About admin

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far admin has created 189 blog entries.

Beauty Buzz: A Perfect Blowout with Ammon Carver

By admin|January 6th, 2015|Beauty Buzz, Guest Blogger|

The New Year is a great time for a new look. If you are a bit gun shy and not yet ready to pull the trigger on the of the moment lob (long bob) or a complete color makeover makes you nervous, why not start with a little lesson in achieving the sleekest blowout you’ve had in years? I have a lot of hair. Hair that seems to have a mind (and split personality) of its own as seen in this Instagram photo. It’s wavy. It’s curly. It’s flat. It’s full. I do my best to try and tame it, but even after all these years of practice, even I know there’s always room for improvement.

Get an appointment for your hair care with the Salon marketing software today.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ammon Carver at the opening of his salon and in-house photo studio in conjunction with Lanza Healing Haircare located on west 17th Street this past fall and I fell for him immediately. Not only is he incredibly talented, but also disarmingly warm and sure isn’t hard to look at (sorry, folks, he’s taken). He invited me to come back to the studio in order to tell me more about L’Anza‘s new Keratin line and demonstrate it on my tired tresses. I’m never one to turn down the opportunity for someone else to handle my hair, so I happily agreed. I was also ahappy to see that the salon studios for rent from Salon Lofts. I was so impressed with the product, which actually made my hair so shiny it looked like I’d had it highlighted, and Ammon’s attention to detail, that I asked if he’d be up for sharing some of his secrets. We decided to start with a straightforward blowout and below are a sprinkling of his top tips as to how to execute the type of blowout sure to turn heads.

(full disclosure: I hesitated to post this as now you’ll all know what my hair is actually capable of looking like. Often times, I’ve left the salon and the ladies seemed surprised to realize that I “actually have nice hair.”)

Product of Our Environment:

Before you begin your blowout, be sure to apply product to your hair in order to ensure safety from heat and to seal in moisture. Ammon used L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Combing Cream, which sort of smells like heaven.

The Root of the Problem:

A lot of people think flipping their heads upside down to get out the initial dampness is a good way to begin a blowout, but in actuality, you’re only increasing your chances of fighting frizz. Nope, that’s not volume. The best place to start your blowout is right at the root. The hair there is the most difficult to manage and tends to be the most frizzy/flyaway. Drake may have started at the bottom, but we’ll begin at the top.

Know Your ABCs:

Think of your hair in sections with the root being A, the midsection being B, and the ends being C. Just as you wouldn’t recite the alphabet backwards, don’t dry your hair backwards either. Your roots retain the most moisture (and as mentioned the most stubborn texture). The ends of your hair are the driest and if you blow them for the same amount of time as the roots, you will only dry and damage them further (ever notice how that’s the first part of your hair to dry)? This might take a bit of dexterity, but with practice, you’ll have the hang of it in no time.

Frameworthy:

Many people (myself included) save the front portion of their hair for the end much like dessert. Well, because this area often includes your face framing layers, it’s important to get that portion polished before finishing up your ‘do. What’s the point of having perfectly blown out tresses at the back of your head… unless you’re a carriage driver looking to make extra tips?

Turn Down for What?:

If your dryer has a nozzle, use it. It helps to keep the air flowing in a concentrated direction. Speaking of direction (and there isn’t just one), be sure you’re blowing down. As Ammon explained to me, “Think of your hair cuticle like the scales of a fish. If you blow up, it’s like rubbing the scales in the wrong direction.”

Quality Investment:

While the Mason Pearson brush Ammon used to tug my tresses taught may be on the pricey side, he assured me that it’s well worth the investment. As far as blow dryers go, there’s no need to go pro, but an upgrade from your drugstore offerings may be in order.

Pump Up the Volume:

Now it’s time to add volume to your coif. Do so by concentrating a finishing hairspray near the roots.

With a Twist:

If you don’t love a stick straight look, add some easy bounce with a large barrel curling iron. Don’t forget to curl pieces in the front away from your face.

Finishing School:

Last, but not least, be sure to seal in your style with a finishing spray like L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Finishing Spray to extend the life of your blowout. (I carry a travel size of this spray in my bag for touch ups).

L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Shampoo, L’anza Keratin Healing Oil Conditioner, L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Combing Cream, Mason Pearson Junior Mix Brush, T3 Featherweight 2, L’Anza Keratin Healing Oil Lustrous Finishing Spray

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Fresh Start

By admin|January 5th, 2015|Setting the Mood|

The beginning of a new year may also feel for some like a new beginning. Besides going renegade on your closets, cupboards, and contact lists, it’s not a bad time to give yourself a good renovation. Sloughing off dead skin, peeling away dull layers, and slathering on something luxurious is one of the fastest ways in which to feel like a brand new woman. I’ve been toasting new moons (and nearly burning the house down), getting very clear about my desires, and contemplating new hair colors, but before doing anything too erratic, the bathroom is a good place to start.

clockwise: Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar, Omorovicza Blue Diamond Resurfacing Peel, SOVERAL Angel Balm Deep Pore Cleanser and Regenerative Mask, Susanne Kaufmann Detox Oil Scrub

xx,

WhyDid

Guest Post: Smile without Cracking Up

By admin|December 31st, 2014|Beauty Buzz, Guest Blogger|

During the bitter winter months, it’s hard to imagine wanting to pucker up when your lips feel more like cracked sidewalks than soft, sumptuous pillows. Fortunately, Dr. Kenet has some tips as to how to keep your lips kissably soft even on the coldest days.

