Mischo Beauty: March 2009

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers 101 & Phytospecific

I'm inviting those of you who might need a refresher on the difference between "lye" and "no lye" hair relaxers to visit my "Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers 101" post from last month, and please feel free to leave questions for me in the comments section. I'm shifting the focus of today's post to Phytospecific's Level 2 Collection, which is formulated to "hydrate and nourish ultra-dry hair".

And so to clarify, this collection is also for color-treated and relaxed hair and is formulated with plant extracts and essential oils. About 95% of my hair falls into the "ultra-dry" category, and the other 5% falls into the "relaxed" category (I still have relaxer on my ends in certain areas) - so this collection was perfect for me!

I started with the Intense Nutrition Shampoo, which I think I used a little more than was required (hence the crumpled tube pictured above!). The shampoo is formulated with macadamia, kukui and castor oils and it's consistency was a lot thinner than I'd expected- I believe that's why I used more than was actually needed. It lathered, had a very mild scent and rinsed with no issues.

I used the Intense Nutrition Mask as a deep conditioning treatment, leaving it on for 20 minutes while sitting under a hooded-hair dryer. It's a nourishing conditioner with sunflower, mango and rapeseed oils and it worked like magic! Loved it! It softened and completely detangled my hair and that's a huge deal! My hair type is 4B and when it gets wet, it's very hard to detangle. After using the mask, I was surprised and delighted - I highly recommend it!

The Integral Hair Care is a leave-in conditioner formulated with wheat protein, pro-vitamin B5 and hibiscus flower extract. It protects against heat styling and UV rays. It was my second favorite product in the collection. I applied this leave-in to my hair while wet and proceeded to blow-dry and flat iron my hair. My finish was AMAZING! Let me repeat that, my finish was AMAZING! My type 4B hair was smooth, shiny and had body and movement. Loved. this. product!

The only product I didn't use was the Moisturizing Styling Balm. My hair seemed to be satisfied with what I'd already used and I loved my finish, so I didn't feel the need to use it. But, just so you're aware-the styling balm is formulated with althea and sunflower extracts, is meant to be used daily and provides light hold and shine. It also protects against UV rays.

Phytospecific products are formulated without parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals and phthalates. The Level 1 Collection is formulated to hydrate normal to dry hair, and the Level 3 Collection is formulated to hydrate, nourish and repair damaged or brittle hair.

I love what I've tried so far and highly recommend it! Have you tried Phytospecific products? If so, any thoughts you'd like to share?

Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Delirium & Co. Candles

So the candle of the moment for me happens to be Delicate Bouquet by Delirium & Co. (not a surprise!) and I'm happy to announce that one reader will win this candle and one reader will win a China Tea candle, also by Delirium & Co. Here are the details:

Delicate Bouquet Candle: "This candle is a flowering harmonic weave of lilac, lily of the valley, white jasmine, peach flower and ylang ylang."

China Tea Candle: "This candle is a sophisticated exotic fusion of bergamot, Ceylon tea, citrus accord, tea blossoms, raspberry and seaside moss."

So here's how you can win! The Delicate Bouquet and China Tea candles are part of the "Silver Period" collection of candles. Tell me the names of the remaining three candles that complete this collection and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winners will be chosen at random on Sunday, April 5th!

Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Shu Uemura Art of Hair's Silk Bloom Collection Winner!

And the Shu Uemura Art of Hair's Silk Bloom collection winner is:

Comment #13: "Butta"

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering!!!

Mischo Beauty Pick: Vespera Bionic Serum by Exuviance

So by now you all know that I'm a huge advocate of healthy skin, knowing your skin type and at-home skincare regimens. I'm a fan of Exuviance skincare products and wanted to introduce you to their newly launched serum called Vespera Bionic Serum.

If you're asking "why should I use a serum", then please review my "Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101" post. This serum is an anti-aging treatment and can be used alone or with other treatments (for example, a mask!) to boost their effectiveness. It is recommended for all skin types. Visit Neostrata.com to learn more.

Mischo Beauty: Three Custom Color Specialists

I recently tried a lipstick called "Whisper" and a Mood Lighting Shimmer Creme called "On Fire" by Three Custom Color Specialists. I'll be honest and tell you that this is the first time I've tried any of their products. I was surprised to learn that they've been around since 1997! They offer exclusive custom blended and ready-to-wear color cosmetics for eyes, lips, cheeks and face for every skin tone(how can you not LOVE that!).

