All About The Pretty

Prescriptives Good in Bed

Prescriptives Good in Bed night creme has grapefruit extract, which supposedly brightens and leaves skin dewy and soft.  It's so good that you should have the "morning after" glow.  Maybe it's true.  Good in Bed is also the name of a book by Jennifer Weiner.  The sequel, which was just released called Certain Girls held my interest on the plane ride back from Nawlins.  But, I wish I had purchased the night creme before my trip.  A weekend of family, food, and fun has me spent.  Good in Bed is on counters now.  I definitely need a "glow" this morning.

Happy Monday!

The Mandarin Oriental Spa Vitamin Infusion Facial

I had to include a spa in my Mother's Day roundup.  I am the go-to person in my family so I gave myself a gift this month.  I love a good spa.  The kind that is so good when you wake up from a treatment you have to ask yourself - where am I?  This is what I asked myself last week when I spent time at The Mandarin Oriental's Spa here in DC.  I needed some getaway time because the next few months are packed.  Work hard, play hard, work harder.  (Thank goodness for overtime!)  The great thing about the Mandarin in DC is location.  It's a 10 minute walk from me.  Maybe that is a bad thing :)  As I entered the spa I immediately felt relaxed.  I was then whisked away to change and spent time in the vitality pool and amethyst steam room before my treatments began. 

I had the best facial of my life thus far from a spa.  Yes, I said it.  I usually have facials that are for maintenance.  For me facials are like going to the doctor.  You have to do them but they are never in a fancy hotel.  I don't dip in the vitality pool, relax in the sauna, or take it easy in the relaxation room.  This was a treat.  The Mandarin's new Vitamin Infusion Facial with Somme Institute Skincare left me with a glow that even The Don recognized.  The next day I did something I never do.  I went to work with only mascara and lip gloss on.  All the girls were like "your makeup is so pretty."  I had to explain to them about this facial.  Shae was an excellent technician and she is also a licensed massage therapist.  Her massages are so good that you will need to be awaken when it's over. 

My mother is coming to visit this summer and we will definitely spend time at the Mandarin in July.  They need to put this hotel in Houston.  ASAP.

Happy Hump Day!

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins

Dr. Andrew Weil has been trying to teach people the benefits of integrative health for many years.  It made sense when he decided to partner with Origins to create his own line based on his mega-mushroom program.  His Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Treatment Lotion has been getting a lot of use this spring.  It's extremely light and moisturizing, but I follow it with a heavier cream for night.

I used it on Sunday for a day of lounging around while it rained.  It doesn't have that greasy feeling, which I don't like during the day, but I love at night.  I like the lotion so much that I'm thinking of trying more from the line.  The body cream seems decadent.  Has anyone tried anything from this line? What were your results?

Let me know in the comments.

Tammy Fender Epi-Peel

I first read about Tammy Fender and her miraculous-change-your-face-and-look-phenomenal facials last year in W Magazine.  She was listed as one of the top facialists with a waiting list.  It peaked my curiosity, but I didn't give in.  Then Sarah Brown of Vogue wrote about the phenomenal facial in the February issue and I caved.  I have been holding out for two months to write and tell you about the sheer and utter joy I have using Tammy's Epi-Peel.  Tammy's facials are based on holistic medicine.  "Her stance on beauty is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Yin and Yang, the foundations of holistic medicine, whereby Yin pertains to the structure of the cells and Yang relates to the body's "chi" energy."  She's a holistic aesthetician.  I'm addicted to her.  I cherish the Quintessential Serum and use it sparingly.  This is the first time I have not been heavy handed with a serum.  But the Epi-Peel.  Words cannot express the beauty that is my face because I use this every week.  I plan to get to Palm Beach sometime in the next year to have a facial by her.  I have been addicted to all things beauty and this makes my skin have a beautiful day. 

The theme song for today is Beautiful Day by U2.  I hope you are having one.

