Oh D'Mai

For my birthday each year for the past 3 years I take the day off and go spa-ing. I wish I could do it more often but time and money sometimes is a barrier.

However, my favorite spa that I revisit each year is having a special which I hope you can enjoy. D'Mai Urban Spa, located in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, is offering 20% off it services if booked between Monday -Thursday, starting now to December 31st.

Their prices are already reasonable and the place is fabulous. The reasons why I love it:

1. The quiet neighborhood - What is the point of going to a nice spa and entering/leaving in a busy area (i.e. Manhattan)


2. Good touch, Good eats - Not only are their snacks healthy and yummy as you wait in between services or just in general. When you are done a stroll 2-3 blocks down places you among some nice eats.


3. The service - The people there are just so nice and friendly. I feel like a queen each time.

Book your service or get a discounted gift certificate for a friend (for a massage or facial only); hop on the 2/3 train to Bergen street and walk 4 blocks to relaxation.

To Eat or To Wear Your Fruits and Veggies

I have a pretty sensitive nose and can pick up a stench a mile away, so I greatly appreciate the smell of clean. It makes me wonder with all the types of scents out there, from sweet to savory what about the idea of just smelling fresh and clean?

I feel very strongly and highly recommend that with body washes and lotions you keep a a natural fresh scent. My recommendation for a great clean start each day is:

1. Step 1: Start with a moisturizing and gentle maybe warm scented body wash (i.e. Oil of Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter body wash or SoftSoap Ultra Rich Shea Butter body wash.
2. Step 2: Make sure your lotion isn't too strong in a fragrance leaving room for your perfume to do her job. I really love and recommend Nivea Origianl Moisture and Jergens Original Scent - Cherry Almond

Remember people are around you all day and you want to smell according to how you want others to interact with you; do you want them energized (maybe something with Ginseng or Eucalyptus) or feel really comfortable in your presence (linen, fresh cotton scent).

Enjoy and remember to be mindful on how you layer on your scents from body wash to lotion to perfume.

- KC

Online Beauty Appts Finally - YES!!

Most of you are probably familiar with OpenTable.com. The site that allows you to make restaurant reservations online, even for the top notch hard-to get-a-table venues.

Well if you do and you are like me, online bookings are a blessing. You don' have to worry about talking to someone that will mess up your requests AND you get a confirmation number to say yes I do have an appt/reservation.

The fabulous news is not only can you pay bills ; book trips and score a table for dinner on line, BUT now you can make all your beauty needs appts too at Lifebooker New York City Whoo Hoo.

For any of you that are busy during the day and no time to chat for nosey colleagues to be in your business. With a few click voila you can book an appt at Acqua Beauty Bar and others in minutes.

Beauty Tip - For Happy Feet

With summer fun comes summer beauty maintenance.

Now, we all may have something we want to change about our feet. One of the main changes many will like to make is the removal of that little friend on top of the toe that is obvious because it's like 3 shades lighter than you. (I will assume you know what I mean..hmmm)

A very quick and easy fix to that is your handy dandy concealer. Yes, I said it, dab concealer on that bad boy and Voila! it practically disappears and you and the people across the train car are all happy!

The purchase process:

• Try a creamy stick foundation. Black Opal works pretty well regardless of your complexion.
• This should be a cheap purchase at your local Duane Reade or CVS.
• Get one about a share or two darker than you. Remember if you select one as you select for your face it's not going to cover. Unlike your face you want to go darker or exact shade to your feet.
• This is a great way to use that old concealer that was just not working for you months ago
• Get a small size so you can carry around
• Last, be mindful of the adjustment you made and don't put your feet up in some one's white couch.

Happy walking!

Prime Time

I always wonder how can I make my make up last for a full day or at least a full work day. I was told a while back that a primer can make a big difference, but I was reluctant because of my oily skin.

I finally gave in and tried Smashbox's primer which was good, but not for the oily skin types (maybe in the winter or when the air is really dry). But the primer that has worked best for me since mid last year and I can finally attest to is Laura Geller's Spackle.

It is very light weight and has a slight iridescent to it that makes you glow just a tad bit once makeup is applied.

My routine is to apply to my skin about 10-15 minutes after I applied my moisturizer. I think wait about another 5 minutes before applying my makeup.

For my oily skin, it has worked wonders. My face has an even tone, provided by the makeup that lasts all day. In the cases I do get a bit oily; it is as if the primer allows for equal distribution of the oil so I don't look gross.

