Full Metal Fashion

Most people don’t think of fashion when they hear the words “heavy metal.” However, you wouldn’t know it if you took a page from this fall’s hottest designers. From coppery sequined coats to gilded evening gowns, this season’s full metal trend is fast proving that—at least as far as the fashion world is concerned—everything that glitters is gold.

The first page of Diane Von Furstenberg’s Fall 2010 catalog says it all. The model in a metallic tweed blazer. The gold link charm bracelet. The attitude. Of course, DVF isn’t the only fashion maven on a heavy metal kick—labels from BCBG to Armani Prive have each added their own trendsetting interpretations to the mix.

What separates this elegant-yet-edgy look from the monochrome mash-ups of the late 70s and early 80s? Dimension. Thanks to advances in fiber technology, textile manufacturers are now able to gracefully interweave synthetic metallic elements into natural fabrics and blends. The result is a more refined look that favors tasteful, multi-textural embellishments over the one-tone geometric blocks of yore.

Of course, no metallic ensemble would be complete without a dazzling makeup look to match. Enter Pür Minerals’ Earthly Treasures collection. Reading the runway atmosphere like a book, Pür has created the perfect color complement in precious metal hues of sun-kissed bronze and copper clay. Again, texture takes center stage, with masterfully balanced, multidimensional looks for eyes and lips—proof that this season, beauty favors the bold.

Eat for a Healthy Complexion

We’ve all heard the age-old adage “you are what you eat”—that folksy caveat about the impact of dietary choices on the body. But could this kernel of conventional wisdom also apply to the skin? According to skin care experts who view the skin as the body’s largest organ (you read correctly), the answer is a resounding “yes”. So, is it possible to eat your way to fewer lines or blemishes? Maybe not entirely, but you can certainly give your skin a push in the right direction. Here’s a look at the top skin smart contenders vying for a spot in your shopping list.

Avocado
A powerhouse of vitamins and monounsaturated fats—the “good” fat shown to help lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol—avocados help nourish the body’s cells and prevent moisture loss. For your skin, that translates to healthy hydration, which can mean fewer visible lines and wrinkles down the road.

Salmon
Salmon is a dieter favorite for a reason—it’s one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids on earth. Omega-3s have been shown to boost brain function, lower triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol levels and enhance immunity. In the skin, omega-3s help lock in moisture and may even aid recovery from UV exposure, according to recent studies.

Beans
Good news for vegetarians and chili fans—the legumes you love also love your skin. (Try saying that five times real fast.) Rich in isoflavones—powerful antioxidants—beans help ward off the free radical damage largely blamed for the appearance of premature lines and wrinkles.

Grapes
Another skin care favorite, grapes—along with blueberries and pomegranates—are an excellent source of antioxidants known as polyphenols. Like isoflavones, polyphenols help fight damaging free radicals in the body and skin. However, this berry-bound antioxidant may also help improve elasticity in the skin by nourishing strong collagen.

Introducing the iPür Beauty App!

Ever wanted to try a shadow or lipstick but the closest beauty store wasn’t close enough? With the iPür Beauty App, you can! Sample new shades or mix and match different products for a whole new look—anywhere, any time.

The first handheld application of its kind, iPür Beauty turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a virtual makeup studio with you in the model’s chair. Simply take or upload a photo of yourself (or choose a model from our gallery) and choose the products you want to apply—iPür Beauty’s facial recognition software will keep your application flawless.

Layer on the colors and increase the intensity to dial up the drama. Share with friends on Facebook or locate the nearest retailer to bring your look to life. Giving yourself a makeover has never been easier!

Download the iPür Beauty App today!

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch. Requires iOS 4.0 or later.

Summer (in the Nude)

Summer is in full swing, and even though most people here in the ATL are complaining about the heat, I love this season. It is my favorite time of year by far. Maybe I’m just used to the temperature and humidity, since I’ve lived here most my life, but the thick, warm air feels great to me, like the atmosphere is a down comforter wrapped around me. It may flatten my hair a smidge, but I’ll still take it over winter!

My skin always looks and feels great at this time of year, with a healthy glow, and I become a cosmetic nudist, especially on the weekends. It’s like a vacation for my face after a long week of work and eyeliner (though I wear a lot less make-up at work this time of year, too). It’s therapeutic to waltz about with a naked face, knowing without all the bells and whistles I still look and feel wonderful.  The humidity, outdoor activities and extra do-it-yourself projects make applying all those lovely colors seem pointless. They will just melt away in the heat of the day.

While I claim to be a cosmetic nudist, that doesn’t mean I have nothing on my face. I still have  to protect and care for my skin, especially if I want it to look and feel this good in the future. I   wear a moisturizer with SPF, like Day Complex, and if I’m going to be out in the sun, I most definitely use a sunscreen. If I do have a blemish or two, or if I just want to lock-in the moisture and reduce shine, I’ll use a powder brush to lightly dust a fine layer of 4-in-1 on my  face. The stuff is just too great not to use, even on a naked day.  A carefree look can be empowering and fun, but remember to take care of that skin you’re in. A fresh face is beautiful, but sun damage and dry skin can spoil this simple pleasure. 

Limited-Time Offer: 4-in-1 BOGO!

From now until August 9, when you buy any shade of our award-winning 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup, you can get two for the price of one! (Offer includes 4-in-1 Split Pans.) Stock up on your all-in-one SPF foundation, concealer and finishing powder or share the beauty with a friend.  Does your skin tone change in the summer? Get a 4-in-1 to match or custom blend your own shade for complexion perfection with our split pans. Act now for this incredible offer!

Use code BOGO or SPLITBOGO to redeem offer.

Don’t forget the Chisel Brush! Simply dip into the powder, draw circles on the lid of the compact and dust onto your skin for a flawless complexion. Looking for lighter coverage with a sheer finish? Try the Powder Brush instead. 

Eyes that Defy Time

Body language experts know that the best way to smoke out a lie is to follow the fibber’s eyes. Avoid direct eye contact and odds are you’ve got something to hide. However, you don’t have to be a detective to tell if someone’s lying about their age. The thinnest place on the skin, the delicate eye area is where the first signs of aging appear. However, with a little prevention and some serious skin fitness, you can shape up your eyes enough to fool even the toughest examination.

Sun Safety First

Dermatologists know that the sun is the single biggest cause of premature aging. This makes regular SPF protection essential, especially when it comes to the vulnerable eye area. Keep eye lines and wrinkles at bay with an age-defying SPF moisturizer like Day Complex SPF 20. This peptide-rich formula not only keeps skin sun safe, but also combats the effects of lost collagen, which can leave eyes looking hollow or stressed. Be sure to apply each morning, under your eyes and just below your eyebrows.

Eye Serum Smarts

Because under eye skin has relatively few sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, it can easily dry with age. While compensating with a heavy eye cream would seem logical, over-hydrating can actually cause puffiness, trading one problem for another. Steer clear of thick moisturizers and opt for a lightweight serum like Tone Up instead. A clinically tested powerhouse of emollients and antioxidants, this all-in-one skin fitness formula is the pür solution for puffy eyes, dark circles and crow’s feet.