Archives for July 2011

July 28, 2011

UK Bans Make-Up Ads

In my blog of June 9, 2011, I wrote about ideal beauty in advertising, and how when you see a picture of most models, they are pictures of the ideal beauty-completely flawless. I had cited Jean Kilbourne’s video as to how advertising shapes our world; creating our concepts, and our vision of beauty.  Flawless will exist in our new age of photo-shopped pictures, but it doesn’t exist in reality.

In a move announced yesterday, make-up advertisements featuring actor Julia Roberts and supermodel Christy Turlington have been banned in the UK because of their controversial use of ‘airbrushing’. Britain’s Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) issued the ban after politician Jo Swinson complained about the two ads, for foundation products made by L’Oreal’s Maybelline and Lancôme brands.  The ASA was not even allowed to see the original versions of the photographs. “It shows just how ridiculous things have become when there is such fear over an un-airbrushed photo that even the advertising regulator isn’t permitted to see it, “said Swinson.

The Scottish MP welcomed the ban, and said it should act as a wake-up call to advertisers, urging them to “get back to reality.” Pictures of flawless skin and super-slim bodies are all around, but they don’t reflect reality,” she said. “With one in four people feeling depressed about their body, it’s time to consider how these idealised images are distorting our idea of beauty. Excessive airbrushing and digital manipulation techniques have become the norm, but both Christy Turlington and Julia Roberts are naturally beautiful women who don’t need retouching to look great.”

How do you feel about the UK ban? Should there be more realistic pictures in our advertising? I’d love to know how your thoughts…..

To see more on the UK ban see

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/07/28/airbrushed.advertisements.ban/index.html?&hpt=hp_c2

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July 28, 2011

Nourishing NYC July 28, 2011 Gallery Event

On Thursday, July 28th, there will be gallery event and fundraiser hosted by Nourishing NYC at the William Bennett Gallery from 6-9pm at 65 Greene Street in Soho. This is a ticketless event that Nourishing NYC and William Bennett
Gallery would like to ask you to attend and enjoy. The evening will include
Wine and Sake Tastings, Art Viewing and a Silent Auction.

If you like you can bid on the fabulous auction items with all proceeds supporting The Junior Chef Program-a summer program for low-income in-need children that focuses on teaching culinary, nutrition and urban agriculture. The auction items range from a signed cookbook from Celebrity Chef Thomas Keller to a Jets football signed by the team.

Nourishing NYC was opened in 2008 to address poor nutrition and health while addressing the issue of food scarcity and hunger. Nourishing NYC is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) community food program that strives to achieve “nutrition for all” in New York City. Their mission is to alleviate the strong correlation between low-income status and poor dietary health.

At Nourishing NYC, they strive to achieve the mission of “Nutrition for All” through a three-pronged approach of feed, educate and advocate. They are known throughout the country for our balanced and delicious hot meal services, junior chefs’ classes and produce programs. They provide nutritious meals and
nutritional educational without question and without criticism. Anyone is
welcome regardless of age, sex, race, financial qualifications, or religious
beliefs.

The July 7, 2011 report from Reuters reported that the number of obese adults in the U.S. rose in 16 states. According to this report, the obesity rate is above 30 percent in a dozen states.  Americans are eating less nutritious food and
more of it, while exercising less. Childhood obesity rates have skyrocketed.
Nourishing NYC‘s the Plant to Plate Chefs is a culinary arts and agriculture
nutritional educational program for children ages 6-12.

One of It’s a Glam Thing’s favorite designers, Adriana MarieCo.,is sponsoring the event. Adriana MarieCo in keeping with their philosophy of giving back to the community, also donates $5 of all tees purchased to Nourishing NYC.  I am proud to be able to join her at this worthy event.

We look forward to seeing you at on July 28th at 6pm.

http://www.williambennettgallery.com/

And as always if you cannot attend this event but still would like to support Nourishing NYC please feel free to donate online at http://www.nourishingnyc.org/

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July 25, 2011

Say Goodbye to Dark Spots!

 

Skin 2 Skin™ Care
Controls Dark Spots with Vegan Peptide Technology!

