Aug 2010
AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY
Husband is right! My face make-up never seems to match my body color! Shocked he EVEN notices! I only can admit this after looking through the Hawaii pics. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to match my face make up to my body spray tan color. Think of it as an unmatched carpet and drapes situation. I refuse to spray my face because it blotches as soon as I do the nightly cleansing ritual. I can’t stand the thought of purchasing summer make-up due to the cost. Instead, I spent many a summer doctoring up combos of extra bronzer powder or blush. Bad idea! I am always a walking experiment of self-tan products; no part of my body is ever the same color. Unless I am going on a vacation and plan to wear a bikini, I forego the full body spray down and stick to chest, arms, and legs. This is a horrifying visual for my husband, but hey, I am his “sure” thing. Recently, I was going through a bag of swag and discovered a curious looking product by Cargo. The “multi-mix bronzer” tag line had me at “mix!” Damn, I wish I had been made aware of this product earlier. It is pretty life transforming (on a shallow level). Imagine being freshly sprayed, just mix some of the paraben and oil free bronzer into your tinted moisturizer or foundation and you are a match. As the body tan begins to fade, mix less of the bronzer product. A match again! Somehow, the chemist in me has managed to make this combo work. Love it! www.cargocosmetics.com
Aug 2010
NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN
As my girlfriends can attest, I have always had a penchant for satin/silken materials. Beginning with a hideous purple satin quilt given to me by my first boyfriend, I got used to sleeping with a material that keeps the body warm but has cold refreshing spots as well. I dragged that blanket to college and it became a sorority wide joke. I won’t even repulse you with the scarce number of times I washed the blanket as I was on a college budget. Post college, the infamous blanket took up residence in my first apartment. I even think it might have scared away the booty calls. I did not care as my blankie loved me unconditionally. My first acting client I ever signed somehow heard about the blanket; She must have been in collusion with my roommate. For my birthday, she gifted me with a brand new hot pink satin blanket. I was touched and closed my eyes as I let my roommate remove the tattered purple blanket from the premises.
Years later, I became engaged to Husband. I enlisted my ten besties as bridesmaids and for thank you gifts, I surpised them with matching personalized champagne colored satin blankets. I swear, I could have kept the blanket maker in business forever. (if you are reading this RR, please start making blankets again….)
Ten years later, I am married with kids and I get a weekly blow dry. Hair texture changed dramatically after pregnancy and I simply have no control over my hair. I always read that sleeping on silk pillowcases was like a nightly facial and the best life preserver for blow drys. I spent months researching these magic pillow cases but was never satisfied with the ones I tried.
Until BEAUTY SILKZ…..Two brilliant girls researched and invented the best silk pillow case I have ever used. Did they recover my purple blanket from some dark abyss and cut it into pillowcases? Pretty damn close! After much effort, the girls created a pillowcase made of 100% silk charmeuse which is the “best kept beauty secret in the world.” Comprised of natural proteins and essential amino acids and a natural cellular albumen (whatever that is), the skin and hair is magically nourished. The pillow case does not absorb moisture or night creams. ”Instead, it acts as a natural barrier hydrating skin and hair while you sleep, unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture. You wake up with a smoother, more radiant skin and softer hair.” Additionally, it prevents hair breakage and thinning. Finally, the case is affordable ($19.99), hypoallergenic, machine washable, and does not slip around the bed because one side is made of cotton.
Intrigued? I was! I have been sleeping on this pillow case for the last month and I am hooked. Clearly, I was onto something back in the 80′s with my satin blanket. www.beautysilkz.com
Jul 2010
GINA MARI: A VACATION FOR THE FACE…
Meet Gina Marí, the face goddess! And it doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous herself – flawless skin, youthful, dewy, and refreshed looking. Sign me up, I want to look just like her. I want my skin to glisten and my face to look like I just returned from holiday.
I have heard about the wonders of Gina Marí forever but never made an appointment because facials were never high on my list. I have sensitive skin and was never excited about spending money on facials and massages. Finally, I was convinced to spend a few hours with Gina and can not believe that I did not succumb
earlier. Her philosophy is simple: skin should breathe and the no make-up look is better. This was announced to me as she vigorously scrubbed the foundation from my face! Many of us feel that make-up is a necessity to cover up unsightly dark spots, melasma, wrinkles, and other imperfections. What she explained to me is that all of those skin conditions can be improved and sometimes resolved by following an individual and custom skin regime thereby removing the need to wear covering make-up at all.
