04.29.2013
The Monday Rundown

The Monday Rundown

1. Rosemary & Truffle Oil Popcorn: As you know, I love anything truffle-related, and it’s just kind of genius on popcorn, with a little rosemary.

2. Sexy Hair Soy Renewal: I hosted an event with Just Extensions and Sexy Hair a few weeks back, and was given this awesome product in the gift bag.  It’s a nourishing styling treatment, made with Moroccan Argan Oil, that addresses moisture, frizz, smoothness, elasticity and shine concerns. It also protects from environmental stresses and reduces drying time.

3. Sam Edelman Genna Strappy Sandals: Every summer, with out fail, I end up buying a new pair of Sam Edelman sandals.  They’re just so versatile and I’m LOVING this silver gladiator version.

4. Z Gallerie Diamand IKAT Pillow: I’m on the lookout for new decorative pillows for my couches…this might be a little too matchy matchy (my couches are bright blue), but I still love it.

 

 

 

03.05.2013
You’ve Heard of Revenge Sex…But How About Revenge Beauty?

After getting dumped (or generally just treated like crap), everyone will react differently; some girls will eat tons of junk food, others go shopping and splurge on beauty treatments.  The latter is THIS GIRL right here.  For the amount of money that I’ve spent pampering myself out of depression over the past few years, I could seriously buy a townhouse in SoHo.  I wish I were kidding…but here it is, sometimes (ok, most of the time) treating myself just makes me FEEL BETTER and there’s nothing wrong with that.  So basically, I take the whole “treat yo self” from Parks and Recreation thing to a whole other level after some douchebag decides that he’s “just not that into me” or stops calling.  Here’s a breakdown of what I do for my revenge beauty treatment:

Step 1: Book a massage appointment somewhere fancy, and with a male masseuse.

I don’t really have to explain why massages are awesome.  For one, it’ll help you relax and you’ll start thinking about how that asshole didn’t know how to give a proper massage and how much hotter your male masseuse is, compared to that dick you now hate.  And here’s a tip, if they ask you what area you want to focus on, say you feel tension in your lower back…this means that you’ll probably end up getting your butt massaged which, I can’t lie, feels pretty amazing.

Step 2: Buy that really expensive beauty product that you previously said “I can’t. It’s too much for what it is” to.  I don’t know what it is about face masks but I just can’t bring myself to buy them.  I read about Boscia’s Luminizing Black Mask in a few magazines but when I realized that the mask costs $34, I didn’t buy it.  It’s actually not THAT much money, in beauty terms, but I’ve always held strong when it comes to face masks since I don’t feel like they actually ever DO anything to my face.  But when you’re in beauty revenge mode, you buy that shit right this minute.  And here I am…black face mask and all my beauty revenge glory:


Step 3: Drink.  It’s a simple one but drink those high-calorie drinks that you normally pass up for a vodka soda.  Mimosas!  Margaritas!  Hell, even go for a Strawberry Daiquiri if that’s your deal.  And, if you’re in New York City, I can even do you one better.  The wine-based skincare line Caudalie has a spa at the Plaza Hotel where they actually do wine-based treatments and even serve wine in the relaxation/waiting area.  I’ve been.  And it’s glorious, trust me.  You can kill two birds with one stone (steps 1 and 3, and maybe even step 2) just by going there.  The Dry Body Fresh Grape Massage is amazing, though very sticky, and you can pretty much get wasted before and after the massage actually takes place.

Step 4: Get a blow out.  Nothing, I repeat NOTHING will make you feel better than having good hair.  Put on your favorite yoga pants and tank top (you don’t even need to get dressed, really) and get your hair blown out at a fancy salon or blow dry bar.  I promise you, you’ll instantly feel chic and put together.


Step 5: Buy a ridiculously frivolous piece of “fine leather goods.”  Parks and Recreation said it right.  Men don’t understand why we buy pointless small leather shit so NOW is the time to buy that weird Gucci heart-shaped coin purse (who carries a coin purse?) or that Tory Burch shoe key chain, just because those infamous ballet flats make you remember your college glory days.  DO IT.  Enjoy your coin purse and shoe key chain.  The next guy will appreciate them, too…but probably not really.

02.28.2013
Beauty Products Actually Worth the Money (and that I buy for myself!)

It’s not that often that I actually spend my own money on beauty products.  Sorry, but it’s a true story.  However, these are the products that I just simply ADORE and can’t live with out, free or not.  Watch the video to hear all of the captivating details and don’t forget to to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Vivicscal Extra Strength: My hair growth miracle.

Yes to Cucumber Facial Towelettes: Perfect makeup cleansing cloths for my dry, sensitive skin!  Seriously, I’m obsessed with these.

Clinque Even Better Makeup SPF 15: It’s a moderate to full coverage (with SPF!) and the foundation also helps prevent new discolorations from forming.

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: I put this on EVERYTHING.  Got a skin issue?  Put some Aquaphor on it, no joke.  It’s an all-purpose skin products.

Moroccan Oil Treatment Light: The new-ish version (for fine hair) is even better for my hair, since it doesn’t weight it down but still smooths and prevents frizz.

02.25.2013
Reader Question: How Do I Fix My Color-Damaged Hair?

Question: 

Hey Jamie!

