August 18, 2010
(all photos borrowed from owner, sara damelio)
a couple of weeks ago, i was invited out to the still point in takoma park, md for a natural manicure and pedicure. the spa is nestled on the edge of the down town takoma park area in a big, beautiful old house. it’s instant heaven when you step inside and i was really taken with their selection of eco beauty in the sitting area. i was greeted by annie who settled me into a super comfy arm chair and popped my toesies into a stone tub filled with warm water. she was an absolute DOLL and a complete pleasure to chat with while she whipped my legs and feet into the best shape of their life using a salt scrub and skincando’s combat-ready balm. we topped the look off with priti polish in a poppy watermelon pink (i didn’t catch the name — shame on this beauty blogger, i know!) and moved over to yet another cushy seat for my manicure where annie shaped my nails into perfection.
now, not only did the manicure last for two weeks straight (a total testament to eco-friendly polish’s ability to keep up with its chemical-packed counterparts!), but i removed the polish on sunday night and today, 20 days later,
my nails have never looked better.
i am still in shock and awe over how healthy and incredible they look and how strong they feel. i don’t know what sort of spell miss annie and the still point spa have cast over these hands of mine, but rest assured i will be returning for another dose of their magic.
so, if you are a dc lady in the market for a sweet escape, you absolutely must call my friends at the still point and be sure to ask for annie!
August 12, 2010
it’s been about, oh i don’t know, a minute since i featured another fabulous solid perfume but a new collection has me unable to hold back! i heart perfume’s solid perfumes are subtle and long lasting, tiny enough to pop into any purse and super silky, melting onto your skin like your favorite moisturizer. each specific scent is designed to capture one of life’s simple moments and each one smells as delightful as the next! with combinations like chocolate clementine, grenadine lily and a friendly price point of $8 your friends (and their sniffers) will be oozing with jealousy. so don’t be greedy, gift these chubby little tubs to all your besties! the pretty is available at urban outfittters.
August 3, 2010
summer’s crazy heat and humidity call for a change in skincare and a product that hydrates without turning your face into an oil slick. in the winter months, we slather on heavy moisturizers to beat dryness but they are not an option in the hotter months. well what if i told you that new from garnier is an intense moisturizer that’s feather light? enter garnier moisture rescue oil-free gel-cream. this little gem is not yet in stores, but rumor has it, the pricetag will be somewhere between $5.99 and $7.99 which is more than $25 less than my previous favorite, clinique moisture surge extra thirsty skin relief. from what i can tell, the two are nearly identical aside from color. so keep your eyes peeled in those drugstore aisles! and holler if you get to give it a test run before i do.
July 28, 2010
to many, burt’s bees is the natural brand in bright yellow packaging at the drugstore. to me, burt’s bees is the maker of my all-time favorite lippie, replenishing lip balm with pomegranate oil. i have dozens of these littering up my life and i’ve bought countless tubes over the years. it’s moisturizing and refreshing and leaves the slightest hint of pink tint that’s natural but perfectly boosts your already pretty pout.
bb must have finally caught on to the gem it’s had on their hands and created a second version! this one is called rejuvenating lip balm with acai berry. it pulls all the same party tricks but it’s tintless. i will warn you that the scent/taste is somewhat overpowering so it’s lovely between meals but it has the potential to make your cheeseburger taste a bit fruity if you’re not careful. acai berry is known as a super fruit and this balm packs boatloads of vitamins and omega oils to leave lips healthy and hydrated.
bee-eautiful!
(sorry i could not resist the stephanie tanner-like honey bee reference!)
July 27, 2010
i love josie maran and her line of cosmetics consistently delivers. for that reason (and mostly because i’m a sucker for a new mascara) i am thrilled to introduce her latest and greatest addition: gogo mascara. gogo stands for “get one give one” and that is exactly what josie plans to do. for each gogo mascara purchased, josie maran cosmetics will donate one tube to a city of hope cancer patient or survivor. and if the lure of a good deed isn’t enough to make you want to purchase, how about the product description?
“this mascara’s patented triple v brush delivery system coats lashes one luxurious layer at a time for full, longwearing, clump-free, water-resistant definition. the rich, hydrating formula evenly builds thickness and smoothness, delivering a full fringe of blacker-than-black lashes with dewy shine. this natural and exclusive formula dries quickly without smearing, smudging, clumping, or flaking. an infusion of nourishing, protein-rich argan oil conditions and supports hair growth for lush, supple, healthy lashes.”
now, let’s recap. that was: thickening, longwearing, waterproof, hydrating, natural, and nourishing. add to that list its do-gooder promise and all in all, it’s a beautiful thing.
