FIRST LOOK! Cynthia Vincent for Target

Can you tell which wedge sandal is Cynthia Vincent and which is Cynthia Vincent for Target? I didn't think so. 

The designer's fierce buckled wedges for Target are nearly identical to her those from her signature line---but a LOT less expensive. Target's version retails for only $29.99! The shoes are available in brown, black and yellow. Yes, prepare for these to fly off the shelves! (And P.S. the Target wedges are on top!)

The Cynthia Vincent for Target collection, which debuts April 18, also includes vibrant African printed flats and studded sandals, all capping at $30. 

Let me know which pair you scoop up when it hits stores April 18th!

Kisses,

Coutura

10 Minutes with A.J. Crimson, Celebrity Makeup Artist

Working at The Magazine, Ferocia and I come face-to-face with some of the smartest, brightest stars in the Fashion and Beauty industry. Once they inevitably succeed, you have the pleasure of having been a witness to their triumphant journey to the top. A.J. Crimson is one of those people. 


At a young age, he's already accomplished what beauty industry-hopefuls dream of: He's a makeup artist for celebrities like Estelle, Fergie, Amerie and Letoya Luckett. He's worked on Vogue photo shoots like "A Brief Encounter," the fashion spread featuring Diddy. He is the co-founder of lip gloss line, Kissable Couture, with Forest Whitaker's wife, Keisha. And he recently directed his first video, Letoya Luckett's "Good To You." Oh and he can tear up a dance floor better than any man I've ever met!

For our ten-minute interview column, the beauty God opened up to me about working for Pat McGrath, partying at the Armani club in Milan and what it takes to get ahead in this business. 

Coutura: First, thank you so much for speaking with us! You have the dream job every make-up artist wishes they had. Walk us through a typical workday in the life of the fabulous A.J. Crimson.

A.J.: I normally wake up at about 6am, begin sending and checking emails, and organize my thoughts for the day. Especially if it’s a day where I know I’ll be on set. It’s staying in touch with my office all day through my crackberry. Lol!  My laptop is always on standby for use when I’m on breaks. I try to take a meeting about my projects at least once or twice a week.


Coutura: Busy bee. Working in beauty is not easy, but it certainly is rewarding. When did you realize you wanted to work in this industry?  How did you get your start?

A.J.: I think I have always had an eye for beautiful things, so my entry into the industry was effortless.  It wasn't until I landed in Los Angeles that I really began to carve a niche for myself.

Coutura: Eventually you landed a job working with the legendary Pat McGrath! What was it like working for her?

A.J.: It was a surreal moment.  The time spent wasn't long enough. I recall it was my first trip to Paris. I was living in Vienna when I got the call from my American agent asking if I could get there, Pat had a space for me. I didn't think I would make it on time so I almost didn't go.  But I couldn't stand to think "what if"... so I just went with the mindset that on time or late I will get there.  I will do a great job and will not be turned away.  I ended up getting to Paris early, worked the Christian Dior fashion show, and got booked for 6 other shows that week.

Coutura: I commend how you were able to seize the moment! That mindset paid off. What advice would you give to up-and-coming beauty industry hopefuls on breaking in the business?

A.J.: Make your own breaks; never let your expendables get in the way of your dreams. Be careful how you use the word “reality.” Reality is what you make it!

Coutura: You've certainly made your dreams a reality. You are the youngest founder and designer of a luxury cosmetics line EVER with Kissable Couture, your lip gloss line with Keisha Whitaker.  That's a huge accomplishment.  Do you see any other beauty product lines in the future? Makeup?  Lotion? Etc.

A.J.: Thank you. And yes, I'm currently developing [BeautyStatements]by ajcrimson.

Coutura: Keep us posted. I'm sure [BeautyStatements] will be as phenomenal as Kissable Couture. By the way, my fave shade is ELUSIVE, so sexy! What lip gloss colors from Kissable Couture will be hot for Spring?

A.J.: Our new shade GLAMOUR which is an exclusive for QVC.  Available on Friday April 16th at 7pm!

Coutura: What are a few of your favorite beauty trends from the Fall 2010 runway?

A.J.: Color, Color, Color!  The liner and definitely the bold lips.

Coutura: Name three beauty products you can't live without.


A.J.: Nutura Bisse - The Cure, Nivea- body lotion, Embryolisse. I love moisturizers!!

Coutura:  What are three beauty tricks of the trade you can share with us?

