Thursday, August 20, 2009

All In The Family

Jewelry has always been a fetish of mine and the reason for that may boil down to genes! My mother worked in the fine jewelry industry before retiring (to spend more time with moi :)!) for 30 years.
Like my mom, I'm a gold girl, although I don't discriminate! Right now I'm loving rose gold, it is more feminine than yellow gold but equally classic. Even though I love all jewelry (who doesn't!) rings are my favorite, with bracelets in a close second. While my collection is vast, I'll share with you a few pieces that I'm wearing now.

(L to R) The metal ring is actually two pieces connected by a chain to be worn on the middle finger and the pinky finger that I got from LF in the city (New York City, that is). The stack (faux) diamond ring behind that was purchased from a street vendor outside of Intermix in the city as well. I absolutely love the amethyst (my birthstone) and diamond ring, which was given to me by my boyfriend for my birthday in the most romantic way (I was still in school in upstate New York at the time and he came and surprised me)! The one piece stacked ring is one of my favorites, stolen of course from mommy dearest, as are the diamond bands in front of it. The gold rose ring was given to me by my aunt, it was her mother in laws and she had it sized for me as a gift, a true antique. The rings beside it are from Nicole Richie's new jewelry line, House of Harlow. The thick ring is the Rose Gold Thick Stacking Ring and the thin one (which I can't find online anymore) is the Diamond Gold Thin Stacking Ring. Last but not least are, (more) stack rings that were also purchased at LF, the amber stone goes with everything and you can wear one by itself for an understated look or all together to make a statement. As I'm sure you can see, stack rings are my favorite (at least right now!) because you can mix and match them to your outfit or mood.

A few rings I'm looking to add to my collection are from the designer Made Her Think. What I love about Meredith Kahn's line is her eclectic designs; she taps into her imagination to create unique pieces that can't be found elsewhere. My favorite piece is one that my friend Lindsi purchased a few weeks ago at the Kiki De Montparnasse store (where my friend Dara is a buyer) in SoHo, called the Antique Rose Gold Double Band Chain Ring, which retails for around $1,200. For the more economical option, you could purchase the silver version, for $132.

Made Her Think takes risk like producing pieces in metals other than your typical gold and silver, such as rhodium, oxidated silver, and brass.

I also love the Knuckle Buster Ring with Pyramid Totem, Talon Knuckle Buster Ring, and the Siren Ring in rose gold or cooper. What are your thoughts on this line that I'm lovin'?


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Eye Care

Even though I'm only 22, I'd like to get a head start on the anti-aging process. The first signs of aging are seen on the forehead, frown lines and around the eye area where crows feet can develop as early as the mid-twenties! In addition to taking the general precautions like wearing sunscreen, practicing a healthy lifestyle (e.g. not smoking cigarettes, drinking only in moderation, getting enough sleep every night, exercising and maintaining a wholesome diet), us ladies have to take advantage of the beauty products out there that help us keep our age under wraps!

The first anti-aging product that I purchased was Bliss All-Around Eye Cream, I used it routinely for months until I foolishly left it behind at my boyfriend's apartment, who decided that he needed it more than I did. Being the generous person I am, I let him keep it... after all he is four years older and looks his age, while I still get mistaken for a pre-teen (weird, I know).

Nonetheless, I am ready to try a new cream, preferably one that prevents fine lines, eliminates dark circles and has a de-puffing agent. Ideally I'd like for the cream to be specifically for youthful skin, skin that still sees a blemish every once in a while and thus a cream that is not too heavy. I'm not looking for anything that will break the bank (we are in a recession, aren't we?), but definitely something that is highly recommended.

Here are the contenders:

Line lines - CHECK
Dark Circles - CHECK
Puffiness - CHECK
This seems to be an all around good eye-cream. Received 4 stars out of 5 from 78 reviews on Sephora. I have to say though , I have not had the best luck with philosophy products... perhaps this one could be the exception?

This product, likewise got rave reviews and relieves all of the symptoms of aging I've discussed, however this seems to address more mature skin than my own. The the price is also little bit steep but if it lasts a while, it could be worth it... hmm.

The name almost won me over instantly - "Age Delay," exactly what I'm looking for! To my dismay, there are only 7 reviews on Sephora and even less on other websites. Even though the reviews are positive (4 out of 5 stars, 5 out of 5 stars), I'm not sure if I am comfortable relying on so few opinions, especially if I'm going to be shelling out $65 for .5 ounces!

