Tim Gunn talks “Project Runway”
Tim Gunn of "Project Runway"
A reporter for McClatchy Newspapers caught up with Tim Gunn, everyone’s favorite fashion mentor, who talked about “Project Runway” and what advice he dishes out most often. Season 6 of “Project Runway” is scheduled to start Aug. 20 on Lifetime. Mark your calendar for Runway’s long-awaited return. Read the story here.
An eco-friendly tip that’s good for hair, skin and planet
Did you know that more water is used in the bathroom than any other place in the home? Here’s an idea that’s good for your body and the planet.
Give hair, skin and your wallet a break by turning down the hot water heater. Showering with hot water oepns the hair cuticles unnecessarily and can leave skin and scalp dry and itchy, said Michael O’Rourke, founder of Sexy Hair.
After washing hair, rinse with cool or cold water to close the cuticles. The cooler water temperature will also leave hair shiny and more healthy. Also, try to let hair rest in between washings and only lather up every other day.
Not only is this bette for your hair, it will limit your shower use to 5 to 10 minutes and save thousands of gallons of water monthly.
Top 10 consumer trends for summer
Here’s an interesting e-mail I received from Pierce Mattie Public Relations, a New York-based company that specializes in luxury beauty, fashion, jewelry, home and fitness brands. These are what the firm considers the top consumer trends for summer.
1. Expensive airbrushing is out and self-tanning is in. Summer skin will be muted with self-tanners showing a softer side of bronze this year. Consumers who spent upwards of $70 a session to keep that glow for one week last summer, will find themselves at their local pharmacy getting a tube of sunless tanner from DHA, Hawaiian Tropic or Jergens for less than $10.
2. Understated highlights will replace Versace vixen, foregoing the bold and demarcated styles of seasons past. Consumers will opt for the affordability of a subtle style’s longer lifespan versus the high upkeep of brighter looks. Teens are expected to look into classic favorites like Sun-In, with parents following the do-it-yourself trend.
3. Costume jewelry will continue to be the rage with semi-precious stones being outside of most consumers’ price range. Look for jewelry made of acrylics and plated metals to see a growth in sales. Brands like Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz and pieces like Kate Spade’s “Mariposa Fleur” Butterfly Bangle will gain popularity. This jewelry trend is expected to last through the holiday season of 2010.
4. Coupons and value-added shopping will forefront in consumers’ minds, with sales reaching record peaks during the summer season. It will be one red, white and blue sale after another. Consumers who favor gifts with purchase at the cosmetics counter will be in luck — rumor has it that those leftover goodie bags from this winter will reappear on the selling floor before June.
5. With massive layoffs and cutbacks, it will be no surprise to see some executives taking an extended summer off working on their resumes while sunning at the beach. This translates into higher sales for sunscreen brands like Coppertone, Banana Boat and La Roche-Posay.
6. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers and right now everyone needs to decompress. This summer, more and more people will be hitting the gym to burn off steam. Rather than stay solo on the cardio machine, don’t be surprised to see health club members heading to the classroom for a dose of group exercise. This summer people want to feel like they are part of a group and belong, more so now than ever before. A 60-minute spin class at your neighborhood gym can be just the trick to get your psyche back into the right gear.
7. The best stress buster next to reading a trashy romance novel is making love. That’s right — birth control brands such as Trojan, Durex and Lifestyles will see an increase in sales as love making will help to ease mounting financial tensions. And for the unemployed, what better way is there to spend excess free time?
8. Vodka goes with just about everything from that Bloody Mary at brunch to the Cosmo at sunset. Spirit companies can expect to see an increase in purchases of their low to mid-tier brands like Svedka, Absolut and Smirnoff.
9. Many people reach for comfort foods in stressful times and this recession will not be an exception. Expect to see an increase this summer in the adverse Atkins suggestions: bread, candy, chocolate and spaghetti. Inexpensive, familiar, and bringing with them pleasant memories of childhood, comfort foods help consumers feel safe in an unsure world.
10. The economy has driven comfort to the forefront and you’ll find consumers being drawn to distressed denim and boyfriend jeans as their fashion statement of choice. This hot style has re-emerged from the ’80s in brands like True Religion Brand Jeans and Levi’s.
Shop Iman’s Global Chic collection on HSN
Supermodel I
man walks the talk. Check her out here carrying the latest bag for spring from her Global Chic collection. The bags will be featured on HSN on Saturday. Other new items from the collection include cuff bracelets and rings.
Catch her on HSN from midnight to 1 a.m., 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 5 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.