A.J.: 1) I love to add moisturizer to foundation for a great light spring summer foundation.

2)   Use a wedge sponge placed behind the eye lash against the lid when applying mascara.     This helps prevent ruining eye makeup.

3)  Give dull eye shadow more pop!  Lightly wet the tip of your brush swirl in eye shadow and apply!

Coutura: Great tips! Besides taking over the beauty industry, you recently directed your first music video, "Good to Me" by Letoya Luckett. Congrats!  What was that experience like? [Ed Note: Scroll down to see the video.]

A.J.: Thank you!  OMG I loved directing Letoya in this video.  I thought I would be nervous but I wasn't.  It’s just like working on one of my photo shoots that I produce. I know what I want when I see it. I have to get the shot in a certain time frame so the pressure is always on. The editing process was longer, but I loved seeing the possibilities. It was awesome! I love Letoya and everyone at MBK for giving me the opportunity. I'm really happy that Letoya’s fans LOVED IT!

Coutura: I am a huge Letoya fan and thought the video was so cool! What is your favorite music video of all time?

A.J.: Well I don’t know that I have a favorite video of ALL time, but I really liked Madonna’s – “Vogue.”This was just a great video in the 90's.  It was just a different video.  The quality was crisp and I loved the black and white concept.  The song was so alluring!

Coutura: Vogue is, and forever will be, a classic. Lol. What do you think of Madonna's heir, Lady Gaga video, Telephone? And by the way, I'm in love with Estelle's video, Freak!

A.J.: I love Gaga and the creativity of the video. I love that she pushes the boundaries, even if sometimes it is way overboard. But that’s why we keep watching and that’s what makes her great. I saw so many great references in this video. She raised the bar for music video quality, anticipation, and delivery. Everyone I know was waiting at 12:30am to see this video and was talking about it the next day.  Whether they liked her or not!

I had the best fun working on “Freak.”  I was able to paint Estelle in full on body paint.  Artists don’t usually have the opportunity to do that.  We did gold glitter lips and painted a mask on the dancers.  It was one of the most visual videos I have worked on with an artist.  We were able to have fun and get dirty!

Coutura: Speaking of having fun and getting dirty, I love that you're a bicoastal social butterfly, hanging out in NYC and LA.  What are your favorite restaurants/clubs in both cities?

A.J.: I love Soho house in New York in the summer. I also LOVE Juliet for dinner, Chef Kyle Williams is amazing!  For breakfast I can’t get enough of Mikes in Brooklyn. My favorite club in New York, I would have to say I spend many nights at GreenHouse. SL is going to be popping this summer! Maybe I’ll make a cameo when the weather is better. I really wish I could just fly to Milan every weekend and go to the Armani club. I have so much fun every time I go!



As for LA, brunch at the four seasons is a must and they have the best waffles.  For dinner, I would have to say Katsuya. I love their version of Chinese chicken salad clubs.  I have to be honest; I really don’t go to clubs in LA.  After you've been to a NY party or one in London, Paris, or Milan, there is no point.  LA is my place to relax, have fun with friends, and enjoy a private party in the hills, which are always invite only so start building those relationships.  Lol!

Coutura: LOL! So celebrity clients.  A music video.  A successful luxury cosmetic line... and it still feels like your career has just begun!  What's next for AJ Crimson?

A.J.: I'll be hosting makeup classes - April 24th in NYC, April 25th  in Philadelphia,  May 1st  in DC,  and May 2nd  in ATL.  I am also working on my book and will continue to work on my blog!


Coutura: Great! We'll be reading! 





Kisses,


Coutura

Jennifer Aniston Releases Name Of Her New Fragrance

In other fragrance news that I could care less about yet feel I must report on for the 2% of you out there that do, Jennifer Aniston has decided on a name for her fragrance: Lola V. As expected, it's not exciting and (as I said before) will probably be such a boring scent that I'll wonder why it even exists. Aniston recently stated that she's been working on the fragrance for over a year now. It will launch in the U.K. this month and makes its U.S. debut later this year. In other Aniston news, she was recently photographed with Gerard Butler grabbing her butt and she'll also be on the May 2010 cover of Harper's Bazaar.

xo

Ferocia

*photo from nydailynews.com

Empty Beauty Bottles=Free Concert

Hey Glamazons! You know all those empty cosmetics bottles you have laying around? Take it in to an Origins store in NY, Westchester and the Garden State Plaza Mall in NJ and get a free ticket to the Origins Rocks Earth Month concert. Yes, you read this correctly: bring in your beauty rubbish and get a free ticket concert. (They're taking bottles, tubes, jars, caps and compacts regardless of brands.) The concert will feature Macy Gray, Jon McLaughlin and Ryan Star.

