Thursday, July 30, 2009

Summer Beauty Disasters And How To Fix Them

Thank's to Newschannel 8's Let's Talk Live show for featuring BeautyInDC.com today on their beauty segment! If you've never watched the show you should check it out since it's full of expert advice on a variety of subjects and always has information on current topics. It's on each weekday at Noon and is rebroadcast a few times throughout the day and evening.



The subject of our segment was Summer Beauty Disasters and How To Fix Them. Summer creates some unique beauty problems most of which result from the effects of sun and heat. But there are other problems like self-tanning streaks, chlorin
e in the pool or irritation from extra shaving and waxing. Here are some products that will help:







Problem: Streaky And Spottty Self Tanner

Solution: St. Tropez Self Tan Remover

Just use a cotton ball soaked in this self tanner remover and it will wipe away unsightly streaks or self tanner that is on your palms or between fingers.











Problem: Yellowing Nails

Solution: Essie Non-Yellowing Top Coat

If you wear light colors on your nails exposure to the sun can yellow them in the summer. This top coat by Essie Protects nail polish from harmful UVA/UVB rays and prevents polish from changing color













Problem: Sunburn

Solution: Clinique After Sun Rescue Balm

To ease sunburn pain and replace moisture this product is filled with wheat germ extract and squalane, Clinique After-Sun Rescue Balm hydrates head to toe.





Problem: Chlorine From the Pool

Solution: Kiehls All-Sport Swimmer’s Cleansing Rinse

This gentle sport cleansing rinse has been specially formulated to remove chlorine residue from the hair as well as the skin. This unique formula neutralizes both the odor as well as the drying effects of chlorine. This low-lathering formulation is also enriched with Glycerin, a powerful humectant.













Problem: Irritated Skin

Solution: Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask



Cucumber Gel Masque is an ultra gentle, non stinging, anti-irritant gel mask that can be used daily for hydrating and calming the skin. It can be used to soothe the skin after the most potentially irritating procedures, including extractions, waxing, clinical facials, peels and electrolysis. Good for all skin types , including the most sensitve skin.







Problem:

Everything

Solution: Bliss 20-In-One Wonder Balm



Solves just about any problem due to dryness or burning including sunburn, windburn, hair flyaways, dry cuticles, irritation from waxing and insect bites--you name it and it probably can help. It's also something you can take on the plane since it's not a liquid or gel but a stick.







Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Midsummer Night's Dream...

Shoes, purses, champagne, pampering, jewels and free beauty products--do I have your attention yet??

It's not a dream--they're waiting for you Wednesday, July 29th at the Stuart Weitzman store at Tysons Galleria from 6 to 9pm.

It's the Head To Toe Indulgences event and did I mention the
20 % off all full priced Stuart Weitzman shoes and purses? Their fall collection in and is just as gorgeous as you would expect!

While you sip champagne and wine and enjoy some nibbles the pampering begins courtesy of BeautyInDC.com. Receive a seated chair massage from Yully's Massage, spin the wheel for discounts at Vitalia Medspa, have a mini-manicure from Indulge Mobile Spa or speak to Eva Swersey from Body Elements about having your best, cellulite free figure.

Prima Moda Jewels will have their collection of baubles on site for you to buy and match to your new Weitzman accessories.

And you'll leave with a gift bag filled with spa discounts and fabulous products from Glowelle and plastic surgeon Dr. Michelle Copeland.

Grab your friends and head to a summer oasis of beauty, shoes, jewels and all of your favorite things.

RSVP to Heather at 703-827-9898
or heatherb@stuartweitzman.com.

Stuart Weitzman
Tysons Galleria
2001 International Drive
McLean, VA 22102

Monday, July 27, 2009

And The Award Goes To....

