flawless beauty

dull skin doesn't stand a chance...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Nothing is sweeter than a full body brown sugar scrub. Previously I've shared my affordable favorite brown sugar scrub by Sephora. After seeing the recipe below though, I may just start to make my own! If that sounds too messy I've come across a few more fun ones you may want to try...

Tone, moisturize, exfoliate and condition the skin with an Organic Brazilian Brown Sugar scrub from Nature Girl.

Exfoliate with walnut and essential oil infused sugar scrubs from The Bubble Roome. Sounds delightful!
And lastly, for a price ($65.00), you can try the cult favorite Br own Sugar Body Polish by Fresh.

Now, if you have an extra ten minutes and the right ingredients you can make your own sugar polish from scratch! I found an amazing recipe for a peach and brown sugar scrub on healthy & green living. If you've been to your local farmers market you'll know that this recipe is so seasonally appropriate as well!

another beauty shoot...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +0000

Awhile back I posted a beauty shoot that had such a magical and vintage feel I just had to share. I pulled these above images before Flawless Beauty was up and running and just came across them again the other day, nice to know they were being saved for a reason :). Enjoy! Also, I am not sure who the photographer is but the shoot is from Nylon Magazine.

rejuvenate your skin with Green Tea and Green Clay...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:19:00 +0000

After long flights, a day in front of the computer or an afternoon of errands my skin just feels dry and tired. Solutions? I make sure I drink plenty of water, apply the Green Tea and Green Clay Rejuvenating Mask from Aubrey Organics and go to bed early!

flawless links...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Barbara's Moroccan cooking via My Marrakesh.
Felicity Gleeson receives an adorable "stylish dress book".
The Moment gives a rundown of John Derian for Target.
The Beauty Stop gives quick tips to eliminate dark eye circles.
Decor 8 helps make your office pretty and functional.

Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics product review...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Organic Liplove Lipstick

Mineral Eyeshadow
Organic Glow Bronzer Organic Setting Powder

I get a lot of questions about mineral make-up and natural or organic make-up brands. I am not a regular make-up wearer but I do know that mineral make-up is much talked about these days. Afterglow Mineral Cosmetics is free of synthetic dyes, paraben preservatives and irritants. Afterglow offers a full range of make-up and colors which will make it hard to resist not ordering a ton of new make-up!
I was very pleased with the products I tried, my favorite being the Organic Lipstick do to the fact that I regularly wear lip color of some sort. My lips felt conditioned and soft after applying.
Overall, I am happy to see more toxic free make-up options and I am curious how the eyeliner would hold up... Click here to order online.

a little Sunday inspiration...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 07:01:00 +0000

Here are a two of my favorite bathrooms of the moment...I love the addition of the simple mirror in the top image and love the dark shiny wood floors in the second image. Also, how cute is that little bench!?

Joya candles are amazing...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:01:00 +0000

I was at Anthropologie and picked up a candle by Joya. I had forgotten how great Joya candles smell and how sweet their packaging is. Joya candles are chemical free and made in New York City with a wide variety of scents, colors and designs to choose from. I chose a soy based candle with the Koi fish print around the outside, very soothing ;).

While in Anthro, I was reminded of all the amazing items they carry for your bathroom and bathing space! Below are a few of my favorites that I wish I could have thrown into my basket as well!

hocus pocus polish...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 02:25:00 +0000

The spa lobby.

The waiting area in the spa.

One of the pools in the evening.

I just got back from my little trip which turned into two weeks away from blogging...I was in California and had quite an agenda. One of them was attend a bachelorette party at the infamous Parker Palm Springs. It was wonderful! I was surrounded at all times by fabulous design and inviting pools. Not to mention the spa!
The spa amenities are plentiful, an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, fitness center, yoga and endless products to try. The standard products used are by Molton Brown. I had what the spa calls the Hocus Pocus Polish. I was fully exfoliated then lathered with a sweetly scented lotion. My one regret? Booking my appointment mid-day. I was advised not to jump into the pool after my skin was so kindly renewed but how could I resist, it was 112 degrees! The treatment was fabulous but I have to say I have yet to find a spa that give a scrub even close to the scrub at Juvenex Spa, but that is another post. My friend had a massage at The Parker and was very pleased, she said they gave a great scalp massage as well. Until The Parker and I meet again I will have to stick with one of my homemade remedies...

on a quick trip...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:51:00 +0000

I am taking a quick getaway! Be back next soon with more reviews, tips and inspiration to share. Have a great week!

flawless links...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:39:00 +0000

Add some color to your bathroom with candle holders from Glassybaby via Real Simple Blog.
Tips on soothing skin after being caught in the sun on Vita Juice Daily.
Green is Sexy discusses clean water for your body and the earth with natural cleaning tips.
My Beautyberry covers products with a minty finish.
Door Sixteen posts an amazing Chinatown loft.

more beauty products...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Above photo by Erika McConnell
There are a few products lines that have my attention lately. I hope to get back to you with stellar reviews soon! Soap from Earthworks Pur-Essence, eco-friendly packaging and good for you ingredients.

