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Morning Drink :: Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water & Ginger

By Melissa · Comments (1)
Thursday, January 31st, 2013

I drink coffee almost everyday.  Recently, I decided to switch it up, and opt for a healthier morning drink, by drinking hot lemon water with ginger.  Sure, it’s not as tasty as a White Mocha, but, the benefits certainly outweigh any cup of Joe.

 

A natural cleanse,  lemon water with ginger works wonders for the skin. Check out the other benefits (via LiveStrong):

Water

Drinking enough water is important to keep you hydrated so that your organs and systems function properly. It is also important for your looks, as some of the signs of dehydration are sagging, drawn skin and brittle hair and nails. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no one perfect formula for deciding how much water you need, but the basic “8 by 8″ rule—8 ounces of water, eight times a day—is a good rule of thumb.

Lemons

Lemon juice contains high levels of potassium and vitamin C. A strong antioxidant, lemon juice is also a mild diuretic, so adding lemons to your drinking water can help support your liver and kidneys in their natural job of flushing out toxins.

Ginger

Fresh ginger contains something called gingerol, which possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and aids in healthy cellular activity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1/2 inch knob of ginger sliced thinly or grated
  • lemon
  • cup of hot water

Simply pour boiling water over the ginger, let steep for about 5mins then add lemon juice.

I’ve been doing it for 6 days so far.

Even if you can’t see yourself giving up coffee for a few days, you can still implement drinking lemon water in your morning routine, before the coffee. Are you up for the challenge?

 

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For the Girl on the Go! Dry Shampoo Review

By Melissa · Comments (0)
Tuesday, December 18th, 2012

Have you ever experienced those moments in which your hair was in desperate need of a shampoo job, but you just didn’t have the time to fit into your busy schedule at that time?  Well, I experience those moments all the time, and I’m sure you have as well, especially around the holiday season — between working, finishing up Christmas shopping and organizing/attending holiday parties, there’s simply not enough time. And that’s why dry shampoo has recently become my bff.

Dry shampoo has be around for ages, but has recently has gotten its buzz back by beauty experts.  Ideal for extending a blowout, in between washes or when water isn’t available,  dry shampoo helps absorb oil from you scalp and hair, making it look, feel and smell fresh.  It consist of usually a mixture of aerosol propellants, absorbing agents, solvents, conditioning agents and fragrance.  There are organic shampoos available with natural ingredients. Dry shampoo comes  a powder, liquid  and aerosol spray form. I prefer the spray because it’s less of a mess to deal with.

It’s important to remember, that dry shampoo isn’t meant to take the place of regularly washing your hair with water — it doesn’t get rid of dirt and dandruff, just helps in between washes.

Check out my review on Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

 

Also, check out these suggestions for dry shampoos:

1. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder 2.5 oz. 2. Jonathan Product Green Rootine Dry Shampoo  3. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo  4. Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo  5. Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo  6. Skinnyskinny Organic Dry Shampoo Mini

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Father’s Day

By Melissa · Comments (2)
Friday, June 15th, 2012

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and if you haven’t already purchased a gift for that special guy in your life, here are four great last minute gift ideas:

1. THE JET-SETTER

Anthony’s Grab & Go Travel Kit ($35) – Airline Approved Grooming:Travel size products must be 3oz or less and must fit into a one quart size clear zip top plastic bag.

This Kit Contains:

Glycolic Facial Cleanser (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ Facial Scrub (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ Shave Cream (2 oz ℮ 56 g)

+ Lip Balm

+ Coconut Shampoo (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ Citrus Body Cleansing Gel (2 fl oz ℮ 60 ml)

+ One Quart Size Zip Top Bag

 

2. THE STUD

Jack Black’s Repeat Defender Set ($130) – Defend your skin against the signs of aging with this power-packed daily skin care regimen.

+ Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20, 3.3 oz bottle. Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula protects and smoothes skin with antioxidants and SPF 20 while visibly improving skin tone and calming redness with natural, Blue Algae and Sea Parsley.