So, Whisper is a creamy, shimmering nude with flecks of gold and bronze. Inspiration for it's creation was drawn from the Spring '09 runway shows of Donna Karan, Milly, Juan Carlos Obando and Carlos Miele. And because it's sheer, it works with every skin tone. If your preference is for more shine, then it's also available in a lip gloss, also called Whisper.

On Fire is a cream base highlighter that I found to be very light weight and creamy, and I loved that it dried down to a powder finish. The color is described as a "bronzed shimmer with a swirl of opalescence". It's buildable, especially if you're using it along with your favorite blush. It also comes in a shade called "Afterglow". Depending on the look you're trying to achieve, I think both would work with just about every skin tone.

I'd love to know your thoughts on Three Custom Color Specialists, and if you've tried these products!

Mischo Beauty Pick: Delicate Bouquet Candle by Delirium & Co. Candles

So I'm still loving Delirium & Co. candles, specifically the "Silver Period" collection of candles. You might remember me telling you how much I loved the Pear & Violet candle a few months ago. Well, now I've moved on to the Delicate Bouquet candle and it's fragrance is simply amazing!

The fragrance is a blend of lilac, lily of the valley, white jasmine, peach flower and ylang ylang. And I've found that the scent lasts for hours after burning it for just a short period of time. And like the Pear & Violet candle, it's also encased in translucent, reflective silver glass. To view the entire "Silver Period" collection and the "Blue Period"collection of candles, visit candledelirium.com.

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Twist Spring 2009 Nail Polish Collection

My friend, Shalon (an expert manicurist at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa) has always had great things to say about Zoya Nail Polish. I trust what she says because not only does she use Zoya day-in and day-out on her clients, but she's been doing nails for 7 years and has used just about every brand out there.

Now I'd posted Zoya's "Manhattan" without trying it, because I loved the color. My interested was further inspired after following Zoya on the runways during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Well, lucky for me, I was finally able to check out Zoya's Twist collection for Spring 2009.

The colors from left to right are: Moxie (vibrant red plum cream), Cassi (shimmering soft peach), Barbie (shimmering soft pink), Malia (violet cream), Jo (shimmering silver blue metallic) and Harley (soft shimmering gray).

I loved all of the colors, but my color of choice for this post was "Malia"- such a pretty color! My nails reminded me of the Easter candy I'm starting to see on the shelves of just about every store right now!

In general, I found the nail polish formulations to be highly pigmented; and very rich and creamy. No watered-down formulations, and the brush was the perfect width for a 3-stroke application. A perfect finish required two coats.

I found the "wear" of the nail polish to be long-lasting, though I know that varies with each individual's day-to-day activities. So after testing the collection out, I now know why it was used on the runways of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and why it's currently used in Red Door Spas throughout the nation!

You should also know that the formulations are free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP and camphor. Zoya is only available at salons, spas and zoya.com.

So what do you think of the collection? Have you tried Zoya?

Mischo Beauty Pick: Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Relaxation Body Care

Crabtree & Evelyn's Aromatherapy Distillations Collection includes the Relaxing, Revitalizing and Purifying rituals. I loved the Skin Conditioning Body Wash and Body Polisher, which are part of the Revitalizing collection. I'm now using the newly launched Gentle Cream Body Wash and the Soothing Body Lotion.

Both are part of the Relaxing ritual and are formulated with natural ingredients and 100% essential oils. So what makes them relaxing? Well both felt great on my skin and were moisturizing, but it's the blend of lavender and rosewood essential oils that made me a believer! Using the Gentle Cream Body Wash in a warm shower was nothing less than instant relaxation.

I followed the body wash with the Soothing Body Lotion and had nothing but sweet dreams! My recommendation is to use it to unwind after a long day, and I'd even recommend taveling with it. After using the set for the first time, you'll be more than happy to transfer it into travel size toiletry containers to ensure it's with you wherever you go!

If you have a "relaxing ritual", please tell me about it!

Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase Special Offer

Experience the ultimate luxury in haircare at a discounted price. Receive 30% off select soon to be out-of-stock products from March 26th - April 10th. Enter promo code VIP30 at checkout to receive the discount! Visit Kerastase Paris to learn more.

Mischo Beauty Review: Deluxe Honeydrop

As we all know, beauty starts from within. If you aren't following a healthy diet, it will eventually reveal itself in your hair, skin and nails!

