Mischo Beauty Celebrates TWO YEARS!

I'm celebrating my blog's 2nd anniversary today and I'm sending out a very special thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you for your continued support!

I'm still just as inspired as I was the day I started this blog, and yes, I'm still dreaming big dreams. In the spirit of following dreams, I'd like to share this quote with you:

"Your dreams represent some of the most valuable gifts you have to give to life. Dare to dream..." -Ralph Marston

Enjoy your weekend.

Read More......

"Green Your Makeup" on SheBreathes

I'd like to invite you all to visit SheBreathes.com for the final segment of the "green your beauty routine" series entitled "Green Your Makeup". Yes, there are "greener" options when it comes to makeup, and you'll learn more about a few of my favorites. Enjoy your weekend.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Erno Laszlo Active Phelityl Two-In-One Cleanser & Sea Mud Two-In-One Cleanser

By now, you all know how much I love talking about skincare! And because I know many of you are probably making adjustments to your skincare regimen, due to the change in the seasons, I'm happy to announce my giveaway of the following cleansers by Erno Laszlo:

- Active Phelityl Two-In-One Cleanser
- Sea Mud Two-In-One Cleanser

Four readers will win one of the cleansers listed above. Simply tell me which cleanser you'd like to try, your skin type and the name of the Dr. Erno Laszlo mask I reviewed a few months ago. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, June 5th!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: MAC Style Warrior Makeup Collection

I haven't posted about a new MAC collection in a while, simply because it seemed that there was a new launch monthly and I just couldn't keep up! Well their latest launch, Style Warrior, caught my eye and I've just learned that the new collection is available now- but for a limited time only!

To view the complete collection, please visit www.maccosmetics.com.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Cantu Shea Butter Products

"Since its inception, Cantu Shea Butter has been committed to providing quality, cost-effective hair and skin care products, each formulated with pure Shea Butter. Today, the brand underscores its commitment to revolutionary beauty with the introduction of three new products including":

- Clear Conditioning "Extra Hold" Shine Gel
- Nourishing Body Oil
- Body Butter

The products are perfect for the beach and I'm so happy to announce that 5 readers will win this set of products! Simply visit cantusheasoft.com and name a product (not listed above) that you'd love to try and tell me why. Winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday, June 2nd!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Alert: 3LAB & Calypso St. Barth Partner to Celebrate Summer

What: To celebrate this partnership, Calypso St. Barth will be hosting a Memorial Day Weekend event where a 3LAB aesthetician will conduct complimentary mini-facials and consult on optimal skincare treatments.

Where: Calypso St. Barth, 21 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-329-0033

When: Memorial Day Weekend

Why: 3LAB has created the exclusive 3LAB/Calypso East Hampton Escape ($55), a travel set of summer essentials showcasing deluxe miniature versions of their summer must have products: 3LAB Perfect Cleansing Gel, Perfect Balancing Toner, "M" Cream, Perfect "C" Eye Treatment, Perfect Mask and Perfect Sunblock, SPF 55.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Alert: Kinky-Curly Beauty Event

What: Mix & Mingle with Shelley Davis (creator of Kinky-Curly) and Wilshire Beauty as they celebrate the launch of Midnight Miracle

Where: Wilshire Beauty, 5401 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036, 323-937-2001 (space is limited - rsvp a must)

When: Saturday, May 30th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Why: For an afternoon of healthy hair care tips, free samples, gift basket giveaways & product demos!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves Miss Jessie's

I've had love and admiration for Titi and Miko (founders/owners of Miss Jessie's) for years now. You see they've been a inspiration to me (they're doing exactly what I'm working to achieve!) and were the subject of my very first post on this blog. At any rate, they opened the doors of Miss Jessie's Salon in 1997 to respond to the demand for expertise in curly, kinky and wavy hair.

