SUNSCREENS: FRIEND OR FOE??

We've all been inundated with information from the media (and our own doctors) about the vital importance and benefits of sunscreen but I really have to wonder whether it is as necessary as we've been led on to believe. While I'll admit that SOME brands offer a bit of protection against the sun's harmful burning UVA/UVB rays when exposed for prolonged periods of time, it's also apparent that people are becoming increasingly Vitamin D deficient. More than ever! And of course many things can be attributed to this...Being stuck indoors and not getting enough natural light for one. But it seems counter productive to me to tell people to slather on SPF (all the time) when what it's doing is creating a barrier on your skin that prevents any sunlight from getting in, resulting in zero Vitamin D penetration. Secondly, keep in mind that our skin is the body's largest organ and anything you apply topically to it goes directly into your bloodstream. This includes all of the chemicals in  sunscreens. How can that be a good thing? And finally, the sunscreen industry continues to generate BILLIONS of dollars in revenue each year and so MAYBE there's more to this than meets the eye. After all, the media is essentially instilling a degree of fear into us, suggesting that if we don't use sunscreen then we are at risk and will surely get some form of cancer. And when we are scared we listen!

I personally rarely ever wear sunscreen. A year ago I found out that my Vitamin D levels were very low, which is one of the reasons why I choose not to wear it. Thankfully Vitamin D3 supplementation balanced  everything out. Also it's important to say that I don't "bake" in the sun, however will apply some SPF if I'm going to be shooting outside in open sunlight for a few hours. Ironically I find that those times when it's applied and even reapplied,  I almost always burn. Interesting...

In closing, the jury's still out for me on this subject. It does make sense to me to put it on if you are going to be in direct sun exposure for a long time but I'm not convinced that one needs to wear it constantly. Seems a little excessive and unnecessary. Anyhow, just wanted to share my thoughts with you. Always great to look at things from a different perspective.

SELF TANNING RISKS! WORTH A LOOK!

SIZZLING SUMMER MUST HAVES!!

Summer is such a SEXY time of year....Easy breezy fabrics, golden sun-kissed bodies, glowing skin, bright colored nails, and beachy hair make us look instantly captivating and downright effortless! In the next few months keep your beauty routine to a minimum...It's all about strategic pops of color and transparent formulas that will bring out the sun goddess in you!

This season, leave your heavy foundations in the drawer and opt for a quick all-in-one hydrator and base color with SPF.  It will give you warm glowing skin WITH a sunscreen in about a minute! What could be better than that! A great one to try is Josie Maran's Tinted Moisturizer. It contains only pure essential oils and natural ingredients that nourish and protect your skin at the same time.

Nothing looks healthier than a gorgeous hint of color on the apples of your cheeks to give you a natural sun-kissed effect. Try Bobbi Brown's Cheek Color in Peony...It's the PERFECT shade of pink. Looks slightly intimidating in the container but just a drop wakes you up and keeps you looking fresh all day!

 

Choose one feature and play it up with a stroke of vibrant color! I love Urban Decay's 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Liners. With options like bright fuchsia, yellow, turquoise, and cobalt...you can create fresh and modern eyes that will look AWESOME under the water without worrying about your liner disappearing.

Your tan has definitely met it's match! Too Faced Royal Oil Coconut Oil Body Bronzer is TO DIE FOR!! A delightful scent and SUPER LUMINIZING formula containing Mangosteen Extract will make your bronzed skin look HEAVENLY!

Whether the wind is blowing your hair all over your face or you are in calm controlled conditions, your lips should be able to hold up without interfering with the elements. Back by popular demand,  I can't recommend Tarte's LipSurgence Lip Pencils enough! You have your choice of beautiful stains or gorgeous glossy colors that will make your pucker look luscious!

Smudgeproof and waterproof eyeshadows are a MUST when your dealing with such sweltering temperatures. Make Up For Ever's Aqua Creams are cream shadows that WON'T BUDGE! They come in a rainbow of colors ranging from modern neutrals to daring brights so you can let your personality shine through!

There's nothing prettier than fingers and toes that are well groomed and finished with summer fun colors! L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Color now offers just about every shade under the sun and then some! Take one with you for your next mani/pedi...They will make you smile!

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER LIP COLOR???

I just discovered THE most BEAUTIFUL bright orange lipstick that looks great on both porcelain and golden skin tones. Just so elegant and fresh!

STILA SPF 20 Shine Lip Color in CHARLOTTE is a sheer coral that reads brighter than most sheer colors and has just a hint of shine. Finish off a bare glowing face with this sexy shade and enjoy the attention you receive! Available now on Amazon.com.

HOW TO GET YOUR MAKEUP PRODUCTS TO LAST LONGER

Buying new makeup can be a very costly experience so, the next time you need to replenish your supply, be sure to keep in mind these very easy tips so that your products will last as long as possible.

