BRAZILIAN BLOWOUTS! To blow or not to blow? Liz Devin tells us how to find a safe stylist and salon.

July 20, 2012

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In case you haven't noticed there has been a ton of buzz about Brazilian Blow Outs and safety. Much to do is going around about the potential dangers of this so-called "toxic-cocktail" – and much of it is talk talk talk.  Several salons are no longer doing them and looking for safer alternatives.  Of course, as someone who loves a B.B. and even had one while pregnant (!) I had to look into this a bit more. 

First off, every single treatment I tried that is considered totally safe, as in formaldehyde-free, did not work. I wont name brand-names, but several of the keratin-like treatments I tried, only worked to slightly smooth the hair, and maybe only 20% and for a day or two.  They did not live up to their claims what-so-ever.  I don't doubt that are good for your hair, but in no way should you go in expected sleek, smooth and straight results. It aint happening. 

I decided to let Liz Devin, one of LA's top stylists and Brazilian Blowout specialists (she works out of the Andy LeCompte Salon in WeHo) weigh in on this. As she is doing them, problem free, and after having her do one on my this past week, I now know why. It's called: Ventilation and a Serious Top Notch Professional only.  The last blow out I had two years ago was at a very fancy shmancy salon, and the woman burned my hair so badly that Liz had to sadly chop it off, send me to Bed Bath and Beyond to buy a silk pillowcase and vow not to touch it until it totally grew in. (She also sent me to Denis for an amazing conditioning Keratin Rejuvination Treatment which helped restore it and protect it from breaking further).

Here is what Liz had to say:

 

When I do Brazilian keratin treatments I use four small fans. I have all of the windows open and the fans blow all the vapor out the windows. I provide masks for my clients as well as myself and my assistant. I also have two large air filters that are specifically for salon chemicals. 

It is your stylist responsibility to keep you, themselves and coworkers safe by knowing what chemicals they are using and taking the necessary precautions. 
When done safely, the treatments can be life changing. When not done safely and properly they can be a disaster.  

Make sure your stylist has taken a class and is certified to do the treatments. Many stylist simply watch a YouTube video and buy the products online. That is not ideal. 

Ask if the salon has windows for proper ventilation. 

Be sure that the treatment is done near open windows and or doors. 

 
Ask if the stylist has fans to blow the vapor away. 

 
Ask if the stylist has any air filters specifically for salon chemicals.

These are a few guidelines for you to use in deciding who is doing their best to do Brazilian keratin treatments safely.  

Good luck!  

Liz Devin

 

So that's that people. Please educate yourself on your stylist. OR, if you were me, just go to Liz and don't waste your time anywhere else. I had the best experience.  The fans were blowing away – I was given a protective clear eye mask – I did not smell one thing – She was quick and amazing and my hair is straight as a bone.  LOVE IT!!

 

THANKS LIZ!!  XOXO

 

 

Taking “Bikini Ready” to new extremes. The VAJACIAL is here! And how about “V Magic” a 100% Organic and all natural healing cream.

July 16, 2012

Who doesn't want the perfect vaj situation? While "Vajazzling" may be taking bikini beautification to way too ridiculous extremes, Stript Wax Bar's "Vajacial" seems totally reasonable. I cannot wait to get in there for one after my next wax (which by the way will be there too, I'm getting hooked on their Depilar system) .

WHAT: a “Facial” for your bikini line.

Treat ingrowns, discolorations and breakouts with a targeted 4 step treatment.
First, an anti-bacterial cleanser is applied.
Next, a gentle papaya enzyme is used to dissolve dead skin build up and prepare for extractions.
This is followed by a targeted mask to treat your individual skin concerns and followed up with an application of our lightening cream to treat discoloration.
This takes about 50 minutes.
The benefits of the Vajacial are to give healthy, glowing skin to the bikini line. This area can get over run with ingrown hairs, dry skin, bumps and discoloration so the treatment helps to both treat and prevent all of those issues.
Stript Wax Bar: http://www.striptwaxbar.com/
Vajacial: $60

  V-MAGIC-PRODUCT

 

Let's face it – a vaj can get, well, a bit owie at times. Every give birth? Had an overly zealous waxer?  Yah, thought so.  We treat our faces to the best creams and potions so how about a little love for our little lady down town?  Medicine Mama, an extremely cool handcrafted line with formulations using the finest all-natural and 100% organic ingredients, morphed its popular Bee Magic into a super healing vaj loving ointment. I just cracked mine open and only wished I had received this sooner, like two years ago after my kid was born. Ouch. I'm loving it and think I might just use it everywhere – it's so pure and natural, I just can't enough!

 

Made of: 

purifying propolis & honey blend
healing, antimicrobial honey
nourishing sea buckthorn oil
rich extra virgin avocado oil
moisturizing extra virgin olive oil
protective beeswax

 

You can buy it here! ($24.95) 

You’ll never do ABS in this town again. Equinox is rolling out some kick-ass (make that kick ABS) videos that’ll have you shaking up your routine big time

July 11, 2012

              you'll never do a dumb ab-crunch again

 

Video: The Science of the Six-Pack

Straight from the lab: The 6 moves proven to sculpt flat abs. Watch Equinox instructor Gregg Cook dominate the only set of toners you'll ever need.

