Dec
28
A Century of Lips
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From Pucker To Pout: Lipstick Trends from One Decade to Another
According to Li Edelkoort, one of the world’s best known trend forecasters, there is an interesting connection between body, lips, and timeframe, influenced by focus and proportion. Many factors come into play when analyzing lipstick trends: emphasis on particular body parts, celebrities of the time, and most importantly, the economic and financial status of American society in general. Perhaps you knew that the length of a woman’s skirt is dependent upon the economy, but who knew the color and shape of a woman’s lips could be so telling of the times?
The 20’s – Prohibition and Rebellion
A matte-finished, heart-shaped mouth is the expression of the seductive, coquettish woman of the Roaring Twenties. Taking their cue from the scorned-yet-sought-after flapper, women go out to dance, drink illicitly distilled whiskey, and push the envelope of their independence. Black and white movies present the mouth in daring, feminine shapes – the “cupids bow” style of Clara Bow, the “vamp’s lips” of Theda Bara, and the sexy “bee-stung” lips of Mae Murray. Edelkoort notes that because the focal body part of the time period is the legs, “breasts are smallish, and girls are boyish.” Eyes are large and lips are thin. Lip colors are black and garnet red.
The 30’s – Economic Depression
A mouth drawn outwards with square edges emphasizes the stern, perfectionist appearance of the sober 30’s. Women, having witnessed the financial battery of the Great Depression, are thrifty and austere. Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich – powerful, yet glamorous women who are not afraid to determine their own fate – are idols of the time. Their steely and androgynous appearance personifies the adult woman. Lip color is a silky/glossy reddish brown.
The 40’s – Wartime
A full mouth formed with symmetrical curves represents the courageous, self-assured look of the 40’s despite wartime privations. While men are at war, women are forced to fill their roles, giving them a newfound sense of identity and responsibility. The Hollywood heroines of the silver screen, such as Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, and Katherine Hepburn encourage the idea that women are equally as capable in filling roles formerly occupied by males. Lipstick becomes an instrument of individual morale, symbolizing strength while disguising sorrow. Lip color is a brilliantly glossy vermillion.
The 50’s – Post-War Period
A voluptuous mouth with the lip line extended beyond the natural shape is reflective of this period of reconstruction. The look is seductive and feminine, revealing the ambivalence of women. On one hand, they oppose the traditional role of women – one they fought to suppress during wartime. On the other hand, they long to embrace their sexuality and femininity. Consequently, there are two strongly opposing role models: the voluptuous and feminine Marilyn Monroe, and the cool and self-confident Audrey Hepburn. Lip colors are bright red or pink. Edelkoort says that in this period of rebuilding an entire economy, the focus is on the body, and the face is seen as one whole element in perfect proportion.
The 60’s – Flower Power and Rebellion
A full, soft pout goes hand in hand with the rebellious habits of hippies in the sixties. The period is characterized by the exploration of outer space, the sexual revolution, Woodstock, and the anti-war movement. The youthful, anorexic chic of Twiggy and the provocative pout of Brigitte Bardot are symbols of the rejection of conventional beauty, prosperity, and consumption. Hence, lipstick is still applied, but discreetly. Lip shape is large and colors are shimmering beige-like mother-of-pearl, baby pink, and silver/white. Li attributes this to a sudden shift in sexuality, noting that the most focused-upon body parts are the breasts and butt.
The 70’s – Disco Rules
An outlined, shiny mouth reflects the shimmering iridescence of the 70’s disco look. Saturday Night Fever, Studio 54, platform shoes, and soulful divas like Gloria Gaynor and Diana Ross define this decade. Women break social conventions and explore boundaries. They are not afraid to become single mothers or fight for their social and political rights, and they are especially unafraid of their sexuality. Lip colors such as glittering crimson or burgundy red convey self-confidence.