+ Line Smoother Face Moisturizer, 3.3 oz bottle. Ultra-lightweight, oil-free anti-aging treatment minimizes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin discoloration.

+ Protein Booster Skin Serum, 2 oz. High-performance formula contains advanced peptides and antioxidants to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin texture and clarity.

+ Protein Booster Eye Rescue, 0.5 oz. Intensive multi-action eye treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles, firms the skin and helps reduce puffiness.

+ Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 Natural Mint & Shea Butter, 0.25 oz. Conditioning lip balm, with UVA and UVB sunscreens, protects against sunburn and windburn, as it conditions and moisturizes dry, chapped lips. Contains natural mint to help freshen breath.

3. THE ATHLETE

Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Sport, 3.3 oz ($79)

L’Eau ‘Issey Pour Homme Sport expresses the pure emotions and values that sport conveys: self-achievement, precision, control, speed and freshness.  A new fragrance of crisp freshness and energy, like a deep breath at the top of a mountain peak.  Fresh, tonic and woody with notes of grapefruit, bergamot, Haitian vetiver, Indonesian nutmeg, Virginian cedar wood and ambergris.
4. GREEN DAD

Aveda’s Men Pure-Formance Exfoliating Shampoo ($24)

High-performing formula deep cleanses hair and exfoliates scalp to remove dull, dead skin cells, excess oil, product build-up and other impurities. Creates a noticeably smoother, healthier-looking and feeling scalp.With 100% naturally derived exfoliants—walnut shells and jojoba beadsRich, spicy and refreshing aroma with kunzea, citrus and certified organic essential oils of spearmint, vetiver and lavender.

And if you want do something extra special for dad this year, how about a gift card for products/services at The Grooming Lounge.

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Review :: KORRES Pomegranate Regimen Kit

By Melissa · Comments (0)
Monday, May 7th, 2012

About two weeks ago, my skin had gone haywire! If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you’ll know, that’s pretty typical (READ:  Face Going HAM, Connect the Dots, PMS Sugar Cravings & Acne) from time to time.  I’ve tried acne products from Dr. Brandt to Dr. Murad , and as beauty enthusiast, I’m always interested in trying something new.  I came across KORRES Pomegranate Regimen Kit at ULTA .  The $39.50 kit included:

  • Pomegranate Moisturizing Cream-Gel 20ml
  • Pomegranate Cleansing Mask 20ml
  • Pomegranate Cleansing Scrub 20ml
  • White Tea Facial Fluid Gel Cleanser 20ml
  • Evening Primrose Eye Cream 10ml

I’ve used Korres products before (READ: Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Aging Primer, I Don’t Love Dem Holes, Holiday Glam Look #1 : The Glow Look) and I’ve been very satisfied with them, so I didn’t hesitate to give their Pomegranate Regimen Kit a try.

Here are the claims:

Power of Pomegranate

The Korres Pomegranate Regimen Kit is essential for anyone with combination or oily skin. This refreshing, perfecting collection will keep oil under control all day. Put your best complexion forward with the power of pomegranate.

  • A skin balancing kit enriched with pomegranate
  • Keeps oil under control all day
  • Ideal for combination and oily skin
  • Kit includes cleanser, eye cream, cream-gel, mask and scrub

Especially Suited For: Combination and oily skin

Free of: Petro-chemicals, silicones, phthalates, synthetic dye

For Best Effect:Use entire regimen daily and weekly as indicated by the product type.

Here’s my outtake:

PROS:

Cleanser – I love it! It doesn’t strip my skin from it’s natural moisture.

Moisturizing Cream-Gel  - Very light

Mask – My skin felt very soft after using it

Scrub – Skin felt soft and hydrated after use

Eye cream – I have to admit, I was consistent with using it, but the cream was light.

 

CONS:

I just wished the kit came in a bigger package, but at $39.50, you can’t beat it.

Overall, my skin has looked and felt amazing, compared to two weeks ago.  I think next time, I’ll buy the full size products.

