Diddy is Unforgivable: Copyright Infringement?

TMZ reports that sculptor Tom Patti is suing the indomitable Diddy for copyright infringement, alleging that the bottle for Diddy's Unforgivable fragrance looks eerily similar to one of his vintage creations (left):
Diddy's camp declined to comment (which looks a little suspect), but honestly the design is so simple, someone could have come up with that on their own.
What do you think? Copy or coincidence?

Fun Black Fashion Fact: Pat McGrath

Did you know??

The force behind the well made faces at Dior, Gucci, Miu Miu, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana...

...is none other than British beauty aficionado Pat McGrath!
One of the world's most sought after makeup artists, Pat caught her big break working for stylist and fashion director Edward Enninful, and is now the go to person for prominent fashion photographers (she's a favorite of Steven Meisel) and magazines like Vogue, W, and Harper's Bazaar.

McGrath has designed Armani and Dolce and Gabbana's cosmetic lines and was named creative-design director for Proctor & Gamble in charge of Max Factor and Covergirl cosmetics.
It's pretty safe to say: she works magic with makeup!
~Vuitton

My Favorite Things: Dawn Richard

Hey Bombshells!
Today we have a special treat for you: An exclusive interview with...
...Dawn Richard!
Don't know Dawn? She was of a member of the wildly popular girl group Danity Kane...

...formed by the ubiquitous Diddy on MTV's Making the Band. Now that the girls have gone their separate ways, this New Orleans native is pursuing a few solo projects, including penning songs for Cassie and Diddy's albums and producing a comic book, www.danitykanecomics.com.

She took a short break from shooting Season 5 of Making the Band to give us the scoop on her favorite style items and beauty must haves.
About her singular look, Dawn says, "I've always had an edgier style....I tend to go for short, mainly because I'm only 5'3" so I have to make the legs look long!"
"...My favorite color is teal, but I love dark colors like black, grey, and plum. I adore designers like Martin Margiela, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Chanel, Chloe, and Stella McCartney."
Great taste! Top designers are cool for big events, but what about when you're kicking it with your girls? She says, "The casual kick back look for me is a Martin Margiela 6 tunic with black tights, a boyfriend blazer and my dependable Y-3 boots."
So, you see, we have a certified stylista on our hands! Naturally her fashionable favorites read like a hot list of top designer accessories...
She says, "I never go anywhere without my Louis Vuitton platform shoes from their Fall collection, my Martin Margiela spring '09 sunglasses (they look like ski glasses...they're so Star Trek!), my Tina Turner fringe Louboutin boots (I feel like I wanna go dancing when I wear them!), my Miu Miu gold sandals with crystal nuggets in the heel, my limited edition Chanel round sunglasses, my black classic Christian Louboutins (every girl should have them), my Tory Burch green purse, and my Margiela bottle cap ring and paper clip bracelet."

Pictured: Christian Louboutin Decollete patent pumps, $625. Tory Burch Green Resin Logo Clutch, $189. Christian Louboutin Forever Tina Fringe Boot, $1,575. Chanel Sunglasses, $580. Miu Miu Swarovski Platform Sandals, $675. Margiela Sunglasses, Price Upon Request. Martin Margiela Paper Clip Bracelet, $195. Maison Martin Margiela Bottle Cap Ring, $79.

Style and beauty go hand in hand, so Dawn indulged, "MAC makeup is my survival kit!! I also love Carol's Daughter, their mousse and hair products are so organic and light! And I love Coco Chanel and Pink Sugar..I love smelling like candy..lol!"

Pictured: MAC Makeup, Price Upon Request. Carol's Daughter Products, Price Upon Request. Aquolina Pink Sugar Luxury Gift Set, $95. Coco Chanel Perfume, Price Upon Request.

We're sure Que likes candy as well, so I had to ask what the lovebirds were doing for V-Day!
She laughs, "We will probably be working, so I don't know yet!" Ok, no dish on the big plans, but she tells the Fashion Bomb that Que has been getting into modeling. "I think he'd make a great D&G model!" Cute.
Dawn had to get back to taping, so to her fans she says, "Thank you for all your support..I hope you continue on this journey with me." And to the fashionistas she offers this advice, "The best style you can have is your own...there is no wrong way...stay creative!"
Check out Dawn's comics at www.danitykanecomics.com and keep an eye peeled for her on MTV and beyond!
Bisous!
*Pssst, if you have any other questions for Dawn, leave a comment! I'll see what I can do to get you an answer:)