According to Jane Lauder, general manager and senior vice president of Origins, the concert is just a new way to raise awareness for the Return to Origins recycling program. Launched in April 2009, the program allowed the brand to collect (and recycle!) 7,500 pounds of empty cosmetics packaging last year. [via WWD]

The concert will take place April 19 at Webster Hall and only 1,500 tickets will be distributed, so be sure to get yours now while you can!

xo

Ferocia

*photo courtesy of wwd.com

Kimora Lee Simmons Launches New Fragrance

She may be loud and over the top, but when it comes to creating a great fragrance, she definitely knows what it takes. (Beyonce, please take notes. I really think that your fragrance is selling well because of your name only.) Kimora Lee Simmons will be launching her fifth fragrance, 'Dare Me', this month at stores such as Walgreens, Target and Kohl's. And, if it was anything like her last fragrance, Fabulosity, we're sure that this one is going be another great hit.

'Dare Me' contains top notes of magnolia and island coconut, a heart of Southern honeysuckle and African white milkwood and a drydown of creme de musk and sandalwood. According to WWD, Simmons described the scent as "girly and sexy and spring-summery." Coty Beauty execs said this fragrance is targeted towards women between 16 to 24 years of age. Price points range from $12.99 (travel-szie) to $28 (1 oz). I personally can't wait to get my hands on the hot pink bottle; and don't you think she looks fab in the print ads? But, then again, I had to give it the side eye because I don't really think that's her body...judging from recent pics I've seen snapped of her, she's not that skinny. So, I'm guessing that either they photoshopped her to death or that's another person's body they stuck her head on (as if no one would notice smh...)

xo

Ferocia

*photos from wwd.com

FIRST LOOK! Selena Gomez for K-Mart

Beautiful, bubbly teen star? Check. Trendy designs? Check. Affordable price point? Check.

K-Mart is using that proven teen star designer formula (last seen in Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's line for JCPenney) to rejuvenate their Junior's department, and their actress of choice is Disney's Selena Gomez. 


The 17-year old star of "Wizards of Waverly Place" has designed a chic, feminine clothing line, "Dream Out Loud," to be sold in the Junior's Department of K-Mart via WWD.

Expect all the youthful, vibrant optimism of Selena's on-screen characters to materialize in both the design and concept of this fun fashion line. Set to debut on July 17th, just in time for back-to-school shopping, the trendy line of rugby dresses, suede fringed handbags, wool caps, boyfriend cardigans and floral skirts cap at only $24.

If you expect the line to fly off the racks, you're not alone. According to an article in WWD, K-Mart anticipates sales to hit $100 million in the first year.

The line is certainly stylish, youthful and vibrant, and will surely appeal to trend-conscious teens and their budget-conscious parents. What do you think of the collection?

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Donato Sardella for WWD

Bobbi Brown 'Brightens Up' Her Skincare Line

An ever growing trend among beauty brands? Why brighteners of course! While us silly Americans wile the days away in tanning beds or on beaches trying to get darker (despite the warnings of skin cancer smh), people elsewhere in the world (such as Asia) are busy lightening up; and beauty maven Bobbi Brown has taken notice. She's launched a 5-step skincare regime that "brightens, hydrates, protects" as well as "covers and corrects dark spots and skin discoloration with a double action-treatment makeup corrector," according to a recent post on stylelist.com. The line includes a Brightening Hydrating Lotion, Brightening Intensive Serum, Brightening Moisture Cream, SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base and Brightening Spot Treatment Corrector SPF 25. Products range in price from $35-$95 and available for purchase at BobbiBrown.com as well as major department stores.

xo

Ferocia

*image from stylelist.com via Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Meet Kim Kardashian and Check Out the Bebe-Kardashian Collection

Hey Glamazons! If you're in Dallas, Texas and want to meet Kim Kardashian tomorrow is your big chance. The reality TV star will be on hand between 8:30-11:30 a.m. at NorthPark Center to personally launch the Bebe-Kardashians collection. Guests attending the event will be invited to pre-order their favorite items from a Look Book of over 20 outfits. Be sure to arrive early as space is extremely limited and let us know what you think of the line!

xo

Ferocia

Rock & Republic Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

This just in! Denim brand, Rock & Republic, has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, citing a $7.5 million in debtor-in-possession financing from CIT Group via Reuters.

