Cucumber of the Sea

La Mer is launching a new Eye Balm in October and even though it does not contain cucumber as one of the ingredients, it does have that refreshing feeling of just placed cold cucumber slices.  For those of you who have ever experienced a sleepless night, the sensation of chilled cucumber on the eye is revitalizing.  And La Mer has managed to capture that sensation in a jar.
The New Eye Balm Intense, debuting in October, contains three forms of the Original Miracle Broth, The Lifting Ferment to encourage greater firmness around the eye, and The Marine De-Puff Ferment, is what gives the product it's amazing cooling sensation.  And which by the way, works amazingly well at eliminating that early morning, lack of sleep, uncomfortable distention around the eye.  I also love the product for it's lightweight feel, texture (smooth like velvet), and obvious results. Priced at $145.00 it's less expensive than a visit to the "doctor" and it lasts longer. Thanks LaMer, for helping women Live Their Beauty.                                                                                                                                      


LaMer Eye Balm Intense is debuting in October on line and in select retail stores:  Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman

Jouer Cosmetics Takes a Sojourn

Last winter I had the wonderful pleasure of working with celebrity make-up artist Julie Morgan on a Food Network shoot with Giada De Laurentiis.  Part of the wonderful was an introduction to a make-up brand I was unfamiliar with that Julie swore by - Jouer.
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the sleek, make-up artist kit friendly packaging.  And the thing that hooked me was the quality of the products.
These products are amazing! The foundations and concealers smooth over the skin like satin without creasing or caking.  And they cover without being heavy.  The color products (blush, shadow, lips) are highly pigmented so the color is true and long wearing on the skin.  Only the best ingredients are used and everything is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic and photographs beautifully.
Oooh... and did I mention the packaging?! Sleek and simple and perfect for a kit or on-the-go travel.  Nearly all of the products, foundations, concealers, eyeshadow, lipgloss, etc... are compacts that can be attached together for easy transportability.  No digging through drawers, searching through bags, everything can be hooked together, like Legos, but easier.  With their simple packaging and amazing products Jouer makes it easy to Live Your Beauty.  My kit has never been so organized.
So, anyway, after that shoot, I knew I had to give Jouer a workout.  And a workout they have had with excellent results.  From Nike, to Parade Magazine to the feature Fashion Editorial Spread for Sojourner Magazine, these products have done nothing but impress.

Below are a few images from the Sojourner Magazine shoot in Aspen Colorado.  The stylist was intent on keeping the look simple, natural and beautiful.  On the model's face I used Jouer Age Repairing Perfector Foundation and Concealer, Jouer Peach Bouquet Blush and Nars multiple in Copacabana.
On her eyes I used Jouer cream eyeshadow chiffon and cashmere and dusted over with pink champagne powder eyeshadow.  To finish her look I used MAC spice lip pencil with Jouer  lipgloss in Tender.
And Viola - the results were spectacular!

W Gets A Face Lift...

But did the doctor go too far? This cosmetic surgery antipodean thinks so.
W is not just a magazine, it is a fashion Bible and it resides next to Vogue on the mantle of go to publications for all things NOW.  This isn't about trend, it's about Style and style transcends craze.  It is true that a craze can bring about a style renaissance, however with the case of W they should have left well enough alone.
The Big September Fashion issue just hit my mailbox. This is the first issue under new Editor and Chief Stefano Tonchi, and with a new Chief comes a new Fashion Director.  I don't know where they dug her up but bets are on she was discovered buried deep in the bowels of a mausoleum in Toledo.
You would think that being the big fall fashion edition, team mode would turn on the creative juicer and let the cup runneth over in spectacular editorial fashion.  Especially since this is the first issue under new leadership.  Unfortunately readers, the dustball hit the fan when this issue went to print and the only thing spectacular about it is the fact they didn't lose the advertisers.
On the bright side - the writing remains sagacious and risks were taken with nudity and idolatry; think Vanity Fair.  Which leads me to believe that W may have well turned the corner from leading the pack to following the herd.

Back On-line

Dear Readers,
I must apologize in being so remiss about keeping up with what's new in beauty news.
My summer has been a busy one consisting of doing make-up for Aspen Sojourner's fashion editorial issue,
Face the Nation, Chris Everett and Martina Navratolova for Parade Magazine, just to mention a few.
I do have the buzz on some new and fabulous beauty products including Chanel's new fragrance for
Men - Bleu.  So stay tuned for fashion photos, updates and more.
And thanks for understanding that work sometimes takes priority.

Summer Sizzlers

Summer - well spring at least - has finally arrived in Aspen.  And to celebrate the arrival of hot days and languid nights I found a pocket-full of perfection in these dazzling new products from a few of our favorite purveyors of beauty.



NARS  takes the cake with their new Multiple.  In three glorious colors, you're certain to find something to please.  Swipe over  lips and on cheeks for an instant summer pick-me up.

Georgio Armani  has a new summer collection certain to brighten up the eye; a beautiful compact toting eye colors and a bronzer for a healthy glow.

Add some sparkle to your day with MAC's  new Superglass lipgloss.  Full of sparkle and shine it's certain to be a crowd pleasure.

For a glitzy night out on the town pep up your new sandals with Chanel's newest polish; a shimmering gold reminiscent of Vegas nights.

And finally - finish it all off with a spritz of Gardenia.  A deeply romantic fragrance from Chanel .





Enjoy the fun of summer while putting your best face forward and living your beauty.

Mexican Spice

Last November I had the privilege of working with Mexican film star Issabela Camil on a shoot for Esquire Mexico .  The editorial was shot on location at the Viceroy Hotel  in Snowmass Colorado.  In addition to having a beautiful face and amazing body, she also had a very kind spirit and generous attitude.
The set was lighthearted and fun and everyone worked to get the best possible shot.


Below are some images of the February publication that was just sent to me along with some make-up tips for the looks.

We wanted to keep the look unstructured and Euro.  And because of the mood lighting I really wanted her bone structure to pop.  To achieve this, I used NARS multiple in Copacabana on her cheek bones, center of her forehead and tip of her nose.  I contoured her cheek bones, jaw and nose with Spice blush from MAC.

To achieve the smoky eye for Issabel I used a quad eyeshadow from RAIN cosmetics, Chanel black kohl eyeliner, MAC gel eyeliner, false lashes from Shu Uemura and a Smashbox brow pencil.

We kept her lips soft and neutral with a pencil and gloss from Laura Mercier.










The high altitude of Aspen can wreak havoc on the hair, so we blew it out using Living Proof  styling Cream (really the best product for no frizz).

And viola, the lady is a looker, and living her beauty on the screen and off.  Salute Issabel!

Blue is the New Green

La Mer  is going Blue to help green up the planet.  To help celebrate World Ocean's Day, La Mer has created a limited-edition 100 ml World Oceans Day “blue” Crème de la Mer jar and will make a $200,000 donation to Oceana - a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world's oceans.  The limited-edition 100 ml “blue” Crème de la Mer jar is available in limited quantities and will be sold globally in the month of June in celebration of World Oceans Day. 


Made official by the United Nations in 2009, World Oceans Day takes place annually on June 8^th and is a day to recognize the sea’s importance as a vital ecosystem and take action to preserve its delicate habitats and wildlife. With over 300,000 members in 150 countries, Oceana’s science-based policies have greatly reduced over-fishing and protected threatened marine habitats. 


Help support the Green and the Blue while pampering yourself and protecting your skin.