Esthetician and skin guru Marc Edward is a three-time award-winning skincare specialist, whose facility was voted “Best Facials in Los Angeles.”  The Marc Edward Skincare Spa has provided a multitude of specialized services for over six years. In addition to their notable in-house treatments, Marc shared quick and simple tips with us regarding winter skincare.

Words by Beauty Editor: Jen Prudhome

Shaving and Grooming:
Prep the face with a warm and damp cloth, and avoid utilizing razors with multiple blades. You should not only shave with shaving cream, but also utilize shaving oil to nourish the skin both before and after shaving. Stay away from using rubbing alcohol or any other like agents that would cause additional irritation to the skin during the dry and cold weather.

Moisturizing:
It is recommended to use lotion twice daily that is infused with essential oils including Chamomile, Jojoba, and Coriander. After application, massage into the skin for best results. For effective moisturizing after bathing, body lotion should be applied within 3-minutes of taking a shower.

UV Protection:
Consider applying SPF 15 sunscreen during the winter (while SPF 30 is more appropriate during the summer). Sunscreen should contain zinc and titanium. Flesh tone sunscreens are excellent options for various skin types and exposure.

Palm and Sole:
Massage the same lotion that you utilize for your body massage onto your hands twice daily, morning and night. Repeat for the feet. An inexpensive method for at home foot care would be petroleum jelly on the feet and place socks on over night to improve the foot condition. Men should also consider manicures and pedicures, as needed, to keep their hands and feet in top condition.

Source: For more information about Marc Edward and the Marc Edward Skincare Spa please visit http://www.marcedwardskincare.com.

Makeup Maestro Derrick Rutledge has a candid talk with Obvious Magazine’s Beauty Editor about his professional journey, struggle with overweight, and painting face for “The Two Big Os.”

Words by Beauty Editor: Jen Prudhome

Twenty-three years ago, Derrick Rutledge started his career as a makeup artist in college while studying Producing and Directing, in addition to Vocal Performance. A major part of his studies consisted of studying fashion photography and professional lighting, an experience which made him familiar with posing models, and gain an understanding of the best angles for his subject. While staging his own fashion shoots, he became accustomed to painting the faces of his own models.

“That’s why it’s very difficult to for me to be at a shoot and not say something. Because I love to pose models I know how to make you look your best. The face angles and what lighting is best.”
It was this area of his education that allowed him to exercise his artistic abilities which included drawing and painting. His knowledge of color from his art background allows him to understand the importance of color when applying it to the face, as well as the placement of dark and light.

“I come from an old school of artist where they didn’t have money to afford airbrushing to make things perfect, you had to be perfect.”

Once he graduated from Webster University he moved to Washington, DC he met a publisher that asked him to assist on a major photoshoot, which lead to an opportunity for him to go to Europe.  For six weeks Derrick led beauty shoots for several companies and hair salons which opened opportunities for his work to be featured on billboards. When the publisher sold his company to Dudley Products in North Carolina, Derrick was asked to run beauty books for Dudley.

After three years he was asked to develop and expand their product line by adding additional colors that complement an array of skin tones. Derrick considered this to be a major stepping stone for his budding signature collection.

While Derrick did not remain with Dudley Products, his exit opened new opportunities. He received a phone call several months later asking him to work with Black Entertainment Television (BET). They wanted him to work with Kenya Moore, (the key makeup artist at BET went on vacation), and Derrick was asked to extend his services to the flagship shows on the network for over five years.

“What had happened was at that time BET would bring in the [music] artists and they would come in with their makeup artist.  But word started to spread around about this big guy that worked in the makeup room that could paint face.”

His tenure at BET allowed him to work beauty wonders with clients on a consistent basis including Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, and Cece Winans. He recognized that his field of work gave him a unique opportunity to help other people but it also opened doors for his own personal development. Derrick’s professional journey also brought him to the core of his weight problems, and in a monumental weight-loss feat, he was able to invest more time into his individual enterprise after his move away from BET that he regards as a leap of faith. He considered overweight as something that did not have to be an obstacle in the midst of what he wanted to achieve. Derrick shared that his spiritual connectedness brought him the honor of working with “the two big Os:” Oprah Winfrey and First Lady Michelle Obama. “I’m truly grateful, truly honored, and truly blessed…”

Jen: Among your clientele you’ve worked with Oscar winning actress Mo’Nique, music legend Patti LaBelle, media mogul Oprah Winfrey, and First Lady of Michelle Obama. What about your work resonates with all of these women?

Derrick: What I do for Oprah, First Lady Michelle, Mo’Nique, Yolanda, CeCe, Chaka, you, your sister, your mother, is give every one of my clients an experience. It’s more than just giving someone good makeup or finding someone that can paint. I’m calm. I’m soothing, and I’m genuine. I look at someone. It’s all in the way that I touch them, the way I apply moisturizer on their face, and look at them in their eyes so they can feel a genuineness coming from me. I’m very passionate when I make someone up. As I’m making them up I’m seeing them transform. It’s not necessarily putting on a lot of makeup; it’s just enhancing what they have. When you look good you feel good.