I've been trying especially hard to watch my diet in preparation for the upcoming 10K I'll be running on April 26th. And so in keeping with a healthy diet, I welcomed the opportunity to try Deluxe Honeydrop.

So what makes these drinks unique is that they're "sweetened with a drop of honey and a drop of deluxe premium juices and teas". They're certified organic by the FDA and the packaging is BPA free.

The flavors include: "Chamomile, Tea & Honey", "Apples & Honey" (my favorite), "Blueberries & Honey" (my favorite) and "Blood Oranges & Honey" (my favorite). Ok, I couldn't just pick ONE favorite this time! :) Each has only 80 calories, with no sugar added and the taste is similar to that of flavored water.

Deluxe Honeydrop was founded and developed by David Luks, a cancer survivor, after studying the benefits of an organic lifestyle. Honey is used in the beverage because not only does it contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals; it also offers fast, instant and lasting energy, making it great for those who workout.

I don't know about you, but when I'm feeling a cold or sore throat coming on- I run for the hot tea, lemon and HONEY! Deluxe Honeydrop is currently available at Whole Foods, natural food stores, and select spas and yoga studios.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Tarte Cosmetics' Cheek Stain

If you haven't tried the Cheek Stains by Tarte Cosmetics yet, please know that you're missing out! I've been wearing "A Perfect Whirled" and "Tipsy" and the color pay-off is both subtle and gorgeous. And yes, I'm impressed!

The cheeks stains are a water-based gel tint and the idea is that they will give you a "natural flushed" look, like "someone just pinched your cheeks". The formula is both alcohol and oil-free, so they should work for all skin types. They also contain an ingredient called "T5 Super Fruit Complex" which is a blend of "superfruits " known to deliver "refinining, restorative and anti-aging benefits".

You should also know that the cheek stains are free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, petro-chemicals and phthalates. Tarte's founder, Maureen Kelly, actually calls her beauty brand "health couture" because she says "it's a chic makeup line that's good for you too".

I almost forgot to mention that "Tipsy" (pictured on the right above) is a sheer coral-pink with a hint of white shimmer and an apricot scent (smells so good!). "A Perfect Whirled" is a coral-pink swirled together with an illuminating seashell-pink and it's actually my favorite of the two! There are eight other shades and yes, there's one for every skin tone. You may view them here.

Mischo Beauty Loves: Claudia Schiffer for Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2009 Ad Campaign

I'm not sure if the title of this post is correct. You see, I know I should be providing you with details on Claudia's hair, makeup, nails, hairstylist, makeup artist and manicurist- but it's the shoes and bags that I've been dreaming about and hence, this post!

Ferragamo's been on my radar recently since falling in love with their White Python Clutch.

View more at salvatoreferragamo.it

Mischo Beauty: Dea Bella Eyelash Conditioner

So while we're on the subject of eyelashes, I thought I'd introduce you to the newly launched Dea Bella Eyelash Conditioner. I know not everyone wants eyelash extensions or to wear false eyelashes, so if I'm speaking to you, then you'll want to check this out!

The eyelash conditioner is a highly concentrated serum formulated with vitamins proven to stimulate hair follicle growth. It's recommended that you apply the conditioner daily, at bedtime.

The claim is "longer eyelashes and thicker eyebrows in 2 to 8 weeks", and it's to be used on both your upper and lower lashes, as well as your brows. Measurable results occur between the third and sixth week.

To learn more, visit deabella.com.

Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101 & Revlon's Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Glue On Eyelashes

If you've been following my blog, you probably know how to apply lashes by now, right? If you need a refresher, please visit my "Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101" post from last month, and please feel free to leave questions for me in the comments section.

So, I have to let you know how much fun I've been having with Revlon's Fantasy Lengths Maximum Wear Glue On Eyelashes. You might remember me telling you a few years ago that lashes were my favorite beauty accessory, inspired by the first Mischo Beauty Icon, Diana Ross, and her iconic look of the 60’s/70’s.

Well the Revlon Fantasy Lengths collection includes five different eyelash styles and comes with a set of eyelashes, eyelash adhesive and an instruction guide. Four easy steps, and with a little practice, you've got new lashes!

I just realized that Revlon's website doesn't list the eyelash styles included in the collection, so I've decided to include photos (please pardon the flash!). Pictured above is style called "Defining", which I believe will give you the most natural look- if trimmed down...