Tip #1: Wear a scent that means something to you.
For some people, scent is highly tied to memory, like how a whiff of men’s Eternity can bring back memories of one’s lame ex-boyfriend (I’m not bitter).
I used to sneak a spritz or two of my mom’s Chanel No. 5 when I was a wee child. For Paris, the fragrances of Jean Patou hold a special place in her heart.
The first perfume she ever wore was Jean Patou’s 1000 because her mom wore it when Paris was young. Jean Patou’s Joy was another one. “It just smells like my grandma,” said Paris. “She always used to wear it. She passed away from breast cancer a few years ago, so it kind of reminds me of her when I wear it.”
Paris signs a pic for a fan at the CAN CAN release event held at Macy’s Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California on November 17, 2007
Just as fragrance can influence how we feel, it also affects how people remember us. That’s why Paris decided to make perfumes. “I wanted to do a fragrance because I feel like it’s such a big part of life.”
CAN CAN was really personal for her. She enlisted the help of friends and family in making it. Step one was to create a batch of sample fragrances with the help of a perfumer — one of those professional smell expert gurus — based on some of her favorite scents. With her three or four favorites in tow, she went home to do a little good ole’ fashioned market research. “I’ll have them smell,” said Paris of her friends and family, “and see what they like best.” With their input, she chose the fragrance she thought would appeal to the widest audience. The result was CAN CAN, a fruity floral with notes of clementine flower, cassis, nectarine, musk and amber.
This is the fourth fragrance campaign for Paris, who also did campaigns for her other perfumes: Heiress, Just Me and Paris Hilton. CAN CAN is the fourth campaign but the first with a distinct theme. She called it the best of the photo shoots she’s done for a fragrance so far. She danced and posed on a Moulin Rouge themed set while her self-titled debut album, Paris, played in the background. “We’ve always done really beautiful shots,” she said, “but not really a theme, so it was really fun.”
Paris is often reminded of how her fragrances can influence every day life. Dudes and chicks stop her on the street to tell her that they’re wearing her stuff. “I always go and smell them,” she said. I wore CAN CAN on the day I did this interview, so from now on every time I catch a whiff of it I’ll remember that day. I almost shoved my wrist up her nose at one point but thought it faux pas.
Thousands of rabid fans showed up to the event. Apparently it pays to be tall when you’re jostling other Paris fans for camera phone pics.
Tip #2: Rock the lipgloss.
CHANEL Glossimer lipgloss, YES!
Paris was rocking a fierce look in our interview. She was wearing a sleeveless cream top and black skirt by BCBG and hot pink Christian Dior shoes. Ladies and gents, you know how your girl loves the shoes. I briefly thought about stopping the interview to have my photographer (El Hub) take shots of Paris’ fantabulous footwear, but alas, I only had six minutes to get through all my questions. So sorry, fellow shoe lovers!
For her makeup, Paris wore a silver, sparkly eye with thick black liner on the top lid along with a soft flushed cheek. She had on MAC shadow and Max Factor blush. The focal point of her look was a pink lip topped with a layer of Chanel Glossimer lipgloss in Astral #104. “I love the glitter in it,” she said.
For the past few weeks I’ve been trying to motivate myself to do stuff by using Chanel makeup as a self-motivator — i.e. Karen does ‘X’ tasks and gets two tubes of Chanel lipgloss — but after seeing Paris wearing Glossimer, I’m afraid I’m going to cave, like, really soon. Perhaps tomorrow, even. Girlfriend’s lips looked *super hot*.
MAC Prrr Lipglass, YES!
When Paris is working, she spends a lot of time in hair and makeup with her stylists and makeup artists, so on her days off she doesn’t like to wear a lot of makeup. She does love her gloss, though, and can’t live without MAC Prrr Lipglass. “When I’m just like, chilling,” she said, “I’d rather just put on mascara, and like, really cute lipgloss.”
Maybelline Great Lash, NOOOO!
And what is Paris’ mascara of choice on her days off? Maybelline Great Lash, the one from Rite-Aid in the pink and green tube.