JP: Everyone was awestruck by Oprah Winfrey’s appearance at the Met Costume Institute Gala, where she was Oscar De La Renta’s Muse.

DR: You don’t understand how good it made me feel for her to ask me to do that. You know? I had only worked for her a couple of times and then she asked me to do that. It was such an honor. And it was such a big event. Then there was photo she took with Lady Gaga that night for Vogue. That was absolutely beautiful.

JP: She looked phenomenal and you could tell that Oprah felt great that evening. For such a major event, where do you start with your inspiration? Do you see the dress or have a conversation with you?

DR: I knew she was going as Oscar de la Renta’s face for the night. Which meant every eye was going to be on her, and him. This was big because it was dealing with the fashion world. They showed me sketches of the dress, and then the actual dress. So I started drawing an eye on a paper, and a lip on another piece of paper so I painted two different types of eyes and lips. I had two or three ideas for what I wanted to do and I when asked her if she had any ideas of what she wanted, she said “just, paint me.” We did her photoshoot the day before the [event] but they made it to look as if it was shoot the same day; which was good because it gave me an opportunity to see what she was going to look like the night of the gala. That preparation comes from the O Magazine covers. My first issue was the July issue of her lying in the hammock, and the infamous one that everyone was raving over was the cover Oprah in the short wig.

JP: When you say transformation, that cover was a transformation.

DR: Yes. And when it comes to Michelle O, people absolutely love the piece of her in black and white with her hands on her face; there was the cover of Glamour from December of last year. We went to Olso, Copenhagen, and the State Ball where the Salahis snuck in. I’ve had so many people say that night was the most beautiful picture she has taken with the President.

JP: I’d love to hear more about DRAF (Derrick Rutledge About Face) and what you are doing for aspiring beauty trailblazers of the future?

DR: I started bringing in makeup artists to shadow me, learn my technique and be able to paint the way I painted with their own touch. I’ve been mentoring young upcoming makeup artists by taking what they’ve already learned and show them what they need to do to become better. The true test is when you have to get out there and do [the work] live. I’m a firm believer that you’re a constant student. As long as I’ve been doing this, I still feel that I can always learn.

To learn more about DRAF (Derrick Rutledge About Face) please visit http://www.drafonline.com.

Its official Camp Zoe is expecting a new camper. Yesterday  Rachel via Twitter finally confrimed that her and her husband Roger are expecting their first child. Rachel twitted ,”I feel great, Rodger and I are beyond excited and so thankful for all of your love and support.” . I guess Suri and Shilow can expect another  fashionista in their club.

by Leon Christian, The Speak

Eva and Tony joins the club, the Hollywood Divorce Club  that is. The soon to be divorced couple are going their separate ways after only three years of marriage.  Eva cited  in court documents that irreconcilable differences is the reason for the couple’s split and is seeking spousal support. Yet the real reason is Tony has been exchanging personal text messages with a mutual female friend  that is also a teammate’s wife for nearly a year. We can only imagine what was being said in the messages that could cause such a divorce. Does anyone take marriage and commitment serious these days? It is sad to see “The Pakers” are now only a statistic of the already high divorce rate epidemic.

by Leon Christian, The Speak

Stay tuned to see what couple is next. NO MORE HUSH HUSH

Super talented model Tico Armand took the time to shoot with our Creative Director/Photographer Jerris Madison. This Haitian beauty truly exudes beauty and poise. Enjoy!

Photographer Jerris Madison
Fashion Editor Douglas Hickman, Jr.
Makeup Jerris Madison
Model Tico Armand

Leopard Throw  Deen and Ozzy
Ring  Circa Sixty Three

LEFT
Belt as headband  Ecote
Body Suit  Bebe
Ring  Circa Sixty Three

RIGHT
Jacket  Jose Duran
Earrings  Laruicci

LEFT
Dress  Dauxilly
Purses as shoulder pads  Urban Outfitter’s
Bracelet  Stephen Dweck
Ankle Boots  Nicole Miller

RIGHT
Jacket  Jovanni

Dress  Dauxilly
Bracelet  Laruicci

Bustier  Jovani
Skirt  Alexander Berardi
Necklace  Laruicci
Shoes  Cesare Paciotti

Travel kits are undoubtedly critical for destination departures, arrivals, and boarding as they remain conscious of a man’s needs without taking up an abundance of space. With so many different combination sets to choose from each year, we are presenting the best of practical skincare, grooming, and haircare travel kits designed for every gentleman.

Words by Beauty Editor: Jen Prudhome

Jack Black Hair are Essentials Set, $45.00
http://www.getjackblack.com
Jack Black produces a solid collection of botanical and vitamin based products that will enrich and protect hair during moderate or extreme weather. These certified PureScience™ products are bound to keep your hair refined and refreshed. The Haircare Essentials Kit includes the True Volume Thickening Shampoo and Revitalizing Conditioner with expansion technology, basil and white Lupine, in addition to the Body Building Hair Gel with grapefruit and ginger.

