Post By Michelle
Ever since I was fourteen I’ve gotten really bad migraines. Horrible, debilitating migraines that will often put me out of commission for the better part of the day, if not the day or two following. I’ve tried medicine but nothing really worked well enough to keep taking it. I’ve turned to home remedies to get me through the spells and lavender seems to work the best. My secret trick is carrying around lavender wipes for when the headaches come on the middle of the day. Lavender not only aids in relieving headache pain, but it has a calming effect as well. I know that I start to panic when I feel a migraine coming on in the middle of a big day and the smell of lavender will soothe both my headache and my nerves. They’re good at home as well because lavender soothes you so much that it will aid in a good nights sleep. (When I’m home with a migraine I have an eye cover filled with lavender beads.) I carry Herban Essentials Lavender Towelettes around at all times just in case I need them. These are just the ones I use, any sort of lavender will do the trick. The website says these disinfect scrapes and burns and remove makeup so they will come in handy even if you don’t get a headache! $14 for 20 at shopintuition.com
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Can't get to the beach? Or maybe you just can't stand sand in between your toes, the heat or the crowd? Whatever your reason, you don't have to give up the beach experience this summer. My favorite things about the beach are the smell, the
exfoliation factor of the sand and salt water and the glossy sheen of sun tan oil (Bain de Soleil anyone?). These products from Bobbi Brown are my absolute favorites when I need a beach fix. It all started with the Beach Shower Gel ($32) (it was given to us at a conference where Bobbi was a speaker. She is an impressive woman and Tina and I were totally inspired). I just loved the smell of this shower gel and couldn't get enough so I got her entire line of Beach best-sellers. The Sand Bar ($16) soap is just plain brilliance in a brick form, it is bar soap that contains sand so it exfoliates as you use. So perfect for the guest bath! And if you have a beach house, how can you not have this? I used to walk around in the summer with Bain de Soleil on because I love the smell and I love the look of shiny tanned skin so I am happy to discover that the Beach Oil ($28) gives me what I want without the stickiness (and for some reason I now find it unacceptable to walk around with sun tan oil on when I am not actually tanning). Bobbi Brown products are available at Saks and Neiman Marcus if you want to stop by for testers. Savor the summer!
Post by Michelle
There’s nothing worse than finding out that the awesome new summer sandals you got totally tear up your feet! There are some things you can do for a quick fix, but I’ve never found any method that was foolproof. Band-Aid has come up with a great solution for the summertime sore feet blues. They’ve created the Blister Block stick, which is a sealant of sorts to protect your feet from the blisters that will inevitably form with new shoes. I really liked this product. It’s the shape of a small deodorant stick so it’s easy to apply and somehow, it doesn’t make your feet slippery or sticky. It just coats them so the friction caused by new shoes doesn’t hurt. The one drawback to this product is the fact that it doesn’t last all day. I had to reapply frequently throughout the day, so it’s not convenient if you’re on the go. (But then again, shoes that cause blisters aren’t convenient when you’re on the go either.) This is definitely the best blister product I’ve tried recently. Band-Aid hasn’t solved the blister problem, but they’re well on their way to it. So break out those new shoes without fear of limping the next day! It’s one of those great drugstore finds and drugstore.com has it for only $5.99.
Regular massages are not only the best way to pamper yourself, it's great for your overall health! It will stretch and loosen tight muscles, alleviate minor back pains, enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, and improve circulation in addition to many other benefits. I like getting massages at least twice a month, it's an indulgence that has become a necessity in my busy life. My husband agrees with me and for our wedding anniversary, he gave me unlimited massages and spa treatments for life at the Cooper Spa at Craig Ranch! I know, I am unbelievably spoiled but what can I say? My hubby is well trained. It is one of the top spas in the country from world renowned Dr. Kenneth Cooper, the father of exercise and aerobics (in addition to being the physician of the President of the United States, he invented and defined the word aerobics in the dictionary!). The entire spa staff is incredibly well trained and I have had services from almost every one of them. It was hard to pick one as they all have their own unique techniques so here is the list of the full time staff massage therapists for you to choose from:
Tracey Bucholtz : surrender to Tracey and you'll be in total bliss. She is a no fuss masseuse, she gets right to business and gets into spots you didn't even know were there! When she is done with you, you literally feel like a noodle. I am usually a wimp but in Tracey's capable hands, I feel no fear.
Mandy Harriman: she gives the most relaxing massages but don't let her petite frame fool you, she is also very strong!
Erin Radford: she is gentle but effective, great for you wimps out there.
For the month of JUNE 2007, Beauty Snob readers will receive 10% off a massage with any of the fantastic massage therapists at the Cooper Spa at Craig Ranch if you mention BEAUTY SNOB when you call for an appointment! So what are you waiting for? Call now for an appointment! 214-383-1010
I remember when I first discovered self tanners, I slathered it on with glee all over my body, envisioning the mysteriously dark "St. Tropez" model that was on every billboard of my youth. I went out that night to show off my new tan and instead was laughed at by my friends as I had streaks up and down the back of my arms and legs where I couldn't reach to properly blend the lotion. I was horrified and tried scrubbing it off in the shower the next morning but it wouldn't budge! The streaks stayed for over a week forcing me to wear long sleeves and pants in the middle of summer to avoid ridicule. Another mishap occured when I put on my socks right after applying self tanner later that month (no, I never learn!), not realising it would leave stripes on my ankle! And what about orange palms? No matter how much you wash your hands, for some reason it stains your hands immediately! Had this Self Tan Remover been available back then, I could have saved myself a lot of torturous scrubs and embarassment. But streaks and all, I still prefer self tanners over sun bathing, at least I am wrinkle free. $16.88 at local drug stores.