I thought, “Are you serious, girlfriend?” I would’ve put my money on Paris being a Diorshow kind of girl. I had some Plushlash in my purse, and I thought about giving it to her as a gesture of goodwill mascara salvation. Paris, girrrrrrl, if you’re reading this, I’m gonna hook you up with some Plushlash, STAT!
Tip #3: Get the glowy look with weekly facials and Kate Somerville products.
Paris is known for her dewy, glowy skin. She said her secret is a weekly facial at Kate Somerville, a spa located down the street from her house. She and Kate are homies, and Paris gets treatments with extractions at the spa when she isn’t too busy with work.
Extractions? I cringed.
I wish you could see Paris’ Christian Dior shoes in this pic. They were *awesome.*
“You know,” she said, “it’s good for you. Everyone should do it. And like Lasergenesis, which makes your skin really, like, plump … it’s just this light that goes on your face.”
Kate Somerville offers a full skin care line, and Hilton is an avid devotee. “I use all Kate’s products,” she said. She can’t live without Nourish moisturizer and Exfolikate (formerly known as Kate in a Jar) exfoliating treatment. On the day of our interview, beside the sparkly eye and lip, Paris’ skin actually had very little shine. It was a very matte skin look, which is really trendy right now.
“I just think it’s good to just take care of yourself and get massages and drink water,” she added.
Tip #4: Planning ahead never hurts, especially when it comes to skin care or the quest for beauty-product world domination.
Paris’ quest for world domination doesn’t stop at the fragrance counter. She is currently working on a makeup line and would also love to create skin care products. Her take home message for skin care: start young! I hear ya, girl. Like I always say, the best anti-aging secret is sunscreen (and don’t forget your neck, oy!).
Tip #5: Be polite and sweet to everyone.
Although I never really watched Paris’ show, “The Simple Life,” I’ve read a lot about her in the news, and truth be told I didn’t know what to expect from this interview. Would she roll her eyes because I wasn’t from Newsweek or the New York Times? Girlfriend did say she didn’t use the Web too much, and she’d never heard of beauty blogs before. Would she spend the entire time text-messaging Nicole on her massive jewel-encrusted smartphone?
To my surprise, she was nice. Although she seemed a bit guarded and heavily media trained, she was sweet and fully engaged throughout the conversation. The moral of this story? Despite all of the drama surrounding Paris in the news, I found her to be a sweet girl who works hard and loves her family.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that it was, dare I say, hot.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Before you jet, beauty lover, check out the home page for more makeup reviews. 🙂
Maddy says
Love that woman! She wasn’t wearing those pink shoes at the end of all the signings though. I should have known….probably carries multiple pairs. Well, I’ll just imagine and live through her from now on. (I told her that’s what I was doing anyway)
Karen says
Hi Maddy! She changed shoes in the green room. While we were there somebody (I’m guessing one of her people, there were several in her entourage) requested a few pairs, so the Macy’s folks brought up some shoes. I recall one pair being animal print-inspired.
Those hot pink Christian Dior shoes were awesome, though!
Vanessa says
Lucky! You both look HOT (haha), she does seem like a sweet girl, and I hear she has big feet, but nonetheless she is gorgeous and very down-to-earth!
emma says
thats hot and she probably is sweet
BernaDiva says
Karen!
That was HOT. I usually sit on the “undecided” fence where Paris Hilton is concerned, but I love the article. FABULOUS!!
Karen says
Vanessa, she was *really* beautiful in person. Her hair is super blonde!
I was very disarmed by how nice she was. You know, I didn’t really get to inspect her feet but next time I see her (ha, don’t I wish!) I’ll peep them a bit more thoroughly.
AND LOL, thanks for your HOT complement. You won’t believe the stress that my outfit gave me. I walked into several stores and was like, “Um, I’m gonna interview Paris and I need to find something that’ll make me look 20 pounds lighter ’cause I don’t want to look like a whale standing next to her!”
