March 23, 2011

Macy’s + Clinton Kelly = Million Dollar Make-Over Heaven

I had the extreme pleasure to catch up with Clinton Kelly last week. In addition to wrapping-up another season of The Learning Channel’s What Not to Wear, he has been busy working with Macy’s on their Million Dollar Make-over campaign.  Retail Giant Macy’s put out a national open call on December 28, 2010, keeping the contest open through January 2011, which offered  eight Facebook fans the chance to win a make-over from style expert Clinton Kelly that could ultimately turn into a million dollar grand prize package.

Who wouldn’t want a chance for a million dollar make-over? Out of 19,000 + applicants, the final eight contestants are now selected and are posted on Macy’s Facebook page for an open voting period. The videos will be posted two at a time for four weeks. The video that receives the most votes each week will proceed to the semi-finals in April. Similarly, the two videos from the semi-finals that receive the most votes will compete in the finals round – with a victor emerging with the grand prize makeover in May.

 Martine Reardon, EVP of marketing for Macy’s, said in a written statement, “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly is a continuation of our efforts to help customers put it all together – from their fashion to their homes to their lives.” The victor, according to Macy’s, will win the ultimate makeover. It will include $1 million worth of “products, services, cash and experiences to transform the winner’s life.”The winner will get a truly life-changing experience. From fashion to finance to fitness, one lucky person will undergo a complete life transformation.”

Just for voting on the Macy’s Million Dollar Make-Over page on Facebook, you are entered for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate. And you get the chance to truly completely change someone’s life.

For more on the Macy’s Million Dollar Make-Over, go to Macy’s on Facebook, on the left hand side click the $ 1M Make-Over. You can also keep up with Clinton’s Official Facebook page, listed also on the left side under their likes.

You can watch my interview with Clinton, including his favorite spring fashions on our homepage.

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March 22, 2011

Help Japan Blossom!

Like so many people around the world, when a catastrophe happens, the people affected are always in my thoughts. I remember the days, weeks, and months after 9/11 here in New York. There was an overwhelming desire to help in any way possible. And there was that feeling of helplessness knowing that the only the most qualified people could help and restore, and I wasn’t one of them. I would need to find another way to support the people affected.

My thoughts are definitely with the people in Japan. I had an office in Tokyo in my former career and have spent a fair amount of time in the country. It has always been one of my favorite countries to visit, and I look forward to returning again. Nez Tokugawa, who I profiled in my October blog Drink to Your Health, is offering a way for us to help out Japan by Helping Japan Blossom, and getting some wonderful tea as a thank you for contributing! 

Nez is offering a very special tea created to celebrate and enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festivals, the Sakura Karigane , and 100% of profits from the sale of this tea will go to Second Harvest Japan, a Japanese non-profit who has been providing food and comfort for over 10 years and is currently “on the ground” in the affected region.   You can read more about Second Harvest Japan by visiting www.2hj.org . Sakura Karigane is a blend of Karigane Tea and Sakura (Cherry Tree) leaf. Karigane, high in Ltheanine helps the mind feel alert and calm. Sakura leaf adds a delicate cherry flavor that transports you to the aromatic, blooming spring – so treasured and honored in Japan – and now the perfect tea to enjoy.

In addition,  The Tokugawa Family will contribute $10,000.00 in matching funds to help with this Tragedy. For more on the Help Japan Blossom see

http://www.thetasteoftea.com/servlet/the-454/Restore-Japan-Help-Sakura/Detail


From the Tokugawa Family and our Friends in Japan – ARIGATO go zai MASHITA – THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 

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March 21, 2011

My interview with Emmy award winning actress and official spokesmodel for Latisse®, Claire Danes

It was truly a pleasure to spend some time speaking with Claire Danes the other afternoon. From the moment we started talking it was more like a friendly conversation than a typical interview. I believe it’s that sincere interaction that makes the accomplished film, television and stage actress, Claire Danes, such a versatile and diverse performer.

I congratulated Claire on winning an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and Satellite Award for her role as Temple Grandin in the exceptional HBO-TV movie,
“Temple Grandin”.
www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html

We continued talking about how one feels when they receive such acknowledgement and an outstanding positive response toward their work such as this, and Claire said that she felt “wonderful, overwhelmed, humbled, grateful, and so glad that the audiences enjoyed the movie.”

