Glamazon Exclusive! Anna Sui for Target

Target just announced Anna Sui as the second designer to create an affordable collection for their Designer Collaborations series. The first was Alexander McQueen who designed the widely popular MCQ for Target collection, inspired by Leila Moss of the British rock band, Duke Spirit. I went to the MCQ for Target launch/shopping event and scored a leather vest, asymmetrical frock and chic military-inspired jumpsuit (and met Ryan Leslie, a huge fan of the designer and in my opinion, one of the most promising R&B stars out there, but I digress :-).

So what does Gossip Girls have to do with it, you ask? Anna Sui's collection is inspired by Gossip Girls' four female main characters, who are a fashion phenomenon in their own right. What happens when you combine Anna Sui's youthful, vibrant aesthetic with the preppy Upper East Side sophistication of Gossip Girls? We'll have to wait until the collection hits stores, September 13th, to find out! But stay tuned; I promise to give you a "First Look" much sooner! In the meantime, enjoy pictures of Anna Sui's amazing Spring collection and our favorite, fashionable private school snobs below.



















Here's the official press release...pictures coming soon. =)

Target is partnering with fashion designer Anna Sui as the second designer in a series of Designer Collaborations, a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. The exclusive Anna Sui for Target collection draws inspiration from the four main female characters of the CW television phenomenon, "Gossip Girl" and will
launch on Target.com and at 500 Target stores nationwide September 13, 2009. The affordable fashion collection will be available through October 17, 2009. Designer Collaborations, which is separate from the company's GO International initiative, is another way in which Target brings an emporium of designers to its guests. These exclusive collections will bring top design at unbeatable prices to women everywhere, for a limited time only.

Kisses,

Coutura

New Ingredients For Dove

It seems that all of the newest drug store body washes that I've come across so far have one thing in common: new technology for deep moisture.
Most of us are probably thinking that our current body washes are already chock full of moisture binding ingredients. And as long as they smell good and keep the ash at bay, who cares, right?!
Well, according to the makers of Dove, we should. They say that these body washes actually damage proteins and lipids in the skin's outer layer (the stratum corneum) leading to the loss of "critical moisture."
What does this mean? That you must throw all of your current drug store body washes and start using Dove's Body Washes with NutriumMoisture Technology asap! (Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but I tested it out and feel like it's good stuff!)
This new NutriumMoisture Technology will be infused into all Dove Body Washes and Body Bars and will replace the existing products that are currently on stands. It contains:
-Mild Cleansers: Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, the main cleansing component, reduces protein damage during cleansing
-100% Natural Moisturizers: skin-compatible moisturizers that include stearic acid, soybean oil and glycerin that fully absorb into skin to replenish lipids lost during cleansing
The new Dove Body Washes with NutriumMoisture come in 3 variations: Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin and Gentle Exfoliating. All will hit the shelves of mass retailers in August 2009. ($3.77,12 oz; $5.84, 24 oz)
xoxo
Ferocia

Soap & Glory's New Skincare Products

Soap & Glory is branching into skin care! Although the packaging may look whimsical, don't be fooled. Marcia Kilgore (creator of both Bliss and Soap & Glory) definitely knows her stuff and has packed each product with top notch ingredients, all at an affordable price. I recently tested out products from the line and below are some of my top picks. (And, just in case you're a nerd like me and like to know all of the ingredients, I've included some of the key ones for you as well.)
All products just hit shelves this month at Target so be sure to check 'em out!
xoxo
Ferocia



Catch A Wrinkle In Time Age Avoiding Day Moisturiser ($15.99)
It's lightweight, smells great and contains a natural sun filter that protects the skin from UV Radiation and Environmental damage. Although I was kind of bummed that it doesn't contain an actual SPF, I still think it's great; but for those that are looking for a facial moisturizer that has UVA/UVB protection, this may not be for you.
Key Ingredients
Palmitoyle Tripeptide-5: stimulates collagen and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
Special Moisture Matrix: traps moisture into the epidermis for 8-12 hours at a time
Titanium Dioxide: natural sun filter that protects skin from UV Radiation and environmental damage
Sweet Orange Peel Essential Oil: provides the great scent!




Make Yourself Youthful Super Rejuvenating Face Serum ($19.99)
This light and yummy smelling serum is great to apply before your daily moisturizer. It left my skin looking a bit dewy, but after a couple of weeks I noticed that it felt even smoother and even had a bit of a healthy glow. You can use every morning and night after cleansing skin; this can even be used on your neck, chest and hands as well!
Key Ingredients
Exclusive Youthful Complex: a mix of palmitoyl tetrapeptide as a collagen stimulating and fine line eliminator with deliner
Moisture Trapping Matrix: protects and hydrates
Stimulating Ginseng
Shea Butter: softens and smoothes
Sweet Orange Peel Essential Oil: provides the great scent!