The 80’s – Emancipation
A dark, wide mouth represents the provocative punk look of the 80’s. Punk, as a musical statement and a culture, is the first anti-beauty movement. In fashion, women and men alike play with the idea of reverse gender roles. The transvestite chic of Boy George and the fashion of Vivienne Westwood convey “tribal identity”. Influenced by music videos such as Madonna’s “Vogue” and Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me Baby?” strong eyes and dark lips become a popular trend. Lip colors are dark to black with metallic effects.
The 90’s – Individualism
A clearly outlined mouth painted in natural colors, either shining or matte, documents the grunge-turned-pop look of the 90’s. Internet, cell phones, Pearl Jam and plaid, piercings, tattoos, hip hop, and the fitness wave set the tone for this decade socially and commercially. Fashion trends change quickly – everything is allowed. The introduction of Supermodels – Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista – permeates women’s idea of beauty. Brown undergoes a revival, but both dark and bright lip colors are in demand.
2000 – The New Millennium
“Cocooning” is the buzzword for the transition into this new millennium. The term expresses a longing to return to intrinsic value and friends and family: a harmony that does not stop at lip fashion. The shape of the mouth is natural. Soft and warm shades are prominent. Pastels and shimmering shades of beige, pink, and apricot (so-called non-colors) reflect women’s desires to embrace their natural beauty and the quest for eternal balance and happiness. It’s about a return to our basic needs, and in a declining economic climate, a new appreciation for the bare essentials.
The Decades Ahead
So what will the future bring? According to Edelkoort, history will continue to repeat itself. She predicts that, for now, generous, whitish beige lips will reflect our nurturing desire to live at a sustainable, slower pace. “Thinner lips will take us into the 2020’s,” she says. “Eventually, perfect red lips with harmonized proportions between the eyes, lips, and body will balance our beauty in the new era of post-recession and reconstruction.”
from beautypress.com
Dec
24
Understanding Skin Aging
Filed Under Beauty Tips, Skincare | Leave a Comment
Tightness, fine lines, itching, and flaking. If you want to avoid these symptoms of dry skin and aging, the time to act is now.
What Makes Skin Dry as We Age?
Fewer natural oils, sun damage, and decreased cell renewal all can lead to dry, rougher skin as we get older, says Sonia Badreshie-Bansal, MD, a dermatologist practicing in California.
Loss of hormones can also lead to drier skin as we age, says Carolyn Jacob, MD, a Chicago dermatologist. “The skin doesn’t produce as much natural moisturizing factor as it used to, and the top layers of skin become dry.”
So what can you do today, to help keep skin supple tomorrow? Here are tips from top dermatologists.
Smooth on the Sunblock to Prevent Dry, Aged Skin
Sun damage is the major cause of unwanted changes to the skin as we age, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Reflection of the sun’s rays can be as intense in winter as in summer. The damage those UVA and UVB rays cause not only speeds up the skin’s aging process, it can also lead to spider veins, age spots, wrinkles, and melanomas.
To protect your skin every day and all year, use a sunscreen containing a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater, suggests Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami. Reach for a broad-spectrum sunblock — one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to reapply generously and often, at least every two hours you’re outside.
And don’t forget your lips, says the AAD. “Lips get sunburned too, so apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.”
Finally, stay out of the sun when it’s at its most intense, which is usually between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin, Vitamin A Is Vital
Vitamin A is another weapon in your fight against prematurely aging.
To help keep skin looking its best, “a vitamin A cream is very important,” says Badreshie-Bansal. That’s because creams enhanced with vitamin A can help prevent wrinkles and pigmentation, Badreshie-Bansal says.
Florida dermatologist Andrea Lynn Cambio, MD, FAAD agrees. She considers vitamin A derivatives like retinoids the most important nutrient in maintaining smooth, healthy skin.
Chemically related to vitamin A, retinoids such as retinol, Atralin, Differin, Retin A, and Tazarac slow down collagen breakdown, says Jacob. Collagen, along with elastin, is a fibrous protein vital in keeping skin firm, elastic, and youthful-looking.
“Adding a topical retinoid (over the counter or by prescription) is a great way to undo some sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and give a brighter, healthier glow,” Cambio tells WebMD.
