Author: Lindsay

Summer Hair Gems

1. Serge Normant MetaSilk Shampoo and MetaVelour Conditioner make up my new special occasion routine. This duo makes my hair unbelievably soft, bouncy and shining. Somehow they manage to nourish my hair, but still make it feel clean. Cedar bark from Morocco works to clarify the scalp and hair. Natural botanical oils, rice and essential fatty acids in the conditioner make hair silky.

2. Shu Uemura Essential Drops Purifying Blend: I am really into scalp health lately. I have been using the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo and my hair is performing better and looking healthier. With the addition of the Essential Drops, flakiness and itching is basically eradicated. I am hooked especially since I learned a healthy scalp can make your hair look better, longer, with anti-aging effects.

3. blowPro ‘faux dry™’ dry shampoo: Hands down, my favorite dry shampoo this summer is from blowPro. The formula contains a micronized corn starch that volumizes without getting sticky or weighing hair down. It isn’t a spray bottle, but rather you squeeze to release the formula, giving more control over the application.

4. Bumble and bumble Styling Creme: This formula is somewhere between a mousse and gel that works great on wet hair. My blow outs tend to last just a little longer, waves tend to hold up a little longer, when I use this stuff before blow drying. Just use a little bit and it will never become stiff or sticky.

5. Oscar Blandi Jasmine Oil Serum: The ends of my hair have become a little dry this summer. And they drink up this hair serum like crazy. Not to mention this stuff smells amazingly good. I love it before bedtime. And it doesn’t make my hair greasy in the least bit.

6. Goody Doublewear Elastic: These make a great addition to any arm party, and make a polished looking pony. I also love the headband version that turns into a necklace.

Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mighty Shiny Lip Gel

Nothing gets me quite as giddy as a newfound favorite lip gloss. Youngblood Cosmetics is a brand that is recently on my radar as a cruelty-free company committed to environmentally friendly packaging. And I am seriously impressed with their recently launched Lip Gel.

These juicy and non-sticky lip gels come in a squishy (sorry… but it is the best word!) tube. The formula is long-lasting and shiny while moisturizing and natural looking. Jojoba Seed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil soften and condition dry lips. Momordica Grosvenorii Fruit Extract workds to fight free radicals with an anti-aging effect.

The angled tip is small enough for precise application of both the translucent and vibrant colors. I am loving Stripped (clear with iridescent shimmer) for a neutral summer look. Unveiled, my other favorite, is a sheer and cheerful pink.

You can find Youngblood cosmetics at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, Henry Bendel in New York or select spas. Check the locator here. Pauline Youngblood, founder of Youngblood Cosmetics, built her brand on exceptional mineral cosmetics. She developed the line after seeing a need while performing as a paramedical aesthetician to dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

RevitaLash ‘Spotlight’ Highlighting Pencil and ‘Raven 12 Hour’ Eyeliner

RevitaLash is a line that was on my radar, but only as a treatment for fuller lashes. So imagine my surprise when I found out they make my newest, favorite highlighter. This genius “pencil”, which is really more like a crayon, is perfect to swipe and blend. You can use it below your brows, on your cheeks or even right on the cupid’s bow of your lips. I’ve found the ‘Spotlight’ Highlighting Pencil is surprising versatile across all skin tones, but it does have a slight pinkish undertone. The shade corrects dark pigmentation. But has a balanced shimmer keeping it sophisticated and subtle.

RevitaLash also makes a great eyeliner: ‘Raven 12 Hour’ Eyeliner. I’m impressed with its staying power. The consistency is creamy, but at the same time precise. Both of these products are available at Nordstrom and are the perfect treat to pick up during their annual Anniversary sale that begins tomorrow!

Shiseido Suncare and Gift With Purchase

Having access to a pool this summer, my hunt for the perfect sunscreen has become serious business. This weekend, I gave Shiseido suncare a whirl and was seriously impressed. I was using both the Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 (for my face) and the Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 (for body). The distinction I found with these gems is that they are both long-lasting, blendable and not greasy. They persisted through many dips in the pool. And while I reapplied every 60 minutes or so, I was protected.

Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 is ultra-light weight and actually mattifies the skin. It contains mineral powders and herbs to prevent over-production of sebum. And while I don’t have oily skin, I appreciated the finish of this sunscreen. It wasn’t glossy or overly dewy. Did I mention my pool is kind of a social scene? I’ve found this sunscreen also works well under makeup.

