Category Archives: GROOM

Amanda Robinson for Best Eyelashes Extension in Town

August 7, 2015

If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know I am a tried and true eyelash extension mistress. I know the good from the bad, the creme from the crap. I’ve been wearing these guys since 2007.

When I discover an artist who is safe, efficient, skilled and has a great eye for beauty and detail – I stick with them for a long time. I am deep into my year of working with Amanda Robinson, and I have to share. She is perfect. My lashes are safe, not over glued, not under glued, not doubled up or clumped. They are SAFE. She is a delight in every way. It’s time to spread the love.

Book with Amanda now and get totally fantastic lashes!!!

Amanda Robinson has been working in the beauty industry for over 5 years. She specializes in bridal and special event hair and makeup, eyelash extensions, and makeup consulting. She only uses a one to one eyelash technique that ensures your natural lashes stay healthy.

Phone: 206-747-7858
Email: lashesbymandee@gmail.com

What kind of lashes do you use?
I only use the best synthetic, silk, and mink lashes. That way no matter what you choose your lashes always look amazing.

How long does it take?
For a brand new set it takes 90 minutes, and after that fills are only 60 minutes.

How long do eyelash extensions last?
For maximum fullness I recommend getting a fill every 3 weeks. As your natural lashes shed we need to add new extensions on your new eyelashes.

Will this damage my eyelashes?
NO! Absolutely not. Lash health is my biggest priority and I only use a 1 extension to 1 eyelash technique that insures your natural lashes are never getting pulled out, or broken off. Just don’t pick at them or try to pull them off yourself.

Can I get them wet?
Yep, you can. Just wait 24 hrs after you get them done and then you are good to go.

Can I wear makeup and/or mascara?
Of course! You can wear whatever makeup you want. Mascara isn’t going to be necessary once you have extensions, but if you still feel like you want to wear some just make sure it’s NOT waterproof and that you are washing it off every night so it doesn’t build up on your extensions.

How do I take care of them?
Don’t get them wet for 24 hrs and only used oil free products on or around your eyes. Oil breaks down the glue and can make the lashes slip off. Other than that there isn’t much you need to worry about.

What is your cancellation policy?
I have a strict 24 hour cancellation policy. Please cancel 24 hrs in advance, because if you no-show your appointment you will be charged 100% of the service.

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Skincare finds at summer’s fin: Amarte Skincare from Korea

August 4, 2015

I’ve also become obsessed with Amarte skincare.

BB Creams and overnight sleep masks to multistep regimens, Americans are catching on and practicing these new skin care trends. Since not everyone has the time, or the money to follow these extensive regimens, Amarte, a luxe Korean skin care brand, is making it much easier for U.S women to achieve flawless skin.

For results without all of the steps, Dr. Kraffert, the U.S. dermatologist and president of Amarte, has created collection sets that follow multi-step regimens to cleanse, hydrate, rejuvenate and protect your skin. Dr. Kraffert developed the kits not only to narrow down customers’ choices, but to help introduce them to the brand in general. “It’s kind of like ordering from the prix fixe menu,” he says. “They’re going to put more into making sure it’s the truest expression of what [the brand] does.”

Korean Multi-Step Regimens:

Launched to introduce the American consumer to a comprehensive Korean skin care regimen, each new collection set focuses on a particular skin care issue, including dryness, anti-aging, brightening and SPF protection. Each collection features full size Amarte products and offers a schedule that shares which products to use in the morning and night, as well as which order to layer them in.

· Amarte Max2™ Collection Set: an all-in-one ritual kit offering a complete Korean skin care regimen designed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and tighten, smooth and refine with maximum retinol and anti-oxidants. The kit includes instructions on how to layer the products morning and evening for optimal results as recommended by board certified dermatologist Craig Kraffert, President of Amarte. All products are formulated at the Bio-RIC Innovation Center in Korea using A-grade botanical ingredients. ($275 at Soft Surroundings and AmarteSkinCare.com)

· Amarte Super Hydrating Collection Set: Created for dry, dehydrated, sun damaged and mature skin, this all-inclusive Korean skin care regimen delivers botanicals like acacia collagen, mushroom extracts and argan oil to leave skin soft and supple. The kit includes instructions on how to layer the products morning and evening for optimal results as recommended by board certified dermatologist Craig Kraffert, President of Amarte. All products are formulated at the Bio-RIC Innovation Center in Korea using A-grade botanical ingredients. ($260 at Soft Surroundings and AmarteSkinCare.com)

· Amarte True Brightening™ Collection Set: an all-inclusive ritual kit offering a complete brightening Korean skin care regimen. Using powerful, natural brighteners to fade brown spots and hyperpigmentation, this regimen is designed to uncover your skin’s luminous glow. The kit includes instructions on how to layer the products morning and evening for optimal results as recommended by board certified dermatologist Craig Kraffert, President of Amarte. All products are formulated at the Bio-RIC Innovation Center in Korea using A-grade botanical ingredients. ($257 at Soft Surroundings and AmarteSkinCare.com)

· Amarte Ultra Protecting™ Collection Set: an all-inclusive sun care kit featuring Amarte Ultra Veil SPF 50+ and Natural Finish BB Cream. Amazing alone, but better together, both deliver broad spectrum UV protection in ultra-light formulations perfect for everyday use. The kit includes instructions on how to layer the products for optimal results, as recommended by board certified dermatologist Craig Kraffert, President of Amarte. All products are formulated at the Bio-RIC Innovation Center in Korea using A-grade botanical ingredients. ($97 at Soft Surroundings and AmarteSkinCare.com)

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GAME CHANGER ALERT: LASER IN A JAR from nurse jaime

August 2, 2015

Another great post summer skin essential!

