Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

As a follow-up to the question I answered earlier this week on mask types, I thought I'd repost this lesson on masks. A great mask can do wonders for the skin. Masks are designed as an intensive treatment for different skin needs/issues. Generally, there are two types of masks: setting masks and non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base, harden and dry and absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks are for dry or sensitive skin and are primarily moisturizing and soothing. Benefits of masks include the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Clear up blemishes
4. Hydrate
5. Nourish
6. Calm and soothe
7. Rejuvenate the skin

Now that the weather is seriously cold and dry (at least in the midwest and east coast), consider investing in a non-setting mask (if it works for your skin type) which will keep your skin nourished and hydrated throughout the winter season! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Love your skin.

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What's the worst beauty advice you've ever received?

You've got to let me know! For me personally, it's not that I've received horrible beauty advice, it's just that it's annoying when someone tries to advise you and they don't follow their own direction! For example, I had an esthetics instructor who smoked cigarettes - and I'm sure you can imagine the rest... I was never able to wrap my brain around the fact that she taught skincare/skin health, but smoked cigarettes!?! Like, who really still even smokes? Anyway, please share your stories in the comments section below!

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Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

As a follow-up to the question I answered earlier this week on mask types, I thought I'd repost this lesson on masks. A great mask can do wonders for the skin. Masks are designed as an intensive treatment for different skin needs/issues. Generally, there are two types of masks: setting masks and non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base, harden and dry and absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks are for dry or sensitive skin and are primarily moisturizing and soothing. Benefits of masks include the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Clear up blemishes
4. Hydrate
5. Nourish
6. Calm and soothe
7. Rejuvenate the skin

Now that the weather is seriously cold and dry (at least in the midwest and east coast), consider investing in a non-setting mask (if it works for your skin type) which will keep your skin nourished and hydrated throughout the winter season! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Love your skin.

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Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from Naomi, who asked the following:

"I am 41 and noticing a major change in my skin, especially under and around the eyes. I work long hours and travel for work pretty frequently. Can you recommend some steps I could take and a good line of all natural products for fighting wrinkles and dark, puffy eyes? Thank you!"

First and foremost, I'd recommend adopting a consistent skincare regimen. Here are ten easy steps:

1. Cleanse morning & night (never go to bed without removing makeup and cleansing your face!)

2. Tone after cleansing (both morning & night)

3. Use a moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 15 during the day! (90% of aging is caused by UV rays; UVB rays burn the skin and UVA rays age the skin!)

4. Use a night cream with antioxidants before bed

5. Use an eye cream both morning and night under your moisturizer (this is a preventive measure; signs of aging show first around the eyes, forehead, mouth, neck and hands)

6. Exfoliate 2x a week (helps with cell turnover and with the penetration of product ingredients into the skin)

7. Use a mask 2x a week (many, many benefits!)

8. Take a multi-vitamin daily and drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily

9. Eat fresh green vegetables at least 3x a week

10. Make sure you're getting adequate sleep!

I can't stress enough the importance of sleep! So, I'll say it again- make sure you're getting adequate sleep. Lastly, I'd like to encourage you to consider adding monthly facials to your skincare regimen. Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they assist with cell renewal, detoxification and the correction of existing skin conditions - plus much more! And, to answer your question regarding suggested natural skincare lines - here are a few you should consider:

- Baborganic
- Juice Beauty
- Dr. Hauschka
- Jurlique
- Weleda
- REN
- Caudalie

I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how it's going for you! And as always, please feel free to send me any additional questions you might have. Love your skin.

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Shiseido NYC Limited Edition Beauty Boutique Opening

I wanted to make sure you all knew about this, because it won't be open for long. From November 12th -19th, Shiseido Cosmetics America will open it's first-ever pop-up beauty boutique to showcase it's Fall and holiday makeup and skincare collections. Guests are invited to sample the collections and receive signature Shiseido services.

Additional offerings include gift cards for complimentary facial massage treatments at Bloomingdales Shiseido counter (59th Street location) and deluxe samples of signature Shiseido skincare and makeup products. Be sure to make note of the following details:

When: November 12 - 19, 2010; from 11am - 7pm

Where: 989 Third Avenue (at 59th Street) - NYC

Enjoy!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: LIERAC Paris Skincare & NewBeauty Magazine Present “Advances in Cosmetic Medicine”

Because you all clearly know how much I love skincare - I thought I'd share this event with you. If you decide to attend, please stop back by and let us know your thoughts! Enjoy.

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Mischo Beauty School: Toners 101

I've received quite a few emails lately asking me if toners are a necessary step in a skincare regimen. And in response, I prepared this post in hopes that it will answer most, if not all, of your questions. Toners, fresheners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product. But, it is important to note that the products do have different properties and vary by strength and alcohol content.

Most often these liquids are used after cleansing, just before moisturizer is applied. If using during a mini-facial, for instance, then multiple applications are required. Toners are applied by using a cotton ball/pad or by spraying directly onto the skin. Most fall into the following categories below:

- Fresheners: Beneficial for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Often have the lowest to no alcohol content.

- Toners: Beneficial for normal and combination skin. Very low alcohol content; tones or tightens the skin.

- Astringents: Beneficial for oily and acneic skin. Higher alcohol content; helps remove excess oil on the skin, but can be too drying and may cause more harm than good.