Aftelier Perfumes essences, fragrant and edible. Pictured above, Jasmine, Cardomon and Saffron.Zoya Nail Lacquer in Loretta, free of all the bad stuff and supposedly still full of shine!Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel, exfoliate, hydrate and oxygenate the skin...intriguing.

Pink Carmel Lip Gloss by 100% Pure. Juicy, shiny and full of natural fruit pigments.

a little Sunday inspiration...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:47:00 +0000

This week it's all about organization. I feel like I am constantly trying to get organized! Here are some fun and affordable bathroom ideas above. You could also sub the plastic containers for soft woven "basket" bags (I've seen them at Ikea, the rails are available at Ikea also). Trying to buy organic natural "colored" towels? Below is a very neutral color story that is simple but not boring.

natural shampoo for silky smooth hair...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:31:00 +0000

I just tried the Smooth Shine Shampoo from Trilogy and I have to say I am loving this product. Developed from a product range containing organic Rosehip oil, the shampoo smooths strands while conditioning the scalp at the same time. The scent is perfectly sweet and light. My only regret is not getting the Trilogy Smooth Shine conditioner as well! Available at Beautorium.

essential oils for skincare...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:00:00 +0000

I love the idea of using essential oils in my daily skincare routine. There are so many different ways to use them, pour a few drops in your bath or shower, apply all over the body for a rich skin conditioning treatment or simply use as a perfume.

I am intrigued by these Vital Oil Body Sprays from Liz Earle. Available in three blends, Comfort, Harmony and Bliss. Apply after bathing for soft and silky skin. Another benefit is the sprays are quick drying so you lessen the risk of stained clothing!

new products I can't wait to shower with...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:08:00 +0000

I am so exited to try the new skincare range from Kings & Queens. The scents sound exotic and the packaging is amazing! I don't know too much about this new brand yet except I love the product design and all the products are mineral oil and paraben-free. Will keep you updated! Available at Nordstrom.

flawless links...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:57:00 +0000

For those that love a little foam, Fig+Sage has found a truly organic facial cleanser that foams plenty!
Get tips on smashing eyes and shadow with great packaging from The Makeup and Beauty blog...
Get Rich Slowly blog gives great tips on pursuing your dreams...
Free time on your hands this week, learn to make a fabulous pillow case from Chez Larsson...
Fashion Indie discusses the new Fall collection from MAC, Cult of Cherry...
You saw the bath tub with a view on Flawless Beauty. Now see the rest of the architect's amazing summer house on The Style Files...

Heaven Scent, the art of fragrance making...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Photos by Noelle Hoeppe
I came across an article in Selvedge magazine about the process of extracting oils from flower petals to make fragrance for perfumes, lotions, ect. I thought I would share this with all of you because the images were so lovely. I was also very shocked to find out how many baskets of flowers are used to make only a few drops of pure extract, thousands upon thousands of flowers! I will now think twice about complaining about the high cost of quality oils and perfumes ;).

Selvedge is a textile magazine. For me Selvedge is always a great inspiration source for photos, fashion and beauty as well I guess. It is not a cheap magazine, (aprox 25$), but definitely worth browsing though if you eye it at your local magazine source.

a little Sunday inspiration...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 07:01:00 +0000

The transformation of this bathroom is AMAZING and shows what you are capable of doing if you use your imagination! You have to check out all the photos on the Whatever blog. Thanks to Layers of Meaning for leading me to this chic bathing space.

8 simple steps to radiant skin...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 03:32:00 +0000

Small steps that can be practiced, bought and considered...please feel free to add to the list...

