The current reigning philosophy in skincare is exfoliation. It’s important to remove the outer layers of dead skin to allow fresh skin to appear. Think about it. Retinoids, AHA/BHA exfoliants, peels are all about skin cell turnover. Circ-Cell is a line of skincare based in Dallas, TX turning that prevailing skin paradigm on its head. Circ-Cell believes in building up the skin, rather than tearing it down.
When I was asked if I was interested in trying an organic hair color, my first thought was, “how is that even possible?” I’m still unclear on the science behind Tints of Nature, but by golly, it sure does work. After four weeks, the color hasn’t faded one bit. That’s pretty darn good, folks. Continue reading
Some mornings, I wake up eager and ready to pull together a detailed, fabulous makeup look. Most mornings, I have snoozed for 18 minutes, am running late, and need to pull together a quick made-up face. Here’s the rundown for a look I’ve been doing a lot the past few months. It takes me about 7-8 minutes, so for those not as quick on the draw, let’s call it an even 10 minutes.
Before I was contacted to interview Dr. Ruthie Harper, I had already heard about her from a friend. Dr. Harper has quite the following, and it extends well beyond the city limits of Austin. She has appeared on The Doctors and Good Morning America sharing her expertise in not only skincare but also nutritional medicine. A couple weeks ago, I sat down with Dr. Harper, learned about her unique medical background and the science behind her genetically-based skincare line, SkinShift. Continue reading
Most of you probably already know about this product, and I feel foolish that I haven’t been using it for years. To think, all those instances of creased eyeshadow could have easily been avoided if I had only been using Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. But like Oasis, “I won’t look back in anger”, rather I will enjoy a future filled with long-lasting, crease-free eye makeup. I only started using this primer in the past year, but its so damn good that I have no qualms granting it Prized Product status. Continue reading
I’ve gushed long and often about my love of Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. But for all its greatness, it does have one fatal flaw: the price. Thanks to a lifetime of dental drama that had another flame-up last year, 2013 may see a record number of “Beauty on a Shoestring” posts as I tighten the belt on my beauty budget.
When my bottle of Luminous Silk dried up late last year, I was forced to find an affordable alternative for a daily foundation. Sad, I know. But this beauty tale has a happy ending. I’m ecstatic to report that I have found an outstanding drugstore brand foundation that has exceeded all my expectations. Let me tell you about Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation. Continue reading
WARNING: MAJOR DECLARATION AHEAD
I had the best facial I’ve ever had in my life. It’s kind of a milestone event. And I’m sorry that it’s taken me so long to tell you about it.
I was invited by Woodhouse Day Spa, a national franchise founded in 2001 in, of all places, Victoria, TX, to learn more about the spa and their services. Last November, I sat down with Daphne, the owner of the Westlake location, the only Woodhouse in the Austin area. Following a tour of the facilities, she and I had a lengthy, informative and all around lovely conversation. Daphne walked me through the history and philosophy behind Woodhouse, and their carefully selected product lines sold and used at the spa. She insisted that I must first try their Signature Minkyti Facial. Sounded good to me!
One of my favorite pastimes is watching the red carpet. I am a fanatic for haute couture gowns. But, alas, I no longer have cable, and hence, I don’t get to watch E!’s pre-awards show coverage like the good ole days of yore. However, my recap of last year’s Golden Globes was one of the most fun to write, so I decided I wouldn’t deny myself the pleasure of (nit)picking last night’s fashion. But I must add the disclaimer that without having seen the fashion in action, waltzing down the carpet, my analysis is based solely on still photos.
BEST RISKIEST CHOICE: Lucy Liu
This dress is one that a lot of people won’t like, but I totally love it. Yes, it’s reminiscent of wallpaper you’d find hung in the family dining room of a 19th century house, but somehow Lucy Liu is pulling off this dress. The shape is classic ball gown as done by Carolina Herrera, but the bold, floral print is unexpected and gorgeous. Lucy’s long, fishtail braid brings a modern touch to the look. And with so much going on in the dress, it was smart to select simple, diamond drop earrings as her only jewelry.
My friends at Westlake Dermatology and Iderma.com asked me to explore their products for Beautypendence. I was interested in learning about and trying GloMinerals make-up, so they generously sent me the GloMinerals Deluxe Kit. It’s a fun collection of just about everything you need to pull together a glamorous evening make-up look. Here’s the skinny on what’s included in this $85 kit. Continue reading
milk + honey has been a spa staple in downtown Austin for nearly seven years. On more than one occasion, I’ve been the lucky recipient of gift certificates to the spa where I’ve indulged in a massage, facial and mani-pedi, all exceptional. Formerly, the spa and salon were housed in separate locations in the 2nd Street District, but no longer! Just last week, milk + honey opened their beautiful, new, spacious location at the corner of Cesar Chavez and Guadalupe. I was kindly invited to partake in a service at the SALON by milk + honey to write about and share with all you Beautypendents. Continue reading