Another 4 out of 5 cream eye cream that addresses all of my eye area concerns, but this time with 301 reviews! This cream is formulated without potentially harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and dyes and it dubs as a make-up primer, not too shabby.

With so many options, how can a gal choose? Although many rely on reviews, how sure can you be without trying it out yourself? You rarely know whose behind the review, which is why I'm reluctant to trust them. Is this person older or younger? What is their skin like? Are their concerns and needs the same as mine? What is their nationality and race? And even worse, is this a real consumer or someone from the company that is posing as a consumer? All of these factors affect why certain products may work for one person while disappointing another.

I'll keep you posted on my decision and give you my own personal review. Till then, what would you choose?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Welcome Back!

To me, of course :). I had an early-blog crisis and decided to take a little hiatus from it, back in time for fall fashion! However, I can't delve into that without mentioning a little something on the beauty end.Every hair product company out there promises to give you long, luscious, locks of love, but lets face it - few do. Well heres one that doesn't make promises it can't keep. I discovered Ojon products about a year and a half ago while skimming the isles of the one and only, Sephora. I wasn't in need of a hair makeover, but my mom on the other hand, was. Years of coloring and treatments had run it's course on her once satiny, voluminous hair, leaving it lackluster, frizzy, and dead. When I stumbled upon this line of hair care, which targets specific hair problems (i.e. thickening, shine and protect, ultra-hydrating, hydrate and thicken), I had to have it. I brought home the "shine and protect" starter kit for my mom and encouraged her to give yet another product a shot. I kid you not, results were visible after ONE use. Naturally, I went back to get my own Ojon kit, the hydrate and thicken. I'm not a good with pre-planned intensive beauty regiments, so I tossed everything but the shampoo and conditioner, but luckily thats all I needed. I saw results just as quickly as my mother and I've been hooked ever since.

Ojon gets its name from the oil, (called Ojon) that it is produced with, which is found in the forests of Central America. The Tawira indians, native to the Miskito regions are responsible for this discovery. Called "the people of beautiful hair," they are introduced to Ojon palm nut oil at birth as both a shampoo and moisturizer. When a relative of Denis Simioni, the brain behind the brand, came to visit years earlier, she left a baby food jar of this oil behind. After being untouched for two years, Simioni's wife decided to give it a try, post a swim in a pool which left her hair, much like my mother's - frizzy and dull. One use was all Simioni and his wife needed in order to get on a plane, meet the Tawira and learn all they could about this hair elixir. In no time, Ojon products hit the shelves of Sephora, Nordstrom, QVC, and the shopping channel(to name a few), with rave reviews supporting the brand's promise. My mane is my most prized (bodily) possession, I wouldn't trust it to anything but the best.

This is a picture of my boyfriend and I. Thanks to Ojon, my hair is long, healthy, and shiny!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Say "Bye, Bye" To Hair, For Good!

What do shaving, waxing, depilatories and tweezing all have in common? ...Duh, they are hair removal techniques. But what do none of these techniques provide? Permanent hair removal. Enter: Laser Hair Removal.

Laser hair removal is a new technology that promises to removal hair permanently. It works like this, the laser emits high-energy light that picks up on the contrast between the skin and the melanin pigment within the hair shaft. This produces heat in the hair, which travels down to the follicle and produces inflammation. The inflammation then triggers the follicle to go into the telogen or resting phase. Once the follicle is in the telogen phase, the hair in place falls out and no new hair is produced.

I don't know about you, but having unsightly hair anywhere except on my head is one of my worst nightmares. Although I am not hairy, over the years I have developed an obsession with hair removal, so much that my college roommates snuck onto my Facebook account and made my sole interest, just that. You can imagine my embarrassment when I noticed it... 3 months later.

After shaving as a pre-teen, I tried waxing, but I could only withstand the pain for so long, not to mention it became costly and time consuming, so I had no choice but to default to shaving. I don't know if it was my rusty skills or a rusty razor but shaving resulted in cuts, which turned to scars, so I opted for the only other option, depilatories. No matter what the bottle promises, depilatories have a terrible stench and to my surprise, are not intended for those with sensitive skin (aka ME). After just a few uses, my skin was in hives and I was off to the dermatologist for some serious meds.

