Dania Ramirez is the new CoverGirl

CoverGirl Cosmetics announced today that Dania Ramirez is now a CoverGirl. Dania participated in X-Men, The Sopranos and Heroes.

“Being a CoverGirl is about recognizing internal and external beauty, regardless of age or background. As a role model, I hope to inspire women to be confident enough to achieve everything they want to achieve,” says Dania Ramirez.

“I am truly honored and thrilled to represent a brand I have loved since first discovering it as a teenager and it is a privilege to now be among the highly regarded list of CoverGirls.”

We will see Dania in CoverGirl in January 2010. She is a role model, when she moved from Dominican Republic Dania did not speak a word of English and she manage to become a successful actress and a CoverGirl.

Photos: Vanity Fair Magazine

Sue Uemura Tokyo Kamon Girls

Sue Uemura has launched a limited edition of its cult following cleansing oils. The popular oils are now available in colorful kawaii bottles designed by Moyoco Anno.

Moyoco Anno according to Wikipedia is a “famous Japanese manga artist and a fashion writer, with numerous books published in both categories. Her manga and books have attained considerable popularity among young women in Japan.”

The bottles are definitely cute. As you know these oils are very popular among makeup artists who worked with actors, models and TV personalities who use a lot of makeup frequently and need a way to eliminate the makeup without severally irritating the skin. Their main ingredient is mineral oil, but they are well developed and can easily be eliminated and do not leave a grease layer on the skin. They are not cheap at $75 a bottle, but for their intended use they are great.

Photos: Sue Uemura

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Lancôme's Absolue Precious Cells

Lancôme newest skin care line will use stem cells to help the skin regenerate faster. Stem cells are a new technology in skin care and it is both very promising and controversial.

But according to Happy magazine (a trade publication for the cosmetic industry) "But while more companies are jumping on the stem cell bandwagon, many dermatologists and industry observers remain unconvinced about the efficacy of the material."

According to Lancôme, the new line will offer visible results in about 28 days with marked improvement (20 to 30 percent) in numerous signs of aging in about two months (about 300% improvement in wrinkles).

The line is also formulated with their Basal-Reconstruction System complex, based on cells from the fruit of the Malus domestica tree, and Proxy-Lane, L'Oreal's patented anti-aging molecule.

The line is directed at women in their 50s. According to WWD, Absolue Precious Cells will debut in most markets in September. It will be launched in the U.S. in October and in Asia in January.

Absolue Precious Cells' Day Cream with SPF 15 will cost $145 and Night Cream will cost $145, Eye Cream will cost $95.


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Wal-Mart cheaper than Target in cosmetics

I was just reading an article about Wal-Mart and Target. The cheap store versus the hip cheap store and I thought about my own observations on cosmetics prices in both shops.

While it is undeniable that Target is a more exciting shop with better merchandise, more space and more stylish shoppers, in cosmetics Wal-Mart tends to be cheaper. I have compared many items and most of the time Wal-Mart is cheaper.

However Wal-Mart is not always the cheapest choice for cosmetics. Unfortunately Rite Aid acquired Brooks pharmacy, because when on sale a lot of cosmetics were a lot cheaper in Brooks than in most places. For example, the hair color I use, Garnier Nutrisse, it costs more than $6.00 in Target, pennies less in Wal-Mart, and with coupons, it used to cost less than $4.00 in Brooks. Now that Brooks is out, when on sale, it costs less than $5.00 in Rite Aid.

Target sells some more upscale cosmetics and the prices are the same as in department stores, even though they do not have anybody helping you. They do have sales sometimes, though.

One more thing when comparing shops is location. Not all Walmarts have the same prices; the prices change by location, and I think the same is true for Target. So my information may not be accurate in all places. If you want to save more you may want to buy in a Wal-Mart in a poorer area.

Mac Style Warrior

The new Mac makeup collection will be out in a few days. It is called Style Warrior and the packaging reflects the jungle inspiration. It is refreshing to see more colors for this season, besides pink. It is an edgier collection with a touch of exoticism.

Mac says: Introducing a dramatically different and deliberately diverse color story, an eclectic and expressive way to exalt and admire the strength and solidarity of beauty with no barriers. All exotically packaged in stylized zebra and leopard prints to keep it wild and uninhibited – like the Style Warriors we blazing the fashion war path in great cities.

It is a great makeup collection, I love the intense colors for eye shadows and the bronzers. I always love to see the Mac Cosmetics collections, there are so many of them a year that it is difficult to try the products from all of them.

