Tanith Belbin is a Canadian-American ice dancer. Though she holds dual citizenship, she competes for the United States and has competed for the U.S. since she began skating with Benjamin Agosto in 1998. With Agosto, Belbin is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, four time World medalist, three time Four Continents champion (2004–2006), and five-time U. S. champion (2004–2008). 

Photo credit: NBC Sports / USOC

Tanith Belbin was born in Kingston, Ontario and raised in Kirkland, Quebec. She lived and trained in Canton, Michigan for many years, before moving to Aston, Pennsylvania to train at Ice Works. Belbin’s mother, Michelle (McKinlay) Belbin, is a costume designer and she makes some of Belbin’s costumes. She trained as a figure skater in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

In this interview Tanith Belbin talks to Marta Walsh about when and how she has discovered the love for ice dancing. How does she find the right balance between a busy career and normal life. Gives advice on what does it really take to become a successful ice dancer. Reveals what’s in her makeup bag, favorite city, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: How did you discover your love for ice dancing and what were some of your greatest achievements in your career?
Tanith Belbin: I began skating with the intention of becoming a singles skater but because of my body proportion (thin, long legs), I was placed with a dance partner when I was 8 years old and fell in love with the element of interacting with another person on the ice. I am a performer and dance offered the greatest outlet for my creativity and desire to portray different characters in a program. Since finding my perfect partner in Ben, I would say the most satisfying moment in our career for me personally was when we won our first National title. To be able to say that you are the best in the country at something you’ve dedicated your life to is incredible. Now, on to the world!

MW: How do you find the right balance between your busy career and normal life?
TB: We, as competitive skaters, lead very A-typical lives and it can be difficult to keep things in perspective sometimes in terms of “the bigger picture”. This bubble we live in can be judgemental and superficial, and very tiring on a young person’s confidence. I’ve found the most important thing for me to do is keep my family and best friends as close to me as possible and remember the kind of person I am and want to put out into the world. It’s too easy to get caught up on think that our placement at an event determines our worth and what we’ll be able to achieve in the future. Spending an adequate amount of time away from the rink and not talking about skating is key to maintaining a good mental balance.

MW: What are some of the lessons and disciplines ice dancing has thought you as a person?
TB: I was never the most talented figure skater. I lagged behind my peers in group classes when I was a child, and struggled in dance class to be graceful, but the reason I’ve been able to succeed is because I am driven and I have high expectations for myself. Ice dancing is a challenge that brought all my ambition and competitiveness to the surface, and the discipline required to reach the level I have is something I will take with me and apply to all future endeavors. You can’t reach the top without passion, confidence and determination. I believe those qualities will help drive me to a successful career in any field.

MW: What does it take to succeed as an ice dancer? What advice can you give to anyone interested in this career?
TB: To reach the top in any sport you need to have a clear goal identified, and the willingness to make sacrifices for it. Some days it can definitely feel that you’ve completely lost your drive and direction, but remembering that goal and what you set out to accomplish is all you need to accept that you had a bad day, and prepare to make the next one better.

MW: What is next for Tanith Belbin?
TB: The scariest…and most exciting question I can ask myself at this stage in my life is; what’s next? Truthfully, I have no idea! If I try to plan it, I get stressed and feel out of control because so much of the next year will have to do with our outcome at the Olympics and our feelings once we’ve completed the season. My partner and I both feel that the time has come for us to make a change and transition into another phase of our lives. We are so anxious to see what other adventures the world has in store for us beyond skating, but at the same time we don’t want to feel pressured or rush our departure from the competitive world if we still have more we feel that we want to accomplish. Whenever that day comes however, I hope to pursue a career in broadcasting and journalism. Whether that begins with opportunities that come up after the Games or with enrolling in university, only time can tell. Either way, it’s a very exciting time to be me!

MW: What is your signature fragrance?
TB: My signature fragrance is Bvlgari Rose. I’ve been wearing it for so many years I don’t even smell it on myself anymore but my friends always know when “Tanith’s been here”. It’s definitely my signature scent.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
TB: In my makeup bag I always have my Cover Girl: lash blast length mascara and outlast lip stain. When you’re training and sweating all day, less is definitely more in terms of makeup! All I need to feel fresh is a little pop of color on the lips that wont stick to my hair while I skate and a nice lengthening mascara to open up my eyes.

MW: What’s in your shower?
TB: Right now I’m obsessed with the Olay body wash with body butter ribbons! Not only does it hydrate my skin, which I definitely need after all the hours I spend in the freezing rink temperatures, but it smells amazing!

MW: What is your philosophy about beauty?
TB: I think the most beautiful thing a woman can put on her face is a genuine smile.

