Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Beauty Turns Ugly


Yesterday, the New York Times ran a particularly scathing piece about beauty bloggers. In a nutshell, the 'expose' likened us to beauty whores – posting for free products.

There are so many inaccurate allegations in this article that I have neither the time nor the energy to set the record straight. Luckily, fellow BBN member Christina posted a retort on her blog, Bon Bons in the Bath…and I wholeheartedly agree with her assertions.

So Spoiled Pretty readers, please be assured that I am solely motivated by my love for all things beauty – and the opportunity to converse with you all everyday. Product samples and industry events are wonderful perks; but essentially, these benefits are what enable bloggers to compete with 'traditional' beauty media – and provide you with the unbiased reviews, breaking news, and tips you crave, in real time.

If you have any questions about the beauty blogging biz or the product review process, I am open to questions. Please feel free to email me, or leave a remark in comments section below.

Beauty Turns Ugly


Yesterday, the New York Times ran a particularly scathing piece about beauty bloggers. In a nutshell, the 'expose' likened us to beauty whores – posting for free products.

There are so many inaccurate allegations in this article that I have neither the time nor the energy to set the record straight. Luckily, fellow BBN member Christina posted a retort on her blog, Bon Bons in the Bath…and I wholeheartedly agree with her assertions.

So Spoiled Pretty readers, please be assured that I am solely motivated by my love for all things beauty – and the opportunity to converse with you all everyday. Product samples and industry events are wonderful perks; but essentially, these benefits are what enable bloggers to compete with 'traditional' beauty media – and provide you with the unbiased reviews, breaking news, and tips you crave, in real time.

If you have any questions about the beauty blogging biz or the product review process, I am open to questions. Please feel free to email me, or leave a remark in comments section below.

Friday, January 25, 2008

WWD: Beauty In The Blogosphere

Today’s issue of Womens Wear Daily includes a discerning look at beauty blogs and their growing influence in the industry.

Though I wish Spoiled Pretty could have been mentioned in the article, I am beyond thrilled for my blogging comrades who were referenced (All About The Pretty, Beauty Addict, Beauty Blogging Junkie, Beauty Snob, BellaSugar, Blogdorf Goodman, Makeup and Beauty Blog, Makeup Bag, Shake Your Beauty, and Temptalia).

Here are some excerpts:

A new breed of beauty writers is building the sort of influence that's gaining the attention of major brands: bloggers.

Scores of blogs largely dedicated to opinions and reviews of beauty products have proliferated in the past several years. And as the quality and quantity of blogs increases, beauty companies' traditional marketing strategies are having to adapt.

Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure, said she believes beauty brands have started to take blogs seriously over the past few years because blogs are “starting to have an effect on product sales. Companies are more excited about being mentioned [on blogs], so we’re seeing more of the industry reaching out to bloggers,” she said.

To read the article in its entirety, click on the image (above, left).

WWD: Beauty In The Blogosphere

Today’s issue of Womens Wear Daily includes a discerning look at beauty blogs and their growing influence in the industry.

Though I wish Spoiled Pretty could have been mentioned in the article, I am beyond thrilled for my blogging comrades who were referenced (All About The Pretty, Beauty Addict, Beauty Blogging Junkie, Beauty Snob, BellaSugar, Blogdorf Goodman, Makeup and Beauty Blog, Makeup Bag, Shake Your Beauty, and Temptalia).

Here are some excerpts:

A new breed of beauty writers is building the sort of influence that's gaining the attention of major brands: bloggers.

Scores of blogs largely dedicated to opinions and reviews of beauty products have proliferated in the past several years. And as the quality and quantity of blogs increases, beauty companies' traditional marketing strategies are having to adapt.

Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure, said she believes beauty brands have started to take blogs seriously over the past few years because blogs are “starting to have an effect on product sales. Companies are more excited about being mentioned [on blogs], so we’re seeing more of the industry reaching out to bloggers,” she said.