AIR IS THE ENEMY!

Creamy formulas can lose their moisture content and cake rather quickly so be sure to close the lid tightly immediately after use to keep from drying out. This also applies to mascara...those of you "wand jigglers" out there are pumping air into the tube every time you jiggle. Instead, just pull the wand in and out only once. You will still receive enough product to coat your lashes and your tube will last MUCH longer!

SCOOP OUT THE EXTRA!

Lipsticks make for great application of color until you twist the tubes down to the end and nothing comes up anymore! But don't throw them away yet..There's still PLENTY of color hidden beneath that you can easily scoop out with a plastic knife. Just remove the remaining color and put it in a little container or your favorite palette and enjoy!

STICK IT AND FORGET IT!

Not sure what to do with all of the eyeshadows you collected that have fallen out of their containers and compacts? No need to worry...A little trick I've come to love is to buy tiny velcro stickers, place them on the back of each individual shadow, then stick them to an empty palette box. Ultimately you will have created your own personally designed color palette that you can just whip out when you need it! FUN!

BE GENTLE!

Makeup brushes are delicate and can sometime cost a small fortune so you need to take good care of them. When it comes to cleaning, be sure to use a VERY gentle and preferably natural product to remove makeup residue and oils without drying the bristles out. I find that swirling them in a chemical free and plant based dishwashing soap in warm water works really well. Place them upright in a glass or mug, let them dry overnight, and they will be as good as new!

SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE!

Liquid foundation formulas and even some luminizers and bronzers can separate over time and disrupt the natural composition of how the makeup was intended to be. So once a week I give all of my bottles a good shaking and store them upside down to keep them fresh.

CHILL OUT!

Most makeup (for the exception of powdered versions) cannot hold onto their true texture in very warm or even hot temperatures. If you know that you will be venturing into heated conditions for a prolonged period of time, put your liquid/cream products in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator the night before. This will shield them from melting too quickly and their chilled new temperature will also feel super refreshing!

FAB PRODUCT PICK OF THE WEEK!!

Recently I've been introduced to an AMAZING cream eye shadow that I'm literally OBSESSED with!!

CHANEL'S ILLUSION D'OMBRE #83 is a breathtaking shimmering plum shade that goes on like a dream and reads very neutral while staying put all day!! Check it out!

HOLIDAY MAKEUP...ALL THAT GLITTERS!

Crisp wintery air and dazzling bright lights make way for a glorious holiday season that glistens. Reflective makeup textures and glowing skin formulas make this time of year a captivating sight to behold! Beauty Buzz unveils the seasons most spellbinding products that will help you SHINE!

TARINA TARANTINO PEARL GLOW PRIMER

This double duty baby combines hydration and a lustrous primer in one to give you glowing skin.















HELLO KITTY BLING COMPACT MIRROR

Whip out this adorable crystal studded compact anytime touch ups (or a little attention) are needed.















VIOLENT LIPS TEMPORARY LIP TATTOOS

Smooth on these vitamin enriched appliques over your lips for a 4-8 hour glittering accent.















URBAN DECAY SUPER-SATURATED HIGH GLOSS LIP COLOR

For a juicy patent leather finish that looks super sexy!
















SEPHORA CREAM EYESHADOW SET

All the most amazing luminous shades of the season in one collection that will bring magic to your eyes.

NAILS INC. GLITTERATI COLLECTION

We can all use a little extra glitter and these nail lacquers are the perfect finishing touch to your favorite colors as well as on their own.

JOSIE MARAN SEDUCTIVE GOLD: ARGAN OIL INFUSED COLOR COLLECTION

Experience the power of Argan Oil in this ensemble of natural hair, body, and face products that create radiant results.

MICHAEL KORS LEG SHINE TO GO

Legs, ankles, and knees come to a shimmering halt with this glide on glow stick that makes every place it touches come to life beautifully.

FALL MAKEUP "MUST HAVES" FOR 2011

As Labor Day weekend moves to the wayside, hints of cool crisp air become refreshingly prevalent and we are reminded that Fall has arrived. It's time to "tweak" our makeup bags to prepare for a captivating new season. This year, Fall beauty can be best described as polished and dynamic! The "MUST HAVE" list below showcases products that might look ordinary yet, when you take a closer look, add a surprising new dimension to older more traditional ideas from the past. These babies are very clever in color, performance, and texture and translate into ultra modern and beautiful choices that will make you look fabulous!!

LAURA MERCIER INVISIBLE LOOSE SETTING POWDER



Fall would not be complete without smooth flawless skin. This powder is absolutely undetectable and diffuses your skin to perfection. The ideal base for any Fall makeup look.











