Fine Tune Your Makeup Skills With Cheek To Chic’s Raychel Wade!

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

Raychel Wade, Cheek To Chic, makeup, makeup workshop, makeup artistAre you a makeup artist looking to sharpen and fine tune your makeup skills? Then you absolutely need to check out this workshop by Raychel Wade. Raychel is the founder of Cheek To Chic, where she helps women pare down the makeup in their collection, and she's also the La Prairie Colour Ambassador. And she's absolutely fabulous to boot! For two days, Raychel will lead you through extensive hands-on makeup application training, including bridal, lash application and brush education (and so much more!). And on day three, you'll get to build your own kit with Raychel and the team at NYC's M.A.C PRO store -- and you'll save 40 percent on all the products purchased, plus have the chance to become a PRO member! Here's all the pertinent info for you: When: January 11-13, 2012 Where: M.A.C PRO in NYC's Flatiron District How Much: $595 (a deposit is required to hold your space) What You'll Get: two-day makeup application workshop, kit building session, 40 percent discount on all products, membership to M.A.C PRO and a $100 gift card toward the products you purchase How to Sign Up: Email raychel@cheektochic.com
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Choosing the Right Day Spa Treatments

Choosing the right day spa treatmentWhen looking at a treatments menu at a day spa, it’s really easy to get a little overwhelmed. There are so many options! What is a seaweed facial and what does it do? It can be confusing for anyone who hasn’t chosen from multiple spa treatments before. From massages to facials, it’s much easier to choose when you have personalized and complete information about the treatments.

Massage: Hot Stones to Reflexology
There are a variety of massage styles and techniques, some are more therapeutic while others are just pure relaxation. Here’s how to figure out with massage will give you the experience you desire! Here are some descriptions, methods, and benefits of specific massages.

Swedish Massage: the purpose of Swedish Massage is to increase the oxygen flow in blood and to release toxins from the muscles. This is achieved through different techniques designed to relax muscles by applying pressure against the deeper muscles and bones while rubbing in the same direction of the flow of blood. However, this is not deep tissue massage! It’s great for first time massage recipients at a hair and nail spa.

Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on relaxing deeper layers of muscles. It is helpful for chronically tense areas such as stiff necks, lower backs, and sore shoulders. Deep tissue massage is therapeutic and not necessarily for relaxation. It can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, and is mainly used as a means to reduce pain or stress.

Hot Stone Massage: Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on specific points on the body. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure. The warmth of the hot stones also improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Reflexology: Reflexology is a system of massage that works primarily on the feet. The theory behind reflexology is that certain pressures applied to the feet can affect other parts of the body as well. It is meant to be therapeutic and relaxing.

Facial Treatments: Seaweed or Paraffin?
It’s hard not to love a facial. But there are so many options, and they can differ wildly between each hair and nail spa. You might not think you want seaweed or wax on your face, but let these facts help you decide!

Paraffin Facial: You’ve maybe had a paraffin treatment done on your hands or feet, and this pretty similar! Don’t worry about the wax being sticky or hurting, it all comes off in one piece and removes toxins, smoothes wrinkles, and brightens skin all in one treatment!

Seaweed Facial: This isn’t seaweed from your local beach! It is specially harvested for facials, and goes through special processing before being applied to your skin. Seaweed facials improve sun damage, heal sunburns, sooth inflammation, and has anti-aging benefits.

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Trend-Spotting: The 6 Best Takes On The Spiky Studded Heel

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

Really want to rock out? Get a load of the spiky studded heel. It just doesn't get any tougher than the studs on these shoes, which are so pointy and sharp I'm pretty sure they could do serious physical damage. Luckily, they're also dangerously chic. Check out my favorite takes on the trend.

