The look for Alice & Olivia Fall 2010 was that of a young Parisian in the Spring (ironic, right?). Models were fresh faced and young, with lots of pinks and metallics with shades of smoky dusty rose. Gregory Arlt, Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC Cosmetics, created this refreshing look.

Arlt foresees Fall 2010 trends to include fresh faced looks and a focus on the lips in particular deep red lips. Check out his video on the look:

Master hair stylist Ric Pipino continued the Parisian theme and added a little rock’n’roll with textured hair that used lots of product. Products used were from Pipino’s own line Revolution in Cut – namely Lift Me and Long Layers. Pipino forecasts that Fall 2010 hair trends will include texture and strong haircuts.

Check out the video for details:

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

The makeup for the Rebecca Taylor Fall 2010 Fashion Show revolved around the eyes.

Makeup artist Rie Omoto for MAC was inspired by a tough, yet feminine NYC girl. “The look is so easy. When you walk down the street in New York and you see that girl.” But while it is feminine but tough and different, it’s not trying too hard. This girl knows what she wants to wear with the hair and makeup and she just does it. Easy and simple (shall we call it effortless chic?).

To achieve this look Rie used an eyeshadow in Cork for the brows, Blacktrack Fluidline for the eyes as well as Black Paintstick. She applied an eyeshadow in Coquette on the inner crease, and contoured the cheeks with Mineralize Skinfinish.

As for the lips, she used Lip Erase to remove the pink and red tones.

Hairstylist Rudy Lewis of Cutler for Redken was inspired by Jane Birkin and the Parisian It Girls for his messy yet beautiful look. Rudy aimed for a “got her hair done and then went to sleep” effect. Extensions were added, hair was back brushed underneath for volume and then flat ironed to press for texture. Hair was left down for a simple look that let the makeup and clothes shine.

He used Redken Spray Starch, Redken Workforce Hairspray and Cutler Specialist Volumizing Spray.

The nails were done by Wendy Brownlee for OPI using My Private Jet — a glittery shade of brownish/purple tones.

- Catia Carvalho Trooskin

We interviewed Erin Fetherston to get her views on the Fall 2010 inspiration for the runway, which was a Chelsea Girl look inspired by Nico of Velvet Underground. Click on the picture to hear her thoughts:

The backstage beauty was done by Lucia for MAC Cosmetics who prepped the skin with MAC’s Warm and Cozy collection essential oils to give a glow and dewiness. “It’s almost as though she’s been running in the fields…it’s not meant to look like the face is made up…it’s very natural,” says Lucia. She used two new MAC Lipsticks - one as blush and lipstain, and the other as eyeshadow. The two shades are Cocochino (eyeshadow) and Fearless (a wine color, for the lips and cheeks).

The hair was done by Odile Gilbert for Moroccan Oil. “It’s very Nico, very romantic…bangs in the front for the girls and just using Moroccan Oil and Moroccan Oil Hairspray…that’s it!” It’s a very simple look. “This look is always a trend. You have a classic look like this and is very timeless.”

The Product Pasha chats with Purple Lab’s Karen Robinovitz about blogging, social media, and the new FTC rules.

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Has the economic situation made you think twice about spending on expensive dermatologist and spa treatments? Do you want dermatological results but are afraid of undergoing a medical procedure? In the US there are over 10 million surgical and non-surgical procedures a year – 80% of those procedures are non-surgical. If the thought of sitting in a dermatologist’s chair makes you queasy – have no fear – many technologies that were previously only available in spas and dermatologists offices are now available over the counter for home use. Whether you are battling acne, trying to diminish the signs of aging or looking for easy hair removal we’ve found a home solution for you. These are effective & easy to use home gadgets that promise to save you money and give you the results you seek:

ACNE

Acne affects about 80% of the US population. Most acne issues are treated with over-the-counter medication however acne is the leading reason for seeking dermatological treatments. If you are looking for an effective at home solution with dermatologist-like results the below are for you:

Thermaclear is a heat-enabled acne clearing system that works by releasing a beam of heat directly to acne spots. It claims to clear acne pimples at least twice as fast as acne not treated with Thermaclear. Users have found Thermaclear to be highly effective, especially when used at the onset of acne spots. It only takes two seconds of use to start the acne clearing process. There is minimal pain from the heat, which is similar to tweezing for some and more like waxing or using an epilator for others. The biggest difference between Thermaclear and other heat-enabled acne clearing devices is the easy two second treatment time. $149 amazon.com

