Putting the World of Beauty into Focus.
Berry Beautiful
February 6, 2010
The most striking feature of a sea buckthorn bush is its berries. The bright orange and yellow fruit is shaped like a cherry tomato and filled with nutritional benefits for the skin and body.
As a snack, the berries are rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins. When used topically, they protect skin and moisturize in various ways. Native to Asia for centuries, sea buckthorn berry has since gained popularity in North America for a little over a decade, and the beauty industry has taken notice.
REN, Fresh, and Kiehl’s are some of the heavy hitter-brands that use sea buckthorn berry as an active ingredient in specific products.
REN’s Calendula and Arctic Berry Ultra Calm Cleansing Milk–for Sensitive Skin ($32.00) uses the berry in this cleanser to “preserve moisture levels” on the face.
Fresh’s Anise Day Serum ($85.00) includes the berry to boost the benefits of Vitamins A, C, E on the face.
Kiehl’s Imperial Body Balm ($42.00) focuses on the anti-oxidant protection from the berry, and repairs cell damage due to environmental factors. 
Have you tried a skincare product with sea buckthorn berry? Do you use sea buckthorn berries in any recipes? If so, tell me about them–leave a comment with all the juicy details.
Going Green to Get Bronze
February 6, 2010
Advertisements for “Organic Tanning” practically hit me in the face at every turn as I walked around a popular shopping area in Downtown Delray Beach, Florida. Really, organic tanning–yes, such a thing does exist. These tanning salons were strictly referring to the products they use for spray tans–not the beds.
Traditional tanning solutions contain dyes, oils, alcohols, and perfumes (which tend to exacerbate that predisposed heinous smell). Companies like Decleor and Chocolate Sun have paved the way for formulations that use 100% organic ingredients. To do so, they don’t over process Dihydroxyacetone (DHA, or glycerone).
DHA is the primary active ingredient used in self-tanners, and derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. Some are even derived from vegetables. When blended with various herbs, vitamins, and botanicals you can get a range of tones from tanning solutions. Add essential oils and you don’t have that pungent odor–letting everyone know you paid for your glow. 
Introducing Phyto Professional
February 5, 2010
The PHYTO hair care line is historically recognized for its innovation with plant extracts. To keep hair healthy, PHYTO’s creator Patrick Ales chose a unique way to treat hair. Every botanical part from the bud to the sap nurtures desirable locks with exclusive formulas.
In keeping with their progressive reputation, the PHYTO team of doctors, pharmacists, biochemists, engineers, and botanists have created a blend of botanicals to shape any hair style. Whether you want to sculpt, lift, or enhance shine, the new PHYTO Professional collection has nine plant-infused blends to work from.
If you’re a fan of PHYTO Pro, then you’ll love the new Professional line–which officially replaced the Pro line this past January. “We were looking to integrate Mr. Ales’ passion for plants with hair styling roots and adapt it for the modern stylist,” said Raphael Yousri, President of Ales Group, in a press release announcing the PHYTO Professional launch. The magic piece to the formulation: PHYTO’s acacia collagen, which hydrates, smooths, and protects hair from external stressed cause by heat-styling or the environment.
NewBeauty SampleBar
December 2, 2009
It’s not the first “vending machine” of its kind, but the NewBeauty SampleBar uses the best of many worlds and takes the concept to the next level. The products are: premium brands, priced affortably, convenient sizes, and target a variety of skin types.
Rather than steal the thunder from my great gal pals at the magazine, check out full details of the SampleBar on NewBeauty’s blog, DailyBeauty.com. They even have coverage of the vending machine in action–thanks to some news coverage.
Location, Location, Location
October 25, 2009For those of my good friends and readers in Boston who are still hung up on keratin hair treatments, check out Citysearch.com for additional salons and spas to get the service done.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please inquire within each location about the stylist and service provided. “The New Wave in Straight Hair” post, primarily details Peter Coppola’s Keratin Complex. Not every salon/spa offers this type of keratin treatment. Find out which type of treatment is best suited for your hair, and who is best suited to perform its magic.
If you have been reading and doing your homework, yet you still have questions, then leave a comment on this post or Contact Me.
In the hair war against frizz and lackluster shine, keratin treatments are the weapon of choice. The protein-based keratin conditions and strengthens hair–combating any unruly mane. Whether you desire pin-straight locks or frizz-free waves, seek salvation in these Boston salons and spas that employ keratin-trained and -certified stylists. The treatments (about $300-$400, depending on the stylist and your own hair) are worth every penny, and you’re also sent home with complimentary keratin-specific, sulfate-free, full-size shampoo and conditioner. Bad hair days don’t stand a chance.
The New Wave in Straight Hair
August 11, 2009
Attention all curly and frizzy-haired guys and dolls! This post is dedicated to the men and women who battle a life-long struggle with curly or frizzy hair.
