PiPress Art

Two new pieces of St. Paul Pioneer Press Art by Susan Tinkham.
Both pieces were written by journalist Allison Kaplan.

Into Perspective

My last post was pre-STYLEDLIFE/styledlook's "Open Closet" night at the Perspectives Family Center.
I had no idea how much this evening was going to affect me.

I accepted the invitation to help for the simple fact that Kevin and Tim are two of my best friends and they asked me. They wanted me available to do hand massages for women who were going to be "styled" by the STYLEDLIFE crew. Perfect, I can do that.

Having spent so many years in the spa biz, this is a nice treat for me. I truly miss the "touching" aspect of working with clients. And to do it for an event like this was magical.

Kevin Quinn donates a portion of STYLEDLIFE sales to Perspectives.
He and his crew then shop for clothes, shoes and accessories and then plan this event.
They bring in hair and makeup, stylists, photographer, videographer and their friend Becky to do some kick-ass hand massages. All volunteers. Whew!

Each woman receives 2-3 new "looks" and gets to go home with the goods.

The evening begins with a "before" photo and then off to shop with their very own personal stylist who assists them in choosing head-to-toe outfits. During their consultation they are also given tips on how to wear clothes and accessorize for their body type, etc.
Then, when their outfits were put together, it's off to hair and makeup and then their final photo shoot.

I floated around looking for women who were in between services, then offered mine.

Without going into detail, the women who are benefiting from Perspectives have had challenges that most of us will never have. Perspectives is helping them put their lives back together.

When I was asked to help with this event I wondered if it would be difficult for me to get these women to allow me to touch them. I never once felt apprehension as I asked them to come along with me.
We sat together, facing one another and chatted, while I massaged. It was easy conversation. Another pleasant surprise.

On a final note, I simply must say that Natalie from Rocco's, in the Galleria, was a ROCK STAR! This woman was pounding out hair and makeup like nobody's business. Seriously.
I kept thinking she would have an assistant arrive at any moment. She could have used one. I was certain one was coming. They never did.
I worked right next to Natalie and we were both so busy, we were never properly introduced.
That being said, I cannot tell you how much I was inspired.

Like I said, it was magical.

Perspectives

My great aunt founded a battered women's shelter in Indiana.
I would see her every Christmas and she always had the most hopeful stories of those women and their children.

When I was asked by Tim, of STYLEDLIFE fame, to help out with the STYLEDLIFE/styledlook Open Closet Night at Perspectives Family Center, of course I said yes.

Their mission - Breaking the cycle for at-risk families and children for total family recovery is accomplished through an award-winning, comprehensive model that includes: supportive housing, case management, mental health services, parent education, and child enrichment programming.

Their results strengthen families, restores dignity, and creates hope.

Perspectives, Inc. is a multi service agency whose award-winning prevention, intervention, and recovery programs span over three decades. Our target population is vulnerable, at-risk families and children whose lives have been derailed because of addiction, homelessness, or mental illness.

StormSister will be there on Monday offering hand massages with local hand and foot care brand, NONTOXIQUE.

Soft hands and new outfits. That'll make a girl feel special.

That Bombshell's Two Cents

Hi Becky-

I wanted to get back to you with my thoughts on the makeup I bought last week.
My favorite product, hands down, is the Lipgloss in F78 (Translucent Pink). I'm amazed at how well it lasts, especially for a lipgloss. It adds the perfect sheen and boosts every lipstick I've paired with it. I also LOVE the flavor - it's so nice.
I like the Lipstick in F120 ( Pearlized Fuschia Corydale) - the color is great and it wears really well. I bought a "pearl" formula and am not thrilled with the pearly bits. They make the color look great but feel kind of harsh on my lips. I'll be back for more shades!

The one item I'm not impressed with is the Eyeliner in Tamaris. The liner feels really dry during application, so it pulls at my lids. And the color doesn't last - it's worn off by the end of my work day.

So, there go - my two cents on my new Fleur's products. I've been thinking about the Compact Powder in F79 (Clear Matte) ever since and plan to pick it up in the coming weeks.

Have a great weekend!

Sara

My response:

Very interesting about the lipstick. Though, I COMPLETELY know what you are saying about that particular shade. That shade has the most mica in it and I feel it is the least creamy of all of them. I just use lipgloss over mine ;o)

I use liquid liner for the very reason you gave about the pencils. I don't want any pulling on my delicate eye tissue and don't use any pencil of any sort.
Though, I am waiting on some samples of a "healthier" (really) eye pencil line that looks very promising. But, unless it is creamy, like lipstick, I won't be carrying it.

