Mischo Beauty

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

The texture of the dress Eva Mendes is wearing above is what caught my eye! I love that it's so effortlessly chic. And her makeup (a makeup- no makeup look with a soft smokey eye) perfectly compliments the overall look...

Do you agree?

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Porosity 101

I've received a few emails asking me to discuss the reason(s) why hair becomes damaged and dry after certain chemical services. Well, there could quite possibly be hundreds of answers to those questions depending on the history of services performed on the hair, and the home care regimen. I will say that if your hair is damaged and overly dry, then your hair's porosity has probably been compromised.

So, what is porosity? Porosity is simply the ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture and is used to describe the condition of hair. Generally, it falls into the following categories:

a. Very porous
b. Porous
c. Normal
d. Resistant

A “normal” porosity will mean that the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair shaft) is closed and smooth. Healthy hair will usually have a normal to resistant cuticle, depending on the texture. ”Porous” to “very porous” hair will have a roughened cuticle meaning that the hair is probably damaged. It usually loses moisture very easy and is easily damaged.

To determine the porosity of your hair, feel it - both when it's wet and dry. If it feels like straw and it's rough when it's dry, or if it feels gummy or slightly rubbery when it's wet, then you probably have a problem with porous to very porous hair. You should definitely talk to your stylist before receiving any chemical services in order to prevent further damage. Haircolor, perms and relaxers will process much faster on porous to very porous hair and may cause even more damage.

Porous to very porous hair can be caused by:

1. Over coloring
2. Bleaching
3. Permanent Waving
4. Relaxing
5. Flat/curling irons
6. Improper blow-drying
7. Environment (sun, salt/chlorinated water)

I hope this gives everyone a little more insight into the hair's porosity. Please feel free to e-mail me with more questions! Love your hair.

Sam Fine's Top Makeup Tips and Duane Reade's Look Boutique

Picture it with me... Duane Reade as a beauty lovers/product junkie's paradise. Having a hard time? So did I, but then I had a chance to check out the Look Boutique, a specialized section of Duane Reade, and found that such a place really does exist.

The Look Boutique is the store's economical answer to Sephora. It features high and low end beauty products, with everything from $31 Rilastil mascara to $1.99 Sinful nail polishes (both of which lit my fire). With a staff of freelance makeup, eyebrow and nail artists on the ready, this is an extra convenient one-stop shop for women (and men) on the go. Sam Fine, expert makeup artist to celebrities such as Iman, Tyra and Jennifer Hudson, gave a group of us lucky ladies a guided tour. While pointing out some of his favorite products (L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Iman Bronzer in Afterglow and Luxury Pressed Powder, Maybelline Brow Pencil, Covergirl Outlast Lipstick and Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara), he also picked up a couple items to take home (Black Opal Patent Lip Liquid Lipstick, I believe in Violine and Maybelline Falsies Mascara for a first run).

Instead of giving product must-haves, Sam preferred to stress that "makeup is a personality," and encouraged us all to get to know our faces more intimately and use that knowledge to find products which best compliment our individual features. Each of us, he is convinced, is only one product away from upping our makeup game and giving better face. So, identify one product that you are not using and experiment with it. And remember that concealer is for highlighting, powder is for setting, bronzer is for adding luminosity and eye shadow is for giving those gorgeous eyes definition.

More sage advice from the master:

Foundation is like an undergarment. Make sure your face is smoothly finished and then build with more detail.
Look for lipsticks that tout being highly-pigmented or long-lasting and then start thinking about your color choice.
Waterproof mascara builds faster than regular mascara.
Felt tip liquid liners are best for beginners and those who want to get close to the lash line with fewer mistakes. Liquid liner with a brush is great for those with a steady hand who love to rock the thicker line of a 60s-inspired eye.
Shop like a makeup artist. Don't get stuck on one brand for all products. Just because you loved a brand's foundation, does not mean that their powder best suits your complexion. Mix and match!
Do not be thrown off by the terminology - a concealer is a dense foundation. Switch between creme and liquid foundations and concealer depending upon the kind of coverage you seek.
Men can also wear makeup without looking made up. A primer can be used as a moisturizing base, followed by powder for an almost bare finish.

If you could ask Sam Fine any question, what would it be? Post your questions in the comments section and we will ask Mr. Fine himself and share the answers in an upcoming post.

All the best, Lovelies! - Zee

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

So I'm checking in, as promised! I wanted to let everyone know that I've recently started working out in the morning, which is so much better then the evenings. I don't consider myself a "morning person", so it's been a challenge. But, I feel amazing afterward, which is why I'm going to continue to push myself . Oh, and I'm still drinking tons of water (from a reusable water bottle, of course!), and wanted to encourage you to get in at least 96 ounces a day.

Are you with me? Let me know!

Mischo Beauty Loves Scents By Luxe "Ginger Peach" Soy Candle

This candle smells all kinds of A-MAZ-ING! The scent travels from room to room, and I must admit, I can't get enough of it. It's also available in a "White Tea" fragrance. To learn more, please visit Lux Boutique.