Mercedes-Benz and Smashbox Cosmetics Launch Limited Edition Cosmetics Inspired by the Runway

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20, 2004 -- Mercedes-Benz and Smashbox Cosmetics are driving the glamour and excitement of fashion beyond the runway with two new limited edition cosmetic products inspired by the ultimate fashion statement, Mercedes-Benz. This season, eyes will sparkle in BENZ BABY BLUE eye shadow, the only multidimensional soft blue that perfectly complements your SLK. Outshine the "front-row" crowd in SHINING STAR SOFT LIGHT powder, a neutral tone that imparts an iridescent, luminous glow suitable for the body and face.

These stylish staples are exclusively available at Fred Segal Beauty in Santa Monica or shop.fredsegalbeauty.com throughout October. Every Smashbox Cosmetics purchase of $75.00 or more, including one limited edition Mercedes-Benz/Smashbox Color, will receive two tickets to attend one of the hottest runway shows during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios.

Smashbox Cosmetics' top professional make-up artists will be revealing their top tips at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios October 25-29. During the month of October, Fred Segal Beauty shoppers can enter to win the glamorous life: a Smashbox Cosmetics make-over and hairstyling at Fred Segal Beauty, celebrity-style photo shoot with famed photographer Davis Factor and Mercedes-Benz chauffeured car service for the lucky winner and a guest.

ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the United States. In 2003, Mercedes-Benz USA achieved an all-time sales record of 218,717 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 10 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on Mercedes-Benz and its vehicles can be found at www.mbusa.com.

ABOUT SMASHBOX

Founded in 1991 by brothers Dean and Davis Factor, Smashbox Studios is a full service beauty enterprise located in Culver City, California. The company offers a number of services for the entertainment and fashion industries including five still photography studios and a sound stage to host the hippest Los Angeles events. Over the years, the company has grown to include numerous ventures such as a beauty agency called Mercury Artists Group representing LA's top hair stylists, make-up artists, clothing stylists, set decorators and photographers; a successful cosmetics company called Smashbox cosmetics; a photography equipment rental house; and most recently, a co-ownership of Photogenics Modeling Agency. Dean Factor serves as the CEO of the companies and photographer Davis Factor is the Chief Creative Officer

ABOUT FRED SEGAL BEAUTY

World renown and widely respected, Fred Segal Beauty has long been recognized as a leading force in beauty, lifestyle, fashion, salon and spa services, product selection, and education. Proving an industry phenomenon, Fred Segal Beauty continues to strengthen and evolve -- charting its own course, creating its own category and remaining committed to its unconventional philosophy. Michael A. Baruch, CEO, and Paul DeArmas, Creative Director, along with Fred Segal himself, co-founded Fred Segal Beauty in April of 1992. The Los Angeles based company has pioneered this unique retail- salon-spa-agency-workshop concept and is internationally known for its roster of exceptionally talented and inspired artists. Sophisticated and instinctive, creative and cutting edge, Fred Segal Beauty is rounded in a sense of originality, ingenuity and authenticity, defining and setting the standard for style today.

For more information on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios visit www.mbfashionweek.com.