Author Archive for vanityrich

Want to Live Forever :: Scientists Working to Make Humans Immortal

Remember the movie “Death Becomes Her” where actresses, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn drank a magic potion that promised eternal youth? Well, immortalization isn’t just stuff we see in movies anymore, scientists are actually working on making this fiction into a reality.  Yeah, you heard right, researchers at Cambridge University are developing research to reverse aging.


 Don’t believe me?  Check the news clip yourself


The average life expectancy in the United States is 77 years old and as the reporter mentioned in the clip , no human has lived past 125. Imagine living to watch your children’s children, and their children, and their children and so on, grow up.  Who wouldn’t want that?

Really though, I’m still on the fence about it.  77 years is too young to go, but I think what makes us appreciate life is realizing that it’s short. I also wonder if this actually means that humans would stay forever young or would we continue to age.  What would an 1000 year old look like? What do you think?  Would you want to live forever?

Don’t Grab My Hair Because You’re Messing Up My Weave

I celebrated my 10,592.0238 day birthday this past weekend.  The theme was “Valley of the Dolls”, so I wanted to do everything doll/barbie-like — pink everything, apparel, big accessories, big lashes, and most importantly, big hair.  


Now, I’ve done the weave thing from time to time, but I’ve never been consistent with it.  The maintenance and expense is a bit much for me.  The longest I kept it in, is about 2 weeks, but I decided to do something different and get the sown in to have it last longer.  


I went to my sister’s salon in Baltimore, Salon Blush, where she sewn in 16 inches of lovely locs. For the record, I am tender-headed AND this was my first time, trying this method, so it was a bit painful for me.  My head was literally throbbing, and for a moment, I had contemplated stopping and taking it out.   The whole time I was thinking to myself, how do women do this consistently, it’s torture and how can I go out tonight and celebrate with my head hurting like this.  The price of beauty!

Maybe because my mind began to focused on others things, the party and joking around with the ladies in the salon, but it’s as almost the pain went away soon after.  Looking at the end result certainly helped as well.  I loved it, but I did have to issue a warning, that if anyone, pulled, touched or even patted my head that night, it would be on!

Would I do it again??? I would never say never, but I will say, a sew-in is perfect for those who intend on keeping it in longer than a few days/weeks and who aren’t tender-headed.  

It’s A Celebration, Beauties! Valley of the Dolls Birthday Event || BLOG’D: Bloggers Networking and Meet & Greet

Calling all Dolls!  It’s my 10,592.0238 day birthday on Saturday…29th to be exact. I’m partying as usual and you know, you’re invited!

Friday, December 1st
Recess Lounge | 727 15th Street, NW
Doors Open at 10PM
Add Open Bar from 10pm-1130pm



Also, this weekend, join me, along with the area’s top bloggers as we host BLOG’D: Bloggers Networking and Meet & Greet at K Street Sundays.  

Wayne&Tony + Belvedere present

BLOG’D: Bloggers Networking and Meet & Greet

Join the area’s top Blogger’s this Sunday at #KstreetSundays as we give you a chance to meet, greet, and network with our host;
- Ashley of SuperGorge.com
- Melissa of VanityRich.com
- Patrick of PatIsDope.com
- Matt & Pop of DMVFollowers.com

Drinks are on us this Sunday from 9:30-11pm. Come out and be surrounded by the city’s movers-and-shakers. Share ideas over cocktails.

Connect the Dots

As a product junkie, I’m always testing out products trying to find the next best shampoo, eyeliner, cleanser, etc.  Recently, I have been trying to combat my adult acne issues, so a few weeks ago I picked up the Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Kit from ULTA, which included:   Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Purifying Cleanser + Toner, Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum, Bliss No “Zit’ Sherlock Oil Control Moisturizer.