You can also give your diet a vitamin A boost by eating foods such as low-fat milk and cheese, eggs, leafy greens, oranges, carrots, and cantaloupe.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin, Amp Up the Antioxidants and Healthy Oils
Antioxidants are important to great skin because they slow down — and may prevent — the harm done to your body by free radicals. Free radical damage is one reason behind signs of aging, like wrinkles and dry skin.
Some powerhouse antioxidants that can help skin stay healthy include vitamins C and E, selenium, and coenzyme Q10 (also called CoQ10).
You can find antioxidants in all kinds of good foods, including produce such as tangerines, sweet potatoes, papayas, peppers, citrus fruits, cherries, spinach, olives, and grapes, as well as through light canned tuna in oil, cooked beef, whole wheat pasta, green tea, and sardines.
To replenish your skin’s natural protective oils, be sure to get essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s in your diet. A few foods packed with essential fatty acids include olive and canola oils, salmon, mackerel, walnuts, and flax. These essential fatty acids encourage smoother skin and may help clear blemishes.
When looking for antioxidants in skin care creams, reach for products with green tea, caffeine, and grape seed extract, suggests Baumann, author of The Skin Type Solution. The AAD suggests adding antioxidant-enriched sunscreens to your arsenal too, because antioxidants also have sun-protection properties.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin, Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
To decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles, you want to moisturize skin well.
Jacob gives a thumbs up to moisturizers with glycolic acid, but you don’t need to get too stuck on specific types of moisturizers. Many products help trap in moisture and keep skin supple. Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, aloe vera, and glycerin can do the job.
For best results, apply your preferred lotion, cream, or ointment two or three minutes after bathing. First pat skin dry with a towel (don’t rub), then smooth on your moisturizer.
Beware: Moisturizers often contain chemicals meant to help your skin hold water, such as urea, alpha-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, or ammonium lactate, says the AAD. Some of these can cause irritation. Talk to a dermatologist before buying creams with these chemicals if you already have troubled skin.
To Prevent Dry, Aged Skin: Get Smart About How You Clean
The bad news: Long, hot showers should be a thing of the past if you’re eager to discourage dry skin.
The good news: Shorter, warm showers don’t strip your skin of its natural oil barrier like piping hot showers do. Your body can retain more of the moisture your skin needs to look smooth and fresh.
Also, to maintain your skin’s vital oil barrier, wash with non-scented, soap-free cleansers. Lather only the spots that really need cleansing, such as the armpits, groin, face, and back. A simple water-wash is all you usually need for the rest of your body.
Finally, be careful with exfoliants, which can irritate dry skin, says Badreshie-Bansal. Though they can help remove dead skin cells, exfoliants should be used sparingly if your skin is dry or during winter months.When you do exfoliate, Jacob recommends exfoliating moisturizers.
Whole-Body Benefits of Dry Skin Care
Taking good care of your skin has a great side benefit: It usually means you’re taking great care of the rest of your body, too.
Wearing sunscreen and eating a balanced diet rich in natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids will help you stay strong, healthy, and looking good.
Taken from WebMD
Dec
21
Skin Food: Dry Skin Solutions
Filed Under Beauty Tips, Skincare | Leave a Comment
Is the Winter dryness wearing your skin down? Here’s a must watch from WebMD TV! Healthy Skin Food Facts: Combating Dry Skin.
Dec
17
Are Natural Skin Care Products Better?
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Pomegranates. Green tea. Mushrooms. They taste great, and scientific studies have shown that they may have powerful health benefits as foods. Now, many cosmetics companies are touting these same ingredients in their natural skin care products.
But drinking green tea is one thing, putting it on your skin another. Do these botanically based potions, often labeled “natural,” “green,” or “organic,” live up to the hype?
“The marketing is still ahead of the science for the most part, but there is enough published work to convince me that the antioxidant botanicals will be the next big thing in skin care,” says Richard Baxter, MD, faculty member at the University of Washington School of Medicine and chief medical officer of Calidora Skin Clinics.
