Beauty Maverick

Sneak Peak: Lancome Oscillation Mascara

You know when a luxury brand titles something 'limited edition', we're all going to rush to stock-up & show-off...

Possibly the iPhone 3G of the beauty realm, Lancome's latest creation is a vibrating mascara called Ôscillation- and it's sure to become a sold-out, cult favorite in no time. That's my prediction anyway.

Lancome's innovative new wand works to get their clump-free formulation to the very base of your lashes, and ensures a flawless, 360° coating with each use.

Oscillation has a SRP of $34 and will be available on July 31st (only, until its formal launch in the fall) while supplies last at select locations including: Lancome-USA.com, Sephora.com, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom in South Coast Plaza.

Update: I've had a chance to try Ôscillation and it's absolutely brilliant. It takes a moment to adjust to the movement of the wand, but the effects are well worth the investment. Ôscillation manages to make my short little lashes look long and full (like a fab set of falsies), and for that I'll pay any price. Highly Recommended.

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...

Q5 with David Kirsch

From Heidi Klum's legs to Kerry Washington's derrière, fitness guru David Kirsch has molded some of the most enviable forms in Hollywood. His innovative diet plans, fitness routines, and highly-regarded supplements have come to establish this supertrainer as a celebrity in his own right.

To find out how we, mere mortals, can stay in shape this season I asked David for a little 'cheat sheet' on all things fitness-related...

Q1: If one has only 15 minutes to exercise daily, what would you recommend as a basic routine (that could be extended into a longer session)?

If one has only fifteen minutes to exercise daily I would make sure to hit the major body parts- core, glutes, arms and legs. Start every morning with stretching, then wide stance squats, double crunches (engaging   both the upper and lower body), push-ups and planks.

Q2: Would you say your highly-regarded New York Body Plan is a quick fix or a lifestyle?

The Ultimate New York Body Plan is a program that will jump start your fitness/wellness program, but at its core, it is a life transformative program.

Q3: Which seemingly healthy foods should we avoid, or reduce, when trying to loss weight?

The “healthy” foods to avoid (or at least limit the consumption of) are pineapples, raisins, bananas, corn, white potatoes, cherries, and grapes.

Q4: Do you believe in cleansing or fasting for health?

I believe that in this time, a healthy juice cleanse or a wellness cleanse can be a very effective way of ridding the body of unhealthy toxins and waste. It is very important that one does not abuse or overuse fasting or cleansing and makes sure to follow the cleanse with a good probiotic. I actually have a couple of healthy cleanses (the 48 Hour Lemonade Diet and the 5-Day Detox) that clients have used to great effect.

Q5: What are the best snack foods to stock-up on (for consumption between meals)?

The best snack foods are almonds, walnuts, apples, celery, non-fat plain yogurt, and also, one of my protein meal replacement shakes (180 calories- of 25 grams of protein, flax seed and fiber) would help stave off those hunger pangs.

For additional information on the services, supplements, or books of David Kirsch, visit www.davidkirschwellness.com.

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