All About The Pretty

Pevonia Safe Sun Face and Body Pack

Cruising down the Nile it's about that time?  Seriously, I'm loving this Nile River Cruise.  It's so relaxing.  It's been such a fun time for me after the past few insane months.  But the thing about Egypt is the sun is blinding.  Seriously, it's so freaking hot.  I'm making sure that I'm doing everything to protect my skin and to make sure I show it some love when I'm back on the boat.  I brought along the Pevonia Safe Sun Face and Body Pack to help maintain the pretty while I'm here.  I've taken the Aromatic Mist in the kits with me to visit the temples and pyramids. A little spritz here and there doesn't hurt, but I think the tour guide thinks I'm a little weird.  It's all good though. 

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage and All About Eyes Rich

I could start this post by saying all is right in my world.  But I can't.  I'm tired, stressed, and trying to maintain some sort of serenity in the chaos that I created.  I'm all the OVERs - over scheduled, overworked, and over committed.  The day job has been insane.  I haven't gotten to bed before midnight.  That's late for me.  In the past few weeks I've pulled two all nighters in less than 5 days.  I didn't pull all nighters in college.  I've been running both ends between what I want to do and what I have to do.  I can't remember the last time that I've had home cooked food for 5 straight days.  My cookbook and book collections are piling up.  My computer died one morning before traveling and had me rushing to get a new one.

 

The end of this madness is insight.  I can see it.  I keep telling myself - Africa and Egypt.  Hold on Julia.  I will be back to healthy cooking, yoga, yoga, yoga, hanging with l'homme, and living my life.  In the meantime the Clinique All About Eyes Combination is what has kept me going.  The All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage and the All About Eyes Rich are showing my under eye area major love.  Seriously, I don't care how tired I am the skin care routine must be maintained.  The serum is so light that I've been carrying it around with me.  There are times in the day when I need a pick me up and since I can't have a glass of champagne this is the next best thing.  The rich eye cream has rescued my dark circles.  It hasn't rescued me from my crazy life - that's in my hands. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I usually follow instructions well.  But, there are times we I don't.  This was clearly evident with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  Ladies, I won't tell you to try this at home unless you are used to doing, but the combination of adding the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate to your night cream will add to your skin's happiness. 

The real directions tell you to add 2-3 drops of the oil onto fingertips and gently pat all over the face.  It's also important not to rub the product in, but I couldn't help it.  I rubbed my own personal beauty concoction deep into my weary winter-tired skin and woke up happy with the results. 

Kiehl's if you could come up with the same product for the body I would be grateful.  Seriously. 

June Jacobs Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque

Dearest June Jacobs: I look forward to spending time with you in the next few weeks for some "me time."  My life has been crazy with work, work, more work, and trying to come home and write for this site I love.  My weekends June have been jammed pack traveling, hanging out with old and new friends in New York, and trying to spend some quality to time with my man that somewhere my weekly masque nights have not happened as much as I would like. 

But, June - dearest June. I have a Friday night planned watching French films and using your Cranberry Pomegranate Moisture Masque to bring me back.  It is crazy that I have to write it in my planner, but by any means necessary will we connect. 

BCA 2009: Elemis ‘Essential Beauty Secrets’ Kit

Elemis Essential Beauty Secrets Kit is the perfect kit for gift-giving for Breast Cancer Awareness month. 

Elemis will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of their NEW ‘Essential Beauty Secrets’ kit to Breast Cancer Care, an organization that provides information and support, and campaigns for improved standards of care. Presented in a stunning fuchsia pink cosmetic bag, the collection contains four award-winning Elemis products, including the Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust ‘boob tube’.

This kit also contains a 5 Step Breast Check guide to make sure you regularly monitor yourself for any abnormal changes.  Available starting October 2009 at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and Time to Spa.

Destination: SAMPAR Skin Care Good Weekend Kit

I'm headed to New York for the weekend and once again it's time to pack up and look at what products I need to maintain my skin.  No matter how much I travel I love testing new products.  It's too bad that I won't have this SAMPAR Skin Care Good Weekend Kit to assist me along my travels.  The kit contains the Velvet Cleansing Milk, Skin Quenching Mist, Equalizing Foam Peel, Ultra Hydrating Fluid, and Nocturnal Lifting Mask. 

