Grape expectations

29 Reasons to Look Beautiful?

We often hear that a glass of red wine is good for your heart, now it seems wine is good for your skin as well. 29 Cosmetics creator, Lydia Mondavi has revolutionized makeup and skin care by adding one key ingredient, grape seed extract. Mondavi explains, “Grape seed is the most powerful anti-oxidant for the skin. It is 50 times more powerful than vitamin E and 20 times more powerful that vitamins C and D.”

Lydia Mondavi and her mother, Anita Wilbanks, launched 29 Cosmetics two years ago at Neiman Marcus’ San Francisco store. Mondavi’s experience with Ralph Lauren Cosmetics and Spa Sydell sparked her desire to develop her own brand. 29 Cosmetics (named after the picturesque Highway 29 which runs through Napa Valley) was cultivated when Mondavi realized the great anti-aging power of grape seed extract and the opportunity that was literally right at her fingertips. As you can probably tell from her name, grape seeds were quite easy to come by.

Mondavi set out to create makeup that not only makes women look beautiful but also helps improve their skin. “29 represents a state of mind. We care about your skin and understand that in order to maintain youthfulness, you must nourish your mind, body and spirit while protecting your skin and body from the harms of everyday living,” says Mondavi. Research shows that most of the makeup available in the market was aging women by drying out their skin, lips and even eyelashes. Every product in 29, from the foundations and powders, to the lipsticks and mascara, contains grape seed extract and moisturizers to promote healthy, beautiful skin for women of any age.

Of the products in her line Mondavi says she always has two things in her purse: the Napa Mist and lipstick, “As a woman from the South, I hardly go anywhere without lipstick, even if I’m just running to the grocery store. And, traveling frequently back and forth between coasts can wreak havoc on your skin. Napa Mist, made from rose water and grape seed, replenishes and hydrates your skin and can be used over or under your makeup.”

Skin Deep

?After the success of the makeup line, (29 cosmetics can be found at 13 Neiman Marcus stores nationwide and will be available at all 40 stores by 2010) the obvious next step was to create a skin care line that complimented the makeup. In May 2008, 29 Cosmetics Skin Care launched in conjunction with the opening of their first signature spa~ 29 Spa~ the only 4-star spa in Georgia and located at the Mansion on Peachtree! Like the makeup, the skin care products contain grape seed age protecting treatments and are rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols. This formula is believed to help destroy free radicals and protect the skin’s collagen to promote healthy elasticity, suppleness and combat the signs of aging.

There is more than just science behind the creation of each product. Mondavi aspired to make products that are also easy for women to use. She feels the most important part of taking care of your skin is as simple as cleansing your face. She relates to the fact that after a long night many women will crawl in bed before washing their face. So she created a face wash that is so easy to use that you can literally wash your face in bed!!!! The 29 Cream Cleanser doubles as a mask. Simply rub on the cleanser and tissue it off. Or better yet sleep with the cleanser on your face. It will moisturize and replenish as you sleep, in the morning massage the remaining cleanser into your skin- no water necessary.

29 Cosmetics, Skin Care and Spa have all been designed to make it easy and convenient for women to look and feel youthful and beautiful. And there is more to come.....29 is adding a soy candle collection, expanding internationally and more spas are on the way. The next 29 Spa is slated to open in Napa Valley.

29 Cosmetics can be found at 29cosmetics.com, Neiman Marcus and 29 Spa at The Mansion on Peachtree.

Angie Manjos

Vinifera For Life
PO Box 331
Jordan Station
Ontario,L0R 1S0