The Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Blog

We are so excited about the new NARS Summer 2011 Collection! It is a range of warm, sophisticated, shimmering shades, punctuated with shots of vivid, nature-defying color.

Eyes are washed in the NEW Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow in cool sea form, silver-green sheen and turquoise.

Eyeshadow in Cap Ferrat Trio

Lips are infused with Wonder Lip Gloss, mandarin glazed with gold and Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick in hot, hot pink.

Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage

Francois Nars discusses his new Summer ’11 Collection:

Is there any makeup you would avoid when creating a summer look?
“There are no rules when it comes to seasonal makeup looks! When the temperatures rise, experiment with bright hues, and lighter textures. I love the way bold colors pop against bronzed skin.”

What products should a woman never be without this summer?
“Cap Ferrat Trio Eyeshadow! It’s subtle, but sexy, and gives you a season’s worth of eye looks. Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick is also great –the hot pink color is so fresh and the matte texture isunexpected for summer.”

When creating each campaign, what are you trying to achieve?
“I keep the image of NARS strong, edgy and fashion-forward, but still classic. NARS is a timeless brand. It is not a fashion moment that disappears. We keep the image ageless for a reason. I like trends but you can’t build a company on trends alone. The brand should be everlasting.” 

We got our hands on some exclusive photos from the NARS Summer 2011 Campaign Shoot. Check out the behind-the-scenes pics below.

NARS Summer 2011 Campaign Shoot

NARS Summer 2011 Campaign Shoot

Perricone MD’s newest anti-ageing revolution is here – Acyl-Glutathione. Dubbed ‘The Crease Cure’, this ground-breaking discovery dramatically reduces the appearances of creases, visibly improves papery-thin skin texture and helps restore the natural radiance of youthful-looking skin.

Here, Dr Nicholas Perricone discusses the breakthrough that is Glutathione and explains why this is such an exciting new discovery for skincare.

“Perricone readers know that I am a huge fan of glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant. Glutathione is a tripeptide (a molecule composed of three amino acids) and is the most abundant and important antioxidant protective system in our cells. It is critical in the cell’s defense against inflammation-generating free radicals and oxidative stress, because whenever a cell is under severe oxidative stress, it is glutathione that comes to the rescue. 

Glutathione constitutes a critical part of our antioxidant defense system. It is also an important detoxifying agent, enabling the body to eliminate toxins and poisons providing protection against chemicals that promote cell transformation or cell death. It regulates and regenerates our immune cells. People with chronic illnesses such as AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune diseases generally have very low levels of glutathione. 

Glutathione also protects enzyme proteins that inhibit collagen-digesting enzymes that cause damage to the skin, leading to wrinkles, or in the area of acne lesions, leading to scars. 

It is almost impossible to overstate glutathione’s importance as the body’s primary antioxidant defense system. It is required for the smooth functioning of all cells. It is involved in protein synthesis, amino acid transport, and in the recycling of other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10, assisting their function in protecting the cell.

Unfortunately, glutathione levels decrease as we age. Fortunately, there are some foods and nutritional supplements that can help boost levels.

Glutathione Boosters:

Cinnamon, Rhodila Rosea – A study that particularly piqued my interest, Antioxidative effects of Cinnamomi cassiae and Rhodiola rosea extracts in liver of diabetic mice, examined the effects of cinnamon and Rhodiola rosea extracts on blood sugar, lipid peroxidation (the breaking down of fats to form more free radicals), glutathione levels and the activity of the antioxidant in the livers of mice. Researchers found that cinnamon and Rhodiola rosea extracts significantly lowered blood sugar. At the same time this combination increased levels of glutathione.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – Alpha lipoic acid (ALA), is of major importance in boosting cellular levels of glutathione.

N-acetyl cysteine – N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is another strategy for providing glutathione to the cell and giving additional protection to the mitochondria is by providing precursors that are needed for the formation of glutathione. One very important precursor is a slightly modified amino acid known as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). N-acetyl cysteine is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine.NAC contains a sulfur group known as a thiol, and it is the thiol that gives this amino acid its antioxidant effects. The cysteine portion of NAC is one of the three peptides that make up the glutathione molecule and by providing this building block, more glutathione is produced. In combination with two other amino acids, glutamine and glycine, N-acetyl cysteine promotes the synthesis of glutathione in the liver. Both N-acetyl cysteine and alpha lipoic acid, when administered together, work synergistically to elevate levels of glutathione in the cell.

Milk Thistle – Milk Thistle protects the liver from depletion of glutathione

Foods to Boost Glutathione

We can also boost levels of glutathione via the foods we eat. Some of the best foods for this purpose include the following:

Avocado, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Peaches, Spinach, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Walnuts, Spices that boost levels include the aforementioned cinnamon, as well as cardamom and curcumin (found in turmeric).

