Fashion Forward Skin – Is Your Skin Ready?

It’s finally here, the week that we all gear up for all season long…. FASHION WEEK!

The talk will be about who’s wearing what and everyone will be looking their absolute best – of course. This year one of the hottest accessories will be the best looking skin one could have and under all of those flashing bulbs and high definition cameras. Well, your skin must looks its best!

I have found the hottest product that will get your skin ready for fashion week in no time at all. The Brazilian Peel (www.brazilianpeel.com ) is one of the most innovative products available out on the market. Why you ask:: this innovative product is the first ever of its kind! It is a medical grade strength AT HOME glycolic peel infused with Acai. This once a week treatment leaves your skin radiant and flawless, not red and irritated like most glycolics. Your skin is ready for those HD cameras immediately!

Prep your skin with The Brazilian Peel then wear your favorite HD make-up and get to the tents and the parties - you are going to love seeing yourself in any and all HD shots!  Your skin will look like its been photo shopped but hasn’t.

 

Poolside Beauty

The time has come where we are spending those weekends out of the big city and heading out to soak in the sun and cool off at the nearest body of water! Whether pool or ocean side, we still want to look our best all day long.

I never recommend going to the beach or the pool with a full face of make-up, I do however believe that your skin should be protected and look great all day long. Try and always use products that are cream or liquid because any powder product will come off quicker with each dip in the water.

Thankfully there are some wonderful products that not only protect but make your skin look flawless and sun kissed. Here are a few of my favorite picks for pool side beauty:

I highly recommend wearing a great sunscreen while spending a considerable amount of time in the sun. If you’re spending the day lounging poolside or oceanside don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every few hours. If you are just going to be spending your time “socializing,” a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen included such as Dr. Patricia Wexler’s Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30.

Keep your look simple and natural by using soft cream eye shadows that will stay put (such as Nars and Bobbi Brown) and waterproof eye liner such as Benfit’s Bad Gal liner and No-Smudge Mascara from Bobbi Brown.

If you want to add some color to your lips for that “just-sipped Kool-aid” look, try using a matte lip pencil, these are great because they give you a hint of color. Don’t forget, most of them do not have an SPF so I recommend putting on Fresh SPF 14 Sugar Lip Treatment over the lip pencil color or to use alone. The lip treatment not only infuses great moisture to your lips, it also will protect your lips from the harmful rays of the sun

Don’t forget to keep your hair looking great too! Try something like Cutler Protectant Treatment Spray. This product will not only keep your hair soft and hydrated but it will also act as a shield for your hair from environmental effects.

No matter where you will be spending your summer – the Hamptons or a local pool, you will look gorgeous all summer long.

Spotlight on Skin: 3 Sunscreen Ingredients To Avoid

Is your sunscreen disrupting your hormones?

Say what? I thought my sunscreen was protecting me from the dangerous rays of the sun, but now I have to worry about it harming me too? That’s right, ladies, there are many toxic chemicals lurking in the average product that you see on the shelf.

With summer in full swing, it’s freeing to be outdoors enjoying the warmth of sun on your skin. But as important as our daily dose of Vitamin D is, so is our protection from a burn and perhaps more serious illnesses. And with that, comes another caution – beware of the ingredient list on your sunscreen!

Ingredients to avoid and why:

OXYBENZONE – Oxybenzone easily penetrates the layers of skin, allowing it to enter your system. It has been linked with endocrine hormone disruption (including reproduction), an increase in endometriosis, cellular level changes, and system toxicity.

RETINYL ACETATE (VITMIN A ACETATE) – Vitamin A in your diet has been proven to protect against HPV proliferation and cervical cancer, but putting it on your skin in the sun does not have the same effects. Studies have shown that vitamin A treated skin exposed to sunlight can increase your risk of cancerous tumor growth.

OCTYL METHOXYCINNAMATE (OMC) – Studies have linked to increased levels of estrogen, reduced production of thyroid hormones, and declined immune function.

Ingredients to look for:

AVOBENZONE – Used in products since 1978, avobenzone provides protection against UV-A rays and test results show no hormone disruptions.

ZINC OXIDE – Remember the 80s with zinced up lifeguard noses? This mineral shows limited skin penetration, no photoallergy and no hormonal disruption.

TITANIUM DIOXIDE – Great for UV protection, this other mineral also has limited skin penetration, no photoallergy and no hormonal disruption.

Our environments today have an increased number of industrial-created chemicals that alone not seem toxic but in combination with all the other chemicals (in shampoo, make up, cleaning products, plastics in our home, paint on our walls, finishes on our furniture, I could keep going) and environmental factors (sun exposure) may lead to detrimental effects on our systems. Take control where you can!

