Murphy sidelines Hurley at Lauder

Hurley: More time for her film work

LONDON, England -- American supermodel Carolyn Murphy is replacing her UK counterpart Liz Hurley as the new face of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder.

Hurley, 36, who has fronted Lauder for seven years, will continue doing perfume ads and appearing on behalf of Estee Lauder and the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign around the world, the company said.

But Murphy, 10 years junior to the British supermodel, will appear in the January 2002 issues of all major beauty, fashion and lifestyle magazines worldwide on behalf of Lauder, and in advertisements for makeup, skin care and spa.

The 26-year-old American has appeared on the covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Marie Claire, was named model of the year at the VH1 Fashion Awards in 1998 and recently appeared in the Barry Levinson film "Liberty Heights."

The cosmetics company issued a statement putting a positive spin on the move for Hurley, saying Estee Lauder had the "best of both worlds in bringing Carolyn and Elizabeth together."

Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, group president of Estee Lauder, said in a statement the move was "a winning mix between two stunning women with international fashion authority and glamorous allure."

Hurley "will represent the Estee Lauder brand in an updated, more focused capacity that allows for the increasing demands of her acting and producing career," the company said in a statement.

The company insisted the decision was a mutual one, made to enable Hurley to have more time for her film work.

A spokesman for Hurley told the UK's Daily Mail newspaper she would now be free to work for other cosmetics companies.

Hurley told the British newspaper: "It is true I have received many other advertising offers and, now my contract with Estee Lauder is non exclusive, I am theoretically able to consider them."

Murphy said: "I'm looking forward to joining the... roster of women who have personified the image of beauty for Estee Lauder over the years. This is an incredible opportunity."