Charles von Abercron: A Look At The Man Behind The GLOSSYBOX Brand

Charles von Abercron - Courtesy of GLOSSYBOX

With the recent announcement that GLOSSYBOX Founder and CEO Charles von Abercron will be stepping down from his position as CEO effective Dec. 31 and that Dr. Caren Genthner-Kappesz will be stepping in, we thought that we’d do our own version of Throwback Thursday. TME is sharing an archive interview with Charles von Abercron from February 7, 2013 … because one should never forget where they came from. 

This Interview Was First Published on February 8, 2013

Hello lovelies! Yesterday, Feb. 7, I had the opportunity to interview Charles von Abercron, the founder and global CEO of GLOSSYBOX. Charles is currently in New York City for Fashion Week and truth be told, The Makeup Examiner was curious at the prospect of interviewing this well-traveled global beauty industry innovator. But, what was I going to ask the man behind the brand of the luxury beauty box -- GLOSSYBOX?

Well, I began with a very an archetypal Q&A, but the answers that I received were far from what I’d expected. With my first question being the very basic, “How did you start?” I was surprised to learn that a mere 19 months ago, what has become a global luxury beauty box brand, had humble beginnings in a tiny, windowless office in Berlin.

The Makeup Examiner: What inspired you to create GLOSSYBOX?

Charles von Abercron: Through my travels, I noticed the beauty around me and with all the [exotic] products from around the world, why not gather them for all to enjoy?

What keeps you inspired?

The desire to introduce customers to beauty brands that they may not have the opportunity to know.

How do you feel about GLOSSYBOX being referred to as the “Birchbox-Clone”?

I’m quite comfortable with this. Obviously [we] viewed other beauty box subscriptions, but [we endeavored] to offer something unique.

GLOSSYBOX has curated boxes with Refinery 29 and Man Repeller, which I find quite brilliant. Can you give any hints as to who GLOSSYBOX will be collaborating with in the upcoming months?

I can’t give names, as this is one of the elements that makes GLOSSYBOX so exciting. I can tell you that we have many wonderful surprises in store for 2013. (Sorry lovelies ... I tried.)

As a global beauty leader, what do you predict will be the hottest beauty trends for S/S 2013?

I wouldn’t necessarily predict specific trends for beauty. I see a continued interest for wonderful skin care, well made beauty tools and nails. The nail art trend has really taken off and [embellishments] of ladies nails has become as necessary as having the perfect set of shoes for an outfit.

What is the one absolute that you’d like my readers to know about GLOSSYBOX?

Everything that we do at GLOSSYBOX is done with the customer in mind. Care taken for our costumers is of utmost importance. We want them to truly feel like they’re receiving a luxurious gift each month.

What would you wish my readers to know about Charles von Abercron, the gentleman behind the brand?

Actually, I’m quite shy. (OMG! Don’t you just love it!) I’ve dedicated my heart and soul into the [GLOSSYBOX] brand. I want women to feel wonderful and receive products that they would not otherwise know of.

For anyone who has not taken the opportunity to try GLOSSYBOX, you really are missing out on a genuine luxury experience that could only be born from a very genuine gentleman. The only rumor that the Makeup Examiner was able to confirm is that the February GLOSSYBOX will be filled with jet-setting inspirations from fashion weeks around the world. Every beautynistas dream!

GLOSSYBOX offers 1, 3, 6, and 12-month subscriptions plans beginning at $21/month and the savings go up with the length of your subscription. Each box is beautifully packaged and contains 6 sample and full-sized luxury beauty products, a postcard that describes each product, plus an amazing GLOSSYBOX magazine that give tips and tricks! 

Note: A very special Thank You to Charles von Abercron for taking the time to speak with TME!

Best Subscription Box of 2014

In January 2013, TME published “Battle of The Beauty Boxes: Round One,” with the aim of informing our readers about which beauty/lifestyle subscription box offered what. The market of monthly subscription box services exploded and this led us to publish “Battleof The Beauty Boxes: Round Two” -- a mere six months later. Since our initial “Battle,” the market of subscription box services continues to grow and we’ve seen our fair share of the good, the bad, and the “What were they thinking”?

Sure we could have done “Round 3,” but with all that we’ve witnessed it was time to give a huge shout out to the subscription services that continuously offer superiorly curated boxes. While there can only be one “Best Subscription Box,” we present the beauty and lifestyle boxes that are superior and deserving of acknowledgment. So, just who are the brands and which one took the Best Subscription Box of 2014? There were a total of 24 subscription services that threw their hat into the ring, but we’ve chosen the best of the best and here they are!

