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Kiehl’s and Koons Partner for the Holidays

This holiday season, Kiehl’s Since 1851 is continuing their philanthropic efforts to raise awareness and funds for a children’s charity by partnering with artist Jeff Koons again for a Limited Edition Holiday Creme de Corps Collection. Kiehl’s will be donating 100% of Kiehl’s worldwide net profits to The Koons Family Institute on International Law and Policy, an initiative of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC).

Available in the collection is their iconic, cult favorite Creme de Corps moisturizer in three sizes; 1 Liter ($72), 16.9 oz ($47) and  8.4 oz. ($29). Additionally the gold Limited Edition Jeff Koons Bottle Art based on the iconic balloon flower sculpture created by the artist is available for $50.

Kiehl’s has also launched an integrative, holiday experience online, allowing their customers to learn more about Mr. Koons, ICMEC, and share their own hopes for this holiday season. Visit www.kiehls.com/shareyourhopes to share your experience.

For more information on the Limited Edition Creme de Corps collection visit Kiehls.com

Refinery29 Teams Up with Skyn Iclend (+Last Hurrah for BCA Month)

As October winds down there are quite a few promotions and partnerships that are only valid through the end of the month. First off fashion/beauty trend experts, Refinery29 have partnered with skincare brand, skyn ICELAND to bring us the Exclusive R29 Brighten Up Kit for $39 (retail value $90). Targeted to replenish, renew and brighten skin in 3 easy steps, the kit includes a deluxe-sixed Pure Cloud Cleanser, with 100%muslin cloth, deluxe-sized Pure Cloud Cream, full-sized Arctic Brightening Serum, and a reusable coated canvas skin ICELAND bag. Offer ends 11/1 and is is available on http://reserve.refinery29.com/offer/145/skyn-iceland

Also as Breast Cancer Awareness month comes to a close, there’s still a few days left to take advantage of the great products companies have created to raise money for research to irradiate this disease. Earlier this month I posted a more complete list of BCA products (click HERE if you missed that post). Additionally below are some highlights and a few new ones we’ve come across. Please note all the below offers below are valid through October 31st.

Aveda is bringing back their Limited-Edition Pink Ribbon Hand Relief offering $4 for every purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to support cruelty-free research.

Dior launched their 4th annual Dior Online Auction with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Look Good Feel Better. Fans can visit www.diorauction.com to bid on items to support this cause in three categories: Luxe Trips, Elite Experiences and Lavish Products.

Stila – Get empowered in pink with Stila’s limited-edition Positive and Pretty Palette featuring four award-winning Eye Shadows, a Cheek Color and a Highlighter. A mirror is included for on-the-go application and a detailed face chart offers how-to tips and tricks. 10% of the proceeds will go to a variety of BCA charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Price: $14 (a $62 value).

Cricket has created a limited edition link of Pink Power hair styling toolsincluding hair dryers and flat irons, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Fergie Footwear AWARENESS Shoe ($79.99) – Created by Fergie herself to support Breast Cancer Awareness, the 4 inch hot pink sparkly pump put our office in an ordering frenzy (ho great do these look on our colleague, Yadi?). Available on www.fergieshoes.com, the company is donating $20,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in connection with this program.

 

Dermalogica Launches Overnight Repair Serum

In the latest addition to their ever-so-popular, award-winning, Age Smart skincare collection, Dermalogica introduces their new Overnight Repair Serum. Similar in both packaging and texture as an essential oil, their new serum was created to hydrate, firm, and protect skin as you sleep.

As instructed I pressed 4-6 drops directly to skin (it can also be added to a moisturizer and then pressed in), and not only did it absorb quickly, it created this amazing barrier of hydration around my skin and the next morning my skin was noticeably smoother, softer and more plump.

Formulated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and Alaria Extract to help increase collagen renewal, hydrating, firmness and dermal strength; Argan Oil, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to help restore a weakened barrier layer, lock in moisture and increase elasticity and Rose Hip Seed Oil to help minimize discoloration while helping to boost cell renewal. So while some may by hesitant to apply an oil directly to their skin (no it will not cause you to break out),

GOODNESS Twitter Giveaway: Win Elettra’s VIP Gift Bag from Orange Hat Group!

Earlier I posted about GOODNESS, the full service Fashion Week pop-up restaurant created by supermodel, Elettra Wiedemann.

Taking over the space of Ed’s Chowder House at the Empire Hotel (across from Lincoln Center), from  Sept 11th – 14th,  7am – 3pm, GOODNESS will be open for breakfast and lunch to provide healthy and delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts. Free wi-fi provided by the Orange Hat Group.

WIN IT! To help celebrate the launch, Orange Hat Group and the GOODNESS team are giving away Elettra’s VIP GOODNESS gift bag to one lucky winner (as in literally that bag on her arm in the photograph!).

What’s in the bag?

