Recently in Beauty News Category

Elle magazine lists the top ten most insane procedures in the quest for beauty.  Cutting off your pinkie toe to fit a pair of Louboutins?  Getting beat by a broom as a spa service?  Read on my friends, and remember pain is not the only way to gain!  Go to Elle mag here.

I'm so disturbed by the whole Rihanna/Chris Brown story -- especially how young girls are reacting. I can't believe that so many women are siding with Chris Brown -- there's a very interesting story on this in the Style section of the New York Times -- and at the risk of sounding naive I am absolutely shocked by the statistic that keeps coming-up that notes that 1 in 3 women have or are in an abusive relationship. Here was such a perfect opportunity for Rihanna to stand-up and take a stance against abuse, instead she does exactly the opposite -- I can't think of a more horrifying example for young girls or for women of any age who are in an abusive relationship. To make matters worse, Cover Girl has started running ads with Rihanna with the words "Light Up Your Eyes" written on the bottom. I find the ads to be completely inappropriate and disturbing. I've applauded Cover Girls bold choices in the past (Ellen DeGeneres, Queen Latifah), but I find running these ads inexcusable and in poor taste. Do you agree?  

Francesco Vezzoli introduced a new fragrance appropriately called "Greed" for the times we are living in. The commercial directed by Roman Polanski features Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams who are notoriously missing from product ads in the real world. By that I mean, if you want to sample this fragrance or even buy it, you won't be able to because it does not exist. It is an art project by Francesco Vezzoli, a commentary on consumerism and billionaires going to prison.

Fergie, M·A·C Cosmetics' VIVA GLAM Spokesperson, revealed her new VIVA GLAM VI Special Edition Lipstick and new VIVA GLAM advertising campaign in Los Angeles. She visited Project Angel Food, an organization committed to providing free prepared meals and nutrition counseling for those living with HIV/AIDS. She then appeared at the M·A·C store on North Robertson Blvd to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS by helping to sell VIVA GLAM lipsticks, which have raised over $130 million for HIV/AIDS globally over the past 15 years. 100% of the selling price of M·A·C's VIVA GLAM products go towards the M·A·C AIDS Fund. Go to MAC website here to purchase VIVA GLAM lipstick and glosses!

Volkswagen celebrates Barbie® doll's 50th Birthday party in Malibu(CA) with a custom life-size New Beetle convertible, fully loaded with rhinestones, sparkling pink paint and a motorized vanity in the trunk. This is just about the most adorable car I have ever seen! I think I've found my next car! I requested a sample, but am not going to hold my breath for the delivery ;) Seriously though, what girl wouldn't love to have a sparkling beetle to drive around in? I am in bed recovering from a minor procedure today and this completely cheered me up! Contact your local Volkswagen dealer to find out how to get one for yourself! Photo: Lisa Rose Photo

Sign up to win a bottle of "Glamour Do" at Glamour.com Glamour magazine is celebrating 70 years of fabulousness with 5,000 bottles of the limited edition Essie shade called "Do".

Hurry and go to the Glamour website, only the first 5,000 entries will win!

Natura Bisse/H.Stern suite at the Thompson Hotel in LA was THE SUITE to be seen in over Oscar week. Natura Bisse offered Diamond Cure Facial treatments that were performed in an encapsulated bubble called Bubble02 that is 99.995% pure sterile air, therefore free of contaminating particles and viral allergenic agents (I am tempted to put that in my house!). The Bubble02 was developed by the Spanish company Zonair3d for sports players , those with respiratory allergies and asthma conditions. The pure air not only oxygenates every cell in your body but is very beneficial for the SKIN. Natura Bisse has the exclusive ongoing BEAUTY rights for the Bubble02. The bubble was launched just a month ago and it was debuted during Oscar week making it the talk of Hollywood!! CNN and Access Hollywood, along with other media filmed it and some of the top stylist to the celebrities had treatments. I am anxious to try this myself, maybe erect one over my bed?

"When I found Emerson, I found myself. It's so great now to come back full-circle and help aspiring makeup artists grow and learn."- Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Emerson College announced today the establishment of the Bobbi Brown Makeup Artistry Program set to begin this spring. Bobbi has partnered with Emerson College, her alma mater, to create an educational program for aspiring and professional makeup artists. (Jump for more details)

For additional program information consult the Bobbi Brown Program website  (www.emerson.edu/bobbi_brown_program), call 617-824-8280 or e-mail continuing@emerson.edu.

Left: Encore Spa Lobby; Right: Hallway that take you to the treatment rooms

On my recent trip to Las Vegas I had check out Encore to see Steve Wynn's latest creation. Encore's grand opening was Dec. 22, 2008. My husband had to work during the day so it was the perfect opportunity to get away for some much needed relaxation at their Spa (it was our alone time away from the kids). I made an appointment for a 25 minute Ayurvedic Body Restoration ($85), sounded like just what I needed and I didn't want to spend all my money there since the whole purpose was just to check out the spa and use the facilities. As soon as I stepped into the lobby I was floored by the grandeur. The spa had all the niceties - lounge area with comfy seating, fresh fruit, assorted beverages, fully stocked vanity, soft robes, etc. But it wasn't until I made it to the treatment rooms that I was stopped dead in my tracks from the amazing visual and opulence. And then there was my treatment, the Ayurvedic Body Restoration which begins with a dry body brush followed by a body polish of special Indian ingredients that was appropriate for my dosha (my intrinsic needs, which my therapist decided for me). I then showered off the polish in the steam shower in the room. At this point, I regretted my decision to book the short 25 minute treatment. Luckily, when I voiced this I was able to add in further treatments to my heart's content. Well, the contentment kind of ended when I got the bill for $235 ($85 plus another $150 for an additional 50 min massage) but this is the preeminent spa in the west and I certainly did enjoy myself. I was so impressed, I went to the Wynn Spa the next day which was nice but if given a choice, definitely go to Encore!! See a listing of treatments on the Encore website, prices are not listed but it is around $85 for 25 min and $150 for 50 min treatments and $250 for 75 min rituals that include multiple treatments. Spa is only available to guests of Wynn and Encore. Call 702.770.4SPA (4772) for reservations.

If you are involved in this cosmetic class action law suit, the distribution for the products start today.  You can check to see if you are a member of the class by going to the website Cosmetics Settlement, you will see a list of all the retailers involved as well as all the manufacturers who will be giving away $175 million worth of products, starting today while supplies last.  When you go to the specific store that your paperwork specifies, there will be a special table set up for this distribution.  You are only entitled to one product that is determined by the manufacturer based on your class.  Once all the products are given away, they will end this process and there will be no rain checks.  You can also call their hotline 877-604-5776 for more information.

Go to jump page for information on manufacturers involved.