Most Improved Beauty Box - Beauty Army ($12/month – Shipping Included). In 2013, Beauty Army was a less then thrilling experience. With a revamped website (launched in January 2014), navigating the site to fill out your personal beauty profile and choose your own samples is a fun experience. Included in our Beauty Army box were seven real-sized samples that easily exceeded the $12 subscription price. Good Job Beauty Army!

Best Lifestyle Box – PopSugar Must Have ($35/month – Shipping Included) Many of you may be familiar with PopSugar.com, a leading online source of women’s lifestyle information and a favorite site here at TME. Every Must Have box is expertly, and lovingly, curated by the PopSugar editors, which guarantees that you are going to be presented with top-notch lifestyle products. Proving that PopSugar Must Have truly is a superior lifestyle box with their fingers on the pulse of lifestyle -- the brand has launched Must Have boxes for specific life milestones such as bridal and baby!

Best Specialty Box - Escape Monthly ($49.95/month - Shipping Included) is an essential for anyone who, like us, loves to travel and learn about other places. Gigi, an extensive world traveler, was blown away by the accuracy of information and the stellar curation of the Escape Monthly box. Items included in each box range from informative travel books to cuisine and well exceed the monthly subscription price. Escape Monthly is perfect for the adventure bound … even if the adventure is from your living room.

Best Beauty Box – GLOSSYBOX ($21/month - Shipping Included) We have watched this brand for over three years and had the pleasure of interviewing GLOSSYBOX CEO, Charles von Abercron. From the industry insider perspective, we have witnessed many changes within this company … some left us believing that all hope was lost for this brand … but, with a major rebound GLOSSYBOX is back on top delivering beautifully and thoughtfully curated beauty boxes that leave us doing the “happy dance” upon the box’s monthly arrival!

Drum roll … please … Yuzen is THE Best Subscription Box 2014! With boxes arriving quarterly, Yuzen's tagline of "Sending you a little Zen" reminds us to stop and take time for ourselves. Yuzen Boxes ($33/qurter – Shipping Included) arrive each season -- winter, spring, summer, and fall -- and include high-end luxurious beauty, grooming, and lifestyle products that are carefully selected by Jen and Ted Ning, the owners of Yuzen.

The Ning's shared, "When making selections for each Yuzen box, we always look to quality, mission, and integrity before we put it to our Yuzen test -- evaluating its performance, experiencing the benefits first hand, and then sharing our favorites with others".

So what can you expect when receiving one of these boxes? To start, Yuzen is artfully packaged, making a perfect gift for any person -- especially the "hard-to-buy-for" in your life. As part of the packaging, the brand encloses a strip of authentic Japanese Yuzen paper, which can be used as a bookmark, for origami making, or for any paper crafts.

Inside the box, one will find a card with detailed information about each product and an explanation as to why it was chosen, a mix of nine full-sized and sample size products, and discount codes for each product. Plus the products are encased in a lovely reusable mesh drawstring bag. There isn't an aspect of Yuzen that hasn't impressed us -- from the Ning's philosophy of "pampering oneself," to the brilliantly executed packaging and, of course, the high quality, natural, organic products that are contained within. The $33 price includes shipping and product value is approximately $100, unless you count the needful pampering encouraged by Yuzen … priceless in our book!

For your convenience, all products have been hyperlinked. Please note that The Makeup Examiner is NOT affiliated with any brand, representative or public relations firm.

Crack Hair Products Review: Rantings of Beautynistas

“Ugly is not a physical flaw, but is of one’s character … choose beautiful!” -- this has been TME’s tagline since day one. It is meant to be a message of positivity and love, and a reminder that external beauty is nothing without the internal mindset of compassion and grace toward all living things.

While it is far from unusual for brands to send products to our offices, it is highly unusual that they do so minus any indicator of who the sender is. This, dear readers, is how a package from Crack Hair Care arrived to us … product with press materials … sans a note, business card, or legitimate return address. As for Crack Hair Care by ProLocks branding and ad campaign, we deem it to be most offensive.

Let’s begin with the brands tagline -- “A habit forming hair fix,” with a specific ad campaign tagline of “The Ultimate Support Group”. Press materials included pictures of models wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the word “addicted” across the chest and what we imagine was someone’s brilliant idea of a send-up on the anti-drug ads of yesteryear -- “This is you hair. This is your hair on Crack”. How charming.

