Mischo Beauty: Clarisonic Skincare Brush

Showing posts with label Clarisonic Skincare Brush. Show all posts

Mischo Beauty Loves Clarisonic Opal

I've mentioned my love for the Clarisonic Skincare Brush like a million times, so it's only natural that I share with you all how much I'm loving the Clarisonic Opal. It's a new beauty tool by Clarisonic that uses the "sonic technology" to infuse it's anti-aging sea serum into the skin. It's great for those with fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area - whatever the age, whatever the reason! And for those of you with great skin- well, it's a must-have prevention tool (think hydration and nourishment). I use this a few times a week and it's now a part of my weekly mini-facial regimen. Love it!

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

Mischo Beauty Review: The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton

As much as I love beauty, and love spending time in Georgetown, I can't say that I have a favorite beauty salon or spa in the Georgetown neighborhood. But, that has now changed due to my visit and facial at The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton.

Located on the ground floor of the hotel, the spa offers facials, body treatments and massages and features four treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, a relaxation room and skincare by Eminence Organic. The spa is intimate and personal and makes for easy access for the hotel's guests. And, the hotel itself is just steps away from the shopping Georgetown is known for.

My visit started with a tour of the spa followed by an opportunity to relax and unwind in the steam room before the start of my facial. Following my steam treatment and unwinding in the relaxation room, my esthetician Poy, escorted me into the treatment room for the Tailored Organic Facial. I was pleased to see the Tailored Organic Facial on the menu because this facial is perfect for those who've never had a facial and aren't sure of their skin type or skin needs. It should allow (in my opinion) the esthetician to determine the guest's skin type, better tailor the treatments used during a facial and make sound product recommendations for at-home skincare.

At the start of my facial, I was asked if I was experiencing any issues with my skin and told that the Eminence Organic skincare line, which is formulated with nourishing vitamins and minerals, would be used for my facial. I told Poy that my skin felt dry and dehydrated and mentioned that I would pass on extractions. In place of performing extractions, I enjoyed a targeted eye treatment.

My facial consisted of a deep cleansing treatment which included use of an exfoliant mixed with a cleanser and the use of a Clarisonic skincare brush (which you all know I'm a huge fan of!), along with a steam treatment. I appreciated the fact that Poy suggested not exfoliating for 5 days after the facial. We all know over-exfoliation may wreak havoc on the skin, so less is more! The next steps included the eye treatment, mask treatment, massage (face, neck, decollete, arms & hands) and the application of a serum and moisturizer. I can't begin to tell you how much I loved Poy's touch and my skin felt and looked great days following the facial.

I do have three wishes for my next visit (as I've said many times before, I'm picky!)- yes, I can't wait to go back - and they're as follows. I would prefer the use of a magnifying lamp to ensure that my skin is properly both seen and felt at the time of my visit - leading to further customization of my treatments. Completion of a client consultation form is a must because I want to make sure that there are no issues with contraindications, communication and expectations. And lastly, and I'm probably in the minority here, but I love product recommendations from my spa therapist (if needed). I consider facials an investment in me (yes, I'm worth it) and so I'm open to learning and possibly using new products which might continue to maintain or even improve my skin's health.

I can't wait to return and the next time it'll be for a Girls' Spa Day, because there's no way this spa should be kept a secret!

Have you visited The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton?

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

Mischo's Mistletoe Beauty Guide

As much as I love sharing beauty education with you all (yes, that's what this blog is all about!), it's time to have some fun. It's my favorite time of the year, which means it's time for the second annual "Mischo's Mistletoe Beauty Guide". Like last year, this guide is all about achieving that "kiss me under the mistletoe" look with gorgeous hair, skin, nails and makeup. So let's begin.

With all the hustle and bustle associated with the holiday season, you owe yourself the gift of rest and relaxation. We mentioned the Guerlain Spa at The Waldorf-Astoria earlier this year and felt it only appropriate to include it in this guide. The spa menu includes body treatments, facials, manicures & pedicures, massages and makeup. And, the Sublime Deluxe treatment, well it has to be heaven on earth! You've added a visit here to your with list, right?

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. So if you're investing in facial treatments or if you're starting a skincare regimen, then we feel that you should invest in our favorite beauty tool, the Clarisonic Skincare Brush. The most important step in a skincare regimen is cleansing because it removes makeup, dirt, oil, product build-up and dead skin cells. Our favorite beauty tip is encouraging readers to cleanse both morning and night, and Clarisonic helps to ensure a deep, thorough and gentle cleansing.

We included La Mer in last year's guide because we love it so much! It is luxury skincare at its best. Consider incorporating the Miraculous Beginnings Collection, exclusively available at Saks Fifth Avenue, into your current skincare regimen.