I love technology and I am all for science helping to improve my looks, especially if it is harmonious with nature. Bionova was founded by a nano-biology scientist and all the products are formulated to simulate our natural cells. That means that everything is perfectly in synch with our body because it acts as though they are the cells themselves even though it is man-made. The products are very specific and problem driven, for example I got the aging hands treatment cream ($44) which I am in desperate need of after a dry winter (and my habit of washing my hands constantly). Hands show age as much as the face does and it usually does not get as much care and attention which gives away your age no matter how well preserved your face is. So far I am impressed with the results. I do have one minor complaint, the products contain no perfumes but they do have a smell that I do not like. I was told that this is my body's "natural" scent and that it varies for everyone so I guess my complaint should be taken up with my body chemistry instead? I also got the acne and scar treatment ($48) for my cousin who was in an accident and has a terrible scar on her face (she is 14 so this scar is of great concern). She does not have an acne problem but the cream regenerates the skin cells and improves the metabolism of dysfunctional cells to reduce the appearance of the scar. Bionova's specialty is their N1-Custom Care products which are formulated specifically for you - using a quick and easy questionnaire asking your age, skin characteristics and lifestyle, custom products will be made and shipped directly to you with your name printed on the label. The ready made products are reasonably priced and worth a try. If you find that they work well, I would then invest on the custom products (at about double the price) to get maximum benefit.
In order to save the honeybees (who may or may not be in danger), I am continuing honey awareness today. One of the most incredibly delicious honey products on the market is Natura Bisse's Honey Body Refiner. Made of pure crystallized honey and Spanish magnolia, this delectible body refiner feels rich and velvety and leaves your skin utterly soft. How soft you ask? So soft you'll feel like fresh churned butter to the touch! I have been addicted since Christmas and sometimes I catch myself taking two showers a day so I can indulge. As a mother of a toddler, there is no time for baths but with the Honey Body Refiner, I don't need a long bath to feel pampered! A jar will last you many months and is worth every single penny. $105 at Neiman Marcus, if you break it down to 110 days, it's less than a dollar a day!
Speaking of indulging, I attended the most fabulous ladies luncheon in New York yesterday sponsored by Natura Bisse at the new "London" hotel with epicurean delights from Gordon Ramsay of Hell's kitchen fame. It is a very chic boutique hotel on west 54th St between 6th and 7th, you must stay there the next time you plan a trip to New York! Anyway, the luncheon was to introduce Natura Bisse's line of luxurious products to 35 of New York's finest girls. The luncheon hosts were Candace Bushnell, Coralie Charriol Paul, Christina Greeven Cuomo, and my dear friends Kimberly Schlegel Whitman and Gigi Howard. In attendance were Holly Peterson of Newsweek, freelance fashion writer Tatiana Boncompagni, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Vogue's Beauty Editor Sarah Brown, Caroline Berthet of Jimmy Choo, Fabiola Beracasa, Dylan Lauren, Karen Duffy, Annie Churchil, Tinsley Mortimer, and of course moi, the Beauty Snob herself. I will have more photos and details later this week, Vogue, WWD, and Patrick McMullen photographers were all there as well but you lucky Beauty Snob readers will get the 411 first so stay tuned!
It's well known that tan legs look skinnier and more youthful, that is until sun damage starts accumulating and your knees start sagging down to your ankles. A healthier alternative is to use products that help you obtain that bronzed glow without risking skin cancer. Philosophy's Big Skinny Tinted Body shaper is a body bronzer which gives the illusion of slimmer shapes. It's also made of shea butter which conditions and shapes your skin (thrice weekly workouts will do same by the way). I like that it's scent-free so you don't walk around all day long sniffing yourself and wondering if everyone else does too. It's also longer lasting than many of the other brands. Try The Big Skinny Nude for yourself and let me know how skinny your legs look in 5 minutes. At Sephora for $25.
The Jiggle Gel from Benefit contains chocolate and cayenne pepper and tightens and tones the skin, it's a favorite of jet setters as applying it to lower legs before, during, or after flying prevents swelling and puffiness. I think I need to hire an assistant to fly with me just to carry the beauty products I require on flight! $26 at Benefit.com.
Post by Michelle
I’m an avid runner. I love the feel of my muscles moving first thing in the morning. Unfortunately that great feeling usually leads to sore muscles later in the afternoon. I’ve tried a lot of remedies for sore muscles but the one I’ve found works best is Arnica Active Spray by Kneipp. Arnica is a natural remedy that has been used for years. It cools and soothes your muscles in an instant. I was a bit wary when trying this at first, but it really works. It’s a softly cooling sensation that eases any sort of discomfort. I recommend it for athletes and also for people who stand on their feet all day. As a bonus, Arnica helps reduce the appearance of bruises. It comes in many different forms and this spray is just one of them. Try it in any form that works for you and run or work out with ease! $15 at bigelowchemists.com
Post by Michelle
I’m not to huge of a fan of Philosophy’s bath products. I usually find them to be more about the scent then the actual product itself. But a bubble bath doesn’t have to do much other than bubble and smell good, so when I tried their Empowermint Bubble Bath, I loved it. The one thing that Philosophy does right is make fantastic smelling products! One whiff of this and I wanted to drink the whole bottle. It makes a wonderfully foamy bath with a delicious smell. I took an absurdly long bath and was reluctant to get out at the end. It didn’t do wonders for my skin, but it didn’t do anything bad to it either. It’s worth it for the sensory experience alone! $15 at Sephora.com Philosophy Empowermint Bubble Bath
