Mischo Beauty's Page

As I've said before, my essential beauty product isn't actually a "product", but it's a beauty treatment- facials! The benefits are beyond amazing and now you have the chance to experience an extension of the "Red Carpet Facial" made famous by the Kinara Spa in West Hollywood. Send an email to mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty Kinara Red Carpet Facial Kit Giveaway!" in the subject line with your full name. The contest is only open to U.S. & Canadian residents and I will select a winner at random and make the announcement next Thursday. Good luck!

Ciate Paint Pots "Mistress" Nail Polish + Burberry Studded T-Bar Sandals = LABELS OR LOVE

I was recently given the opportunity to test L'Oreal's Studio Smoothness and I gladly accepted because I'm always searching for great styling products. After reading the ingredients, and taking into account the fact that I'd be using this product on the relaxed sections of my type 4a/4b hair, I knew I'd only use it on my hair when wet. I liked the texture of the product- it's thick and creamy, and I liked the fact that it absorbed quickly and made blow-drying easy. For the price, it's worth a try.

I love this ad campaign, and I'm searching to find the hairstylist and makeup artist for this shoot... Oh and like my reader Andrea said before- WHERE can we find hair this long? LOL.

I've posted a few lessons on microdermabrasion in the past and have expressed my thoughts regarding the best candidates for the procedure, as well as my personal experiences with it. When given the opportunity to try Microdermx, I honestly thought it was just another exfoliant, but I was wrong. Microdermx is a microdermabrasion treatment made with medical-grade corundum crystals and works to refine enlarged pores, fade blemishes (acne scars, fine lines, uneven skin tone), stimulate collagen and elastin production, and increase cellular renewal. As soon as I applied Step 1 (Refinish), I knew right away that this was a professional strength treatment. It immediately reminded me of the microdermabrasion treatments I'd received in the past. Step 2 (Replenish) felt both calming and soothing on my skin. I think this is a good alternative for home use and I love the fact that there are no artificial fragrances/colors, parabens or fillers.

As you all know, the Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture show was my absolute favorite of all the shows, but with hair being my first love- I would have loved to have been the Creative Director for hair for this show! When I saw the overall look, my first thought was GLAMOUR! The hair definitely speaks for itself! Feel free to check out my Lookbook to see more looks from the show. Enjoy.

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I've received a few emails asking me to discuss the reason(s) why hair becomes damaged and dry after certain chemical services. Well, there could quite possibly be hundreds of answers to those questions depending on the history of services performed on the hair and the home care regimen. I will say that if your hair is damaged and overly dry, then your hair's porosity has probably been compromised. So what is porosity? Porosity is simply the ability of the hair to absorb and retain moisture and is used to describe the condition of hair. It falls into the following categories:

a. Very porous
b. Porous
c. Normal
d. Resistant

A “normal” porosity will mean that the cuticle (outermost layer of the hair shaft) is closed and smooth. Healthy hair will usually have a normal to resistant cuticle, depending on the texture. ”Porous” to “very porous” hair will have a roughened cuticle meaning that the hair is probably damaged. It usually loses moisture very easy and is easily damaged.

So, to determine the porosity of your hair, feel it - both when it's wet and dry. If it feels like straw and it's rough when it's dry, or if it feels gummy or slightly rubbery when it's wet, then you probably have a problem with porous to very porous hair. You should definitely talk to your stylist before receiving any chemical services in order to prevent further damage. Haircolor, perms and relaxers will process much faster on porous to very porous hair and may cause damage.

Porous to very porous hair can be caused by:

1. Over coloring
2. Bleaching
3. Permanent Waving
4. Relaxing
5. Flat/curling irons
6. Improper blow-drying
7. Environment (sun, salt/chlorinated water)

Please feel free to e-mail me with more questions! Love your hair.

Phyto Phytophanere Dietary Supplement - Hair & Nails 120 Caplets
Rene Furterer Vitalfan Antichute Thin Hair 60 Capsules
Frederic Fekkai AGELESS Damage Defense Capsules 0.45 oz

Atomic Orange is part of the "Brights by OPI" collection and I'd actually worn it a few weeks ago but never posted pictures. So- here they are! What do you think? Although it required three coats due to streaking, I will admit that I do love it. It's looks so much better then last week's pick!

Absolute Pearl Facial + White Cloud Algae Body Mask at Agua Spa. Mondrian Hotel (Scottsdale, Arizona).

One of my favorite department stores is holding two beauty events next week that you should check out! Here are the details:

Tuesday, July 22: GREGORY ARLT PERSONAL APPEARANCE & TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP.

Henri Bendel invites you to a MAC technique workshop hosted by celebrity make-up artist Gregory Arlt. Personally meet the in-demand Hollywood make-up artist, and learn first hand how to bring out your own personal beauty.

Arlt has worked with some of the most famous faces and names in the world including celebrities Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller and Gwen Stefani and fashion houses Alexander McQueen, Oscar De La Renta, Balmain, & Chloé. His talented work has been seen in press, fashion runway shows, editorial shoots, and television appearances globally.

Enjoy sipping on cocktails during the workshop and makeovers by MAC's nationally trained make-up artists.

Technique Workshops, Concourse
Tuesday, July 22
3 – 4:30pm
6 – 7:30pm

RSVP: Your $75 reservation fee is redeemable in MAC beauty products purchased during these events. To confirm your reservation, or to learn more, please call 1.212.904.7966. Space is limited.

Thursday, July 24-25: KEN PAVES PERSONAL APPEARANCE.

Introducing Ken Paves Healthy Hair Collection - Available exclusively at Henri Bendel.

