Mischo Beauty: June 2008

Mischo Beauty Loves: Scarlett Johansson for L'Oreal Paris' Superior Preference Haircolor Ad Campaign

I've been a Scarlett Johansson fan since I saw her in "Ghost World" and I loved her Louis Vuitton ad campaign. The hair colorist in me loves her ad campaign for L'Oreal's Superior Preference haircolor. Enjoy.

Do you color your hair at home?

Mischo Beauty Pick: POP Beauty Lip Lust

I decided to give my nude lip look a break and try Pop Beauty's Lip Lust in Flirty Fuchsia. There were three reasons why - first, I loved the color. Though it's fuchsia, it's very sheer and perfect for my "day" look. If I need my look to "pop" I just apply a few layers and I'm ready to go! Second, it contains hyaluronic acid, which retains water (1,000 times it's weight) and helps to plump lips. I was blessed with full, beautiful lips, but I do like that fact that this will keep my lips moisturized. And finally, the size of the tube is perfect for all of the clutches I've been carrying lately. Love it!

Have you tried it?

Pop Beauty Lip Lust No 2 Flirty Fuschia

Mischo Beauty School: Exfoliation 101

I'm sure you all are aware of the benefits of exfoliation, but if you aren't, here's a very quick lesson! Exfoliation is simply the removal of dry, dead surface skin cells. An exfoliant is an ingredient that assists in the exfoliation process. Alpha hydroxy acids and gentle scrubs are examples of what would be called a chemical exfoliant and a physical exfoliant, respectively. You should incorporate exfoliation into your skincare regimen (as I've mentioned before!) and here are the reasons why:

1. Leaves skin feeling silky smooth!
2. Facilitates the extraction of dirt/oil that clogs pores (helps prevent acne!)
3. Faster cell turnover rate (keeps skin younger looking!)
4. Improves the skin's ability to retain moisture (prevents dry skin!)
5. Helps penetration/delivery of product ingredients into the skin
6. Stimulates blood flow
7. Smooth skin makes the application of makeup easier!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron

If you've been following my blog, then you all know that I'm a hairstylist and was taught the proper way to flat iron hair during my apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon. I own about six flat irons- a few of which I bought while in cosmetology school and a few more when I'd started apprenticing. Right now I'm using the Hana Professional 1" Ceramic Flat Iron and I'm loving it! First I love the fact that the ceramic plates are infused with tourmaline, so I can count on an even distribution of heat and a smooth finish with lots of shine. And because I'm always doing my hair on the go (which means I'm wrapping up a hot flat iron and throwing it in my bag- dangerous, I know!) I'm loving the fact that this comes with a heat proof storage pouch and a heat proof silicone mat. And by now we know how important a temperature dial is! I've said this before- not everyone can flat iron their hair on the same temperature setting, without causing damage. This includes a temperature dial, allowing you to set the temperature based on your hair's texture and needs. This is perfect for the jet-setting Beyonce and I recommend it for you!

Any questions?

Because You're Worth It!: Agua Spa at the Delano Hotel

I recommend the South Beach Beauty spa package! Agua Spa at the Delano Hotel. Miami.

Mischo Beauty Closet: Essie's Short Shorts Nail Polish + Christian Louboutin's Altadama Watersnake Shoes

Essie's Short Shorts Nail Polish + Christian Louboutin's Altadama Watersnake Shoes = RING THE ALARM!

Mischo Beauty: Sienna Miller's ELLE UK Magazine July 2008 Cover

As I was searching for the July issue of Italian Vogue in Barnes & Noble last night with no luck, I decided to pick up the July issue of Elle UK. I've loved Sienna Miller since she caught my attention with her short, disconnect bob she wore a few years ago. Her haircut was inspiration for a haircutting competition I won while in cosmetology school. Click this link to watch behind the scenes of her cover shoot.

Love the looks?

