Wednesday, June 03, 2009 1 Comments
Category: spa, Artistry, Mobile Brand Experience, Amway

Ok, I know I'm a little late on this one, but happy belated birthday, Amway! I guess when you turn 50 it's okay to celebrate all year long, right? Even though I'm a few days behind, the company spared no expense with an extravagant anniversary celebration complete with a visit from the Artistry spa on wheels!

The Artistry Mobile Brand Experience rolled into town for a 3-day open house, offering exclusive tours, spa treatments, and special giveaways to Amway employees, Independent Buisness Owners, and even the Grand Rapids community!

Our friend, and Artistry expert, Luba was on board and made a special appearance on WZZM's Take Five morning show! Check out the clip here, and learn more about the spa on wheels and Luba's top three skin care tips!

Friday, May 29, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Artistry, Lifting Eye Cream, Time Defiance

Congrats to Jenny & Bridgett --  two lucky winners of the new Artistry Time Defiance Lifting Eye Creme! Thanks for sharing your budget-breaking-beauty experiences, I enjoyed reading your comments and I admit feeling a little sting as I remembered being in similar situations. Oops!

Let me know what you think of the new eye creme. It's definitely one of my can't-live-without-it products!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009 5 Comments
Category: DIY, Artistry, at-home alternatives, Lifting Eye Cream, Time Defiance

Hey dolls & divas!

Check out this fascinating web-interactive from Newsweek - The Beauty Breakdown - (Thanks, Melissa for sharing!) on the crazy amount of moolah we ladies put into looking fabulous. Some of the numbers are absolutely shocking - especially when you see how quickly a few highlights and facials can add up over a lifetime!

Feeling a little financially-frozen? Remember, you can always create your own beauty treatments right at home. Check out the Artistry Time Defiance skin care line for at-home alternatives to dermatological procedures to keep your face, and your wallet, pain-free! My latest fave? The NEW Time Defiance Lifting Eye Cream. And it's your lucky day because I have two of them right here on my desk just waiting for a good home! Want a chance to experience the eye-catching results for yourself? It's confession time...

What is the most amount of money (gulp!) you've ever spent on a dermatological procedure, fancy hair-do, or other beauty treatment? Comment here and I'll enter you in a random drawing to win the new Lifting Eye Cream!

Friday, May 01, 2009 1 Comments
Category: Artistry, Mobile Brand Experience, NEXT, Nashville

Do you ever wonder what life would have been like if you'd pursued that crazy childhood dream? You know, the one where you dreamt of becoming an astronaut, a rock star, a famous actress, or even a top fashion model strutting down the runways in Paris? Sigh...maybe that last one is a little personal to my own hopes and dreams as an awkward 13 year old girl, but who said having high ambitions was a bad thing? My parents always encouraged me to try new things - I'm not sure modeling was at the top of their list, but the support was always there.

When I started college, I figured modeling might be a good way to make some extra money. And who could argue with that? I won a contest for Roger's Department Store (they're closed now!) and I thought my career as a supermodel had launched! I even spent a summer in Chicago trying to break into the world of Kate Moss, Tyra Banks, and my favorite, Ms. Heidi Klum, only to discover that it really wasn't meant to be. I'm only 5' 6", so let's just say that the modeling world didn't quite embrace my "petite" stature. That's okay because through countless auditions in the big city and a lot of "no's," I actually found my love for the beauty and fashion industry...even if it meant being the behind-the-scenes-girl.

I haven't really looked back at that summer until recently when I was helping with the NEXT Model Search that Artistry is sponsoring. Everywhere the Artistry Bus travels; girls from all over the country can get a picture snapped and enter to win a spot as the NEXT fashion face! Last weekend I was in Nashville and witnessed gobs of beautiful girls get their picture taken with the same stars in their eyes that I once had. I wish them all the best luck and hope they discover themselves the same way I did along the journey. Who knows, maybe Artistry and NEXT will discover the world's next top supermodel!

Even though my childhood dream of becoming the next Cindy Crawford has come and gone, every once in a while I get the opportunity to strut my stuff to help friends who are looking for a (free) model. Check out my latest endeavor for tonya mann - apron couture!  The aprons are fabulous, but the model is a little goofy so don't laugh too hard!

Friday, April 17, 2009 2 Comments
Category: talking beauty, Artistry, Skin Care, Spring, Makeup

Our very own Beauty Marketing Manager, Barb Alviar, is becoming quite the regular on a local talk show, WZZM's Take 5 Grand Rapids. Just this morning she was invited to share some special secrets for waking your beauty routine from it's winter hibernation using easy solutions from Artistry!