I recently got blonde highlights (on my dark brown hair) and the colorist used way too much bleach and now my hair is FRIED.  What can I do to fix the damage while the color grows out?

Thanks,
“K”

Answer:

Hi “K!”

Sadly, this happens more often than you would think.  The best thing you can do is give your hair a few weeks tro recover and, in the mean time, use a hair treatment to help restore the health of your hair.  I really love Fekkai Protein Rx Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask since it’s formulated for brittle, broken hair that has been weakened from coloring, relaxing, or heat styling.  If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option, try VO5 Hot Oil Shower Works, which is also fantastic…and under $10.

Good luck!

Xo,
Jamie

01.03.2013
New(ish) Beauty Favorites


I try a LOT of beauty products and yeah, a lot of them are really good…but every once in awhile you get a group of favorites, and here they are:

Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing CreamStructural support is monumental in preventing wrinkles—picture, if you will, a standard mattress.  When it’s brand-new, the coils are tight, the elastic is firm, and the mattress is soft and smooth.  But, after years of use, that same mattress sags and wrinkles.  This cream nourishes your own “mattress” -your skin, and keeps it firm, smooth, and moisturized, thanks to the lovely copper ingredient.

Phyto Revitalizing Shampoo: I used this shampoo for the first time today and was immediately wowed.  It’s said to improve the density and luster of temporary thinning hair with this unique combination of botanicals, preparing the scalp for Phytocyane Treatment. Gingko biloba and cinchona bark energize scalp and stimulate micro-circulation while grapeseed procyanidins combat free-radicals and protect the hair bulb. Hair becomes fuller, thicker and more lustrous, even after one use, as I proved today.

Make Up For Ever Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation: Lately I’ve been really into liquid foundations but after going to an event in New York where the makeup artist used this on me, I was SOLD.  The best thing aboutthis powder foundation is that it can be applied dry (for a full, matte finish) OR wet (for a sheer, satin finish).  Seriously.

10.24.2012
My Current Skincare Regimen

I try not to play product favorites but I have to admit, my skin has been in pretttty good shape lately.  And this means: only minor breakouts, no dry patches, not a ton of redness and hyperpigmentation…so I, naturally, had to share what I’ve been religiously using.  I’ve already blogged about most of these products but hey, here’s a roundup, in one place, so you can see everything that I’m currently using and loving:

Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF 42: SPF, SPF, SPF.  Wear it every day, all day.  I’m a big Shiseido SPF girl because their sunblock formulas tend to be on the lighter side and don’t make you feel greasy and gross.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood: I told Darphin’s PR rep that I had dry, sensitive skin and she reassured me that I would LOVE this cleansing balm.  In fact, I believe she may have used the phrase “heaven on your face,” and yes, she was correct.  If you don’t like skincare that has fragrance, this might not be for you but I love how luxurious this cleanser feels and it doesn’t dry out my skin.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment: I’ve had my fair share of Kate Somerville treatments so any time they say they’ve captured a portion of one of their amazing (and costly) treatments in a bottle, I’m sold.  I’m into the cool burst of moisture and I like that I feel very high-tech when spraying it on my face (3 lines on each cheek and one on the forehead).  YES, ma’am.

Freeze 24/7 Ice Cream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Aside from the fact that this product has “ice cream” in its name, it really is a fantastic anti-aging moisturizer…and, believe me, I’m picky about my moisturizers.

Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye Cream: I’m clearly a big Rosa Arctica advocate but the eye cream is also pretty fantastic.  They say moisture is pretty much the most important thing to prevent wrinkles and fine lines and this eye cream has it.

Kate Somerville Neck Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8: I’ve blogged before on my fear of my impending turkey neck and, because of this, I’ve been AVID about using neck products.  It’s a little too early to say that I’ve seen “improvements” (since I’m only 29) but I have good faith that this product will work because it’s Kate-endorsed.

10.15.2012
The Monday Rundown (LA Edition)

Gavert Atelier highlights: It’s been a little over a year since my last trip to Gavert and I was LONG overdue.  I love everyone that works there – seriously, they’re the nicest staff ever – and I especially love the fact that they give honest advice and opinions; they don’t just “yes ma’am” any of their clients and that is important if you want good results!  The color?  I love.  Will I go back to Gavert Atelier?  Absolutely.

Sprinkles Cupcakes: They have a ton of locations now and, as you know, cupcake stores have a lot of competition…but what makes Sprinkles unique is their cupcake ATM machine.  How can you not want to just buy cupcake after cupcake, just to watch them come out of the ATM?!  I’m obsessed.

H.D. Buttercup: Pricey, yes, but this is one of the best furniture stores that I’ve ever seen.  At the very least, you can go and get some good inspiration and then stop into Father’s Office (right next door) for some good beer on tap or a glass of wine.

Blessed Charm jewelry: I went to an event for Blessed Charm last week and absolutely fell in love with their dainty, sophisticated, yet simple, line of jewels.  The creator, a former entertainment manager, lives here in LA and all of the materials are sourced from LA as well (and, of course, also made here).  What I love even more than the jewelry line is the brand’s partnership with Create Now, an organization that serves vulnerable kids (ages 2-25) who have been abused, neglected, victims of domestic violence, etc. and teams them up with mentors that spend positive time with them.