Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Sophy Robson

This post marks the beginning of the "Mischo Beauty Superstar" series which I'm starting to simply bring to your attention and show love to the many beauty professionals not only working hard to accomplish their dreams, but who are sources of inspiration to me personally (you all know beauty is my passion)! I promise to keep the posts short and sweet because they're meant to be an introduction. My hope is that you'll visit their websites, view their portfolios and tell the world about them!

The first "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity manicurist, Sophy Robson. I first learned about her from following the London, Milan and Paris fashion week updates on Vogue UK's beauty blog. Sophy was creative director for nails for such shows as Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. Her work has appeared in all of the top fashion magazines and you've probably seen her work in such ad campaigns as Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford White Patchouli and Bulgari to name a few.

She also has a nail salon called The Sophy Robson Nailcare Clinic at Fortnum & Mason in London, where she's available for appointments. Be sure to visit her website, check out her blog and view her AMAZING portfolio! And, if you're in London, get booked with her! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Review: Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face

I was sad to learn that Lancome recently discontinued it's Flash Bronzer Face Gel, remember me mentioning it here and here? So I recently stopped in Sephora to find a replacement and picked up Dior's Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Face and unfortunately it's not what I'd expected. First, it's very heavily scented- almost, feels like I'm applying perfume to my face. And secondly, I have yet to see the color payoff. My expectation is for a natural, fresh-looking glow and it just doesn't deliver for me. So, my hunt continues...

If you have a recommendation for me, please let me know! Thanks.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Desert Essence Organics

After learning more about the benefits of jojoba oil in cosmetology school and trying to take steps toward using more natural products, I started using Desert Essence's Jojoba Oil. So when they offered to send me their Green Apple & Ginger Body Wash (smells good enough to eat!), Almond Hand and Body Lotion and Lip Rescue in an effort to help me winterize my skin I was eager to try what they'd offered.

I'm loving all three products, and using the body wash as my current morning "pick-me-up". You should know that all of their products are 100% vegan and contain no parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol or petroleum-based ingredients. You may view the entire range here.

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Mischo Beauty School: Eye Creams 101

I receive emails pretty frequently with regards to the use of eye creams and they're usually concerning the following:

- Anti-aging
- Dark Circles
- Wrinkles
- Puffiness

Now in addressing the concerns above, I have to tell you that I'm a believer in taking care of oneself internally first, therefore reaping the benefits externally. So don't ever count out the invaluable benefits of adequate sleep, a diet rich in leafy greens, a multivitamin, and water- all of which I've discussed before.

If you're searching for a targeted treatment to address any of the concerns above- I'll share with you my best advice I've been giving out since starting this blog- and it is:

"Buy products formulated for your specific skin type/need/issue."

We all know that every brand makes an eye cream, so what I will suggest is that you start using the eye cream you choose consistently in order to really see/know if it works! Finding what works for you involves trial and error and consistent use for a minimum of 30 days (in my opinion).

Remember, for best results, eye creams should be applied to cleansed skin both morning and night, using your ring finger (the skin under the eye area is the thinnest skin on the body, which means you should use your weakest finger to apply product to that delicate area) before applying other products.

Now if there is an eye cream you're in love with, then share with us what it is and why!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Givenchy Les Poetiques 2009 Fall Makeup Collection

Based on the items I was sent to try from Givenchy's new Les Poetiques makeup collection for fall 2009, I will tell you that you won't be disappointed! The collection includes soft, neutral, sheer/shimmery shades and honestly, at first glance, I thought this was a spring or summer collection. Givenchy's Artistic Director for Makeup, Nicolas Degennes, states:

"From wintry winds to the winds of time, echoing melancholy's mire, beauty emerges so sublime, painting a landscape of desire.... Poetically, it borrows from the natural and enhances it with mystery. The dream emerges... a bed of roses... a stormy night... a first kiss... in a watercolour of emotions. Each woman has her mood, and each day, its surprise. Like feelings that "flood" the face, "Les Poetiques" naturally reveals the high-romance femininity of the Givenchy Woman. Each passion, and each woman, is unique."

