Beauty Maverick

Breast Implants a Thing of the Past?

According to NY Daily News, Neopac— a revolutionary new surgical procedure pioneered by Sydney's Bernard O’Brien Institute of Microsurgery— is quickly gaining recognition as "the next generation in breast augmentation," and could effectively replace breast reconstruction and implants.

Sans silicone, saline or supplements, the Neopac procedure involves the insertion of a breast-shaped chamber— which contains a sample of the woman’s fat tissue that is connected to a blood vessel— under the chest skin. Then, within eight months, fat tissue is expected to grow and fill the chamber.

“Nature abhors a vacuum, so the chamber itself, because it is empty, it tends to be filled in by the body,” says Dr. Phillip Marzella of The Institute. “What we are hoping to do in the next two years is develop a biodegradable chamber so that the fat can grow inside the chamber, and then the chamber will vanish naturally.”

Clinical trials commence in January 2010. For additional information on Neopac, visit Bobim.org.

"Fake It" Like a Pro

Blame our obsession with success, love of luxury goods or addiction to uppers, but a good night's rest is as foreign as a front lawn to a New Yorker. 14+ hour days are the norm, and a symphony of ConEd construction, police sirens and AC/radiator buzz helps soothe us to sleep.

So how do New York women "fake it"? Like any woman— with a good deal of creativity and a lil' bit of effort.

Bright Eyes
Treat, camouflage and illuminate the under eye area with this tried & tested trinity:

Benefit Ooh La Lift
Contains raspberry extracts and light-reflecting pigments to instantly perk up tired eyes. Can be used on bare skin, or under makeup. $22.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage
A unique two-tone system that allows you to match your skin's depth of color and undertone, as well as custom-blend your own perfect shade. $28.

YSL Touche Eclat
The award winning, must-have, take anywhere instant highlighter that banishes shadows, erases signs of fatigue and leaves skin looking radiant. $40.

Luminous Complexion
Revive sullen skin, correct tone and conceal blemishes with these must-have multitaskers:

Chanel Base Lumiere
A fresh, oil-free gel primer that evens out and illuminates the complexion. $42.

Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Foundation
Its unique, lightweight Micro-fil formulation allows infinite blending and layering to enhance the natural glow of the skin. $45.

La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15
Infused with gemstones that capture light to reveal a naturally flawless complexion, this luxurious powder is perfect for those who prefer a semi-matte/matte finish. $95.

Philosophy The Supernatural Healthy Cream Blush
A super-blendable, creamy, natural mineral blush that moisturizes, energizes and adds sheer, healthy color to cheeks for the most natural-looking flush. $22.50.

Smooth, Shiny Tresses
Pump up the volume, tame frizz and manage unruly hair with these latest innovations:

Living Proof No Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner
Whatever your hair type, this revolutionary duo of products is a must. Their key ingredient, PolyfluoroEster, creates an invisible shield on the hair to lock in moisture-proof smoothness and repel dirt and oil, so you can go longer between washes to break the frizz and damage cycle.

Oribe Smooth Style Serum
If you have thick/coarse tresses, opt for a moisturizing styling aid to smooth without stripping. This one, by celebrity stylist Oribe, is rich in exotic oils, which work to soften each strand and amplify shine. $49.

Kerastase Noctogenist Voile Nuit
Fine, limp locks? Make the most of your "beauty sleep" with this innovative overnight treatment from Kerastase. It combines amino acids and a vitamin E derivative to effectively restore/renew, strengthen and protect. $65.

'Tis the Season

Visiting friends or family this Thanksgiving holiday? If so, skip the uninspired bottle of wine/box of sweets and opt for one of these luxurious, seasonally-inspired gifts instead:

Extreme Beauty in Vogue by Phyllis Posnick
Produced in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, this coffee table must-have is both audacious and outrageous. Vogue's images distinguish themselves by their willingness to explore the limits of contemporary ideas of beauty, as captured by "the greatest photographers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries." Hardcover. $55, Barneys.com.

