By, Sharon Curtis

If you live in Los Angeles, read popular fashion magazines, or watch E!, than chances are you’ve heard of Kate Somerville.

Kate is truly a pioneer in the world of skincare. She’s had a luxurious, highly-respected medi-spa on the charming street of Melrose Place in Los Angeles for over 13 years. Kate is responsible for giving her clients that radiant, youthful glow that we’re all looking for. It’s highly likely on any given day(especially award show days), to run into some of Kate’s celebritiy clientele including: Kate Beckinsale, Felicity Huffman, Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba.

Until recently, you had to visit the clinic in Los Angeles to experience the magic that Kate bestows on her clients. Well I’m happy to report that’s all changed.

The Kate Somerville line in now available to one and all, and is smart, simple and effective. It boasts a concise product lineup that’s easy to understand. Some of the standout products from the line are:

Exfolikate -  A 2 in 1 mask made up of fruit enzymes that clarify skin by removing dead cells and eliminating bacteria. Highly effective in combating acne, including stubborn blackheads. Polishes skin, revealing a smooth, glowing complexion. Healthy skin, healthy glow, healthy you!

Oil Free -  An Algae-based moisturizer that tones and hydrates the skin while working to help fight the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Skin appears tightened and refined. Rich sea plant extracts contain powerful amino acid to encourage collagen production.

Deep Tissue Repair -  An age-defying treatment formulated by Kate with ‘renew, restore, results’ in mind! It instantly softens and strengthens skin, promoting a supple and velvety complexion. Watch surface lines and wrinkles lift away as this proprietary formulation, blending Peptide K8™ with collagen builders, penetrates deeply to encourage cellular repair and reverse damage.

I’ve personally tried that above mentioned products and can honestly say that this is a terrific brand, with excellent products, at fair prices for the quality and legacy behind them. Julianne and I are planning a trip to the clinic and will report back about our experience.

I encourage everyone out there to check out Kate’s website for more information on her skincare line and ’star-studded’ medi spa (the services offered will make you drool).

www.katesomerville.com

 By, Sharon Curtis

Very exciting new..The ultra cool denim label Rock & Republic will be launching their line of beautiful cosmetic goodies this September.

The collection features an impressive 116 items and has an edgy rocker vibe to it.

Some of the "must have" items will be:

* Accentuating Bronzer/Highliter duo compact featuring 445 Swarovski crystals that will retail

 for $225.

* Caffine-infused Tinted Face Primer

* Imitate Mousse Blush

* Extremist Mascara (for lots of volume)

* Bound Gel Liner (promises to stay on all day)

The collection will be available at Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus in the U.S. and Harrods in the U.K in mid-September.

I can’t wait to get my hands on it…

By  Sharon Curtis

 Article Source: WWD

Very exciting news has surfaced! Frederic Fekkai has just announced the launching of an at-home permanent hair color kit.

The kit is different from other at-home kits. For starters, the delivery of color — a proffesional looking brush — aims to make application more precise than traditional bottle systems, complete with a pointed end to carve out hair sections.

There’s also a special blending technique, which will instruct you to cafefully mix solutions in a supplied bowl, as opposed to shaking it in a bottle.

The special ingredients in the luxurious formula are olive, illipe and lemongrass butters. There are also special scalp soothing agents: rosemary, lavender, nettle and clove flower extract.

Frederic Fekkai Salon Color Kit will be available starting in August at Bloomingdales’s and Ulta Stores.

Retail price $30

Ok..so this isn’t exactly related to the world of beauty, but very interesting none-the-less. I came across a very interesting article and wanted to share it with you all. When I worked at Neiman Marcus many moons ago, I remember there being a seminar where a "Bra Fix Expert" said something like 90% of women wear the wrong bra size. Really??

If you think about it, it’s really important to wear the right bra size because bra’s support your breast’s (imporatant asset), and without the proper support they start to sag! Now I know that no one want’s saggy boobs if you can help it, so read along..

 Finding The Perfect Bra Size

Unlike years gone by, there is now a vast array of bra sizes and styles available to suit every taste and every figure. This is great news for those amongst us that are petite or larger than average. It is also great news for those that like to combine the practical benefits of a good bra with style, comfort and a dash of sexiness.

 Getting a Good Fit:

 It is important that in order to get the most out of your bra you are fully aware of your correct bra size. This will not only improve posture and comfort, it will also ensure that your clothes are a much better fit. There’s nothing quite as embarrassing as going out to a function with your breasts bulging from the sides of your under-sized bra - except, perhaps, going to a function and having your breasts fall out of an oversize bra!
Before you purchase a bra, you should always check your bra size. If you think you may have lost weight or put weight on since you last bought a bra, don’t assume you will still be able to get in to the same size bra - measure up again!

The best way to check what bra size you need is to stand straight and wrap a tape measure around the ribcage, under the bust. Pull it so that it is firm but not tight. This will give you the size of your required band. To check the cup size you need, wrap the measure around the fullest part of the bust, and again pull until firm but not restrictively tight. Whatever the inch size around the ribcage, you should add five to it (and round it up to the next even number if adding five gives you an odd number). This will give your band size. Then calculate the difference between the band size and the cup measurement to get your cup size. If the measurement you get when you measure for your cup size is the same as that of your band size once you have added five, your cup size will be A.

Up to one inch difference is cup size B
Up to two inches is cup size C
Up to three inches is cup size D
Up to four inches is cup size DD
Up to five inches is cup size E
Up to six inches is cup size F
Up to eight inches is cup size G

 The Perfect Fitting Bra Should:

1. Contain the whole breast in each cup with no bulging or spillage
2. Contain the whole breast in each cup without excess space in the front part of the cups
3. Should rest levelly against the ribcage, with adequate room to slip two fingers in at the back
4. Should support your breasts totally, and remain in place even if the straps are slipped off the shoulders

Article courtesy of www.ezinearticles.com

Chanel’s fall 2008 makeup collection is slated for July and is the debut collection from Chanel’s new creative director of makeup, Peter Philips.

The theme of the fall collection is gold, gold and more gold. Phillips became inspired by Coco Chanel’s apartment which boasts lots of bronzes, warm gold’s and crystals.

The collection will include

Gold Fiction nail polish (anticipated to be bigger than Black Satin) with a hefty price tag of $30

Facettes D’Or (golden loose powder)

Golden Light Glossimer

Hydrabase Lipstick in copper, plum and coral

Eyeshadow Quad containing gold, coffee, ivory and dark green.

Stay tuned for info on the AMAZING Chanel holiday collection debuting in October 2008!