KORRES Pomegranate Regimen Kit is available at ULTA.

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Face Going HAM :: My Dermo Visit Recap

By Melissa · Comments (2)
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Over a month ago,  I explained how I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist because my acne was getting out of control (Connect the Dots).  I booked an appointment with Dr. Agnes Chang from the Integrated Dermatology of K Street.  I had to wait a whole month until I could get in to see Dr. Chang, but according to her ratings on ZocDoc.com, evidently, she was worth the wait.

Based on my experience with most doctors, I expected that Dr. Chang would simply ask me what was wrong and she’d just prescribe me medication and tell me to be on my way.  She exceeded my expectations.  When she walked in,  she was glammed out — forget the lab coat, she rocked a faux fur trimmed sweater, hair shiny and wavy, makeup neutral yet radiant and a fresh gray polished manicure.

She was very attentive, engaging and proactive.  She asked about my skincare concerns and questions about products I have been using, allergies, etc.  She then examined my face and told me, “Melissa, we’re going to get your skin cleared up!”.  That’s all I needed to hear to feel optimistic.

She prescribed me with antibiotics that I must take once a day and Atralin, a gel that I apply to the problem areas at bedtime each night.  She informed me that changes won’t happen over night, that it may take some time, but with consistency, it will clear up.

I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Chang at the end of the month.  I have to bring the products that I have been using to this visit.  Along with the meds, I’ve decided to cut back on the sweets and drink more water.  Hopefully things should improve by next visit..  Either way I’ll keep you guys posted.

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Fast Forward :: Seafoam Green Color Trend for Spring 2012

By Melissa · Comments (2)
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Winter has just started, but as you know, the world of beauty and fashion is forever evolving.  So as you prepared for the New Year, here’s an upcoming color trend to get ready for in Spring 2012.

Ripped straight from the runway, from Oscar de la Renta to Vera Wang,  seafoam green has been deemed the color for 2012, and not just in apparel or shoes, but, also in makeup.  Seafoam green is a beautiful, cool and refreshing color that can liven up just about anything. Take a look for yourself:

1. OPI in “Mermaid Tears”

2. China Gaze in “Refresh Mint”

3. Julep in “Miranda”

4. Essie in “Mint Candy Apple”

5. MAC Cosmetics in “Mischievous Mint”

 

1. Nars “Cleo Duo”

2. NYX “Seafoam”

3. MAC Cosmetics “Aquavert”

 

I tried the seafoam trend with Tarte’s Spring Greening Reusable Straw Palette.  I mixed the teal and golden lime colors and here’s what I got:

This color makes me so anxious for Spring 2012!  What do you think of seafoam green?  Would you rock it?

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Winterize Your Skin Routine

By vanityrich · Comments (1)
Monday, November 14th, 2011

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?


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I Don’t Like Mondays ::Tips for Fighting Monday Blues & Getting Beauty Rest

By vanityrich · Comments (2)
Monday, September 26th, 2011

“It’s just another manicMonday 
I wish it was Sunday 
‘Cause that’s my funday 
My I don’t have to runday 
It’s just another manic Monday” The Bangles

I won’t go as far as to say I HATE Mondays, but let’s just say, Mondays is my least favorite day of the week and here’s why:
  • After sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday, it’s a little difficult trying to drag myself out of bed at 5:30am.  
  • It’s the beginning of the work week, so I’m bombarded with all the work/messages/e-mails that were leftover from the weekend.
  • Playtime is over! All the leisure time, weekend getaways, football parties
  • I have to anticipate 4 more long days until the weekend.  

Interesting enough, I came across a great article in the October issue of my “Beauty Bible”, InStyle Magazine 
“Wake Up Gorgeous!  How to Turn Sleep into Beauty Rest”.  The article offered ten steps that will help you awaken well rested and fabulous the next morning.  Although these tips can help with any day of the week, I think they can be especially helpful with MONDAYS!!!!