It was back to waxing for me, but I was on my last leg when I went into Bliss for, what they call a "the most painless brazilian wax on the planet," before my vacation to Bermuda this past Memorial Day weekend. Contrary to popular belief, this brazilian wax was not so blissful at all. In fact, Bliss's brazilian made me swear off waxing all together! Even though I walked out of Bliss scarred, I was also inspired. Inspired to investigate the land of laser, which is how I discovered my new favorite activity and met my new best friend, Alyssa, at Barely There Laser. After a free consultation, where Alyssa explained the procedure and lasered a patch of skin while I laid bare on a massage-like table wearing funky sunglasses, I knew this was for me.

I know you're thinking, this sort of miracle can't be cheap, and you're right. Laser hair removal is not a quick fix, it's an investment. But let me put it to you this way, the typical brazilian will run you $70, plus $11-15 for a tip, which comes to $85 every 4 t0 6 weeks, if you're lucky. That's $900 a year. To get bare down below and keep it that way for good, it will cost you $200 for 6 sessions. For an extra $300 you can be hair-free and pain-free (yes pain-free!), forever! For those of you who are veterans to waxing, you will be pleasantly surprised by the tickling sensation the laser emits as it strikes the surface of your skin. Others may find it to feel like a rubber-band snapping against your skin. For the wimps who can't handle it, a numbing cream is available that will take the edge off. This is about the coolest thing since sliced bread!

After my brazilian and underarms are complete, I'm moving onto legs and arms... who knows where this is going to take me once those are done, all I know is I never want it to end! I'm laser obsessed. Unless you are blessed to have no body hair or enjoy the dreadful aforementioned hair removal techniques, do yourself a favor and visit my BFF Alyssa at Barely There (or a laser clinic near you), I promise you'll be as obsessed as me!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

10 Steps to Follow for Modelesque Makeup

Let's face it, no one wakes up looking like Gisele Bündchen every morning, us humans actually have to put effort into looking great. Here is a glimpse of my the items in my beauty bag and the 10 steps I follow that will have you looking model-ready for a night out on the town in no time flat (super hot body not included). 

Step 1: To begin any proper make-up application session I recommend using primer. Primer evens out the skin tone, erases pores, and ensures that your make-up will stay in place for hours to come. I trust Smashbox, a company founded by fashion photographers who wanted their models to look camera ready, in the studio and out.  Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer creates a flawless canvas for any make-up application. 

Step 2: I mix Laura Mercier Oil-Free Liquid Foundation with Estée Lauder Amber Bronze Liquid Bronzer for Face and add a drop of Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Flash. The combination smoothes the skin's surface, covers imperfections, adds a hint of bronze and highlights the bone structure of the face.

Step 3: For someone who takes advantage of any opportunity to sleep, I am still prone to under-eye dark circles, which happen to be one of my biggest pet peeves. Even though everyone else claims they don't "see them," I alleviate my anxiety by using a product I've come to swear by: Benefit Eye Bright

Step 4: No matter what time of year it is, I love being bronzed. Since staving off tanning bedsback in '04 (no one wants wrinkles, or even worse skin cancer!), I've resorted to make-up to give me that goregous glow. Soleil Tan De Chanel Soft Touch Bronzer, in Desert Bronze is my favorite.

Step 5: Contrary to popular belief, blushing is not only a reaction to embarrassment but is also considered an aphrodisiac - blood rushes first to the checks than to the rest of the body, the neck, chest, and so forth down. Studies show that men are attracted to blushing cheeks because they signify innocence. Make-up mimics this look, for irresistible innocence I choose NARS Blush in Desire applied sparingly to the cheek bones. 

Step 6: Back in high school I was the go to gal for a free eye make-up, makeover. Four years later, my famed technique has only improved (with many make-up applications; i.e. practice makes perfect!). What I am using now is Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten as a base. I apply it all over my lid, up to the outer corners of my eyebrows. I also sweep it under the out corners of my eye down to my cheekbones, in a C shape. Next I apply NARS Eye Shadow in Galapagos to the upper and lower creases of my eyes.  What is great about this NARS hue is that the color can be built up, from a soft brown to a deep mahogany, I darken the area between the outer corner of the crease to the outer corners of my eyes. The result: a seductive smoky eye! 

Step 7: Depending on the occasion, I either line my eyes with Lancôme Smoky Eye Liner in Black Ebony, which gives a more subtle look or Stila Smudge Pots in Jet Black, which is darker and more dramatic. 