Product giveaway … enter the drawing for NIA 24 cleansing cream and sunscreen
Finally, the weekend is in sight. That’s good enough reason to celebrate. This time we’re celebrating with a beauty giveaway. This giveaway is a two-fer – NIA 24 Gentle Cleansing Cream and NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100 Percent Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30.
The cleansing cream is touted as being infused with moisture and leaves skin feeling soft and supple. It’s good for dry or more sensitive skin. The sunscreen is weightless, oil-free and absorbs for complete protection.
Cleansing cream retails for $30; the sunscreen, $45.
To be included in the drawing, send an e-mail with your name and address to fashionmatters@opubco.com. Deadline is May 2.
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Rompers, jumpsuits, harem-style pants — oh my
Some fashion trends are easier to embrace than others. Who among us is ready to slip into a romper, jumpsuit or harem-style pants?
I’ve worn jumpers before. No, not as a child. An adult. A much younger adult. My favorite jumpsuit was ivory in a soft shiny fabric. It was sleeveless with wide straps, cinched at the waist with a black patent belt. It was the perfect complement to my summer tan. That was before we knew the sun was not our friend. I loved that jumpsuit, but I only wore it twice. Going to the bathroom was a hassle. Plus one of the straps took a dip in the toilet. Need I say more?
And rompers? I don’t even want to go there. My 17-year-old niece had one on the other day. She looked cute; I would look silly enough for someone to nominate me for “What Not to Wear.”
Which brings us to harem-style or softly draped pants. I’m kind of liking these. They probably wouldn’t be that flattering — unless my supermodel body came in soon. I ordered it months ago. It’s such a popular model that it’s on back order. Funny, huh? I doubt I invest in a pair of these pants, unless I find the perfect fit and style, but they would be a nice change from capris. And they look so comfortable. Comfort is a trend, too. One I’m embracing more and more.
More Self magazine beauty product award winners
Roc Multi-Correxion Eye Cream
Here are more winners from Self magazine’s 2009 Healthy Beauty Awards. I included the winning products that cost $10 and less on Tuesday. Leave a comment if you’ve used these products. For a complete list of winners, go to www.self.com.
1. Best all-around moisturizer: LaMer The Hydrating Infusion, $95.
2. Best eye cream: Roc Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment, $25.
3. Best serum: Kinerase HydraBoost Intensive Treatment, $75.
4. Best night cream: Elizabeth Arden Intervene Stress Recovery Night Cream, $50.
5. Best angiaging treatment: Garnier Nutrioniste Ultra-Lift Pro Deep Wrinkle Roller, $17.
6. Best exfoliating body lotion: Eucerin Plus Smoothing Essentials, $12.
7. Best face sunscreen: Aveeno Continuous Protection Active Sunblock Lotion SPF 50, $11.
8. Best body self-tanner: Lancaster Self-Tanning Fast Dry Bronze Water Spray, $27.
9. Best primer: Prescriptives Flawless Face Primer, $28.
10. Best tinted moisturizer: Smashbox Cosmetics Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer, $30.
11. Best all-around foundation: Lorac Natural Performance Foundation, $35.
12. Best loose powder: DiorSkin Nude Fresh Glow Powder SPF 10, $45.
13. Best bronzer: Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer, $48.
14. Best powder blush: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush, $22.
15. Best cream blush: Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush, $26.
Estee Lauder Signature Satin Creme Blush
16. Best lipliner: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, $16.
17. Best lipstick: Shiseido The Makeup Perfect Rouge Lipstick, $25.
18. Best lip gloss: JK jemma Kidd Lip ID Colour Adapt Gloss, $20.
19. Best pencil eyeliner: Benefit Bad Gal Liner Waterproof Pencil, $20.
20. Best liquid eyeliner: MAC Penultimate Eye Liner, $17.
21. Best cream eyeshadow: CK Calvin Klein Beuty Temptin Glimmer Creme Eyeshadow, $18.
22. Best thickening mascara: Stila Thickening Mascara, $22.
23. Best volumizing mascara: Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara, $14.
24. Best leave-in conditioner: Nexxus Dualiste Ciolor Protectiion+Intensive Hydration Leave-in Spray, $12.
25. Best color-treated shampoo: Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Blonde Shampoo, $34.
26. Best volumizing shampoo: Kerastase Bain Densitive GL Shampoo, $39.
27. Best hairspray: L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray, $14.
28. Best straightening product: Living Proof Straight Making No Fuss Styling Cream, $24.
29. Best shine serum: Nioxin Smoothing Reflective Glossing Color Shield, $20.
30. Best shine spray: Victoria’s Secret So Sexy Brilliant Shine Mist, $13.
How celebrities are aging
I stumbled across this slide show on the Today show Web site. Yikes! If you’re thinking about injections, noninvasive treatments or plastic surgery, take a peek at how some well-known celebrities have aged — or tried to keep from it. Check it out here.
