Gotta Get Down on Friday...

For all my LA peeps and valley homegirls, Sephora is having a grand opening this Friday, September 9, 2011. A new shop is opening up at the Northridge Fashion Center! Regular hours of operation will be Monday-Saturday 10am - 9pm and Sundays 11am-6pm. 

If you come early to the grand opening this friday, you'll have the chance to win a free Sephora Gift Card! That's right! For the first 100 clients in line at the grand opening, they will give out FREE Sephora Gift Cards with mystery values worth up to $100 bucks!! The value range is : $10, $25, $50 or $100. So at the very least you can walk away with $10 bucks! And if you're a registered Beauty Insider, you can get a free Sephora Makeup Bag. If you're not registered, don't sweat it! Head over to Sephora.com and click on the Beauty Insider link at the bottom of the page to sign up. 

Hope to see you there! <3 

A Barrel of Kisses....

The boy surprised me yesterday afternoon with this little gem <3  It wasn't enough that we already had a lovey-dovey breakfast at the valley-famous, More than Waffles restaurant. Afterwards we strolled over to Michael's to check out the Labor Day sale and drool over the new Halloween Decorations. I love strolling on a Saturday. le siiiiigh. 

 Anyway he slipped this treasure into the cart! Isn't he the best poopie in all the world? He knows I have a serious Root Beer addiction and I could never have enough lip balms. He knows me <3

REVIEW

Packed with eight different red, blue and yellow lake dyes and a warning label to boot, I'm guessing its not the healthiest of lip balms. lol but I don't care. It smells yummy and brings back the Bonnie Bell days of Dr. Pepper Lip Smackers and soda pop kisses. A top pick in my book. 

Like father like daughter

Mermaids, 1990

Remember watching your father shave his face? The gentle gravely sound of the blade as it glided over each hair, swishing of the water deluting each stroke. I remember feeling very envious of such a grand task to perform in the morning. After all, at the time, it didn’t take much for a little girl to get ready. And by the time sixth grade came along, I couldn't wait to shave my legs. Of course I’m much older now and times have changed. Most days, shaving is more of a chore than coveted ritual. But this summer I decided to change that! Usually I go for the convenience of your basic soap and water lather to get rid of wolf girl. But by adding a little more time and indulging in the addition of a shave cream to my routine, I’ve found that my skin is softer and my legs look fantastic.

Did you know?

Since most of us shave in shower, we ladies have a leg up on a lost art in men’s grooming, the traditional wetshave.  Wetshaving is just what the term implies---keeping the surface to be shaved (in this case our legs) wet with plenty of hot water before, and during the entire shave. With a layer of hot water (not scalding) between your skin and the lather, the blade skims the surface instead of dragging on it. Which is the main cause of irritation, redness, shave bumps and razor burn. In fact, it’s best to always shave after a hot shower. Washing your body will cleanse the surface of any dirt/oil, exfoliate the skin and raise the hairs up to be shaved. Heat from the water before a shave will also soften the hairs for more effective cutting.

Add a quality shave gel to boot and you’re ready for smooth sailing. Some of the best, most expensive brands come from across the pond, like England’s Taylor of Old Bond Street. Or if you prefer the natural route, Trader Joe’s makes a vegan alternative, Honey Mango Moisturizing Shave Cream. It retails for about $5.00 bucks and smells absolutely divine! 

Call me nostalgic but I like to go for an over-the-counter, time-honored tradition from my father’s routine, Edge Shave Gel for Men. I have yet to experience anything other than a perfect shave using this product. No nicks, cuts, razor burn or bumps! And I just love the clean, fresh, dude scent----Im just nutty that way.  For just a couple bucks you can pick it up at Target, CVS or any other drug store.

* an extra tip : After a hot shower your pores are open, take advantage of this opportunity to moisturize! Immediately out of the shower, apply a generous coat of body oil to sooth dry knees and seal in the moisture! Remember, moisture keeps skin supple now for a (not-as-many) wrinkle free future!   

It pays to clean

This week I decided, "Enough is enough!" Generally I'm a very neat, very clean person---all of the time. However, on occasion I will let certain areas get a little out of control. My beauty pantry is one such messy cavern of shame. "What kinda of a guru am I?" I thought. Hair products mixed in with lotions, oils in the medicine bin, empty band-aid boxes, tampons in the cotton ball bag!!! stop the insanity! ....so I finally did :o)


BEFORE

AFTER

I realize because of the sheer volume of stuffage, it may not look better but trust me it is! I actually brought all the products I use everyday, up to eye level on the middle shelf. And the bottom shelf is the hair floor. I also threw away a LOT of old products, expired products, empty bottles and boxes. Not only did it give me more space but I actually found something that I had lost and eventually thought to believe didn't exist!......

That's right! A $50 dollar gift card for Sephora that I'd received two years ago for my birthday! Talk about magic money! You know when you find an extra couple bucks in an old jacket pocket, jeans or in the center console of your car? It felt just like that---even better! I was actually feeling pretty bad about missing a Sephora grand opening in Pasadena that morning. I would've been able to win a free gift card....but it turns out I didn't need to! There was one waiting for me at home! Do you know whats in your closet?

not so sure

So I finally got a hold of some O.P.I shattered, crackle polish. Thanks to my mom of course. But I'm not so sure how I feel about it. First I tried the Cobalt Blue Shatter over a hot pink. It seemed to throw a purple cast and absorb some of the pink hue. I don't know, I wasn't thrilled with it. I feel it would be really hard to make this color look good over anything but a stark bright white lacquer. Plus it's a shimmery crackle polish, which means it won't pair well with another shimmery polish. In my opinion the two would cancel each other out. So you'd have to go for an opaque, flat color underneath. 

