The clothes at Jason Wu’s resort collection were heaven, but Chic was equally enamored with that lip, that lip! After several probing inquiries, we acquired the formula for that perfect orange/coral/rouge hybrid. Just mix M.A.C’s Morange and Lady Danger shades of lipstick, and top them off with M.A.C’s tinted lip conditioner SPF 15. Now if we can only pre-order some of the collection…THE DETAILS: M.A.C lipstick, $14 each, and tinted lip conditioner SPF 15, $14.50, maccosmetics.com
SHIITAKE /(Shee-Tak-Kee)/n./ 1. A specific type of mushroom or fungi, also called Lentinus edodes, that is native to Asia and possesses no roots, leaves, flowers, or seeds; /n./ 2. A symbol of longevity in China because of its immune-boosting properties, which have been used medicinally in the region for more than 6,000 years; /n./ 3. High in kojic acid, which can temporarily tighten skin and prevent the formation of too much pigment for a brighter, more even complexion, e.g., “a compulsory addition to any stir-fry, shiitake will also keep your skin firm and radiant.”
ROSE OTTO OIL/(Roze Ot-to Oil) /n./ 1. Steam-distilled essential oil of rose petals picked at dawn, typically from the Bulgarian damask rose; /n./ 2. Hailed as one of the world’s most expensive essential oils, 30 flowers yield only one drop of its clear, yellowish liquid; /n./ 3. More potent than rose absolute and considered more therapeutic for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory capabilities, the oil can promote the healing of wounds, act as a natural cleanser for acne, relieve menstrual cramps and puffy eyes, and generally calm nerves, e.g., “Ease your mind and soothe your skin with Rose Otto Oil.”
Try it: REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish, $60, www.spacenek.com.
NO! NY has lost its spot as the Fashion Capital Of The World according to the trend-tracking group Global Language Monitor.
WNBC NY has some more information explaining city's demise:
What forced the shift? It's the recession, Fashionista!"The parties were not as big," says Global Language Monitor president Paul Payak. "That was enough to knock New York off just a bit." Payak also noted that the financial downturn forced designers to stage presentations on the cheap, as opposed to the all-out glitzy fashion weeks that the city has seen in the past.
The Top Thirty Fashion Capitals, change from 2008 ranking, and commentary follow.
1. Milano (+3) - Not only overtakes New York but also Rome and Paris.
2. New York (-1) - Knocked out of Top Spot by Milano after a five-year run.
3. Paris (0) - No 1. in our hearts but No. 3 in the media.
4. Rome (-2) -- The Eternal City still reigns strong.
5. London (0) - London remains the laggard of the Fashion Elite.
6. Los Angeles (0) - Holding its own at No. 6.
7. Hong Kong (+4) - Leaps over Sydney and Tokyo to seize the lead in Asia/Pacific.
8. Sao Paulo (+25) - A remarkable rise, now dominating the Latin-American scene.
9. Sydney (-2) - Solidly in the Top 10 while Melbourne sinks.
10. Las Vegas (-2) - Intense media spotlight ensures a top ranking.
11. Dubai (+1) - An unlimited budget continually exceeded.
12. Tokyo (-2) - Loses a bit of luster as it slips out of the Top 10.
13. Miami (+13) - Driven by its dominance in swimwear.
14. Barcelona (+11) - Takes the Iberian spotlight.
15. Shanghai (-2) -- Now third in the China/Japan rivalry.
16. Mumbai (+6) - In neck-and-neck race for primacy on the Subcontinent.
17. New Delhi (+7) - Both Delhi and Mumbai break into Top 20.
18. Rio de Janeiro (+12) - Comes on strong but Sao Paulo is stronger.
19. Berlin (-10) - Hurt by weak showing in the 'haute' category.
20. Singapore (-6) - Fashion infrastructure strong, but hurt by the economy.
21. Madrid (-6) - Barcelona takes the Iberian crown.
22. Moscow (-6) - Remains strong as it drops out of the Top 20.
23. Santiago (-6) - Now third behind Sao Paulo and Rio in Latin America.
24. Buenos Aires (-4) - Strong in new interpretations of classic fashion.
25. Melbourne (-7) -- Slips out of Top 20 as Sydney strives ahead.
26. Stockholm (-7) - Tops in Scandinavia with Copenhagen No. 2.
27. Bangkok (+7) - Breaks into the top tier of Asian Fashion.
28. Krakow (-1) - Hold an increasingly intriguing niche in Middle Europe.
29. Prague (-1) - Strengthening its position as a fashion capitol.
30. Mexico City (Not Listed) - First time on the list.
Others in the ranking in order: Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Atlanta
Most chocolate starts to melt at 30 degrees. Photograph: PA
We have been indulging in it in various forms for at least 3,000 years, arguing over its influence on everything from our sexual appetites to our waistlines.
But now scientists for the world's largest chocolatier believe they have stumbled on the holy grail of chocolate: a recipe that is both melt-resistant and low-calorie.
Vulcano is the internal code name for the new product by the Swiss chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut. Developed in a laboratory under top-secret conditions by an international team of food engineers, it not only has 90% fewer calories than the average chocolate product, it is also heat-resistant to temperatures of up to 55C (131F). Most chocolate starts to melt at 30 degrees.
The company aims to target calorie-conscious European and US markets as well as emerging markets in Asia and Africa where local temperatures have hindered the spread of chocolate.
"It's called Vulcano because it can be eaten when it's hot, and its airy and full of bubbles, like volcanic rock," said Gaby Tschofen, a spokeswoman for Barry Callebaut, which annually makes 1.1m tonnes of cocoa and chocolate-based products for customers around the world, including Cadburys and Nestlé.
The product, like so many good inventions, resulted from a mistake, this time by technicians in the company's lab who were working on another invention. "Suddenly we realised we'd produced a very special chocolate, of a crispy, light consistency, like an airy foam, and we thought let's see if we can develop this further," food engineer Simone Cantz told Swiss television.
Under current plans it could be in a shop near you within two years, meaning an end to finding a melted chocolatey mess in your pocket on a hot day or worrying about your waistline.
While chocolatiers have been trying to produce a lower-calorie chocolate for years, the obstacle has often been how to keep the rich and lingering taste and ensuring it is still a pleasure to eat.
The US manufacturer Hershey began experimenting with a melt-proof chocolate during the second world war. But the result was a very hard bar that was never produced commercially.
Tschofen said she could not give away Vulcano's recipe, but she had tried it. "It's nice and chocolatey, with a strong aroma, and crispy rather than creamy.
"It does melt in the mouth, but it is the enzymes in saliva rather than the heat of the tongue that causes it to dissolve."
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| - Arlt, who counts Dita Von Teese and Michelle Trachtenberg as clients, says high-def cannot be approached with a heavy hand. While he prefers brushes to apply foundation and concealer, he goes over everything with a sponge before he’s done. “Blend until it bleeds! Blend is your friend! I say these things every day.” - Frosted cosmetics, with their light-colored sparkle, accentuate wrinkles, DelPrete says, but too-matte makeup looks dry. She looks for products with a satin finish. - Comb brow hairs and eyelashes — and this goes for everyone, not just TV stars, Arlt says. “The HD camera will pick up clumps, but so would someone sitting next to you.” - For color cosmetics, Arlt’s general rule is to err on the side of warm shades like bronze, peach and apricot. Pink, he says, can be too bright, especially if there’s a blue tint. |