I have been using all three products religiously twice a day, everyday for the past two weeks and I haven’t noticed much of a difference.  Maybe, it might be  caused by a hormonal issue or my sweet tooth binges or maybe the product just doesn’t work for me.  What’s even sadder is that it’s my birthday week and my face is going GAGA right now.  Sure, I can cover it up with makeup, but makeup isn’t going to help with the texture of a rising pimple and it’s definitely not going to make them go away.  

I can’t even tell you how much money I’ve wasted on promising acne cleansers, toners, masks and spot treatments.  So, I’ve been on a quest to find a great dermatologist to save me.  I found a dermatologist who has wonderful reviews, so I booked a consultation with her.  Only thing is, I have to wait a whole month to see her!  I guess some things are worth waiting for.  


I will definitely keep you posted on how things go.  In the meantime, if you know of any great products that help fight acne, please let a doll know!



Review :: Ojon’s Best of Damage Reserve Kit

If I ever had a hair profile status, it would read the following:

“I’m a fiery redhead, living life on the wild side, who prefers to have a little fun with being a blonde, yet also finds time to relax every 3-4 months.”



Yes, I know, it’s a dangerous combination, the coloring and relaxing, but I’m a gambler.  Recently I’ve experienced some breakage, nothing too major, but still, I wanted to address the issue.  I visited my local ULTA and picked up Ojon’s Best of Damage Reserve Kit.  Now, I’ve never used Ojon products before, but I’ve heard plenty about the brand.  Recently, GAWJUS songstress, Melanie Fiona mentioned in an interview with Fashion Bomb TV that she uses Ojon products to nourish her lovely locks.  I thought I’d give it a try and for only $39 for the complete kit including: Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo (8.5 oz), Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (8.5 oz) and the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment (1.7 oz) it was a sweet bargain.

For those who aren’t familiar with the brand, here’s a little background info:  It’s a natural and organic line of naturally derived ingredients from the tropical rain forest in Central America.  Ojon’s secret to beautiful hair, is a rich palm nut oil extracted from the tropical tree. This unique tree grows only in the rain forest of the Mosquitia region of Central America. Ojon instantly hydrates and improves the condition of damaged, color-treated or processed hair without weighing it down. Fortifying, rebuilding and nourishing, it leaves hair extraordinarily shiny, silky and manageable. Ideal for dry, dull, damaged, natural or chemically-treated hair.


Formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens
Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic Dye
Formaldehyde Donor
Phthalates
Triclosan
DEA,
PABA
Paraffin
Petrolatum/Mineral oil


According to the kit, the treatments which are fortified with pure Ojon oil, are suppose to instantly mend and strengthen my hair against breakage. So, as the kit instructed, I applied the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment to my scalp, massage it in and combed it through and let sit for 20 minutes. Next, I shampooed with the Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo and followed up with the Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner.

So here are the results…


I must admit that after I shampooed my hair, it didn’t feel as silky as it does when I use Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, but it felt very soft and pumped up the volume in my hair and added a lot of body to it.  When I walk, my hair just flows and bounces and I LOVE that!

Two thumbs up!

Ojon products are available at Sephora, ULTA and at Ojon.com.

Winterize Your Skin Routine

Have you noticed that your skin seems to be drier than it was just two months ago? Well, that means it’s time for you to switch up your skincare regime and winterize your skin.  As the season changes, so does the temperature and humidity and just as we change our clothes to adjust to a specific season, the same goes for our skincare routine.  The colder and more winder it is, the more moisture our skin needs.





Here are some fabulous tips from Dr. Oz on winterizing your skin:  

  1. Watch the Cleanser. Make sure you use something that nourishes while it cleanses.
  2. Wear SPF! Either wear sunscreen or makup with added SPF. 
  3. Feed your skin; it needs antioxidants and Omega-3 fats! Blueberries and walnuts are excellent sources, respectively.  
  4. Remember your ABC’s. Take vitamins A, B and C. Vitamin A keeps your skin strong and allows it to create new layers. Vitamin B is an important metabolism enhancer and vitamin C  rebuilds the collagen at your skin’s base. 
  5. Shorten your shower and use luke-warm water.
  6. Moisturize!
One important tip, that he left out is to EXFOLIATE!!! You should exfoliate at least 1 or twice a week to remove the dead skin off the surface in order for the products to actually work.  


