Fafi Girls

In high school, whenever I was bored in class (which was a lot), I would doodle in the margins of my notebook. I didn't write things like "The Who," "The Stones," or "Led Zepplin" like the stoner kids did. I emblazoned my notebooks with sketches of hipster girls with punk hairdo's and funky clothes. Of course my sketches were cool - they just weren't very good. So when I got to college I decided to forgo the career in art and majored in history instead. Luckily for this world, there are those that have true artistic talent and pursue their passions. French artist Fafi is one of those people. Born in Toulouse, Fafi began painting her art on walls after she dropped out of school. Perhaps she was bored beyond merely drawing funky girls in her notebooks, but I'm not advocating dropping out - so stay in school, kids. Fafi started out drawing Martians before creating her trademark Fafinettes - funky, sassy girls that rocked the streets of Toulouse and subsequently, the world!



MAC's new collection heralds in spring with bright, clear, vibrant colors in packaging featuring Fafi's sassy Fafinettes. Her Franco-Japanimation-style illustrations are evocative of both street graffiti and fashion sketches. Each Fafi girl (Monoka, Ermine and Eriko) is "a nymphette with a Ph.D. in passion - she's an adventuress with a very animated love life! From Toulouse to Tokyo, the movie of her life is a rags-to-riches love story, an electric Technicolor dream in violet, coral and strawbaby anime." The Fafi Collection for MAC is a limited edition. It features 27 color pieces including eyeshadow quads, lipsticks, lipglasses, paintpot eye colors, a fluid eyeliner, a mascara, powder blushes, nail lacquers, and iridescent face powder. It also includes accessories such as brushes, vinyl makeup bags, t-shirts, a scarf, a tote bag, and Fafinette figurines. My favorite items are the Glaze Lipstick in Fun 'n Sexy (a bright pink that matches my iPod), the Lustre Lipstick in Strawbaby (a rich strawberry-pink), and the Iridescent Powder in Belightful, a sparkly nude that I wear as a blush.



And of course I had to get the Fafi Doll in Eriko, because she's a redhead like me!



If you want to get your hands on the Fafi collection, you'd better hurry. The line was launched just last week and already certain colors are sold out online. Also check out macfafi.com for more information on Fafi makeup and accessories, as well as sketches and events. Fafi also has her own website: www.fafi.net. Fafi had been painting the Fafinettes on walls since 1994. Since then she has designed toys and figurines and has collaborated with Sony, Adidas, LeSportSac, Coca-Cola, Elle, Vogue, and The Face magazines. As for me, I gave up drawing funky girls a long time ago. But that's okay. If I can't draw other girls, at least I can still paint my own face.



For good measure, a drawing I did in 1988 when I was in a band in college

NARS-issism

I've recently rediscovered the NARS makeup line. Like every other beauty-forward woman on the planet, I've bought the NARS powder blush in Orgasm. Maybe it was the name, or the promise contained within it, but I purchased it in the hopes that, upon applying it to my cheekbones, I would instantly be transformed into an alluringly seductive siren that no man could resist. But alas, I was not. It turned out that I am so fair-complected that the color really didn't do anything for me. And after several months of using mineral makeup, I'm getting tired of the powdery look it gives me. Worried that it makes me look older, I've switched to cream-based makeup to give me a youthful, dewy glow. And what better way to start than with flushed cheeks?

NARS's Cream Blush ($23.00) in Guele de Nuit is everything on me that Orgasm wasn't. It's similar to Orgasm in that it's a peachy/pinkish shade with a hint of shimmer. But when applied to the cheeks, it goes from cream to powder and looks subtle when blended. A perfect flush of color. So far it hasn't turned me into an alluringly seductive siren either, but the name (loosely translated it means mouth of the night, whatever that means!) sounds sort of suggestive too, doesn't it?


When I purchased the cream blush, I also tried the NARS skincare line for the first time. I love using bar cleansers on my skin. I know soap is a bad word among some beauty industy-types, but what can I say, I love the feel of a big bar of soap in my hands, making a lather with it and applying it to my face. I feel my face wouldn't be clean otherwise. But I also know many soaps can be extremely drying. But upon seeing that big, white slab of NARS Purifying Soap ($22.00) at the NARS counter, I was intrigued. It looked beautiful, clinical, and modernist, like a piece of art. It just begged me to buy it. So I did. Created for NARS by Shiseido, the Purifying Soap promises to remove all traces of makeup, as well as purify the skin and help eliminate blackheads and clogged pores. Since my skin gets clogged and blemishes easily, I thought it would be a great alternative to the medicated acne products that have been making my skin worse rather than better. The Purifying Soap contains jojoba and macadamia nut oils to help prevent drying, as well as aloe leaf extract to soothe the skin. My face looks refreshed and feels softer after I use it, not dried out as it does with many other soaps.

