Mischo Beauty: November 2009

You're Invited: Mischo Beauty & Molton Brown Event

This is just a reminder to RSVP - space is limited. Oh, and I don't want you all to miss out on all of the pampering, and tons of goodies! Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Mischo Beauty Challenge: "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010"

I want you all to know that I love and appreciate all of your support, and as the blog continues to grow and evolve, I think what's most important is that I not only discuss external beauty, but internal beauty as well! I love educating you on the health of your hair, skin and nails and I want to be a source of motivation and encourage you to take care of yourself internally as well. And so I've created the "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010" challenge.

I'll provide weekly tips on health, wellness and exercise. And, I'll try to tweet the things I'm doing daily to keep fit and healthy. I think this will be fun and I hope we can motivate and encourage each other to take better care of ourselves! Here are a few items you may want to do to get started:

1. Join my Nikeplus.com challenge entitled "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2010". It's open to everyone- and you don't have to run to join the challenge. You can walk, too!

2. Invest in a pedometer and track your steps. It's recommended that you do 6,000 - 10,000 steps a day for overall good health. I'm currently using a Virgin HealthMiles pedometer (pictured above).

3. Take a multivitamin daily, and drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily.

4. Eat fresh green vegetables at least 3x a week, and make sure you're getting adequate sleep!

5. Check out Kimberly Snyder's blog- it's filled with TONS of great eating tips!

6. I'm adding Yoga, so please check out Yoga Journal for information, tips, and suggested yoga studios near you.

This is not a "weight-loss" challenge, but a "get fit" challenge. If you lose weight, and that's your goal, then great. I am not a dietitian, nutritionist, or a medical doctor- so always seek the advice of your doctor! I'll be updating my progress daily on Twitter, using the hashtag #HealthySexyBeautiful2010, so feel free to join me in sharing your updates by using it too!

Oh, and if you have tips you feel I should add to this list, please leave them in the comments section and I'll be sure to add them.

Are you with me? I hope so! Let's get started!

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?

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

I'm sure you all know by now that Rihanna was selected as one of Glamour Magazine's Women of the Year. I love that she's speaking out about domestic violence and letting young women know that it's not ok! She actually shared the December 2009 cover issue with four others who were also selected as Women of the Year.

I loved her spread inside the magazine and couldn't decide which I loved most- her fuchsia lipstick or Gucci boots? Well, of course, the lipstick wins! It reminds me of MAC's "Girl About Town (Fabulous Fuchsia)", which is a hot pink that looks good on a variety of complexions. Oh, and I love her nail polish, too. Anyone know the name of the shade?

Also, let me know your vote- hot pink lips or Gucci boots!

Mischo Beauty: My "Pre-Poo" Hair Treatment

So I wanted to share with you all one of my "pre-poo" or "pre-shampoo"/hot oil treatments. And I'll admit, it's somewhat of a "hair cocktail" (yes, I made it up!) but it works for me- and of course, I do enjoy experimenting. So basically it's just a mixture of equal parts Desert Essence's Jojoba Oil, Wella's Keratin Oil and Elixir Vital by Kerastase.

I section my hair into small sections, and apply the treatment from roots to ends using the brush pictured above. I then cover my hair with a plastic cap, sit under a hooded hair dryer for about 30 minutes, and then shampoo!

It's very simple to make, and very easy to use- and very necessary during this cold, dry winter season. Simply put- it's a great nourishing treatment for the hair. Any questions? Love your hair.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Desert Essence Organics' Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner

I'm the perfect candidate for Desert Essence Organics' Coconut shampoo and conditioner, which is for dry and damaged hair. My hair falls into the "dry" category- it is and has always been dry, and seems to soak up everything I use to nourish it. Both the shampoo and conditioner are formulated with organic coconut oil (which I've added to my haircare regimen after reading DE's blog!)- and coconut oil is great for the hair because it deeply penetrates the hair shaft!

Well, both passed my tests! The shampoo left my hair soft (my hair is texturized at the moment, but type 4a/4b) and the conditioner detangled my hair, allowing me to easily comb through it and section it for blow-drying. I highly recommend both!

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Analysis 101

I've said this before and I'll probably say it a million more times, but I can't begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. In my opinion, and as a licensed esthetician, one of the most important steps in a facial treatment is the skin analysis.