Editions de Parfums Scented Soap Set
A trio of luxurious, unisex hand soaps. Included in the set: Anterenea (spicy floral), Vetivea (earthy vetiver) and Bigarade (bitter orange). $80, EditionsdeParfums.com.

D.L. & Co. Diffuser
Whether you choose to gift this elegant home fragrance diffuser in Lady Rhubarb (rhubarb blended with blood orange, sandalwood and vetiver) or Thorn Apple (applewood, vetiver, oakmoss, and patchouli), its beautiful glass casing and— ready-to-gift— silk hat box are sure to impress. Reeds included. $95, DLCompany.com.

John Derian Crystal Dome Paperweights
Playfully distinct, these brilliant little paperweights make the perfect host/hostess gift. And with so many images to choose from, you're sure to find something suitable for all occasions. $60, JohnDerian.com.

Springtime in November

  The Olsen twins modeled a number of bold, spring '10 inspired beauty trends at Tuesday's MoMA Film Benefit honoring Tim Burton, raising the question: How soon is too soon to wear the coming season's looks? 

I, for one, feel the purpose of cosmetic and hair care products/treatments are to assist in self-expression. (And, of course, to amplify one's unique beauty.) So if you crave a vamp lip in the heat of summer, I say, wear it with confidence. Tweak the finish, shade or intensity, if you must, but indulge in urge to experiment. After all, trends are meant to inspire us creatively— and commercially.

Uncommon Beauty

Click here to view 21 under-the-radar must-haves for fall, as selected by Style.com.

CHANEL Launches NYC Makeup Studio

Join BeautyMaverick in celebration of the new CHANEL Makeup Studio

with music by Alexa Chung
and makeup by CHANEL Celebrity Makeup Artist Kate Lee
who will demonstrate her signature smoky eye

Wednesday, October 28th
6:30PM

CHANEL Makeup Studio
Bloomingdale's East 59th Street
at Lexington Avenue
NYC

Weekend Reads

According to WWD, Burberry plans to get colorful come July.

"Luxury shame" is hindering the luxury market's recovery? The Cut explains.

She Is French discusses why all men aren't equal.

Should you throw out your AHAs? Allure investigates.

Watch out Sephora, Duane Reade wants a piece of the pie.

A few cookies a day to keep the pounds away? The New York Times reports on a delicious new diet.

Swept Away

A simply swept back chignon is universal for no-fuss chic. Moving the twist higher up on the scalp, increasing the size, and letting it get a little messy, is an update to the style that works as a cure-all for any hair dilemma from now through spring.  Think Louis Vuitton’s fall ’09 show—minus the bunny ears—or Lanvin’s spring ’10 show for the height, size, and unkempt updo that transitions seamlessly from day-to-night, work-to-play.

For best results try the following on second-day hair:

• Lightly spritz roots with dry shampoo to remove any grease.
• Brush hair straight back, eliminating any natural hair part, into a very high ponytail (the kind you may have rocked in 2^nd grade) and secure with an invisible hair elastic (Goody makes a good one).
• Twist hair in a clockwise motion, wrapping around the base of the ponytail until it coils on top of itself.
• Secure with bobby pins of your hair color.

— Daisy

Surprising Cutbacks at Condé Nast

It's common knowledge that Condé Nast has been making considerable cutbacks to cope with the current economic climate, but today's announcement of the departure of iconic Vogue contributor Candy Pratts Price officially marks the end of an editorial era.

In addition to numerous layoffs at Glamour, the top tier is expected to reduce expenses by a whopping 25%. Which, for those of us who've worked there, seems like a daunting task... To say the least.

Watch Out, Ladies...

Men have uncovered the secret to bedding us, all 24 types.

Naturally, this revolutionary guide comes in the form of an iPhone application. (And was created by none other than Pepsi, Co.)

In case you're curious, there are currently no plans to develop a female version of the program. After all, it'd be far less entertaining—

There's only so much one can do with the word "yes." 