Claire then told me that she had just completed a Showtime television pilot called “Homeland”. It’s suspenseful, and she plays a CIA officer who is somewhat of a maverick and risk taker. Co-stars in “Homeland” include Mandy Patinkin, and Damian Lewis. The show sounds quite intriguing, and I look forward to it’s airing.

On a personal level, Claire shared with me that two of her daily regimes include exercise, and using Latisse®.

– LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker. – Quoted from Latisse.com

Claire Dane’s Before and After pictures are very impressive:

Before Photo: Eyelashes of patient at baseline.


After Photo: Increased eyelash prominence of patient at end of 16-week use.

(The eyelashes displayed in these photos have not been retouched.)

After seeing the difference in her lashes after 4 months of using Latisse®, I could only think of one more question I needed to ask Claire, and that was if those beautiful, long, full lashes were a “real time saver” for her, in her daily morning routine….. She replied with a definite, “They are!”

You can see more pictures of Claire Danes, and her video documented “Latisse” Diary” by going to:
http://www.latisse.com/ClaireGallery.aspx?state=21

I then had an opportunity to speak with Dr. Joseph Eviatar, and would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his time and extremely helpful information regarding Latisse® and it’s use.

The following links will direct you to:
1. About Latisse®- Here you will find out more about Latisse®, Where to find a Doctor near you, Safety information, etc. :
http://www.latisse.com/Latisse.aspx?state=10

2. Become an insider- If you are a first time user of Latisse® sign up on this link for “Lash Perks, and when you buy 1 Latisse® treatment, you’ll get the next one free! You’ll also receive product updates, user tips, and other offers. :
http://www.latisse.com/BeAnInsider.aspx?state=60

Well….I’m ready for some beautiful lashes like Claire’s!!

GLAM GALS….How about you ?

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March 20, 2011

Words of Wisdom from Diane von Furstenberg

I had the extreme pleasure of being invited to a taping of the Nate Berkus Show last week (thank you Amy!!!). In addition to being a fan of Nate’s designs, I always enjoy seeing a show taped. I knew I would learn something from his show and was looking forward to attending.  

Beautiful weather, great friends, fabulous seats way in front……what could be better? It was then we started looking around at the set. There was a bedroom hidden that looked like it was clad in DVF sheets. Could it be the guest on the show would be Diane von Furstenberg?? Nate and Diane…..magic!

Indeed Diane was Nate’s guest. She had done over the bedroom for Dana, one of Nate’s lucky listeners. Diane came on to the set, looking absolutely amazing. She discussed her beginnings and the wonderful wrap dress that has with stood the fashion trends of the past 30 almost 40 years. She talked about her home décor line, and her inspirations. She is inspired by many things…..travel and nature being two of her biggest inspirations. She told us that she always has a camera on her many trips, and will take pictures of rocks, trees, leaves, anything that she enjoys in its beauty.

What I found extremely inspiring was when Nate and Diane were discussing empowering women with fashion. Diane said that she was convinced the success of the wrap dress was due to women of all ages, shapes and sizes looked good in the dress. When we look good, we feel good, and exude confidence. Nate asked Diane if she was always that confident woman. She laughed and said something to the affect of, ‘We are women, and we are always comparing ourselves to others. I would look at the woman across the room and think of how put together she was, admire her sense of confidence. It was when I realized that she was looking at me thinking how put together and confident that I was, I gained my confidence.’ A sentiment I hope to remember the next time I feel those jabs of insecurity arise.  “Being insecure,” said Diane “is a complete waste of time!” Words of wisdom to live by from the great Diane von Furstenberg!

Thank you to Amy for the invite, to Nate and his crew for a great show, (highly recommend it if you are in New York!) and to Diane von Furstenberg for reminding us to be the confident women that we all are! For more on The Nate Show, see www.thenateshow.com and for Diane’s fashion, home, accessories, and luggage line see www.dvf.com .

 

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March 19, 2011

“My kind of town Chicago is” ~ Once again, America’s Beauty Show was fantastic !


