Beauty Maverick

Completely Bare 'Webinar'

Log on to CompletelyBare.com today, and sign-up for the first-ever online waxing seminar by one of the most trusted brands in hair removal.

This 'webinar' is free-of-charge and will show you how to master the art of waxing, so that (unnecessary) pain, ingrowns, and irritation become a thing of the past. You can also ask resident expert Cindy Barshop any hair removal questions, as you have them, as everything is LIVE. How cool is that?

The first class is on Thursday, July 17th at 7:00pm EST. Visit CompletelyBare.com for additional details.

Rescue Beauty Lounge

If you love RBL products (as I do), be warned- their spa may not be what you'd expect from the brand. My recent visit there was a rather deflating experience...

I was really curious/excited to see the birthplace of such a cool concept, so I stopped by their Meat Packing location earlier this week to try a basic mani/pedi service. At first glace, everything seemed on point. But then, as I walked past the reception area to my cell-like treatment chair, I quickly realized that I was in for something quite different than I'd signed up for...

The overall appearance of the (back of the) spa was that of a modern space that is aging poorly, with the individual seating areas creating a closed-in environment that (looked and) felt quite uncomfortable.

When I confirmed that I'd like both a manicure and pedicure to my technician (thinking one would follow the other), a second women proceeded to squeeze into my cubicle to complete both services at once. It was terribly claustrophobic and awkward to say the least.

After my services, I was left in the box to air-dry (which felt like forever) and had to hobble out of the area to catch the attention of a technician for assistance in removing the cotton, etc. from my feet. But that's not all, sadly. Though the two technicians that provided my services were sweet enough, their skill level left something to be desired. The person who gave me my pedicure scrubbed my soles so much that they actually hurt to walk on afterward. And my manicure was not much better, with bumps and bubbles left in the polish. Sigh.

Perhaps my experience was a one-off, but I think I'll be avoiding any in-store treatments and sticking to Ji Baek's lovely nail polish and body care collection for the immediate future...

Rescue Beauty Lounge
34 Gansevoort St. #2
NYC, NY 10014
212. 206. 6409

Bathing, Just to Bathe

I think bathing has become a lost form of relaxation. Wine, pills, and naughtier activities can take your mind off of things, but a proper bathing ritual is the ultimate form of release in my books.

A dimly lit room, products that pamper (I never tire of Fresh Rice Sake Bath, it's amazing...), and a moment to clear your mind of everything in the outside world. It's a tradition I think everyone should indulge in, without using the bath as a means to an end. That's what showers are for...

Bohemian Chic

Visible roots aren't always my thing, but I find Lou's sunkissed ends quite charming.

Do you take a casual approach to color, or do you think it should always appear seamless?

Scents of Summer

Whether you're spending the summer in a tiny Manhattan apartment or a Mediterranean mansion, the right scent can instantly transform your surroundings into the perfect seasonal escape.

My top picks:

Tocca Montauk Candelina (Sea Grass), $36
Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Home Candle, $65
Malin+Goetz Mojito Candle (Rum, Mint, & Basil), $48
D.L. & Co. Angel's Trumpet Candle (Angel's Trumpet Absolute & Tuberose), $32
A.P.C. Bougie #4 Fleur d'Oranger Candle (Orange Blossom), $3o
Diptyque Tilleul Home Candle (Lime Tree), $60

Colette Is Coming Stateside

Colette, the French institution responsible for countless trends/worldwide obsessions, is coming to NYC courtesy of Gap Inc.

Gap has asked Colette to create a month-long installation in their concept store (located on 5th ave at 54th street), which will run from September 5th to October 6th. Titled Gap x Collette, this store will be an expansion of Colette's famed Parisian boutique.

"Colette's clever, unexpected editing and always exciting in-store presentations make a visit to the store an essential part of every trip to Paris," said Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America. "Our goal at Colette x Gap is to celebrate the best in fashion and culture, while surprising and engaging our customers, so the fit is perfect."

Sarah Lerfel, Colette's buyer and creative director, added, "It's a wonderful experience to collaborate with Gap for a temporary shop in uptown New York City, a cult environment for retail. We'll do our best to delight visitors. It's a challenge for us, happening simultaneously as we re-invent our unique Paris address."

Colette x Gap products will also be sold at Colette's newly refurbished Paris store, as part of its re-opening on August 25th.

Maquillage's New Muse

Angelina Jolie is no longer the face of Shiseido's Maquillage collection (currently available only in Japan), with Agyness Deyn appearing in all of their Fall 2008 ads.

Was this a smart swap for the brand?

The Age of Celebrity Endorsements

...Has only just begun.

Click here to read an interesting article by The New York Times that discusses why we can't seem to get enough of a famous face (though we may feel like we have).

Beauty Maverick for Lifetime TV

Exciting news!

I've just launched a sister blog to BeautyMaverick.com on Lifetime Television's website. It's called Hair's the Scoop, and as you may have guessed, it's all about hair. Celebrity style, product picks, trend reports... And much, much more!

Please check it out & let me know your thoughts! xxL.

Wacky Beauty Advice

Not sure which over-the-top beauty tips actually work? Check out my
latest LifetimeTV.com article to find out.

Bernhard Willhelm & Uslu Nail Polish Collection

These playful, internationally-inspired nail polishes are the perfect addition to any summer beauty look.

I'm currently obsessed with the JPD Heliport de Paris (metallic red) shade, but they're all quite fun.

Limited edition.

Retailer: OakNYC.com
Cost: $36.00