Nurse Jamie’s Dermalase AHA Exfoliating Mask Will Reveal A Brighter, Lighter, Younger Looking Complexion for Post-Summer Skin Complete with rich nutrients and active botanicals, the Dermalase AHA Exfoliating Mask is a gentle yet effective, revitalizing peel that exfoliates with the power of papaya, Alpha Hydroxy and Multi-Fruit Acids to induce cellular renewal and turnover and refined tone and texture. The action packed mask incorporates a full range of highly active and proprietary fruit complexes to brighten even the most sallow complexion, as well as includes added extracts for improved hydration, transportation and intra-cellular movement in the dermis to achieve a luxurious, laser-like turnover and reveal!

Active Ingredients:

Papaya Seed Extract promotes cellular DNA production and firming with anti-inflammatory properties. Alpha Hydroxy Acids are naturally derived exfoliants that reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Multi-fruit Acids (pineapple, lemon, grape, passion fruit) to promote skin brightening. Aloe Vera to help fight aging, hydrate, and improve skin’s natural firmness. Glycolic Acid is a water-binding agent, which helps to plump the skin.

Available for purchase at www.net-a-porter.com starting in September 2016 — $84.00 (1.7 oz)

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Enter to win! 60 Day Brightening Challenge from Equitance!

July 12, 2015

Equitance™, the holistic Japanese brightening skincare line backed with over 18 years of research, recently conducted a clinical study to evaluate the brightening benefits of the product. Research confirmed that after 60 days, participants saw brighter skin. As a result of the 60 day study, Equitance is excited to unveil its 60 Day Brightening Challenge to encourage people to experience the brightening power of the Equitance Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement.

Why 60 days? The clinical study results, released in June, showed that 100% of subjects reported an improvement in the brightness of their skin after just 60 days, measured through dermatologist grading. Equitance can now confidently claim that the Equitance Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement can help build the brightening foundation within skin after only 60 days. In contrast to topical skincare products, supplement effectiveness is often difficult to assess. However, through objective evaluation by dermatologists, the clinical study showed the Equitance Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement to be successful in the reduction of the appearance of dark spots, resulting in brighter and more even skin tone in just 60 days.

What is the 60 Day Brightening Challenge? Beginning on July 1, 2015, Equitance is going to offer a free three-day trial of the Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement and a coupon for 50% off 2 full size bottles of Dietary Supplements* (*Retail value $100, 30 day supply x2) to people who sign up for the challenge on the brand’s exclusive landing page. Equitance encourages consumers to take the 60 Day Brightening Challenge to reveal what kind of impact it can have on their skin.

How to Enter:

60 Day Brightening Challenge content will be live on a dedicated landing page at: http://www.equitance-us.com/60-Day-Challenge
Sign up for the challenge on the landing page by entering your information. Then you will receive a FREE three day supply of Equitance Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement and a coupon for 50% off 2 full size bottles of Dietary Supplements*.
Content will also be shared socially across the Equitance Twitter(@equitanceUSA) and Facebook(EQUITANCE) platforms.
Share your progress at Day 1 and 60 of the challenge on Equitance Twitter (@equitanceUSA) or Facebook (Equitance) using #60DaysToRadiance.
The challenge has a “100% satisfaction guarantee” and if you are not completely satisfied with Skin Radiance Dietary Supplements, Equitance will offer a full refund within 60 days of your purchase. (Purchases made with 60 Day Brightening Challenge promo code only.)

Equitance Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement

Equitance Skin Radiance Dietary Supplement was designed not only to satisfy the body’s need for nutrition, but also to help skin achieve a natural glow. It provides vitamins and a proprietary blend of key ingredients such as Eggshell membrane powder, Grape seed extract, Yucca extract, and Hesperidin.

About Equitance

In Japan, clear, bright and luminous skin has been prized for centuries. Japanese women take a more holistic approach called “Bihada,” building on the Japanese belief that beautiful skin comes from skincare and the way a woman simply cares for herself – from what she eats and how she treats her body to how she cares for her skin. Founded in Japan, Equitance, a unique Sunstar brand, captures the essence of this approach with an integrated skin care line that was 18 years in the making. Sunstar was founded in Japan in 1932 and has established a global headquarters organization in Switzerland that serves Oral Care and Health & Beauty care professionals and consumers in 90 countries around the world.

Equitance products are available for purchase on Equitance-us.com where you can find information about the brand’s approach to beauty, including historical facts from Japanese heritage and culture. Also, become a fan of Equitance on Facebook, follow Equitance on Twitter @equitanceUSA, and Google+ Equitance USA for tips on discovering your path to inner health and radiant beauty using an alternative beauty regimen.