To read the article in its entirety, click on the image (above, left).

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Get Spoiled Pretty Every Day!


Subscribe to my RSS feed so you can get Spoiled Pretty every day!

Product reviews, money-saving tips, the hottest makeup trends, and the coolest giveaways will be sent directly to your inbox…so you’ll never forget to stay pretty.

Sign up today!

Get Spoiled Pretty Every Day!


Subscribe to my RSS feed so you can get Spoiled Pretty every day!

Product reviews, money-saving tips, the hottest makeup trends, and the coolest giveaways will be sent directly to your inbox…so you’ll never forget to stay pretty.

Sign up today!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Shu Uemura Dead at 79


From Women's Wear Daily:

Shu Uemura, the celebrated Japanese makeup artist and founder of the Shu Uemura cosmetics brand, died of pneumonia Dec. 29. He was 79. A private funeral was held in Tokyo Friday and a memorial service is planned there for Jan. 31.

Uemura was a pioneering figure in modern makeup artistry, favoring an artistic approach to beauty. He promoted Japanese traditions and a brand philosophy that focused on healthy skin as the foundation for beautiful makeup.

Shu Uemura Dead at 79


From Women's Wear Daily:

Shu Uemura, the celebrated Japanese makeup artist and founder of the Shu Uemura cosmetics brand, died of pneumonia Dec. 29. He was 79. A private funeral was held in Tokyo Friday and a memorial service is planned there for Jan. 31.

Uemura was a pioneering figure in modern makeup artistry, favoring an artistic approach to beauty. He promoted Japanese traditions and a brand philosophy that focused on healthy skin as the foundation for beautiful makeup.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Fragrance 4-1-1


Burberry will release its sixth fragrance, ‘The Beat,’ in March. The women’s perfume is described as a “sparkling woody floral scent,” and incorporates three principal notes - Ceylon tea, iris accord, and bluebell. Other key notes include bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper, mandarin, white musk, vetiver and cedarwood.


If industry rumblings are any indication, Justin Timberlake may be the face of the next Parfums Givenchy men's fragrance. Here’s to hoping the SexyBack singer and French fashion house can get in sync.


Actor Matthew McConaughey will be the face of Dolce & Gabbana's upcoming fragrance, The One For Men, set to hit shelves in March 2008. “I like spicy-oriental notes and we’ve never done these types of fragrances, it’s a little warmer than our other men’s scents,” said Stefano Gabbana. "I wanted it to be a classic — not a banal classic, but a classic men's fragrance that would last for years and be the type of scent that women adore," he added. The fragrance will have notes of grapefruit, coriander, basil, cardamom, ginger, orange blossom, cedarwood, ambergris, and tobacco.


Jennifer Lopez will launch her next fragrance, Deseo, in February 2008. Deseo was inspired by a combination of smells in the singer’s own garden, and is the first of Lopez’s fragrances to reference her Latin heritage. The fragrance’s notes include bamboo leaves, yuzu, bergamot, freesia, star jasmine, pink geranium flower, orange blossom, mimosa, warm amber, oak moss, musk, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and mineral accord. And Deseo’s bottle was designed to resemble a “diamond in the rough.”

Fragrance 4-1-1


Burberry will release its sixth fragrance, ‘The Beat,’ in March. The women’s perfume is described as a “sparkling woody floral scent,” and incorporates three principal notes - Ceylon tea, iris accord, and bluebell. Other key notes include bergamot, cardamom, pink pepper, mandarin, white musk, vetiver and cedarwood.


If industry rumblings are any indication, Justin Timberlake may be the face of the next Parfums Givenchy men's fragrance. Here’s to hoping the SexyBack singer and French fashion house can get in sync.


