Cosmetics Mogul Donates $50 Million To Two Area Hospitals

from NY1 News

Two city hospitals received a $50 million gift Thursday from Revlon cosmetics mogul Ronald Perelman. New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center received the multi-million dollar donation from Perelman. He says he made the contribution to support advances in cardiac care and reproductive medicine.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn says Perleman's generosity will give hope to the city's residents. "[Hope] is an incredibly important thing right now in our city, because at a time when people are worried about their future, you are sending a message to them that their future will be okay," said Quinn. "Because we are in a city of great and generous people who are going to ban together and make sure that everyone gets the best care they possibly could."

"My dream is for these guys to help a lot of people get better, be better, and do better," said Perelman. The hospital plans to build a new cardiac care facility, which will be named the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Care Institute. The donation will also support research and clinical care at the Center for Reproductive Medicine, which will also be named after the donor and his late ex-wife.

Cosmetics target kids getting older younger

By CAMILLE SWEENEY

ONE recent rainy afternoon, seven-year-old Eleanor LaFauci, sat with her feet in open-toed foam slippers, admiring her toenails, freshly painted watermelon pink. “Look, we’re reading an adult magazine,” Eleanor told her mother, gleefully waving a copy of People with a desultory-looking Britney Spears on its cover. Eleanor was in the bubble-gum-coloured pedicure lounge of Dashing Diva, the Upper West Side franchise of the international nail spa, with her three-and-half-year-old sister and a half-dozen of friends.

The girls were celebrating her birthday with mani’s, pedi’s and mini-makeovers with light makeup and body art – glitter-applied stars, lightning bolts and, of course, hearts. Eleanor’s mother, Anne O’Brien, stood watching and shrugged. “What can I say?” said O’Brien, whose husband suggested the party. “She’s a girly girl. I’m not quite sure how it happened. I didn’t get my first manicure until I was 25.” Traditionally, young girls have played with unattended MAC eye shadow or Chanel foundation makeup, hoping to capture a whiff of sophistication. In the recent past, young girls have also tagged along on beauty expeditions by their mothers and teenage sisters.

But today, cosmetic companies and retailers increasingly aim their sophisticated products and service packages squarely at six- to nine-year-olds, who are being transformed into savvy beauty consumers before they’re out of elementary school. “The starter market has definitely grown, I think, due to a number of cultural influences,” said Samantha Skey, the senior vice president for strategic marketing of Alloy Media and Marketing. Reality programming like Americas Next Top Model often hinges on the segment devoted to a hair and beauty transformation for the contestants, Skey said.

On social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, members’ intense self-focus and their attention to how they present themselves also affect six- to nine-year-olds, even though technically, they aren’t allowed to set up profiles on the sites, she added. “We live in a culture of insta-celebrity,” Skey said. “Our little girls now grow up thinking they need to be ready for their close-up, lest the paparazzi arrive.” In a study last year, 55 percent of six- to nine-year-old girls said they used lip gloss or lipstick, and nearly two-thirds said they used nail polish, according to Experian, a market research company based in New York. In 2003, 49 percent of the same age-group said they used lip gloss or lipstick. Youth market analysts say this is part of a trend called kids getting older younger (KGOY) and cultural observers describe a tandem phenomenon, more-indulgent parents. — © The New York Times

How to Buy Custom Blended Cosmetics Online

By eyeopening

In a world where everything feels so mass produced, it's nice to know that at least when it comes to cosmetics you can still get something custom designed just for you. Whether you want your favorite discontinued lipstick reproduced or simply want a cosmetic product made to your specifications there are a variety of options available. Here are some of the best resources for custom blend cosmetics

Step 1:
Three Custom Color Specialists. This company sells custom blend cosmetics both online and through the Henri Bendel store in New York City. They can make custom blended lip color, eyeshadow, blush, concealer, and powder. If you need that perfect lipstick shade to match a dress for a big event such as a wedding, you can send them a piece of fabric, a photo, or even a paint chip sample illustrating the shade you're looking for. They can then make it to your specifications. You can also send them a sample of a discontinued makeup item you'd like to have remade. You'll never have to fear your favorite shade of blush being discontinued again.

Step 2:
Cosmetics.com. This site can formulate lipstick, lip gloss, or concealer to meet your individual needs. They can even make subtle changes such as removing the frost from a lipstick to make it more matte or adding moisture to an existing formulation. Do you like your current foundation shade but need more coverage? They can fix that problem for you too with a custom blend foundation designed to meet your color and skin care needs.

