2015 – Adamant About Beauty

Red lips make for brighter holidays

December 23, 2015April 27, 2018All, Beauty1 Comment

Champagne and red lipstick have two things in common. First, I love them both. Second, while I will indulge in both year-round, to many, these are treats reserved for the holiday season. Indeed, nothing says end of year cheer like a glass of bubbly with a bright red lip stain.

I have written about champagne in the past, so in the spirit of Christmas week, I wanted to share my, my team’s, and my sister’s favorite reds. May you find your perfect shade!

My current favorites are NARS pencils in Cruella and Dragon Girl, sometimes one layered on top of the other. Pencils are easy and these reds complement my complexion. My go-to for a glossier look is the Chanel Gloss Ultra Wear Lip Color.

Alchimie’s PR and Marketing director, Catherine, who is fair-skinned, blue-eyed, with platinum blonde hair loves Kevyn Aucoin’s Carliana and Lancôme’s Caprice.

Alchimie’s Logistics director, Anne, who has a warmer skin tone and darker blonde hair, loves Rouge Volupté Shine by Yves Saint Laurent. She applies it first in middle of her lips then finishes the shape, before adding more in the middle to have a plumping effect.

And my three sisters say the following:

Roxane is also a Nars lover. Her shade is Hot Wired. She likes to apply it with her fingers and always kisses a tissue after application to remove any excess.

Rachel loves Yves saint Laurent Rouge Vernis à Lèvres Number 9. A classic.

And finally Cyrille, who loves to be a contrarian, doesn’t do reds. Her go-to shades no matter the holidays are Bobbi Brown Bare Pink (rich lip), and Latte (creamy matte).

I could not end this without sharing the latest red gloss I came across – I have yet to use it, but love the concept. It was named after one of my favorite Alchimie partners, Jamie, owner of BrightWater, the Spa at Skin Care Institute, and created by local makeup artist Ariel Lewis. Having a red lipstick named after me might be the newest item on my bucket list!

Happy holidays to you!

Beauty View: Michelle Iannaccone, Senior National Sales Director of COOLA Suncare

December 7, 2015April 27, 2018All, Beautyviews1 Comment

One thing I particularly appreciate in the beauty industry is the ability to speak about products and ingredients to people who know what they are talking about. This is particularly true when I ask my favorite kind of questions – those that are slightly politically incorrect. At a recent industry event, I walked up to Michelle Iannaccone, Senior National Sales Director of COOLA sun care brand, and asked her if she really thought there was such as thing as 100% organic sunscreen. I know, quite the introduction… And instead of getting all defensive, she laughed, said “no,” and explained COOLA’s ingredient and marketing strategy in much detail. That’s when I decided we were going to be fast friends.

AP: What city were you born in? MI: Brooklyn, NY.

AP: What city to do you live in? MI: Irvine, CA.

AP: What is your middle name? MI:Jacqueline.

AP: What is your astrological sign? MI: Aquarius.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? MI: I have six beautiful children. My significant other Wayne has three boys, and I have a son, and twin girls. About three years ago we blended our families, and are now the Ultimate Modern Day Brady Bunch!

AP: What is your most prized possession? MI: My children. They’re what I cherish most.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? MI: Sheryl Sandberg.

AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. MI: Ultimate Target Fashionista!

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? MI: I don’t wear a watch, but strongly considering the iWatch J

AP: Diamonds or pearls? MI: Diamonds, they are a girl’s best friend!

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? MI: Hydrating! I’m a huge fan of recovery oil in the evenings, and my COOLA tinted moisturizer for daytime wear.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? MI: I love the custom fragrance blending kit by Fred Segal. I gravitate towards the Amber Vanilla, and Citrus Zent.

AP: Botox or not? MI: Personally, I’m not a fan of Botox. I do have many industry friends who are true believers, and if it’s something that will allow one to feel beautiful- then by all means go ahead!

AP: Hair color: natural or not? MI: Not!

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? MI: I’ve found that the healthiest, is smaller meals, multiple times per day. Also, always making sure to eat breakfast, even if it’s a quick banana on the go!