Actor Matthew McConaughey will be the face of Dolce & Gabbana's upcoming fragrance, The One For Men, set to hit shelves in March 2008. “I like spicy-oriental notes and we’ve never done these types of fragrances, it’s a little warmer than our other men’s scents,” said Stefano Gabbana. "I wanted it to be a classic — not a banal classic, but a classic men's fragrance that would last for years and be the type of scent that women adore," he added. The fragrance will have notes of grapefruit, coriander, basil, cardamom, ginger, orange blossom, cedarwood, ambergris, and tobacco.


Jennifer Lopez will launch her next fragrance, Deseo, in February 2008. Deseo was inspired by a combination of smells in the singer’s own garden, and is the first of Lopez’s fragrances to reference her Latin heritage. The fragrance’s notes include bamboo leaves, yuzu, bergamot, freesia, star jasmine, pink geranium flower, orange blossom, mimosa, warm amber, oak moss, musk, sandalwood, cedar, patchouli and mineral accord. And Deseo’s bottle was designed to resemble a “diamond in the rough.”

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch In 2008

My friend Shannon, from A Girl’s Gotta Spa, sent me the following article. It’s a pretty insightful and interesting read - so, enjoy!

Pierce Mattie PR Names the Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch In 2008
Written by Shannon Nelson for Pierce Mattie Public Relations

Pierce Mattie Public Relations has comprised a list of the hottest magazines ranging from industry leaders, quickly emerging stand outs, as well as publications that will be launching in 2008.

1. Vogue: Not having Vogue on the list would be a crime. Under Anna Wintour’s guidance, Vogue continues to remain a publication with an old fashioned sense of sophistication that is still able to capture women’s attention and create buzz among it’s demographic.

2. Esquire: Not only can Esquire boast a circulation bordering on the 1 million mark, but their website is ranked #2 by MinOnline.com for achieving the highest page views (4,417,927) and unique visitor count gains for a magazine brand in 2007.

3. Domino: With home magazines on the rise, Domino is emerging as a stand out publication. Under the helm of Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman, Domino has found success in relating to readers who are just as savvy about the style of their home as they are to the fashion that they wear.

4. Brides: Bridal magazine titles have increased 96% since 2002 and Brides magazine still has remained a powerhouse with the highest circulation, leading the way among their competitors.

5. Cookie: Parents who aren’t looking to compromise on style and aesthetics have found the perfect outlet in Cookie. Increasingly popular among fashionista’s who have graduated on to motherhood, Cookie’s focus on style, beauty and home décor has resonated with a sophisticated audience.

6. Real Simple: Time is a luxury and Real Simple has struck a chord with female readers looking to simplify their hectic lives. In this fast paced society, this easy to read publication continues to surge in popularity bordering on a circulation just shy of 2 million.

7. W: The fashion bible of the industry has been and will always be a must-read magazine. Those in the know are readers of W.

8. Genlux: Regional magazines are among the fastest growing in the publishing industry; in fact they were king in 2007 as the largest magazine category while Luxury magazines had the second highest launch rate in 2007. Genlux is the best of both worlds as a Los Angeles luxury-driven magazine; it’s the one magazine that has both editors and consumers raving.

9. Conde Nast Portfolio: This business publication for the influential executive trendsetters already has a circulation of 350,000 and it’s only been on newsstands less than 12 months. The business community is applauding Editor in Chief, Joanne Lipman, for this must-read that is sure to continue being hot in 2008.

10. Nylon: Nylon is the thinking fashionista’s style magazine. Consumers respond to Nylon’s smart writing and substance-based editorial.

11. Lucky: Despite an impending recession, women love to shop. Lucky brings the best style to the consumer from all price points, who right now, are all about knowing their options.

12. O, The Oprah Magazine: This goes without saying, whatever Oprah touches turns to gold. With a circulation of roughly 2.5 million, O magazine remains hot with no signs of burning out.

13. Garden & Gun: Amazingly the Evening Post Publishing Co. found a way to mix sporting life and southern landscapes as if it were completely natural. Being southern never looked so good.

