Star Connections

Interesting celebrity-product links

Jeanne Fronda Staff

Celebrities and money go together like Velcro and lint. And with singer Chantal Kreviazuk’s new role as the latest spokesperson for L’Oréal’s Garnier Nutrisse Cream (a hair dye, for those of you who are oblivious when it comes to hair products), it seems appropriate to mention some celebrity-product connections of the past, present and future.

Marilyn Manson

Okay, so the androgynous-looking one was never an official spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics, but this shock rocker is known for wearing many of the kaleidoscopic shades made by this company, a company that boasts lipstick colours like “Please Me,” “Touch,” “Tempting” and “Kinda Sexy.” Perhaps the singer thought the cosmetics world couldn’t handle him, as Mr. Antichrist Superstar (born Brian Warner) is supposedly launching his own fragrance sometime this year. Hey, maybe he could call it “Smells like children” as an homage to his band’s second CD of the same name. If he does, let’s hope it smells like baby powder and not one of the other smells that can emanate from babies.

50 Cent

Ah, Mr. “In Da Club” is still trying to get in touch with more ladies. The gangsta-turned-rapper (born Curtis Jackson), whose claim to fame is being shot nine times, hopes to introduce a line of waterproof sex toys. As reported in the British publication the Mirror, Fiddy said, “But I want to do something like that, to create something popular and exciting for women.” Aw, it’s so great that 50 Cent is looking out for our best interests. Besides, Fiddy has the best name if he ever wants to launch an inexpensive dildo or vibrator. If priced at 50 cents each, these toys would fly off the shelves faster than you can say “Half-dollar dildo for sale!”

KISS

How appropriate that the rock band who gave birth to the anthemic song “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” thinks you should buy something that is made for lovin’ someone else. KISS has its own licensed condoms — oh, pardon me, Kondoms. For just under $5 US, you can get your very own three-pack of Tongue Lubricated KISS Kondoms, which are, of course, “made specifically for the tongue.” How fitting that they’re red and that smack dab on the box is an image of bassist-singer Gene Simmons in his makeup with his long, red tongue sticking out for all to see. Supposedly, they are the first condoms to ever feature a person on a condom box. Wow, why haven’t more musicians done this yet? With all the libidinous happenings that likely happen before, during and after a concert, the merch stands could make a killing if the tables sold some licensed condoms.

Snoop Dogg

Many rappers have their own clothing lines, and Snoop Dogg isn’t an exception (he owns Snoop Dogg Clothing). But this rapper knows how to diversify, as he’s also had his hand in the porn biz and the confection industry. Snoop had a short stint producing porn videos when he partnered with Hustler Video to release Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle (2001), which was followed with Snoop Dogg’s Hustlaz: Diary of a Pimp (2003). But soon after, the artist, who was born Calvin Broadus, left the porn biz to focus on getting back together with his wife, Shante. But obviously a person who gravitates toward controversial products, Snoop now endorses Chronic Candy, a line of gumdrops, chocolates and lollipops that taste like — you betcha — marijuana. The candy, which does not contain the illegal drug THC, is imported from Switzerland. Some U.S. states have introduced bills to ban the sugary treats because critics of the candies feel that they encourage drug use. Chronic Candy’s website warns, “Chronic Candy is for ages 18 and over only.”