Step 3:
Prescriptives. If you'd prefer to have your custom makeup formulated in person, stop by a Prescriptives counter and discover the custom blending options they have available. They can make a variety of custom blended cosmetics right before your eyes including foundation, concealer, powder, blush, bronzer, and even tinted moisturizer. Plus you'll benefit from the expertise of one of their Prescriptives analyst who can help you select the perfect shades for your particular skin tone. Best of all, consultation is free. You can even chat with a Prescriptives analysis online if you need some guidance. It's the ultimate in cosmetic personalization.

How Green Are Organic Shampoos and Lotions?

By Gene Koprowski

Not too long ago, organic beauty supplies — shampoos and lotions — were perceived as products for unkempt hippies.But now they're for well-coiffed, urbane hipsters, too.

According to the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) trade group, sales of organic and natural "personal" products are soaring. They're now the fastest growing segment of the cosmetics market, increasing by 20 percent a year.What's more, major retailers such as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Nordstrom and Target are carrying organic skin and hair care products. They're not limited to health food stores anymore.

"Natural beauty products are taking the industry by storm," says Mariana Krambs, chief operating officer of Sumbody, a maker of organic products located in Sebastopol, Calif."Consumers are responding amazingly well," Krambs said. "They have latched on to green products right now [as well as] the 'healthy for me, healthy for the environment' attitude. Since these products really work, the response is even more overwhelming."

Just what is an organic beauty product? A survey by the OCA of more than 5,500 consumers who regularly purchase organic products indicates that 98.6 percent of those polled believe that a product with the word "organic" in its brand name should either be 100 percent organic or at least not contain synthetic detergents or preservatives.And what impact do these products have on the environment?Because organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, the threat of carcinogens from pesticide residues is non-existent, experts say. (The few organic pesticides in existence are much less harmful.)

Nor do organic farmers fertilize their fields with sewage sludge, feared to contain many heavy metals, preferring composted manure and crop residues instead.Although cosmetics are generally regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, rules for handling of organic products are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.In order to meet federal requirements, producers who wish to state on their products that their goods are "made with" organic ingredients must ensure that 70 percent of the product is indeed "made with" organic elements.Display of a product's "organic percentage" on packaging is now required by the federal government, according to the USDA's National Organic Program Web site. The lengthy list of standards is at http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/NOP/standards/LabelPre.html.

Some retailers and manufacturers go beyond what the USDA mandates to ensure that their products are even more environmentally friendly. The new personal-care products being sold at Target are completely free of synthetic ingredients, including parabens, phthalates and sodium lauryl sulfates. Some organic consumers demand that.

"I can tell you that especially since the big study on phthalates was released, we've been swamped with calls from women who wouldn't ordinarily think that organic shampoo or baby lotion was a necessity," says Sheri Wallace, spokeswoman for Earth Mama Angel Baby, a maker of organic products for mothers and babies. "As consumers get more and more educated about the ingredients that are really used in their personal care products, they get more and more upset," she added.

A widely publicized study published earlier this month in the medical journal Pediatrics recommended that parents not apply any baby lotions or powders to their children's skin, except for prescribed medical conditions. That was due to dangers posed by phthalates, chemicals often used to stabilize viscous liquids — and which multiple studies have linked to impaired male reproductive function.

The study measured phthalates in the urine of 163 infants, and also recorded whether their parents had used infant powders, diaper creams, wipes, shampoo and lotion on them in the previous 24 hours. All the infants' urine samples contained phthalates, and the use of powder, lotion and shampoo was tied to higher concentrations. Manufacturers are not required to list phthalates as ingredients on product packaging.

• Click here to read the full journal report on phthalates in baby products.

"Generally, consumers don't know much about the ingredients in these products," says Wallace. "The lack of education in this area is what we work to overcome on a daily basis — to try to teach parents what ingredients are, what is required to list and how to decide what is right for your family."

Some leading brands in the organic products world are companies like BeeCeuticals, Nourish Beauty, Dr. Bronner's, Giovanni Organic Cosmetics, Juice Organics, Kiss My Face and Avalon Organics. The big brand products in this niche approach the "organic" ingredients question in many different ways.

— Avalon Organics claims to use 100 percent vegetarian ingredients to create a "sensual, satisfying" feeling in the buyers of its hair-, skin- and body-care products, priced from $7.99 to $22.99.