Origins Earth Day Special

In honor of Earth Day, Origins is giving away a sample of Peace of Mind with every order purchased.  Plus, free standard shipping today only. 

Peace of Mind is used as a "mind-clearing formula on the back of your neck,temples and earlobes.  You'll feel a tingling sensation as pressure, tension and tightness begin to melt away." 

Happy Earth Day!

Lisa Hoffman Spa Facial

Lisa Hoffman's new spa line is currently hitting Bergdorf's shelves.  Products are a Lip Polisher, Clay Mask, and Moisture Seal Cream along with others.  All of these are available in her portable packettes as well.

Somebody please take this Bergdorf's catalog out of my hands.

Josie Maran Argan Oil

Josie Maran Cosmetics was created by Josie Maran, the model and a former spokes-model for Maybelline.  She created the line when she was pregnant a few years ago.  I first saw the line in Barneys last December and was moved - really moved by the eyeshadow in Divine.  Eventually this led me to her website and the discovery of the Argan Oil.  The site has free shipping over $45 and I couldn't help but add it to my bag.  This is a great skin healer.  At the beach, sand and shells had gotten into my bikini top and rubbed my neck raw.  I have a small abrasion on one side of my neck. I used the oil after returning home and it's healing just nicely.  I also apply it to my hands under cream before bed.  The products are all natural and the packaging is recyclable and/or biodegradable.  Since the oil is glass it's also recyclable.  Josie will be on QVC on Earth Day  - 4/22 discussing her line, which you know I will be recording.

L'Occitane Shea & Cotton Collection

L'Occitane has introduced its new line of Shea & Cotton Products.  The line includes a cleansing milk, serum, mask, and comforting cream.  If I was choosing products - the Ultra Comforting Cream is my top choice.  I understand that sometimes you need a gentle cleanser, but if I had to put one product in the arsenal, it's always going to be something with the word cream.  When you need gentle and organic products to put your skin into that "oh I need to be loved" feeling, you can't go wrong with a cream.  I'm all about the products that move me, the ones that when they touch your skin and you rub, embrace, anoint and pamper yourself make you want to go make another purchase of the same product.  If you like choices, choose L'Occitane.  If I could only get back to Provence, I will be set.  I guess Peter will have to keep me company until then. 

bluemercury: Georgetown

I have a new man in my life.  He's smart, funny, witty, knowledgeable and has hands that could give most people a run for their money.  He's the first person who didn't make me run for the hills when he said these four little letters that frighten me to the core - P-E-E-L.  His name is Lance and he's the spa director for bluemercury in Georgetown.  I had the most divine facial on Saturday with him.  bluemercury is a sublime beauty emporium created in DC by Marla Malcolm Beck in 1999 with locations all around the country.  I remember ordering from them back in Houston when I couldn't find certain brands.  I get my fix of products such as Ren, Jurlique, Tocca Perfumes & Candles, Darphin, Lafco Candles, Red Flower and many more.  But, they also have a spa.

Lance saw the apprehension in my face when he suggested the Fusion Facial.  The words glycolic and peel frighten the very core of my beauty persona.  I think peel and I think inflamed, red, and irritated skin.  He said it's very gentle and I still shook my head no.  I have stayed away from peels because I've seen bad peels and sometimes the skin just doesn't recover.  He said this peel is for sensitive skin and it works well for African-Americans.  He was right.  My skin had a glow and the formerly clogged pores were de-clogged.  The peel worked wonders and the blast of oxygen was all the moisture I needed.  I walked out with the biggest smile on my face.  I knew my skin was magic as I stood in line for my red velvet cupcake fix at Georgetown Cupcake and two women asked me what I did for my skin.  I whipped out pen and paper and gave them Lance's number.  Beauty is meant to be shared.

Here's to a pretty Monday.