That same evening I decided I couldn't handle the blue shatter so I swapped it for this look : Black (opaque) crackle polish over Essie's smooth Lapis of Luxury, a dreamy ocean blue. On site, I did enjoy this combination better. Once finished with a juicy topcoat, it had a very vinyl appeal. And I can't wait to wear Lapis on its own. 

All in all, O.P.I's Shattered line is a fantastic, quality product. It go's on very smooth, the crackle effect is neat to watch and it dries very fast. I found the more you layer it, the less of a crackle effect you'll end up with. So the challenge is to get one even brush stroke over the entire nail or two ---without layering the product. In my humble opinion, I don't think this product should be available in shimmery colors. Shimmery colors reflect light and generally require at least two coats to build the color, otherwise you end up with a thin veil of color which can be drowned out or absorbed by other hues. So far the navy and black shatter polishes are my favs. 

* O.P.I Shattered Polish can be found at any beauty supply store and costs between $7 and $8 bucks

*Essie Polish can be found at CVS and any beauty supply store and retails for about $8 bucks

"with fingernails that shine like justice!" ---cake

Usually I avoid wearing red nail polish. It's always seemed very common place, trite and overused to me---boring. Until now! Maybe it was my mom, or the opening credits to Showtime's, The Big C, but I've been very inspired to wear a lot of red this summer. So during a late night run to CVS, I picked up a bottle of Essie's Forever Yummy. And indeed it is so very yummy, scrumptious and looks like trouble!

Until recently, Essie Nail Polish was only available at select beauty supply stores. Now you can find a decent selection of their basic collection and new summer launch at CVS! Each bottle retails for $8.00 bucks! Its not as good O.P.I but its a great over-the-counter nail lacquer. Quick Tip : One thing to avoid is applying a base coat to your nails before applying the color. I've found the Essie formula is just not thick enough to handle a 3 coat application : base, color, top coat. I had chipping the very next day---which is unacceptable. But if you just apply the color and a top coat, the product will be able to grab on to the surface of your nails and hold. I redid my manicure following this formula and one week later the product is going strong and chip free!

One last lament on red fingernails <3 My grandmother recently gave me a faux Eisenberg bracelet that she picked up at an estate sale. You know that borderline tacky rhinestone jewelry that was made very popular in the 50's and 60's? A time when broaches and clip on earrings were considered chic <3 I've taken to wearing the bracelet everyday----no matter the outfit. And I've found that the extra sparkle is not only fun but makes me very happy. Not to mention anything that sparkles looks fabulous next to a bright creamy shade of red. So sparkle and wear red ladies.....daaahling you won't regret it!

Nuts About Summer Skin

Summer's here in LA!......sort of? Well despite the errant weather and peek-a-boo sun patterns, I can't help but think about my favorite summer products. So I finally got off my arse and decided to post! With poolside cabanas and waves ashore---come bare shoulders, sexy legs, pretty toes and other once covered unmentionables! Since your skin will be center stage during these warm months, its a smart idea to keep it in great shape! One key way to do that : MOISTURIZE!!! Keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your skin on a regular basis.

One of my favorite products is Alba Botanica's Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil. Derived from the celebrated Hawaiian nut, Kukui oil is packed with fast-penetrating nutrients! It moisturizes, repairs and protects! It contains vitamin A, E and is very high in oleic acid (omega 9), linoleic acid (omega 6) and alpha-linolenic (omega 3). Blended to perfection, it also contains pure coconut, sunflower and flax seed oils. All rich in essential fatty acids for smooth, soft summer skin. This oil gives your skin a protective shield without blocking pores or leaving you feeling greasy. And it smells fantastic---nutty with a whisper of coconut. Perfect for all skin types, apply a few drops after a shower or add 1/2 ounce to warm tub water.

At 8.5 fl oz per bottle and retailed at around $9.95, you can find it at some CVS stores, Whole Foods and Target.


Alba's Kukui Oil also happens to be a Diva Select product! Thats right, I haven't always been a beauty guru. One is always open to the ways of the universe and its Divas. I happened upon this jem while house sitting and showering in the Diva's temple. So rest assured, this product is guru tested----Diva Approved!

Kukui Nut is actually more popular than most realize. You've probably seen them strung up as lei's around your favorite Trader Joe's cashier, on a graduate or even at weddings. In Hawaiian, Kukui means, "enlightenment." It also go's by the name, Candlenut. Because of its high oil content, Kukui nuts are sometimes shelled and used at lanterns or lights. Only recently have its benefits for skin care become more and more well known. If you happen to visit Hawaii, pick up a bottle straight from the source...and one for me too!!!

Uhhh I've got a Thunda Downunda!!

What's up ladies? Well as you may have noticed, I've been MIA. Mostly due to a road trip and some gnarly PMS. But we're back in black and slowly trying to catch up. The beauty report for this week : You know who's beautiful? I'll tell you! Chris Hemsworth of Marvel's THOR. Four words girls : Good lawd have mercy! I literally gasped when he emerged shirtless and gliding across the silver screen. And those sparkling baby blues! What's a girl to do? but see this movie again and again and again! Luckily my man is a comic aficionado, so I can partake with next to no guilt. 

