All About The Pretty

Destination Pretty: Freeze 24-7 Jet Set Travel Kit

I'm packing for Fashion Week and one thing that I've learned is that to keep the products at a minimum.  Why?  I tend to over pack and that heavy luggage being carried on the steps of Amtrak isn't great.  Even with the gentlemen that assist with luggage because I have to carry it off the train.  My first season I was kicking myself for not knowing how to "edit" my suitcase.

I will be using all these products except the Lip Plumper because I think my lovely lips are "plumped" enough. 

The Jet Set Travel Kit contains:

• Instant Targeted Wrinkle Treatment
• Anti-Aging Eye Serum
• Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer
• Anti-Aging Prep and Polish
• PlumpLips Lip Plumper

Eminence Organic Skincare Coconut Cream Masque

I am really loving the Eminence Organic Skincare Cream Masque.  You know what's even better about loving a masque that is giving my skin it's normal glow, is knowing that it comes in sample sizes for travel.  In fact a lot of Eminence products come in sample sizes and I love being able to try and test things out without making a full commitment.  I love that this one sample has restored moisture and suppleness to my skin.  I was able to get two good uses out of this size and now I'm thinking about getting the entire jar.  I'm normally not a fan of anything coconut, but for some reason the scent is giving me joy.

Arcona Triad Pads

Arcona Triad Pads are saving my face.  The peeling has finally stopped and now my face is finally feeling "so fresh and so clean, clean."  Every morning and night I have been cleansing my skin with these pads.  I have decided to take the remaining pads and put in my gym bag.  They are gentle enough to remove all my makeup before working out.  (Pet peeve:  women who wear makeup while working out).  Arcona was created as a holistic brand with natural ingredients, essential oils, and minerals.  That's all great.  But, what I wish is that they put whatever is in these pads into a shower gel.  I can imagine the delight my entire body would get after a good workout.  I registered for three 10K runs in the fall and I'm wishing on a star for Arcona - the Fruit and Enzyme Body Scrub is next on my Arcona list. 

Lab Series Skincare For Men

Ladies, have you ever had this problem.  Your significant other says he doesn't see the need for all these products, but he's steadily using your stuff up.  Here's how I remedied the situation.  Lab Series.  Once I realized that I was sharing a jar of Kate Somerville Nourish.  I had to put a stop to it and fast. 

So, I had him go on their website and do a Skin Regimen so he could have his own products, i.e., not borrow mine.  It gave him the following:  Daily Essentials:  Multi-action face wash; Maximum Comfort Shave Gel; and Instant Moisture Gel --- Problem Solvers - Oil Control Solution; Triple Benefit Post-Shave Remedy.  It also gave him an eye gel, but I couldn't see him lightly tapping his under eye area with this gel.  I was picking my battles. 

It worked like a lucky charm because now all I here is "my skin has never felt this good - ever."  That is what happens when you use good skincare.  The only problem now is I have created a monster and I have to add Lab Series to my beauty budget. 

Suki Face Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser

As you know I had a fabulous time in Cabo, but my skin had a different time.  No matter how much SPF 70 I slathered all over my body and face I still got dark; I was in and out of the sea and ocean.  All this resulted in - sunburn.  Sunburned? Yes, Blacks can get sunburned and sun damage.  The first place I started peeling was my forehead and nose.  I decided that if it's going to peel I would help it along.  I used Suki Face Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser.  Yes, an exfoliant.  Once you dip your hand in the jar, inhale that lemongrass scent, you know you are in for a treat because it's definitely a treat for the face and the nose.  The cleanser starts off like a scrub, but if you rub slowly and gently the crystals dissolve into a superb foaming cleanser.  I have a few spots that haven't fully recovered, but we are almost there.  I am having a lot of fun with this jar. 

Cancer-Specific Products: An Unnecessary Balm? (NY Times)

Interesting article from today's New York Times.

By Kayleen Schaeffer

For the last seven years that Kairol Rosenthal, 35, has battled thyroid cancer with hormone pills, radiation, surgery and grit, she has had to contend with 101-degree fevers, heart palpitations and a lack of appetite so pronounced she has to force herself to eat.

The hormone therapy, designed to slow tumor growth, leaves red blotches on her face and bone-dry patches along her jaw line, said Ms. Rosenthal, a choreographer and writer in Chicago.

“I have not yet made my peace with having skin that doesn’t look good,” said Ms. Rosenthal, who spends most of her free time hunting for news about thyroid cancer. “I want my skin to look good.”

So Ms. Rosenthal was pleased when she heard an advertisement for Lindi Skin, a skincare line designed for cancer patients, on a radio program called “The Stupid Cancer Show.”

“It’s great someone has cancer patients in mind,” said Ms. Rosenthal, who is writing a book about living with the disease, to be published by Wiley.

She ordered samples of the brand’s face wash and lavender face serum, which, Lindi Skin’s Web site says, “are intended to help individuals feel better, both physically and emotionally and gain a greater degree of control over the side effects they experience during radiation therapy and chemotherapy.”

