SUGARING AT STUDIO ALEXANDRIA IN BRENTWOOD

March 31, 2010

I was excited to try sugaring at STUDIO ALEXANDRIA IN BRENTWOOD , a waxing alternative, as I've heard about all the positive things about sugaring (vs. waxing): It's a great conditioner for skin, longer re-growth time between treatments, no in-growns, can get really short hair, and all painlessly…HUH!

The studio is super nice – spankin' clean and crisp. They don't use any waxy paper on the tables when you lie down, it's sprayed with a super-high-power disinfectant. This took me a minute to get used to (I'm a major germ a phobe) and it felt a little yicky at first but then I soon forgot about it as the sugaring technique was explained to me and I was assured it's been chemically disinfected.

I was there to do bikini, and Brazilian at that and I gotta say I was scared. I'm 7 months preggo and super sensitive. A week earlier someone said to me "Don't do Brazilian with sugaring! It's gonna kill." I asked Lina, the owner and super lovely 20 year sugaring expert, about this. She said, it's hair removal, of course you feel it, but it certainly does not hurt more that waxing. Well, ok then, let's go, I said!

First I was sprayed and powdered and then Lina took this gummy and cool (not hot, which I liked!) jelly sugar lemony substance and rolled and rubbed it into the skin. Then she quickly pulled in the direction of the hair growth, not against like waxing, and voila, the hair was gone! Ok, here's the thing, as soon as we started getting into the 'deeper' areas of my bikini, I just could not take the pain. It was too much for me in my preggo state. So we just cleaned things up and moved on to my underarms. This part was great. So super fast and painless. I'm going to chalk the major owie in the bikini area to pregnancy hormones and try back with Lina after this baby pops out. Anything that promises no-ingrowns is something I am definitely going to persevere with. I'm looking forward to seeing how long re-growth takes too. So far it's been a week and things look and feel great! I don't have the price list available but it looks like it might be a bit on the higher end of things. But if you call you can get the low-down. Doesn't seem to be on the website. And ask for Lina, she's the best!

STUDIO ALEXANDRIA

(310) 492-5070

11740 San Vicente Blvd (Gorham Avenue)
Brentwood, CA 90049

Welcome to Studio Alexandria LA, the premiere luxury salon showcasing Alexandria Professional™'s pain-free Advanced Body Sugaring – the natural, gentle, safe, effective and eco conscious solution for hair removal.

Studio Alexandria LA exclusively uses the Alexandria Professional™ Brand of must-have skin-loving hair removal products. They are eco friendly, Paraben Free, Urea Free and Petro Chemical Free with 100% quality ingredients.

Using the Alexandria Professional™ sugar paste hair removal technique, Studio Alexandria LA promises clients the ultimate centuries-old extraction of hair that is today considered a must-do in the healthy removal of unwanted facial and body hair. The technique painlessly extracts hair in its natural direction of growth and does so when the hair is still in the early growth stage, eliminating breakage, unnecessary discomfort, irritation and ingrown hairs while exfoliating dry skin cells. The result is smooth, beautiful skin without the discomforts of other hair removal techniques.

Experience for yourself the new name in painless hair removal — and the thrill of a secret ancient art passed down from generation to generation as the definitive treatment for the hygienic extraction of unwanted hair growth on both women and men. Relax in our serene environment, just as the Egyptians did thousands of years ago. Let us show you why we’re the gold standard in beauty and wellness services and products.

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PRODUCT OBSESSION – ERNO LASZLO – BLUE FIRMARINE TREATMENT BAR

March 25, 2010

You all know I am an old school ERNO LASZLO fan, so this new soap/ treatment bar looks like a great addition to my collection. I also love mixing up liquid cleansers with a good old fashioned bar – I'm still using my SEA MUD SOAP cuz these bars just last forever – which I also love! Check out this gorgeous, marine smelling aqua colored soap when you need a great bar with ridic amazing properties from the top of the line, classic Erno L!

LASZLO BLUE Firmarine Treatment Bar

Firming face soap for slightly dry to slightly oily skin

Laszlo Blue FIRMARINE Treatment Bar is a gentle cleansing bar that provides long term skin rejuvenation. Its unique delivery system releases ingredients gradually over time to ensure activity long after cleansing, strengthening skin’s barrier and allowing visibly firmer, smoother skin. Spirulina Maxima and Algae Extract to firm skin by helping cell renewal and improving skin’s texture. Vitamin C and E providing long lasting anti-oxidant protection. Glycerin, Soribtol and Palm Kernel to help hydration and retain moisture by binding water to the skin.

