Files From the Brow Whisperer

Today is a super exciting day for me Beauties as the annual Best of Baltimore Issue of Baltimore Magazine hits the newsstands today & yours truly received the top honor of Best Waxing in it!!! I'm so thrilled, I can't even tell you. Here's a snippet of the article:

" ...the Brow Whisper and, we have to agree, it's a fitting moniker for Madeleine Homes, owner of La Papillon Spa & Gift Boutique. The MAC-trained Homes will work her magic to bring out your brows' natural curves. And if you're looking for more never fear: The bubbly Homes
will put you at ease while she skillfully, um, pulls off every feat of waxing wonder, from a simple lip tidy to the go-for-gusto Brazilian."

Woot Woot!!!

This week I waxed a new client who had met me at an off site event, I now wax the 4 daughters + their mom they loved their brows that much! While not wildly out of control, this client's brows had more bulk in the middle of her brow than in the beginning. I like it a little fuller in the beginning for more umphh {yes that's my technical term!}
All I did was taper & streamline her arch and then cleaned up above & below for such a better looking brow! A quick tutorial for the girls on what a difference brow powder can make in enhancing their shape & off the glammed up girls went!

Peace. Love. Brow Whisperer. M

Opening Pandora by Zoya

So many of you fellow beauty obsessed girls I'm sure are subscribing to Birchbox, yes? It's a nice little welcome once a month that breaks up my work day with a little play! Included in this month's offering- Zoya's Pandora nail polish. I am usually a creature of habit, I wear OPI's Midnight in Moscow pretty much exclusively on my fingers & toes.
However I was headed for a beach weekend getaway & thought let's lighten it up! I worry sometimes since I'm so pale that nudes can look blah on my skintone, but I got a lot of compliments. Our spa manager, Jodi kept telling me she was obsessed with the color!

I will say this nude was a dream to apply, usually with pale colors I'm chasing the streaks all over the nail. This creamy formula went on beautifully- I could have gotten away with one coat. I will be scooping up some more of their colors due to how well the polish went on.

However this is my dilemma- and not the Zoya brand's fault since it happens with most light color polishes on me. Whether it's dark denim staining it or in this case several applications of sunscreen, my light color always changes on me, though I seal my mainucre with a topcoat. It gets to the point where I feel like I look like I dug myself out of my own grave - it looks dirty! Any tips & tricks to prevent this from always happening? I'd appreciate it Beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Lotus Jewelry Studio Summer Trunk Show

If any of you Beauties are Baltimore based, I would love to see you tonight! I'll be at Lotus Jewelry Studio's Summer Trunk Show from 5-10. La Papillon will be in the house representing with lots of our fabulous wares, as well as Tres Bon Bons with samples of our Death by Chocolate flavor!

I have to say one of the best perks of having a boutique is finding great vendors to stock it with. I love supporting local businesses & ironically enough Lotus' Studio is literally 100 yards down from our spa & gift boutique. They have amazing pieces- they're known for their initial necklaces which make great bridesmaid gifts. I fell in love with their Sierra Necklace- it's simple, yet unusual. I also adore green amethyst & get a compliment every time I wear it.

These are hands down my favorite pair of gold earrings- their Sasha Earrings, another piece of theirs that I had to have for myself! They're the perfect earring to throw on with your hair in a ponytail in the hot summer heat, I love that they're not heavy either. I'll be sporting these tonight! Hope to see you for nibbles, cocktails & great accessories!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Macadamia Infused Goodness

Yes, so this comb by Macadamia Natural Oil looks like your standard comb my friends I know- nothing to write home about. But wrapped in the comb is pure Macadamia nut oil goodness. Now I want a macadamia nut cookie, but I digress. John Fasan, the CEO of Macadamia Natural Oil explains, “We chose Macadamia Nut oil due to its uncanny similarity and its ability to mimic the body’s own natural oils, allowing for unparalleled absorption and rapid penetration into the hair and skin.”

