SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY CALLS FOR BAN ON ANIMAL TESTING

Posted by Dorene 05.16.13

The testing of cosmetics on animals has been a hot debate for years. The US allows it, but the European Union banned animal testing on finished products in 2004, and just this year, completed the process by banning the sale of cosmetic products with ingredients that were tested on animals. The EU regulators hope to set an example for other areas of the world.

Now, Sir Paul McCartney, a dedicated vegetarian (as is his daughter, designer Stella McCartney) has announced his efforts to back Cruelty Free International’s work for a global ban of cosmetic tests on animals.

“I have supported Cruelty Free International’s founding organization, the BUAV over the years with its campaign to end cosmetics testing on animals. I congratulate Cruelty Free International for succeeding in taking the cruelty out of beauty across the European Union. Together we have made a huge difference, yet animals continue to suffer because over 80% of the world still allows cosmetics testing on animals,” stated Sir Paul.

In addition to the US, other countries that permit animal testing include Australia, Korea, Japan, and India. Reportedly, China requires animal testing on all cosmetics that are sold in the country.

But that doesn’t mean that all or most products sold in those countries (except for China) have been tested on animals. Many companies, like Estee Lauder, have voluntarily phased out testing products on animals.

Sir Paul McCartney’s goal is to seek a global ban that ensures animals do not suffer for the sake of beauty anywhere in the world. He joins a roster of CFI celebrity supporters, including singer Joss Stone, and Global Ambassadors Peter Dinklage of Game of Thrones fame, and comedian Ricky Gervais.

 

HOW DO YOU DEFINE LUXURY?

Posted by Dorene 05.10.13

Have you ever dreamed about winning the lottery and fantasized about how you would spend the money? Would you buy a mansion, diamonds, yacht, or an island? Whatever your pleasure, it’s sure to include a luxury item.

But is luxury just for the very rich? Definitely not, according to the speakers at the Beauty’s Luxury Lift-Off panel, sponsored by The Fashion Group International in New York City.

Even though nearly 94% of the 18 to 34 age group is in debt, according to Laura McEwen, vice president and publisher of Self magazine, a sponsor of the event, these children of baby boomers crave the luxury experience. “They want Dior mascara, hair done by Fekkai, and are generally eager for luxury products and treatments. They’re paying attention to their appearance constantly,” she said.

“Coco Chanel believed that luxury is a necessity that starts where necessity ends,” said panelist Ava Huang, senior vice president, fragrance and skincare marketing, Chanel. “Some people think that poverty is the opposite of luxury. It’s actually vulgarity.” That said, maybe it’s time to rethink your appointment to have diamonds imbedded in your nail tips.

“Whatever the culture, throughout history, women have gone to extraordinary heights for their beauty,” said McEwen. Just think about the Victorian passion for corsets, Japanese Geisha’s use of lead-based foundation, or Cleopatra’s milk baths.

So if luxury today is not over the top indulgence, what is it? “We refer to luxury as having the Three Cs: craft, creativity, and culture,” said Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, global brand president, Aramis &Designer Fragrances, Beauty Bank and IdeaBank, The Estee Lauder Companies. For example, the Cashmere Mist fragrance from Donna Karan gained huge popularity without much marketing support, because women responded to its quality and subtle beauty.

Sometimes luxury involves an experience, not just a product. When panelist Frederic Fekkai, founder of Fekkai hair care and salons, opened his first salon, he included a café, not necessarily a moneymaker, but a warm and authentic touch.

For marketers, “luxury must come from the heart, followed by communication and collaboration,” said moderator Greg Furman, president of the Luxury Marketing Council. The brand’s goal is to include you, the shopper, as a partner in defining luxury.

Partnering with a prestige company sounds inclusive and respectful, but we’re still being marketed something. At least it will be something we love and relate to.

For many, luxury has nothing to do with acquiring objects, such as  the luxury of time, perhaps the most valuable commodity in our “gotta have it yesterday” lives. It’s interesting that going to the gym to work out is a necessity, but sleep has become a luxury.

Not merely relative, luxury is a very personal concept. But if you treat yourself to something that is not a necessity, well made, and perhaps a little scarce, you are on the right path.

SPREAD THE WORD: SKIN CANCER IS PREVENTABLE

Posted by Denise 05.05.13

Please join BeautyInTheBag and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in painting the nation orange for skin cancer awareness on Monday, May 6 – Melanoma Monday®.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. While numbers like this make a world without skin cancer seem impossible, it is within our reach. Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent. Yet, one American dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, almost every hour.

Help BeautyInTheBag spread the word and encourage others to prevent and detect skin cancer.

Here’s how to participate in SPOT Orange on Melanoma Monday® (Monday, May 6):

Wear orange and encourage others to join you.

Share a picture of you and your family, friends, or co-workers wearing orange for skin cancer. Upload a photo to www.SpotSkinCancer.org/SPOTOrange for a chance to be featured on the American Academy of Dermatology’s website, social media, or other materials.

Get social.

On Facebook: Share your photo on AAD’s Facebook timeline. Tag AAD in any SPOT orange posts (@American Academy of Dermatology).

On Twitter: Mention Melanoma Monday, tweet with your photo (@AADskin), and include the #SPOTorange hashtag.

On Pinterest: Upload your photo as a pin and use the #SPOTorange hashtag in the description.

On Instagram: Upload your photo and use the #SPOTorange hashtag in the caption.

Know your ABCDEs.

Catch melanoma early and your survival chances increase exponentially. A for asymmetry (meaning one half of a mole is different than the other half), B is for border irregularity, C for color (melanomas are uneven in color), and D is for diameter. Melanomas are thicker than non-melanomas. If any of your moles follows the ABCD pattern, see your dermatologist ASAP – www.aad.org, www.asds.net.

Schedule your annual skin cancer check-up with your dermatologist before Memorial Day. (Check here for a list of free screening locations and dates.)