Tuesday, May 01, 2012 | Q Editors

It seems safe to say that we have all agreed to move beyond the sit-up. That decidedly old-school approach to ab work is not, nor will ever be the path toward what has become the Holy Grail of body betterment: The six-pack. So how doyou sculpt the elusive tight, toned middle? Well, by following the scientific principles of body mechanics in their simplest form of course:

“Research shows that you should always train for good mobility in the upper portion of the core and good stability in the lower portion of the core,” says Geralyn Coopersmith, an exercise physiologist and head of the Equinox Fitness Training Institute, “With this foundation, you are able to build a core that functions in peak condition, meaning it’s able to flex, rotate, laterally flex and extend. Research shows that a fit core is most responsive, so muscles will turn on automatically and be engaged no matter what you're doing." 

Such was the basis for the killer core workout in the video above created by Equinox senior creative program manager for group fitness Lisa Wheeler. “The best moves will have one focus, like rotation for example, but while one muscle group is rotating, others are stabilizing and/or mobilizing to move the body synergistically,” says Wheeler, “That’s going to give you a much deeper abdominal workout than, say, crunches, during which most of the rest of the body is not engaged except the rectus abdominis, which is actually the most superficial muscle in the abdominal bunch.”

Though the exercises designed here may get serious points from the judges on degree of difficulty alone, the outline and principles of movement remain the same no matter what your level. One such abdominal rule to abide by: always start with stability. “It’s sort of like flipping the switch so you’re activating the muscles that might have been sleeping,” says Gregg Cook, the NYC-based Equinox group fitness instructor who lent his perfectly sculpted body to our workout, “When you hold something like a plank, you get a really strong neural signal from the central nervous system to the core. Once everything is lit up, from there you’re just sort of pouring gas on the fire.”

See what he means in the video above, shot in the penthouse at the Royalton hotel in New York City, then feel the burn yourself by clicking through the slideshow below for how-to descriptions of each move. Do 3 sets of the indicated reps 3 times per week on non-consecutive days.

 Bring the moves with you. Download pdf instructions.

 

 

ooh! now BLUSHINGTON is the exclusive make-up lounge at the SLS hotel’s Ciel Spa.

July 9, 2012

Need an awesome make up application for a big event? Gotta wedding to go to?  Getting married yourself? Bridesmaids wanna get down on some group beautifying and pampering? 

This is for you!

The award-winning Ciel Spa at SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills proudly announces a partnership with Blushington, the acclaimed makeup and beauty lounge in West Hollywood that offers a one-stop, full-service beauty destination. Through the partnership, Blushington will become the exclusive provider of makeup applications within the Philippe Starck-designed, 5,000-square-foot Ciel Spa.

Guests and locals can enjoy the talents of Blushington artists within the celestial dreamscape of Ciel Spa.  Blushington will bring its professional makeup applications with signature looks to the spa, allowing guests the ease and convenience of great service without leaving the hotel.

At Ciel Spa, Blushington will offer a choice of six signature Blushington menu looks – Pure & Simple, Simply Glowing, Life of the Party, Lucky Stars, Smoke & Mirrors, and Cutting Edge – to which they can add such options as faux lash application and air-brush foundation.

I saw some of their work recently and it's excellent. Not heavy handed at all. I can't wait to try their lash extensions – and the price is VERY GOOD!! $175 for a full set of mink!?!  WOW!  

ABOUT BLUSHINGTON

Blushington provides professional makeup applications at affordable prices in a well-designed and chic atmosphere (sessions start at $20). In addition to their six signature looks, the menu also includes Full-Face, Eyes-Only, On-the-Go for weekdays, and Camera-Ready application options as well as waxing, tweezing, and lash services like tinting and extensions. Conveniently located in West Hollywood, CA, they are open daily and have flexible hours with complimentary parking in the back.  For more information, please visit www.blushington.com

ABOUT SLS HOTEL AT BEVERLY HILLS

Located at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is the first property to debut in the new SLS Hotels brand from sbe. Challenging every traditional convention of luxury hospitality, SLS Hotels is built upon the fundamental principles of discovery, humanity, elegance and authenticity. The 297-room SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills opened its doors in November 2008 as part of The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts brand, managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., with design by Philippe Starck and a culinary program crafted by Spanish chef José Andrés. Innovative and eclectic dining reaches new heights at The Bazaar by José Andrés, a collection of magical dining and lounge experiences woven into a modern-day indoor piazza, which received a rare 4-star review from the Los Angeles Times, and was a finalist for the James Beard Awards’ “Best New Restaurant.” Ciel Spa at SLS is a unique new world class spa concept, open to hotel guests and locals alike. With matchless synergy, SLS guests receive preferential access to The SBE Collection of some of the city’s most sought after restaurants, nightclubs and lounges.  For more information, visit www.slshotels.com.