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Freida, Evangeline and L’Oreal

The newest spoke persons for L’Oreal Paris are the gorgeous Freida Pinto and Evangeline Lilly. Both girls are not only beautiful, but also charming and talented. They are also brunets and young.

I love the choice of these actresses for the faces of Loreal. As I can recall, there was speculation that Freida was going to work with Estee Lauder not Loreal. In any case bravo for her.

In her native India Freida was considered too skinny (yes there is such a place), not curvaceous enough to be a star. I love her choices for the red carpet.

Evangeline is lovely; she is so natural and looks down to earth. She has a spectacular, athletic figure. Good luck to both

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Happy birthday Chanel No. 5

Today in 1921 Coco Chanel launched her famous fragrance, Chanel No. 5. The fifth day of the fifth month.

There are many theories for the name. Some said that Chanel considered 5 to be her lucky number, others that this was the 5 fragrance she tried and selected it for her first perfume. In any case Chanel No. 5 continues to be an iconic fragrance like no other.

In the beginning it was an exclusive fragrance sold only to her clients. At a time when perfumes were mainly single notes (only one aroma) Chanel wanted something complex for her fragrance, a mix of aromas.

Happy birthday No. 5

Fotos: Cakes with the Chanel logo and a real Chanel No. 5

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Prescriptives Summer 2009

Precriptives has reveled its new makeup collection for this summer. It is inspired by their fragrance Calyx. This perfume is very refreshing and energizing and the new makeup also has these attributes.

The line has many citric colors such as light greens and oranges for eyes and lips. I find the products very attractive and an alternative to the sea of pinks in most makeup lines for the summer.

Mac A Rose Romance Collection

The new Mac Cosmetics collection is about to hit stores. It is an interesting collection with lots of pinks and blue eyes. These colors are present in almost all makeup collections for the summer.

I like the colors in the Rose Romance Collection especially for lips and cheeks. I still have to share with you the pictures I took for the Hello Kitty Collection launch in Barcelona, they are interesting.

Dior makeup Summer 2009

This is the Dior new makeup collection for summer. It is full with pinks in different intensities and tones. It does not have a lot of bronzers, but it does have two of them, one in browns and one in pinks.

If you like pink this is your makeup for summer, it you do not like pink there are many other options.

Laura Mercier Bohemia Collection

For the summer 2009 Laura Mercier introduces the Bohemia Collection. The collection has earthy tones and blue hues for the eyes. It reminds me of the 70s because of the blue for eyes and the bohemian part, I love the look for summer.

It has a bronzer called Moroccan Bronze Illuminating Powder to add a warm touch to cheeks. For the eyes it has the Eye Mosaics and Kohl Eye Pencils to “provide lids with either desert or marine inspired shades.”

It also includes a tinted moisturizer and lipsticks in natural tones.

YSL Makeup collection summer 2009

Yves Saint Laurent has its new makeup collection for summer ready. As you can see in the picture it has fierce colors, it makes me think of the French Riviera. The colors are intense and elegant.

It is inspired in Africa; it has blue mascara and a set of eye shadows that includes blue and deep purple.

Estee Lauder makeup 2009

The new Estee Lauder makeup collection for this summer is already here. It is called Vivid Garden and it has a lot pinks and shimmery tones.

I like the Illuminating powder, it comes with many colors that can be used separately or mixed for cheeks, eyes and for a little of color anywhere. The Illuminating Powder is also very pretty as you can see in the picture.

Anna Sui Summer 2009

I am intrigued by Anna Sui’s summer makeup collection. It is a bit Gothic I think, but so far it is one of the most interesting collections for summer. The collection is called “Beach Collection black diamond”

If you look at the promotional images closely the makeup is “summery” with light nude lips and intensive, but no so much, eyes (with less mascara of course).

While I love Anna Sui’s packaging, I think she needs to move to a more environmentally friendly alternative. The collection will be available in the US probably mid May.

Mac Sugarsweet

Mac Cosmetics new collection is Sugarsweet. It is a delightful makeup collection inspired in frostings, fillings and finishes. The colors look like cupcakes’ colors, this means pastels mostly in rosy, peachy, chocolate brown tones.

The collection has great easy to use colors for spring. I like the multiple color glosses, I will check them out at the counter.


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Smashbox Spring 2009

The new Smashbox collection is called Muse. According to the line’s National Artist, Hank Hoffman, the objective is to provide a palette so every woman can crate her own looks. It is a vivid palette with greens, deep purples, peaches and pinks.

