Brave the Winter Chill With Luxe Skin Quenchers

The groundhog failed to show his shadow, so word has it that we may be basking in the heat a bit earlier than expected.  Until then, it's possible that the winter weather could be tearing your skin apart!  Here are some quick fixes I adore that will keep your skin soft, smooth and radiant:

Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse

Orange Extract and Olive Oil work together to remove makeup and impurities and provide intense moisture replenishment to very dry skin. Makes you feel good about taking care.

Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel

A lightweight "water" serum that attracts moisture to the skin and seals it in, leaving the skin soothed and supple.

Clarins Hydraquench Bi-Phase Serum

A deeply penetrating treatment where opposites join forces to change skin!  The oil and water mixture provides double hydration and environmental protection that prepares skin to tackle the most brutal cold.  

Bobbi Brown Soothing Balm

A rich all purpose balm meant for any part of the body that is dry and needs a little something extra.  Use it on your cuticles, elbows, dry patches on the face or even as a dewy highlight for the cheek.  Love Love Love this stuff (doesn't hurt that its pink too-(raise the roof)

Josie Maran Bronzing Argonne Oil

With all the same benefits as the original organic moroccan oil AND-it warms up skin that's been struck pale from winter time hibernation.

D.C. Thinks 'Minx Nails' Work Well With Winter

Mz. Mimz Minx Nails

This if for the Beauty Couture Set: You may have already noticed the buzz about the sexiest thing to hit the (NAIL) scene.  Most publicly seen on Beyonce at the 2009 Grammy Awards, Minx Nails  allow you total creative control literally at your fingertips.  The heat -applied technology looks like new everyday for up to five weeks and comes in a plethora of design, print and color options. But... you pay twice as much as you would for the average $20-$30 full set.  And...every salon isn't qualified to do it.  Luckily, D.C. has some home grown greats underneath it's belt; I happen to know many, but only ONE happens to be certified to make you look brilliant while snatching that boot off the shelf or grabbing a bag of chips, even. Beauty Couturistas-its your time! It's cold outside- Get your hot Minx and steam up the place!


Get It Here:


Destiny De've Hair Salon and Spa
3343 14th Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20010
(202) 234-3383
Technician To See:  Zsameria Rayford (Ziggy)

Zsameria (Ziggy), Her Card

Nail Art By Zsameria Rayford, Hand Model, Mz. Mimz

Beyonce and her Sparkling Minx-Torch!

Beyonce and her Platinum Minx worn with sequins to the 2009 Grammy Awards

Gold Minx Nails

ART FOR YOUR FINGERS

See more at: 
minxnails.com

If It Smells Like Magic, It's Gotta Be Aquolina!

Happy New Year All!


Yes, it's been too long, but to compensate, I've come bearing gifts.
This one in particular may be a BIG help to some of you....
Do you smoke?  Are you always around people who smoke?  Do you live in a household where the aroma of Thursday night's dinner gets stuck in your hair until Sunday?  If so, this one's for you baby.

Aquolina "Pink Sugar" Hair Perfume. 


Yes, fragrance exclusively for your tresses.  It wafts through the air in a romantic blend of caramel, vanilla, bergamot and licorice with light notes of fig and cotton candy. Reminiscent of my first fragrance, Baby Soft "Vanilla", it is youthful, spirited and the perfect pick me up that leaves a subtle signature everywhere you've been.  Excellent for hiding the "secret cigarette" before a meeting or freshening up in between washes.  Love It.  Love the fact that it's $12 even more!  Try the whole line, it's sweet.


Get It Here:
sephora.com

ILLAMASQUA MY MAKE UP COLLECTION!

 A makeup brand that lives up to its slogan, Illamasqua is bonafide  "Makeup For Your Alter Ego".  The pigment is rich, the hues are vibrant and the finish is truly effervescent! Coverage like you need it, color like it's summer vacation and you nobody knows who you are -pure, uninhibited artistry for the face-I'm officially a collector -the creme blusher (in Libido) and the intense lipgloss are my favorite! And the nail varnish! The shades are so unique, even Chanel and NARS are getting a run for their money! (Forget OPI on this one) the no chip resistance is worth the $14!, especially if you've ever dreamed about your manicure lasting more than three days.  Absolutely beautiful items-  order on-line or get yours at Sephora in Georgetwon before the stock goes cold!

http://illamasqua.com
http://sephora.com

MY PICKS: NAIL VARNISH (L)MILF  (R) DWS

MY PICKS: INTENSE LIPGLOSS (TOP) FIERCE,  (BOTTOM) GENDER

MY PICK: CREAM BLUSHER IN "LIBIDO"

the no makeup makeup: campaign to erase eye shadow and other facial ills

Personally, it took me a long time to start wearing makeup (the right way lol!).  So when I find products that give me a polished look without being too heavy or too obvious, I just gush-I can't help it!  I'm making the official introduction of "the no makeup makeup" look:


#1 Clarins Beauty Flash Balm


A multipurpose savior for the visage. The creamy peach colored balm instantly refreshes, tightens the skin and eliminates signs of fatigue, giving the complexion a boost of intense radiance.  Can be worn on bare skin for a healthy, dewy glow, before makeup as a softening primer, or may be used as a 10 minute mask for a high dose of moisture.  Primarily made to improve the skin's texture and appearance, this formula is truly a beauty comfort.




#2 Smashbox Photo- Op Under Eye Brightener


This stuff is a dream.  I know I have done more than enough concealer child's play-trying to find "the" perfect shade that makes me look awake, alert and unmistakably bright- Never found it in a concealer, but I did start to use the Photo-Op Under Eye Brightener by Smashbox.  A shadow diffuser of sorts-the light reflecting properties in the cream distract from shadows cast by broken capillaries and blood-pooling (also known as dark circles).  The effect: Eyes that are noticeably more open and bright.  Perfect for those rushed mornings when you didn't have time to make yourself look alive , or those who hate wearing "real makeup" and just want to look a little bit better without all that other junk.




#3 Too Faced Candlelight Powder


Finally, makeup that is actually good for and good to your skin.
An antioxidant packed light setting powder meant to achieve subtle radiance. Contains pomegranate extract to encourage smooth skin, aloe vera extract to help retain skin's moisture levels, Chamomile to soothe and calm sensitive or irritated skin,  Vitamin C sustains collagen and acts as  a natural brightener, and lastly, a content of pure gold (yes, like earrings) is proven to not only tighten skin, but to refine imperfections.  Amen.  Dust onto the highest point of the cheekbones, the chin, and the bridge of your nose for the right look.

it glitters gold

Benefit, the uber feminine cosmetics line best known for their BadGAl Lash Mascara and Benetint/Posie Tint Liquid Lip Stains now have a winner with their luxe "kitten" powder.  At first I thought the product was defective because I didn't see even a hint of powder in the container...turns out it's all in the fluffy pink puff (yes no mess!) Resembling a mini vintage hat box, the golden champagne powder has a light floral scent and a gorgeous luminous quality that gives sun-kissed a refined, minimalist meaning.  Tap it anywhere for a fresh effect, or on the part of you that needs time to  shine.  Great for a Gift or cute treat to self.


Benefit Cosmetics
http://www.sephora.com 

http://www.macys.com