The Fab Pore 15 Minute Facial Peel ($12.99)
Powered by Soap & Glory's PORESHRINK-R Complex, this product is ideal for greasy, spot prone or problem skin. I use this in the shower at least once a week. Just rub a grape size amount into the skin and massage until all the green beads have dissolved. At the end of my shower, I just rinse off and it leaves my skin feeling tingly and refreshed. (You can also leave on for about 5 minutes for a quick refresher or as a spot treatment for areas of your skin that may be breaking out.)
Key Ingredients
Fomes Officinalis Extract: a mushroom extract to tighten pores
Salicyclic Acid: loosens up the dead cells that contribute to pore clogging
Kaolin: clay that sops up extra oil on your skin and smoothes your skin's surface
Vitamins E & C: antioxidants

First Look!! Rachel Rachel Roy for Macy's

What's the best way to bounce back after a highly-publicized separation and a struggling fashion line? Design a fresh, exuberant collection...and sell it for $59-300 at a mass retailer. Rachel Rachel Roy, which is launching in August in 85 Macy's stores, is the answer to economic troubles faced by the designer's eponymous line (more on this later). Aesthetically, it's one of the most cutting-edge collections she's ever created. A rock-and-roll version of her namesake line, Rachel Rachel Roy mesmerized everyone at the launch fete with it's fascinating mix of ladylike sophistication and eclectic cool. While the DJ, Keith Richards’ daughter, Alexandra Richards, spun dance music, guests, including Kelly Bensimon of Real Housewives of New York, June Ambrose and Veronica Webb, sipped Grey Goose cocktails and previewed the line of stonewashed denim, shaggy faux fur vests, blue leather skirts, jersey jumpsuits, leopard print jeans, watercolor dresses, paint-splattered overalls, spiked necklaces (a la Burberry), blazers with chains and exposed zippers, studded pointy flats and (my absolute favorite) a sequined black oversized blazer.







Seriously, I love this blazer. A press rep had to pry it out of my hands at the launch event.



























Rachel Roy, dressed in Rachel Rachel Roy and looking radiant and impossibly thin after the birth of her second child, joined me in twitting about the event (Follow her @rachel_roy and me @glamazonsblog). She also graciously chatted with the guests about the inspiration behind her new line. She told WWD:

"Accessible fashion has always been a passion of mine. Every woman should have the opportunity to express herself through style. Being able to design a contemporary product line that truly reflects a sense of individuality is a great honor. [...] This line has the same designer sensibility but with a younger feeling. This is the customer that I used to be --- and maybe I still am every once in a while."

Indeed. If Rachel Roy is the charming, cosmopolitan uptown lady, Rachel Rachel Roy is her renegade, younger sister---with a smaller bank account, of course.






As I wrote in my blog about her Fall Fashion Week presentation, Rachel Roy's namesake line, though popular with high-rollers like Oprah and Veronica Webb, is priced too high for the majority of her demographic, who just aren't willing to spend $500 on a blouse. Fortunately, in addition to launching a diffusion collection, she has lowered the price point by 25%. It's like she heard my cries. I still can't quite afford it, even with the decrease (and will only be able to buy Rachel Roy at sample sales, where I snagged this adorable dress in March).




However, I will be among the masses clamoring for a Rachel Rachel Roy vest/blazer/bag as soon as it hits Macy's stores in August. Tell me if you planning on shopping the new collection too.

Kisses,

xx Coutura

Glamazon Exclusive: Iman's Global Chic Handbag Line

Since 1994, Iman has told women of all shades what to put in our make-up bags. Now, the Somolian mogul will use her fashion savvy to design our handbags. Enter Global Chic: her stunning collection of satchels and totes with details---turquoise tribal prints, sleek snakeskin, vibrant bursts of neon color---inspired from her travels around the world.

And like her beauty products, the bag collection costs next to nothing; Global Chic ranges from $50-130 and is available NOW on msn.com. Yes, you read right. Thank the Fashion Gods.

If you're a Glamazon-fan, you know how I feel about celebs-turned-designers, who peddle clothes, umbrellas, shoes, sneakers, drinks and even toothpaste as part of their ever-expanding brand. But due to her experience as Calvin Klein's and YSL's muse, and the sheer quality of her designs, Iman's foray into the fashion business feels natural. And if her bags are any indication, fashion was in need of her expert business sense and exquisite taste (and my bank account is in need of the recession-conscious price point). See for yourself and tell me which bag will be your summer staple. I've got my eye on the snakeskin, neon satchel. Lust at first sight.







