Holiday Beauty Gift Sets For the Giving

Tis the season for a multitude of beauty products packaged especially for giving. You'll find mini versions of products that are perfect for stocking stuffers or to give as hostess gifts. This is also a great time of year to try these products yourself since you get a chance to sample a variety of colors or formulations in one package at a special price!

BeautyInDC.com www.beautyindc.com found 5 of the best holiday beauty gifts to give or keep:


butter London Holiday Glitter Trio
A trio of nail polishes that offer a sophisticated way to add sparkle and shine to your holiday outfit. Full size bottles of Chancer, Rosie Lee and West End Wonderful in adorable packaging.
This product is so popular it has sold out on some sites so don't hesitate if you want it.
www.dermstore.com
$36.00



Kiehls Lip Balm Sampler
Their lip balm is legendary and just in time for colder temps you can find four 0.5 oz versions in one package. Original, Mango, Vanilla and Coconut.
www.neimanmarcus.com
$30.00



Tan Towel Holiday Glow Set
10 Full Body Towelettes in Classic and Plus formulas. The perfect way to add a glow if you'll be showing some skin in your party dresses and don't have time to visit the tanning salon!
Exclusively at Nordstroms.
$27.00 ($51 value)



Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme Sampler
The ultimate luxury for your body in 4 amazing and delicious fragrances: Fresh Fig, Creme Brulee, Almond Coconut Milk and Creme de Pistache.
www.lauramercier.com
$50.00



Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Golden Touch Mini Brush Collection
A limited edition set of travel brushes in a travel ready pouch at a great price. Liner, eye defining, blush and buki brushes with golden handles are included in the collection.
www.sephora.com
$18.00




http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

A New Era for The Dermatology Center

The Dermatology Center www.dermskin.com has been living up to it's name and so much more since 1982 when founder Dr. Roberta Palestine established the practice. Until recently they've offered comprehensive aesthetic, rejuvenation and medical treatment options at two locations in Maryland as well as spa services in their Rockledge Medspa.

The grand opening of their third location at Sibley Hospital, begins an exciting new era of serving Washington area clients. The state-of-the-art office offers incredible convenience and expert care in a beautiful facility.

The sleek blue and white office manages to mix a totally modern look with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The Dermatology Center has always been unique in it's ability to offer such a comprehensive menu of services in it's two existing offices in Rockville and Germantown. The same is true in the DC location where you can see a board certified dermatologist to address skin problems, a physicians assistant for anti-aging treatments and a master esthetician for a relaxing and rejuvenating facial.

The newest office will host informational seminars as well as beauty events just as they do in their other locations. No-Frown Express which is offered on the first Monday of every month is a popular event you'll now find in all three locations. Receive 20 percent off Botox and Dysport and grab an espresso drink to take with you.

You'll find the Rockledge Medspa in DC too with spa services and a large array of medical grade skin products. SkinMedica, iS Clinical and their private label products are all on display. The spa is so spacious it would be a great choice for a spa party or private event. They can provide an expert speaker for your group on skin care and anti-aging.

To introduce you to their DC location The Dermatology Center is offering 20% off any spa service until the end of the year. They are also offering 50% off their Microderm/Gentle Waves facial service. It's regularly $250 but until 12/31/11 you can purchase it for just $125. These specials are available only at the Sibley office. Easy and convenient parking is located in the lot attached to the building.

Stay tuned for more news and events in 2012 at this exciting new addition to The Dermatology Center!

The Dermatology Center

Washington, DC - Sibley Office

5215 Loughboro Road NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: (202) 244-4550
http://www.dermskin.com

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Post Thanksgiving Skinny Jeans Cleanse

This time of year combines a lot of opportunities to eat with a lot of opportunities to be out and about which presents a dilemna. How to look good at so many social occasions when you've been overdoing it at the buffet. The answer is a Skinny Jeans Cleanse to jump start a weight loss of 7 to 10 lbs. Or maybe just a detox to up your energy for the shopping and socializing that goes with the season.

Body Elements in Vienna, VA www.body_elements.com has been sponsoring these Skinny Jeans Cleanses for the last year or so with good results. They can walk you through the program and provide both the information and support you need to stick with it.

And there's no cost for the program except the cost of the products which are part of the Isagenix system.

Testimonial from Skinny Jeans Cleanse participant, Suzanne Z., “I tried on my skinny jeans, which was my goal, and they fit! I feel great, definitely have more mental clarity, and my skin looks fresher — winter drab look gone! I am so pleased and will be doing this regularly!”

It all starts with a conference call on Saturday, November 26th at 11am and the cleanse begins on Monday, November 28th for 14 days.

Body Elements
8230 Old Courthouse Road
Suite 100 Vienna, VA 22182
703-356-6601

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Elysee 360 Concierge Medispa Now McLean!

At 2pm on Thursday, November 3rd the ribbon was cut to signal a new business had arrived in McLean.