It’s hard to look happy when you’re lips look ragged. Winter bears down on lips—low humidity, indoor heat, windy days, icy rain and snow. Of course, we know that lip balm helps, but it’s important to know the details to keep your lips looking great.

Avoid lip care products that contain phenol, menthol or salicylic acid. Although that pleasant minty blast may seem refreshing and tingly, you’re putting your lips at risk for further peeling. Removing these layers of skin leaves your lips more susceptible to the environmental factors that cause chapping.

For example: Carmex or Rosebud Balm are not recommended.

Here are some further lip tips:

No licking. Either it’s a habit or you may think you’re doing your lips a favor. In either case, it’s a mistake.
Eat right -plenty of good fats (fresh salmon, krill supplements, even a bit of grass-fed organic butter) to keep your body and skin in top shape against the elements.
Avoid matte lipstick and go for something moisturizing. A new product, Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon is a nice easy moisturizing lipstick that won’t dry lips out. Revlon Moondrops Lip Conditioner is a throwback, but it has lasted through the years as a favorite because it’s inexpensive and has all the right ingredients. Extravagance: Baum De Rose By Terry for lips gives a slight tint and tons of moisturizing protection. Go Basic: Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect, Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Do this:

After your shower, gently pat dry and get an emollient on your lips.
If your lips are already chapped, avoid sipping hot drinks for a few days.
For extreme cases, apply 1% hydrocortisone before bedtime.

1. Clé de Peau Beauté Lip Contour Treatment, $50, 2. AERIN Rose Lip Conditioner, $28, 3. By Terry Rose Balm, $60, 4. Eos Lip Balm Coconut Milk, $3.49, 5. Revlon Moon Drops Lip Conditioner, $8.99, 6. Aquaphor Lip Repair, $4.29, 7. Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment, $25, 8. Burt’s Bee Lip Crayon, $8.99, 9. Tony Moly Bbo Bbo Lip Balm in Honey, $9, 10. TokyoMilk Dark Femme Fatale Collection Lip Elixirs in Salted Caramel, $7

Why Did You Wear That: Red-y for the New Year

By admin|December 31st, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

Years ago when I bought lingerie for Henri Bendels, I stopped by the store to pick up something sparkly for New Year’s Eve. When I stopped by my own department to make sure all knickers were in tact and brassieres were stocked in all sizes, my favorite stylist informed me of her favorite New Year’s tradition: red underwear. She swore she did it every year and from what I can tell, her love life seemed to be without a deficit. So, starting that very day, I picked up a pair of panties in crimson to ring in each new year.

1. Hanky Panky Blooming Plaid Low Rise Thong, 2. L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Lucila Flocked Mesh Thong, 3. Eberjey Deirious Low Rise Thong, 4.Chantelle Rive Gauche Lace Tanga Thong, 5. Calvin Klein Sleek G-String Thong, 6. Mimi Holliday by Damaris Bisou Bisou Strawberry Split Lace Briefs, 7.Les Coquines Evi Lace Cheeky Briefs, 8. Cosabella Trenta Low Rise Four Pack, 9.Natori Feathers Hipster, 10. La Perla Studio Calla Lace Hipster Briefs

Setting the Mood: Prepare to Shine

By admin|December 30th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

The end of another year is upon us and while many of us are excited about the prospects of the upcoming year, it is important to prepare oneself for it. It’s hard to make room for new things when we carry the clutter from the past with us. I felt it was really important this year especially to do a deep cleanse of my life before the clock strikes midnight. In anticipation of the new year, here’s what I’ve been doing:

Purge, Purge, Purge: From my closet to my contact list, I got rid of all things which no longer serve a purpose in my life. Clothes with holes or stains have been put to pasture. People who act as emotional terrorists have been put on block.
Clean Slate: I scheduled a professional cleaning of my apartment and have freshly washed linens ready to put on my bed. Laundry is being done. Dishwasher is loaded.
Tied Down: I went through my inbox and mailbox and made sure to tie up any loose ends and close up any unanswered correspondence. I also made sure there were no outstanding bills or invoices unsent.
Prep Yourself: Scheduling a facial to slough off dead skin and a pedicure to dance into the New Year were the prefect ways to relax through the last few moments of the year.