Exciting new launch from all-natural Australian brand, Jurlique: Activating Water Essence

September 30, 2016

activating-water-essence WHAT: A new and highly concentrated Activating Water Essence that captures the vital living energy of plants to continuously hydrate, soften and revitalize your skin.

Marshmallow Root Extract, Althaea officinalis : Marshmallow root extract hydrates and supports healthy moisture balance within the skin. The extract from the root is rich in mucilage that is able to attract and hold water. Mucilaginous plants like Marshmallow have soothing and softening properties. Marshmallow softens dry skin promoting flexibility and resilience.

Biosaccharide Gum A natural based, filmogenic moisturising polysaccharide from plant sugars that holds a high molecular weight, but builds a weightless barrier on the skin to help combat dehydration.

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Saccharide Isomerate :A plant derived glucose which helps increase skin hydration and provides moisture retention in the skin. It helps to soften skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and forms a protective layer on the skin which results in smoother looking, more radiant skin.

Glycerine A natural humectant, excellent for smoothing and moisturising the skin, helps to prevent moisture loss and skin dehydration.

Calendula Extract: Calendula officinalis Known for their bright yellow and orange flowers, Calendula provides soothing, protection and moisturisation to the skin.

Neem Extract: Melia azadirachta The neem tree is a tropical tree native to India. The extract is used to help purify the skin and condition and maintain skin elasticity for supple, healthier skin.

Witch Hazel Extract: Hamamelis virginiana Sourced from the leaves and twigs of the Witch Hazel plant, this natural astringent helps to freshen skin. It helps to rebalance whilst firming and smoothing the skin.

Rosemary Extract: Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary contains potent antioxidants and possesses skin enriching properties. Rosemary helps invigorate, and enliven the skin.

Lavender Extract: Lavandula angustifolia Lavender is hydrating and calming, used to rebalance dryness on the skin leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Horsetail Extract: Equisetum arvense Horsetail is the sole descendant of the giant fernlike plants that covered the earth some 200 million years ago. It has been used to hydrate, fortify and maintain balance on the skin.

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Can a Diamond Engagement Ring Go Through an Evolution? YES!

September 27, 2016

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Like all other types of fashion, diamond engagement rings have definitely gone through many changes over the years, particularly over the last century. People are more fussy over engagement rings nowadays than they have been ever. People are even looking for ethical engagement rings, which you can find on Vanessa Nicole’s ring site, and this is just one example of rings people are looking for.

Check out how these rings have evolved and then check out ascotdiamonds.com so you can find the perfect engagement ring that will inspire your love to say yes without hesitation.

The Early 1900s

At the start of the 20th century, engagement rings featuring solitaire diamonds of a rather small size were often set in bands that featured yellow gold. The band was plain, so the diamond was the center of attention.

By the 1920s, European cut diamonds that appeared regal and distinct became popular and started dominating the engagement ring market. The clusters of diamonds were hard to resist. That is, until the 1930s, when oval shaped diamonds took over.

The Middle of the 1900s

Once the 1940s rolled around, engagement ring styles were changing yet again. This time, they started to look quite a bit like those high school class rings that students receive before they graduate. These rings would feature a round diamond in the center, but that stone would then have smaller diamonds to its right and left side.

In the 1950s, there was more focus on the gold bands themselves. They became as prominent as the diamond, so plain settings were no longer as popular. Bands that were filled with intricate designs were often seen, and diamonds remained round.

During the 1960s, engagement rings became sleek and simple again. Minimalist bands featuring emerald cut diamonds were in vogue, and the diamond took center stage again.

The Late 1900s

In the 1970s, those showy gold bands returned (try to keep up!). Also, the rings themselves were covered in diamonds that varied in size and shape, along with a solitaire in the middle. So, for example, you might have a bright gold band, a round solitaire at the center, and square diamonds lining the lower part of the band, along with rectangular diamonds on either side of the solitaire. Adding some colored gems was also popular in that decade.

By the 1980s, women were still donning engagement rings featuring solitaire diamonds. And in the last decade of the 20th century, the princess cut came into prominence. This cut was paired with a couple of triangular gems alongside it.

The 21st Century

The 2000s maintained the popularity of the princess cut, but it was simplified. Silver bands littered in diamonds also became popular. Other cuts, such as the marquise, grew in popularity again, thanks to its vintage vibe. And colored diamonds and rose gold are hugely popular today as well, along with halo diamonds.

These different engagement ring designs are still considered beautiful today and are still accessible as Jacobs The Jeweller reports through their website. Many gorgeous engagement rings can be found on this site that, despite the evolution through time, will have the perfect one for you.

When you look back in time, it is clear that the jewelry industry has evolved quite a bit, especially when it comes to diamond engagement rings. It will definitely be interesting to see where the new trends will take everyone, but in the meantime, you can choose a modern and trendy ring or one inspired by a trend from years long gone.