Remember YSL Beauty's release of their fall collection of nail colors earlier this year? Well, we're STILL in love with them and feel the shades are perfect for the holiday season.

The Shu Uemura Art of Hair collection of products originally knocked us off of our feet and blew us away. We still love them because they're continually innovating. Not only is there a collection of products for every hair type, but there are also in-salon "hair beauty ceremonies" which are customized to meet your hair's specific needs.

So this guide is really about achieving the most kissable lips, right! And because that's the case, the Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color Collection speaks for itself. All we have to say is, we'll take one of each shade! Kissable lips are worth it, right?!

Our beauty picks could go on forever and ever, but what we really want for the holidays - well, besides all the kisses we can get while under the mistletoe - are love, peace and happiness!

So, which of the above are you adding to your wish lists!

Mischo Beauty: Mini-Facials with Caudalie Skincare

After reviewing Caudalie's Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Crea m 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.

Mischo Beauty Loves the Clarisonic Mia

It's been about two years since I first introduced you to the Clarisonic Skincare Brush. And since then, if you've been following me on Twitter, you know that I tweet almost weekly about my mini-facial regimen, which most definitely includes the use of this brush!

Well I think it's time you met the Clarisonic Mia, which is a smaller version of the classic brush and perfect for those of you who love to travel. This new one-speed brush fits perfectly inside a makeup bag, which means there's never a need to skimp on your skincare regimen. And you all know I swear by a consistent skincare regimen, right?! The Clarisonic Mia is a hands down must-have, period!

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

Mischo's Mistletoe Beauty Guide

I enjoy sharing beauty tips, beauty education and product reviews with you all, but now it's time for some fun! It's my favorite time of the year- and so the theme of this guide is all about achieving that "kiss me under the mistletoe" look with gorgeous makeup, hair, skin and nails. And so, let's begin!

The foundation for beautiful skin, is healthy skin. My recommendation is to start with a cleansing and nourishing facial. We all know the benefits of facials, right? And so my suggestion is a visit to Christine Chin Spa, owned by celebrity esthetician, Christine Chin. She has over 20 years of experience in the skincare business, and her clients include Gisele Bundchen, Kimora Lee Simmons and Kate Moss.

I don't know about you, but I want to keep my skin healthy and glowing after an investment in a facial. I suggest investing in a Clarisonic skincare brush. You can use it in conjunction with a cleanser and also with an exfoliant for an even deeper cleansing. I always use mine during the mini-facials I give myself at home. The removal of dead skin cells, not only helps with cell turnover, but also keeps skin looking young and fresh.

There's not much I need to say about La Mer, that you don't already know! It is luxury skincare at it's best. What I will say though is, if you don't have a consistent skincare regimen- GET STARTED NOW! I'm recommending The Connoisseur Collection.

Baths are both relaxing and pampering- and you should pamper yourself daily, not just on special occasions. I fell in love with the Bath Oil Collection, Deluxe Soap Collection and Pamper Kit- all holiday gift sets by Jo Malone. Sorry- I couldn't pick just one!

I stopped in Bergdorf's this past summer and fell in love with Serge Lutens Parfum. I know fragrance scents are individual, but there are enough scents in this collection of fragrances that you'll definitely fall in love with one of them. When I wear Nuit De Cellophane or Datura Noir- I'm always complemented. Wearing one of these scents will definitely secure a kiss!

I'm partial to a sexy, sultry eye look- especially for under the mistletoe, and so my pick is the Les 4 Ombres De Chanel eye shadow quad in "Smoky Eyes" by Chanel.

You all know how much I love celebrity makeup artist, Sam Fine. Whatever he's using, I'm rushing out to try! He loves blushes by NARS, and my suggestion to you is to visit a NARS counter near you and find a shade that makes you glow! One of my favorites is "Orgasm".

So this is really about achieving the most kissable lips, right! So I'm recommending both the Rouge Volupte and Fard A Levres Rouge Pur lipsticks by Yves Saint Laurent. The texture, range of shades, and wearability make both lipsticks so worth it! And kissable lips are worth it, right?

I don't know about you, but when I look at a person, most times my eyes are drawn to their hair first. And so, healthy hair is key! A beautifully executed cut and color, doesn't hurt! If you happen to be near New York City, then you need to see Carlina Munoz for color (you won't be disappointed!) and she's at the John Barrett Salon. My recommendation for a haircut would be an amazing hairstylist by the name of Mahogany, at the Oscar Blandi Salon. Mahogany also specializes in extensions, Brazilian relaxing treatments and thermal straightening treatments.

For home maintenance- yes, you must properly care for your investments- I'm recommending Kerastase. I love this line of products because there's a product for every hair type/need/issue. So if you've colored your hair, be sure to check out the Reflection collection. If you're having issues with dryness, possibly due to the change in seasons, then check out the Nutritive collection of products.

