March 2015 – Adamant About Beauty

Branding with Branders…

March 27, 2015April 27, 2018All, BusinessLeave a Comment

I have a deep admiration for branding experts. A couple of years ago, when working on a branding project for Alchimie Forever with Kelly Kovack, I realized that I had never given branding and marketing enough respect. It would not occur to me to formulate a product without the assistance of a professional formulator and laboratory. However, it had occurred to me to try to define my brand without the assistance of an expert. Why? Because it seems branding and marketing are easy. They are not. Creating the perfect brand is not any easier than formulating the perfect cream.

I was reminded of this point earlier this week as I had the opportunity of participating in a branding meeting led by the boutique firm Branders. Based in Zurich (perhaps the cooler and hipper city in this conservative country that is my homeland), Branders works with clients all over the world to create brands that elicit responses, foster sympathy, and inspire loyalty. I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Marisa and Thea, learning more about this firm that employs 20 brand specialists from 8 nationalities, and has been in business for 10 years.

Beyond working on a project for Forever Laser Institut, I was reminded of a few branding best practices over lunch. For effective branding, you must:

Tell your own compelling and true story
Be relevant to your target groups
Stand out in everything you do
Focus on what you do best
Be consistent in order to develop a strong identity…
Yet remain agile so you can adapt to relevant market changes
Turn your employees and customers into brand ambassadors

The Branders team also works on visual storytelling. Beyond words, images can tell a tale. Too often, however, brands’ visual aesthetics lack consistency – in perspective, light and color palettes, sharpness and focus, cropping, and image composition like backgrounds and symmetry or asymmetry.

It sounds so easy and logical. Yet it takes a special mind, and special skills…

BeautyView: Deanna Melluso, Fashion and Celebrity Makeup Artist

March 23, 2015March 19, 2019All, Beauty, BeautyviewsLeave a Comment

Makeup artists are like magicians. While I personally use minimal makeup (mascara and lipstick, sometimes a third product), I am fascinated by the transformation that can happen when the right makeup is used by the right artist. I am also fascinated by the fact that the makeup artists I have had the pleasure to meet remind me of the visual artists I grew up surrounded with thanks to my parents’ involvement in the contemporary art world. Both groups are similarly creative, visual, and creators (cravors?) of beauty. Deanna Melluso, fashion and celebrity makeup artist (represented by The Wall Group), has the added charm of looking like Cher when she was at the height of her youth and beauty, and of having a fabulous sense of humor (follow her on Instagram to giggle daily… one of my favorites, relevant to today: “If Monday had a face, I would punch it.”).
AP: What city were you born in? DM: Brooklyn, NY.

AP: What city to do you live in? DM: New York, NY. Not far from where I was born… (Editor’s note: Another favorite Instagram post admitted “Why go to therapy when I can just live in New York and be weird?”)

AP: What is your middle name? DM: Leigh.

AP: What is your astrological sign? DM: Aries.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? DM: I love classic movies. I get lost in the hair makeup and styling. For example, Singing in the Rain is one of my favorites…

AP: What is your most prized possession? DM: My record collection.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? DM: Tina Turner.

AP: Describe your fashion style in three words maximum. DM: 80s, sporty, goth.

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? DM: I don’t like watches…

AP: Diamonds or pearls? DM: Diamonds, but only if they are vintage, like from the 30s or 40s.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? DM: I love using dry oil mixed with moisturizer. It keeps the skin dewy and fresh.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? DM: My fragrance is Sud Pacifique in Aqua Moto; it smells like then beach and coconut which I’m obsessed with.

AP: Botox or not? DM: I am not sure… As long as it’s not too much, and if it makes you feel good I guess why not.

AP: Hair color: natural or not? DM: Natural but if I had straight hair I would color it all the time.

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? DM: Drink lots of water, take probiotics and omega 3 oil, and eat avocado, which will help your skin glow.