AP: What do you do for exercise? MI: Love Pilates, and getting ready to start Orange Theory.

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? MI: San Pellegrino, lemons, and parmesan cheese.

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? MI: I love wine and my favorite wine is Whispering Angel! (And what a name…).

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? MI: Prioritizing and time management are the key!

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? MI: 40-60,000 per year.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? MI: 1. Noise Canceling Headphones 2. OGIO travel luggage. 3. TSA pre check is the ultimate life saver!

AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. MI: 1. Hello by Adele. 2. Ex’s & Oh’s by Elle King. And 3. Toes by Zac Brown Band.

AP: What book are you reading right now? MI: Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman.

AP: Quote to live by. MI: “Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it.” Wilferd Peterson

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? MI: When someone talks while their chewing.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? MI: I wake up around 6am, and go to sleep between 10 and 11pm.

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? MI: The people: they truly are the kindest, generous, and loving group of professionals!

AP: Least favorite thing? MI: Fast food. I’ve never been a fan, and always prefer a home cooked meal.

AP: Who is your mentor? MI: My Dad; he’s the definition of strong work ethic, and dedication.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. MI: Stand out, always set yourself apart from your peers.

Gratitude

November 25, 2015April 27, 2018All, My lifeLeave a Comment

On the day before Thanksgiving, it is only to be expected that I write about gratitude. After all, that is the theme this week. A recent article from the New York Times by Arthur C. Brooks on why choosing to be grateful will make you happier helps me frame my specific thinking.

In this piece, Brooks suggests a technique that my Mother has always preached: when you are grumpy, fake-smile at yourself in the mirror and you’ll end up smiling for real. I still use this trick, and it works every single time. Brooks agrees “acting happy, regardless of feelings, coaxes one’s brain into processing emotions… this action stimulates brain activity associated with positive emotions.”

Brooks further suggests that gratitude is another technique to become happier: “Choosing to focus on good things makes you feel better than focusing on bad things.” He has three specific techniques to help with gratitude:

Practice “interior gratitude” – “the practice of giving thanks privately.” I try to do this every day when I wake up, with a deadline of by 10 am as sometimes I lack inspiration at 5 am. Today, I am grateful for the beautiful fall crisp weather, the crunch of the fallen leaves under my feet, and the bright blue sky.
Practice “exterior gratitude, which focuses on public expression.” This morning, I am grateful for sharing the morning with my brother (in law) Michael, discussing life, family, politics, and high school football. Thank you Michael for starting your day with me.
“Be grateful for useless things.” Brooks says that while it is easy to be grateful for the “most important and obvious parts of life” (my husband, my family, my health), it is powerful to find gratitude in “insignificant trifles.” I love this idea. And today, my insignificant trifle is the sound of the chirping birds.

I recommit to practicing gratitude, daily. It is good for my heart, my soul, my happiness. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

“Everything in moderation. Except champagne.” And other wisdom from Michelle Olsen, VP Brand Development, BeautyDNA

November 11, 2015April 27, 2018All, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

While I often wonder what “having it all” means, I do once in a while cross paths with people who embody this idea- most recently, Michelle Olsen, Vice President Brand Development, BeautyDNA. She has a successful career in the beauty industry, working with Dermstore from early on and now with BeautyDNA; she is happily married to a great guy named David, also formerly of Dermstore and now working with Net-A-Porter . She has three beautiful daughters. And she looks like what I always thought was the perfect depiction of a southern California woman: blonde, fit, heart-warming all-American smile. We caught up recently for breakfast in New York City, and she shared some of her secrets. My favorite? “Everything in moderation. Except champagne.” Given the recently reported health benefits of champagne, this is advice worth following!

AP: What city were you born in? MO: San Pedro, CA.

AP: What city to do you live in? MO: Mahwah, NJ.

AP: What is your middle name? MO: Nizich, my maiden name. I had my former middle name Briana changed after I was married.

AP: What is your astrological sign? MO: Cancer.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? MO: My sister, Devon and I have the same exact feet. It sounds weird, but we both have really large big toes. My left one is named Bertha.

