beauty-main

La Prairie: Cutting-Edge Beauty

While some people flock to all-natural products, La Prairie knows that scientific advancement can be a very good thing for the skin. Cutting-edge, Switzerland-based La Prairie is nominated for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Bodycare Line.

La Prairie began as part of the innovative and world-famous Clinique brand, based in beautiful Montreux, Switzerland, but since 1982, Laboratoires La Prairie have been separate. Their scientific approach to beauty includes treatments which work on cellular levels, based around their patented Cellular Complex. The exclusive Cellular Complex is said to activate the skin's metabolism, prevent aging, increase the skin's moisture retention (the good kind) and give it longer life. Though powerful, it can be used on even the most delicate skin, and it is included in everything from their hand cream to eye cream.

Gallery: La Prairie

We are particularly impressed with La Prairie's Skin Caviar Luxe Body Emulsion ($195 for 6.8 oz). This satin-light, rich emulsion gently exfoliates as it moisturizes, and actually makes the skin stronger against harsh environmental conditions like precipitation and wind. The marine-derived Cellular Body Emulsion works wonders for damaged skin, and the Cellular Energizing Body Spray firms and revitalizes while giving the user a boost of energy.

Natural creams and oils are certainly good for some, but there are those among us who want a little extra help from science, and our readers have spoken: Swiss La Prarie's products are at the top of their field. If messing around with such powerful elixirs concerns you, you can visit the La Prairie website for an online skin consultation to be sure you find the product that will give you the results you desire.

Vote for the bodycare line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, Cellular Complex, La Prairie, luxist-awards, skincare, SkinCareProducts

Laura Mercier: Celebrity-Inspired Luxury Cosmetics

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Laura Mercier is the cosmetic, bath and body and fragrance collection by French-born makeup artist Laura Mercier, and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Cosmetics Line.

Laura Mercier began her career as a painter, but soon began painting with cosmetics as a personal makeup artist to celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, and Juliette Binoche. She gained notoriety early on for her artist's eye and her ability to accentuate a person's natural beauty.

Gallery: Laura Mercier

She moved to New York in 1985 to launch American Elle, where she worked on advertising campaigns for all the best retailers and expanded her portfolio to include a vast array of publications. After working with Elizabeth Arden and Chanel, she moved on to personal clients, including collaborating with Madonna for her print, TV and film looks. In 1996, she developed Laura Mercier Cosmetics, based on the idea that there should be a classic, always-current look unaffected by season. The products were created specifically to meet the needs of her clients, including their skin types and color preferences.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, cosmetics, Laura Mercier, luxist-awards, Madonna, Meryl Streep, Susan Sarandon

Continue reading “Laura Mercier: Celebrity-Inspired Luxury Cosmetics”

Bobbi Brown: Makeup that Looks Like Skin, But Better

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Bobbi Brown is the beauty line and namesake of celebrity makeup artist Bobbi Brown, and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Cosmetics Line.

Bobbi Brown worked her way up to makeup stardom through the freelance scene in New York City, gig by gig, in the kind of environment that makes most young hopefuls throw in the towel. Her seven-year perseverance paid off with a Vogue cover featuring supermodel-to-be Naomi Campbell shot by Patrick Demarchelier. She was immediately established as one of the freshest voices in the industry, and the jobs started pouring in.

Gallery: Bobbi Brown

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, Bobbi Brown, cosmetics, Estee Lauder, luxist-awards, Naomi Campbell, oprah, oprah winfrey, Patrick Demarchelier

Continue reading “Bobbi Brown: Makeup that Looks Like Skin, But Better”

Biotherm Homme: Miraculous Powers of Soothing and Rejuvenation

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Many of the world's most successful skin care lines boast impressive creation myths, perhaps none more so than Biotherm. For both its heritage and profusion of products, Biotherm Homme has earned a Luxist nomination in the best men's skin care line category.

High in the mountains of France nearly half a century ago, an intrepid biologist chanced upon something quite unusual in the abundant waters of a thermal spring: a type of plankton with miraculous powers of soothing and rejuvenation, as the story goes. After many years and a great deal of research, the purified ingredient, called Vitreoscilla Ferment, was patented for use in skin care.

Gallery: Biotherm Homme

Today, Vitreoscilla Ferment is at the core of Biotherm's offerings. The company's men's line, Biotherm Homme, includes full-body options like Aquafitness, a shower gel for body and hair (6.7 oz: $21) as well as face-specific Aquapower, a moisturizer made specifically for dry skin (2.5 oz: $28).

Biotherm isn't just for European thermal bathers. The company's recently introduced former Law & Order star and Sex and the City icon Chris Noth as its new face, complete with an online video shoot. Those interested in emulating Mr. Big can check out "Chris' Pick," a reactivating anti-age gel called Force Supreme, on Biotherm's website.