Barb highlighted the following easy-to-follow tips you can do in minutes from home:

• Spring air packs more moisture and humidity than winter air, opt for lighter lotions instead of heavy creams.
• Stay protected from the sun and other harmful environmental elements by applying an SPF daily.
• Stick with a three-step skin care system that offers a cleanser, toner, & moisturizer (like Artistry!)
• Treat rough skin areas (elbows & knees) with a dose of good ol' fashioned vaseline and a pair of cotton socks.
• Buff away dry sleepy skin with a gentle polishing scrub like Artistry essentials and follow up with a moisturizing masque.
• Lighten up your look with soft powders in subtle shades (like earthtones) for a natural, gorgeous finish.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009 3 Comments
Category: Artistry, Fashion Week, Miami

Early last week I returned from notorious Miami ─ a city so popular that it has a show named after it (a.k.a. Miami Vice), along with a hit song by Will Smith. "Welcome to Miami, Bienvenido a Miami" as Will so smoothly sings! And welcome me it did with sun, beautiful beaches and some of the best fashion in the world. In fact, that's why the Artistry team and I were in Miami. You see, Artistry served as the exclusive skin care and cosmetic sponsor of Rock Fashion Week, a high profile fashion event full of runway show after runway show of top designers showcasing a mix of summer, fall and winter fashions.

Not only was Artistry the sponsor of Rock Fashion Week, but its mobile brand experience made a detour to Miami and parked outside the beautiful Fontainebleau Resort, host of Rock Fashion Week. Throughout the event, the Artistry mobile spa was open to the public for spa treatments and makeup touchups. For hotel guests, we also had an Artistry beauty bar with sample products located in one of the cabanas near Fontainebleau's pool area.

When night came around, the runway shows of Rock Fashion Week served as entertainment for celebrities and the fashion savvy. But before the shows began, I was able to snag a backstage look at how the models were transforming into their assigned "looks" with help from Artistry cosmetics. The makeup artists received different requests from each designer ─ some wanted their models to have very bold eyes with bright lips and some preferred more of a natural look. Once the runway shows began, I studied the clothing designs that are suppose to be "hot" for 2009, and I realized just how behind I am when it comes to keeping up with the trends. I've got some catching up to do! Featured designers at Rock Fashion Week included Richie Rich, Monarchy, b. Michael, Abi Ferrin, Russell Simmons, D'Amore, and LeiMarco.

Although I was able to see a few of the shows, my main purpose for accompanying the Artistry crew to Miami was to help earn media coverage for the Artistry brand, its sponsorship of Rock Fashion Week, and for Artistry's mobile spa. I'm happy to inform you that we did receive coverage . . . anything from TV to radio to blogs and news websites! We were particularly proud of one of the TV opportunities we received. The Artistry mobile spa and Luba, an Artistry beauty expert, were invited to appear on the midday show for NBC's affiliate in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. During the Artistry segment, Luba gave spring beauty tips while demonstrating how to achieve one of the spring looks for 2009. Video of Artistry's appearance is not yet posted on the NBC Channel 6 website, but we'll give you the link once it is.

After all this spring and beauty talk, I'm curious what you plan on sporting this season - a bold lip with soft eyes or bold eyes with a soft lip? And what about the fashions emerging for this summer ─ are you digging the styles?

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 9 Comments
Category: shoes, Spring

I know for many of us there is still plenty of snow and ice on the ground, but I can't help day-dreaming about the newest open-tootsie-shoes for spring!

Maybe you think I'm crazy because it's only February, but it is Fashion Week in NY afterall, and I did just receive an email from Piperlime packed full of new, brightly-colored, wedges and sandals for the upcoming season. I'm not even going to pretend I'm not excited to free my toes from boots and socks and let them breathe in a fabulous pair of colorful sandals. Hm, a fresh pedicure and polish might be necessary...

Here are a few pairs I'm loving, what do you think?

Sunday, February 15, 2009 4 Comments
Category: Artistry, NEXT, Fashion Week

Anna Bryce, public and media relations lead for Amway Global, sent us the following post live from New York City's Fashion Week!

Fashion Week has begun in New York City - that notorious time of year when every fashion designer who's anyone struts their stuff in the tents in Bryant Park. Designers. Models. Media. Photographers. Stylists. The who's who of the fashion and beauty world descend on the city and everyone's attention is focused in one fashionable direction for the week. Which makes it the perfect time for ARTISTRY to host the exclusive celebration of NEXT Modeling Agency's 20th Anniversary!

NEXT has managed supermodels ranging from Molly Sims and Petra Nemcova to Joy Bryant and Veronica Verakova. ARTISTRY has partnered with NEXT as a way to showcase the brand to beauty and fashion industry insiders and we kicked it all off with a fabulous party in NYC on Friday night.