AP: What is your most prized possession? MO: My family.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? MO: My dad’s mother, who passed away when I was very young. I would love to have a conversation with her as an adult.

AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. MO: Feminine, classic, practical.

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? MO: Sometimes. Usually Shinola.

AP: Diamonds or pearls? MO: Diamonds.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? MO: I believe you attract what you put in the universe so stay positive.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? MO: Liaisons Dangereuses, Kilian and Joya, Composition No. 6.

AP: Botox or not? MO: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so it’s an individual decision.

AP: Hair color: natural or not? MO: Not, but I’m trying to achieve my formerly natural color. David at Artists and Architects Salon in Ridgewood, NJ is incredible.

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? MO: Everything in moderation, except champagne.

AP: What do you do for exercise? MO: I love the Fitness Barre in Waldwick, NJ. Robin is the BEST!

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? MO: Milk, bacon and eggs. We get a weekly delivery from a milk co-op to make sure those basics are always stocked. It saves time and I like that it comes straight from the farm.

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? MO: A Ketel One martini, extra dirty.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? MO: My motto is one day at a time. I try to stay present and focused on the most import priority each day and it usually varies by day.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? MO: It’s slowed down a bit. Probably about 30k now, but at my previous job I was commuting to LA. It was brutal, but I do miss executive platinum status and staying with my family out there.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? MO: 1. Try on complete outfits and make sure you love them before you pack. You’ll end up packing less and loving what you wear. 2. Always pack an eye mask, warm socks, earphones and a scarf in your purse or carry on. There is nothing worse than being too cold on a plane. 3. Do the TSA precheck screening — it’s worth the $100. Or don’t, that line keeps getting longer.

AP: 3 songs on your iPod right now. MO: Downtown – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Can’t Feel My Face – The Weekend, and I’m embarrassed to admit it but Sorry, Justin Bieber.

AP: What book are you reading right now? MO: Hating Women, Shmuley Boteach.

AP: Quote to live by. MO: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better, and your better is best.” St. Jerome.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? MO: Group think and chronic negativity.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? MO: 6:00 or 6:30am. I try for eight but usually end up getting around seven hours.

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? MO: The products. I’m a beauty junkie at heart and can appreciate all the elements involved in product development and bringing an idea to life.

AP: Least favorite thing. MO: The shift in social media and the increasing pressure teens feel to be perfect and beautiful. Since I have three young daughters, I’m curious to know the proper amount of exposure.

AP: Who is your mentor? MO: My mentor is Rose, who was my boss when I was in college. She taught me about integrity, work ethic and loyalty.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. MO: Be mindful. Be kind. Be courageous. Be flexible. Be on time. Be honest.

Let's stop glorifying busyness…

October 31, 2015April 27, 2018All, My life1 Comment

It is just after 9:30 am on Saturday morning and I am on yet another plane, headed to yet another conference. This is my fourth weekend working in a row. The last time I had a day off was October 4^th, 27 days ago.

I say this not to complain. Actually, in a sick way, I can’t help but say this with a little bit of pride. If I am totally honest with myself, it makes me feel important, like I have a big job, like I have things to do and people to see. Being busy has become a status symbol. This is the glorification of “busy.”

We are busy. All the statistics tell the same story: we work more than we used to, remain connected to work even during off-work hours, and don’t take our allotted vacation time. But busy does not equate productive. And busy does not mean I am working on the right things. Busy just means busy. I have tried to strike the word “busy” from my vocabulary, and am a bit at a loss as to how to answer the question “how is work?” (challenging? great? stressful? stimulating? inspiring? overwhelming?…).

The worship of busyness means we have lost our appreciation for downtime, me-time, doing-nothing-time. This morning I was reminded of the importance of giving my mind a break by an article by Susan Gregory Thomas in More Magazine (November 2015). The author quotes various neuroscientists praising downtime:

“Without downtime, the brain cannot learn from experience.”
“Spending quality time alone also positively affects how you handle your job. The benefits include … higher engagement at work.”
“The brain at rest is actually restocking its reserves of attention and motivation, productivity and creativity.”

