Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Three years ago, Bath & Body Works abandoned its single brand, single price point strategy when it started carrying popular lines like C.O. Bigelow, Frederic Fekkai, and Wexler. Neil Fiske, then CEO, said of the change, "This represents another step in the transformation of Bath & Body Works from raspberry shower gel to a modern apothecary of beauty and well-being."

Now, Bath & Body Works is reinventing itself, once again, by cutting its outside vendor list by 50%. Upscale brands that have left, or are slated to leave flagships by the end of the year include DDF, Peter Thomas Roth, Korres, Juvena, and The Savannah Bee Company. "We still feel very strongly about third-party brands and continue to carry them. We continue to look for not only new items within the brands we carry, but also additional brands," current CEO Diane Neal said. "I personally think we over-assorted ourselves,” she added.

So if your favorite brand is getting the ax, visit your nearest Bath and Body Works store now and adopt a few soon-to-be homeless beauty products.

Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Three years ago, Bath & Body Works abandoned its single brand, single price point strategy when it started carrying popular lines like C.O. Bigelow, Frederic Fekkai, and Wexler. Neil Fiske, then CEO, said of the change, "This represents another step in the transformation of Bath & Body Works from raspberry shower gel to a modern apothecary of beauty and well-being."

Now, Bath & Body Works is reinventing itself, once again, by cutting its outside vendor list by 50%. Upscale brands that have left, or are slated to leave flagships by the end of the year include DDF, Peter Thomas Roth, Korres, Juvena, and The Savannah Bee Company. "We still feel very strongly about third-party brands and continue to carry them. We continue to look for not only new items within the brands we carry, but also additional brands," current CEO Diane Neal said. "I personally think we over-assorted ourselves,” she added.

So if your favorite brand is getting the ax, visit your nearest Bath and Body Works store now and adopt a few soon-to-be homeless beauty products.

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

First Class

Fern Mallis is the SVP of IMG Fashion and the brains behind New York fashion week. She launched Mercedes-Benz fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami, and oversees runway shows from Milan to Mumbai. I still hold a bit of a grudge against Ms. Mallis for her part in voting Jeffrey Sebelia the winner of Project Runway’s third season, but have to admit…the woman does have impeccable taste.

The November issue of Marie Claire gives us a glimpse into this world-traveler’s carry-on bag.

Lash Lust: Kevyn Aucoin The Mascara in Black
“The Japanese volumizing technology in the formula is genius.”

Unzipped: Sephora Makeup Bag
“I love all of the zippered compartments that fit my hundreds of beauty samples.”

Skin So Soft: Wexler MMPI Skin Regenerating Serum
“I use it before takeoff, and my skin feels smooth and dewy.”

Air Kiss: Flirt! Squeeze Me Super Shiny Lipgloss
“It’s moisturizing without being sticky, and its natural color doesn’t scream.”

Winter Glow: Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder
“Bobbi knows a good natural tan.”

Lip Locked: MAC Frost Lipstick in Gilty Kiss
“This light-catching lipstick is my staple for photo shoots.”

Golden Eye: Smashbox Eye Shadow Quad in Ambient
“These metallic shades best compliment my coloring.”

Fresh Faced: Dr. Jessica Wu Gentle Foaming Cleanser
“This cleans my face after all that stale plane air but doesn’t strip natural oils.”

Mix and Match Skincare?

The “Ask Allure” column in October 2007’s issue poses a very common beauty query. Patricia Wexler, an expert in the field of dermatology and creator of the Wexler MD line of products, provides some answers…

Q: Should I use an entire skin-care line, or is it okay to mix and match? –Mary, Stanford, CA

Wexler’s Response: "Skin-care systems prevent overlap and over use of beneficial but potentially irritating ingredients. For example, if you are using a cleanser with salicylic acid, a toner with glycolic acid and a cream with a retinoid, you run the risk of overdoing it and irritating or drying out your skin. This doesn’t mean that you can’t mix and match; you just have to make sure the products you’re using are compatible. It’s a good idea to ask your dermatologist to evaluate your morning and evening regimes to see if the products work well in combination."

Got a question for Allure’s panel of experts? Submit your question here.

Mix and Match Skincare?

The “Ask Allure” column in October 2007’s issue poses a very common beauty query. Patricia Wexler, an expert in the field of dermatology and creator of the Wexler MD line of products, provides some answers…

Q: Should I use an entire skin-care line, or is it okay to mix and match? –Mary, Stanford, CA

Wexler’s Response: "Skin-care systems prevent overlap and over use of beneficial but potentially irritating ingredients. For example, if you are using a cleanser with salicylic acid, a toner with glycolic acid and a cream with a retinoid, you run the risk of overdoing it and irritating or drying out your skin. This doesn’t mean that you can’t mix and match; you just have to make sure the products you’re using are compatible. It’s a good idea to ask your dermatologist to evaluate your morning and evening regimes to see if the products work well in combination."

Got a question for Allure’s panel of experts? Submit your question here.