Sunday, March 13th, was a perfect day to head downtown to McCormick Place in Chicago ! As a national makeup artist, and former national trainer for an international skin care company, there is nothing more exciting than an event like America’s Beauty Show. (This year’s show was March 12th-14th.)

I must truly say, it was even more fun covering the show as a beauty correspondent for www.itsaglamthing.com !

Over hundreds of vendors and manufacturers were on the ABS exhibit floor presenting the latest in beauty, makeup, skin, nail, hair products, and tools of the trade, providing an opportunity to learn, play, try, and purchase product while right in the midst of live presentations that provided non-stop energetic education, of “what’s happening” in the world of beauty!

Quoting Cosmetologists Chicago President Frank Gironda of Frank GIronda Salon and Spa, Naperville, IL , “… For 86 years, America’s Beauty Show has been THE Midwest Beauty Show and we fully intend to continue the tradition for many many years.

L’Oreal Professional, P&G Salon Professional, and John Paul Mitchell Systems, the three largest companies in the professional beauty industry, chose America’s Beauty Show for their exhibit appearance in the Midwest this year. TIGI, Vidal Sassoon, and Tony & Guy Academy, just to name a few, were also some of the big name companies exclusively at ABS.

Speaking of Vidal Sassoon, he made a special appearance at the “Red Carpet Premiere” of the highly rated documentary -VIDAL SASSOON THE MOVIE at ABS!

Much gratitude to Lisa Cocuzza for posting pictures as I sent them “live” from the show so our viewers could be right there with me having a “GLAM” time !!


I watched a number of the Instantly Ageless Facelift in a Bottle demonstrations throughout the day, and just before I left I decided to get some and try it out!
www.instantlyageless.com


I also enjoyed Fake Bake! It’s is the most
natural tan, and there is no streaking. Andi, (on the picture)
put some on my face, and I bought the whole kit. It’s a great
look I know you’ll just love ! They have some new glosses,
too that are so fab with your new tan!!
www.fakebake.com

I look forward to trying these new “beauty finds”, and giving you a full report in future blogs.

I had to try the Twist-n-Roll tweezers as soon as I got home. It’s the most convenient way to remove facial hair, right from the root, on your upper lip, chin, cheeks, and forehead that I have used. It doesn’t cause stubble or thicker hair out growth, and you don’t have to worry about breakouts or redness. Even more convenient, you can use Twist-n-Roll tweezers over makeup… without a mirror!!

Your skin feels and looks so smooth when it’s free from unwanted hair. Go to this link and see how to use this remarkable little hair removing tool at: www.facialwork.com It can be ordered on the site as well.

Have a “GLAM” day !!

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March 16, 2011

Clairvoyant Beauty™ treats your skin to a delightful sense of well-being

The name Clairvoyant intrigued me, the packaging and product presentation transported my thoughts to a “once upon a time” feeling, the subtle calming scent of the products imparted a sense of well-being, and the synergy of this system delivered a clean, fresh and healthy glow to my skin…… and that was the first time I had ever used my Clairvoyant Beauty™ regimen!

I would almost say it was a moment of synchronicity!
I was tired from doing makeup on location since early that morning, but my intuition led me to open the mysterious box that was waiting for me when I arrived home, and I’m so glad I did ! After all, it was It was night time, my makeup needed to be removed, and the enchanting Clairvoyant products were in the right place at just the right time. I had felt a sense of renewal and needed to know all about Clairvoyant so I went to their website at:
www.clairvoyantbeauty.com

I inspire you to do the same! You’ll find all the information, at this site, that you’ll need to help you select and order your Clairvoyant products. You can choose by a product type or a skin concern as you build your customized core regimen.

Quoting and paraphrasing from a Press Release, “Clairvoyant answers every woman’s skin concern. Founder ,Alexandra Masterson says the Clairvoyant Beauty mission is to give you the healthiest, most radiant skin possible ~ naturally and simply. Borrowing from tried and true natural solutions, the Clairvoyant Beauty lab boosts these recipes with the latest in anti-aging technology for simple intelligent skin care, and the treatment line doesn’t type cast. Every product is appropriate for any type skin, though some may benefit more from specific formulas.”

