The buzz was palpable last week Wednesday at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel as family, friends, well-wishers and members of the local media gathered to applaud the genius decision of L’Oréal Paris to name Miss Jamaica World 2006 Dr Sara Lawrence, the first L’Oréal Regional Ambassador for the Caribbean. AW’s reporter Curt Cawley sat down with Peter Torres Ostolaza, export manager for the Caribbean region at L’Oréal Paris, and now shares exclusive deets about the selection of Lawrence, the new line and the perks of inner beauty.

All Woman (AW): How do you go about choosing a L’Oréal Paris brand ambassador?

Peter Torres Ostolaza (PTA): All over the world we have brand ambassadors, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda, to name a few, and we felt it was high time the Caribbean had its own. We always look for the most admired and influential of our customers and clients within the various regions that we operate, then make a selection from that shortlisted

line-up.

AW: What will be the duties and expectations of Sara Lawrence as a L’Oréal Paris brand ambassador?

PTA: She will visit major destinations within the Caribbean — giving talks, making presentations and having autograph signings for fans and customers alike in the finest drugstore, supermarket and shopping centre venues in the region.

AW: What made Sara Lawrence a perfect fit for L’Oréal Paris and its Advanced Haircare line?

PTA: Her fantastic qualities — she’s a mother, a Miss Jamaica, and a doctor. Plus, she uses our products every single day! We felt she would be a great role model to help grow our business in the Caribbean region and we are extremely proud to have her on board.

AW: When can we expect to see L’Oréal Paris print and television ads featuring Sara Lawrence?

PTA: In a matter of weeks, we’ll have Sara’s face all over the region. Already we have her billboards up in Trinidad & Tobago.

AW: With so many haircare lines to choose from, what makes the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare line stand out?

PTA: Our packaging, pricing, the technology and active ingredients we use! Our Arginine-K fortified line comprises five systems of shampoos and conditioners geared toward various hair solutions — Smooth Intense, Colour Vibrancy, Triple Resist, Power Moisture and Sara’s personal favourite, Total Repair 5. Additionally, the line carries a Damage Erasing Balm and Multi-Restorative Dry Oil that can be paired with any of our shampoo-conditioner combos.

AW: How can customers

here in Jamaica access the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare line?

PTA: In Jamaica, the line is distributed by Pioneer Manufacturing to all major supermarkets, beauty

supply shops and drug stores.