The great thing about this vials is that you flip the top over and it becomes a stopper so the product doesn't spill out.  Too many times I have had to squeeze packets and pray that I find a paper clip to bind them so air doesn't ruin what's inside.  It won't happen with these.  I might not have them for New York, but I have more trips in my future and it will find it's way into my bag. 

Mission Skincare

I'm a sports junkie.  I wake up and watch ESPN Sports Center before the news in the morning.  I need to get my "sports girl fix."  Deep inside me their is a triathlete waiting to come out, but after a few marathons my knees don't think so.  I can still get my beauty sports fix with Mission Skincare. 

Mission Skincare was created with athletes in mind. Just in case I need to find my inner Serena Williams, Amanda Beard, and Sarah Haskins.  The products are formulated with sweat proof sunscreen.  I will give these a test run on my next beach vacation when I wish I was in the water playing pool volleyball.  The only exercising I do is raising my hand to ask the waiter for another margarita. My triathlon goal is before I turn 40 so I guess I need to really get on it.

La Mer Hydrating Facial

La Mer is introducing a new production in their amazing skin care line.  The La Mer Hydrating Facial is a kit of 6 applications that hydrates the skin, energizes it, and is chock full of anti-aging properties.  The facial is a mask that you apply to your upper and lower face.  After proper application time you take it off and gently press it into your skin.  If you ever used the La Mer cream you know how this works. 

After applying your skin will be refreshed and rejuvenated.  This is a perfect product that you will need once the holiday parties start.

Cellular Laboratories De-Aging SPF 55 Sunscreen

Review by AATP Intern:

Even though the summer has basically wrapped, that doesn't mean you can put away the sunscreen. Any beauty junkie knows that you need to wear SPF all year round to maintain your skin and stave off UV damage. I've recently discovered Cellular Laboratories De-Aging SPF 55 Sunscreen and now I can't live without it.

This sunscreen goes on smoothly and is easy to rub into the skin fully therefore, and makeup application over this is a cinch. I loved that it didn't leave my skin greasy or chalky but instead I was left with a healthy sheen, a lit from within look. Just because the suns rays aren't as hot doesn't mean that you can scrimp on sunscreen and for my fair skin SPF 55 is a huge plus for year round protection.

Darphin's Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood

The one thing that happens during Fashion Week is that the long days of jaunting from show-to-show, meeting with other writers, presentations, meet-and-greet, lunches, dinners, and staying up to promote everything it entails it can wreak havoc on your body and skin.  Let's talk achy feet, broken nails, lack of proper foods, and late nights bringing the best of what will be in stores Spring 2010. 

I am repairing my skin with Darphin's Aromatic Cleansing Balm.  This cleansing balm takes off all manner of makeup, and leaves my face feeling clean, supple, and nourished.  I will probably buy another jar just to take for traveling this fall because I don't have to carry a separate makeup remover. 

EOS Lip Balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew

Review by AATP Intern:

Organic products seem to be popping up everywhere these days, each one better than the last as technology increases rapidly. The latest product I've had the pleasure of trying is an amazing spherical lip balm by EOS-Evolution of Smooth. This 100% natural, 95% organic lip balm is made with coconut, olive, jojoba, and sunflower oils as well as shea butter and is incredibly hydrating and comfortable on your lips. It makes me feel good knowing that the products I'm putting on my lips, and most likely ingesting, are organic and natural and contain no petrolatum or parabens.

I tried the honeysuckle honeydew flavor and was immediately in love, so much so that I found myself rubbing this on my inner arm to test it out as a body hydrator. This balm has a very light herbal scent and the sphere shape is really fun and innovative. My lips were beyond hydrated and soothed even after the balm had worn off and I was left with incredibly smooth lips, not the usual dry lips I'm plagued with.