— Giovanni Organic Cosmetics incorporates vitamins, minerals, herbs, pure essential oils and oils harvested from renewable plants in its skin- and hair-care products, priced from $1.99 to $13.99.

— Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps claim to be USDA "certified organic" and are even packaged in 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic cylinder bottles. Made of coconut, olive, hemp and jojoba oils, the products are designed for everyday body washing and are priced from $1.99 to $12.99.

— Burt's Bees offers "earth-friendly" products, crafted with beeswax, botanical oils and herbs and flowers, which, advocates say, are "formulated to maximize personal well-being and the environment." The skin, lip, body and hair products are priced from $2.99 to $24.99.

Though the market is growing quickly for these products — Target begins selling new organic brands in March — they have enthusiastic backers. "The quality of these products is easily discernible, and their capacity to nurture and enhance the skin's appearance is very evident," says Maureen Whitehouse, a former fashion model and now an "eco-spiritual consultant" in Hollywood, Fla. The surface of the skin is emerging as a line of defense for environmentalists and the health-conscious.

"Your skin is your largest organ, you absorb more toxins through it than anywhere, and it requires the same types of nutrients as the rest of your body," says Sumbody's Krambs. "Why care what you eat and buy organic food, only to give toxins a free pass into your body via your carcinogenic body cream?" Are these products really green? Generally, the answer is yes.

The USDA guidelines are proven standards, and products with the "USDA certified" label are sure to be friendly to your personal eco-system. In future years the standards may be ratcheted up and only products that contain 100 percent organic ingredients may be truly called organic and natural.

Ten Step Transformation

from Art of Appearance

In your fifties every time when you look in the mirror you say to yourself: "It is very important for me to make appointment for skin care, make-up, stress relief and much, much more". My friend Emily mentioned Maria’s Anti-Aging University where she studied skin care and make-up. So – finally, I made my appointment with Maria.

When I came to the Studio I was amazed of the tranquility of the place. The atmosphere was quiet and setting was very elegant. "Maria has good taste", I thought. I decided to start with "Art of Appearance lessons", which consist of two sessions: first – the make-up session and second – the facial exercise and color analysis session. Let me share with you my wonderful experience. I am talking about lessons with Maria. I filled out the application and, after a short consultation, Maria started the first part of the lesson – make-up session.

"The biggest asset we have in life" – Maria said – "are ourselves and we must use it to its best advantage. How good looking we are is a matter of how well we can present and package ourselves. Success in life depends on how strong our presentation and how high the level of conscientious about what happens around us, at that moment.

Today’s session is about every day make-up. Let’s start our ten steps of transformation."

1 - MARIA CLEANED MY FACE, PAT IT DRIED AND WIPED IT OFF WITH A PIECE OF COTTON WITH TONER. ON MY DAMP SKIN SHE APPLIED SERUM FOLLOWED BY THE SUNSCREEN, DAY CREAM, EYE CREAM.

2 - MY PIMPLES AND BROWN SPOTS WERE COVERED WITH A LITTLE BIT OF CONCEALER.

3 - WHEN MY SKIN WAS PROTECTED AND NOURISHED, MARIA APPLIED THE FOUNDATION USING A SPONGE.

4 - SHE APPLIED LOOSE POWDER ON THE TOP OF THE FOUNDATION USING THE SAME SPONGE.

5 - NEXT STEP WAS A CONCEALER FOR EYELIDS. SHE USED NATURAL COLOR.

6 - WHEN THE TIME CAME TO APPLY THE COLORS MARIA STARTED WITH EYEBROWS USING A LIGHT BLOND PENCIL WITH BRUSH. IT HELPED FIX MY BROWS TO A NICE SHAPE.

7 - SHE APPLIED EYELINER VERY CLOSE TO THE ROOTS OF MY LASHES.

8 - NEXT MARIA USED A TWO-COLOR MASCARA. FIRST SHE APPLIED WHITE COLOR –A THERAPEUTIC FLUID. ONE MINUTE LATER SHE APPLIED THE BLACK COLOR. MY LASHES APPEARED THICK AND MUCH LONGER.

9 - WHEN MARIA APPLIED BLUSH SHE USED STROKES FROM THE EAR TO THE MIDDLE OF THE CHEEK AND TO THE TEMPLE, AND WITH VERY LIGHT TOUCH – TO THE BONE UNDER EYEBROWS.

10 - NOW IT WAS TIME FOR LIPS. FIRST SHE APPLIED THE LIP PENCIL EXACTLY ON THE LINE OF MY LIPS. AFTER THIS - THE LIPSTICK.