I strongly recommend adding these supplements and enjoying these delicious foods on a regular basis to keep this critically important antioxidant at optimum levels,” Dr Nicholas Perricone.

Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione

Shop Perricone MD’s new Acyl-Glutathione here.

Dr Gross is one of New York’s top dermatological surgeons and his signature clinic treatment dubbed, ‘The Park Avenue Peel’, is the hottest treatment in town. All of his skincare is multi-functional, made with medical-grade ingredients and designed to bring his in-clinic procedures to the home. Here we go one-on-one with the doctor himself in a series of exclusive interviews, covering a range of skin-centric topics – from the philosophy of DG Skincare, to the difference between a manual and chemical peel.

Our NYC Correspondent visited Dr Perricone’s Madison Ave Flagship store and sat down with  Sales Director Kella England to learn more about the brand…

Mecca: For those who are new to Perricone MD, can you tell us about your brand philosophy?

Kella: An anti-inflammatory lifestyle supports Inner health which results in outer beauty and radiant skin.  There is fullness to the brand, beyond just products; we encourage the process of discovery that ultimately improves our clients’ health, skin and quality of life.  Inflammation accelerates the aging process – Inflammation is the enemy..  Inflammation by definition is part of a complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.  Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process.  While Inflammation at the cellular level is a natural process, it is also triggered by external factors, such as exposure to UV radiation, eating a pro-inflammatory diet, stress, alcohol, smoking, etc.   Dr. Perricone found through his research that cellular inflammation is age-accelerating and is also the greatest precipitator of age-related diseases.

M: What is the ‘three-tiered’ approach?

K: Eating an Anti-inflammatory diet – rich in antioxidants which act as natural anti-inflammatories.  High in protein, bright colored fruits and vegetables, good carbohydrates (those low on the glycemic scale), moderate dairy & very limited refined sugar.  Lots of cold water fish – rich is omegas….  Dr Perricone is often referred to as “the Salmon doctor”…  Remember the saying – you are what you eat…
- Taking Nutriceutical supplements – rich in antioxidants which as natural anti-inflammatories.  Obviously when it comes to obtaining the micronutrients your body needs, your best possible source is food, especially bright colored fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, good carbohydrates as mentioned above – circumstances may prevent one from eating optimally every day. The main reasons we recommend supplements are for insurance against gaps in ones diet.
- Anti-aging topical treatments – also rich in antioxidants which as natural anti-inflammatories.   Patented, proven skincare formulated with powerful antioxidants to effectively help correct the visible signs of aging; delivering the look of supple, youthful skin.

M: What is the brain-beauty connection?

K: Before we are born, when we are in an embryonic state, the layer of cells that eventually develop into skin are also responsible for making brain cells. Therefore, what is healthy for the skin is also important to the brain – what is harmful to the skin is also detrimental to the brain.   After all Dr. Perricone did begin his medical studies in pediatrics.
A perfect example of this is a low-fat or non-fat diet. It has been shown that a lack of essential fatty acids and the proper fats leads to dull and wrinkled skin. In addition, a deficiency of such essential fats results in lowered brain function and depressed mood.  The brain needs healthy fats to function – the skin needs healthy fats to help maintain its smoothness & suppleness.

M: Australian skincare concerns differ to those in the US – especially in terms of sun damage and pigmentation.

K: First and foremost – use sunscreen daily and from an early age…  It is easier to prevent sun damage than correct the effects of sun damage.  Secondly; there are some very promising results in lessening the signs of pigmentation with natural therapies such as pycnogenol; a natural plant extract originating from the bark of the French maritime pine tree.  Pycnogeenol – an anti-oxidant; acts as a natural anti-inflammatory & inflammation is a key factor in a majority of skin problems.  Applying Pycnogenol topically helps to inhibit melanogenesis, the production of the pigment melanin, responsible for skin color) and lowers skin pigmentation intensity so that skin is a more even toned.

M: How does Perricone MD translate for the Australian customer?

K: Any type of sunburn is inflammation.  Our entire range is chock full of antioxidants which are key to bringing down this inflammation; whether visible or subclinical.  Sun exposure is the obvious threat to the folks of Australia – but others are smoking, environmental toxins, poor diet, excess alcohol consumption, stress, lack of sleep.  So while you may be able to only do so much about the sun exposure; you can personally commit to helping to slowing the aging process by keeping all the other threats at bay.  Also taking supplements can help from The Inside Out. Vitamin C & Vitamin E are both helpful in protecting the body against the free radical epidermal attack generated by sunlight.  Also  Alpha Lipoic Acid when taken internally helps the body to regenerate other protective antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, glutathione and coenzyme q10.  Did you know that Dr. Perricone carries around a photo of the Alpha Lipoic Acid molecule in his wallet?  It’s true!!
M: What are the key products to help fight these concerns?

