cosmetics

SENSAI Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves

SENSAI Cellular Performance Hydrachange Tinted Gel Cream

By: Ariston Anderson

I've long been a fan of luxury beauty line SENSAI, the Japanese masters of skin care and cosmetics. The key ingredient to all of their products, from their Double Cleansing Program to their Sun Care line, is silk. The rare Koishimaru Silk holds 300 times its own weight in water, giving the products throughout their line a way of softening the skin that has never been achieved by regular skin care products. They've launched a brand new line, highlighting their ever-advancing science and exclusive ingredients ready to take you through summer.

Gallery: Sensai Summer Skin Care and Makeup Must-Haves

CELLULAR PERFORMANCE BODY COUNTOUR CONCENTRATE

Products are available for purchase on kanebo.com, bergdorfgoodman.com, NeimanMarcus.com, or by phone at 212.872.2537/800.588.1855 x2357.

Tags: cosmetics, Sensai, skin care, skin care products, summer

Benefit Launches High SPF Moisturizer

by Unknown (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

By: Ariston Anderson

Every summer, I'm on a search for the perfect SPF day cream -- something light enough for my sensitive skin, yet provides both UVA and UVB protection.

San Francisco makeup giant Benefit recently launched a skin care line with promising products that work fast for brighter, younger, radiant skin. The collection is packaged in fun vintage bottles, inspired by the waters of San Francisco's gorgeous coastline. After sampling the line, I discovered a beauty must-have that I'm looking forward to wearing in the warm months ahead: Triple Performing Facial Emulsion.

The facial emulsion offers full SPF 15 PA++ sun protection, boosted by plant extracts, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to provide maximum antioxidant advantages. With a light citrus scent, that's not too medicinal, it's the perfect lotion to wear under makeup or alone on a bare summer face. It also provides supreme hydration through Benefit's patented tri-radiance exclusive complex, designed to capture and maintain water to rebuild the skin's natural reservoir.

One hit of the emulsion on my face, I instantly felt refreshed. It provided a silky gloss that was neither greasy nor oily. In weeks, you will see a decrease in spots and fine lines and an increase in skin firmness. It's the one product to protect your skin against sun damage that no beach bag should be without.

Tags: Benefit, Benefit Triple Performing Facial Emulsion, cosmetics, moisturizer, skin care, skin care products, SPF

Marcel Wanders For MAC Cosmetics

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Dutch designer Marcel Wanders is one of the hot sellers in cosmetics this season. The designer, who has created glassware, furniture and all sorts of whimsical yet practical designs, has released a line of cosmetics with M·A·C. The M·A·C and Marcel Wanders line, is a limited-edition collection that offers everything from a sleek and scrolled black tapestry clutch to mascara, lip glosses, lipsticks, pressed powders and makeup brushes. The cosmetics cases are done is faceted high-gloss compacts and the brushes have little architectural flourishes that give them the look of furniture legs. Prices range from $18 to $75 and some of the pieces have already sold out.

[via UnBeige]

Tags: cosmetics, mac cosmetics, marcel wanders, marcel wanders for mac

Holiday Shopping Guide: Top Beauty Gifts for Women

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

The holidays mark the perfect time to update your look, your scent, or simply to protect the skin on your back. We rounded up the top luxe beauty gifts this season that will be a joy for anyone on your list to play with and experiment with. Help your friends and loved ones ring in the new year with a gift that will last well into 2011.

Sensai Cellular Lifting Series Set

The first name in Japanese skincare, Sensai, has earned a named synonymous with rich, moisturized skin. Whether dealing with harsh winter conditions or drying sun, nothing works better to moisturize and heal delicate skin. A new limited edition set ($245) features two of the most popular products from Sensai's new Lifting series, Lifting Cream and Lifting Essence, and a revitalizing Lifting Radiance 3D Mask. Featuring a near entire bottle of the Sensai Lifting Radiance Concentrate, formulated with Sensai's Natural Musculifter and Golden Camomile Extract, the mask guarantees a fresh, youthful face by New Year's through its trademark energy activation of muscle cells and microcirculation of the skin.

Sensai has another Limited Edition Gift Set from the Cellular Performance line ($130), which features Cellular Performance face and eye countour cream, inflused with Koishumaru Silk and Shilan Extract to protect against wrinkles and discoloration. The special box set also includes the Total Lip Treatment, which Scarlett Johannson calls her "favorite thing in the entire world...feels like a million bucks."

Tags: bobbi brown, cosmetics, fragrance, holiday shopping guide, perfume, scent, sensai, tom ford

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Chanel Wins Luxist's Editors' Choice Award for Best in Beauty

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Chanel wins Luxist's Editors Choice Award for Best in Beauty

For a beauty and fashion conglomerate whose founder distained fragrances, Chanel has had quite a run. "Women perfume themselves only to hide bad smells," said Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, shortly after founding her eponymous company.

That was 1909. A century later the iconic Chanel No. 5 is not only Chanel's flagship fragrance, but one of the most recognizable products in the world. Today, the Chanel empire (LINK: www.chanel.com ) spans cosmetics, haute couture, jewelry and swimwear. The company boasts more than 160 boutiques and seven ateliers (through subsidiary Paraffection) across the globe, from Paris and New York to Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Though Coco herself has long since passed on, the company's creative vision comes from head designer and creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Billionaires Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, grandsons of Coco's original business partner Pierre Wertheimer, continue to control the corporate side of Chanel, which takes in an estimated $3 billion or so in annual revenue.