Leslie S. Baumann, MD, an expert in the area of cosmetic ingredients, agrees that there is little proof behind most marketing claims for natural skin care products. She is the director of cosmetic dermatology at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami, the first university-run cosmetic research center in the United States. If you want to try natural skin care products, Baumann recommends zeroing in on a specific concern and match the ingredient to it. Here are some botanicals she suggests:
- Argan oil, derived from the fruit of a tree that grows in Morocco, has been dubbed “liquid gold.” The vitamin E-rich oil can be found in a Kiehl’s body lotion. Baumann says Argan oil may improve skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis,wrinkles, and dry skin. She also recommends olive, safflower, walnut, avocado, and evening primrose oils for dry skin.
- Soy can help prevent pigmentation, Baumann says. “Active soy” in Aveeno Positively Radiant and Neutrogena products has been altered in the laboratory for greater effectiveness. Licorice, mulberry, and burberry extracts, along with Vitamin C from citrus fruits — grapefruit, lime, lemon, and orange — can also fade brown spots, Baumann says. Look for products from L’Oreal, La Roche Posay, and Skinceuticals.
- Maitake mushrooms, found in Origins’ Plantidote, may help people with sensitive skin who suffer from rosacea and redness, she says. Chamomile, oatmeal, aloe vera, licorice, and cucumber extracts all have soothing properties; check out Jurlique products. Feverfew, a member of the sunflower family, also has calming properties. It’s an ingredient in Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming line.
- Rhodiola (or rhodeola), known as golden root, is native to the high Himalayas. In a recent study of people with sensitive skin, those treated with rhodiola extract reported improved skin sensation and less skin dryness. Origins’ Youthtopia skin-firming lotion contains extracts.
- CoffeeBerry is harvested from the coffee cherry, the outer, fleshy casing of the coffee bean. It is said to possess antioxidant activity greater than pomegranates, berries, and green teas. In studies sponsored by Stiefel Laboratories, which owns the proprietory name, CoffeeBerry treatment improved the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. Look for the Revaleskin brand.
- Resveratrol, a polyphenol from wine and grape skins, serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Animal studies suggest that resveratrol applied to the skin may help protect against harmful UV damage. The Caudalie line contains resveratrol.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially one that may curb UV skin damage, some studies have shown. Pomegranate products may also help protect against UV skin damage, according to other research.
- White tea is unfermented and uncured; only the young tips are used.Origins has a line called A Perfect World featuring white tea. In an industry-sponsored study, white tea extract was also shown to limit sunlight-incurred damage in human skin.
Keep in mind as you try these natural skin care remedies that many of them may not contain enough of the ingredient to make a difference.
“A drop of an extract in a two-ounce product is most likely not enough. Unfortunately, products containing only such ‘trace amounts’ of active ingredients for marketing purposes are still the majority on the market,” says Thomas Bombeli, MD, a Seattle-based member of the International Society of Dermatology and founder of the Shenui, Inc., a line of cosmeceuticals.
Also remember that labels such as “green” and “natural” are marketing labels that are not regulated by the government. And just because something says it’s natural doesn’t mean it works better than synthetic products. Some natural skin care products can actually aggravate skin conditions, Baumann says.
“Many natural essential oils such as rosemary, bergamot, and peppermint can irritate or inflame sensitive skin,” Baumann says. “Coconut oil, a popular natural ingredient, can cause acne.”
Although many natural skin care products make anti-aging promises, experts say these products are probably better at preventing aging than improving existing signs of aging. If you want to treat the wrinkles you already have, you may have to turn to synthetic products.
“Antioxidants can prevent future wrinkles, but they can’t treat existing wrinkles,” Bauman says. “If you want to restore youthfulness, retinoids and vitamin A products derived from red and orange fruits made in the lab are what you need. They work better than if you just put carrots on your skin.”
