Mischo Beauty School: Spa Etiquette 101

Remember how excited I was a year ago about the news of a Bliss Spa coming to DC? Well, a friend and I headed over there this past weekend for a few treatments (which I'll tell you about later this week), and while there I noticed that not everyone knows "spa etiquette". So, here are my top five tips for ensuring a relaxing spa experience:

1. Arrive early: This will give you time to check in, complete your client consultation form, change your clothes (if needed), and most importantly relax before your treatment.

2. Be courteous: This should really be unspoken. But, as a reminder, turn the cell phones off, use a low speaking voice and keep conversation to a minimum. Respect others, as well as the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

3. Use the amenities: They are there for your comfort, convenience and pleasure!

4. Complete the Client Consultation Form: This is a MUST! Don't ever skip completing this form. The questions you are asked to complete will determine if it is safe to receive services. Your spa therapist may discover a contraindication, which is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. Contraindications include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders or medical conditions.

5. Communicate with your spa therapist: No one I know is able to read minds. So, ask questions and communicate your "likes" and "dislikes". If it's your first time, let your spa therapist know. If a treatment doesn't feel right, be sure to tell them. If you're unsure about how to maintain a treatment (if possible), then please ask.

Follow these tips and the rest will be up to the spa and spa therapist to guarantee that you have the most amazing visit ever!

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Mischo Beauty Loves NARS "Cruella" Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil & "Red Lizard" Lipstick

I never buy matte lipsticks (they make my lips look dry) because my lips are naturally dry (and yes I do exfoliate and moisturize them!) and so it was a shock when I fell in love with NARS' "Cruella" velvet matte lipstick pencil and "Red Lizard" lipstick. Before buying them, I left them at the counter, convinced the "matte" look wasn't for me, and went looking for other options. But, after wearing this combination for about an hour, I went back for them! I couldn't deny the fact that my lips looked amazing! If shiny/glossy lips are your thing, then you won't like this combination - but, I do have a recommendation I love, which I'll post next week!

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Mischo Beauty: Mini-Facials with Caudalie Skincare

After reviewing Caudalie's Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream about 3 years ago, I was definitely interested in exploring a full regimen of the skincare line specific to my skin type/issues. Well, the opportunity recently presented itself and I've been using a few products from the "oily skin" regimen both morning and night and during my mini-facials.

I used the Instant Foaming Cleanser (which feels like a mousse and is suggested for all skin types) both morning & night, with no issues. I will tell you though, that I felt I needed to use it along with my Clarisonic skincare brush just to ensure all makeup, dirt and oil was removed. My favorite of the products I was given to try was the Purifying Mask! Now I have combination skin, so normally I'd use a setting mask, such as this, only on my oily t-zone. But because (well, until now) the weather has been so hot and humid, my skin has been especially oily and so I used it all over. Can I just tell you that after each use, my skin felt BRAND NEW! This mask is a winner!

The combination of essentials oils in the Purifying Concentrate were great for helping me get to sleep at night, but I can't say that I noticed much of a difference with the excess oil build-up. I must also add that I used my own toner, exfoliant, eye cream and moisturizer with these products in order to complete my regimen.

Would love to know if you've tried products from the Caudalie skincare collection. And if so, what are your thoughts?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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What would you like to see more of on Mischo Beauty?

Or, is there anything you'd like to see less of? I'm looking forward to your thoughts, ideas and suggestions, so please share. Thank you!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: "We Only Blog With The Best" Beauty Event at GEORGIA

Remember the fabulous event I hosted at GEORGIA earlier this year? Well, we're partnering again- along with a group of amazing bloggers- to introduce you to hair products by Twisted Sister and jewelry by Janet Leigh. Join us for an evening of shopping, tweeting, wine and social-media-madness.

And while you're there, be sure to sign-in! We're giving away a GEORGIA gift bag of beauty goodies and we'll announce the winner on Friday, September 24th.

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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Mischo Beauty Says Goodbye to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011 Collections

As I've said before, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's backstage is always the beauty lover's frontstage! And so I hope you all have enjoyed my coverage. I had a ball the short time I was there, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the Fall 2011 collections next February! So, please stay tuned...

