Mischo Beauty: May 2010

Mischo Beauty Celebrates THREE YEARS!

I'm celebrating my blog's 3rd anniversary today, and I'd like you all to know that I'm humbled, honored, appreciative and thankful for all of your support! From the bottom of my heart - thank you!

Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Miko &Titi Branch (founders of Miss Jessie’s Products and Salon)

As my blog approaches it's 3rd anniversary (yes, it's this Sunday!), I felt it only fitting to feature the two women, Miko and Titi Branch (amazing beauty entrepreneurs!) who are the founder's of Miss Jessie's Products and Salon, and who also inspired my very first blog post!

You see after reading about their products in Essence Magazine, back in 2005 , my mother (who lives in Indiana) had me hunt them down and send her the Curly Pudding and Curly Buttercreme. And after using them, it was instant love!

Those of you who've been following my blog, know I love hair (it's what started this journey) and that I'm building a beauty empire. And so for me, Miko and Titi are a huge inspiration. I've written about them here, here, here, here and here - but, you're invited to check out their redesigned website, new product offerings and styling tutorials.

Love these amazing ladies as much as I do? Let me know!

Mischo Beauty Alert: GEORGIA's Valencia Launch Party

By now you all know how much I love GEORGIA! And so I'm happy to announce the launch party for their new "Valencia" scented body lotion and soy candles. The event takes place tomorrow, May 27th, 6pm - 9pm. The host for the evening will be the legendary, Bethann Hardison.

I promise you won't want to miss this!

Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary Hair Services!

What: Kerastase aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in complimentary treatment rituals and blow outs at participating salons.

When: May 26th (East Coast) & June 23rd (West Coast)

Where: Check out participating Kerastase Consultant Salons and print your own invitation: www.kerastase-usa.com/ourtreat

If you decide to take advantage of this offer, please let us know how it goes!

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

Kerry's skin is always flawless, which I love, love, love, love, love! But I think I'm loving her shoes the most in this photo! Wouldn't you agree?!

Mischo Beauty: Caress Whipped Souffle & Velvet Bliss Body Washes

If you're looking for luxurious body washes, then I've found just the ones for you! Caress recently launched their Whipped Souffle and Velvet Bliss collection of body washes, which can best be described as "lux for less"! The fragrances (Blackberry & Vanilla, White Peach, and Blackberry Cream) are to die for- and after using these, my skin was left silky smooth and moisturized!

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

Mischo Beauty: Avon Glazewear Lip Gloss

I'm again surprised by Avon, and this time the reason is the new collection of
Glazewear lip glosses. I just knew these would be sticky, and ultimately drying- but they're not. I love the collection of shades, the color payoff is nice, and best of all- there are three finishes: sparkle, shine and intense.

Be sure to check them out and let me know your thoughts!

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

Mischo Beauty Pick: Avon ANEW

If you've never heard of the Avon ANEW collection of products, then you should make it a point to check out the website ASAP! By now you all know that I have this serious love affair going on with skin (well skin and hair- they're tied! LOL), which is why I've stressed the importance of a consistent skincare regimen about a million times! Well, after checking out the ANEW collection of products (which are formulated for the premature aging/aging skin condition) I'm impressed and thought you all should know about them!

First of all, be sure to take the ANEW Skincare Quiz when you visit the website, because it takes the guessing out of which products are best for you. After taking the quiz, you're given a list of products recommended for your specific needs, and you're also told which to use in the morning and at night.

So why should you try these products? Well, the promise of consistent cell turnover (which keeps skin looking young and fresh), tiny pores, the reduction of fine lines and an even skintone! I'm sold. And guess what? You have no excuses for not using this collection to start an amazing skincare regimen.

If you've tried this collection, please let us know your thoughts!

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

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

And so the countdown officially begins! We're officially one week away from the opening of Sex and the City 2, and I can't wait! I'm loving the fact that Sarah Jessica Parker's highlights are toned down here, but really this photo is about her Chanel clutch and Christian Louboutin Pigalle glitter gold pumps- right!?

Wouldn't you agree?

Mischo Beauty: Celly Smellys Scented Cleaning Wipes

If you remember our discussion last week on "Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions", you'll remember that breakouts are a skin condition caused by many external factors- one of such being use of dirty cell phones, iPhones and BlackBerrys. Dirt, bacteria and germs are easily transferred to the face each time you use these devices to talk. And the result, well for some- those annoying breakouts!

And so this brings me to the introduction of Celly Smellys, which are scented cleaning wipes specifically developed for personal electronic devices. Luckily I don't suffer from breakouts on my face where I'd normally hold my iPhone, but I am guilty of not cleaning it consistently!

What about you?

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

Mischo Beauty Loves Zoya Nail Polish's "Robyn"

The nail color of the summer is, hands down, Zoya Nail Polish's "Robyn" which is part of the newly released Flash Collection. This cream shade is described as a "perfect turquoise" and looks absolutely gorgeous on! The compliments have not stopped!