Party goers rocked to music spun by guest DJs who are models; enjoyed drinks including the signature ARTISTRY Beauty Tonic (invented just for the party!); noshed on ARTISTRY-blue treats like M&Ms, jelly beans, and cupcakes; checked out ARTISTRY videos; received goody bags full of product samples; and even got ARTISTRY touch-ups from professional make-up artists. This was a big hit, especially with guests who'd just come from work or were running from event to event. How cool that they were able to work a little extra WOW factor into their looks, courtesy of ARTISTRY.

And if all those touches weren't enough, the ARTISTRY Mobile Brand Experience was parked out front, making a bold brand statement, and old-fashioned cigarette girls were there to mingle and pass out mini lip glosses. Perfect!

We do events like these to elevate the awareness of the ARTISTRY brand, especially among opinion leaders in the beauty industry. Because everything we do is to spread the word about how amazing ARTISTRY is, it just makes it easier for hard-working Independent Business Owners to sell ARTISTRY products and build their businesses.

And that kind of support never goes out of style!

Tuesday, February 03, 2009 4 Comments
Category: Artistry, Tinted Moisturiser, Travel, Mineral Foundation

Do you ever feel like the winter is neverending and the chance of ever feeling the sun warm your face again is years and years away? No wonder so many people escape to warmer climates in the winter! My parents are the perfect example. Every February, they jet-set to a warm, tropical destination for a week of total relaxation. Well, aside from the daily aerobics classes my mom seems to find time for. Who exercises on vacation, anyway?

This year my parents are headed for Puerto Vallerta, Mexico where the current temperature is 79 degrees. Jealous! And if I know them well enough, I can guarantee that my mother has had her suitcase packed for the last month. Her outfits are all planned out with matching accessories and coordinating shoes. She has an exercise outfit and bathing suit for each day, with an oversized beach tote to match. Her ability to fit all of this into one suitcase still amazes me. 

I'm sure she has her beauty products organized in mini-bottles and chic cosmetic bags, perfect for a week in the tropics. My mom is pretty good about limiting her makeup must-haves when traveling. That's why along with her waterproof mascara and berry lip shine, I am going to make sure she has the new Artistry Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 15. Not only does it protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, but it will give her a gorgeous healthy glow with just the right amount of sheer coverage. And it won't look or feel too heavy during her daily exercise classes and beach time. I'm not sure which Tint to choose, but I know they blend flawlessly while naturally adjusting to match every skin tone.

Even though I'm stuck behind to bear the winter weather alone, I'm going to pair this new product with a quick dusting of Artistry Mineral Foundation on top for a little extra coverage.

Monday, January 05, 2009 1 Comments

The very FIRST all dolled up winner of 2009 is...Amy P.!

Congrats, Amy, you were randomly chosen to receive a fabulous Ribbon Gift Album! Thanks for your comment about festive fashion don'ts. It made me laugh out loud in my little cube as I remembered the matching holiday sweatshirts my mom used to decorate with puff-paint for my brother, sister, and I to wear every year! No offense mom, we loved those colorful creations, even after the paint started to peel off. : ) However, my favorite homemade Christmas accessories were the red and green hair bows she created with real jingle bells attached to them!

Happy New Year to all of you, and here's to another fashionable and fabulous year!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 2 Comments

Helloooo 2009! Whether you're heading out on the town to ring in the new year, or relaxing at home, check out these party-perfect beauty and skin care tips from Barb Alviar, Beauty Marketing Manager for Amway Global.

This morning, Barb was featured on WZZM's Take 5 program where she shared some Artistry and Tolsom tips for glitzing up your look to celebrate the new year.

Take a look!

For more holiday dos and don'ts, check out some of the great festive beauty advice other bloggers have submitted! And don't forget to send me your last minute holiday tips -- I've still got a Ribbon Gift Album for one lucky winner! I'll draw a name on January 5, 2009 so you still have some time. : )

Monday, December 22, 2008 6 Comments
Category: Holiday fashion

With Christmas right around the corner, I'm practically bursting with holiday excitement! I think I'm finally done shopping...well, I'm never done shopping but I have successfully purchased something for everyone on my list. Now that I've overcome that Christmas challenge, its time to tackle the next obstacle; what to wear?

While I'd love to go out and purchase a new and fabulously-festive outfit, my bank account is disagreeing. The question remains...how do I take something I already own and turn it into a holiday masterpiece? And with so many Christmas celebrations this week, where do I even begin? 