URBAN DECAY 24/7 CONCEALER PENCILS


I LOVE these pencils!! They are magical when it comes to concealing any imperfections. Blemishes, dark circles, discoloration...Just the slightest touch and the job is pretty much done. No fussing and great for quick touch ups! Flawless skin is literally seconds away!







TARTE LIP SURGENCE NATURAL MATTE LIP TINT






These AMAZING matte stains remind me of old 18th century times when women bit their lips to bring rouge color to their faces. Cleverly packaged in a fat pencil that requires zero sharpening due to the easy turn style tip, they glide right on and leave the sexiest color behind that won't budge!



MAKE UP FOREVER AQUA LINER


Move over black and brown eyeliner and make room for sexy tones that give your eyes the contemporary edge you've been looking for. Fall boasts over exaggerated sleek lines in shades like Emerald Green, Navy Blue, and Burgundy. They are also budge proof so your eyes will look polished all day and night!







DIOR COLOUR ULTRA-SMOOTHING HIGH IMPACT EYESHADOW


As the name so accurately describes, this powder shadow is without a doubt "High Impact" in terms of the amount of metallic finish it delivers. Immaculate application and stunning luminous lids are in store for you!









TARTE EMPHASEYES WATERPROOF CLAY SHADOW








Little glass pots filled with rich jewel toned color pigment offer a wonderful new option to the traditional boring smoky eye we have all seen a MILLION times! Shades like GREEN and PLUM are SO decadent SO luminous and, with a swipe of your finger, can turn dull eyes into those that are sultry and captivating.





BENEFIT BAD GAL LUSH MASCARA


This mascara has always been a winner but their PLUM shade is to die for!! This color accents every eye color beautifully and always looks elegant and NEVER cheesy. It's a wonderful alternative to the usual Black. In fact, it IS the NEW Black!!!








SEPHORA BY OPI NAIL COLOR



No Fall look is complete without a painted nail. Opaque Charcoal Gray and Deep Moss Green draw serious high end attention that begs to be
noticed.

SPA PERFECTION

Recently I purchased a Groupon for a spa which offered a facial and massage for half price ($150 instead of $250). And since I was definitely in need of some MAJOR rejuvenation, I didn't waste any time calling to book my appointment for the following week. Let me preface this by saying that, because I am in the beauty industry, I am VERY selective when it comes to choosing skin care products and spa services. And while I have been less than impressed by most, I seemed to have surprisingly regained my trust in both after my 2 hour spa experience today.











Upon entering Sphatika, the shaded crisp white room accented with calming tones of sand beige and turquoise put me at ease right away. The energy of the immaculate room was tranquil and a hint of aromatic fragrance filled the air. I was greeted warmly by the concierge, Priscilla, who's skin by the way glowed as if she herself just had a day at the spa. Priscilla brought me cozy slippers and had me place all of my belongings (handbag, flip flops, etc.) on a bamboo tray that she would stow away for me until I was ready to leave. Next, she brought me to the changing room where I gladly undressed, put on a luxurious robe, and met her in the "Shanti Loka" room or "Peaceful Abode". It was there that Priscilla impressed me greatly by explaining the philosophy of Sphatika (which by the way means "Crystal" in ancient Sanskrit), a bit about their 100% natural product line, and why the chosen sounds were playing. Very interesting and much appreciated. There were the largest most gorgeous healing crystals I've ever seen placed throughout the room, as well as 3 individual wooden-like pods called "Infrared Saunas", a pitcher of fresh lemon water, some colorfully displayed skin care products on a counter, and a few extremely enticing cushy bamboo lounge chairs covered in white terry cloth and sloped in all the right places. Priscilla handed me a glass of water and my very own tiny crystal (what a lovely gesture) and asked me to set my intention as I sat in the sauna. And so I did. I closed my eyes while sitting in the dry infrared heat (for about twenty minutes) and began to meditate to the sound of relaxing subliminal sounds with crystal in hand. I truly felt like I could have been in a warm desert somewhere. I felt the tension disappear and, as I opened my eyes, noticed through the tiny glass window in front of me the airy hypnotic fluttering motion of the bamboo ceiling fans.










