Author: Lindsay

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer

I am guilty. Guilty of using what I now know is an inferior hair dryer for years. I received the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer from Misikko last month and, admittedly, I wasn’t sure I would be willing to quit my beloved Chi. The Hana was heavier and had more settings than I was used to. But then, I turned it on and my whole hair drying world changed.

My drying time is literally cut in half. The super powered AC motor in this thing is STRONG. I think, despite the low noise claims, it is fairly loud (but I don’t mind with this kind of performance). Even when I have it on my now preferred lower heat level, my very long hair dries in minutes. I don’t notice drastically shiner hair, but I like knowing that the tourmaline lined ceramic heater is good for my locks.

The HANA Salon Air Hair Dryer Features:

  • Ion Technology- condition hair & reduces static electricity
  • Tourmaline & Titanium Oxide Technology- natural ions promote healthier hair
  • Silver Nanotechnology- for antibacterial Protection
  • Scratch Resistant Shell with black metallico finish adds durability and is easy to clean
  • Long life motor with low noise
  • Gyroscopically balanced for easy handling
  • Fiberglass concentrator

NARS at Paris Haute Couture – Bouchra Jarrar

NARS and Paris – two of some of my most favorite things! Check out the look that makeup artist, Christophe Danchaud, created for Bouchra Jarrar’s AW 2012 runway show at Paris Haute Couture.

INSPIRATION & LOOK: “It’s an evolution of the Bouchra Jarrar brand,” explained designer Bouchra Jarrar about her collection. “The look is elegant, luminous and detailed, with a focus on the bottom eyelid,” said lead artist Christophe Danchaud, for NARS Cosmetics. “The skin is transparent, with the cheek lending a touch of color. Woody, pink lips, and a dark, smudged liner give it a feeling that it’s a bit worn in, because Bouchra wanted to communicate a feeling of warmth through her collection and the makeup.”

FACE

  • Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (NEW for Spring 2012!)
  • Douceur Blush
  • Gina Blush

EYES

  • Thunderball Eyeshadow
  • Goddess Soft Touch Shadow Pencil
  • Misfit Duo Eyeshadow
  • Paris Duo Eyeshadow
  • Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

LIPS:

Lina Hanson Global Face Serum

Lina Hansen is a Swedish makeup artist, currently based in Hollywood. She has quite the lineup of celebrity clients who are already fans of her new serum. So naturally, I had to try it. Like some other “oils” out there, the Global Face Serum is a blend designed to be used as a moisturizer or pre-moisturizer treatment. What makes it different is that the blend is organic and sourced specifically to suport female empowerment and fair trade. Many of the ingredients are harvested by women to promote economic growth in their countries.

I’ve been using one pump, morning and night in addition to a creamy moisturizer. I have been pleased with increased radiance and improved hydration. It is quickly absorbed and calms down my skin after exfoliation. I am using a fairly strong retinol right now, so the addition of the serum has provided much needed balancing and healing. And it looks amazing under makeup. I’ve mixed a little with tinted moisturizer for a dewy, fresh look.

Normally, I would summarize the ingredients, but I love how Lina has detailed what each carefully selected ingredient will actually do for you. It is a little primer in natural skin care:

  • Marula — rich in antioxidants, anti-aging properties and is said to be a more potent source of vitamin c than oranges
  • Baobab — helps prevent and treat dry skin conditions
  • Camellia Seed — moisturizes, brightens the skin, lightens age spots and prevents wrinkles
  • Argan — protects against premature aging, hydrates the skin and neutralizes free radicals
  • Brazil Nut — maintains smooth, younger looking skin
  • Pumpkin Seed — decreases redness on the skin caused by rosacea
  • Mandarin — promotes a finer textured skin and helps remove any congestion as well as acne scars
  • Neroli — improves elasticity, stimulates new cell growth and softens wrinkles and scars
  • Frankincense — rejuvenates the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles
  • Palmarosa — moisturizes your skin yet balances the hydration levels
  • Ylang Ylang — cures both dry and oily skin

Oh, and also worth mentioning:

  • No animal ingredients/no animal testing
  • Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.
Global Face Serum is available at www.linahanson.com.

Dior Spring Lips & Nails

I feel like I need a lip and nail color cleanse after a holiday season full of deep red and dark jewel tones. Anticipation of spring makes me want to wear something delicate, feminine and pretty. So, no better place to turn than Dior’s Spring 2012 Garden Party Collection. Inspired by a party in a Norman rose garden, the collection features soft pink, purples and pinks – plus a scented, mint-green nail polish I am dying to get my hands on.

Also by Dior, my new Spring lip color, Dior ‘Rouge Dior’ Lip Color in Versailles, is a hydrating, semi-opaque, coral. I like that it isn’t such a deep color that you can’t whip some on without a mirror. The golden shimmer has a gloss-like effect. And the finish has staying power but still has shine.

NARS Makeup Removing Water

I have fully embraced cleansing oils, especially in this dry, Texas winter. But I just can’t get on board with the oil-based makeup removers that leave behind a filmy residue. NARS to the rescue. They recently launched a soap-free, oil-free, and alcohol-free water that removes face makeup and tones the skin. This is great alternative for those with oiler skin or those who prefer to stay away from the heavier formulas. Not to mention, I now can’t go without this toning step after cleansing to really make sure all my makeup is gone. This will come in especially handy this summer, when my skin is calling for something lightweight and refreshing. It is gentle enough for my sensitive skin and has soothing botanical ingredients that leave my skin glowing and hydrated.

 

International Salves

My Belgian friend, Sarah and I joke about her being my intern. I am pretty sure she thinks I am kidding, but I am dead serious. She recently saved the day by tracking down a European drugstore offering that I was dying to get my hands on: Homéoplasmine.

Since I am the queen of dry, irritated (and red) skin, I am always game to try out something that provides relief for skin irritation. This European salve is made with plant extracts and an antiseptic to soothe. I have been using it on my forearms where I suffer from Keratosis pilaris (those nasty red bumps that also show up on the back of the upper arms). I also have used it on cuticles, scars, psoriasis, and even on my cheeks where I have a little redness.  No wonder this is (was) the best-kept beauty secret of countless professional estheticians and makeup artists.

The balm contains Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), a popular plant in Europe, that induces wound healing and helps relieve skin infection. It is an antiseptic and accelerates the cellular rejuvenation. Make sure you pick up a tube on your next visit to a Parisian pharmacy.

My other international gem isn’t quite as hard to find. Yu-be Moisturizing Skin Cream is available at Sephora. Yu-be was invented in 1957 by a Japanese pharmacist, and continues to be the top selling medicated skin cream in Japan today. The cream is glycerin based, with vitamin E, vitamin B2, and camphor (giving it a slightly medicinal smell). Glycerine is used in personal care products as a humectant to give smoothness and lubrication. It is an effective treatment for psoriasis, irritation, rashes, calluses and burns.

I have been putting Yu-be on my dry and callused feet before bed. After about 10 minutes in socks, my feet are soft and moisturized.  Cuticles are soft and the camphor has a cooling effect, but without an obnoxiously overwhelming odor.