Blackberry Obsessed

Rich, noir-esque shades of wine, black cherry and plum have taken over beauty counters this season— and for good reason. Such mischievous tones are the perfect compliment to the '40s and '80s- inspired fashions of fall.

Find your fix in one (or all) of these favorites:

CHANEL Rouge Allure Lipstick in Hysteria and Mania
Look-at-me lip color that's both rich and long-lasting. Limited edition.

GIORGIO ARMANI Lip Wax in Deep Chianti
For those who prefer a matte stain, Armani's unique formulation can't be beat.

LIPSTICK QUEEN Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Mystery
This gloss-in-a-stick provides the perfect wash of color. (Sheer.)

YSL Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue in Shimming Burgundy
A brilliant way to draw attention to your eyes. Use all-over, or in the corners of a smoky eye, for best results.

DIOR Liquid Eyeliner in Plum
Discreet and easy-to-apply, Dior's classic eyeliner is now available in a rich plum hue.

M.A.C Mineralize Eyeshadow in Young Punk
Whether you dust this sparkling shadow across your lids, or use wet as eyeliner, it's sure to get attention.

NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Swing
Try smudging this shimmering cream shadow (all the way) around your lash line for a sexy yet subtle look.

CHANEL Le Vernis in Vendetta and Diabolic
Two berry good reasons to invest in CHANEL's new Noirs Obscurs collection.

ILLAMASQUA Nail Varnish in Unnatural
A deep, blood-red hue that's both flattering and chip-resistant.

O.P.I Nail Polish in Give Me Moor!
A dark, black plum shade that screams "gothic glam." (In a good way, of course.)

Head of the Class

Be it blazers, patent oxfords, or button ups, school house chic just wont quit.

Classically girlie Luella and young rebel-cum-uptown darling Marc by Marc adorned their models' heads with brightly-colored giant bows for Spring 2010.

Though runway doesn't always translate to real life, the larger-than-life accessories made us long for the playground where we would have been the envy of all.

— Daisy

M.A.C Fall/Winter '09

Never one to do things by halves, M.A.C’s launch of their Fall ’09 makeup collection in NYC was truly inspired. Three distinct artists were asked to create a line and the resulting palettes and portraits were as diverse, unique and colorful as M.A.C’s concept of beauty. 

Painter Richard Phillip’s muse was an austere and glamorous Venus; alluring and aloof, haughty and vaguely disapproving, she demanded your attention, resented your gaze and managed to seduce you anyway.

Her noir-ish, retouched perfection stood in stark contrast to photographer Marilyn Minter’s sparklingly gritty, sweaty and spontaneous, last days of disco, fallen showgirl interpretation. The “captured moment” quality of the image, combined with the extreme close-up of her muse, created an incredibly intimate, glittering abstraction. If Minter’s work had been wearing a g-string, I would have tucked a twenty in it. Instead I just blushed (in Heritage Rouge) and took one last furtive glance before averting my eyes and saying ten hail Marys.

Illustrator Maira Kalman’s lyrical sensibility was readily translated in her innocently mischievous collection– neon lime and bright turquoise eye liner clashed harmoniously with mustard orange and electric violet eyeshadow. Sit down with Maira’s muse over a bowl of leek soup and pumperknickel toast, and the conversation might turn to Proust, the suffragettes and Dvorak’s cello concertos before she has to run to her to her 4 o’clock appointment with her psychoanalyst.

And while I, for one, may plead the fifth on yellow frosted eye shadow or fuschia glitter for my peepers, I know that someone out there will wear it and wear it well. I salute and/or air-kiss you in advance and am….inspired!

— Claire

Jil Sander for Uniqlo

Heart Jil Sander? Prepare to call-in sick to work on Thursday.

That's when the designer's capsule collection— +J— hits Uniqlo stores across the U.S.

Click here to view the complete collection on NYMag.com.