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Your Body Clock Effects Eveything: WhatYou Need to Know Now

July 1, 2015

Even when we’re not at work we’re on the clock–a biological one that is. Feeling bloated? Chronically fatigued? Messing up one of your “body clocks” is like a violinist playing a different tune than the rest of the orchestra—disastrous to the overall performance, and in the body it’s disastrous to long-term health.

In their new book, Strong Medicine (DragonDoor Publications, April 2015) Dr. Chris Hardy, D.O. and Marty Gallagher break down our body’s “master clock” to explain which parts are working to their maximum degree at which times in the day.

Where exactly are our master clocks are ticking from?

A master clock resides deep inside the brain. It governs cycles of sleeping, waking, eating, fasting, body temperature, and controls the ebb and flow of the various hormones that control our metabolism. This clock is not constructed of metallic gears, it is a molecular clock made of genes and protein located within specific nerve cells of the hypothalamus. Recall that the hypothalamus is the control center of the brain that responds to signals from the environment. It controls many of the body’s processes, so it makes sense that the hypothalamus houses the master clock.

What are the “9 body clocks”?

The adrenal gland’s clock helps maintain the timed secretion of cortisol in the early morning to prepare for activity by increasing glucose release from the liver. It reduces cortisol levels in the evening and through the night to promote rest and regeneration.
The heart clock helps prepare the heart for daytime by making it more responsive to the demands of physical activity with heart rate and strength of contraction. At night, the clock allows the heart to be less responsive during sleep.
The liver clock helps control the “glucose banker” so that the liver can store glucose during daytime activity and meals, then release and make glucose at night during fasting to supply the brain.
The pancreas clock sets insulin secretion at the highest during daytime activity to allow for energy storage. At night, insulin secretion is set low to ensure the brain receives a steady supply of glucose for regeneration.
The fat clock controls the release of the hormones adiponectin and leptin. Adiponectin is higher during daytime activity to increase insulin sensitivity, allowing the storage of nutrients. Leptin is higher at night, delivering the “stop eating” signal necessary for fasting during regeneration.
The muscle clock helps prepare our muscles for optimum performance during the day. The clock sets a metabolic rhythm, making it easier for muscle to burn glucose during the day, then using fat for energy at night.
The immune clock has the immune system on alert for threats such as bacteria and viruses in the daytime, then at night the adaptive assassins create “immune memories” for the threats encountered during the day.
The kidney clock helps control fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. To support daytime activity, blood pressure is increased, then at night there’s a 10-20% drop in blood pressure during regeneration.
The gut clock regulates gastrointestinal function to increase digestion, absorption of food, and motility (movement of digested food) during the day. It signals for repair of the gut lining at night when digestive processes are minimized.

At what time of day are our “body clocks” most effective? When is our “Immune Clock” fighting bacteria and viruses most effectively? When is our Adipose (fat) Clock signaling our bodies to store the most nutrients?

During daylight hours, hormone levels are controlled by the master clock in the hypothalamus to support increase physical activity. During the onset of night, hormone levels are controlled by the master clock in the hypothalamus to support repair and regeneration. The immune system works the best during the day to fight off bacteria and viruses directly and then generates “memory” immune cells at night (T-cells and B-cells) to promote future immunity to specific pathogens encountered during the day. The fat clock controls the release of the hormones adiponectin and leptin. Adiponectin is higher during daytime activity to increase insulin sensitivity, allowing the storage of nutrients. Leptin is higher at night, delivering the “stop eating” signal necessary for fasting during regeneration.

Why having a desynchronized body clock can lead to chronic illness– and how to reverse the chronic consequences.

Peripheral body “organ clocks” are set by the “master clock” in the hypothalamus. Each organ clock controls organ functions during activity and regeneration modes. The master clock regulates all of our major organs including the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and our muscles.They are crucial in ensuring the organ systems work together in a synchronized manner. Desynchronized (broken) clocks lead to chronic disease.

About Chris Hardy, D.O.:

Dr. Chris Hardy merges his expertise in nutrition, strength and conditioning, and in clinical and preventive medicine into a comprehensive approach to treat chronic disease. With 13 years active military service in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, he is a graduate of the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center and Underwater Construction Basic Course and served as a military deep-sea diver. He left the military the first time after four years of service to start his higher education. He earned a bachelor of science in biochemistry from Old Dominion University and went on to WVSOM in Lewisburg WV, graduating as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. After med school, Hardy reentered the military as a Navy physician, serving as medical officer aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) and joined the ship on deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He then served another operational tour as a medical officer before attending Johns Hopkins University for medical specialty training.

About Marty Gallagher:

Three-time World Master Powerlifting Champion, Teenage National Olympic Lift Champion, Marty Gallagher coached Black s Gym to four National team titles and in 1991 coached the United States squad to victory at the World Powerlifting Championships. Gallagher’s highly-acclaimed 230+ weekly Live Online columns for Washington Post.com created a legion of followers for his Purposefully Primitive Fitness philosophy. Over the last thirty years he has had over 1,000 articles appear in two dozen fitness publications.

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