So with a clear complexion and a subtle flush of color, maybe youthful innocence rather than alluring seduction might make me irresistable to men everywhere. A girl can only hope.

Organic Matter

I've been a fan or Origins since Estee Lauder first introduced its nature-meets-science line of skincare products - discovering my first Origins counter in Bergdorf Goodman while working in NYC in 1990. I was intrigued by their simple yet inviting packaging and products incorporating natural ingredients. Years later, I worked part-time for an Origins shop, where I became a die-hard fan of products such as the Eye Doctor eye cream and the Constant Comforter moisturizer for sensitive skin. But when I saw Origins has introduced their Origins Organics line of skincare products, I had to give it a try, as the idea of organic skincare products sounds so healthy and beneficial.

Origins Organics is the first major skincare line to be USDA-Approved and certified organic by the National Organic Program. The vacuum packaging is sleek as well as hygienic. I purchased the three facial regimen products.

The Origins Organic Foaming Face Wash with 73% Organic Ingredients ($25) leaves my skin feeling clean and soft, but not dry and tight. It removes makeup well, and a little goes a long way (I can clean my entire face with just one pump). I love the clove fragrance - it smells just like Origins' Cream Bar but is less drying. The vacuum pump is easy to use. Overall, this is a really nice cleanser.

The Purifying Tonic with 95% Organic Ingredients ($25) contains organic willow bark, a.k.a. salicylic acid, to purify pores, while organic vinegar removes dead skin cells. Organic Lavender alcohol naturally preserves this product. I sweep some on with a cotton pad after cleansing and my face feels refreshed.

The Nourishing Face Lotion with 95% Organic Ingredients ($42.40) is a bit pricey for Origins, but well worth the money. It contains organic shea and cocoa butters to moisturize skin, but it's not heavy or greasy. One pump is all you need to moisturize your entire face while protecting it against free-radical damage. It also contains organic essential oils of clove, rose, lavender, patchouli, and red thyme, so it smells as heavenly as it feels. I can't stop touching my face after I use it.

The Origins Organics line also features an organic body bar and a lip balm.

Boston University To Host Beauty and Self-Esteem Seminar

Did you know that only 2 percent of women around the world choose the word "beautiful" to describe their looks?

Did you know that 75 percent of women strongly agree that they wish “the media did a better job of portraying women of diverse physical attractiveness—age, shape and size"?

Did you know that 72 percent of girls 15 to 17 withdraw from life-engaging activities due to feeling badly about their looks?

Did you know that more than 90 percent of girls want to change at least one aspect of their physical appearance, with body weight ranking the highest?

On Saturday, October 27, the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership and Dove will host “Beauty and Self-Esteem in Society: Freeing Ourselves and the Next Generation,” a panel discussion to explore the significance of these disturbing statistics and how they relate to today’s definition of beauty. Boston University will host the event, which is free and open to the public.

DEFINING BEAUTY FOR OURSELVES AND OUR DAUGHTERS
**Event to Empower Women of Boston: Insights on Self-Esteem, Beauty and Stereotypes**

WHAT: “Beauty and Self-Esteem in Society: Freeing Ourselves and the Next Generation” – a panel discussion with prominent women to discuss the evolution of beauty in our global society. This free event is open to the public and will feature:
· Insights on stereotypical beauty trends and its impact on women and self-esteem
· Current statistics on women’s perceptions of themselves – and how to change the thinking
· What mothers can do for their daughters
· Small group seminars on financial literacy, negotiation, public speaking, to name a few
· Insights from attending women – their thoughts on beauty, media and self-esteem

WHEN: Saturday, October 27, 2007 (Doors open at 9 a.m.)
Panel Discussion: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Small Group Seminars: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Boston University - Morse Auditorium
602 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

PANELISTS:
* Naomi Wolf, author of “The Beauty Myth” and co-founder of The Woodhull Institute
* Dr. Nancy Etcoff, pscychiatrist, Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital and author of “Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty.”
* Monica Meehan McNamara, Psychotherapist and former research scholar at Wellesley and consultant at Harvard Law School ; Woodhull alumna
* Karla Jackson-Brewer, professor in Women’s Studies, Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University; Woodhull fellow

MODERATOR:
Katie Orenstein, journalist and author, focusing on human rights and women in pop culture

Both Nancy and Naomi are available for one-on-one interviews and can discuss the following topics:
* The evolution of beauty in our society
* How pop-culture and media affect women’s self-esteem
* How Boston women can get involved with breaking stereotypes and creating a wider definition of beauty.

BACKGROUND:
The event is sponsored by The Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership, a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and Dove, the global beauty brand.

Go Sox!!!

Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

October is breast cancer awareness month. This past year, two scares in my family have made me aware of how crucial it is to get yearly mammograms, and to do monthly breast self examinations. A year ago this month, with my very first mammogram at the recommended age of 40, the x-ray revealed a lump in my breast. The subsequent biopsy showed that it was a benign lump, called a fibroadenoma, and was not cancerous. Two months later, however, my mother's yearly mammogram revealed a lump that turned out to be cancerous. Thankfully, they caught it in the very early stages, removed it, and with follow-up radiation treatments, she was declared cancer-free.

During October, many retailers and manufacturers donate money to breast cancer research, either through direct donations, or through the sale of special products from which part or all of the proceeds go towards breast cancer research. From Kitchen Aid mixers, to Papermate ball point pens, to lingerie and t-shirts, there are a variety of pink products to choose from. Many cosmetic companies offer special versions of their most popular products in October, in pink shades or special pink packaging, with proceeds going towards breast cancer research. Here is just a small sampling of the countless special cosmetic offerings for Breast Cancer Awareness month:



Philosophy offers a special version of their popular three-in-one shower gel. Shower for the Cure ($20.00) is a shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo in a special bottle adorned with the breast cancer pink ribbon logo. 100% of the Philosophy net proceeds from the Shower for the Cure is donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund.



Estee Lauder's Pink Ribbon Collection 2007 features five products in special pink packaging. Estee Lauder offers a special Jeweled Pink Ribbon Compact and Brush Set. The compact is adorned with a pink rhinestone ribbon and contains Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer, with a retractable brush for flawless application. The Jeweled Pink Ribbon Pin is a simple way to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness. For lips, Estee Lauder has developed three special shades of pink. Pure Color Crystal Gloss is available in Evelyn Pink, while Pure Color Crystal Lipstick comes in Elizabeth Pink, and High Gloss lip gloss is available in Pink Ribbon Pink. The purchase of any Estee Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection product will help Estee Lauder in North America donate $500,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. But the Pink Ribbon Collection 2007 is almost completely sold out online, so check your local department store (soon!) if you want to get these items.



If you're unable to obtain these special Estee Lauder pink lip colors, there is another way to spread pink kisses in October. Hershey's Kisses offers special chocolate kisses in pink foil for Breast Cancer Awareness. Hershey's Pledge is the chocolate manufacturer's way of donating $300,000 to breast cancer research. You can go online to donate to the cause.



Fight unruly brows while fighting breast cancer. Tweezerman, the tweezer of choice among makeup artists and beauty pundits, has created a special pink petite tweezer case in support of breast cancer awareness. A pink ribbon emblazons the leather case, which contains smaller sizes of the Tweezerman trademarked Slant (TM) and Point (TM) tweezers. It's available for $25 at drugstore.com.



And for information on breast cancer, visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For instructions on performing breast self examinations, visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website. Their Promise Shop sells a wide range of breast cancer awareness merchandise, including Keep the Promise Rings and pink Cure (TM) The Bear Beanie Babies, and you can order a free BSE (Breast Self Examination) shower card, for quick and easy referral when performing a breast self examination.

Please, I urge everyone to be diligent about doing monthly breast self examinations and getting yearly mammograms. Share this information with your mothers, daughters, sisters, and girlfriends. Early detection is the key to beating breast cancer.

Bag Hag

Dancing in clubs. Shopping at Barney's. Lunching in trendy eateries. We go everywhere together. Of course, I'm talking about my makeup bag. We're inseparable.

Makeup and travel bags from Stephanie Johnson will enable you to tote your most essential beauty items in style. I just purchased my first of what will likely be many. The Stephanie Johnson line features twenty-seven different shapes of bags, from small cosmetic cases, to travel bags, to satchels, to tote bags, in over eighteen different patterns of fabric to choose from. Many can double as stylish handbags. And the website's Vintage section offers visitors a second chance to obtain older, discontinued styles.

Most bags range in price from $20 for a small clamshell-shaped coin purse to $79 for a large trifold hanging travel bag. And the company's Steph & Co. line offers a more affordable alternative, featuring the same great shapes as the Stephanie Johnson line, done in fun graphic vinyl prints like the safari-inspired Kenya Brown (above) and the cherry-blossom-chic of Georgetown (below). And like all Stephanie Johnson bags, the Steph & Co. line also features Stephanie Johnson's signature stylish zipper pulls, like a piece of faux bamboo for the Kenya Brown bags. Steph & Co. prices range from $18-$36 dollars.



With twenty-seven shapes and eighteen different patterns, you're sure to find a bag that's most compatible with you. Of course, it can't tell you if that skirt makes your butt look big, or hold your hand while you sob into your Cranberry Cosmopolitan because that guy you met last night didn't call. But isn't that what our gay male best friends are for?