Lydia Abernathy Mondavi and 29: A Napa Valley-Inspired Cosmetic Line

By Martha Blanchfield

Entrepreneur Lydia Abernathy Mondavi has launched 29 Cosmetics, the world's first comprehensive cosmetic collection enriched with beneficial grape seed extract. 29 Cosmetics is dedicated to protecting, improving and presenting beautiful skin. The products come in a classic range of rich palettes inspired by the beauty of America 's fruitful Napa Valley.

Lydia has designed all 29 Cosmetics around the idea that true natural beauty is not effortless, but comes through dedication, understanding, protecting and nourishing the skin. With more than a decade in the world of skin care and cosmetics, Lydia brings her extensive research and knowledge about the powerful anti-aging benefits of grape seed extract, allowing her to create a unique line of cosmetic products. During the past few years, Lydia has worked with experts around the world to develop the colors and textures of the products as well as the elegant look of the packaging. This luxury line is packed with antioxidants, redefining the nature of cosmetics and skin care. 29 offers an unprecedented opportunity for beautiful benefits and brilliant color.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that can alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in grape seeds can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
(University of Maryland : http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/GrapeSeedch.html)

The name 29 comes from picturesque Highway 29 which runs the length of the Napa Valley. Each product in the 29 Cosmetics line is influenced by the extraordinary Napa Valley – from the magnificent palette of colors that appear each season, to the understated luxury for which this world famous wine growing region is known. 29 Cosmetics takes its cues from nature and the careful tending of the land and environment to create a perfect balance. Products cleverly refer to the Valley with names such as ‘Sunset in Napa ,' ‘Late Harvest,' ‘Crush' and ‘Hint of Honey.'

The 29 Cosmetics collection offers an array of brilliant shades and sumptuous textures for the eyes, lips and face. Colors are packaged in complementary palette selections. Lydia recommends the following selection of products for the bride-to-be:

• Vintage Cream Powder Foundation to smooth and even the skin tone (available in six shades)
• Trellis Line Maker Eye Liner Pencil for well-defined eyes
• Vine Noir D'Vine Mascara
• I-Block Eye Shadow Palette with Sunset in Napa

For the perfect pout, outline lips with Line Maker Lip Pencil in Grape Skins and fill in with the luscious color of Ripe Rosé in Reserves Lipstick . Add a finishing coat with Top It Off Dew Lip Gloss . For the perfect glow, try Napa Glow Bronzer with a sweep over the top of the cheeks and a light touch to the face and neck. Take a final all-over spritz with Napa Mist Replenishing Atomizer.

The 29 Cosmetics collection includes a full range of foundations, pressed powders, bronzers, blushes; eye shadows, eye liners, mascaras; lip liners, lipsticks, lip glosses, lip therapies, plus a remarkable protecting mist in a refillable atomizer.

The complete line launches at Neiman Marcus San Francisco in February of 2007, and is available now online at: www.29cosmetics.com.

29 Cosmetics Signature Products

Within the unique 29 Cosmetics collection, these signature products are must-haves. They include D'Vine Conditioning Mascara , Preserves Lip Therapies , Dew Lip Gloss and Napa Mist Atomizer.

D'Vine Mascara: The eyes are the windows to the soul...and the lashes frame the view. Promote healthy lashes with this one-of-a-kind conditioning mascara. Not only does it lengthen and curl, but it nourishes the lashes with a veritable vitamin bomb to promote strengthening and natural shine. Two colors: Vine Noir (black) and Devine Brown (dark brown).

Preserves Lip Therapies: Lip care beyond just moisturizing and protecting – these products will become vital to your perfect pout:

• First Crush: A mini-facial especially for the lips, this lip exfoliating therapy combines the power of crushed grape seeds with the anti-oxidant and moisture benefits of grape seed extract and apricot. Rub a little between the lips and tissue off. For intense moisture, follow with Wine Blot and a drop of Hint of Honey for a touch of shimmer.
• Wine Blot (SPF 20): The ultimate lip balm to use after First Crush exfoliation therapy and a natural for everyday use to maintain the lips' delicate skin.
• Hint of Honey: A combination of beeswax, honey and grape seed extract with a slight shimmer. Perfect alone or worn over lipstick it offers complete protection and all the benefits of 29's advanced anti-oxidant, free radical-busting products.
• Dew Lip Gloss (SPF 15): In Top it Off is a high-gloss finish with a unique formula that turns any color lighter. Make that favorite nighttime lipstick perfect for daytime with Top it Off. May also be worn alone for a pretty moisturizing shimmer.

Napa Mist Replenishing Atomizer: With a hint of rosewater and the benefits of soothing moisturizing grape seed extract, this light mist might just become the next cult collectible. As a perfectly light base, it's a natural under makeup. Mist may also be spritzed on to set the perfect look, or use as a pick-me-up during a stressful day at the office. Deluxe refillable atomizer.

Martha Blanchfield is a contributing writer to NapaWeddingSource.com and is the owner/designer of Martha Blanchfield Custom Gowns in Napa, California .
For more information, visit: www.marthablanchfield.com