Beauty Maverick

Avon Recruits Reese

Reese Witherspoon is officially Avon's first-ever Global Ambassador, a role which will have Reese acting as a brand spokesperson as well as an Honorary Chairman of the Avon Foundation.

The Avon Foundation focuses on many causes, including domestic violence, breast cancer research, and emergency relief initiatives.

“Avon is more than an iconic world class beauty leader. It is a company that is known the world overas a crusader for women’s causes. [I’m] proud to be joining the great philanthropic work [that Avon has established].”, says Witherspoon.

The official announcement was in August (as you may know), but it's only recently that Reese has become active in her role as an Avon spokesperson. The Academy Award®-winning actress has just begun filming her premiere commercial for the beauty brand.

Will Reese inspire you to buy more Avon?

Yves Saint Laurent Hydra Feel Crème

If you've been looking for a lightweight moisturizer that can be used day or night, look no further.

I've been using the YSL Hydra Feel Comfort Hydrating Water Crème for about two weeks and my skin feels quite moisturized and well-balanced. I'm pretty sure the results have been noticeable, as I've recently caught my guy using it too!

This product is great for normal to dry skin types. If you have combination or acne-prone skin, try the YSL Hydra Feel Gel Crème. 

Retailer: Saks.com
Cost: $62.00

October '07 Lust List

Miu Miu Oversized Cardigan $425
Missoni Sciarpa Crochet Scarf $340
James Perse Ribbed Cotton Tank (Set of 2) $82
Dean Harris Barbed Earrings $725
Belle Fleur Bouquet of Peonies $150+
Burberry Hazelmere Trench Coat  $1,295
Superfine Harry Stretch Jeans $260
Ralph Lauren Collection McKenna Calfskin Boots $1,100

Un Moment Noir

Shiseido The Makeup Eraser Pencil $16
Robert Piguet Fracas Perfume $80
Guerlain Terracotta Teint Dore Bronzing Spray for the Body $38
Bobbi Brown All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 $25
no!no! Hair Removal Device $250
Dr. Brandt Poreless Purifying Mask $40
NARS Cream Eye Shadow $21
Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara $19.50
Erno Laszlo TRANSpHUSE Night Serum $165
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour $19
Kiki de Montparnasse Scented Candle $65
Chantecaille Luminous Eye Liner $22
Lancome Magique Blush $28.50
Serge Lutens Lipstick $75

Q5 with Jo Wood

Over the years, Jo Wood has evolved from fashion model to celebrity wife and mum, party girl to eco-conscious entrepreneur- all whilst touring with The Rolling Stones.

Jo's chic sense of style and organic way of life have made her an icon in her own right (Ronnie who?), proving to us all that going green can be glamorous.

I recently had a chance to quiz the lovely Mrs. Wood on her unique sense of style and life on tour with The Stones.

Q1: How would you describe your sense of style?

JW: I would describe my style as eclectic. I like to mix the old with the new, cheap with expensive. 

Q2: Which designer's a/w collection are you most excited about?

JW: Chloé always looks good and, as always, I love D&G and some of those big knits by Giles. Stella's big sweaters are also fab.

Q3: What single accessory can you not live without at the moment?

JW: My biker boots (Christian Dior)...

Q4: Do you ever borrow anything from your husband's closet? If so, what do knick?

JW: Yes, I love to wear his sweaters. He has, or rather HAD, some great cashmere v-neck  sweaters in every color...!

Q5: In your many years traveling the world with The Rolling Stones, which city has had the most inspiring sense of style?

JW: I have to say Milan and Paris. You're just surrounded by fashion, beautiful people, city, history, culture, and food. You can't help but be inspired...

Check out JoWoodOrganics.com for more information on Jo's product collection and Amazon.com for her new book, 'Naturally'. Click here and here for previous posts that include my favorite Jo Wood Organics products.

Sex Returns to The City

The new Sex and the City movie has officially begun filming in NYC this past week and, if you live here, you can't help but spot the ladies out and about...