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 has that high-factor protection I am looking for. It is also “very water resistant” which eases my mind – constantly fretting about the water and sweat washing away my SPF. Remember to liberally reapply, but this stuff did a great job with my near contant pool activity. Both of these come in fairly tiny vessels, but I am sold on their efficacy and fashionable packaging – so I think they are worth every penny.

Plus… Shiseido is offering a suncare special offer, now available online at www.Shiseido.com and at select retailers nationwide, including Macy’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, and more. Purchase any two sun products and receive a custom Shiseido sun tote with a free 75 ml Ultimate Cleansing Oil. The tote is adorable – metallic canvas with long straps and a subtle Shiseido logo. And the cleansing oil has quickly become a favorite for removing persistant sunscreen and even longwear foundation and eye makeup. No better excuse to upgrade your suncare.

Sisley-Paris Sisleya Firming Body Care

Sisley-Paris has recently added to their exceptional skin care line to include body care. Perfect timing – summer times makes most of us (I think) more aware of aging and flaws below the neckline. The formula uses 19 plant-based active ingredients to combat slackening, cellulite, fine lines and dehydration. The effect is a cool tightening but not uncomfortable. The finish is silky but not matte and definitely hydrated. And while Sisley-Paris Sisleya Firming Body Care is a treatment, it certainly works as a moisturizer as well. I’m keeping it by my bed to use every night on my décolleté, stomach and upper legs. But I also like it right before a night out.

I feel I should delve into some of the technology behind this concentrate. It is a serious powerhouse product with scientific goods to back it up.

Skin slackening is caused by action on three major players of firmness: Elastin, Collagen and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Dill seed extract boots elastin function. Extracts of Alkekengi Calyx and Soya boost the production of collagen fibers. Extract of Padina pavonica stimulates the synthesis of Glycosaminoglycans. These actions help long-term appearance of the skin.

The formula’s major active ingredient is extract of Spirulina, a blue microalgae rich in trace elements and minerals – calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc – vitamins and amino acids, which helps revitalize skin. Caffeine helps slenderize. And Vegetable Glycerine, Plum and Andiroba Oils along with Shea Butter help in hydration.

Oat extract forms the natural feeling elastic mesh on the skin’s surface, hence the instant smoothing and contouring action. Rhattany also helps tighten with astringent properties.

The scent is subtle and clean. Essential oils of Lavender and Marjoram provide calming and balancing properties, although I can’t strongly detect either. I enjoy that the overall effect won’t interfere with any fragrance, and still works great before bed. If you’re like me, I’m not up for any strong scents right before sleep.

Overall, this product really impresses me with efficacy and quality ingredients. While it is an investment, I think you can expect to see results and it is a pleasure to use. Not to mention, the packaging is beautiful.

Beach Body Summer Picks

Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite skin-savers I have found this summer:

1. Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Soapy Suds: I love a good lather (especially after a hot day), and bliss does it right. But at the same time, it doesn’t dry out your skin. They throw in aloe and vitamin E so soften your skin. I love this for a spicy bath, but it also works great in the shower. And the scent can’t be beat.

2. VI Derm Exfoliating Body Wash with 15% Glycolic and Body Lotion with 15% Glycolic: Those nasty red bumps on my arms and legs are never pleasant. But they are especially bothersome in the summer with tanks, swimsuits and shorts de rigueur. I used KP Duty this winter with some success, but my new favorite weapon against Keratosis Pilaris (50% of Americans have it) is glycolic in the form of body wash and lotion from VI Medical. The citrus scent is delightful and this stuff works wonders. Be careful – glycolic can make you more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays.

3. AHAVA Mineral Suncare Sun Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer, SPF 50: You have already heard me go on and on about quality sun care protection and how necessary it is. So I won’t repeat here. But what I also love about this sunscreen is the addition of minerals, vitamins and moisturizing agents. It takes the anti-aging mission a step further and makes my skin look better.

4. Giovanni Cool Mint Lemon Salt Scrub with Crushed Mint Leaves: This vegetarian scrub is like magic. Not only does it smooth, soothe and regenerate skin in the shower. It continues to cool skin long after you have dried off. This has to be an all time summer MVP, especially during these triple digit days down here in Oklahoma.

5. SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes: Bugs hate me and I hate them. Not only do they love to bite me, but I tend to have the most unattractive reaction with itchiness and red bumps. This travel-safe repellant has been my savior. It is completely effective, doesn’t smell obnoxious and keeps those suckers (literally) away.