Tag Archives: beauty

11.18.2013
Beauty Products that I’m Using (and Loving)

best beauty products

 

1. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water: I know what you’re thinking…spa water?  Really?  But it’s just soooo good.  The Cleansing Spa Water is actually Koh Gen Do’s bestselling skincare product and is easy and gentle to use for all skin types. Made with mineral-rich hot spring water, it’s basically infused with six essential herbs to protect and nurture skin. White birch sap, harvested only three weeks each spring, adds minerals and Xylitol as it removes makeup, oils, and residue.  The formula includes the extracts of essential herbs including: rosemary leaf, sage leaf, lavender, artemsia princeps leaf, perilla ocymoides, and ginger root…so yeah, it’s not actually JUST spa water.

2. Jouer Liquid Shimmer Eyeliner: Aside from the awesome animal-themed color names (Panter, Lynx, Fox, Leopard, Mink and Sable), this liquid liner is just ridiculously good…and more importantly, easy to use.  The subtle shimmer in each shade offers extreme wearability while the water-base formula allows for a little extra dry-down time; it’s also rich in vitamins A and E…bonus.

3. Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge: This sponge is serious business.  The Japanese have traditionally used konjac root as a dietary staple that helps to detoxify and calm the skin so it makes total sense that it now comes in sponge form.  Konjac Root is naturally alkaline, and balances the acidity of the skin’s impurities and oils while being naturally enriched with protein, carbohydrate, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and folic acid.  Interesting fact: Konjac was originally introduced to Japan as a medicine in the sixth century, and continues to lend its incredible benefits to health foods as well as skincare. Today, it is grown wild and in farms at very high altitudes, which help to keep the sponge extremely pure and free of pollutants.

4. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara:  First of all, I LOVE that this mascara is inspired by the curves of a woman’s body; the hourglass-shaped brush was designed with extra stiff bristles to maximize the performance of this carbon black, collagen-fueled formula. All it takes is one coat and your lashes are full and defined…this is definitely a mascara winner in my book.

5. Olie Biologique Rejuvenating Oil: I love a good face oil, let me tell you.  This product boasts a blend of eight organic plant botanicals and floral extracts that provide all-natural skin quenching properties with lightweight, healing potency. Anti-oxidants, fatty acids and naturally occurring retinoic acid preserve elasticity, plump lines and improve firmness. Oh, and it’s non-greasy for anyone worried about that.

10.02.2013
Sponsored: BeWell Expo

BeWell Expo

The BeWell Expo is a two-day expo created to honor your inner and outer self: an exclusive beauty and wellness getaway where attendees can experience and indulge in the industry’s best kept secrets, and I’m all about it. As an attendee, you’ll be given the opportunity to empower yourself, by embracing the tools that your body, mind and spirit need to look and feel good.

If you’re in the LA area on October 12th and 13th, you’ll be treated to the below and guys…it’s a REALLY good deal.  Tickets are $25 for a one-day pass and $50 for a two-day pass. Use code BW2013 for 20% off! 

Here’s what you get at the Expo:

  • Identify your skin type and understand the current condition of your skin…at the Skin Analysis Lounge
  • Find the best natural makeup to lock in your look… at the Eco–Beauty Makeup Bar
  • Whole new look with a beautifully shaped eyebrow at the Brow Bar
  • Treat yourself to the healthier gel polish manicure with trendy colors at the Eco–Nail Bar
  • Feel like you had just spent a week on the beach…by stopping at the Tanning Bar
  • Enjoy a party Lash application at the Lash Bar
  • Emerge in a relaxation and healing sound bath with Tibetan bowls by Karma Moffett
  • Aura imaging (value $20.00)
  • Initiate, inspire and transform yourself at the Yoga Studio + receive free GAIAM mats on a first come, first serve basis (value $45.00)
  • Attend a plethora of lectures/demo on energy healing, chakra balancing, relaxation techniques, color therapy, inner peace solutions, aromatherapy and much more…
  • Shop from the beauty and wellness industry leaders.

I’ll be there on Sunday, so make sure to tweet me and say hello!

 

FTC Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the BeWell Expo but all opinions are very much my own, as per usual.