(photos courtesy of elleuk.com)

Mischo Beauty Review: Artemis Woman Personal Groomer

I'm recommending this Artemis Woman Personal Groomer to my clients who dread waxing and make it much more of an ordeal than it should be (though waxing isn't for everyone), and also to those who prefer to do their own touch-ups at home in-between waxing appointments. For some it takes time for hair to begin growing on the same growth cycle and I don't recommend shaving in-between waxing appointments. After testing this out, I found that it was easy to use and gentle enough to be used on the eyebrows, face, arms and bikini line.

Any questions?

Mischo Beauty Product Review: Lavilin Natural Deodorant Cream

A few months ago I wrote about my wanting to give natural deodorants a try. I did find a good one, but I've found an even better one! It's Lavilin and it's a deodorant cream formulated with arnica and calendula which work to eliminate the bacteria that causes odor. It's free of aluminum, alcohol, parabens and phthalates. The claim is that it will keep you odor free for up to 7 days, and for me it worked for 3 full days. I liked that fact that the application of the deodorant only required a very small amount and I didn't need to reapply until after the 3rd day. It's water resistant, hypo-allergenic and fragrance free and I highly recommend it!

Have you tried it?

Mischo Beauty Loves: Halle Berry for Versace Spring/Summer 2006 Ad Campaign

As I was searching for a beauty ad campaign to feature, I stumbled on Halle's current Revlon ad campaign. The current campaign seems to be a bit boring- or maybe it's just that all of her Revlon ad campaigns look the same? Or maybe Revlon's website is boring compared to L'Oreal's? Anyway, I remember loving the ad campaign she'd done with Versace back in 2006 and decided to feature it instead. Congrats to all of those (manicurist, hairstylist, makeup artist, fashion stylist, creative director, art director and photographer, etc.) who worked to make this a success!

Mischo Beauty Pick: Dr.Hauschka Daily Face Care Kit

I first learned of the "biodynamic" certification last February after reading an issue of WWD Beauty Biz. It's a beauty certification used to certify products that meet certain requirements, above and beyond the "natural" and "organic" certifications. Dr. Hauschka has been operating for 40 years and produces biodynamic skincare products for every skin type. I've been using the Daily Face Care Kit for normal, dry or sensitive skin and love the fact that it includes a complete skincare regimen - cleanser (Cleansing Milk), exfoliant (Cleansing Cream), toner (Facial Toner) and moisturizer (Moisturizing Day Cream, Rose Day Cream and Quince Day Cream). I did add an eye cream and sunscreen to meet my specific skincare needs. I loved the results and my favorite product in this kit was the Cleansing Cream. It definitely left my skin vibrant and refreshed! I'm somewhat of an exfoliant addict (I LOVE using them) so I have to control myself with the use of them and remind myself that "less is more"! Anyway, this is a great kit for those starting a skincare regimen (which I've stressed over and over again) and perfect for those who travel!

What are your favorite Dr. Hauschka products?

Mischo Beauty Alert: Bendel's Beauty Beach Bag Event

One of my favorite department stores is having another beauty event! If I lived in New York, I'm sure I'd be stopping in here EVERY Saturday! Here are the details:

Shop at Bendel's between June 17 - June 29 and receive a fabulous Henri Bendel Beach Bag with your beauty purchase of $125 or more! Plus, receive seven deluxe samples from Bendel's favorite beauty brands including:

Tarte Cosmetics: Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
Laura Mercier: Chocolate Truffle Body Souffle
Dr. Brandt: Vitamin Moisture Mask
Lancaster Sun: Self Tan Silk Bronze Moisturizing Milk SPF6
Go Smile: AM Whitening Toothpaste
Mally Cosmetics: Runway Tango Eyeshadow
Trish McEvoy: Gorgeous Pink Shimmer Lipgloss

To learn more, please call 1.800.HBENDEL

And for those of you who love reinventing yourselves (I'm included!) with the change of the seasons (summer is officially here!) with a new haircut or haircolor- one option you might consider is doing it with colored contact lenses. Check out the Virtual Color Studio at LensShopper and find the contacts to complement your haircolor and skintone. Find answers to your questions here.