Each year the Cosmetic Executive Women, www.cew.org an organization committed to women in the beauty industry announces their picks in beauty products for the year. In each category they choose one one mass market winner as well one prestige winner for people looking for products in different price points. Here are some of the winners for 2009:



Anti-aging Skincare Mass:


Olay

Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention

Regenerist 14 Day Skin Intervention is a two-week treatment formulated to penetrate the skin’s surface for a reinvigorated, lifted look that helps turn around skin’s appearance. The concentrated formula, containing an Olay peptide-B3 complex, penetrates skin with intense hydration to significantly firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. An intense hydrating system works to improve the skin’s moisture barrier, resulting in stronger skin structure.



Anti-Aging Skincare Prestige:

Clinique

Even Better Skin Tone Corrector


W omen in the U.S. rank uneven skin tone as one of their biggest skin care concerns. Even Better Skin Tone Corrector virtually undoes the visible evidence of sun damage, dark patches, skin stress, age spots and even the darkening that follows acne scarring. Formulated for all ethnicities, it is an exquisitely lightweight, layerable serum that creates a notably more even and clear complexion. Within four to six weeks, it measurably and visibly corrects, clarifies and evens skin tone. Over time, it even helps prevent new dark spots from forming.






Facial Skincare Eye Cream Mass:

Garnier Nutritioniste

Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller

Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller is an easy-to-apply eye treatment that helps diminish dark circles and deflate puffiness, thanks to its exclusive “Skin-Nutrient Complex” and cooling roll-on applicator. It instantly refreshes tired eyes by stimulating microcirculation around skin’s delicate eye area with a gentle-glide, massaging roller.



Facial Skincare Eye Cream Prestige:


White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment

White Lucent Brightening Eye Treatment targets and treats the factors that contribute to dark circles in the undereye region using a Dark Circle Targeting Complex technology that includes Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Other product ingredients include Beech Tree Shoot Extract, which promotes the production of collagen and minimizes dark shadows caused by wrinkles and sagging. For cosmetic benefits, Multi-Luminizing Powder diffuses light on the skin’s surface, minimizing the appearance of dark circles and dullness.




Body
Treatment Mass:

Avon Products, Inc.

Anew Clinical Professional Stretch Mark Smoother

Using our exclusive, first-to-market TriLaser Technology, the formula works to visibly reduce the appearance of stretch marks and help prevent new ones from forming. The technology is designed to h elp boost elastin and stimulate collagen, while utilizing glycolic acid to help smooth the texture and even the tone and color of existing stretch marks. In eight weeks, over 90% of women show improvement in length, depth and visibility of stretch marks.



Body Treatment Prestige:

Ojon

Tawaka™ "The Ball"


Product: Stimula t ing treatment and full-body polish inspired by a cleansing ball used by the Central Ameri can Tawaka tribes Breakthrough: Three ingredients from the Central American rainforests w ere used and added to the Cosmetics Dictionary--Ojon Oil (Elaeis Oleifera Kernel Oil), Ojon Shells (Elaeis Oleifera Shell Powder) and Achiote (Bixa Orellana Leaf Powder) Packaging: Bowl inspired by the handmade basins used by indigenous tribes Unique characteristics: “The Ball” takes up to two days to make and contains the same antioxidant amount as 2,834 lbs. of blueberries



Hair Care, St
yle & Coloring Mass:

Avon Products, Inc.

Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up

Formulated with creatine to strengthen and repair hair, the gentle, peroxide-free color instantly blends away grey roots until your next shampoo. This easy-to-use gel tint formula instantly camouflages greys with a mess-proof, mascara-like brush that ensures quick-dry, targeted application and won’t flake or rub off. Comb on the temporary gel tint formula when grey roots start to show for a fast, easy way to conceal grey hairs between hair colorings.



Hair Care, Style & Coloring Prestige:

Living Proof, Inc.

Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair


No Frizz is the first anti-frizz technology in over 30 years to do what silicones can't--block humidity out of hair without weighing it down. After looking at the vast non-beauty world for inspiration and screening a library of novel compounds, Living Proof discovered a new compound, PolyfluoroEster, and formulated it into No Frizz. The technology reduces frizz by coating the hair fiber with an extremely thin vapor barrier, preventing moisture flux in and out of the hair, and reducing friction between fibers.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Local Author And Beauty Addict Part ll



Part l featured Beth Harbison's latest chick lit book Hope In A Jar, a novel that integrates beauty products and makeovers around the story of Allie and Olivia, high school friends who meet up again at their 20th reunion having followed different paths since graduation.