Elysee 360 Concierge Medispa www.elyseemedspa.com is a unique concept combining medical care, wellness, aesthetics and spa services.

The name may be French but Elysee also captures all of the style and flair of McLean with a location in the heart of downtown at 6858 Old Dominion Drive.

Beautifully decorated, you'll feel like you are in the lap of luxury when you visit Elysee. Gorgeous mirrors and tranquil treatment rooms all contribute to the inviting atmosphere.

Beyond traditional spa services like massage and facials, you will have access to all the services you would find in a medispa. For the face there's microdermabrasion, chemical peels, permanent makeup an microlight therapy. Elysee offers Botox as well as fillers like Juvederm and Resylane. Laser therapies are also available including Fractional Laser treatment or IPL skin rejuvenation.

For the body there's laser hair removal plus a new, non-invasive body sculpting technique. CoolSculpting can reduce fat in areas that tend to be diet resistant without surgery or downtime.

Elysee's staff includes a board certified dermatologist, licensed medical estheticians and massage therapists providing expert treatments and care.

The business may be new but the name Elysee will quickly become a popular one in Northern Virginia and beyond. It's a perfect place to escape after a day of shopping at Tysons or to get ready for an important social event.

For the holidays Elysee is offering a buy one/get one free gift card so you'll be able to introduce it's services to your friends and family. Buy a gift card for a minimum of $125 and get a second gift card of equal value for free. (Starting date on gift card is 12/26/11 and end date is 12/26/12.

Elysee 360 Concierge Medspa
6858 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22101
703-281-3000

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Follow the DOT to Rejuvenated Skin!

There's a new laser therapy in town and the name is as easy to remember as a dot--in fact it is DOT Therapy which stands for Dermal Optimal Thermolysis.

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center www.atlantismedispa.com is offering this new technology in skin rejuvenation for clients looking to improve sun damage, brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and acne scars.

Unlike previous CO2 laser resurfacing treatments, DOT Therapy is safer, faster and more efficient. Doctors are also able to customize treatment specifically to the patient and even modify treatment during the procedure for various challenges or problems.

Although the results from laser skin resurfacing can be dramatic, the downside has always been the discomfort, downtime and multiple sessions required for optimal results.

With DOT Therapy, treatment time can be as little as 30 minutes to an hour with 3 to 5 days recovery time as opposed to weeks with some other laser treatments.

What exactly happens during a DOT Therapy session? The laser creates thousands of microscopic holes or "dots" in your skin to immediately stimulate skin tightening and collagen production. Because the laser leaves the area around the dots intact, the skin heals more quickly. And yes DOT Therapy is FDA approved.

Dr. Ben Gonzalez, Medical Director of Atlantis says he's impressed with DOT Therapy for it's facelift-like results and the fact it can even be used safely on eyelids.

Atlantis will be offering appointments for DOT Therapy on select dates in November and December including: 11/29, 11/30, 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/9, 12/12, 12/13 & 12/14. And they're offering special introductory pricing which will save you $800 on the procedure. Their price during these dates is $1200 as opposed to the regular price of $2000. You can call Atlantis for your free consultation today at 301-622-3722.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Auction Designer Handbags And They Will Come!

The Red Cross is known for being there to help when there is a natural disaster or problem anywhere in the world. And apparently they are also experts at knowing how to entice women to come to the rescue and help their fundraising efforts—and it involves designer handbags.

“In the Bag” is the name of their annual charity event http://www.redcrosspurses.com to raise funds for the Red Cross of the National Capital Region. The event was held on Friday, November 4th at the Westwood Country Club in Vienna, VA.


Living up to its name, the event featured a large auction
of designer, vintage and celebrity handbags. Bags with high profile designer names like Chanel, Kors, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Some were new and some were gently used and all were donated by individuals, stores and even celebrities. Bags from Kathie Lee Gifford, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Natalie Morales and Jenna Wolfe from NBC's Today Show; Former Miss America Phyllis George; actress Cybill Shepherd and Ivanka Trump were up for grabs to the highest bidder.

Local celebrities like WJLA’s Allison Starling, Miss Virginia Elizabeth Crot and Miss Maryland
Carlie Colella were on hand to add glamour to the event.

The programs and work of the Red Cross were illustrated by keynote speaker Simona Foster-Jackson, a social worker supporting active military, veterans and their families.


But the true stars of the day remained those gorgeous bags lining tables around the room and
beckoning the 250 attendees to give them a new home while providing the Red Cross much needed funds to continue their efforts.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Keep Your Eye on the Bag

On Friday, November 4th the Red Cross will host their annual "In the Bag" luncheon and fundraiser. There are only a few tickets left and they're $150.00 each.

The theme of the lunch is lots of vintage, celebrity and designer bags that have been donated for auction with the proceeds going to the vital services that the Red Cross provides. Last year the lunch raised $20,000 and the goal this year is $40,000.

