Karen's Body Beautiful: Chic Grows in Brooklyn



Karen Tappin-Saunderson, owner of Karen's Body Beautiful, has a message for those who still wonder -- Yes, natural can be and is sleek, chic and beautiful! Her brand's new, all-black, minimalist packaging sexily communicates that missive loud and clear.

After spending years hearing a good friend rave about KBB's products, and, for some strange reason, still not indulging myself, I was excited to stop by the retail shop and spa on Myrtle Avenue in the Fabulous Borough of Brooklyn (do you detect some bias?) for Champagne and Cupcakes, the brand's re-launch party. Karen hosted the event, and treated us lucky guests to mini-manicures, consultations and mini-makeovers with the new resident makeup artist and esthetician, head-bobbing sounds courtesy of a live DJ, and of course, the promised champagne and cupcakes.

I roamed around the space, taking in the black-a-fied and geometrically pleasing wall of product (the Virgo in me appreciates such order), the new mani and pedi stations, massage rooms and a curious room fitted with a futuristic-looking hydro-jacuzzi tub that was speaking directly to my tired muscles (what kind of crazy, pleasure-inducing soaking can be had in that thing??!!). Karen had indeed taken it to the next level, and I am looking forward to seeing what is to come. I have since heard tell that a cosmetics line is in the works. Is this true? We can only hope!

The Bottom Line: KBB has upped the ante and that is cause for major celebration among body-loving Brooklynites and Bridge-and-Tunnel folk looking for a hot new spot to stop on by after work for a spa treatment, specialized mani or pedi, or just to pick up some great, time-tested natural products to pamper themselves at home. For those of us living outside of the Planet of Brooklyn or NYC -- we are fortunately just a point and click away from KBB's online store, where we can order smell goods and feel goods galore! My personal faves? The shampoo and conditioner (this conditioner is A-MAZ-ing in my very thick, very curly, and extremely dry hair) in the Egyptian Musk fragrance. Truly heavenly. -Zee

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What are your thoughts on the Brazilian Blowout controversy?



You all know that my undergraduate degree is in Chemistry- and yes, I analyzed the chemical composition of "Lye" and " No-Lye" relaxers as a project for my Analytical Chemistry course. What we found was that the chemicals listed in the ingredients were definitely in the product! And yes, I got an "A"!

So when WWD broke the news about the Brazilian Blowout controversy, I had to know your thoughts! Just in case you haven't heard- "Brazilian Blowout" a professional hair smoothing treatment claimed to be formaldehyde-free, was exposed after an Oregon hairstylist, with the help of Oregon Health & Science University, found between 4.85 percent and 10.6 percent formaldehyde in samples. Not cool - at all!

Let me know your thoughts. Have you had the treatment? If so, how was the process and what were your results? Has your salon now pulled the treatment from their service menu? Do you rely on your hairstylist's product knowledge/expertise before considering a salon treatment? Or, do you do your own research?

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Mischo Beauty Must-Have: Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express Mascara



I'll be the first to admit that I'm a little late to join the party with this one, but better late then never- right? This mascara surprised me - I wasn't convinced that I'd be able to use this alone (most times I use a mascara for volume and another for lengthening). But, it's the truth! It lengthened, separated and gave my lashes volume - and I love it. If you don't own a tube, run out and buy one now!

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

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



So this is my weekly check-in, as promised! I thought I'd share with you a few of the tools/gadgets I use to keep myself motivated and track my progress. They're as follows:

- Virgin HealthMiles Pedometer (perfect for tracking my steps)
- 2 iPods (black & red) (my playlists keep me dancing during my workouts)
- Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit (tracks my mileage on nikesplus.com)

Now all that I'm missing is a steady workout partner (yes, I still need one!). Anyone interested?

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Hair Rules Salon: The Everlasting Blowout



What could bring more pleasure to a curly girl's heart than a visit to Hair Rules Salon to meet renowned Texture Guru and celebrity hairstylist Anthony Dickey and his supporting cast of merry-making hairstyling magicians? Nothing, that's what!

I had a chance to chat with Dickey about what inspired him to become a self-proclaimed gatekeeper of textured hair, and I got the lowdown on his new line of blow-out products, which take your hair from kinks, curls and waves to straight, no chaser. Could there finally be an effective product to help women celebrate the fun of switching between textures, without the damage of a permanent process? I was on a mission to find out, and was greatly heartened by the answer.

I was put in the masterful hands of resident superstylist Dailey. Needless to say, my favorite treat of the evening was not the Nuvo but the complimentary blowout. Dailey washed my hair with the Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo, clarified me with the Aloe Grapefruit Purifying Shampoo and then conditioned with Hair Rules' Quench Ultra Rich Conditioner. My hair was on a magic carpet ride of pure bliss. After adding a deceptively small amount of Blow Out Your Curls serum, she blew out my usually extra curly/extra fluffy mane (with the old skool comb attachment at that--whaaatt??!!) and flat-ironed it to Straightsville. It was pin straight, folks, yet not lifeless. Another wonder!

The Bottom Line: Two thumbs up! The Blow Out Your Curls styling agent kept my frizz-happy locks straight, shiny and looking healthy, even after traipsing through the cold, wet New York City night looking for a great restaurant. My advice-pick the formula appropriate for your hair type, be careful in downpours and around swimming pools, then enjoy blowout longevity like you've never imagined! -Zee

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