. First, a picture is taken of the face and inner forearm, then, a comparison of the two is taken for a 3-part analysis of melanin, hemoglobin, and collagen levels. Want the system for yourself? DDF consulatants will be posted throughout Sephoras in dozens of locations just for you!

LINKAGE: Sephora

Via Not Couture and 100 Blog.

• Estée Lauder’s third-quarter profits were down 69.8 percent.  [WWD]

• Jessica Biel is the latest face of Revlon.  [WWD]

• Lindsay Lohan doesn’t get high tan of her own supply. [NYP]

• Sarah Chalke of Scrubs suggests making your own exfoliating scrub…with strawberries.  [StyleWatch/People]

• Valentino is launching a new fragrance for a younger consumer called Rock ‘n’ Dreams, Siri Tollerød rumored to star. [Now Smell This]

LINKAGE: Estée Lauder Profits Plummet; LiLo May Not Use Her Own Tanning Products