  • A certificate for a complimentary pair of Civic Duty “Fascination” shoes (in your choice of color/size).
  • Half United Bullet Necklace (for every on necklace sold, Half United donates a week of healthy school meals to a child in need).
  • Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover (4.2 fl oz), Hypnose Mascara in Black and Bienfait Aqua Vital Continuous Infusing Moisturizer
  • Kusmi Tea – Detox (pack of 20)
  • Cynthia Rowley  BAND-AID (pack of 20)
  • TheraPearl Eye-ssential Pack
  • VITA COCO 100% pure coconut water (11.1 fl oz)
  • The latest issue of The Daily Front Row

All wrapped up in a Radley London tote bag (pictured).

TO ENTER Tweet…

RT & Follow @OrangeHatGroup and @GoodnessBadness to win Elettra Wiedemann’s official #GoodnessNYC VIP Gift bag http://bit.ly/qxA60U

Or

RT & Follow @OrangeHatGroup to win Elettra Wiedemann’s official @GoodnessBadness VIP Gift bag http://bit.ly/qxA60U #GoodnessNYC

**Any condensed link used in the tweet is allowed as long as it links back to this post so anyone who enters may view the prize and rules to enter.

For more information on GOODNESS or to make a reservation visit www.goodnessbadness.com. Please feel free to share our invitation to the pop-up restaurant above. We hope you can make it!

Official Rules:

Get Red? Try Dermalogica’s Redness Relief

A few months ago my good friend Laura came to me for a recommendation on how to fight redness. Having tried a series of disappointing products, I asked her to review Dermalogica’s new Calming Redness Relief SPF 20 form their UltraCalming collection on my behalf. Here’s what she had to say:

Having fair skin and light features, I’m no stranger to having a bit of underlying redness in my skin. Although it doesn’t quite qualify as roseaca, it’s enough to make me self-conscious at times and certainly not the way I want to present myself.

I have tried several products in the past to address this issue, DDF Redness Relief Gel and Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer (green) to name a few, but to be honest I wasn’t impressed with any of them. Now in the heart of summer I was really excited to sample something new and give Dermalogica’s Calming Redness Relief SPF 20 a try.

Can I Offer You Some Umbilical Cord Serum?

Yah you heard me, umbilical cord serum! I just wanted to get that out of the way so you can digest it before I introduce you to the breakthrough skincare line, Novo Solutions MD. Where…ah…you…guessed it, umbilical cord serum is one of the active ingredients to make your skin look younger and dramatically reduce the signs of aging.

I write a lot of skincare stories and sometimes it’s difficult to deciphers a major point of difference, so not the case when I met with Dr. Mark Endelman on his breakthrough skincare line. Following his venture as an Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Engelman was asked to serve as a medical business consultant for a number of stem cell therapy companies. His studies made him fascinated with the practical application of stem cells, genomics and immunology and ultimately led him to the development of NOVO Solutions MD.

I have to say the formulation is intriguing –NOVO Solutions MD rebuilds vital cellular skin components with the patent-pending NovoSerum, relaxing the face with the latest neuro-peptides to create a similar result as botox (although with skincare, not an injection) and eliminating environmental skin-aging elements with bioactive antioxidants. And when you think about it, it somewhat makes sense the fountain of youth would come from the fountain of life (cord of life?). The proprietary

6 Self-Tanner Products To Have On Your Radar

The key to a natural looking fake tan is technique and great products. I’ve been playing the “I was at the beach” card for the past few months, although I confess my tan is pretty much always fake. And you know what? I’m proud of it! I took what Dermalogica’s Director of Global Education, Annet King said at her Skincare Boot Camp about the damages of UV rays to heart. Although the fact that the sun causes skincare damage and premature aging is nothing new to most of us. And yet it’s still so easy to neglect wearing sunblock because we love being tan.

Tanning beds aren’t any better for you, and many don’t want the expense or inconvenience of relying on a salon for a spray tan–although if you do, I recommend B.Bronz professional spray tanning services (I got an amazing non-streaky, instant golden tan from them). The best alternative if you want the color are self-tanners. After many, many, many months of trying over 20 different products (no joke this story has been a long time coming –I’ve been very tan recently); here are my must-haves and tips for a healthy, natural looking tan.

Beautisol Face Self-Tanner

 1. Use a good well-tested face specific self-tanner – As in avoid body tanners on your face! Beautisol is the first brand to create a skin type specific self tanner. There’s a ‘Normal-Dry-Sensitive’ and ‘Normal-Oily-Problematic’ ($26) version. It’s safe for sensitive skin while addressing and preventing breakouts and uneven skintone. It’s dynamite, as is every product I’ve used from this brand. Not to mention that website is an amazing resource for all things tan and filled with great tips and techniques to make you an application expert.

Fake Bake Flawless Self-tan + Mitt

2. A great all over tan product and professional mitt– I’m all about the Fake Bake Flawless Self-tan Liquid and Professional Mitt set ($24). You spray the product onto the mitt then apply it all over your body for an even, lightweight, golden tan that quickly absorbs and dries onto skin. It’s low maintenance, easy to apply and the mitt is AMAZING. I actually need to contact the brand to try to buy a pack of 20 (I need a lifetime supply). Whenever any of my other tan products are uneven (especially the sprays), I use the mitt to even it out. It works better then any towel I’ve used –and don’t even entertain using your hand to smooth out an uneven application (can we say streakfest?).

