Beauty Maverick

Duane Reade to Launch Spa Services

Would you get a haircut, manicure or massage at your local drugstore? Duane Reade is banking on the fact that time-strapped New Yorkers (or photo-happy tourists) will.

The Walgreens-owned chain is opening a 22,000 sq. ft. location — complete with full-service salon, nail bar, smoothie stand and stock ticker — at 40 Wall Street
on July 6.

Dysport vs. Botox

Botox's newer competitor — Dysport — appears to be the better bet.

New FDA Sunscreen Regulations

Starting next summer, sunscreens with less than an SPF of 15 or that aren't “broad spectrum” will be required to carry a warning label: “This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”

In addition, the FDA:

— Will prohibit sunscreen marketing claims like “waterproof” and “sweatproof,” which the agency believes “are exaggerations of performance.”

— Proposes capping the highest SPF value at 50, unless companies can provide results of further testing that support a higher number.

— Says manufacturers must phase out a four-star system currently used by some companies to rate UVA protection.

BeautyMaverick x M.A.C

1 2 3 4 5

Back in late February, M.A.C tapped 80+ beauty bloggers to submit their ideal eyeshadow/lipglass formulation for an upcoming capsule collection, which was to be curated by top execs including SVP and Global Creative Director James Gager. Naturally, I had to place a bid.

Fast-forward to April, when 9 of us were gifted with a golden ticket to the brand's original, highly-secure Ontario production facilities. Over the course of two days, mood boards and personal trinkets were transformed into the industry's first-ever consumer-driven collection, Bloggers' Obsessions.

As you might imagine, each M.A.C enthusiast worked alongside an established chemist to create their ideal finish. For Caqui, my aim was to achieve a lip color that's not only original and on-trend, but also buildable and universally flattering.

The result? A juicy, shimmer-free persimmon orange with a subtle, smile-brightening blue-red base.

Available exclusively online, my go-to hue launches June 21 on MacCosmetics.com.

Hope you'll enjoy! xx


Pics of Caqui, my inspiration, the production process & complete collection above. (Interviews, additional images & more available 06/21/11 - 08/02/11 via MacCosmetics.com.)

Latisse for Locks

Allergan is currently recruiting volunteers for clinical trials of a hair-growth treatment based on the active ingredient found in Latisse.

Step Aside, John Frieda

Former creative director Serge Normant's new signature hair care collection is creating quite a buzz.

(The shampoo and conditioner are rather life-changing, btw.)

The New Sub-Zero

Why burn fat when you can freeze it?

The NEW Dior.com

Seeking a more luxurious e-commerce experience? Be sure to check out Dior's new beauty sub-site, which offers an elegant (and easy-to-shop) presentation of the entire Dior Beauty line, online exclusives and product previews of upcoming launches, as well as backstage access, application tips & interactive beauty advice.

The most unique detail of the site, however, is revealed after you've logged off. Each order placed on Dior.com arrives wrapped in the intricate couture “plissé” tissue-folding style used in the brand's boutiques, a signature first instituted by Monsieur Dior himself. (When you shop online as much as I do, it's truly refreshing [read: rare] to experience the same attention to detail as you would in-store.)

NOTE: Register to become a Dior Diva, and you'll gain instant access to shopping rewards, complimentary shipping over $50 and insider invitations to special events.

Bad Botox

Botox may be approved for everything from wrinkles to excessive sweating, but many of its common uses are actually off-label. So much so that the FDA just fined the filler's parent company, Allergan, for "seeding the market" with the notion that Botox is safe for migraines, muscle spasticity and overactive bladders— all claims that have yet to be cleared.

Moral of the story? One doctor's recommendation may bear another doctor's warning, so do your due diligence to enjoy these sorts of medical treatments to their full (FDA-approved) extent.

NARS Through Guinness-Tinted Glasses

Style icon Daphne Guinness has been named as the face — and co-creator— of François Nars' fall 2010 color collection (launching 07/15), reports WWD.