Addiction (n.)

: A strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)

: Compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly:  persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful

Equally charming are the product names -- Clean & Soaper Shampoo and In Treatment Conditioner. Having helped a few friends through drug rehab and buried a few others, who obviously didn’t make it, we don’t care how “amazing” Crack Hair Care products may be. The exploitation of a disease is repulsive! It’s no wonder that the ass that sent these products to our offices didn’t enclose a business card. Oops, we did find an 800 number for ProLocks: (800) 645-1616.

Dr. Lili Fan Probiotics Skincare Unveils Total Eye Care

Dr. Lili Fan

Given that our brows frame our eyes and our lashes accentuate the shape, one could easily say that these facial features are the most important of any. Furthermore, and contrary to popular belief that a woman’s “assets” are slightly south, poll after poll reveals that the first feature a man notices about you is your eyes. And just in case you were wondering, apparently the first thing that us ladies notices about a man is his smile.

Dr. Lili Fan Probiotics has introduced several new products to the brand’s lineup to help address the concerns we encounter as we age. Probiotic Age Defying Eye Serum ($65) targets the advanced signs of aging around the delicate eye area, this formula features Dr. Fan's high-performance Probiotic, peptides blend, vitamin C, and sophisticated natural moisturizing ingredients. All work synergistically together to promote youthful-looking skin. Probiotic Age Defying Eye Serum addresses one of the main skin concerns, but there is also another that many of us do not realize. This would be the fact that our hair, as in brow hair, tends to thin as we age, as do our lashes.

Probiotic XEyebrow Enhancer ($65) and Probiotic X Mascara with Lash Booster ($35) are formulated with Dr. Lili Fan’s patented blend of peptides and Probiotic for strengthening, conditioning and nourishing. Offering the ability to gain fuller brows and lashes within 4-12 weeks. Probiotic X Mascara with Lash Booster’s formula offers fuller and longer looking lashes instantly, with the added benefit of enhancing growth.

About Dr. Lili Fan: An experienced biochemist, microbiologist and practicing ophthalmologist, Dr. Fan led in the development of human cell culture methods for the determination of efficacy and safety of potential cosmeceutical bioactives. This methodology allows complete replacement of animal testing for human topical products. Dr. Lili Fan Probiotics products are available online! 

NARS Cosmetics Announces Tilda Swinton As The Face For Spring 2015 Campaign

NARS Cosmetics announced today, Oct. 17, that Scottish actress Tilda Swinton, 53, will be the face of its Spring 2015 campaigns. The campaign imagery features the iconic actress in a series of four portraits photographed by Founder and Creative Director, François Nars.

Nars, known for his ingenious and rule-breaking approach to makeup, chose Tilda Swinton for her signature beauty and unparalleled character. This is not the first time that François Nars had chosen a less then convention face for the brand. Tapping 68-year-old British actress, Charlotte Rampling in February of this year, Nars proves that beauty -- true beauty -- is timeless.

“As a photographer, working with an actress like Tilda is very enjoyable,” said Nars.  “She is a living legend. I love her bold style and really admire her work. As an actress, she brings such strong personality to the camera. And as a woman, she lives the experience of transformation and expression. She was the perfect choice for NARS.”

Additional information regarding the Spring 2015 launches will be released in the coming months.

ECRU Travel Hair Dryer | Review

When a company or brand commits to responsible practices, this is the first thing that The Makeup Examiner likes to highlight. ECRU NewYork’s products are eco-friendly, they are not tested on animals and all of its packaging is recyclable. Of course, in this review we’re covering ECRU’s Travel Hair Dryer for which one is unlikely to throw in the recycle bin. That aside, the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer is packaged in recyclable cardboard and includes a bonus of full-sized Silk Nectar Serum that you can toss in the recycling bin after you’ve used every last drop.

So, what sets the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer apart from other travel dryers? Admittedly I’m a reformed over-packer. Yep, I was once known to travel with … uh … a few pieces of luggage, but impromptu business trips or weekend getaways don’t necessarily allow for a lot of time to pack. The ECRU Travel Hair Dryer is a compact, hitting the objective of a packable dryer for travel, yet powerful so that you don’t have to comprise performance. The dryer utilizes patented Japanese Ion Technology for fast, frizz-free drying. And if the Farmer’s Almanac is correct, we’re in for a hair-hating-humid summer.