A good reminder to let my brain wander, to day dream, to think. And as Gregory Thomas explains, downtime does not have to be meditation. Downtime can be folding laundry, gardening, in my case traveling, whether waiting to board or flying. “If you approach these chores as must-do tasks, your brain will probably translate them as stressful. But allow your mind to wander (and wonder) as you’re doing even ordinary activities, and you will experience them as relaxing.” Perception is reality… and I am about to enjoy some downtime high up in the skies.

“Find your tribe and love them hard,” and other wisdom from Ali Yanez, Director of Education, Aveda

October 26, 2015April 27, 2018All, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

New York City in the fall is fabulous, in particular during the weekend of Intercoiffure’s Fall Atelier , which is the perfect occasion to connect with old industry friends and make new ones. Fancy running in to Ali Yanez here, the Director of Education for Aveda. I met her a number of years ago when she was heading operations for LifeTime, and have loved her ever since. She is petite, perfect, fierce, and fascinating. We caught up over a glass of wine last night…

AP: What city were you born in? AY: Minneapolis, MN.

AP: What city to do you live in? AY: Golden Valley, MN, 5 minutes from Minni. (The weather has not driven me away).

AP: What is your middle name? AY: Marie. And my real name is actually Alexandra. My family always called me Alex and then I got the nickname Ali in preschool – there were three Alexs in my class, and the other two were boys.

AP: What is your astrological sign? AY: Virgo.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? AY: I speak Spanish, people are always surprised at hearing a blondie speak Spanish. Also, I am a tap dancer – a really good one!

AP: What is your most prized possession? AY: My family, namely my husband and my two girls (2 and 8 years old).

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? AY: Mother Theresa. I think she was an amazing giver and I have wanted to meet her ever since I was a little girl. She has taught me that care should be at the root of everything that we do.

AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. AY: Classic. Trendy. Upscale.

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? AY: Yes. I have many. My TAG is my favorite but I tend not to travel with it.

AP: Diamonds or pearls? AY: Diamonds.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? AY: Confidence.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? AY: Aveda Chakra #2.

AP: Botox or not? AY: Botox is in the eye of the beholder.

AP: Hair color: natural or not? AY: Not. I have been coloring my hair since age 10, and I have tried pretty much all colors!

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? AY: Everything in moderation.

AP: What do you do for exercise? AY: Group fitness classes and lifting heavy weights – I love lifting heavy weights. I try to exercise seven days per week…

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? AY: Eggs. Almond milk (for smoothies). Coffee creamer (for coffee).

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? AY: Titos and soda with both lemon and lime.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? AY: Love what you do. And then balance is not even a question.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? AY: I am in the field a lot and I fly every other week, for shows, for market tours, for education. I probably fly between 75,000-100,000 miles per year.

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? AY: 1. When traveling short tips, I use my contact lens case to create travel sizes of my favorite beauty products. 2. I pack dry shampoo to I don’t have to pack hot tools. 3. I always travel with protein bars.

AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. AY: Ellie Goulding On My Mind; Fergie, LA Love; and Sims, Pay No Mind.

AP: What book are you reading right now? AY: I just finished Gangland by Jerry Langton . It is about gangsters in Mexico. I am obsessed with the cartels in Mexico and totally fascinated by their operations. It is insane how they control everything and anything that happens in Mexico.

AP: Quote to live by. AY: Let your inner badass run the show. Find your tribe and love them hard.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? AY: I have more than one! I hate knuckle cracking. I hate long nails and unkempt nails. And it really bothers me when people chew with their mouth open.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? AY: I usually wake up around 5 am and I try to sleep at least six hours. I have to workout in the morning.

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? AY: The people.

AP: Least favorite thing. AY: The people. Ha ha.

AP: Who is your mentor? AY: The technical team members I have worked with and our customers are my mentors. They have taught me everything I know about our industry. If you listen to them and meet their needs, everything becomes easy.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. AY: Work hard. Take any and all opportunity that is in front of you. Exceed every expectation. Always do more than what you are expected to do. When I worked the front desk, I didn’t just work the front desk. I swept hair, I made sure the stations and salon looked great, and more. Finally, do what you love, find your passion. The rest will follow.