I have long hair that I'm trying to grow about 4 inches longer{that's what she said- sorry I couldn't help myself!}. Though my hair is healthy, it tangles easily. When your hair is wet, it's actually weaker, so it's important to be gentle with it to prevent breakage. I use this after the shower- it glides thru untangling effortlessly. It's great for long or curly hair & perfect for your beach bag. I must admit I didn't think I'd love this comb as much as I do when I got it for Christmas. But I just bought my second one- the oil infused in the comb lasts for me about 4-6 months, then I noticed it wasn't working as effectively. Does this pique your interest Beauties? Will you be 'combing' the stores for it? Seriously I'm on a roll today!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Wish List

Wow- I'm in the mall so infrequently I almost forgot about Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale going on now! Though I'm trying to cut back on my beauty purchases since I have enough make-up to last me my lifetime, the offers are too good to pass up! Let's start with this Clinique kit- if you love soft pinks & purples, this is right up your alley! This kit offers both skincare & make-up for only $45 {I would set these aside for great holiday gifts!}

Often it kits there's a dud or two, Bobbi Brown's is a slam dunk if you gravitate towards peaches & browns- all great wearable colors & basics that won't gather dust. This kit is very affordable for her line coming in at only $80.

I'm a sucker for anything quilted & I go thru liner like no one's business wearing my cat eye almost everyday. The credit card sized cream liner compact builds your make-up wardrobe & a girl can never have too much gloss or mascara! This Smashbox collection is a steal of a deal at $59.


I adore Trish McEvoy's Eye Base Essentials & a deluxe travel size is included in her Timeless Beauty kit, complete with red bow organizer for $125. Have you popped over to the Nordstrom page & taken a peek? What caught your eye- do tell! Worth noting- Estee Lauder has a nice GWP so if you already use their stuff, it's time to stock up! Happy Shopping!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Atralin Gel

Those who know me, know that I consider myself the Queen of exfoliation. We're not talking scrubs here people- but AHA's, enzymes, peels: the good stuff. I tell all of my clients that in order to fight the signs of aging & to be blemish free, you must be using an exfoliant. It also ensures the rest of your skin care regimen will be working that much more effectively, since it's not sitting on dead skin. That being said, I can usually spot someone using Retin-A from a mile away. Their skin is red, raw & peeling. No thank you. Vitamin A is the gold standard for Dermatologists for anti- aging, though. So when I heard about Atralin I was intrigued. Vitamin A blended with my fave hyaluronic acid to minimize irritation & to hydrate. The texture is like a whipped gel that sinks in instantly- I love it! I topped it with one of my favorite moisturizers (Jan Marini's Transformation Face Cream) and woke up to smooth, radiant glowing skin.
Summer is not the time for most to be trying new prescription exfoliants, but since I shun the sun like a vampire & am always fully dipped in SPF, it's ok. If you know you'll be by the pool a lot this season, hold off integrating it into your regimen until fall. Whenever you introduce a new potent exfoliant into your skincare regimen I always suggest doing it 2X the first week, then 3x the next week and easing into using it every night to minimize irritation & possible peeling. An added plus? There's an awesome rebate for Atralin that I found out after I initially purchased it {I about fell over at the @$215 price tag!} Just go to their website, fill out your email & you can get Atralin for only $25 this year! That's a steal of a deal- you'll be on your way to gorgeous skin Beauties!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Make-Up Must Have Monday

You know this girl loves lipgloss- what gave it away? Maybe the name of my blog?!? Nothing makes me giddier & the glossier, the better! When it comes to my lips, I always say they're the one thing I want bigger on my body...{Not to be confused with mouth, I'm sure no one wants me to have a bigger mouth!}
Often I've picked up plumping glosses that end up irritating & chapping my sensitive lips- leaving me using Aquaphor to soothe them. LipSavvy Lipgloss promises to instantly & painlessly plump my pucker with hyaluronic filling spheres- an added bonus is that hyaluronic acid is know to hydrate & moisturize, as well. But what I love most about this product, besides being girly & glam, is that it offers serious skincare benefits to an often neglected area of our face. Lip provides their trademarked 'Complete Free Radical Protection Technology' in all of their glosses. This technology protects your lips from all three known types of free radicals.
Free radicals are what age us- so I'm always a fan of anti-aging beauty products!

Sho Bunny is gorgeous on its own (bottom), but also the perfect finishing gloss. Here it is topped on La Papillon's Lip Enhancing Liner (center) & on my beloved YSL Rouge Volupte in R8JAA (top.)

LipSavvy comes in 2 different color intensities: Star Studded Shine is sheerer, while ColorGlam is more opaque. I'm sporting Sho Bunny in this post.

Here's Sho Bunny on its own on my pucker- it's a beautiful soft shimmer. I must say my lips look nice & full in this shot:) It's not at all tacky & feels lovely on- without any burning or tingling. LipSavvy is launching this summer & will retail for $20.