The ECRU Travel Hair Dryer ($108) is a rather interesting technologically advanced hair dryer that dries hair from the inside out, sealing in moisture for a smooth and shiny style. You’ll probably find that you’ll use the Ecru at home because it’s that good of a dryer. My belief is that there are absolutely items that you can “skimp” on … stylers are not one of them, most especially if you intend to look good while traveling!

ECRU Travel Hair Dryer Specs:

• Patented Japanese Ion Technology - Dries hair from the inside out to infuse it with moisture, restoring luster and reducing frizz and flyaways
• Far Infrared Technology - Dries hair faster
• Special Ion Infused Nozzle - Releases heat vacuum to prevent damage to hair
• Dual Voltage - Adjust drying power to meet European and American requirements
• Free full-size Silk Nectar Serum ($32.50) - For weightless silky, smooth style

TME found the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer to offer everything that one needs in a travel styler and the high quality places this item on The Makeup Examiner’s Seasonal Beauty Must-Haves list. The ECRU Travel Hair Dryer and ECRU New York products can be purchased online at ECRU and select retail locations globally!

Bond No. 9 Shelter Island Summer 2014 | Review

Launched on May 26, Shelter Island by Bond No. 9 completes the olfaction of the East End. With some 87 scents in its fragrance base, all inspired by the city of New York, Bond No. 9 is a rather interesting perfumery. To love a city so deeply, as to pay homage by immortalizing its iconic landmarks and geography through scent, is truly inspired.

Shelter Island is Bond No. 9’s offering for Summer 2014 and has a “beach-centric” theme. The bottle, as with all Bond No. 9 bottles, is aesthetically pleasing and modern with one side displaying deep blue and white strips, and the other a crisp white. 

Backtracking for a moment, Bond No. 9 released The Hamptons (2005), Montauk (2010) and Sag Harbor (2012) under creative director Laurice Rahmé and again the entire concept is inspired. You don’t have to be familiar with the geography of these areas to appreciate the intent of feeling for which Rahmé wishes to evoke in the perfume wearer. As for Shelter Island, it’s all about summer … the carefree days spent beachside.

Notes~

Top Notes: Citrus Zest, Black Pepper

Mid Notes: White Lilies, Algae Extract

Base Notes: Sandalwood, Amber Myrrh, Musk, Oud

Upon application is an immediate snap of citrus and pepper that gives way to calmer mid notes of white lily with dry down leaving a lasting essence of oud. Shelter Island masterfully weaves these beautiful notes taking the wearer on an olfaction journey. There is a very unique scent of balmy, beachside summer days and Shelter Island ($260-100ml, $195-50ml) exquisitely captures this fragrance. Sillage: 3-Moderate Longevity: 4 - Long-Lasting; 8 hours or less. Bond No. 9 Shelter Island is available online at Bond No.9 and select retail locations.

OCC Launches New Products at Sephora

OCC announced Tuesday, May 27, the launch of two products with Sephora. Tarred & Feathered Lip Balm the product that launched Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ten years ago is back, as well as two In Your Face Kits brought to you exclusively by Sephora.

“As we approach 10 years of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, it has all the really some full circle,” says OCC Founder and Creative Director David Klasfeld, “and we couldn’t think of a better time to bring these cult-status products to every makeup fanatic, both consumer and professional alike.” Tarred & Feathered Lip Balm ($18) Formulated with a moisturizing complex made from Hemp Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, and Avocado Oil, OCC Lip Balm balances lip hydration, preparation, and color correction.

“Tarred” Lip Balm veils the lips with sheer black, giving subtle definition and depth to the lips without hiding the natural lip color. Used with other lip products, ‘Tarred” adds depth of tone to any shade. “Feathered” Lip Balm creates a gesso-like blank canvas, allowing other lip products to read more true to color. Worn alone, ‘Feathered’ mutes the natural lip color for an understated nude finish.

Released in 2004, OCC’s Lip Balm went from being handcrafted to produced to meet the demands of professional makeup artists, who championed it not only for being free of animal-derived ingredients, but for its performance on set. Whether you’re a beauty aficionado or low-maintenance and on the go, this duo is a must-have!

The New Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics ($47.50 - $57 Value) In Your Face Kits bring two amazing choices! Vicious Violets and Crucial Neutrals that are all in one color kits so that you can give your eyes, cheeks, and lips a complete and coordinated look. These kits contain 3 full size products that are multi-use, plus a lip brush.

