Sunday, November 29, 2009

A Palette To Suit Every Taste


I have a love/hate relationship with makeup palettes. I seem to always be in search of the perfect one that will include all the essentials I need in the most flattering colors and I rarely find it!

It's all about personal preference and colors that are flattering for your individual coloring and lifestyle.

With that in mind, I searched the most popular and trendy lines for sets that might work for everyday or special occasions. You might want to get them soon though as most are special editions that won't be around for long.


POP Beauty's Cabaret is one of the most comprehensive and cutting edge of the palettes out right now. It includes 5 smokey eyeshadows, matte face powder, a swirl of 5 highlighters, 2 bronzers and 4 lip duos. I'm not counting but that is a lot of products at your fingertips for a very reasonable price of 29.50! It must be popular as it is out of stock at the POP Beauty website but it does seem to still be available at www.beauty.com.





If you're looking for something a little more basic, Bobbi Brown's "Eyes and Cheeks to Go" might fit the bill. There are both Warm and Cool Eye Quads in shimmer and matte shades surrounding rouge in a universal tone of Blushed Rose. The set, including a mini-eyeshadow brush is $60.00 and is available at Nordstrom.






Holiday time creates the need for more shimmer and color which is
exactly what you'll find in a budget priced palette from Target. NP Set is a line by Napoleon Perdis sold at the store and is apparently flying off shelves. The set is $32.00 and includes 18 eyeshadows, 4 blushes, 4 lip glosses and 3 brush applicators--in other words if you have a party every night you can have a different look all the way through New Year's eve! Available at www.target.com.

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Spa-ing Instead of Shopping After Thanksgiving


Shopping till you drop is not the only option your post-Thanksgiving days off. Why not do something really nice for yourself and your friends and family before total holiday frenzy gets underway.....


Two events this Friday and Saturday help you get a nice after-turkey glow or ward off that post-turkey bloat!



On Friday the 26th head to Atlantis Medical Wellness Center www.atlantismedispa.com in Silver Spring where they're offering huge Black Friday discounts on services from 10am to 2pm. Specials include 50% on that day only on all asethetic services including SmartLipo and 10% off the hCG Weight Loss Protocol.

If you can't make it in call them at 240-292-7122 to pay for the services in full that day for use at another time or to give for the holidays! It's a great way to take advantage of many services at a huge discount. Get a specialized facial so you'll glow at holiday parties or make a beauty junkie on your gift list really happy.


If you over-indulge on Thursday or should I say when....then Body Elements in Vienna
www.body-elements.com is going to help you shed the guilt and possibly some inches with their Stress Free Saturday on the 28th. Bring along family and friends so you can all de-stress, detoxify, increase your metabolism and even burn more calories. Maybe you really can have the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie!!

There are $50 Endermolgie sessions all day from 8am to 5pm--a super savings of $55 per session. Not only will your clothes feel looser but you'll feel refreshed and relaxed, unlike those mall shoppers fighting for a parking spot! You can also take advantage of special offers, refreshments and goodie bags and they promise no turkey in sight!

Spa-ing instead of shopping seems like the start of a great new Black Friday tradition.

There are lots of other special offers that last through Monday on beauty services and products in the BeautyInDC.com Hot Deals section so take a look http://beautyindc.com/hotdeals.php and make it a beautiful Friday and long holiday weekend.

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Looking Good For an Extra 5%


It's baaack...and it's enough to make those creases between our eyes even worse!

If the health care reform bill passes it's possible that elective beauty procedures will be taxed 5%--the so called "bo-tax." Facelifts, tummy tucks, laser hair removal and yes, Botox and even teeth whitening could all be subject to this excise tax as of January 1, 2010 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34048874/ns/health-health_care/

Certain procedures such as breast reconstruction or a deformity caused by an accident, trauma or disfiguring disease would be exempt.

We heard about this tax a while ago when it was being considered in the Senate Finance committee although it was dropped. But apparently it has reared it's ugly (so to speak) head again when the latest version of the bill was unveiled by Senator Harry Reid on Wednesday night.

Plastic surgeons are expected to lobby against this tax and some people feel it's a tax against women since they seek out the procedures that will be affected in much larger percentages than men.

It will be interesting to see if people flock to plastic surgeon and dermatologist's offices in the next month or so to try to get procedures done if the bill passes.

Of course no one should rush to get plastic surgery or any procedure done without first carefully researching the doctor to make sure he/she is board certified and experienced in the operation you're seeking.

But if you have already done your homework and were considering waiting until after the first of the year to have some nips or tucks you may want to consider moving up your timetable if you aren't prepared to add another 5% to the total bill!

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Monday, November 16, 2009

New Moon Generates New Looks in Makeup


Twilight sequel mania has been building and will reach a frenzy this weekend with the release of "New Moon."

The stars faces are in just about every magazine and entertainment show that exists. Considering that some of them are vampires they are all quite handsome and gorgeous and appealing. So if you would like to feel connected to the characters and try to get into the spirit of the stories, there is Twilight Beauty www.twilightbeauty.com which includes two makeup lines inspired by the movies.

