L.A. Story

Get GLOWING with Tom Ford for Estee Lauder Azuree Soleil Collection! LA STORY Designer Beauty Blog

Tom Ford has created some phenomenal products for Summer 2007. Not only is there  a great fragrance (blog post coming), but the Azuree Soleil color cosmetics collection makes the most of sunkissed colors and gives you a workable collection for day or night (or both!). You can choose from the Soleil collection (lighter in tone) or Bronzee collection (brown tones)  in the color products. So the Soleil has more mauve-bronze lip colors and a soft pale lavender/purple shadow duo while the Bronzee has the champagne and golden bronze lip colors and a brown and soft caramel eye duo.

The Sunbronzer  is a lighter workable bronzer powder that would do for giving you that golden tint rather than that orange-y look that's so often prevalent. This HUGE compact is heavy and includes a gorgeous mirror. $75.00.

The Face Sheen is a creamy golden shimmer highlighter that will work on eyes, cheeks, shoulders and lips in a compact. Cheek Glow is a stick highlighter  and Face Glow is a liquid "glow" for your face. There are glosses, lacquers and lots more to this collection-- so heard over to Esteelauder.com or your local Estee Lauder counter to check out these gorgeous products. The packaging is so beautiful-- it reflects the azure tones of the Mediterranean sea.

   

Stevie Wilson 

Something COOL for Summer Heat-- or For Late Mother's Day or Other Beauty Needs- Going Bronze! LA STORY Beauty Blog

Get bronze this year-- without having to spend a minute in the sun-- courtesy of Estee Lauder. The array of products is flexible for any taste and application style. summer.

The array of pressed powder bronzers gives you from soft glow to matte or even shimmer bronze-- so you can get the precise look that you want! Shown above the Bronze Goddess Matte Bronzer, the large  matte bronzer compact that is well worth any money as it's bound to last you all summer long!

If you want to softly go into bronze, then check out the Bronze Goddess  Bronzer Duo compact-- same size as the matte in a golden bronze package.

You GLOW girl with the Bronzed Goddess Shimmer Pressed Powder Bronzer  from Lauder!

For a soft sheen for all over your body in a loose powder presentation, check out  Bronze Goddess Loose Shimmer Bronzing Powder. This is one cool sexy shimmery product that can be dusted lightly in to hair too!

Lauders LIMITED EDITION Luminous Liquid Bronzer from the Bronze Goddess Collection makes for fast work for an all over golden presentation.

All on counter NOW -- so go for the glow and get mom or anyone, one of these-- even yourself so you look like you just came back from the Caribbean or Greek Isles.

Available wherever Estee Laude products are sold and also online at esteelauder.com or gloss.com or any of the other online stores!

Stevie Wilson

Skin Cancer Doesn't Need Sunshine to Happen! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month! BE AWARE! USE SUNBLOCK-- Like Olay's Touch of Sun! LA STORY's Be Health Smart Blog!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and while we love the sun and the golden glow, it's important to be aware of the importance of using sunblock to fight against skin cancer.   This is a SERIOUS issue because this potentially deadly disease is preventable-- EASILY preventable by using sunblock every day-- regardless if it's sunny or rainy or overcast.

Every 67 minutes someone in the U.S. dies of melanoma; an astounding statistic for a disease which is nearly 100 percent curable when caught and treated early. 

Because the incidence of skin cancer is increasing every year at, one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer over their lifetime. Sun protection alone is not enough to keep us safe. 

That’s why Olay and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) have partnered for “Skin Cancer Takes Friends,” a nationwide program offering women the opportunity make an appointment with one of more than 300 participating dermatologists nationwide for a free screening for themselves and a friend or loved one – so they can go together.  Locally, 36 dermatologists in California are participating.  For a full list of participating dermatologists, log on to www.SkinCancerTakesFriends.org.

While you want the glow of tanned skin check out the OLAY TOUCH OF SUN product which gives you  a nice glow, smells good, and also has an spf in it. Remember sunblocks don't last all day. Please reapply often!