If you've been looking over your fall and winter wardrobe and picturing some gorgeous designer bag that would look perfect with a certain outfit this would be your opportunity to get it and an end of year tax write off at the same time!

You can go to the website to see exactly what is up for grabs this year www.redcrosspurses.com.



Included in the auction will be celebrity bags from Ann Compton, national correspondent for ABC News; Kathie Lee Gifford, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kolb, Natalie Morales and Jenna Wolfe from NBC's Today Show; Former Miss America Phyllis George; actress Cybill Shepherd: Ivanka Trump, executive vice president of The Trump Organization; and Former Senator Elizabeth Dole, who served as president of the American Red Cross from 1991 to 2001.

If you can't attend the luncheon you can still participate by purchasing a raffle ticket for some incredible packages. Getaways, makeovers, dinners and some pampering are included and the raffle tickets are only $20 each or 7 for $100. They can also be purchased on the event website.

It sounds like a unique event that benefits a great cause so plan on attending or trying your luck with the raffle by Friday!

Red Cross "In The Bag" Fundraiser
Friday, November 4th at 11:30am
Westwood Country Club
800 Maple Avenue, East
Vienna, VA 22180

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Calling All Conditioners Offer From Fekkai

Most of us have a shelf full of hair products that made great claims but then turned out to be duds when it came to actually using them.

Well here's a great way to dump a conditioner that you're not in love with and replace it with a luxury brand conditioner for free, this Thursday, October 27th at area Saks Fifth Avenue stores.

It's "Calling All Conditioners" day sponsored by Fekkai and it's a pretty amazing deal. Bring in one full size conditioner that you currently use and trade it in for a full-size (8 0z) Fekkai Advanced conditioner of your choice, a $25 value while supplies last.

A Fekkai representative will be on hand for a consultation to help you choose the right condtioner for you hair type. The options include Brilliant Glossing Conditioner, Salon Technician Color-Care Conditioner or Full Blown Volume Conditioner.

This is your opportunity to test drive a brand known for their salon-proven results blending luxury and science. And getting to do it in a no-risk way sounds like a win-win situation!

For more information you can go to www.fekkai.com.

The two area Saks stores are located in Chevy Chase, MD and in the Tysons Galleria Mall in McLean, VA.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

An Event-Full October at The Dermatology Center

There are very few spaces on the calendar in October/November for The Dermatology Center www.dermskin.com. They have iS Clinical and SkinMedica product events and an upcoming Cancer Care Spa event. And if that's not enough they just opened a brand new state-of-the-art facility near Sibley Hospital in Washington, bringing their offices to three including Bethesda and Germantown. And you don't want to forget about No Frown Express Monday on 11/7 with 20% off Botox and Dysport!

Here's the schedule so you can plug these events into your smartphone:

10/26 SkinMedica Day in Germantown.
Enjoy 20% off SkinMedica products on the day of the event.

10/27 Cancer Care Spa Event in Bethesda.
This event from 5 to 7pm is for patients who currently are being treated for, or who have recently had cancer. Complimentary pampering for patients with special skin care needs due to cancer treatments. Current and non-patients are welcome for this event. Complimentary hydrating hand treatments, makeovers, goody bags, treat, chair massages, and education about our products and services that are helpful to patients with sensitive skin needs due to cancer treatments. This event is free, but RSVP’s are kindly requested.

10/27 iS Clinical Day in Washington.
Enjoy 20% off iS Clinical products on the day of the event and experience the brand new state-of-the-art facility that just opened in DC this month.

11/7 No Frown Express at all 3 Locations
Schedule a treatment of Dysport or Botox for Monday, November 7th and take 20% Off your entire treatment. Fabulous refreshments and treats provided.

11/10 A Cool Night Out in Bethesda
Attend this Free Lifestyle and Body event in the Bethesda office. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oerves as you learn about CoolSculpting by Zeltiq, a revolutionary, new non-surgical treatment designed to remove stubborn fat.

This event is free but Rsvp's are required. Bring a friend and receive an extra entry in the raffle. The prize is one free treatment.


Bethesda Maryland Office:

6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 201
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: (301) 530-8300

Rockledge Med Spa:

6410 Rockledge Drive
Suite 205
Bethesda, MD 20817

Phone: (301) 968-1200

Germantown Maryland Office:

19735 Germantown Road
Suite 210
Germantown, MD 20874

Washington, DC - Sibley Office

5215 Loughboro Road NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20016

Phone: (202) 244-4550

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Stubborn Fat Is History With Zeltiq

It's so unfair! Your alarm goes off every morning at 5am so you can hit the gym before work, you carefully watch every morsel that goes into your mouth, and yet you still have those saddle bags or a muffin top that undermine your confidence in clothes and a bathing suit.

Most of us would prefer to not have to go under the knife no matter how much we hate those areas of stubborn fat, so we certainly welcome a cool change that has arrived on the beauty scene.

