 Chanel recently revealed their new makeup collection, titled Les Pop Up and I am particularly enamored with the three new nail colors – Mistral, New Wave and Riviera – which are shades of coral, mint leaf green and bubblegum pink.
These new shades are perfect for summer, partly because they represent updated versions of Chanel’s most recent shades. Last year, Chanel Jade, a minty pastel green, was the cult nail shade of the year and Chanel New Wave is a brighter, fresher version of that. Similarly, Chanel Mistral is a breezier, cooler version of Chanel Trendresse, a pale pink that was released in December.
Most importantly, all three summer colors remind me of Italian gelato, which seems to be imperative when designing a summer cosmetic collection. What do you think of these new shades?
True story: I once bought a bright red lipstick and wore it fearlessly for a month, before I realized that it was not working. Not at all. Nine years later, I can safely say that I have done plenty of self-education and research to realize what shade of lipstick is right for my skin. Learning how to choose the right lipstick color for your skin tone is essential. The best part? It’s not as tricky as it sounds.
Looking For The Right Shade Of Lipstick
Look for a color that is just one or two shades darker than your natural lip color. You want to choose a color that will complement both your skin tone and the natural color of your lip.
Testing Your Lipstick Shade
Test, test, test! Make yourself into a human guinea-pig and try out all the colors you have picked. If you want to try before you buy, there are always test tubes available for this purpose.
Although the easiest way to try out your chosen shade would be to apply it straight to your lips, this is not hygienic! Instead, try applying the lipstick to your fingertips. These days, cosmetic experts say that the tone and texture of your fingertips are a better match with your lips, rather than the age-old method of applying lipstick to the back of your hand.
If there aren’t any test tubes available, the color sample printed on the box is usually a fairly accurate match, so find yourself a mirror and hold it up to your lips.
When you can, try testing your lipstick out in natural light as this will give you a better indication of the true shade. Hold it up to a window or, better yet, take it outside!
What Shade Of Lipstick Is Right For My Skin?
Fair Skin: Look for shades of pink and red with a blue undertone, such as a deep plum red or a light pink. Look for a shade of brown that has a pink undertone, like mocha. Avoid hot pink, reds with an orange undertone and pale browns with a yellow undertone.
Medium Skin: Look for shades of red with a yellow undertone, such as a deep red, blue-red or brown-red. Look for shades of rich, deep pink with brown undertones. Look for shades of brown with yellow or pink undertones, such as a rich caramel or creamy coffee. Avoid browns that are too pale.
Brown/Black Skin: Look for shades of red with a blue undertone, such as a deep plum red or a mahogany. Look for any shade of brown. Look for soft, sheer pinks with a beige undertone. Avoid pinks and reds with orange undertones.
What Should I Do If I Buy The Wrong Shade?
It’s not a big deal if you buy a shade that is wrong for you. Try blending one or two different shades to get the right tone for your skin. If you’re lucky, you might even find the perfect lipstick color for your skin by experimenting.
 Love this: one of the biggest brands in the world, Chanel, is paying tribute to my beautiful home country, Australia, with a limited-edition collection of beauty products that will be sold for two weeks only, come April 18.
Apparently inspired by the famous Sydney beach, Bondi, Chanel’s Creative Director of Makeup, Peter Philips, has designed a two-piece collection. It features Aqualumière in Bondi ($46) and Aqualumière Gloss in Bondi Bronze ($46). Both these products have perfected the sun-kissed glow of the Bondi Beach girl – think Miranda Kerr or Elle Macpherson if you want a little inspiration.
Chanel beauty products sell out super-quickly, so be prepared for a fight if you want to get your hands on their Bondi collection. According to BellaSugar, you should call 1300 CHANEL (from an Australian phone) and start begging.
Earlier today I reported that Topshop are set to launch a full lineup of cosmetics, in the form of two ranges: a core line and an in-and-out seasonal trend collection. Now, we have a first look at the collection!