But I implore you ladies : take your man or fellow gal pals to see THOR this summer.  You won't regret it!

*All titillation aside, its a great, fun, action packed summer movie. Another jewel in Marvel's Crown of Hits!

"....it's just the nearness of youuuuu."

one of many goddesses, The Getty Villa, Malibu, Ca. 

One of the most important things I've learned from the Diva is the art of proximity. I can recall little details about the space around her : a small red Buddha tucked gently into a soap dish in her shower, a statue of St. Francis---guardian saint of animals---nestled in her garden, Tibetan prayer flags and framed artwork drawn by her daughter. "No wonder she feels good and vibe-y all the time," I thought. She keeps the love around her everywhere : at work, in her home, traveling along in her car...even in the shower! Kinda makes me wonder, what do my surroundings say about me? What kind of daily peace

 am I cultivating? 

It's important to have beauty, what it is for you, around you always. Closeness, nearness to what you love and hold dear, can resurge your faith and strengthen moral. Visual cues and sign posts live amongst our beloved objects : framed photos of loved ones, a post card from a favorite show or exhibit, prayer beads and a stack of books. All packed with the power to enliven and remind us of what our purpose is, what means most to our soul. 

water lilies from The Getty Villa

This morning I caught a glimpse of one of my favorite magnets as I shut the freezer door. A small square replica of a fresco that hangs in The Getty Villa, Malibu. I clenched the cold rock material in my hand and thought about that trip. Kevin took my mom and I to the villa on my 30th birthday. It was a beautiful day, one I'll always cherish. And with that I began to mull about how important art is to my life.  And how silly it is that I have all this time and we live so close to the other Getty Museum! And why have I not gone and spent the day? ...so that is my new plan for next week. To go in search of beauty and bathe in it for a time. 

I implore you to do the same. Even if you're beat and don't feel like leaving the house or it wasn't planned----who cares. Go anyway : to a museum, a park, a play, a cafe, to a friends house...anywhere that fills you up. 

H2O Go!

Beauty tip for this week : Drink more water. Water makes up about 60% of your body weight and every system in your body depends on it. It is your bodies principal chemical component because it :  flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides moisture to your ear-nose&throat tissues. Everyday we loose water through breathing, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. You need to replenish these losses to maintain proper body function and blood volume. 

And if that's not enough, getting your daily recommended allowance can make your hair and nails grow fast AND strong! Also, substituting water for beverages high in calories can help control your weight. 

You can either go by the standard 8x8 rule = 8 full 8 oz. glasses of water a day. Or locate your recommended daily allowance by dividing your weight in lbs. by two. So for example, if you weigh 150 lbs. than you should be consuming 75 oz. of water  A DAY. 

Another good little test : If your urine is dark in color and has a very strong odor ---- time to pour a few glasses my friend. Your urine should be clear to slightly yellow in color and not have a strong odor. 

GO FORTH AND DRINK!!.....WATER!!!


ps I love how obnoxious this photo is!

You gotta know when to hold'm, know when to fold'm....

Recently I came across this photo of a fifteen year old's makeup collection. It made me shutter. Not at the sheer volume of products, because let's face it, this is no where near enough. But at the possibility that a lot of this makeup could be old. If this young lady is as busy and distracted as I remember being at that age, expired products could be lurking in her makeup bag. And one thing is for certain, makeup does not get better with age.  

I know, I know, we hate to throw our beloved products away. But cosmetics do reach a certain point where not only do they stop working properly, they could be dangerous. And you can't always consult a label to determine if your makeup is still good. Cosmetics are not required by law to have expiration dates. Even dated items can be misleading as some may expire long before the printed date or batch code. Your best defense? Stay up to date on your purchase dates and clean out your makeup bag, drawer or arsenal. One helpful hint : Use a wax pencil, sharpie or silver sharpie to write the date of purchase or open onto your products. This will make cleaning house a much easier feat. 

And to add that extra measure of aid, because I'm fabulously devoted to you, I've written up a list of general guidelines for tossing and trashing. Enjoy!

When to toss

Mascara - 3 months TOPS. Probably the number one major offender, a mascara tube can be a breading ground for germs and bacteria. Think about it---its dark, moist and a small space. Using old or contaminated mascara can cause conjunctivitis (Pinkeye), a stye or various allergic reactions. NEVER share mascara and if a makeup artist is applying mascara to your lashes, they should be using disposable applicators ---a new applicator--- EVERY time they dip into the tube.  tip* Don't pump your mascara wand before application. All that does is expose the tube to a lot of germs, air and helps it to dry out quickly.  

Powders - 2 - 3 years. This includes face powder, eyeshadows, blush, etc. The length of these products depends mostly on how they're used and kept clean. Note that adding water to any product, introduces bacteria and shortens the life span. Touching products with your fingers also adds existing oils and bacteria to the plate. If you can't avoid applying with your fingers, be sure never to share your makeup and that your hands are very clean before making contact. tip* if you enjoy using powder shadow as a liner and usually wet your brush or shadow to accomplish this look---try using a cosmetic palette knife to scrape a small amount of powder from your shadow onto a separate surface. Wet your brush and dip into powder to line. Try to keep from wetting your shadow over and over which can infest your product with germs. 

