Posts Tagged ‘Beauty’

New Anti-Aging Treatment: Carboxytherapy

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Recently I heard about Carboxytherapy, a new beauty treatment that’s designed to make you look younger. It’s been popular overseas for years, so I wanted to find out more about it and went to Dr. Fardad Forouzanpour to find out more. He’s a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and is the founder of Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgical Group. Here’s more about this treatment.

Can you briefly tell us how Carboxytherapy works and the benefits of it?

Carboxytherapy is a procedure whereby an extremely small needle containing carbon dioxide is injected into the skin and the fat layer beneath the skin.  The presence of carbon dioxide in the tissue stimulates a number of cellular and chemical reactions.  These include increased vasodilation (dilation of the blood vessels), which causes more blood flow and more oxygen flow to the area.  The increased blood flow stimulates collagen production and breaks up fat cells which results in skin tightening and skin color improvement.

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Glee star Lea Michele wears Reese Robert lashes

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

by Jessica Chang

When she’s not busy dazzling audiences with her amazing voice, Glee star Lea Michele is turning heads with her flawless beauty, and she owes a lot of that to celebrity makeup artist Melanie Inglessis.

Melanie knows one beauty misstep can determine her clients’ fates on the Hot or Not list, which is why she relies on Reese Robert’s collection of high-quality Korean eyelashes when putting together the perfect red carpet look. She chose Reese Robert’s “One Hot Mama” faux lashes for Lea’s appearance at the Time 100 Gala.

$9 at reeserobertbeauty.com

“The Reese Robert lashes were the perfect final touch to Lea’s rock’n'roll eyes for the Time 100. It added lushness to her own eyelashes and helped create the perfect smoky eyes to match her classic gown,” said Melanie.

And now, you can transform your eyes for a glamorous, paparazzi-ready look by visiting www.reeserobertbeauty.com to choose among 50 of these affordable and easy-to-apply lashes.

Where to Beautify in L.A.

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

At least once a week, someone will ask me for a recommendation for a spa, salon, waxer or brow shaper. Here’s a list of the my beauty outposts in Los Angeles:

Dry Bar

Hair: I get my hair cut and colored by Malcolm at the Beverly Hills Color Bar. My friends who get extensions see Stevy there and swear by her faux locks.  A slew of my friends also go there because they get great cuts and color for a very reasonable price. For blow-outs, I love Dry Bar in Brentwood—it’s $35 for a blowout and that’s all they do there. The last time I had a blow out there, someone asked me if I was wearing extensions because my hair looked so perfect. That’s reason enough for me to go back.

Hair Removal: I’m all about the sugaring, so I head to Studio Alexandria, also in Brentwood, to get myself de-fuzzed.

Brows: Anastasia in Brentwood. If Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Garner get them done there, it has to be good, right?

Spray Tan: I have tried a bunch and love Infinity Sun (I’m obsessed, I tell you!)—you can use their machines at Sunset Tan.

Recess

Nails: Well, it’s hard to beat my local place that’s $20 for mani/pedi (and it’s clean!), but if you want to go somewhere a little more upscale AND eco-conscious, try Recess in West Hollywood.

Massage: I go to Carino in West Hollywood (Johnny’s phenomenal and affordable—my two favorite words) as my regular place. But recently I’ve had amazing massages at Carasoin in West Hollywood and Murad in Manhattan Beach.

Naturopath Beauty: The Organic Pharmacy in Beverly Hills. They do amazing readings of your body and recommend homeopathic remedies, including a detox to cleanse your body of toxic build-up.

Facials: Thibiant is pretty luxurious—it’s a medi-spa as well, so you can get injectables there as well (but I can’t speak of that first hand). Murad in Manhattan Beach also does an amazing job.

Makeup Application: Stevi Christine at Kate Somerville—she uses airbrush foundation and always has a knack for making people look amazing without overdoing it. She’s also amazing with brows.

Help Times Square Break in the Brand Spankin’ New MAC Store

Thursday, May 27th, 2010


Party in Times Square! Wanna play a part in decorating the brand new Times Square MAC store? You can, starting today, May 27th,  until Saturday May 29th, from Noon to Midnite, when you’re  invited to break in the new store by actually decorating it! Using a pencil or pot of gloss you can write a message, draw and color on a larger-than-life coloring book backdrop. For even more eye candy, models will be outfitted as living dolls in couture paper designs by New York fashion icon Zaldy.  The models will be showcasing the freshest makeup looks, which will be demonstrated for customers by MAC makeup artists throughout the event. International DJs, including DJs Flo, Jesse Felluss, JVC, Lexey and Vida Ventura will be spinning tunes as you draw and mingle.