An esthetician can't properly treat you unless they know the following:

1. Skin type
2. Skin conditions present
3. Skin texture

The esthetician should use a magnifying lamp/light during the skin analysis in order to properly see/feel your skin and perform detailed work. A proper skin analysis will help the esthetician know what products and services should be performed and which are contraindicated. A contraindication is a factor or reason that makes it inadvisable to proceed with a treatment. They include certain medications, contagious diseases, skin disorders, medical conditions and skin irritation.

At the end of your facial service you should leave knowing what your skin conditions are and what you should use to improve your skin's health. You should now be knowledgeable enough to know how to properly select products for your skin type/issues.

Any questions? Love your skin.

You're Invited: Mischo Beauty & Molton Brown Event

I'm hosting an event at the Molton Brown Emporium located on Madison Avenue- and I'm too excited! Remember the day I fell in love with Molton Brown? Well, now it's your turn!

Please join me on Sunday, December 13th from 3pm -6pm for an evening of lots of pampering, champagne and a personal shopping experience- all while learning more about Molton Brown and Mischo Beauty. Oh, and yes, there will be gifts (while supplies last)!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there- so please don't forget to RSVP!

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Kiyah Wright

I can't believe it's time for this post again- time is flying! At any rate, I'm happy to announce that this week's "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity hairstylist, Kiyah Wright. Now you might be unfamiliar with her name, but if you've ever seen an episode of "The Tyra Banks Show" (for which she won an Emmy!) or "America's Next Top Model", then you've witnessed the fabulous hairstyles she's created for Tyra. Kiyah's also styled celebrities such as Iman, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans, just to name a few.

Her work has appeared in such magazines as Vogue, ELLE, Glamour and Essence. I think what I'm loving most is that while Kiyah loves working "behind the chair", she's been able to use her expertise to develop hair accessories and products, and launch an image consulting company called, Muze Agency (all the things I'm planning to do!). Anyway, check out her amazing portfolio here, as well as her website. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments section!

Mischo Beauty Pick: Lisa Hoffman's Spa Packettes

I'm excited about going home for the holidays- yes, I'll be headed to Indiana to see my family for Thanksgiving! I've only planned to be there a few days, which means I really need to pack light and carry any baggage onto the plane with me. With all that in mind, I was led to tell you all about Lisa Hoffman's Spa Packettes. These packettes are perfect for travel and include the following:

Spa Bath Packette: Bath Soak, Body Wash, Body Polisher, Body Cream, and Hand & Foot Butter

Spa Shower Packette: Cleansing Gel, Body Scrub, Body Oil, Body Lotion, and Hand & Foot Cream

Spa Facial Packette: Anti-Aging Serum, Clay Mask, Exfoliating Cleanser, Eye Treatment, Hydrating Booster, Hydrating Mask, Lip Moisturizer, Lip Polisher, Moisture Seal Cream and Purifying Toner

The ampules (pictured above) actually come in zip packaging, making them easy for packing. Or, you can separate the ampules and add them to your cosmetic bag.

And- what's even better is (I get very excited talking skincare) that for those of you who told me that one of your New Year's resolutions was to adopt a skincare regimen and you still have not (remember we discussed beauty New Year's resolutions here!) - well, this is your chance to sample a complete regimen. You can monitor your results and then commit to full sizes.

I'd love to know what you think about these!

Mischo Beauty: i-Envy by Kiss Premium Eyelashes

Most of you know that eyelashes are one of my favorite beauty accessories - remember my "Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101" post? Well, Kiss Premium Eyelashes just released their i-Envy collection which includes Au Naturale 02, Juicy Volume 02 and their Classic Short Black individual lashes- all pictured above.

And the best part- they retail for $3.49! That's a steal and definitely inexpensive enough for you to buy a few pairs to practice with, if you're a newbie!

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

So I couldn't decide if I liked Amerie's smokey eye or Givenchy shoes more when I saw her latest spread in Complex Magazine. I'm always cheering for Amerie (I loved her first CD, but unfortunately only one song from the second CD), so hopefully she doesn't disappoint with her new CD, "In Love & War".

Anyway, the smokey eye wins, though I HEART her shoes! If you happen to know who created her makeup look, please let me know in the comments section!

Also, let me know your vote- smokey eye or Givenchy shoes!

Mischo Beauty Pick: Hard Candy Just Nails Nail Polish

I thought these were cute- especially as stocking stuffers for nail polish lovers (like myself!)- so I decided to mention them. From left to right, the shades are: The End, Mr. Right, Frenzy, Pretty In Pink and Lava. I actually just learned that Hard Candy had been relaunched and is now available at WalMart.