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment

Dear Liz Earle,

Thank you for creating such wonderful products.  Thank you for bringing these wonderful beauty gems, chock full of luscious, and decadent ingredients across the pond.  Who knew that ingredients such as borage oil, comfrey extract, geranium, and St. John's Wort oil could help my stressed out skin.  I have promised myself to get to the farmer's market for more fresh ingredients, but I haven't made it.  I promise myself to do it this weekend.  I didn't think you could top the Hot Cloth Cleanser, but you did with the Intensive Nourishing Treatment.  This treatment worked so well that I have been using it on the back of my hands.  Next week when I'm the beach sipping margeritas and in that zen place, I will make sure to bring you with me.  I will need to recover from the sun and I know you will be there, as always, to help me.

Sincerely,

Julia - a self-obsessed-skincare-junkie.

Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin Face Toner

I love a good facial toner that can also be used on the body to freshen up.  Pangea Organics Italian Green Mandarin with Sweet Lime Face Toner is a great product to add to your gym bag or your handbag whenever you need to freshen up.  I would transfer this to a small spritz bottle because it's glass.  It's almost met its fate a few times.  It has essential oils of mandarin, lime, and lavender.  It's great after a yoga workout when I stil have errands to run.  The French Rosemary is on my list to try next, as well as, more soaps.  Pangea is one of the fastest growing organic skincare lines in the world. 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and Toner

Kiehl's has added to its Ultra Facial family of products.  Ultra Facial Cleanser and Ultra Facial Toner are now available.  Both still contain the Ultra Facial core ingredients of Squalene, Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.  I started using the cleanser last week in the mornings and it's very gentle.  If you are the type that likes a simplistic routine this may be the way to go.  A good cleanser, good toner, and good moisturizer and you are done.  Kiehl's has great eye creams so you need to toss that into your routine as well.  I suggest the moisturizer with the SPF for day and the Ultra Facial Cream at night. 

Happy Tuesday. 

Mod.Skin Lab: The Alchemist's Mask

I love this mask.  You take half a teaspoon, add some water, make a thin paste, and apply.  It's great for traveling and will save space in my already crowded toiletry kit.  Mod Skin Labs The Alchemist's Mask is full of natural, organic ingredients such as chamomile leaf, rose hips, and linden flower.  I found it very gentle, non-irritating and soothing.  I think it's a great transitional mask for the seasons.  It may be a great choice for sensitive skin because the ingredients are not a bunch of chemicals.  It adds hydration, but doesn't strip skin.  After a few uses my skin looks rested which it so needed.  The loss of the extra hour of sleep is kicking my butt, but the mask makes my beauty rest a lot better.

I'm a movement by myself.
But I'm a force when we're together.
I'm good all by myself.
But baby you, you make me better.

You make me better.
You make me better.
You make me better.

Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo

Eve Lom Moisturiser + SPF

I finally found a rich, creamy, and decadent day cream with SPF that I am over the moon about.  Eve Lom Moisturiser + SPF 15 has me looking forward to applying a day cream.  I love an inexpensive lightweight SPF lotion, but this winter my face has needed something.  I don't know why.  It could be a lot of things - weather, age, or my skin may be changing.  My new favorite store, Space NK, carries the entire line and even has the Eve Lom Facial at their stores in NY.  The cream is thicker than your average lotion and you have to make sure not to over apply it.  I did and I ended up wiping my face with a towelette because it was too much cream and left white streaks on the side of my face.  I finally figured out how much I needed.  I finish with tinted moisturizer and the rest of my makeup.  On weekends I use the cream and bronzer all over.  It's wonderful.  I think it will be too heavy in the summer.  I will definitely be purchasing more Eve Lom products in the future.  Eve Lom is giving me that lovin' feeling!