09.24.2013
you need this: Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum

kate somerville d-scar-2

I don’t really consider myself to be too much of a clutz, but THIS IS AN INSTAGRAM photo after my 30th birthday.  Yep. I totally stepped out of the cab the wrong way and went down HARD on the sidewalk.  Not only was it scary, but I got into my apartment, looked down and said “oh my god…I just skinned my knee like a four-year-old.”  Sure, it healed up after a few days but I was left with a dark scar that I still have, six months later.  Awesome.  I started doing some research into good scar diminishing serums and creams and decided to test out Kate Somerville D-Scar Diminishing Serum.  Obviously, I love all things Kate Somerville, so I was pretty sure I’d be happy with the results of D-Scar and yes, I really am.  They actually did an independent clinical study that had AMAZING results:

In 4 weeks:

  • 100% of users had a significantly improved scar texture and smoothness
  • 92% of users had decreased scar thickness

Sold.  Basically the product uses the brand’s DS-7™, a microencapsulated Peptide essential to the skin renewal process. It’s  formula encourages more normalized, smoother, softer skin.  This unique “messenger” Peptide delivers a large amount of essential renewal information to cells.  I’ve been using the product for about 4 weeks now, as per the clinical study, and I’ve seen REALLY good results.  I still have a way to go, but things are looking good.

 

 

09.04.2013
Shower Caddy essentials for college

shower caddy essentials

Mesh Shower Caddy: Shower caddys coming in all shapes and sizes but, please, take my advice on this one…get a plastic version that has HOLES for drainage.  There’s nothing more disgusting than seeing mold at the bottom of your caddy, which WILL happen if you don’t get one with proper filtration.

Body Pouf: A classic.  You might want to buy a few at a time since you do need to replace these every few months.

Drybar The Morning After Shower Cap: For the non-hair-washing days, a good shower cap is a MUST.

Gillette Venus Breeze Razor: I’ve been a loyal Gillette Venus user since high school so why mess with perfection?

Revlon Pumice Stone: I’ve tried lots of foot scrubbing tools and this is honestly one of the best.  You want to keep your feet freshly scrubbed while running around campus.

Orlando Pita Argan Haircare Collection: Guys, this trio is only $25!  I mean, that’s a serious steal.  You get a shampoo, conditioner and a hair treatment oil, all formulated by the fab Orlando Pita.  If this existed while I was actually in college, I would be obsessed.

Yes to Blueberries Ultra Hydrating Body Wash: You need a hydrating body wash since dorm rooms are infamous for dry, stale air.

Skintimate Shave Gel in “Raspberry Rain”: I’ve always loved the scent of berries and this shaving gel is really moisturizing and easy to use in a small space (e.g. dorm shower stall).

Kiehl’s Washable Cleansing Milk: Truth be told, I didn’t even wash my face unti after college (my skin was THAT perfect), but I’m a big believer of splurging in a quality cleanser, which this one is.

Havaianas Flip Flops: You MUST protect your feet.  This is non-negotiable.

09.01.2013
Join me and New Beauty magazine for a #TeaTimeBeauty Chat

NewBeauty.com teatimechat

 

Make sure to join me with New Beauty  for a #TeaTimeBeauty chat about nails!  I’ll be joining OPI, Custom Nails and Anna from New Beauty to discuss and three lucky winners will receive an OPI San Francisco Collection (see above for details).

September 4th at 2pm PST/5pm EST

Follow @NewBeauty and @ItsJamieStone on Twitter for details on how to join the #TeaTimeBeauty chat, hosted on Google+ HERE

You can ask questions via Twitter (#TeaTimeBeauty) or Facebook!

08.13.2013
6 Steps To the Perfect Manicure

6 steps to the perfect manicure

Nails have never been my thing, gotta be honest…but recently, I got to exploring the tools that you actually need to get a good mani.  There are like 5,000 tools on the market but, in reality, you only need these babies:

1. A Good Nail File: This is easier said than done.  Find a good nail file that not only looks cute, but also actually FILES your nails properly.

2. Cleansing Soap: I’m sooo not a fan of bar soap, but nail artists all say that bar soap does a better job of cleansing hands than anything else.  So, if I HAVE to use it, it may as well be CHANEL.

3. Tweezerman’s Pushy and Nail Cleaner: Stop using your other fingers to push back your cuticles!  This tool will do it for you, and better.

4. Cotton Pads: I’m totally guilty of using cotton balls and they’re just NOT as good since they shed everywhere and stick to your nails.  These pads are the business.

5. Base Coat: The Sally Hansen version serves as a base coat AND a top coat (two for one!).  I recently found out the importance of using a base coat (e.g. use one so your nails don’t turn yellow).

6. Polish: Et voila.  Top off your mani with your favorite nail polish of the moment.  Right now, I’m loving all things Deborah Lippmann.