Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I consider facials my "essential beauty product" because not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. For those of you who've never had a facial, it's a service performed by an esthetician and usually consists of a professional deep cleansing, steam treatment, exfoliation, extractions, massage, mask, moisturizer and possibly other products and treatments.

Not only will facials improve and revive your skin, but they also help maintain the skin's health. You should definitely consider incorporating facials into your beauty regimen! If I haven't convinced you yet- here are a few of the many other benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Professional Deep Cleansing, Steam Treatment, Exfoliation, Extractions, Massage & Mask
3. Relaxing/Pampering
4. Increases Circulation & Detoxifies
5. Professional Skin Analysis, Product Recommendation & Custom Home Skincare Regimen
6. Stimulates Skin Renewal & Metabolism
7. Corrects/Alleviates Dryness, Oiliness & Redness
8. Softens Wrinkles & Aging Lines
9. Helps Clear Up Blemishes & Minor Acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Questions? Anyone had a fabulous facial lately? Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty Loves the CHANEL DESTINATION N°5 - The Film

Many of you probably already know that Audrey Tautou is the lead in the new Coco Chanel movie. Well she's also been named the new spokesmodel for Chanel No. 5, and is the star of the short film Destination No. 5. The short film is romantic and sexy, and I love the cinematography- especially the lighting. Enjoy.

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"Summer Skincare Protection" on SheBreathes

The one aspect of skincare I'm most passionate about is protection from the sun! I'm discussing sunscreen/sunblock protection alternatives over on SheBreathes.com and you're invited to check it out. Please email me with questions! Enjoy.

**Khuraira "Lady Obama" Lipstick Winners**: Comment #1: Lisa Kay, Comment #16: LuckyStar, Comment #19: Anonymous, Comment #24: Angelisa & Comment #29: Amee.

**Kerastase Soleil Collection**: Comment #1: Amber

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

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Mischo Beauty: Tarte Cosmetics EyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set

It's clearly no secret that I'm a fan of Tarte Cosmetics, and love their Cheek Stain. And so I wanted to make sure you all knew about their newly launched eyeQuatic Waterproof Summer Essentials Set. It includes three "mermaid-inspired" (Tanzanite, Turquoise & Citrine) "Lock & Roll" creaseless cream and powder shadow duos, a deluxe sample size "Lights, Camera, Splashes!" waterproof mascara and a limited edition head scarf.

Be sure to check out the ladies of Tarte, on their new YouTube channel, as they demonstrate how to use "Lock & Roll", along with a few other products in an effort to achieve a quick and effortless eye look!

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Mischo Beauty: Elizabeth Grant Skin Care

I was recently given the opportunity to try a selection of products by Elizabeth Grant Skin Care. After learning that this line is formulated with an ingredient called Torricelumn, which is supposed to restore moisture, repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production- I couldn't wait to try it!

I've written about the "self-tanner scent" before and many of you know how sensitive I am to it. And unfortunately for me, I did smell it when testing out the Soleil Smart Body Bronzer. The Vitamin C Illuminating Eye Pads are an intensive under eye treatment for dark circles. The skin around the eye area is the thinnest, most delicate skin on the body and so special care should always be used on this area. After applying the eye pads and allowing them to sit for about 30 seconds, I had to remove them because my eyes became instantly irritated.

Now I will tell you that I do love the layout of the Elizabeth Grant Skin Care website! It easily allows those of you looking for products based on your skin type/issues/conditions, to find exactly what you need- no guessing involved. It also suggests complementary products in order to complete a skincare regimen. Visit www.elizabethgrant.com to learn more.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Kerastase Soleil Collection

I can't begin to tell you all how much I'm still so excited about being named the resident beauty expert over on SheBreathes.com. Thank you again so much, Ms. Shoo! I'd like to thank you all for checking out my latest post, "Summer Haircare Protection", which featured the summer haircare collections from Kerastase, Aveda and Frederic Fekkai.

And because I love the Kerastase Soleil Collection so much (remember this post?), I'm excited to announce a giveaway of the following:

- Bain Apres-Soleil
- Masque UV Defense Active
- Creme UV Defense Active
- Brume Nuit Apres-Soleil

So here's how you can win this collection (valued at over $150!). Leave a comment letting me know why you'd like to try this collection and also tell me (like you did over on SheBreathes!) what fun in the sun, in the pools, or at the beaches & lakes you have planned for the summer.

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and unfortunately, I can no longer accept "Anonymous" comments. You must leave either your first & last name, first name and last initial or first initial and last name. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, June 26th.

