Product Fiend tag:,2007-08-28:/4 2008-07-03T17:41:15Z Movable Type Publishing Platform 4.0 A SPA FOR YOUR LADY PARTS!? tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7274 2008-07-03T20:00:00Z 2008-07-03T17:41:15Z The New York Times has a new Skin Deep out, but it's not your usual skincare article fare. No folks, that's because one Manhattan gyno, Dr. Lauri Romanzi, has been busy thinking, er, inside the box (ha) and unveiled this... Erin small-Red_Rose.jpg
The New York Times has a new Skin Deep out, but it's not your usual skincare article fare. No folks, that's because one Manhattan gyno, Dr. Lauri Romanzi, has been busy thinking, er, inside the box (ha) and unveiled this gem: Phit, short for pelvic health integrated techniques, "dedicated to strengthening and grooming a woman's genital area."

Um, yeah.

Basically, it's like the gym meets your Pap smear. I dunno. Is it just me or does this sound like a terrible idea? I mean, when the cost of basics like food and oil have skyrocketed, are ladies really looking to hire a personal trainer for their vaginas?

Discuss.
]]> A "CLASSY" IDEA FOR A NEW TATTOO tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7275 2008-07-03T18:00:00Z 2008-07-03T17:39:52Z What's up with all the random tattoo news lately? There was that pixelated ink, then Angelina taught us how to DIY tat. We certainly never thought we'd see anything quite so very innovative as that cool dude who decided to... Erin eartat.jpeg
What's up with all the random tattoo news lately? There was that pixelated ink, then Angelina taught us how to DIY tat. We certainly never thought we'd see anything quite so very innovative as that cool dude who decided to give his girly tat silicone implants, but leave it to the folks over at Trend Hunter to hap upon this genius idea: the inner ear art.
]]> It's kind of great if you think about it. Despite how much it probably freakin' hurts to get, it's a great idea for someone who really, really wants a tattoo but also feels like they need to be all subtle about it.

And if you think that's inspiring, check out their Top 25 Innovative Tattoos + Tongue Tattoos SUPER GALLERY! Whoa.

Seems like this whole inner ear thing could really catch on. Would you get one?
]]> FROM DAILYBEDPOST.COM: HOW DO YOU WEAR YOUR PUBIC HAIR? tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7262 2008-07-03T17:00:00Z 2008-07-03T15:37:06Z DailyBedpost.com http://dailybedpost.com
New Yorkers confess how they wear their hair down there.; pubic hair; daily bedpost; bush; impertinent question; shaving; trim; waxing; em & lo; New Yorkers confess how they wear their hair down there.

more at DailyBedpost.com>>]]> SPA AQUATIQUE IS HORRIFIQUE ON SKIN tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7270 2008-07-03T16:00:00Z 2008-07-03T15:44:49Z Image via WalgreensI tend to judge a line overall on the strength of its cleanser and, so far, it's a rule of thumb that has served me well. After all, if you can't get something as basic as the cleanser... Wendy http://www.elasticwaist.com spa_aquatique_milk.jpg
Image via Walgreens

I tend to judge a line overall on the strength of its cleanser and, so far, it's a rule of thumb that has served me well. After all, if you can't get something as basic as the cleanser right, why should I trust you with my zit zapping or to combat the immortal foe (The Crevice) that lives in the middle of my forehead? I had such amazing results with Walgreen's Yes To Carrots that I couldn't resist sampling some of their European Beauty Collection, specifically Ocean Biotechnologie's Spa Aquatique Regenerating Cleansing Milk.
]]> I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I was seriously not impressed. The cleansing was gentle enough, but I felt a slight film on the high points of my cheeks, and also, it really didn't touch the industrial sebum that lurks in the corners by my nose. I'm kind of a sucker for an awesome package and this cleanser had the aura of Dollar Store...plus the top didn't want to stay open. I notice, however, on the main page, they have a more reasonable pump situation shown--maybe Walgreens still has the old design. Looking at the ingredients, the second one is cetearyl alcohol, a waxy substance used as an emulsifier, and that might have been responsible for the gunky feeling left on my face.  At 20 bones for 8.5 ounces, it's not exactly a beauty bargain. After all, you can get 8 ounces of Philosophy's Purity  for exactly the same price.

