Miss Universe Colombia, Paulina Vega, was crowned Miss Universe 2015 in Doral, Fla. on Sunday. Julián Macías, the CHI hairstylist who worked on Vega’s hair at the final, used a new range called the Miss Universe Style Illuminate Hair Care Line, which Farouk Systems launched during the competition.
   ‘Begin by spritzing the hair with Miss Universe Style Illuminate’s Set the Stage blow-dry spray for intense heat protection from damage and breakage while eliminating frizz and resisting humidity,’ he said. ‘The lightweight formulation detangles, smoothes, and softens, while dramatically decreasing blow-dry time. This is especially needed to get each contestant ready quickly for each event.
   ‘Comb through to evenly distribute and with the Miss Universe CHI Professional Hair Dryer, dry hair with your hands to remove the bulk of moisture, lifting hair at the base to provide ample volume.
   ‘When hair is still slightly damp, section the hair into four parts: top, sides, back and nape. Starting at the nape area, with a large CHI round ceramic brush, finish blow-drying by again lifting the hair at the root area. Continue to dry the rest of the section by smoothing and rounding the ends under. Continue throughout the entire head.
   ‘Next, take a medium round CHI ceramic brush and wrap larger sections throughout the head, twirling them around the brush. Give each section a blast of hot air followed by cool air to set in the curl.
   ‘When releasing each section, continue to twist as you remove the brush. By unwrapping the twirl, this helps to create those soft sultry waves.
   ‘For added curl definition and volume, the Miss Universe CHI 1¼-inch titanium curling iron was used to bump the ends under and add several more defined curls. The base was sprayed with Restage dry shampoo for added lift and texture. This will also absorb any perspiration and oils from the warm temperatures of Miami.’
   Macías concluded, ‘To finish, spray with Rock Your Crown firm hair spray for the perfect hold during quick changes while a misting of Spotlight Shine spray is needed to add shine and glisten to hair just like her crown.’
   Ulta currently retails the CHI Miss Universe Style Illuminate Line at www.ulta.com.

The Body Shop’s first official release this year is sure to make its mark on 2015 with the introduction of the scandalous Red Musk collection. A fiery statement to kick-start the New Year will surely shake the foundations of convention and tradition. Following on from the classic 1981 White Musk collection, regarded as the first fragrance with man-made cruelty-free musk, the Body Shop’s latest release is set to challenge conventions by composing a feminine fragrance which men can wear, too.
   The malleability of this scent is immediately captured within the bottle itself. A classically rounded vessel with a minimalist stopper seduces the eye with a gradual blend of tones from black to a zesty red, to a deep orange ending with a clear finish. This visualization perfectly echoes the smouldering scent within. A blend of pepper, cinnamon and tobacco teases the senses with a subtle yet spicy aroma. The pepper immediately adds a sparkling dimension introducing a sensual bite, immediately followed with the sweet yet savoury notes of the cinnamon; finally, the tobacco amplifies a mysterious allure with a smoky finish.
   This suitable combination is unusual for a fragrance specifically for women and, as a result, challenges the tradition of men’s scent as well. The interchangeability of this musk provides a feminine edge whilst soothing the masculinity of the aromas, culminating in a dynamic scent that transcends the traditional label of unisex. The campaign stresses ‘No Flowers, Only Spices’ to emphasize the significance of not merely breaking the rules but making their own.
   This scent has been perfected throughout the collection including a body lotion, fragrance mist and body wash as well as the perfume. The collection will reach stores next week, on January 26. The sensual fragrance makes it the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and the radical positioning and smouldering scent make it the ideal statement fragrance of 2015.—Elle Wright

Spark, having rebranded from Telecom New Zealand, is giving itself a fresh start in 2015 by connecting to the world of fashion. Spark Lab will host 14 free events from the fashion industry in Britomart, Auckland, hosted by the likes of Zambesi, Levi’s, Juliette Hogan, Huffer, Crane Brothers, I Love Ugly, MAC, AUT and Showroom 22.
   Spark Lab’s intent is to share creative ideas with all New Zealanders, providing them with first-hand access to mentors.
   It is open to non-customers and follows on with its Music Month from November 2014. RSVPs are open now, and the full timetable can be seen at www.spark.co.nz/sparklab.

Alexandra Wyman

Even in pouring rain, the Colgate Optic White Beauty Bar Golden Globe Experience gave fashion media, starlets and celebrities much to smile about on January 9 and 10 in Hollywood. Luminaries included Dancing with the Stars’ Cheryl Burke, Karina Smirnoff and Chelsea Kane, Christina Milian, Jennie Garth, Ross Matthews, Audrina Patridge, Jax Taylor, Gilles Marini, Aviva Drescher, Roxy Sowlaty and Adrienne Bailion. The setting itself—the Selma House at the Chateau Marmont—was very sunny and cheerful, which made sense given that Colgate’s Optic White line is supposed to empower everybody to reveal their sunny dispositions.
   To further enhance smiles, guests made appointments for hair touch-ups with Rowenta dryers and styling instruments, make-up touch-ups and polish changes from Priv (an on-demand salon services’ company), and nourishment with gourmet sandwiches, Naturade shakes, tea in Rove diffuser bottles and thermoses, and mouth-watering Chloë fruit-juice popsicles. If you got there early enough, you could also add bling to your look with modern costume jewellery from Tuleste.—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Alexandra Wyman