The popular denim brand, which counts Victoria Beckham and Beyonce as fans, was founded in 2002. Since then, R&R has enjoyed a whirlwind of success, even expanding their line of premium denim to include accessories, men, women and children's clothing and most recently, cosmetics. The brand is sold at high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and more.

This news comes on the helm of R&R's L.A. Fashion Week in-store installation for their Fall 2010 collection, which includes military blazers, one-shoulder dresses and cool, leathery denim. The CEO and Creative Director, Michael Ball, claimed "An installation allows true fans to get an up close and personal peek of what's to come." via Denim Debutante.

I'm guessing it also helped the brand save more money than a full-on runway show. Apparently though, not enough money.

I appreciate Rock & Republic's modern edge and their entertaining runway shows so I'm saddened by this news, and scared to see other beloved brands take the plunge too.

Here's hoping the company's new chief restructuring officer, Geoffrey Lurie, who helped The North Face get back on their feet, can save Rock & Republic as well.

Kisses,

Coutura

Source

Pantene and Bret Michaels??

Yes, I'm sure that most of you are just as confused as we are, Glamazons! I was super stoked when I received the e-mail stating that Pantene would be announcing a new spokesperson live via a webcast at noon today. I tuned in and there was the current spokesperson, the fab Stacy London, and Bret Michaels. Huh? Then the announcement that YOU could be the next Pantene spokesperson. The brand has a casting call out for the world's first reality hair star (click here to enter). Oh, so Bret was there because of the tie-in with the whole "reality" spin. But, does he even count as a reality star?! Not in my book; and (call me a hater), but I totally don't think that's all his hair (like maybe he has a track or two up in there haha). What about Snooki from Jersey Shore? Or Natalie Nunn from Bad Girls Club? I would have much rather seen these reality stars like the above mentioned. Not Bret Michaels. Ew.

But (all rants aside), the contest looks pretty awesome! Good luck to all who enter!

xo

Ferocia

Shu Uemura Exits U.S. (or Ferocia Almost Had A Panic Attack On A Plane)

I was on a plane just about to shut off my cell when I read the news: Shu Uemura would be exiting the United States. Say it 'aint so!

At the risk of being attacked by the super scary stewardess, I crouched down lower in my seat to read the news. Carol Hamilton, president of L'Oreal USA's Luxury Division, released the below statement (via WWD) in regards to the U.S. shut-down:

"This decision is about our desire to focus on growing the larger brands in the Luxury Products portfolio, not because the brand isn't vibrant and beautiful. We love the brand, but it is a very small part of our portfolio. It's a simple decision after a very complex analysis: we have a large portfolio and we want to focus on growing the brands which have a larger presence in the U.S. market."

Ok, but where would I be able to get my Full Shimmer Shampoo?! I NEED this stuff to live. After scouring through tweets, I finally saw the announcement from Teen Vogue's beauty director Eva Chen that at least the hair products would still be available for purchase in the U.S. at salons. Whew! I could finally relax. Although I'll be sad to see their beauty stands go, I'm happy to see that I can still buy some here in the city. BellaSugar also has a great post about Shu Uemura, so be sure to check it out if you have any other questions.

xo

Ferocia

GLAM OR SHAM?: LaToya Jackson Poses In Hand Cream Ad

I'm sorry to all those fans out there, but I think that LaToya Jackson is just a mess and I would never in a million years want to have skin like hers. So, when I read the news that she was recently featured in an advertisement for the luxury hand care product, Dream Cream, I immediately laughed. I mean, her skin has been reworked so much over the years that it's totally no longer dreamy.

The limited edition Dream Cream (created by Alessandro International founder and managing director Silvia Troska) was created specifically at Jackson's request and comes in a pretty package with a supposedly equally-as-pretty scent. Key ingredients of the cream include diamond powder, malachite, shea butter and peptides. The top of the container is embedded with 285 Crystallized Swarovski Elements and costs $226.69. 1,500 jars will be carried at Alessandro salons and counters.

What do you think Glamazons? Glam or Sham? Would you buy this product?

xo

Ferocia

*image from wwd.com