14. Martha Stewart Living: Covering a broad spectrum of topics, Martha Stewart Living defines the home décor category. To date, Omnimedia’s hit publication is unparalleled in circulation (just over 2 million) and website traffic.

15. ZooZoom: As digital publications are becoming more prevalent, ZooZoom’s cinematic editorials are catching the eyes of those who view fashion as art. Visually appealing for the fashion intellectual, ZooZoom distinguishes itself from other digital magazines as the original online glossy.

16. Organic Spa: Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Mary Bemis has created a quite fervor among spa lifestyle enthusiasts. Just launched in January of 2007, Organic Spa has found its way onto the shelves of Whole Foods reaching a circulation of over 40,000 of those looking for the true meaning of Spa.

17. New York Look: Just launched at the end of November by New York Magazine, consider New York Look your supplement to Fashion Week. The imagery is mesmerizing with an insider’s view backstage, front row and even atop the runway.

18. IQONS: Following the success of the fashion industry’s answer to social networking, IQONS.com is launching its namesake magazine internationally in February during New York Fashion Week. Iconic fashion designer, Diane Pernet, will be Editor-in-Chief and with contributions from the IQONS community, the magazine is sure to be a success.

19. On Makeup Magazine: The February 2008 launch of On Makeup Magazine from The Powder Group is sure to catch the eye of makeup artists (both current and aspiring) as well as consumers with a love for the cosmetics industry. Positioned as distinctively pro-driven and consumer-friendly, we’re sure this quarterly publication will have readers rioting for it to be published monthly.

20. Latina: Ethnic magazine titles rose by 52% in 2007 and Latina, since 2003, has become one of the top ten fastest growing magazines in America. Its growth continues to surge and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch In 2008

My friend Shannon, from A Girl’s Gotta Spa, sent me the following article. It’s a pretty insightful and interesting read - so, enjoy!

Pierce Mattie PR Names the Top 20 Hottest Publications To Watch In 2008
Written by Shannon Nelson for Pierce Mattie Public Relations

Pierce Mattie Public Relations has comprised a list of the hottest magazines ranging from industry leaders, quickly emerging stand outs, as well as publications that will be launching in 2008.

1. Vogue: Not having Vogue on the list would be a crime. Under Anna Wintour’s guidance, Vogue continues to remain a publication with an old fashioned sense of sophistication that is still able to capture women’s attention and create buzz among it’s demographic.

2. Esquire: Not only can Esquire boast a circulation bordering on the 1 million mark, but their website is ranked #2 by MinOnline.com for achieving the highest page views (4,417,927) and unique visitor count gains for a magazine brand in 2007.

3. Domino: With home magazines on the rise, Domino is emerging as a stand out publication. Under the helm of Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman, Domino has found success in relating to readers who are just as savvy about the style of their home as they are to the fashion that they wear.

4. Brides: Bridal magazine titles have increased 96% since 2002 and Brides magazine still has remained a powerhouse with the highest circulation, leading the way among their competitors.

5. Cookie: Parents who aren’t looking to compromise on style and aesthetics have found the perfect outlet in Cookie. Increasingly popular among fashionista’s who have graduated on to motherhood, Cookie’s focus on style, beauty and home décor has resonated with a sophisticated audience.

6. Real Simple: Time is a luxury and Real Simple has struck a chord with female readers looking to simplify their hectic lives. In this fast paced society, this easy to read publication continues to surge in popularity bordering on a circulation just shy of 2 million.

7. W: The fashion bible of the industry has been and will always be a must-read magazine. Those in the know are readers of W.

8. Genlux: Regional magazines are among the fastest growing in the publishing industry; in fact they were king in 2007 as the largest magazine category while Luxury magazines had the second highest launch rate in 2007. Genlux is the best of both worlds as a Los Angeles luxury-driven magazine; it’s the one magazine that has both editors and consumers raving.