Gallery: Chanel

Tags: Awards-main, Chanel, Chanel No. 5, cosmetics, Luxist-Awards, perfume, winners-beauty, winners-editors-choice

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Burberry Launches a Beauty Line

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Plaid, tartan, checked -- these are all patterns that I'd be most appalled to see on my face, even after a night of hard pillow-printing sleep, but Burberry -- best known for its classic "haymarket check" pattern on umbrellas, luggage and trench coat linings is betting the world's wealthy women will think differently.

The brand has just launched a beauty line, which it's selling at Nordstrom.com. It includes a full line of makeup, supposedly inspired by the "touch and feel of lightweight Burberry outerwear fabrics – the last layer you put on," according to the breathless press materials I received.

It all sounds rather...weatherproof...to me, and the colors also sound a bit grim: hues are described as greyed-off, smoky, dusty, trench and Gabardine.

Now, Burberry invented Garbardine in the late 19th century -- it's a fabric that's hard-wearing and weatherproof. This all sounds like something I'd like to use to coat a fence, not my forehead. On the other hand, these lovely ladies above look like they'd still look pretty good after a hard British rain shower, so maybe that's the point.

Tags: burberry, burberry beauty, burberry cosmetics, cosmetics

M·A·C Cosmetics Wins the Readers' Choice Award for Best Cosmetics Line

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

M.A.C. Cosmetics wins the Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best Cosmetics Line

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

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, best cosmetics, cosmetics, luxist-awards, MAC Cosmetics, winners-beauty

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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

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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

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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

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.

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Kanebo: A Body Care Line that Soothes the Body and Comforts the Soul

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Kanebo International Body Care line is nominated for a Luxist Award for Best Body Care Line. Kanebo's Sensai products also nominated for a Luxist Award for Best Skin Care Line.

Aptly named "Holistic Indulgence for Body and Mind," and part of the Sensai division, the body care line was developed with the knowledge of Oriental herbal medicine. The exclusive ingredients featured in this revolutionary body care line help to produce the highest level of skincare.

The body care line draws on the healing powers of nature with five new body care products, including three moisturizers, a body wash and a body exfoliator. These products weave together centuries-old herbal traditions with advanced skin science to cleanse and pamper the body. Developed according to holistic principles, the Body Care Line incorporates Kanebo's advanced silk technology with distinctive natural ingredients, such as bamboo, to help revitalize the skin through cleansing and moisturizing.

Gallery: Kanebo's Sensai

The body care line breaks down into two different categories: "Relaxing" for the moisturizing products, and "Refreshing" for the cleansing products. The "Relaxing" line is ivory and features the bamboo scent, while the "Refreshing" line is green in color with a fragrance that evokes green tea.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, body care, body care products, cosmetics, Kanebo, luxist-awards, Sensai

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Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Beauty

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Is there a fragrance, old or new, that you believe is superior to all others? Do you know of a skincare line geared toward men that is extraordinary? Is there a skin cream product that you can't live without? What is the best cosmetics line around? What is the best body care line? If you can recommend what you believe are the best beauty products and lines, we want to hear from you!

The Luxist Awards Readers' Choice Awards for Best in Beauty will be awarded based on your nominations and voting. We're currently seeking nominations for the best-of-breed in the following categories:

Best Fragrance
Best Men's Skincare Line
Best Skin Cream
Best Cosmetics Line
Best Body Care Line

One nomination per category, please. Submissions can be filed until May 15, 2010. Winners will be announced on June 1, 2010.

Tags: awards-main, beauty-main, cosmetics, fragrances, luxist-awards, skin care for men, SkinCare, SkinCareProducts

Chanel's New Lifting/Firming Skincare Line

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Chanel's New Lifting/Firming Skincare Line

The four products in Chanel's new Ultra Correction Lift Collection contain a resin from the Manila elemi tree, often used to heal skin in traditional Chinese medicine. The Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF 15, for example, is described as "lush cream, luxuriously textured and delicately scented, delivers a very soft, matte finish, with ultimate comfort, for a visible lifting effect." So, does the line deliver? I can't say (way out of my price range!), but according to O the Oprah Magazine beauty editor Jenny Bailly, "Don't expect gravity-defying results, but the Lifting Firming Day Cream SPF 15 and the Lifting Firming Night Cream will leave your skin temporarily plumper and firmer." The total of six products range from $85 - $225, including the four Lift Collection items as well a Lifting Firming Day Fluid SPF 15 and a Sculpting Firming Concentrate.

Tags: beauty, Chanel, cosmetics, creams, skin care, skincare

Luxist Gift Guide 09: Sensai Holiday Gift Sets

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Holiday Guides

If only Pamela Anderson had discovered the new SENSAI Platinum Edition Coffret Gift Set, before she let her platinum addiction drive her into bankruptcy. The new luxury gift set out just in time for the holidays offers for the first time ever, platinum, in a soft pearl powder and highlighting platinum body lotion. If that sounds decadent to you, it is. Forget the latest diamond cremes, platinum is the new luxury ingredient, straight from the renowned Japanese beauty line, which counts Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston as fans. The Platinum Gift Set, which includes the powder, flawless brush, and body lotion packaged in a velvet clutch is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman, and retails for $80. It's literally all you need to take to any party this season. But use sparingly. A brush of powder is all you need to make your whole face glow.

Tags: cosmetics, holiday gift guide, holiday gifts, HolidayGiftGuide, HolidayGifts, sensai, skin care, SkinCare

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