When Gavin Keilly calls a party, A-list celebrities and press show up, rain or shine, especially when the food is delicious, the goodies are stylish and functional, and the charities are truly doing some worthwhile things to make the world a better place. Once again, GBK’s Golden Globes’ suite took place in the ballrooms of the W Hotel Hollywood with an international array of covetable goodies and worthy causes.
   World Vision is best known for their infomercials and work to benefit children in developing countries through fundraisers and holistic community development programmes. At this event, they went above and beyond timely to present a programme that provides unusual way for groups to give back: a group- or team-building activity involving the assemblage of ebola kits for workers in stricken areas. They also offered hand-crafted tote bags from Thailand whose manufacture benefits rural communities.
   Lambda Legal continued their work advancing civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy advocacy. Yes! Beat Liver Tumors continued to get their message out about providing information, resources and support for people affected by cancer in its advanced stages. Citizen E-Cig, meanwhile, was on hand to help with the cause of encouraging people to quit smoking for the sake of the environment at large and their own personal health with their classy line of e-cigs.
   You could say the fashion offerings were quite “crafty” this go around, and not only because Artisan Group was back with some beautiful one-off pieces on display. The ladies of Samiah Fine Clothing encouraged guests to express their inner rock star through trying on their bespoke jackets and coats, and sending them on their way with hand-made brocade shoulder bags. Sledge USA was all about team spirit with its forthcoming Major League Baseball collection (I was partial to the Chicago-related gear), stunning contemporary silver and brass pieces from Westland Jewelry, a gift card from Canada-based Beyond the Rack (which allows us to select something we really want or need-genius!), empowerment-themed jewels from BraveChick.com and some Canadian-made, chic-yet-homespun hats from Canada Bliss.
   Smart items for the avid traveller included elegantly crafted totes, laptop bags and tablet cases from Solo from their upcoming spring collection, a three-night stay at Puerto Vallarta Beach Club in a private, spacious three-bedroom villa, feather-light headphones in jazzy colours from LG Electronics and the new H2V Eye-tox 3 serum from Burke Williams and a Burke Williams Advanced Eye Lift enhancement (much welcome after 18 hour-flights from abroad and red-eye flights from New York). In at-home pampering, VIPs received home spa products and soaps from Beauty Kitchen by Heather Marianna and a full set of Sheex bedding fashioned from performance fabrics.
   At this suite, nobody went home hungry, with the presence of GBK regulars Barrys Gourmet Brownies and Sabra savouries. Newcomers included Cupcake Fusion LA, a bakery known for delightful and whimsical combinations of sweet and savoury cupcakes, which was on site providing gift cards and cupcakes; kosher sweets from My Candy Basket; and Corazons Custom Catering, a family-owned Filipino business catering yummy Filipino–French snacks and gifting certificates for complimentary food tasting parties. You could wash all this good stuff down with cocktails made with Bare Organic Mixers, which are organic, low-calorie, gluten-free delights made with juice, water, and agave syrup as well as portable and potable Nuvino Wines from South Africa, Argentina, Chile and Australia.
   Pilot Pen not only offered fashionable and exceptional writing instruments, but also a chic Japanese ambiance that covered much of the GBK space, inspired by the centuries-old Japanese art of maki-e. VIPs received the Vanishing Point Fountain Pen, while all guests received FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Ink Pen 8 Pack Pouch, an entirely new kind of erasable pen that is retractable, has striking good looks and ink that is formulated to write smooth and erase cleanly.—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Winter came to southern California, and with it much needed rain and chilly air. Tents went up, covering the storeyed courtyard of the SLS Hotel, making the Secret Room Events’ Golden Globe Style Lounge an actual room filled with sponsors focused on healthy treats, sustainable and wearable style, natural products and, of course, animal activism and rescue.
   Given many celebrities are vegetarian or vegan, Farm Sanctuary had a fantastic opportunity to turn their message into a cause célèbre. This unique organization operates three shelters in New York and California providing lifelong care for nearly 1,000 rescued farm animals. While the animals are rescued from abuse and starvation, the organizers hope their practices will change the way society views and treats farm animals, and encourage compassionate vegan living.
   Hope For Paws, meanwhile, hopes to accomplish a similar mission with cats, dogs and other homeless pets throughout California, North America and elsewhere via widely circulated videos as well as encouragement of pet adoption events.
   Platinum sponsors Derma E and Big Slice were predictably a huge hit among the diverse talents in attendance. Big Slice, a family-owned company, transforms baked apples into luscious, nutritious snacks, integrating everything from tropical fruits to sesame, chocolate and other healthy indulgences into a healthy packet that goes from the kitchen to practically anywhere. Derma E bills itself as food for your skin, through a series of vitamin-rich, high-performance antioxidant skin care products that are 100 per cent vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and GMO-free.
   Other natural, and naturally appealing products for body and hair, included Younique, RX Clinical Cosmeceaticals, Body & Soul Natural Haircare, Bellivita Body and Haircare, and Ioma Paris.
   DelGrosso Foods’ pasta sauces and Heat Holders’ thermal socks provided warmth for guests on that chilly Friday while Stella Carakasi allowed VIPs to select a toasty sweater from their current winter and spring lines. There were also some nice little items perfect for the frequent fliers in the room: the B Belt, created by Nelson, New Zealand native Becky Larsen, is the perfect carry-all for women who want their hands free. The sash-like belt holds mobile phone, Ipod, money, ID or even a compact. Though the name Golden Girl may spark memories of the 1980s television show about sprightly and sassy seniors, Montreal, Canada-based Golden Girl Clothing’s jean leggings appear to be designed to flatter women of all ages and shapes.
   While Dallas-based Kathy Fielder is best known and loved for her interior design accents, she’s successfully broken into fashion, with chic faux fur vests, fabric handbags and eye-catching lace infinity scarves with a jewellery-like feel. Australian jewellery designer Jennifer Reeves, meanwhile, showed that natural stones could be as flattering and fashionable as opals and other precious gems.
   Celebrities attending included Adina Porter (True Blood), Ashley Argota (The Fosters), Jason Ritter (Parenthood), Jenji Kohan (Orange Is the New Black), Josh Brener (Silicon Valley), Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains), Mekhi Phifer (Divergent), Neil McDonough (Suits), Omar Dorsey (Selma), Beau Casper, Ronit Elkabetz and Shlomi Elkabetz (both nominated for Gett: the Trial of Viviane Amsalem).—Elyse Glickman, US West Coast Editor