Get your checkup and check back in with me!

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HOT SCOOP: Gloss.com Bites the Dust --Or Is It Taking A Powder-- in JUNE! !LA STORY Gets the "Down Low" Blog!

Back in the  "dark ages" of the web, there emerged tons of new sites for women-- particularly beauty ecommerce sites for women. Remember Eve.com? Beautyscene? Beautyjungle? Eve and Beautyscene died ignominious deaths. Beautyjungle was swallowed up by Beauty.com which was in turn swallowed  by Drugstore.com but still maintains as a distinct identity. Sephora emerged first  as a brick and mortar store and then  launched online. Gloss.com emerged as a viable alternative  because it was created by a collection of former execs from a variety of high end department stores who sold out to Estee Lauder but since developed a cooperative with cosmetic, skincare and fragrance giants: Clarins, Chanel and Thierry Mugler.

Brands involved from Estee Lauder included Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Darphin, Estee Lauder, Jo Malone, La Mer, LAB Series, MAC, Origins, Prescriptives, and Rodan+Fields  along with several MAJOR heavy hitting fragrance brands (Missioni, Sean John, Kors and more) -- each a major brand and entity in its own right and owning a chunk of beauty real estate.

Prepare yourself for some bad news and (hold onto your holy grail Gloss products).. because Gloss.com is going to fold come June 2007.  YUP.. That's right. While it was intimated in WWD earlier last month, it's official and I have held the lid on this story till now.

Why are they shutting down? According to the "powers that be" at Gloss.com, their market analysis showed that the online business was growing dramatically, but unfortunately Gloss.com business was the least competitive and showed the least growth amongst its competitors including their own brand sites and partner brand sites.  Rather than keep slogging through the quicksand that Gloss has become mired in, they are going to focus on those sites doing well and skip the rest.

While Gloss.com has shown double -digit sales figures and Clarins in particular has seen  significant sales (approximately $3,000,000.00 in 2006), the website seems to be faltering in showing a return on its investment. While it was created during an internet boom time - and survived the dot com/e-commerce crash-- it has required significant time and dollars to keep it going.

When one factors in the Estee Lauder Corp  sites along with the Chanel sites already operating, one wonders what took so long for Gloss.com HQ to wake up and smell the lip gloss.

Fret not if you are a Clarins or Thierry Mugler lover! Websites for both brand will be launching soon in France and the U in May with other global web portals rolling out over the next couple of years.  For Clarins customer base, it will be a more user friendly site.

For those Thierry Mugler fans, there is a site coming this month, shopthierrymugler.com, that is launching both in the US and France.

So my peeps, if you are a Gloss fan or have outstanding orders, get to it and stock up. Don't think there will be any sales of outstanding stock since these are high powered brands that can shift stock to stores. However I could be wrong in that assumption.. but I wouldn't put rest my mascara on that one.

The next question is how will this affect the other beauty e-commerce sites out there and those that are shaky, will they be able to stay the course? How will this affect the Chanel relationship with Sephora? Will this affect ANY of the Estee Lauder relationships with Sephora and will you see any beefing up of the cosmetic entities mentioned here in the different department/specialty store websites? How will this affect Beauty.com as well since they are known for their niche brands. Lots to think about boys and girls.. lots to think about.

Remember-- you heard it hear first.

Stevie Wilson

TAKE 5-- For Cosmetics and Beauty on the Run! LA Story Hot Beauty Line Review Blog

Take 5 Cosmetics – A fabulous face in less than five minutes?

Yet another makeup artist has created their own cosmetics line—Emmy-nominated Judy Twine, former model turned makeup artist turned cosmetisc entrepreneur has come up with a selection of products designed to show women that there is a celebrity in everyone.  The line has been used on the hit ABC show, “Ugly Betty” and now it’s available to make us regular folk “red carpet” ready.

