With all that happened it seems trivial to mention I couldn’t make it to Sephora because I was essentially trapped in the salon until around 8:30pm.  Then it took me 2 hours to get home.  I was doing makeup for Peggy and our model Anne, and they had dutifully picked up the Makeup Forever HD Foundation the day before.  I really needed to make sure they had some lippy and Diamond Shine, mascara – you know the drill.  What’s a girl to do in a panic?

I went to Walgreens.

One of the first things I loaded in my basket was Cover Girl Outlast All Day Lip Color.  I had never tried this product before, but the colors and packaging were great.  A promise to last 16 hours?  Yeah, that works too.  I had a mix of lighter colors/complexion matches already pulled so I tried a plumier color (name was only on packaging, but tube reads #555).  As I suspected, both were better with the lighter colors.  I decided to try it for myself.

I am in love!

This has apparently been on the market for years, undergoing one or two formulation changes.  The set comes with two tubes: One color, one clear overshine.  The color is applied with a doe-foot applicator, and looks very glossy.  When lightly applied, it dries very quickly to a matte shade. The overshine is a simple balm that adds back moisture and sheen to the lips – “comfort” as the packaging states.

I’ve used this type of system before and had mixed results.  Often the product would dry to the point of pain.  It would begin peeling off.  It didn’t really last all day.

This product does it all!  The coverage is even and beautiful.  The color is flattering (I even press my lips after applying).  Obviously the shine takes a beating, but my preference was for the color, and I actually like the matte version.  A little too dry to wear solo, but I can put up with a lot.

Does it last all day?  The color lasted through meals, drinks and I didn’t make great effort to remove it going to bed.  In the morning, there was still some stain left.  In a way the staying power is better than my Chanel that I love.  The Chanel keeps the shine, but I’m all about the color.

Have you been able to outlast Outlast?

AOL’s Stylelist.com is coming to Milwaukee to film at Harpo’s, and you could be the model!  Your hair would be colored and (if needed) cut by the salon owner using organic colorant.  This is not training for hairstylists, this is a feature of hot style trends across America as shown by a skilled stylist.  We’re looking for someone who would love the look pictured above & is available Friday, July 23rd.  If you’re interested, contact me via email with address/contact info.

The step-by-step will be filmed at Harpo’s and aired on Stylelist.com

Serena Williams, most noted as one of the world’s best tennis players, has been focusing on a new career in nails.  In February she enrolled in the Palm Beach Nail School, choosing the location because it allowed her a flexible schedule for completion.  I’ve been waiting for an update, but apparently with her schedule she is planning on taking a year to complete the courses.  Will she complete it?  I hope so, but there hasn’t been much since her announcement in February.

Florida’s state requirements are more flexible than I experienced.  Palm Beach requires 240 hours without a strict completion date cutoff.  Most will find a very different experience upon entering nail school.   Often there is a state minimum required for practical hours and then a higher requirement for graduating from the school.  Sanitation, skin and nail disease, electricity – these are often covered during the course, along with nail art, polish, acrylics, fiber and gel.  That is a lot to get in that amount of time.

I think anyone that has attended a good school knows the shock of how much skill it actually takes to be a good nail technician.  Serena’s excitement for her new trade and her professionalism will get her through  She also dutifully wore the blue scrubs required (oy, we had to find white tops. In winter!) even though she requested to break from the pack and wear pink.

She got that pink in the form of a backpack

Don’t kid yourself into thinking Serena will be at a corner salon anytime soon.  This tennis champ claims she started nail school because she looooooves her some mani/pedis and used to get her manicures every four days and pedis every seven.  She’s also working on launching a nail collection line with HairTech once she completes the courses.

I took a similar route going back to school.  While I wasn’t in a world championship circuit, I did want to add a beauty specific certificate to my business background.  I had always wanted to learn to do nails.  I was as excited as Serena as she started her first day (sans Hello Kitty):

The night before my class I made sure I had all my tools, books and gear organized. I went to the hello kitty store and bought plenty of containers as well as a backpack to keep my belongings. If I’m not the best, I sure do want to look like it.

Sadly, I think there is a negative stereotype about nail technicians and the industry in general, and it includes an assumption the job is fairly easy with few skills required.  This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Those of you that have gone through nail school, amiright?  As a noted celebrity, there is no reason Serena would need to take this course, even to create her own nail line.  She’s obviously done it out of love.

Although she’s doing this for herself, Serena’s work ethic and passion will hopefully reflect and rub off  on many.  How many times in your life can you be a role model?  Is Serena’s doing it yet again for a whole new industry and generation?

photo credit: serena williams

Three years into taking on the Old Spice account, Wieden + Kennedy go viral with “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” series

Would you want your man to smell like Isaiah Mustafa?

I’ve mentioned Wieden + Kenndy’s commercials on  here before because they tend to be good. Very good.  They make us laugh, they make us cry, they make us buy.  That’s the bottom line, isn’t it?

He’s on a boat!