These products are “without chemical preservatives or synthetic fragrances.”

As for me, Clairvoyant Beauty™ makes me feel good, and is so pleasant and easy to use! I completely agree with the quote, “Because our (Clairvoyant) products are all natural, they gently renew- and you can feel the difference right away!”

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March 16, 2011

Naz Kupelian and the 2011 RUSK Global Inspiration Collection

One of the great things about a show like the International Beauty Show is that you get to see and meet a lot of acclaimed international experts in the beauty field. Here is one of the internationally renowned hair artist, and a creative Team Member and Master Stylist for RUSK International, Naz Kupelian. As a creative Team Member, Naz helps to create and develop new cuts and colors for each season. At hair shows, he educates and inspires hairstylists on the latest hair cutting techniques and services and demonstrates how to perform them efficiently. He is mesmerizing to watch, and fascinating to talk to!

As part of the Rusk Design team, Naz travels frequently. He continues to travel both nationally and internationally, teaching the newest styles and technique. Naz has also participated in various fashion weeks in Miami and New York, styling for celebrities and for shows such as the New England Emmy© Awards and The TV Guide Network. Recently he traveled to Park City Utah as the Celebrity Stylist for celebrities on behalf of RUSK and CONAIR. In addition to traveling, Naz owns and operates a spacious, full-service salon in the Greater Boston area. I was lucky enough to catch him in NYC and  before a trip to Europe.

Traveling served as Naz’s inspiration for his 2011 Rusk Global Inspiration Collection. Inspired by some of the most influential cities around world, Naz has turned to Tokyo, Barcelona and New York City to represent his new hair collection for RUSK International. Known for their important influence in media, entertainment, the arts, education, culture and fashion, these cities are on the cutting edge of hair fashion and trends. Naz created his three new looks,   the Tribeca for New York, the Moda, for Barcelona and the Anime for Tokyo. The collection embraces advanced coloring and cutting techniques that will challenge and captivate even the most seasoned pros.

As the heart of America, New York City encompasses the fashions and styles of many different cultures. In Naz’s hair style the Tribeca, he pays homage to the city and one of the trendiest neighborhoods, Tribeca. Tribeca, stands for the “triangle below Canal Street” and Naz uses the triangle, and V shapes in this spectacular cut. The Tribeca hairstyle epitomizes the sophistication and glamour that is New York.  The technique is created with an elongated triangle section in the interior and a V shape angle on the perimeter. Accented with soft, tone-on-tone colors, this shorter style is the epitome of urban chic. The model in the red is sporting the Tribeca.

Barcelona has been breaking ground in art, architecture and style since the late 19th century. It is a magnet to everyone from art-lovers to business execs. From the marvels of Modernism to the modern wonders of today, the pulse of Barcelona has barely skipped a beat. A sensual city full of life, romance and history, Barcelona exhibits a strong sense of culture and vitality. Naz captures that romance and vitality with his hair style the Moda, which means “fashion” in Spanish. It is accented with rich red and chocolate tones coupled with wavy or curly textures full of body and volume.

If you’ve ever been to Tokyo, you know it is a city like no other. Tokyo’s unique vitality springs from this intertwining of the new with the time-honored old. There is an energy that borders on mania and an obsession. There is a constant surprise and newness with its pop culture. Fashions and trends begin to fade almost as quickly as they come to light. They are the cutting edge of technology and all things futuristic. Inspired by the youth of this urban city for their progressive way of thinking,Naz created the Anime, named after Japanese animation. This technique is accented with strong color palettes, and elicits an almost futuristic look.  The Anime, shown on the blonde model, is a look that is defined by extreme texture and the techniques used to create it.                                                                                                                      

All the looks are gorgeous and expect to see them and variations of them this spring!

 

About Naz Kupelian:

Naz has forever been dedicated to the evolution of the craft and to the art of hairdressing. Over the years he has evolved to become an outstanding hair stylist and colorist. Naz has been trained by Irvine and Louise Rusk and Sandra Yu, Artistic Director for Rusk. Today, as a Master Designer with the Rusk Design Team, Naz brings with him over a decade of experience.