ZENO is another heat-enabled acne clearing device. Unlike Thermaclear’s treatment time of two seconds, Zeno must be used for two full minutes on each spot you wish to remove. The tip heats to a pre-set temperature and upon contact with acne spots releases heat into the follicle killing acne bacteria. Users reported acne clearing up in just a few hours as opposed to topical treatments that take days to show visible effects. $149 amazon.com

ANSR Acne Care Kit uses a combination of red and blue LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights and topical treatments to get rid of acne. Most LED devices used to treat acne only use blue LED lights – the ANSR system uses both blue and red LED lights in order to eradicate the acne pimples and then diminish redness and scarring. Users reported a noticeable difference in the appearance of their skin. Kit includes LED gadget and topical pre-treatment cleanser, moisturizer and night gel. $195 blissworld.com

Evis MD Platinum Blue Light Therapy – is a handheld LED device that uses blue light to treat acne. Uses the same level of LED light as professional machines for a once a week treatment as opposed to other LED devices that require daily use. $249.95 amazon.com

Tanda Acne Light Therapy Treatment also uses blue LED light to kill acne-causing bacteria removing pimples and preventing future breakouts. It is to be used along with a special cleanser and anti-blemish gel that were designed specifically to work with the Tanda device. Users found the Tanda device significantly improved the skin’s appearance. At around $75 per blue light treatment at a facial clinic the Tanda pays for itself after only a few uses. Set includes Tanda device, Light-Optimized Cleanser and Light-Optimized Anti-Blemish Gel. Can also be used with a Red Light treatment head to reduce the signs of aging ($75 sold separately). $250 Sephora.com

ANTI AGING

The majority of cosmetic procedures are those aimed at rejuvenating skin. That is no surprise – since about 8000 people in the U.S. turn 60 each day. Aging is a fact of life but the appearance of aging skin doesn’t have to be. The below at home treatments promise to help in the battle against wrinkling, sagging, age spots and rough texture:

Nuface Micro current Device uses micro currents to instantly lift skin. Studies show a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles over time. It is FDA approved for use in toning the face. The micro currents increase blood flow for more collagen and elastin production. It is handheld and convenient and only needs to be used for a few minutes a day. $325 blissworld.com

Tanda Regenerate Anti-Aging Starter Kit is dermatologist recommended and scientifically proven to reduce the signs of aging. Improves skin tone, texture and color and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines using red LED light therapy for results that are close to dermatologist treatments. Kit includes Light- Optimized Cleanser and Anti-Aging Serum to be used in conjunction with device. Can also be used with Blue Light treatment head to combat acne ($75 sold separately). $275 sephora.com

ANSR Skin Rejuvenation System uses the same LED light technology as the ANSR Acne Care Kit. The only difference between the two kits is in the anti-aging topical treatments included in the Skin Rejuvenation System. $195 blissworld.com

Evis MD Platinum Red Light Therapy is another handheld device that uses red LED light technology to reduce the signs of aging. Just like Evis MD Platinum Blue Light Therapy, this version also uses the same level of LED light as professional machines for a once weekly treatment. $249 amazon.com
DEEP CLEANING

Deep Cleaning helps to brighten skin, remove dead skin cells and enhances the penetration of topical treatment products. One deep cleaning at home product stands out among the crowd:

Clarisonic MD Professional Skincare Brush uses sonic technology for a deep clean. It works at a 300 time per second oscillation to remove makeup and clean six times better than regular cleansing. Pores are clear and diminished in size. Skin is noticeably clearer and even. Clarisonic has a cult following among beauty lovers and users rave about the dramatic results. $195at clarisonic.com
HAIR REMOVAL

Bliss/Phillips Bikini Perfect Deluxe Spa Edition is an electronic grooming kit used to remove hair. Instead of springing for expensive spa hair removal, this kit allows for at home hair removal using six shaving and epilating attachments for different levels of hair removal. It even includes and eyebrow comb and micro trimmer for maintaining your arches. $59.99 sephora.com

No!no! uses thermal transference to send heat to the hair follicle for easy, no pain hair removal. No!no! literally burns the hair by use of a built in wire that transmits heat. Used in conjunction with the included buffer no!no! removes hair over time. Not for a quick fix, this is a long-term solution that requires continued use. $99 sephora.com

Tria Laser Hair Removal System is an FDA approved device that uses laser technology to remove hair below the neck. You simply zap the hairs and the hair falls out within two weeks. Regrowth takes longer than waxing, leaving you free from waxing appointments. Though expensive at $795 it is a value when compared to professional laser hair removal.

