Makeup Beat

Don’t tell Elle magazine to lighten up. They’re already in trouble for allegedly altering the skin tones of their non-white cover models.

Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is reportedly furious with the Indian edition of the women’s magazine for photoshopping her skin to a fairer shade.

The actress and former Miss World is more than just miffed – she told the Times of India that she’s stunned that magazines would lighten the skin of a cover model to sell more copies.

“She believed that these things don’t happen anymore,” a friend of the actress told the Times. “Not in this day and age when women are recognized for their merit, and not for the color of their skin.”

Bachran, known as ‘Ash’ by millions of loyal fans, may even consider suing.

What: Youth Code, a new line of anti-aging products from L’Oréal.

Why bother: Genetic research has made a great impact on skin care in the recent past, and this has not been lost on the cosmetics powerhouse L’Oréal Paris. It has been testing ways to trigger skin’s repair gene to increase cell turnover (and reveal younger-looking skin) at the Saint-Louis Hospital Skin Research Institute in Paris for a decade. The team, led by the institute’s founder, Louis Dubertret, discovered that a combination of regenerative Biolystat, the collagen-producing molecule adenosine and peptides — which the brand is collectively referring to as GenActiv Technology — helps stimulate the DNA.

How it works: The four products in the range, which are targeted at women 35 and over, include a lotion with SPF meant for daytime, night cream, serum and an eye cream. The latter two are the best bets — the eye cream has a metal applicator that helps provide instant depuffing benefits and the serum has 10 times more Biolystat than the other products.

How much: $24.99 each, at drugstores.

I first became aware of Dianne York-Goldman from the Oxygen networks reality show “Addicted to Beauty”. Dianne is the Founder and CEO of La Jolla Spa MD and the creator of the popular DYG Mineral Makeup line.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dianne and found her to be not only a beautiful ex-model but a savvy business woman, media expert, speaker, and author.

I also received samples of her makeup line which is fantastic as well as extensive. Everything you need to create a soft and natural makeup look.

And if you’re looking for a complete set of brushes to give that perfect professional application, look no further, as Dianne has created a brush for your every need.

Please visit her website and see for yourself.

In a surprise move, Carine Roitfeld said she will step down as editor in chief of French Vogue at the end of January.

“It’s 10 years that I’m editor of the magazine,” Ms. Roitfeld, one of the most influential editors in the fashion business, said. “I think it’s time to do something different.”

Julia Roberts photographed by Mario Testino.

Estee Lauder has signed Joan Smalls as the new face of the companies advertising campaign. The Puerto-Rican born model will begin appearing in the company’s global campaign starting in May 2011.
“For me, Estée Lauder represents real beauty,” said Joan, 21, who will be featured in ads for both cosmetics and skin care. “It speaks to every ethnicity and age group…I plan to bring [women] confidence, so they accept themselves the way they are. I am looking forward to creating beautiful images and empowering women.”

This is the news coming from MAC Cosmetics, as the beauty brand has announced it has signed Lady Gaga for the second year in a row as the face of its fundraising MAC Viva Glam franchise.

In a sneak peek at the visuals shot by Nick Knight and styled by Nicola Formichetti, Gaga is dripping in diamonds and pearls, as well as, painted in a glammed-out smokey eye that contrasts nude lips and platinum blonde locks.

This past year, Gaga joined 80s music icon Cyndi Lauper in a frilly and fun coral lip campaign to make the most amount of money the lipstick series has ever made — over $32 million.

Jennifer Lopez has come a long way from the block; she’s a Golden Globe nominated actress, Multi-Platinum-selling recording artist, Film and Television producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. The latest addition is the announcement that she is L’Oreal Paris’ newest Spokesperson.

Team L’Oreal seem to be elated to have the super star on their roster. ‘We are more than excited to announce this new partnership with the sublime, iconic and multi-talented Jennifer Lopez”, declares Cyril Chapuy, Global Brand President, L’Oréal Paris. “Women everywhere admire not only Jennifer’s beauty but also her charisma and her commitment. We are honoured to welcome her to our amazing roster of spokespeople that represents in all its diversity, the beauty of today’s woman. Jennifer’s first campaigns will be upcoming product innovations in makeup and hair care.’

And it looks like Jennifer feels the same. ‘Having used L’Oréal Paris products most of my life, I’m excited to work with a brand that consistently offers a wide range of superior products that are attainable for women everywhere,’ says Jennifer Lopez. ‘I’ve always loved their sophisticated ad campaigns and am thrilled to represent a brand that embraces a woman’s worth.’