Archive for the ‘Chic Appeal’ Category

Sure, true beauty may come from within, but we can all use a little help every now and then. Chic Appeal will help you find beauty bargains that will keep you looking fly without breaking the bank.

Magic potions.

December 12th, 2010 by Ruth

Dermalogica, a brand with a cult following, proves itself yet again, to even the toughest of critics. I first got to know Dermalogica in college, but haven’t always remained faithful, occasionally straying to find the latest launches and breakthroughs in other brands. I’ve since committed myself to a long-term relationship to two of the brand’s products, which I refuse to live without. Weightless and gel-like to the touch, Dermalogica’s AGE smart multivitamin power firm cream goes on smoothly and evenly, immediately soaking into my delicate, dehydrated skin. Its powerful firming complex of skin-rebuilding antioxidant vitamins, protective silicones and red seaweed extract is a killer combo that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.

And despite plummeting temps and wicked winds, my skin remains oily through the driest season. To control the shine, I use Dermalogica’s Oil Control Lotion. A hydrating, oil-free, light formula, the lotion has microsponges to absorb oil on the skin’s surfance and helps me maintain an all-day matte look.

These staples are magic potions you can always find in my makeup bag, no matter the season.

Intoxicating.

November 18th, 2010 by Ruth

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I’ve been searching for a fragrance that ignites the senses and eases the mind the way that Bond No. 9′s Bryant Park and Chinatown do. Finally, that search ended the second I tried Saffron James Ipo. Ipo, “Sweetheart” in Hawain, the fragrance is an ode to the Pakalana fragrant flower, also known as “Chinese Violet”.

Powerfully seductive, the scent is incredibly addictive, drifting through the nose leaving patches of violet, Morrocan rose, lemongrass, orange blossom and gardenia, plucked fresh from Tahiti. It’s a breathe of the deepest air you could feel while passing through the hills far into the east coast of Turkey.

Hill after hill, valleys are lush with the most vibrant green trees you’ve ever seen. Perfectly blended with dirt, gravel and sand, expectant of a Middle Eastern country, there’s a balance of yin and yang. Suddenly, you feel a sense of serene peace and this is the smell in that intoxicating dream.

Backstage with Aveda at Christian Siriano

September 10th, 2010 by Ruth

I had the incredible opportunity to attend backstage with my client Aveda at Christian Siriano’s show. With hairstyles carefully crafted from Aveda’s Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders, the Aveda team worked with Christian to bring his hair inspiration to life, the neck of a giraffe.

Carefully marrying dual textures, Antoinette and her team worked with hidden crimped hair and smooth braids and slicked side hair to create the “tribal bun”. The look was completed by the skilled hands of Victoria’s Secret makeup artists.

Antoinette Beenders using Control Force to freeze the model's look

Antoinette Beenders using Control Force to freeze the model's look

Finished "Tribal Bun" by Aveda's Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders

Finished "Tribal Bun" by Aveda's Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders

Call time

Call time

Me

Me

Neighborhood inspiration.

August 31st, 2010 by Ruth

Red

Pink

Reaching

Life

Wanted

Tree

The refreshed me.

August 24th, 2010 by Ruth

I was in DESPERATE need of a haircut for quite some time and had the opportunity to visit the Angelo David Salon in Midtown East. With a slew of fashion influencer clients including Caridee English, Elisa Benitez and Irina Shayk, I knew I was in for a customized experience.

While at the hands of Creative Director Meaghan Frayne, I observed the art of hand-made couture hair extensions. I watched a stylist go through the painstaking task of removing each hair extension in preparation of dying the client’s hair, to only reapply new custome extensions. As Meaghan trimmed my long, lifeless locks into a shaped, angled cut that I could continue to wear in my boho chic fashion, I felt a sense of relief and empowerment. Finally, my look was updated, reflective of the refreshed, newer me.

Full Disclosure: David Angelo Salon provided services for feature/review.

VIP Treatment Room

VIP Treatment Room

Color Bar

Color Bar

Angelo David products

Angelo David products

Tools

Tools

The final look!

The final look!

Pretty shades of green.

April 22nd, 2010 by Ruth

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Interestingly, forty years ago, 20 million Americans joined together for the first time to demonstrate for a healthy sustainable environment. And now, with a broad spectrum of  companies and eco-friendly news outlets targeting every type of consumer, there is absolutely no reason for you to not make a conscious effort to reduce your eco-footprint. If you’ve been following us on Twitter (@chic_thrills), you will see that we’ve shared a number of every day green tips. Now, I’d like to share a few of my favorite pretty green products.