Pencils - 2  years. (lip liners, eye liners) As long as you sharpen your pencils regularly, you should be fine. If they start to crumble or become hard to move across the skin, its time to discard. tip* keep your sharpener sanitized by regularly swabbing with alcohol. 

Lipstick - 1-2 years Usually the wear of a lipstick will communicate its longevity. If your product starts to smell or has a particular odor, its time to trash it. Also if you notice it doesn't wear the way it used to : crumbles at the sides, beads up easily or quickly and feels gross---its time to say goodbye. 

Lipgloss - 6-8 months. This is another product like mascara that can be dark, moist and confined to a very small space. Easily a potential germy mess. Keep track of its scent, consistency and wearability. Another product not to share with fellow peeps. 

Concealer - Wand applicator - 6 months, stick/twist up tubes - 12 months

Foundation- waterbased - 12 months

                      oil based - 18 months

Nail Polish - Up to 12 months. A good rule of thumb is that if the product is difficult to apply--stringy or clumpy -- its time to go. Also, if you notice that while holding the bottle, the product has separated and a layer of oil is floating along the top----its dead and gone. 

Dope Nails

I'm still having A LOT of fun with the Sally Hansen's Nail Strips. They really do make doing my nails fun <3  They come out perfect every time and aside from the top coat, theres no drying time. Plus I have no inclination to bite my nails while I'm wearing them---and I love my new length. Can we say AbFab! This graphic is called, Laced Up. 

To see original post : click here

Take Time Out

I spent quite a beautiful day with a beautiful friend doing ordinary things. We even had time to steal away and try some fun blue eye shadow. These days are the best, these moments are what I live for...

This is dedicated to the Diva I looooove....

Have you ever loved a Diva? Wait. Let me rephrase that : Have you ever been a Diva's slave? Sometimes they're one in the same. Oooooooh how they love to torture their minions. "French Press my coffee! I want Peanut Butter with PALM OIL DAMN IT!!!!! Is this water Evian? IT BETTER BE EVIAN IF YOU WANT TO LIVE THROUGH THE DAY!!!!!" Ahhh yes. Those were the days. And I'll tell you one thing : there ain't no way in hell I'm ever gonna let anyone tell me that I haven't paid my dues! Oh I've paid! Many, many, many times! But the trauma is another story. 

Diva's can be very useful, even beneficial creatures to have around. Scourge at the hand of the beast can make you strong, thick skinned and agile for any task or inanimate object that might come hurling towards your head. And they usually have exquisite taste in all arenas : clothes, shoes, beauty, food, wine, etc.. Which means that one of their greatest gifts to you will be exposure. I'll tell you, I never cared about Truffle Oil or Pink Himalayan Salt until I worked for a Diva. But while I did, I ate at the best restaurants, drank superb red wine and sampled some of the best beauty products I've ever used. Which makes me very proud to induct our first Diva Select product! Diva Select will be a new section of Beautility! Focusing on products, life beauty and the general fabulousness that I've garnered from my own relationship with a very classy lady. Enjoy and remember : whats good enough for a Diva is even better for us!

Product

If you work hard enough, a Diva may learn to trust you. And if she trusts you, she just might hand over the keyes to her palace....for you to house sit of course. It was while my Diva was away that I lived in the lap of her luxurious and sometimes scary-at-night mansion in Topanga Canyon. Equally stunning to the views of lush green hills, mountains, and morning deer....was her bathroom! Two Sinks, a jacuzzi tub and closet to die in! And the perfect shower : a glass box, large shower head, vintage fixtures, and a shower seat to boot. "I could live in here!" I squealed out loud to myself. And of course the piece de resistance! A BEVY of products! Shampoos, oils, candles, scrubs, cleansers and more! There was only one thing to think, "JACKPOT!!" 

 So the product that impressed me the most, on this trip, was Jason Naturals Satin Body Wash in Chamomile and Rose. That's right. Diva's have not one but several choices when it comes to body wash. And these are delectable, down to the last drop. They smell absolutely wonderful and contain natural Rosewater and Calendula extract. Vitamins B5 and E nourish and revitalize your skin while gentle botanical surfactants clean the skin without over drying. They are mineral oil, petrolatum and Lanolin free. They also DO NOT contain animal products or participate in using animals for testing. Each wash comes in large, recyclable 30 oz. bottles with a pump and in a variety of scents. Herbal, apricot, lavendar, tea tree, mango and cranberry!

Even better, they are free of Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates or Phthalates. Why should you care about this? Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates or SLS, is a cheap chemical surfactant. You will find it in shampoos, bubble bath and other soaps or products that are supposed to "lather up." It is used in lower concentrations in many cleansing products to strip oils of the skin and leave you feeling clean. Its also used (in high concentrations) in car garages, car wash systems and other industrial agents to dissolve grease on car engines and as a powerful wetting/foaming agent. And of course there is major controversy as to whether or not its hurting you.