Life is short- enjoy.

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers & Thinning/Breakage 101

Since my post last week, I've received many e-mails regarding the use of hair relaxers resulting in hair breakage and thinning hair, so I've decided to address this issue. Damage from relaxers could result from a number of different reasons. When you're trying to determine the cause, consider the following:

1. The "strength" of the relaxer might be stronger than that needed for your particular hair texture. Relaxers come in "mild, regular or super" strengths. For example, if your hair texture is "fine" and you choose to relax your hair, you should only use a "mild" strength relaxer. Using anything stronger will definitely result in damage and possibly hair loss!

2. Your stylist may not be applying the relaxer properly. It should ONLY be applied to your NEW hair growth, every 6-9 weeks, or depending on your rate of hair growth. No overlapping onto previously relaxed hair!

3. Thermal styling might be an issue. Are you frequently using a curling iron, flat iron or blow-dryer? If so, they might be contributing to your hair thinning/breakage. If you have relaxed hair, you should use the least amount of heat to style it as possible.

4. Do you color your hair? If you use permanent haircolor, the application should be at least two weeks after relaxing or you will experience thinning/breakage and possibly serious hair loss. Also, because your hair will now have to withstand two chemical processes, you should consider using a mild relaxer.

If you're thinning near the scalp, then it's probably from improper application or overlapping of the relaxer onto the previously relaxed hair.

If you're thinning along the length of the hair, then it's probably due to excessive heat from a curling/flat iron, blow-drying or constant chemical overprocessing.

Hopefully you and your stylist are able to identify the problem and implement a new haircare regimen. If you feel that your problem is different from those listed above, I'd recommend you visit a Dermatologist. Please feel free to leave questions in the " Comments" section!

Love your hair.

Mischo Beauty Alert: Italian Vogue July 2008

I love , love, love foreign fashion magazines-as you all have probably figured out by now- and I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the July 2008 issue of Italian Vogue. This is a FIRST! It's due to hit European newsstands next Thursday, and the U.S. shortly thereafter. If you pick it up- I'd love to know your thoughts! Also, if you happen to live in the DC/MD/VA area, please let me know where you find it- as the foreign fashion magazines are hard to find at times...

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Kerastase Serum Oleo-Relax

If you've been following my blog, then you know that I post about Kerastase products quite often. I grew to love them during my apprenticeship with Vidal Sassoon, and had the opportunity to work with just about every product. A great blow-drying serum I loved using on my client's hair was the Kerastase Oleo-Relax. A few pumps added to wet hair, before blow-drying, were all that was needed to control frizz- and because it's formulated with Shorea & Palm Oils, your hair is left soft and smooth- and shiny! T

This would be perfect for Zoe Saldana and her many red carpet appearances. This would not weigh her hair down, nor would it leave it greasy. It makes for an easy flat-iron finish, and with hair this silky, she definitely needs to make sure she's sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase!

Because You're Worth It!: Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel

Why not treat yourself? Here's what I suggest: Pure Indulgence Facial, Ocean Rose Body Wrap, and a Rose Petal Manicure & Pedicure. Agua Spa at the Mondrian Hotel. Los Angeles, CA.

Mischo Beauty Closet: Chanel's Limited Edition "White Satin" Nail Polish + 'Veneve Veneve' Sandals by Cesare Paciotti

Chanel's limited edition "White Satin" nail polish + 'Veneve Veneve' Sandals by Cesare Paciotti = DEJA VU

Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite: Benefit's Hard Angle Brush

So it's Thursday and it's time for my weekly "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" post. I received an e-mail from my reader Shalon, asking me to share her new beauty "must-have"! It's the Hard Angle Brush by Benefit and she uses it for applying a thin line of MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack. She says it gives her that "really open eye look", with no smudges, which eyeliner pencils give her during the summer. She says it's funny, because she only started using the brush to apply eyeliner when she ran out of her eyeliner pencil and now she doesn't know what she'd do without it! She says it can also be used for filling in brows, especially the tail, which you always want both soft and natural-looking.