The premise of the line is that it should only take five minutes to create a fabulous look.  I’m all for that—but don’t get the idea that this is a minimalist line. 

The selection of products is very impressive—four different types of foundation, five different highlighters/bronzers, ten different lip products just for starters.  The word is that this cosmetics line is a make-up fanatic’s paradise—and I would have to agree with that assessment.

I was able to sample only  a handful of the products, but here’s the 411 on a few items from this extensive line:

Shimmer Tints – I sampled this in the Soft Gold shade.  This silky feeling, silicone based highlighter lives up to its name imparting a soft golden shimmer.  This product was designed to be worn alone to accentuate cheeks, eyes and lips or mixed with foundation for a subtle glow.  I tried it both ways—sweeping a bit across my eyelids for a bit of polished glimmer one day and another day mixing it with my sunscreen to give my complexion a golden glow.  It’s a very subtle look—not glittery or fake.  .5 oz. retails for about $19.00.

Lumi-shine - A brush on lip gloss with a hint of sparkle, I tried this in a shade called “Belladonna.” It is a nude, sheer shade that reminded me of MAC’s Lust.  This gloss is soft and non-sticky.  Like most glosses this needs frequent reapplication, but unlike most gloss, it feels soothing and moisturizing to the lips instead of drying them out.  Retails for about $13.00.

Indelible Eyes eyeliner – Waterproof, automatic pencil.  I tested this in a classic shade called “Brownie.”  It goes on very smoothly—no pulling or dragging.  The smudge-tip on the end of the pencil is quite useful.  And while it’s not “indelible” it is fairly long wearing.  I give this product a big thumbs up.  Retails for about $14.00.

Color Release w/ Vo-lip-tuous Lip Enhancer  - A ceramide-enriched lip color to define and plump lips.  I tried this in a shade called “Runway”—a sheer blush of pink.  Like most of the Take 5 products tested, this also was infused with a bit of shimmer.  The twist up delivery system coats the sponge tip no-muss, no-fuss application.  I didn’t notice much in the way of plumping, but it was a very pretty, wearable lip color.  Retail is about $14.00.

There are many, many more products to play with from cream eye shadow quads to complete face palettes.  To indulge your inner starlet, check out Take 5 at http://www.take5cosmetics.com/

Get the BENEFIT of A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR THE BOYFRIEND and Sephora. LA STORY Getting the Benefit of the Goods and the Celebrity Blog

is having a super cool event at Sephora at Beverly Center in LA this Friday, March 23 from 12 noon till 7 PM.

What's the reason for the event? It's to celebrate the launch of this HOT book,  A PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR THE BOYFRIEND by Patricia Wolff and Felicity  (Desperate Housewives) Huffman.  The two authors will make a personal appearance at the Sephora Beverly Center from 3 -6 PM on Friday. Imagine the BENEFIT of talking to these ladies about their book.

   

Get the  BENEFIT from this event by getting a super cool make-over from Benefit Cosmetics featuring their new spring line

What's hot from the BENEFIT Cosmetics line? LOTS!!

Here are some items you might want to check out!

Bad Gal Mascara-- when you want to be "flirty" bad.

10-- the bronzer & highlighter combo in one easy breezy adorable box.

Benetint-- the perfect cherry tint for that just bitten look.

Realness of Concealness-- a smokin hot new concealer combo.

Dr. Feelgood-- because we all want to-- feel good that is.

See you at the Benefit Event

Stevie Wilson

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Road To the Red Carpet: Get the Look and the Celeb Style Courtesy of AVEDA!! Fashiontribes LA STORY Red Carpet OSCAR BEAUTY BLOG

Oscar “Get the Look” tip sheet from Aveda

Do you want an Oscar type look but don't know what or how to achieve it? Trust LA Story to get you the 411 on how to look red carpet ready courtesy of tips from Aveda specialists!

HAIR: Jon Reyman, artistic director for Aveda Academy, New York

MAKEUP: Rudy Miles, global educator for  AVEDA face color

Lush defined lashes and defined brows are an unspoken given!
Make sure that you use lots of mascara and get those brows groomed appropriatedly.