Exfoliate using a scrub or washcloth.
Drink lots of water.
Sweat at least 3-4 times a week. You will clear your pores and add a nice glow to your skin.
Eat more Wild Salmon and Olive Oil for your fatty acids.
Cleanse your face with wash like Saaf Organic Pure Face Cleanser that doubles as a moisturizer.
Fake it with a bronzer, my favorite, Dr. Hauschka Bronze Concentrate.
Give yourself a sweet honey mask.
My all time favorite trick, add highlights is all the right places with Weleda Skinfood.

flawless links...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:56:00 +0000

I have decided to add a "weekly link" post to Flawless Beauty. I always enjoy when other bloggers do this because I get to discover new blogs that I may have not otherwise stumbled upon. Enjoy!

Crunchy chicken solves your organic shampoo dilemmas...
Take summer skincare notes from Kristin at Saffron Rouge...
Need to ace a job interview this week? Let galadarling guide you...
Housemartin discovered dream vacation destinations in the Maldives...
Let the Natural Beauty Workshop take you on a local trip with their divine Monoi de Tahiti summer salt scrub!

a little Sunday inspiration...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 07:01:00 +0000

More rooms with a view...reminiscent of one of my favorite bathrooms. Large spacious tubs and equally open windows. I like that both tubs appear to be made from concrete type materials. Both these photos were from a French interiors magazine.

best products to fight dark under-eye circles...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:18:00 +0000

I have decided to add a new weekly post catering towards Flawless Beauty reader questions. So if you have a product or skincare concern, send me an email or leave a comment and I will do my best to find you an answer! Thanks Karla for the first question!

Just wanted to ask your opinion on the best eye cream for dark circles? Do you have any recommendations?
I have not had a chance to personally try all the below products but these seem like great choices. If anyone else has any recommendation please share!

Available at Sephora, Lotus Eye Gel is a cooling, light formula that alleviates puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue with a unique combination of highly developed and preventative botanicals. The main ingredients sound wonderful. Umbrian Clay, Lavender Water, White Nettle, Olive Leaf Extracts...For a concealer like effect with SPF 6 try Korres Evening Primrose eye creme.

People have given the eye creme charged with tourmaline from Aveda rave reviews. This also dries matte making it perfect for seamlessly application underneath make-up.
Another beauty trick? Apply a dab of tinted moisturizer a shade lighter than your skin underneath the eyes (make sure the color is lighter) to lighten up the circles. Be sure to also get a good ten hour sleep in!

all natural eye make-up remover...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0000

I visited the Jurlique store in Soho last weekend looking to re-stock my favorite face lotion. I wanted everything but left very satisfied with the new eye make-up remover. The scent is delightful to say the least and the lotion base works great for me. I don't wear water-proof mascara though so not sure if something stronger would be needed? I also love that the Jurlique employees are so friendly and give a ton of samples!

exfoliating sea salt and apricot oil body scrub...

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:01:00 +0000

I came across this basic and easy to make scrub from the book "Secrets of the Spas" by Catherine Bardey. Slough off dead skin and leave your skin soft with a hint of apricot...

2 cups coarse sea salt
1/4 cup apricot kernel oil
body scrub tool (I like the tools by Earth Therapeutics for example).

Mix the sea salt and oil into a paste, while in the shower rub on skin in a circular motion from feet upwards (towards the heart). Be firm but not abrasive, after the entire body has been scrubbed use a loofah (scrub tool) to remove salt and rinse. If you feel the need to use a mild wash do so. Pat dry.

MD Skincare vs. Desert Essence

noreply@blogger.com (Yvonne) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:59:00 +0000

My internal debate started when I stopped by the MD Skincare counter to pay a visit to my friend Tamar ( an excellent airbrush tanner among other things who will make you glow from head to toe in the privacy of your own home). She was on the clock, selling skin miracles to Bergdorf shoppers. She offered me a sample of the Alpha Beta Daily facial peel. I admit, I took it home, sampled it and loved it. My face felt softer, refreshed and I swear had a new glow! Although I do my best to stick to organic and natural skincare products, on occasion Sephora will seduce me and win. Products by MD Skincare also come with a price that I am not willing to pay right now which has forced me to search for something just as good but more affordable. So now I am at Trader Joes and for $3.99 I see Desert Essence Tea Tree oil facial pads. I grab some because I love Desert Essence products and am desperate for a good facial pad I guess. That night, I am shocked to find out that once you get past the very strong smell of the tea tree oil these pads are amazing! And ok, although it could be the outrageous humidity in NYC right now, I believe my face had a new brilliant glow to it! I am hooked.
What I am wondering is, does anyone else have products they just can't give up? Or spend outrageous amounts on brands just because?
For $3.99 I am more than satisfied but I still want to give a shout over to Tamar to hook me up! ;)