You'll also be able to relate to the the local setting since Beth grew up locally in Potomac and still lives in the Washington area.

Hope In A Jar is getting national attention with positive reviews recently in People magazine and the Daily Beast.

Beth's previous books were Shoe Addicts Anonymous and Secrets of a Shoe Addict, and any or all three books would be perfect beach companions or birthday gifts for your BFF.



To find a little more about the author and her beauty obsessions we had a few questions for Beth:

BeautyInDC: Why did you decide to become a writer?

Beth: I was a voracious reader and very often a book wouldn't end the way I wanted it to so I'd want to re-write it. Eventually, though, it seemed easier to simply write my own stuff from scratch, so I gave it a try and loved it. It's great to be able to go wherever I want, with whomever I want, any time I want...in fiction.


BeautyInDC
: Can you tell us a little something about yourself--are you married or single and do you have kids?

Beth: I'm married and have two kids and two dogs. My life is very suburban; days at the pool, wine on the porch with the neighborhood women at night. It's good.


BeautyInDC: Is Hope In A Jar somewhat autobiographical--and if so are you Allie or Olivia? And are ome of the other characters based on classmates from Winston Churchill H.S.?

Beth: The characters are not actually based on anyone, though both have many thoughts and feelings I can relate to. I'm working on something at the moment that's a bit more personal, more autobiographical, and it's surprisingly hard. Making stuff up flows a lot faster than writing the truth!


BeautyInDC: What is your writing style--do you write every day, in the morning or night..etc?

Beth: I write whenever I can and basically feel guilty about it all day long when I'm not doing it. It's a viscious cycle.



BeautyInDC: In Hope In A Jar you make a lot of references to beauty products from the past to present--what are some of the favorite products you use?


Beth: I am insane for Hourglass make-up right now. Also Boots no. 7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum - it's really really good; I've noticed an improvement in just a few weeks.



BeautyInDC: Are you working on anything now?

Beth: Yes, I'm working on a book about trying to reconcile past love and loss.


BeautyInDC: If someone wanted to find out more about you and your books do you have a website?

Beth: Yup - BethHarbison.com


Friday, July 17, 2009

Eye Spy A Beauty Event In VA

Do you ever drive past the CIA and fantasize about going undercover for a day as one of those femme fatale spies you've seen in movies?

Here's your chance at a medspa just a few miles down the road from Langley.

Vitalia Medspa www.vitaliamedspava.com is having an "Eye Spy Two Lips & Juleps" event this Thursday, July 23rd from 4 to 7pm.

Sip on a cool mint julep and play their "Eye Spy" game. Look for the Latisse swipe or a pair of red lips throughout the spa and you could win a product, discount or treatment.

Jillian, one of Vitalia's Medical Aestheticians will do Bright Eye Facials as time allows ($75) so you can leave with a new outlook!

And speaking of those eyes Dr. Nancy Tanchel of Liberty Laser Eye Center will answer your Lasik questions and give you a special offer.

Botox will be just $12 Unit at the event (regularly $14)

Cathy of Allergan will have "Spur of the Moment" Juvederm and Latisse discounts.

Georgia of Jane Iredale's Skincare Make-up will be doing eye/lip makeovers.

And Martha, Vitalia's Permanent Makeup Artist can show you the carefree beauty that lies inside you.

You may look and feel like such a different person when you finally step back outside the spy game can continue a little longer....

Vitalia Medspa 7506 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22043 703-356-SKIN (7546) www.vitaliamedspava.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Peel Solution

If you've taken a good look at your skin or even had a skin analysis done you might be shocked at some of the damage due to acne, aging or too much sun exposure. Products can only do so much and maybe you're not quite ready for laser skin resufacing. So what other remedy could give you some moderate to dramatic results fairly quickly?