The Miss Jessie's product line (named after their grandmother) was inspired by their grandmother's spirit for finding solutions. And most recently they've launched the Creme De La Curl shampoo (sulfate free) and the Creme De La Creme conditioner. I found the Creme De La Curl shampoo to be gentle and very moisturizing. There's no lathering and definitely no suds involved, so no worries about dry/stripped hair. I'll admit that it's taken some getting used to, but I love it!

The Creme De La Creme conditioner is just as gentle as the shampoo and it is recommended for a range of hair types/issues - natural, dry, color and chemically treated. I highly suggest using it as a follow-up to the Creme De La Curl shampoo.

My type 4B hair is currently chemical-free, but I don't use the curly products because I usually wear my hair straight. But, I've told you all before how much my mother loves the Curly Buttercreme and Curly Pudding. My favorite product is the Rapid Recovery Treatment. It's an intense deep conditioning treatment that works wonders on the hair. And, a product that can detangle my hair in its natural state is definitely a MUST-HAVE for me! Seriously!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Alert Reminder: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary (FREE!) Hair Services

I wanted to remind you all about the Kerastase "Our Treat" Event happening now! Be sure to check out the Kerastase blog for photos, stories from clients and updates from events in New York City, Chicago and San Francisco. Enjoy!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's La-Di-Da & Ooh-La-La Summer 2009 Nail Polish Collections

I thought I had every possible nail color imaginable for summer until I discoved Zoya's Summer 2009 Collections: Ooh-La-La and La-Di-Da! Ok, aren't you just loving the names of the collections! How can you not???!!!

The Ooh-La-La collection includes six metallic shades (left to right): Katy, Tallulah, Midori, Goldie, Emme & Ginessa.

The La-Di-Da collection includes six cream shades (left to right): America, Dita, Renee, Paz, Ali & Pippa.

It was hard for me to pick a color to swatch because they all called my name, but Paz won! It's a rich, bright creamy orange that looks almost fluorescent in dim lighting (as shown above). Zoya describes it as an "ultra bright neon orange".

I used two coats, although one would have worked and yes, I've fallen in love with it. This color reminds me of nothing but long, warm, fun and carefree summer days. I'm so glad summer is here!

Zoya Nail Polish is free of formaldehyde, toluene, DBP & camphor, and is only available at salons, spas and zoya.com.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves CHANEL's LUMIERES CELESTES Lip Color Collection

You all know I love lip gloss by Chanel. Well, they've recently released their "Lumieres Celestes" lip color collection and every color is perfect for summer! From Chanel:

"CELESTIAL SHIMMER: Discover a mesmerizing lip colour collection inspired by Mademoiselle Chanel's fascination with the constellations. Eight exquisite new shades of Levres Scintillantes Glossimer bring a brilliant reflection of light to the lips."

This collection includes:

TOP ROW (left to right): Meteore, Venus, Silex & Mirage

BOTTOM ROW (left to right): Cosmos, Jupiter, Nebula & Mica

Love it?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Review: Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper & Vivid Impact Impact Lipcolor

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to test Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper in #402 Black Velvet and Vivid Impact Lipcolor in #28 Rose Rage.

I had high hopes for the mascara, but unfortunately it did not work for me. The most I was able to achieve from it was lash separation. There was no lengthening and no volume at all.

Oh, and I will tell you that I did apply three coats to each side.

I loved the lipstick! The texture is rich, smooth and moisturizing, with a high color payoff.

My only issue with the lipstick was that #28 Rose Rage wasn't the best color for me. My picks are #72 Vegas, Baby and #20 Skinny Dip- and I can't wait to try them out!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Giveaway: 3LAB Super "h" Serum Winner!

And the 3LAB Super "h" Serum winner is:

Comment #4: Hypnotic

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

Read More......

"Green Your Haircare Routine" on SheBreathes

I wanted to let you all know that I am now the resident beauty expert over on SheBreathes.com! I'd like to thank Ms. Shoo for this wonderful opportunity- I am so honored. I'd like to invite you all to check out my current contribution, "Green Your Haircare Routine", and please enter to win the Phyto Collection for Dry Hair! Enjoy your weekend.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary (FREE!) Hair Services

What: Kerastase aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in a complimentary (FREE! yes, FREE!!) signature treatment and blow dry at participating salons.

