Stick it to You

Hi My Beauties,

So I'm still catching my breath after attending the International Esthetics Spa Conference in NYC this weekend. I picked up so many goodies for the boutique and anti-aging products for my clients- I can't wait to try everything out! I will post this week I promise, but until then feast your eyes on this contraption. It's called a micro roller. I picked this one up from Bio Jouvance and will report back to you after two weeks use...Though it looks like an implement of torture, the device with its little pins is supposed to create over 900 micro-channels, which allow the nutrients and active ingredients in skin care products to penetrate up to 400 times more effectively than products simply applied topically(according to Leaf and Rusher whose company is the pioneer of the technology.) I always say beauty is pain! Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Skype Hype

Beauties,

My heart is so full right now I can't even stand it. I just got off my first video call with BFFH. (that's Best Friend Forever Hawaii) I will quote Tom Cruise in saying "She completes me." She knows every sorted detail of me & I of her and there's comfort in that- no apologies. I've known her for almost 17 yrs now. She's been in Hawaii for over 1 1/2 years and it truly felt like she was right here with me just now. I have been so homesick for her, for she is home to me. So have you ever heard of Skype? I've seen it on Oprah, but this was my first time using it. It was so easy to do I was amazed(especially since I'm computer challenged and had happy hour with Kelly Hair) Skype was up & running in no time and after we finally got off the phone so I could get ready for bed I almost cried(good tears.) I hope you download it and get to feel closer to someone who makes you happy, too. Peace. Love. Video. M

Oh no she didn't!

I make no apologies for the love affair that is moi & The Hills. I don't care that I'm a thirty something that's glued to the screen every Monday. I can not look away, even if I tried.
Hills fans know that this is Lauren's last season on the show...Audrina is signed for her own reality show & lord knows fame whores Speidi will follow a camera anywhere. But in tonight's episode, I could actually see how done my beloved LC is with the show. I actually felt like I could hear her thinking -'what am I doing surrounded by all these idiots?" (um hello Stephanie?!?)

Even more mesmerizing was everyone's lip fillers!!!! My Lord Heidi was a trend setter. I'm not judging- as an esthetician I'm all for doing what makes you feel better about yourself. But hello- Steph you were stumbling over your new lips. Brody's girlfriend Jayde? Bordering on looking disfigured. It was distracting- almost from the fact that Justin Bobbie's still an idiot & that Audrina(though her subtle injections are the best of the bunch) should be ashamed of herself for going after someone in a relationship. Kharma party of one. Regardless I love the whole bunch.

Peace. Love. Lipfiller. M

SPF Most Def!

Alright, so I laughed out loud after seeing this picture. I can definitely sympathize with her pain- who hasn't been here? But as an esthetician, knowing the damage that Kim Kardashian just inflicted on herself is no laughing matter. Inflammation is what causes aging my beauties & a burn like really causes trauma to the skin. With these longer summer days soon approaching, I must nag about the importance of SPF! The girls and I just had a Sonya Dakar training this week at the spa where we were told that 75%-90% of aging is due to environmental stressors like sun & smoking (ie, we can't blame everything on mom & dad.) So apply a SPF 30 or higher each and every day girleens whether rain or shine. If you do find yourself in this unfortunate predicament- immediately take some advil to quell the inflammation internally and then apply tried & true aloe or compresses of cool milk (which has an enzyme present to help calm the burn) Peace. Love. SPF! M

Late Night Beauty

I'm not going to lie to you, late at night if someone were to drop by unexpectedly- I could be rocking this look. One suggestion I make in make-up lessons is to play around with new looks right before you hop in the shower- it helps you master the technique without the stresses of having to go out in your creation. I always tell my clients 'practice makes perfect!' Hey- I didn't master my cat eye overnight...I also always remind my clients that make-up should be fun. There not many mistakes in life that can literally be cleaned up with just a little bit of cleanser.
My most recent descent upon Sephora yielded some fun acquisitions- like this high definition concealer from Cargo $24. Light in feel, moderate in coverage.

