Beauty is More Than Skin Deep: 2007-07-08

Friday, July 13, 2007

Summer-proof makeup

Avoid looking like a toasted, burnt bagel this summer! Here is a very intersting link(courtesy of ivillagelive.com) with some of the best beauty products that would not embarass you this summer.

http://ivillagelive.ivillage.com/on_sale/estee/0,,bq8zx57s,00.html

And remember if you know of any other products, feel free to share!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Spas For Less in NYC

At such low prices, pampering yourself is a must. Here are a list of affordable spas in the NYC area. If you know of any please do not hesitate to share:

Elite day spa: offers facials for as low as $31.20 including tax. Located at: 24 W 39th St, between 5th and 6th right next to Lord and Taylor. Not great on ambiance but they get the job done and very cheap. Ask for Mara or Angela. (212) 730-2100)

Randee Elaine Spa & NY Laser Center

Though ambiance is not the greatest, however it is very neat. Located in the west village, this spa charges only $30 for a Brazilian. They offer a Deep Pore Cleansing Facial which includes: a deep cleansing, followed by a gentle enzyme peel. In addition, you receive a face, neck, and shoulder massage, exfoliation, extractions, masque and a nutrient-rich moisturizer. 60 minutes: Only $50 (212) 229-0399 180 7th Ave South, Greenwich Village.

New York International Beauty School:

If you’re looking for an extreme make over on a low budget, NY International Beauty School is your answer. You can get a makeover from a student in training. Services range from hair coloring and cutting to facials. Prices range from $5 to $18! No appointment necessary.500 Eighth Ave., 8th Floor, between 35th and 36th Sts.; 212-868-7171

The Perfect ShapeAt the Perfect Shape, eyebrow threading starts at a meager $5.00. Waxing ranges from $10 to $45. They also offer facials! They are constantly praised for their superior services. All Indian staff. 295 Park Ave. South, between 22nd and 23rd Sts., 212-473-7400

Christine Valmy International School:
Only $27 for an hour and a half facial. It is advisable that you call a week in advance for an appointment with one of Valmy's students. All students are supervised by an instructor.
They are located at 437 Fifth Ave., 212-779-7800

Emerald Spa

Please be advised that prices and locations do change periodically. I do not take personal responsibility for the prices that are quoted in this posting. Good luck and may you have a blissful experience!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Cheap vs. Expensive Sunglasses

When choosing sunglasses, most of us are in a qualdrum: Should we splurge on a brand name, or do we go to the nearest Strawberry store or even the street peddlers?

There have been a plethora of surveys on the topic: Cheap sunglasses vs. Expensive ones. Interestingly enough, the results are usually very consistent. In most instances both the cheap and the expensive sunglasses were found to provide sufficient protection from UV rays.

The only problem is that one can never be too sure when purchasing the sunglasses on the streets. Simply having a sticker that says UV protection is not always a gurantee that we are receivng great coverage. Unfortunately the only way we could tell if our cheap sunglasses provides us with UV protection is by having them tested at a lab.

I will continue to take a chance by purchasing the non-brand name sunglasses at stores that I trust. Afterall the difference in spending $300 vs. $7.00 is astronomical!

If you would like to read more on cheap sunglasses vs. expensive sunglasses, here is an interesting link:

http://health.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=150406

Go ahead...Keep those eyes protected! And remember, sunglasses are not just for style!

Monday, July 9, 2007

The Thruth about The Best and Worst Suncreens

Summer is here and most of us are looking forward to spending as much time outdoors as we possibly can. While some of us have already stocked up on our sunscreens, the rest of can’t be bothered.

With the number of skin cancer cases on the rise, we cannot afford to neglect the importance of applying sunscreen before heading outdoors. In recent weeks, there have been several articles highlighting the fact that not all sunscreens are created equal. Most dermatologists agree that the majority of sunscreen lotions on the market today are good at screening out the sun's UVB rays: the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancers. However, few of these sunscreens offer protection against UVA rays, the harmful rays that seem to give us wrinkles. Don’t be discouraged!

Recent studies showed that lotions that contain the ingredients Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide or Parsol 1789 block out some UVA rays. Yes, only some!

That’s where Mexoryl comes in. Mexoryl is a chemical that tackles those mean UVA rays. According to Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of dermatology at Columbia University:
"It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine," said chairman of dermatology at Columbia University.

I will not get too technical; however it is worth noting that helioplex (found in neutrogena’s products) is very effective in protecting us from UVA. In fact, in a recent study, Neutrogena's Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock 45 came out on top for best UVA and UVB protection. This product retails for a mere $13.00 for a 3oz tube. In the event that you are not willing to shell out $13.00, you will be happy to know that No-Ad Sunblock lotion SPF 45 tested almost as high, for about half the cost of the Neutrogena.

For those of you who do not have the time, or are too lazy to spend time at the drugstore in search of the perfect sunscreen, here are a few helpful links:

Top 9 Best sunscreens: http://beauty.about.com/od/sunscree1/tp/sunscreenstop.htm

What Sunscreen works best: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070611/LIFESTYLE/706110373/1039/LIFESTYLE02

So before you ran to the 99cents store to make such a huge Beauty investment, keep the following in mind: slathering on sunscreen today, will save you many visits to the doctor in the future! You too guys! Real men wear sunscreen!

*****Please do not neglect those lips. Get a lipgloss with spf 15! Last week I purchased a couple from Avon on sale for $0.79.

Welcome to Beauty Staples

Television's most beloved judge, Judge Judy Sheindlin, was right on the money when she said: "Dumb is forever, beauty fades."

Dumbness can be reversed......... Get an education, Learn something new etc...
Can beauty be reversed?

Depending on your field, beauty may be given greater priority than being intelligent. Ask Paris Hilton or other women who constantly grace the cover of magazines. That is not to say that all models are dumb. Take Iman for example. Iman exemplifies everything great. She has it all: Brain, Beauty, Stable family and a Compassionate heart for causes dear to her. Other beauty and brains models include: Petra Nemcova, Melania Trump, Cindy Crawford, Tyra Banks to name a few. Absent from this list is Concessa Alfred.....(I know what you are thinking)

I strongly believe that both beauty and brains should be celebrated. Lady O (Oprah) is known for saying: " if you got it flaunt!"
Now what if you don't "got it"? Perhaps fake it?

We live in a time where everthing is readily accessible with the click of a button or a simple phone call. Life is too short to spend hours 'not feeling good about our selves'. This blog is dedicated to those of you who want to look like the starlet you are but do not have the finances of Heidi Klum.

So Cheers to Beauty and Brains!