Craig Allen and Eric Kallman are the creative influencers over the Old Spice account at W+K and have been working on the account for about a year and a half.  In the three years since the account has been handled by this agency, it has become clear that Old Spice is no longer something of a father figure.  The ads seemed to target a funny-bone- young-male-AXE clientele with the occasional slant at the female.  They finally found ground with “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” which seized upon the fact that women purchase the majority of grooming products in households, and wouldn’t they like a little more from their man?  With similarities to Dos Equis’ “The Most Interesting Man in the World” by Euro RSCG Worldwide (which also rated by Milton Brown as one of the most favored ads in US research history)  the Wieden + Kennedy team also took social media into their own hands and have parlayed this savvy into one of the most successful campaigns – um, ever?

Adding accounts on Facebook and Twitter, the Old Spice man – played by Isaiah Mustafa – began giving video replies to tweets and responses to the crowd and to celebrities alike.  One of the favorites was a multi-response to cutie Alyssa Milano that led to this video and delivery of said flowers and note to Milano:

True to the campaign, Old Spice guy turns again to the female, letting Alyssa know that because she is a woman, it is “obvious” to her what he should do next.  So she should tell him.

Buy Old Spice, perhaps?

The video replies stopped just a few hours ago but the craze has only just begun.  This campaign has been perfectly executed, leaving us wanting more and absolutely wiping out the Old Man – Old Spice correlation.

So tell me, are you tired of your man smelling like ladies’ scented body wash?

]]> http://www.solessence.com/2010/07/15/old-spice-not-your-fathers-aftershave/feed/ 0 http://www.solessence.com/2010/07/14/milwaukee-events-lush-cosmetics-pjs-pampering-party/ http://www.solessence.com/2010/07/14/milwaukee-events-lush-cosmetics-pjs-pampering-party/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:51:46 +0000 Hillary http://www.solessence.com/?p=3374 Get Pampered In Your PJs

WHEN: Saturday, July 17, 2010 , 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

WHERE: LUSH Mayfair | 2500 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa WI | 414.443.1177

We all deserve to be pampered once in awhile, so why not come in your pajamas and let the LUSH Mayfair girls do it for you? On July 17th, if you come in the shop wearing pajamas, we will treat you head to toe. Have you tried a facial with our fresh face masks or our NEW facial serums? Ever been curious about trying our hair treatments but wanted someone to apply it for you? We’ll set you up at one of our many consultation stations and give you the true Lush treatment experience in the comfort of your pajamas!

RSVP: mayfair@lushusa.com

Yeah, you know what I mean.

I was up at the crack of dawn for a client leaving for Europe that wanted glitter toes, but where was my call from McDreamy for his MANi/pedi?  I waited.

BumbleBee on the downlo!

Curses.  I hear they probably stayed in Chicago anyway, as they were filming down there.

Photos: Fox 6

July 16 Amore Pacific Spa
For a refreshing summer skincare treat, experience the magic of Amore Pacific skincare that uses a holistic approach to health and beauty. They harness the benefits of green tea in their products and use Asian botanicals that hold the secret to overall wellness and natural beauty.
10 am to 5 pm
Cosmetics – First Floor
Facial appointments are limited. Please call (312) 642-5900
ext. 2016 to reserve your skincare treatment with the experts at Amore Pacific.

July 22 Chantecaille National Makeup Artist Event
Neiman Marcus is pleased to welcome Chantecaille Global makeup artist Fernando Cadavid. Fernando is sought after as the industry’s master of the natural look. Let Fernando work his magic and create a fresh new look for summer.
10 am to 5 pm
Cosmetics – First Floor
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (312) 642-5900 ext. 2094

July 23 & 24 Orlane Spa
Indulge in a luxurious facial treatment using technology straight from the Orlane spa in France. You’ll be delighted with the results. This service is complimentary with a qualified Orlane purchase.
10 am to 4 pm
Cosmetics – First Floor
To schedule an appointment, please call (312)642-5900 ext. 2104

Duette is a fun and effective hand creme and lip balm set that is almost perfectly packaged

Mmmmm, Votre Vu has come out with a lovely duo that reminds us to moisturize.  Duette is a thick hand creme that sinks in very quickly, leaving a scent of coconut and almonds behind:

But wait, there’s more!  After you’ve slathered the goodness onto your hands, arms (and frankly it is great for the feet), this 3.38 fl oz tube offers a hidden mirror and a .05 fl oz shea lip balm to stay kissable:

What’s Good:

• Creme is a rich formula that really does the trick for hands
• The pearlized package tubing is simple yet unique
• Great summer scent
• Clever packaging
• Leaves a velvety, powdery finish that is neither dry nor oily

What’s Bad:

• Scent is very powerful so use a light hand
• Lid for lotion (my sample) doesn’t stay shut
• Tube a little too much for airline carry-on (but is great in purse)
• Lip balm can get grainy but smooths out

What’s Different:

• Great year round product that is appropriate for gifting. Get your best gal pals or MIL a tube!

I find myself reaching for this product often.  Duette is available at Votre Vu’s website.

Product sent for review consideration by brand/brand representative