Well studies have shown the following : 

Studies on SLS have shown that:" (Judi Vance, Beauty To Die For, Promotion Publishing, 1998)

1. "Shampoos with SLS could retard healing and keep children's eyes from developing properly. Children under six years old are especially vulnerable to improper eye development. (Summary of Report of Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. conference."
2. "Sodium Lauryl Sulphate can cause cataracts in adults and delays the healing of wounds in the surface of the cornea."
3. "Sodium Lauryl Sulphate has a low molecular weight and so is easily absorbed by the body. It builds up in the heart, liver and brain and can cause major problems in these areas."
4. "Sodium Lauryl Sulphate causes skin to flake and to separate and causes roughness on the skin."
5. "Sodium Lauryl Sulphate causes dysfunction of the biological systems of the skin."
6. "Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is such a caustic cleanser that it actually corrodes the hair follicle and impairs the ability to grow hair."
7. "Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is routinely used in clinical studies deliberately to irritate the skin so that the effects of other substances can be tested." (Study cited by the Wall St Journal, 1st November 1998)
   
   
   
   

And you know my philosophy on these types of queries : I'm not going to wait another five, ten or twenty years to find out that what I've been using really is causing cancer, or drying out my skin and hair follicles. If you can find a more natural solution to getting clean and pretty, go for it. 

As far as Phthalates are concerned: 

taken from : http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/newscience/oncompounds/phthalates/phthalates.htm

"Intentional uses of phthalates include softeners of plastics, oily substances in perfumes, additives to hairsprays, lubricants and wood finishers. That new car smell, which becomes especially pungent after the car has been sitting in the sun for a few hours, is partly the pungent odor of phthalates volatilizing from a hot plastic dashboard. In the evening's cool they then condense out of the inside air of the car to form an oily coating on the inside of the windshield...."   

yeeeeah think about pouring THAT all over your body and you do the math. For me--not happening. 

One last note : if you scan the ingredients, do not be alarmed when you see Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. It is a natural organic salt that increases foaming capacity and helps to form emulsions by reducing surface tension of the substances absorbed by or used on skin. In 2004 it was assessed for a second time by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and found to be a safe cosmetic ingredient.  

I purchase my Jason products from Whole Foods Market. I believe you can also find it at Gelson's. Usual retail price is $13.99

why you so obsessed wit me? boy I wanna know!

ok. still pretty obsessed with the Sally Hansen Nail Strips. Run--no wait!! DON'T buy them if you live in Los Angeles....at least not until I find the ones I want. I've been to 3 CVS's this week and they're all sold out!!

AVO-NO WAY JOSE!

So in my loot of Christmas goodies last December, my mom happened to give me a travel size bottle of a new line of moisturizers from O. P. I . Great! I needed a little something for my granny hands and it fit perfectly in my purse. Ever have that? Suddenly you look down and notice that due to neglect or (in my case) neurotically incessant hand washing--- your skin looks about ninety. Amidst the scales and cracking flesh, suddenly my mesh ring doesn't look so Tiffany's. So you can imagine my elation at a lotion that not only smells great but soaks completely into my skin...and works! My skin instantly feels renewed and soft. Not sort of soft and still a little dry-over-the-knuckles because its gonna take a month of concentrated attention to even begin to heal the pain. I'm talking instantly soft, instant gratification---immediate difference! Of course after lathering it on eight times, I turn the bottle over to inspect the ingredient list. 

First off I have to say I'm totally disappointed. O. P . I ' s  AVOJUICE skin quenchers is a fabulous collection of moisturizing jems---except for one thing. They contain parabens! And what are parabens anyway? Most of us have heard a little about them and know they're supposed to be bad...right? right? I mean bad enough to keep me from using this delectable elixir from the Avocado gods?  >>>le sigh<<< Bad enough for me---yes. For you? who knows? 

Parabens are synthetic preservatives found in some cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. They are widely used for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Parabens can be found in everything from deodorant (which is applied very close to the breast), shampoos, and makeup to personal lubricants, gels, moisturizers and lip balm. Here's where the controversy comes in : they have been found---in low concentrations-- in breast cancer tumors. Parabens have also displayed the ability to mimic estrogen, a hormone known to play a role in the development of breast cancer. While no direct evidence has been found to casually link the two, several cosmetic companies and consumers are steering away from the use of parabens altogether. Thus we have my fate : a life without the heavenly softness of AVOJUICE skin quenchers. Due to a long history of Ovarian and Breast Cancer in my family, I'm opting to stay away from anything that might welcome cancerous tumors into my life or boobies. Prevention to SAVE THE TATAS! If you wish to start scanning your future purchases to avoid the use of parabens, start looking for these terms in the ingredients list : Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben. 

Below is a screen capture taken from the Wikipedia definition of Paraben. It contains a small blurb on the subject of the possible links between parabens and breast cancer. Its informative and good to stay in the know!

click to enlarge

Manicure Monday : STRIP IT!!

When I was little, like most pint sized girls, I wanted to be a "big girl." This meant wearing dangly earrings--out of the house, carrying a purse, collecting as many Avon lipstick samples as I could find in grandma's room, and putting on eyeshadow with my index finger. But no such item was quite as coveted as having long nails. I yearned for it. The desire to outstretch my arm and fan my fingers to see long, red, gleaming oval tips (it was the 80's) was insatiable. To me it symbolized the utmost in sophistication, glamour and "big girl-ness." I begged for Lee Press-On Nails, but they were to big for my little fingers. So my Mother, always creative, used scotch tape to make fake stick on nails. She would cut the edges into perfect ovals and I'd run all over the apartment picking things up and putting them down, admiring my fingers at every turn. Since they were pretty fragile I could really only get one use out of them. But try telling that to an obsessed 6 year old. Every night we'd stick them onto the refrigerator door to use again "tomorrow." And of course the next day mom would cut me a new pair. Eventually the fridge was covered in scotch tape.