One line is called Luna Twilight and the other is Volturi. And while your initial thought (as mine was) that this is all a bit over- commercialized, once you see the products you might actually be impressed.

Of course they couldn't resist playing off the themes and characters with some of the names and descriptions.


In the Luna Twilight line there is the Just Bitten staining balm--which is a very emollient lipstick in four shades.




The Mortal Glow Blushing Creme is a beautiful blend of colors in a mousse and creme formula for easy application and a flattering satin finish.






Of couse shimmering skin in the moonlight is a must for aspiring Bellas so the Immortal Liquid Body Shimmer will do the trick. The formula is ultra hydrating and comes in unique shades like
a sheer black with gold flecks or sheer fuschia with a pink shimmer.


Luna Twilight is available at Nordstrom stores or through their website www.nordstrom.com.


The second line is called Volturi also known as the "royal" family amongst all vampires in the movie and representing a supernatural beauty that transcends time.




Some of the products in this line are duplicates of the Luna line but there are some that are different like the Enrapture Lip Gloss that come in the same shades as the body shimmer. These are super sheer glosses with a subtle scent. Obsess is a magenta with gold shimmer and a raspberry scent and Arsenic is a sheer black that goes on clear with gold shimmer and a licorice scent.



In the body line Volturi offers a Reign Scented Body Mist which are colored, shimmering scents with names like Bella, Wicked, Forbidden Fruit and Romance.

The Volturi line is sold at Hot Topics stores and on their website at www.hottopic.com.


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Don't Leave Your Skin Out In The Cold


I consulted with a pro to find out what we should do to help our skin make the transition from summer to the colder months of winter.

I assumed we might need to change our routine, products and maintenance and those suspicians were confirmed by trained esthetician Julie Holly.

Julie is based LifeSpa & Salon http://lifetimefitness.com/lifespa in the Lifetime Fitness club in Rockville and has 7 years of experience in European facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, chemical/enzymatic exfoliation as well as body treat
ments. She has worked along side plastic surgeons and physicians and learned about chemical peels, laser treatments, light therapies and injectables.


Q: Julie should we care for our skin differently as the temperature and seasons change?

Julie: Yes. In warmer weather, especially in the DC area, the air is very moist and in order to reduce excess oil a mild, foaming cleanser and light weight moisturizer are best. A mask containing a clay such as kaolin is also beneficial in soaking up excess oil on a weekly basis.

In the colder weather that is now approaching, a switch to a milky, cream based cleanser is best as the air is a lot dryer and we don't want to strip the skin of precious oil. Your moisturizer should also contain a nonco
medogenic oil to assist in keeping the water level in the skin balanced.

Lastly, exfoliate and follow with a hydrating mask weekly.

Q: Do you have any specific treatments or products that will protect our skin during the really c
old months of winter?

Julie: A deep exfoliation, also known as a light peel, is a great way to remove the abundance of dead skin from the surface thus allowing the hydrating products that are introduced into the skin via massage and mask penetrate even deeper.

One peel to try at LifeSpa/Salon is the Murad IP5 treatment that contains 5 different types of exfoliators and brightening ingredients: glycolic acid, salycilic acid, vitamin C, lactic acid and Indian fig.

This is also a great time of year to receive a body scrub and hydrating body wrap -- don't forget skin is the largest organ of the body!

For homecare, I highly recommend switching over to a cream based cleanser such as Phytomer's Doux Visage Velvet Cleansin
g Cream or Murad's Moisture Rich Facial Wash. It is also advisable to ditch your astringent and turn to a hydrating toner followed by a more rich moisturizer such as Phytomer's Nutricontinue Cream with Shea Butter or Murad's Nightly Hydrolock with Immunodefense.

For body I recommend soaking in Phytomer's Oligomer Lyophilized Sea Water Bath followed by Hydracontinue Moisturizing Body Milk.

Q: How often should we get facials?

Julie: Depending on the condition of the skin and the goals that you want to achieve, facials can be received as often as once a week, although you can also notice an improvement in the skin with monthly treatments.

If you are trying to overcome a condition such as chronic acne, sun damage or fine lines and wrinkles, I usually recommend a series of 6 peel treatments done weekly followed by a monthly maintenance facial that may or may not include a peel.

Special: Book a Signature Facial with Julie in November and receive a complimentary Brow Shaping!


LifeSpa & Salon
1151 Seven Locks Road
Rockville, MD 20854

240.599.2924


www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.



Friday, November 6, 2009

Organic Products to Smooth and Soothe


Body Elements in Vienna, VA www.bodyelements.com is dedicated to eliminating cellulite with their Lipomassage by Endermologie treatments. They have also found a way to up the ante with some organic products that increase results and their customer satisfaction.

ilike organic skin care is from Hungary, which has a long culture of caring for skin. One of the most popular products they use is the European Organic Body Masque.

The Body Masque treatment focuses on reducing the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, while toning flabby and loose skin. By combining Lipomassage by Endermologie with this new body masque, Body Elements can target stubborn, dense cellulite and accelerate the detoxification process.