Peace. Love. Lipgoss. M

*This gloss was gifted for review

Madeleine's Summertini

So with how hot it's been & how hectic my life has been lately- I've really been looking forward to my cocktail at night! Yes I cope with cocktails! I've been quite the mixologist if you will. This is what I whipped up last night using fresh basil from my garden{alright let's be honest from the pot on my deck, but that sounded better.} It was quite yummy & so refreshing! You can serve it over ice or strain & make it into a martini. Either way it's delish-

Happy Weekend Beauties!

Madeleine's Summer Refresher

1 part Vodka { gin or rum can work, too!}

1 part St. Germain Elderflower Liquor

2 parts Egyptian Chamomile Tea {brewed & cooled}

Basil & Lemon

Muddle basil in a glass{that's a fancy word for mushing with a spoon to release flavors!} I like a lot of basil, but do your thing! Mix all ingredients & garnish with a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Summer Statement Jewelry

How is it possible that the holiday weekend already seems like it was so long ago? Eeks! I have a big Bon Bon order I'm in the middle of & we're up to our eyeballs pricing new inventory at the boutique- Calgon take me away! It will all get done- it always does, just with a little help from caffeine! Here's a peek at just some of the new pieces we got in at La Papillon. These I think will be our signature summer earrings- I love them! Not too heavy, either- I picked up a pair for myself & sent a pair to my sister for her birthday.
I am obsessed with turquoise & gold lately- I have my eye on this necklace, too!

These are the most delicate lace like mini chandelier earrings. I want a pair of these, too! {Sensing a pattern?}

This necklace makes such a statement & can be worn reversed in all gold.

Another necklace that can make an outfit, just pair with a strapless maxi & you're done!

It's funny, I was worried these might be a little over the top for the girls, but this necklace was the Beauty Team's overall favorite pick! Do you have a favorite- what would you wear it with?

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Fourth of July Recipes

Summer holidays in Baltimore just don't feel right without something involving crabs! If you're headed to a cookout & need to bring a dish- try one of these 2 fan favorites. I promise absolutely no guest will be crabby about it!

Summer Gazpacho Crab Soup {Souper Easy}

1/2 cup cucumbers

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup yellow or green peppers

1/4 cup red onions

1/4 cup celery

1/4 cup pimento

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons wine vinegar

lump crab meat

Finely chop all ingredients, place in container & top with tomato or V8 Juice. Chill. Immediately before serving- top with a dollop of sour cream & lump crab meat! Deliciously refreshing for an outdoor soiree!

**************

I don't know any one who does not adore hot crab dip. Frankly I want to make out with it. Here's another super easy appetizer to whip up that tastes sinfully rich!

Hot Crab Dip

8 ounces cream cheese

8 ounce sour cream

1/2 lemon squeezed

3 heaping tablespoons mayo

3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 package shredded cheese(Parmesan or Montery Jack-divided)

1 pound crab meat

Using softened cream cheese, fold all ingredients together(using only half the cheese) & place in a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese & sprinkle with a little garlic salt. Bake for 20-25 mins at 350 degrees. Savor with your favorite carbs of choice! Needless to say this dish is not for the lactose intolerant- ha ha! So what are my Beauties up to for the holiday weekend? I hope it's a blast- complete with fireworks!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

*Recipes can also be found in July issue of Arrive Magazine

Physical Fusion UV Defense

One person in the US dies of melanoma every hour. Startling fact- yes? And up to 90% of visible aging is caused by sun exposure. When most think of sunscreens, they often think heavy & thick creams. As a oily skinned girl who's very prone to break outs, I was always weary that sunscreens would clog my pores. But I'm happy to report technology has changed! Just look at Skin Ceuticals' new Physical Fusion UV Defense. It now comes in a universal tint containing translucent color spheres - usually 'universal tints' scare me since I'm so pale. But this tint really adapts to a broad range of skin tones, while boosting skin's radiance. The texture of this product is like a dream, it's so lightweight it feels like nothing is on your skin. Literally it's like water it's so thin & you have to shake it before you apply it. It's also non-comedeogenic & it contains no chemical filters- instead it utilizes 100% mineral filters. So as we head into the holiday weekend, you have no excuse to not protect your skin!

Ironically, whenever I lecture my mother about the sun, she always says, "But I had suncreen on!" Sunscreen is not a force field of protection, it's important to note that even broad spectrum sunscreens only block up to 55% of damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. That's how strong the sun is- but it's better than nothing. Just make sure you reapply if you're going to be outside all day! Who's looking out for her Beauties? Moi!

Peace. Love. SPF Protection. M