Spray Tan: DEX, B.Bronz, Sally Hansen

3. Have a good spray tan on hand – I use DEX Body Glow Sunless Tanner ($34) for a dark ‘I’ve been at the beach all day’ tan although you have to really shake this product and apply in a shower tub or over plastic or it can get messy since it’s such a large aerosol bottle! It’s especially amazing on my legs to get that deep bronze I love. I also use B.Bronze Tanning Mist ($24) for a more lightweight, even tan that comes in two shades light/medium and medium/dark. The nozzle is smaller then the Dex one, so it’s easier to apply on the fly if I just want a healthy glow– especially on my arms. And while I’d categorize Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs ($14) closer to a leg concealer or foundation, this product is amazing for covering spider veins, beauty marks or any other imperfections we’d prefer to keep hidden when

Renowned Beaute Oblige Comes to NYC

Madame Camille Obadia needs very little introduction to the Parisian market, known for her anti-aging treatments, her clinic, Beaute Oblige has attracted Europeans and clients abroad  for over a decade. An expert in her field, she’s also been a go-to for every major European publication for skincare and anti-aging commentary.

With a strong push from her American clientele to open a salon in the US and the demand for a non-surgical approach to dramatically improve your looks and turn back the clock she recently opened a Beaute Oblige location on Madison Avenue. I visited the clinic and sat down with Madame Camille to learn more about her breakthrough equipment. Bringing the latest generation of technology, she has pioneered TriPollar radio frequency and utilizes an advanced method of electrotherapy to stimulate collagen production and tighten muscles for surgical-like results. Offering a variety of face and body services, was anxious to try this super-power machine!

Now I’m used to going to spas and being told I have some sun damage but overall being complimented on how great it is –and rightfully so, I take good care of it! Madame Camille took one look at my face and pointed to all the areas I’m losing collagen –my forehead, the left side of face (which was less plump then my right) and that I need to focus on my neck. Showing me with a mirror, she was absolutely right! We then

Mom Approved: Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs

Last month, my mom came to visit me and in true Lara form, I loaded her suitcase with products suitable for her hair type and anti-aging products. As the pickiest beauty person I know (and most honest), her guidelines we’re to report back with anything exceptional. I got two very enthusiastic thumbs up for Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs ($52) and the below review:

I’ve had a few microdermabrasions, with very promising effects to my skin.  As with many anti-aging products and procedures, they don’t last and the process needs to be repeated on some kind of regular schedule that works for your skin type.  That said, Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs, are the next best thing, whether you use them on a regular basis or in between appointments.

After using them for a week, my skin was smooth; and there was a visible reduction of fine lines and a radiant glow (much like when I leave my Microdermabrasion appointments)!  The Bromelains concentrated pineapple enzymes increasing

Websites, openings and promos to check out…

Welcome YouBeauty.com, a new interactive beauty website developed by Dr. Mehmot Oz and Dr. Michael Roizento arm women with proven tools that use science to measure and improve inner and outer beauty.  It offers specialized quizzes on everything from nutrition, relationships, to skincare, forums, and content from celebrity hair and makeup experts and tackles questions like ‘what’s the perfect haircut for your face shape’? Check them out!

Andean Collection will expand beyond jewelry with the introduction of their Antisana line which includes hats, scarves, and belts.

Swarovski Nirvana ring

Swarovski is celebrating their iconic Nirvana Ring with a sweepstakes. Enter to win one HERE (or don’t better chance for me!). It’s kind of the most amazing ring!

French Connection is giving away a $1,000 shopping spree to their store + round trip fare and hotel from August 2-3 to NYC and VIP access to Christina Perri’s “lovestrong” summer tour. Enter for your chance HERE.

Mary J. Blige is introducing her new fragrance, My List Blossom exclusively on HSN on 8/13. To celebrate, Carol’s Daughter is running a sweepstakes and giving one lucky fan and a friend an all inclusive trip to meet Mary J. Blige at the HSN premiere and a $250 gift certificate to Carol’s Daughter. For details and the enter click HERE

The NEW Kiehl's spa!

Kiehl’s finally launched their first spa! Located at 64th Street and Lexington Ave in NYC, they’ve taken their downtown charm to the UES. The full services spa includes facials, massages, face, body and hair treatments as well as men’s grooming services.

L’OCCITANE will open its first boutique in NYC’s Meatpacking District on 48 Ninth Avenue (at 14th St.) and will be hosting a consumer event at 6:30pm on July 28th complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a small reception. The first 100 customers to make a purchase will receive an exclusive Meatpacking set featuring the brands most iconic products.

Brut (you know that men’s line in the green bottle?) launched BNN, a part sport/humor/fratty  video series on their Facebook page, hosted