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Dashing Diva & Naeem Khan Spring 2011

After reviewing the runway show for Naeem Khan's Spring 2011 collection- I'm convinced that the entire collection is to die for! And, I'm happy to report that a nail polish favorite of mine, Dashing Diva, was the nail sponsor.

The collection was complemented by a custom mixed nail polish by Pattie Yankee for Dashing Diva. A beautiful nude shade (shown below) was achieved by using 50% "Live Nude Girls" and 50% "East Hampton Estate".

The custom nail shade is definitely a winner! Don't you agree? Do you custom mix your own shades?

photos: style.com & Ann Lawlor

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Redken & Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

My favorite collection this season is, without a doubt (seriously, this collection is ME!), Marc Jacobs' Spring 2011 collection. The overall look was "70's glam" and I love how Guido Palau for Redken was able to completely capture the decade in the look he created for the hair.

A combination of curling, crimping, brushing and teasing were used along with Redken's Thickening Lotion and Quick Dry Instant Finishing Hairspray. Soooooo are you loving the look as much as I am?

photos: vogue.com

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Sally Hansen & Tracy Reese Spring 2011

Last season (Fall 2010) I gave the best nail award to Sally Hansen for Tracy Reese. And I'm happy to say that they did not disappoint with their most recent collaboration. This time around the models' nails were covered with Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips (which officially launches in March 2011) , which are nail color adhesives.

The color used was "Wicked Bamboo", which is a creamy beige shade with tan stripes. They're easily removed using nail polish remover, but the best part of all is the fact that they require no drying time!

I think they're worth a try- do you agree?

photos: style.com & wwd.com

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: NUDE Skincare & VPL Spring 2011

You all know how much I love discussing skin/skincare on this blog (though I equally love discussing hair too!) and so when I found out that NUDE skincare had prepped the models' skin for the VPL runway show (in addition to partnering with designer Victoria Bartlett to design the Planet NUDE Survival Twin Set, a cargo bikini carrying NUDE's cult favorite products- pictured above), I HAD to share.

While backstage, models and makeup artists spritzed, sprayed and smoothed their skin with a selection of NUDE "must-have" products - scooping up cult-favorites like the Cleansing Facial Oil, Miracle Mask and Hydrating Water. The products were used in combination with the Clarisonic Mia and Clarisonic Opal by celebrity esthetician Eileen Harcourt to achieve a "runway glow".

I'll be reviewing this regimen soon (can't wait!) and will definitely share my thoughts with you. Please stay tuned!

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Moroccanoil & Carolina Herrera Spring 2011

Celebrity hairstylist Orlando Pita, for Moroccanoil, lead the hair for Carolina Herrera's Spring 2011 collection. Two looks were created for the models (both with side parts)- one a straight ponytail and the other a looped ponytail. Each ponytail look was covered in barrettes to match the models' hair.

Orlando used Moroccanoil's Styling Cream and Oil Treatment to prep the models' hair, and finished each look with Luminous Hair Spray and Shine Spray.

I love that the hair beautifully complemented Carolina Herrera's inspiration for her collection- "the traditional clothes of Korea, and the botanical plates collected in the eighteenth century". So what are your thoughts on the hair? Love the barrettes?

photos: style.com & vogue.com

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Mischo Beauty Covers Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Gucci Westman for Revlon & Ohne Titel Spring 2011

The opportunity to watch Revlon's Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman, create the looks backstage for Ohne Titel was THE highlight for me for fashion week (well, so far). While talking with her backstage, she complemented me on the bold red lip I was wearing (yes!) - and little did I know at the time that her look for the show included a somewhat similar look! Inspiration for the look was drawn from the designer's vision of a "strong athletic, fresh-faced beauty".

Neutral makeup on the eyes, with a strong brow and bright lips was the final look for half of the models. A completely nude palette was used for the remaining models, with the addition of subtle color on the cheeks. And I'd have to say that the "lip look" was a win. Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Siren" (part of the new Fire & Ice collection available 11/1/10) and Just Bitten Lipstain in "Passion" were used to achieve the bold lip. And Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in "Fashion's Night Pout" (which was only available during Fashion's Night Out) was used on the nude lip models.