Talika Eye Therapy Patch

I spent the past few days in New York for business and for a pleasure.  I'm part of Daily Makeover's Beauty Bloggerati and we had our first conference in the big apple.  It was packed full of business and beauty.  The previous week's travel must have taken a toll on me because I needed a little more concealer than usual. 

Last night I treated my eyes to Talika's Eye Therapy Patch to get my beauty mojo back.  I woke up this morning and my eyes look rested.  Although I don't really feel rested, no one will ever really know.  I need to make this patch a part of the beauty repertoire a couple of times a month.  I know my concealer missed me this morning and hopefully many mornings to come.

Lumene Excellent Future Contest

UPDATE: The winners of the contest are Sarah, ElleB, Kathe, Alison, and Christina.  I realized that some of you all commented on yesterday's post and I took the times for today after 12:00pm to tally the names.  Thank you for participating and look for my email in the next few hours.

Ladies, remember the first five readers to comment will win the the new Excellent Future Deep Repairing Cream and Serum and for review on the All About the Pretty website.  The contest is for U.S. residents only.

Bon Chance, Bon Genre.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

Estee Lauder’s New Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex has been revamped with new technology called Chronolux Technology – which is engineered to target the amino acid sequence to slow down the aging process.  Of course, the previous Advanced Night Repair was a phenomenal product.  But, this new version will take your skin to another level. 

The key is consistent use morning and night and to stick to a skin care routine no matter where you are or how tired you may be. I've been burning the candle on both ends lately and it's become hard to remember to not skip the product as part of my routine.  I know my skin will thank me in the next few years. 

World Oceans Day Event with La Mer in Washington DC

15% of all purchases during the event will go to Oceana to support their mission of protecting the world’s oceans and 100% of net proceeds from sale of a special limited-edition 8.5 oz. “World Oceans Day” Crème de la Mer will go to Oceana.

Rejuvenating Treatment Masque by Exuviance

Exuviance makes great skincare products, but the creme de la creme of the line, in my opinion is their Rejuvenating Treatment Masque.  It's designed to help cleanse the skin of all that bad stuff buried deep in your face.  I apply it once a week during big girl bath time and let all that masque goodness penetrate my skin.  The masque isn't drying which helps lock in moisture.

I'm always trying new masques and right now this is the love masque of my life.  I follow it with a non-alcohol toner.  My skin has been really dry since the winter and I don't want to make it worse.  But to the masque that saved my face - I thank you.  Hopefully, this masque will be part of your beauty arsenal too.

"M" Cream by 3Lab

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. The sun made an appearance after days of rain.  But, with the change in seasons - comes my crazy allergies.  What does the change mean to my skin?  I don't know what's going on, but for the first time in a very, very long time for me - I found a zit.  Well, I didn't find it, the boyfriend informed me in these words "I've never seen you with a pimple." 

At the moment I started to spiral (if you follow June Ambrose on Twitter,  you know what I'm talking about).  I was like that's it, I need some heavy duty day cream to help my skin.  It needed to be potent enough to comfort my skin and have amazing ingredients for anti-aging purposes.  3Lab "M" Cream to the rescue.  It's light enough to wear in warmer weather because it has a gel consistency and strong enough to repair my skin from whatever this weather is doing to it. 

Happy Monday!

The Beauty of Bergdorf Goodman

By: Felicia C. Sullivan

When I first learned that I’d be attending the Bergdorf Beauty Blogger Breakfast, where creators and representatives from eminent beauty, skincare, and fragrance collections would be showcasing their latest product lines, I nearly hyperventilated. Here was an opportunity where I could spend time with perfume purveyors and luxurious beauty arbiters and sample their wares without jockeying for position with the ladies who so preciously lunch.