The Body Masque is the perfect complement to Lipomassage. The process is simple. The technician masks the targeted areas first and then continue with the Lipomassage as normal. The Body Masque adds only 5 minutes to the session and clients have seen a "huge difference" in their results after only one treatment.

The natural fruits, vegetables, and herbs of The Body Masque are massaged deep into your fat cells, providing a more robust treatment to increase your metabolism and release toxins. The treatment promotes smooth, tight, and toned skin, while reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Here's what one customer who has been adding the mask to treatments had to say:

“I love Body Element’s new Body Masque. After just one Body Masque treatment, I noticed a huge difference in the smoothness of my skin! My problem areas feel noticeably smoother and tighter. I have added the Body Masque to each and every one of my Lipomassage sessions. Thank you for finding this breakthrough treatment!” Kiva P.

The product is only available for professional use but be sure to ask about it when getting your next treatment.

A product you can buy for at home use is the Circulation Revitalizing Body Lotion also by ilike.

It can be used both to enhance your Endermologie treatment or just to revive tired, swollen legs after a long day on your feet.


Circulation Revitalizing Body Lotion uses Hungarian paprika, as well as carrot and cinnamon extracts, to reduce the appearance of cellulite, regenerate collagen fibers, increase metabolism, improve elasticity in connective tissue and increase oxygen uptake to skin cells. Not only that, but this breakthrough lotion naturally detoxifies the skin.



You can feel the powerful, warming effects of the natural ingredients immediately after application. By stimulating cells and increasing circulation, this lotion naturally helps burn fat cells in fatty tissue and reduces the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and surface varicose veins. It's also perfect for tired and swollen legs, poor circulation areas, and sluggish, pale skin.

The lotion is often applied prior to exercise to increase the effectiveness of the work-out by stimulating the metabolism and burning fat cells faster.

A product sold at Body Elements that will be perfect for those relaxing winter baths as well as offering other benefits are their Sea Salts from the Dead Sea.

These sea salts are from the waters of the Dead Sea, the mud, and the salts extracted from it, are rich in unique concentrations of life-enhancing minerals. As the ancient Roman spa ruins at the site prove, Dead Sea salt therapies have been effectively used for thousands of years. These Dead Sea salts contain more than twenty natural and unprocessed minerals in 10 times higher concentration than other sea salts.

Research shows that concentrations of minerals such as those contained in this product can improve, and in some cases alleviate serious skin diseases such as dermatitis, skin allergy symptoms, eczema and psoriasis. Research and practice have also proven that Dead Sea mineral salts can provide relief for rheumatologic conditions, painful joints, respiratory or eye conditions and more. With the help of the detoxifying and softening effects and enhanced relaxation provided by the salt bath, you can alleviate stress and insomnia in addition to experiencing general skin condition improvement.

The “Soothing Breeze” version refreshes the mind with organic Lavender and Peppermint Oil. This bath salt also contains Lavender buds to further enhance the herbal infusion and the aromatherapeutic experience. This is a bath not to miss!

Customer feedback has been postive:

I was expecting a relaxing bath but what I received was incredible. I’m not much of a bather but every once in a blue moon I will sit in the tub for a few minutes and try to relax. I added this lavender scented bath salt to my bath and sat for a few minutes. I had been stressed out for days and my body was stiff and achy. I thought a bath would probably help. I sat for a few minutes and actually felt the ache melt out of my muscles. That night I experienced one of the best night’s sleep that I’d had in a long time. Since that first bath, I’ve had several more and highly recommend them to anyone who needs a little stress relief. S.D., Washington, D.C.

The good news is that all of Body Elements Organic products are 10% off in November so a great time to stock up for yourself or start your gift shopping.

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.








Sunday, November 1, 2009

Massage Therapist Has the Perfect Touch


You probably have gotten massages to combat stress, relieve sore muscles or because it feels good. But a visit to Yully's Massage website www.yullymassage.com lists no less than 16 benefits of massage therapy. Everything from enhancing skin tone to reducing tension headaches and improving concentration--and it all happens in 60 or 90 minutes of pure nirvana.



Yully Ludena is a Certified and License Massage Therapist and owner of Yully Massage, who makes it a point to understand the needs of each client. Besides treating clients to a variety of therapeutic treatments; trigger point, hot stone massage, swedish massage, deep tissue massage, chair massage, and ear candling, Yully brings her warm demeanor to the table and has her clients singing her praises.

"I never thought a massage could be both extremely relaxing and so very therapeutically beneficial until Yully began working on my back! Her massages have been heaven sent; both in terms of relaxation and healing, " is one heartfelt endorsement and simply, "The best massage I've ever had."


As we approach the holidays and one of the more stressful times of the year you might like to keep Yully on speed dial! She offers some extremely attractive special offers to first time clients who always come back for her personalized touch.

Your first 60 minute massage is just $50, or a first time 90 minute hot stone massage is just $80. Buy a series and receive $30 to $50 savings on the package.

Yully Massage Located within Ximena Skin Care Clinic
8304-D Old Courthouse Road
Vienna, VA 22182
571-277-0344

www.BeautyInDC.com your local resource for specials on beauty services as well as the latest information on beauty, health and fitness with a local twist.