I'm personally dying to visit Jin Soon Hand And Foot Spa. It's owned by manicurist to the stars, Jin Soon. Remember her collaboration with MAC Cosmetics earlier this year, and the nail colors you couldn't live without? Well, not only is Jin about creating chic nail colors and pampering her clients, she also educates her clients on the health and care of their nails. She's even included a downloadable nail handbook on her website (I love it!). There's no doubt that after an appointment with her, you'll have perfectly manicured hands and feet.

And finally, we know manicures/pedicures only last for so long (especially depending on your lifestyle, etc.) and so I love Zoya Nail Polish for home use. It's free of harmful chemicals, and you WILL find a shade you'll fall in love with! Remember how much I loved "Layla" this summer? Right now I'm wearing "Envy" and yes, I love it too!

I hope you all loved my picks, suggestions and recommendations. I had fun compiling this list- and really, it go could on forever! What I really want for the holidays- besides all the kisses I can get under the mistletoe- is love, peace and happiness for all!

So, which of the above are you planning to try for yourself?

Mischo Beauty Pick: Sjal Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask

Before the Thanksgiving holiday, I gave myself a mini-facial using Sjal skincare samples (I used Eau Thermale Avene as my toner). And just to review, my mini-facial steps are simply:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Steam Treatment
4. Exfoliate
5. Tone
6. Mask
7. Tone
8. Moisturize

I always use my Clarisonic skincare brush to cleanse, and I also use it to assist with the removal of dead skin cells during exfoliation (results in a deeper exfoliation!). The fan-shaped brush, pictured above, is by Dermalogica. I use it to apply facial masks and it gives great coverage.

As so, of the Sjal skincare products I sampled, I really liked the Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask. It's a "restorative, firming & pore minimizing mask", and because life has been somewhat hectic lately, I hoped it would help revive my skin. I loved the results- my skin looked fresh, and felt soft and smooth- and, that was the goal!

Questions about mini-facials?

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!

Mischo Beauty School: Mini-Facials 101 & Mario Badescu

So those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I sent out a few "tweets" yesterday about the mini-facial I was giving myself. Mini-facials, like facials, are my "essential beauty product" - they're vital to maintaining my skin's health in between facial appointments.

I've decided to share my mini-facial routine with you because everyone can benefit from it- whether you receive monthly facials or not. My best advice is to invest in great products for your skin type/issues, and make mini-facials a part of your skincare routine. My skin type is normal/combination, with an oily t-zone and I used the following Mario Badescu products:

Cleanser: Enzyme Cleansing Gel ( all skin types)
Toner: Cucumber Cleansing Lotion (combination & oily skin types)
Exfoliant: (my own)
Mask: Enzyme Revitalizing Mask (combination, dry & sensitive skin types)
Eye Cream: Hyaluronic Eye Cream (all skin types)
Night Cream: Seaweed Night Cream (combination, oily & sensitive skin types)
Moisturizer: Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15 (combination & sensitive skin types)

So the steps are simply: Cleanse (Enzyme Cleansing Gel), Tone (Cucumber Cleansing Lotion), Steam Treatment, Exfoliate, Tone, Mask (Enzyme Revitalizing Mask), Tone & Moisturize (Hyaluronic Eye Cream, Seaweed Night Cream or Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15)!

So there you have it! Very easy- and anyone can do this! Please leave your questions in the comments section below and I'll get right back to you. Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Clarisonic Skincare Brush

I can't begin to tell you all how much in love I am with the Clarisonic Skincare Brush! The majority of my experience with skincare brushes has been with using them during a facial, specifically during the exfoliation process, during which I would use the brush with the combination of an exfoliant and steam treatment to ensure all dirt and dead skin cells had been removed from the skin.

Since I've been testing out the Clarisonic Skincare Brush at home, I've been using it twice a day for cleansing (morning & night) and 2-3 times a week to assist with exfoliation. I'm not only using it on my face, but also on my neck and decollete (which is your second face!). I love that it's light weight and very easy to use and the bristles on the brush head are soft and smooth- and feel so gentle on my skin. It's waterproof, comes with a charger and the brush head can be removed for cleansing.

I've mentioned a few times before the importance of facial cleansing. Seriously, it's half the battle in achieving healthy skin. It removes dirt, makeup and dead skin cells, which in turn all ensures pores aren't blocked and prepares the skin for the penetration of other products (moisturizers, serums, eye creams, etc). This brush is great because it helps to ensure a deep, thorough and gentle cleansing. I'm loving my results and I feel it's worth the investment and totally worth adding to your at-home skincare regimen.

Have you used the Clarisonic Skincare Brush?