No Needles Needed

Only Edward and his brilliant little hands.

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!)

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Protecting Yourself Against UVB Rays

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:

  1. Any SPF over 20 is plenty of protection.  No need to hunt down SPF 100.
  2. 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.
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Softening Up For Summer


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.)

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Spotted Monster Spotted In H-Town

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.)

A “BEAUTIFUL” SCHWAG BAG

A “BEAUTIFUL” SCHWAG BAG

Check out the goodies you are playing for in the MTM New Year’s contest.

Some of my favorite brands I have been posting this year about have sent in products for you to enjoy!  Here’s the rundown:

Ok, so the products are all for women, but guys, you can still enter and make your favorite girl’s day!

(Full Disclosure: I requested my favorite brands and they sent in products for free.)

Winter Cleansing

This morning I went into Bella Rinova in Uptown Park because my pores looked huge and congested. The chamomile chistosan mask was the perfect ending to an hour long cleansing, exflotiation, extraction, and much needed massage session . For $95, it’s a great deal!

My skin is clean as a whistle! Other spas I love in Houston for facials: Spa du Village (see Patricia), and ZaSpa at Hotel Zaza (which has the best spa accommodations for if you want to relax and take a steam bath).

My skin is clean as a whistle! Other spas I love in Houston for facials: Spa du Village (see Patricia), and ZaSpa at Hotel Zaza (which has the best spa accommodations for if you want to relax and take a steam bath).

For more on keeping clear during the winter check out Casey’s list below.

Winter Skin Care 101 —by Casey (caseyculture)

The weather outside is frightful, but dry, flaky skin is never delightful!   Skin just can’t catch a break thanks to frigid temps, harsh winds, low humidity and varying indoor heat.  So as the temperature takes a plunge, review the following tips and remedies to treat and soothe parched winter skin.

  1. Moisture upgrade.  Update your daily evening moisturizer to a slightly richer one to deeply hydrate skin overnight.  Once a week, throw on an ultra-moisturizing hydration mask for extra TLC.
  2. Don’t forget your eyes!  Hydrating the delicate under-eye area is crucial for looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
  3. Make a date to exfoliate!  Twice a week, polish away dull cells and surface damage to reveal a radiant, glowing complexion.
  4. Indulge your bod.  When waging battle against the cold elements, rich body creams are the perfect nourishing treat from head to toe.
  5. Moisturize from the inside out!  Drinking lots of water is key all year round, but especially during the winter months.  Drinking water is the easiest way to keep you body and skin fully hydrated and looking its best.
  6. Invest in a humidifier.  During the winter, air becomes super dry in your home.  A humidifier replaces lost moisture back into the atmosphere, protecting and hydrating skin.

Gifts from Me to You!

Gifts from me to you! I’ve been collecting products from my favorite brands for the winners of my New Years contest. Above you see:   Go Smile - Touch Ups  Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Polish  Philosophy - be somebody lotion   June Jacobs - Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Mask   Altru - Incense   Eve Pearl - Dual Lip Gloss  A FREE 3 day Blue Print Cleanse   And that’s not even everything! I’ll announce the contest on Wednesday.

Gifts from me to you!

I’ve been collecting products from my favorite brands for the winners of my New Years contest.

Above you see:

And that’s not even everything!

I’ll announce the contest on Wednesday.

Sweet Smell of More For Less

Sweet Smell of More For Less — In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon for Avon

I love buying new perfumes and changing up my scent depending on the season, time of day, and my mood.  But let’s be honest, that’s not really financially responsible at $50+ a pop.  And because it’s so pricey I’m pretty picky with my choices.

These days publicists have been sending me new fragrances left and right, but I haven’t wanted to wear one of them until now.

Reese Witherspoon’s new perfume for Avon, called In Bloom, is one of the most versatile scents I’ve come across.  The celebrity endorsed name is a bit cheesy, but the product delivers.  It’s floral, but not too sweet; strong enough to catch attention without being overpowering; feminine without being girly; works for day and night.  I received the bottle while my family was visiting in Houston, and everyone (Mom, Aunt, Dad, Grandfather) really liked it.

Plus, it’s $35 as apposed to $60, like some of my other favorites (which include Jo Malone, Versace Black Diamond, Michael Kors, and a few others).

TRAVELING LIGHT — ThreeOunce.com

TRAVELING LIGHT — ThreeOunce.com

Don’t you hate how you can’t find name brand toiletries to pack in your carry-on bag at your local drugstore?  Some have a big selection of the little bottles, but there is never a guarantee.

Check out ThreeOunce.com for drugstore brands you won’t mind using while traveling.

You’ll find Neutrogena, Oil of Olay, and a few more names you know for the price you pay in the actual store.  Selection is a little light right now, but after the site gets going, I’m sure they’ll have everything your little heart desires.

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