Category Archives: GROOM

OY-L Skincare – Beauty Without Secrets

January 24, 2017

OY-L is divine and my new fave obsession. Here’s why…

We take a stand for women’s skin.

“Before my daughter became ill I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on skin care products and had never once looked at the label.”

– Andrea Pierce-Naymon, Founder OY-L Skincare

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PUTTING AN END TO BEAUTY SECRETS

I grew up like the rest of the women of my generation. As a teenager I found skin care and cosmetics within my price range at the drug store and as I matured and my income rose, I aspired to department store brands and then luxury lines. I treasured these brands and I trusted them.

As my daughter became a teenager herself, I saw no problem with her following my example. When she began experiencing unexplained weakness, pain and discomfort, I became consumed with researching everything that went into her body. I quickly found out that much of what she (and all of us) used every day was toxic. I became determined to find a natural solution for her, for me and for every mother and daughter who would listen.

I left the fashion, style and retail world to create OY-L an all natural skin care line on a mission to provide beauty without secrets.

SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT.

OY-L believes in our Zero Chemical Skin Care brand and is committed to our promise “beauty without secrets.” Whenever possible we use sustainable packaging options. All of our glass containers are ready to recycle after use if you cannot find another use for them.

DONATE.

OY-L will donate 15% of sales of the bath salts and body scrub to Dysautonomia International, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for dysautonomia, the category of illness in which Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) falls. Pierce-Naymon’s daughter is afflicted with POTS.

ZERO ANIMAL TESTING.

OY-L ORIGINAL ZERO CHEMICAL FORMULATIONS.

No Phthalates, No Parabens, No DEA/TEA/MEA

No Color Pigments, No Formaldehyde

No Preservatives, No Isopropyl Alcohol

No Mineral Oil, No PEGs

No Propylene Glycols, No Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, No Triclosan, No Talc

No Petrolatum

Learn more about OY-L ingredients

Sugarlash Pro Brand CEO + Founder Courtney Buhler Q & A on all things Lash Extensions

Sugarlash PRO is a world leading lash extension brand with HQ’s is in Canada but the brand is sold all over the world. Many artists in LA use Sugarlash PRO products and right here in LA you can get this stunning lash by Sugarlash PRO brand Ambassadors, Sarah Maxwell, at Violet Grey. I just had mine done and they look amazing.

Sugarlash PRO Q&A


Answers from Courtney Buhler, CEO and Founder of Sugarlash PRO. Courtney is also an award-winning lash artist herself.

 