Dec
10
Giving Your Best Smile
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Plaque. Since childhood, we’ve been trained to resist that dreaded enemy of teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are sure bets for dental health. What else could you be doing — or avoiding — to keep plaque off your knockout smile?
“Keeping plaque off your teeth isn’t complicated, but consistency is key,” says Richard Price, DMD, spokesman for the American Dental Association. “Good habits make for healthy teeth — for most people, it’s that simple,” Price tells WebMD.
What Is Tooth Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky mix of bacteria and the substances they secrete. Bacteria produce adhesive chemicals called mucopolysaccharides. The bacteria then live in this film on teeth, called a biofilm.
At first, this slimy layer is fragile and easily removed by tooth brushing. “Think of the film on a fish tank wall. It’s easy to wipe off with a washcloth, if you’re vigilant,” says Price.
And if you’re not? The bacteria in tooth plaque are free to release acids that damage tooth enamel. Regular acid assaults on enamel can wear holes in teeth, commonly called cavities.
If left alone, plaque buildup also gradually hardens, creating tartar or calculus on your teeth.
“Tartar is petrified plaque,” Price tells WebMD. “Once it’s there, you need a dentist’s help…tartar can’t be brushed off.” Tartar above the gum line also contributes to gingivitis, or gum disease.
The secrets to avoiding plaque buildup aren’t so secret. You’ve probably been hearing most of them since before you lost your baby teeth. But bad habits have a way of sneaking up on us. Make sure you’re pushing back against plaque by avoiding these five bad habits for tooth health.
Plaque Habit No. 1: Not Brushing Regularly
No one else might notice if you don’t brush your teeth twice a day, every day. But your teeth will.
“Plaque is a little like bees in the summertime,” offers Price. “One or two won’t really bother you, but if you let them build a beehive in the backyard, you’ve got a problem,” he tells WebMD.
Brush your teeth gently twice a day, using a fluoride-containing toothpaste. The exact technique isn’t so important as concentrating to make sure you’re softly brushing all the surfaces of your teeth.
Plaque Habit No. 2: Not Flossing Daily
Brushing doesn’t reach the spaces between teeth, but plaque does. A simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage.
“Flossing also cleans plaque at the gum line, another area that brushing doesn’t reach,” says Price. If left alone, plaque past the gum line can lead to periodontal disease.
If you just can’t stand flossing your teeth, consider using one of the many other ADA-approved products to clean between your teeth daily. They’re available in any supermarket or drugstore; ask your dentist if you’re not sure which one to use.
Plaque Habit No. 3: Avoiding the Dentist
Even if you brush and floss your teeth daily, you’ll miss some plaque. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar that needs to be removed at your dentist’s office. Yet more than a third of people surveyed haven’t seen their dentist in more than a year.
“Even dentists don’t like to go to the dentist,” jokes Price. But studies show that in general, people who neglect regular dentist visits get more cavities and have a higher chance of losing their teeth.
Once a year teeth cleanings are considered the minimum. Twice a year teeth cleanings may be better for many people. “Most dentists recommend twice a year cleanings or more,” according to Price.
Plaque Habit No. 4: Neglecting Nature’s Toothbrushes
Long before toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste existed, certain foods played a role in keeping plaque off our teeth.
“Eating crunchy vegetables or fruits with the skin on can scrub off plaque,” Price tells WebMD. Carrots, apples, cucumbers, and many other raw fruits and vegetables are teeth-friendly, despite the sugar they contain.
In addition, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods helps protect you from obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
Plaque Habit No. 5: Indulging Your Sweet Tooth
Bacteria love simple carbohydrates like sugar. Eating candy or drinking sugary soft drinks lets sugar stick to our teeth, giving bacteria something to munch on. As the bacteria create a film of plaque, they digest sugar into acid, which damages teeth.
“All sugary candy, and most junk food in general, contribute to plaque formation,” warns Price. “High-sugar foods or drinks that are also soft or sticky are especially problematic. … Sugary soft drinks might be about the worst thing you can put on your teeth,” he tells WebMD.