Step 8: Mascara on the top and bottom lashes opens eyes, allowing more light in to give the appearance of big, wide eyes. I have come to find that convenience store brands are actually more effective at achieving the results I aim for than department stores brands, which is why I use L'Oreal Panoramic Curl Waterproof Mascara in Black for my top lashes after curling them with Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler and Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express in Black for my lower lashes. 

Step 9: Isn't it frustrating that the only time eyebrows look perfect are right after your monthly wax appointment? Well luckily, Benefit SpeedBrow tinted brow gel, ensures that your brows look optimal all month long.  

Step 10: Last but not least are the lips. I swear by Labello Lip Balm (not available in the US but Nivea makes an identical version Nivea Lip Care Essential). To finish off the look I apply Chanel Glossimer Lip Gloss in Sundress, a light pink that gives the look of nude lips and offsets dark smoky eyes. 

Goodluck and Happy Make-Uping! 

Friday, June 26, 2009

Repair, Recover, Restore - Repechage

Puberty is no fun for a few reasons... training bras, periods, and of course acne. Acne occurs when the sebaceous glands, whose primary purpose is to secrete sebum in order to lubricate the skins surface, work overtime and clog the pores of the skin. This happens most commonly during the adolescent ages because androgen (the hormone responsible for the male sex drive...) levels, which stimulates sebum production, rise to their highest point, eventually tapering off in the early twenties. 

Slowly but surely, at around 12 years old, everyone around me started to develop little red spots on their faces. The spots spread, then turned into big spots, and eventually into puss-filled mounds. I waited for the demise of my own skin, as months and then years, passed, my face remained clear. I was stopped on the street where people would compliment my youthful glow. Others would approach me and ask what products I use, then leave, dismayed at my reply: Dove. "Face cream?" they'd pry, "whatever is around," I'd respond. While everyone else quit their after school activities to enroll in an acne treatment program at their local dermatologist's office, where cortisol injections were administered routinely, laser therapies were attempted and where doctors perfected their autographs on consecutive prescriptions of acne washes and creams, I was left reveling in my luck. My Mom would proudly say, "she has my genes, I never had one pimple," and my Dad would argue back, "she has MY genes, neither did I." Either way, I was happy.

Upon entering the eighth grade, I got my first period, and also my first taste of real pain. Every month I'd dread that day… the day that I would feel as though knives were piecing through my skin and puncturing my uterus and nausea engulfed me so that I could not ingest food. Needless to say, my cramps were BAD. After a year of suffering, I stormed into my gynecologists office, demanding relief. The solution was easier than I ever thought - birth control. Birth control happens to multitask quite effectively. Aside from eliminating cramps, decreasing period flow, and increasing breast size (which my AA boobs needed!), it also reduces acne (birth control does have its downsides people!). I, of course, did not have acne, but it was a plus. 

When I left for college, with my crystal clear complexion, I was confident and elated, that I bypassed the whole acne phase. However, at 20 years old, I begin to see some sort of formation occurring in my t-zone area, "it cannot be I thought." Naturally, I sprinted to the nearest CVS, piled my cart high with any product promising to erase the redness on my face, then sprinted back to my college apartment, where I proceeded to piled my purchases all over on my face. 

I was not sure if it was my obsessive compulsiveness and product abuse, or if it was the incessant picking, or my not so healthy college lifestyle (sleeping when I was suppose to be up, up when I was suppose to be sleeping, drinking as though it was going out of style and the inevitable late night pizza runs, that happened every night), or if it was the years of acne I was sure were behind me coming back with a vengeance, that caused the pimples to spread, all I know is, they were. Now it was my turn to visit the dermatologist, get cortisol injections, and fill prescriptions for acne creams. Nothing worked. My mom, whose all about being "natural" (easy for her to say, she's nearing 60 and has the skin of someone 20 years younger) insisted I stop what I was doing and consider reverting to the process that had proven effective thus far. At the same time, I was applying for summer internships and lucky enough to land one at the internationally recognized skincare company Repechage (pronounce rep-e-shash, meaning "to rescue" in French), founded and run by our family friends, CEO Lydia Sarfati, COO David Sarfati, and VP of Sales/Marketing Shiri Sarfati. Repechage, was the first skincare line to employ seaweed into their all-natural products, giving their products beneficial properties that many other company's lacked.