Vote for the men's skin care line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, Biotherm, Biotherm Homme, Chris Noth, luxist-awards, sex and the city, sex and the city 2, Sex and the City movie, SkinCare, SkinCareProducts

Trish McEvoy: Beauty Products that Make Life Easier

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Trish McEvoy rocked the world back in the 70s with her revolutionary makeup brushes, and today her collection includes a full line of makeup and skincare products, leading to her nomination for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Cosmetics Line.

Trish McEvoy understood makeup, which is why she was able to create specially-shaped brushes to apply it neatly and naturally, making makeup easier for women everywhere. To this day her brushes are loved by consumers and makeup artists alike; some won't use anything else.

Gallery: Trish McEvoy

Her innovative makeup products include a revolutionary Eye-Definer Pencil, equipped with the perfect smudge brush, and Finish Line, a liquid which turns any shadow or powder into an easily-applied eyeliner. The colors are elegant and warm, making a look of sophisticated beauty a simple, daily achievement.

It was Trish McEvoy's hope to empower women with the right tools and right products and rescue them from overflowing, unkempt makeup bags She created the Makeup Planner System; a collection of makeup bags which organizes makeup perfectly and smartly. One use and you'll be sure no one had ever thought the art of makeup application through before.

Trish McEvoy's nomination is for not only her products, but for how they make our lives simpler. She regularly appears on TV and in print publications with tips for how to pare down your makeup arsenal and use your time more wisely -- so that you can get out there and enjoy being beautiful.

Vote for the cosmetics line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, cosmetics, luxist-awards, trish mcevoy

Philosophy: Skin Creams that Nourish and Repair

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Browse through Philosophy's skin care products and you'll notice a recurring theme: simplicity. Labels are understated, there are no capital letters, and pictures of children adorn many of their offerings. Philosophy's philosophy is a breath of fresh air in the beauty industry-and one reason it's a Luxist nominee in the best skin cream line category.

Skin care entrepreneur Cristina Carlino founded Philosophy in 1996 with the goal of bridging the gap between the skin creams prescribed by doctors and the ones available over the counter. Her prior experience at Biomedic, a medically focused skin care line primarily directed toward plastic surgeons and dermatologists, gave her the skills to do just that.

Gallery: Philosophy

Philosophy touts this scientific background, emphasizing the fact that all products are made with medically sound ingredients and are overseen by a cadre of doctors and scientists. In that vein, Philosophy likes to point out that its skin creams nourish and repair skin, rather than simply cover up the unhealthy parts. Each offering is directed at a range of specific areas including anti-aging, sun damage, acne, oiliness and dryness.

Popular creams include "Hope in a Jar," a daily moisturizer initially made for the medical market that helps reduce wrinkles and skin discoloration (4 oz: $60) and "purity made simple," a one-step daily facial cleanser that's best for removing makeup, as well as cleansing, toning and hydrating skin (16 oz: $32). Just remember: everything stays in lower case.

Vote for the skin care line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, luxist-awards, philosophy, philosophy beauty products, SkinCare, SkinCareProducts

Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc: Synonymous with Opulence

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Though the uninitiated may be confused by the arrangement of letters spelling out BVLGARI above many a posh storefront around the globe, devotees know that Bulgari is one of the world's oldest luxury goods providers. The secret is out at Luxist, too: Bulgari's Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc has earned a Luxist Awards Readers' Choice nomination for best fragrance.

When founder Sotirios Voulgaris packed up his jewelry shop in his hometown of Kalarites, Greece in the late 19^th Century, he probably had no idea that his name would be synonymous with opulence for generations to come. After opening his first Bulgari store on Rome's Via dei Condotti in 1905 (the "BVLGARI" spelling is a tribute to this Roman heritage), the boutique became a favorite of elites passing through the area.

After heroics in World War II-Sotirios' son Constantino sheltered three Jewish women from the holocaust-Bulgari's business picked up during peacetime. The 1970s saw expansion to New York, Paris and Geneva, to name a few. In addition to selling handbags, watches and other accessories, Bulgari soon gained a strong reputation for its fragrances.

One of the company's most popular fragrances is the Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc, also known simply as white tea. Launched in 2003, it contains hints of amber, pepper, and of course, white tea. In addition to the cologne (1.33 oz: $60), white tea is available in body lotion (6.7 oz: $49) and shampoo and shower gel (6.7 oz: $41) form. All are available in Bulgari boutiques around the world and from retailers including Sephora.

Vote for the fragrance that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, bulgari, bvgari, fragrance, luxist-awards, perfume

NARS: Bright Colors, Brighter Ideas

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

NARS is the coveted cosmetic line created by innovator and celebrity image-maker François Nars, and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in Best Cosmetics Line.