Dark Spots, photodamage or sun damaged skin is something that most people will not escape. It occurs with exposure to sunlight starting at an early age with 25% of our exposure occurring before the end of our teens. Even if you limit your exposure as an adult and use SPF there is a real possibility you will develop dark spots.

The damage is not only limited to dark spots but uneven pigmentation, darkening of the skin, small spider blood vessels, Rosacea, sensitive skin, rough and scaly patches, freckles, thinning and fragile skin, pre skin cancer and skin cancer. The most advanced vegan peptide technology is in Skin 2 Skin™ Care’s Photoaging Repair Cream that can help solve darkening of the skin without sun sensitivity that is related to lighteners, glycolic acid and Retinol. Ever read the back of a product label that has glycolic acid, lighters or Retina l in the ingredient list. It is stated “Do not expose skin to sun” or “Stay out of the sun when using this product”. That’s nice but we don’t live in a cocoon.

Ken Simpson, (pictured below) founder of Skin 2 Skin™, knew that there had to be a better way to help control the appearance of photo- damage without hiding from the sun. He knew first hand since he lives in Palm Springs, Ca where sun is plentiful and there is no hiding from it. Before creating Skin 2 Skin™ out of necessity because of a brain tumor and radiation treatments that were destroying his skin, he had tried all the other products including lighteners, glycolic acid and Retinol. He had become severely sun sensitive with fragile skin because of the products. “l love the color red but it is not a flattering color for my skin,” says Ken.

Ken’s answer was to create a skin care product using two of the most advanced vegan peptides that would help reverse and prevent sun damage and dark spots. The formulation had to be perfect for the peptides to be delivered and work properly, and at the recommended dosage. Ken went to work and created Skin 2 Skin Care Photo aging Repair Cream, a result driven pure and organic multi functional skin care product.

Skin 2 Skin Care Photo Aging Repair Cream is formulated with the ingredient Kinetin N6. Kinetin exists naturally in our cells and is known as a “sensitive skin alternative to retinols” and a potent antioxidant. It promotes the natural cell division increasing natural exfoliation of dead skin cells. It works by improving the skin’s health by retarding and delaying natural cell aging and preventing future premature cell sun damage and death while restoring and recovering savable sun damaged cells. It is one of the most effective skin aging preventative measures in your anti-aging arsenal. It works in the deep cellular levels for the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots plus improves the skin’s texture.

It’s also formulated with the newest advanced vegan peptide that lightens the overall appearance of the skin without damaging the skin, Melanostatine®5 . It inhibits the synthesis of melanin, dark or black pigment controlling dark spots and the darkening of aging skin. This helps to prevent hyper-production, dark spots and has the lightening ability for all skin tones Caucasian, Asian, Brown and African-American without long term damage, thinning if the skin, and the need to avoid the skin.

Visible signs of dark spots and overall skin darkening can be seen to diminish within 4 weeks with twice a day application of the Photoaging Repair Cream. It increases your skins hydration and improves the health of your skin’s barrier that naturally protects the skin from UV, Bacteria, Fungus, and chronic inflammation causing premature aging of the skin.

This is why the Photoaging Repair Cream is one of Anna Torv, of the TV show Fringe favorite products “I lather it on my neck and chest which seems to have taken most of the beatings the Australian sun has to offer.”

 

 

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July 24, 2011

Real Techniques™ ~ A New Cosmetic Brush line by Samantha Chapman

As a national makeup artist, I have to say that I really like working with the Real Techniques™ Brushes by Samantha Chapman. The brushes that you see above, are part of my professional makeup case, and they are Samantha’s RealTechniques™ CORE Collection.

Whenever I’m asked about how to achieve a professional makekup look, I always say that you need the proper tools to apply, blend, and create a flawless look like you get when you have your makeup done professionally. The Core Collection is great. It even comes in it’s own stand up case for easy access and storage!

Samantha Chapman is a seasoned professional and celebrity makeup artist who is (and I quote) “A beauty vlogger turned internet phenomenom.tutorial for Samantha Chapman’s Core Collection featured in this article :
http://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/your-base-flawless/core-collection (just scroll down and it’s on the left side of the page!)