Himistry Deluxe Black Tea Shave Set, $39.50
http://www.himistry.com
Prepare to face the day and have your skin in top condition by carrying this optimal grooming kit. The Deluxe Black Tea Shave Set is bound to give you a refreshing start with Himistry’s Black Tea Cleanser, Black Tea Shave Crème, and Black Tea Toner. Also included is the QC-10 Serum which is infused with CoQ10 and Vitamin E. It’s designed to revitalize and regenerate the skin after intense environmental exposure.

MenScience Ultimate Travel Kit, $78.00
http://www.menscience.com
This Travel kit that is complete with all of the essentials with each product being TSA compliant as they are bottled in packaging that is less than 3 ounces. The Ultimate Travel Kit undoubtedly amounts to its name and expectations. Loaded with necessities including with Advanced Shave Formula, Daily Face Wash, Advanced Face Lotion, Post-Shave Repair, Daily Shampoo, Advanced Deodorant, Advanced Lip Protection, a sleep mask and ear plugs.

Think of Spring time in the Fall.

Photographer  Wee Seing Ng
Makeup and Hair  Natali Hettich
Fashion Editor  Matthew John
Model  Jan Delozier

With only a few days left for the official release of the steamy film “Burlesque”, fans are excited as ever. Cher is surely back to the with a bang, offering big screen newcomer Christina Aguilera a helping hand. The film tells a story of a  small-town girl who ventures to Los Angeles and finds her place in a neo-burlesque club run by a former dancer. So if you are wondering what to do when your done eating grandma’s famous turkey, Burlesque should be next on your menu. Burlesque hits theaters Thanksgiving Day .

Check out the “Burlesque” trailer below via Youtube:

by Leon Christian, The Speak
Cher and Christina are back. NO MORE HUSH HUSH

She knew which direction she was headed but got lost along the way.

Photographer Aladdin Ishmael
Fashion Editor  Brett Bailly
Makeup  Iris Moreau
Hair  Bernhard Tamme
Model  Sara Emmons
Lighting  Eric Jang, Dwayne Autery
Digital Techs  Andy Bonura, Tyler Jennings
Retoucher  Rondi Ballard

Dress  Farah Angsana
Jacket Christian Lacroix
Necklace Malendrino

LEFT
Dress Temperly London
Shoes  Max Azria

RIGHT
Dress Lanvin
Necklace Tom Binns
Ring Daniel Swarovski

LEFT
Scarf  Malendrino

RIGHT
Dress  Bodyamar
Shoes Dolce and Gabbana

LEFT
Knit Dress  Ioannis Dimitrousis

RIGHT
Suit Shirt and Shorts Oscar De La Renta
Boots  Fendi

Body Suit  Felder and Felder
Ankle Bracelet  Chanel
Necklaces  Givenchy and Chanel

The summer to winter transition has begun, and so have our battles with hair manageability. A new time of the year can provide us with headaches that are the direct result of all our hairstyle trials. No matter the season or processing a woman’s locks and coils may undergo, discovering a product that protects hair from becoming dry, brittle, and damaged is a challenge. For optimal hydration, botanical hair care system PhytoSpecific is booming in popularity over its recognition that the biology of curly, frizzy and relaxed hair calls for ‘extra nourishment and delicate care.’ Their collection of hair care products contain an infusion of botanical ingredients: quinoa and kukui oils, shea and illipe butters, hibiscus flowers and barley milk. While it’s evident that no individual’s hair is like another, there are three hydration categories of care to target specific needs for both curly and straight hair:

Words by Beauty Editor: Jen Prudhome

Level 1: Hydrate normal to dry hair.

Optimal Hydration Shampoo & Optimal Hydration Milk (Conditioner)
Level 2: Hydrate and nourish ultra dry hair.

Intense Nutrition Shampoo & Intense Nutrition Mask (Conditioner)
Level 3: Hydrate, nourish, and repair damaged or brittle hair.

Vital Force Shampoo & Vital Force Crème Bath (Conditioner)

All Levels: Overnight protection to hydrate and restructure damaged ends.

Ultra-Repair Night Treatment
PhytoSpecific is extraordinary as their company recognizes that part of the success in exceptional hair styling and growth, starts with creating a consistent day-to-night regimen for maintaining healthy hair. Shampoos and conditioners from each level were very effective in providing hair with the hydration it lacks, in addition to providing nourishment with essential oils (jojoba, illipe, butter, and barley milk); all of which will leave the hair feeling incredibly soft, light, manageable and healthy after protecting with PhytoSpecific.
Phyto was recently spotted backstage at 3.1 Philip Lim during New York Fashion Week as the stylists’ product of choice for all of the runway models. Source: Sephora http://blog.sephora.com .

For more information regarding PhytoSpecific, please visit http://www.phytospecific.com or http://www.phyto-usa.com Additional product inquiries, contact Larry Hufana [email protected] (PHYTO, Alés Group USA).