Top Fragrance Du Bois presented a special fragrance set to Dr Shaikha Al Maskari in recognition of her outstanding contribution to society and receiving the Businesswoman of the Year award at the Arab Woman Awards 2014. Above HE Ameera Bin Karam and Emma Henry present the award for sport to Khadijah Mohammed.

Paris-based Fragrance Du Bois, a sponsor of the Arab Woman Awards 2014 in the UAE, presented its Oud-based fragrances to some of the women at the ceremony, it announced this week. Recipients were Dr Shaikha Al Maskari, a businesswoman who has demonstrated that a compassionate leadership style can work in engendering loyalty and commitment; and Khadijah Mohammed, the first female weightlifter to represent the Arabian Gulf region at the Olympic Games, and the first female Emirati athlete to qualify outright. At a previous ceremony in Kuwait, the company had presented an award to Farah K. Behbehani, a graphic designer.
   The Oud used in Fragrance Du Bois’s range is sourced from Asia Plantation Capital. The company says it meets international sustainable standards.
   Explaining the fit between the brand and the awards, Emma Henry, the director of Fragrance Du Bois in the Middle East, said, ‘Fragrance Du Bois is proud to be associated with women who inspire the world to achieve higher standards. We are the brand for individuals who have aspirations for a better society, and we want to continue to encourage the progress that is being made. Dr Al Maskari, Ms Mohammed and Ms Behbehani all stand out as individuals and have the leadership qualities that have improved our world. Whether by making contributions to charity, changing mindsets or opening doors, these are the people who make positive changes in the communities we live in, and they are the people who Fragrance Du Bois will always be eager to partner, in 2015 and beyond.’

A Lucire special promotion

Now that it’s summer, those nearest the South Pole have to take particular care when stepping out into the sun over the holidays. The knowledge that the ozone hole has been growing, while the ice caps melt, is not too far from everyone’s minds, especially when the weather forecast gives you “burn times”. It’s hardly relaxing when you have to time just how long you can lie down on one side while the sun beats down.
   Nivea Sun is launching a perfectly timed campaign for the upcoming days off for those lucky enough to have a summer holiday. It’s a great way to learn about how sun screen can protect your skin.
   Using an ultraviolet camera, you’re able to tell just how the sun can damage your skin. Normally, you can’t see sun screen because we want to look as natural as we can, so it appears to fade away. However, the ultraviolet camera reveals just how sun screen can protect skin: despite being invisible to the naked eye, it’s like a solid layer that coats the skin.
   Nivea’s Sun range has a wide range of products, from its Kids’ Sunscreen Spray with SPF 50 to an after-sun body lotion that helps moisturize and restore skin. Some are designed to be water-resistant for four hours for those who like to swim or even play in the ocean or the pool, while the Ultra Sport Protect Cooling Sunscreen Spray (aerosol or spray) gives protection for those in outdoor sports this summer. You should bear in mind that old sun screens are ineffective, and Nivea advises against using any that have been opened from last season.
   You can find out more from Nivea Australia’s Facebook this summer.

Post sponsored by Nivea