I’ve not only had to switch up my skincare regime to winterize my skin, but also to address my adult acne issues.  Here’s what I’m using in my current routine:



CLEANSE – Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Purifying Cleanser + Toner
SERUM – Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum
MOISTURIZE – Bliss No “Zit’ Sherlock Oil Control Moisturizer & Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer (for extra moisture)
EXFOLIATE – Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant 

I just started using Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock products, so I’m still testing them out, but I will say, so far so good. I have also cut bad on fatty and sugary foods and have been working on drinking more water.

How have you winterized your skincare routine?  What products have you axed and what products are you currently using?


How Melissa Got Her Closet Back

Last Friday, I did a post on organizing beauty products and tools (“Beauty Junkies Stay Organized“) as inspired by InStyle Magazine.  Interesting enough, over the weekend I got caught up on blog reading and came across a great post on La Dolce Vita titled “Beautifully Organized: Hanging Earrings“.  The title is pretty much self-explanatory.  The post featured decorative and stylish ways to display and organize earrings.



The post not only inspired me to organize my jewelry collection, but also, my entire closet.  By the time I was finished sorting through clothes, earrings, necklaces, purses and shoes I had 6 big bags of stuff to donate to my local thrift store.  



Besides throwing out old clothes and accessories, this is how I got my closet back:


(1) I used a shoe rack and hung it on one of my closet doors and placed the shoes that I wear the most on the rack.


(2) I used a pants hanger to hang all of my belts and ties.


(3)  I picked up a jewelry organizer from Marshall’s for $14.  I absolutely LOVE this organizer, because it doesn’t take up much space, I can simply hang it up in my closet, also each jewelry piece has it’s own compartment so they don’t get tangled AND it’s double sided.


(4) Besides the shoe rack hanging on my closet door, I have three other shoe organizers that hang from the closet poles.  These come in handy for my larger shoes and other accessories that I want out of the way.


Well, enough about my closet.  Hopefully this post has inspired you to tidy up your closet as well.  If so, I’d love to hear your ideas on how you keep it organized.  

Beauty Junkies Stay Organized

As you all should know, I am a beauty product/tool junkie!  Seriously, I have products everywhere!   In my bathroom, I have a cabinet filled with beauty tools (flat iron, curling irons, blow dryers, combs, clips, etc.) and products (shampoos, conditioners, styling products), and I also have a cart holding my everyday stuff (more shampoos, conditioners, styling products and makeup).  I have a big case of makeup, that I keep in my living room, and in my closet I have a self for more things that I don’t use as much.  So, as you can see, organization is essential for me.  

I came across article in the latest issue of InStyle Magazine “Vanity Sanity” on how to keep your beauty essentials organized, so I thought I would share some ideas with you.




1. Containers – Use containers or jars to hold your cotton balls, q-tips, and/or sponges.  The colorful stackable containers in photo 1 are from Zak Designs.  I purchased inexpensive glass jars from Ikea.  

2.  Wall Mount or ShelvesThe Vitra Uten Silo Wall Organizer is the perfect organizer for your beauty products and tools. It can hold a lot of items, without taking up much space, but it’s pretty pricey…$425, to be exact. An alternative would be to purchase inexpensive shelves and mount them on your wall.

3.  Labels - Keep your products organized by labeling them by the date of purchase. This helps you remember what products to trash when they expire.  These label package from Beauty Alert come with 20 labels in four categories:  3, 6, 12 & 18+.     