Crucial Neutrals Set:

• Lip Tar Metallic in Zhora (Pale Peach with pink/red metallic)
• Crème Colour Concentrate in Trick (Warm Beige Taupe)
• Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Sebastian (Plum-toned Taupe)
• #010S Short-Handled Precision Lip Brush

Vicious Violets Set:

• Lip Tar-Matt in Lydia (Darkroom Plum)
• Crème Colour Concentrate in Pleasure Model (Pearlescent Pink)
• Cosmetic Colour Pencil in Lydia (Darkroom Plum)
• #010S Short-Handled Precision Lip Brush

The New Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics products are currently available online at Sephora and will hit Sephora stores on June 6^th.

Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 Summer 2014 | Review

Launched in May 2014, Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 is the second offering in the Hipnotes Collection. The Collection itself is definitely intriguing, as each Hipnote perfume is a seasonal collaboration between Tru Fragrance and the most talented perfumers in the world. Each “note” is inspired by current trends in fashion, beauty and fragrance, and although The Makeup Examiner has only experienced Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 she’s anxious to check out Hipnotes No. 1 Spring 2014 … despite that summer is a just few weeks away.

As a relatively serious (albeit novice) perfume enthusiast, TME embraces the entire aesthetic of a perfume. And the experience of Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 begins with its packaging. For this edition of the collection, summer is captured at first glance with the perfume housed in an elegant black box and sleek sleeve. It immediately gets you excited for summer … and all the passion that summer brings.

Of course there is the scent itself, which is most likely why you’ve stopped by to read this post. When I’d read that Tru Fragrance had collaborated with Richard Herpin of Firmenich for Aqua Hipnotes No. 2, my heart started racing with excitement before first sniff.

Notes ~

• Top Notes: Sea Salt Accord, Rosemary, Cucumber
• Mid Notes: Calone, Hedione, Freesia
• Base Notes: Seaweed, Sandalwood, Cedarwood

Upon application is an immediate embrace of uplifting summertime essences, instantly evoking great memories of amazing times spent seaside. Think days at the beach and warm, breezy evenings sitting at a seaside café. Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 moves into a quiet release of Calone, Hedione, Freesia and drydown leaves your skin scented with a light mix of Seaweed, Sandalwood, and Cedarwood. Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 is sophisticated but uncomplicated. It’s a perfect summer scent and I would recommend keeping this one on hand all-year-round, as it would make an amazing mood enhancer in the midst of the next polar vortex.

Aqua Hipnotes No. 2 ($25 - .5oz), is available online at Tru Fragrance. Keep up with Hipnotes on Facebook and Twitter.

The Makeup Show Heads To Dallas With Makeup Artists Billy B and Johnny Lavoy

For the first time ever, The Makeup Show will head to Dallas on September 27th and 28th, and bring the great state of Texas a series of appearances from today’s top celebrity makeup artists, including Billy B and Johnny Lavoy.  Billy B (TME Favorite) and Johnny Lavoy are known for creating some of today’s most iconic looks and have worked with celebrities from Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Cindy Crawford (to name just a few), and will now bring their talents to dish out their secrets to the Lone Star State.

Novices and professionals alike will not want to miss this rare opportunity to become inspired from those that set the bar within the industry. Below are just a few of things that these iconic masters have in store for Dallas.

From Mississippi Boy to Makeup Master:  A Career in Makeup with Billy B

Billy B has created looks for the most award winning, trend setting, iconic music videos ever made including Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”, “Telephone” and “Born This Way” to Mary J. Blige and “No More Drama” to Missy Elliott’s “She’s a Bitch” and “The Rain”, and TLC’s “Waterfalls”. Billy’s print portfolio is packed with some of the most unforgettable images of the most famous women in the world including Lady Gaga, Lauryn Hill, Sharon Stone, Beyoncé and Cindy Crawford and the list goes on and on.  For the first time, at The Makeup Show Dallas he will be sharing stories on how he has gone from southern small town to international sensation, offering insight on what you can do to keep yourself motivated and moving forward and showing us some of the makeup techniques this master has become known for.