Love it?

What's your bedtime beauty regimen?

I hope you all enjoyed the weekend! Though I have a "to-do" list a mile long, I'm excited about the week and all of its possibilities. And so today's question has to do with "beauty sleep" and why it's so important to be consistent with your bedtime beauty regimen.

A consistent regimen is important because not only does getting enough sleep mean being well rested, stress free and hopefully productive for the next day- it also means that internally our cells (specifically hair, nail and skin cells) are repairing themselves and regenerating THE ABSOLUTE MOST while we're sleeping! The means younger looking and healthy skin, hair growth and strong nails! And so now you understand the importance of "beauty sleep"!!

It's also important to make sure you're consistent with your skincare regimen, removing makeup before bed, using products rich in antioxidants and are sleeping on our silk pillowcases!

So what I'd like to know from you is: What's your bedtime beauty regimen?

Mischo Beauty Alert: The Makeup Show NYC (May 16th & 17th)

It's the most exciting time of year for us makeup lovers! You see The Makeup Show is back in New York City- May 16th & 17th. And what this means for you- well, it's the opportunity to interact with the biggest makeup brands (Make Up For Ever, MAC Cosmetics, L'Oreal, Smashbox, Becca Cosmetics, Eve Pearl- to name a few!), new product introductions, seminars, forums and hands-on workshops led by the most accomplished makeup artists in the industry!

For event details such as travel, exhibitors, etc., please visit www.themakeupshow.com

Mischo Beauty Loves Marc Jacobs Biscotti Splash

When it comes to fragrances, my preference is always more of a floral or citrus scent. So when agreeing to try the new Marc Jacobs Splash collection of fragrances, my picks were naturally the Apple and Pomegranate scents. What I actually received was the Biscotti scent- which believe it or not, left me pleasantly surprised!

With top notes of freesia, bergamont, orange flower and vanilla- Biscotti is soft, sweet and might I add flirty! The scent is light, which makes it perfect for summer and I'm happy to announce that I love it.

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

Mischo Beauty: SoftSheen-Carson's Roots of Nature

I'm pretty sure we'll all agree that First Lady Michelle Obama's hair looks great just about every time she makes a public appearance. So when I heard that her hairstylist, Johnny Wright, was the Artistic Style Director for SoftSheen-Carson I immediately wanted to know more!

When asked about SoftSheen-Carson's newest collection, Roots of Nature, he stated: "Hair that looks great is healthy and strong. The unique combination of organic shea butter and green tea stimulates hair growth while simultaneously moisturizing and nourishing the hair."

Sounds like something we all could use, right?

Have you tried this collection?

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

Rene Furterer’s Acanthe Perfect Curls

There is no such thing as bad hair. And with the right products, all hair is good hair. The key is identifying your hair type and determining what your hair likes by observing its reaction to different products. Pay attention to what your hair needs, and it will give you what you want.

My hair is curly (Type 3) and fairly low-maintenance. I've mostly used inexpensive shampoos and conditioners and generic gels for many years. After researching, I decided to take better care of my hair, to make it as healthy as possible.

I experimented with many, and found that Rene Furterer's Acanthe Perfect Curls line delivers all that my hair likes, needs, and wants. The Curl Enhancing shampoo thoroughly cleanses away the residue of days worth of product. The conditioner detangles and moisturizes without leaving that heavy, overly conditioned feeling. The Curl Enhancing leave-in fluid is the icing on the cake. With only a few drops, it smoothes out your strands, defining your natural curl pattern, allowing you to style your hair with or without a comb. (I use my fingers!) No hard gel-like finish and no stiff, over-processed residue!

As with all things, you get only as much as you give. Love your hair, and it will love you back.

Be beautiful, and be well. -Ayanna Shamese

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

Mischo Beauty Icon: RIP Lena Horne {1917 - 2010}

Loved, respected, talented, devoted and brilliant. Lena Horne's legacy will live on forever, and she will forever be missed.

Mischo Beauty Pick: Lancome's Hydra-Intense Masque & Pure Empreinte Masque

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I gave myself an amazing mini-facial last night! Mini-facials, like facials, are my "essential beauty product"- they're vital to maintaining my skin's health in between facial appointments.

And so the steps are simply:

- Cleanse
- Tone
- Steam
- Exfoliate
- Tone
- Mask
- Tone
- Moisturize

I used a regimen of Lancome products and was impressed with the Pure Empreinte Masque, which is a clay mask (setting) used on my oily t-zone. I also loved the Hydra-Intense Masque, which is a hydrating gel mask (non-setting) used on the remaining areas of my face. Due to the fact that I have a combination skin type (an oily t-zone, with at times a dry forehead and cheeks), most times I'll use two masks during my mini-facials.

So there you have it- easy, easy! And seriously easy enough to do weekly! Have you started a mini-facial routine? If so, please tell us about it! If not, why not?