become Color Therapy Masks

I'm on a skincare kick right now.  Why?  It's not just the cold weather.  I'm preparing my skin for the rest of the season, spring and summer.  Why start so far ahead?  Well, if you want your skin to be fabulous for summer you have to start early and prepare.  The makeup for spring is gorgeous, soft, and pretty.  You want your skin to shine through.  I've said it before, pretty makeup looks good on pretty skin.  The become Color Therapy Masks are perfect to add hydration, moisture, and a little pep to your skin.  You just apply this mask to freshly cleansed skin and spend the next 15 minutes getting gorgeous.  They come in Revitalizing, Rejuvenating, and Relaxing.  I use mine while kicking back on the couch listening to music.  The masks comes in two parts - a section for the forehead and one for the nose and mouth.  You have to get pass the fact that you will look like the crazy character from the Halloween movies, but just think "beauty is work and you are working your beauty."

Kimberly Sayer Organic Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer with SPF 25

Old lady winter is rearing her ugly head.  First she comes, then she goes, then she comes back again with more bitter cold that all I want to do is hibernate.  But there are times that I have to go out in the cold while the sun is still shining so I need winter and sun protection.  The product that is bringing joy to my winter, dehydrated, and in need of that lovin' feeling is Kimberly Sayer's Organic Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer with SPF.  I have been slathering this on for the past few weeks as my daytime moisturizer and my skin doesn't have that super-tight-dried-leather-beef-jerky feeling.  I'm headed out to run a few errands and I know my face is protected.

Have a happy Monday.

JamieO Skincare Products

Ladies-I apologize for being off line for so long. It's been a busy few weeks. We took Colin down to Argentina to meet his great grandparents and then Christmas and New Years were here before I knew it.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

Connie, our amazing friend and skincare products guru, has another favorite product to tell you about.  Connie and Julia are both addicted to the same products and can literally talk skincare for hours.  Here's her review: "JamieO Skincare's Crystal Radiance Microdermabrasion System Bioactive Crystals with Activator and Rewind Time Daily Vitamin C Serum are awesome! I was excited to try the microdermabrasion products after having had a few sessions with an esthetician in the past to compare the results. Let me tell you...I saw similar results in a fraction of the time. This system takes about 5 minutes in total to use. The microcrystals spread on the skin smoothly. Once the activator is applied your skin feels warm. There is a little scrathy feeling when washing off the crystals but it lasts only a few seconds. Your face will feel smooth, clean and soft.  I definitely recommend this product for self microdermabrasion, especially when you don't have time to have it professionally done. The treatment is recommended twice weekly. Following the microdermabrasion with the Rewind Time Daily Vitamin C Serum really adds to treating the skin. The serum absorbs quickly and leaves the skin dewy soft."

Dolo-Partner in the Pretty

Origins Organic Foaming Face Wash

Top of the morning to everyone.  The high is 65 here in the nation's capital and I couldn't be more happy.  Last week's cold had this Texan shivering in her boots.  Which brings me to part of my winter face routine.  I have found the creamiest, decadent, part-organic, and super foamy cleanser in Origins Organic Foaming Face Wash.  I personally am not a fan of cleansers that don't lather.  It's just my thing.  I like to feel like I'm washing my face.  Almost as if I'm washing dishes, I want to wash that makeup right off of my face.  This Origins cleanser is so gentle on my skin that I have been able to wash my face every morning as well as night.  I usually wash my face at night only in the winter because it can get so dry.  Washing it in the morning was never an option until now.  After using this every morning last week during a temperature drop, my skin stayed soft and supple.  I continued with the rest of my morning routine and my skin looks and feels great - without a hint of dryness.  I am loving the Origins Organic line.  Has anyone tried their products?  If you haven't, you must really try them.

Have a wonderful day. 