MW: What are your favorite beauty treatment destinations?
TB: I love going to the salon and getting my hair done. I used to be scared of it because I dye my hair blonde and it always got so damaged with the color treatment, but since I’ve started using better shampoos&conditioners like Pantene’s restorative line and my hair is so much healthier. Now I can just relax and enjoy being pampered!

MW: Who are the Celebrities that inspire you with their talent and beauty?
TB: I’m a big fan of fashion and people who use their image as a way to express their personal style while still looking really comfortable in their own skin. I love actresses like Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, and Diane Kreuger who are bold with their fashion statements yet always looks so effortlessly beautiful.

MW: Which city do you love the most?
TB: My favorite city is probably Paris. I speak french from growing up in Montreal so I feel comfortable with the language and the richness in culture is so stimulating. I feel like become more relaxed and more creative when I spend time there.

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Tanith Belbin?
TB: I’m a huge romantic and I believe the ultimate satisfaction in life is finding someone to connect, and share all your experiences, with….. also, I hate tomatoes, am deathly afraid of clowns or anything in a mask, and know how to spell my name in morse code (kind of sounds like la cucaracha).

For more information about Tanith and the rest of the US team, go to nbcolympics.com

Kali’s film role came in the Lion’s Gate thriller ‘Holla‘, which cast Kali alongside Michael Bergin as the sweet, unsuspecting camper Caprice. She would follow that project with a supporting role in the Spike Lee comedy ‘Lovers & Haters’, playing a scathing Hollywood diva opposite singer/superstar Mariah Carey. On television, she has also appeared on the hit CW sitcom ‘The Game’, executive produced by Kelsey Grammer. Kali’s recent film roles include: Trudy in ‘Couple’s Retreat’ next to Vince Vaughn, Malin Akerman, and Kristen Bell. And her role as Chantal in Judd Apatow’s film ‘Get Him To The Greek’ next to Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, and Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs.

Kali Hawk

In this interview Kali Hawk talk to Marta Walsh about when she has found her love for movies and acting. What was it like on the set with Mariah Carey in Spike Lee’s film: Lovers and Haters. Her dream acting role. What’s in her makeup bag and future plans.

Chatting with Kali was such a pleasure. She was sweet, funny and witty. I would like to thank you Kali for taking the time to talk to me!

Marta Walsh: Where is your hometown?
Kali Halk: I’m based in LA these days but I’m from New York originally. My family has been in New York for at least 150 years. My mom and I were born in Manhattan; my dad was born in the Bronx. My grandmother went to Hunter College when it was still an all girl’s school. I didn’t like LA at first naturally. But now that my professional and social network has been expanded I’m starting to love it more.

MW: How did you decide on a career in acting, and what were some of your first breaks as an actress?
KH: My mother used to take me to movies regardless of the rating, even if they were rated R or scary movies. She would just cover my eyes during the sex scenes part. In between the movies we used to talk about what we’ve watched. If I really liked the movie she would let me stay and watch the movie second time. These were my early beginnings for me falling in love with movies. Then in first grade we had to do a Christmas play. While all the other kids were nervous and getting a stage fright I would just grab their costumes and play their parts. Even at that moment I knew that the show must go on. After that all the parents told my mom: “Your child is an actor, we hope you know that!”

MW: What attracted you to your character in the Spike Lee comedy ‘Lovers & Haters’ opposite Mariah Carey?
KH: I was attracted to my role because it was different than my natural personality. I was very excited to get the part working with such big director as Spike Lee. Coming from New York, I was always fascinated with Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee.

MW: What was it like working with Spike Lee and Mariah Carey in Lovers and Haters?
KH: Spike Lee has a very organic way of working; he doesn’t like to push things. He wants to see what you bring to the scene. I therefore got to improvise a lot. Working with Mariah Carey was pretty amazing as well. I’ve been her fan for a very long time. I remember one funny moment during shooting where I was asked to sit near the camera so Mariah can feed of my energy during the scene. Then Mariah said something like: “Hi I see you over there.” and she waved. And I silently replied with ‘Hi’ and the ‘B’ word, because my character was supposed to be like that. I then apologize to her and she didn’t seem to mind. It is then also when I realize I should work in comedies. Which led me to audition for my role as Trudy in Couples Retreat with Vince Vaughn and Malin Akerman.I also got to improvise a lot in Couples Retreat.

Photo Credit: Bauer-Griffin
Kali Hawk is Trudy in Couples Retreat.