It's called CoolSculpting by Zeltiq and The Dermatology Center www.dermskin.com in Rockville and Germantown (with a new location opening soon that you'll read about at the end of this blog!) is offering the procedure.

Denise West, Cosmetic Consultant for the practice and their companion Rockledge Medspa, answered BeautyInDC.com's question about the procedure and shares her own experience:

Q: What is Zeltiq and when was it introduced?

A: Zeltiq was founded by a group of Harvard Scientist’s and the FDA approved it in September 2010. It is a unique, patented, clinically proven procedure that involves freezing fat cells without damage to your skin. There’s no knife. No suction hoses. No needles. No lasers, even. After your treatment, you get on with your busy day.

Q: Who is a good candidate for the procedure?

A: The best candidates for the Zeltiq CoolSculpting procedure are people near their ideal body weight who eat well and exercise regularly and have pockets of fat that have not responded to a healthy lifestyle. They are seeking long-lasting spot reduction for this specific area of fat, but they are not considering a surgical procedure with its inherent expense, downtime, and safety risks.

Q: What happens during a treatment? Does it hurt or cause discomfort? Any downtime?

A: Zeltiq gently cools unwanted fat cells in the body through a process called Cryolipolysis to induce a natural, controlled elimination of fat cells. There is no pain or discomfort caused with the procedure. At the beginning of the procedure you will feel a firm tug or pulling sensation along with some intense cold. This soon dissipates and you are free to read a book, work on your laptop or even take a nap. Zeltiq is a completely non-invasive procedure and you may return to your normal routine immediately after receiving treatment. Some patients experience some mild redness, bruising, tingling or numbness in the treated area, but this is very temporary.

Q: When will someone see results and how many treatments are suggested?

A: On average, each Zeltiq procedure results in a 20% reduction of fat in the treated area, and patients can start to see results as soon as three weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months in most patients. Typically you will see a reduction of fat after only one treatment.

Q: Have there been success stories by people who have had the treatment?

A: Yes there have been many myself included as I was treated two months ago and no longer feel self-conscious in a bathing suit!

Q: What is approx cost of treatments?

A: The cost ranges from approximately $700.-$1400. per treatment area We also offer discounted package prices which our available through a complimentary consultation! The skinny is Zeltiq is a cool solution to stubborn fat that requires no surgery and no down time! So no need to wait any longer cool that fat away today! Contact us at 301-968-1200 or email denise.west@dermskin.com to talk to our cosmetic coordinator about Zeltiq.

Q: I understand you have some exciting news about The Dermatology Center?

A: We have a new office opening in DC! Our new location opens October 15th 2011. It will be located near Sibley Hospital on Loughboro Road, NW. See our website for more details- www.dermskin.com . This location will offer medical and cosmetic dermatology in an upscale and convenient location.

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Falling for the Season's Trends

If you don't like to plan ahead that's ok because there are dozens upon dozens of fashion industry stylists, makeup artists, etc who will do it for you. They usually stay a few seasons ahead so when fall fashions for 2011 were being shown months ago we were also getting a glimpse into the future regarding makeup.

Based on those looks here are 5 hot makeup trends for Fall 2011:

1) Deep Red Lipstick-- Red lips seem to always be "in" but this is a very bold, deep red that is more of a burgundy or wine shade. When wearing a lipstick this dramatic it's best to keep the rest of your makeup palette simple.
Suggested product: Bite Beauty, Luminous Creme Lipstick in Zivoli.
$24 at Sephora www.spehora.com.



2) Dramatic Eyelashes--Eyelashes and eyebrows take center stage this fall so those months of using Latisse will pay off! Add more volume and length with many coats of mascara. Suggested product: Fairy Drops Scandal Queen Mascara which was created by a Japanese TV personality and has a patented brush. $24 available at Amazon www.amazon.com.



3) Highlighted Cheekbones--Think glowing and luminous as opposed to frosty. A warm and peachy shade should make you look like you're lit by candlelight. Suggested product: It's hard to find a shade as universally flattering and popular as Nars' Orgasm so why fight it. Besides the best-selling blush they also make their Nars Illuminator liquid highlighter that comes in the same peachy pink shimmer. $29 available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com.





4) Smoky Metallic Eyes--It's a different take on the smoky eye look that has been in style for a while now. You can achieve it with a metallic shadow or liner and then making the other a smokier shade. Suggested product: Benefit's Eye Gotta fall includes smoky eyeshadow and a shimmering eyeliner in it's palette of three shadows and 2 creamy eyeliners. $36 exclusively at Sephora www.sephora.com.




5) Strong Eyebrows--Not quite the Brooke Shields look from the 80's but definitely more bold than brows have been in a while. You can either go to a pro to have your brows tinted and shaped or use one of the many brow powders/tools on the market in a shade deeper than your natural brows to fill them in. Suggested product: Smashbox Brow Tech to Go is a multi-tasker since it both fills in and tames brows. And it's waterproof which will help it stay in place. $26 available at Nordstrom www.nordstrom.com.





http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Have Your Spa-Tini and Drink it Too!