I'll let you know when it comes in and you can come and try it out.

Phytoceane Feedback

I've been meaning to tell you that my complexion looks fantastic after using Phytoceane's Intense Lifting Radiance Serum. I'm also impressed that small bottle has lasted almost 3 months and still isn't empty.

Katherine K. - North Carolina

Cult Products

One of my favorite products made it into a Jenn Falik "Cult Products" video.

Mbeze Deodorettes.

DIY Facial Mask

It was DIY Day over at Beauty Bets and we LOVED this tip. Thanks Elizabeth and Melissa!

Roundup

My favorite Bombshell wants some White Gardenia Pre de Provence shea butter soaps.

Don't you?

Whose got some dough?

Anyone know of any grants or investors out there for a girl who has a product she has developed?

The product is brilliant. It's truly a 100% plant-based grooming product scented with a 100% certified organic essential oil blend.

The packaging is 100% recyclable/30% post consumer paper waste, acid/chlorine free paper and manufactured by a midwestern family-owned paper mill. The mill is powered by 100% hydroelectric power.

A St. Paul independent designer has developed all packaging and marketing materials which will be printed here in the Twin Cities by a local printing agency.

The product recipe is developed and will be manufactured by a small business in Minneapolis. Product brand and marketing is all set to go.

From start to finish, only small business owners are associated with this product and its development.

Who's in?
Serious investors only as you will sign a confidentiality agreement to view business plan of the product.

Bombshell Beauty Shopping

I love playing beauty shop. Especially with those that love it as much as I do.

Thanks, Sara!

Vie Collection feedback

That didn't take long.

The Vie Collection - High Perfection Wrinkle Cream is a very new moisturizer and recently arrived in our Spatique. Now it's not just me and the PW's that love it! Read on.

Hi Becky -- just wanted to say thanks for thinking of me and sending off the new moisturizer -- it's really really nice!

The French make great cosmetic products and wonderful desserts!!!! - (Why yes they do, Janice)

Janice D.B. - New Jersey

White Gardenia

New shea butter soap scent from Pre de Provence.

Sure to be a big hit!

Sunscreen Chemical Data

(Reuters) - A senator on Sunday called on the FDA to reveal findings on a possible link between a chemical found in most sunscreens and skin cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been reviewing data from several studies on a potential link between retinyl palmitate (RP), a common sunscreen additive and cases of skin cancer, since July 2009, but has yet to issue any rulings or guidelines, Senator Charles Schumer said.

"With the recent reports suggesting a possible link between skin cancer and a common chemical found in sunscreens, the FDA must act now to protect consumers," Schumer said at a news conference and in a later statement.

"Summer is here, people are soaking up the sun and the FDA needs to immediately provide guidance and reassurance to consumers," the New York Democrat added.

The FDA's National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) have conducted studies that suggest a possible link between skin cancer and retinyl palmitate, Schumer said in calling for the FDA to provide its evaluation of the data and recommendations immediately.

He also pressed the agency for a time line for new sunscreen regulations.

Retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A derivative, is found in hundreds of the most popular sunscreen products.

One study found that tumors and lesions developed up to 21 percent faster in lab animals coated in retinyl palmitate-laced cream than animals treated with a cream that did not contain RP, Schumer's office said.

(Reporting by Chris Michaud, Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

I have double-checked and none of our sunscreens contain this chemical. But again, most of my SPF brands are French and it is no secret the EU regulates their beauty/cosmetic/personal care industry.

Not Only For Your Bath

The Pre de Provence Marseille 72% olive oil soap is easily our most popular bar.
This soap has been manufactured for over 600 years. That says a lot, don't you think?

Europeans not only use it to bathe, but they also used it for laundering and we're beginning to catch on.

In our continuous quest to clear up our various skin allergies and the realization that unscented (anything) laundry soap is a big scam, more and more of us have decided to make our own laundry soap - For a truly 'fragrance free' laundry.

I wonder if the current financial crisis has spurred interest in this homemade option as well.

Whatever the reason, many are choosing this olive oil soap to use in their laundry soap recipe.
Substitute in the Marseille soap for the Fels-Naptha - Fels Naptha ingredients are questionable.

Blue Micro-algae

Phytoceane Homme (for men) includes Jania Rubens - like all Phytoceane products - but it also contains a blue micro-algae.