The Transformation of Makeup with Johnny Lavoy

Makeup artist and hairstylist, Johnny Lavoy is one of the most sought after in the industry with celebrity clients including Lady Gaga, Rosie Perez, Frieda Pinto and Gayle King.  Over the last few seasons his impressive resume and contract with L’Oreal have made him a fixture during NYFW with clients including Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, to name a few.  Johnny’s work has also appeared on the red carpets of the Emmys, the Tony’s, and the Oscars. In this keynote, Johnny will demonstrate the techniques and makeup mastery that has made him a favorite amongst his celebrity clients.  Listen as he shares his story about taking your career from your local salon to the international fashion and celebrity arena and lets you in on the secrets for success.

The Makeup Show Dallas will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 9am to 6pm and on Sunday, September 28, 2014 from 9am to 5pm at Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Boulevard, Dallas. For a complete list of participating brands, educational speakers, schedule of events and prices, please visit The Makeup Show.

Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses Perfume Review

Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses, launched in September 2013, is the second offering of the Tru Blooms collection from Tru Fragrance and is a rather interesting concept in scent. This unique perfume is the first of its kind to be created from flowers that were planted, grown and harvested in the urban gardens of Chicago. So right from the start, Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses piqued The Makeup Examiner’s interest.

Aesthetically pleasing packaging includes a lovely water colored printed carton with the Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses Eau de Parfum encased in a light pink rose print bottle with a wooden topper wrapped in light pink rose water color paper. Of note, is the inspiration which is derived from the pink hues found in the Chicago rose gardens. Although the inspiration is a node to the Chi-Town citizens, who took this fragrance from seed to scent, the perfume evokes thoughts of walking through any magical rose garden … wherever you may hail from.

Notes ~

• Top Notes: Sparkling Citrus
• Mid Notes: Rose Geranium, Lily of the Valley, Pink Rose Petals
• Base Notes: Blond Woods, Patchouli, Warm Musk

Upon application, immediately evident is sparkling citrus, which quickly gives way to rose geranium, lily of the valley and pink rose petals. At this stage, Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses is a relaxing blend of summery olfaction pleasures. The scent moves into a release of curious blond woods, patchouli and warm musk and drydown leaves your skin scented with a sultry floral, ultra feminine fragrance. Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses is definitively an all-seasons perfume and one to reach for when feminine sensuality is what you wish to evoke!

Regarding the production of Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses, the perfume is part of The Tru Blooms initiative that trained over 150 Chicago residents in the skills required for urban farming. Flowers were planted in 22 gardens, both beautifying the cityscape and cutting taxpayers dollars. Through this project Tru Fragrance created partnerships with over two dozen organizations that were able to further their missions by participating in the creation of this perfume.

Tru Blooms Fountain of Roses ($42 - 1.7oz) is available online at Tru Fragrance and select retail locations. You can learn more about the initiative at Tru Blooms Chicago and checkout more from the brand on Facebook and Twitter.

Get Groomed for the Derby with Dr. Allan Peterkin

Dr. Allan Peterkin

The Kentucky Derby is finally here! Turning to Dr. Allan Peterkin today, May 2, The Makeup Examiner offers her suavenistas all the answers to get your face in shape for this weekend’s event and beyond. Whether you’re going to be at the track or at a local viewing party, you know that you want to put your best face forward for the races … and the ladies. After all, the Derby is more than a horserace … it is the kick-off event for the social season. So, how can you achieve the best facial hairstyle?

Yvonne P. Mazzulo (The Makeup Examiner): Regarding facial hairstyles, we’re seeing everything from clean-shaven to full beards. What styles would you say are current for the season?

Dr. Allan Peterkin: Well, I think a lot of men tend to shave off their scruff and winter hibernation beards for spring and summer months, when it is much warmer. The modern Derby has generally been a clean-shaven affair. With the recent surge in facial hair trends, however, I think men are starting to wear what fits them best and there's more freedom for stylish self-expression.

What advice can you share to guide men on what look they’re best suited for?

Dr. Peterkin: Determining your face shape and giving your facial features some thought is the first step in choosing the right beard or mustache. Make note of the strength of your jawline, the prominence of your cheekbones, the size of your lips, and the volume of your cheeks. All of these can affect which facial hairstyles will complement your look and which will not. While faces come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, they are all basically one of these three: Round, Square/Angular, or Oval. Choosing the best style for your face shape is about achieving a fine-tuned balance between face and hair. Your barber can help you decide or check out specific tips in my book on grooming “The BeardedGentleman-The Style Guide to Shaving Face".

Once a guy has chosen a facial hairstyle, be it full beard, clean-shaven or somewhere in between; how can they achieve that style? 

