Mischo Beauty: mischo beauty review

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Mischo Beauty Review: Xtreme Lashes by Rachel Grante

The gorgeous woman in the photo above is hairstylist, makeup artist and eyelash stylist, Rachel Grante. She is the one responsible for my latest application of Xtreme Lashes. It's been a little over a year since I last had lash extensions, so yes, I was definitely overdue! And so the procedure with Rachel began with a comprehensive questionnaire, which included questions regarding one's lifestyle, skincare regimen, desired results and most importantly, questions to ensure there are no contraindications.

The next part of the service involved cleansing and priming my natural lashes, followed by the actual application of lashes. During this process, the natural lash is isolated, followed by the coating of the lash extension base with XLFlexFusion adhesive, followed by the application of the extension one-by-one to the natural lashes. Depending on the number of lashes desired on each eye, application time can take up to two hours. I requested somewhat of a dramatic look (you can see my before and after on the Mischo Beauty Facebook fan page) and I loved the outcome!

The extensions last 4-6 weeks, with a touch-up needed usually every two weeks (your natural eyelashes shed similar to the hair on the rest of your body). I was advised to avoid water, steam, excessive heat and other activities for the first 48 hours to allow the adhesive to dry thoroughly. The lashes are gorgeous and I've received tons of compliments - and yes, that was the goal! Mission accomplished!

To book an appointment with Rachel, please call 703-350-2638.

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

Mischo Beauty Review: Hela Spa (Georgetown)

Without actually realizing it, I've been on a quest to find the best facial in DC. Over the past two months I've had two facials that I've loved, and recently added a third to the list. I recently visited Hela Spa, a medical spa in Georgetown, for a tour and facial. Unlike the other spas I've visited, and although very chic, Hela Spa has a clinical feel to it. This is definitely where you'd choose to come for a very thorough analysis of your skin and a series of treatments. It's not set-up for lounging, and not a place to bring a group of friends for a spa day.

But, it very much is the place to go for your biweekly or monthly skin services. Yes, there's no doubt that your skin's health and overall appearance will be in the best condition. My appointment started with completing the client consultation form and relaxing in the lobby area with fresh hot tea. My service started with my esthetician, Brianne, examining my skin under a magnifying lamp both before and after cleansing. And based on her analysis, she recommended The Liv Ullman facial, which is a deep cleansing treatment followed by a rejuvenating medical-grade glycolic peel.

I wasn't expecting this recommendation and was even hesitant (my skin is easily sensitized, so I didn't know how my skin would react to the peel)- but this recommendation proved to be excellent. And, I appreciated the fact that Brianne performed a thorough skin analysis before recommending any arbitrary facial or the most expensive facial. She also added a collagen mask and vitamin C treatment to the service, which combined with the peel, left me with the freshest glow!

I opted out of extractions (you all know how I feel about them) explaining to Brianne my reasons why and during our conversation she shared great information skin health, post treatment care and the importance of repeat visits. Skin health is important to me and so I appreciated being given this information. I had no redness or irritation at the end of the service (I was shocked), but Brianne had prepared post treatment instructions (specifically for those having received a peel) detailing how to care for my skin following the treatment.

If you have a skin type that requires extra care or are treating a skin condition that really needs special attention -or if you are just concerned about the best care for the overall health of your skin, then Hela is definitely the spa for you.

If you've visited Hela Spa- either the Georgetown or Chevy Chase locations - I would love to know your thoughts!

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

Mischo Beauty Review: Shellac Manicure at Bliss Spa at W Hotel

Most of you know that I visited Bliss Spa at the W Hotel for the first time this past summer, so I won't go into details about the spa because I've mentioned it here. But, I was recently invited back for a tour and to experience their new Shellac Manicure service. Now I've had the Shellac manicure once before, (you all know my thoughts!), but the results from this second time around were different.

Shellac Manicure in Tropix - Day #1

Shellac Manicure in Tropix - Day #7

Shellac Manicure in Tropix - Day #14

I clearly need a new application, as you can see the growth of my nail beds after two weeks. But, there was no peeling, lifting or chipping. And, my nails are STILL glossy! I'm impressed. Have you tried the Shellac Manicure yet?

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 Beauty Review: The Spa at The Sports Club/LA

As you all know, because I've stated it here before, I'm not a huge fan of body scrub/body polish treatments - at spas that is (just a personal preference). But, I was offered the opportunity to visit The Spa at The Sports Club/LA and experience their "New Year, New You Body Scrub and Wrap" treatment (currently available until the end of March). As much as I love to spa, and after reading the treatment description:

- Body treatment designed to purify, nourish and relax
- Full-body exfoliation stimulates your skin, and then mask hydrates
- Wrapped to allow further infusion, while receiving a relaxing scalp massage

There was no way I could pass on this opportunity! Located next to The Ritz-Carlton, allowing for direct access from inside the hotel, The Spa offers a variety of facials, waxing, massages and body treatments. I'd best describe the atmosphere as "intimate" and "cozy". It features nine treatment rooms, a relaxation area and use of The Sports Club/LA's locker room, showers and steam rooms.

