Get this: It’s just an awesome breed of creepy and fun: ThatsMyFace.com launches a brand new product line just in time for last-minute Christmas shoppers looking for that one-of-a-kind present. By giving loved ones and friends a gift voucher from ThatsMyFace.com, customers can give the recipient the opportunity to immortalize themselves by ordering a photorealistic sculpture of their face.
I always thought only ancient deities could get themselves carved in stone. Now, with advanced facial analysis and the advent of state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies, ThatsMyFace.com makes this art form available to anyone, ordered online and delivered direct to the door.
“ThatsMyFace.com brings traditional 2D photography and portrait sculptures into the full-color world of the 21st century. We called it ‘That’s My Face’ because that was literally the first thing I said when I saw my first facial reproduction. It’s like being face-to-face with yourself,” says Dr. Marc Cardle, the founder of ThatsMyFace.com.
All that is needed is to upload two headshots: one from the front and one from the side. ThatsMyFace.com does the rest and reconstructs a realistic 3D facial model. Customers may even tweak its appearance, such as changing age, ethnicity, or even, gender. The resulting face can then be applied to a variety of gifts, from a $29 keychain to a $2000 head sculpture.
“I just unboxed it. You guys are amazing!” said ThatsMyFace.com customer Dean B. after receiving a face mask of his baby daughter.

Photo credit: That’sMyFace.com

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Mintel Beauty Innovation has seen a dramatic increase in the number of new personal care products launched for men. So far in 2008, they have tracked over 500 new men’s personal care products in the US, a substantial increase from the 375 launched in 2007. Globally, Mintel has recorded more than 3,600 new men’s personal care product launches to date in 2008.

But beyond increased volume in the marketplace, Mintel Beauty Innovation’s Taya Tomasello sees more men’s personal care products being designed for advanced male grooming:

“Beauty manufacturers are trying to stay one step ahead of men’s evolving grooming habits. New personal care products launched for men today step beyond the basics of showering, shaving and deodorizing. At both the high and low ends of the market, new men’s grooming products try to provide tangible benefits based on appearance, specific body needs and ethical concerns.”

There’s rapid growth in four areas of advanced male grooming.

1. Lip-, eye- and hand-specific – Premium and mass market brands alike now offer products for men that promise to enhance certain areas of the body. Clarins Men Lip Guard and Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer emphasize functionality, not preening, to appeal to ordinary men. Still other products like L’Oréal Men Expert eye cream and the 4VOO Shape and Shine Nail Set target men seeking a flawless appearance.

2. Make-up and self-tanning – Make-up for men is still a super-premium, niche market in the US, but Mintel Beauty Innovation has seen many new brands emerge this year. Jean Paul Gaultier Monsieur and Clinique Skin Supplies for Men remain key players. Many personal care brands, including L’Oréal, also feature self-tanning products for men.

3. Anti-aging and exfoliating ingredients – Men’s grooming lines increasingly boast semi-scientific claims based on anti-aging or exfoliating ingredients. Biotherm Homme’s High Recharge Non-Stop Moisturizing Anti-Fatigue Concentrate uses the anti-aging ingredient ginseng, but others have included co-enzyme Q10 or creatine for anti-aging benefits. Exfoliation has become a focus as well with products like Unilever’s Axe Skin Contact Smoothing Shower Scrub featuring cactus milk to exfoliate and smooth the skin.

4. Organic, natural and ethical – Mintel sees organic and natural products driving growth in many sectors; men’s personal care is no exception. John Allan’s facial moisturizer features natural ingredients, while Aveda Men uses organic ingredients in its hair care. The Body Shop has long promoted ethical causes and opposed animal testing.

“In contrast to women’s personal care, the market for men’s grooming is just opening,” remarks Taya Tomasello. “Our research shows men are far less likely than women to use skincare products like moisturizers, exfoliants or even body washes. So tailoring new products to the needs of beauty-inexperienced males will help manufacturers expand the advanced men’s grooming market.”

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Whether you have a friend who loves tea, but you are unsure of their favorite type or love a foodie who would enjoy a romantic dinner in, or want to send a spa gift certificate to your friend in another state, Vivabox sort of bridges all those gaps in an awesomely innovative way.

The cool thing about these boxes is that they are actually a few gifts in one: Unlike other experiential gifts on the market, you get a taste of what you will receive before even redeeming the gift card. For instance, check out the variety of boxes out there:

The Gourmet Vivabox (retail value $115): A gourmet meal delivered to your door, by the leader in gourmet meal delivery, GourmetStation, including two silver plated napkin rings.