You would have thought by now I would have discovered an eyeliner that would stay put and not run on my undereye...No such luck. This Make-Up Forever liner delivers intense pigment, but not enough staying power for my difficult lower lash line. The quest continues... $18

I am really happy with this cake liner duo from Laura Gellar. I got the blueberry & coffee duo. I accessorize my mood with different liners. My collection is quite impressive- if I do say so myself! The texture is easy to work with, and if applied wet gives stronger color. The brown isn't as intense as the navy and it's a classic to add to your make-up wardrobe. $24

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a needless gadget. Cargo's new lipgloss has an expiration tab that you activate at the time of purchase. Necessary? Not at all...especially on a gloss, it'd be better on a mascara-but it does make this classic nude gloss a little edgier. $20 All products can be picked up at http://www.sephora.com/ As one of my elderly clients says, " A little powder & a little paint can make a lady look like what she ain't!"

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Never Enough New Beauty!

It has been raining a lot this week and I have been considering getting some koi or goldfish for my backyard that is slowly turning into a pond. Weather like this makes me and the girls at the shop want to get facials not give them! Luckily I came home today to my New Beauty Test Tube- my very own ray of sunshine! Every 3 months New Beauty Magazine gathers deluxe size samples (some full size)from tons of beauty vendors looking to launch products. For the bargain price of $29.99 + s&h you can sign up for your very own test tube & be giddy with joy like me! This test tube had a sample of Pores No More from Dr. Brandt - a mattifier & primer that helps regulate oil production...

A personal favorite of mine from Colore Science which we've carried at the spa, this SPF 30 clear mineral powder is amazing in how many ways you can use it. I have very oily skin- most SPF's break me out...With this powder you can dust it all over your face and eyes, as well as ears and scalp( anyone who's ever burned their part knows what I'm talking about!)

This Bioelements cream is supposed to utilize your skin's rejuvenation functions when you're asleep- it might give new meaning to the term Beauty Sleep!

There were too many samples to list including products from our very own Kate Somerville, Jane Iredale, Murad, Avene, Be Fine & many others. I feel it's important to know what is out there as a skin expert ( at least that's my justification-since I already have enough cream in my life to last me til I'm 90!) Sign up today http://www.newbeauty.com/ Peace. Love. Samples! M

Thanks Uncle Sam!

Happy Tax Day! Those words have not come out of my mouth in at least 5 years, but this year I actually got money back. The logic that I'm this excited about getting money back that was mine to begin with is besides the point. I'm still stoked. I'm going to be a good girl and put it towards things we need at the shop, but I did allow myself one little splurge. Behold the Aventura Sofa Set(www.overstock.com) to be delivered soon to little old moi's deck! I always think of the movie 'Under the Tuscan Sun' when the character says she's been hanging out a lot at a great bar conveniently located in her back yard. Well that will be moi this summer. I might even dare & do a before & after of my deck- though my current set is somewhat trifling at the moment. I have fingers crossed that it will be here in time for The Hills series finale so I can have a farewell tribute party. I will need the support of my friends to deal with the loss( & yes I'm over 30 & not ashamed I love that show...)

Anyhoo here's wishing all of my beauties healthy refund checks and sunny days ahead!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Going for Gold!

This summer I am embracing the bohemian chic look complete with gauzy tunics and tousled hair. I've always been a white metal kind of girl, but with this seasons launches- a girl can change her mind. Our limited edition Paul & Joe Lipgloss in Gala is amazing on its own or layered over your favorite lipstick for added dimension. www.peacelovelipgloss.com $20 Classic C had these flats on in zesty orange the other night & I loved them. Just the perfect amount of toe cleavage topped off with a tassel(yes I said toe cleavage). The Easter Bunny & I opted for the Reese flat in gold. www.toryburch.com $225

I've tried to layer necklaces before and all I end up with is a tangle of knots! This necklace does it for you and is the must have accessory for that island glam look this summer.

La Papillon 410-252-1400 $32. Here's to going for the gold! Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Comic Genius!