Blissworld.com

Silk’n Sensepil uses FDA cleared Home Pulsed Light technology for long term hair removal. It is dermatologist recommended and clinically proven to remove hair using optical energy to disable hair growth. It has a built in skin sensor that tests whether your skin is the right color for treatment – damage can occur in darker tones. This device can be used below the neck for effective hair removal.$499 silkn.com

LESS EXPENSIVE OPTIONS

Pretika Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Brush is an alternative to the Clarisonic brush. Many users found Pretika’s Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Brush comparable to the Clarisonic at a quarter of the price. Pretika uses sonic high frequency micro-pulsating cleansing technology to remove the dry and flaky outer-layer of skin. It reveals smoother skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also helps with acne, large pores, oily skin and dryness.

$49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target and QVC.com

Dove SkinVitalizer Facial Cleaning Massager is a deep cleaning vibrating face massager that revitalizes skin for smooth, soft skin. It stimulates surface skin for a glowing, more beautiful complexion. Users reported super soft exfoliated skin. Kit contains a vibrating device and pads to attach to device. $7.99 amazon.com

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser is another deep cleaning vibrating face massager. It removes oil, makeup and dirt better than using regular cleansers. It is available in one or two speeds – for two speeds look for the Neutrogena Wave Duo. Users found skin softer and clearer after use. Neutrogena Wave $12.88 and Neutrogena Wave Duo $15.99 amazon.com

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Rejuvenator uses a vibrating device and rejuvenating pads to reveal softer, younger looking skin. Puffs use ultra-fine aluminum crystals to exfoliate and micro-vibrations stimulate skin to increase cell turnover. Users reported fresh, glowing skin and reduced pore size and blackheads. $29.60 amazon.com

- Reporting by Catia Carvalho Trooskin

Ever since Watson, Crick, and Franklin unlocked the secret of our DNA, the double helix has popped into our imaginations. “Oh, so that’s what we’re made of!” The elegant spirals wind their way through our cells, and now they’ve stretched into a different area: Our beauty products.

To start, Avon Anew Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum ($54 at www.avon.com) suspends brilliant blue hyaluronic acid in a clear serum. According to Ron Robinson, a cosmetic scientist and founder of BeautyStat, most companies use this design simply as a marketing tool – it allows them to drive home to the point that their product contains two different active ingredients.

But wow, it does look cool. Olay Definity Color Recapture (at drugstores) swirls a tinted moisturizer with a protective serum that wards off new sun-damage while healing the old. Sunsilk also dips into the double helix trend with their Waves of Envy Gel and Cream Twist (at drugstores.)

The helix itself does nothing in terms of functionality, but why not make products that beautify your bathroom just by sitting on the shelves? A little reminder of what’s going on inside our tiniest components could never hurt.

Fab news! I attended my first Total Beauty event last week in New York, and met a skincare guru that has taken Beverly Hills and the nation by storm (we’re talking at least a hurricane Dolly level alert here).

Zein Obagi is a no nonsense skincare guru who’s been practicing dermatology for decades. He just turned 65 but I’m sure his genes must have been dipped in some anti-aging potion because he didn’t look a day over forty.

Obagi spoke about how so many brands lead you to over moisturize the skin. His latest “Fight Aging, Fight Hard” ZO Skin Health line gives us no skin-deep promises. He is determined to spread the word that over moisturizing does more harm than good (and yes, I almost tumbled off my chair when he said this…I actually thought he was losing it for a minute). So you’ll see that the ZO Skin Health line does not include any moisturizers.

“Moisturizers are a quick fix,” he says. “They give skin a smooth and silky feeling, but with repeated use skin becomes addicted to them.” Obagi wants skin to fight and work hard, and his products aim to “wake up” the dormant cells that have been so pampered that they can’t even take care of themselves. ZO Skin Health uses pure retinol (the highest OTC dosage) and no moisturizers — to combat aging, wrinkles, fine lines, discolorations and other major skin problems without resorting to Five Star Spa Quality Skin Pampering. (more…)