The Spa Vivabox (retail value $160) Your choice of massage or facial at one of over 4,000 spas in the SpaFinder network, as well as French Lavender body lotion, French Lavender shower gel, Organic Juniper and Lemon bath salts, Grapefruit and Mint body lotion, and Revitalizing Lotion for legs and feet.

The Manicure/Pedicure Vivabox (retail value $95): A manicure and pedicure at one of over 4,000 spas in the SpaFinder network, as well as French Lavender body lotion, French Lavender shower gel, Organic Juniper and Lemon bath salts, Grapefruit and Mint body lotion, and Revitalizing Lotion for legs and feet.

The Teatime Vivabox (retail value $50): A sampling of seven different flowering and loose teas by Numi, along with a gift card redeemable for a number of different tea-time related gifts.

I am super excited to say that ONE reader will win their choice of any of these boxes. To win, share your tip: If you were to create your own custom experiential vivabox – on any theme – what would be in it? And who on your holiday gift list would receive it?

Deadline November 20.

Photo courtesy of vivaboxusa.com

Post from: eBeautyDaily

  We need a new name for our channel – Beauty & Style is sounding rather dull these days.  Good thing we have one on the horizon, eh?

In the meantime, we have been thinking (dreaming?) about Valentines Day over here, and have a round up of everything over at Teen Style Lounge.  Are you ready for Valentine’s Day?  I’m sure not.  I live behind these days.  Are you talking about Valentine’s Day somewhere?  Let me know in the comments – I don’t want to miss any great ideas!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

• The Fashionista – She shops in the hippest stores and wears the latest styles even before you do. She’s chic and girly, and always makes a fabulous entrance. She’ll flip over Fifi Chachnil, a playful mix of citrus, sweet coriander, and powdery rose in a classically designed bottle.
• The Beach Mom – In her mind, it’s always summertime; she’s got the perfect tan and a closet full of sundresses. She’ll dive headfirst into Calypso’s Marine, a scent that instantly recalls the ocean breeze and fragrant saltwater, with notes of sandalwood, musk, bamboo leaves and lotus flower.
• The Classic Mom – She’s a little old-fashioned, but you don’t mind. You’ve kind of gotten used to high tea and Sunday dinners. Show your thanks by giving her Sage Machado’s Pearl, a natural musk with hints of vanilla.
• The “Desperate Housewife” – She’s sexy and sophisticated, yet sweet and loving. This year, she wants Silk by Jalaine, a “yummy mummy” fragrance, a luxurious blend of vanilla and white amber.
• The Zen Mom – Her days are full of yoga classes, meditations, and regular appointments at the spa. But with Nymphea by Il Profumo, she reaches nirvana even when her schedule doesn’t allow for it. This delicate aroma of water lilies, white peach, and water jasmine is the ultimate pampering accessory.
• The Nurturing Mom– She cooks, cooks, and cooks some more. Her secret recipe is highly in demand as is L’Artisan Parfumeur’s Piment Brulant, a spicy brew of Mexican red pepper, creamy chocolate, vanilla, cloves and poppy.
• The Earth Mother – She spends more time in her garden than anywhere else, and knows what to do with the rarest of flowers. Element of Desire by Creative Universe will complement her perfectly; it’s a light and airy combination of rain-drenched greens, peony blossom, apricot and water jasmine.
• The 24/7 Mom – Her career and home life is a constant juggling act; you can’t even remember the last time she wasn’t on a 7:00 am flight for business. Now its first-class all the way, so even when she has the middle seat and long layovers, she can always travel in style. Show her your love with Parfum #1 by Pink Room UK, an exquisite blend of violet, bergamot, rose, and lily of the valley inspired by Sarah Barton-King’s by-appointment-only London boutique.

What kind of mom is your mom? Mine is without a doubt the Nurturing Mom (who wears Knowing, by Estee Lauder, by the way). How about you, if you are a mom? I can’t pick what kind of mom I am out of this list. I wonder if my daughter could pick me out.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Yellow Box Beauty is focused on finding brands that are either new to the spotlight or may be on the verge of being the next “it” thing. Brands and products that are hot, new, exciting, different, boutique or trendy but always wonderful! We want to mix it up so you don’t get bored. One month you may get nail polish, another month eye shadow and lip gloss, or even an amazing fizzy bath bomb. You never know what will show up at your door and that is part of the fun.

Last month, the Yellow Box was filled with nail treats from Nailtini.  Doesn’t that sound like fun? And a big step up from the beauty clubs of days gone by.  Let me know if you have used YellowBoxBeauty, I would love to hear what you think!

Post from: eBeautyDaily