PC Goes to Warsaw! A View of the Polish Cosmetics Industry

From the moment I stepped back into NYC last week the #1 question I’ve been asked is What we’re you doing in Poland?? Well besides instagraming and tweeting up a storm… (Thanks for noticing); HBA Global invited a handful of bloggers and buyers – I’m talking Felicia from This That Beauty, Danielle from The Style and Beauty Doctor, Heather from Beauty Unbiased, Alice of Miss Alice An, Rachel from Birchbox and me! — to attend the inaugural Polska Cosmetics conference and Beauty Forum Expo to learn more about the beauty industry in Poland.

{Team Poland: Danielle, Rachel, me and Felicia at dinner!}

I’ll be honest, prior to landing in Warsaw my knowledge of their industry was limited to – isn’t that where Inglot is from? Yes, it is! However after spending almost a week in that beautiful city, I learned so much!

For starters… how are these for some fun facts?

  • Helena Rubenstein was the first manufacturer to offer a sun-protecting cream and who popularized mascara and color face powders, was born and set up her first cosmetics company in Cracow, Poland.
  • Max Factor, also born in Poland… His real name, Maksymilian Fakorowicz.
  • The very 1st alcohol based perfume in history, “The Queen of Hungary’s Water” was created in the 14th Century thanks to it’s Polish namesake, Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary.
  • During the economic transformation post 1989, foreign companies such as Avon, Proctor & Gamble, and Colgate Palmolive invested in new factories in Poland.
  • Poland and Lithuania are the only countries in Europe where cosmetology is taught at a university level.
  • Poland is the 6th largest cosmetics producer in Europe.

Considering Poland is located in the center of Europe and is a member of the European Union coupled with their world-class research and development facilities, low employment costs, and high experience and flexibility within the industry opens them up to a world of possibilities (literally). And that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In a 3 year effort to expose and grow the cosmetic and beauty industry, the European Union and Polish Ministry of Economy have co-financed The Promotion Programme; which will support the

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NYFW: Backstage at Rolando Santana with Patrick Melville & Aveeno

Backstage at Rolando Santana Spring/Summer 2013 runway show, Patrick Melville created a very pretty, natural 70s beach chic blow-out using Aveeno products! His ultimate power tool being AVEENO’s NEW Pure Renewal™ Dry Shampoo. And best part is it’s easy to recreate at home and affordable (two adjectives not generally associated with fashion week!)

“I chose this subtle, 70’s inspired style that gently swept tresses around the face to give a wispy, natural look,” commented Patrick.  “The dry shampoo literally transforms the hair texture for more a more dramatic look.”

 Using Aveeno products, here are 3 easy steps to create a beach-texture hair blow-out:

1.  Prior to blow-drying, apply a volumizing spray at root and smooth a styling glaze through the length and ends of damp hair.

2.  Blow-dry hair straight with

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NYFW: Venexiana S/S 2013 Runway Show (+ Video)

There’s no doubt that Kati Stern is a total rockstar. I think anyone that can pull off 71 looks in one show deserves that title. And classically Venexiana, there was tons of embellishment details, sparkle galore with gowns covered in layers of chiffon that hit the runway for her spring/summer 2013 collection. For the silhouettes, she kept it fairly classic — long fitted gowns (either strapless, one-shoulder or halter shaped) at the top with long graceful trains down the bodice.

While most of the collection is too over-the-top for my taste (I can be honest – it doesn’t have to be my aesthetic for me to appreciate it), there were some very feminine and softer gowns I thought were stunning. With this many looks there’s something for everyone and I like that she’s not afraid to play with a full spectrum of colors and embellishments.

{View the collection for yourself. Checkout my video from the finale}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW3UxRzalQo&feature=youtu.be

More images from the collection…

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9/27: Meet Stuart Weitzman at Saks Fifth Avenue

On Thursday, September 27th from 12-2pm, Stuart Weitzman (himself) will be making a personal appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue (611 fifth avenue, 8th floor) alongside his Resort 2013 Collection.

Saks is donating 10% of all event proceeds to Fashion 4 Development.

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