MW: What would be your dream acting role?
KH: I always wanted to be in one of Judd Apatow’s movies. I’m a big fan of his films such as The 40 –Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. So getting a role in the film Get Him to the Greek, which is a spin-off from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, was a dream come true. In this film I get to work with P.Diddy aka Sean Combs and Russel Brand. My other dream acting role would be in an action movie. I really love Will Smith who brought a lot of his personality into his movies. He doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously and he always has a smile on his face, even in his action films. One day I would love to do an action film with Will Smith! Also talking to Malin Akerman who plays Ronnie in Couples Retreat was very inspiring to me because she just finished filming the Watchman and she was also in The Proposal. Malin said some wonderful things about the process of making action films, such as: learning the martial arts and choreographing the fight scenes.

MW: What is next for Kali Hawk?
KH: I just finishing up all the promotions for Couples Retreat, and I just came back from Bora Bora where we did our press junket. The general census is that Couples Retreat is destined to be a successful movie. So, I’m just excited about that and also about Get Him To the Greek. It’s a lot more movies than I’ve expected to do in one year!

MW: What is your signature fragrance?
KH: Dior Miss Dior Cherie.

MW: What’s in your makeup bag?
KH: Nude or pink lip pencil and I’m not specific on the brand. I actually have one now by Mary Kay and Ashley Olsen. I love all kinds of lip gloss. And, Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer. N.Y.C eye brow pencil.

MW: What is your philosophy about beauty?
KH: Stay true to who you are and authentic as possible to your choices, that’s what shines through and makes you attractive.

MW: Who are the Celebrities that inspire you with their talent and beauty?
KH: Kristen Bell and Rihanna.

MW: Which city do you love the most?
KH: I know it will sound a bit random but Holyhead Wales UK, long story.

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Kali Hawk?
KH: I don’t cook at all. I speak Welsh. I never had a drink my entire life. I’m obsessed with lucky numbers. I believe in Numerology. And I once flew to Australia to stop a friend from getting a nose job. She ended up getting it anyways!

Couples Retreat Star Malin Akerman Interviews With Marta Walsh

If you are into green and clean skincare products you might want to learn more about Carol’s skincare line. I personally love the RAW Essentials Raw-finish Rigorous Face Scrub, RAW Eeentials Raw-juvenate Eye Recoup, and RAW VITA Eye Serum (image below).

In this interview Carol Alt talks about how did it all begin for her in the modeling world and some of her most memorable moments of her career. What led her create RAW Essentials and what makes it different than the rest. Gives advice to anyone interested in a RAW lifestyle and RAW food diet. Reveals what’s in her makeup bag. Gives word of wisdom to aspiring supermodels. And future plans.

Marta Walsh: Your career as a supermodel and actress is undeniably impressive. How did it all begin? What were some of your most memorable moments of your career?
Carol Alt: Oddly, my career kicked off right after a breakup with a boyfriend at the time! I was spotted waiting tables during my freshman year at Hofstra University, where I was enrolled in Army ROTC. The modeling opportunity was the perfect excuse to get off of Long Island and embark on an adventure.

I had always been raised to rely on my brains, not my looks, so my parents were skeptical at first. My mother had been a model and always placed a high premium on my education. They made me promise that I’d go back to school – but once that first check from Elite came, I made the decision not to go back. Things really took off in an incredible way.

The modeling profession offers you so much. It’s really what you make of it! It’s so hard to choose just a few moments. From doing the Sports Illustrated Winter Issue to shoots in Africa to shoots on Mount McKinley in Alaska – there have been so many!

MW: What drove you to create your own skincare line: RAW Essentials?
CA: Necessity is the mother of invention. No one had a clean skincare line without chemicals. I made the decision to live the cleanest life I possibly could and to function in as clean an environment as possible. That includes what I’m putting in my body and what I’m putting on it. RAW Essentials grew out of my desire for a pure, results oriented skincare line that I could use every day.

MW: What makes RAW Essentials skincare different?
CA: We don’t fib! When you see a RAW Essentials label you know you’re getting exactly what we promise – pure, effective products, made without synthetic chemicals.

MW: Which products from RAW Essentials you just can’t live without?
CA: The Raw-covery Facial Revive Wash, Raw-vitalize Anti-Aging Night Face Cream, and Raw Vita Eye Serum. The eye serum is Vitamin A packed, which is basically a natural form of Retin A. It’s so incredible, I can actually feel it working as soon as I put it on. I use the night cream during the day for extra moisture – my skin loves it.

From left: The Raw-covery Facial Revive Wash, Raw-vitalize Anti-Aging Night Face Cream

MW: Which new RAW Essentials products are you inspired to develop in the future?
CA: I’d love to have a glycolic wash – we’re working on it, but again, the challenge is that it has to be raw, has to be cold-pressed to pass the test. It has to meet the standard of being raw and also delivering superior results, just like the rest of our products.