9. Conde Nast Portfolio: This business publication for the influential executive trendsetters already has a circulation of 350,000 and it’s only been on newsstands less than 12 months. The business community is applauding Editor in Chief, Joanne Lipman, for this must-read that is sure to continue being hot in 2008.

10. Nylon: Nylon is the thinking fashionista’s style magazine. Consumers respond to Nylon’s smart writing and substance-based editorial.

11. Lucky: Despite an impending recession, women love to shop. Lucky brings the best style to the consumer from all price points, who right now, are all about knowing their options.

12. O, The Oprah Magazine: This goes without saying, whatever Oprah touches turns to gold. With a circulation of roughly 2.5 million, O magazine remains hot with no signs of burning out.

13. Garden & Gun: Amazingly the Evening Post Publishing Co. found a way to mix sporting life and southern landscapes as if it were completely natural. Being southern never looked so good.

14. Martha Stewart Living: Covering a broad spectrum of topics, Martha Stewart Living defines the home décor category. To date, Omnimedia’s hit publication is unparalleled in circulation (just over 2 million) and website traffic.

15. ZooZoom: As digital publications are becoming more prevalent, ZooZoom’s cinematic editorials are catching the eyes of those who view fashion as art. Visually appealing for the fashion intellectual, ZooZoom distinguishes itself from other digital magazines as the original online glossy.

16. Organic Spa: Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Mary Bemis has created a quite fervor among spa lifestyle enthusiasts. Just launched in January of 2007, Organic Spa has found its way onto the shelves of Whole Foods reaching a circulation of over 40,000 of those looking for the true meaning of Spa.

17. New York Look: Just launched at the end of November by New York Magazine, consider New York Look your supplement to Fashion Week. The imagery is mesmerizing with an insider’s view backstage, front row and even atop the runway.

18. IQONS: Following the success of the fashion industry’s answer to social networking, IQONS.com is launching its namesake magazine internationally in February during New York Fashion Week. Iconic fashion designer, Diane Pernet, will be Editor-in-Chief and with contributions from the IQONS community, the magazine is sure to be a success.

19. On Makeup Magazine: The February 2008 launch of On Makeup Magazine from The Powder Group is sure to catch the eye of makeup artists (both current and aspiring) as well as consumers with a love for the cosmetics industry. Positioned as distinctively pro-driven and consumer-friendly, we’re sure this quarterly publication will have readers rioting for it to be published monthly.

20. Latina: Ethnic magazine titles rose by 52% in 2007 and Latina, since 2003, has become one of the top ten fastest growing magazines in America. Its growth continues to surge and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Minnesota’s New Year’s (Beauty) Resolution

Minnesota has become the first state to ban mercury from mascara, eye liners, and skin-lightening creams; the law will take effect on January 1. Retailers who knowingly sell cosmetics that contain mercury in Minnesota could be fined up to $700, and penalties could reach $10,000 for manufacturers who fail to disclose mercury on product labels.

Most makeup companies have phased out the use of mercury, but it's still added legally to some products as a preservative and germ-killer. Minnesota's cosmetics provision is part of a larger ban targeting better-known sources of mercury, such as thermostats, barometers, toiletries, fragrances and over-the-counter drugs such as eye drops, nasal sprays, and antiseptics.

“Using eye makeup with mercury is unlikely to cause immediate health problems, but mercury accumulates in the body, so consumers should avoid exposure whenever possible,” said Carl Herbrandson, a toxicologist with the state Health Department.

Mercury can retard brain development in children and fetuses, who are most vulnerable to the metal's toxic effects; it can also cause neurological symptoms in adults.

Minnesota’s New Year’s (Beauty) Resolution

Minnesota has become the first state to ban mercury from mascara, eye liners, and skin-lightening creams; the law will take effect on January 1. Retailers who knowingly sell cosmetics that contain mercury in Minnesota could be fined up to $700, and penalties could reach $10,000 for manufacturers who fail to disclose mercury on product labels.