And here I am today, twenty-five years later and I'm still sticking things onto my nails. Which brings us to this weeks product, Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. Inspired by one of my favorite blogs, Bneato, I decided to give these fun, flirty strips a try. Now these have been in the stores for a little while and initially I just sort of glanced over and dismissed them. I'd felt the pictures looked to graphic-y and was skeptical about their ability to "stick on" effectively to your nail. But low and behold I've been proven wrong by a fellow blogger. Basically, they're exactly what they claim--nail polish strips that you press onto your nails. Each strip feels very similar to paint that's dried on skin and been peeled off. Sort of like dried acrylic paint or very thin vinyl. They even smell like nail polish but not in an overwhelming way. They come in a variety of cool graphics, colors, and shimmery glitters. Each box contains 16 nail polish strips, a small file, cuticle stick and direction sheet. Use regular nail polish remover to dissolve each strip once worn.

click to enlarge

CONSENSUS

Let's start with the cons : the price/one-time wear, application. 

The strips retail for $10 bucks a box. Considering the long lasting wear ability, cute little file/cuticle stick and coolness factor, ten dollars should be reasonable. BUT! Technically the box only comes with 16 strips, enough for one application. Now for those who are not savvy, thrifty, or don't want to fuss with it ---this can be a bad thing. For ten dollars you should be able to get more than just one use out of the product. Being the Recessionista that I am, I decided to use each strip twice. Once I'd applied one end to a nail, I carefully ripped the second half and applied its other edge to a different nail. So I was able to get more use out of the product than the directions listed. All it takes is a little time and patience. 

Again for those who don't want to fuss with it, application might be an issue. I found it to be really easy, and honestly don't see why anyone else wouldn't feel the same. You start with clean/dry nails, find the strip that best fits, press, give it a slight stretch and press some more. Pull the remaining tab off and file the edge for a clean look. That's about it. But I have read some reviews from people who found it very difficult to apply and were unsuccessful in getting the strips to stay on the nail? I did not experience this so I feel if the desire is there it probably won't be that difficult. 

click to enlarge

Pros! This product is pure fun. Cool graphics, neon colors and glitters all to fit any funky mood. I love that there's no drying time! You can press and go in literally the same amount of time it takes to paint your nails. The first two you try might be a little awkward but stick with it, application does get easier. And as you can see with my shorties, they look good on nails of any length.  I would recommend covering them with a top coat for long lasting wear. 

*find them at CVS, Walgreens or any other drug store. I had no luck at Target. 

Trending : Teenage Dreams...Shattered

Normally I wouldn't post a product without trying it myself first---BUT! I'm having trouble actually finding this hot new item, hence the urgency in this weeks trend report. Our friends over at O.P.I Nail Lacquer have teamed up with pop princess Katy Perry, to name a few new colors and launch their newest trend in nail art : Black Shatter Nail Lacquer. The trick to this rockin new coat? When applied over any dry nail color, it splits and separates, resulting in a crackled/shattered paint look. 

The Katy Perry colors are pretty cool and cued from her latest album, Teenage Dream. Listed from left to right (above) Last Friday Night, Not Like the Movies, The One That Got Away, Teenage Dream. The most noteworthy and aptly paired with Black Shatter is Not Like the Movies. It's a smooth gunmetal shade with an iridescent cast of purple or green depending on the light. I'm a little disappointed they didn't come up with a cool color for her single, Firework. But seeing how O.P.I released an entire line of  encrusted, show stopping shades for the movie, Burlesque, I'm sure glitter was the last thing on their minds. Visit the O.P.I  website to create your own hand and model any color in their library. 

CONSENSUS

Personally, I'm all over it. It's a fun way to showcase crazy colors you might not wear everyday and it adds an edgy touch of black to your look. I've been told the product can dry out quickly so it's important to keep the wand twisted tight. Also, the thinner the coat - the more detailed the crackle effect will look. Like big chunks? Than lather it on! Again I wouldn't normally recommend a product that I haven't road tested BUT! We're talking about O.P.I here people. You will not find a better nail lacquer on the face of this planet. I've worked in salons, I've tried them all. Truly, the only high quality nail polish to trust is O.P.I. It retails anywhere from $7.50 - $10 bucks, depending on the outlet.

 A beauty fortune : I predict this product will be fairly BIG. Perhaps mostly amongst Twilight reading tweens and Rihanna...and me! But give it about a month or two and you're sure to see Revlon or Sally Hansen jumping on the Shatter bandwagon. Fooled be not! Comrades in Beauty! O.P.I is the only way to go.

  *Trade Secret : If you have a friend or family member currently working in the hair industry, hit them up! Licensed Cosmetologists get products like shampoo, waxing items, nail care etc. at cost from stores like Cosmo Prof or Maly's. At cost, meaning sold under the recommended retail price. So they might be able to score you a bottle of O.P.I for $5 bucks...if you provide the cash and maybe take their hot ass to lunch!

One important note : Black Shatter does have a matte finish, so its important to follow it up with a superb top coat. I always use, Gena's Healthy Hoof Hi-Gloss Protectant. Its a high quality top coat that will make your Mani last and last! Dishes, puppies, kids, hard core Diva Arm Waving...you name it! It's the Energizer Bunny of Top Coats and worth every penny. Its costs anywhere from $3-5 bucks. Find it at Sally's Beauty Supply or sometimes CVS might carry it. After a generous application, I've experienced that its chip proof for at least 5-7 days. This does not include chipping via neurosis.....you know who you are! 