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Where: Participating Kerastase Consultant Salons (the list will be available May 15th on the Kerastase website). For salon locations please call 877.748.8357 or visit www.kerastase-usa.com.

Also, Mark Garrison in NYC, Maxine Salon in Chicago and Joseph Cozza Salon in San Francisco will be treating clients like true VIP's. Clients will walk in on a red carpet and receive catering and refreshments upon entering the salon.

Why: Well you all know how much I love Kerastase- I've only blogged about it here, here, here, here (you get the point! *smile*), and also because these aren't the best of times for everyone and everyone deserves to be pampered. So treat yourself and please take advantage of this offer!!!!!!!

Photo Source: Butterfly Studio

Read More......

BeautyLogic Blog's Clarisonic Giveaway!

One of my absolute favorite beauty bloggers, DE of BeautyLogic, is celebrating reaching her 300th post by hosting a giveaway of a Clarisonic Skincare Brush! Now you all know how much I love my Clarisonic and how I'm always talking about using it during my mini-facials.

So here's your chance to win one for yourself! Check out her YouTube video above and be sure to visit her blog and get entered to win. Good luck!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Giveaway: The Makeup Show NYC Ticket Winners!

And the Makeup Show NYC ticket winners are:

Comment #1: Product Junkie Diva
Comment #12: Stella Kae

Please email me your full names, contact information and the day you'd like to attend the show ASAP! Thanks to everyone for entering!!!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves GEORGIA Beauty Boutique & Salon

I hope you all had lovely weekends. I know I did - especially since learning about a flagship boutique and salon called Georgia. It's described as "the ultimate boudoir for the modern woman" and I think I've fallen in love with it!

The stylish boutique and salon is owned by Jodie Patterson whose background includes fashion and entertainment, and sister-in-law/finance expert Kiara Ellozy. Their love of beauty and obsession with healthy hair and skin naturally led them to open Georgia. The intimate space, designed by Serge Becker and Christian Wassman, includes aged foundation walls, sleek brass-rimed shelving, marble counters, antique wooden doors, floor-to-ceiling linen drapery and 10 foot windows.

I'm loving the boutique's "inspiration wall" which includes photos of the owners, as well as photos of family, friends, artwork and beauty icons we all know and love.

I about died when I saw the black tiled heart-shaped shampoo area! So unique- and the perfect signature touch- I love it! The private salon is tucked away in one corner and staffs six stylists, trained to care for all hair types. Specialties include cuts, color, extensions, weaves, braids and dreads. And those of you with textured hair (wavy, curly, kinky, etc.) should know that the salon has become the go-to for your specific hair type!

The boutique offers 40 select brands of products from all over the world, including drugstore brands as well as your high-end brands. They also carry styling tools, hair accessories from France and hair extensions. I was so happy to learn that they carry a few of my personal favorites such as Davines, Phyto, Jane Carter Solution, Mixed Chicks and Hair Rules.

In addition to the jewelry, lingerie and skin and body products carried by the boutique, they also carry their own signature line called G & Company. It includes a body cream (top seller), body wash, hair brushes, silk pillowcases (you all know how I feel about silk pillowcases! If you don't have one you need to get one ASAP!) and candles.

So now you all know why I've fallen so hard! This is a dream come true for a beauty lover!!! I'd love to know your thoughts. Do share!

You may visit Georgia at:

89A East Houston Street
(between Elizabeth and Bowery)
New York, NY 10012
T: 646.827.2428
W: www.georgiany.com

Photo Sources: Georgia, DanielKrieger.com & Racked.com

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Interviews 3LAB's co-founder Erica Chung & Giveaway!

I had the opportunity to take a tour of 3LAB last September during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and of course the chemist in me loved it! Well today I'm excited to present to you an interview with 3LAB's co-founder Erica Chung. Enjoy!