AP: What do you do for exercise? DM: I do a lot… I do Pilates, cycling and lots of squats and a boot camp. I love the working out good to clear your head.

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? DM: Avocado (see my diet tips recommendation); almond milk; and Justin’s almond butter.

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? DM: A great margarita, but without the sugar.

AP: What is your secret to work/life balance? DM: The secret to work and a balance life is give yourself time, and spend time with friends. I have also started to meditate and that has been helpful.

AP: How many miles do you fly per year on average? DM: My miles per year vary year over year. I hope to fly more this year and get to Thailand. Any takers?

AP: What are your three top tips for travel? DM: 1. When I get on the plane I usually put on a moisture mask or Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream to help with the plane drying my skin out. 2. I drink lots of water. 3. I always carry a mini emergency bag with toiletries.

AP: 3 songs on your ipod right now. DM: Arcade Fire Reflektor, D’Angelo Ain’t that Easy, and Beyoncé Run the World (Girls).

AP: What book are you reading right now? DM: Girl Boss by Sophia Amuruso from Nasty Gal.

AP: Quote to live by. DM: I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” Maya Angelou.

AP: What is your worst pet peeve? DM: A 5-floor walkup!

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? DM: My mornings vary depending on my jobs. If I work a full day, I usually get up at 5:30 and go to the gym. If I’m not working I get up around 7:30 or 8. If I had it my way I would sleep for 8 hours every night. I don’t have it my way however…

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? DM: The creativity that the industry breeds, and being able to meet so many interesting people.

AP: Your least favorite thing: DM: Chapped, dry lips.

AP: Who is your mentor? DM: This is a tough one but I would say my Grandma who is a strong women and has been through a lot. Also she loves her makeup.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. DM: Believe in yourself, keep moving forward and stand up for what you believe in.

"You do you." And other pearls of wisdom from Jennifer Worley, The Face Haus

March 15, 2015April 27, 2018All, Beauty, Beautyviews1 Comment

A few of the things I like best about the US are entrepreneurship, dynamism, and people’s openness and willingness to share their stories. Jennifer Worley, Co-Founder/Owner & Chief Operating Officer of The Face Haus, embodies all three. I cold emailed her a long introduction email listing the many things I admired about her concept and story, and asked if we might meet for coffee in sunny LA. And we did, sharing stories about the beauty industry, new trends in the business, the joys and frustrations of owning our own businesses. I learned more about The Face Haus, the brainchild she had with two girlfriends, a concept she describes as “the Dry Bar of facials.” Focused on results-oriented, no frills, 45 minute treatments, her locations attract teenagers, men, and the traditional spa guest. With two locations and many more on the way, a family to take care of (along with a plethora of pets as you will see below), Jennifer still found time to share her story.

AP: What city were you born in? JW: I was born in sunny Long Beach, California.

AP: What city to do you live in? JW: I live in Pasadena CA with my husband, four kids, two dogs, rabbit (my least favorite housemate) and fish.

AP: What is your middle name? JW: Lisa, which strangely always reminds me of a porn star name from the 80’s.

AP: What is your astrological sign? JW: I’m a Cancer: motherly, creative and always in need of a comfy home base.

AP: What is something about you most people don’t know? JW: I worked as deckhand on an Alaskan fishing boat. True story.

AP: What is your most prized possession? JW: My sense of joy.

AP: If you could have dinner with the person of your choice, who would it be? JW: My great great grandmother Lucy Fox.

AP: Do you wear a watch? If yes, what model? JW: Nope. Viva la iPhone.

AP: Diamonds or pearls? JW: Rose gold.

AP: What is your #1 beauty secret? JW: Exfoliate and hydrate even if you’re low maintenance like me. And ALWAYS wear sunscreen.

AP: What fragrance do you wear? JW: Two favorites: Byredo bal d’afrique and Le Labo Rose 31.

AP: Botox or not? JW: Whatever makes people feel good about themselves. Definitely a little freaked out about the whole Botulism idea though.

AP: Hair color: natural or not? JW: Both rock!

