When you think of fashion, you think of Dior, Gucci, DKNY. You think of brands; you think of lights flashing . . . camera, action . . . What’s interesting to note, however, is that many of the people contributing the most to what you see out there on red carpets and runways are working behind the scenes and rarely seen or heard.

My recent 10-minute sit-down with Betsey Johnson was more than a moment—it was a slice of heaven. No, scratch that—a slice of reality that I’ve been preparing for my entire life. (I’m just still reckoning with the fact this dreamy experience really did exist.)

Argan Oil is pretty much a household name these days. When the so-called “miracle oil” from Morocco hit the U.S. Market several years ago, many skin care experts wondered if it might just be a fad.

Jewel toned makeup is making a comeback. Rich shades of green, blue, and berry are making their way from the runway to the real world. The autumn/winter makeup season saw the introduction of deep royal shades from the likes of Chanel, Tom Ford, and NARS.

Sisley’s Sisleya Global Anti-Age cream is touted as the ultimate anti-aging solution. It boasts a long list of plant extracts that are supposed to firm and actually “re-texturize” (their word, not ours) skin. Really? You can’t blame us for being skeptical. Sisley joins a long list of cosmetics companies that often promise (and rarely deliver) similar results. But we gave it a whirl anyway.

Visit any department store, beauty supply store, or drugstore . . . and you’ll find no shortage of so-called miracle creams and balms. The lineup is extensive, and for many beauty seekers, it can be daunting. It seems as if every cream is promising to deliver that miracle result: you’ll be younger, more vibrant, and even more beautiful. So when we came across Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Balm, we were understandably skeptical.