Love the lips? Let me know!

photos: style.com

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Mischo Beauty: Fashion’s Night Out, September 10, 2010 NYC

I'm not happy about the fact that I'll miss the year's Fashion's Night Out- at all (last year I had a ball!)! But, I wanted to at least share with you my top picks - beauty related, of course - for tonight:

CHANEL:
Soho (139 Spring Street): Nail the Coolest Shades at the CHANEL Nail Bar. Be the first to get your hands on the newest CHANEL Nail Colour Collection, LES KHAKIS DE CHANEL - created exclusively for Fashion's Night Out. Stop by for a complimentary mini-manicure featuring these exclusive hues.

The Plaza Beauty:
The Plaza Hotel (One West 58th Street): The Plaza Beauty will offer complimentary mini-facials, hand treatments and makeup touch-ups. Meet the creators of top beauty companies and receive insider tips to create the perfect look for fall. Enjoy a concert performed by Grammy nominated artist Corinne Bailey Rae hosted in The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel.

Space NK:
Space NK (99 Greene Street): Guests will be treated to: the new Lipstick Queen Jean Queen Lipstick and Lip Gloss; Lip readings with Lipstick Queen creator Poppy King; Hair styling with Bumble and Bumble stylists; Makeup applications from NARS and By Terry; and one of Space NK's legendary beauty gift bags.

Soho Sanctuary:
Soho Sanctuary (119 Mercer Street): Beauty specialists and makeup artists will beautify your skin and nails with out select organic and natural skin care products (True Make-Up, Dr. Hauschka, Arcona, and more). Enjoy a glass of champagne or wine while you shop and receive a complimentary manicure or light makeup application. Call to reserve your spot.

Indique Hair International, GEORGIA & Polish Bar Brooklyn:
GEORGIA (89A East Houston Street): Indique Hair International, Georgia and Polish Bar Brooklyn are teaming up to give the women of NYC a beauty experience like none other! You are invited to join the Soho hot spot for an evening filled with designer nail applications, as well as special shopping incentives on high end beauty products and luxurious Virgin Indian Hair extensions. Leading beauty experts will also be present for consultations.

Caudalie:
Vera Wang (991 Madison Avenue): From 6pm - 7:30pm, brides will be pampered, styled and greeted by Vera! Enjoy live music, giveaway, special offers and the mini spa by Caudalie.

Lancome:
Bloomingdales (1000 Third Avenue): Makeup lessons with spokesmodels Elettra and Arlenis at the Lancome counter.

Borghese:
Lord and Taylor (424 Fifth Avenue): Meet and greet with Georgette Mosbacher, CEO of Borghese Cosmetics from 6pm - 7pm. Enjoy sparkling water and hour d'oeuvres while pampering yourself with the soothing Fango Active Muds. Complimentary spa treatments and fall color applications. Enjoy a deluxe complimentary skincare sample just for stopping by the Borghese boutique.

Bumble and Bumble:
Bumble and Bumble (146 E. 56th Street): From 6pm -10pm, Bumble and Bumble will host an evening of free hairstyling. There will be magazine editorial inspired shoot featuring the designs from fashion darlings Ohne Titel. Free champagne will be served. Appointments will be necessary as limited slots are available. Call 212-521-6500 to schedule an appointment.

Clarins:
Bergdorf Goodman (754 5th Avenue): Clarins invites you to a special Beauty Party to celebrate French glamour as only as Clarins can! Each attendee will receive a complimentary complete makeover while enjoying refreshments and sweets at the Clarins counter.

Elizabeth Arden:
Elizabeth Arden (691 Fifth Avenue at 54th Street): Get expert advice from the fragrance specialist and sip on signature fashion-tini's as you shop the night away, while enjoying the DJ. Receive a Fashion's Night Out special gift with any designer fragrance purchase.