1) Rachel Rachel Roy Kassey
Silver glitter contrasts quite nicely with a heel covered in black pyramid studs.
$139 at rachelroy.com

2) Dolce Vita Bijou Spiked Pump
Lacquered candy apple red, a sky-high heel and super-sharp studs? Not such a tough call.
$189 at dolcevita.com

3) GoJane Spiky Stud Platform Bootie
Multitudes of gold studs and a gleamy stiletto heel take the bootie to new heights.
$63.80 at gojane.com

4) Ruthie Davis Spikette Deluxe Platform Pump
Metal studs. A five-inch heel. Metallic leather. What's not to love?
$1,195 at endless.com

5) Marc by Marc Jacobs Studded Mouse Ballet Flats
If anyone could turn an innocent little mouse into a super-tough flat, well, Marc Jacobs would be the guy.
$250 at shopbop.com

6) Sam Edelman Rizzo Spike Heel
Studs and gems liberally cover the back of this supple suede shootie -- and, quite frankly, make my knees a little weak.
$250 at freepeople.com
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My New Favorite Site: farfetch.com

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

See By Chloe, farfetch.comMy name is Jamie and I'm a shopaholic. Well, at this point I think I'm in recovery, but certain designers and websites still make my knees go weak. And that's exactly how I feel about farfetch.com.

I first noticed this British website when I was searching for items on ShopStyle. Every designer I love kept showing up on the site, from 3.1 Phillip Lim and Bottega Veneta to Rick Owens and Alexander McQueen. And once I started really perusing the site, well, all bets were off.

Take, for example, dresses by one of my all-time favorite designers, See By Chloe. (The patterned silk dress above is just one option available to you.) On any given day, there are at least 20 different dresses alone to choose from!

I also love how easy the site is to navigate. Simply click on a designer or on a category -- like Women's Dresses, for instance -- and you're instantly transported to page after page of absolute fabulousnss. I personally like to just go to Women's Clothing and browse hundreds of pages of the most fabulous clothing around. There's the option to sort by price, of course, and you can also shop by category, size or designer.

I hope you'll share my enthusiasm for farfetch.com -- it truly is one of the most fantastic websites for designer fashion!
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Dannijo Sample Sale!

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

If you live in NYC, don't miss this sample sale -- Dannijo jewelry is super amazing! Happy shopping!
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This Week’s Online Sample Sales: 7 For All Mankind, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc by Marc Jacobs And More

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

Want the scoop on the hottest sample sales this week? I've got it for you! Check out all the fabulous designers on sale at my favorite sites.

GILT GROUPE
Monday, November 7:
7 for All Mankind, Bell Noel Jewelry, Bodhi Handbags, Cold-Weather Boots, Jewelry by Anzie & Candela, Reem Acra & Designer Evening Gowns, Tahari Outerwear

Tuesday, November 8:
Chan Luu Jewelry, Coat Check: Designer Outerwear, Cynthia Steffe, Exotic Leather Finds, Kathryn Amberleigh Shoes, Magaschoni

Wednesday, November 9:
Bobbi Brown 20th Anniversary Celebration, Corso Como, Cozy Up Sweater Shop, David Lerner, Paul & Joe Sister Accessories, Rosie Pope Maternity, Wacoal + B. Tempt'd

Thursday, November 10:
Davek Umbrellas, Eva Franco, Loungewear, Pour La Victoire, Tai Jewelry

BEYOND THE RACK
Monday, November 7:
Kitchen Essentials PWP, Lightning Whitening, Mont Blanc Sunglasses, Silver Dagger, Better Living, Tommy Hilfiger Coats, Max Studio, Buffalo, Travel in the 20th Century, Designer Watches, Hilary Radley, Love Token, That 70's Shoe, Holiday Art, Ferragamo and Prada

Wednesday, November 9:
Honey Can Do

Thursday, November 10:
My Tribe, Esprit, Lacoste

IDEELI
Monday, November 7:
Allen Schwartz Prive, Anm, Bedtime Stories, Calvin Klein Sleepwear, Cara Couture, Carter's WTW, Casual Couture, Choice Denim, Comfy Chic, Evening Elegance, Galleryi Kids, GHD, Jessica Simpson, Lampe Berger Paris, Lucky Brand, Me Too, Nautica, Omaha Steaks, Prada, Ragg, Sanctuary By L'Erba, Sleepover 101, Steven, Strut Your Stuff, Suzi Chin, Sweater Weather