Benefits:

- Removes residue left behind by cleansers.
- Restores the skin's natural pH after cleansing or other treatments.
- Prepares the skin for increased product absorption.
- May improve certain skin conditions (some toners contain vitamins/antioxidants, etc.).

So there you have it! Please feel free to email me with any questions. Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty: SensiClear Acne Treatment System

It's unofficially been "Healthy Skincare Week" on Mischo Beauty this week and I'm blaming it on the amazing advanced skin care class I took last week. I'm still so excited about all that I learned and plan to continue sharing it with you! And so for those of you with an acneic skin type (I haven't forgotten about you!) your key concern is making sure that you're using products that will kill the bacteria causing your breakouts. One key ingredient to look for is salicylic acid.

SensiClear recently released a 4-step kit to address acneic skin. Supposedly, you'll start to see results in 72 hours, but I'm not able to co-sign because I don't have an acneic skin type. I do love that the key ingredient in three of the products is salicylic acid, in addition to the fact that the steps for use are easy to follow. The kit includes:

- Purifying Cleanser
- Balancing Toner
- Acne Treatment Lotion
- Acne Spot Treatment Cream

My best advice is to include these products in a serious at-home skincare regimen in order to see the best results! If you're using or have used this kit, please share your experiences.

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

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You're Invited: GEORGIA & Mischo Beauty Event

The event is this Friday, February 12th from 6pm - 9pm, and I can't wait! If you haven't RSVP'd, don't worry because there's still time. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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You're Invited: GEORGIA & Mischo Beauty 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!

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You're Invited: GEORGIA & Mischo Beauty Event

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Those of you who follow me on Twitter already know this, but I spent the last week in St. Lucia and it was fabulous! I had every intention of blogging, but when I set foot on the island, it was all over- instant paradise! Ahhhhhhhh! I'll update you more on that later...

The exciting news today is that- well, remember the post a few months back on the chic beauty boutique and salon called Georgia? Well, on February 12th from 6pm - 9pm, I'll join the owners, Jodie and Kiara, in introducing you to "The Trilogy of Perfect Skin Care." You'll learn more about the Duchess Marden, Georgia By G and Company, and Kroia skin care lines, all while toasting a new year of new beauty. I hope you'll join us!

Please send your RSVP's directly to me at: kitiya@mischobeauty.com

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Mischo Beauty: Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser & Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

I hope you all are enjoying the new year- new decade! I can't begin to tell you how anxious and excited I am about all the possibilities ahead, but more on that later- and back to this post! I was recently asked to test out Biore's Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser and Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. Now I know I'm not a candidate for either product because- 1) I don't have oily/acneic skin and 2) Though I do have an oily t-zone, since I'm an esthetician, I pretty much know how to treat excess oil/congestion (remember my mini-facials?).

But, I decided to mention these products, because after browsing Biore's website, I was pleased to see that there was a whole regimen of products, and I love that! Remember- I'm always encouraging you all to start at-home skincare regimens, right! Anyway, for those of you who do have oily/acneic skin types- this is just another option for you (I promise to include more information, reviews and recommendations for your skin type on the blog!). Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.

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

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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: 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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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Erno Laszlo Active Phelityl Two-In-One Cleanser & Sea Mud Two-In-One Cleanser

By now, you all know how much I love talking about skincare! And because I know many of you are probably making adjustments to your skincare regimen, due to the change in the seasons, I'm happy to announce my giveaway of the following cleansers by Erno Laszlo:

- Active Phelityl Two-In-One Cleanser
- Sea Mud Two-In-One Cleanser

Four readers will win one of the cleansers listed above. Simply tell me which cleanser you'd like to try, your skin type and the name of the Dr. Erno Laszlo mask I reviewed a few months ago. The winner will be chosen at random on Friday, June 5th!

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: Cantu Shea Butter Products

"Since its inception, Cantu Shea Butter has been committed to providing quality, cost-effective hair and skin care products, each formulated with pure Shea Butter. Today, the brand underscores its commitment to revolutionary beauty with the introduction of three new products including":

- Clear Conditioning "Extra Hold" Shine Gel
- Nourishing Body Oil
- Body Butter

The products are perfect for the beach and I'm so happy to announce that 5 readers will win this set of products! Simply visit cantusheasoft.com and name a product (not listed above) that you'd love to try and tell me why. Winners will be chosen at random on Tuesday, June 2nd!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: 3LAB & Calypso St. Barth Partner to Celebrate Summer

What: To celebrate this partnership, Calypso St. Barth will be hosting a Memorial Day Weekend event where a 3LAB aesthetician will conduct complimentary mini-facials and consult on optimal skincare treatments.

Where: Calypso St. Barth, 21 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-329-0033

When: Memorial Day Weekend

Why: 3LAB has created the exclusive 3LAB/Calypso East Hampton Escape ($55), a travel set of summer essentials showcasing deluxe miniature versions of their summer must have products: 3LAB Perfect Cleansing Gel, Perfect Balancing Toner, "M" Cream, Perfect "C" Eye Treatment, Perfect Mask and Perfect Sunblock, SPF 55.

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Mischo Beauty Giveaway: 3LAB Super "h" Serum Winner!

And the 3LAB Super "h" Serum winner is:

Comment #4: Hypnotic

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

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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 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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