July 26, 2010
laura mercier is the ultimate in professional make up artists and her line constantly impresses me. i’m loving some of the things coming through her camp recently.
this clear anti-feather pencil is a universal lip liner. it’s one transparent shade you can use to outline the mouth and complete any lip look, regardless of shade. i even like using it with my favorite gloss! at $20 laura’s saving us all oodles of bucks and preventing some major overcrowding in my lip cup!
second skin cheek color is next in my group of favorite new releases. it’s a revolutionary new blush that’s velvety and light as air. each shade is silky sheer and sweeps on evenly with ease. city pink and lotus pink are must haves but fresh ginger also looks to be a perfect bronzer for those of us who are fair maidens.
the bonne mine healthy glow for face & cheeks palette has been designed to give that ultra-sheer no makeup glow that laura defines as “simply sunkissed.” the palette is perfect for all skintones and is aching to be tossed in your suitcase or beach bag for any sunny trips on the horizon.
and finally, miss mercier has dipped her toe into the glamour-eyes-d pool of sparkle shadows. each one of her new sequin eye colours is luminous and colorful, like a little bit of pixie dust for your lids. she’s starting out slow with just three shades but violetta has already captured my heart.
the lovely laura continues to prove her genius with these pretty products! can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
July 21, 2010
my third favorite facial cleanser (after this one and this one) is climbing the ranks! not only has it been voted best department store facial cleanser by allure readers four years running, but it now comes in an amazingly convenient, disposable cloth. they’re extra big and fluffy, perfect for throwing in your gym bag or for grabbing on those nights when you just can’t get the full face wash process in before bed (hey, it’s better than not washing!). they are not designed to take the place of liquid purity and operate in pretty much the same way as any other facial wipe, but they’re from a skincare brand that i trust and made of a cleanser formula i’m big a fan of so i would recommend them to anyone looking for a quality quick fix.
July 20, 2010
the girls at stila never cease to amaze! this time they’ve created a series of five limited edition palettes inspired by their users’ unique travel experiences. first to launch was road to radiance across the usa – a punchy bright five-pan compact teeming with pinks and metallics. next up (and brand new this month) is pretty in paris with four stunning shadows and one incredible lip & cheek cream. all five pans are packed into a tiny clutch-worthy compact and this one is already destined to be a stable for moi!
i know with two stila posts in one week you may be thinking they’re slipping me a little something for all this press, but it is totally 100% unsolicited love from me when i say you need these palettes in your life. there is something for everyone and with three more (fiji! moscow! and tokyo!) launching between now and december, at the gasp-worthy price of just $10 each, your look can change with the seasons as you live vicariously through the stila girls’ travels without sacrificing your 401k.
happy trails to you!
July 19, 2010
lip gloss is no longer for the faint of heart! two of my favorite brands have taken pretty to a whole new level. the latest additions to their gloss collections are not for wallflowers and leave you with lips that demand attention, however, the thing i like about both of these new lippies is that they feel like glosses but look like rich lip color and last like a lipstick.
benefit has given their lip gloss an ultra shiny makeover and created five new super sparkly shades. they gave the revamped formula a custom brush for the ultimate in glossy, reflective shine. foxy lady and dancing queen are my recommendations for anyone looking to purchase.
korres is also following suit in creating an intense new gloss. their raspberry antioxidant liquid lipstick packs a serious punch for those not playing around with the same old girly gloss. not sure i’m bold enough for any of the shades on the shelves but more power to you ladies that love a fancy lip! you will be in absolute heaven.
what do we think of this trend?
July 15, 2010
we all want flawless looking skin, but i can’t personally say that i’m willing to work all that hard for it. and i also don’t love slathering on layers upon layers of serums for little result. the beauties at stila must be reading my mind (or maybe this blog!) and have developed one of the coolest products to come along in awhile. one step correct is an amazing time saver that color corrects and brightens with very little fuss. for $36 you get a triple-swirl of serums that:
- neutralizes redness
- controls blemishes
- counteracts sallow undertones for a vibrant, energized look
- brightens
- illuminates
- reduces the appearance of sun spots
- diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- hydrates
- balances
- nourishes
- controls oil production
- minimizes pores
can it fry an egg, too? sheesh!
it’s apparently weightless and doesn’t sit on the skin like other serums so it won’t clog your pores or irritate any sensitivities. i haven’t given it a try yet, but it is hot on my wishlist. with all of those lofty promises, i’ve just got to see if it delivers.
what are your thoughts on this one? too good to be true or one product to heal the world’s skin problems?
