May 30, 2011
May 28, 2011
February 1, 2011
Scrubbing Job
In the sea of scrubs how do you pick the right one for you? Most of us have incorporated scrubbing into our beauty routine. We know that scrubbing increases cell turnover by removing dead skin cells, thereby improving our skin’s texture and leaving it smooth and soft. We scrub on different occasions for different reasons. We scrub for better product penetration or right before seeing our boyfriend to make sure our skin is smooth to the touch. We also do it for pre-tan exfoliation to make sure that our artificial tan looks as close to the real thing as possible.
When you take in this new step in your beauty routine for the sake of having the perfect tan, you know that there are some challenges before you even apply the tan (and worry about smudging it). You know how hard it is to get some of the old tan off so that the new tan can go on perfectly?! Sometimes you have to scrub hard to get the tan off so it doesn’t show through your new tan. This tends to lead to over scrubbing which can leave our skin red, irritated and raw. In reality the cells in our skin turnover every two weeks. The dead skin cells are there to protect the new skin cells. Skin thickness and sensitivity varies across the body. Scrubbing too hard, too often or using scrubs that are too abrasive can cause dryness, irritation, cracking and increase your risk of sun damage.
When picking a scrub make sure you pick the right scrub for the intended use and your skin type. Scrub no more than twice a week with a gentle scrub or for best results every two weeks with a more abrasive scrub.
Sugar scrubs tend to be less abrasive then salt scrubs. The sugar dissolves in the hot water, which limits the time you can scrub in one place. This makes it more gentle and ideal for sensitive skin. Sugar also contains alpha hydroxy acids, which hydrate the skin.
Salt scrubs are meant for dryer, rougher skin and can help mineralize and remove toxins. If you have really sensitive skin that gets red and irritated easily, you can use good old-fashioned baking soda as its very gentle on the skin.
Cream or oil based scrubs allow for products to come off easier which means that you don’t have to scrub as hard.
When choosing a scrub that contains granules, look for a scrub with seed abrasives verses pumice, which can scratch the skin or leave minor cuts. Most scrubs sold at drugstores contain plastic beads made of polyethylene, which is the same plastic used in a water bottle.
Here are a few of our favorite scrubs:
Here are a few of our favorite scrubs:
1. Caudelie Crushed Cabernet Scrub ($29 at Sephora)- crushed grape seeds and brown sugar. Great for sensitive skin, stubborn tan residue or weekly usage. Works great, but does not smell very good.
2. Trish Mcevoy Blackberry and Vanilla Musk ($48 at Bloomingdale's)-tiny pink sugar granules that are sure to leave your skin soft and smelling fresh and sweet. Its like vanilla ice cream!
3. Ahava Stress Melt Butter Salt Scrub ($17.99 on Amazon.com)- melts from exfoliating butter to a light lotion, leaving your skin smooth and hydrated. Nature at its best!
January 31, 2011
V.Day High-End Lingerie Guide
We consider it illegal to do Valentine's Day without lingerie! In the sea of luxurious, erotic and heart-melting lingerie fashons, we have set aside the crème de la crème for your hot night. Two weeks left before the sexy day, its perfect time to shop!
1. White Muse by Kiki De Montparnasse ($275-$4,190 online): Wrap your body in luxurious french lace and finest silk with dramatic detail. This chic lingerie is designed to not only enhance a night of intimacy but also helps create it. We are huge fans of all of Kiki's instruments of pleasure, sensual accessories and fantasy collections. At one of the most beautiful boutiques in Los Angeles you are offered a glass of champagne upon the entrance to dramatic space (think claw foot tub). You can find their exquisite pieces online at http://www.kikidm.com/shop/home.php. Hurry up, get handcuffed!
2. Red Love Basque by Agent Provocateur ($180-$450 online): The ultimate agent of luxury is Agent Provocateur. Be ready to not get away from him when you reveal your hot-red decorative waist band, sensual bows and satin straps Basque. We are so lucky Valentine's Day follows Winter sales, because this seduction weapon is on sale at http://www.agentprovocateur.com/sale/info/love-basque~red. Sizes are limited, but selection of styles and colors is endless!
3. Black La Perla Gaultier Createur ($263-$523 online): Do the deadly thing wearing Femme Fatale all black overlaying silk bra and panties. Jean Paul Gaultier's exclusive creation, inspired by Madonna. Put it on in the morning before you head out to your busy day and feel like the most powerful woman in the world. Buy it online or at any Neiman Marcus, Sacks Fifth Avenue and independent lingerie boutiques nationwide.
January 28, 2011
The World Premier of Russian Ballet
Reflections is the world premiere of a co-production of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in association with Ardani Artists Management. The show stars some of the most important dancers of Bolshoi Theater: Ekaterina Krysanova, Natalia Osipova, Ekaterina Shipulina, Polina Seminova (Berlin Staatsballet), Maria Kochetkova (San Francisco Ballet) with Ivan Vasiliev, Alexander Volchkov, Vyacheslav Lopatin, and Denis Savin (Bolshoi Ballet), accompanied by the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre.
The Bolshoi Ballet Academy is the gold standard of classical ballet. They took a leap into exploring contemporary elements of the new production, which were both exciting and challenging for the dancer. Mauro Bigonzetti, the Italian choreographer, explained the inspiration behind this challenge “As boundaries were pushed, lines were blurred.” The music inspiration by Vivaldi came after meeting with the dancers, which we believe added that chic tone to the performance.
We were so lucky to attend the U.S. Premiere on Jan. 20 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center!!! From the first act, the ballet was pure and powerful, beautiful and arousing, and simply breathtaking. In Reflections, we are introduced to the creative mix of classically trained lead dancers with contemporary group of designers, choreographer and creative director. We also enjoyed the solo dance by Ekaterina Shipulina in the flowing chiffon dress in the second act, Dumka (a “Thought”) with the piano on stage and with music by Tchaikovsky to accompany her and us in the beautiful journey.
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