4.  Luxury Deluxe Wood Cosmetics Box w/Mirror by Lori GreinerAvoid the cosmetics crush with this deluxe wood makeup box with built-in mirror. Spacious and separated into four different levels with swing-out doors and magnetic closures, it offers ample room for 30 lipsticks and numerous other cosmetics, like blushes, shadows, pencils, mascara, foundations, nail polishes, and more. From Lori Greiner.  Available at www.QVC.com for only $69.12


5.  Brush Holder - Keep your brushes organized, simply by using a glass, metal or plastic container or cup.  


6.  Cosmetic Vanity Organizer - This organizer is perfect for your everyday essentials.  Available at www.touchofclass.com 

Vampires, Skeletons, & Geishas :: Halloween 2011

Unlike Halloween last year, I waited until the last minute to get my Halloween costume together…a few hours to be exact.  I ran out to the costume store, and tried to think of something creative, yet simple. I purchased fangs, white paint, black nails, lashes and a black leotard. I figured I’d be a sexy vampire.  I beat my face, but my costume on, but the only problem was, my vampire teeth wouldn’t stick (this is what happens when you procrastinate), so I had to quickly think of something else.

I went through some boxes and found a geisha costume I’ve never worn.  I figured this would work perfect since I only had my face painted white, I just had to change my lipstick and add blush.  I decided against the geisha wig and stuck with my own do.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of the full costume….

“We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word “geisha” means artist, and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.”



But I did enjoy seeing some of my fav celebs dress up for Halloween.  Take a look:

Who were you favs? Did you dress up for Halloween this year?

Skin Beauty Lounge Media Day

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending Skin Beauty Lounge’s Media Day.  It was an exclusive and intimate event for media for Capitol Hill’s premiere spa.  Skin Beauty Lounge (404.5 8th Street, SE, WDC) was recently named by InStyle Magazine as the best place in D.C. for tanning and spa services.  I’ve heard of Skin Beauty Lounge before, but I never had the opportunity to visit, so I was super excited to attend this event.  


I was happy to know that Skin Beauty Lounge is conveniently located right located across the Eastern Market metro on the Orange/Blue Line.   Once I arrived,  I was welcomed by Janelle Langford of Urban Suite Entertainment and met some of the staff of Skin Beauty Lounge, including, owner, Meka Mathis, Megan, the receptionist and esthetican, Roxanne.

Janelle Langford of Urban Suite Entertainment & owner of Skin Beauty Lounge, Meka Mathis

Myself and Janelle


Their services include: body treatments (airbrush tanning, AHA Peel, Microdermabrasion),facials, brow & lash tinting,  eyelash extensions, makeup application and waxing services.  I know that the spa is well known for their premiere waxing services, especially the much talked about vajazzling. Their the first to offer this service in D.C.  Yet, as much as I was intrigued by the bling, I opted for a simple eyebrow waxing.

If you have followed me for a while, you know I’m very particular about who does my brows.  Trust me, I’ve had my share of brow waxing nightmares – (http://www.vanityrich.com/2010/01/no-no-no-dont-funk-with-my-brows.html).  Not every who performs this service actually does a good job, but I was in good hands with Roxanne.  She didn’t take too much off and surprisingly, I wasn’t red afterwards.  She simply cleaned up my brows and I was VERY pleased with Roxanne’s brow work.



In one of the treatment rooms, getting my eyebrows waxed by Roxanne


Along with the fabulous products/services, wonderful decor, relaxing atmosphere, and convenience of location, I truly loved the fact, that they take evening appointments.  As a working women, it’s a little difficult fitting spa appointments in, when most spas take their last clients at 4pm/5pm.  Luckily, Skin Beauty Lounge, offers evening appointments Tuesdays-Thursdays, with the latest appointment at 7:30pm.  How cool is that?


While, I’m still working up the courage to get vajazzled, I think my next appointment with Skin Beauty Lounge will be a Pamper Party with my girls.   If you live in the DC area, I encourage you to make an appointment as well.  Visit Skin Beauty Lounge online at http://www.skinbeautylounge.com/  

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