August 05 2011

Ombre Hair

For years I have gotten super fine highlights in my hair in an attempt to make it look more "natural" and less "stripey."  I had so many foils coming out of my head, it looked more like a space experiment  at NASA than a girl at the salon getting her hair done.  My beloved hair stylist, Kelly, has been trying to convince me that "roots are in."  I initially said "Uh, no thank you.  Roots are the enemy of natural looking hair. Right?"  Wrong.  Here's why: natural highlights occur over time as they are exposed to the sun and the elements.  The longer the hair, the more exposed, so naturally, hair gets lighter from root to tip.  No more foil for me!  My stylist "paints" my highlights in, staying away from the roots.  The entire process takes half the time of foils, I get it done half as often, and my hair looks a hundred percent more healthy and natural.  Thanks Kelly!

May 18 2011

Rice Powder Power

In general I think I have pretty good skin but the back of my arms have been a problem area for as long as I can remember.  I get tiny bumps that not only look bad, they feel rough and, well, bumpy.  Sometimes they appear to have a little white head that is dry unlike an actual pimple.  I know, disgusting.  I've also noticed that a lot of people have them and some have them in other places on their body (cheek, thights, shoulders).  Other moms that I've talked to have said that their children have these bumps too.  So this year enough is enough.  One of my sisters, who also suffers from the "bumps", consulted an esthetician who had this to say...

 

Those bumps on the back of your arms are actually clogged pores.  Unlike a pimple filled with puss, they are clogged by dead skin cells, that's why when you squeeze them, they are dry.  The best way to treat and prevent the bumps is to regularly exfoliate and moisturize the skin.  One of the biggest mistakes people make is using harsh exfoliators and abrasive brushes and luffas.  I recommend a rice powder exfoliant.  It's fine and gentle but does the job without redness or iritation.  It works on even the most sensitive skin (even children). 

 

I found a rice powder exfoliant at L'Occitane and my sister found several at Sephora.  Both of us are so pleased with the results.  I've been using it on my arm for two weeks and the bumps are gone!  I'm so impressed I started using it on my face as well and it's gentle enough to use as a daily exfoliant.  You mix the rice powder with a little bit of water on your finger tips and rub directly onto your skin.  Finally, something that works!!  Share what works for you and spread the word!

April 19 2011

Lips and Lashes

My 2 latest favorite Bobbi Brown products:

• Lash Glamour Extreme - Yes, I finally made the leap from my Maybelline Great Lash and I don't think I will ever go back.  So far, so good.  No under eye smudges, doesn't flake and most importantly, makes my lashes look like all of my friends lashes who swear by Latisse.  

              AND

• Lip Crayon in Posey - Forget your lip liner at home?  Bobbi's chubby Lip Crayon is multi-purpose and comes with its very own sharpener.  It goes on smooth and moisturizing, not like a traditional lip liner that feels like you're using a #2 pencil on your lips. OUCH! Go ahead and fill in the outline for an all over even look.  And only because I'm addicted to Burt's Bees, I add the Watermelon Lip Shimmer or the new tinted lip balm in Hibiscus or add your favorite gloss.

        tip: It's CHIC WEEK at Sephora - 15% off all beauty products until 4/21/11.  Sadly, I did not see my new favorite Bobbi products online at Sephora but if you need an extra Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer...

March 15 2011

The Balm

Julie Burr, makeup artist and product junky shares her favorite lip balm.  Julie has worked in specialty cosmetic stores from Miami, FL to Vail, CO and Scottsdale, AZ to Vancouver, BC.  She's worked for artists including Bobbi Brown and Laura Mercier and she's tried it all!  So when Julie raves, we listen!

This is the best lip balm!  It's made by Nuxe, one of my favorite brands that I just discovered from France.  It is all natural, plant derived, and aromatheraputic!

Thanks Julie!  

What are you loving on your lips?  Tell us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). 

February 01 2011

Sole Love

I'm So(le) in Love with this new lip color, sold at Sephora by Josie Maran.  You have seen the bright coral, orange lips in the magazines, well, this IS the color for the season (now through summer).  It's soft and sheer enough to wear everyday and still has just the right amount of pigment to make your lips pop with color.  Also looks great with our favorite Buxom gloss, Jessica.  

p.s. It's loaded with argan oil, noted to have incredible conditioning power for which we all need this time of year.  I have been applying and reapplying all day long for the last few days, no goopiness, just smooth, colorful lips. 

January 18 2011

Barefoot Venus Theraputic Mustard Bath

Feeling under the weather?

Julie, makeup artist and product junky from Vancouver, BC shares a favorite local brand: Barefoot Venus

"The other day a couple came into the store (cosmeticis store) to buy Mustard Bath.  I wasn't totally familiar with it so I read the back and was intrigued.  I bought it last night because I was feeling achy, and it is awesome!!!!!  I felt so relaxed and I swear I feel better!  I also got the Vanila S.O.S Body Lotion, LOVE it!!  Mustard bath sounds weird but it is amazing!  I love this local brand and  they ship to the USA (free shipping on $75 or more!!)

December 31 2010

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Shine

I need a new shade for the new year, so I consulted MNH's go-to makeup artist, Julie Burr.  She's raving about YSL Rouge Pur Shine sheer lipstick.  "It goes on like silk and tastes like mango.  And, it's SPF 15!  I love it.  Go get it!" 

Thanks Julie! We're looking forward to hearing about all the latest and greatest products of 2011.  Happy New Year!