After suffering from adult acne herself, Gina entered this field with the universal hope of wanting to make people feel pretty and good about themselves from the inside out. Gina is confident that her methods can change the current state of the skin for the better. What I loved most was that every technique Gina performed on me was nothing that I had ever experienced in any other spa setting. More, she utilizes techniques that one can not do on their own time at home. Each client’s individual hour and a half appointment is never the same. Instead, Gina urges her clients to visit on a monthly basis so that as the face is changing, new techniques can be used accordingly. While I was in her chair, Gina gave a me a sampling of many of her methods, and I walked out positively glowing. Hopefully, I will bump into some of you when I show up for my second session with Gina.
Each specialized treatment is custom-designed to clients’ individual skincare needs, using progressive methods to erase the physical manifestations of aging and/or the effects of acne. Incorporating the most prestigious skin solutions, including LED photomodulation, Dry and Wet Dermabrasion, Pure Oxygen and more, Gina effectively re-energizes aging and damaged skin by stimulating cellular regeneration from deep within the tissue. The result is hydrated, glowing skin without an ounce of make-up.” www.ginamari.com
Jul 2010
SIDE SLEEPER OR TOP HEAVY?
Some inventions can be worth trying because the crazy visual almost outweighs the promised result. Case in point– Nothing ages a woman more than a wrinkled chest. Whether from sun damage or carrying a particularly heavy load on your chest, the surrounding skin is thin, senstive, quick to wrinkle, and hard to remedy with cosmetic injections or fillers. Introducing…KUSH, a sleep support for your breasts. Pretty unique accessory which was developed for sleep support in terms of spine alignment, relief of the pressure and weight of the breasts thus preventing wrinkles and folds in the cleavage area, comfort of the breasts during pregnancy, nursing, and other hormonal periods, and post-op comfort for breast augmentation. KUSH costs $24.99 and comes in many sizes and colors. Does it work? I have no idea but the premise is interesting and the YOU TUBE snippet is hysterical. Tune in…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnCwythxdSk
Jul 2010
SLICK
The fourth of July was a blast. We kicked off Summer with family and close friends in Laguna Beach, California. Although it
was chilly for the better half of the day, we made lemonaid out of lemons and explored the town. My only worry of the day was Husband’s bald head. In the chilly morning air, I worry if his head is cold. In the warmer temps, I wonder if he has applied enough sunsceen. When I first met Husband, he had a fuller head of hair. Today’s Mr. Clean look is far more sexier as his head is perfectly shaped. I guess misery loves company. Many of Husband’s friends have adopted a similar “what will be will be” look. To me, going bald is so masculine and I actually think it makes guys look younger and more confident. Hats off to the bald men of America. Maintaining the freshly shaved look requires more maintenance than keeping my roots platinum. Husband has tried everything from shaving with the Bean, a normal razor, an electric shaver, regular visits to the barber shop, etc. It is challenging for him to get the random patches and the clean up is a pain. I am the one standing over his head with a sharp razor. Hmm… Kidding! I recently read a review for the hot new shaver called The HeadBlade S4 Shadow. The device resembles a kids mini-ride along object with wheels that fits perfectly on the head. It is made of gunmetal-plated stainless steel and it claims to make male grooming effortless. Also included is a travel case, two extra cartridges, and a HeadSlick shave cream sample. It can be yours for $99. Because my entire life is spent trying to please husband everyday (NOT), his HeadBlade is en route with the Marriage Comfort Blanket (still on back-order.) www.headblade.com
Jul 2010
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
I swear, I looooove being a girl. All the potions and lotions, the hair colors, the high heels, the jewels, the manicures… the list goes on. I am the biggest sucker for all products. In fact, I tend to justify my openess to trying new things on the maintenance market as research for the lifestyle blog. I am soulful, real, and filled of depth but who does not love a good spray tan, a magic face peel, the new hot thing. It is hard to resist the possibility of beauty, weight loss, love, passion, clarity, jeans that make you skinny– I am the biggest consumer. Case in point– today at Pilates, I could not stop staring at the lashes of the girl on the next reformer over. As I have written before, I did not luck out in the lash department and can not stand applying, wearing, and removing mascara. Mid way through my plank series, I literally got off my bed and crouched down along side the girl. Because I am a self-depracating open book, I wrongly assume that everyone will also divulge their secrests. Luckily, Miss Eyelash did admit to me that, indeed, her lashes were lash extensions. Tell me more, I begged, as the instructor signaled for me to resume my torturous abs. Lash girl generously supplied me with all of the necessary contact information as well as giving me her noon appointment. It was 11 am and I seized the opportunity. I could not have my lemonaid drinkers wait another day to learn about these beautiful and surprisingly affordable lash extensions. I punched in the 711 n. Harper address in my nav and flew