About Rusk
Fashion + Culture + Attitude, Internationally renowned leader in the professional salon industry, RUSK is one of the only professional companies to provide a full range of products and tools for salons and their clients. RUSK products allow stylists to use innovative and imaginative techniques to provide their clients everything from the latest runway looks to the next “must have” hair trend. From Deepshine™ Hair Color and RUSK Professional Engineering tools to Sensories Professional Hair Care and the Designer Collection styling and finishing range. RUSK products are available at salons internationally and at the Naz Kupelian Salon.

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March 13, 2011

ABS Chicago – Gotta’ Go Now

Last stop of the day at ABS Chicago! The Creative Age Publications booth.

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March 13, 2011

Twist-n-Roll & SwirlyDo

That’s me! Trying out Twist-n-Roll facial threading tweezers at the ABS Chicago show.

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March 13, 2011

Ready For Prime Time

Are make-up primers worth the money? Are they worth adding an extra step to your morning routine? These were some of the thoughts going through my mind as I looked at a tube of primer. However, once I used primer, I became a convert. I have also found that the older I get, the more use I get out of the product. A product that multi-tasks is always a good thing!

If you have ever tried to paint an object without priming the surface first, you know the results are disastrous. The color may bleed; chip, flake, and damage underneath will show through. It isn’t pretty, and painting without priming is a waste of time, money and effort. Make-up primer works much in the same way.

Make-up primers have been around forever, a staple on movie and photo sets. They really didn’t come into the mainstream until 1995 when make-up maven Laura Mercier made them available on the common market. Make-up primer will fill in fine lines and close large pores, allowing foundation, concealer, and make-up a close to perfect base to glide across and not fall into lines or crevices. They keep make-up fresh, allowing the colors to stay true. It will soak up extra oils, and in case of dry skin, the primer will hydrate the skin and keep it dewy. I find I use less foundation and concealer because they bond to the primer, instead of layering on my skin. Primer is pretty forgiving. I am able to cover imperfections easier.

How do primers work? The majority of the make-up primers on the market are silicone-based. The two most common used ingredients are Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone which are gotten from silica. Cyclomethicone is used in many hair conditioners. They are known to soften and improve comb-ability, feel, texture, softness and lessen frizz by holding wetness in the hair. It works in a similar way on skin. Dimethicone is also in many skincare products. Dimethicones are unmodified silicone oils. They are too large to penetrate the skin, so they stay on the skin’s surface and provide a protective barrier and act as an adhering source. As in any makeup product, it IS IMPORTANT to do a test strip to make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. If you are in anyway sensitive to the products, then they will not work for you!

While using a primer is a must if you want make-up to last all the way through a late day, primers can also perform many uses. If I am not doing anything special during the day, I will forgo foundation and wear primer. On lazy days, it acts as a quick complexion smoother. It will make your skin look dewy and help lock moisture in. I also use it as a mask on airline travel. Other beauty experts agree. Sandy Linter, of Lancôme believes that primer is a step that any woman over 40 can’t afford to skip. It will take years off your age. Makeup artist Mally Roncal, who has tended to some of the world’s most famous faces states in March 2011 Glamour Magazine, that she uses primer over her moisturizer at night to seal it in the moisturizer while she sleeps to help her skin glow.

One of my favorite primers has to be Youngblood’s Mineral Primer. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics was started by Pauline Youngblood who started her career as a licensed Medical Aesthetician specializing in paramedical treatments, working with prominent doctors and plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills area. Here she was in daily contact with people with severely traumatized skin, from cosmetic surgeries, harsh laser treatments, acne, and rosacea. It would often take patients skin months to return to normal. Not being satisfied with the cosmetic options available, Pauline began working with chemists to develop a suitable option-a cosmetic that would cover raw, inflamed or discolored skin, but allow it to breathe and heal.

Youngblood’s Mineral Primer is a translucent blend which has real staying power. It goes from silk to powder touch within seconds making pores and lines disappear effortlessly. Formulated with minerals and vitamins, the primer also protects skin from environmental damage. The Mineral Primer provides skin protection, a flawless complexion and makeup that is able to last all day. The primer is one product in an incredible mineral makeup line.

For more on Youngblood Cosmetics, see ybskin.com.

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