Mischo Beauty Loves Branche Silk Charmeuse Pillow Covers

I've mentioned the importance of silk pillowcases here, here, here and here- so by now, I know you all get the point! Well there's a brand you need to check out that I'm in love with and it's Branche Silk Charmeuse Pillow Covers. They're made from mulberry silk and feel A-MA-ZING!

Not only are they great for your hair (non-drying, preventing breakage), but they protect your skin from facial creases which might cause wrinkling. If you're not sleeping on a silk pillowcase, you should be- your hair and skin are worth it!

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

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions

If you take anything away from this blog, my hope is that it's properly caring for your skin! Education is key- and that's the reason I continue with the "Mischo Beauty School" posts (your "beauty education"!). According to the New York Times "a new beauty product is born every 2.5 seconds", so while there's always a new product to look forward to, the reality is that these products come and go! The foundation for achieving great skin is knowing your skin type, skin conditions and implementing a consistent skincare regimen.

Now with that said, let's address "Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions". Your skin type is genetically determined (you're born with it!) and most often can be controlled with a consistent skincare regimen. Skin types are as follows:

- Normal
- Dry
- Oily/Combination
- Acneic
- Sensitive

Skin conditions are most often caused by external factors such as the environment, stress, medication, etc. and may include the following:

- Dehydration
- Sensitivities
- Aging
- Pigmentation
- Breakouts

These conditions affect all skin types and may change daily. The great news is that these conditions can be corrected! So for example, you might have an oily skin type that suffers from breakouts and pigmentation issues. And so with all that said, knowing the difference between your skin type and skin conditions will only better help you in selecting the best products for your skincare regimen which will ultimately assist in achieving the goal of healthy skin!

Any questions? Love your skin.

Mischo Beauty Loves Rodial Skincare

This post is specifically for those of you with a premature aging/aging skin condition. And before I continue, it's important to know the difference between "skin type" and "skin condition". We're born with our skin types (genetically determined), whereas skin conditions (dehydration, pigmentation, aging, breakouts, etc.) are most often caused by external factors and may change from day to day. Half the challenge of achieving healthy skin is knowing your skin type and skin conditions, and then being able to select the appropriate skincare line.

With that said, I'm excited to introduce you to Rodial skin care products, whose tag line (which I happen to love) is "The glamorous alternative to surgery". What's most important about this skincare line is that it features "Pomegranate Ellagic Tannin", which is an antioxidant, collagen booster and firming agent. So what does this all really mean? This skincare line is supposed to correct skin conditions such as wrinkles, loose skin, pigmentation and the list goes on and on....

Excited yet? I know I am! Be sure to check out the Glam Balm Wipes (great for makeup removal) and the LA Face Lift kit (perfect for those of you who travel frequently and great for those of you determined to implement a consistent/complete skincare regimen).

If you're using or have tried this line, please share your thoughts!

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

Mischo Beauty Pick: Dove Ultimate Deodorant

I haven't used Dove deodorant in ages, but their new Dove Ultimate formula caught my attention recently. Now being the "lover of all things beauty" and especially beauty treatments (remember that amazing class I took a few weeks ago where I learned a ton of new beauty treatments?), I had to tell you about Dove's new treatment called the "Piticure". Like a pedicure, the Piticure is supposed to keep your underarms smooth and ready for summer.

The treatment involves the following three steps:

1. Gentle Exfoliation of the underarms
2. Shaving
3. Application of Dove Ultimate deodorant

Now the most important benefit, in my opinion, is supposedly no irritation. And if that's true, then that's genius!

Have you tried this formulation?

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

Origins' GinZing Eye Cream

Yes, of course we all need to see. But what an inconvenience those eyes can be! Dryness, itchiness, bags... Argh! For years I've struggled with finding the right cream that moisturizes, depuffs, and addresses dark circles for the skin surrounding the eyes.

Being a loyalist, I'd go from formula to formula, within the same brand, before trying another brand's product. I consider myself an UNOFFICIAL "expert" on this issue. Well, I'm happy to say that all of my experimentation has paid off. After about my tenth lap around the beauty product field, I've circled back to Origins.

Origins has a new eye cream that does all that it claims: refreshes, brightens, and depuffs. Origins' GinZing Eye Cream is my secret formula after a hard night, little sleep, a late night, or any night, EVERY morning. I apply the product with my fingertips in a circular motion, moving upward, around my eyes. The product goes on with a cool, velvety smooth sensation, with the feeling remaining as it absorbs into the skin. And no, it does not interfere with my makeup!

And for this cream, I'm happy to add "revitalizing" and "rejuvenating" to its resume. It's proven to get the job done.

Enjoy and be well. -Ayanna Shamese

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

Thandie Newton was definitely the "belle of the ball" at last night's Costume Institute Gala celebrating the opening of the "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She wore a Vivienne Westwood Gold Label corset gown, accented by an effortless updo and nude makeup, with a focus on the eyes. Love it!

Who was your favorite?