You could try one of the oldest cosmetic procedures in the world the chemical facial peel...Apparently they were even being performed in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to help people achieve smoother, more beautiful skin.

According to board certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, www.restonfacialplastics.com peels are an excellent way to treat hyperpigmentation, fine lines and acne scars as well as improve the skins texture.


At her offices in Reston and Washington Circle in the District she offers a range of peels from what is commonly referred to as the "Lunchtime" peel to the gold standard of peels, the Obagi Blue Peel which might require a few days of downtime (every woman seems to remember the scene from Sex and the City with Samantha and the bee keeper hat and veil after her peel experience!)

Glycolic peels are more superficial peels that could be done at lunch and will eliminate fine lines by consistently removing the top layer of skin. The strengh of the peels can be increased to suit the needs of the client and can be done in a series for optimal results. The peel can be done on the hands too which tend to be one of the first places to show aging.

The next level would be the 10% Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) peel which will have stronger results and a bit more down time.

The most intense peel with more obvious results is the one that we hear about so much--the Obagi Blue Peel. The peel uses TCA as the active ingredient mixed with the patented Blue Base from Obagi. It shouldn't require sedation and you should have only a few minutes of a burning sensation. Afterwards you may have some light swelling for 2 to 3 days followed by a few days of peeling. Within 7 to 10 days the process is complete , your fine lines should be gone and you should have improved tightening of the skin. Dr. Doud Galli says this peel works extremely well on the eyelids if that's a problem area for you.

Prices for the peels can range from $100 for the glycolic peels, $150 for the 10% TCA peel. The higher strength TCA Obagi Blue Peel costs $800.

Women who have had the peels swear by them as a fairly quick fix for those common skin problems associated with acne, sun damage or aging. A peel could be the answer if you feel like you would like more than a facial but aren't quite ready for other alternatives.

Dr. Suzanne Kim Doud Galli
www.restonfacialplastics.com

1860 Town Center Drive, Suite 260
Reston, VA 20190
Phone: 703-787-0199


or


3 Washington Circle NW
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-828-8383

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

ANTM DC Auditions, Isis, Fierce Walking, Fashion & Fun

America's Next Top Model's first transexual contestant, Isis, reveals a surgery bombshell when "The Traveling Talk Show" goes behind the scenes at the ANTM Cycle 14 auditions! (Music courtesy of The CW; Special thanks to Pentagon City Mall). Footage courtesy of Where's MJ?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Eyes Look Good Despite A Recession

An article in Sunday's Washington Post Business section shot down the prevailing idea that lipstick sales go up in a down economy. Apparently lipstick sales are down 11 percent these days. But things are "looking" up in another area-- eye makup sales. In the last year total eye makeup sales added up to $260 million, an increaase of 8.5 percent. Eyeliner sales were up 9 percent and mascara 13 percent.

In that spirit here are some of the latest and hottest beauty products focused on the eyes!

Before you put on your liner and mascara it's important to use a good concealer. Plastic surgeons in Brazil worked with IT Cosmetics and the result is Bye Bye Undereye.

This concealer offers a waterproof, yet moisturizing formula that will stay put no matter what. The truly innovative formula contains high concentrations of Vitamins K, A, C, E and Collagen - clinically proven to reduce under eye puffiness and discoloration while strengthening the delicate skin of the under eye area. Apparently the coverage is so good that those plastic surgeons use it post surgery on brusing and swelling on the body and face of their patients.

It comes in 4 colors and is $24.00 on www.beauty.com.


Saw this product on QVC and was sold on the fact that it makes you look like you've had 8 hours of sleep even when you haven't! It's Mally Beauty's Lightwand Eye Highlighter and Brightener. Consider it your magic makeup wand. The creamy, long-wearing pencil lets your lighten and brighten your eyes, while the extra-soft sponge on the other end gives a touch of light to the inner corners of the eye and it looks great under the eyebrow too. They're $25 each but QVC has a special deal right now offering a set of two for $31.92. www.qvc.com.