  • What’s the number one thing people get wrong about lash extensions?
    • The main two myths about eyelash extensions are:
      1. That they cause damage to your natural lashes. This is NOT the case at all. In fact, if your natural lashes are damaged whatsoever while wearing eyelash extensions it means they were not properly applied. Just like hair colourists aren’t all super talented or sometimes don’t care about the integrity of your hair (hello going platinum from black in 3 one appointment!) the same can be said with lash artists. Take the time to find a responsible, skilled lash artist that can give you amazing results but who won’t EVER put your lash health in jeopardy.
      2. The other myth is that lash extensions look fake/feel uncomfortable. Lash extensions are completely comfortable as no adhesive/extension touches your eyelid skin. Each extension should be attached individually to the natural lashes so the client’s shed cycle can remain healthy and fully functioning. Lashes can also be as natural looking or dramatic as you’d like (to a certain extent based on how strong your natural lashes are). Lash extensions shouldn’t be obvious, and fake looking.
    • What’s the most essential part of taking care of them that people need to know?
      • The biggest adjustment eyelash extension lovers make is with product selection, and sleeping habits. Eyelash extensions don’t like oils. Oils break down the adhesive bond over time, often making it shed prematurely. Check your ingredients for oils, glycerins, and glycols and avoid using them within the orbital bone (eye socket).
      • The other no-no is sleeping on your eyelash extensions and grinding them into your pillow at night. When you hit R.E.M. (rapid eye movement) sleep the fluttering into the pillow causes friction stress on the bonds and will cause them to weaken also. Your best bet is to train yourself to sleep on your hand between your face and the pillow which raises the eye area away from the pillow.
    • What ways do you think are best for asking what you want when you go to a lash stylist? Should people bring in photos?
      • It’s a similar idea to hair styling when we talk lash styling. Just because you bring in a photo of a super full bodied head of hair on a celeb, doesn’t mean you can get that look when you have ultra fine, thin hair naturally. With eyelash extensions, it’s a similar idea. Women will have anywhere from 35-250 natural lashes on each eye. These natural lashes can be fine, thick, long, short, curly, straight, and come in a variety of colours. We are somewhat limited with what you come in with naturally to the amount of drama we can give to your natural lashes while keeping them healthy.
      • As a general rule, the longer and stronger your natural lashes are, the less limited you are with the lash look you can receive. Bringing in a photo as a guide isn’t a bad idea but remember that we customize and work with your natural features and lash base to give you best results. Your lash artist will stock a variety of curls, lengths, and thicknesses, and lash materials to give you a truly unique look! You are you – and we try to emphasize and customize your natural beauty.
    • How is Sugarlash PRO different than all the other lash companies out there?
      • Sugarlash PRO is focussed on two things: product quality, and creating a supportive culture of on-going learning for lash artists around the globe. Our brand is different than most, because before I got into the product development side of things – I was a full time lash artist, and the owner of a speciality lash and brow boutique. What I wanted as far as professional product didn’t exist so I decided to source and work directly with manufacturers to develop ultra-fast performing adhesives, and eyelash extensions that had beautiful tapers, realistic finishes (not plastic looking), and a true black finish (not blue-black like what was out at the time). As a lash artist, and a lash lover myself I knew exactly what the industry needed as far as products and training, and brought my unique flare to the industry.
    • What made you want to go into this specific beauty industry?
      • I have the smallest, saddest lashes ever (got them from my mom), and both of my sisters got super long natural eyelashes. My mom texted me one day and said “there is a new thing called eyelash extensions, and we are going!”
      • From my very first appointment I was hooked. I couldn’t believe the difference it made to my overall look and confidence. I felt flirty and glamorous… just rolling out of bed! At that time, I was 18 and didn’t have a ton of money. In fact I was so addicted to my eyelash extensions that I cleaned my lash artists house in exchange for my lash extension fill appointments!
      • At each appointment I would ask my lash artist all about the process, and the product. I was so obsessed that she said one day “Courtney, you just need to do lashes. No other client loves lashes like you do.” The seed was planted. I received my education and got into lashes right away!
      • There are so many misconceptions and myths about the industry, I’m determined to educate consumers on the truth about lash extensions!
    • Is it recommended to wear mascara over the lashes? Why or why not?
      • The point of eyelash extensions is so you shouldn’t need to wear mascara. “wake up and go” is the goal of lash lovers everywhere. However, if you have a special night out and you just need that extra touch, mascara (non waterproof as this has oils) can be worn on the tips of the eyelash extensions only.
      • Wearing mascara regularly will require more wear and tear on the extensions to remove it, and can also gunk up and clump the extensions.
      • If you need more fullness, talk to your lash provider about volume lashing. Classic eyelash extensions use one extension that is thicker, and fuller and are placed individually to each natural eyelash. Volume lashing uses 2-6 ultra thin individual eyelash extensions that are applied to each natural lash (these are not to be confused with clusters or “knotted” lash tabs). We use completely individual eyelash extensions with volume lashing that are picked up together, fanned, and are adhered to wrap around the natural lash. Classic lashing will give you 35-250 lashes per eye (based on how many natural lashes you have), whereas volume lashing can give you 125-600 lashes per eye and provides an ultra full look.

 

Philip Kingsley PK Prep: In Search Of Volume Part 1

January 23, 2017

I grew up with a mother who was graced with the most gorgeous locks. No matter what style she chose, each piece would continue to know its role in landing effortlessly and beautifully, it was a talent to say the least. My father, although incredibly equipped with many fantastic features, hair was not one of them. Sadly, I inherited his thin wispy hair and have spent most of my adult life hunting for that magical serum to add luster and volume to these unfortunate locks of mine. As we girls go through our own journey into vanity, trial and error play a role and most of the serums that came into my life did not hold up their end of the bargain.

Until Philip Kingsley PK Prep came along and boy oh boy do they understand the concept of plumping. I can finally report that I do see a difference and that difference is grand. I love this serum, it does what it says it is going to do and I know we ladies appreciate that in more ways then one. Try it, love it, see your hair turn into what you have always wanted it to be. Full of life, healthy happy voluminous hair. 

xx Kira

More Valentines Goodies from Clarins, Art of Shaving + Vilebrequin

January 20, 2017

Limited Edition Daily Energizer Lovely Lip Balm: With a lightweight texture, Clarins Lovely Lip Balm perfectly smoothesover lips and leaves a subtle veil of rosy radiance. Its innovative pigment reacts to the pH of the lips, creating unique shades of pink, Formulated with cocoa, sheabutter and red currant to deliver 8 hours of hydration and instantly provide suppleness, comfort and protection so lips feel soft, smooth and beautiful. Available for $20 at all Clarins counters nationwide and on www.clarins.com.