And in addition to nail polish, the collection includes a full cosmetic line including lipstick, lip gloss, blush, mascara and eye shadows to name a few. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be heading to a WalMart when I head home to the midwest for the holidays (WalMart is always a required stop for my mother and one of my sisters...LOL), so I'll let you know more as I learn more... You can save at Meijer e-retailer and get instant savings on beauty products.

Does anyone ever remember seeing Hard Candy in Neiman Marcus stores?

Mischo Beauty Pick: ReVersital 3-in-1 MicrodermaStick

During a trip to The Plaza Beauty by Warren Tricomi, I met the lovely Ann-Marie who convinced me to allow her to demo the ReVersital 3-in-1 MicrodermaStick (for the body) on my hands. It was instant love after the demo, and so I was excited when she sent me a stick to test out at home. Well, I'm sure most of you are aware of the benefits of microdermabrasion if you've read my "Mischo Beauty School: Microdermabrasion 101" post, so I won't go into the details here.

What I will tell you is that this stick is made up of magnesium oxide crystals - the same microcrystals used in a microdermabrasion procedure, and it also acts as a cleanser and moisturizer, hence the "3-in-1". I've used this stick repeatedly on my feet, and yes they are smooth! It can also be used on your hands and elbows, and there's a special stick meant to be used specifically for the face, throat and decollete. Both sticks are available at Henri Bendel, The Plaza Beauty by Warren Tricomi and ReVersital.net.

Do you have questions about microdermabrasion? Please let me know in the comments section!

Mischo Beauty School: Exfoliation 101

I'm sure you all are aware of the benefits of exfoliation (especially since the weather is colder/drier), but if you aren't, here's another very quick lesson! Exfoliation is simply the removal of dry, dead surface skin cells. An exfoliant is an ingredient that assists in the exfoliation process. Alpha hydroxy acids and gentle scrubs are examples of what would be called a chemical exfoliant and a physical exfoliant, respectively. You should incorporate exfoliation into your skincare regimen (as I've mentioned before!) and here are the reasons why:

1. Leaves skin feeling silky smooth!
2. Facilitates the extraction of dirt/oil that clogs pores (helps prevent acne!)
3. Faster cell turnover rate (keeps skin younger looking!)
4. Improves the skin's ability to retain moisture (prevents dry skin!)
5. Helps penetration/delivery of product ingredients into the skin
6. Stimulates blood flow
7. Smooth skin makes the application of makeup easier!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Marcia Kilgore (founder of Bliss Spa)

I was recently reminded that "life is too short to not be doing what you love", and so every day is yet another opportunity for me to work even harder to achieve my goals. I've made significant progress and I'm not giving up until I get there! And so in continuing this series, I had to include Marcia Kilgore (even though I wrote about her 2 years ago on the blog), because she's accomplished what I'm working so hard to achieve.

You see, she's an esthetician, entrepreneur and well-respected beauty authority (that'll be me one day soon!). She began giving facials in her New York City apartment, which led to opening her first business, "Let's Face It". In 1996, she founded Bliss Spa, and the Bliss and Remede beauty product lines. The luxury goods conglomerate Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) acquired 70% of the company in 1999, resulting in a $30 million deal. And, in 2004, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. acquired the company, which is why we now see Bliss Spas in W Hotels.

Marcia serves as the Chief Creative Consultant for Bliss, and consults on product development and design, advertising, and promotional work. Her latest entrepreneurial ventures include the Soap & Glory product line and the Fitflop.

With all that said- can't you understand why I want to be like her when I grow up? She's AMAZING- right!

Mischo Beauty Loves: Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana's "Rose The One" Fragrance Ad Campaign

I love a beautifully executed "beauty" ad campaign and such is the case with Dolce & Gabbana's print ads for their new fragrance, "Rose The One". Again, they've chosen Scarlett Johansson as the campaign spokesmodel (she's also the face for their makeup collection) and I have to congratulate the beauty superstars (hairstylist, makeup artist, manicurist, etc.) behind the scenes who were all a part of making the creative director's vision a reality.

The fragrance collection also includes a shower gel, body lotion and shimmer powder and is exclusively available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Are you loving this ad campaign as much as I am?

