Category Archives: Beauty

Hourglass Cosmetics: A Nourishing Lip Treatment

Beauty

Hourglass-No-28-Lip-Treatment-Oil-5

When I first moved from the balmy climate of South Florida to the arid land of SoCal, my hair, skin and lips dried out immediately. I adjusted hair, face and body products, only to find that my lips were not responding–AT ALL. Enter the brand new Hourglass store (the first of its kind and the flagship) on Abbot-Kinney in Venice. On one of my AK walks, I was delighted to see that my favorite new cosmetic line was literally down the street. I am a huge fan of the Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light, Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Canvas and Femme Rouge Velvet Lipstick in Peace. I was accustomed to ordering online or driving to a Sephora location in a pinch.

Anyway, after my cracked lips informed the makeup specialist about my need for hydration, she introduced me to #28 Lip Treatment Oil and my troubles disappeared in a cloud of essential oils and vitamins distributed with a cool (literally and figuratively) gold tip. I apply it morning and night, and as a gloss during the day. After only a few uses, your lips and lipstick look and feel more plump and moisturized. Its unique shape travels well, too.

From the Website:

• Contains 28 beneficial ingredients to soften the lips. The number 28 refers to:
– 14 essential oils: bois de rose, lavender, geranium, petitgrain, lemon, rosemary, vanilla, clove, amyris, orange, ylang ylang, eucalyptus, cedar and rose geranium.
– 10 lipid-rich plant oils: hazelnut, kukui nut, rose hip, borage, olive, green tea, cherry pit, sweet almond, jojoba and evening primrose.
– 4 nourishing vitamins: A, B5, C and E.
• The 24kt gold-plated, anti-bacterial palladium tip dispenses product and creates a soothing effect.

Check out my favorites and all of the amazing products at Hourglass. Enjoy!!

http://hourglasscosmetics.com

Shedding, Exfoliating, Renewing: How, Where and Why?

Beauty, lifestyle

I just moved again.  Each time I move (and it’s been many times), I shed–for lack of a better word. I review the items around me and determine what I actually need and/or ask why did I ever buy/keep/use that? Anyway, I began to explore this subject while in my yoga class.  While in Savasana, the teacher undoubtedly reminds us to clear the head; to meditate. I percolate, germinate and fertilize ideas instead, and always have. Some of my most amazing ideas or solutions have come to me in Savasana. So, I already possessed the shedding idea–how it works in so many aspects of life, be it the household, the mind, the body, fashion, money–you name it and there is a way to shed. As I Savasana’d, I thought of all the ways you can shed or rejuvenate–and then decided to share it here. Mainly because  I have taken a few months off to move across the country, and have noticed my own shedding process. And what a great subject for my first post in quite awhile. I am only going to touch on a few categories, hopefully that will inspire you to navigate your own areas that might need a little renewing.

Yes, when you relocate your residence, you tend to shed. It feels right to give away things I don’t use or do not need. I also love Ebay for selling the more valuable items. It also gives you pause when someone sees great value in something you have no use for (whatever the reason). The extra money never hurt anyone either–give it to a charity if you like. It takes a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the site, but after a few posts it’s a cakewalk. Careful though, it’s addicting

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I adore this product–time for a new one.

When it comes to shedding  your skin, that’s a different story. In April I posted on the benefits of dry-brushing . It really does wonders for cleansing the body’s largest organ–not to mention the one that absorbs the most toxins–your skin! You’ll need a good moisturizer afterwards, and I love me some Kneipp almond blossom oil or Argan oil lotion.  You’ll be amazed how your skin will drink that lovely moisture in once the old cells are gone!

 

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My ratty versions of said products–I use them frequently.

For the face, one of my favorites is Exfolikate by Kate Somerville. I use it with my Clairsonic for an extra deep scrub. The ingredients are natural and the scent is just that–doesn’t have that funky chemical smell. As always, careful around the eyes or tender areas. Need more? Shed 2.0 with a mask. My all-time favorite is B Kamins therapeutic brightening masque. A touch of water on your clean skin, then apply this thick, lovely mask. You won’t need much. After it dries, remove with warm water and you are renewed! I also dab it on acne spots and leave it overnight.  Dries those suckers right out!

Now that I have your attention, I don’t want to lose you–so I won’t get into shedding  weight, friends, husbands, etc. Nor will I dive into dietary cleanses–I want to keep my audience riveted, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. After all that’s why you’re still reading this, right? See you next time.

