I decided to take a little break from my computer screen this week to peruse the absolute latest everything at my favorite store, Barney’s New York, Beverly Hills.  As most people know, Barney’s is the “in” place to find unique, cutting-edge clothes, jewelry, makeup, treatments, handbags and shoes, shoes, shoes.  It’s also where all the celeb’s love to shop, shop, shop.  And when you go, don’t forget to park underground rather than use their back-door valet.  This is not only more economical, but you will mercifully avoid having your rear-end or something even more embarrassing photographed by hovering paparazzi clicking away in the bushes behind the adjoining parking lot.  Once inside you will fall in love with this store.  And of course everywhere you turn, celebs are wandering about, peering out from behind oversized sunglasses.  I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve glanced up while trying on a pair of Christian Louboutins in their fabulous first floor shoe salon only to see an icon like Madonna sitting on the couch across from me, or catch the reflection of hunky Andy Garcia or Ben Affleck in the mirror while I apply the latest lipstick, or squeeze into the elevator with Paris Hilton (I dated her uncle), or watch wonderful Reese Witherspoon descend the stairs after lunch at Greengrass on the top floor.  All in all, a pretty fun way to spend an afternoon!

So while I was there this week checking out all the stars on hiatus from their television shows, and stocking up on my own favorite shower gels and mascara, I decided to speak intimately with my sales person who also happens to be one of the cosmetic department managers.   And since I knew I would be writing this article, I decided to pick her brain on all the latest trends and current celebrity buying habits.  Confidentially, of course.  And let’s face it, if anyone in L.A. would know who is buying what for their skin, it would be someone in cosmetics at Barney’s!

So my expert proceeded to set me straight on two very definitive trends…  She said, “Porcelain-china-doll-white skin is very “in”… and deep, dark-golden-tropical-tanned skin is very “in.”” Huh?! I’m confused, I said.  She kindly proceeded to enlighten me… “there are two extremes being sought right now with no middle ground.   It’s almost become a cultural movement and a type of cultural divide as to which side you are on.”  “The color you chose says who you are; what you’re about.  It’s a statement…”  Wow!  Can you imagine this?!  Nowhere but in Hollywood would a class war ignite over the fake color of skin!  My spy went on to say… “ the two identities are as far apart as can be, for the exception of one thing; both have the ultimate goal of avoiding the SUN at all costs.”  Well, in spite of a multitude of available treatments, chemical peels and plastic surgery, it appears the fear of permanent UV damage, and becoming a middle-aged prune, has finally hit beach loving Hollywood—and hit hard!   Convenient alternatives to looking sun-kissed or never-ever-exposed-baby-bum-white are what is being sought by celebs at any price!

Ok, so although this was really fascinating and oh such a fun inside scoop, and now I will be checking out every celeb to see if they are white or bronze…  I realize no matter what side of the color divide you’re on, one thing remains…  In order to look beautiful you must begin with smooth, radiant skin!  And although I don’t yet fully understand the nuances between the two color camps, there is simply no bronzing product, nor skin whitening treatment, that can ever fake a healthy skin.  As every expert dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or even cosmetic sales person (if they are honest) will tell you, healthy skin can only be achieved from the inside-out as skin cells grow.  Skin cells must be fed pure nutrients from their inception in order to create the ever-desirable effervescent healthy glow.  And there is only one supplement which delivers over 300 nutrients through your blood stream directly to newly forming skin cells, and that is ALOERIDE®.  The geniuses at Aloeride® in Britain have discovered a way in which to extract and condense the most powerful molecules from that ancient healing Barbadensis Miller Aloe Vera plant, place them into pure powder form, then seal them in tiny convenient capsules.  And anyone who has taken Aloeride® for only a few short weeks will tell you how their skin begins to glow and become more resilient and vibrant!  There’s simply no topical treatment nor expensive spray tan which can produce this.  Further, it has been clinically proven that Aloeride® taken prior to exposure to the real sun, greatly enhances the skin’s natural protection against UV!  Again, not with a topical application but from the actual structure within the skin cells.  So, I’ve concluded that no matter what clique, clan, group or club you choose to belong to, or how you wish to express your identity through the color of your skin, beginning with a truly healthy radiant glow underneath, is what will make you truly beautiful! And Aloeride® will help make that happen!

Author: Jacqueline Lovejoy – Copyright ©2008 Santé Franglais (UK) Ltd.