MW: What advice can you give to anyone interested in a RAW lifestyle and diet?
CA: Start slowly! And, make a list of your favorite foods and look for what I like to call “raw cousins” – keep an eye out for products labeled unpasteurized, dried, cold-pressed. I love brands like One Lucky Duck and Good Stuff by Mom and Me. They both have delicious raw snacks.

MW: What can we find in your makeup bag?
CA: Because I travel so much, I have a toiletry kit permanently packed. You’ll find:

Head pHirst Shampoo and Conditioners
Jason Organics Toothpaste
LuMESH Lip Gloss – so moisturizing and it lasts!
Ready to Wear Mascara – doesn’t smudge, but comes right off when you’re ready!
RAW Essentials Raw-covery Facial Revive Wash, Raw-vitalize Anti-Aging Night Face Cream, Raw Vita Eye Serum, and Raw-fresh Facial Toner.

MW: What advice can you give to young girls who aspire to be supermodels?
CA: Eat well and take good care of yourself. I wish someone had told me that earlier! I realize now that I could be healthy, look fabulous, and have incredible energy by eating raw, rather than depriving myself of anything.

MW: What is your philosophy about beauty?
CA: Keep it as clean as possible – both in terms of the formulations of the products I use, but also in the overall look. I’m pretty much a lip gloss and mascara kind of girl. Clean, simple, pure.

MW: What is your favorite: city, movie, and restaurant?
CA: Rome – The architecture, the color of the air and the sky. It really has it’s own special kind of light. Plus, it’s so easy to eat raw there!

I just saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and it had a real impact on me, something about the cycle of life being the same whether done forward or in reverse really struck a chord.

For raw restaurants, I love Pure Food & Wine in NYC. I also love sushi – there are just so many options.

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Carol Alt?
CA: I’m an intensely spiritual person, that’s probably a little known fact. And, that my work is my passion and my hobby all rolled into one. I genuinely love what I do.

MW: What is next for Carol Alt?
CA: I am focusing a lot on RAW Essentials and on expanding the line into makeup and hair care – I want a complete line to address all beauty needs. I also love producing and I’m eager to do more of that. Generally, I’m someone who really “meets the moment.” I’m constantly moving forward and changing what I do. If I see a need for something, I go to it.

Th e collection
• Lip Gloss Lasting shine and rich, shimmering color. In Passion Fruit. $14
• Perfect Lipstick Rich, creamy formula drenches lips in lasting, full-coverage color and sheen. In Exotic Spice (glimmering nude). $16
• Glitter Liquid Liner Alluring liner lends lids a kick of purple and silver sparkle. In Majesty. $12

• Luminous Face Powder Gems Illuminating powder spheres brighten and balance for a sultry, jewel-like glow. In Moonstones (pinks, nudes and champagnes). $22
• Eye Shadow Palette A palette of five stunning Silky Eye Shadows to create infinite eye looks. In Hidden Palace (champagne, nude, berry, violet and black). $24
• Extra-lengthening Mascara Lush mascara extends the look of lashes with unique lengthening polymers. In Amethyst (purple). $13

Available for a limited time starting October 2009 at Victoria’s Secret stores and at VictoriasSecret.com.

A little bit about Persia White (via wikipedia.org): she was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, and Miami. At the age of three, she earned a scholarship to the Nassau Civic Ballet Company. At age eight, she joined the Miami Coconut Grove Children’s Theater. As a teen, White studied dance, acting, singing, and painting. Her films roles include: various independent films, including Red Letters (opposite Peter Coyote) and the cult horror Blood Dolls.

Persia White’s TV movies roles includes: Operation Sandman (opposite Ron Perlman), and Suddenly, opposite Kirstie Alley. Her television work includes guest starring roles on Angel, NYPD Blue, The Steve Harvey Show, Brooklyn South, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as a series regular role on Breaker High with co-star Ryan Gosling. In 2008, White appeared in The Fall of Night, as the character Dawn. She can also be seen in Chrisette Michele’s video, “Be OK”. White recently completed the drama Spoken Word, set for release in 2010. Persia is a vegan and an animal welfare and environmental activist.

I spoke to Persia White on the phone this past summer. I had the most amazing conversation with her about her beginnings as an actress. Her role on the long-running sitcom “Girlfriends”. The award-winning documentary Earthlings which she co-produced and was narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. What does fame really mean to her. What’s in her makeup bag. And future plans. Persia to me came across as absolutely beautiful inside out. I want to thank Persia for taking the time to chat with me!!

