Manna Kadar Cosmetics was the exclusive make-up sponsor of the 2013 LA Fashion week providing make-up for the runway shows last month. While some might think this was a daunting task (handling every show!), Manna of Manna Kadar Cosmetics takes it all in stride. This could be because of the long-wearing make-up she designed for the everyday woman. Says Manna, “The premise for the line is [that] all the items are long-wearing, double duty so once you put the make-up on, it doesn’t move, it doesn’t smudge.”
Manna got her foot in the beauty industry door at an early age as she owned seven cosmetic stores by the time she was twenty-two while attending USC. Operating cosmetics stores was the best hands-on training for her as she was able to truly test every product constructing her own analysis on what product performed well and what product didn’t. She would go on to take some time off and venture into the financial world as a banker for seven years. But her passion for beauty consumed her and she jumped right back in, acquiring a few more salons and spas. What did she gain overall from this experience? “I kind of learned both sides of the business…the combination of the two is what led to creating Manna Kadar Cosmetics,” says Manna.
AUDREY caught up with a busy Manna in between one of many shows during Fashion Week and we got the lowdown on her collaborative working process with fashion designers, one of her key products and how to achieve beauty “fabulousness” in a mere seven minutes.
Korean actress Song Hye Kyo from “That Winter, The Wind Blows” recently took some fashion photos for Korean publication High Cut. First thing we noticed? Her intense smokey eye makeup. Click on to see more of Song Hye Kyo and watch some tutorials on smokey eyes – It’s the perfect time to achieve this look for Valentines Day!
Even more products have been added to the adorable Hello Kitty cosmetics line. Don’t wait til the last minute to get yours! The new Spring 2013 Makeup collection is available exclusively and in limited edition right now at Sephora. Keep reading to get a glimpse of the new gift sets and be prepared to be overwhelmed with the cuteness.
Whitening, lightening or “brightening” cosmetics lines are just starting to take off here in the U.S.
ISSUE: Fall 2011
DEPT: Beauty Kit
STORY: Anna M. Park
Lit from within? The secret is even skintone, as seen on Ming Xi in Vera Wang.
You had a glorious, carefree summer of soaking in the sun and now you’re paying the price. The remnants of your golden tan are slowly turning into splotches, courtesy of UVA rays. “Dark spots, discoloration and uneven skin pigmentation are common problems, especially among my Asian patients,” says celeb dermatologist Jessica Wu, author of Feed Your Face. In fact, for Asian skin, it’s typically hyperpigmentation that tends to be the first sign of aging, rather than wrinkles, she says, since Asian skin tends to be thicker.
In fighting brown spots, one of the most commonly used ingredients is hydroquinone, which works “by blocking one step in the skin’s production of pigment,” says Dr. Wu. There’s been some controversy over the safety of hydroquinone (though studies have yet to link the ingredient to cancer in humans), but there are plenty of alternatives like kojic acid, arbutin and soy, which, according to Dr. Wu, has been shown to reduce discoloration in patients with darker skin tones, including Asians.
A multi-faceted approach is key in fighting hyperpigmentation, according to dermatologist Ronald Moy. He recommends retinols or salicylic acid to exfoliate skin, which leads to more rapid skin growth, and then hydroquinone or other pigment inhibitors to block the production of melanin. When over-the-counter creams fail, Dr. Moy turns to laser peels, microdermabrasion, chemical peels or intense pulsed light treatments. “The best laser for treating pigmentation on Asian skin is the long pulsed (not Q-switched) Nd:Yag laser combined with a pulsed dye laser,” he says. “It causes less trauma to Asian skin and there is not as much post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.”
While a booming industry in Asia, whitening, lightening or “brightening” lines are just starting to take off here in the U.S. “U.S. cosmetics companies have finally realized that uneven skin pigmentation, not just wrinkles, can make your complexion look older than its years,” says Dr. Wu. Here, some of our favorites.
- 1. The cheeky skincare line’s latest brightening collection inspired by their Asian customers. Benefit B.right! Radiant Skincare.
- 2. Clinically proven to even skintone in 30 days, this natural brightening system uses a superfruit complex of kakadu plum extract and Japanese unshiu peel to lighten without the usual side effects. Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening line.
- 3. The newest discovery out of Estée Lauder’s research labs is clinically proven to even skintone in two weeks and is touted to work on all ethnicities. Estée Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator.
- 4. A unique mushroom extract breaks up dark spots for prescription strength, clinically proven results without the redness. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.
- 5. Dr. Moy’s own line features a DNA repair enzyme engineered from marine sources in Iceland to encourage fresh, young cells, while a bleaching agent treats. DNA EGF Renewal DNA Intensive Renewal.
- 6. From the Korean cult beauty brand, a blend of medicinal herbs to protect from UV light and stimulate circulation. Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum.
- 7. Kiehl’s clinically proven Photo-Age line, formerly only available in Asia, is now exclusively in the U.S. at Kiehl’s Santa Anita Westfield, Arcadia, Calif. Kiehl’s Photo-Age Corrector High-Potency Spot Treatment.