Beauty Bomb: Neutrogena Advanced Solutions

Hey Fashion Bombers!
Vuitton here with a beauty product alert for everyone!
The only thing worse than getting a pimple are the spots left behind afterwards. So while scouring the net for something to use, I came upon this product...
...Neutrogena's Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel. I read reviews, and just about everyone seemed to have great things to say about it. I got it, and despite it being over-the-counter, it actually works! But the key is to be consistent. Use as directed, and you'll see improvements.... I saw results within a week! It's about $25 at drugstore.com, and about $20 in Zeller's for my Canadians. For reviews on this product, click here.
Keep it fab!
-Vuitton

Intern Candidate Amber: Dolce and Gabbana to Launch Makeup Line

"It looks like Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabanna want to outfit you in Dolce and Gabanna from head to toe--literally. People reports that the Italian designers will launch a new cosmetic line this spring. Packaged in gold compacts and tucked into gold pouches, colors will consist of shades of “deep blue and gold.” Sounds just right for spring and summer!"
"Actress Scarlett Johansson has been tapped to be the face of the line, which was created with input from legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath.
Tell us, are you looking forward to Dolce and Gabanna makeup?"
~Amber

Intern Candidate Anitra: Why Didn't I think of That?

Last but certainly not least, we have fashionable Anitra, who also went for a beauty angle in a different way, highlighting a cool product currently on the market.
Enjoy!
"Sometimes, we come across products that are so simply genius we think, "why didn't I think of that?" No matter who the mastermind is, this product should be staple in every Fashion Bomber's beauty stash. For those who can't part with their mascara on their lower lashes, but hate raccoon eyes, Tarte has got you covered. Tarte's Bottoms Up - Lower Lash Mascara ($16, Sephora)...."
"...features a mini brush that allows you to reach the tiniest lashes for even application. The water-resistant formula is paraben, mineral oil, and sulfate free. Genius and good for you too!"
Well that does it! This is the last intern new feature post before our finalists duke it out tomorrow with their individual newsy items.
Keep the great comments coming, I'm loving it!

Intern Candidate Amber: Beauty Bomb

Candidate Amber thinks we could use a bit more beauty. Take a peek at her beauty bomb on Fashion Bomb regular, Tyra Banks:
"Tyra Banks looked ready for spring on the red carpet of the launch party for America’s Next Top Model Obsessed. Tyra paired her bronzed skin with glossy fuchsia lips and deep pink cheeks. She finished off the glamorous look with a smoky eye and long lashes."
"...Try these products to recreate Tyra's look:"

1. For gorgeous skin with a sexy glow to boot, try Iman’s Second to None Luminous Foundation, $15.
2. For rosy cheeks to brighten up your complexion, Nars Blush in Crazed, $25 is a must.
3. Get a gorgeous smoky eye in a snap with Stila’s Smoky Eye Talking Palette in The Bronzes (the compact actually talks you through it!), $40.
4. Lashes that go on for days are a breeze with L'Oreal’s Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lash Extension Effect Mascara in Blackest Black, $11.
5. Finish off your look with glossy raspberry colored lips with L'Oreal’s HIP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor in Tainted, $12.

Fabulous!"
I like the step by step, don't you?

Fashion Bomb Sponsor: TRESemmé

Our sponsors for The Fashion Bomb Intern Contest are the bomb themselves, and today's Intern Contest post is courtesy of...
...TRESemmé!
In addition to offering professional quality products at an affordable price, TRESemmé's also making moves online with their new site, StyleSeeker.com, where you can get the scoop on the hottest hair care trends paired with fashion, shopping, and entertainment coverage. And they'll be providing our new intern with an end-to-end hair care system of products--sweet!
~Adri

Intern Candidate Jemise: Beauty Bomb

Our last intern post for today is from Jemise, repping from Hampton U! She thinks the Fashion Bomb would benefit from more Beauty Posts. Check out her beauty bomb, and, as usual, tell us your thoughts!
"Spring time is right around the corner, and as you update your wardrobe for the season, it’s only right that you update your beauty cabinet and make-up bag too! Warmer weather welcomes bright colors, and it’s the perfect time to experiment with new trends:"

Try these products for a bright, springy look:

Pictured: L’Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Sculpted, OPI Nail Color MonSooner or Later, L’Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Magnetic, Victoria’s Secret Mozaic Bronzer, Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss Cherry Bomb, Essie Nail Polish Shorty Pants, 8. MAC Blushcreme Laid Mac Lipglass Strawberry Blonde, OPI Nail Color I’m India Mood For Love, Iman Blush Duo Posh, KLS Makeup Eyeshadow.
"With all that color, its important to make sure you have the ever chic staple of black. Big bold lashes and the sultry smoky eye are both winners throughout the season. Try these to really make your eyes pop:

Pictured: Cover Girl Lash Blash, NARS Eyeliner Kohl, Maybeline Eyelash Curler, L’Oreal Eyeshadow Quad Smoke.
I'll admit, I know nothing about beauty, so this is definitely welcome!
The comments section is open!
Stay tuned for posts from the rest of our intern contestants tomorrow.