Kisses,

xx.Coutura

Ode to Spray de Mode

I just had to take two seconds out of my life to profess my undying love for Bumble and Bumble's Spray de Mode Hairspray ($25, bumbleandbumble.com).
Out of the hundreds of hairsprays that I receive on a monthly basis working in beauty, this is (and still remains) my favorite. It even has its own little space next to my computer at my desk...which is kind of a big deal considering that my desk is always jammed with beauty products.
Why is it so great you ask? Because it gives you just the right amount of hold without the sticky. You can use it with heat (i.e. a flat iron) and it still doesn't get sticky. You can even spray on your hair and then blow it out and it still won't get sticky and gross. Also, you can still comb or brush through your hair in case you need to change up your look really quick and, yes you guessed it, your hair still won't be sticky! (Can you tell that sticky hair is one of my pet peeves?! hahaha)
AND it stands up to the yucky, gross New York summer humidity...which is a big deal for me considering that I don't have a relaxer on my hair. I can't travel without the magical purple can, so luckily it even comes in a 4 oz size ($15).
Don't believe me? Buy it and try for yourself and let me know what you think!
xoxo
Ferocia

2009 CEW Beauty Insider's Choice Awards

Ok, so this post is for the hard core beauty gals out there (and for those who don't know, now you know!)
Every year, the creme de la creme of the beauty world get together for the annual Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Beauty Insider's Choice Awards. It's like the Golden Globes of the beauty world....kind of a big deal to have that hot pink seal of approval on your product!
According to a statement released by Carlotta Jacobson, CEW President, women are looking for "performance and value" when they buy beauty products.
"With the CEW Beauty Awards, consumers have the advice of more than 4,000 beauty experts to lead them to the best products the industry had to offer."
The event is held yearly at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York; a great venue, but the lunch always consists of a dried up piece of chicken with some type of weird sauce drizzled over it. Needless to say, I never really eat it, but the deserts are always good!
Each product is voted on by the members of CEW (i.e. at least 4,000 professionals). Some interesting tidbits:
-Nearly 550 products were entered by 260 beauty brands
-140 finalists were chosen across 28 categories
-Categories range from makeup to hair care, sun to scent
-Both mass and prestige products were honored
This year, the luncheon was hosted by actor Mario Cantone (best as known for his role as the wedding planner in Sex and the City The Movie). He was a pretty funny host...very loud and even cracked jokes on some of the The Real Housewives of NY who were there! Music artist Shontelle (she's a spokesmodel for VEET and is having an event next week which I'll attend and report back to you on) was also there. One of the best parts about attending the luncheon is that you get a bag full of the winners (i.e. free beauty products!) at the end of the luncheon.
With that said, behold! I give to you the 2009 CEW Beauty Awards winners. Check out www.cew.org for more info!

BATH AND BODY

Body Treatment - Mass      
Avon Products, Inc. Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother

Body Treatment - Prestige
Ojon Tawaka™ "The Ball"

Scented Bath & Body - Mass         
Vickery & Clarke Natural Apothecary Eucalyptus & Peppermint Cold & Sinus Soak

Scented Bath & Body - Prestige    
Fresh Fig Apricot Bath and Shower Gel


FACIAL SKINCARE

Acne Treatment
Clean & Clear® Advantage® Blackhead Eraser™ Exfoliating Cleanser

Anti-Aging - Mass    
Olay Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

Anti-Aging - Prestige          
Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector

Cleanser & Scrub - Mass    
Neutrogena Wave™ Power Cleanser and Deep Clean Foaming Pads

Cleanser & Scrub - Prestige           
Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant
 
Eye Treatment - Mass         
Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Eye Treatment - Prestige    
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment

Moisturizer - Mass   
Olay Definity Color Recapture

Moisturizer - Prestige          
ESTÉE LAUDER Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizer SPF 15


HAIR

Hair Care, Style & Coloring - Mass           
Avon Products, Inc. Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up

Hair Care, Style & Coloring - Prestige
Living Proof, Inc. Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair


MAKEUP

Eye Product - Mass 
L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara

Eye Product - Prestige        
Lancôme Ôscillation

Face Product - Mass           
CoverGirl Simply Ageless Foundation

Face Product - Prestige      
Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation

Lip Product - Mass  
Avon Products, Inc.  Pro-To-Go Lipstick

Lip Product - Prestige         
YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15