1. PREP HAIR BEFORE BED In the article they suggested using dry shampoo the night before, if your hair looks greasy to suck up the oil.  One thing I have tried to absorb the oil in my hair is baby powder and believe it or not, it works!  So if you don’t have dry shampoo, try baby powder.  Before I go to bed, I usually spray it with sheen, wrap or roll my hair and cover with a scarf, so that the next day, I can just comb it down or take out the rollers and go.

2.  PUT DOWN THE POPCORN If you must have a late night snack, avoid salty foods and opt for grapefruit with ginger. Grapefruit will hydrating, while ginger is an anti-inflammatory that also calms the skin.  I’m not a big fan of grapefruit, so I would probably substitute it with berries.  Also, I have been using Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Wash   Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub which has worked wonders for my skin.

3.  POUR SOME FENNEL TEA If you’re waking up feeling a little bloated in the morning, the seeds in fennel tea help fight gas.  I love my coffee in the morning, but 

4.  GIVE YOUR EYES SOME CAFFEINE Puffy Eyes?  Try a caffeine-infused cream at bedtime.  It reduces water accumulation overnight and constricts blood vessels so dark circles appear lighter. Instead of going out to buy some expensive cream, I would suggest buying Preparation H  at your local drug store. 

5.  FAKE A SUNRISE  I am not a fan of loud alarm clocks, but, let’s face it they do the trick.  Nicolas Ronco, CEO of N.Y.C.’s Yelo Spa has a better solutions.  Ronco says the light in simulated sunrise clocks “increases gradually, signalling your brain to slowly bring you out of sleep, so you wake up more fresh-faced and alert.  

6.  MAKE YOUR OWN STEAM ROOM  After washing your face, turn your shower on hot, close the door, and let your skin soak up the mist.  

7.  CLEANSE, RINSE, REPEAT The article suggest washing your face twice in the evening, first with a milky cleanser to remove makeup and lastly with a gel cleanser to eliminate oily residue.  Depending on what skin type you have, maybe this will work for you.  People with sensitive or dry skin, may not want to use a gel cleanser.  Personally, because I have oily skin, I don’t like using milky cleansers.  It just seems like it just lays there, so I’d much rather use a wipe, or black soap to remove my makeup.  

8.  STICK A BANDAGE ON IT If you have a pimple, before bed, apply an anti-inflammatory cream, then seal it with a water proof bandage.  Dr. Sherber  says, “this intensifies the potency, so the next morning the pimple will be smaller and less red.  It’s nearly as effective as getting a steroid injection.”  As someone who suffers from occasionally breakouts, I think I might try this.

9.  PAMPER YOUR RINGLETS  For my curly hair divas, if you wash your hair at the end of the day, coat your curls with gel.  Your curls will soften overnight.  

10.  SKIP THE BOOZE, BUBBLES AND JUICE  Alcohol is dehydrating and it causes blood vessels to dilate which leads to flushing and puffiness. So if you plan on going hard the day before, avoid mixing liquor with carbonated beverages or sugary juiced that can worsen fluid retention and remember to drink a glass of water for every cocktail you down, to help stay hydrated.  

I have two more to add…

11.  STOP SLEEPING IN  I know, I know, it’s so much easier said then done, but sleeping in will only disturb your body clock and leave you tired on Mondays.  Read the article

12.  FIGHT THE MONDAY BLUES  According to a study by Marmite, you can beat the Monday Blues, by “indulging in activities like watching television, having sex, online shopping, buying chocolate or make-up, or planning a holiday”.



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Keeping Up With The Joneses :: Fall 2011 Beauty Trends

By vanityrich · Comments (4)
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Fall doesn’t officially start until the 23rd, but judging from this upcoming weekend’s weather report, it’s pretty much already here. So time to pull out the layers and switch up the trends…and in case you aren’t familiar with the Fall 2011 beauty trends, here they are, fresh off the runway:


Red Lips  – Nothing is more daring and liberating than a woman in red…lipstick that is.in different shades variations of wine red, fire engine red, red velvet to neon red  to matte or shiny .