Tuesday, November 8:
Bonjour, Donna Morgan, Earnest Sewn, Isabella Rodriguez, Julian Taylor, M. Benisti, Nine West, Shu Shu, Skirt Sport, Well-Dressed Man

RUE LA LA
Monday, November 7:
The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers, Tommy Bahama, Elie Tahari, Gevril, LILLA P, Forty 1 North, White Label by SF Designs, Ariat, Furla

Tuesday, November 8:
Culinary Crash Course, Meira T, O Olive Oil, The Crane Residential Resort - Barbados, TOYWATCH, Bottega Veneta, Shifra Zadeh, Diane von Furstenberg, The Gentleman's Uniform, Little Rue

Wednesday, November 9:
Butter, Marc by Marc Jacobs, THE FINAL SALE: ACT 1, Magenta, Zegrahm Expeditions, Peacock Alley, Stewart Cellars Wine

Thursday, November 10:
The Fresh Diet, Surya, THE FINAL SALE: ACT 2, The Holiday Table, Calvin Klein Watches, Jhane Barnes

HAUTELOOK
Monday, November 7:
HUDSON, Via Spiga, LORAC, Rivka Friedman, Report, Akribos XXIV Blowout, Cabo Azul Resort, The Standard Downtown LA, French Cottage, MG Black Label, Warm & Fuzzy Accessories, Heart to Heart Room Decor & Dress Up, Standalone Fireplaces, Steve Madden, Stocking Stuffers, Romeo & Juliet Couture

Tuesday, November 8:
Michael Stars, Sue Wong, Juice Beauty, Skechers, In Cashmere, Sperry Top Sider, Calvin Klein Footwear, XCVI, Mackage Men, Deux Lux, Encore by Le Vian, Kushies & Zolo Toys, Animation Icons Fine Art Blowout, Abrams Books, Holiday Fresh Handmade Wreaths, Charabia, Shure, Amrita Singh Bangle Set

Wednesday, November 9:
Elizabeth and James, French Connection, Swiss Legend Blowout, modloft Dining, Hobo International, Erica Anenberg Blowout, Kidorable, WeSC, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina San Diego, Steve Madden, EXTREME by Eddie Marc, Jezebel, NaLa Seattle, Dress It Up, Forever Jewels, Peace of Cake, Joy to the World, NuMe, HYPE 4 Girls Blowout, ESPRIT, GLOSS Moderne

SWIRL BY DAILYCANDY
Monday, November 7:
ZH Collection, Apart

Tuesday, November 8:
Wasabi, BB Dakota

Wednesday, November 9:
JPark, Couleur Nature

Thursday, November 10:
Sculptz, Alice & Trixie

Friday, November 11:
Vintage Chanel
Posted in Beyond the Rack, Gilt Groupe, HauteLook, ideeli, Rue La La, sample sale | Comments Off

Feeling Lucky? Win a Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C Clutch!

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C Clutch, Rebecca Minkoff purse, Rebecca Minkoff handbag, purse, handbag, giveaway, bag giveaway, purse giveaway, handbag giveaway, Rebecca Minkoff giveaway, fashionI have two questions for you.

1) Do you love all things Rebecca Minkoff?
2) Do you feel lucky?

Well, then, this giveaway is not something you can miss! Every day this month, Rebecca Minkoff is giving people the chance to win the latest addition to the Morning After Family, the Mini M.A.C Clutch! This bag is worth $195! There will be 30 winners in all! And all you have to do is fill out the entry form here.

Good luck!

The giveaway ends on November 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. All winners will be notified by Rebecca Minkoff on December 4.
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Mani for the Weekend: OPI Designer, De Better!

Originally posted on: The Beauty of Life
Author: Jamie

I'm headed to Columbus this weekend and of course I had to paint my nails for the occasion! I went with OPI Designer, De Better -- an absolutely gorgeous shimmery gold from the line's brand-new Muppets collection.