Avoiding these five bad habits can help you keep plaque in check (and keep your teeth). There are other steps you can consider to prevent plaque, tartar, and cavities, too:
- Sealants. The pits and fissures on molars can be difficult to keep clean in some people, even with good dental care. Dental sealants are a clear plastic coating that covers the tooth surface, barring bacteria and acid from entering. Sealants are safe and effective in blocking plaque and preventing tooth decay.
- Mouth rinse. Some people may benefit from adding a therapeutic mouth rinse to their daily routine. Several ADA-approved mouth rinses with fluoride have been shown to help prevent plaque and tooth decay. No mouth rinse can substitute for brushing and flossing, however.
“No one’s teeth can stay plaque-free 24 hours a day, it’s just not possible,” says Price. But good habits over a lifetime will help you beat back plaque and save your smile.
Taken from WebMD
Dec
7
De-wrinkle Yourself
Filed Under Aesthetic Procedures, Aesthetic medicine, Beauty Tips, Plastic Surgery, Skincare | Leave a Comment
We’ve all heard the clichés: Wrinkles are a roadmap of your life. But many of us would rather not be reminded of the distance we’ve traveled. What can you do? First, understand what causes wrinkles. Then, if you still want to reduce wrinkles, explore your treatment options.
What Causes Wrinkles?
The following factors are the most significant:
Aging
Wrinkles are a by-product of the aging process. With age, skin cells divide more slowly, and the inner layer, called the dermis, begins to thin. The network of elastin (the protein which causes skin to stretch) and collagen fibers (the major structural proteins in the skin), which support the outer layer, loosen and unravel, causing depressions on the surface. With aging, skin also loses its elasticity, is less able to retain moisture, oil-secreting glands are less efficient and the skin is slower to heal. All of these contribute to the development of wrinkles.
Facial Muscle Contractions
Lines between the eyebrows (frown lines) and lines jutting from the corner of the eyes (crows feet) are believed to develop because of small muscle contractions. Smiling, frowning, squinting and other habitual facial expressions cause these wrinkles to become more prominent. Over time, the expressions coupled with gravity contribute to the formation of jowls and drooping eyelids.
Sun Damage
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (too much sun) can result in premature aging of skin. Premature aging of the skin is called photoaging. The ultraviolet sunrays that cause photoaging damage collagen fibers and cause the excessive production of abnormal elastin. When ultraviolet light damages skin tissue, an enzyme called metalloproteinase is produced. This enzyme creates and reforms collagen. During the process, however, some healthy collagen fibers are damaged, resulting in a disorganized formation of fibers called solar scars. Wrinkles develop when the rebuilding process occurs over and over.
Smoking
Healthy skin perpetually regenerates. While old collagen is broken down and removed new collagen is produced. Researchers have found that smoke causes a marked reduction in the production of new collagen. A lack of new collagen results in the development of wrinkles.
What Are the Treatment Options for Wrinkles?
There are numerous over-the-counter treatment options for wrinkles, including various creams and lotions. Prescription treatments, including the retinoid cream renova, are also an option.
Removing skin layers to reduce wrinkles or irregular depressions is an effective way to regain smoother, more youthful looking skin. Dermabrasion (scraping layers away) and chemical peels (dissolving skin away) are two of the traditional methods used in skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing with an ablative laser (such as an erbium or carbon dioxide laser) is another technique that, like dermabrasion and deeper chemical peels, may require some downtime during the healing process.
Other lasers, known as non-ablative lasers, may also be beneficial in treating wrinkles. These lasers work by heating the dermis and stimulating collagen growth. This process, which leaves the outer layers of skin intact, has no downtime associated with it. However, the results are not as dramatic as the ablative lasers which actually remove the surface layers of skin.
Botox collagen and other injections are the addional techniques available to help minimize wrinkles.
If you are considering treatment for your wrinkles, ask your doctor which procedure is right for you. There is no replacement for your doctor’s professional advice. Each person has his or her own individual needs; similarly, each procedure fulfills its own specific need.