Go! Draw! Be Fabulous!

See ya there:

WHERE: M•A•C Times Square
1540 Broadway at 46th Street
NYC

Should You Go Under the Knife?

Friday, May 21st, 2010

by Lorelei Marfil

Looking for your next interesting read? Dr. Robert M. Tornambe, M.D. wrote The Beauty Quotient Formula when he realized he turned away nearly 20% of patients eager to receive cosmetic surgery.  As a conservative surgeon, his main reason for his refusal to operate was simply the patient’s lack of realistic expectations, or because they wanted surgery for all the wrong reasons. “A very common scenario would be a young lady requesting breast augmentation because her boyfriend likes big breasts and was going to pay for the operation, or the woman requesting a facelift because she found out that her husband was cheating on him with a younger woman,” said Dr. Tornambe. “After many years in this business, I realized that no matter how good my surgical technique or magnificent result would be, these people will never be happy because plastic surgery is NOT always the answer.  It always irked me that I could not offer them an alternative, and I was certain that they would easily find someone else to do their surgery, integrity notwithstanding.”

Tornambe believes that young women considering plastic surgery should stop, think, be cautious, and consider all options. Many television shows trivialize cosmetic surgery. Surgery is serious business and is not always the answer to your problems. Before considering surgery, Tornambe prefers that you ask yourself this question: “Is there another way to reach my goal without a scalpel?” My advice to patients who come to me for liposuction is the following: “Work out and diet as hard as you can first, and if that doesn’t work come back and we can talk about surgery,” says Tornambe.  “I emphasize this important fact to my patients who come to me for breast augmentation.  “You are signing up for at least two operations, the first one, which is obvious and at least one more, as breast implants are not permanent and require replacement every 10 years at best!” (more…)

Spray Tan Transformation at SunStyle LA

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

SunStyle LA

Before today I was a spray tanning virgin so when Blush was invited to an event at Sun Style LA salon in West Hollywood, I decided to give it a try.

I’ll admit that I was a little nervous about this whole spray tanning thing as I was afraid of looking like an Oompa-Loompa. I also didn’t want to look like a completely different person and when you are as fair as I am, it’s a distinct possibility. Luckily while I was waiting my nerves were soothed with mimosas and a manicure, compliments of Recess.

Then it was time for the spray. I’ll admit that I was closely monitoring those that went before me and watched fellow fair-skinned ladies turn into bronzed beauties. My personal tanner, Alex, was amazing to work with and really catered to me by giving me clear direction and was also so excited that it was my first time.  At first I had qualms about going completely bare and having someone getting so up close and personal but after a few minutes I relaxed as we laughed and chatted.

The spray that they use at SunStyle is called Infinity Sun and is a multi-treatment system that is all natural and chemical free. Translation: you know how you can smell when your friends tan or put on sunless tanner? Infinity Sun has no scent (and trust me, I keep sniffing myself) thanks to the absence of all those nasty chemicals. Even better, it also normalizes the Ph balance of the skin and nourishes it with essential vitamins and nutrients. Infinity Sun also has acelebrity following as founder Veronique Munro sprays Jessica Alba, Mandy Moore and the ladies from the “Girls Next Door.”

My Before and After

Though I’m still getting used to seeing myself this tan, it certainly ups your confidence level as I find myself struttingrather than walking just to show off my tan legs. Another benefit? The tan does have slimming effects and hides imperfections so you can be bikini ready in no time. Just don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen because although you look tan, you still will burn!

Zoe Kravitz is a Princess

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonnet, is the new face of Vera Wang Princess fragrance. Here Zoe talks about what it was like to shoot the campaign and a little about her fashion sense.

How does it feel to be picked as the face for the Vera Wang Princess new ad campaign?

I am honored to be chosen by Vera Wang. Her style is classic and timeless. I think “the princess” concept is a great way to celebrate young empowered femininity.

Why did you decide to do this campaign?

Vera Wang is a legend! How could I turn it down?

What is it about Vera that you love?

She is so driven and created this amazing empire! Her style is consistently modern and portrays easy elegance. Everything she creates is romantic and luxurious and something that all women can relate to.

Tell us about the Vera Wang Princess advertising campaign.

It is an evolution from a classic fairytale princess to a modern day princess…The concept is being your own unique individual and letting your own spirit and confidence be seen.

How was it working with [famed fashion photographer] Bruce Weber?