K: To combat the effects of the inflammation caused by intense sun; supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid are helpful from The Inside Out.  Using topical products formulated with active levels of Vitamin C Esther, Toccotrionols, Alpha Lipoic Acid & Pycnogenol are beneficial for prevention as well as correction of sun damage.

M: What do you love most about living in NYC?
K: The diversity and selection….  The diversity of people, ethnicity, & culture is one of the things I love about the “Big Apple” – this diversity leads to a huge selection of fun things to do.  From plays, events, restaurants, live music & entertainment venues.  Always something different & new..

M: Favourite spot in NYC for Coffee?

K: Nespresso – right down the Avenue..  761 Madison Avenue.  Nespresso is a European company that was first with the  premium pre-portioned coffee (think Kurig).  Their Flagship location is one block away from our Flagship location.  Nespresso is a dynamic yet comfortable, welcoming place to relax alone, or meet up with friends.   While it is a full-service espresso bar they also serve an amazing tea it’s called Special T. and the green tea is my fav.  In keeping with the anti-inflammatory lifestyle – coffee is frowned upon due to its inflammatory effects and increasing cortisol levels.  Also Nespresso kinda feels a bit like “home” as their corporate folks visited the Perricone Flagship in ’05 soon after we opened & they liked the design, décor and vibe of our Flagship so they used the same architect, design firm & builder that we did!

M: For Dinner?

K: Definitely Home Restaurant in the West Village.  Home is a cozy 30-seat restaurant with a hidden romantic heated garden patio; shh.. don’t tell anybody…  A true farm-to-table menu selection – fresh, fresh, fresh…  Sunday brunch on the patio is an amazing experience. Patio, serving seasonal American food, fine wine

M: For Relaxation?

K: This is also Home….  We NYers work hard & play hard; so when that special relaxation time is needed – there is no place like home.  Or maybe for a fab relaxing massage – try Eastside Massage Therapy for their Thai massage.   You will be in relaxation nirvana when it’s over – then go home!!

M: If we were to do one thing to better our skin, what would it be?

K: Drink lots of water….  Dr. Perricone recommends 8 – 10 glasses of water daily.  All biological function takes place in the presence of water.  Drink up!  Make it fun; drink out of a fabulous crystal wine glass.  Fun-it-up with a bit of color w/ SuperBerry – chock full of antioxidants.  Iced green tea is also a great source of water.  And no; coffee doesn’t count…  Oh yes; and wear sunscreen…  I guess that is two; right?  Can’t possible drill down to one..sorry..  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…

M: What inspired you to get into skincare?

K: I had been in the beauty industry for many years.  In 2000 I met Dr. Perricone at a casual dinner party with friends and at the end of the dinner I had 2 revelations.. 1.  This doctor is really onto something – radiant beauty, great skin & good health from within….  From The Inside Out…  Not just product but a “lifestyle”.   I had never had that paradigm opened up for me & my shift in thinking began.  2.  I had to go work for this man.

M: In terms of ingredients in skincare, what is the next big thing we need to know about?

K: Dr. Perricone has unlocked a new molecule – Acyl-Glutathione along with a patented delivery system.
Acyl-Glutathione is a molecule that replenishes glutathione levels. Also a master antioxidant that is key in reducing oxidative stress and protecting individual cells and tissues from free radicals.  Acyl-Glutathione is also known to enhance healthy growth and activity of immune cells needed for disease resistance and immune protection.     Glutathione is present in our bodies though rapidly depletes with age, stress, the environment and less than optimal health; its replenishment is critical to help skin’s defense against accelerated skin aging. Low Glutathione levels show up on the skin in the way of fatigue, dullness, severe loss of elasticity, deep wrinkles, extreme dehydration, and uneven skin texture.  I remember once being at a dermatology conference many years ago and a colleague of Dr. Perricone’s said that the next big thing in skin care would be a penetratable glutathione technology.  Well now we have it…  Isolating the molecule and housing it in an absorbable composition has been the challenge.

M: If you had to select just one, what is your favourite Perricone product?

K: Advanced Face Firming Activator – it’s been my favorite since 2000.  It is a HERO product of ours and while I use a lot of other products in our range; with great success – I am hard-pressed to leave home without my AFFA; as we fondly have nicknamed it.  No matter what you use; no matter the regimen, no matter the skin concern this product can be added into the mix easily and for everyone.  Try AFFA and you will be also be hooked.  A visible improvement is seen within days…  An evened tone, smoother texture, and just enough lifting – Tightened & toned; that is the way we like it; right?

M: What can we expect from Perricone MD in 2011?