Fashion Bomb Sponsor: Urban Decay

Today's Fashion Bomb Intern Contest post is sponsored by beauty leader extraordinaire...Urban Decay!
Urban Decay will keep the winner of our contest stuntin' with the freshest products from their brand new spring line, which includes the all-new Midnight Cowboy Lipstick and '70s -inspired Cream Shadow. Check out the entire line at UrbanDecay.com!
~Adriana

Free Beauty Product Giveaway Tomorrow!

A Fashion Bomb tipster informed us that as part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be given away starting tomorrow...

Stores like Saks, Macy's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Bloomingdale's will be giving away Chanel, Estee Lauder, Christian Dior and Guerlain perfume, lotion, and shower gel. Hey, if you're not in D.C. to celebrate Obama's Inauguration, console yourself with a free bottle of eau de toilette!
See the complete list of all you can cop here.

Hairstylist Ted Gibson for Target

Nitrolicious reports that Ted Gibson, celebrity hairstylist to stars like Debra Messing and more, will debut a range of affordable beauty products for Target:
Apparently his cuts typically cost $950 a pop, so a diffusion line was in order! The article says, "Gibson’s product range includes his daily shampoo and conditioner, Daily Cleanse and Daily Nourish; a shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair, Clarity Color, and three style items from the It series: Build It Blowdrying Agent, Fix It Gel and Tame It Shine Lotion — which are formulated with his Merlot Complex for shine and movement — and Beautiful Hold hair spray. His other items, including the iconic Hairsheet, are now sold at target.com. Prices for Gibson’s items range from $22.99 to $24.99."
Hmm, you learn a new thing everyday! I'd never heard of Ted Gibson before today, had you?

Save 25% off MAC cosmetics!!

Oooh, I'm about to go online and restock all my MAC products!
Enjoy 25% off all products on www.maccosmetics.com by entering MACFF9 at checkout. I definitely will...I need more blot powder and lipglass!
*Offer Expires January 8th!

Real Talk: Red Nailpolish

In Paris life is a lot slower, and I suddenly find I have time to do little things, like paint my nails something other than clear or cream. I've fallen into the red zone like Beyonce:
I *never* would have worn a red nail in NYC--no time to repaint! But now that I've tried it, I'm a quick convert--nothing screams sexy more than a bright red nail. Now I'm looking for even more shades to indulge in. I've got my eye on these:
1. Nars Nailpolish in Chinatown, $16. 2. Essie Nailpolish in Macks, $8. 3. Chanel Vamp Nail Polish, $20.
I'm clearly new to the colored nail thing: What are you fave red polishes?

Sephora Holiday Beauty Sets under $50

Need some gloss to go with that? Beauty Powerhouse Sephora is offering the following makeup compacts for under $50:

Left to Right: Sephora Deluxe Palette, $32; Dior Dior Chic Palette, $49.50; Nars Sephora Exclusive Lip Gloss Collection, $45.
See other options here.

MAC + Hello Kitty

WWD reports that MAC Cosmetics and Hello Kitty are collaborating on a collection of makeup and more, set to hit stores in February 2009:
In addition to typical lipstick and lipglass, the collection also includes cute accessories like makeup bags, mirrors, brushes, and vanity kits. Cute!
I tend not to stray too far away from Amber Lights Eyeshadow and Oh Baby lipglass, but this one might be worth a look...

Beauty Bomb: Skin Tips for Winter

It's Adri, back on the scene after a quickie fashion jaunt to Boston (more deets on that soon!) but first things first...did NYC just get Arctic overnight?! Brr! My skin is not feeling this at all, so it must be time to enact my winter regime. Here are a few of my favorite tips for keeping your skin healthy and looking fabulous during winter!