For all this time I have been looking in the mirror as I have witness amazing transformation from tired gal to relaxing glowing woman. I liked very much what I finally saw in the mirror.

Maria continued: "If you have a special event, before starting make-up, first - do the face-lift masque and find 15-20 minutes to relax. In the Evening Make-up you change only two things: first, apply HALO 70 instant glow under foundation. Second – for eyelids use two colors shadows - light and dark. Apply light shadow closer to the inner corner of the eye, and darker shadow – to the outer corner. And last suggestion: never match color of make-up to the color of your dress. All colors should be matched to the color of your eyes, skin and hair. Every woman is beautiful, if she knows HOW."

The second session includes face exercise and color analysis, I’ve already scheduled the appointment at Art of Appearance Skin Care & Image Center.

''Cosmetics and Personal Care Market in Brazil''

''Cosmetics and Personal Care Market in Brazil'' Provides an in-Depth Analysis of the Present and Future Prospects of the Brazilian Cosmetic and Toiletries Industry

DUBLIN,Ireland--(BUSINESSWIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Cosmetics and Personal Care Market in Brazil” to their offering.

Brazil has placed itself as one of the fastest growing and emerging markets on cosmetics and personal care industry landscape. Being the largest market in Latin America and one of the top five cosmetics & personal care markets in the world, Brazil offers immense investment opportunities for companies around the world. With rising cosmetic consumption, coupled with increasing income level, demand of cosmetics & personal care products will further shoot in Brazil.

Brazil offers low cost manufacturing facilities and has well developed infrastructure with government support that is making the country an idle destination to establishing cosmetic and toiletries production base and target export market. Also, as the country has a large consumer base, manufacturers can easily tap the domestic market.

“Cosmetics and Personal Care Market in Brazil” provides an in-depth analysis of the present and future prospects of the Brazilian cosmetic and toiletries industry. It looks into the industry in detail with focus on major players, distribution network, driving forces, and opportunities critical to the success of the industry at micro level.

Key Findings

Per capita consumption of cosmetics and personal care products in Brazil is expected to increase at a CAGR of 15.49% during 2008-2011. Skin care market, one of the major segments in the cosmetics & personal care industry, is projected to clock in a CAGR growth of 22% during 2008-2011. Sales growth of hair care products is anticipated to attain a CAGR of 19% during 2008-2011. Color cosmetics sale in Brazil is likely to move up at a CAGR of 18% from 2008 to 2011. Rising cosmetic consumption in Brazil will stimulate the demand for chemicals in the cosmetics & personal care industry to US$ 12.83 Billion by 2011. Pharmacy sales of male cosmetics in Brazil are expected to rise to 20% by 2010. Hair care products accounted for more than 25% (expected) of the total cosmetics & personal care market in 2007.

Key Issues & Facts Analyzed

• What are the future growth areas in Brazil cosmetics & toiletries industry?
• Which factors are driving the industry?
• What are the issues that can hinder the future progress of the industry and what RNCOS recommends to tackle these problem areas?
• What is the segment-wise future scenario of the market?
• Which distribution channels (segment-wise) are prevailing in the cosmetic and toiletries industry?
• What is the scenario of trade in cosmetics and toiletries products?

Key Players Analyzed

This section covers the business overview about the major players in the Brazilian cosmetic market, including Natura, Mundial SA, Avon, etc.

Research Methodology Used - Information Sources

The information has been compiled from authentic and reliable sources like books, newspapers, trade journals, and white papers, industry portals, government agencies, trade associations, monitoring industry news and developments, and through access to more than 3000 paid databases.

Analysis Method

Methods like historical trend, linear regression analysis using software tools, judgmental forecasting, and cause and effect analysis have been used in the report for rational analysis.

Companies Mentioned:

- Key Players
- Natura
- Beiersdorf
- Mundial SA
- O Boticario
- Avon

Cosmetic study results buoy Syntopix

from ShareCast

LONDON (SHARECAST) - AIM Listed dermatological drug developer Syntopix has announced positive results from its phase II cosmetic study in subjects with acneic skin, it said today. A Syntopix product reduced the total number of acne spots to a significantly greater extent from week 4 onwards than a currently marketed acne treatment, said the group. The study, which began in July 2007, was conducted in Germany and investigated the Syntopix preparations SYN 0126, a compound used in cosmetic preparations, and a combination of SYN 0126 with SYN 0091, a bacteriostatic agent used in soaps and cosmetics. The company now intends to investigate the possibility of a licensing agreement with a suitable partner in the cosmetics or consumer healthcare industries.