Most makeup companies have phased out the use of mercury, but it's still added legally to some products as a preservative and germ-killer. Minnesota's cosmetics provision is part of a larger ban targeting better-known sources of mercury, such as thermostats, barometers, toiletries, fragrances and over-the-counter drugs such as eye drops, nasal sprays, and antiseptics.

“Using eye makeup with mercury is unlikely to cause immediate health problems, but mercury accumulates in the body, so consumers should avoid exposure whenever possible,” said Carl Herbrandson, a toxicologist with the state Health Department.

Mercury can retard brain development in children and fetuses, who are most vulnerable to the metal's toxic effects; it can also cause neurological symptoms in adults.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Spoiled Pretty Featured on Philadelphia TV News!


Just wanted to share the exciting news that Spoiled Pretty was featured on Philadelphia’s WPVI –TV news (channel 6 – ABC affiliate) last night!!! My name was mispronounced, but I'm used to that. It turned out great, if I do say so myself...and I couldn't wait to share with all of you.

If you're interested in watching the segment, the video is up on the station's website.

Spoiled Pretty Featured on Philadelphia TV News!


Just wanted to share the exciting news that Spoiled Pretty was featured on Philadelphia’s WPVI –TV news (channel 6 – ABC affiliate) last night!!! My name was mispronounced, but I'm used to that. It turned out great, if I do say so myself...and I couldn't wait to share with all of you.

If you're interested in watching the segment, the video is up on the station's website.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Monochrome Models


Yesterday, the New York Times ran an astute piece about the lack of diversity among fashion models. Despite the fact that 30 percent of Americans are non-white, and although African American women in the U.S. spend more than $20 billion on apparel each year, ethnic faces have been few and far between on the runways of New York, London, Paris, and Milan; they are even more noticeably absent in magazine fashion editorials.

Jezebel.com took a thorough look at the October issues of nine of the largest American women's fashion/service magazines, and found that that black models are far more common in advertisements than fashion editorials; their report is quite alarming:

Black Models In Advertisements, October 2007:
Marie Claire: 10, 1 of whom is a celebrity: Walgreens (3), Olay (1), Johnson's Soft Lotion (1), Diesel (1), CoverGirl (1), Puma (2), JCPenney (1).
W: 3, 1 of whom is a celebrity: Target (1), L'Oreal (1), Turks & Caicos tourism board (1).
Vogue: 6, 4 of whom are celebrities: Revlon (1), American Express (1), Diesel (1), JCPenney (1), Vaseline (1), Avon (1).
Harper's Bazaar: 2, 1 of whom is a celebrity: Make-A-Wish Foundation (1), CoverGirl (1).
Glamour: 3, none of whom are celebrities : Aquafresh White Trays (1), Liz Clairborne (1), Lee Jeans (1).
Cosmopolitan: 0.
Allure: 8, 4 of whom are celebrities: Diesel (1), Revlon (1), Sephora (1), L'Oreal (1), Revlon (1), Aquafresh White Trays (1), CoverGirl (1), Olay (1),
Lucky: 9, 4 of whom are celebrities: CoverGirl (1), Target (1), American Express (1), MAC Cosmetics (1), Dillard's (1), Puma (2), Sephora (1), Avon (1)
Elle: 13, 3 of whom are celebrities: Target (1), MAC Cosmetics (1), Diesel (1), Puma (2), Benetton (1), Avon Foundation (1), House of Dereon (4), Secret (1), Botox (1).

Black Models In Fashion Editorial, October 2007:
Marie Claire: 1, starring solo in a 6-page fashion editorial
W: 1, appearing on 1 page of a 20-page fashion editorial
Vogue: 0
Harper's Bazaar: 0
Glamour: 0
Cosmopolitan: 0
Allure: 0
Lucky: 0
Elle: 0

In the wake of New York fashion week, fashion photographer and ANTM judge Nigel Barker was reported as saying, "Everyone is always talking about the weight issue, I think they should be talking about race."