At FLO living we love using EWG as a resource for product information, all studies cited in this post are results from research done by EWG. Take a peek at their sunscreen guide to 2012.

Knowledge is power, and we like you having power!

To go even deeper and get an in-depth power session for your body and hormones, sign up for a complimentary 30 minute consultation with Flo Living  here.

Inglot: A Color Wonderland

Recently I stumbled upon makeup store Inglot. I was in makeup heaven. I was surprised that not only have I never heard of it prior to this, but I never even seen it before. Figures why though — the Polish company (pronounced in-GLOT, not in-Glo as I keep wanting to say it) opened their first US outpost in Times Square only four and a half months ago in June 2009. After my first visit, I’m entirely convinced that if it’s color you’re seeking, this is the place to go.

The brand itself hosts over 500 colors in their nail polishes, lipsticks, and eye colors — more than they can actually house in the store itself. Their makeup’s claim to fame is their highly pigmented colors that are all paraben free (parabens are those synthetic waxes that are added to many products and have detrimental health effects when used over a long period of ti me), and sweat free. Additionally, the lipsticks are infused with Vitamin E. Nail polish fiends, note that they have a whole wall covered with colors in shiny or matte finishes for $10 each.

If you love gel-pot eye liners like I do, they have it here in every color under the sun for $12!

You will love this: all their makeup are priced in quite affordable ranges, starting at $9 for their eye or lip liners, and foundation/concealers staring at $15. They even have special prices for their “Freedom” palettes, where you can mix and match colors for a lower price.

And it could have been just during my short visit, but major extra points for playing some awesome tunes while I was there — The Strokes, Peter, Bjorn and John, Interpol, Keane. Please go and enjoy because we all know good music + colorful makeup = bliss. Obviously.

They don’t have a website yet and this is the ONLY store in the US, so New Yorkers take advantage, and non-NY’ers add it to your shopping list when you visit.

Store info:

75 9th Avenue, New York, NY

About Our Contributor: Shyema Azam

Founder of Beauty And The Feast, Shyema Azam, now brings her beauty best to the pages of HealthyStyleNY.com. A NYC based beauty writer, Shyema has also shared her fab beauty sense with Marie Claire,  RealBeauty.com, InStyle, New York, Elle Decor, and Essence. She absolutely loves NYC, and when she’s not dabbling around in makeup or eating, she is love traveling, going to concerts, and people watching.  For tips, pitches, and general epiphanies on life and the universe, you can email Shyema at hello@beautyandthefeastblog.com.

How to Humidity Proof Your Beauty Routine

Summer weather is here! We now know for sure it’s July with the increasing heat and humidity. Thankfully, I have found some wonderful products that won’t destroy that great summer glow, and keep your feeling and looking great.

LUSH Jasmine & Henna Fluff-Ease has single handedly saved my hair this summer. This ultimate treatment that you put in your hair before you wash and condition (while it is dry) is full of essential oils that will bring dull hair back to life  and fend off the fluffy look that humidity can bring with it. It smells fantastic, and literally adds shine and tames those wild tresses. http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/hair-treatments/jasmine-and-henna-fluff-eaze

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion is another summer find. Are you worried about your skin looking shiny by mid day? Do your pores seem larger than normal? Kiehl’s has created a fantastic new moisturizing lotion that is perfect for those who have normal to oily or very oily skin. This product has Amazonian Clay in it which helps absorb excess sebum and keeps your skin looking matte and dry all day long. http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/face/moisturizers/rare-earth-pore-minimizing-lotion.htm

CO Bigelow Mentha Body Wash will keep you feeling fresh this summer.  Talk about keeping your skin feeling cool -WOW! This fantastically refreshing body wash has peppermint oil infused right in to make sure that every shower you take will cool you right off. It also nourishes your skin with vitamins A, C and E. http://www.bigelowchemists.com/product_info.php/cPath/356_365/products_id/4502

Tarte Cosmetics Lock and Roll is the perfect liquid shadow for those hot summer days. Don’t let the heat and humidity scare you away from wearing great eyeshadow colors with the fear that all you will be left with is lots of shadow in your crease!  Tarte has a fantastic product with an assortment of colors that allow you to put the powder color over the liquid to help “lock in” the color for all day wear. It’s crease proof and water proof! http://www.tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-lock-and-roll

Beauty At Duane Reade: Better Than You Think!