What's on your nails for the weekend? Let me know in the comments!
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Benefits of Spa Treatments

Every woman knows there is nothing like a day at the spa to relax and pamper yourself. But did you know that spa treatments can do wonders for your health as well? The benefits of treatments at a hair and nail spa reach far beyond just simple relaxation. 

Massage Therapy

Massages are a staple of any spa visit and are a frequent treat and personal indulgence for many women. Included in this indulgence are a myriad of health benefits that are often overlooked. Massages not only provide stress relief, they can also help with the following:

  • manage anxiety and depression
  • help regulate blood pressure
  • boost immunity
  • manage pain
  • treat specific sports injuries

In some cases, massage has even been used as part of cancer treatment! Eastern medicine also uses massage very frequently as an important tool in health care and wellness, and is even believed to increase your life span.

Facials and Skin Care

A facial at a hair and nail spa is used to achieve radiant skin, but the additional and unexpected health benefits of facials will definitely surprise you! Facials, like massages, can increase circulation and reduce stress and high blood pressure.

Did you know that facials can also help treat minor congestion? The combination of steam and massage used in many facials can help open nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure! So the next time you have a cold, drop that nasty cold medicine and go pamper yourself instead!

Body Wrap Treatments

Body wraps are meant to reduce cellulite and slim excess skin and fat. However, what is very unique about body wraps are their detoxifying nature. The exfoliation and loofah part of the treatment removes extra toxins from your epidermis, leaving your skin healthy and refreshed. The minerals used in body wraps also help you lose excess water weight in the course of only one treatment. In addition, body wraps can help individuals with joint pain and inflammation!

Clearly, the hair and nail spa isn’t just for rest and relaxation anymore. While you’re getting pampered, you’re also doing amazing things for your health and wellness!



escape-to-the-spa



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10 Tips for Summer Hair Care

10 tips for Summer Hair CareEvery girl knows the sun, surf, and chlorine of summer activities can wreak havoc on your hair. But most girls don’t know that a couple easy steps can really save and repair your hair in a big way. Here are 10 easy tips to add to your hair care for summer routine.

1. Sunscreen isn’t just for your body anymore!

We’ve all been told about the dangers of skin cancer and the effect the sun has on our skin, but conditioners with SPF can protect your hair as well! If you forget to use conditioner with SPF, you can dab normal sunscreen in your hair for a similar effect.

2. Beat the Heat

We all know every girl loves straight hair, but your hair can’t handle all the natural heat PLUS the extreme temperatures of your straightener and hair dryer. It’ll sap all the moisture from your hair!

3. Stay hydrated: body and hair both need it!

All doctors tell you to stay super hydrated to avoid heatstroke, but your hair needs that moisture just as much as your body does! Double up on your water intake over the summer; it benefits your whole body.

4. Lay off the daily shampooing.

Hair care for summer relies on preserving that precious moisture! Shampooing everyday can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

5. Your Stylist is Your Friend!

Beat split ends before they start by getting your hair trimmed twice a month. Also ask your stylist to recommend products that will help your specific hair texture in the summer months.

6. Drench Those Tresses

Buy a deep conditioning rinse out treatment and schedule a time to do it at least weekly. We’re keeping with the theme for hair care for summer: moisture, moisture, and more moisture!

7. Accessorize!

This one’s pretty simple: a hat or scarf over your hair can block unnecessary UV and sun damage. Doesn’t hurt to look cute at the beach or pool either!

8. Stop split ends in their tracks.

As soon as your ends become damaged, treat them with jojoba oil or another leave-in.

9. Protect from chlorine.

Always wet your hair with tap or spring water before jumping in a pool. It seals your hair membrane and protects it.

10. Wind In Your Hair!

Beachy waves are a staple of summer hair, but wind can actually damage your hair! It’s best to wear your hair up at the beach.

 

Photo credit: by jeffpiatt

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