Leading a healthy (and lo-cal) lifestyle used to mean sacrificing cocktail hour. When you're counting calories it's difficult to justify a couple of Cosmopolitans at about 220 calories a pop--if you can even stop at just two!

The Mortons www.mortons.com restaurant chain must have overheard some of their calorie conscious customers voicing their dismay at having to give up their martinis. Last Thursday they launched their collection of less than 200 calories cocktails called Spa-Tinis. Judging from the crowd that turned out on the patio of the Georgetown Mortons for the introduction, it seems many customers (mostly women) have been craving the opportunity to enjoy an work drink and fit into their skinny jeans too!

Each Spa-Tini is made with natural ingredients that minimize the sugar traditionally found in popular drinks. Ingredients like Skyyblood orange vodka, Patron Silver and Absolute acai vodka make up the 5 versions. My favorite turned out to be the Red Velvet which is created with Lindemans framboise lambic, Lunetta prosecco and Chambord. The prosecco balanced out the sweeter tasting ingredients and added a refreshing finish to the cocktail.

The cocktail collection is available at all six area Mortons locations but of course all of those special liquors and ingredients don't add up to a skinny price. The Spa-Tinis are $14 each but you'll have your martini specially blended just for you by one of their experienced bartenders.

So raise your glass without raising the number on your scale when you indulge in a Spa-Tini!

Area Mortons Locations:

Arlington; 1750 Crystal Drive; (703) 418-1444

Bethesda; 7400 Wisconsin Avenue; (301) 657-2650

Downtown DC; 1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW; (202) 955-5997; patio seating available

Georgetown; 3251 Prospect Street, NW; (202) 342-6258; patio seating available

Reston; 11956 Market Street; (703) 796-0128; patio seating available

Tysons Corner; 8075 Leesburg Pike; (703) 883-0800

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Balanced Health & Beauty

Although it is one of the world's oldest forms of medicine you may not be aware of what Ayurvedic medicine is or what it can do for you.

The practice evolved in India and comes from an Indian word meaning the "science of life." The main goal of Ayurvedic therapies is to achieve harmony between body, mind and spirit. At least 90 percent of the Indian population uses some form of Ayervedic therapy.

Here in the States it is considered a holistic or alternative form of wellness and experienced practitioners may be more difficult to find.

The Parma Center For Health and Medicine www.parmaspa.com in Vienna, VA does have an experienced Ayurvedic doctor on staff with impressive credentials.

Dr. Thara heads the Integrative Holistic Medical Department at the spa. She has had years of experience in clinical care of patients, consulting and prescribing therapeutic regimens. Having been certified as a Chopra Center Health Practitioner, Dr. Thara can offer therapies here that you would only have access to at their center in Carlsbad, CA or some other well known spa like Miraval or Canyon Ranch in Arizona.

Clients come to Parma looking for relief for a number of ailments or just to feel better and more in balance. Some of the conditions that can be helped by Ayurveda include high blood pressure, arthritis, allergies, migraines, back issues, menopause, skin issues and asthma. Stress management is also an advantage of Ayurvedic therapies not to mention looking and feeling younger than your age!

During an initial consultation with Dr. Thara you'll fill out an extensive questionaire about your lifestyle and any health issues you might have. Then you'll meet with the doctor to answer questions about your body as well as your feelings--don't forget this is about balance in all areas of your life including physical, mental and emotional. She will take your pulse, examine your tongue and observe your body type and build to determine your dominant characteristics. Certain spikes in the pulse will offer information to the doctor and as well as any coatings on the tongue. If needed Dr. Thara will order blood tests or other diagnostic tools to determine what problems you're experiencing and how to treat them.


Our constitution is called our prakriti and it's characteristics are the three life forces or doshas. It is thought that our chances of developing certain types of diseases are related to the way our doshas are balanced. Each dosha is made up of two of five basic elements which include: space, earth, air, fire and water. For example if it's determined that fire is a dominant element of your dosha you are probably strong, ambitious and set goals but you may also be prone to anger and irritation. Earth would indicate an easy going and stable personality but with a tendency to put on weight. Depending on which of the two elements Dr. Thara determines make up your dosha, she can begin to prescribe a regimen to prevent any problems or cure ones that have already occurred.

She can customize a diet and herb program as well as treatments available at Parma like aromatherapy, facials, massage and body scrubs. If detoxification is needed she may prescribe a 7 day cleanse which she can monitor to put you on the right track.

If optimal wellness is your goal or you have a health issue that you would rather resolve with alternative therapies, call Parma to schedule your appointment with Dr. Thara to explore your options using the Ayurvedic approach to total balance in all areas of your life.

MEET THE DOCTOR: Dr. Thara will be the speaker at the Sterling Women's Networking Luncheon on Thursday, July 14th, 11:00am to 1:30 pm. The event will be at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, VA. For more information or to register go to www.sterlingwomen.org.