A daring makeup, but as you can see in the pictures it is subtle. I hope the pictures inspired you to experiment.

Hello Kitty Mac video

As you know Mac Cosmetics and Hello Kitty have a make up collection out. You can read my review Hello Kitty Mac.

Now I am speechless. I like Mac and Hello Kitty both, but this promotional video is not my taste. It starts fine, it looks surrealistic and a bit like a Target ad, but it changes and believe it or not it has something that looks like S&M. It is not to my taste, because Hello Kitty is beloved by kids, it has traditionally symbolized kawaii and innocence (there are sex toys with the character in Japan though, but that is in Japan).

Thanks to Bella Sugar where I saw the video.



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Givenchy Spring 2009

Givenchy has revealed its new collection. The theme of this collection (or inspiration) is Bollywood, the name of the Indian movie industry (Hollywood of Bombay).

The collection has metallic tones for the eyes and vibrant tones for the lips. I like the packaging and the lipstick’s colors.

Estee Lauder Spring 2009

Fuchsia is the color of the season for Estee Lauder this spring in a colection called Fuchsia Now. I like the Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder ($32.00). According to the company it is a multi-use shimmer powder to highlight, warm up and glow all over. I'll try it on in my next trip trip to the mall.

Estee Lauder is also launching soon a new mineral foundation.

Mac Hello Kitty is almost here

In early February the new Mac Cosmetics makeup collection in partnership with Sanrio will be in stores. More pictures are now available (via /www.iswii.net). The images show a sort of Goth Hello Kitty. I think some of Kitty's kawaii factor is not fully there.

I like the packaging, it is girly but maybe a bit too much, and it is definitely Mac. The colors reflect a more edgy Hello Kitty than we are used to, but Kitty has always been versatile and the colors are girly. I will make sure I check it out and try it on when it comes to stores although I think it is not for my age group, but a lipstick will not hurt.
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Shu Uemura Spring collection 2009

In like the new Shu Uemura collection, the colors are perfect for spring. The collection includes a lot of sheer tones and pastels ideal for a fresh, youthful look. It is named Mirage and it is supposed to play with shadow and light and be inspired by the master of impressionism painting Claude Monet.

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Urban Decay spring collection is out

The collection includes the usual products in the style that characterizes Urban Decay. It is available in the Urban Decay website as a preview before hitting stores soon.

It is an interesting makeup. It includes glitter eyeliners and a lipstick with shimmer and sparkle. Urban Decay offers a lot of edgy products to create unique looks ideal for clubs and similar.

Hello Kitty and Mac Cosmetics

I am happy that two of my favorite brands are teaming up: Hello Kitty and Mac Cosmetics. WWD reported today that next February the Hello Kitty Mac Cosmetics makeup will hit the market in the US and in March the rest of the markets. I hope my husband buys me a Mac Kitty product for Valentines.

The girly, kawaii part of me loves makeup packaging with characters.

Barbie as a fashion brand

Barbie is working to become a fashion designer and a cosmetic marketer. WWD reported that next year Barbie will present in New York fashion week and it will have a makeup line (or two).

Barbie is beloved toy for many women and it may be successful selling makeup I am not sure if I want to wear Barbie clothes.

Smashbox holiday collection: Rapture

I love the Smashbox collection for this season, it is so feminine and playful. Smashbox defines it as, sensual and ethereal beauty look with sparkly eyes and peachy cheeks. I think young girls will look so pretty with this type of makeup.

Stila smoky eye

I love this Stila eye makeup kit for smoky eyes. It has instructions and all the colors you need. It is bit pricey, but it is very practical for traveling or bringing it to the office.

If you want to learn how to create the smoky eye, try youtube.com, there are a lot of good videos to teach you. The smoky eye makeup is easy and it can be done with any colors.
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Shu Uemura holiday collection

This holiday season Shu Uemura brings us deep, playful and festive colors to celebrate and party. The holiday collection is called Mika and it was developed in collaboration with acclaimed Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa.

Some of the products come in decorated packages making them ideal to carry around or to give to a love one. Take inspiration from the picture to create your own looks. You can see the whole collection at Shu Uemura USA

Photo: Shue Uemura

Nars new collection

Nars has launched their holiday collection. As you can see in the picture, the metallic tones are an important part of the collection. I love the eyes and how a strong brow combines with the shimmery golden shadows.

Make up from Sweden: The Make Up Store

Ladies, I wanted to share with you news about a product line that I have recently come across. It is called The Makeup Store and it comes from Sweden. It is a trendy, modern, and chic makeup line. They have stores all over the world, and in the United States, they have stores in Miami and Denver.