My fascination with beauty came later in life, and I don’t regret it because I’m the unabashed, wide-eyed child who will ask anything and sample everything in an effort to uncover what products really work. And although I was surrounded by the finest beauty blogging ladies in town who knew their peptides from their parabens, there was no shame in my game as I asked the blunt questions you always want to ask – especially in the more upscale stores where the gleaming cases and cold stares are frightfully intimidating. Over ten brands were featured at the breakfast, and after spending time at each counter and realizing that I deviate to anything remotely affiliated with anti-aging, here are my top picks:

• Euoko: I’m highly skeptical when it comes to anti-aging products, and think most are marketing schemes in clever packaging. However, I was not only impressed with Euoko’s innovative skin care technologies (time release technologies, age-killing peptides that are not derived from animals but rather a biotechnological mimicry of the Temple Viper snake, to name but a few), but was astounded by the immediate results. The Euoko Collection is comprised of five series: Y (Aging), R (Radiance), P (Protection), W (Whitening), but I zoned in on the Y series, specifically the Intense Lift Concentrate and the Eye Contour Nanolift.  The moment I applied both products to my skin, I felt a remarkable difference. My skin prickled from the cell activation and rejuvenation, and my friend and fellow beauty blogger, Sharon, remarked on my glowing skin. The product was that transformative, and throughout the course of the day I received random compliments regarding my fresh face (A friend whispered if I had anything done, to which I replied laughing out loud: Absolutely never! I’m 33, not 83!)

• Le Metier De Beaute: Give a lady quality product delivered in smart, easy packaging and she’s sold (translation: product sold; brand evangelist). My new obsessions? The Kaleidoscope Eye and Lip Kit. Both have clever internal stacking systems where you can mix, match, and layer colors based on your skin tone and mood. The collections’ powders are finely milled, delivering an easy, even application. And the lip color is luscious, vibrant, and long lasting.

• PreVious: While I don’t believe in elective surgery, I do believe in the powers of a stopwatch in a bottle, and legendary Clinica Ivo Pitanguy’s line of products offer the skin a real cosmetic face lift. The Lifting Serum was magic. Designed to provide the ultimate lift, this concentrated, high-definition serum, rebuilds the skin from the inside out. On the surface, an undetectable film immediately stretches the skin and smoothes wrinkles. I applied a small amount to my hands and was floored that not only was my skin baby-smooth, the appearance of my wrinkles diminished considerably.

• Bvlgari Crème Precieuse Nuit: If you’re seeking renewed, rested, and radiant skin, this gem in a jar is for you. Appropriate for all skin types, this sumptuous night cream not only restores skin while you’re sleeping (if only we had the magic product for fitness!), but their Polypeptides formula provides maximum anti-aging benefits including elevated collagen production and skin hydration.

 

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask

I've heard it called "whole paycheck" more times than I care to count, but I love Whole Foods.  I love the produce and organic meats, but I really love the beauty section.  I always go there first because it's where I spend the most time. I can run the perimeter of the store with a list rather quickly, but I like to linger in the beauty department. 

It's where I was first introduced to John Masters.  Now, John is back in the beauty arsenal with the John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask.  I was able to spend a Sunday afternoon working on the beauty while my real beau was on the golf course.  I've been focusing on hydrating my super dehydrated skin and this mask left my skin feeling moisturized.    This concoction of calendula, rice, and shea butter has helped restore my skin. I'm debating taking a smidgen with me to the beach but I'm afraid my friends would want to try it. I don't mind sharing certain things, but not this. 

Neil George Intense Repair, Illuminating Shampoo, & Conditioner

"What have you done to us?"  That's not my family talking, but my hair.  I went to Santa Fe last weekend for my brother's wedding and ran off and left my shampoo.  How could I? Me of all people.  I assumed that I had replaced it in my kit after St. Croix, but I didn't.  I had to use the hotel shampoo which didn't do it any justice.  I arrived home with lackluster hair that needed help. My hair was saved by Amanda George and Neil Weisberg with their Neil George Products.  It was the closest thing to having them in my home.  I need to get to Los Angeles ASAP because I need the entire Neil George experience.

I started with my Neil George Intense Repair Mask.  This was no time to leave it to chance.  After this brutal winter, sun, beach, and travel my hair was begging for help.  I applied this all over, covered with a plastic bag, and sat under the hair dryer flipping through Conde Nast Traveler.  After 30 minutes of bathing my hair in all this Indian Gooseberry goodness, I finished with the Intense Illuminating Shampoo and Conditioner.  Neil George thank you for saving my hair.