A said benefit of primers are that is creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup to keep it healthy and smooth. I believer that, but also keep in mind the primer itself is a product that can have some affect.

Enjoy your primer - whichever you choose.

You think you know, but you have no idea...

So think you know what your true Bra size is. Did you let one of those cute sales associates at Victoria's Secret measure you with pre-marked pink tape (hint: Vicky's may not even have your size! Can you really trust it?)? Or do you figure you've just had the same bra size since high school? If any of the above applies to you...sweetie, it's time to get a REAL Bra Fitting! You don't have to take my word for it. Tim Gunn regularly sends the guests on his show to professional bra fittings before starting the makeover process. Ensuring the proper fit for your girls will not only give you proper support but it is the necessary foundation to make your clothing far more flattering. In one episode Tim sent his guest to Bra*Tenders in the theatre district and I promptly setup an appointment. Yes, its by appointment only, but you're getting the personal attention the whole time! Raquel, the fit specialist, is a doll and absolutely AMAZING. She has been in the business since she was 15 year old a figured me out in a few quick looks. Evidently, I was wearing a band size too big and a cup size to small, nor would I have ever known without her because my size isn't sold in your average retail store!!! They have oodles of styles and brands, some I never heard of before; I could have been there for hours. For starters, I picked up a basic black, basic nude, and sexy little lace number for fun.

630 9th Avenue New York, NY 10036
(212) 957-7000 www.bratenders.com

So please do yourself the favor and setup an appointment with Raquel. Your owe it to yourself to have at least one wardrobe-enhancing well-fitting brazier ($45-75 range).

My Favorite Lip Balm

When it comes to lip balms I am tres tres picky. The one thing I hate is a shiny gloss that does nothing but makes your lips appear moist but underneath it feels dry. That only leads to having a two-setp process of applying moisturizer and then your favorite shine (ex: MAC's lip glass).

Finally I found a shiny lip balm that REALLY works. C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Cinnamint Lip Shine. It truly moisturizes and adds a lasting sheen. I am very much impressed.

ALERT! Body Shop Sale

This Thursday (11/20) The Body Shop is having their "Celebrate You Event" and all purchases receive an additional 20% off!

A good way to stock up on gifts and stuff just for you. I am a personal fan of their Home Fragrance Oils and of course the Body Butters.

Some how The Body Shop has my number and sent out a mass voicemail with this info. Any questions call 888-534-6159



Enjoy!!

Funky Fresh Fingers For Fall-Winter

Here is the skinny on the polish trend for upcoming cold months: Go Dark. Go Metallic.
Blacks, purples, blues, browns....Very dark polish is no longer just for punk rockers and goths. Take a look around on the train tomorrow morning, women of all ages and professions are embracing this powerful fashion statement in the boldest of colors with a splash of metallic shimmer. I stopped one fabulous 40-something on the 3 train last week wearing a striking yet feminine blackish-purple and asked her "where did you get the polish?". Her response was Essie - Sexy Divine. Essie is a very respected brand on the manicure circuit..now would they (or I) steer you wrong? Of course not! The economy sucks...if you can't spruce up your wardrobe just yet, get your nails a new doo!

Essie-Sexy Divide $8

TIP: I've been a huge on DIYmani/pedicures after I discover the secret to professional manicures at home....Step-by-Step buffers. They start you off with course buffer until you end on a smooth side to give your nails a natural high gloss shine. No matter how much of a rush I'm or if I screw-up my polish, a well buffed nail will ALWAYS look salon finished. I bought one at CVS for $3 and it has 7 steps. Also, I received Obey Your Body Nail Kit as a gift which has a great buffer,but is more costly.

Obey Your Body Buffer - $14.99

Ask For Helen...

As much as there are many nail salons throughout NYC I still find it challenging to find one that does a good job. I've tried several places ranging from salons I saw on the street to ones that made it on someone's "Best in New York City" list. Today my two favorite spa/salons have been consistently good for quite sometime now. What I love about them is they are the perfect medium between a full fancy spa and a neighborhood walk-in spot. They are not pretentious but offer great service to everyone:

Serenity Spa

6th Avenue between 26th and 27th street

212-481-7898

Note: Ask for Helen, she takes her time to make sure every nail bed is clean and polished perfectly.