Eyes open wide: Tweezerman introduces new eyelash curler
I love my Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Hundreds of thousands of women feel the same way too. The Shu eyelash curler has been named “best” in magazine after magazine after magazine. Been that way for years and years and years.
What makes the Shu Uemura curler stand out is its exclusive design — a wide, shallow curve and soft silicone pad that fits eyes of all shapes and sizes.
Now comes a new eyelash curler that wants to flex its muscle, a curler that’s being described as “the curler to end all curlers.” (Of course, it’s the brand that’s saying that!) Anyway, it’s the new Tweezerman Pro-Curl Curler.
”With its beautiful and distinctive rose gold design and ergonomically crafted, pinch-proof precision, this contoured curler is an industry first and the staple to any beauty arsenal,” according to the press release. “Perfectly designed to fit all eye shapes, the Pro-Curl Curler is guaranteed to be the next award-winning beauty tool!”
The company says these are the benefits:
* Larger opening area for easier use.
* Thick, rounded silicone pad ensures an always-intense curl.
*Reworked angles create the ultiamte leverage for the best curl.
* Narrower top bar adapts to all types of eye shapes.
*Doubled body design for exceptional comfort, leverage and strength.
The price is $20 and it is available exclusively at Sephora stores and at www.sephora.com.
Self magazine beauty product awards … and the winners are
Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara
Self magazine’s 2009 Healthy Beauty Awards are included in May’s issue, which hits stores today. The magazine had 1,370 readers test 1,443 products. That’s a lot of creams and potions and lotions. The result — 86 winners — one for each category.
Today, I’m including the winners priced at $10 and less. On Wednesday, I’ll include a few of the splurges. Leave a comment if you like these products, too. Word of mouth is always the best.
1. Best cleanser: C.O. Bigelow Vitamin Boost Cream Cleanser, $10.
2. Best depuffing eye cream: Biore Enliven Cooling Eye Gel, $10.
3. Best makeup remover: Clean & Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes, $6.
4. Best bar soap: Caress Evenly gorgeous Exfoliating Beauty Bar, $3.
5. Best body wash: Burt’s Bees Fabulously Fresh Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash, $8.
6. Best exfoliating body wash: Suave Naturals Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash, $3.
7. Best body scrub: St. Ives Mineral Therapy In-Shower Exfoliating Body Polish, $7.
8. Best body lotion: Johnson’s body Care 24 Hour Lotion, $4.
9. Best deodorant: Dove Clinical Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Solid , $8.
10. Best foot lotion: Sally Hansen Salon Hydrating Food Creme, $8.
11. Best foot scrub: Avon Foot Works Thermal Exfoliating Scrub, $8.
12. Best foot treatment: Earth Therapeutics Intensive Heel Repair, $8.
13. Best hand lotion: Sephora by OPI Restorative Hand Moisturizer, $10.
14. Best face self-tanner: Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion Daily Moisturizer, $9.
15. Best mattifying foundation: Rimmel London Stay Matte Foundation, $7.
16. Best concealer: Almay Smart Shade Concealer, $9.
17. Best lip stain: Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain, $7.
18. Best lip balm: Nivea A Kiss of Moisture Hydrating Lip Care SPF 4, $3.
19. Best powder eyeshadow: Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Quad, $10.
20. Best eco-friendly mascara: Physicians Formula Organic Wear Mascara, $10.
21. Best lengthening mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Mascara, $9.
22. Best nail polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color, $5.
23. Best all-around conditioner: Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Instant Melting Conditioner, $4.
24. Best volumizing conditiioner: Escencia by Samy Volumizing Conditioner, $8.
25. Best antidandruff conditioner: Head & Shoulders Ocean Lift Conditioner, $5.
26. Best detangler: John Frieda Root Awakening Detangling Spray, $7.
27. Best all-around shampoo: Herbal Essences Hydralicious Featherweight Shampoo, $3.
28. Best smoothing shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Nature Fushion Smooth Vitality Shampoo, $4.
Revlon ColorStay Brow Enhancer
29. Best haircolor: Clairol Natural Instincts Champagne Indulgence Collection, $9.
30. Best texturizer: David Babali for WildAid Volcanic Ash Sculpting Clay, $10.
31. Best heat protectant: Dove Heat Defense Therapy Mist, $4.
32. Best gel: Aussie Opposites Attract Spray Gel, $3.
33. Best brow shaper: Revlon ColorStay Brow Enhancer, $9.
34. Best mousse: Tresemme 24 Hour body Foaming Mousse, $5.