" Winter, spring, summer or fall...all you have to do is call... "

In my still warm spirit for the holiday, I write this valentine to a good friend. 

To often, I think we discount everyday elements that contribute to the health and survival of our own personal beauty. Sometimes it isn't the perfect gloss, beefy mascara or miracle cream that makes us beautiful. Maybe a word, a good cup of tea, someone holding the door for you, gardening, cooking, or sometimes just a friend can be the very key to your glow. 

This week I took some time to spend my Tuesday at Disneyland with a close gal pal*. We toured the park, chatted while waiting in line for Pirates of the Caribbean, delighted over The Haunted Mansion and lunched over New Orleans Square. And it was half way through my first ever Monte Cristo Sandwich that I began to feel invigorated. Of course anything THAT deeply fried and lovingly spatted with powdered sugar MIGHT illicit strong feelings of any nature! But I do believe it was the quality time and sincere, gentle camaraderie that was lifting my spirit. A gesture I find myself so desperately in need of right now. Now, during this time of awkward and uncertain transition in my life, these very moments are worth their weight in gold. 

So my beauty advice for this week: never underestimate the power of friendship. The one hour chat over lattes, laughing over the phone with your mom or sister, those snarky back and forth Instant Messages about a dreaded coworker, wine glasses clinking, crafting, lunching, child monitoring---all these and more. Anything you can do with or for a friend can be the ultimate beauty boost to your soul. 

* Thanks for beautiful day Beanie! 

" I have been blind, Lady in Reeeeed...."

In honor of Valentine's Day, I implore you all to wear red lipstick. Red lips are classic beauty. They will never go out of style or be forgotten. They beg, plead and command attention. Wanna feel like the only girl in the world? sans Rhi Rhi of course! Believe me, there are a few essentials every woman should own: black heels, a damn good pair of jeans, lip gloss, mascara, diamond solitaire earrings and a tube of hot sexy red lipstick. 

And I don't want to hear the sob stories about how,"I can't wear red, there's no shade that looks good on me!" BLAH BLAH BLAH! Beauty Blasphemy!! EVERY woman on this planet can wear red, it's our god given right like batting eyelashes or nagging. And the key to your birthright : Find the shade or hue that works best for you. Trust me. It can be done.

Now there are hundreds of guides online on how to choose a red that's best for you. Some will tell you if you've got fair skin to pick a "cool" shade and darker skin = warm shade. Which is all fine and dandy if you so choose. But I'm here to offer you a short cut: Clinique's Different Lipstick in Angel Red. It is hands down, the best red lipstick on the planet. And this coming from a makeup artist that doesn't usually wear or like lipstick. Personally I'm a gloss girl but this lipstick is a divine article created by the gods. 

First, Clinique's Different Lipsticks are fabulous because they're a lot lighter in weight and texture than your average stick. Light, smooth, creamy and with just a touch of gloss for perfect sheen. It's probably the only line of lipstick I would ever dare to wear without a lip liner. And finally the true genius, it's color. Now most resources will list Angel Red as a "cool" shade. On the contrary, I have olivey-latiny-goldenish undertone skin and it looks fabulous on me. That's precisely what I love about this product. It looks great on everyone! No matter the skin color or undertone, it works. 

It also works with a variety of lip liner shades, giving it more versatility. Pair the lipstick with a brownish, brick or umber shade of liner for a warmer tone. If you're feeling cool and calculating, try using a plum, wine or cranberry liner like MAC's liner in Quartz. Feeling extra bold with a side of spicy? Pair it with my personal favorite, MAC liner in Cherry (also perfect for rockabilly chicks). It works on so many levels! And at $14.50 a pop you really shouldn't resist. 

Still don't believe me? Hustle on over to your nearest Clinique counter and ask the sales girl if they have Angel Red in stock. I guarantee one of two things will happen: either they will have one left or be completely out of stock. Happens every time. So run don't walk to your nearest Clinique counter or just bump into me. I always have a tube of hot sex in my purse. 

Night of the living Sick Girl...the morning after.

creature comforts brining me back to life as we speak...

I’m back! And no, I didn’t die. But I am reporting to you live from Command Station Kitchen Window, Kleenex piled high and teacup in hand. Boy, this round of the Flu Season meant business at our house. Two weeks behind in posts and to make matters worse, Aunt Flow was in town. How’s that for a double whammy?

Now there’s nothing beautiful in the business of sick, in my opinion anyway. The snot, chapped skin, under eye circles, granny panties---let’s face it! You’re a walking TB ward!! But aside from Mucinex and a good ol’ hot shower, there are a few products to keep you on the mend during your short stay in Fluville. Two of my favorites: Carmex External Analgesic and Desert Essence’s Blemish Touch Stick.


CARMEX 

Carmex, most of us know, has been around FOREVER. Since 1930 to be exact. From a small family stove, to being sold out of the trunk of a car, Carmex is one of the leading brands in today’s lip balm market. Still producing its original formula, the company presently employs about 100 people and is still under the ownership of the founding family. Just an interesting tidbit I discovered. I love those intriguing details that tell the history of a company or product that hasn’t been compromised by time.

Did you know theres MINT Carmex?? what a luscious green cap!