A lot of eye shadow palettes have a lot of colors I would never use but this new one by Tarte has gorgeous, rich looking shades that are all very universally flattering. It's called the Femme Fatale Eye Pallette and includes 10 shadows, a pencil eyeliner and a double ended brush all in a re-usable studded case. It's a $182 value for only $44. Available at Sephora stores or www.sephora.com.




And since the big recession winner seems to be mascara here's one that appears to offer everything we could want for our lashes. It's Urban Decay's Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara. This one mascara will lengthen, strengthen, separate, curl, brighten, and thicken your lashes sans clumping or flaking. The state-of-the-art brush features a flexible shaft and multiple rows of tapered bristles to comb through lashes from root to tip. It comes in Black-Black and is $22.00. Available at Ulta stores or www.ulta.com.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Hope In A Novel Featuring Beauty Products Part I


Beth Harbison's latest book is Hope In A Jar, which is clearly written by a beauty junkie for beauty junkies. Beauty products and their advertising slogans are integral to the story and even serve as the chapter headings. Remember this one: Calgon, take me away! Or for Love's Baby Soft, You can try hard and you can try soft. Soft will get him every time.

The novel 's main characters, Allie and Olivia are inseparable friends from seventh grade through high school until something causes a painful end to the friendship. We don't find out what that is until after they see each other again at their 20th reunion as the novel goes back and forth between the past and present.

What's fun for local readers is that the author grew up in Potomac and so much of the novel features locations you'll recognize from Winston Churchill high school to a reference to the old Capitol Center.

And then are those beauty products. You'll be transported back to your high school years reading about Watermelon Lip Smackers, Sun-In and Bonnie Bell. As adults the characters graduate to brands like Benefit and Philosphy. And yes if you're a true follower of all things beauty you probably already noticed the title refers to Philosphy's best selling face cream.

Harbison's previous novels dealt with another popular obsession....shoes! She also wrote Shoe Additcts Anonymous and Secrets of a Shoe Addict.

Hope In A Jar is a perfect beach or poolside read that might be followed by a trip to Sephora or the department store makeup counter for some new products to add to your arsenal.

Hope in A Jar by Beth Harbison. Available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and book stores. $24.99

Coming soon is Part ll--an interview with the author.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Face Whisperer







When you meet Jodey McGhee, owner of Pure Aesthetica you pretty quickly get the impression she is really passionate about what she does and probably does it well. And after you've had your 3-in-1 facial at Pure Aesthetica you'll feel pretty passionate about the way your skin as been transformed.



This is not your mother's facial! Jodey has taken the whole concept of a facial to another level. After getting an engineering degree and working in the corporate world Jodey felt her true calling was the healing arts and exchanged the science of engineering for the science of aesthetics.



The short description of the 3-in-1 facial is that you receive a sophisticated 90 minute sophisticated, results-oriented facial that helps to rejuvenate, refine, and lift fatigued and sallow complexions. But once you hear about the step by step process you'll realize this is so much more! So clear your schedule, turn off your IPhone and get ready for skin nirvana...



The great thing about Pure Aesthetica's facials is that they are good for all types of skin whether you have acne, sensitive skin or anti-aging issues. Jodey will assess your skins condition and adjust any of the facial's steps to suit your individual needs.



In this hi-tech age Jodey has found 3 different machines with a symbiotic relationship that employ the latest technology to resurface, tighten and nourish the skin. And the treatments don't stop at your face--you'll also receive them on your neck and decolletage which tend to really show our age.



Microdermabrasion with DiamondTome removes the topmost layer of skin with natural diamond chips, while at the same time vacuuming the dead skin cells away in a sterile and controlled manner. Removing this outer layer of dead skin cells leaves a smoother texture and promotes the growth of healthy new skin cells. It's effective on brown spots and hyperpigmentation as well as fine lines and acne scarring.



This is followed by your mini-facelift--yes there is actually a machine that will tone, tighten and contour your skin and it's called the Microcurrent by Bio-Therapeutic.



The third portion of your facial will involve Bio-Oxygen purifying the ambient air, removing nitrogen and other elements. The purified air is then utilized to apply ECHO2Plus products to areas of concern, assisting the infusion and effectiveness.