Parma Center for Health & Medicine
8212-B Old Courthouse Road Vienna, VA 22182
703-506-8401
www.parmaspa.com

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Summer Makeup That Beats the Heat

The official arrival of summer on June 21st is a signal that we're probably in for many 90 plus degree days for the next few months. That makes it very difficult to look freshly made up over the course of the day especially when you add in DC's humidity.

Waterproof makeup can be a lifesaver --not only for everyday but also at the beach if your days of going barefaced are a thing of the past. And you would probably prefer to do it without the possibility of black streaks running down your face!

There have traditionally been a lot of choices for waterproof mascara but not necessarily other makeup products. Luckily there are now lots of options for having your makeup stay in place through even the most challenging heat and humidity.


One product that actually won a product genius award from Elle Magazine because it addresses this problem so well is Benefit's She Laq. It's a liquid that comes in a bottle along with a variety of brushes and you can basically "seal" any makeup and make it waterproof. That includes liner, shadow, eyebrows and lipstick. They'll be smudgeproof and stay put for 14 hours or more. She Laq is $30 and available at Sephora and Macys.




Waterproof mascaras seem to be in abundance and the Mabelline brand is a favorite of makeup artists. Their popular Volum Express comes in a waterproof edition and is a bargain at under $6 at most drug stores.






If you don't like to go out without filling in your eyebrows but are worried about how they'll look after a dip in the pool there is a great product to keep them in place. Make Up Forever makes a Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector cream which will fill in and define all while staying in place through water and heat. It does come in a variety of shades and is available exclusively at Sephora for $19.





If you have skin imperfections you would rather not show off there waterproof concealers that will offer the kind of coverage you're looking for in summertime conditions. One of the most touted is by Amazing Cosmetics. Their Amazing Concealer is a full coverage concealer and is considered a "magic eraser" for dark circles, broken capillaries or anything that needs covering. It comes in 10 shades and at $42 is a bit pricey but you only need the smallest amount to do the job. It's available at Sephora.




http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Don't Call This Weight Loss Protocol a Diet!

There are so many options and so many factors to consider when it comes to losing weight and you are never more aware of them as when you visit a book store weight loss section! The amount of books and diet variations can be overwhelming.

So how do you decide what is really going to work for you and be worth the time and effort?

Having a medical professional assess your particular situation is one way to remove some of the unknowns and at Atlantis Medical Wellness Center www.atlantismedispa.com, Dr. Ben Gonzalez is helping his clients lose weight but he doesn't use the word diet!

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center is the only Medical Center in Maryland that provides Dr. Simeon’s hCG Weight Loss Protocol and combines this effective weight loss protocol with hormone balancing. Your entire endocrine system will be evaluated through specific blood work that can identify issues with your hormones that may not be recognized with routine blood work. Many clinics confuse ranges given from the lab as normal ranges but do not understand that normal may not be optimal for a patient. People of different ages and issues cannot be placed generically in a “range” that is determined in a lab. They must be approached as individuals and lab results need to be correlated with a person’s symptoms, complaints and issues. Atlantis Medical Wellness Center does just that. They address individual likes and dislikes, diet, lifestyle, and stressers and individualize your weight loss protocol. This ensures not only good results, but great long term results.

BeautyInDC.com recently spoke to an Atlantis client who has been enjoying some of those results and may answer some of your questions and concerns about whether it's right for you:

Q: What is a typical day like on the hCG Weight Loss Protocol?

A: Really for me, it was more structured. I tend to be someone who is almost never hungry so I was programming myself to eat certain amounts of food at specific times. Because I was eating 100% organic, I found myself shopping more . I usually ate 250 calories at 1pm and my 2nd 250 calories around 8pm. That is just my work life. I also weighed my protein which gives one a new perspective on what a portion really is. I ramped up my workouts a little more by trying to workout every day instead of 4 big workouts a week. 7 30minute to one hour workouts daily.

Q: Do you ever feel hungry?

A: I was never hungry. In fact there were actually times when I almost could not finish the food, or didn’t want it, but since it is a protocol , not a diet, I did it religiously.

Q: Are you feeling any side effects--good or bad from the diet?

A: I felt wonderful; full of energy and really healthy. Friends said that my skin glowed and I looked amazing. There really is an amazing difference about putting organic, clean food in your body. I have always been a person who does not eat processed foods and tries to do the organic root which is difficult, but it does pay off.

Q: Have you lost weight on the diet?

A: Again, I would not call this a diet. I lost 25 lbs which was fabulous in such a short period of time. I did 39 days on the protocol and decided to start working on kicking my metabolism into gear after the protocol ended. I am slowly increasing my calorie intake every day for 3 weeks and have added a 100% protein breakfast every day. After two weeks, I have lost one more lb. My true goal is train myself to eat regularly again,

Q: How does it compare to other diets you may have tried?