Dr. Peterkin: I would advise someone who would like to grow a beard to be sure to take all of the necessary steps that accompany caring for both facial hair AND FACIAL SKIN. Bearded or not, men need to care for their skin by cleansing and moisturizing, I’d recommend using a cleanser like the Dove Men+Care Hydrate+ Face Wash and their Face Lotion with SPF.

The easiest beard to grow and maintain is the short length trimmed beard. You can care for this beard simply by keeping the margins clean (shaving outside the natural growth) and regularly trimming your beard with scissors or a clipper to maintain a uniform length.

A lot of men look good with stubble (and women when surveyed like that look).

How does skincare factor into a good facial hairstyle look and what advice can you offer about skincare?

Dr. Peterkin: What most men don’t realize is the key to your grooming regimen is skincare. Guys only need a few products to care for their skin, and certain brands have made it easy for guys to maintain a quick, regular grooming routine. For example, the Dove Men+Care face range is designed to care for men’s skin in three easy steps, which require only 3 basic products which work in sync: face wash, shave gel, and face lotion or post shave balm.

Some guys have issues with growing in a beard evenly, what advice can you offer to help achieve a thicker and even beard?

Dr. Peterkin: Patience is key. Let your facial hair grow for a few weeks to determine maximal growth patterns and then keep it in check by shaping and trimming it to give it a cleaner and sharper look -- constant maintenance helps with the uneven growth. If you can't grow a full beard, you can still consider your options-sideburns, stubble, a mustache or soul-patch.  When shaving, use a shave gel that moisturizes your skin and shave outside the natural growth on your neck and above your cheeks, but not with too much precision that it eliminates the natural look. Use pictures of yourself as a reference and create visual parameters – keep that in mind when shaving the perimeter on the upper cheek and at the neckline.

What is the best way for guys to maintain their chosen look throughout the season?

Dr. Peterkin: Moisturize! Moisturizing is the most important step in a grooming routine --so if you haven’t started yet -- start now! This is especially important for older guys, who are most susceptible to dryness and wrinkles. I’d recommend using a lightweight moisturizer every morning and evening to help care for your skin, keeping it healthy and fresh, bearded or not. If you do have facial hair, you can also use a dab of the lotion or of Dove's post-shave balm to condition your beard and keep it soft.

What are your plans for Derby Weekend?

Dr. Peterkin: I recently bought two fine top hats, but won't be able to make the Derby this year. It's on my list for next year! I plan to lie low, and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Note: A very special thank you to Dr. Allan Peterkin for his time and expertise. Dr. Perterkin’s books can be found online at AD Peterkin and at Barnes &Noble. The Dove Men+Care Face Range is available at Dove and mass retailers. 

Dr. Allan Peterkin is a facial hair expert, pogonologist (beard scholar), and a Dove Men+Care Face Range Expert. Dr. Peterkin has authored three bestselling books on facial hair and is a leading authority on contemporary styling choices for men lending his expertise to the likes of Men's Health, GQ and Esquire, as well as in documentaries from National Geographic and Morgan Spurlock (“Mansome” 2012). He also appeared as a judge at the 2012 National Beard and Mustache Championships held in Las Vegas. Dr. Peterkin’s books include; “One Thousand Beards-A Cultural History of Facial Hair”, “The Bearded Gentleman-The Style Guide To Shaving Face” (co-written with Nick Burns) and “One Thousand Mustaches-A Cultural History of The Mo.”

NARS Cosmetics To Open Second NYC Flagship Boutique

NARS Cosmetics announced, yesterday May 1, the opening of its second New York flagship and fifth freestanding boutique, located on Madison Avenue in the heart of NYC’s most luxurious and upscale shopping districts. The 700 square-foot boutique features sharp lines and modern amenities with a luxuriously sleek design conceived by Founder and Creative Director François Nars and Fabien Baron, of New York design firm Baron & Baron.