Colorlab Custom Cosmetics

from ABC Local

Do you have trouble finding foundation that really matches your skin color? Do you have a favorite lipstick color that has been discontinued? Do you buy blush at the cosmetics counter, only to find you hate the shade when you get home? Then Colorlab Custom Cosmetics may be the answer for you.

The company offers the first fully custom-blended cosmetics line that allows you to have your makeup designed, hand-crafted, custom-blended and freshly made exclusively for you. Providing couture cosmetics in London and Paris for more than two years, the company has now opened its first boutique in Chicago on trendy Armitage Avenue and interactive counters at flagship Macy's on State Street, Chicago and Union Square, San Francisco.

Colorlab Custom Cosmetics is eliminating makeup mistakes by introducing a cosmetics experience that offers women customized cosmetics at the counter in a matter of minutes. Colorlab customers can design one-of-a-kind, natural lipsticks, as well as eye shadows, blushes and foundations in unlimited hues and formulations for every skin type and need  literally bringing the cosmetics lab to the counter. The products are competitively priced with other high-end cosmetics lines, but boast unlimited customization options.

"Makeup is not one-size-fits-all," says Mary Swaab, founder and CEO of Colorlab Custom Cosmetics. "We're giving women the opportunity to have the makeup they really want. Colorlab inventors work closely with each individual to ensure that every product is perfect for them. Women love getting the perfect makeup and being an integral part of the makeup invention experience. Through our innovative process, we're literally closing the drawer on makeup mistakes."

Colorlab Products Each signature product (lip gloss, lipstick, eye shadow, pressed and loose foundation, blush and bronzer) is custom-created in unlimited shades, textures and intensities. From scents and flavors to anti-aging minerals, sun protection and more, inventors create the perfect formula tailored to each customer.

But it's not just about how the makeup looks on, it's also about how the makeup feels and what it can do for the skin. Products are made from natural ingredients that include a variety of naturally based "active" peptides, minerals and botanicals that help beautify, nourish and repair skin for women of any age or skin type. Plus, with recyclable packaging, the products also help preserve the earth's natural beauty.

Colorlab's cosmetics products range in price from $16 - $42 and are available for invention at both of Chicago's Colorlab Custom Cosmetics locations as well as in San Francisco. Colorlab Experience Colorlab invites women to let inventors guide them through the fun and engaging process of cosmetics invention. Clients simply consult with an inventor at the counter (no appointment necessary) to create customized, hand-crafted, perfectly matched products in about the same amount of time it takes to sort through and select ready-to-wear products at any other cosmetics counter.

When the creation process is complete, customers are presented with the final product, which bears the tagline, "I invented this," and is named by its customer inventor. All signature formulations are stored in a computer database to make repurchasing favorite products easy and convenient. The customized products can also be given as gifts; customers can simply purchase an empty container (such as lip gloss or eye shadow) and the recipient can bring it to the counter for a custom makeup experience at any time.

Colorlab Inventors & Training Colorlab Custom Cosmetics inventors are highly skilled makeup artists trained to not only match makeup to the individual but to also recreate favorite makeup products, allowing women to rediscover discontinued products or tweak their favorites to better fit their needs. Inventors have an average of more than 10 years of experience as makeup artists and 80 hours of color theory training, perfecting the science and art of creating custom products to fit each woman's needs.

About Colorlab Custom Cosmetics Founded by makeup artist Mary Swaab, Colorlab Custom Cosmetics is the first fully custom-blended cosmetics line that allows consumers to have their own shades and formulations "invented" at the makeup counter in minutes. The Chicago-based brand was launched at Galeries Lafayette in Paris in 2005 and Selfridge's in London in 2006, with its U.S. rollout planned for 2008.

Challenges of marketing in Asia

Consumers don't typically show brand loyalty and are often more motivated by price than perceptions of product quality or prestige. WESTERN companies looking to do business in Asia, especially in China, don't always confront a homogenous market, and the ways that consumers make decisions about what to buy aren't always predictable. Like developed-world consumers, many urban Chinese people are technologically savvy and comfortable seeking product information on the Web. But unlike them, they don't typically show brand loyalty and are often more motivated by price than perceptions of product quality or prestige.