But they aren’t the only reason to heart the magic tub with the classic yellow cap. Lip balms to me are like pens, a complete fetish. I have eighty million of them everywhere at any given time. But when I want complete relief, there really is nothing better than the cooling sensation of Carmex. It contains Camphor: a waxy, white solid derived from large evergreen trees called, Camphor Laurel. It’s the main ingredient responsible for the scent and popular tingling sensation of Carmex. It also instantly relieves the burning, itching pain associated with chapped skin and cold sores. And when I’m in pain, I’m allll about instant relief. Camphor also acts as a mild anesthetic and antimicrobial agent against germs, which satisfies my inner hypochondriac.

Carmex is also a multipurpose product! A quality I cherish!


Use it as/to:

· an antiseptic for minor cuts, burns or insect bites

· relieving the itch of athlete’s foot

· drying out a pimple

· softening cuticles, elbows and knees

· (and my personal favorite) to heal the chapped skin of your nostrils after blowing your nose a billion times.

Something fun to do this Valentine's Day, send that special someone a Carmex kiss and message! Just go to mycarmexkiss ...

as you can see I chose the "french kiss" application...of course i did.

BLEMISH TOUCH STICK 

I don’t know about you but my Aunt Flow usually brings a visitor. The pesky pimple. So on top of the flu, cold and non-stop coughing, I had a ginormous zit to combat. And of course it wasn’t just any ordinary zit! It had to be the dead center of my forehead, dreaded by all, Unicorn Pimple. OH JOY.

Who better to fight this demon than Desert Essence’s Blemish Touch Stick! The website will boast about its powerful blend of botanical extracts like chamomile, lavender and calendula. But it’s the combination of these natural agents with my all time favorite, Tea Tree Oil. Together they pack a special punch. Tea Tree Oil is known as the universal healing agent. It’s also a very good anti-inflammatory when applied topically. This makes it perfect for combating that one irritating zit or blemish. Dab a touch of product over a blemish and let it do the work for you. Any redness or swelling should be gone within a day.

This product in particular comes as a .31 oz roll-on stick. Its small and compact making it a perfect purse companion as well. But note: because of its roller-ball applicator, it is best not to share this product. Impurities and other substances could be transferred to one another via the roller-ball.

The touch stick is also a multipurpose product! I’ve used it on burns, cuts, and cold sores! Anything with redness or inflammation? Your touch stick can save the day! Typically it costs around $8.00 or less. I get mine from Trader Joe’s. It can also be found online or at any Whole Foods store.

Beauty is in the eye of the REMOVER!

I woke up this morning at 4:54am. What would cause such an early rise on a Saturday morning? Well after rubbing my left eye, I realized that I’d gone to bed without removing my makeup. And nothing feels quite as wonderful as rubbing twelve-hour old mascara into your eyeballs. Not to mention the effect it can have on your delicate eye skin. Not to mention the twelve eyelashes I probably lost in the process! And without those eyelashes I can’t bat my eyes at the cute neighbor in apt. 24. So! Removal of all makeup is crucial. Aside from protecting your sex appeal, makeup removal has many health benefits as well…especially at night.

Most of us may not even consider it, but your skin is the largest organ of your body. Apart from housing your internal organs, it protects the body, regulates body temperature and facilitates the sensation of touch. One of its most important functions takes place at night, while you sleep. Cell Regeneration or “turnover” is the process where fresh, new skin cells replace the old, dead skin. The purpose of regeneration is to replace your outer skin layer, the epidermis, which is turned over about every one to two months. Makeup that is left on over night can impede this process or worse, block pores, which can cause acne. It is especially important for the delicate skin around your eyes.

Your skin houses microscopic glands called, Sebaceous glands. Found nearly all over the body, these glands secrete oil and a waxy substance called Sebum, which is responsible for lubrication of the skin and hair. The delicate skin around your eye area is highly prone to dryness because it has very few Sebaceous Glands. Unlike the skin around other parts of your face and body, your delicate eye area is substantially thinner and doesn’t produce enough sebum to keep it moisturized at a healthy level. Along with pulling, rubbing and stretching, lack of Sebaceous glands is also attributed to fine lines and wrinkling around the eyes. So in short, for healthy skin and wrinkle-free eye skin, it is important to: get plenty of sleep, remove ALL makeup and keep your eye skin moisturized.



CONSENSUS
Of course to achieve perfect makeup removal, you need the perfect product. In my humble opinion, I happen to love Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover, cleansing towelettes. Pre-moistened, these beauties effectively dissolve ALL traces of dirt, oil and makeup. Even those pesky MAC, RuPaul-grade liquid liners that don’t want to budge. They leave your skin feeling clean with only a slightly faint, cleanser residue. Even though the package states that it’s unnecessary, a light rinse is recommended.

This product is also Alcohol Free, making it perfect for the sensitive eye area and contact lens wearers. But beware of supposedly “comparable” generic brands. Read the ingredients! I have found that most generic, CVS or grocery store brands that compare themselves to this product, contain Alcohol-Denat or SD Alcohol. Both are forms of Ethanol Alcohol, a denatured alcohol that is used in cosmetics. Not something I would advise using on your skin or eye area if possible. It won’t kill you buuuut I advise against it. We’ll revisit the family of Alcohols and their functions in cosmetics during future posts! Stay tuned!

One last note, a personal favorite about this product: if you happen to let the wipes dry out, I’ve found that you can re-moisten them with tap or any water of your choice. Provided they aren’t dry and a hundred million years old.