over Laurel Canyon. Instant gratification is my downfall! Tucked away on the corner of Melrose and Harper is a boutique nail salon called Marie Nails. Located next to the Paul Smith store, I knew I was in good hands. I was whisked into a private cubicle where I spent the next hour with Asako as she applied the most gorgeous lashes to my existing dowdy ones. Normally, when I sit during a manicure or hair appointment, I am actively talking and emailing on my cell phone. Lash application requires that you lie still with your eyes closed. I literally was so relaxed that I fell asleep and took a much needed nap. When Asako gently woke me, I was rejuvenated and thrilled with my new lashes. Unlike most lash extensions which cost several hundred dollars for a full set, Asako charges $90 dollars and they last a month with touch-ups costing $45. Tonight at dinner, the waitress complimented my “fake” lashes in front of my husband. Ah, bad move! I don’t normally highlight my beauty regimen to Husband. I prefer him to think I wake up like this and it costs him NOTHING! Gotta love my waitress, the whistleblower AND there was an offensive black hair in my garlic edamame. Off to Laguna beach for the holiday- so a request to my friends who are joining us, just wink at me when you see the lashes as Husband does not need to be reminded again of my UN natural beauty. Asako 323 782-8080
Jun 2010
THIS TRUMPS ALL…
Because I only have ONE friend who looks breathtaking with her pale ivory complexion (she has long red hair) I do take self tan research very seriously. I tend to switch back and forth
between my fave drugstore brands (Dove and L’Oreal) depending on the event. If I am embarking on a weekend away or a full week by the ocean, I resort to more serious methods like a full body spray tan. I blogged last summer about my personal friend and spray tan guru Svetlana Feller of Spray Di Sole. In addition to being on speed dial for many a celebrity, she makes herself available at all hours for the mom crew. Svetlana and her partner Lisa are continually pouring time, energy and money into staying ahead of the research game in the tanning world. Whether it be organic potions or the latest of tanning tools and “secret” methods, these are the girls to transform your winter skin to summer ready. Whereas most spray tans begin to crackle off and resemble dry oatmeal, the spray di sole tan just fades away. One quick exfoliation with the special prescribed scrub and you are prepped and ready for another tan. The best part of all is that Spray Di Sole has invented a home self tan touch up “gun” which requires no batteries or electricity. A quick touch up spray on the face and chest and you are on your way. So easy yet so necessary! The only thing we need is for Spray Di Sole to create a waterproof self tan formula and a tan extender with SPF. HINT HINT GIRLS!
“Spray di Sole offers a guilt-free, sun-kissed, custom spray tan. Catering to celebrity clientele, moms, dads, and executives on the go, a Spray di Sole spray tan will leave you feeling fabulous and looking beautifully bronze! Request our mobile spray services from our affiliates nationwide. We come to your home or office…set up, spray you, and leave… all in about a 1/2 hour.
No mess, no fuss, no driving to and from the salon, just a beautiful tan that will leave you feeling refreshed and looking radiant.”
or you can schedule an appointment at their Studio City facility. www.spraydisole.com
May 2010
THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL
Meet Jenn… She is gorgeous, ice blonde, talented, and smart. A wicked combination if I don’t say so myself. The best part is she is my friend. I walked into JUAN JUAN one day (Brentwood, California) to ask a question. This stunning but approachable girl came up to me and said hello. We got to chatting and she commented on my yellow hair color and how it clashed against the pink tone of my skin. She gently said that someone who is as put together as me should have hair color that matches my skin coloring. If she had not been so sincere, I would have thought for sure she was hooking for a new client. I later realized that she, with her husband Sean, own the Juan Juan salons in Beverly Hills and Brentwood. She definitely did not need me for a client. The ironic thing was that husband kept saying the same things about my hair color but I sadly did not take to heart what he was saying. We struck up a friendship and my hair color now resembles hers! What I love about jenn is in addition to being a talented hair colorist, she is completely interested in the world of social media and how she can continue to experiment, perfect, and share her color knowledge. Although she should be smitten with herself, she keeps her cool and is quiet about her talent. Silent but deadly. She recently shared with me her secret weapon tips on helping hair to survive the sun, salt, and chlorine that comes with Summer vacation.
Here are her top 5 tips to get you through the upcoming months.
1. Wear a hat. Not only will it save your skin, it will save your hair color. If you blondes want to be blonder, wear a visor and your color can lighten up almost a full shade.
2. Brunettes wanting to save their color but don’t want to wear a hat? Invest in a tub of the Kerastase UV Defense masque. Not only will it protect your hair from the UV rays but it will moisturize your hair as well.
3. Suit up before you jump in the pool. And I don’t mean swim suit……Don’t let chlorine be the first thing to get your hair wet when you take the plunge. Either wet your hair down with water before you jump in or slather a dime size of conditioner in your hair and comb it through.