AP: What are your special diet tips, if any? JW: Eat fresh whole foods.

AP: What are three things that you always have in your fridge? JW: Sparkling water, Lemon and Salam Oelek (if you don’t know what this is – GET IT!).

AP: What is your cocktail of choice? JW: My Face Haus partners and I have a tradition of drinking Jalapeño Margaritas with fresh lime juice for good luck.

AP: What book are you reading right now? JW: The Rosie Project and Boys on the Boat.

AP: Quote to live by. JW: “You do You.” My family chooses a motto each year and “You do You” won for 2015.

AP: What time do you usually wake up in the morning, and how many hours of sleep do you usually get? JW: It depends, and not enough!

AP: What is your favorite thing about the beauty industry? JW: People glowing with self-confidence.

AP: Least favorite thing. JW: Unreliability.

AP: Who is your mentor? JW: Anyone who inspires me to challenge myself.

AP: Words of advice for young women starting their careers today. JW: As my 15 year old would say “Haters gonna hate.” Surround yourself with inspiring supportive people, work hard, and get back up when you fail. And don’t forget to pause and enjoy what’s around you.

Your skin can't keep secrets… what can a dermatologist know about you just by looking at you?

March 10, 2015April 27, 2018All, BeautyLeave a Comment

So you remember those days when you were a kid and you were trying to hide things from your parents? And somehow it never worked? At least not for me… I remember skipping ballet class one single time… and of course that is the time my Mom decided to come pick me up (something she had never done before and never did since). You would think being an adult (I think 37 qualifies) would mean I would not have to worry about hiding things from my parents anymore… and I don’t. But I still can’t get away with much… because my skin can’t hold a secret. And neither can yours.

Do you know what your skin says about you? To the trained eye of a dermatologist, a lot… I had to ask my Dad, aka Dr. Luigi L. Polla, how he always knows so much about my sisters and me … Apparently, our skin speaks. What can a dermatologist know about you just by looking at you? Here is what my skin says about me:

1. I sleep on my left side more than I sleep on my right side. My “left side” wrinkles are more pronounced; the left side of my face is slower to move when I laugh or make facial expressions, i.e. my skin reacts more slowly to my expressions. I have less volume in the left side of my face. (Yes, these are the things my Dad mentions when he looks at me… among others LOL).

2. I am not sleeping enough. I have dark circles under my eyes, and the peri-orbital fine lines I am starting to see are deeper than usual. My face looks “stressed.”

3. I don’t smoke. At least something positive… I don’t have that greyish tinge that smokers tend to get, and I do have luminosity in my complexion. I don’t have a “bar code” on my upper lip, which is a sure sign of smoking (or sometimes too much drinking through a straw).

4. I enjoy champagne and wine but I don’t over-indulge. I don’t have broken capillaries and I don’t flush easily. I don’t have accentuated lines and less delicate features. My skin is not “thicker” as it typically is when too much alcohol is imbibed.

5. I am not a sun worshipper. Actually, I actively avoid the sun or protect myself form the sun. I don’t have uneven pigmentation or too many sunspots. I don’t have a million little fine lines all over my face. I don’t have the parchment-like, thinner skin that is an indication that sun exposure has led to an accelerated breakdown of collagen.

6. I don’t take cortisone. I don’t have that swollen look, or a puffy face.

7. I don’t eat spicy foods. My face isn’t flushed, red, and I don’t have those micro-breakouts often associated with heavy spice.

8. I don’t take testosterone supplements. I don’t have cystic acne, as is often associated with higher-than average levels of this male hormone.

9. I am not depressed. My wrinkles don’t all “face downward,” and my lips certainly don’t; and I don’t have bags under my eyes, or “sad eyes.”

10. I am in love. My lips can’t help but curl up and smile and my eyes are wide open with a dreamy look in them.

11. I am not going through any major hormonal transition. Aka my skin is not currently “freaking out.” Enough said Dad, thank you!