NARS is driven by a single man's vision. "To me, beauty is about balancing the fun stuff with a classical, timeless wardrobe of makeup," François Nars has said. It's that philosophy which skyrocketed him to fame, at first in the Paris fashion world, and which has led him to create some of the most iconic looks of our time, from Kate Moss to Madonna's many reinventions in the 90s. "I've always been attracted to faces with personality, strength and a unique quality," he said. "What interests me is character."

Gallery: NARS Cosmetics

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, francois nars, francois nars dog, luxist-awards, Nars, Nars Cosmetics

Continue reading “NARS: Bright Colors, Brighter Ideas”

M·A·C Cosmetics: An Industry Favorite

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

M·A·C Cosmetics, or Make-up Art Cosmetics, is a favorite of runway artists and film stars alike, and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award in Best in Cosmetics.

The company was founded in Toronto by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo back in 1985, and the legend says that the formation of the entire company was based on just one shade of lipstick: M.A.C. Red. The story goes that the pair were mixing their own shade of red to use in a runway show, and everyone from the models to the photographers fell in love with it. The two Franks joined forces to found M·A·C Cosmetics, a line of cosmetics for industry professionals.

Gallery: M.A.C. Cosmetics

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, cosmetics, Cyndi Lauper, Estée Lauder, Lady Gaga, luxist-awards, M.A.C.

Continue reading “M·A·C Cosmetics: An Industry Favorite”

Acqua di Parma Colonia: The Scent of Choice for Sophisticates

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

While today's world is full of celebrity fragrances that seem to disappear as quickly as a morning spritz of the physical product, Acqua di Parma is one of the few names that's had lasting success. With a century of Italian lineage, it's also a Luxist nominee in the best fragrance category.

First launched in 1916 by a small perfume factory in the town center of Parma, Italy, Acqua di Parma was unusual from the outset. Unlike the bold scents being concocted in Germany at the time, Acqua di Parma was a subtle fragrance, and it quickly gained attention for its rebelliously refined lightness and crispness.

Gallery: Acqua Di Parma

Starting in the 1930s, Acqua di Parma Colonia became the scent of choice for sophisticates worldwide. Stars like Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn came to favor the unisex fragrance, and thousands of others followed. By the 1960s, the market was awash with other products, and Acqua di Parma fell out of favor with younger crowds. The 1990s brought resurgence; the fragrance was scooped up by luxury goods behemoth LVMH in 2001.

Today, Acqua di Parma offers a host of other options in addition to its signature Colonia. For women, there's the floral Iris Nobile, the sumptuous Profumo, and the velvety Magnolia Nobile. Acqua di Parma's Blu Mediterraneo line offers five different formulas for face and body, as well as an Italian resort of the same name. Acqua di Parma products are available at fine retailers such as Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Vote for the fragrance that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: Acqua di Parma, Acqua di Parma Colonia, awards-main, beauty-main, luxist-awards

Anthony Logistics for Men: Skin Care Products to Meet the Needs of Men

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Anthony Logistics for Men is a straightforward name for a straightforward company, and that's part of the reason it has earned a Luxist nomination in the best men's skin care line category.

Frustrated by the lack of grooming options available to men, Anthony Sosnick founded his eponymous company in 2000. From the beginning, the Manhattanite focused on hair gels, anti-aging regimens, eye cream and facial scrubs. Simple packaging and no-nonsense naming ("Razor Burn Repair" for-you guessed it-razor burn repair) made Anthony's products popular with men tired of frilly euphemisms clogging up their showers.

Gallery: Anthony Logistics for Men

As Sosnick's company-and his family-grew, he expanded his offerings. Shortly after the birth of his twin boys in 2004, he launched Anthony For Little Men, a self-foaming hair and body cleanser for babies. More recently, he launched The Cool Fix, a soothing blue gel marketed to women seeking relief from shaving and waxing woes.

Men's skin care, however, remains the heart of the Anthony line. Popular offerings include Pre Shave Oil, a potion packed with olive oil, rosemary, Vitamin E and other ingredients proven to ensure a smooth shave (2 oz: $20), as well as Body Cleansing Gel, a citrusy softener and moisturizer (8 oz: $16.50).

Anthony products are available online, and in a slew of bricks-and-mortar stores around the world. A portion of all proceeds goes to non-profits dedicated to finding a cure for prostate cancer.

Vote for the men's skin care line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: Anthony Logistics for Men, Awards-Main, beauty-main, Luxist-Awards, SkinCare, SkinCareProducts

37 Extreme Actives: The One-Step Skincare Solution

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

With a rich mixture of academic and scientific knowledge, Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas has created an unparalleled line of skin care offerings for her eponymous company. No surprise that her signature product, "37 Extreme Actives," has garnered a nomination for a Luxist award in the best skin cream category.

Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas started her skin cream line after a more than a decade of impressive preparation. She earned three degrees from Harvard (B.A., M.D., and a Ph.D in genetics), also stopping off at Yale to teach at the medical school and serve as a physician at Yale-New Haven hospital. She started her own private practice in laser and aesthetic dermatology in New York in 2003. Since becoming a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas continued her scientific research in skincare, working as a consultant to L'Oreal Paris for three years, conducting clinical trials for pharmaceutical companies and laser device companies, as well as independent research on lasers and her newest work in the lab.

Gallery: 37 Extreme Active

Tags: 37 extreme actives, awards-main, beauty-main, harvard, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, luxist-awards, Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, skincare

Continue reading “37 Extreme Actives: The One-Step Skincare Solution”

MenScience Androceuticals: Leaders in Grooming for Men

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

The company's logo says it all: "Be Healthy and Look Great." This simple approach is just one of the reasons why MenScience Androceuticals is a Luxist nominee in the best men's skin care line category.

MenScience was founded by Federico Sanchez, a Harvard business school grad, in 2004. His interest in health and wellness spurred him to start the company, and soon men all around the world were clamoring for MenScience products. In 2005, Sanchez took the brand international, and by 2008 the company offered more than 30 different items.

Gallery: MenScience Androceuticals

Originally developed as a skin care line for high-performance athletes, MenScience is among the world's leaders in grooming for men from all walks of life. One of the aspects that sets it apart is its focus on nutrition. In addition to the usual assortment of creams and gels, MenScience sells multi-vitamins, anti-oxidants, fish oil and other supplements, all of which can combine to help improve overall health on top of their skin-deep benefits.

MenScience's best sellers in the skin-specific arena are Daily Face Wash, a one-size-fits-all cleanser (8 oz: $25); Advanced Face Lotion, an oil-free moisturizer (3.4 oz: $36); and Anti-Aging Formula, a wrinkle reducer and skin revitalizer (1 oz: $58). Products are available though MenScience's website and at brick-and-mortar stores including Barneys New York and Nordstrom.

Vote for the men's skin care line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, luxist-awards, MenScience Androceuticals, SkinCare, SkinCareProducts

Darphin: Products Known for Transformational Results

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

If you're looking for a line of skin cream with both a rich French heritage and a focus on the inner balance and harmony of body and soul, look no further than Darphin. An illustrious background is just one of the qualities that makes Darphin a Luxist nominee in the best skin care category.

Darphin's roots date back to 1958, when founding father Pierre Darphin founded one of France's first beauty institutes. At the time, Parisian salons mostly focused on hair; Darphin was among the first who aimed to beautify the whole body. His Daurphin Institute combined a stable of cosmetologists, massage therapists, manicure experts and others with the goal of giving his clients the most all-encompassing treatments possible.

Gallery: Darphin

The son of a French hairdresser-to-the-stars, Darphin started all his clients with a mandatory one-hour consultation before deciding on a treatment. After the Institute's experts finished up with a client, Darphin would recommend skin care formulas for daily use at home, sometimes even prescribing a facial exercise regimen.

Today, Pierre Darphin's legacy of wide-ranging beauty products remains intact, with offerings in body care, dental care and skin care, to name a few. Darphin's signature creams include the Hydraskin Light Gel, a pistachio ice cream-colored gel used for moisturizing skin and keeping it supple (1.7 oz: $60), as well as the Stimulskin Plus Divine Lifting Cream, an anti-aging formula infused with green tea, chamomile and mulberry extract and other ingredients (1.7 oz: $295).

Vote for the skin care line that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through May 31st and winners will be announced on June 1.

Tags: Awards-Main, beauty-main, Darphin, Luxist-Awards, Paris, skin, SkinCareProducts

Voyage d'Hermes: A Unisex Fragrance that Takes You to Another Place

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Hermès may best be known for its leathergoods and fashion, but it is also a powerhouse in the fragrance world. Its newest scent, Voyage d'Hermès, is a nominee for a Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Award for Best Fragrance.

Voyage d'Hermès was created by its exclusive perfumer, Jean-Claude Ellena, who joined Hermès in 2004. Ellena's hope was to develop a perfume that would take people to another place---a scent that would represent the most beautiful of all journeys. His desire was that people would smell the perfume and not say "It reminds me..." but "It's calling to me."

Ellena created a fragrance that is both familiar and surprising as well as masculine and feminine. Voyage d'Hermès is a unisex fragrance that is woody, fresh and musky.

Gallery: Voyage d'Hermes