My treatment started with a full body exfoliation using the Epicuren Discovery skincare range. Following the exfoliation portion of the treatment, my spa therapist Alexi, escorted me to the showers for a thorough rinse of the exfoliant, before the application of the hydrating mask. Once the mask (which is meant to infuse vitamins, restore moisture and improve skin texture and tone) was applied, my body was then wrapped and I was allowed to further relax while the mask's nourishing ingredients went to work!

My skin felt amazing after the body wrap was removed! Yes, the body scrub portion of the treatment was so worth it! And my best advice regarding this treatment? Well, make no plans following it. Actually, plan to spend additional time in the spa's relaxation area so as not to disturb your state of relaxation. Oh, and before leaving, be sure to check out the Epicuren Discovery skincare range- yes, my skin really felt that great!

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

Mischo Beauty Review: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

I started the "Because You're Worth It" posts about 3 years ago shortly after starting this blog because I felt, well quite simply, that readers needed to be encouraged to go out and pamper themselves. And, it was then that I first mentioned The Spa at Mandarin Oriental (Washington, DC).

Well earlier this week I headed over to The Spa for a tour of the facilities and most importantly - an afternoon of pampering! As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with slippers, a warm towel for my hands and a cup of calming tea. At that point I knew this was going to be an experience like no other. I'm so glad that I arrived early because I was able to take full advantage of the "Heat and Water Oasis" (which you can use before or after a treatment), which included use of the Amethyst Steam Room, the Experience Shower, Ice Fountain and Vitality Pool. It was THE perfect way to unwind and relax before my treatment.

My Time Reversal facial treatment started with a thorough consultation to ensure there were no contraindications (this is a MUST--- always! remember this post?), followed by a thorough cleansing, toning and skin analysis. After the skin analysis, the treatment was customized to meet my individual needs and included an exfoliation, a cold stone massage, hand massage, collagen mask and foot massage. The treatment ended with the application of a serum, eye cream and moisturizer with an SPF.

Now being the beauty professional that I am (you all know that I'm a licensed esthetician) I'm somewhat picky when it comes to spa treatments. I opted out of extractions because those are for the hands of my regular esthetician. I wish I would have enjoyed my foot massage - but I do realize that "touch" is personal. So, what feels good to one, may not necessarily work for another. And I must say that I always look forward to mask treatments, with a preference for those that work for the face, neck (shows first signs of aging) and decollete (the second face!). The collagen mask used during the treatment was for the face only.

At the completion of my treatment, my therapist Lisan recommended that I consider purchasing Somme Institute's Step 3 Serum, which is a highly concentrated vitamin C gel that works to improve skin tone, elasticity and build collagen. I thought her recommendation was excellent after having discussed the results of my skin analysis with her earlier and knowing she'd used both a magnifying lamp and woods lamp during her analysis. It's always my goal to protect an investment such as a facial, and maintain the esthetician's hard work with a consistent at-home facial regimen. So, great product recommendations are always welcome!

The afternoon I spent as the The Spa was outstanding - my facial was amazing (yes, my skin is still glowing!) and I was treated like a queen! I'm looking forward to returning soon for much, much more! Why? Because I'm worth it!

Have you visited The Spa at Mandarin Oriental yet?

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

Mischo Beauty Review: Lancôme CILS BOOSTER XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base

I had to tell you all that my friend Andrea is truly a beauty expert too! You may recognize her name, as she is the one pictured receiving the Face Map skin analysis from the Dermalogica skin therapist. You see, she was one of the first to start reading/commenting on my blog and over the course of a year, she's shared with me quite a few of her favorite beauty products- some of which I've grown to love myself. While we were in New York for Fashion Week, she introduced me to Essie's "Good To Go" top coat and most recently to Lancome's CILS BOOSTER XL mascara base.

Andrea's lashes are ALWAYS fabulous and I know she loves L'Oreal's Voluminious Mascara, though she will use MAC's Zoom Lash at times. But, her secret (thanks in advance Andrea!) is that she uses Lancome's CILS BOOSTER XL mascara base before applying mascara. The effect it has on lashes is so amazing- seriously! It instantly thickens, lengthens and volumizes- and of course I had to try it out myself. I'm sold! Oh, and I must tell you that Andrea was with me backstage during my interview with Mally Roncal and what Mally noticed first, when we approached her, was Andrea's lashes and she immeditately complemented her on them! Her lashes were definitely speaking for themselves!

Have you ever used a mascara base?

Lancome CILS BOOSTER XL Mascara Base