After reviewing the product catalog, I came across a line called the “Hydra Refine”, which targets normal to oily skin. Taking my Mother’s advice, I decided only to order the “One-Minute Clarifying Mask,” which can be used as a daily face wash and the “Pore Refining Serum,” which was suppose to work as my daily moisturizer. After just the first wash I saw a dramatic difference. And after two weeks, the pimples that had been consistently forming around my mouth and on my lower cheek for the past year were completely gone. The “Pore Refining Serum,” helped but after a while, the “Clarifying Mask,” was able to handle both of their jobs so I switched to a simple moisturizer, Cetaphil.

A year later, I still swear by Repechage and all their products (the drying cream in the Hydra Medic line, in case of the rare facial formation, the Hydra 4 Tonic, for an extra splash of moisture, and the Opti-Firm Eye Contour Cream, to make sure I always look younger than my age!). Since Repechage products cater to any skin type, all of my family and friends quickly jumped on the bandwagon and customized their own skincare regiments too.

Bear in mind, you can’t walk into Sephora or your local department store and find Repechage products. Repechage products are strictly sold at professional spas and salons only, where Repechage face and body treatments (the famous 4-Layer Facial, Seaweed Body Wrap, to name a few) are performed by top of the line estheticians. These estheticians travel from around the world to be trained in Lydia Sarfati’s technique, which has been revered since she, herself developed it over 40 years ago.

I am proud to say I have been pimple free for a year now and I continue to trust my skin to Repechage, only. The company, which began from a flagship Spa in New York City and grew into an international success, saved not only my skin, but also my confidence, let them save yours!

For more information on Lydia, David, Shiri and Repechage (products, treatments, and salons near you) visit the Repechage website. 


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

You Have to Start Somewhere

Today has been a day of new beginnings and, unfortunately endings. I had been thinking about starting a blog for a while now, but I have to say the idea intimidated me. After I worked up the courage to brave the land of HTML I embarked on the journey which, had I been more creative and less picky about the domain name and title, would have only taken me 5 minutes, but instead took 5 hours.In between, I met my family at the hospital where my cousin Corinne gave birth to my baby niece this morning. I know what you're thinking, "if she is your cousin, her daughter would be your second cousin." But, my cousins Corinne and Nathaniel are like siblings to me, thus making me the baby's aunt. She weighed in at 8 lbs, which is on the larger side making her more responsive and stronger than many newborns. Debates over the Baby's name have been eminent for a few weeks now and even hours after she is born, "first" on the birth certificate remains blank. Corinne likes the name Liv and Todd likes Charly, the middle name all depends on the first, but will most likely begin with a D or an F, after our Safta Dvora or Corinne's Safta Fella and Todd's grandmother Fay. With deep blue eyes, a button nose, luscious red lips, and atypically soft baby skin, my nameless niece, despite being nameless is one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen. Corinne is a fellow fashionista and there is no doubt in my mind our newest family member will follow in our footsteps, not to mention, her cousin Addison whose 2 and a 1/2 has left her some unworn goodies, think: Gucci Loafers and Baby Juicy! 

Upon my return home, my best friend of 20 years (mind you, I'm only 22) informed me her 17 year old German Shepherd/Husky Mix, Cassidy was put to sleep. Morgan's family has been rescuing homeless dogs since I can remember. Over the years there was Brinny, Snap, and most recently Bob (yes BOB, short for Bobito, no her family is not Hispanic) the Chiwawa mix who arrived with a mass rescue from Puerto Rico (they thought for some reason it was appropriate to keep Bobito's "given" name, which may have resulted in traumatic stress disorder because he is terrified of anyone besides Morgan and her mom). Nonetheless, Cassie was really a special dog, in her prime she was the watch dog of all watch dogs. Many years ago, over the December holiday break while families were away on vacation, every house on Morgan's block was robbed but hers, Cassie's snarl scared the robbers away. When anyone would enter the house uninvitedly Cassie would react, one time she even nipped our friend's dad! But even at 16 she was active, loyal, and sweet. She lived longer than any big-sized dog I've ever known and I am certain she had an incredible life filled with anything a dog could wish for and more (i.e. Morgan's mom had special dog food shipped from the Midwest)! What is most important now is that she is no longer suffering. The sadness one feels from losing a pet is like losing a member of the family and I am so upset that Morgan and her family have to endure it, but she happens to be one of the strongest people I know and I am sure she will be okay in due time. I love you Morgs. (PS. Pics of Cassie are on there way). 

Today was an eventful day with little leisure time. Posts on fashion and beauty to come... Stay tuned!