Phytoceane utilizes the power of the sea to help care for men’s skin. In addition to its unique characteristics, it is subjected each day to shaving, hard water, soap and a lack of hydration. Based on these observations, Phytocéane has expanded its range to include a line of skin care adapted to men’s needs, while providing immediate results.
Using expert knowledge of the marine world, our researchers have formulated each product of the men’s collection with vegetal coral, and blue micro-algae; these ingredients are renowned for their protective, moisturizing, remineralizing and smoothing properties. This exclusive cocktail is combined with unique natural ingredients that meet the special needs of each skin type.

These blue micro-algae come from the crystal-clear waters of Klamath Lake. They are renowned for their exceptional nutritive properties.
At the heart of Oregon, amidst a region of intense volcanic activity, this lake boasts a rare preserved ecosystem. It benefits from exceptional sunlight, 300 days of the year continuously fed by rivers and cascades from the melting snow and glaciers of the volcanic “Cascade” mountain chain, the water is absolutely pure. You can see 30 meters in depth with the naked eye.
This is the only place on earth where these micro-algae grow in their pure form. They help maintain the unique ecosystem of this setting.

Born 3.5 million years ago, these were the first microorganisms to synthesize oxygen and feature photosynthetic properties.
Like humans and animals, their cellular envelope is made of proteins.
Like bacteria, their genetic information is distributed throughout the entire cell, not just in the nucleus. This helps them to rapidly adapt to change.
These algae were chosen by our researchers for their exceptional properties and composition.

An Exceptional Composition
A concentrate rich in essential amino acids: lysine, proline, and cysteine.
It contains about 65% proteins and 46% essential amino acids. These acids are essential components of collagen fibers. They help produce hormones and enzymes.

A unique vitamin cocktail:
A: helps slow signs of skin aging
E: anti-free radical, reduces the risk of loss of elasticity
C: makes up the collagen and elastin fibers, anti-free radical
B1: improves microcirculation and the oxygenation of tissues
B2: improves cellular renewal
A great diversity of minerals and trace elements:
Copper: important for enzyme activity, increases cellular energy and the production of collagen and elastin
Manganese: protects free radicals
Iron: important for cellular respiration and tissue oxygenation

Unique Properties
Thickening of the epidermis.
Reduction of the thickness of the stratum corneum due to slowed formation of corneocytes. Improvement of epidermal renewal due to increased vitality of the keratinocytes of the basal layer.
Densification of the dermis.
Inhibition of collagenase (enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen). Protection of collagen with dense support tissue.

An Exceptional Composition
Corallina officinalis: reduces blotchiness, improves cellular cohesion and tissue oxygenation. Soothing, desensitizing and anti-irritant properties.
Jania rubens: vegetal coral with moisturizing, balancing and remineralizing properties.

My inSPArations

I heart Saint Paul. - Some of my favorite places and products.

Thank you to Stacy De Young at the651.com for the opportunity. Super fun!

Live! With Regis and Kelly

One of my favorite products continues its march to the top.

Behind the Scenes - "Never let 'em see ya sweat".
Michelle Champagne is the show's Emmy Award winning makeup artist and names MBeze as her favorite :)

Her review is as follows:

A big hit at the LIVE Show, I have saved my favorite for last.
This natural and organic skincare line offers deodorettes and dabber dust.
The eight unique scents are subtle and refined, almost understated...in a very good way.
Sweet Sanura...Sweet Orange & Egyptian Musk
Ife...Sandalwood & Strawberry
Cruizee...Cucumber, Jasmine & Mint Tea
Aim to be Pleased...Cherry Blossom & Sandalwood
Once Bitten...Apple Blossoms, Vanilla & Lime
Twice Shy...Pink Grapefruit & Raspberry
Koko Haze...Coconut, Hazelnut, & Mango
Me.. just you, scent free
The precious Deodorettes are tiny portable deodorants that you can pop in your smallest clutch.
Another unique product in the line is the Dabber Dust which is a powder to be dabbed under the arms to help absorb perspiration. No aluminum.
Dedicated to high standards, MBeze is hand-mixed and hand-poured in small batches to ensure freshness and avoid waste.
Paraben, Phalate and Animal Testing Free

Seeds of Beauty

Learn about the moisturizing properties of the natural oil obtained from jojoba seeds that will benefit your hair, skin, and nails.