We know about the infrared, ionic, tourmaline, etc…tools; and silicone, PolyfluoroEster, argan oil, etc…styling products–and we’ve tried them all. Some work with great success; others leave us feeling discontent.
Next is chemical straightening or relaxing treatments. The Brazilian, the Japanese–been there; done that. What’s next to conquer? Keratin.
Now, yes, most people are familiar with BKT treatments (or Brazilian Keratin Treatment) which uses roughly 2% of formaldehyde, according to the StyleBell hair blog. (Which is an amazing resource for anything and everything hair-related.) The trend for the Brazilian straightener came about in early 2007. Formaldehyde is notorious for its carcinogenic connections–in nail polish and ultimately BKT. The reason being because formaldehyde converts into a poisonous gas once it’s mixed with heat–say from a flat iron or blow dryer, which are both used in all straightening treatments to create the results.
Allure magazine did a great article on BKT and its hazardous effects.
So what is the deal with keratin, and how are newer treatments different than the Brazilian or Japanese? Keratin is the dominant protein found in your hair, skin, and nails. When added topically to hair, skin, and nails, it is known to prevent breakage and to strengthen. Most times in these chemical straightening treatments, the keratin is part of the solution applied to the hair. Peter Coppola is most famous for altering this formula and using aldehyde–which is a safer form of formaldehyde and gasless when infused into the hair with heat. I was never good at chemistry, but from what I gather, aldehydes are found in essential oils and some plants. When formulated with keratin protein, the results are just right.
Peter Coppola is the creator of Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy. Essentially, a system that includes keratin-based shampoos and conditioners to support the hero product–a hair straightening treatment. The results are shiny 95% frizz-free straight hair in any environmental condition. The distinction with Coppola’s treatment is that wavy or curly-types can choose to keep a bit of their natural shape if they don’t want to completely be rid of it. Unlike its Brazilian or Japanese predecessors, Keratin Complex breaks down on the hair over time and through washing instead of the hair having to grow out of the straightener. Upkeep ranges between four to six months. At a going rate of $350 + for the Coppola service at your favorite salon–that’s a fair amount of time for re-booking.
Here are some random but essential tips about Coppola’s Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy:
- Make sure your stylists/designer is certified to conduct the treatment. Only Coppola-trained and -certified professionals are allowed to perform the service. There’s no do-it-yourself or take-home kit for this treatment. In fact, Coppola won’t distribute it’s products to the public or an individual unless proof of certification is presented.
- Maintain your results by using a sodium chloride and sodium lauryl sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Coppola’s system supports this rule by offering shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically to work synergistically with the straightener. Some professional stylists I’ve talked to said Paul Mitchell’s Super Strong Daily Shampoo and Conditioner and Pureology are over-the-counter alternatives.
- Don’t wash your hair for at least three days after treatment; unless you want to keep some of your hair’s natural shape, then wash two days after.
- Single process color or highlights should be done prior to Keratin Complex. Coppola says that color can be done in the same day as the treatment, but in the service that I observed (see details/videos/pictures below) the color was actually evaporating when the flat iron was gliding over the hair. Some stylists suggest to do color service one to two weeks before keratin.
- Pregnant women can NOT receive this treatment.
Now, lets see this thing in action! Laura Ciaramitaro is the Lead Hair Designer at Melt Salon & Spa on Newbury Street in Boston. Exclusively for Beauty Lens, she introduces us to her technique and advice as a hair aficionado.
With eight years in the hair styling business, Ciaramitaro loves her work and the industry. During her hair services she always establishes a relationship with her client by prompting people with questions, discussing lifestyle, and reviewing hair history. “I want them to feel comfortable and to trust me,” says Ciaramitaro. “It’s the weirdest thing, but I rely on astrology–I swear to God. It gives me good insight on how to gauge a client,” explains Ciaramitaro about her design philosophy.
Trained and certified on Coppola’s Keratin Complex, Ciaramitaro walked me through her process of application. She makes sure that the hair is thoroughly cleansed with a clarifying shampoo about three times. Four times on virgin hair–two washes with clarifying shampoo and two washes with 10 volume developing creme to really open the cuticle and cleanse the cortex (or second layer) of hair.
Using no conditioner, she moves on to combing out the hair and blow drying.
Next she sections the hair and applies Coppola’s Keratin Complex. *Notice how the single process color went from a dark chocolate brown to a lightened chestnut brown after the flat iron grazes over the hair.
Then re-dries, and sections out again to flat iron. Coppola’s system also includes a titanium-plated flat iron complete with advanced features like: swivel cord, ionic/infrared benefits, heat dispensing vents, and 450 degree heat setting. “The most important things [for precise results] about this treatment are the correct shampoo and the flat ironing,” says Ciaramitaro. The keratin is bonded deeply into the cuticle by the heat of the iron to relax the hair, and thus providing the glorious results.