This tutorial is part of Samantha’s web site :
www.realtechniques.com where you will find more tutorials, and so much information from this very talented makeup artist.

You’ll be able to purchase Real Techniques™ brush sets on this website, and you may also find them in ULTA stores.

Quoting Samantha, “I’m thrilled to team up with Real Techniques™ to bring women hi-tech tools that deliver high-definition results, alongside tutorials packed with techniques you can use to boost your look.”

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July 23, 2011

Sprayology is a convenient and innovative way to take your vitamin and wellness supplements

I believe most of us take some sort of supplementation to balance our dietary wellbeing. I know I certainly do! I have a problem swallowing huge vitamin pills, and was so ecstatic to receive my Sprayology Daily Multi “oral spray”.

What an innovative, easy to take vitamin that tastes great, and since you spray it under your tongue, it is absorbed into your bloodstream directly. Sprayology actually bypasses the digestive system, and more of the nourishment goes right into the bloodstream.

You can find this information and more about the company, their Vitamin sprays, their Homeopahic sprays, an Rx Symptom section that will help you determine what products might be good for you to try, and even a very thorough FAQ section I encourage you to read, on their extremely informative website:
www.sprayology.com.

By the way, you may also purchase Sprayology on this website, as well.

I actually look forward to taking my Sprayology Multi oral spray Vitamin each day, and anticipate trying more of their homeopathic products.

It’s also nice to know that you are consuming an all natural, gluten free product that has no artificial flavors or colors.

Nice Job Sprayology !!

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July 22, 2011

“Bonding over Beauty” by Erika Katz is a must read book for moms with tween to teen daughters

I am so impressed with this wonderful book that Erika Katz has written to help Moms during that tween to teen time in their daughter’s lives, by providing solutions to the issues that these young gals are dealing with. It’s the perfect opportunity for moms to provide “bonding” moments with their daughters as they transition into young women, and give them that much needed loving guidance during this special time.

“Bonding over Beauty” contains a lot of information and direction that will help you, step by step, to create enjoyable memories and an opportunity for you to utilize solutions in the book to pertinent issues and questions the young gals are dealing with, that might otherwise present a bit of a challenge for you to approach.

The content in “Bonding over Beauty” is so exceptional that I highly encourage not only moms, but dads, and grandparents to read this book, as well.

As a parent who raised two wonderful boys who have now presented my husband and me with 5 young granddaughters, I personally appreciated the great direction and guidance to be able to share with our girls when they reach that age, and start asking all those “personal” questions.

This is the perfect source for answers that will create a bond that will always remain a cherished remembrance. Erica Katz has truly put together everything you’ll need to know in this book!

From haircare, skincare, makeup, unwanted body hair , female and health issues, nutrition, body care, and so much more, the information is so well presented, and the professionals who contributed helpful hints and information are “Top Notch!”

(Information used from “About the Author” from Bonding over Beauty)
Erika Katz got an early start in the beauty field when she was 3 months old and on the cover of BABYTALK magazine with her father. By thirteen she had appeared in over a hundred television commercials , Hollywood and television films, photographed by Richard Avedon , and also modeled for many catalogs and national magazines.

A Dartmouth College graduate with a degree in French and psychology, Erika interned in the beauty department at SEVENTEEN magazine and used all of her accumulated experience from all of the work she had done at SEVENTEEN, cosmetology classes, and substantial work in television and modeling as her basis for the creating of Bonding over Beauty.

My readers know how I feel about the importance of a person to be able to feel good on the inside and then have that feeling translate to their beauty on the outside!

I was so touched with Erica Katz’s words that she wrote in the AFTERWORD section of her book that I was instantly “bonded” to the beautiful intent of Erica’s writing this book!

(and I quote) ” Please keep in mind that this book is not about making your daughter “beautiful” or turning her into a beauty queen. Rather, it is about helping her deal with the joys and struggles all girls face as they grow into womanhood.”

For more information, please go to : www.bondingoverbeauty.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bonding-Over-Beauty-by-Erika-Katz/150893504958985

Twitter :http://twitter.com/#!/bondoverbeauty

Bonding over Beauty is also available at :www.amazon.com

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July 20, 2011

Attaining the Natural Look-Perfect for These Hot Days!