Has anyone noticed how HOT some Duane Reades are looking lately? OK, so maybe “hot” is not the right word, but definitely some serious improvements! And believe it or not, there are some seriously great beauty finds at the neighborhood drugstore. And yes, then new Duane Reades are now bring in the shi-shi high end products, but breaking the bank certainly isn’t necessary anymore when desiring fantastic beauty products. Dive in and explore and don’t worry about experimenting because these brands will keep that extra change in your pocket!

Here are my 4 fab products to pick up next time you are passing through:

Yes To Cucumber Shower Gel – infused with aloe vera, green tea and dead sea mud to soothe, nourish and

hydrate the skin. From cleansing cucumber to nourishing carrot, it’s a great find for under $10!

Garnier Ultra Lift Pro This rich overnight cream helps boost cell turnover. Who doesn’t need a good anti-wrinkle cream? Partner that with Garnier Skin Renew is an awakening skin massager and you are all set. It instantly brighten skin and reduce fine lines. Hey, as far as I am concerned a little massage never hurt anybody!

TRESemme:Fantastic anti frizz products that locks out humidity at a super inexpensive price tag! Smooth, silky hair even in the summer heat.

The Face Shop: Totally unique one time use facial mask sheets. Whether you’re looking for cooling Geranium or collagen pumping, they’ve got it all. No mess, and good to go!

Passport To Beauty: Great Products From Around The World

The World Cup is bringing the the nations of the world together, and in the spirit of unity we decided to share in the love (of worldwide beauty that is!) We’re taking a journey around the world to check out the latest, most popular, and most luxurious beauty products out there.

We’re starting “down under” in the Southern Hemisphere, where the women know how to have fun in the sun (and look great doing it). Hissyfit is a hot new brand strait out of Austraila that beautifies with protection! Their all-natural products contain powerful anti-aging botanicals, and high spfs. Stay looking flawless with their “Saving Face” Foundation ($49). It comes a wonderful array of shades and includes an SPFof 50! Or try “Body Double” ($45), a rich body moisturizing lotion that piles on the protection as well. Hissyfit is available at select department stores including Bendle’s, or can be ordered online at Hissyfit.com.

Asian women are known for their flawless porcelain skin, and our next stop brings us to Korea. Sulwhasoo is a skin care line that has been incredibly popular in Korea, and is now available in the US.  The line focuses on balance and harmony and incorporates ancient herbal medicine.  The super luxurious Concentrated Ginseng Cream ($220) delivers the nutrient-rich Ginsing to the deepest layers of the skin. Extracts from the root and fruit of Korean Ginseng promote renewal and revitalize the skin from deep within. Sulwhasoo also has serums, cleanser, and other high end creams. The whole line is available at Berdorf Goodman.

Next into France and onto hair! My fabu NYC stylist Eliut Rivera, introduced me Furterer (and Eliut knows hair!). Strait out of Paris, the line incoporates plant extracts and essential oils to keep your tresses in tip top shape. For summer they have a line dedicated to protecting and moisturizing sun- scorched hair. Champu Reparadoe (aka After Sun Shampoo – $21) gently cleanses, Masque rearateur apres sol (After Sun Hair Mask- $36) heals damaged hair, and Brume hydrante aspres sol (After Sun Moistuizing Spray- $23) restores and detangles.  Futuerer is available at exclusive salons, Sephora, & Bloomingdales.

Moving onto Morocco, and a line of beauty products that gives back! Kahina–Giving Beauty gives a percentage of their profits back to fund initiatives for the women of Morrocco, and many of these women play a part in making their products so great. The secret behind (and within) Kahina is Argan Oil . Extracted from the nuts of the Argna tree, this “miracle” oil is high in vitamins and anti-oxidants. It moisturizes, improves skin tone, and has powerful anti-aging properties, and can even be used on the hair to decrease frizz, and increase moisture and shine! Products in the line include Argan Oil ($36 small/$82 large) , Facial Lotion ($58), and Cleanser ($46). Available at Berdorf Goodman.

Finally we circle back to the USA ,where we found a line that brings us back around the world. Primitive Makeup, is all about the pure & natural! It comes to us from Woodstock, NY, but the luxurious lip products are named for beautiful places throughout the world! The creators drew inspiration from Moroccan deserts, Balinese beaches, and Caribbean sunsets. Primitive lipsticks ($16) come in colors like Taj Mahal, Bali, and Fiji. They feel amazing on your lips, and look beautiful as well. Primitive is available at Whole Foods and other natural markets or online.