Remember: Blue based for fair skin and orange based or deep reds for dark complexions


Spider/Spiky Lashes – Clothes shouldn’t be the only thing you’re layering on this Fall…how about mascara?  Long, thick and voluminous lashes are  in this season, so don’t forget to pile on the mascara on both upper and lower lashes and don’t be afraid to try falsies.

Remember:  It’s all about the layers. Apply one coat of mascara to lower lash then top lash. Let dry and repeat the steps.



Smoky Metallic Eyes - Silver, gold and bronze, oh my! It never hurts to add a little sparkle to your palette.

Remember:  If you have dark skin, avoid silver and instead use golden or bronze colors.


Dramatic Eyeliner - Time the bring on the drama! For all my Drama Queens or Kings, if you really want to make a statement, try going bold with black eyeliner.



Flushed Cheeks – A simple way too add a little glow to your complexion is using pink blush.

Remember:  Cream blush is great for normal skin, but for oily or dry skin, stick with the powder.


So what look will you be trying this Fall?

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All The Pregnant Ladies :: Pregnancy Makeup Tips from Bobbi Brown

By vanityrich · Comments (2)
Monday, August 29th, 2011
I’m sure you’ve all heard the news that Beyonce and Jay-Z are expecting their first child.  She sort of announced it (I say sort of because she didn’t say anything, she just opened her blazer and showed her lovely baby bump and rubbed it) at the end of her performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Look at her, just glowing! Congrats to Bey and Jay!


Anyway, since there seems to be something in the water, I thought it would be a great time to do a post on pregnancy makeup tips. I know, during those nine long months, you body doesn’t seem like its own.  With morning sickness, swollen ankles and all the only symptoms that come along with pregnancy, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is “giving good face”, but you can still keep it glam and simple while preggers.

Makeup extraordinaire, Bobbi Brown suggest:

What about those days when you don’t have time for a full make up or you really just need a lift? “Blush is the best way to give yourself a boost,” says Brown. Her signature technique is to apply a bronzer or skin tone blush across the whole cheek as a base and then a splash of pink right on the ‘apple’ for a natural, I-just-finished-exercising, look. Pregnant women can also give themselves a beauty and mood boost by spritzing on a clean, fresh scent. Choose something light and pretty, says Brown, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.



“I like to recommend that pregnant women keep their beauty routine simple and easy,” says Brown. Her list of essentials includes a concealer for blotchy or uneven areas and dark undereye circles, yellow-toned foundation (which Brown swears is best for all skin types), a pink blush, and your favourite lip colour. For best results, Brown recommends first putting on concealer (one shade lighter than your foundation) just where it seems necessary, because that may be all you need. Then apply foundation, but only on the areas without concealer. Doubling up just cancels out the effect of the concealer, she says.


She says: “For many women, pregnancy is a time when their bodies do not feel like their own. Make-up can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control. In fact, one of the biggest beauty mistakes pregnant women can make is opting out of make-up altogether.”

Instead, adjust your skincare regime for those pregnancy-related changes. “Add more moisture to combat dryness or switch to oil-free formulas if your skin is feeling greasy,” says Bobbi.

During pregnancy, dark often appear on your skin. “To cover hyper-pigmentation, apply a corrective concealer using a brush,” recommends Bobbi. “Apply foundation over your entire face, using a light touch to avoid wiping away the concealer. Use your fingers to press additional foundation into areas where needed, and then set it with powder.”



What about those days when you don’t have time for a full make up or you really just need a lift? “Blush is the best way to give yourself a boost,” says Brown. Her signature technique is to apply a bronzer or skin tone blush across the whole cheek as a base and then a splash of pink right on the ‘apple’ for a natural, I-just-finished-exercising, look. Pregnant women can also give themselves a beauty and mood boost by spritzing on a clean, fresh scent. Choose something light and pretty, says Brown, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.

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