Marta Walsh: How did you decide on a career in acting, and what were some of your first breaks as an actress?
Persia White: I loved acting since I was 8 years old. I started to do theatre in Miami on the Coconut Grove Children’s Playhouse. That was my big introduction to acting. Then a talent scout founded me suggested I should find an agent. I was also a dancer and kept dancing but eventually I got into acting, which is a bit easier. Dancing is such a hard career. I still love dancing. I used to be one of these artistic kids and always loved make people laugh. I would do stand-up comedy skits when I was young. I moved to LA when I was a teenager and booked my first TV Series: “Breaker High” with co-star Ryan Gosling. I did several TV guest star appearances like in NYPD Blue and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I then booked a soap opera in New York which so happened to get cancelled. I moved back to LA, which was good because I booked the role of Lynn Ann Searcy in the sitcom “Girlfriends”.

MW: What did you enjoy most about your role in “Girlfriends”?
PW: I loved being funny and laugh, especially when you have a role for a long time. I was allowed to look fabulous but at the same time to be funny and a little silly. Overall my 9 years on “Girlfriends” was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We became a family. And we learned a lot about the industry. Fans are my favorite part. It was very exciting to connect with the people who watch the show. When you are on TV in people’s living rooms and bedrooms they develop a more personal relationship with your character as oppose to a character in a film. And when My Space emerged I could actually see my fans and talk back. I asked my character to be bi-racial, because I’m bi-racial, it wasn’t written in the original script. So it’s nice to see other bi-racial girls relate to me.

Girlfriends Cast from left: Golden Brooks, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Persia White

MW:  Would you say Persia is funny in real life?
PW: Yes I can be pretty goofy. Someone once asked: “What is like dating Persia?” and the answer was: “she is like a sexy clown”. I love to see women that are smart, funny, strong and outgoing and not just sex symbols.

MW: Which other film genres are you interested in playing in the future? What would be your dream role, at least for now?
PW: My favorite role would be a dark dry comedy that is between funny and serious.

MW: What is next for Persia White?
PW: This past summer I’ve been working on a dark comedy called “Fernando” about art, sex, love and death. It was written by Steven Haworth and directed by Charles Otte. It meant 2 hours on stage no cut playing a very intense role. The show ran on a limited time and ended on August 15th, 2009. I just finished two independent films: Spoken Word with Ruben Blades and Stand Off with Darrin Henson. I also began working on an independent film called Disciple. I’ve been working on my two albums: MECCA and “Problem Child.” I’m a painter so I’ll be doing a gallery showing in LA combined with my record release.

MW: What do you love most about acting?
PW: I love the study of human behavior. I love becoming the different people that I see or observe, and it’s therapeutic in its nature.

MW: What advice can you give to anyone who is trying to break into the acting world?
PW: My goal was never to be famous but to be a great actress. If you want to be a good actress or actor just become it. Study and learn your craft and be persistent. If you want to be famous I don’t even want to talk to you. I don’t even understand it. It’s a horrible goal in life. Being successful is all about becoming good at what it is that you love.

MW: You co-produced the award-winning documentary Earthlings which was narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. How did it all begin?
PW: I met Shaun Monson the director and he was trying to put together Earthlings as project of passion. I was already involved in animal welfare. Getting involved in Earthlings was pretty intense because there were still a lot of things I didn’t know. To raise compassion and awareness is so necessary. The documentary is not just about animals it’s about how we treat each other as well. How we have empathy for the weak and we don’t abuse it. It exposes the truth. It is a very difficult film to get into mainstream because there are so many corporations that will hurt if their secrets revealed.

MW: How was it like recruiting Joaquin Phoenix to narrate Earthlings?
PW: It was very difficult. Joaquin Phoenix is a wonderful actor, and like myself, a vegan. However, Joaquin is booked and away so much. He’s schedule was intense. But we did it. The music was donated by Moby.

MW: How do you keep your hair so beautiful?
PW: I use Giovanni hair care.

MW: What ‘s in your makeup bag?
PW: I use mascara by Chantecaille and Chantecaille foundation stick. An Aveda eye liner and Aveda lip balm.

MW: What is your top beauty secret?
PW: Good diet. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables can help skin to glow and not breakout. Also, wearing sunscreen is important.

MW: What is your favorite city in the world? Hollywood?
PW: Paris.  I was just there back in November, and it was just beautiful. I love the European lifestyle. And, Vancouver, Canada. Hollywood for me is a place for work.

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Persia White?
PW: Some people might know that I’m a painter. I’ve been painting huge paintings and bunch of small ones and I’m thinking to do a gallery show with music in different rooms. And my play “Fernando” gave me a chance to play a painter on stage. So it’s great to combine all arts in one. Painting is one of my favorite forms of art.