Grown in the Sonoran Desert and surrounding areas of the U.S., jojoba is a shrub that is popular for the rich yellow-gold oil that is extracted from its seed. Jojoba oil, used for centuries by Native Americans who inhabited Northwest Mexico, has been used for a number of purposes, including a medicine for cancer and kidney disorders, a dietary supplement, and healthy beverages. Its most popular use was as a moisturizer for the hair, scalp, and skin because its unique chemical makeup actually mimics the sebum the skin produces. In addition to its ideal chemical makeup, jojoba oil is odorless, colorless, and oxidatively stable. It is also a natural carrier of vitamin E, as well as an antioxidant, making it the ideal ingredient.
According to spa director Myrna Beardshear at Red Mountain Spa , all skin types can benefit from the oil. “Jojoba is rich in vitamin E, so it promotes a glowing complexion,” she says. “It is also an excellent carrier oil for aromatherapy, because it does not overpower the essential oils, and it forms a barrier on the skin that aids in hydration.”
According to Teresa Stenzel of Bioelements’s, “Jojoba oil helps lock in moisture while smoothing and softening the skin,” says Stenzel. “It is also known for its ability to penetrate rapidly into the top layer. It benefits the skin by combining with the intercellular lipids already present to reduce trans-epidermal water loss.”
Many spas incorporate the oil into scalp treatments to relieve dryness, itchiness, and
flakiness and return natural moisture to the scalp.

Another great use for this oil is during nailcare treatments, as it is ideal for keeping nailbeds and cuticles soft.
In addition to its moisturizing benefits, jojoba also acts as a good exfoliant when the jojoba seeds are used.
Try and incorporating jojoba into your hair, scalp, body and nailcare routine. Says Beardshear, “It really is an amazing oil.”

CARING FOR MEN’S SKIN

A necessity...

Because men are subject to stress and external aggressions, i.e. climate, pollution, and cigarette smoke, this can wreak havoc on their skin. Plus the daily shaving routine causes additional dehydration and sensitivity on the skin’s surface. On average, during his lifetime, a man spends six months shaving to remove the 15,000 hairs distributed over 2/3 of the face. Shaving daily leaves 57% of men with stressed, imbalanced, and stripped skin.

Because many men still do not properly use skin care products on a daily basis leaving their skin imbalanced (dry, shiny, dull...)

Because men are increasingly aware of their appearance.

Men’s use of skin and body care products is no longer considered occasional; in fact, it is becoming increasingly common.

TEXTURES that are specifically adapted to men’s skin .Men’s skin is physiologically thicker and oilier than women’s: the ultra-light, non-greasy PHYTOMER/PHYTOCEANE textures penetrate easily.

QUICK and PLEASANT to use. Products with original concepts that offer a wide range of sensations: a wave of freshness thanks to the key marine ingredients and products that provide comfort, softness and the pleasure of clean, clear, shine-free skin.

A FRESH and INVIGORATING SCENT for a boost of energy upon application.

THE SPECIFIC CHARACTERISITICS OF MEN’S SKIN

A hair system that is more developed and plays a protective role.

Thicker skin: the epidermis has more cellular layers (the stratum corneum is 16 to 22% thicker than in women) and a higher number of cells so it is more prone to a dull, sluggish tone.

Increasingly resistant skin: contains 22% more collagen, which explains why the skin’s aging process begins later than it does in women.

Although the effect of aging doesn’t begin as quickly in men as in women, once visible signs begin to appear, they do so rapidly and the aging process continues to accelerate

Higher number of androgens: sebaceous secretion are 30% higher than that found in women, causing oilier skin, dilated pores, and a coarser skin texture.

Cleanse twice a day - Morning and evening.

Moisturize twice a day, after shaving. Apply moisturizer on wet skin, either wet from water or toner.

If eye care or anti-aging are concerns, use the Winkle Prevention Cream as your moisturizer.

If your skin is excessively oily, use this Anti-Shine Gel as your moisturizer.

Twice a week exfoliate. – This step is important to rid skin of dead skin cells and to help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs.

The sea is a reservoir filled with powerful ingredients that are perfectly adapted to restoring well-being with natural and therapeutic benefits. The sea is also a challenging universe with extreme and constantly changing conditions (tides, storms, cold temperatures, etc.). The marine plant world has been able to develop effective means of protection in order to adapt to the conditions in this hostile environment. PHYTOMER/PHYTOCEANE laboratories have focused their research on sea plants to create Homme-specific ingredients.