[image removed at the request of WWD]
The core collection has 97 pieces, and was designed to mix whimsical design with bold color. The “more adventurous” trend collection will contain approximately 16 items that will refresh around 4-6 times a year.
Pencil-like drawings decorate the packaging, while the cartons feature an illustration of the product they contain. “It’s playful, almost like the Topshop girl drew it herself,” said Lizzie Dawson, a Topshop designer.
The full lineup will launch in Topshop’s 30 biggest stores, including the New York store, in May. Items from the core collection will range in price from $8 for an eye pencil, to $20 for a skin tint. Items from the trend collection will be priced slightly higher.
So what do you think of this sneak peek? I like the simplicity of the packaging; it’s very chic yet fun.
SOURCE: Topshop To Launch Cosmetics [WWD]
If you love the thought of adding a twisted edge to your look this spring, you are in luck. This month’s edition of Beauty Queen features one of this seasons key looks for your locks: messy braids. Several of our favorite fashionistas have pounced on the look, so we decided to get down to business and find out how it is done.
First, a little history. As with many trends, our first peek at messy braids came from the catwalk. In September 2009, leading trendsetter Alexander Wang sent models down the catwalk with oversized, messy braids (top, left). No doubt inspired, Rachel McAdams, Mary Kate Olsen and, more recently, Lauren Conrad, have all been seen out and about in a twisted version of their own braid. The look was also seen in the print world: Karlie Kloss sported the look for the Hermes spring ad campaign (top, right).
While messy braids appear effortless, there is more to it than meets the eye. “This look is great on pretty much everyone. You can control how ‘messy’ you get but, in my opinion, the messier and less styled the better!” says celebrity hair stylist George Papanikolas, whose clients have included Nicole Richie and Miley Cyrus. “The key to getting this look is not trying to make the braid too perfect. It usually works best with hair that isn’t freshly washed, so it is a great look if you were out the night before.”
So how do you get this look? “The Alexander Wang look is smooth, so you need to start with a good basic straight blow-out. Use a non-greasy smoothing crème on damp hair before you begin blow-drying,” says Jessica Tingley, who has worked with Maggie Gyllenhaal and Kate Bosworth. “Then, simply gather your hair into a low ponytail to one side, allowing soft layers to fall free and frame your face, then braid to the ends. After you finish the braid and secure the end, lightly rub your hand up the braid to ‘rough up’ the texture and give it that wispy, soft look.”
So what type of hair do you need? “This look works really well on long hair, with long layers or bands. The reason it looks so modern is that it has a soft volume and a wispy feel; it’s not tight and slicked back.”
Jessica recommends Aveeno Nourish + Volume Mousse, especially if you want to try the Rachel McAdams version, which isn’t as soft as the Alexander Wang version. “Start by applying a soft-hold mousse to add volume and hold, before blow-drying.”
For a finishing touch, George recommends Joico’s Design Collection Texture Spray to give your hair the roughed up, wispy beach texture, especially if your hair is clean or you want to give it more grit. “This will also help the braid hold together better,” he adds. “Don’t worry if a few strands are loose. It will add to the appeal.”
THANKS TO: George Papanikolas of the Andy Lecompte Salon and Jessica Tingley, an Aveeno celebrity stylist.
H&M are launching a seven-piece collection of skincare essentials, with organic ingredients that have been certified by Ecocert. The line has recyclable packaging and includes a shower gel, body lotion, body scrub, lip balm and hand cream, as well as an organic cotton toilet bag and make-up bag.
For those who love the smell of skincare products, there are two combinations to feast your senses on: choose between raspberry and melon, or lavender and mint.
Although the products aren’t 100% organic, this is a great start, especially for such a large retailer. “It felt like a natural step,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s Head of Design. “There’s a strong demand from our customer’s for organics.”
Prices are totally reasonable: $4.95 for all the products, except the toiletry bag which will be $7.95. What do you think of this concept? Would you buy H&M’s new skincare essentials?