To read Guy Trebay’s New York Times article, click here. For Jezebel.com’s insightful commentary, follow this link.

Monochrome Models


Yesterday, the New York Times ran an astute piece about the lack of diversity among fashion models. Despite the fact that 30 percent of Americans are non-white, and although African American women in the U.S. spend more than $20 billion on apparel each year, ethnic faces have been few and far between on the runways of New York, London, Paris, and Milan; they are even more noticeably absent in magazine fashion editorials.

Jezebel.com took a thorough look at the October issues of nine of the largest American women's fashion/service magazines, and found that that black models are far more common in advertisements than fashion editorials; their report is quite alarming:

Black Models In Advertisements, October 2007:
Marie Claire: 10, 1 of whom is a celebrity: Walgreens (3), Olay (1), Johnson's Soft Lotion (1), Diesel (1), CoverGirl (1), Puma (2), JCPenney (1).
W: 3, 1 of whom is a celebrity: Target (1), L'Oreal (1), Turks & Caicos tourism board (1).
Vogue: 6, 4 of whom are celebrities: Revlon (1), American Express (1), Diesel (1), JCPenney (1), Vaseline (1), Avon (1).
Harper's Bazaar: 2, 1 of whom is a celebrity: Make-A-Wish Foundation (1), CoverGirl (1).
Glamour: 3, none of whom are celebrities : Aquafresh White Trays (1), Liz Clairborne (1), Lee Jeans (1).
Cosmopolitan: 0.
Allure: 8, 4 of whom are celebrities: Diesel (1), Revlon (1), Sephora (1), L'Oreal (1), Revlon (1), Aquafresh White Trays (1), CoverGirl (1), Olay (1),
Lucky: 9, 4 of whom are celebrities: CoverGirl (1), Target (1), American Express (1), MAC Cosmetics (1), Dillard's (1), Puma (2), Sephora (1), Avon (1)
Elle: 13, 3 of whom are celebrities: Target (1), MAC Cosmetics (1), Diesel (1), Puma (2), Benetton (1), Avon Foundation (1), House of Dereon (4), Secret (1), Botox (1).

Black Models In Fashion Editorial, October 2007:
Marie Claire: 1, starring solo in a 6-page fashion editorial
W: 1, appearing on 1 page of a 20-page fashion editorial
Vogue: 0
Harper's Bazaar: 0
Glamour: 0
Cosmopolitan: 0
Allure: 0
Lucky: 0
Elle: 0

In the wake of New York fashion week, fashion photographer and ANTM judge Nigel Barker was reported as saying, "Everyone is always talking about the weight issue, I think they should be talking about race."

To read Guy Trebay’s New York Times article, click here. For Jezebel.com’s insightful commentary, follow this link.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Straight Talk: Beware the Brazilian

An article in the October 2007 issue of Allure shocked me to the core. According to the magazine, a new Brazilian hair straightening treatment could be a health hazard. But it hasn’t stopped women from jumping on this beauty bandwagon, or hairstylists from performing the procedure.

The treatment, referred to as escova progressiva in Brazil, promises shiny, voluminous, straight hair – even on colored or damaged hair – for two to three months. Brands in the United States include the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, and the Brazilian Blowout. The procedure, which costs between $150 and $600, is on the menu at salons – large and small – across the country.

Sounds like a beauty breakthrough, right? Far from it, actually - as escova progressiva often contains high concentrations of formaldehyde, a carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical). Even scarier – most customers have no idea what straightening their curls really costs them.

Allure collected samples of some of the most popular treatments on the market, and sent them to an FDA-registered lab for testing. The tests revealed that the formaldehyde concentrations in the samples ranged from 3.4 to 22.1 percent – much higher than the .02 percent that is regarded to be safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR), a group of scientists who assess and set safety standards for cosmetics ingredients.