Favorite "Beauty" Things of 2007

Thanks to the wonderful Annie at Blogdorf Goodman for gathering a group of bloggers to participate in their top beauty choices for Favorite Things 2007.   Beauty had much excitement for me this year that it's hard to narrow this list down.  Thanks to all my readers who continue to read the blog.  I couldn't do it without you.  My favorite beauty things for 2007 are as follows:

1. Space NK.  It's not a "thing" but a wonderful apothecary in New York. Space NK has changed the concept of the beauty store.  It's one of the few stores that has a wonderful niche line of beauty products.  Every time I go to this store, it puts a smile on my face. 
2. Barbie Loves MAC Collection.  I had to make myself stop using my Fab blush for fear that I may run out.  I want MAC to make this part of the permanent collection, but I don't think it will.  I still enjoy looking at my Barbie Doll all dolled up with her MAC train case.  Flawless collection. 
3. Lisa Hoffman Seven-Day Skincare Packettes.  I love how well this skincare line travels, which is the main reason it was created. 
4. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate.   What can I say?  This product will always be in my shower.  I love how it makes my skin feel after using it. 
5. Beauty Blender Sponge. I purchased this at the Makeup Show in NY and I still love it's application for foundation and tinted moisturizer.  I should have bought the small travel sponges to come with me wherever I go.  I can't get enough.
6. Metallic Eye Collection by Bobbi Brown. I think Bobbi shocked all us beauty junkies with the immaculate eye shadow collection.  Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.
7. Becca Luminous Tinted Moisturizer in Mink.  I love how this melts evenly on my skin.  I was lucky enough to score a stash when Sephora discontinued them.  Lucky me.
8. Prescriptives Custom Blend Bronzer.  The perfect match bronzer for me to have perfectly bronzed skin.  I still get giddy using it.
9. My fragrances. I scored lots of fragrances this year and I love each and every one of them. 
10. Belle Fleur Candles.  The Mayan Tuberose puts me to sleep every night.  It still as luxurious as ever.
11. Esens Custom Made Fragrance.  This is new, but it's already rocking my world.
12. Completion of my Level 1 Yoga Teacher Certification.  Yoga as brought so much to my life. My body is strong, my mind is healthy, and my spirit is fulfilled.  Yoga is definitely beautiful.
13. Bobbi Brown Beauty Breakfast at Bergdorf's.  I am forever grateful for this opportunity to meet Bobbi where it all started, the Beauty Level of BG.  What a fun day.
14. Dolores as my writing partner and the cuteness of my two new nephews - Josiah and Colin.  These things made my year so special.  I am so blessed to have them in my life.
15. All my travels.  I have been on planes, trains, and automobiles a lot this year.  It was so much fun, tiring, but fun. 

I wish everyone a lovely, happy, and beauty-filled new year and 2008.

Here's a list of my fellow bloggers. Please take time to read what gave them the pretty this year.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic

Afrobella

All About The Pretty

All Lacquered Up

Beauty 411

Beauty Blogging Junkie

Beauty Talk

Beautiful Makeup Search

Beauty Hatchery

Beauty Jones

Blogdorf Goodman

Canadian Beauty

C'est Chic

Coquette

eBeautyDaily

For The Love of Beauty

Give Me Your Eyes I Need Sunshine

Getting Amped

Grayburn

HauteMommaStuff

Koneko's Beauty Diary

Makeup Bag

The Makeup Girl

Miss Whoever You Are

My Life,My Words,My Mind

Legerdenez

Perfumista

Periodic Style

Platinum Blonde Life

Product Girl

Shop Diary

Slap of the Day

Steeping Beauty

The Beauty Alchemist

The Daily Obsession

The Life Of A Ladybug

The Non-Blonde

Urbane Girl

Victoria's Own

We Love Beauty

Moor Allure Natural Skincare Giveaway - Day 5

UPDATE:  CONGRATS TO STEPHANIE FOR ANSWERING THE QUESTION CORRECTLY.  MY GRANDMOTHER'S NICKNAME IS MAMA DEAR.  STEPHANIE, PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR ADDRESS SO I CAN MAIL YOUR PRIZE.  ONCE AGAIN, LADIES THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE CONTEST.

Today is the last day of the contest and this has been a blast.  I love giving.   I would like to thank all the ladies who participated.  I greatly appreciate it.