I hope you had a good weekend. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Berna! Thank you for stoppin’ by and for giving blog love. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
(BTW – I have more mascara for you, ha!)
Have good week…party at Cindy’s sometime soon, yes? LOL!
Jenny says
Karen, the interview was impressively thorough! I felt as if I was there with you and Paris! I’m guessin you didn’t ask about her weave (lol!). You both look lovely!
Karen says
OMG, Jenny, I would’ve not been able to get away with that! Her people watched our interview really closely, so I couldn’t bust out any shenanigans. And truthfully, I probably wouldn’t have wanted to pull anything crazy, because we had pretty good rapport and she was just really nice.
And woo hoo, I’m glad you felt like you were right there! Let me spritz some CAN CAN in the air for the authentic experience, *spritz, spritz*!
ponikuta says
Hi Karen, I’ve just recently found out about your blog (probably 2-3 weeks now) and I must add I LOVE your blog. Most importantly, it is simple, easy to read with awesome product reviews.
I am getting addicted to all those wonderful makeup products now and can’t wait to try them out.
Keep up the good work and I love Paris Hilton. She look so perfect, almost unreal.
Glosslizard says
Great interview, Karen! You look great in that interview pic – tres professionel! Love the boots with the fishnets!
Thanks for getting the scoop on Paris’ tips! I’m not really a fan, but girl does rock the glowy skin and fabulous lips! Hmmm, just a facial a week, huh? I’ll have to increase my earning power for that one, but least I’ve got my Chanel lipgloss! 🙂 And yeah, she really does need to do a meet ‘n’ greet with some quality mascaras!
J-Money says
Okay….so awesome…and I’m talking about the write-up. Gosh, you make a girl wanna forget all the negative media about Paris. Who’s next? I hope Madonna comes out with some beauty products!
Irene says
Hey girl!
That was sooooooooo fab! Those tips were awesome! Wow and I must say that you looked totally hot!
I’m going to check out that changel glossimer, as well as the mac lipglass if that’s what makes her lips look so uber lovely all the time. Yays! Thanks so much for the interview, Karen!
Megan says
I’m so glad your interview went well, and the article is really well done. I’m still not a fan though. LOL I can’t help it… I don’t buy it…maybe it has something to do with living in DC…I’m always a little skeptical. 🙂 Anyway that whole great lash comment is unbelievable…I mean wow is she serious? I always wondered why it’s consistently rated most popular or whatever… but I always attributed it to the 11-16 year old crowd. Who knew?
Christine says
Nice!
ThatDaveGuy says
Oh! My! God! That’s Like So HOT! YOU are like, SO HOT!!!
But seriously – I’m psyched to see you writing and blogging.
I’ll be able to say I knew her when……..
–That Dave Guy
Karen says
Hi Ponikuta,
Thanks for your lovely complements and for popping by to say “Hello!” It’s always great to meet other bloggers.
You know, now that I think about she did look pretty unreal in person! I think I was too deer-in-the-headlights to realize it at the time.
Take care and have a good week!
Cindy says
AHAHAHAHA – no fair, Paris was wearing heels, too. Awesome interview, dahling!
Karen says
Heya Glosslizard,
Seeing P.H. rocking the Chanel Glossimer pushed me over le edge. It looked so pretty, and the light in the green room wasn’t even that great. OH, I’m gonna get me some today, hopefully! WHHHHEEEE!
Karen says
J-MONEY, oh gawd, if Madonna had a scent and I got to interview her *you know* I’d bring you along as my photographer. I mean, seriously, I’d pass out. And at least you’d be there to pass out with me.
Karen says
Hi Irene,
You are very welcome! (LOL and thanks for your complement! I was really stressing about the outfit, HA!)
Like you, I think will make a lil’ stop to the Chanel counter as well today for a lipgloss or two. Have a good week. 🙂
Karen says
Hi Megan!
Ohhh, DC! I’ve never been but would like to go someday. When I do I’ll have to get all the good places to shop for makeup from you!