What makes 3LAB products different from other skincare brands currently on the market?

We have a state of the art R&D and manufacturing facility on the premises so we're constantly working together with the scientists and being introduced to newest ingredients as they become available in the market.

We are very conservative with our money except when it comes to investing into the highest qualities of ingredients for the products. We use the newest and most efficacious ingredients and we put the highest quantities into our products so they work on skin immediately.

Our goal is to create the perfect skincare products that will work for the people and we'd rather put our investment into jars than advertising.

What are your best tips for transitioning one's skincare regimen into the spring/summer months?

Protect your skin using sunscreen that defends against both UVA/UVB rays. Also, use anti-aging products to help delay the process of skin aging even if you don't have deep wrinkles to prevent them from showing up too soon.

Use 3LAB Perfect Mask 1-2 times a week to speed up circulation (it makes my skin look so radiant) and treat dehydrated skin from the heat and cold during the winter.

What's your top beauty secret?

I concentrate on the products targeting the skin's clarity and pigmentation because wrinkles are not the only sign of the skin's age- for many people, uneven complexion of the skin is. Clear and even skin tone is the key sign of youthful and healthy skin.

What's your favorite 3LAB product and why?

Multi-functioning Hydra Day with Water Based SPF 20 cream helps to show the perfect color of the makeup I put on each morning and stays that way without oxidizing or giving off too much shine. The formula is oil-free, yet hydrates the skin and is non-clogging to the pores. This cream is perfect for all skin types.

Super "h" Serum (launching exclusively at Barneys New York stores this May) is the reason for the complements I'm getting from people these days! They say that I look 20 years younger than my actual age of 52, and I love it! It gives my skin the radiance, firmness and clarity I've never had in my youth!

Thank you, Erica!

So here's how you can win the Super "h" Serum (valued at $300)! Just leave a comment below telling me why you'd like to try it, along with your email address (3LAB would love to keep you updated on upcoming events!) and you'll automatically be entered to win. The contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, May 17th. Contest open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen at random.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Pick: Givenchy's Le Soin Noir & Summer 2009 Makeup Collection

After reading about Givenchy's launch of Le Soin Noir over the holidays, I could not wait to try it out for myself. It's a rich anti-aging cream which contains the Vital Black Algae Sap Concentrate which works to promote and maintain cell renewal, which in turn, keeps your skin looking younger.

The cream looks black inside the packaging, but once applied to the skin, the gray colored cream is quickly absorbed. The "less is more" rule applies here because a little goes a long way!

My preference was to use this at night, when cell turnover is the highest, and each morning I woke up to soft, smooth and hydrated skin. I loved the silky texture of the cream and the fact that it's easily absorbed into my skin. I'm continuing to observe the results. It's available exclusively at Sephora.

I had to tell you all how much I'm loving the Summer 2009 Makeup Collection which includes the Pop Gloss Crystal in Sun Rose (shimmering muted orange) and Sun Coral (shimmering peachy pink).

I'm loving the packaging of the Prisme Again! Compact Powder Quartet- so very chic!

The compact is available in two shades- Sun Mango (for light to medium complexions) and Sun Cinnamon (for medium to dark complexions).

The underside of the compact holds a brush which makes this compact perfect for travel.

To view the complete collection, please visit Sephora.com.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: FHI Heat's Professional Digital Curling Iron

I recently learned that FHI Heat's Professional Digital Curling Iron won BRIDES Magazine's 2009 Beauty Award. Like all of FHI Heat's styling tools, it features the Nano Fuzeion Technology which creates a shinier, smoother finish and protects hair's moisture.

What makes this curling iron different from most is it's digital LCD temperature control display, which adjusts from 212 degrees to 410 degrees F. It has a cool touch tip and built in safety features to prevent it from overheating.

The curling iron is available in the following sizes: 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1 1/4inch and 1 1/2 inch. To learn more please visit www.fhiheat.com.

Read More......