While laying in bed icing my back from today's nerve block, I was searching for something to make me laugh on the internet. Look no further. I think I've found my Halloween costume from this genious girl at Mardi Gras. Hysterical! Peace. Love. Laughter. M

Moment of Silence

In Memoriam: Joey Super Duper Antioxidant Lip Pencil 2004-2009 Oh Joey lip pencil, you have been a true friend. Every morning you literally put the smile on my face. You have been my trusty companion alongside numerous make-up shoots and weddings. You have helped me be a better make-up artist and delivered time & time again the perfect nude lip and have been a constant favorite among our clients at the boutique. I don't know why your parents (Joey New York Skin Care) have abandoned and discontinued you. When the last of our quantity was purchased by a savvy shopper in New Jersey yesterday, I realized it was the end of an era & silently wept. The quest begins anew for the next generation to fill the void in my heart-though you will always be remembered. I will cherish the memories (& hoard my last 3 personal pencils.) So long my dear friend.

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Signed Sealed & Delivered

I have always loved personalized stationary. It's my go to gift for brides- because who wouldn't love seeing their new name artfully written over crisp cardstock. They say the hand written word is a dying art due to technology. I tend to hoard my collections of stationary, never wanting to waste a sheet for trivial conversation. I need to stop doing that. My friend Kristen owns a letterpress company called Milkmaid Press. Some people are in awe with what I can do with a stroke of liner here, a wash of blush there...I feel the same way about her artistry captured on paper. I just got a catalog in the mail from a company called Cambria Cove...

I coveted almost everything in it- the delicate swirls of lavender in these thank you notes...

These simple, yet elaborate chartreuse calling cards...

The rich Indian inspired borders that line these turquoise pages are like lace... I want them all! If only postage wasn't so ridiculous, I would be sending random notes here and there to BFFBR & BFFH just to let them know that though they're hundreds, if not thousands of miles away-they're always close in my heart. Sealed with a kiss. Peace. Love Lipgloss. M

Peace Within

Rainy day blahs- I am ready for spring sunshine. Don't get me wrong, I avoid the sun in terms of laying out- but there is something incredibly healing about sunshine on one's face(slathered in SPF of course.) Lately there have been teases here and there of the promise of sunshine on the Eastcoast. Yesterday it rained.(Of course since I just washed my car) Today it rained. Blah. Bad weather is bad for the soul & bad for the credit card since little old moi can tend to crave a pick me up... But I always share... picking 1 up for myself & some for the boutique like these fab cz stud earrings. Enjoy the peace they bring! Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Spin Spin Sugar

There was a skincare seminar held in DC today for Skin Ceuticals( a line we carry at the spa.) I could never do a commute like that every day- I am so not a morning person(must have my beauty sleep!) I am spoiled with my seven minute commute. But it is amazing the technology that we have available these days! Their latest break through just confirmed what little old moi already realized...that sugar is the devil- not just to your waistline, but to your face as well. It is a process called glycation my sweets (pun intended) that wreaks havoc & stresses our cells, weakens our collagen & elastin- thus leading to increased aging. Luckily Skin Ceuticals just launched an anti glycation product- A.G.E. Interruptor. I shall bathe in it!
Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Hung up over the Hang Up

So I officially am that person who has purchased the Hang Ups Table off of an infomercial. I'm not ashamed! I had some hang ups over purchasing the table- but I am willing to try anything(minus surgery) at this point. Frankly seeing that 80 yr old man jumping over literal hurdles inspired this 33 yr old whose perfume of choice as of late has been Bio Freeze. We'll see when it gets here if it actually works, but the back & leg have been on fire lately, and I'm fearful that the multiple jaunts to NYC for work over the next few weeks will anger it even more...Who knows maybe hanging upside down will have an anti-aging effect on my face too!

Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M

Botox & Bon Bons!

So last night was our first ever Botox event at the spa! Everything ran smoothly & yes I was practically running all night. It was amazing seeing my clients immediately look younger & better & an honor that they trusted in me to place them in the very talented hands of Dr. Michael Cohen and his beauty crew.
Our beautified clients left with ice packs, lipgloss for their newly plumped lips with Juvederm & the acclaimed bons bons from The Decadent Debutante that I can not stop raving about! All in all a tremendous success! Peace. Love. Lipgloss. M