In this interview Josie Maran talks about what led her to create Josie Maran Cosmetics. Her ultimate beauty secret. Her passion to protect the environment and for all things green. The people that inspire her the most, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: You are known for your career as a model and actress, what inspired you to create your own cosmetics line?
Josie Maran: When pregnant with my daughter a few years ago, I decided to look for natural makeup formulas to use and discovered that none lived up to the levels of sophistication and luxury as I wanted. It was then I realized that after spending so many hundreds of hours in the makeup chair, I was uniquely qualified to create my own line of cosmetics, the type of makeup that I was searching for: chic, luxurious and, most importantly, healthy. Not long after the birth of my daughter, Josie Maran Cosmetics was born.

MW: What is the Josie Maran Cosmetics philosophy?
JM: I believe in beauty without the baggage. Less is more. When starting my makeup line, I knew I wanted to avoid using toxic ingredients such as parabens and petrochemicals. Therefore, I aligned Josie Maran Cosmetics with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a national coalition of women’s, consumer rights and environmental health organizations. I want to contribute to making positive change, and I also want to create something fun, beautiful, and luxurious. My dream is to build a brand with so much influence and popularity that my customers and I can work together to make the world a better place.

MW: Which products from your cosmetics line are you most in love with?
JM: Argan Oil is my ultimate beauty secret and favorite ingredient—I use it in over 90% of my line! As a moisturizer for skin, hair and nails, this 100% organic oil is housed in a recyclable glass bottle and purchased from women’s cooperatives in Morocco. A new favorite is my Argan Moisturizing Stick—now available exclusively at Sephora—which infuses the powerful hydrating ingredient of Argan Oil with rich Avocado Butter and Tea Tree Oil for concentrated moisture wherever you need it! This stick is the perfect size for my purse and I use it throughout the day on my lips, cuticles, elbows!!

MW: What was the most enjoyable part of creating Josie Maran Cosmetics?
JM: The most enjoyable part is knowing women will be getting healthy beauty products. I am very strict when it comes to ingredients and I am creating a line people can trust and feel good about on the inside ant out.

MW: Where does your desire to protect our environment come from?
JM: I was born into a family that cares about environmental and social issues – so you could say my awareness of environmental issues was just a natural part of my upbringing. My father is a green builder, my mother an artist, my grandmother a human rights activist/professor at UC Berkeley. We were always into a socially conscious way of living. But, I do feel that now having a daughter of my own has led me to a whole new “eco-awakening” – inspiring me to be even more conscious of our impact on the environment.

MW: What is your number one beauty secret?
JM: When I’m tired, I like to use my Argan Oil under my eyes… and I smile a lot.

MW: How would you describe your own style?
JM: I’m a free spirit who loves to be barefoot or in organic high heels.

MW: In your opinion, what makes a woman beautiful?
JM: It’s not what makes a woman beautiful, it’s what a woman makes beautiful. I think beauty comes from within and it’s up to women to take care of herself inside-mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. And then her beauty will shine through….

MW: Which people inspire you the most?
JM: My mom has always influenced my style and sense of beauty, and of course my daughter, Rumi Joon is my biggest inspiration.

MW: What is your favorite city in the world?
JM: San Francisco

MW: What are one or two things some people may not know about you?
JM: That I’m an inventor and the pronunciation of my last name rhymes with “Karen”

MW: What’s next for Josie Maran?
JM: I’m evaluating all my ingredients and formulas to make sure they are healthy and reformulating where need be. We are launching a brown mascara and some amazing new Argan Oil products this fall.

Here are highlights of some of the people involved in the Estée Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and And Fundraising, and the beauty products you can purchase where portions of their proceeds go towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Actress Elizabeth Hurley and Evelyn Lauder:

From Left: Steven Plofker, Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, Evelyn Lauder, and Bobbi Brown

From left: Arun Nayar, Elizabeth Hurley, Elton John, and Evelyn Lauder

Elizabeth Hurley and Marisa Acocella, Bloomingdale

Elizabeth Hurley pretty in a pink top

The Products:

Aveda hand relief hand cream

Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Collection Glitter Lip Balm and Creamy Lip color

Darphin Paris Arovita C

Darphin Paric Arovita C

Bumble and Bumble Bb Classic Hairspray laque

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisurizing Lotion

Clinique great lips, great cause: Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in air kiss, kissyfit, and whispar

DKNY Be Delicious fresh blossom

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist

Estée Lauder Adnanced Night repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