Taken from WebMD, Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Dermatology.
Dec
3
Chic Speak
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What’s a Fashionista without her chic speak? How well do you know your couture talk?
BLOGTIGUE: A condition of exhaustion caused by reading too many blogs and over blogging. More and more fashion and street style blogs are appearing on the net, but similarly extinguished like a flame at the end of the night. Chic Speak: I’m suffering from blogtigue. I can’t even check Fashionista without feeling lightheaded.
CHANEL SURFING: Visiting the cinema repeatedly to catch every naunce of films of Coco Chanel playing this fall: Coco Avent Chanel starring Audrey Tautou, and Coco Chanel & Igor Stavinsky (starring Anna Mouglalis). Just don’t forget to wear your tweed and pearls and worship the temple of Karl on your way out. Chic Speak: I’m busy Chanel surfing tonight, we’re doing a double feature at the multiplex.
CLOSET SHOPPER: A classic recessionista who digs up her wardrobe archives to bring back some old favourites. Chic Speak: I’m a closet shopper, everyone knows a Chanel boucle jacket is better the second season around.
ELSA SCHIAPARELLI: The 1930s legendary Italian designer and queen of surrealism- her best collaberations were with master surrealist Salvador Dali- inspired the season’s playful looks on hot runways from D&G to Moschino Cheap and Chic. Chic Speak: Isaac Mizrahi was channeling Schiaperelli this season with his quirky handbag hats.
GLAM SLAM: The sartorial equivalent of a grand slam in baseball: fabulous bases loaded (perfectly dressed turns at events build up the style quotient), then one knockout look on the red carpet scores our girl a fashion home run. Chic Speak: Did you see Penelope Cruz at the Cannes? Talk about Glam Slam!
GLAMBAMA: Glamorous dressing and a debonair sartorial preference for hot young designers. Exemplified by US First Lady Michelle Obama. Chic Speak: A Thakoon dress and date night? You’ve turned into such a Glambama!
JOLIE LAIDE: Look to the French socialite Lou Doillon as the ultimate example of this French contradiction- not your typical beauty but striking nontheless. Chic Speak: She’s so jolie laide with the Nina Riccci jacket and bedhead.
LA PARISIENNE: This coquette embodies the chic style of a Pasisian ‘it’ girl. She follows Garance Dore’s website religously and adores the girlie vibe at LV, Balenciaga and Lanvin. Chic Speak: Who knew Leighton Meester was such a Parisienne? Her LV outfit at the Met’s Costume Institute was more Left Bank than Upper East Side.
ON THE VERGE OF A LACROIX: A state of a financial crisis that refers to legendary couturier Christian Lacroix’s shocking file for bankruptcy. Chic Speak: If I charge any more shoes on my credit card, I’ll be on the verge of a Lacroix.
THIGH-SCRAPER: Tall glamazon boots that reach mid-thigh, as seen all over runways such as Rodarte and Prada this fall. Practical (warm knees at least!) and frivolous at the same time. Chic Speak: I need thigh scrapers to pair with my new leather mini.
UPCYCLING: Using reclaimed and repurposed fabric to create another new, high-end look- much like recycling, but with a more fashionable spin. Chic Speak: She upcycled her dad’s judge’s cloak into that sexy LBD.
Adapted from: Flare Magazine
Nov
30
Your Aging Patterns Mimic Your Mom’s!
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Oct. 27, 2009 — New research confirms what may be some women’s greatest fear: You may actually turn into your mother – at least when it comes to aging in your lower eyelids. The new findings were presented at the annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgeons in Seattle.
“We now have a way of knowing precisely where in the lower eyelids you will age and where you will age the most and we can plan the correction based on the prediction,” says study author Subhas Gupta, MD, a plastic surgeon in Loma Linda, Calif.