Summertime and the living is easy……..and your beauty routine should be as well! On these scorching, hot hazy days of summer, easy does it is the motto. Keep it simple, extra simple….a brush here, a swipe there.

The emphasis should be on clean-looking, sun-kissed, glowing skin. That means just a few dabs of products, and letting that radiant you shine through!

How does one attain the natural look? The sheer-pink cheeks and lips with lightly bronzed skin?  By using very little product and the lightest of touch, you can give yourself that fresh, flawless and perfectly natural look. One trick of the trade to always look well-groomed even if you are make-up free? Start with well-groomed brows. Make-up maven Melinda Lombardi swears by them! She’ll go out make-up free, but will always brush her brows to achieve that natural but elegant look!

So…brows are in order, let’s go!

  • Start by perfecting your skin…clean and gently exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation will give you that radiant glow and also ensure that the make-up you put on will blend in easily with your skin.
  • Moisturize. Use a primer after moisturizer that will fill in tiny lines, soften and smooth skin.
  • Even out your skin tone.  Use a tinted lotion that matches your skin
    tone so it disappears into the skin. It is will give you that subtle, natural
    glow.
  • Conceal any flaws. For under-eye circles, blemishes, gently dot and blend a pigmented concealer.
  • Concentrate on the T zone….to let the radiant cheeks shine through, I generally put nothing but a little blush on my cheeks.
  • Pick a warm cheek color. You want to have that “I just got out of exercise class” natural, subtle flush.  I find that cream blushes in warm peaches or pinks tend to give you that light touch of color. One make-up artist tip to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow is to apply the blush in a cursive “E” pattern. The blush should lightly wash the forehead, cheeks and chin

  • Now define your eyes. Earthy tones such as soft, brownish tints enhance your eyes’ natural contours without showing up as shadow. If you feel like you want some more definition, gently dot on eye pencil.
  • Enhance lashes. Defined lashes and brows are essential, even for a no make-up look. You can forgo the shadow and liner, but never the lashes and brows.
  • Subtly amp up lips. Pick a shade that matches your lips exactly and press the color into your lips by using your fingertips. Concentrate on the center and blend out. Lip stains give you a very natural coverage.
  • Use Powder if needed. If your skin get shiny, a mineral powder applied using a brush in a circular motion will leave an undetectable veil of coverage.
  • Revive during the day. Blotting paper works well. Hydration mists will instantly hydrate and soothe the skin giving an instant pick-me up.Some of my favorite products to use to keep it as natural as possible are:

From Skin 2 Skin (www.skin2skincare.com)

-White Tea Anti-Aging Face Wash-PH balanced; botanical, hydrating, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory biodegradable wash will cleanse and gently exfoliate as it improves the overall health and texture of your skin. It also removes make-up and mascara as well.

-Anti-Sagging Renewal Serum-Maximum concentration of powerful peptides to increase skin’s elasticity. It increases volume, stimulates collagen production as it reducesfine lines and wrinkles as it softens and smoothes the skin. A perfect primer!

-Anti-Photoaging SPF 30-Mineral tint can be used as a foundation. It is all natural, organic,non- toxic SPF with anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory and moisturizers protectskin from premature aging.

And make-up from glo Professional (www.gloprofessional.com)

-You have skin perfecting mineral make-up. All of their make-up combines pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, natural high-pigment minerals and the power of anti-oxidants. You have clinically advanced mineral make-up that covers, corrects and protects with its broad spectrum UV protection, and assists in combating free radical damage.

Also check out their glo.minerals Revive Hydration Mist/ In addition to instantly hydrating and soothing the skin, it contains an exclusive blend of anti-oxidants to provide nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance. With the essential oils of peppermint, lavender and rosemary, it instantly stimulates the senses!

Here’s to making your summer beauty routine as easy as possible! Use a light touch, and use beauty products with a higher purpose. Products that multi-task protecting the skin, while restoring and repairing!

Who knew natural could look so good and be so good for you!