New York’s fashionistas were out in force last week to fete the launch of Vanessa Paradis and her new Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick campaign. As with plenty of Chanel’s beauty products, the Rouge Coco campaign promises to be one of 2010’s biggest.
“I like the idea that women from the gloss generation, who are afraid of lipstick, can return to this essentially feminine beauty step with Rouge Coco,” says Peter Philips, Chanel’s Global Creative Director of Makeup.
The Rouge Coco collection includes four color families with a total of thirty shades, ranging from deep scarlets to pale neutrals. Each lipstick is lightly scented with a vanilla rose scent and comes in a sleek, black package with the signature Chanel logo. Each lipstick retails for $30, with the entire collection launching on February 25.
As for Vanessa, she is no stranger to Chanel campaigns. The French songstress became the face of the Coco fragrance way back in 1992. In 2003, Karl Lagerfeld chose Vanessa as the face of the Cambon handbags. Fast forward to 2010, Vanessa is fronting the Rouge Coco De Chanel campaign and playing muse to Karl Lagerfeld.
I can’t help but love Vanessa Paradis; she has that bohemian, down-to-earth quality about her that I adore. What do you think of Vanessa as the face of Rouge Coco De Chanel? Do you plan to buy one of the new lipstick colors?
Balenciaga is getting ready to release their first fragrance in twelve years. Balenciaga Paris, which will launch on February 15 at better department stores, is the first in a series of new fragrances by the French brand.
It was back in 2008 when Balenciaga announced that they had signed a deal with Coty Inc. to create, develop and distribute a new series of fragrances. Each fragrance will be released in the same bottle, a blown-glass pot inspired by the classic Balenciaga silhouette.
This first fragrance, Balenciaga Paris, was created by Olivier Polge and was designed to be light and powdery, which is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to feel that they have been swallowed by the scent. It contains notes of violet, contrasted with pepper.
The ad campaign for Balenciaga Paris features French songstress Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of fashion icon Jane Birkin. Balenciaga’s creative director, Nicholas Ghesquiere, chose Charlotte for her “oddity.. and bizarre beauty,” adding that “Charlotte doesn’t define herself. This fragrance is just like her.”
I can’t help but love Charlotte as the face of the ad campaign, especially because Balenciaga is sticking to their French roots in choosing her. Do you like Charlotte in the new Balenciaga Paris ads?
Shock-happy pop star Lady Gaga has decided to put her eccentricity to good use, designing a lip color for MAC Cosmetics as part of their Viva Glam range. A first look at the MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick has just been revealed and the color has been dubbed “Pink Nouveau.”
As with all things Gaga, everything is not as it seems. Upon first glance, Pink Nouveau is a pale cotton-candy pink. The lipstick goes on light, but it is designed to get darker with each application. This concept seems so appropriate for Gaga, who apparently can’t do anything by halves.
The MAC Viva Glam Gaga lipstick will set you back $14 and it is available March 13. As with all the colors in the MAC Viva Glam range, 100% of the proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund. Another eccentric pop-icon, Cyndi Lauper, has also designed a lipstick for MAC’s Viva Glam range. Viva Glam Cyndi will be available in March.
So, kudos goes out to Gaga for designing this lipstick and helping a great cause. Are you interested in Pink Nouveau?
 Sara Strand is a rare breed. By day, she’s a celebrity makeup artist and founder of POP Beauty. By night, she’s rocking out on stage with her band. I recently had the opportunity to talk to Sara about the ins-and-outs of the beauty business and how POP Beauty was born.
1. You started POP Beauty in 2002. Who and/or what inspired you to start your own line of beauty products?
In a way I was driven to it as a necessity. There was a big hole in the market for playful products of great quality. You either had the brands in the lab coats and black packaging or the cheap and cheerful throw-away stuff, but nothing in between. I needed POP for my work as a makeup artist and as a singer. POP was really created to update your makeup wardrobe, move away from the browns and beiges and get back to the playfulness and fun with makeup, bringing makeup artistry to the street. Bringing niche to the high street is what we do best.