Yeah, I was pretty shocked when Paris mentioned the Maybelline Great Lash. I somehow managed it hold it in and keep going with the questions, but it was hard, because whenever somebody tells me they love it I feel like it’s my mission in life to convert them.
Karen says
Thanks, Christine. I hope you had a good weekend. 🙂
Karen says
HI DAVE! Woot, for stopping by! And don’t lie, I know you are a closet P.Hilt fan.
Can you believe that this year is almost over? Have a happy Thanksgiving and big hugs to you and your sweetie.
Tootsie says
Congrats Karen! That is so cool. I could kinda make out her pink shoes in that one pic and I agree they look amazing! Thanks for finding out her glow technique. I don’t think weekly facials are in the budget for me, but I can try to pick up some of the products she mentioned. Good work Girlie!!
Karen says
Thanks Kuku! 🙂
Karen says
Hi Tootsie! I hope you had a good weekend and that your Monday is fab so far. 🙂
Oh those shoes were to die for. They were truly hot.
And thanks for your help and for giving me such a good question to ask!
Lemme know if you like your products. I think I’m gonna pick up a few myself. 🙂
Glosslizard says
Hee hee! I’m coo-coo for Coco! Have fun picking some colors!
If you ever get to interview Madonna, can I come too? I promise I’ll make myself useful by catching anyone who passes out and wiping fevered brows with chilled BULGARI towelettes! 😉
kia says
hey karen! great interview! you were able to share lots of info from her short and shy answers.
on simple life, i was on team paris.. one, she had me hooked from her first perfume and two, yes she was the nicer more mature ex-bff. nicole played very trashy. therefore, i’m not surprised by her niceness during your interview. way to go!
Candy says
Very well done interview! Congratulations!….and you looked hot (I even wonder why you worry!). 🙂
Karen says
Glosslizard, in my beauty blog dream you can totally come with. Maybe I can pass you off as a second photographer! We all know Madge won’t say no, as she loves the cameras.
Karen says
Hi Kia,
Even though I only had six minutes she gave very thorough and long answers. I have a transcript and may post it up just for fun in the future so the TEAM PARIS fans can get all the deets.
Wanna know something interesting? While we were in the greenroom I heard overheard Paris talking about how she needed to buy Nicole a gift. I didn’t ask what the party or the occasion the gift was for, but I’m assuming that it’s for the baby shower.
Karen says
Hi Candy!
Thanks, girlfriend. 🙂 I’m just glad it all went smoothly!
I was really happy I ended up picking that outfit because it was comfy, and didn’t wrinkle, ha! And when we first sat down the first thing that Paris did was tell me that she liked my necklace, awww.
Glosslizard says
Thank you! I’ll be wishing on a star tonight! 😀
Did you hit the Chanel counter today?
Mom says
First, it was Dita von Teese.
Now, it is Paris Hilton.
Next, maybe —- Madonna?
Good job, anak.
nilla cookie says
Karen! Kudos on the FAB interview with Ms. Hilton! She looks amazing, especially her rockin’ glossy lips! Was El Hub secretly in awe as well, pretending not to be b/c he was the photog? My BF would have been sooo giddy, I know it! Now I totally have to pick up that Glossimer I wanted to buy yesterday but didn’t have time. Paris has inspired me (I never thought I’d say that ;))
Karen says
Hiya Glosslizard!
I was super exhausted yesterday so I am going today, HOORAY! It’s time for a nice lil’ Chanel reward. I can’t wait. 🙂
Karen says
Thanks Mumsy. I’m glad you came to visit the site. xoxo, see you on Thursday.
Karen says
Ha, Nilla, I think El Hub was just busy running around trying to get the shot and really didn’t have time to be starstruck. He used to do photography for work so he knew what he was doing. There were a lot of people watching the interview take place so he was constantly having to move in between PR people and handlers. It was really stressful, but a great experience.
You should’ve seen that Glossimer gloss. It was the shizz!
Hali says
Great job Karen! I must admit I too think of Paris a little differently now, thanks to you.
Karen says
Thanks Hal. Give big hugs and kisses to my nephew! xoxo!
gilda says
oh wow i’m kinda jealous!! i think you did a great job with that interview!
