Hollywood Fall Trends 2010

It is 7am and here I am in a dark, cold room that will soon turn into a bright, bustling make-up room. This is the place where the “magic” happens, stories are shared and tips are exchanged. It is fall and everyone is asking about looks and trends. Red & Plum are the hot colors and here is the TOP 5 Fall Hot Sheet for anyone in my chair:

LASH RAGE:

Lashes whether they are false or extensions, they all everyone is talking about. When I work with someone new, they soon realize, I am the lash girl. Eyelashes draw the camera & others right into what you are expressing or saying. With the new lash growth products like Latisse ($150 Rx only) and Rapid Lash ($50), everyone can find something that works for them. Lash growers are wonderful for nourishing lashes but take commitment and patience. Healthy, shiny, full and long - this is what everyone wants. False lashes are great for a few nights of drama. Extensions are great for months of waking up without mascara, ready to go. Mascara (love CG LashBlast) is awesome and the one item I would need on a deserted island!

HAIR BLING!:

This is really NEW in Hollywood! Beyonce’ make them popular in the spring and now every celebrity is sporting some BLING! These are sparkly fibers that gently get tied into your hair and last 1-2 weeks. You can wash them, curl them, flat iron them and style your hair with them in. They loosen and just slide off the hair… but definitely turn heads wherever you go. I think everyone needs a little BLING! in their life.

SMOKEY EYES or RED LIPS:

The Fall colors are Red and Plum. This is always the time where the natural, bronzed summer look kicks up into a more deep, dramatic look. Smokey eyes are always popular for fall/holidays. Shimmer, sparkle, black lined inner eyes, winged top liner and purple/eggplant/plums are this year’s look. Most makeup lines have a fabulous plum palette you can try for the Fall (Chanel’s ENIGMA a client fav). I suggest starting with a neutral base (brown/grey) and slowly layer the brighter/darker shade into the neutral base. Keep a highlight under the brow and the rest is your creation. Palettes are great, allowing you to try colors you may not normally choose, without worrying about blending tones.

Red always comes around in the Fall and this year it is all the rage. I LOVE red lips and usually recommend a bluer based red for most lips. Try on the color before purchasing and look at your teeth. If your teeth turn yellow, tone down the red and choose a darker, softer tone like a brick. When you are sporting a bright lip, you may want to go easy on the eyeshadow treatment. You don’t want your eyes & lips competing with each other. Dark liner, dark lashes with light sparkly shadow is a great compliment to red lips.

FLAWLESS SKIN:

Clean, smooth skin is on everyone’s wish list these days. A proper skincare regiment accompanied by ALWAYS washing your face before bed, is the best start. Your skin rejuvenates itself at night, so moisturize and treat before dozing off. Lighter foundations are the most popular, but with good coverage. People want to see skin and high definition television requires a much lighter coverage. If you have a foundation you like, you can mix it with moisturizer to create your own tinted moisturizer. The key to good skin, is using SPF, all year long!

DETOX before HOLIDAYS:

Everyone in Hollywood is always on a diet or detoxing (especially before the holidays). There are so many fads and crazes. A new favorite is alkaline water. It is a natural detox for your body. Our bodies are made up of mostly water (approx. 50-70%). Scientists say that antibodies, disease, sickness and toxins cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Foods we eat create an Acidic environment. If we can balance the PH level in our bodies, we are healthier and illness free. This is one of the new best anti-aging tips. I love the Kangan water and include it in home care treatments for my clientele. With regular use, you will definitely see a difference. In a pinch, no alkaline water? Add a lemon.

Remember, celebrities look just like you and me without makeup. Red carpet looks do not always translate into real life. Have fun, try something new for the season and be happy. The best make-up sits on a naturally unique and beautiful face with a smile on it! A smile is the best accessory any time of the year!

HAIR BLING!

We are in LOVE with hair BLING!
Beyonce` made it popular first and now it's all the rage.


Tiny strands of tinsel add a very subtle glimmer to your hair. It will definitely make people stop and stare. I actually makes us Giggle... they can't figure out what it is!

We have been BLINGING! :

- Brides & Moms of the Bride (perfect added sparkle for that special day)
- Vacationers (just a touch of fun for your trip)
- Teenager/Cheerleaders (just in time for school; they love showing off their school colors)
- Pets (anyone with a full tail gets a bit for a sparkling tail wagging)
- Special People (that's you) with an everyday special event (because it is fun)

You can wash your hair with them, flat iron or curl on medium heat, blow-dry and style. You just can't color with them or their color will be lost.


They come in all colors (red, green, blue, turq, purple, pink, etc.)
and hair colors too (champagne, chocolate, copper, deep red, and black)

They last about 2 weeks!


We think EVERYONE needs a little BLING! in their life!

10 Small Ways to Make The World a Better Place!!

I had to borrow this article from DUSTIN WAX. Everything listed here is so true and I was so touched by the list. It only take a minute to make a difference in someone's day... which may lead to a better next day, to making someone else's day... and so on. You've heard of "Paying it Forward..."