Darphin Age-Defying Lip Balm

Baby it's still cold outside. As soon as I think it's getting better, the next arctic blast is kicking my entire body into a frenzy. My lips have been needing a little TLC, just like me. I decided to treat them with Darphin's Age-Defying Lip Balm. It's pricey, but I feel I'm worth it.  It's part of my Valentine's treats to myself.  I was pretty good at Christmas so I'm showing me love for the next two weeks.  I'm at the top of my list.  I have been slathering this every chance I get on my lips and they are grateful. My cuticles are happy as well because I have to admit that they are working wonders there too. All I need is to top off the balm with one quick swipe of Darphin's Illusion Lip Gloss.

I'm ready to tackle "Old Lady Winter."

ZELENS Intensive Triple Action Eye Cream

It was a dark and cold night. I was sitting at the office, missing my 7:00pm yoga class, and thinking how I must look like "death warmed over" after another 12 hour day. I realized that I needed to pull out the big guns. The big "beauty" guns. The kind of skincare that would make me look awake with all the late nights and hanging out since DC allowed restaurants and bars to stay open until 4:00am recently. The big beauty gun is Zelens Intensive Triple Action Eye Cream.  This eye cream is luscious and instantly wakes up my eyes.  A little dab goes along way, but these past few weeks I needed a lot of dabbing and I haven't stopped.

Estee Lauder Introduces Time Zone Moisturizers

Estee Lauder is coming out with a new set of moisturizes just in time for the new year and a new you.  It's their first moisturizer to target and measurably reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and reverse away the years by helping skin behave in a younger way. 

Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizers are lightly scented, dermatologist, and ophthalmologist-tested. They can be used in combination with Perfectionist [CP+] and Advanced Night Repair for maximum results. Apply Perfectionist [CP+] AM and Advanced Night Repair PM on clean skin before applying Time Zone Line and Wrinkle Reducing Moisturizers.

Dermalogica PreCleanse

Dermalogica's PreCleanse is described as a deep cleansing weapon.  It cleanses flawlessly and I love this pre-cleanse routine that I've started doing this winter.  My skin has responded well to this and I haven't used any makeup remover while using this.  The pre-cleanse melts all my makeup away.  I like that my face does not have that stripped feeling.  It's been 40 degrees here and part of me can sometimes feel the tightness in my face.  I'm trying to ward off any tight, dry, and rough skin. 

Dermalogica, I just have one problem with it.  I need it to be in a pump for easy application.  A pump would eliminate the need to have a greasy hand when I grab the bottle to get a little more for use.  This product is worth checking out.  Especially this time of you when you may be wearing a lot more makeup than normal for going out. 

MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross + bluemercury

MD Skincare is having two events with my fave store, bluemercury, in the next few weeks.  Here are the details.  If I wasn't out of town I would definitely be at the one in Bethesda.  Their new store is absolutely breathtaking. 

During each event with any $75 purchase you get:

• An in-store Alpha Beta Professional Facial ($50 value) – Performed by an MD Skincare expert, it’s the same facial offered at Dr. Gross’ Manhattan practice! 
• A full-Sized All Over Blemish Solution ($84 value)

Saturday, November 22nd
11AM – 6PM
bluemercury - Bethesda, MD
4863 Bethesda Avenue
Call 301.986.0070 to book an appointment

Saturday, November 29th
11AM – 6PM
bluemercury - New York City, NY
2305 Broadway
Call 212.799.0500 to book your appointment

The Solution by Envision Beauty and Kimberly Snyder

I have been blessed in my life to meet women who are doing big things.  One such lady is Kimberly Snyder, the creator of The Solution and Envision Beauty.  I was fortunate to meet Kimberly during Fashion Week where she opened up her home tell me about her product. Not only the product, but to her raw food cooking.  Yes, me the never-met-a-steak-I didn't-love, literally was blown away by this raw, vegan food.  I have been considering getting my own dehydrator to make my own flax seed crackers because hers tasted so amazing.  The last thing I need is another kitchen appliance.  Kimberly's blog has amazing recipes and helpful tips if you want to try something new.