Features:

• 700-square-foot retail space featuring stark white walls with accents and fixtures, which are reminiscent of the brand’s signature packaging
• Luxurious marble surround the entry door and display windows, while black metal facade provide a background for the three-dimensional logo on the exterior
• Modern floor-to-ceiling glass cube with hidden illumination acts as the centerpiece of the space – ideal for installations and projections
• Elevated mirrored podiums showcase the latest launches and featured products
• 4 permanent makeup stations with full height mirrors and integrated lighting
• Full height, illuminated visuals add to the intrigue of the space
• Interior includes clean, sharp lines met by seamless white flooring
• High-gloss white corian display table offers a clean presentation that is easy to navigate; bold colors contrast the stark white environment
• Boutique cash wrap in a red, high-gloss lacquer – the same shade as the brand’s iconic
• Jungle Red Lipstick
• Linear lighting details accentuate the architectural elements of the space
• Boutique makeup artists personally trained by François Nars
• Music mix created for the boutique by renowned French DJs Les Jumeaux
• Unique 413 BLKR products –named for the first NARS boutique– to be sold at this location as well as narscosmetics.com
• “François’ Favorite Things”, an eclectic mix of objects that have inspired Nars over the years (including films, books, and photographs), to be available for purchase and rotated quarterly

Located at 971 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, the NARS Boutique opens May 16.

Dove DermaSeries Review

In April Dove introduced a new line of skincare specifically formulated for severely dry and sensitive skin. Dove DermaSeries is a full-range line of skincare that was developed in partnership with dermatologists, such as Dr.Ranella Hirsch, to help bring both immediate relief and skin repair.

The Dove DermaSeries collection includes ultra mild cleansers for face and body, body cream and an intense repair treatment. Since The Makeup Examiner suffers from severely dry skin, TME was pretty excited to try this line, most especially with the warmer weather and skin-baring clothes just around the corner. The Dove DermaSeries includes five specific products designed to be used together for maximum results and relief.

The Dove DermaSeries skincare regimen begins with “The Cleansers”:

Dove DermaSeries Ultra Caring Gentle Cleansing Bar – This intensely moisturizing bar is infused with skin-natural lipids and is specially formulated to provide ultra-mild cleansing for extremely dry, irritated skin while effectively removing oil, dirt and makeup without leaving skin tight or dry. The Makeup Examiner despises soap due to the fact that I can’t stand the feeling of residue, but I can happily report that the Ultra Caring GentleCleansing Bar ($7.99) doesn’t have this issue and is so gentle and effective.

Dove DermaSeries Ultra Caring Gentle Body Cleanser - Specially formulated to provide ultra-mild cleansing for extreme dry, delicate and irritated skin, this body cleanser is infused with glycinate (extremely mild cleanser with rich lather), hydrating glycerin and skin-natural lipids to gently cleanse while replenishing skin’s natural moisture barrier. Ultra CaringGentle Body Cleanser ($15.99) is a must-have for anyone with skin issues. It leaves the skin truly hydrated for which I noticed immediately and after having used the Body Cleanser for several weeks, I may jut have found a year-round solution.

Dove DermaSeries Ultra Caring Gentle Cream Face Cleanser - A non-foaming, cream facial cleanser enriched with skin-natural lipids; specially formulated to provide ultra-mild cleansing for even the most delicate of dry skin. Ultra Caring Gentle Cream Face Cleanser ($15.99) is an effective facial cleanser -- even removing waterproof makeup -- that left my skin thoroughly cleansed and hydrated.

Step Two for the Dove DermaSeries skincare regimen is “The Moisturizers”:

Dove DermaSeries Intense Repairing Body Cream - Contains the PPAR Activation Complex, which replenishes lipids and creates a better quality hydration barrier. This rich cream provides immediate relief of dryness symptoms while repairing dry and damaged skin overtime. Intense Repairing BodyCream ($17.99) is my favorite product in the DermaSeries line. With quick absorption and no greasy feel, Intense Repairing Body Cream offered me instant hydration and I can see a marked difference in the look of my skin.

Dove DermaSeries Intense Repairing Rough Patch Treatment – Also containing the PPAR Activation Complex and a blend of natural oils to repair and protect severely dry skin, this emollient rich balm is meant to be used as a spot treatment to soften thick, rough patches of skin on areas such as elbows, knees, heels and hands. TME brought in a housemate, who has eczema, to test this particular product. What she had to say about Intense RepairingRough Patch Treatment ($18.99), “It’s a thick ointment formula that takes a few minutes to absorb. But it did bring instant relief upon application and after less then a week of use, the red and dry patch of skin seemed to be healed”.

The entire Dove DermaSeries collection is effective and TME would recommend these products for anyone who suffers from severely dry, sensitive or eczematous skin. We found DermaSeries to be of better quality than other OTC products designed for the previously mentioned skin issues and far more convenient then prescription creams. The Dove DermaSeries Collection can be found at Dove and select retailers partners nationwide.

@ypmazzy