Month: August 2010

KIm’s must have eyeliner is Smashbox Limitless waterproof long-wearing linerprovides bold definition that won’t smudge or budge for up to 8 hours. This creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains vitamin E and jojoba oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener so you’ll always have the most precise application.

Why is it different: This creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains vitamin E and jojoba oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener so you’ll always have the most precise application.

How do I use it: Sharpen the pencil to a fine tip and apply as thin or as thick of a line as you desire.

Puffy Eyes
Are stubborn dark circles casting a shadow over your beauty routine? Open your fridge for a quick eye saver. Lactic acid works as an anti-inflammatory that soothes skin, so soak two cotton rounds in cold milk and place on your lids for an instant de-puffer.

Tamanu oil is taking the US by storm. It relieves puffy eyes and gives new luster to the skin.  Its environmentally sound and and cost much less than other products that just claim to promote new skin growth.  Most importantly it really does work!

What It Does

Tamanu oil contains three types of fats–neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids–that keep skin well nourished and supple. It also contains calophyllic acid, another fatty acid unique to tamanu oil. Research shows that calophyllic acid exerts potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and is so powerful it can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that contributes to acne.

Easily absorbed into the skin, tamanu oil encourages the formation of new skin tissue, which makes it ideal for healing wounds and soothing psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, and dry skin. Tamanu oil can also improve the appearance of scars. In one study of six people with old scars, those who applied tamanu oil to their scars for nine weeks noticed marked improvement.

Promoting Sustainability
The collection Tamanu fruits helps to keep Pacific island coastal areas pristine. The preparation of Tamanu provides income for native people and helps them to maintain an agricultural society.  Tamanu is a beneficial oil of unsurpassed quality, and contributes directly to environmental and cultural sustainability.

Angelo David Salon in New york is the hot spot for the most discriminating celebrities— even the ambiance of the salon emphasizes focus on the client. Not quite minimalist, the clean, stylish salon features key pieces, such as plush leather seating, a full amenities bar with cappuccino, rich wood accents and subtly-placed photography. The result is a perfect balance between distinguished, elegant design and a relaxed, comforting atmosphere. At the core of the Angelo David Salon are the most exceptional hair specialists in New York City. Head Couture Hair Consultant Carlos Perez discretely explains the salon’s own Couture Hair™ system and assists each client select a customized solution to any hair challenge. Angelo David, hair illusionist, Owner/Creative Director of the salon and Creator of Couture Hair, pairs it with his artistic cutting, coloring and styling skills to transform the most challenging hair into any look desired. Other team members are highly trained cut, color and chemical specialists in their own right, each of whom treat every client like a VIP.

For many summer is a time to get away from the stress of the city. If fortunate you may find yourself curling up on a hammock with a good book. And suddenly it hits you- you desperately need a spa treatment and there is nothing in town! Not to worry, head straight to the kitchen. And no not to uncork the rose, but to discover some of the best home spa treatments.

Flawless Skin Facial
non-coated aspirin
lemon juice
baking soda
this Flawless Skin Home Remedy is a great way to clear your complexion. The aspirin has salicylic acid which helps to remove acne and pimples since it is like a chemical peel. The lemon juice has vitamin C and helps minimize sun damage to your skin. Baking soda works great at the end to neutralize the salicylic acid.
Mash up 6-12 non-coated aspirins and combine with freshly squeeze lemon juice.
Let the aspirin dissolve until it turns into a paste.
Apply the mask to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Remove the face mask by dipping a cotton round in some baking soda and some water.

A simple mask from Josephine de Beauharais leaves your skin soothed and nourished.
1 egg white beaten
1 tablespoon honey
few drop of apple cider vinegar
Beat the egg white until frothy-add the remaining ingredients.
Spread over your face a leave on for a few minutes
Rinse with tepid water

Even out your skin tone
one egg white
half a lemon
Don’t you hate when you get a case of blotchy skin patches?!?! This mask will save you! Lemon has bleaching properties to help even out skin tone.
Beat the egg white until frothy.
Beat in the juice from half a lemon.
Cover your face with the mask.
Leave it on for 15-30 minutes.
Rinse off your face with warm water.

and wait don’t waste the yolk
Egg Yolk Hair Conditioner
1 cup apple cider vinegar
2 egg yolks
2 T olive oil
Beat the yolks and the olive oil together
Add the apple cider vinegar
Distribute throughout your hair.
Rinse thoroughly.

Cellulite scrub
1/2 cup coffee grounds
1/4 cup brown sugar
Almond or Olive oil
The key to this is massaging in a deep circular motion to break down the fat. I suggest doing this in the bath and taking the time so that the sugar melts and the coffee is absorbed. This works because caffeine enhances fat metabolism and when it is topically applied, coffee absorbs and removes water retention which can decrease the appearance of cellulite.

The key to the treatments are keeping them in perspective. Don’t let your mirror become your identity.
Lastly I’d like to share this poem by Lucille Clifton (read during the cellulite scrub)

Homage to My Hips

these hips are big hips.
they need space to
move around in.
they don’t fit into little
petty places. these hips
are free hips.
they don’t like to be held back.
these hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go
they do what they want to do.
these hips are mighty hips.
these hips are magic hips.
i have known them
to put a spell on a man and
spin him like a top

and with that enjoy the rest of summer!