Spa Wisdom™ Morocco Black Olive & Argan Oil Scrub, $28

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom™ Morocco Black Olive & Argan Oil Scrub, $28

I’ve been using this smooth, luxurious exfoliant scrub for about 3 weeks now. Every time I open the jar, a burst of luscious, deep, intoxicating scents reminiscent of days spent on the Bosphorus and at the Dead Sea take over my senses. I find it leaves my skin smooth, silky, and refreshed after each use. Plain and simple – I’m obsessed! And then when I found out that The Body Shop partnered with Earth Aid, I was even more infatuated.

For those of you who don’t know, find out. This D.C.-based energy start-up is the first and only service that enables households to track all utility usage and savings in one place and online. Yes chicskates, the service is not only free but for using it, you accumulate Earth Aid Rewards points that can be utilized at The Body Shop! For every 75 Earth Aid Rewards points earned, The Body Shop offers $10 off any purchase of $50 or more! Sign up here.

L'Oreal The Serie Nature Collection Abondance de Cacao

L'Oréal Professionel The Serie Nature Collection Abondance de Cacao

When I first saw the L’Oréal Professionel Abondance de Cacao shampoo I was a little hesitant to use it. I mean, who wants a brown shampoo that smells like chocolate in their shower? Well, I pushed my apprehensions aside and used it and fell in love – again. Silicone free and 100% natural color, this revitalizing shampoo releases a bouquet of cacao, not chocolate, and fresh mint straight off the sprig during each use. I mean, the second you squeeze the shampoo into your hand, there is this waft of deliciousness that fills the air. It leaves my baby fine hair manageable, full of body and light.

Demeter Dirt, $10

Demeter Dirt, $10

Believe it or not, I’m an “outdoorsey” person. I frequent parks, botanical gardens, and flower shows often. To me, there is nothing that smells more natural and fresh than the great out doors and this Demeter Naturals Dirt embodies this. Made with 100% all natural essential oils, Demeter Dirt  consists of 95% natural ingredients and are earth friendly. Available at a price that any chicskate can afford, Dirt and other Demeter scents are a no-brainer.

Sweet dreams.

March 29th, 2010 by Catherine

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Since first smelling Love’s Baby Soft in the sixth grade, I haven’t encountered a more darling, delicate fragrance. Don’t get me wrong – I’m hooked on my signature scents that tend to be a mish-mash of spicy florals, but I remain a sucker for childhood-invoking perfumes. Johnsons’ Baby Bedtime Wash smells so lovely, I wish I could spritz it around my house instead of just using it in the shower. It doesn’t smell too babyish, just lightly sweet and ever so delicious.

{Johnson’s Bedtime Bath, $8.29}

Daily Diamond: Fresh Sugar Pin-Up Lip Gloss

March 24th, 2010 by Catherine

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I’ve become quite the picky consumer when it comes to choosing a new lip gloss. It must provide adequate shine, without looking like I’ve coated my lips in glass. It shouldn’t be too tacky, so in the event I’m caught in a windstorm, my hair won’t end up shellacked to my face. And as a bonus, it should taste good, although it’s not a high-priority requirement. I tried Fresh’s Sugar Pin-Up Lip Gloss over the weekend after honing in on the gorgeous crimson hue. I rarely wear bold lips, but have gradually begun to incorporate them into everyday life. This gloss is the perfect starter for the timid, because it gives just enough color to look polished, without the worry of looking too bold. And yes, it just so happens to taste like a lemon dipped in sugar. Yum!

Soft as a…

March 24th, 2010 by Catherine

300Throughout the winter, I tend to complain about how dry my skin gets with the lack of humidity in the air. Given that my skin is dry to begin with, barometric fluxes tend to wreak havoc, generally making my skin feel tight and itchy. In addition to moisturizing daily, I also keep Neutrogena’s Body Oil close at hand. After my nightly shower, I massage this onto my back, legs, arms, and chest, slip into my PJs, and am guaranteed to wake up silky-soft come morning. I adore its delicate scent, but for all you perfume haters, the formula comes fragrance-free, too.

{Body Oil, Neutrogena, $10.49}

Rub a dub scrub.

March 23rd, 2010 by Ruth

VMV Hypoallergenics Glykeros Lift Off Scrubbing Body Bar

There’s nothing more luxurious than a luscious bar of lathering soap. And after taking a soap making class with Sarah from Goldie’s at The Brooklyn Kitchen, my boyfriend and I have a new found respect for the art. However, until I can learn how to muster the courage to make it myself, I’m sticking with other homemade soaps.

That said, I got my hands on a bar of VMV Hypoalergenics Glykeros Lift Off Scrubbing Body Bar. After one shower, I was hooked! This little bar of heaven transforms into a creamy, fluffy lather that scrubbed and cleansed my skin with mild bamboo crystals and little spheres of cirebelle beads. I got out of my shower feeling clean, refreshed, and lightly scented. I HIGHLY recommend giving this little guy a shot.

PS – Follow The Brooklyn Kitchen on Twitter @thebklynkitchen. They have AMAZING classes and provide interesting insightful Tweets.