What is the nickname that I call my grandmother?

Moor Allure Natural Skincare Giveaway - Day 4

UPDATE:  CONGRATULATIONS TO ELLEB ON WINNING THE MOOR ALLURE NATURAL SET.  YES, VANILLA IS MY FAVORITE NOTE OF ANY FRAGRANCE! ELLEB, PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR MAILING ADDRESS.  THANKS TO ALL THE LADIES WHO PARTICIPATED .  TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO TRY AND WIN.  SORRY, THAT THE POST WAS A LITTLE AFTER 2PM.  CHARGE IT TO MY HEAD AND NOT MY HEART.

I love me some smell good.  Yes, I said smell good.  That's the Louisiana girl in me.  I use a lot of fragrances, but there is one scent that I will never be without, not the name of a scent, but the note in the fragrance.

What is my favorite note (scent) in a fragrance?

SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque

I have been a huge fan of SkinCeuticals for awhile now.  I've written about my love of their B5 Gel.  Imagine my delight when I found out they had a SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque that you leave on.  Yes, don't let the name fool you ladies.  Here's how it works.  You leave it on once or twice a week.  It's not an everyday masque.  The plus:  It's oil free and can be used anywhere on the body where you would like a little hydration.  I suggest taking it all the way down and using on the neck and the decollete.  I use it normally on the weekends because I'm not wearing as much makeup and I have that ooh-la-la-your-skin-is-glowing-look when I put my moisturizer on top.  After everything has dried, I applied mascara, a pop of bronzer and lip gloss.  I'm out the door in no-time.   If you are looking for a little more hydration this winter, this is a great product to try.

Have a great Thursday.  Beauty News will be coming a little late this weekend.  I'm in NY this evening and tomorrow for beauty business, but I will get it up as soon as I can.  If I don't write tomorrow, have a glorious weekend. 

As always, may the lip gloss be with you.

Pretty Script:  The contest is still at 2pm today and tomorrow. 

Moor Allure Natural Skincare Giveaway - Day 3

UPDATE:  POSH GRL IS TODAY'S WINNER.  PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR ADDRESS IN THE MAIL AND I WILL GET OUR PACKAGE IN THE MAIL TOMORROW.  I WANT TO THANK ALL THE LADIES WHO CONTINUE TO READ, PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTESTS, AND SUPPORT MY SITE.  BESOS.

My mother is my best friend.  I love to hang out with her, talk, and just spend every chance I get being her daughter. 

My friend Audie gave her a nickname.  What is the nickname that I call my mother?

Moor Allure Natural Skincare Giveaway - Day 2

UPDATE:  LISA IS THE WINNER FOR TODAY!  I CALL BERGDORF, BENDEL'S, & BARNEY'S THE HOLY TRINITY OF B'S.  LISA, PLEASE EMAIL ME YOUR ADDRESS SO I CAN GET YOUR PRIZE IN THE MAIL.  THANKS TO ALL THE LADIES WHO ANSWERED. 

The streets of New York have become my stomping ground this year. 

What do I call Bergdorf's, Bendel's, and Barney's? 

Moor Allure Natural Skincare Giveaway - Day 1

UPDATE:  CONGRATS TO MS. GINA FOR THE CORRECT ANSWER.  GINA, PLEASE EMAIL ME OFF SITE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS.  YES, THIS IS THE WONDERFUL MS. JUANITA AT MY FAVORITE NEIMAN MARCUS IN THE HOUSTON GALLERIA. 

I know you love to wake and read my goings and comings of beauty, but I wouldn't be able to do what I do without this lovely person in my life.  You know her name and here's a photo of the fabulousness that is her.  Leave the correct answer in the comments.

What is the name of my sales lady at Neiman Marcus in Houston, Texas?
You know the one I can't live without. 
My Bobbi Brown connection and the woman who has kept me bringing the beauty for all these years.