After doing a little research, I discovered this very helpful article titled, "5 Holiday Fashion Mistakes."  You can read the entire article here, but basically the article states these 5 things to avoid when dressing yourself for the festivities:

• wearing too much glitz                      
  (c'mon, you all know someone who does this!)
• showing too much skin                       
  (freezing for fashion is over-rated)
• getting caught with nothing to wear  
  (dressy basics always come in handy)
• making it too complicated                  
  (another good reason to invest in that LBD - little black dress!)
• being under or over dressed              
  (what does "Christmas Casual" mean anyway?)

So what are you wearing to Christmas dinner? Better yet, what are you NOT wearing? I would love to hear your holiday fashion tips and tricks! For those of you who comment, I have a "Variety" Ribbon Gift Album up for grabs! Looking forward to hearing from all of you!

Friday, December 19, 2008 2 Comments
Category: Redbook Magazine, Intensive Repair Serum

Friday, December 05, 2008 3 Comments

Artistry has been popping up all over the place lately! After the success of the beauty editor event a few weeks ago, the ladies at WZZM 13 Take 5 couldn't get enough! They invited our very own Barb Alviar, Beauty Marketing Manager for Amway Global, back for an on-air broadcast to talk more about prepping and caring for skin during the winter months.

Stay tuned because I think Barb will be making a few more appearances in the coming months. I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, the clip appeared this morning so here it is for you check out!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008 4 Comments
Category: Artistry, Skin Care, science, Editor Event, beauty editors

I am so excited to share with you my very good friend, and co-worker, Lindsay Martin! Lindsay is our media relations guru, which basically means she builds relationships with the media to teach them about our products and brands so they can help us share the fabulous story of Amway Global, Nutrilite, and most of all, Artistry! I wanted to give you an inside look at what she does, and her most recent project with top beauty editors from NYC and beyond. Enjoy!

Hey everyone! First of all, let me just say that I love what I do! A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to fly into NYC and pick beauty editors from top media outlets to join us on a two-day Artistry experience focused on revealing our skin's secrets. Our goal was to find out what's really going on beneath our skin's surface. Joining us here in Grand Rapids, Michigan were beauty editors from top media like...

• Elle Magazine
• Parenting Magazine
• Beauty Fashion Magazine
• Cosmetic World Magazine
• iVillage.com
• Brides.com
• WZZM Channel 13, Healthy You show
• WZZM Channel 13, Take 5 show
• TLC channel, Real Simple. Real Life. show

During their visit, the beauty girls (and one guy!) were able to spend some one-on-one time with Artistry scientists, during which the scientists used Artistry's advanced technology on each editor to reveal what's going on beneath the surface layer of their skin.

While results were being processed, a few coworkers and I joined the editors for a special look at Artistry's new Facial Analysis Computer Evaluation System (F.A.C.E.S), a facial recognition technology that has helped Artistry to advance its face image analysis capabilities. After our time checking out the latest and greatest in beauty and skin care technology, the group hiked over to Artistry's cosmetic plant, where we saw the actual process of mass creating and packaging Artistry products. This portion of the event was super cute! Well . . . maybe funny would be a better word to use. You see, in order to meet the sanitary guidelines of the plant, we all had to wear lab coats, hair nets and safety glasses. Our one guy editor even had to wear a net hair net over his beard - it was darling, but I'm not sure he saw it that way!

Once finished in the plant, we joined Artistry's senior formulators in the lab where brilliant minds come together to actually create new skin care and beauty products, sending the chosen formulas on to be tested. After a look into how the products are formulated, the editors had the opportunity to create their own skin care product and lip color. They got a kick out of this! While they mixed up their own lip colour, I had the honor of meeting with our top scientists and was able to sneak my way into their scientific huddle, where they sifted through the skin test results of each editor! What a sight! The scientists were all gathered around a table employing their expertise to decipher the different skin problem areas of each editor. 

Once finished, the scientists met with each editor individually to evaluate their skin assessment results, discuss their skin profile, and create a personalized skin care regimen. The editors were amazed by the things they learned about their skin and excited about the neat tips they received.

To end the day, the editors personally experienced Artistry products with a facial and makeup application at the Artistry Beauty Institute. Refreshed and rejuvenated, we then whisked the editors back to NYC. Most of these editors had not even heard of Artistry, but this event allowed them to personally experience the brand while my coworkers and I showed them why Artistry is a leader in skin care research with special expertise in age-defying and skin brightening.

To get a glimpse of the event, check out the WZZM Take 5 segment or the Brides.com mention! More coverage is to come, but right now, I have to jet (literally!). I'm on my way to another adventure . . . flying to NYC to meet with some of the beauty editors that weren't able to attend the Artistry editor event. We'll keep you posted from time to time with future Artistry media coverage.

Talk to you soon!
Lindsay