It may have a fancy French name but don't be fooled! Leave this one on the shelves, fellow Fiends, and spend your bucks on something a little more bankable.
]]> SAVANNAH BEE ROYAL JELLY BODY BUTTER tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7254 2008-07-03T14:00:00Z 2008-07-02T21:07:03Z Image via Savannah Bee"It's been hand-squished out of a bee's backside. And not any old bloody bee. It's the bloody Gucci of bees, darling." --Eddy Monsoon, Absolutely FabulousAnd so marked our introduction to royal jelly, if not just a little... ProductFiend.com www.productfiend.com savannah_Royaljelly.jpg
Image via Savannah Bee

"It's been hand-squished out of a bee's backside. And not any old bloody bee. It's the bloody Gucci of bees, darling." --Eddy Monsoon, Absolutely Fabulous

And so marked our introduction to royal jelly, if not just a little skewed by the small-screen queens of British comedy. But we know better now.

Royal jelly is a precious by-product of bees, pumped full of vitamins, proteins, fats and amino acids. Lucky for us non-bees, the Savannah Bee Company has combined the superfood with beeswax, propolis (the sticky resin bees use to seal cracks in their hives) and pecan butter to create a luxuriously rich body treat, housed within a sleek glass jar, further encased within an adorable (giftable) red box. A first whiff greets you with the delicious scent of blackberry, but we promise you won't end up smelling like a jar of jam. The formula quickly sinks in to reveal a faint hint of sweetness and--more importantly--soft, soft skin.
]]> And if it freaks you out that you're smothering bee feces all over your face, no worries. It's actually secreted from the head of the bee, which may be slightly more off-putting. After all, royal jelly earns its regal title because it's the age-defying diet that gives a queen bee a far longer lifespan than her worker bees. All those vitamins, proteins, fats and amino acids must be good for something, right? Get it here. And while you're at it, do bees a big favor (they're dying off!), and plant some wildflower seeds.
]]> DERMALOGICA DELIVERS IN TEENY TINY PRETTY-MAKING CAPSULES tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7258 2008-07-02T21:30:00Z 2008-07-02T19:55:10Z Image via DermalogicaI've been knocked flat on my back with the most dreadful of maladies: the summer cold. Although really, I think "cold" doesn't adequately explain what I had. I could only stumble from bed to sofa and back again,... Wendy http://www.elasticwaist.com dermalogica_multivitamin.jpg
Image via Dermalogica

I've been knocked flat on my back with the most dreadful of maladies: the summer cold. Although really, I think "cold" doesn't adequately explain what I had. I could only stumble from bed to sofa and back again, unable to concentrate on the television and I found myself reading full pages out of the insipid but gloriously vacuous Gossip Girl novels (yes, they are from the Teen section at Barnes & Noble and I do not CARE), not understanding what I had just read. I would've thought that I caught that zombie disease, except that my flesh wasn't rotten; in fact, it was downright glowing. It was probably the 103-degree fever, but it just might have been my recent obsession with Dermalogica's Multivitamin Power Concentrate. Each little pod contains one day's serving of all the vities that keep you pretty: C, E, A and a bunch of grapefruit, orange and lime peel oils that seem to soothe my rosacea's savage beast. If it weren't for the tell-tale red nose and persistent sniffles, I'd swear that I was ready for my close up, even without make up. And that? Just doesn't happen.
]]> However, the little pods are somewhat bittersweet: while the perfect servings stay fresh and bacteria-free until the second you open them, they don't seem to be bio-degradable, which makes me all nervous about dolphins choking on my discarded beauty supplies. However, Dermalogica tends to be pretty savvy on the safe products, so maybe I'm just misunderstanding the very plastic-y little capsules. Regardless, you'd better believe I'm saving the cool little aluminum tin (and travel tin) that houses the capsules, and reusing them to stow earrings and whatnot. Despite the vague sense of eco-guilt, I'm hooked and will just focus on the pretty instead.
]]> SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT EDITION DATABASE tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7257 2008-07-02T19:30:00Z 2008-07-02T19:52:59Z I collect vintage magazines, so maybe this is only exciting to me, but Sports Illustrated now boasts a digital archive where you can view covers of the infamous editions from 1964 to 2006. It's sheer swimsuit model anthropology: I'm pretty... Erin sportsillustratedcover94.jpg
I collect vintage magazines, so maybe this is only exciting to me, but Sports Illustrated now boasts a digital archive where you can view covers of the infamous editions from 1964 to 2006. It's sheer swimsuit model anthropology: I'm pretty sure the cover girls of the 1960s would be considered "fat" by current standards, and it's clear one look never goes out of style--Elle "The Body" McPherson. Plus there are greatest hits like the cool 1984 Paulina Porizkova cover, the 1980 Christie Brinkley (sheesh, she still looks the same!), and the triple threat of swimwear superstars Kathy Ireland, Elle McPherson and Rachel Hunter all on the same 1994 cover.