 

Limited Edition Skin Illusion Blush: Clarins Skin Illusion Blush’s ultra-fine powder is enriched with skin-loving minerals and pure plant extracts for a naturally radiant finish. Clarins Laboratories have pinpointed Pink Opal Powder’s unique light-deflecting ability, to recreate a luminous effect on the skin’s surface. Available for $21.50 at all Clarins counters nationwide and on www.clarins.com

Vilebrequin

 

Vilebrequin’s Gold Palm Collection is a love story in itself. A collection inspired by the romance of cinema’s golden star couples, Bardot and Trintignant, Schneider and Delon and Le Grand Amour. Ranging from $200-$300 and the Gold Palm Collection is available on vilebrequin.com and at your local Vilebrequin store location. The collection includes:

The Art of Shaving

OUD Collection: This February, The Art of Shaving is launching its most exclusive fragrance, Oud Suede, across the four elements to men can continue to elevate their grooming routine. The new collection includes, Oud Suede Fragrance (100ml/30ml), Oud Suede Pre-Shave Oil, Oud Suede Shave Cream, Oud Suede After-shave Balm. The combination of Oud and Cypriol naturals enables a deep woody ambery sensuality with a full focus on the skin-like warmth, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Available for at The Art of Shaving Stores (theartofshaving.com) this February.

The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave® Full Size Kit: Combines high quality products, handcrafted accessories and expert shaving technique to provide optimal shaving results while helping against ingrown hairs, razor burn, and nicks & cuts. The Full Size Kit offers Pre-Shave Oil (2 fl. oz), Shaving Cream (5.0 oz), After-Shave Balm (3.3 fl. oz), and a handcrafted Badger Shaving Brush and comes in the following signature scents, Lavender, Lemon, Ocean Kelp, Sandalwood and Unscented. The Full Size Kit is available for $120 at The Art of Shaving Stores (theartofshaving.com)

The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave® Carry On Kit: Combines The Art of Shaving’s aromatherapy-based products, handcrafted accessories and expert shaving technique to provide optimal shaving results while helping against ingrown hairs, razor burn, and nicks & cuts. The Carry-On contains a Pre-Shave Oil Pump (1 fl. oz.), Shaving Cream Pump (1.5 fl.) oz., Badger Shaving Brush, After-Shave Balm Pump (1 fl. oz.), which are essentials for a close and comfortable shave while you are on the go. The pouch is designed with a zip top closure for secure transport and is ideal for packing into your carry-on luggage. The Carry-On Kit is available for $60 at The Art of Shaving Stores (theartofshaving.com)

The Morris Park Collection Signal Red Razor: The Art of Shaving’s vintage racing inspired Morris Park Collection™* Razor combines smooth handling and bold style to evoke the confidence of a vintage race car. Exclusively designed by The Art of Shaving, each razor features a classic racing color polished to a beautiful finish and accented with chrome details. The Morris Park Collection Razor also comes in Royal Blue and British Racing Green, each for $60. Available at The Art of Shaving Stores (theartofshaving.com)

The Rose Gold Safety Razor Set by Mühle of Germany adds a touch of classic elegance to our line of safety razors. The well designed rose gold colored handles will deliver a close shave while setting itself apart as a stylish addition to any shaving routine. Available for $355 at The Art of Shaving Stores (theartofshaving.com).

 

 

 

KORRES: The Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturizer

January 18, 2017

YAY! The newest product from KORRES, The Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturizer! This priming moisturiser has just launched at Sephora and is a lightweight priming moisturizer with 26 percent Greek yogurt proteins to visibly plump and strengthen skin for perfectly smooth makeup application and all-day wear.

WHAT: The KORRES Greek Yoghurt Smoothie Priming Moisturizer is the lightweight answer for heavyweight hydration. The weightless, multiaction formula is packed with probiotics, proteins, and minerals to deeply nourish and smooth skin, while also prepping it for flawless makeup application and all-day wear. Formulated with three types of hydrating hyaluronic acid and powerful skin-saving antioxidants and extracts, the blend gives skin inner strength for healthy-looking skin on the surface.  $42.00

 In Greece, this cherished ingredient is used by families and villages for their own unique recipes and beauty remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation. In 2003, KORRES became the world’s first brand to incorporate edible Greek yogurt into a skin care formula.