Good (Skin) Etiquette

I spent the summer couch-surfing in Australia on a recent trip back home. The art of being a good guest involves flowers, thank you notes, and making your stuff (if not your self) scarce. Hogging the bathroom is high on my list of don’ts so I was grateful to discover the super convenient EZ4U 4-IN-1 facial treatment by MD Skincare: individually wrapped pads that promise to cleanse, balance, treat and moisturize in one step, without the need for water.

I’m usually a little wary of 2-in-1 products, so the 4-in-1 claim tested my credulity but as a morning beauty routine, these freshen the skin without stripping and prep it perfectly for sunscreen (which incidentally can be applied from bed/the couch). With a throw cushion worn over your face at all times, your hosts will hardly know you’re there.

This does not entitle you to stay indefinitely, but it does promise a fuss-free skin routine.

— Claire

Race & the Runway

As two of the hottest hubs of style, New York and London have long been in cahoots and competition with each other—and with back-to-back fashion weeks, it seems that the two are in direct comparison more than ever.

After browsing the recent London show coverage, it was impossible not to notice the flux in size and race of the models. Instead of the young, pin-thin, fair-haired girls that walked the New York shows, London designers are sprinkling their shows with girls with curves [Mark Fast] and all shades of skin [PPQ].

Perhaps the British runway is picking up where European print let off. It wasn’t too long ago that Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of British Vogue, admitted to frequently retouching fashion spreads to add pounds to boney models. And, who could forget Italian Vogue’s all-black issue? But the real question is, when will [if ever] the New York shows become inclusive?

— Daisy

Spring 2010: Trends to Watch

NY Fashion Week left us with a number of buzz-worthy beauty looks for Spring '10.

Below, a round-up of the trends that aim to inspire, be worn— and test our limits.

Awe-Inspiring: Porcelain Doll & Faux Tatoos

Though we've not seen what the couture houses have in-store, NYFW certainly kept us entertained with a theatrical showcase of the industry's top talent.

Worth Wearing: The New Pink, Voilet Eyes & Subtle Metallics

At Zac Posen, flushed cheeks added a youthful effect to the fashions showcased, whilst Tracy Reese sexed-up pink lips and rosy cheeks by pairing them with punk-inspired hair and nails. 

Lavender-colored eyes also ruled the runways in NYC, with makeup artist Dick Page pairing the look with a muted, 60s-inspired lip at Michael Kors. (Another exciting spring trend, more to come on that in a bit.)

And, no surprise here, metallic eyeshadow returns as the go-to for the season. Whether gold, silver, white or nude, a subtle shimmer to (and around) the eyes and cheekbones works as the ultimate pick-me-up for a winter-worn complexion.

If You Dare: Lace-Covered Nails, Feather Lashes & Mascara-Less Eyes

I'm absolutely obsessed with the lace-covered nails created by celebrity manicurist Elle (for Barielle) at Reem Acra. They live on the fine line between brilliance and kitsch, and work with both the romantic and rock-inspired styles of the season.

Best Left on the Runway: Artliner, (Purposefully) Smudged Mascara & 'Punk-Colored' Coifs

Unless you're Lady Gaga, these trends shouldn't translate (directly) from the runway to real-life. Enough said.

Fall's Best Beauty Buys

From China's love of color to Russia's flare for the dramatic, opulent eastern influences are ever-apparent in the fall '09 collections.

So how does one translate these over-the-top trends from runway to real-life? With a selection of the season's top offerings, of course:

Flawless Complexion: La Mer The Radiant Concealer
Blends seamlessly to camouflage imperfections and correct tone. SPF 25.

Sculpted Features: YSL Palette Y
A limited edition blush and powder duo that can be used individually to highlight and contour, or together for all-over radiance.

Rosy Glow: Fresh FreshFace Blush Powder
This long-wear blush provides a natural, healthy-looking flush.

Look-At-Me Lip: CHANEL Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon
Strikingly rich, this liquid lip lacquer boasts intensity and shine that lasts for hours.