               

PENELOPE CRUZ

photo courtesy of greathairstyles.com

HAIR:                              

Sleek, pulled back hair with high shine and high control.

Wash and condition with Aveda Smooth Infusion shampoo and conditioner.  Brush Aveda Phomollient in when wet to make it smooth and slick.  Blow dry out smooth and slick, and braid as necessary.  Pin into updo and set with Aveda Air Control.

MAKEUP

photo courtesy of movies.about.com

Nude, glowing look with defined eyes and natural lips

Face/Cheeks: Bronze Glow Face Accent is brushed onto the cheeks, above the brow and onto temples gives the face a natural bronzed radiance.

Eyes: Blend Cacao Eye Definer along the upper and lower lash lines and set with Earthen Eye Color Single using a Medium Eye Color Brush. 

Lips: Natural lips are enhanced with Sheer Ochre Lip Pigment Sheer.

Photo Courtesy of Movies.about.com

HELEN MIRREN

HAIR:

Bob style with soft, natural waves.

Wash and condition with Aveda Be Curly shampoo and conditioner.  Blow dry with a round brush, and break up the waves with Be Curly Curl Control.  Set with Air Control.

MAKEUP:

Sparkling eyes and a glossy lip.

Face: Perfect the complexion with a semi-matte finish and liquid foundation using a complexion brush for a flawless finish. 

Cheeks: To create a natural flush, softly blend Paprika Cheek Color onto the apples of the cheeks using a Blush Brush. 

Eyes: Sweep Waterlily Eye Color Duo onto the entire lid using a Large Eye Color Brush for a soft pearl wash.  Ample black mascara defines the upper and lower lashes.

Lips: Starlet lips are the focal point by blending Cerise Lip Color Concentrate onto the lips using the Lip Brush. 

    

Photo Courtesy of Movies.about.com                     

JENNIFER HUDSON

HAIR:

Sleek and shiny, making the most of her natural waves.

Spray with Volumizing Tonic and comb through Brilliant Universal Styling Crème.  Blow out with a large, round brush, using a curling iron to define the curls.

MAKEUP

Natural, glowing skin with glossy lips.

Face: Create a minimal, dewy, complexion finish using Tinted Moisture. 

Cheeks: Bronze Patina Cheek Tint blended onto the apples of the cheeks.

Eyes: Create a soft smoky eye with Riverbed Eye Color Duo smudged softly at the outer 2/3rds of the upper and lower lash lines. On the lid from lash line to crease, blend Lemon Spice Eye Color Single.

Lips: Bronze Blaze Lip Glaze on the lips.

         

photo courtesy of movies.about.com-- Gwyneth Paltrow

REESE WITHERSPOON/GWYNETH PALTROW

HAIR:

Sleek and straight with great condition.

Comb through Aveda Damage Control cocktailed with Light Elements Smoothing Fluid, for straightening and shine.  Blow dry straight, straighten with flat iron if necessary.  Run Light Elements Smoothing Fluid through dry hair for maximum shine, hold with Air Control.

Photo courtesy of Movies.about.com

JENNIFER LOPEZ

HAIR:

Bob style with soft, natural waves.

Wash and condition with Aveda Be Curly shampoo and conditioner.  Blow dry with a round brush, and break up the waves with Be Curly Curl Control.  To create a bob effect with longer hair, pink the longer hair up underneath as necessary.  Set with Air Control.

MAKEUP:

Natural, bronze hue with nude lip and defined eye.

Face/Cheeks: Bronze Glow Face Accent is brushed onto the cheeks, above the brow and onto temples gives the face a natural bronzed radiance.

Eyes: Blend Cacao Eye Definer along the upper and lower lash lines and set with Earthen Eye Color Single

Lips: Natural lips are enhanced with Sheer Ochre Lip Pigment Sheer.