Our spa is choosing to make a difference in our community for AUGUST by collecting items for our local FOOD BANK. What can you do this month to "Make the World a Better Place... for Someone Else?"

(Copied from original link: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-small-ways-to-make-the-world-a-better-place.html) Thanks DUSTIN!

Here are ten little gestures, all of them easily within our grasp, that can spread goodwill in our own communities, as well as increase our own sense of mindfulness about the people around us and our relationship to them.

1. Tip generously: As often as you can afford, leave a tip of 25%, 50%, 100%, or even more. (Obviously this applies mostly in countries where 15% tips are the norm.) Unless the service was simply awful – and even then, it might pay to consider what your server goes through – leaving as large a tip as you can afford not only puts a little extra extra money in your servers’ pocket, it tells them that they’re appreciated, a message that often slips our minds in our demanding, service-now society.
2. Compliment someone: Tell someone how much you like the job they’re doing, their outfit or new haircut, their singing voice – whatever. Be honest and sincere. I like to practice “drive-by compliments”, sending an out-of-the-blue email to someone whose website, post, or comment on a post I really liked. Don’t expect anything in return, just let someone know that something they’re doing works and move on.
3. Be totally open with someone: Let someone know exactly how you feel about something on your mind (though not something negative about them – there’s a different “protocol” for that sort of thing). We often keep too much to ourselves; letting someone into your confidence can be a great way to show your trust and appreciation of them. Of course, you have to judge what is and isn’t appropriate – it is possible to move past openness to dragging others into your problems, and that’s not making the world a better place.
4. Give someone a book you’ve read: Making a gift of something you’ve read and enjoyed is more than just a nice gesture, it’s a way of showing someone that a) you think of them, b) you understand them, and c) you want to share something with them. The moment doesn’t end when they take the book – once they’ve read it, you can talk about your reactions together. Don’t do this with people around you who don’t read, though – you’ll build up an obligation that will be painful for them to discharge.
5. Make something for someone: Bake an extra batch of cookies, draw a picture, decorate an extra Christmas ornament, and give it to someone for no good reason. Like giving someone a book, it tells them that you were thinking about them and wanted to do something nice for them, and that it’s something you made adds a nice touch. Give without expectations – whether they return the favor or not, whether they like it or not, whether they’re nice to you or not, these are all irrelevant.
6. Send a letter, email, tweet, or text message out of the blue: Email someone you haven’t spoken with for a while, or text someone you see every day just to be nice. Maybe they’ll respond, maybe not – it’s beside the point. They just need to know that they’re important to you.
7. Commend an employee to their manager: It’s one thing to tip or compliment someone for their service, it’s another to contact their manager and tell them what a great job they’ve done. If you don’t have time at the time of service, note the employees name and call, email, or write a letter later.
8. Teach someone how to do something: Share your skill or talent with someone by showing them how to do something. Not so they won’t bother you with it, but so they can move a little bit towards improved mastery of the world around them. Have patience and respect for the person you’re helping – you’re giving them a gift, not compensating for some lack in their character.
9. Let someone shine: Put a spotlight on someone else’s talents by letting them take over a presentation deferring to their wisdom, asking them advice, or otherwise flex their “talent muscles”. Especially if they are junior to you, giving them a chance to strut their stuff shows that you trust them and appreciate them, as well as allowing them to get the attention they deserve (and which might often be obscured by your own shadow).
10. Connect like minds: Introduce two friends or colleagues who you feel have something to gain from each other. You’ll be letting them know you value them – and maybe creating a partnership that will make everyone better off.

You’ve probably heard the saying “Practice random acts of kindness”, and that’s basically what I’m talking about here. Anything that shows people you care about them – something we can be mighty stingy about most of the time – has the potential to make the world, or your small corner of it, a better place.

Ahh SUMMER - remember like a child, then act as adult Natural, Beautiful & YOU!

The summer was always my favorite time of the year growing up on the East Coast. Memorial Day Weekend was the start of freedom, sun and friends! I also knew school was almost out and the pool was finally unveiled for the summer...

Living in Southern California, I am spoiled... the pleasures of summer fun are enjoyable almost year round. But I always refer back to my childhood attitude. As an adult, I now see Summer as a time to PLAY, SLOW DOWN and TAKE time for ME! I can still have a mini-summer vacation.

At the shop, we try to turn our services into treats for the over-worked, over-stressed client that needs to slow down and treat themselves to SUMMER LOVE. The kids are at home and the weather really starts heating up. We make sure we have LOTS of sunscreen available as well as all natural choices (skincare with SPF and mineral foundations with zinc).

We always have the chocolate bowl filled, an iced cappuccino or herbal tea instead of hot treats. Alkaline water is a great re-generator and detox option - and always on hand at the spa. Of course we have our favorite coconut based lotions from FIJI with yummy smelling scents that compliment our all natural soy candles along with glittering accessories.