Plus, you can order re-prints of your favorites. So awesome. It's all like, more American than apple pie, no?
]]> BEAUTY AMBUSH:LIP TREATMENT tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7239 2008-07-02T17:00:00Z 2008-07-02T17:22:46Z ProductFiend.com www.productfiend.com
Saryn Chorney and Nathalie DiNoia ambush another victim in need of softer lips.; Natalie DiNoia; Sally Hanson; exfoliation; lip; exfoliating; Valmont; exfoliate; lipstick; saryn chorney; Wet & Wild; lip repair; lip treatment; moisturize; product fiend; beauty ambush; Saryn Chorney and Nathalie DiNoia ambush another victim in need of softer lips.

Saryn Chorney and Nathalie DiNoia ambush another victim in need of softer lips.
]]> THE SWEET SMELL OF FREEDOM tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7253 2008-07-02T15:30:00Z 2008-07-02T15:42:51Z Image via Drugstore.comFolks with allergies and other skin sensitivities will cherish Desert Essence Organics brand new totally fragrance-free line of skincare products. It's a full meal deal, too: the complete line includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion, so... Erin dessertessence_organics.jpg
Image via Drugstore.com

Folks with allergies and other skin sensitivities will cherish Desert Essence Organics brand new totally fragrance-free line of skincare products. It's a full meal deal, too: the complete line includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion, so you don't have to tip-toe through the aisles reading every label and sniffing products on the DL. Personally, I'm looking forward to trying them out because while I (thankfully) don't have crazy sensitive skin, I don't like it when my body lotion makes me smell like apples or whatever, right?

Oh P.S. It's also vegan, biodegradable, cruelty and wheat/gluten free. Sweet.
]]> MALE BIKINI WAXING SET TO SWEEP THE NATION! tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7233 2008-07-01T19:00:00Z 2008-07-01T16:50:50Z Image via Hilly_Blue on FlickrP. Diddy does it. So, apparently, does Jay-Z. And we're not just talking about Brazilians. It's all about the fuulll monty baby.And why shouldn't they? It's about time men started to understand some of the pain... Erin man_bikini.jpg
Image via Hilly_Blue on Flickr

P. Diddy does it. So, apparently, does Jay-Z. And we're not just talking about Brazilians. It's all about the fuulll monty baby.

And why shouldn't they? It's about time men started to understand some of the pain and indignity that generations of women have endured in the name of "hygienic" grooming, (most specifically, we pour some out to the brave women who toughed out those pube torture chambers also known as the J.Sisters Spa and Salon in New York where this whole damn bald is beautiful craze began). Here's my prediction though: Once more and more dudes get wind of the fact that certain male private parts appear larger sans hair, this will be as big of a craze as the mullet was in Williamsburg a couple years back, but you know, nationwide.
]]> Here's another bonus: Since the economy is fucked and WWD cited a recent IRI study that claims families are now sharing more beauty products, you and your man can pool cash for wax and "do" each other at home. It would probably be a really intense bonding experience, no?