Fantastic! He is not only an amazing photographer, but an extremely nice person. It’s important to feel comfortable in front of camera, and he helped me do that. (more…)

My Beauty Must-Haves

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

I get asked all the time what my favorite beauty products are since I’ve tried about a gajillion and four. When it comes to a lot of items, I don’t have something I can’t live without, but there are some that I swear by for many reasons but bottom line, they help me look my best.

Moisturizer: Crème de la Mer

Why: I have dry skin (and combination in the T-Zone) and this moisturizer helps my skin look fresh and hydrated. Many people don’t know that it doubles as an eye cream.


Zit Concealer: Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer

Why: This two-in-one covers zits without looking cake-y but also helps them clear up thanks to salicylic acid.

Foundation: Chantecaille Future Skin

Why: I have never worn a foundation that goes on as evenly, looks as natural and covers as well.

Eye Concealer: YSL Touche Eclat

Why: It’s the perfect balance of concealer and brightener for the eye area. I sweep it all over the eye and then blend it in. If you find you’re in between shades, try mixing them together.

Cosmetic Sponge: The Beauty Blender

Why: It’s not just that it helps makeup blend so well; it also comes with a solution for cleaning the little pink sponge so it literally lasts forever.

Blush: Nars Orgasm

Why: This is one of the most universally wearable shades and it works on me whether I’m pale or a little tan.

Eyeshadow: Kevyn Aucoin

Why: I have used the essential palette for YEARS, but it’s not only long-lasting in the package, it stays on the eyes all day without budging or creasing. Plus, every color is wearable, from the pale white, which helps to open the eye up to the black, which is great for a smoky eye.

Eyeliner: mark Eyeliner

Why: This is the best $6 you can spend. It glides on so easily and washes off with any cleanser. I go through it rather quickly, for good reason.

Mascara: Dior DiorShow

Why: If I were allowed one makeup product in life, it would be this. My lashes look amazing when I wear this, it lasts a long time and washes off easily. Skip all the incarnations of this and go with the traditional formula in black.

Hair Styling Product: Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray

Why: It gives roots a little oomph and volume but isn’t sticky or gunky like mousse can be. Plus, a bottle lasts for ages.

I Get Inclusive

Monday, April 19th, 2010

The Murad Inclusive Health Clinic

I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with Dr. Howard Murad, the famed doctor behind the Murad skincare line, and his team of brilliant technicians. Did I go in to get my face dealt with? Sorta, but there’s more to a visit to the Murad Inclusive Health Medical Spa. Dr. Murad has a program that’s called “Inclusive health” where he or one of his Inclusive Health Practitioners sits down with you to discuss your emotional health, your cellular health and also your skincare concerns. Dr. Murad believes, and I highly agree, that external beauty stems from internal health. So if your cells aren’t well-hydrated, your skin will reflect that. Or if you’re stressed or unhappy at work, that will also take a toll on external beauty.

After taking a series of tests, you get an MIHI (Murad Inclusive Health Index) – mine was 76, which I was told was the highest of the day! Hurrah! I’m healthy and happy! (I asked if I get my photo on the wall – the doctor laughed, so I guess not.) I also learned that drinking water is not the best way to rehydrate cells – the molecules in drinking water are too big to penetrate cells. What you need to do is get water from food – mostly fruits and vegetables.

After the consultation, patients have the option of starting a 10-week plan to address their concerns, be it weight loss, cellulite reduction, acne relief or aging skin restoration. My specialist, Julietta, had an amazing, warm energy about her. She was very supportive and professional (so if you’re in the L.A.-area, I recommend booking an appointment with her!).  She gave me some supplements to take daily to help my cells build up their walls and rehydrate. (more…)

CYTOMIMIC: Our Skin’s New BFF

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

I know this isn’t very glamorous, but at the recent American Academy of Dermatology meeting, a bunch of MDs got together to disclose their latest and greatest ingredients for beauty products and the one I heard about and was blown away by is CYTOMIMIC.

This new technology is clinically proven to significantly reduce the hallmark signs of aging and in some cases can do so, in as little as 30 minutes! It will let you feel like you’re traveled back in time as it reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and the appearance of crow’s feet. It also has the power of making you look fully rested by transforming your eyes as it diminishes the appearance of bags, reduces the look of dark circles and lifts the appearance of the eyes. And while it’s performing its miracle work, it improves radiance and brightness and skin softness and smoothness at the same time!

But here’s the best part, you don’t have to be an MD to get your hands on this stuff because it is now incorporated to three new product lines from Neutrogena, AVEENO and RoC. And trust us, pretty soon you’ll have people asking you your anti-aging secrets!