Most stylists using the treatment said they were taking recommended safety precautions, such as wearing latex gloves, using gas masks, and working under ventilation hoods. Unfortunately these safety measures do little to prevent harmful side effects. During the escova progressive treatment, the solution is painted onto the hair and, using a 450-degree flat iron, the hairdresser seals the formula onto the outer layer of the cuticle. In the process, noxious gases are released that are inhaled by both stylist and customer – and depending on the formaldehyde concentration, the fumes can seriously irritate the eyes and tissues in the nose and throat.

According to Allure, “rumor has it that the process was born when an embalmer in Brazil found that the formaldehyde he used on corpses also straightened their hair. The embalmer allegedly reasoned, ‘Why wouldn’t it work on the living?’ And with a hairstylist, he created a solution thought to have a formaldehyde percentage in the 20s.”

This past March, a 33-year old Brazilian woman died after using escova progressiva, which she applied herself and left on for the four days, the amount of time salons recommend. Experts suspect that when she finally washed it out, the toxic vapors were released and asphyxiated the otherwise healthy woman in the shower.

Many hairdressers claim that the protein keratin is the ingredient that straightens the hair. But an Allure source says “it’s doubtful that the keratin does anything other than provide a good marketing story.” She says, “that it’s really the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work.”

Despite all of these caveats, no health agency has deemed it illegal in the U.S., but that’s because no group approves beauty products before they come to market.

Bottom Line: Do women really want hair that’s to die for?

Straight Talk: Beware the Brazilian

An article in the October 2007 issue of Allure shocked me to the core. According to the magazine, a new Brazilian hair straightening treatment could be a health hazard. But it hasn’t stopped women from jumping on this beauty bandwagon, or hairstylists from performing the procedure.

The treatment, referred to as escova progressiva in Brazil, promises shiny, voluminous, straight hair – even on colored or damaged hair – for two to three months. Brands in the United States include the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, and the Brazilian Blowout. The procedure, which costs between $150 and $600, is on the menu at salons – large and small – across the country.

Sounds like a beauty breakthrough, right? Far from it, actually - as escova progressiva often contains high concentrations of formaldehyde, a carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical). Even scarier – most customers have no idea what straightening their curls really costs them.

Allure collected samples of some of the most popular treatments on the market, and sent them to an FDA-registered lab for testing. The tests revealed that the formaldehyde concentrations in the samples ranged from 3.4 to 22.1 percent – much higher than the .02 percent that is regarded to be safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR), a group of scientists who assess and set safety standards for cosmetics ingredients.

Most stylists using the treatment said they were taking recommended safety precautions, such as wearing latex gloves, using gas masks, and working under ventilation hoods. Unfortunately these safety measures do little to prevent harmful side effects. During the escova progressive treatment, the solution is painted onto the hair and, using a 450-degree flat iron, the hairdresser seals the formula onto the outer layer of the cuticle. In the process, noxious gases are released that are inhaled by both stylist and customer – and depending on the formaldehyde concentration, the fumes can seriously irritate the eyes and tissues in the nose and throat.

According to Allure, “rumor has it that the process was born when an embalmer in Brazil found that the formaldehyde he used on corpses also straightened their hair. The embalmer allegedly reasoned, ‘Why wouldn’t it work on the living?’ And with a hairstylist, he created a solution thought to have a formaldehyde percentage in the 20s.”

This past March, a 33-year old Brazilian woman died after using escova progressiva, which she applied herself and left on for the four days, the amount of time salons recommend. Experts suspect that when she finally washed it out, the toxic vapors were released and asphyxiated the otherwise healthy woman in the shower.

Many hairdressers claim that the protein keratin is the ingredient that straightens the hair. But an Allure source says “it’s doubtful that the keratin does anything other than provide a good marketing story.” She says, “that it’s really the formaldehyde that makes the treatment work.”

Despite all of these caveats, no health agency has deemed it illegal in the U.S., but that’s because no group approves beauty products before they come to market.

Bottom Line: Do women really want hair that’s to die for?