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's MatteVelvet Winter Limited Edition Collection

A few months ago I introduced you to Zoya's MatteVelvet collection for fall and I've just received the limited edition collection for winter. I'm interested in knowing what your thoughts are on the "matte" nail polish trend- so please let me know! Do you think it's here for just a season, or are you expecting more of it for spring/summer?

So, Zoya's MatteVelvet Winter collection includes three shimmering mattes:

- Harlow (left)
- Savita (center)
- Veruschka (right)

Without a doubt, Veruschka is my absolute favorite! Oh, and remember that the look is supposed to be a "matte" finish, so this nail polish formula doesn't require a base coat, top coat, or a speed dryer.

Love it?

Mischo Beauty Extra: Zoya's Ultra Glitter Winter 2009 Collection

It's no secret that I'm a "glitter/sequins girl"- remember my favorite makeup bag here and here? Well, Zoya sent me their newest collection, Ultra Glitter Winter 2009, and you know it has my name written all over it! The collection includes Astra, Nova and Luna and is available now.

So which is your favorite?

Isn't She Lovely...

In celebrating "The Women In Hollywood" issue, ELLE Magazine released five different covers featuring different actresses, one of which was Zoe Saldana. Covers such as hers, are few and far in between and I'm actually searching for hers as I write this (I received the cover with Julianne Moore in the mail). Anyway, for all of you beauty lovers, here's the team of beauty superstars who created her cover look:

Makeup: Rose-Marie Swift at Streeters (all makeup by L'Oreal Paris)
Hair: Ted Gibson at Jed Root Inc.
Photographer: Alexei Hay
Stylist: Christopher Niquet

All makeup used was by L'Oreal Paris and included:
Double Extend Lash Fortifier & Extender Mascara in Carbon Black
Bare Naturale All-Over Mineral Glow in Honey Glow
H.I.P. Bright Shadow Duos in Dynamic

So who was your favorite cover model?

Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101

I'm passionate about haircolor and I'm writing about this topic, yet again! My apprenticeship at Vidal Sassoon required me to search high and low for models wanting root touch-ups, highlights, gray coverage, bleach & tones, highlift blondes, and single & double haircolor processes. Believe it or not, I was always able to find a model that needed one of these services and the results always left me amazed and excited about the next challenge.

With that said, let's discuss haircolor. It falls into four categories: temporary, semipermanent, demipermanent, and permanent.

1. Temporary haircolor coats the hair shaft and is easily removed by shampooing. Examples include: color rinses or color-enhancing shampoos.

2. Semipermanent haircolor partially penetrates the hair shaft and slowly fades with shampooing. It doesn't lighten the hair and is usually used to enhance fading haircolor.

3. Demipermanent haircolor doesn't lighten hair and, like semipermanent haircolor, it is used to enhance fading haircolor. It penetrates the hair shaft and lasts longer than semipermanent haircolor.

4. Permanent haircolor is used to lighten hair and cover grey. It remains in the hair shaft until the growth of new hair.

Any questions? Love your hair.

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Sam Fine

Today's "Mischo Beauty Superstar" is celebrity makeup artist, Sam Fine. As most of you already know, I've had the opportunity to see him at a celebrity makeup symposium a few years ago in Washington, DC and was completely blown away! Watching him perform his magic, up close and in person, was priceless! I loved that he was so gracious with sharing his story, answering questions and giving advice.

So in an effort to not overwhelm you (I've already mentioned him here, here, here, here, and here! LOL) check out his website for more information on his blog, book, makeup video and tour dates (he'll be back in DC this month!). Enjoy.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Sponge Skincare's Wild Herb Cleansing Gel

Since I'm always on the hunt for a more natural alternative when it comes to skincare, I decided to present to you Sponge skincare's Wild Herb Cleansing Gel, which is part of the line's 100% chemical-free range of products. Now in continuing to follow my best beauty advice of "buying for your skin type, needs, issues"- you should know that this gel cleanser is great for those of you with oily/combination skin. It's free of oils/emollients found in cleansing creams and lotions (which work better for dry/mature skin)!

Mischo Beauty: Avon's Smooth Minerals

I'll be honest and admit that I haven't used Avon makeup in years- actually probably not since my sister and I used to sneak and take the lipstick samples (my Mom used to get from co-workers selling Avon) with us to elementary school. Well Avon sent me a few items from their new Smooth Mineral collection and I have to tell you that I'm particularly found of the lipsticks (I found them to be very moisturizing) and the eye liners (easy on- easy off!). The complete collection is available here.