Cosmetic Imperatives


By ELLEN TIEN Published:
January 6, 2008

Some beauty products simply get the job done, while others become obsessions. Here are some of winter’s top-selling, most coveted items.

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT

The Youth As We Know It cream by Bliss puts 10 anti-aging ingredients in one jar ($79 at Blissworld.com); its success has led to a complete Youth collection of face products ($28 to $75, available Jan. 15 at blissworld

.com).

This season, lush lashes are the thing: extension-hungry celebrities have been ordering Shu Uemura false lashes by the case ($15 to $50 at Shuuemura-usa.com), while high-fiber mascaras that resist smudging or running by Shu Uemura (Fiber Xtension Lengthening Mascara, $23, also at Shuuemura-usa.com) and Kevyn Aucoin (Curling or Volume Mascara, $25 at BergdorfGoodman.com) have become all-around favorites.

Patricia Wexler M.D. De-Puff Eye Gel has become a new staple, $19.50 at Bath & Body Works.

MIDDLE ROW

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Body Lotion keeps winter-battered skin soft ($28 at Bigelowchemist.com, also in a face cream for $55).

Beauty kits by the London-based Space.NK contain bath and body products in gorgeous boxes with graphics inspired by Japanese kimonos ($20 for mini-sets to $160 for full-size sets at SpaceNK.com).

That Gal brightening face primer by Benefit makes skin brighter, clearer and smoother; it can be worn alone or under foundation ($27 at Sephora.com).

BOTTOM ROW

Laura Mercier Stickgloss keeps lips hydrated and shiny yet has the longevity of lipstick; the color palette is subtle and elegant, with no tacky teenage shades ($20 at Lauramercier.com).

Vegetarian Miracle 10-Minute Mask for hair by Davines moisturizes and de-frizzes, keeping static at bay; $19.50 at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in New York, (212) 546-0398.

Lime & Sage shower gel ($15) and Thyme & Sage facial gel cleanser ($21) by Korres fight acne naturally; the striped bottles are trophy items for the bathroom. At Korres Natural Products in New York, (212) 219-0683.

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Britney Spears 'leaves hospital'


Spears will hear on 14 January if she can see her two sons again

Britney Spears has been discharged from hospital in Los Angeles, according to a well-known TV therapist who said he had spent an hour with the troubled singer.
Dr Phil McGraw said he was convinced she was "in dire need of both medical and psychological intervention".

The star was taken to hospital on a stretcher after a hysterical outburst at her home, with police called to try to settle a dispute about her two sons.

A court commissioner then removed her right to look after or visit the boys.

As a result, Spears' ex-husband, Kevin Federline, now has sole custody of Sean Preston, who is two, and one-year-old Jayden James.

A further court hearing is to be held on 14 January to consider the welfare of the children.

'Very concerned'

Dr McGraw, who presents a self-titled programme helping people with their psychological problems, said he went to see Spears at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Dr Phil McGraw hosts a daily show about health and relationships
"She was released moments before my arrival and was packing when I entered the room," he told American TV programmes Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.

"We visited for about an hour before I walked with her to her car. I am very concerned for her."

No details have been given by the hospital as to why Spears, 26, was admitted on Thursday evening.

It was reported that, when police went to the singer's hilltop mansion, she was under the influence of an unknown substance.

After a three-hour stand-off, Spears was lifted into an ambulance, which was then chased by a number of paparazzi photographers.

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