Echo2<span class=The ECHO2Plus Skin Care Treatment System can reduce the effects of aging by actually nourishing the skin with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and of course, the PURE OXYGEN molecule, all of which are propelled deep into the skin, pore by pore. This revolutionary skin care treatment system leaves the skin healthy, rejuvenated, and beautiful.



Oh but that's not all...in addition to these advanced and effective treatments you'll also receive pampering like a complimentary Hot Foot Towel followed by Warming Mitts for Your Hands & Warming Booties for Your Feet. Then the Grand Finale Stress-less Massage on your Feet, Hands, Shoulder, Neck & Scalp.

Special Deal: Jodey offers first time clients 50% off the price of the facial so you'll receive this entire experience for $75.

Pure Aesthetica (within Vital Mind and Body Therapies)

2201 Mount Vernon Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22301

571-263-1560











Monday, July 6, 2009

Cellulite Doesn't Have A Chance Against These Weapons!


We have probably all heard the stats that something like 90% of all women have cellulite. And while standing in the grocery store line you may have even picked up one of the tabloids featuring "worst celebrity bodies on the beach" where they've caught some size 2 starlet in a bathing suit showing cottage cheese skin on the back of her thighs. In other words it is universal, doesn't discriminate and doesn't seem to be a function of weighing too much or working out too little.

Body Elements in Vienna, VA www.body-elements.com has made it their mission to attack this one stubborn problem that most of us have and no one wants. They peform an FDA approved prodedure called Lipomassage by Endermologie to address those areas of your body that won't respond to diet and exercise or to tighten the skin following a dramatic weight loss.

After completing a package of treatments clients have seen some pretty stunning results which you can check out at http://www.body-elements.com/clientphotos.php.

Now Body Elements now wants to go even further with their treatments. They've bee
n researching and trying some hi-tech products and treatments that can go deeper into the skin while gauging client feedback to zero in on the ones that have been most effective.

One of the most popular products has been
Ilike's Circulation Revitalizing Body Lotion
which uses Hungarian paprika, as well as carrot and cinnamon extracts to regenerate collagen fibers, increase metabolism, improve elasticity in connective tissue and increase oxygen uptake to skin cells. Not only that, but this lotion naturally detoxifies the skin! You can feel the warming effects of the natural ingredients immediately! By stimulating cells and increasing circulation, this lotion naturally helps burn fat cells in fatty tissue and reduces the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and surface varicose veins. It's also perfect for tired and swollen legs, poor circulation areas, and sluggish, pale skin. By combining the Circulation Revitalizing Body Lotion with Endermologie, clients receive a powerful combination that keeps working long after you leave a Body Elements treatment.

Client trials have also led them to a new targeted treatment to add to their aresenal--the Organic Cellulite Body Wrap. The Body Wrap treatment focuses on cellulite, flabby and loose skin as well as stretch marks. By combining Lipomassage by Endermologie with the wrap they can target stubborn, dense cellulite and accelerate the detoxification process even further. The body wrap's natural fruits, vegetables and herbs are massaged deep into your fat cells providing a more robust treatment to increase your metabolism and release toxins. It promotes smooth, tighter and more toned skin and a more sc
ulpted body!

Cellulite beware--Body Elements is watching you and you probably aren't going to be around for long so enjoy what little time you have left!

During July, Body Elements is offering some special deals to try their newest treatment.
Buy a 45-minute Lipomassage session and receive one targeted Organic Cellulite Body Wrap for $150 - that's a total value of $225! You'll save $75 on this one offer alone!
We're so sure you're going to love this treatment that we've created a special package. You can experience ten 45-minute Lipomassage sessions with 10 targeted Organic Cellulite Body Wrap treatments for just $1,695. That's a $450 savings!
For customers who have already purchased a package, you'll receive the targeted Organic Cellulite Body Wrap for 50% off each treatment during the month of July.

Body Elements 2104-B Gallows Road Vienna, VA 22182 703-356-6601