A: My diet life was just starve and work out to extremes which as I have gotten older has not worked at all, Instead my body was holding on to every ounce it could. I expect that I will be able to keep this weight off and be much healthier in the long run.

During the month of June, BeautyInDC.com readers receive $60 off the cost of the hCG Physician Directed Weight Loss Protocol with Dr. Gonzalez at Atlantis. You'll pay $790 an $850 value and you'll also receive one one free Pharmanex Antioxidant Lab test (Value is $25).

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center also offers a full line of body and anti-aging skin treatments including body sculpting, laser hair removal, Botox, facial fillers, microdermabrasion and many more services.

Atlantis Medical Wellness Center
12200 Tech Road
Suite 102 Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-637-2721
www.atlantismedispa.com

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Rejuvenating Your Skin Sans Downtime!

Most of us would like a quick fix for our skin--get rid of spots, wrinkles or acne without a lot of cost, downtime or pain.

Seems like a pipe dream but one treatment that comes close to fulfilling all of the requirement is the IPL Photo Facial.

Unlike some other lasers that cause enough redness, swelling and peeling to require some time out of the public eye, IPL Photo Facials can have an impact on skin issues without the dreaded downtime.

Laser Plus Lasertrolysis and Skin Care Center in Vienna, VA www.laserplus.bz performs the facials regularly and has nurses and licensed estheticians on staff who are trained in the procedure.

Recently BeautyInDC.com interviewed owner/expert Naiema Riaz about the benefits of the IPL Photo Facial:

Q: WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IPL PHOTO-FACIAL AND WHAT CONDITIONS DOES IT ADDRESS?

A: IPL/Photo Facials/Skin Rejuvenation all do the same thing. The goal of the treatment is to give the client an even skin tone. It also targets Brown sun spots/age spots, it helps minimize the appearance of Rosacea/Flushing. An ideal candidate is someone who is a lighter skin tone and does not have too much color to their skin. We follow a Fitzpatrick scale and on that scale you must be type I-IV. This means that dark Asian skin or African American skin tones are not candidates for the IPL treatment.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PROCEDURE?

A: Generally we have a client fill out a consultation form and then review it with them. If you are on Retin-A or have used or had a glycolic acid or AHA treatment, we strongly advise the client to stop these applications to the skin because these type of products cause sun sensitivity which produces a greater chance of us burning the skin. Once the consultation is reviewed and there are no contraindications, we go ahead and wash the face and clean any make-up or cream off the face. we then proceed with applying a thick layer of ultrasonic gel to the skin and depending on the condition we are treating, we program the machine according to the skin condition. The machine produce a shot of pulsed laser light on to the skin or the area being treated. The client may chose to apply numbing cream 30mins prior to the treatment to minimize any discomfort. Normally, when the pulsed laser light is shot on the skin, it feels like a rubber band sting.

Q: WILL THERE BE ANY DOWNTIME AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

A: This is the best part of IPL photo facials- No down time! You can come in on your lunch hour, have the treatment done and return to work with little or no side effects to worry about. The most important thing to do is apply SPF.

Q: WILL THERE BE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE SKIN AFTER JUST ONE TREATMENT AN HOW MANY DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE?

A: Most clients say their skin feels tight immediately after the treatment. If they are being treated for the sun spots/brown age spots, the spots will immediately become darker and then over a period of 3-5 days start to flake off and become lighter. An average client may take up to 5 treatments to see the end result. The end result typically depends on how the client's skin reacts at each treatment and how much their skin can tolerate and also how bad the condition is that is being treated. See Before/After pictures below:










Q: WHO PERFORMS THE TREATMENTS?

A: A Registered Nurse, A Master Esthetician or a Medical Doctor can all perform the treatments.

Q: HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST?

A: It depends on variables. Is the client following with proper after care? Is he/she using sunscreen, are they keeping up with the treatment as recommended? Typically after 5 treatments, we would ask the client to start maintenance treatments. But if the condition requires more than 5 treatments, they would continue to do so.

Q: WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF THE TREATMENT?

A: Typically the treatment for the whole face costs $300. We do have specials where we have discounted it to $200. We also offer packages and we can also do just spot treatments for $100.

Laser Plus offers many treatments including Laser Hair Removal, Electrolysis, Permanent Makeup and other services. They have just introduced Botox and are offering a limited time introductory special of $10.50/unit!

Laser Plus Lasertrolysis and Skin Care Center
380 Maple Avenue, West
Suite #301 Vienna, VA 22180
703-281-1877
www.laserplus.bz

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Straight Answers About Keratin Treatments

Washington's wilting humidity is about to descend on the area and that means our hair is about to develop a mind of it's own. Those with especially wavy or frizzy hair feel the pain year round. And that's one of the reasons the Brazillian keratin treatment, also known as the "Brazillian Blowout" has gained such a faithful and satisfied following. The treatment makes unmanageable hair behave by straightening and smoothing the strands for up to 4 months.

