If you haven’t already gotten to rip off your boots, I know you’re antsy to slip into sandals.
These days the polish you wear is just as notable as your shoes. And I’m sure you’ve noticed, nail color trends are getting a little more daring.
Deep reds, purple, black, and white are looking like conservative choices in comparison to OPI’s spring/summer line that includes green, blue, yellow, and metallics. (I don’t think anyone took last year’s neons seriously so they don’t count.)
Hair extensions are about as common as spray tans here in LA, but some of us have just now mustered up the courage (and cash) to check them out. I’m on my second round and still loving them. I have baby fine hair and was looking for a little length and body, so when I met Kennedy Van Dyke over lunch and found out that she is an extension specialist, I jumped on the opportunity to have her work her magic on my super fine hair. I mean seriously, thickness and length all within two hours – I’m sold!
I didn’t know exactly what to expect the first time I went in to see Kennedy, so she answered all of my questions:
How the bonds work?
They are not harmful to natural hair and come out easily when you spray a mineral oil based solution directly onto the bonds. This breaks them up (they kind of crumble) and the extension comes out easily.
Care for my “new” hair?
Don’t put conditioner near the bonds.
Blow dry the bonds any time they get wet.
Braid or put my hair back if I’m sleeping or running.
Will it hurt?
Nope. (And I actually find it really relaxing.)
How long will they last?
About 3-4 months, but you can get another set put in. Most clients don’t like to be without their extensions even for a day, so they’ll have two sets in rotation – while one is being re-tipped the other will be in their hair. The initial cost of the extensions is the most expensive part, but getting them re-tipped is a little more than half the original price.
Re-tipped? Can I reuse the same hair?
Some people like to get new hair each time that they have their extensions done because if you just have them re-tipped you’re losing a little length each time. Although in our current economy, most people are opting to re-tip instead of re-purchase hair each time.
Make your appointment with Kennedy Van Dyke today! Kennedy specializes in extensions and color, but she also gives a mean hair cut ; )
Warren Tricomi Salon 8327 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 651-4545 warrentricomi.com
Prices for extensions start at $800 and go up from there – everyone is evaluated and priced on an individual basis depending on their needs.
Full disclosure: I was not given a discount in exchange for writing this post.
Connect with me, Kallah Maguire on Twitter @emeraldscarab
Meghan used to always tell me I should get my eyebrows threaded instead of waxed. But I’m a hard head so I never listened. Then I met Edward….and I now I only wax when it’s absolutely necessary.
(Full Disclosure: Edward waxes my brows for free because we’re drinking buddies queens. You can find him here at one of the Urban Retreats in Houston if you’re curious. Otherwise, take Meghan’s advice and try threading. I love it!)
There are TONS of facial sunblocks on the market, so how do you know which one is really going to offer your skin the best protection.
Dr. Farah Shah has the answer: protection against UVA AND UVB rays.
According to Dr. Shah, a dermatologist at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Neutrogena is only brand that has Helioplex – a combination of avobenzone and oxybenzone that stabilizes the ingredients in sunscreen and protects your skin from UVB rays. Research is showing that UVB rays are probably more harmful than UVB.
The only other physical barrier is zinc oxide, which is not a good look for anyone, not even the hot lifeguard. Because I was unaware of Helioplex, I have used SkinCeuticals Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 ($37) that has a transparent zinc oxide.
Both products do the trick, but clearly have different price points.
Two more tips that Dr. Shah recommends:
Any SPF over 20 is plenty of protection. No need to hunt down SPF 100.
When you put on your sunscreen in the morning (either under or over your moisturizer), also apply it on the back of your hands. Both men and women are concerned with sun spots on their hands and often have them lasered off. However, they will come back. Prevent your hands from aging with sunscreen. You might not realize how much UVB is effecting your hands, but those rays shoot right through the windshield while your hands are on the wheel, causing them to age faster.
For the past three days I have been lathering on Ahava Enriched Intensive Foot Creme day and night in hope to soften up my big clompers before sandal season hits. Usually the foot creme is the first thing I give away from my fashion week schwag bag, but it dawned on me that this is a product I actually NEED.
The “Leave-On Dead Sea mud formulation” feels creamy and rich with a little oily finish and has just the right amount of fragrance.
I’m enjoying it thus far, but I wonder if my feet will actually get softer. We’ll have to wait and see.
(Full Disclosure: Ahava sponsored Yigal Azrouel’s show and provided gift bags with product for atendees.)
You know I’ve had both Botox and Restylane injected by Dr. Bobby (in NYC),but I’ve never brought you into the room during the procedure.
As I’ve stated in the past, I have the procedure for two reasons:
The lines in my forehead are very deep for someone my age.
I want to prevent wrinkles around my eyes and mouth from intensifying.
In this episode, I introduce Dr. Patronella (in Houston) to explain the difference between the various injectables. Then we record the actual process, which (per usual) causes me to get a little nauseous.
You’ll notice the purple spots all over my face. Dr. Patronella marked each site so you could see where he was going to inject. This is not standard procedure so you won’t look like a spotted monster when you leave the office.
My Doctor’s Info:
Dr. Chistopher Patronella
12727 Kimberley, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77024
713-799-9999
www.patronellamd.com
(Full Disclosure: Products and services were comped for Life Experiment episode.)
This just in: spotted Mermaid was seen running around Houston late this afternoon after another battle with Botox. From the looks of it, she lost.
She tried to run from us, she tried to hide, but then for the sake of a good LOL, she surrendered the photos on her iPhone from her office visit with one Dr. Christopher Patronella. The only witness to scene was apparently holding a Kodak Zi8 and shooting one of her “life experiment” episodes. Our research tells us next week’s installment will be the much anticipated taser video in which she voluntarily has electricity shot through her ass. As reporters, we find this much more entertaining than her previous rectal water stunts.
Below, see the beast in question. Warning: might not be suitable for young children.
Apparently the issue started on her forehead -
and AGE spread from there.
Mermaid turns 28 this month and seems to think she can stop Father Time from stomping all over her face.
(Full Disclosure: Botox and fillers comped by Dr. Patronella for Life Experiment episode.)
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but drugstores are stocking an even larger inventory of travel-sized products these days. Recently I picked up Christophe shampoo and conditioner and a Redken hair mask to keep my locks silky smooth while in Mexico. I felt like I had scored big time because I had never seen these two products in small bottles. AND, I had always wanted to try out them, but wasn’t ready to throw down double digits on a test drive.
Here are a list of their current brands, but I expect their selection to grow.
Many stores are catching on, but until then, plan ahead or browse on 3floz.com. You might fall in love and go back for the big bottle!
I prefer Moroccan Oil and GoSmile capsules (both of which publicists sent me for free and I fell in love with), but when you’re in Mexico you gotta go with what’s available.