It was time to meet my wonderful esthetician Midori, a very soft spoken petite girl who led me to the next phase of my healing journey. She explained that I would be receiving a Lymphatic Drainage facial and body treatment. I couldn't wait to begin. Midori began by "rocking" my entire body in a very constant rhythmic motion that made me feel like I was being cradled to sleep. She quietly narrated the entire process for me so that there were no surprises that could hinder my relaxation experience. Dry brushing came next...Using a soft bristle brush, long sweeping motions from the tips of my toes and fingers towards my heart invigorated my senses and directed toxins to lymphatic release points throughout my body. A gentle lemon oil massage and mineral masque followed. Afterwards, a clever "tent" was lowered over me, covering my entire body, while warm steam filled the contained area and allowed my body to rejuvenate. My facial began...A cleansing lotion was applied first and Midori's soft hands glided all over my face, neck, and decollete like a well choreographed dance. Each motion more soothing than the next. The delicate Gommage Exfoliating Creme followed and then the fabulous Lymphatic Drainage Machine. Imagine tiny little cups sounding like low frequency melodic tones that ever so gently suction your supple skin as they glide along your face. A few times around the track and my face was ready for a masque. At this point I remember feeling a bit dehydrated and before I could say anything, Midori had a straw ready for me to take a sip of water. Much better. Love the thoughtful attention to detail. I then became quite toasty until a refreshingly cool damp towel enveloped my face and made me feel instantly wonderful. The Lymphatic Facial finished with a Bulgarian Rose Facial Oil (smells lovely), Vitamin A Night Creme, and the magical Gold Finishing Serum that made me glow like an angel.











My zen oasis time came to a close with a peaceful rest in the Shanti Loka room. A tiny plate of mixed nuts, a square of dark chocolate, and a fresh glass of water were awaiting me on a table next to my lounge chair as I entered. I could have honestly stayed there for hours. But, as all things, everything must come to an end. I got dressed, admired my newly glowing skin in the mirror, expressed my sincerest thanks to concierges Priscilla and Karen, then made my way out the door feeling light as a feather and very grateful for such a nurturing experience. I can't wait to go back!

Sphatika is located at 1841 Broadway (Between Broadway and 9th Avenue), Suite 811.
Call 212-265-5885 to make an appointment.

6 WAYS TO GET GREAT SKIN

The quality of our skin is a direct reflection of both internal and external conditions. The list below suggests a few easy yet powerful things we all can do to create skin that's calm, glowing, and crystal clear!

1. DITCH THE DAIRY

Did you know that cow's milk wreaks literal HAVOC on our skin? It's true! As my friend and health guru Kimberly Snyder states, "By the time we are 3- 4 years old, most of us have stopped producing the enzymes of lactase and rennin, which are used to specifically break down lactose in milk. The reason we don’t produce these enzymes anymore is because we really aren’t supposed to be having milk anymore." One of the biggest signs that our bodies are trying to rid itself of such unwanted matter is inflammation, blemishes, and congestion on the skin. If clear skin is something you've been striving for, do yourself a favor and stay away from dairy altogether.

2. DON'T OVER WASH YOUR FACE

While it's true that skin should be maintained and kept free from bacteria, dirt, and pore clogging irritants, many women have the tendency to scrub skin too often and too hard. When you wash your face too much, you essentially remove all the natural oils that keep skin lubricated. The constant scrubbing can result in oversensitivity, dry dehydrated skin texture, and can even make you break out. Instead, use a gentle cleanser in the evenings and, in the mornings, lightly dampen a wash rag with lukewarm water to remove any excess oil or dead skin that might have formed during the night. Your skin will thank you for it.

3. GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Sleep is SO critical for us in so many ways. Not the least of which is in the skin department. Without 6-8 hours of sleep, our bodies become deprived and unable to function properly. Our skin ends up looking stressed, lifeless, dark circles and puffiness appear around our eyes, and lines become much more obvious. Taking the time to get a good night's sleep will contribute to a calm radiant face.

4. INCORPORATE A MORNING DETOX INTO YOUR DAY

Before you go right into the day to day grind of infrequent meals, too much coffee, or skipping meals all together, try drinking a detoxifying elixir immediately after you wake up and before you eat. Drinking something as simple as fresh lemon juice in warm purified water or green tea on an empty stomach will flush out your system and aid in ridding it of unwanted toxic matter. Another wonderful option is freshly blending organic greens and fruit together for a highly healing smoothie that your body can absorb very quickly. It will give you energy while flooding your body with essential live enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Try Kimberly Snyder's famous Glowing Green Smoothie www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2009/07/11/green-smoothie-recipe/

5. ELIMINATE REGULARLY

It is imperative that we consume at last 30-50 grams of fiber EVERYDAY. If we don't, our bodies can "back up" and become very toxic. The more toxic we are the more we become sick and look noticeably unhealthy. Where skin is concerned, toxicity in the body results in graying skin tone, congestion and inflammation on the skin's surface and an overall aged and unhealthy appearance. A trip to the bathroom at least once a day can make your skin sing!

6. WORKOUT AND SWEAT

The combination of sweating and exercise can be incredibly helpful to our skin. Exercising as little as 20-30 minutes at a time significantly increases our blood flow and stimulates our circulation. In addition, the water we are secreting through our pores acts as a kind of transport system which allows the body to naturally eliminate unnecessary toxins as well. The combination of these along with drinking lots of water contributes greatly to skin that visibly glowing, radiant and healthy.