The star product of the collection (which I've said before) for me was definitely the Phenomen'Eyes mascara, which is now available in No.4- Poetique Grey Lavender. This mascara in general, regardless of the shade you choose, is definitely the best luxury brand mascara, because it works! Anyway, I'd love to hear what you all think about this collection or Givenchy makeup in general. Please share!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect & YSL La Laque Nail Lacquer

Last week one of my followers on Twitter asked me what my favorite hair products were and why. Well I love answering any/all beauty related questions- you all know it's my passion, so don't ever hesitate to send them! Anyway, I was going through my makeup bag this morning and wanted to share with you two of my favorite products- at the moment- that I first blogged about last year.

The first is Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect Linen Beige #317, which I posted here and here. The second is YSL La Laque Nail Lacquer Tulipe Noire #34, which is down to the last drop! I'd love to know what products you're loving at the moment- for hair, skin or nails!

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Mischo Beauty Review: Completely Bare's Sculpted Tan

I was invited in to experience Completely Bare's Sculpted Tan about a month ago. And, after reading the service description, and based on the fact that I hadn't had an airbrushed tan in a couple of years, I was actually excited to try it out!

"The Sculpted Tan highlights and redefines areas of the body with precise, natural looking results. The Sculpted Tan is an airbrushed technique that "chisels" your body using two different airbrushes and two different solutions, the first giving you your base tan while the second shapes your body."

The words "precise, natural looking, and chisels", were not only the words that stood out for me, but were actually the results I was eagerly awaiting. So I visited the 25 Bond Street location for the service and was greeted by my esthetician, who escorted me into the treatment room. Now it's completely up to you on whether or not you'd like to be airbrushed in a bikini of your own, use their disposable thong or be completely naked. The service lasted about 45 minutes (including drying time), and I felt my esthetician did a great job with the coverage.

My only concerns were with the fact that there was no full-length mirror in the room, so my esthetician kindly held up a 5x7 mirror as I checked to see the results. Also, I don't believe there were "two different airbrushes and two different solutions" used during my service. At least I didn't see my esthetician change the equipment or solution... I was indeed sprayed twice, my esthetician did not miss a spot!

I think the service is great if you're headed to the islands and you want to save your skin from the sun, or if you're just in need of a "pick-me-up glow" while in the city. My advice is to purchase a self-tanner for maintenance, because you'll lose some of the glow when you first shower after waiting 8 hours after the service.

If you've had this service, then I'd love to know what your experience was- also, if you've had any other services at Completely Bare, please share!

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Mischo Beauty Loves Stella McCartney's StellaNude Linen Scented Mist

As most of you already know, I'm new to the Stella McCartney fragrance range- and a few months ago I fell in love with the Stella Eau de Parfum Roll-On while waiting in line to check out at Sephora. Well, I was recently given the opportunity to try the new Linen Scented Mist, which is part of the StellaNude collection, and it was instant love!

It contains some of the same top notes I loved so much in the roll-on, such as rose, peony, and amber- but this definitely falls into the " delicate, soft, sensual" category. It's a "linen mist" so it's very light- perfect for a lingerie drawer, closet or wherever you see fit to use it.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Scott Barnes' Body Bling

If you haven't tried Body Bling by Scott Barnes (celebrity makeup artist to Jennifer Lopez), then you need to get it now! It's a tinted bronzing body lotion, it compliments every skin tone, and it's made for temporary wear (washes off after each use). And since I'm always on the search for a great bronzer, I gladly accepted the opportunity to try it when his company offered.

After a single application, it gave me a serious glow- which I loved! I think it's perfect for a night out- especially when you want to show a little more skin than usual. I'd love to know your thoughts- if you've tried it, please let me know!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Miss Jessie's Beauty Event

I love both the entrepreneurial spirit and beauty empire these women have built over the years, and yes, when I grow up, I want to be just like them! LOL. At any rate, I thought you should know about this event. And if you attend, please let us know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Yerba Prima Psyllium Whole Husks & Green Foods Green Magma

Because you all asked, I decided to share. We discussed internal beauty last week, and for those of you who wanted to know, Yerba Prima Psyllium Whole Husks and Green Foods Green Magma are a regular part of my beauty diet. I buy them at a local health food store, so you should have no problems finding them if interested...

*Mischo Beauty is a beauty blog for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are in doubt, please seek the advice of your physician. Mischo Beauty is in no way responsible for the effects of posted information. If you choose to try these products, you do so at your own risk.*

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Mischo Beauty School: Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods (VegNews)

I've decided to resume the "Mischo Beauty School" posts with a focus on internal beauty (as we discussed last week) and anti-aging by sharing with you all a list I discovered in the January/February 2009 issue of VegNews. Now I'm not a vegetarian (at least not yet) but I love reading my friend's copies of VegNews, as I'm always looking to improve my diet. Well in an article entitled "Food for Life" by Angelina del rio Drake, I discovered the "Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods" list.