So we make sure all the ingredients to a mini-staycation or "me" time are all available for the summer months. We all work more than we should, but we need to balance that with playtime (especially during the summer!) But as Memorial Day approaches lets take a moment and remember what the idea of summer meant to us as kids...

Even though we aren't on summer vacation, we can't spend every waking hour in the pool and our friends aren't available - try to do something for YOU this summer.

Grab a book you want to read - take 15 min. and sit in the sunshine - take a nap

rent a movie - light a candle and take a bath - plan a long weekend

enjoy the outdoors & weather - buy a new outfit - try a new haircut
learn something or try something you have on your list

paint your toes a fun BLUE (try a reverse french manicure)

buy a new lipgloss - visit an old friend..
create a LASTING summer memory this year,
just like when you were a kid.

Whatever you do, enjoy the coming of SUMMER.

Summer is the time to slow down, have fun, relax and do something just for YOU!
Just because you are grown up.. doesn't mean you can't enjoy the summer like a kid.

I'm taking up GOLF!

A Beautiful Story That Needs to Be Shared...

If you know anyone with Cancer or going through treatment who could use a lift, please forward this story.

The American Cancer Society has a wonderful program for women going through cancer treatments, called "Look Good...Feel Better!"

Lisa Sigell did a wonderful segment! Thank you Lisa and CBS News for letting people know what we are doing...

CBS News Story

Some Beautiful Products Giving and Helping Charities

I have just received information on some new products and I thought, "GREAT!" I use all of these and what great causes they are benefiting. Even better!

"No one has ever become poor by giving." ~Anne Frank

Never leave without my LIPSTICK:

Elizabeth Arden is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. The color, "RED DOOR RED" is released to pay tribute to the history and heritage of their beauty brand. All proceeds with be donated to the "Look Good... Feel Better" program for the American Cancer Society.


I always need STAMPS:

Starting April 30th you can buy stamps that help buy food for shelter pets. Keep your eyes out for "Stamps to the Rescue." We use them and can help our favorite furry friends.

More to come... email with any great find you know of.

Change is Good - Celebrate Spring!

Change is often thought of as scary. Many people are going through change now, whether they want to or not. If you look back on the times in your life you had change, I can guarantee something positive came out of it. It shakes things up, keeps you on your toes, gets the creative juices flowing, changes your attitude - but yes, can be scary!

Lets give CHANGE a positive spin...

Think Spring Cleaning... take the time to eliminate anything that isn't working in your life. Try something you have always wanted to try. Take a class to learn something new. Make a new friend. Re-connect and visit with a long lost friend. Take some time out to be quiet and listen. Start a journal. Clean out your closet and donate your clothes to a local charity. Look at a unexpected change as an adventure into something new - it will usually leave you with an unexpected gift...

Springtime Beauty Advice

One of the best secrets in beauty is this: If you want to stay young = stay active. If you want to feel young = stay positive. If you want to look young = wear sunscreen!

Some of the best new and old tried and true products for spring we have found:
CHINA GLAZE nail polish. We love the great BLUE colors for the season and that they are "going green".

BYE BYE BLEMISH sulfur based spot treatment. This is the time of year a few breakouts pop out. This treatment will zap those unwelcome guests, sometimes even before you see them!

REVITALASH & LATISSE lash growers. The lashes are hot! These growers have proven their importance in beauty! Latisse is by prescription, Revitalash is at most beauty stores. Within 3-4 months your lashes will be gorgeous and stronger.

FIJI moisturizers are all coconut oil based. These are awesome! All the lotions, moisturizers and scrubs are 100% coconut oil in base. They are moisturizing, healing and healthy. They layer nicely and smell incredible with natural oil essences.

COLORSCIENCE POWDER SUNSCREEN is all minerals. Most mineral makeup has natural sunscreen of mica and zinc in the product. We like this line for the variety of products and the actual blocking of the sun. They are also endorsed by the Skin Cancer Association.

Some fun accessories we can't live without for the spring:

Homemade cadet style hats. These are all one of a kind designs, flattering to all faces and shapes and have great brims for sun coverage.

Keys around our neck. We love all the Tiffany inspired key necklaces. We like to call them the key to our hearts.

Flowers for our hair. Nothing says Spring like flowers. Accessorizing in an updo or curly mane with a flower definitely draws attention.

Scarves. Whether in the hair, around the neck or tied at the waist. We still love scarves as the weather warms. Fun, light, colorful prints dress up or accessorize a basic outfit for any day.

Sarah Tops. Custom decorated by hand - Vans or Keds. One of our clients (19yrs. old) started her own business making custom shoes... they are amazing and look like they are manufactured not drawn by hand so precisely.

So be inspired:

"Change is the essence of life.
Be willing to surrender what you are,
for what you could become!"

And here's to a WONDERFUL Spring...