Estée Lauder Beautiful perfume

Estée Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip design Collection

Estée Lauder Evelyn Lauder Lip design Collection

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne

La Mer Moisturizing Cream

Lab Series Skincare For Men Daily Moisure Defenze Lotion SPF15 Treat

Ojon Hair Revitlizing Mist

Origins Sensory Therapy

Prescriptives PX Pink Ribbon Palette For Eyes And Cheeks

I Am King Sean John cologne

Estée Lauder Pink Ribbon Pin

Estée Lauder Mirror

Malin Akerman starred in the 2007 Farrelly Brothers movie The Heartbreak Kid and in the 2008 film 27 Dresses opposite Katherine Heigl. Malin also played Laurie Juspeczyk in the film adaptation of Watchmen, and The Proposal. And recently, Malin Akerman plays opposite Vince Vaughn in a the film Couples Retreat which was released ctober 9th, 2009. Other actors in the film include: Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis, and Kali Hawk.

In this interview Malin Akerman talks about her partnership last year with Neutrogena in an effort to educate people about skin cancer prevention. Reveals her top 3 beauty secrets. What aspects in acting she loves the most. Her reaction to Marta Walsh’s conviction of her becoming Hollywood’s next it starlet, and her films in 2009: The Watchmen and The Proposal.

Marta Walsh: What compelled you to partner with Neutrogena in the effort to educate people about skin cancer prevention?
Malin Akerman: This video and message is something I have a passion for because I understand the importance of checking your skin for suspicious moles. I recently had a suspicious mole removed on my face; I noticed it was changing shape and asked my dermatologist to examine it. I was one of the luckier ones.

MW: If you had to pick one Neutrogena skincare product to incorporate into your skin cancer prevention routine, what would it be?
MA: I would have to say Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 as it is really the “gold-standard” in sun protection. It contains Helioplex, which offers the highest level UVA sun protection available in the U.S., while shielding skin against sunburn and premature aging.

MW: What are your top 3 beauty secrets?
MA: Wear a moisturizing face cream with 30 or higher SPF every day. Use a gentle face wash to clean your skin every day (my favorite is Neutrogena foaming face wash) and remember to smile… it automatically makes you 10 times more beautiful!

MW: What was the best part of collaborating with Neutrogena?
MA: Since Neutrogena is the leader in sun protection technology, I am happy that I was able to partner with such a well-known brand to raise awareness about self-examination and skin cancer prevention. By working with Neutrogena, I am able to encourage as many individuals as possible to check themselves every month, especially since early detection is the key in the prevention of skin cancer.

MW: Can you tell us about your first Neutrogena experience?
MA: I have been working with Neutrogena for about a year now, and it has been great. I was given the opportunity to appear in some viral advertisements for their sunless tanner and was then approached with the chance to participate in this informative viral video and empower people to do self-examinations on themselves and their loved ones.

MW: What aspects of acting do you love the most?
MA: I love the challenges you face on a daily basis. Trying to make your character real and believable. Trying to make people laugh or cry. Trying to top your best performance. There just isn’t one day that is the same as the next and I love that diversity in my job.

MW: What are one or two things some people may not know about you?
MA: Well, if I told you then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore… but I’ll give you one; I have webbed toes on my right foot!

MW: Who would you invite to your ultimate dinner party?
MA: Bob Dylan, Paolo Coelho, The Rolling Stones, Lasse Hallstrom, Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell, Madonna, and all of my closest friends and family.

MW: After watching you act in ‘27 Dresses’ and in ‘The Heartbreak Kid’ with Ben Stiller, I’m convinced you are Hollywood’s next superstar. Are you excited what the future holds for you?
MA: Thank you. I am flattered by your conviction! I am very excited that opportunities are now opening up for me and that the possibility of getting paid for what I love to do most for the next couple of years is becoming a reality. As we all know however, as fast as you can become a hot commodity in Hollywood, is as fast as you can be forgotten, so I just hope for a few great years!

MW: What other movies or projects are you currently working on?
MA: I have nothing concrete to brag about yet, but am looking through a bunch of scripts to see if something might catch my eye for the near future. Coming out in 2009 I have two films that I just finished; The Watchmen and The Proposal.

It was a pleasure to interview the beautiful Malin you can find out more about the full Neutrogena line at www.neutrogena.com

In this interview Rachel Flatt talks to Marta Walsh about her beginnings as a figure skater. The biggest moments of her figure skating career so far. Reveals some of her beauty secrets and future plans.