I loved this list because quite frankly, I enjoy eating just about everything on it and I'm glad to know I'm on the right track! And so in no particular order the list includes:

- Acai
- Avocados
- Beans
- Blueberries
- Dark Leafy Greens
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Walnuts

Oh, and while we're on the subject of internal beauty, Kimberly Snyder (Envision Beauty Blog) recently posted a new recipe for her Fall Green Smoothie (thanks to DE for letting me know!), so if you get a chance, please check it out.

I'd love to know your thoughts on the "Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods" list! Are they already a part of your diet? Do you plan to incorporate them? Are there foods missing from the list that we should know about? Please share!

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Mischo Beauty Hearts "the VOGUE beauty blog (UK)"

You all know that I had the amazing opportunity to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York this past September. And while I wasn't able to attend the fashion weeks over in London, Milan or Paris, I loved keeping up with VOGUE UK's beauty blog's backstage coverage. The posts were both concise and witty, and left me wishing I was there!

Some of you might remember my "tweet" about the CHANEL "double C logo appliques" and the fabulous manicurist, Sophy Robson- well, all thanks goes to VOGUE UK's beauty blog for the introduction! Be sure to check them out and follow them on Twitter!

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Mischo Beauty: Rene Furterer's OKARA Collection

I'm a huge fan of the Rene Furterer collection of products (I'm sure you all know that by now!) due to the fact that I've had an opportunity to use just about all of them during my apprenticeship at Elizabeth Arden Red Door. My favorites are the complete Karite regimen (for very dry scalp/hair), Complexe 5 Regenerating Extract (pre-shampoo treatment) and the Okara 2-Phase Leave-In Protective Conditioner (great for color-treated hair).

And while we're on the subject of color-treated hair, Rene Furterer sent me their Okara regimen of products (specifically for color-treated hair), which includes the Okara Protective Radiance Shampoo, Okara Restructuring & Protective Radiance Mask and the Okara 2-Phase Leave-In Protective Conditioner. Now I'm mentioning this collection to you because recently I shared a beauty tip on Twitter regarding investing in products to protect and maintain haircolor.

If you're going to invest so much in haircolor services, then it only makes sense to maintain that investment with the very best products! I've used the Okara regimen on clients in the past and I've always loved the results, so I thought I'd share it with you.

I love answering your haircolor questions, so please leave them in the comments section and I'll get right back to you!

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Mischo Beauty Pick: CosMedix Skin Nutrition

Those of you who've been following me on Twitter, know that as much as I blog about external beauty, I also try to take care of myself internally. I've "tweeted" about uploading my workouts to Nikeplus.com, yoga, acupuncture and my diet. Because seriously, at the end of the day, beauty begins from within and if your body's internal system isn't working, it'll reveal itself in the health of your hair, skin and nails!

Now with that said, psyllim husks (dietary fiber) and a veggie greens powder (DE over at BeautyLogic blog inspired me to add this to my diet!) are a normal part of my diet and I swear by them- probably too much information, I know (LOL!). So when Cosmedix sent me their Restore Colon Cleanse and Balance Complete Greens Formula, I was so excited about the fact that a skincare company was not only focusing on the external, but the internal as well!

Are these products for you? Well, that's for you to decide. I'm only presenting them as an option/alternative, and because I'm really excited about them. I AM encouraging you to pay attention to your diet, but my advice is to educate yourself and talk to your doctor!

*Mischo Beauty is a beauty blog for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are in doubt, please seek the advice of your physician. Mischo Beauty is in no way responsible for the effects of posted information. If you choose to try these products, you do so at your own risk.*

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Enter to win a $75 Beautyticket.com Gift Card!

My absolute favorite blog, SheBreathes, is giving away a $75 Beautyticket.com Gift Card and I just wanted to quickly remind you all to get entered to win! Have a beautiful weekend and please spread the word!