I have taken her green smoothie to all my coworkers and we are hooked.  I mean hooked.  I've always been hyper, no need for caffeine although I love the taste of coffee, but this smoothie has given me so much energy.  So imagine this yoga teaching, raw food chef, vegan foodie creating a new skincare line - it has to be good - and it is.  I have been using The Solution almost like a serum since it's been cold and I can say that I definitely plan to pass it along to friends and family.  My sweetheart's grandmother has been commenting on my skin.  Her birthday is next month and I think a bottle of The Solution may be added to her birthday present from me.  I'm all about passing on the pretty.

Celebrating Kiehl's Day

Kiehl's is celebrating its annual day - all week long.  Kiehl’s is asking customers in the free-standing stores and online to help make history by voting for the next Kiehl’s “Pear Tree Corner” formulation through Nov. 15.  My choice is the liquid body cleanser.

In all free-standing stores:

• Grand prize drawing for “Pear Tree Corner” gift basket all week
• FREE daily product giveaways for the first 25 customers, Nov. 10-Nov. 14—there’s a different product every day!
• FREE Pear Lip Balms for the first 25 customers on Kiehl’s Day, Nov. 12
• FREE Pear Tree Corner candle with each purchase of $60 or more all week
• FREE Kiehl’s Baby Lip Balm for children all week
• Children’s art activities throughout the week
• Saturday Bagel Brunch, Nov. 15

Visit Kiehls.com to vote for the next Pear Tree Corner Product and enter the drawing to win a "Pear Tree Corner" Collection gift basket.  Enjoy a complimentary Lip Balm #1 and complimentary standard shipping with any Kiehl's purchase of $40 or more.  Enter promo code PEAR08 upon checkout.

Paris: Lancome Institut

The Lancome Insitut at 29 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore is one of the places that I want to visit and wrap myself in the cocoon space for a treatment.  I'm trying to see if I can plan a girlfriend getaway back to the city. 

My favorite part is the chandelier of Tresor perfume bottles.  I could go on and on about the beauty of this piece.  It makes me thing of what perfume bottles I would want to hang in my home if I could.

DDF Protect & Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15

I have been trying out my new day moisturizer DDF Protect & Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15 for two weeks.  After having fall-like weather last week, we are back to hot and humid here in DC.  I like that it is a heavier moisturizer and it is supposed to even out discoloration.  I still have some uneven skin from being in the sun this summer and I hope this will even me out quicker for the next few months.  It's very moisturizing and goes into my skin flawlessly.  The only problem is I have to wait a little longer to apply my makeup.  I usually wait about 5 minutes after moisturizing, but with this I had to add 3-4 minutes to make sure it had fully soaked in.  I think I'm going to pull it out again in Novemer once it's cold, so I don't feel like "little-miss-greasy-face."

Destination Pretty: Estee Lauder Super Flight Creme

I'm so excited about my Paris trip.  I can only think of two fabulous words.  No, not Paris, France.  Not Gallerie Lafayette, not Saint Germain, not Champs Elysee, not Avenue Montaigne, and not Sacre Couer.  The two words that are embedded on my mind are DUTY FREE.  There are some fabulous finds in duty free and many are duty free only.  Estee Lauder's Super Flight Creme is one of them.  Estee Lauder is one of many brands that create products specifically for duty free.  This kit is moisture that you need for a flight. 

I slather skin cream and eye cream on my face throughout my flight.  I don't fly well at all.  I've said it many times, I love to go but I HATE TO FLY.  Plus, my sweet beau - The Don will not be there to rub my back, neck, and allow me to squeeze his hands through the entire flight.  I'm left to my own devices.  Wine, wine, and more wine.  But, no matter how much vino I sip, I will be slathering my face with hydration.  I plan to pick this up on the way back to the states.  I might be traveling across the pond to London for work in early December and there is no time like the present to stock up.

Bon Voyage!  This Saint Germain is a Sure Thing!