We want to hear from you on this pressing issue. Male bikini waxing? So hot or so freakin' not?
]]> SKINCARE FOR BRIDES-TO-BE (& ANYONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO LOOK AMAZING FOR AN EVENT) tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7234 2008-07-01T14:30:00Z 2008-07-01T14:37:53Z Image via emsvangoth on FlickrDerm to the stahhhs Jeffrey Dover and creator of the Skin Effects line--bringin' fancy clinical skincare to the affordable drugstore--just had his publicist send out a press release aimed at brides who want their skin to... Erin bride.jpg
Image via emsvangoth on Flickr

Derm to the stahhhs Jeffrey Dover and creator of the Skin Effects line--bringin' fancy clinical skincare to the affordable drugstore--just had his publicist send out a press release aimed at brides who want their skin to look shit hot for their wedding, but I think his timeline style advice applies to all of us who have an upcoming event (be it potentially life-changing or not) and want to feel the sweet control of preparedness coursing through our pores. I've summed up the important parts for you here, after the jump.
]]> Three months before the big day:
Treat visible sun damage with a course of IPL photo-rejuvenation treatments, a quick, easy and painless use of broad spectrum light that evens out skin color, improves tone and removes sun-induced age spots.

"Address any specific skin issues such as facial redness and acne" like, now. Try the Skin Effects Acne Cleansing Mask to help prevent future mishaps.

The two-month mark:
For an overall improved skin texture, book exfoliating glycolic peels combined with microdermabrasion at your derm's office, which will help sweep away damaged cells and make your skin look all shiny and new.

One month to go:
Drink a lot of water to help get a healthy glow.

Even though you may (foolishly) think a tan is a good idea, please stay out of the sun, which can make your skin look tired, not to mention red and freckly if you're pale.
   
Sleep it up like you've never slept before, and combat circles with Eye Effects Dual Action Under Eye Therapy, which also reduces puffiness, evens skin tone, smooths and firms.

One week 'til magic time:
Don't ever, under any circumstances, "try anything NEW the week before a wedding" or you run the risk of a skin reaction that you will not be feeling happy about when the big day arrives. As Dr. Dover so wisely points out, "The best bet is to develop a consistent routine early on and stick with it, you will see results!"

And I would say the exact same thing myself, minus the peppy exclamation mark.
]]> DEALS OF THE WEEK: AMAZON, BATH & BODY WORKS, BEAUTYHABIT, TARTE tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7224 2008-06-30T21:30:00Z 2008-06-30T21:25:10Z ProductFiend.com www.productfiend.com tarte_sunburst.jpg
Image via Tarte

AMAZON BEAUTY:
  • Get a $10 instant rebate on purchases of $100 or more by entering promo code Beauty10 at checkout.
BATH & BODY WORKS:
  • The skincare behemoth is holding its semi-annual sale with markdowns up to 75% off. Select items from their signature collection (you betcha cucumber melon is in there) are just five bucks. Sale runs through July 6.
BEAUTYHABIT:
  • Receive a free sample of Diptyque's new trio of unisex colognes, created in honor of the line's first foray into fragrance 40 years ago, with any $75 purchase of Diptyque products. FYI: If you're unfamiliar with the French line and their gorgeous candles, trust us, the Bailles is a best-seller for good reason. Use promo code DIPTYQUE at checkout. Offer valid through July 8. While supplies last.
TARTE:
  • Purchase $50 worth of products online and get a free Sunburst Face Beaded Bronzing Lotion (a $28 value) when you enter promo code BRONZE at checkout (just don't forget to add it to your basket first). Offer valid through July 20. While supplies last.
]]> I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER RUSLANA tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7222 2008-06-30T19:00:00Z 2008-06-30T16:36:46Z Image via vngallery.blogspot.comFashion industry insiders are talking about the shocking apparent suicide of supermodel Ruslana Korshunova, an immeasurably beautiful 20-year-old French Elle and Russian Vogue cover model who leapt from her ninth-floor balcony in downtown Manhattan.I will never forget the... Erin ruslanakorshunovazi5.jpg
Image via vngallery.blogspot.com

Fashion industry insiders are talking about the shocking apparent suicide of supermodel Ruslana Korshunova, an immeasurably beautiful 20-year-old French Elle and Russian Vogue cover model who leapt from her ninth-floor balcony in downtown Manhattan.