I love it! Thank for sharing Shalon! Have you tried this brush?

If you'd like to share your favorite beauty products, simply send an e-mail to: mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" in the subject line and tell me all about it!

Mischo Beauty Loves: Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2003 Ad Campaign Featuring Jennifer Lopez

I know this is old, but it's still one of my favorite ad campaigns. I do realize that the ads were touched-up to perfection, but I still appreciate the work (creative director, art director, photographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, manicurist and fashion stylist, etc.) that went into creating them. As my reader Andrea commented the first time I posted this, "That definitely isn't Jenny from the Block... that's Jenny from the Ave right there".... I love my readers!

What ad campaigns are you loving right now?

Mischo Beauty Johnson & Johnson Melt Away Stress Giveaway Winner!

Last week I posted a review on Johnson & Johnson Melt Away Stress products and decided to hold a giveaway last week. Well it's time to announce the winner! But first- a very, very special thanks to all who entered. The winner is Sasha Berry! I can't wait to hear Sasha's thoughts on all of the products! For those still interested in giving the Melt Away Stress line of products a try, please click here for additional information.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Nailtiques Oil Therapy

I decided to give myself a pedicure over the weekend and give my toes a breather from all the fabulous nail polish colors I've been wearing this summer. I'm an easy pedicure, as I never cut my cuticles and I exfoliate in the shower on a daily basis. Since I was removing Revlon's Fuchsia Fever from my toes, and still noticed a few stains- though I'd used a base coat, I decided to use Nailtiques Oil Therapy and the pink side of the Naitiques Pink & Green Sponge File. The green side is for shaping nails and the pink side is soft enough to use for the removal of ridges or stains on the nails. The oil therapy is a blend of vitamin-enriched oils which work to moisturize the nail and cuticles and can be used over wet polish as a drying agent to help set polish. When I was finished my nails were buffed to a smooth, stain-free finish! As I knew I would be in for the evening, I used the Nailtiques Cuticle & Skin Gel, which is a thick blend of glycerin and aloe. I not only applied it to my cuticles, but went ahead and used it for my feet too! Not sure if I was supposed to do that, but I just couldn't resist!

Anyone else using Nailtiques products?

(photo courtesy of nailtiques.com)

Mischo Beauty Product Review: L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Pro Perfect Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist

If you're wanting an instant tan and can get help with the application, then this might be the product for you. After using this I saw my tan develop in about 30 minutes. My only issues with this product were that even though it's a "mist" application, I still felt it hard to apply evenly to my back and the back of my legs. After about an hour, you will immediately see the areas you missed, so I suggest asking a friend for help! My other issue was the DHA (dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient that interacts with the skin to produce the change in color) scent. Maybe my nose is super sensitive, but I smelled it almost immediately. I've tried my fair share of self-tanners over the years, so I'm very familiar with the "funky self-tanner scent"- so much so that I immediately recognize it on other people who are wearing self-tanners with the scent. Anyway, I do know people who aren't bothered by it, and some who don't smell it at all. This might be worth a try if you're looking for a tan in a matter of minutes!

Has anyone used this?

(photo courtesy of lorealparisusa.com)

Mischo Beauty Alert: Bergdorf Goodman Beauty Rewards

I received an e-mail blast from Bergdorf Goodman, that I couldn't resist sharing! A $200 cosmetic or fragrance purchase entitles you to receive an exclusive Felix Rey bag filled with deluxe samples- plus you're eligible to receive an additional beauty reward from certain beauty brands! I've had the Natura Bisse Diamond Cream on my "wish list" for a while now and it's one of the best anti-aging creams because it specifically works to stimulate cell renewal, therefore keeping skin young and vibrant looking. Looks like I need to take advantage of this offer and take the Natura Bisse Diamond Cream off my list!

What's on your beauty "wish list"?