From what I've seen, SATC addicts will be quite pleased as it seems Patricia Field still has the (crazy but fantastic) touch.

The film is set to be released in May '08, but it's still too early to tell. I'm just excited to see the foursome back on screen, they've been very missed!

Blueprint Cleanse

I've been eating out way too much recently (and drinking quite a bit in the process), so I decided last week that it was time to do a proper cleanse. But, I really didn't want to create my own homemade concoctions this time around... So, who to call?

After a good deal of 'Googling', I chose to go with Blueprint Cleanse. They're an NYC based company that specializes in cleansing with a modern, playful (yet professional) approach. And, not the least bit granola, Blueprint is a refreshing change from the standard cleansing companies that promise the sun, the moon, and the stars in a bottle of their spiritually-charged juice.

I chose to do the Foundation Cleanse (there are three different levels you can choose from) for three days and it was wonderfully rejuvenating. I still feel great from the cleanse and it's actually inspired me to eat a bit healthier and drink a little less bubbly, which is something in itself as I generally have zero self-control.

Blueprint delivers (up to) a three-day supply of juice blends (six per day) the day before you start and also include a cute little 'cheat sheet' with what you can nibble on if you're absolutely desperate for solid food or a sip of coffee (amazing, no?). A highly recommend pick-me-up if you're looking to start the season off well.

Cost: $65/day for 1-6 days.

BlueprintCleanse.com
New York, NY
(646) 246 6558

Urban Decay Big Fatty Lip Plumper vs. DuWop Venom Flash

Urban Decay Claim: The Urban Decay Big Fatty Lip Plumper  has been created with African Chili, jasmine, and hyacinth to increase circulation in the lips and produce a noticeably fuller and pinker pout (up to 20%). A sheer, golden shimmer also helps reflect light to further enhance the size of your lips.

DuWop Claim: DuWop Venom Flash Lip Gloss enhances the natural color and shape of your lips by increasing circulation with a blend of essential oils including cinnamon, wintergreen, and ginger. Also, a subtle shimmer (choice of gold or silver) in the formulation reflects light to make your lips look their fullest.   

Price: $17.00 for 0.08 oz of Big Fatty Lip Plumper; $17.00 for 0.12 oz of Venom Flash Lip Gloss 

Plumping Effect: Urban Decay 6/10; DuWop 8.5/10

Ability to Maintain a Plump Pout: Urban Decay 5/10; DuWop 8/10 

Number of Shades: Urban Decay 1; DuWop 2

Summary: Urban Decay's Big Fatty Lip Plumper took awhile to produce visible results and needed constant application throughout the day/night, whereas DuWop's Lip Venom Flash Lip Gloss instantly plumped my lips, required fewer applications, and left my lips feeling (surprisingly) moisturized. 

Winner of this lip- plumper comparison:
DuWop Venom Flash available at Sephora.com 

First Fashion, Then Fragrance, Now...

As reported by both WWD and Marie Claire this week, Kate Moss has now added a range of hair care products to her ever-expanding portfolio.

The collection of sixteen products is the result of Kate's collaboration with celebrity hairstylist James Brown and will be sold under the brand name James Brown London.

If you live in the UK, expect to see this collection in-store at Boots as early as next month, but if you live in North America, don't hold your breath- there's been no launch date confirmed (yet). 

Cost: £5.99- £7.99 ea. (Aprox. $12.00-$16.00 ea.)

The New Face of Coco Mademoiselle

Though it was initially speculated that Lindsay Lohan was favored by Karl Lagerfeld to replace Kate Moss as the new face of Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel has chosen instead to use Keira Knightley's classic beauty (and scandal-free persona) to represent the most youthful scent in their collection.

Check out the new Coco Mademoiselle commercial featuring Keira Knightly (above). I think it's beautifully done, but unfortunately the choice of music makes it a bit cliché. I wonder what brilliant think tank came up with using yet another version of L-O-V-E ...