Ex Nihilo Fragrances

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Ex Nihilo is a Parisian fragrance house that got its start in 2013.   It was founded by 3 Generation X friends (Olivier Royère, Benoît Verdier  and Sylvie Loday, ) who were passionate about fragrances and wanted to use their education, imagination, and expertise to create a unique modern fragrance brand using quality raw materials from around the world.  Attention to detail and originality are key to the brand and its success.   All of the fragrances are presented and perfected in beautiful glass bottles that become precious collectors items. 

The brand has 12 fragrances and 2 perfume oils.

I had the opportunity to try out 3 of their 14 fragrances: Cologne 352, Oud Vendome, and Love Shot.

Cologne 352 is a unisex,  clean, fresh fragrance featuring citrus aromas.  The notes are lemon and juniper berries, alongside orange blossom, rose, wood and musk.  Once this crisp fragrance settles in, it becomes a perfect blend of light florals and musk without being overly sweet and feminine.  It almost has a subtle clean soapy scent.  It’s elegant, easy to wear, and transitions effortlessly from day to evening.  

Oud Vendome is a modern fragrance that has a tried and true combination of full bodied ingredients.  It’s a contemporary Parisian creation of Agarwood along with spicy saffron, ginger,  and cinnamon all blended to create a fresh and modern scent.  It’s smoky, sensual, powerful, youthful, and truly chic.  It’s for those who want to smell different.   It’s my personal favorite since I am fanatical about spicy, smoky, musk scents. It has 14-16 hour longevity.  

Love Shot was introduced  in 2015 and is the 11th release of the brand.  It’s a sophisticated and feminine fragrance that is modern, fruity and floral.  It consist of peony with a bit of raspberry and  jasmine, blended  with vanilla and a leathery musk accord.  It was modeled after the Parisian creations of the 70’s.  It’s both sexy and dignified.  Last 12-14 hours. 

This luxury fragrance line can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue.

This brand launched in 2013 in Paris.  It launched in the US in November of 2015 at Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Price is $225 for 50 ml and $325 for 100 ml

www.Ex-Nihilo-Paris.com or Lucky Scent

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Kim Vo Salon for Kusco-Murphy Dry Leave In Spray

September 26, 2016

Sometimes I’m lucky enough to get super glamm-ed up with my hair all blown out to beach wave perfection, and the Pre-Emmy Kim Vo Salon Kusco-Murphy product event was such the case.  Using the Kusco-Murphy Dry Leave-In spray before heat damage left my locks moisturized with no heavy oils to weigh it down. I floated out of the gorgeous Beverly Hills salon, hair bouncing and behaving, smelling like sea salt beach fantasy vacation to boot!  Bottom line: use this product before your blow out and curling techniques to give your hair LIFE!

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xx, Cristy

Michelle Messiah, PA-C at FACILE DERMATOLOGY + BOUTIQUE

September 21, 2016

Wow. Ok, we wrote about Facile Dermatology and Boutique recently and I was so blown away by what I learned, I had to check it out for myself. And well, we were right! It wasn’t until I stepped foot into this stunningly appointed space that it hit me – this is a gem, a lucky find and my newest obsession and go-to recommendation for anyone looking to restore, rebalance, rejuvenate and prevent, and do it all while feeling like you’ve walked into a Paul Klee painting.

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Besides being touted for its advanced cosmetic dermatology offerings it is also a high end boutique and product bar.

As mentioned when we first checked out the opening it’s a new concept in the skincare and beauty experience, created by Dr. Nancy Samolitis and Danielle Nadick – somewhere between a chic dermatologist office you wish was your living room, a day spa and a beauty boutique. Let’s not forget IV infusions and cutting edge anti-aging treatments such as laser therapy, cryofacials, micro needling, and more. 

That being said, you will fall is love like I did with the phenomenal Michelle Messiah, PA-C who gave me the most rad PRP and micro-neddling treatment that I am now fully in her clutches for life. In layman’s speak this treatment the treatment I had, PRP (platelet-rich plasma from your blood) will help shrink pores, improve fine lines and stimulate new collagen) or, the Vampire Facial truly is life-giving. All I can say is do it. And if Kim Kardashian swears by it, then you know it works, because she’s clearly made a deal with the devil to stay perennially perfect. After your blood is drawn and spun to separate the blood and plasma, the plasma is injected into your face. Then Michelle did an intensive mico-needling (feels amazing!) and well, more blood and after a day of a little sore-ness you look 15. This is an elixir that basically is a must to your anti-aging, preventative routine.