Estee Lauder:
Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Avenue): At 6pm, Estee Lauder Senior Vice President and Creative Director Aerin Lauder and Global Spokespersons Carolyn Murphy, Hilary Rhoda, Constance Jablonski and Liu Wen will share their fall beauty favorites and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux will be on hand to share his top looks for the fall season. On the fifth floor, Estee Lauder will be hosting the "Your Beauty. Your Style. Your Profile" social media makeover event. Call 212-320-4700 to schedule an appointment.

Hair Rules:
Hair Rules (828 9th Avenue): Hair Rules co-founders Kara Young and Dickey are inviting consumers to stop by the salon for blow outs, using the new Hair Rules Blow Out Line, for $45 and glosses for $75. Kara, a former supermodel, will be sharing the beauty tips/tricks she learned while being in the fashion industry. Guests will also have the opportunity to receive consultations with celebrity stylist Dickey and the Hair Rules team and will be able to have all their texture questions answered.

Revlon/Gucci Westman:
Rag & Bone (119 Mercer Street): From 8pm - 9:30pm Revlon will be offering mini-makeovers with Gucci Westman using her new (not is stores!) exclusive ColorBurst shade in Fashion's Night Pout and the chance to have a photo with Revlon Brand Ambassador Halle Berry. Those who donate $50 to Halle's Jenesse Center Foundation will get the mini-makeover, photo and the Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Fashion's Night Pout.

And the list goes on and on... If you decide to go out tonight, please stop back by tomorrow and let us know where you ended up! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty + Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011 Collections • September 9 - 16, 2010 • New York

We're a few days away from the start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, and the count down is on! As I've said before, the backstage is the beauty lover's frontstage. So with that said, I'll be backstage reporting on spring trends in beauty (hair, skin, makeup & nails) as they relate to the collections presented on the runway- so please stay tuned!

And, if you're planning to attend, please let me know!

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Mischo Beauty: Mini-Facials with DERMAdoctor Skin Care

I've been tweeting for the past couple of weeks about using a regimen of Dermadoctor skin care products during my mini-facials, and I'm finally ready to share the results with you! And just to refresh your memory, my mini-facial steps are very easy- and you will benefit from making them a part of your skincare routine. So the steps are simply:

- Cleanse
- Tone
- Steam Treatment
- Exfoliate
- Tone
- Mask
- Tone
- Apply eye cream & serum
- Apply moisturizer

I used an anti-aging regimen of Dermadoctor products which consisted of:

- Wrinkle Revenge 1 (cleanser)
- Physical Chemistry (exfoliant)
- Wrinkle Revenge Rescue & Protect Eye Balm (eye cream)
- Litmus Test (moisturizer)

I also added the following:

- Clarisonic Skincare Brush
- Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
- Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Now I opted not to add a steam treatment to this regimen because of it being exfoliant-heavy (the cleanser acted as a gentle exfoliant, and the exfoliant itself was a combination of a peel and microdermabrasion treatment!), and I didn't want to over-stimulate my skin. The "less is more" rule applies here!

I used this complete regimen every Sunday evening for a month and my results were exactly what I'd hoped for- radiant skin each time! This regimen is rich in glycolic acid (exfoliating) and antioxidants (repairing & protecting), so it works for a variety of skin types and issues. But, my best advice is always to buy for your particular skin type and conditions. Search for a regimen that works for you, and when you find it- use it consistently and you should experience results similar to mine!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Design Essentials

I've been purchasing Design Essentials for my mom (which she loves), for a few years now, and finally decided to try out a hydrating regimen for myself. I know my hair type and am very familiar with it's conditions, which happens to primarily be dryness. And so I knew the best regimen for me would consist of the following:

- Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo
- Express Instant Moisturizing Conditioner
- Hydrate Leave-In Hydrating Conditioner

Now the star of the regimen was definitely the leave-in conditioner. Not only did it leave my hair moisturized, but it helped to detangle which is key if you're tenderheaded like I've been since I was a child.

I love that the brand offers a regimen for every hair condition. And, there are lots of helpful tips for managing just about every hair type which is definitely a win!

Have you tried this regimen?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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