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Mischo Beauty: Sustainable Youth Skin Care

I love learning about new skincare products (I can't help it, I'm an Esthetician!) and that's the reason why I allowed Sustainable Youth Technologies to send me their Total Immune Performance Regimen which includes the Elastifirm Supplement with Alasta, Immune Performance Revitalizing Serum with Alasta and the Immune Performance Elasticity Cream with Alasta. Each product in the regimen contains "Alasta", which is derived from organic aloe and is supposed to stimulate the immune system to help repair and rebuild the skin's collagen and elastin- preventing wrinkling and sagging.

Now I decided to present this skincare line to you for the following reasons:

1) It's a "green" skincare line - 100% natural/organic- and I love that!

2) Many of you promised to begin consistently caring for your skin at the beginning of the year, and for those of you who are behind, this is just another option for you.

3) I always encourage you all to search for products specifically for your skin type/issues, and if "anti-aging" is your concern/issue, then this could possibly be for you.

If you've tried these products, please let me know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty: Rare El’ements International Hair Collection

I receive emails periodically asking for suggestions on sulfate-free shampoos. Well, I recently received the Pure Shampoo and Essential Conditioner from Rare Elements. I loved the fact that in addition to being free of sulfates, they are also paraben and silicone free. They're formulated for all hair types (including color-treated hair!) and, in my opinion, smell just like Aveda products.

The collection includes a pre-shampoo treatment, called El Treatment, that seems worth checking out at www.rare-elements.com. Have you tried this collection yet?

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"Backstage Beauty at Dolce & Gabbana" + Giveaway on SheBreathes!

I'd previously shared with you all how much I loved the fact that Dolce & Gabbana collaborated with legendary makeup artist, Pat McGrath in creating their makeup collection. So when I learned that she led the creative direction for makeup for their Spring/Summer 2010 runway show during Milan Fashion Week, I thought you all would love to know. Please visit SheBreathes.com for the complete post and while you're there, please enter to win a $75 Beautyticket.com gift card! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: PARISIENNE By Yves Saint Laurent Beauty

I welcomed the opportunity to try Yves Saint Laurent Beauty's newest fragrance, Parisienne, and I will tell you that I was not disappointed. It's described as "a grand floral with a woody structure, luminous even in its mystery". The fragrance's top notes are Blackberry, Damask Rose and Sandalwood.

Now I'm not an expert when it comes to fragrances, but I could barely smell the Sandalwood which contributes to the "woody structure" of the fragrance and I think that's why I liked it so much. I'm more partial to citrus/floral scents, and I could smell the richness of the Blackberry and Damask Rose immediately after testing it out. It's more of a "day" scent for me and it's definitely a keeper! Have you tried it?

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Mischo Beauty Loves Lippmann Collection's 10th Anniversary Set

You all might remember my having the opportunity to meet THE Deborah Lippman, manicurist to the stars, backstage at Lela Rose during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Well, I'm excited to tell you about her 10th Anniversary Set of nail colors which recently launched and is so perfect for fall. Each shade has my name written all over it! The set includes:

- Superstar: "show stopping copper flecked fudge (glitter)"
- Funky Chunky: "sequined sheer black (glitter)"
- Ruby Red Slippers: "Dorothy's shimmering ruby (glitter)"

I was already a huge fan of "Superstar", and I know I'll be using the other two shades until I get to the very last drop!

- Questions about nail shape? The answers are here!
- Have you seen Lippmann Collection's "Fade to Black"? Be sure to check out my photos!

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Mischo Beauty Review: L'Oreal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara

When I tried L'Oreal Paris' new Telescopic Explosion Mascara, my expectation was (due to the fact that the design was copied after Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes Mascara - which you all know I love!) that it would be a nice lower priced substitute. Now it comes close with regards to the design - it also has a ball-shaped brush/tip, and it also separates and lengthens lashes. I like that the formula doesn't harden after applying it to lashes, because this makes for easy touch-ups. But because this mascara lacks in delivering volume, it will never be a substitute for Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes.

Have you tried it? Please let me know your thoughts!

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Mischo Beauty: It's My Birthday!

I'd like to thank everyone for all of the birthday wishes! I'm greatly appreciative and I can't begin to tell you all how much I appreciate your support and your patience. Please accept my apologies for the slow coming posts this week- life seems to have taken over...

You all know how much I love bringing you the absolute best in beauty, so please stay tuned for new posts beginning Monday. And as always, please feel free to email me with your beauty questions, concerns and issues at mischobeauty@gmail.com!

Thank you all so much again- and enjoy your weekend!

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