MEN’S GROOMING

Men’s Grooming
ZIRH Holdings LLC Drenched


SCENT

Men's Scent  
PUIG USA Prada Infusion d'Homme Eau de Toilette Spray
Fragrance Supplier: GIVAUDAN

Women's Scent - Mass       
Avon Products, Inc. Bond Girl 007
Fragrance Supplier: FIRMENICH

Women's Scent - Prestige
Harajuku Lovers Fragrances "G"
Fragrance Supplier: FRAGRANCE RESOURCES   


SUN

Sun Product - Mass 
AVEENO® Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70™

Sun Product - Prestige       
Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream


INDIE BEAUTY AWARD

NIA 24®

Cheap Vibrations

Maybelline New York is launching the first drugstore brand vibrating mascara and at the low price of $14.95, beauty mavens can rejoice (and vibrate) together across the U.S.!
Much like Lancomme's Oscillation ($34, lancome-usa.com), this mascara also deliver 7,000 vibrations per minute but in 7 sychronized actions. As a result, you get thick, luscious, lengthened lashes with intense color and no clumps. The mascara comes in Very Black, Blackest Black and a waterproof shade, Very Black.
Maybelline's Pulse Perfection will hit drugstores nationwide July 2009, but you can snag yours beforehand in an exclusive online preview sale one day only on May 18, 2009. Visit Maybelline.com/pulse or participating retailers such as Target.com, Walmart.com, CVS.com or Walgreens.com.
xoxo
Ferocia

Perfect Match!:Christian Siriano and VS Beauty

He may not be as tall (he certainly doesn't have the bod) but he's the newest Angel on the block and set to cash in big bucks on his latest collabo with Victoria's Secret beauty. I'm talking about none other than fashion designer (and Project Runway winner) Christian Siriano! (I wonder if Heidi had anything to do with this hook up? Hmmmm.....)
I recently attended the launch event and must say that it was pretty fab! Upon arrival, we (being us beauty editors) received makeovers from various makeup artists with products from the newly revamped VS Beauty line (more on that in a bit). Then, we were given one of those signature pink VS bags and swag (always the best!).
After sipping wine and mingling with each other, we finally took our seats (me on the front row, of course!) for the fashion show. I sat beside my good friend Heather Muir (Seventeen magazine..that's her pictured above next to me with the dark hair) and Kari Molvar (Cosmopolitan magazine..she's the cute blonde next to Adriana).
And then, to my surprise, out walks VS Angel Adriana Lima (my fave!) Less than a foot away from me and breathing the same air as I...heaven! Each model (there were 8 total) showcased a different dress from Siriano's Fall 2009 collection as well as a new makeup look inspired by the trends and created with products from Siriano's new VS makeup line.
Afterwards, Siriano himself took the stage and told us all how excited he was to do this collabo with VS and even admitted that he worked a makeup counter at Bloomingdale's in Manhattan before his Project Runway days. ("Don't judge," he said. I was cracking up as I remembered my not so fun days working in the city's retail hell as well!)
Drawing inspiration from Egypt ("the warmth of the desert, the blue of the Nile and the juxtaposition of soft fabrics and strong shapes," he says), this limited edition collection is a reflection of the same hues seen in his Fall 2009 collection. (And, I must admit, looks very upscale in its gold packaging making it a nice addition to your boudoir!)
There are the Silky Eye Shadows in Sahara (a nude), Sandstorm (copper), Oasis (greenish blue), Royalty (deep chocolate) and Gilded Fierce (a black with gold sparkle), $14 each; the Kajal Eye Liner in Eclipse (a creamy kohl liner) $12; lip gloss in Embrace (a champagne hue), Sublime (warm coral) and Chic (deep berry), $14 each; a Bronzer/Highlighter Trio in Sunspell Bronze, $24; Face Brush, $32 and a signature ruffle makeup bag, $16.
The Christian Siriano for VS Makeup collection launches in August 2009 at Victoria's Secret stores nationwide and VictoriasSecret.com.
Also hitting Victoria's Secret stores in August 2009 is the newly revamped VS Makeup collection. The brand has completely redesigned the packaging for a sleeker look, upgraded the formulas for better application and added more shades so that women of all colors can be VS Angel sexpots! What do you think of the looks below?
xoxo
Ferocia


A face chart showcasing a rad 80's way to wear the products from the Christian Siriano for VS Makeup collection created by makeup artist Polly Osmond.


Heather and I just couldn't resist snagging a pic w/Adriana. (She's actually very nice and no, she isn't really that tall...they were wearing super high platform shoes!)