- 8. With Korean ginseng and licorice, this targeted treatment works to regenerate elastin fibers and release trapped melanin in the deeper layers of the skin. AmorePacific Age Spot Brightening Pen
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is reported to have the highest amount of vitamin C in natural form. And of course, everybody knows that vitamin C is a potent ingredient in fighting free radicals and contributing to younger-, healthier-looking skin.
Anokha Amla Skin Brightening Lotion is on sale today only at AudreyShops.
Dr. Nina S. Naidu harnesses the power of this potent sour fruit in a brightening formula. Amla Skin Brightening Lotion, doesn’t lighten as so many Asian skin brightening creams claim to do, but it “brightens.” Though the product tells you that it will take some time – four to six weeks – for the magic to happen, this editor saw some pretty impressive results after just three applications. Then again, I went a little crazy and slathered several pumps’ worth all over. The lesson? A little of this potent cream goes a long way.
Get it here on AudreyShops.com
C’mon, admit it. When the thermostat outside turns up, calling for shorts and tanks, we all do the same thing – we dial down the makeup and even our skincare practices. We suddenly become too lazy to get to the third step in our three-step skincare regimen. I mean, it’s just so hot. Who wants to slather on cream after cream on top of sunscreen?
When the temperature rises, switch that cream-heavy anti-aging skincare regimen so perfect for cooler months with a lighter formula.
Laveré's Anti-Aging Hydro Lifting Serum is on sale today only.
Get it here on AudreyShops.com
I’ll admit it. I’ve never taken very good care of my eyes. I’ve yanked, pulled and rubbed my eyes with abandon all throughout my 20s and well into my 30s. I’ve stayed up late (I’m a night owl) and never worried about the state of my eyes the next morning. My excuse? I’m Asian! I’ll never have saggy, wrinkly eyes. Sadly, the day I’ve been in denial about has finally arrived. The skin around my eyes is noticeably thinner. Where I once rubbed or pulled with confidence knowing my eyelids would snap right back into place, and never turned down another glass of wine even though the hour was well past midnight, I have to be a little more careful now.
Lavere’s Anti-Aging Hydro Cool Eye Gel Roll-On on sale today only at AudreyShops.com
Get it here on AudreyShops.com
Freckles may be cute, but the effects of photoaging (sun damage) aren’t so adorable. But sometimes, life gets in the way, making it difficult to slather on a shot-glass full of sunscreen every time you go out. This editor has been guilty of making a quick run to the grocery store sans sunscreen. And while there is always the dermatologist, let’s face it, we can’t always stand to wait a whole month to get an appointment.
MCK Labs M2 Skin Recovery Moisturizer is on sale for 24 hours only.
Get it here on AudreyShops.com
It’s safe to say that over at Audrey Magazine, we get a lot of pretty cool products, sometimes months before they hit the shelves. Over the course of the eight years we’ve been publishing, I’ve seen plenty of beauty products and never have enough shelves in my bathroom to fit them all. Some products get prime shelving, right above or around the sink with constant attention. Marie Louise Cosmetics is one of those brands and the brand’s washing foam is something special.
Marie Louise's Washing Foam on sale today only at AudreyShops.
Just a couple of quick pumps yields a luscious little cloud of cleansing foam. And we’re not talking that wispy stuff you get at fancy restaurant bathrooms — this is luxurious, velvety foam that tells you it’s not only gonna wash all that dirt and makeup clean off, but it’s gonna do it with a little style and a little love. After all those no-nonsense scrubs I’ve been using lately, my skin deserves a little babying. And so does yours. Do your skin a favor and grab a bottle on sale today only at AudreyShops.
Get it here on AudreyShops.com
I woke up one morning to find a strange vision — during the night, my left eyelid had formed a deep crease giving me that eyelid fold I had so coveted throughout my impressionable years. But now, well into my 30s and happy with my looks, nothing could have been more horrid. I felt disfigured and vowed to rid this “wrinkle” form my lid. I tried every anti-aging/anti-wrinkle cream I could get my hands on, but nothing seemed to work on this crevasse on my eyelid. So I walked around with a curl of hair masking the offending crease.
Enter hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body and helps to plump up skin, temporarily smoothing wrinkles. It’s like adding a breath of air to a slightly deflated balloon. I slathered it on and woke up the next morning to find the fold neatly ironed out. Miracle upon miracles!
And so, when I learned that hyaluronic acid lay at the core of Laveré’s HYDRO Sensation Moisturizing Cream, I couldn’t wait to try. The certified all-natural, vegan moisturizer isn’t the thickest moisturizer, which makes it soak pretty quickly into skin. It just feels like its chock full of skin-tingling goodness. After just one application on a particularly dry area, my skin honestly felt totally hydrated, not to mention the little wrinkles that appeared smoother. In fact, the company says that 85 percent of 30 women in their 30s who tested the HYDRO line noticed a difference. Count me as one of them.
On sale today only at AudreyShops.com!
Get it here on AudreyShops.com