Photo Courtesy Movies.about.com

LEONARDO DICAPRIO

HAIR:

Sleek, sophisticated combed-through look

Comb through Aveda Retexturing Gel for smoothing look; style as necessary

Sunforgettable Protects You from Sun Exposure with a DRY Sunblock. LA STORY "Any Time Is Sunblock Time" Podcast and Blog

Skip the drippy liquids and gooey creams and get wise to the DRY POWDER mineral powder sunblock that provides physical block for 8 hours, is water resistant has spf 30+ and dusts on with a brush
SUNFORGETTABLE from COLORESCIENCE. Listen to creator Diane Ranger talk about the important of organic, mineral powder sunblock, SUNFORGETTABLE


MP3 File

Sunforgettable!! The EASIEST,longest lasting sunblock that I have found. POWDER sunblock that dusts or rolls onto the skin. It's water-resistant, translucent and doesn't irritate sensitive skin or eyes and works well even on babies!! Great for guys who hate goopy or drippy sunblocks and won't change the color of your skin/foundation during the day.

   

Personally I use this  every day. I talk about this to everyone-- because sun damage, pre-cancerous situations and hyperpigmentation are no laughing matter and you can prevent it with this one easy to use product.

Find it at www.colorescience.com

Stevie Wilson

MAKE A WISH-- It's Showtime Networks Pre-Golden Globes Gift House Showcase-- Hot Spot In Hancock Park Manse-- Gives Golden Globes NEW Meaning! LA Story GOLDEN GLOBES BLOGS and PODCASTS

Showtime Networks Pre-Golden Globes Gift House Showcase   Supports Make A Wish Foundation!

Showtime's suite presented by  Friends in High Places  event coordinators really outdid most  events in town simply because the sun was shining, it was warm and there was room to breathe and move  and more importantly, the atmosphere was relaxed and party-like.

Anna Ortiz, Ugly Betty wearing Delicate Raymond Jewelry

With attendess like Eva La Rue, Lance Bass, Julie Benz, Catherine Bach, Anna Ortiz, Chi McBride, Eric Mabius,  Henri Lubatti, Kat Dennings and Matthew Gray Guble, Kylie Bax, Navi Rawat, Sharon Lawrence, Shaun Toub, Tracy Tweed to drop just a few celeb names, the place was packed but actually didn't feel like it since the interior of this lovely home out to the patio and gardens were filled with brands displaying great products.

We do have a couple podcasts to slip in here but those will be down at the end. Check out the list of cool brands!

TRAVEL Destinations--fabulous locations for anyone and everyone.. You should check these places out.. they rock!

Bisadora Handbags

Wailea Beach Villas
Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii
L’Auberge De Sedona, Sedona Arizona
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa   
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel

   

Jane Booke Designs Dress

BEAUTY
Leornor Greyl hair care -- had hair treatments and consults with the best smelling products that actually do something for your hair.       
Talika Eye Detox - high end line of specifically targeted eye treatments. This line has amazing stuff to thicken lashes, brows, depuff eyes and make you look flawless!
Orlane Paris Skin Care--check out the podcast below!
Billy Jealousy Men’s Skin Care--  fab men's grooming care line for those who want to take their look up a notch. Debuting the new ILLICIT fragrance. YUM! check it out at www.beautycollection.com
The Different Company Fragrances from Paris--exceptional, unusual and definitely cult brand!
Wave Natural Hair Imports hair extensions-- all natural hair for any color, any texture, any length.
Classified Cosmetics--fantastic brand that I wore for the Emmys! It lasted longer than 12 hours!
95 and Sunny nail care--nifty nail files that last forever!
Wellements Fitness Nutrition
Stage Doc Chiropractic Body networking with Dr. Lawrence Bell
Beth Fricke manicurist
Pro Linc – foot beauty treatments--this brand rocks!! It really works!
Foot Detox Therapy
Cyndi Nistal for Eyebrows          
Westside Medical Spa
American Medical Aesthetics Skin Care Center--they do EVERYTHING!
Curvelle Natural Weight Loss Formula

FASHION
Delicate Raymond jewelry--gorgeous jewelry
Bisadora hand bags--check out the podcast with the designer Brandy! GREAT bags!  Check out the podcast below
Rock Solid custom cases
Jane Booke design-- the most amazing designs and check out her website at www.janebooke.com for celebs who know her dresses and separates for red carpet. She's amazing!