Consider cosmetics. Ellene Hu, director of global skin-care marketing (Asia) for Estee Lauder, said that Chinese women would willingly pay for premium products such as the ones sold by her company. But they are also willing to jump to another higher-end brand if that company offers a generous giveaway. “For cosmetics, the Asian market is very promotion-driven,” Hu noted. “'What are you giving away?' is always a question in the consumer's mind. We have had to struggle with how to do that and preserve our brand equity.” What's more, Asian consumers, from country to country, show varied levels of enthusiasm for Western brands. Japanese women tend to prefer Japanese brands, making it costly for outsiders to break into the market, Hu said. Korean women, in contrast, have historically embraced Western brands.

Thanks to China's sizzling economic growth, she said, its consumers also were becoming more knowledgeable and discriminating. But they have still had far less exposure to Western brands and Western marketing techniques than their developed-world counterparts. They are therefore in an investigatory stage, trying different brands, many of which have only recently arrived in their country.

Consumers in China and other fast-developing Asian countries tend to be less attracted to luxury brands than their Western counterparts. Partly, that's simply a matter of economics. Although many of them are experiencing a significant rise in their standard of living, they are still relatively poor compared with people in the developed world. As a result, “you are seeing the emergence in Asia of what we call the 'good-enough' segment,” said Mike Booker, a Singapore-based partner with Bain & Co. “It provides basic functionality at an affordable cost. It will be similar in size to what you will see in developed markets but will be offered at a fraction of the price.”

Of course, marketers' approaches would differ depending on their product category, Booker noted. Some categories are dominated by good-enough offerings. Others, like cosmetics and baby formula, lend themselves to premium products in the developing countries of Asia, just as they do in Japan, the United States and Europe. Young cautioned that Asian markets generally, and China in particular, had greater diversity than many Western marketers assumed. “There's no such thing as one China,” he pointed out. “In Shanghai, people prefer having a separate MP3 player and phone. In other cities, people want one device. In Shanghai, people want carousel loaders for their CD players. Down south, one-CD trays are fine because they're cheaper. And tastes can be completely different when you drill down to the small cities. People there aren't interested in foreign brands.”

Bain's Booker agreed, but pointed out that many manufacturers were striving to tailor their offerings to local tastes. “A yogurt manufacturer has introduced a cucumber-and-kiwi mix because that tested well with some Chinese consumers, and Colgate offers a tea-flavoured toothpaste.” Another challenge for Western marketers operating in Asia was the “gray market,” said Estee Lauder's Hu.

Companies with well-known, high-end brands understandably want to move deliberately as they enter new markets, fully investigating pricing, positioning and distribution channels. But if they are too slow, local entrepreneurs will start importing their goods on the sly. In theory, that's illegal, but rules are often murky in developing markets and enforcement is weak. Regardless of the product or its position, companies must make greater efforts to research Asian markets and local consumer preferences before plunging in, said Booker. “I'm shocked at how bad some of the research is. Many people really don't know what's going on in the market for their products. But that means that a savvy company can do the basics and get an advantage. “A lot of basic data isn't available yet in China, so you have to do the hard (work) yourself.” – New York Times

'Botox bandit' skips out on spa bill

ABC News

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman accused of theft is on the run - and eyewitnesses say what she stole is all over her face. Eyewitnesses say the woman got Botox injections worth thousands of dollars, and then just walked out of the doctor's office. Dana LaConey of the Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine said, "I was shocked, I was really shocked." LaConey says a new client last week was smooth talking and sweet. "Very well dressed, very well spoken," she recalled.

But that impression changed when she was supposed to pay the bill for her Botox cosmetic procedures. "I'm upset, but it's comical at the same time," LaConey said. "I mean, you're gonna get caught." It's comical, but perhaps criminal as well. LaConey is part owner of the Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine, and she tells police, the woman walked away with more than $2,600 in Botox services and skin care products.

"She let me take her pictures," LaConey explained. "That's what's amazing. I have her photographs." LaConey has handed those before and after photographs from the cosmetic procedures over to police, hoping officers can track down the woman they now call the Botox bandit. No one suspected anything, until it was time to pay. Receptionist Argentina Vasquez said, "As soon as I gave her the total, she said, 'Well, good. Let me go and get my American Express.'"
"We waited a little longer than a few minutes and we called her, and there was no response," said nurse Margo Shioura.

All of the phone numbers were phony, leaving LaConey with little option but to call police. She said, "I don't want her to do this again." As the police investigation unfolds, we may be able to show you those photos. LaConey says this is part of the risk of doing business on the honor system. In the future, she may consider asking for a driver's license first.