Depending on whom you ask, such products give patients one more tool to ease side effects or false hope that a cancer-specific balm is more effective than a mild drugstore lotion.

Destination Pretty: Kate Somerville 5-Piece Discovery Kit

Kate Somerville has made my packing a lot better.  She has created a five-piece discovery kit that is only availble on QVC.  How great it is that Kate has created a smaller ExfoliKate which is one great beauty love of my life.  I plan to refill my ExfoliKate so I am never without when I travel.  The collection also includes her Quench Serum and Nourish Moisturizer.  Kate keeps giving me good face. 

Kiehl's Brightening Botanical Mask

Kiehl's has a new brightening treatement for the skin available now.

Delivers optimal hydration and overall luminosity to skin; Diminishes the appearance of skin discolorations by reducing the production and accumulation of melanin; and Alcohol-free formulation with the highest concentration of Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate Provides a calming sensorial experience.

BRIGHTENING BOTANICAL HYDRATING MASK - with Vitamin C, Calcium Pantetheine Sulfonate, and White Flower Extracts.
Brightening Botanical Hydrating Mask – $40.00

Creme de la Mer: The Moisturizing Gel Cream

Ladies, I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  I had a very busy one with the baby shower, dinner with friends and one soon-to-be-my-shopping-boutique owner friend Kairy-tate (much more on The French Cuff boutique in Houston this summer).  Well, I have gone and done something that I have never done.  I went home with a carry-on.  No checked luggage for the girl. The potion lady was in Houston as well limiting the need for lotion and perfume because I borrowed from her.  The miracle was not only performed by stealth planning, but my latest airplane savior – Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Gel. 

I may be late on this thing of unsurpassed beauty, but after constant applications (of the every 30 minute variety), I landed with soft, supple, and glowing skin.  It was well past 100 degrees in H-town.  I glisten, not sweat.  I added a tinted moisturizer with SPF, cream blush, and voila, beautiful skin made for the Texas heat.  We have all read the addiction to the crème, but if you are traveling this summer the gel is lighter, equally as moisturizing, and just as luxurious.  The key is to transfer a small amount and place in the mandatory quart-size clear bag.  I suggest going to the store and asking for a sample too. 

The gel is so much lighter that I had to slow myself from enjoying the constant application.  The young boy next to me had to ask what I was doing and I told him about my addiction to pretty skin.  He was a sweet young gentlemen especially when every other word was ma’am.  I also had to squeeze his hand during the turbulence.  Chivalry is not dead.

Happy Monday!

MyBlend Skincare

MyBlend is a customized beauty routine.  There are eight formulation of the basic creams and supplements for everything.  Do you need anti-aging skincare?  Do you have a problem with hydration?  Have a problem with redness?  There is a MyBlend for you.  The supplements are added with a mini injector, which I think is the coolest part.  I saw these at Saks this weekend and was truly blown away.  I checked out the perfect matches for my skin such as the Balance of Power Day Lotion Set with a Radiant Burst Emergency Booster. 

I need as much boost as I can get today.   Happy Monday Ladies!

Destination Pretty: M Lab Travel Collection

The one good thing about traveling is testing travel collections on the road.  It's also a good way to try a particular line without buying the entire line and being happy with only a few items.  M Lab Skincare Travel Kit has finally made its way across the pond, online, and into my hands.  I don't have many complaints about the products, except for the cleanser.  After traveling on a plane, I like to set up beauty shop in the bathroom of my hotel.  I enjoy placing my travel kit at the ready (this one is nice and has enough room to hold a mini makeup remover). 

I immediately have to "freshen" up and wash my face after landing.  But, I love a cleanser that foams.  I don't mind cleansers that are gentle, but not when traveling.  I just don't feel they get my face "clean."  I may sound crazy, but it's not the same as being home and having a gentle cleanser.  Plus, when it's hot outside the foaming cleansers add a little somethin' somethin' to beauty routine.  The other products in the kit I liked, especially the day treatment.  My face didn't feel heavy when I applied my tinted moisturizer after wards. I used the serum at night because it felt too heavy for me during the day.  This is a great set if you want to splurge on yourself or someone else for travel season. 

Karin Herzog Vita-A-Apricot

I just got in from Los Angeles on the red-eye.  I see why they call it that because my eyes are bloodshot.  It's a good tired.  A weekend full of beauty junkies gathered in one place for the Total Beauty Blogger Summit.  Needless to say this packed travel schedule wrecked a little havoc on my face.  It was saved by Karin Herzog Vita-A-Apricot's Moisturiser.  I applied this religiously on the plane.  My neighbor kept asking me what I was doing (we both couldn't sleep on the plane).  After convincing her to try it - deep down I knew she was hooked.  I had a few samples on me and gave her those to try.  I know she will be pleased.  Despite my exhaustion, I look rested although I don't feel rested.  I love spreading beauty even if it as 30,000 feet.

Happy Monday!

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.