MARINE OXHYLIUM

A red algae extract from Coralina officinalis which is naturally rich in calcium and magnesium with powerful oxygenating and detoxifying properties that is easily assimilated by the skin.

Magnesium is widely recognized for its anti-free radical and energizing action. Calcium is an element that is vital to our cells, enabling them to breathe more effectively. It reinforces cellular cohesion within the epidermis, especially when it is being aggressed (shaving, environmental factors...).

EFFECTIVENESS AND REFINEMENT FOR MATURE SKIN

A cocktail of powerful marine active ingredients:

Energizing Marine Concentrate is an aqueous extract of Laminaria Digitata brown algae, highly cocentrated in active molecules. It helps skin cells regain new youthful appearance by stimulating the activity of mitochondria.

Energizing Marine Concentrate combats cellular aging with:

Everlasting Marine Essence, for its antioxidant action

Marine Peptides, for their action against sagging and dark circles

Samphire Oil, for its anti-wrinkle action

A rich cream texture that penetrates rapidly without leaving an oily film for unique comfort on the skin.

Spectacular effectiveness results:

Smoothing effectiveness: 87% satisfaction*

Regenerating effectiveness: 74% satisfaction*

Nail File

Pink Berry

Nothing says summer better than ice cream sundaes, floral-print dresses, strappy sandals, and tips and toes glazed with pretty pink tones.

Our top contender this season: SpaRitual Hope Springs Eternal, a hot pink shimmer. - K.D. of American Salon magazine.

Get a Hair Cut - Help Save the Gulf

Lorri Weisen, owner

Hairs to You

Excerpt from Lorri's newsletter.

If you've been to her salon lately, no doubt you've heard about their efforts with Matter of Trust, the non-profit organization that turns hair clippings into absorbent "booms" that soak up the oil from oil spills. She's been a member for years but hasn't donated until this catastrophe hit.

Lorri has a Florida home just minutes from the most beautiful beaches on the gulf. When she received the first email from Lisa Gautier, the president of Matter of Trust, she knew I had to help out. Immediately she hopped on a plane to donate her Florida garage to house the hair arriving from all over the country. She also searched for the people she needed to connect with. 24 hours later, her address was a hair drop-off site and she was a "First Wave Boom B Q'er"!

Lorri says, "It was, and still is, amazing to be part of an organization that is solution oriented and positively focused. To watch the news and hear the reports of what is happening and know there is something we can all do to help, even in a small way, makes it somehow bearable...at least for me it does."

If you'd like to know more about what's happening with the Gulf- that you won't find in main stream media - sign up for her blog or check out the salon's FaceBook page. She stays updated through emails from Lisa, Ingrid and all the other "Boom B Q'ers", so she updates it often. She'll also be heading back to Florida in a week or so to have her own Boom Making Party! They will continue to collect hair for Matter of Trust, so every time you get your haircut, know it will be helping with the efforts!

Lorri is also the owner/founder of Greenbody Greenplanet haircare.

Beauty and The Oil Beast

Galen Labs and StormSister Spatique get a plug in this story in the LA Examiner.
Thank you so much, Jennifer Geisman.

These hair boom are becoming more and more controversial as the BP oil DISASTER continues.
Wow, hair and nylons. Who'da thunk.

God forbid a bunch of hairdressers could actually contribute to the solution of your mess. Right, BP?

Hair Boom

BP won't use them.

That's good of you BP, because you have the luxury of time and have come up with so many stellar remedies to this CF thus far. Assholes.

The Coast Guard won't use them and is pleading to salons across the nation, and world, to stop sending hair to the Gulf.

Watch this video, please.

Booms are not the only answer to this DISASTER, of course. But, the hair boom do work. Why are they not being used?

Several companies make non-hair boom and they only have limited effectiveness. Of course that can be said of the hair boom as well.
"Good oil containment boom material has become scarce and more expensive." That is a very telling statement.

Certainly hair and nylons are cheaper to manufacture into boom. Hair is being donated by the tons.
Are they being shunned because there isn't a ton of money being made from them? Makes me wonder.

What is oil boom made from? Polyethylene - A petroleum product.
Interesting, isn't it?
The same product that is polluting the Gulf Coast is used to make the only oil boom that they want to use.

BP cannot stop their disaster, yet they REFUSE to allow Matter of Trust to do something. Anything.

This is an absolute horror.