It is similar to Mac Cosmetics but a bit trendier and edgier.

They have an extensive collection of products. I particularly love their eyelashes; they have many styles including some with feathers.

I also like their eye shadows, especially the loose eye shadows. They have some fab Swarovski crystals that can be used to adorn any part of the body.

I also like the fact that their lipsticks have many beneficial ingredients such as avocado oil,
beeswax, jojoba and Shea butter.

If you come across a Makeup Store, it is worth visiting.

Rouge Lips

L'Absolu Rouge Advanced Replenishing & Reshaping Lipcolor Pro-Xylane™ SPF 12 Sunscreen is one of Lancome's new products. L'Absolutely Voluptuous Lips is a creamy formula with Pro-Xylane™; this is an ingredient to make your lips fuller and smoother. It also has sunscreen 12. I wish the sunscreen will be higher, but perhaps this is not possible in lipstick and I will probably eat it.

This new lipstick comes in other great colors.

Bomb Cosmetics

In the Int. Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference my favorite company was Bomb Cosmetics. This is a company similar to Lush, but they sell their products in shops and spas, rather than in a retail store. It is a UK company just entering the market in the US.

The products are beautiful, playful and smell wonderful. Their line of products is huge and I like all of them. Their bath bombs are delightful to see and smell. These products are ideal for gifts or just to indulge oneself. Check out the pictures.

Peptides Plus Derma e. Product review

I got a few samples of this cream in Whole Foods. I like the brand. I tried other products before and it always performs well. This cream was really good for my sensitive skin. It leaves the skin soft and not greasy and I think it worked well bringing softness and radiance to my complexion. It is an anti aging cream and it has good ingredients common in anti aging cosmetics. I do not have wrinkles (yet) but it doesn't hurt to fight them right now.

This is a cream I would definitely buy again. You can buy Derma e Peptides Plus Double-Action Wrinkle Reverse Creme, 2 oz (56 g) and it performs as well as more expensive creams.

Shakira will have her own fragrance

Following in the steps of other celebrities the Colombian born Shakira has signed a contract with the Puig group to launch a line of personal care products including a fragrance.

Shakira is a very busy 31 years old who is involved in many charities in Latin America, especially in Colombia. I love her music and her independent spirit. Let's wait for the fragrance; meanwhile, enjoy the music and move the hips to her rhythm.

Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008

The new YSL collection is called Pallete Pop. It is said to have been inspired by a romantic greeting card sketched by YSL. It is inspired by flowers and love.

I love the pink color for cheeks and lips; it looks fresh and romantic. The eye makeup is dramatic and it can be used to inspire your own looks.

Nars new collection

Shanghai Lilly is the name of Nars cosmetics spring collection. The colors are deep and intriguing, they describe it as a dichotomy of innocence and seduction. The colors are very wearable and easy to combine with your existing makeup.

Shu Uemura Rebirth

The spring collection of makeup in the Shu Uemura line is called Rebirth and it has beautiful bright colors as shown in the pictures on this page.

Bobbie Brown's Pink raspberry

The new color for spring in the Bobbi Brown line is pink raspberry, either on eyes or lips. Bobbi Brown has put together a set to get her spring look going. According to Bobbie, pink raspberry makes all skin types more beautiful, specially brunettes.

Bobbie recommends to put pink raspberry on the cheeks and cool tones on the eyes. For a more modern look, Bobbie recommends using a sheer blush in pink raspberry. According to her, most women have the colors that work well with them, but adding a new lip or cheek color adds to their look.

Lancome new ambassadors

Lancome has two new ambassadors. One is the French actress Juliette Binoche. You may remember Binoche from the movies Chocolat and The English Patient. Binoche is 43 and looks beautiful.

In a statement Lancôme's International President Odile Roujol said: "It is an immense pleasure for us to welcome Juliette Binoche back to Lancôme. Her career choices, her natural and moving beauty, her independent spirit and generosity epitomize the values essential to our brand." Authenticity, sophistication and a luminous face make Binoche the perfect spokesperson for the Lancôme Rénergie franchise, a skincare line that addresses the signs of aging. She will be featured later this year in an advertising campaign.

The other brand ambassador is Italian actress Laura Morante. "Laura Morante is an exceptional and passionate woman," said Roujol. "Her intelligence, charm and elegance bestow her with a special presence. We are honored to welcome her as ambassador for the Absolue treatment range." Laura was born in 1956.

You may see both of these women in advertisements for Lancome in the months to come.