beauty

Beauty is apparently found in the eye of the beholder. But I can assure you, no one that I know will deny that a little blush can make all the difference in the world, no matter how empirically beautiful you just might be…

Here are some of our agency’s favorite beauty blogs:

• A Mom in Red Heels: This blog was started by Tammy, a self-professed beauty-obsessed mom. We love you Tammy and we get your obsession. Goodness knows just how easy it is to get obsessed with creams, potions and gels that can make anyone look just a little bit (if not a lot) better. This blog features products reviews and news from around the country—check it out!
• Bella Sugar: this is the beauty outpost of the famous sugar blogs. First of all, I LOVE THE NAME! It makes me feel pretty just by saying it. Try it yourself. Do you suddenly feel like your lips are graced by a luscious sugary pink glaze that says: here I am, come and get me? Give it a whirl, you may find yourself on the right end of pretty.
• Glam.com: this MAJOR fashion destination has a beauty arm: GlamBlush. The editor, India Jewel Jackson (is this really her name?), is one to watch and follow as she takes us on a beauty journey that will inspire you to experiment more (and with better results!)
• Daily Makeover: This blog caters to girls 15-25—that tender young age where so many egos are formed. This is a great resource for news and reviews and will help any young lady find her way in those saturated (and often confusing) beauty aisles/departments…
• The Domestic Diva: This tireless woman writes all day long on Twitter. She is a ton of fun to follow and has excellent tips that will encourage you. I am not a domestic gal, (though I keep a very nice 42^nd floor apartment with a kick-ass view of Manhattan) but if I were she would be my guru.

Tomorrow FOOD!

How brands are seizing the moment to offer affordable luxury to cautious consumers.

An interesting theory that developed after World War II was that lipstick sales are an excellent way to gauge the pulse of a flat-lining consumer.  What economists found was that as the economy dipped, lipstick sales tended to rise, illustrating that to even the most fractious consumer, a small, attainable indulgence was considered necessary, a reviving jolt to the consumer’s heart. 

Not only is this a smart idea—giving consumers an entry point to an otherwise unattainable luxury brand—offering “affordable luxuries” to consumers is a necessity in today’s economy.  Ultimately, the consumer will do one of two things to squeeze a little luxury out of her diminished disposable income; she will remain a) brand-loyal, buying an item from her favorite luxury brand at the lowest price point, or she will become a b) brand-replacer, substituting a cheaper alternative for her favorite luxury brand, and the retailer runs the risk of losing her for good. 

The scenarios are endlessly fun to dream up. Brand-Loyal Scenario: While this may not be the moment for a Nanette Lepore’s gorgeous “Cheek Cheek Velvet Coat” ($635), this is certainly a time to scoop up her collection of flats for Keds, ($20-40).   Brand-Replacer Scenario: If Guerlain’s long-wearing KissKiss Laque ($28) is financially out of reach, L’Oreal’s Infallible Never Fail Lipcolour Compact ($8.39) is right on target. 

Economic woes have brands looking to capture consumers’ imaginations (and stimulus checks) with affordable luxury With our stimulus check in our hot little hands, we were prepped to hit the pavement to buy a few splurges for our upcoming Hamptons getaway until we saw M. P. Dunleavy’s article in the New York Times this weekend recommending we—gasp!—save at least 90%.  Now we are faced with the hardest question of the summer…to stimulate, or not to stimulate? To Stimulate:

From left to right:

• Orlane Paris Anti-Aging Sun Cream with SPF 30, $115.
• Hermès unbelievably cute silk “twilly” ribbons, $125.
• Tory Burch collapsible tote, $250.

Stimulus Factor? 100% stimulated. The economy will thank us.

Pondering our dilemma, we headed to our local corner store for a few unmentionables, and were—dare we say—smitten with the smoldering array of new luxury products on display.  It appears with ongoing speculation on the looming r-word, brands are upping the ante to ensure consumers look no further than their nearest corner store for luxury products that won’t break the bank.

Or Not to Stimulate (as much):

From Left to Right:

• Vichy Aqualia Thermal Lotion SPF 30 moisturizer has tons of the spa’s famous thermal minerals and 24 hour sun protection, $24.
• Goody Exotic Utopia Tropical Flora Headband – feels like a headband, looks like a scarf, $10.
• Sonia Kashuk Swirl Duffel, $40.

Stimulus Factor? Dunleavy’s recommended 10%. Our savings account will thank us.