The researchers looked at 10 sets of similar-looking mom-daughter pairs via high-tech 3D computer modeling to determine which areas around the eye lost the greatest amounts of volume over time. A clear pattern emerged: Sagging and volume loss around the inner corners of the eye and lower eyelids in the mothers mimicked the early signs of lower eyelid aging in the daughters. The mom-and-daughter pairs ranged in age from 15 to 90. By and large, volume loss in this area began when women entered their 30s and was greater than previously estimated.
“If you come in when you are 30, we can tell you where you will have changes and quantify what you will need and where,” he says.
“The findings were surprisingly repetitive regardless of ethnicity and actual age difference between mothers and daughters,” he says.
“You can beat Mother Nature to the punch and not have your mother’s eyes,” he says. Now the researchers plan to look at the whole face in a larger number of mother-daughter pairs to see if the findings hold.
Richard J. Greco, MD, a plastic surgeon in Savannah, Ga., says the researchers looked at the severe aging progression in moms and early aging in daughters, “and found that the patterns were similar in both.
“If your mom has great genes — taut skin, no jowls — you will probably age well,” Greco says.
The flip side is also true, he says.
Nov
25
DIY Botox Kit Seller Charged
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Mansfield Woman Sold DIY Botox Kits
A Mansfield woman is facing charges and possible fines for allegedly selling do-it-yourself Botox injection kits over the internet.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says Laurie D’Alleva sold several prescription drugs online from her businesses, Ontario MedSpa and Discount MedSpa. Abbott says D’Alleva does not have a license to sell or distribute prescription products, which is required in Texas.
Ontario MedSpa’s website sold several products, including Dysport and another the site calls “Freeze,” which the AG’s office says contains botulinum toxin. The site also sold the drugs as part of do-it-yourself kits, containing the drugs, syringes and needles. The site was still online as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The AG says D’Alleva claimed that she was allowed to sell the prescription medications because she was a member of a group called the Texas Medical Council. But no such group exists.
D’Alleva also apparently produced “how-to” videos showing herself injecting her own face with syringes, which she posted to YouTube.
Wired Magazine did its own investigation of D’Alleva’s business last month. Although she has apparently removed the videos from YouTube, Wired saved one and posted it.
The AG is charging D’Alleva with several violations of state law. She could be fined up to $25,000 per violation per day of the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, and up to $20,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices act.
Agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency, Mansfield Police, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tarrant County Constable’s Office were all at D’Alleva’s house when we were there Tuesday afternoon. She was there too, because she has not been arrested. But she refused to talk to us.
Nov 24, 2009, CBS Broadcasting Inc.
Nov
23
One hundred women were asked to carry a clicker in an experiment to measure how many times they felt anxiety about their bodies ageing.
Over a seven day period, the women aged 35 to 69 had to use the clicker every time they worried about their face, body, or appearance in general.
On average, the women surveyed had negative thoughts 36 times a day.
One of the participants, Loose Women presenter Sherrie Hewson, 59, said: “It brought to the fore how many women have issues.
“Listening to others, they are saying what I’m saying when you think it’s only you.
“There are so many of us there’s got to be a common denominator, so we’ve got to get together and change it, change us.”
Sherrie, who had a facelift ten years ago, clicked 1,400 times over seven days but admitted she thought it would be more.
In her waking hours, she experienced a negative thought about herself approximately every three minutes.
She told the Daily Mail: “When I look in the mirror, my overriding thought is: “I don’t know this person.” I wake up to this face, and I feel as though it’s someone else’s. All I see in the mirror is age creeping up on me.
“The worst time for me in terms of clicking was the morning.
“Just getting up, I’d look in the mirror at my face and hair and think: “Oh dear, now that’s a worry.” I’d click as I put my make-up on, but the more make-up I applied the less I clicked, and by the time my “face” was complete I’d have stopped clicking.
“I’d also click whenever I saw images of myself as a young actress, which happens from time to time. Just seeing how I used to look would remind me I was getting older.”
The study was devised by keep-fit instructor Irene Estry and psychologist Emma Kenny to see if a looks-obsessed society creates ageism and pressure to stay youthful.
Source: The Telegraph 23 November 2009
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