K: You certainly can expect continued research by Dr. Perricone for revolutionary technologies and ingredients in the skincare field.  A self tanner called No Sun Tanner is in the works.  Perhaps even a sensitive skin range of products.  And hmmm; might our world be filled with a bit of color?    I’m just saying……without saying…

Whether she’s backstage at a runway show, or living it up at an after party, Nars’ twitterer – the @NARSissist is NYC’s hottest girl about town. And we don’t even know her real name! Tweeting from within the ranks of Nars‘ PR department, she brings us the ultimate insider look into a world of beauty, fashion and fun – all in the Big Apple. We went one-on-one with her (via correspondence of course, to hide her identity) to see if we could learn more…

Mecca: How did you score the role of being official NARSissist Twitterer?

NARSissist: When we created NARSissist, we knew she had to be the eyes and ears of the brand… Since the PR department has access to all facets of the brand, it was only natural that the person who tweets be in our department.

M: Why all the secrecy? Do you think it is important to keep your identity anonymous?

N: I think part of the fun of NARSissist, is that I am anonymous. Also, it’s easier to get insider details at Fashion Week and other events if no one knows who I am!

M: What is the funniest/oddest thing you’ve heard/seen backstage?

N: I love to see when models are too consumed with eating to get their hair and makeup done.

M: What is the strangest place you have ever tweeted from?

N: While at the spa – I was mid-body treatment and to pass the time, I tweeted!

M: We know we probably can’t convince you to unveil your identity…. Can we have a clue?

N: That would spoil the fun! But there is a pretty good chance you can find me in the Barney’s shoe department on a Saturday afternoon feeding my shoe addiction.

M: How do you portray the NARS personality in your tweets? Is there a specific NARSissist ‘voice’?

N: I try to follow my instinct and have fun. After all, that is François’ motto when it comes to makeup, and I think it holds true to tweeting.

M: You get to follow the NARS team around backstage at fashion shows… Can you describe the atmosphere backstage for all of us who are stuck ‘front-of-house’?

N: Chaotic and fun! The energy is contagious There are sometimes heated arguments over who gets a model first, hair or makeup– but everyone has the same goal, to get the models out looking flawless and on-time!

M: You clearly have the inside scoop, so we have to ask…. What is it like working side by side with Francois? What is he really like?

N: He is very charismatic– even if I didn’t work at NARS I would want to be friends with him. Not to mention he is a true genius, who knows what he wants, goes after it and always gets it.

M: We imagine that after a successful show there must be after-parties, and after-after parties. What is your best post-show-party memory?

N: Besides taking my Louboutins off? The Marc Jacobs after party is always an entertaining cast of characters, dancing on tables and perhaps a few too many cocktails. This year’s party was decorated for Valentine’s Day with large hearts that said “Make Love Not Mistakes.”

M: What’s the craziest place you’ve ever gone while following the NARS teams?

N: Every day is a new adventure, but I’d say going to the Marc Jacobs hair and makeup test before each runway show. Who needs Saturday date night when I get to be a fly on the wall until the wee hours of the night – sometimes as late as 3am!

M: What Nars product is the twitter-verse a buzz with at the moment?

N: The Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils! They are so easy to use and a big hit with celebrities.

M: What is the hippest restaurant/bar for the fashion crowd in NYC at the moment?

N: The Standard Grill or the Lion. Both have delicious food, perfect cocktails and great ambiance.

M: Where can the fashion crowd be found after hours?

N: The Boom Boom Room or Le Baron at Le Bain.

M: For a non-NYC local, what are your tips for shopping your way around the Big Apple?

N: Be quick! There is a lot of ground to cover! If you only have time for one shopping excursion, you must visit Bleecker Street in the West Village. It is the perfect mix of chic stores, not to mention home to the NARS boutique!

M: What are your predictions for what is going to be big this season in beauty and fashion?

N: François has taught me that I shouldn’t be limited by trends, after all there are no rules when it comes to makeup. But as the temperatures rise, I am looking forward to wearing bright colors, like the new Carthage Pure Matte Lipstick, a hot pink hue (coming soon to Mecca).

M: If you were a Nars product, which one would you be and why?

N: Belle De Jour Lipstick – I secretly want to be Catherine Deneuve and the film that the lipstick is named after is one her best!

M: What is your #1 Nars pick for the Mecca Beauty Elections?

N: I love them all! But NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is a must.

M: Who are you following on twitter right now?

N: @ThakoonNY, @BarneysNY, @standardny, @evachen, @TheLSD, @sea_of_shoes, @MarcJacobsIntl, @karlie_kloss, @itsmechaneliman, @Carine_Roitfeld, @Oh_So_Coco

Shop all Nars here, and follow Mecca and the NARSissist on twitter now.