Barely-There Lip: MAC Lipstick in Myth
This pale, muted nude is the perfect compliment to a bold eye.

Bold Eye: NARS Essential Eye Palette
From cream to copper and midnight grey, these six shades are all you need.

Dramatic Lash: Shiseido Perfect Mascara
Achieve volume, length and luster with this latest innovation from Shiseido.

Defined Brow: Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil
A cartridge-type brow liner that smoothly draws beautiful, delicate eyebrow. Includes brow brush to smooth and tame brows.

Metallic Nail: Lancôme Le Vernis in Indigo Paris
Opt for short nails when wearing this stunning shade of blue.

From Russia, With Love

Guerlain’s fall collection is as much based on the fabrics of the gowns of Russian princesses as it is the bohemian city of Moscow.

The brand’s creative director, Olivier Échaudemaison, chanelled Russian-doll-esque Natalia Vodianova during the creative process and boy does it show: glowing it’s-cold-outside pink cheeks and sultry eggplant shadows to pick up her watery-blue eyes.

The deeper hues are on point for the pigment-rich fall trends without being too intimidating to wear on a girls night out, or date. (And riddle me this: who wouldn’t want want to look like Vodianova?)

— Daisy

Exercise Won't Make You Thin

According to Time, that is.

M.A.C + Jin Soon = Fall's Must-Have Color Collection

Matte, modern lacquers are all rage for F/W '09. And, as always, M.A.C nails the trend with a lustworthy color collection, set to hit stores later this month. 

Below, Jin Soon Choi— the famed manicurist behind these hues— provides her expert advice on all things ongles.

Q1: What's the secret to a long-lasting manicure, is it in the choice of polish or the application (or both)?

Mostly the application. To get a long lasting manicure, clean the nail surface with a Q-tip or cotton-wrapped orange wood stick to ensure you have a grease-free nail bed. Apply the base coat and polish in even, moderately thin strokes.  If you apply the polish too thick, it will be more likely to chip.  If applied too thin, you will need a lot more coats which will result in an uneven appearance. Last, be sure to apply a top coat.  It extends the life of the nail polish, both in terms of color retention and durability. It prevents pesky chipping and keeps the nail polish shiny and fresh.  Apply the top coat to the entire nail surface (without touching the cuticle), working from the left to the right. And don't forget to touch up the tip of the free edge.

Q2: Do you feel one's hands and feet should match, or are complimentary colors a more modern choice? 

I recommend choosing complimentary colors for a more modern/current look.

Q3: It seems that square is the shape du jour, but a round nail is considered to be more flattering. Which finish do you personally prefer? Does one's choice of color play a role?

I do recommend that women avoid overly long nails and stick with a moderate approach to nail length and shape.  My favorite nail is short in length with a rounded square-shaped end (convex in form) and straight on the sides with a rounded corner— my employees and clients at my salons call it the “Jin Soon Shape.”

Q4: What five shades of nail lacquer do you feel every woman should own?

Sheer pink, red, purple (For Fun by M.A.C) for an everyday look, and lavender (Cool Reserve), and dark green (Beyond Jealous) for a stylish look.

Q5: To cut, or not to cut?

Remember that the primary purpose of the cuticle is to protect your nails. If you really want to have clean cuticles, push back the cuticle thoroughly and just snip the noticeable hanging or dead skin only--not the cuticle itself.  If you do a good job of pushing the cuticle back thoroughly, you shouldn't have to cut the cuticle very much at all.

DIY: Fashion's Latest Trend

Seeking a cozy, oversized scarf for fall? Net-a-Porter suggests you knit one yourself.

A new addition to their brand roster, Wool and the Gang offers an assortment of kits designed to entice knitting novices (like myself) to create our very own cold weather accessories.

Each set comes complete with a pattern, yarn, needles, patches... And instructions.

Retailer: Net-a-Porter.com
Cost: $85.00- $150.00