5 oz. $39.00

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PRODUCT OBSESSION – SKIN MEDICA

March 22, 2010

Read about SKIN MEDICA in New Beauty Magazine and had to learn more. And did I ever.

I've gone lady ga-ga for their ANTI-AGING line:

The TNS ESSENTIAL SERUM -This unparalleled anti-aging serum is the first to combine the renowned growth factor serum, TNS Recovery Complex in one chamber and APS Corrective Complex™, a potent mixture of antioxidants, peptides and other innovative anti-aging ingredients, in the other chamber. Together these products work synergistically to transform and regenerate your skin for a more youthful appearance.

TNS RECOVERY COMPLEX - TNS Recovery Complex, containing the key ingredient NouriCel-MD®, rejuvenates sun damaged and aging skin. NouriCel-MD is an unparalleled physiologic combination of antioxidants and other elements that are found naturally in the skin-a uniquely formulated, anti aging skin care product.

TNS LINE REFINE - reallllyyy love this one! I don't think I'm imagining it when I see the fine lines on my face absorbing this stuff within seconds…Generates rapid filling and smoothing action to visually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and crow's feet while providing long term anti aging benefits.

DERMAL REPAIR CREAM - Dermal Repair vitamin enriched facial cream intensely hydrates and replenishes dry skin with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Dermal Repair skin cream helps to reduce the appearance of age spots as it provides skin protection against harsh environmental conditions.

VITAMIN C and E COMPLEX - Vitamin C+E Complex is a fragrance-free, concentrated facial skin care formula containing 15 percent stabilized vitamin C in water- and fat-soluble forms along with vitamin E in two different forms. Vitamins C and E work synergistically to provide and maintain extraordinary antioxidant protection. Especially recommended for natural skin care defense against exposed skin.

Our entire aesthetic product line is based on the science of the skin's own healing abilities. As skin ages, elasticity decreases, lines appear and overall appearance is diminished. To counteract the effects of time, our skin care products contain restorative ingredients that work below the skin's surface to regenerate the health of the skin.

Our scientifically proven recovery compounds include essential ingredients ranging from vitamins C and E to retinol to NouriCel-MD®, our patented blend of growth factors, soluble collagen, antioxidants and matrix proteins. The impact is clear – fine lines are reduced, age spots and discoloration fade, and skin texture and elasticity is improved. All results of our commitment to creating a lifelong skin care solution for healthier skin.

Some pix from the line below:

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PRODUCT OBSESSION – EUFORA

I first sampled EUFORA'S BEAUTIFYING SERUM at a few award season swag events this year and fell in love with this all in one (hair, scalp AND skin) nutrient rich oil. I needed to know more about the line asap! The company has received a ton of raise in the industry – check out this press, which is always a great sign.

It's mission, to create people and planet friendly products, promote and restore the health of color treated and chemically serviced hair using botanical extracts, pure essential oils, no synthetics and a base of aloe vera blends is RIGHT UP MY ALLEY.

I'm playing around with their Hydrating Shampoo, Urgent Repair Replenishing Treatment, Illuminate Shine Mist and Elevate Finishing Spray (cool because it has sun protection!) and diggin' them all big time. And I'm nuts about the Beautifying Serum – just wanna mush it in everywhere – soooo hydarting, but only the teeeniest drop in hair as it's quite rich.

So, where to buy Eufora? Go to this page and type in your Zip for store or salons that sell the stuff!

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PRODUCT OBSESSION – ILLUMINARE LIQUID MINERAL CONCEALER

March 19, 2010

This is my favorite CONCEALER. I love it so much, I have one everywhere, as in, the coin compartment of my car, the cup compartment, my make-up bag, floating at the bottom of my Le Sportsac…and several tubes are scattered everywhere around my apt.

Wow, now that I'm going to their website, I'm seeing it's supposed to be a foundation. HUH! I've been using it for mostly under eyes (amazing!! get the blue tube, it's thinner and better for under eyes) and for little spots here and there.

The green tube is a thicker one. I actually use them both. Even though you need the tinniest weeniest drop I still have this ongoing anxiety I am going to run out and reorder them all the time. Go figure.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, it contains an SPF of 21!

Anyway, this non-fancy, non-designer, affordable ($27) little tube is the best-stuff on the market. And for someone who has dealt with really dark circles under my eyes my whole life, this is coming from having tried EVERY FRICKIN' (including every single fancy high end brand of course) CONCEALER in the book.

Stat!

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