Photo Credit: USOC / NBC Sports

Marta Walsh: What attracted you to figure skating and what are some of your biggest moments in your career so far?
Rachael Flatt: I started figure skating when I was about 3 1/2- 4 yrs old. I was at the local mall in San Diego with my parents when I was 2 1/2 yrs old and the local skating club was hosting their annual summer ice show. I told my parents that I wanted to try it…I liked the idea that the skaters seemed to float effortlessly across the ice, loved the idea of spinning and jumping and they seemed to be having a lot of fun. About 4 months later, I started “Learn to Skate” lessons and have not turned back. Love it just as much over 10 yrs later as the day I started! Truly a life long passion!

Photo Credit: Getty Images and www.dailymakeover.com

Biggest moments so far in my career: Well, I would have to say that there have been several and for very different reasons. My first National Championship title: I won the Novice Ladies event when I was 12 yrs old at the 2005 US National Championships in Portland, Oregon. I loved the competition because the fans were so supportive, I had the chance to skate in a large arena for the very first time, and got to perform in the Champions Exhibition on Sunday with all the other champions from each level and discipline and it was very inspiring. Winning the World Junior Championship in 2008 in Sophia, Bulgaria: A World champion! Pretty cool! My first US Figure Skating Championship as a Senior Lady: I was 14 yrs old and had two pretty good performances and finished 5th overall! The move up from Novice to Junior to Senior doesn’t sound like much, but competing with so many of the skaters you have watched and admired for several years, the presence of the media is an adjustment, but again, it was an absolute blast! And, most recently, the 2009 World Championships that were held in Los Angeles in March. It was a sort of homecoming for me because I grew up 100 miles south of LA in Del Mar, CA. So, my first coach, alot of my friends from Del Mar as well as my first rink in San Diego came to watch the competition. It truly was a homecoming as the crowd was incredibly supportive and to receive a standing ovation from a southern California home town crowd at the end of my long program is something I will never forget. And, I am sure there are more to come!

MW: How do you manage to balance your figure skating career with school and being a teenager?
RF: Time management skills are key. I think alot of skaters have similar skill sets because you learn early on in your training, that you only have so much time on the ice each day and you have certain goals or tasks that you need to complete each day and perhaps on each training session. You know that your ice time is limited, so you need to be effective with your time to achieve those daily goals. And, a day planner and my AT&T Blackberry! Can’t live without them!

MW: What are some of the lessons and disciplines figure skating has thought you as a person? What does it take to succeed as a figure skater? What advice can you give to anyone interested in this career?
RF: As I mentioned above, time management skills go hand in hand with this particular sport. And… Patience. If you want to have longevity in a sport like this, you have to be patient. Work at your skills daily, don’t procrastinate. Eventually, you will learn the new skill, rotate a clean jump, spin faster, express your choreography better, skate clean programs. It’s all about breaking down a big project to manageable goals…daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. And, having the patience to know that some days are going be better than others. To quote Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” I truly believe that!

MW: What is next for Rachael Flatt?
RF: It’s a busy season for me right now. I am training hard in preparation for my Senior Grand Prix assignments: Cup of China (Beijing) at the end of October, and then Skate America in Lake Placid, NY in mid-November. I’m very excited for both events and my goal is to medal at both events, improving my programs at each event and qualifying for the Senior Grand Prix Final in December in Japan. The US National Championships are in January in Spokane, Washington and the results of US Nationals will be heavily considered in determining TEAM USA at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. I am a senior in high school, and diligently working on college applications and essays and graduation is at the end of May! So, lots of excitement this year!!

Rachel Flatt On Beauty Secrets:

MW: What is your signature fragrance?
RF: BVLGARI: Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc

MW: Which beauty products we’ll always find in my makeup bag?
RF: MAC eyeshadows, lipglosses and Cherry Chapstick (a necessity for being in Colorado where the air is so dry and in an ice rink 3-4 hrs each day!)

MW: Which products are in your shower?
RF: Pantene Pro-V shampoo

MW: What is your philosophy about beauty?
RF: A look that radiates confidence!

MW: What are your favorite beauty treatment destinations?
RF: Locally here in Colorado Springs: Aveda Salon for skin care and J Gregory Hair Salon. But, I have to say, I did very much enjoy my day with Dorothy Hamill and Ludmilla Suvorova at Oscar Blandi Salon in NYC!

MW: Who are the Celebrities that inspire you with their talent and beauty?
RF: Reese Witherspoon: simply elegant! She always looks fabulous! Kate Hudson’s confidence!

MW: Which city do you love the most?
RF: Florence, Italy!

MW: What one or two things some people may not know about Rachael Flatt?
RF: I LOVE roller coasters…the higher and faster the better, and one of my favorite sayings is “Work Hard, Play Harder!”

I would like to thank Rachel Flatt for her time and for brilliant interview!!

For more information about Rachael Flatt and the rest of the US team, go to nbcolympics.com