4. At the beach, drop a deep conditioner and wide tooth comb in your bag. My favorite is Shu Uemura Silk Bloom Restorative Treatment. Work a quarter size amount through wet hair, comb through and let the sun be your hair’s best friend. This is the best and most luxurious treatment on the market.
5. Green hair S.O.S. In case you end up with green hair from a long weekend by the pool, don’t worry, we’ll fix you………..call us at 310-278-5826 (juan) and ask for a Malibu Treatment. Your hair will be rejuvinated in no time!
Jennifer J
www.juanjuansalon.com <http://www.juanjuansalon.com> - twitter for salon is juanjuansalon
www.jenniferj.com <http://www.jenniferj.com>
her individual twitter is JenniferJ13 and blog is www.jenniferjthecolorexpert.blogspot.com <http://www.jenniferjthecolorexpert.blogspot.com>
May 2010
NAILS IN MOTION
The other night I was kept awake by Husband’s snoring and the dead skin on my feet. I don’t know which was more annoying- him or the snaggy dead skin on my feet that I kept picking to the point of bleeding. I finally fell asleep and when I awoke the next morning to get the kids off to school, I could barely stand on my picked apart, now filled with open sores, feet. Horrible vision, I know, but with the joys of Summer come the daily wear of open toe sandals and barefeet (which wreaks havoc on the soles of feet). A regular customer at any local and cheap mani / pedi salon which has an open meter in front, I am opening myself up to infection. Most times, I am not concerned with infection if the shop provides sanitized tools for each customer that are removed from the plastic baggie. However, I would glean that going into a random salon with an open wound on the foot for a quick and cheap pedi would probably not be the safest choice. What to do? I had to remedy the foot and clearly I had failed miserably by trying to self-blade the dead skin. Salons no longer blade the skin from ones foot which has negated the real reason for having a pedicure. I polled the cougar crew and was given the telephone number of Lorri, owner, CEO and COO of NAILS IN MOTION, the manicurist to the stars. Not a star, but desparate for a good blading, I counted my loose change and broke down and scheduled Lorri to “motion” herself to my house. She arrived with a big smile, a big blade, and a foot soaking tub. I can set up anywhere, she laughed, and we were off to the races. While I sat at my desk, booking summer camp for the kids, Lorri whipped my feet into shape. Admiring my newly scrubbed and soft as a newborn’s tush feet, I contemplated having her do a manicure to remedy the hands and nails which have endured the direct impact of my stressful days. Suddenly, the vision of Husband walking into my office unexpectedly while I pampered myself for double the price, shocked me into reality. An at home, indulgent pedicure for “medical” reasons could be justified, I convinced myself. As I walked her to the door, with tissue between my watermelon colored toes, I booked another magical pedicure for next month. I could forfeit one girl’s dinner a month for this luxury….
NAILS IN MOTION– LORI KEEFER SMITH- 818/335-1884/ LORRIKEEFERSMITH@GMAIL.COM
May 2010
BELUGA WHALE
Sick with the stomach flu back in sixth grade, I never made it on the whale watching fieldtrip. Missing this school outing was devastating for me. I always imagined whales as being mammothly large animals mostly blue and grey in color. As you know from reading this blog, I put lots of energy into exercise, nutrition and self-tan experimentation. Nobody knows this better than Husband because he pays the infamous Amex bill. Last December, husband and I flew to Palm Beach for a wedding. Excited to spend time alone (vacation husband is the BEST of husband), I put extra special care into packing outfits that would appeal to husband instead of dressing for the girls. After a long red eye flight, we arrived at the W South Beach (AMAZING and drum roll please… it’s a Starwood Hotel!) and went straight to the room. Serene like a spa, the room was all white, with big glass windows, breathtaking ocean views, and a soft cloud like white bed. Deciding to take a nap and rejuvenate before venturing out Kardashian style, I whipped my clothes off and pulled on my Target nightie. It is important to note here that husband is always complaining about my repulsive sleepwear at the same time that he tortures me about my spending. This argument is an enigma to me in that a whopping charge of 1000 dollars at La Perla would surely lead to separate bedrooms forever. Settling for Gilligan O’Malley at Target, I opt for soft texture and sexy bright colors. That being said, husband managed to catch me in the middle of taking my clothes off before putting on my nightie. Suddenly, I heard him suck his breath in… I smiled demurely, thinking that I must be looking hot and that the hard work at Pilates and Power Plate must be paying off… Not! He started shouting at me that I was so white and flabby that I resembled a beluga whale. WOW! what a compliment! Thank god we brought Astro Glide because the thought of being turned on by him just flew out the giant glass hotel window.