If you are interested in finding out more specifics about Peter Coppola, and his treatment system, you can call the headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida: (561) 206-6050 or (888) 409-4445.
Melt Salon & Spa on Newbury Street offers this service starting at $375. The best part is that you receive a full-size 13.5 oz. of Coppola’s shampoo and conditioner included in the service. To book a consultation and/or appointment, or to discuss price quotes for hair length and hourly-time for treatment with Laura Ciaramitaro call: (617) 262-1116, or e-mail @ customerservice@meltboston.com.
How is your ‘do holding up? What’s your feedback on chemical straightening? Let me know!
Grand Opening of NEW Sephora Times Square
July 31, 2009
In Paris I remember thinking Sephora’s were like Starbucks–they were on nearly every corner. Times Square, and New York City in general, is rapidly making its transition to the next Sephora mecca. According to Hoovers database, the beauty emporium added more than 40 stores in 2008–just in North America.
Today (July 31, 2009) marks the grand opening of the second Times Square location in Manhattan. Open until midnight seven days a week and located at 200 West 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue), the 9,359 square foot store–with more than 200 brands and 13,000 products–opens for business. I’m devastated that I couldn’t be there to be part of the mayhem–seriously.
They are holding events from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Father Duffy Square to get clients involved. They are also exclusively launching: tutorial YouTube sensation Lauren Luke’s makeup palettes, Temptu’s airbrush system, the UK’s Illamasqua makeup line, and Ouidad hair care.
I’m really excited for Lauren Luke, because she’s the sweetest thing and terribly passionate about her work as a novice makeup artist. With no formal training, she took her hobby and went all out. I’m happy that she was recognized for her sincerity and playful nature–it’s the American dream for a British girl. Check out her video of the new Sephora and her first “sneaky peak” at her end-cap display. Grab a tissue too.
Also included in the new store will be an Express Studio where clients can get one of three services offered by a Science of Sephora (S.O.S.) trained beauty expert. Take it from me–a former Sephora Times Square/Boca Raton Skincare Expert–those are the divas you want to consult. They are talented and incredibly smart about their jobs and the industry!
Another great addition that the savvy company is in tune with is going green. Some of you may have been upset when you saw your local Sephora being remodeled/moved/etc. Well, I found out that new Sephora stores are using LED lights on their fixtures to be more energy efficient, and the new wood floors are from sustainable forests. 
Lets not forget the expanding promotions. I don’t like to say “freebies” or “deals,” because we all know as Sephora-lovers that in order to get something “free” or as a “gift” one needs to spend enough dough and collect enough points. (The social psychology behind their marketing is fascinating to me, and I love it as a marketing apprentice.) And how can you not spend lots of money? I’ve toed-the-line of debt in that store many times, but that’s just my thing. (I’d rather it be makeup and skincare then drugs or booze or even clothes.) Ah, the life of a product junkie–but I digress. So, yes the Beauty Insider Card provides access to: events, exclusive products/samples, and birthday gifts. Two days ago I was upgraded to V.I.B. status (Very Important Beauty Insider) which gives me 10% off my next purchase, and other goodies throughout the year.
Congrats on the new additions and promotions to the new Sephora Times Square cast! For everyone who gets there before me, I want feedback! Let me know what you think of the help, sights, and atmosphere of the shop.
I still have love for my old store, xoxo.
Allure Mag Lures Shoppers Online
June 5, 2009
Today I read the press release for Allure’s new online venture. The “Beauty Expert’s” site is called, Allure Virtual Store (a.k.a. AVS–not to be confused with CVS). Of course I joined immediately. Finally, one of the few e-mails I will look forward to reading regularly.
The mix of products, salon/spa services, and information gives the site its niche, or hook in this story. Which is not technically a groundbreaking novelty, but I think the savvy products and the credibility behind Allure magazine will trump all others. According to the press release, put out by a PR representative from Conde Nast, “AVS was conceived as a response to the changing way women shop for beauty–76% of women use the Internet for beauty research and purchasing.”
The site is more than just another online community to schmooze, complain, or rate products. It’s a venue to participate, educate, and learn from the beauty world–and I am all about that type of love.
Extra goodies include: 
An exclusive partnership with SpaBooker.com–the AVS concierge service allows users to sign-up for in-store beauty events and book salon and spa treatments nationwide.
Allure Product Testing Lab–visitors will be invited each month to test a new product before it hits the market. Maybelline will be sponsoring the June test run with its Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara.
AVS will help promote product launches and offer special deals with themes to correspond with the magazine’s content; such as, the hair promo in August and Best of Beauty promo in October.