Kneipp products can be found in GBS stores or online.

https://www.bkamins.com

http://www.katesomerville.com/?gclid=CIbT-Oyk8MsCFY9ffgodr4YKpg

Off the Radar Hair Essentials

Beauty, Style

object001_4Yes, washing and conditioning are equally important, but styling and finishing touches are vital for gorgeous hair. I have sunk many dollars trying EVERYTHING and have finally ended all that ‘trying’ with a few amazing products that are not mainstream–unless you’re friends with a hairdresser, or you are reading this now…here are my styling mainstays.
First and foremost, Phyto Defrisant Botanical Straightening Balm has been around for ages–although when I first began using it it was a ‘cult favorite’–it’s relatively mainstream now. After washing/conditioning apply this to smooth the cuticle–straight hair shinier and waves non-frizzy and smooth. Aquage SeaExtend Silkening Oil Treatment is a more recent favorite. I use it with the phyto–just one pump–it’s very rich. It has a base of sea minerals and a rich oil-like texture that actually isn’t oily–more slippery. One of my favorite Italian lines in Alfaparf and the Cristalli Liquidi is insanely fantastic–it smells delicious and one tiny drop shines your entire head–I use it always but especially after a blow out or iron. Last, but definitely not least is Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Powder. I can pack it to go (it’s only 1 ounce), and use it at home. Also has a slight fragrance. Just a little sprinkle and a fluff and you get another shampoo-less day! Wow–and Allure Magazine gave it an editor’s choice award!
So, there you have it–my own personal must-have stash for perfect styling. Hope you like it as much as I do. Be prepared for shiny, healthy hair and lots of compliments!

Phyto products can be found and GBS and many online outlets such as Amazon.
Aquage I discovered at the hairdresser, but this one is tough to find live at a store or salon. Go online–Amazon or Aquage website.
Alfaparf products can be found at GBS, Ricky’s NYC or online at Amazon.
I found Blandi on the checkout line at Sephora–where they keep the travel sizes.
http://www.aquage.com
http://www.phyto-usa.com
http://usa.alfaparf.com
Oscar Blandi Hair Products | Sephora

For Deep Skin Cleansing: Dry Brush

Beauty, Healthy Living

shapeimage_2Sound’s strange, right? Brushing skin is not a common topic of conversation, but it has been around for centuries. I was introduced to dry brushing by my acupuncturist many years ago–he described the many health benefits of dry brushing and I was hooked. And since then, it has been a common conversation starter with friends and clients.
According to Yerba Prima’s Website:
Skin brushing is one of the most powerful ways to cleanse the lymphatic system. Waste material is carried away from the cells by the blood and the lymph. Skin brushing stimulates the release of this material from the cells near the surface of the body. Eventually, most of the toxins along with their carrier cells, primarily lymphocytes, find their way to the colon for elimination.
Just like everyone else, I should do it more, but I try to do it one to three times per week. Some do it every day. The key is to brush your skin when it is dry–prior to your shower or bath. I always brush toward the heart and with long strokes. The brushing removes a layer of dead skin, helps stimulate the lymph system (as stated above), and not to mention revs up your circulation. Use with the handle for your back and remove it from the handle for smaller areas.Brush very lightly if you’re a first timer, and as you’d imagine, you’ll always want to pay close attention to sensitive areas. It is great for cellulite because you’re applying direct stimulation to those areas that rarely get it. Always use an organic soap once you are finished brushing because you’ve removed the dead skin and now the pores are wide open and you don’t want to add any more toxins. I like the wonderful scent and quality of Pacifica natural glycerine soaps–so fragrant and moisturizing–plus they have no added chemicals. My favorite scent is gardenia–but they’re all amazing!
Skin Brush is $9.95
Pacifica Soap is $5

http://www.yerba.com
http://www.pacificaperfume.com

OPI Is The Glitter Bomb!

Beauty, Style

Love this combo!! Because photonumerous strangers and friends have ask ed me “what is your polish?”, I figured this sparkly, funky OPI combo was due for a post. I use my stand-by shade ‘You Don’t Know Jaques’ as a base, and add ‘I Reached My Gold’ on top. I also change the base to ‘Berlin There Done That’ to lighten up for summer. It’s a great look and a perfect conversation starter. Shine on.

OPI.com

 

 

Frenchie’s know their Oil….NUXE

Beauty

 

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For face, body and hair, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse is a mixture of 6 plant oils; 95.2% ingredients of natural origin. Clear and ‘Or’ with a bit of bronze shimmer. Penetrates easily and looks amazing on arms and legs specifically, but can be used on face and hair. It is so luxurious–in a glass bottle with convenient spray top. $32 and $58 respectively. For many years I have also been a fan of reve de miel lip balm. I’ve used it every night for about 10 years–it has a thick, honey-like consistency–really protects and softens lips. The original comes in a glass pot. $19

This line is not available everywhere. Once again, I found it at GBS and also at Bliss Spa. Nuxe website has free shipping with orders over $50 and some great samples. Here’s to smooth and slippery, French style!!

http://us.nuxe.com/en http://www.gbsbeauty.com/cart.php