You’ll want to be best friends with Michelle so stand in line because I’m grabbing her first. Danielle the owner is like girl boss on steroids because I don’t know how the fuck she opened this place, so bow down to this entrepreneurial goddess because I think she may hold the key to the universe.

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Below is a sampling of their goodies but go to their WEBSITE and behold the beauty for yourself. Better yet, book a treatment there now. And that’s an order!

  • IN THE CLEAR: A TAILORED TREATMENT PLAN TO CLEAR YOUR COMPLEXION OF ACNE AND DARK SPOTS MAY INCLUDE:

  • CORTISONE INJECTIONS
    A quick prick with this powerful anti-inflammatory can dramatically reduce red, angry breakouts and hurry up healing—often immediately with cystic acne, in particular.
  • LASER THERAPY
    Think treatments like Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel or XLV.
  • FACIAL & BODY RESURFACING
    A.K.A. microneedling, it nudges skin to create new collagen and elastin fibers, which results in plumper, thicker skin and smoother scars and wrinkles.
  • CRYOFACIALS
    We add liquid nitrogen to your facial to treat what ails you: wrinkles, blemishes, pigmentation and sagging skin.
  • MICRO-INFUSIONS
    Micro-injections of botulinum toxin, filler droplets or PRP (platelet-rich plasma from your blood) will help shrink pores, improve fine lines and stimulate new collagen.
  • PEELS
    Customized chemical peels to reduce breakouts and minimize the appereance of visible scars.
  • A CUSTOM SKINCARE REGIMEN
    Each plan is individualized and includes Facile clinical and prescription-strength products.
  • TOPICAL AND/OR ORAL PRESCRIPTIONS

THE REVERSAL: A CUSTOM ANTI-AGING PROGRAM TO HELP YOUR SKIN AGE IN REVERSE MAY INCLUDE:

  • WRINKLE RELAXERS
    Safe doses of botulinum toxins help unkink muscles, leading to smoother skin free from furrows.
  • INJECTABLE FILLERS
    Hyaluronic acid and collagen-stimulating fillers will give you a lift and youthful smoothness.
  • KYBELLA
    Injections of deoxycholic acid, a fat-absorbing substance, help reduce pockets of localized fat like a double chin.
  • LASER THERAPY
    Think treatments like Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel or XLV.
  • FACIAL & BODY RESURFACING
    A.K.A. microneedling, it nudges skin to create new collagen and elastin fibers, which results in plumper, thicker skin and smoother scars and lines.
  • CRYOFACIALS
    We add liquid nitrogen to your facial to treat what ails you: wrinkles, pimples, hyperpigmentations and sagging.

THE DAILY: A TAILORED TREATMENT PLAN TO CLEAR YOUR COMPLEXION OF ACNE AND DARK SPOTS MAY INCLUDE:

  • CORTISONE INJECTIONS
    A quick prick with this powerful anti-inflammatory can dramatically reduce red, angry breakouts and hurry up healing—often immediately with cystic acne, in particular.
  • LASER THERAPY
    Think treatments like Clear + Brilliant, Fraxel or XLV.
  • FACIAL & BODY RESURFACING
    A.K.A. microneedling, it nudges skin to create new collagen and elastin fibers, which results in plumper, thicker skin and smoother scars and wrinkles.
  • CRYOFACIALS
    We add liquid nitrogen to your facial to treat what ails you: wrinkles, blemishes, pigmentation and sagging skin.
  • MICRO-INFUSIONS
    Micro-injections of botulinum toxin, filler droplets or PRP (platelet-rich plasma from your blood) will help shrink pores, improve fine lines and stimulate new collagen.
  • PEELS
    Customized chemical peels to reduce breakouts and minimize the appereance of visible scars.
  • A CUSTOM SKINCARE REGIMEN
    Each plan is individualized and includes Facile clinical and prescription-strength products.
  • TOPICAL AND/OR ORAL PRESCRIPTIONS
Meet Michelle!

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STREET CRED

After receiving her Master’s degree from Western University of Health Sciences and her Bachelor’s degree from UCLA’s Psych-Biology department, Michele quickly started practicing dermatology and perfecting her cosmetic skill set. She specializes in general dermatology, acne treatments, with a special focus on cosmetic facial rejuvenation using peels, Botox, fillers, and medical laser procedures. Michele continues to learn and perfect her craft, taught by the best in the industry. Bonus – Michele believes that most dermatologic issues are not just skin deep, which is why she focuses on a holistic approach to medicine.

Q&A

Favorite treatment? I love micro needling coupled with PRP and always a little filler here and there.

Favorite product? I am obsessed with Malin+Goetz “Vitamin E moisturizer”. I finally found a moisturizer that has an anti-oxidative effect without clogging my pores.

Biggest vice? My Rose, I mean my Red’s; no I mean my old world wines. Really just wine it’s good for the heart ?