Some recent news reports have questioned the safety of keratin treatments because some of the hair-smoothing products contain formaldehyde - a chemical the Environmental Protection Agency considers a carcinogen. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, recommended stylists stop using products with formaldehyde, which goes by a number of different names. Because so many women love the treatments and don't want to have to give them up, BeautyInDC.com sought out an area expert who could provide some straight answers on what we need to know about the safety of Keratin.

Jacqui Rodriguez Davis is the the owner of PR Partners www.pratpartners.com at metro center and the energy source for the salon. Jacqui has been in the hair and beauty industry for over twenty years. She is the lead developer of Fresh Look ( a makeover package) as well as one of the creators of Pretty makeup. She has been Nominated five consecutive times by Washingtonian magazine for best in color and for best stylist by City Paper. Her services have long been sought out by Washington women with high expectations. When she is not "behind the chair" you can find her doing fashion shows, photo shoots and most recently on episodes of Ambush Makeovers.

When I asked her whether we should be alarmed or worried about these recent reports Jacqui addressed those concerns and told us what to specifically look for when seeking out keratin treatments:

"The controversy over the keratin treatments you've been hearing so much about in the media is about a specific brand not a specific treatment. As a salon owner, it is imperative that any services rendered are safe for both clients as well as staff. We did a lot of research and testing before we brought in a keratin treatment that was both safe and effective. At PR Partners we use the Marcia Teixeira Keratin Treatment www.brazilliankeratin.com. Our stylists must attend a seven hour class before they can test out and be certified to do these treatments.

Formaldehyde is a natural occurring substance found in everything from produce to cosmetics. The controversy is not the formaldehyde found in the products but the formaldehyde exhaust that occurs when heat is applied during the service. OSHA has set safety guidelines for this and Marcia falls well below these limits.

Treatments without formaldehyde do straighten and smooth but not to the extent that the others do. Also, the effects are not as long lasting.

I believe that the products in question are to date available in the U.S. but have been banned in Europe. Clients interested in having a keratin treatment should research and ask their salon for an MSDS sheet which lists all the ingredients and their levels. Being informed is the best way to achieve beautiful, silky and healthy hair."

PR at Partners
Metro Center
1001 G Street, NW
Washington, DC
202-737-0909

http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.

Bottled Bronze Beauty

The message that we've been hearing for some time now about protecting our skin from the sun's UV rays seems to be getting through. Most of us are very careful to use a sunscreen and we're willing to fake a tan with one of the self tanning options out there.

This season a new crop of self tanners is on the market that address some of the complaints consumers have had in the past had regarding the strong smell and problems with streaking.

If you want to fake a glow here are some of the newest and best products BeautyInDC.com has found to offer you multiple options for benefits and price ranges:

You probably won't find it on the shelves till May 1st, but one of the most buzzed about products this season is Jane Iredale's Tantasia Self Tanner. Iredale is known mostly for it's mineral makeup line found in medspas and aesthetic doctor's offices. In keeping with their "good for your skin" reputation, this self tanner is moisturizing and formulated for sensitive skin. The fresh citrus scent is a plus as well as the streak free formulation. The color builds gradually over three days, giving you control over how much color you want. Tantasia will sell for $36 and be available after May 1st at Rockledge Medspa in Bethesda.


Also coming out in May super dermatologists Rodan + Fields add a self tanner to their line of anti-aging products with their Foaming Sunless Tanner and Reverse Environmental Shield. There's not a lot of info out there on the product yet except for the April Issue of Allure magazine which said the product takes a few days to turn you really bronze but lasts a good 5 days once you do. Apparently it prolongs color by reducing cell-turnover.


Designer Skin Just Say Yes! self tanner's claim to fame is that it is supposed to be the deepest bronze shade you can achieve with a self tanner. It's under $12 price and passion berry scent should also be a real plus if you're in the market for a glow without the damage of the sun's harmful rays. Available online through Amazon.com.



How do those Dancing With The Stars get their amazing, sun kissed skin? Not by laying at the pool for hours--who has time when you have to practice your routines 8 hours a day! Dancing pros Karina Smirnoff and Derek Hough endorse Adonai Bronzing Serum that also touts itself as a Greek organic tanning product. Adonia contains pure natural ingredients with no harmful chemicals. It offers instant color and says you can expect your tan to last for 5 days. The catch is that they offer one product for Face and Neck and another for the body so it's a bit pricey for both at $69. You can order at www.adoniabronzing.com.



It's always a bonus to find a multi-tasker and Sally Hansen's Smooth Glow Stubble Reducing Moisturizer is definitely in that category. It helps to remove hair so you don't have to shave as often, while it moisturizes and gives your legs some color within a week. It seems like a genius invented this product since we certainly want to avoid stubble when we're showing off our legs in the warmer months. And the under $3 price is amazing!






http://www.beautyindc.com/ is your local resource for information and deals on beauty services in the Washington Metro area.