Karen says
Thanks, Gilda! Have a good weekend! 🙂
Bionic Beauty says
Hmmm… I love her skin and hair. I wish my hair would lay that smoothly. Maybe next time get the dish on her hair products for me??? 😀 I’d be very grateful, lol.
On the other note, OI! Great Lash?!? Ick.
Karen says
LOL, Bionic Beauty! For sure! Dunno when that will be (hey, I did give her my card, maybe she’ll send me a text!) but I’ll remember to ask.
And regarding Great Lash … I know, right? I hate that stuff!
Joy says
Apparently you can fool some of the people all of the time. To quote Judge Marilyn, I wouldn’t believe a word PH said even if her tongue came notarized.
Does anyone really believe she had anything to do with the development of her fragrances other than licensing her name??
Karen says
Hey Joy,
I am by no means a die hard P. Hilt devotee. However, I have to say she talked about her involvement in the fragrance creation process in detail when I interviewed her. And she was very polite and gracious in person, which I thought was pretty cool.
Allie says
I’ve commented on the Great Lash issue before, and I’m glad to see a lot of other people hate it too. It seems like many celebrities swear by it. Either they’re getting some special Celebrity Great Lash formula, or they’ve got some DL Maybelline endorsement deal. Whatever, I’m sticking with my Diorshow.
Joy says
Karen:
I think PH is quite adept at PR, and clearly working to rehab her image.
Allie–I take all celeb “recommendations” with MANY grains of salt. Frequently they recommend products with whom they have a promotion/spokesperson deal [e.g., Pat McGrath and Max Factor; Gucci Westrman and Lancome; Queen Latifah and Cover Girl.]
Karen says
Hiya Allie,
I do like how dark and glossy Great Lash is – I think that’s the main reason why so many people like it. It doesn’t really do much for me in terms of thickening and curl hold. I guess if one already has long, curly lashes then it is just enough mascara.
For the rest of us that need extra help though, it’s not enough. I totally agree with you on the Diorshow. It was my number 1 fave until I tried MAC Plushlash! Have you tried it? (I mostly like it for performance and price!)
Allie says
I haven’t tried MAC Plushlash, but I will add it to my list. Thanks! Well we’re talking MAC, can you recommend any good pink glosses or lipsticks (from MAC or any other brand)? I’m looking for a light pink, but I don’t want anything frosty or purple-ish. I have dark eyes and wear dark eye makeup, so I don’t want anything that will compete.
Karen says
Hi Allie,
My go-to MAC pink gloss is Nymphette Lipglass! I’ve gone through 8 tubes of it. It does have a little gold in it but it’s very subtle and not frosty at all on me.
For lipstick I love Viva Glam V, especially with dark eyes.
I’ve been using a bit more Clinique lately and Bamboo Pink is a very pretty shade. I have a friend who has gone through 33 tubes, no joke!
Allie says
Awesome, thank you. I’ll have to try them all 🙂
Karen says
Yay! I hope they work out for you. I just got my Allure magazine for the month and read that Pink matte lips are a new big trend, and to get the truest pink shade to show you can put foundation on your lips first to neutralize your lip color. If you live near a MAC Pro store then you might also want to try Lip Erase, which is a lip balm that also neutralizes color.
And don’t forget your liner…MAC Pink Treat cremestick liner is my favorite. 🙂
saima says
luved dose tips keep it up guys!!!
Karen says
Thanks Saima! Are you a Paris fan?
DONNA says
I am so proud of you cousin! That was a great interview. Good luck. Hope to see you soon.
Karen says
Thanks, cousin! Merry Christmas! 🙂
Jerrell Perks says
We have been watching Paris Hilton’s BFF. Where do they find these people? They are from another planet!
Elle says
Paris has a very gorgeous glassy-looking skin—and so smooth; kind of like a make up artist’s dream. She’s a genius at knowing what looks good, what’s too much and what’s too little. She could have a make up line or a skin care line and would do great.