Beautiful style begins with healthy hair. Ken Paves' hair care collection is a new generation of products that offer rich botanical ingredients and advanced one-of-a kind technologies. The collection's natural shampoos, conditioners and treatments are formulated with a blend of proteins and vitamins designed to build and strengthen hair while improving elasticity. Ken's styling products are engineered to deliver high-performance results - establishing the basis for beautiful, luxurious, finished styles.

Visit Henri Bendel and personally meet Ken Paves, celebrity stylist, and creator of Healthy Hair.

Ken Paves Personal Appearance, 1st Floor
Thursday, July 24 – Friday, July 25
Noon-6PM

RSVP: To book your personal consultation with Ken, please call 1.800.HBENDEL.

I couldn't let this one pass you by! Estelle's on the cover of the July/August issue of The Fader. Love it. Go get it!

Makeup: AJ Crimson
Hair: Dailey Greene
Photographer: Dorothy Hong

I'm a huge fan of Kerastase products after having worked with just about all of them during my apprenticeships. After seeing ads for the Kerastase Noctogenist line in foreign fashion magazines and then reading about it in the July issue of ELLE, I learned that it's going to be introduced to the U.S. It's an overnight conditioning leave-in treatment- the Voile Nuit for Fine Hair and the Serum Nuit for Thick Hair. Both are formulated with vitamin E, which provides protection and moisture and amino acids, which help to strengthen and revive the hair. In case you didn't know, hair is 91% protein and protein is made up of amino acids! The best part of the Noctogenist line is that, according to the Kerastase website, it leaves no residue on pillows! I recommend this for the jet-setting Sienna Miller and I can't wait to try it out myself!

What's your favorite Kerastase product?

Butter London's "Cream Tea" Nail Polish + Roger Vivier's "Rose N Roll" Sandal = TAKE A BOW.

As you all probably know by now, I became a fan of Dr. Hauschka's products after trying the Daily Face Care Kit, about a month ago. All of Dr. Hauschka's products are certified "biodynamic" (which is a certification above "natural" and "organic") and are made with plant oils, extracts and essential oils. I recently hit the 100 mile mark on nikeplus.com, in an effort to remain "sexy, healthy & beautiful", and treated myself to the Body Care Kit. The Lavendar Bath was my absolute favorite from this kit, exactly what I needed to soak, sooth and relax my tired body. The Rose Body Moisturizer left my skin soft and hydrated after my bath and I've added the Hand Cream to my ever-growing makeup bag so that I have it on hand, at all times!

Any other tips for remaining "sexy, healthy & beautiful"?

I have it- finally! Very long story as to how I actually managed to get it...now I just need to figure out how I'm going to get the other 3 covers...

Any suggestions? Which copy did you get? Any thoughts on it?

Well it's time to announce the winner! But first- a very, very special thanks to all who entered. The winner is Amee Mosley! Please check back for Amee's comments on the products and for more information, click here!

The new fall 2008 collection from NARS launched online today and includes the following:

Dolce Vita Blush: Dusty Rose

Fez Single Eyeshadow: Velvety Cocoa
Isolde Duo Eyeshadow (pictured above): Frosted Ginger & Shimmering Copper
Cordura Duo Eyeshadow: Shimmering Warm Rich Brown & Shimmering Sooty Dark Brown

Beautifual Liar Lipstick: Sheer Spiced Coral
Senorita Lipstick: Sheer Shimmering Cherry Blossom

Female Trouble Lip Gloss: Lilac Mauve

Rebell Yell Nail Polish: Dustry Pomegranate

I haven't had an opportunity to try anything from the collection as of yet- but my favorites so far are: EVERYTHING!

What do you think? Any "must-haves"?

Of all the fall 2008 couture shows that took place in Paris a few weeks ago, my favorite was definitely the Christian Dior show. I'd love to order a custom look from this runway show, along with the hairstyles, makeup and nail art that complimented each look. Feel free to check out my Lookbook to see more looks from the show. Enjoy.

Source

After reviewing my previous posts on facials, exfoliation, serums, facial masks, facial cleansing, etc. I just realized that I've never discussed blackheads, or as they are technically called, "open comedones". Blackheads are simply a build up of hardened oil and dead skin cells in a hair follicle; and when the hair follicle is exposed to oxygen, it oxidizes and turns black- therefore the name "blackhead". I've seen blackheads on just about every skin type, but particularly on those with oily skin and oily t-zones. Here are ways to prevent them:

1. Use skincare products with noncomedogenic ingredients (will prevent pores from clogging)
2. Cleanse your skin both morning and night
3. Incorporate an exfoliant into your skincare regimen (will remove dead skin cells)
4. Incorporate a "clay-based" mask into your skincare regimen (will draw excess oil out of the follicle)
5. Incorporate a facial (professional cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, steam treatment, massage, etc) by an esthetician into your skincare regimen (the benefits are countless!)

Because my skin is pretty much normal, but with an oily t-zone, my blackheads show up around my nose and between my eyebrows. I'm able to keep them under control with exfoliation, using a clay-based mask on those areas only, and monthly facials.

Any questions? Love your skin.

Decleor Phytopeel Natural Exfoliating Cream 1.7 oz
Decleor Radiance Revealing Peel-Off Mask 1.69 oz
Philosophy Help Me 1.05 oz
Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash 16 oz
Fresh Sugar Face Polish 4.2 oz
Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant 3.4 oz

My intention was to use MAC's "Phosphor", but it was sold out at the MAC store in Georgetown. I settled on OPI's "Lemonade Stand By Your Man" and I'll be the first to admit that I was clearly in denial when I bought this color for myself, but I just had to give it a try! Anyway, it clearly doesn't work with my complexion- and what's even worse is that I had to apply 5 - 6 coats just to achieve the color in the bottle.

What do you think?