So far I really like the “Allure Boutique/Beauty Box.” It’s basically a SWAG bag with price tag–$30, not too bad. Customers get FULL-SIZE products like: Anastasia mascara, Arbonne bronzing powder, Garnier eye cream, and lots more. I’m not sure if this Beauty Box will be changing periodically, or if it’s just a go at capturing first-time customers. Either way, I thought it was a good idea, it had worthy products to offer, and it was just the right price.
If you are wondering why the site looks a little bare or not completely dressed with flash player jazz, keep in mind that today (June 5) was the first day of its launch. I’m sure lots more will come to follow. I like its 1 – 6 simplicity right now. Check it out. Tell me what you think!
Hot Off the Press
May 5, 2009
Come one, come all–that is, if you’re in the area. Here is the press release for a workshop I am co-teaching at the Boston Center for Adult Education in July. I’ll be sure to update everyone on specifics of what each class will cover. Check out the kudos mention we received on Boston.com, GoingBoston.com, and Yahoo’s Upcoming.
Boston Center For Adult Education Beautifies Summer Class Schedule
Interactive Skin Care Basics Workshop Added To Lifestyles Courses
BOSTON, MA, JUNE 2, 2009 – Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE) today announced the latest addition to its growing series of beauty courses. Skin Care Basics consists of four workshops that simplify skin physiology, personal regimens, and ingredient knowledge for the beauty curious.
On Tuesday July 14 and 21 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., students will learn how to be savvy consumers and find products that will treat their concerns as well as skin type – even formulate their own natural toner. The lessons taught are focused around each step in a regimen: Cleanse/Tone, Treat, Moisturize, and Protect. Every student will receive a reference portfolio (specifically created for this workshop) containing lesson details, relevant press articles, and information on products distributed.
The course will be instructed by biopharmaceuticals professional, Mary Capozzi, and local beauty consultant, Michele Sotallaro. Capozzi offers the logistical scientific elements and Sotallaro provides product knowledge to the series. Combined they represent over 18 years of education and experience with skin care.
For members of the BCAE, the workshop costs $99 and costs $106 for non-members. This fee includes expenses of provided materials and take-home products. EXPECT SWAG FROM FIVE LUXURY BRANDS!
Students are not required to have any previous formal training, only a simple and practical interest about skin care. People who are intimidated by Sephora, do not routinely schedule spa appointments, and who are searching for alternatives before an expensive visit to a dermatologist are candidates for this workshop.
About Boston Center for Adult Education
Founded in 1933, the Boston Center for Adult Education is the oldest nonprofit adult education center in New England. Its founder, Miss Dorothy Hewitt, envisioned a place where “small groups of men and women would meet together in living room settings to learn, discuss, and create for the sheer pleasure of doing so.”
Until March 2009, most BCAE classes were held in the historic Gamble Mansion at 5 Commonwealth Avenue. In 2007 the building was sold to a private buyer, and the BCAE was able to renovate a second property at 122 Arlington Street, which is where most of its classes and administrative offices currently reside.
Throughout its history, the BCAE has remained responsive to the demands of a diverse community, as well as to the evolving demands of the individual.
About Mary Capozzi
Mary Capozzi is a professional in biopharmaceuticals with Shire Human Genetic Therapies Inc. Capozzi received her undergraduate education from Boston College as a Biochemistry major and went on to receive her masters in Medical Sciences at Boston University. Capozzi believes in smart practical rejuvenation of the skin through science and a healthy lifestyle.
About Michele Sotallaro
Michele Sotallaro recently took her new position as Spa Coordinator at Melt spa on Newbury Street after the unfortunate closing of Boston’s C.O. Bigelow in Copley Place. Sotallaro has over eight years training and experience in make up and skin care with companies like C.O. Bigelow, Sephora, and as a freelance artist. She also writes a beauty blog, and graduated Emerson College with a BFA in print journalism.
Contact:
Boston Center for Adult Education Jennifer Scott / External Affairs Manager
122 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 267-4430 jscott@bcae.org www.bcae.org
Take Green Line to Arlington T stop
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No Frizz, No Joke
April 22, 2009
On March 10, 2009 I wrote a post detailing the creators and history behind Living Proof’s No Frizz product which…well, prevents frizz.
I had to go to Florida for my cousin’s wedding, and No Frizz definitely stood the test of 80 degree weather with humidity and rain on the day of the beautiful event.
The only trouble is that the different forms of alcohol in No Frizz’s ingredients do dry out my hair and create a coarse feel to the touch.
To remedy the texture problem, I spray Ojon’s Revitalizing Mist on towel-dried hair. Then I section out my hair and slather No Frizz onto each layer as I begin to blow dry. My hair regains its soft texture and intense shine, plus the ability to withstand humidity.
Next up, I am interested in trying Living Proof’s curly hair formula for Boston’s upcoming hot and steamy summer.