**UPDATE: I've extended the giveaway, and will announce a winner on July 3rd!**

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Creative Nail Design's Almond SpaManicure

As you all know by now, I'm professionally licensed to do nails and so I recently had the opportunity to perform Creative Nail Design's Almond SpaManicure on myself. The kit includes the Almond Milk Bath, Almond Moisture Scrub, Almond Illuminating Masque, Almond Hydrating Lotion, Almond Soothing Creme and SolarOil (which you all know I love!).

First of all, the products smell AMAZING! The fragrance alone is enough to make you relax and escape- if just for the duration of the manicure. I'm an exfoliant addict, so I totally appreciated using the Almond Moisture Scrub, which left me with soft and smooth hands. Now, if dry skin is an issue for you, you have the choice of the Almond Hydrating Lotion or the Almond Soothing Creme which both will leave your skin thoroughly hydrated.

The manicure is described as "Escape. Exhale. Relax." and believe me, you'll both experience and feel all three after receiving this manicure. To view a list of spas offering this manicure near you, please visit www.cnd.com.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Khuraira "Lady Obama Lipstick" Special Edition

"Khuraira releases the "Lady Obama Lipstick" special edition, the perfect color for all women. It's great for any lifestyle and sure to unleash the first lady in you. Twenty percent of all proceeds to benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength."

Five winners will win one lipstick each. Simply leave a comment telling me what you love most about our First Lady, Michelle Obama. Winners will be chosen at random on Monday, June 22nd. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.

**UPDATE: I've extended the giveaway, and will announce a winner on June 29th!**

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Mischo Beauty Review: Hana Mini Flat Iron & ShineShield

I must admit that Hana's Mini Flat Iron has to be the cutest little flat iron I've ever used- and it actually works! It's perfect for travel because it easily fits inside a purse, gym bag or carry-on luggage - making hair touch-ups possible almost anywhere.

It comes wrapped in a silver case- similar to a makeup bag. And like the Hana Professional 1" Flat Iron I told you about a while ago, it is also made with tourmaline ceramic plates, so no worries about frizzy hair!

The temperature is fixed at 410 F for general styling and touch-ups. The flat iron measures 5 inches when collapsed, but extends to standard length (as shown below) for ease of use.

I would recommend that you extend the flat iron to standard size before turning it on- the plates heat up quickly and get very hot!

I used the ShineShield on my wet hair as a leave-in treatment for protection against heat styling. After flat-ironing my hair, it left my hair soft and smooth- but be careful, a little goes a long way so you don't need much to achieve your desired results.

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Mischo Beauty: FACE atelier Cosmetics

Since learning that Face Atelier Cosmetics was the official makeup sponsor for Madonna's Confessions Tour, I'd been dying to try the products out for myself!

I'm loving the makeup remover called Melt. After applying two pumps of it (a little goes a long way), my makeup literally melted off of my face- no effort needed on my part. Love it!

The foundation options include sheer, medium and full coverage. The "PRO" foundation collection -packaged in small, unbreakable containers- was specifically developed for makeup artists' kits.

Lip RX lipstick, formulated with antioxidants and essential oils, is recommended for those dealing with chapped lips. The lipsticks, more of a lip tint, provides a hint of color and is very moisturizing.

The entire collection for face, eyes, lips- plus an assortment of tools- are all available at www.faceatelier.com.

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Mischo Beauty: Zoya Hot Lips Lip Gloss

I'm sure you all know by now how much I love Zoya nail polish- remember the fabulous Spring 2009 and Summer 2009 collections? Well, I thought I'd let you all know about their fun collection of lip glosses, called Hot Lips.

The selection of colors perfectly compliment a variety of their nail polish collections. Pictured above are: KissKiss, Starlet and Resolution.

For an understated look check out- Blog, Meow and Luvie. To view the entire collection please visit www.artofbeauty.com.

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Mischo Beauty: ARROJO Product

I'm inspired by Nick Arrojo's accomplishments- a salon and color studio, academy, cosmetology school, Arrojo product concept store, a host of educational materials (books, DVD's, etc.), and the fact that he's the resident hairstylist for What Not To Wear! He's doing exactly what I'm planning to do and I was more than excited to learn about his new haircare and skincare collection.

The haircare collection includes shampoos, conditioners, styling and finishing aids. For my hair type, I chose to try the Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Hair Repair Masque, Frizz Control and Shine Spray. I loved the Hair Repair Masque, it both hydrated and softened my type 4B hair.

The skincare range includes products for both the face and body. The daily face wash is a gel cleanser which contains moisture beads which help to gently exfoliate the skin. I loved the scent which is a blend of bergamot, daisies and white cedar wood.

The selection of body washes include Refreshing Rhubarb, Sweet Patchouli and Floral Citrus. To learn more about the Arrojo products and the Arrojo beauty empire, please visit www.arrojoproduct.com.

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"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.

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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.

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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!

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"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.

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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

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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!

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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!!!

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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

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