Acqua Beauty Bar

14th Street between Union Square West and Fifth Avenue

212-620-4329

Note: Ask for Lilly and get the smoothing pedicure if you can

Your Face, by Abebi

Rukiya Jeffers, NYC based make-up artist and esthetician extraordinare, is ready to glam your look for your next special occasions. Weddings, graduations, girls night out...you name it and she will be there to bring on the pretty! She is especially talented in working with woman of color and complex skin types. Check out her work below!


Make-up Application


Chemical Skin Peel



Abebi Beauty
abebibeauty@gmail.com
917 769 5518

Feeling Fab Under $20

I know I talk a great deal about being financially responsible and glamming it up on the budget....but sometimes I really want something for the sake of having it. For instance, I LOVE Chanel...such an iconic feminine and uber fabulous brand and I often daydream about touting a big 'ole Chanel bag on my shoulder down 5th Ave. I know there are fashionista's out there who feel the same. In fact, I once heard this woman calling into the Suze Orman show asking if it was O.K. for her to spend a WHOLE paycheck on limited edition Chanel clutch (DENIED!)

In the end, it is the desire to *feel* fabulous which causes brief glitches in our sanity from time to time. With that I offer an alternative! Get your fix of glam with the less expensive designer accent pieces. Let's say a watch, a wallet, or even nail polish...yes nail polish!!

I walked in to the SOHO Bloomingdales and picked-up this $19.00 bottle of Chanel Le Vernis. I absolutely adore it; the color is chic, it's very durable and I do feel sassy walking in to the nail salon with this cute bottle. I am very happy with my Chanel fix and even happier I didn't spend my rent money to get it!

Chanel Le Vernis $19.00

Alerts! J.Crew Ends Soon & More...

Hi All,

The below images of the J.Crew sale (ends Friday) and Sephora Promotion (for Sephora if you can't see the promotion code is "HONEY" are self-explanatory). I won't waste your time with creative narrative:

Wax On. Wax Off.

I have this Love/Hate relationship with hair removal. I love the outcome but hate the process of getting there....and who doesn't! Razors leave awkward stubble in two hours. Depilatory creams STINK to high heaven and you have to stand as if your left leg is allergic to your right for 13 minutes to get your legs smooth. Lets not even get started on how much going to waxing salon costs...

In my quest to find a cheap, long lasting and EASY way to remove hair I stumbled across the Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit (for body, legs, arms and bikini)

$8.19

The box contains 15 double sided strips with pre-applied wax. You heat up the strip by clasping it between your hands and rubbing them together a la Mr Miyagi. Then peal the back side of the strip from the front side, which will leave you with 2 strips. Slap it on your place of choice and peel quickly while you hold the skin taught. You throw the used strip away and do it again! I won't lie you ...it hurts...but after all it's still waxing. But its worth enduring as the results last up to 8 weeks! I must say that I used it on my legs, which I did let growth for a couple of weeks for best results. Also, I tend to have very thin hair so I would imagine that also aided in achieving positive results from this product. Since the strips use a limited amount of wax so I would imagine it would not be as effective on course hair. So with that said, I definitely vouch for this kit! Happy Waxing ;-)

Sex and the City...It's finally coming!

I am uber exited about the coming of the Sex and the City movie. I'm saying...we were teased for years over the possibility of the movie being filmed, and now its only a few months away. I will be there with bells on May 30th for the premiere and I hope Carrie and Co. won't disappoint. Who am I kidding, of course they won't!

My girlfriends and I are going to make it a day event including a mani/pedi at Dashing Diva, dinner and other goodies. Me, I'm preparing by ordering my "Carrie" necklace (In my name of course) from Limoges Jewelry. Oh..the excitement!!!

Skin Care Knowledge: Acne Regime

A few months ago I paid a visit to St. Luke's Roosevelt - Skin of Color Center for a facial skin check. Whether you have good skin or not so good skin, there is nothing wrong in getting it checked out and making sure you are doing the right things and using the right products. Bring your bag of products with you to the derm too.

Put it this way, you can read all the magazines you want to try to figure out what works for you, but nothing is better than a custom consultation with a derm. Plus more than likely a monthly medical insurance fee comes out of your paycheck - so use it. I will say that the free Skin Physical at Sephora is just as good or even better - at least they won't shove prescriptions down your throat (which was my experience at the derm).