2. Once you had made the decision to start POP Beauty, what was the process from deciding to launch your own brand to actual launch? How long did this process take?
Well, the idea and concept was lurking for a while before we decided to go for it. We had the perfect opportunity with Topshop; they asked if we could create a line for them to sell in their stores. At that point we already had the family business blooming with our shop on Carnaby Street in London, selling our brand Pixi*. They came to us and we thought, “What better way to launch then in Topshop?” From idea to fruition was maybe a few years, but it’s a constant work in progress. The line is still evolving every day, it’s always fresh. We also had seven years of creating products for Pixi, so we knew what it would take and the right manufacturing connections as well.
* Pixi is created and owned by Sara’s sister, Petra, and is available in Target stores.
3. What was the initial reaction after you launched?
People loved it. [They] had never seen anything like it before and it became an instant hit in London, sort of the buzz of the town. People really understood our concept and just went for it. Also, the products not only POP on your face, they really POP in-store, so people are drawn to it.
4. What do you have in store for POP beauty over the next few years? Any secrets you can let us in on?
Hopefully worldwide domination. Well, with the launch of the Lash Shop and our Gorgeous Faux Lash Collection, I feel POP is really moving into an exciting time. No one else is doing what we are doing at the moment so we want to continue to stay on the cutting edge of what we do and keep on top of the game. That, of course, demands great product demands, great product development, and we have a really strong team, so I have all the confidence that we will keep growing. We will continue to make innovative products to make you POP!
5. What is your average day like?
Every day is different, which is one of the things I love about my job! I might be in the office working on new concepts or out doing fashion shows, events and trainings. Every day is an adventure. My profession takes me all around the world so I have been able to see a lot of amazing and inspiring places and meet a lot of great, talented and creative people.
6. What has been the high point of your career so far? What has been the low point?
The highest point hopefully hasn’t happened yet. There have been lots of milestones in my career though, like being signed to Sony and getting paid to sing. That was huge. Being featured in UK Vogue and getting to work with them was also big for me, as it is kind of my beauty and fashion bible. I think UK Vogue is the edgiest, most spot-on fashion magazine in the world. Launching Pixi (before POP) in Henri Bendel in NY was big too; breaking into the Big Apple is such an amazing thing. Joining my band in London was big for me as well – I was able to play with some amazing musicians! Last but not least, of course, launching POP and being able to work with something I love every day is such a blessing. As far as low points go, I can’t really think of any. Obstacles are just there to teach you something and I have had a great time learning along the way.
7. Before you started POP Beauty, you trained as a makeup artist. You have also worked behind-the-scenes at runway shows and editorial shoots. What is that side of the beauty industry like?
Hysterical, hectic, intense, creative, passionate, glamorous, fun and, believe it or not, really hard work. You really have to have a strong passion for your job in order to thrive. Being talented is not always enough. You also need to have a great personality and put up with a lot before getting anywhere. I carried bags and washed brushes for a long time before I got to touch anyone’s face. You have to have the passion and not give in or up.
8. What advice would you have for people wanting to launch their own line of beauty products?
Stick to your vision and follow your instinct. If we listened to what a lot of people were saying we would be shut down today. Don’t compromise your passion and make sure you do it because you love it. It becomes a way of life and is so much more than just a job. Find a way to communicate your message clearly through your products. Remember that anything is possible. If I can do it, so can you!
9. Do you have any other ventures in the pipeline, and if so, what are they?
I am sort of a dual creature: makeup by day, music by night. At the moment I am recording new material and am busy putting a band together in LA to get back onto the scene (and stage).
10. Finally, what are your favorite POP Beauty products?
Who is your favorite child? Almost impossible to answer. If I had to pick a few I would say Face Magnet Primer, My One Liner, Lash WOW, Petal Jam Lip Balm and our new Lashes. Oh, our neon nails are doing incredibly well as well. The list could go on and on.
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