Top photo: Flickr

Long Lasting Makeup: Five Fab Products That Stay Put

Who wants to spend time putting our makeup on in the morning, only to find out by noon it looks like it was never applied in the first place?  Let’s face it, us NY City girls are on the go, and don’t have the time to fuss with our makeup all day long. We’re all looking for those perfect products that go on, and stay on! Not to mention that with summer on the way, it’s even more critical that our makeup last under the hot summer sun, and keep us looking fresh and fabulous all day long.

So, here are my five favorite products that stay put!  They are staples in any make-up aficionado’s kit, and makeup artists (including myself) swear by them for long lasting coverage!

Tarte: A Clean Slate $30.00
This natural primer helps makeup stay in place longer while preventing creasing in fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike other primers, clean slate™ contains natural fruit and plant derived extracts to treat, protect, sooth and hydrate the skin on even the most arid of days!

Giorgio Armani Beauty: Lasting Silk UV Foundation – SPF 20 $58.00
Starlight proof, spotlight proof, in a new liquid silk texture. A high resistance make-up that gives a luminous semi-matte finish that lasts and lasts. The new coverage effect without coverage feel and with protection from the strong summer sun.

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner: $19.00
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner gives you the look of liquid liner with the ease and feel of a gel formula.  It’s drama for your eyes, made easy.  Long-wearing, water-resistant color glides on and remains in place without a smear or crease, due to its quick dry, transfer resistant, gel.

Shu Uemura  égérie Eye Shimmer Duo $42.00
Duo color eyeshadow that includes a shimmering creamy liquid and hyper sparkling glitter powder. After applying the liquid base, layer on the soft crushed glimmering powder which stays on perfectly for sparkling and enchanting eyes.

Vincent Longo Water Canvas Blush $45.00
Based on the patented technology of our legendary Water Canvas Foundation, Water Canvas Blush is a moist, refreshing formula, so light and natural looking, it perfectly mimics the flush and glow of healthy skin.Contains 75% Microwater, a unique 100% natural botanical seaweed polymer, along with Vitamin E, and silica

Photo: Flickr

Microderm Abrasion: A Spa Week Special! (Video)

Ok, I must admit, when my friends at Spa Week asked me if I wanted to try out a spa service and write about it, it did not take me long to answer, “Yes!”

I am a glutton for spas. I love massages, facials, and pampering of any sort. However, I had never had  a microdermabrasion facial, and actually was a little bit trepadatious, at the the whole “abrasion” thing (not what I normally associate with relaxing).

However, after my first microderm abrasion facial at FaceLogic in Mt.Kisco, I was sold.  It was such a treat and my skin felt super soft afterwards. And, the best part is, this service is part of Spa week and is being offered for only $50 from April 12-15! ( please note the “finishing touch” is based on availability).

Also, there are a bunch of other $50 spas and services at Spa Week. Spas book up fast every season, so sign up today. Head over to spaweek.com , click on your region, sign up, and then browse the extensive list of Spa Week spas and luxurious spa treatments available.

Spot Light Ready! Fashion Week Makeup Must Haves.

Fashion Week has kicked off, and us glamour girls need to look our best all day AND all night long. We need our make-up to look good from dawn to… well… dawn! We don’t want to spend time putting our make-up on in the morning, only to find out by noon that it has faded, smudged, or just vanished from our faces.

These products will help you look your best under the tents and onto the wee hours of all those after-parties. Here re my long lasting Fashion Week must-haves:

Tarte: A Clean Slate: $30.00

This natural primer helps makeup stay in place longer while preventing creasing in fine lines and wrinkles. Unlike other primers, clean slate™ contains natural fruit and plant derived extracts to treat, protect, sooth and hydrate the skin.

Giorgio Armani Beauty: Lasting Silk UV Foundation: SPF 20 $58.00

Starlight proof, spotlight proof, in a new liquid silk texture. A high resistance make-up that gives a luminous semi-matte finish that lasts and lasts. The new coverage effect without coverage feel.

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner: $19.00

Long Wear Gel Eyeliner gives you the look of liquid liner with the ease and feel of a gel formula.  It’s drama for your eyes, made easy.  Long-wearing, water-resistant color glides on and remains in place without a smear or crease, due to its quick dry down formula and you don’t have to be a make-up artist to put it on!

Shu Uemura  égérie Eye Shimmer Duo :  $42.00

Duo color eyeshadow that includes a shimmering creamy liquid and hyper sparkling glitter powder. After applying the liquid base, layer on the soft crushed glimmering powder which stays on perfectly for sparkling and enchanting eyes.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar: $12.50

If you want your lips to look knock out and shiny all day, this Lip tar will do the trick.