Jane Booke Designs

Gavin Pants
Sha Dang tees-- very innovative tees and tanks from a martial arts specialist turned clothing designer
Single Clothing--fab clothing from one of the hottest lines in LA-- gorgeous pieces for spring were featured
Leena Couture Tees--cute cute cute lace up tops. www.leanatanktops.com
Spirit Designs scarves--GORGEOUS hand knit scarves from someone that does fabulous work
Linda Farrow Vintage
Oona Ehrlich handbags--check out the podcast below!!
Romy & Jacob Pet Couture
Right Bank Babies adorable rompers and dresses for girls and boys that are REVERSIBLE!!
Red Engine jeans-- FAB jeans that fit every body! Not just skinny girls but EVERY body!
Core Clothing-- Nifty line that's really fun-- www.coreclothing.com
Fluke Clothing
Lavnde SWK-- gorgeous intimates (valentine's day? bridal?)

Bisadora Hip Bag

Food, Wine and Beverages
The Cheese Impresario--amazing assortment of cheese but what's really special is Barrie Lynn's impressive knowledge of paring cheese with other foods and beverages. Her cheese trays were the hit of the event-- vanishing in a split second.
The Boulevard Lounge hot dogs 1114 N Crescent Heights Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA. 90046
The Sushi Girl made to order sushi
Dry Soda
Nutri Soda--nutricious sodas are functional beverages without the artificial junk and only stuff good for you. www.nutrisoda.com
Jimmy Hendrix Vodka
Patron Tequila
Mojito Island

Onna Ehrlich

PODCASTS

Bisadora Bags

MP3 File

Orlane

MP3 File

Illeana Douglas with a gorge Onna Ehrlich bag.

Onna Ehrlich

beautiful bags from Onna Ehrlich

Stevie Wilson

LA Story .

Road to the Red Carpet-- Spa-licious Treatments at the Platinum Guild Courtesy of SPA 415! LA STORY Golden Globes Podcast and BLOG!

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Partnering with the Platinum Guild was the ultra luxe SPA 415 that offers the most amazing treatments from head to toe! Facials include Microcurrent treatments, Criodermie facials (new to me!), and lots of other high tech facials include the most exclusive lines like Intelli-Gents for men (and even used on women) -- an all natural line of skincare!

The body treatments include Electrotherapy (listen to the blog) and Criosystem-- much like the  Criodermie facial as well as body bronzing with the luxe line of St. Tropez body bronzing

and Chocolate Sun (listen to the podcast for their appearance at the suite)-- an all organic, caramel to chocolate colored tanning system that will have you blissfully  tan within minutes in a beautiful caramel color which turns to a gorgeous chocolate color -- and they can contour your body so that you look 10 pounds thinner.

 

Spa 415

Also part of the entire process is this new body treatment that's great for those who are out of shape due to illness, work, stress or post partum! It gives you the equivalent of 14 hours of exercise in ONE HOUR of therapy. Talk about  fabulous idea! Want more 411 on this treatment? Check out www.slimmingmachine.com -- it's a great idea that's long overdue plus it would make a great gift for the  person "who has everything." Check it out and let me know what YOU think. I think I need to go make a visit.. hmmm???

Listen to the PODCAST below to get all the details!

MP3 File

Who was there at the Platinum Guild Spa?

Angela Kinsey and Lesley David Baker

Kate Flannery

Sharon Leal

This was a rocking good time and you walked out feeling soooo relaxed.

Next time, I have to book out the time to get there!

Stevie Wilson

LA Story .