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July 19, 2011

Spread the Kindness on Nelson Mandela International Day!

Nelson Mandela Day

A friend of mine from South Africa reminded me that today was Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday. It is a happy, festive day in South Africa. It is the day the South African people celebrate the birthday of their beloved former President and anti-apartheid hero, by doing good works in his honor.  South Africa is not the only nation inspired by Mandela. The United Nations General Assembly in November 2009 proclaimed July 18th as “Nelson Mandela International Day”. It is the first
time that the UN has dedicated an International Day to an individual.

“Nelson Mandela International Day” is not only a day to honor Mandela, but it is a day to celebrate his achievements in freedom, justice and democracy. He has spent his life serving humanity. He spent 67 years from 1942 until his retirement from public life in 2009, working for equality in the African nation. He has been instrumental in creating a democracy towards a non-racial, non-sexist South Africa. After spending 27 years in prison, he became President where he gave priority to conflict resolution and race relations. He promoted and protected human rights, gender equality, the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. He strived to uplift and aid poor and underdeveloped communities. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that “Nelson Mandela is a living embodiment of the highest values of the United Nations…..He is an exemplary global citizen.”

It is a day when people in South Africa try a little kindness-67 minutes worth-to reflect the 67 years Mandela worked for equality. Whether it is 67 minutes to a humanitarian cause, or simply by just doing a good deed, regardless of whether the action is big or small, isn’t it a wonderful idea to change the world for better? Here’s hoping it becomes more than a once a year event!

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July 16, 2011

BORGHESE Splendore All Over Body Bronzer

The elegance of BORGHESE is evident in their Splendore All over Body Bronzer. The design of the applicator is graceful and it’s very easy to use. The brush is just perfect to dust your arms, legs, décolleté, and face very lightly with this mineral powder to achieve a soft delicate bronze glow that imparts a very natural finish.

When you first open your applicator, “twist” the silver neck to the right and gently shake. This will allow the powder to dispense into the brush.

What I did was test the application on my hand to make sure that just the right amount of product was coming out of the brush. Use a light touch as you don’t need a lot of product to achieve that perfect flawless look. You can always add more, if desired.

I’m very fair, and needed very little to acquire a nice glow to my skin. I also highlighted my cheek bones, and was very pleased with the look. Less is best and the look is quite lovely.

BORGHESE Splendore All Over Body Bronzer is talc free, mineral oil free, and fragrance free. It’s a product all skin types are able to use and enjoy!

When you are done using your bronzer, just twist the silver neck to the left so the powder brush is closed and there will be no spillage.

I was really impressed with the of the softness of this Bronzer. It gives that shimmer and nice finish, but it’s not over done…..

You can find and purchase BORGHESE Splendore All Over Body Bronzer by going to :
http://www.borghese.com/products.cfm?c=c&cat=20

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July 13, 2011

Meet your new best friend ~ Shadow Shields!

If you wear eye makeup or are a makeup artist… get ready to meet your new “Best Friend”!

When I received a package of Shadow Shields to write about, I relived a number of scenarios of eye shadow “Fall out” issues that I had experienced during my early makeup artist days, and thought to myself how ingenious these Shadow Shields are, and how I wish I would have had them back then!!

Shadow Shields are simply amazing. There is nothing worse than applying your eye makeup perfectly and then noticing a “fall out” of eyeshadow has migrated to the lower eye area right on top of your concealer. You then gently try to remove it with a q-tip or sponge, but it smears instead and you look like you have a black eye. What’s worse is if you are a makeup artist and that happens to your client!

Well Shadow Shields have come to the rescue! These easy to use shields let you to apply your eye makeup hands free. You’ll no longer have to hold a tissue under the eye while trying to apply you or your client’s eye shadow!

Here are the 4 steps that I received with the Shadow Shields (and I quote):
1. Remove top corners of backing and apply shield below the eye.
2. Apply eye makeup.
3. When Finished, gently remove shields and dispose.
4. Say bye-bye to messy “raccoon eyes!”

Find out more information about Shadow Shields at: http://tinyurl.com/62xs4s5

I give these “Must Have” Shadow Shields a 5-Star Rating !

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