1. Limit the hot water on your skin:
I know it's hard--what's better than a steaming hot shower on a cold day? But too much hot water dries the skin out, so keep the showers to just warm and save the high heat for your swagger ;-)
2. Step Up the Body Moisturizer:
If you use a light moisturizer in summer, transition to something thicker with an enriching ingredient, like Vitamin E. I double-swear by Creamy Petroleum Jelly with Vitamin E)--it's so rich that sometimes I can skip a day (but in winter I hardly take chances!).
3. Make your makeup work double duty!
Use foundations, lip tints, and other products that have side benefits like moisturizers and sunscreens. Ever since I interviewed celeb makeup artist Jackie Gomez, I've been addicted to Korres's Lip Butter, which has great natural hues and built-in moisturizing ("Quince" is my go-to).
4. Sunscreen!
80% of the sun's rays STILL get through clouds, snow, etc., and one of the big myths about having melanin is that it prevents skin cancer when in fact it only just lowers your chances--brown and black folk are still susceptible. Light-weight sunscreens are the best--my fave is Bliss's Oil-Free Sunban Lotion with SPF 30.
5. And don't forget to hydrate from the inside-out with as much water as possible:
...especially during the winter months when cold can dry you out just as easily as heat in summer (not to mention the healthy glow and blemish banishing it gives your skin).
~Adri

Breaking into Fashion: Celebrity Makeup Artist Jackie Gomez

If you've coveted Beyoncé's, Zoe Saldana's, or Kelly Rowland's makeup lately, chances are Jackie Gomez's talented brush created that fabu look!Jackie, whose clients have also included Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, and R&B ingenue Natasha, took a sec from her hectic schedule (she was prepping for none other than Bee when we connected) to share makeup tips and how she rose in the biz.Jackie began at 19 by assisting as many established makeup artists as she could, and credits her "drive and ambition" as motivation to start booking her own jobs. "As a Latina, I know the importance of loving one's exotic features and use that, along with makeup, to make women feel and look amazing."Jackie recommends that you "practice makeup all the time--the more you do it the better it becomes." She also stresses the importance of apprenticing, keeping an eye towards striking out on your own, and being confident enough to develop your own style!
She also brought it with a few makeup pointers! Here are her Top 5 Makeup Tips:
1. Eyes should be flirtatious and gorgeous, so have fun! Lashes look best when they're darker than eyebrows, and several coats of mascara will give you a false lash effect.2. Keep eyebrows in their place: your eyes need a frame to appear balanced. Tip: use a stencil for a perfect brow.
3. Blush is very important! It sculpts the face and gives it life. Go for a bronzer with a peachy blush for a sexy glow.4. Foundations are meant to even out your skin, and they should be a little more yellow than pink for a flawless tone.
5. To prevent eyeliner from running, go over it with a cotton swab dipped in dark eyeshadow.
Did I mention that she's also a favorite of the guys? John Legend, Marc Anthony, the Clipse, and Hurricane Chris are fans!
And you know I had to get the 411 on her favorite makeup things:1. Tarte Park Avenue Princess Bronzer, $28 2. Korres "Guava" Lip Butter, $9 3. Makeup Forever High Definition Foundation, $40 4. Christian Dior Diorshow Mascara, $24 5. NARS "Crazed" Blush, $25 6. M.A.C Lashes #35, $12
Check out more on Jackie at her site, http://www.jgmakeup.com/!
Adri
Much thanks to Nikki P. ;-)

Beauty Bomb: 320 Looks for $48!

Sephora's back with their annual Blockbuster palette and it's one to make your head spin: 71 eyeshadow shades, 60 lip glosses, and 5 blushes, along with lip liners, brushes, and eyeliner.

A beautista's total dream bargain at $48 (and Sephora offers free shipping online for orders $50 and over)! Pick one up at your local Sephora or online at their site!
Adriana

Beauty Bomb: Shine Magazine

Adriana here!
So last week, I popped into a fantastic event for Shine, a hot new African-American and Latino beauty news and lifestyle magazine:

Co-hosted by Shine's current cover model, "106 & Park"'s Rocsi, the reception was part social networking, part celebration, as beauty professionals, press, and socialistas mingled and buzzed about. Even the Retro Kids got in on the fun.

What I immediately loved about Shine is that it speaks to the beauty experience of women of color by focusing on salons that cater to us, and including tips that speak to our unique hair experience:

I grabbed a few minutes with founder and Editor-In-Chief Phylencia Taylor (above, right) to talk about the magazine's creation:
"A couple of years ago, while working and managing a college tour for Wella, I was getting my hair, nails, etc., done in a new city every week, which was grueling. I then wanted to connect my experiences and the countless referrals I received, as well as apply my understanding of how important the beauty regimen is for women of color."

For those looking to break in to either beauty or beauty publishing, Phylencia advises, "Find what you love to do, research, develop a plan, and believe in YOU always!"

I so admire Shine's mission and, as a beauty junkie, am super excited for this magazine. Bonus: you can subscribe for free!

Visit Shine's site or e-mail info@shineexpo.com to sign up and tell 'em you heard about in on The Fashion Bomb.
~Adriana