Eye Rescue

LA has been an inferno recently. With the heat, the fires, and the super dry air it is nothing short of a nightmare for skin. One does not know what to apply as my skin is thirsting for moisture but it is also speckled with the occasional blemish thanks to the pollutants in the air. Well, my problems aside...

My mother in law came home from the beach the other day with burnt, swollen eyes, most likely a combination of too much sun penetration, even through her sunscreen, and a bit of allergy from all the smoke in the air. I gave her my Skin1 by Dr. Gram Eye Rescue to try and within a day the inflammation and redness had visibly subsided.

Let me tell you a bit about this magical eye product quite appropriately named Eye Rescue. I'll start at the beginning...Skin1 by Dr. Gram is a Professional Apothecary Skincare line that combines the finest natural, organic and pharmaceutical ingredients with cutting edge technology to create products that fight chronic inflammation which is a leading cause of premature aging.

Dr. Gram is a compounding pharmacist who has been mixing topical solutions for dermatologic patients for years. So, you know you are in good hands!

Now, let's get back to the hero. Eye Rescue contains Vitamin K and Rutin, a stem cell from a buckwheat seed that is an iron kelator and antioxidant. This ingredient also helps strengthen capillaries and stops vitamin C from oxidizing. I told you there is some pretty impressive cutting edge technology here.

Another thing you should know is that Dr. Gram's products are all free from parabens, sulfates and artificial fragrances.

Currently Elle.com is running a sweepstakes where you can win a bottle of Eye Rescue. I suggest you click here now, because great skincare does come with a price tag.

Head Organics

The current 1969 craze has taken media, fashion and even beauty by storm! The 40th anniversary of Woodstock has inspired documentaries, a pair of perfect fitting jeans from the Gap, several TV specials, a feature film, a resurgence of "classic rock," and my aunt and uncle's 40th wedding anniversary party.

Side note: if anyone can help with a great costume for that evening, 1969 inspired of course, your ideas are most welcome.

So, you ask what about the beauty industry? I was sent some information on a line of professional products called Head Organics. To me, it was a new introduction. Then, I did some research and learned that in fact the brand was started 40 years ago (circa 1969), when peace, love and nature were truly at the center of popular culture.



Today, going green environmentally and personally are cultural ideals. Keeping ourselves healthy through what we consume and what we use is paramount. What was old is new again!

Head Organics is committed to the well-being of stylists, consumers and the planet. All Head Organics’ formulas are free of harsh detergents and polluting chemicals to keep both hair and environment pure and natural.

With world-class research and development, access to global ingredients and true “green chemistry,” this 100% vegan and gluten-free haircare line offers standout performance in both personal grooming and personal responsibility for the environment.

Each product is masterfully blended with naturally derived, certified organic active ingredients, botanical extracts, essential fatty acids, glycerin, vegetable oils, natural proteins and coconut. What you won’t find are harmful phtalates, parabens, benzyl alcohol, glycols and sodium laurel sulfate.

Environmentally and economically sustainable in every way, Head Organics’ value-priced products won’t insult the intelligence of educated consumers. Each product is formulated with a total understanding of the health of its consumers and their environment.

Good Vibrations

Photo: Maybelline

So, I may be a bit behind the curve here, but I was reading my September issue of Elle this morning with my coffee and was intrigued by the fact that there was not one but two ads for vibrating mascara. (I can only imagine the fun Samantha Jones could think to have with this.) Now, this is a cool piece of packaging technology!

As a self proclaimed lash obsessed consumer, I immediately googled the two products to read reviews. They both received quite a bit of LOVE.

First I found Maybelline's NEW Pulse Perfection™ by Define-A-Lash® Vibrating Mascara


Then I realized that Lancome not only has ÔSCILLATION vibrating mascara, but a ÔSCILLATION Powervibrating lash primer as well.

Looks like this week will include a trip to Sephora and CVS.

Has anyone tried either? Let me know your thoughts?

Image of A Winner

The "Oscars" of the Professional Beauty Industry take place in mid July in where else Vegas each year in mid July. NAHA (the North American Hairstyling Awards) is the gold standard for professional stylists. It is a photo competition with various entry categories. Stylists must submit their images and then they are judged. The stylist foots the bill to create their entries, but a NAHA win brings industry fame, press and for the lucky ones perhaps a contract with a brand.

In the past I have been honored to not only judge the competition, but also interview the winners. My favorite categories have always been Avant Garde and Editorial. This year the images created by the winners in those two categories blew this past judge and industry insider away.


Avant Garde winner: Darian Bishop, Tony & Guy, Dallas, TX

Editorial Stylist of the Year: Daniel Holzberger, Van Michael Salons, Atlanta, GA

To see more of the entries and the winning images click here.

For the Love of Lotion

Lotion is a vital part of any woman's beauty routine, especially during the dry days of summer. In my circle of woman, each person has different criteria when it comes to choosing the right one for them. Some like a strong smell, some no scent, some a more heavy cream, some a light water-based quick absorbing fluid and then there are even those who desire a body oil that doubles as moisturizer. The good news is you can spend $1.40 or $140 and depending on the lotion attributes that are top of your list there is a great choice. Here are a few of my favorites:



Aveeno



Kiehl's Deluxe Grapefruit Set



Borghese Forma Bella Body Contouring Cream



Ren Wild Yam Firming Cream


Johnson and Johnson Lavender Baby Oil



Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil

Excuses, Excuses

I must apologize for going AWOL as of late. My personal life, hunting down freelance work (we all gotta pay the bills) and dedication to my newest venture the Beauty Bus Foundation have left me with no time or energy for that matter to focus on much else. Since I am using the Beauty Bus as a legit excuse for abandoning my blog, I figured I would share a bit about what's going on.

1. We held our Inaugural Friendraiser event on July 18. It was an intimate salon party and private violin concert by world renowned soloist Ken Aiso. Our guests walked away with a renewed sense of hope in human kindness,” as well as a swag bag full of fabulous finds from sponsors including Sexy Hair Concepts, OPI, Max Studio, David Babaii for WildAid, Preece and Toff at Fred Segal, Alterna, Elle and Town&Country.

Additional gift bag sponsors included: American Beauty, Clear Image Printing, Epione Beverly Hills, Fashion Therapy, Fiore, Glitz, Marco Pelusi, Marie Mason, Pretty Thing, Results By, Silent Partners Equestrian, Spa Luce, Teleflora, Virgin Limo and Webvixxen Design. And, Beauty Bus had an official launch and began raising desparately needed operating funds.

The coveted bag of beauty.

B.I.G speaking in front of the audience at the event.

Ken Aiso, one of the world's top 100 violinists donated his time and talent.

2. BBF began sending out beauty professionals to visit and treat our clients and their caregivers. Thanks to Robbie Schaeffer, owner of ROBB salon ALS patient Irene and her sister and caregiver Cate enjoyed mani's, smiles, laughter, a bit of solace and an afternoon out of the disease.



3. More excitement and support has come from BBF's spot on CBS news thanks to reporter Lisa Sigell. Click here to watch the clip.

4. And...we've updated our website!

Its been busy and only getting busier! Again, sorry for being MIA, but now you know why!