I will never forget the first time I saw Ruslana in a London fashion show, ethereal on the runway with her ridiculously long, fairy-princess hair and a melodic new band called Arcade Fire playing in the background. Backstage, I urged her not to cut it, even though I knew her agent would most likely eventually convince her to do so.
]]> Since that moment I wanted to book her for a beauty story, and a little over a year ago, got my chance when we booked her for a shoot. A few days before it, she canceled, the model booker saying something about how she was quitting the industry and moving back to her hometown of Almaty, Kazakhstan. I remember thinking that was crazy at the time, how she was really climbing up the ranks in New York and Paris and why would she give that all up? But you never really know what's going on with someone, do you? I do know that the pressures of the modeling industry can be suffocating for many of these young girls though, and I'm sorry that she didn't just go home when perhaps she wanted to. My thoughts are with her family and friends today.
]]> PERFECT BEACH SKIN tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7220 2008-06-30T14:30:00Z 2008-06-30T14:32:40Z Image via Mario BadescuMaybe it's vanity, or simply sheer paranoia, but I want my skin to look freakin' awesome at the beach, okay? So I'm not the thinnest twig on the shore, and my (lacking) assets in the chest department... Erin mariobadescu_summershine.jpg
Image via Mario Badescu

Maybe it's vanity, or simply sheer paranoia, but I want my skin to look freakin' awesome at the beach, okay? So I'm not the thinnest twig on the shore, and my (lacking) assets in the chest department will never get me a swimsuit modeling contract, but this is one variable I can control, and I will. That's why I road tested Mario Badescu's excellent new Summer Shine Body Lotion this weekend.

Mario usually shies away from producing silly, frilly ancillaries, and I respect him for that. It's all about serious skincare, and that's something I can truly appreciate. So I wasn't exactly sure where this product was going or how it even fits into their collection, but after using it, I get it.
]]> The shimmer in the lotion is subtle yet fierce, but benefits such as added vitamin A make it a fabulous moisturizer. This stuff DOES make your bod look rockin and I'll tell you why: The brightening particles reflect sunlight off your skin, giving the illusion of being kind of airbrushed, plus it lends an overall glow. The other cool, unexpected bonus was that it survived multiple ocean swims, so it lasts all day, and into post-beach cocktail hour.

I only have two small complaints: One, why, why, why does it have to smell like coconut a la old school sunscreen? Haven't we all agreed by now that no one wants to smell like a piña colada? And on that note, I wish the formula contained SPF, but spraying on your sunscreen over it doesn't interfere with the shine effect, so...
]]> BEAUTY SKOOLED: SKINCARE NEWS AROUND THE WEB tag:productfiend.com,2008://4.7209 2008-06-27T21:00:00Z 2008-06-30T14:52:14Z ProductFiend.com www.productfiend.com nono.jpg
Image via Sephora
  • The Chronicals of No-Nia continues its fourth week with Beauty Addict, and she's confused that it seems...to...be...working? And an insider in the comments gives us even more of a down-low on this Sephora best-seller.
  • Erika at Makeup Bag gets a tour of Kate Sommerville's posh, newly revamped clinic in LA, and walks away with some of her Nourish Daily Moisturizer.
  • All About the Pretty shares the wealth on a Shu Uemura friends and family discount this weekend. Sweeeeeet.
  • Sigh. Another L.A. spa far, far away from our Times Square digs. Ben at We Love Beauty introduces us to Kalologie Skincare and their new range of skincare products we, of course, really want now.
]]>