Below are a list of products and instructions from the Acne Regime worksheet I got from the derm:

Routine/Products:

Mornings - Wash face with water and a mild facial cleanser. Examples: Cetaphil; purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash; Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser; Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser; Ambi Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser. Do not use harsh sponges or scrubs, your won hands are preferable.

Apply a moisturizer with sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Make sure it's mom-comedogenic (does not clog pores). Examples: Cetaphic Facial Moisturizer SPF 15; Purpose Moisture Lotion SPF 15; Purpose Redness Reducing Moisturizer SPF 30; Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture SPF 15; Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30; Neutrogena Healthy Skin SPF 15; Ambi Even and Clear Daily Moisturizer SPF 30.

Evenings - Wash face with water and a mild facial cleanser as in the morning.

KC's 2 Cents: I have been using Biore products and found it to work wonderfully. Specifically the Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser and the Toner. As a night cream I use Clean and Clear's Advantage Moisturizer...it works for me and keeps my skin smooth.

Facercize!!! Because muscles don't end at the neck.

I'm trying really hard to write this post with out going on and on...I really have so much to say. So long story short, if you or a friend or even your momma wants to tighten up your facial features then you must pick up The Tal Reinhart: Facial Workout. It is a full workout to scuplt your facials muscles and correct signs of aging.

I've been doing the work-out and I see a difference in my cheek bones and eyes. I definitely do not look as "tired", as I've been told, anymore. My mother who is a woman of a certain age has seen results, but importantly she feels great about it! I'm young and gravity hasn't hit my face yet but why wait until it does? This is a must have for all women 25 and up, unless you're Iman, lol.

$5 Mani/$10 Pedi - EVERYDAY!!!

Shout outs to Caron and co-workers for spreading this info:)

Yesterday, I went to the only $5 Manicure and $10 Pedicure I every been to where the price is always that cheap. No lie - it is so not a Monday - Wednesday special. It is an EVERYDAY greatness.

The Place:
Nails II
212A E. 26th Street (bet. 2nd and 3rd Ave.)
212-481-7402
*Pics to come. You'll see a green awning for an apt building and you'll pass through what looks like a pseudo garden and voila you are there.
**Don't worry about the distance take a walk and grab a bite or drink at a nearby restaurant afterwards.

It's not a spa scene. It is just a very basic nail shop with no frills.

My friend's french pedi (might have been $15) has been flawless for 2 weeks now!

Add "Free" to Your Skin Philosophy

While getting a free Skin Physical at Sephora (mentioned a couple of posts ago), some free goodies included two samples of Philosophy's Microdelivery Peel. Don't get scared it isn't some acid like substance that will burn off your self-claimed imperfections.

It really is just a two step exfoliate that reminds me a little bit of the infamous Dr. Brandt's microdermabrasion product - real fine granules that really lift up dead skin cells.

The point is go to Sephora and score a couple of the samples, they come in their own packets. Each packet was good for about 2 uses. So you can do it for two weeks on a Sunday and Wednesday for your 2x a week exfoliation.

The product definitely smoothed out the skin and is pretty addictive.

Your HW:

Find three Sephoras and try to get two packets from each. If one packet lasts for a week then 6 with be a month and a half....that sounds like a good trial period. Go get hooked!

2 New Beauty Favorites

Favorite #1

If you ever had the chance to shop in the health & beauty section of a Target - you may find yourself there for a few hours. However there are not a ton in NYC and none in Manhattan.

A favorite alternative is the beauty section in some Bed, Bath and Beyond stores. Some of you may have already discovered this wonderful treasure. They acquired Harmon discount stores and named their beauty section "Harmon at Bed, Bath & Beyond."

The point is that they carry a ton of all the brands you love and more - a good amount of natural/organic lines too. AND the prices are much lower than our CVS and Duane Reades.

The two BB&B locations that have this to-die-for section are:

- The one on 6th Ave. and 19th St.

- also on 61st St. and 1st Ave.

Favorite #2

Finally a clear sunblock - so no more white thick substance that you have to rub with force to get that even spread and rub in even more vigorously to blend into your skin.

Loving the Neutrogena's Fresh Cooling Sunblock Gel! The cooling feature might be a bit of an overstatement for them though.

Anyhoo, to wear get hydrated with your favorite lotion and after a few minutes spread on this easy to put on sunblock - don't put on too soon after your moisturizer or mix b/c weird things may happen...lol. It's like $8.99 at BB&B (see above), cheaper than the $10.99/$11.99 sunblocks at those other department stores.

Have safe summer fun!