GROOMED L.A.

PRODUCT OBSESSION - NOT JUST FOR BABY - CALIFORNIA BABY

If you have a kid and you have not used CALIFORNIA BABY  well, you've been missing out.  Natural, safe, non-toxic, chemical-free, bio-degradable... their blends contain no harsh or harmful ingredients, no synthetics, no common allergens, and no pesticides.  Scented solely with aromatherapy quality essential oils to promote baby wellness.  I mean, is there anything else that should be touching a  baby's skin?  OR mine?? Which is why I've been using these creams all throughout my pregnancy.

I practically had stock in California Baby when my first kid was born. I still use the SHAMPOOS AND BODY WASHES on her now that she's 4 and I am way into their SPF SUNSCREEN LINE for the whole family.

So now, 6 months preggo, I'm pouring these OILS  on for stretch-mark prevention.  I'm an essential oil fantatic as you know, so these hit the spot big time.

And the Calming™ Botanical Moisturizing Cream is another amazing all-over body moisturizer.  

Obviously, when baby is born I'm going to explore once again, their newborn line (diaper creams, etc.) but for now I'm super happy knowing I'm chemical free when le bun is in le oven. :)

     

PRODUCT OBSESSION - WELEDA MAKES ME HAPPY

What can I say? Simple, pure, natural, love. Three things I've been playing around with and diggin' them all:

POMEGRANATE CREAMY BODY WASH 

WILD ROSE INTENSIVE EYE CREAM 

SKIN FOOD

Here's the 411:

The antioxidant-rich pomegranate seed oil in this decadent body wash helps to renew your skin, and macadamia seed oil leaves your skin moisturized and smooth. Infused with the pure essential oils of vanilla, blood orange and neroli, Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash will stimulate your senses and bring balance to your body and soul. 

An intensive eye treatment that enlivens your eyes, reduces puffiness and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines.  Organic rosehip seed oil, naturally rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that deeply calm and nourish. Organic or wild-crafted eyebright extract is known for its astringent and antioxidant properties that protect your eyes from skin-damaging free radicals and environmental influences. Organic jojoba seed oil acts as an emollient, smoothing puffy and dry skin. Fragrance-free and fast-absorbing youthful eyes.

 

An ultra-rich whole-body cream that deeply hydrates, restores and protects your skin. Essential fatty acids and vitamin E in an organic sunflower seed oil, organic pansy, known for its mild antiseptic properties that calm dry irritation. Soothing rosemary leaf extract’s mild antiseptic properties and the anti-inflammatory properties of Biodynamic® and organic calendula flower extract gently nourish and care for your skin.

 

CHRIS PIERCE at ANDY LeCOMPTE SALON FOR SUPREME-FAB COLOR.

I have found the only and I mean ONLY other person (besides my beloved and brilliant Danny Hernandez) whom I will ever trust my color to, who get's it, know's fashion, what's hot and knows exactly how to make your hair look brilliant from one simple look at you: That is the genius, CHRISTOPHER PIERCE.

And he can be found at the uber-chic-I'm-totally-obsessed-with it- ANDY LeCOMPTE SALON. 

I won't get into the details of the bleak color situation I was in that brought me to him last week, but let's just say,  not only did he resuscitate my hair back to life, took things to a whole new level of supreme goddess greatness.  

WIth over 25 years in the biz, and one of the busiest chairs in the biz, Chris is known for his Baliage highlighting technique, richly colored darker hues, fabulous shades of vibrant red and a passion for color correction (Amen!) ...He turned what had become an overly-processed-brassy-orange-grey-overly-foil-highlighted mess and turned it into yummy, warm, sexy, young, natural looking caramel, gold and honey, deliciousness - the kind you seriously only see in magazines after it's been photo-shopped.  He's a color master.  Very few of these guys around and Chris Pierce is the real deal. 

CHRIS PIERCE

Base color - $175

Highlights - $200 - $400

ANDY LeCOMPTE SALON

616 North Almont Drive

WeHo, CA 

310. 273. 4100

 

 
 
 

DRYBAR - L.A.'S 1st BLOW DRY/ BLOW OUT "BAR"

HOW COOL IS THIS?! 

DRYBAR

Totally genius idea.  Booked my first appointment and cannot wait. Letcha' know how it goes.  Looks awesome.  A super cool blow dry for $35?  Brilliant.  

LA's first "blow dry bar" has a very simple concept: No cuts. No color. Just blowouts. $35 drybar was created when co-founder Alli Webb outgrew her "one woman" mobile show.  After moving to LA, she began doing at-home blowouts on the side, but the strictly referral-based business quickly exploded.  Webb says" I realized that women wanted a better blowout, a better experience, and a better price - especially in this economy."  After a year of planning and development, the drybar concept was born!  The idea is centered around a bar experience as opposed to a typical "hair salon" environment.  The main "blow out bar"  is the focal point of the space and where women will sip their cocktail and watch Sex and the City while getting a blow out!  Whether you want the Manhattan (sleek and smooth hair) or the Mai Tai (messy, beach hair), there is something for everyone.

Check out these pix.  Gorgeous space!

   
 
 

 Check out the blow out menu here!

Neighborhood: Brentwood 11677 San Vicente Blvd Ste 100 Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 442-6084

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY - BEVERLY HILLS

This place is COOL.  London's ORGANIC PHARMACY has opened shoppe in Beverly Hills on North Beverly Drive. 

This place is the real deal when it comes to organic products.
They will custom blend ingredients for you and you can work with a homeopath to devise a detox program for your specific needs (call ahead to book this). It's very hands on and personal. And if you set up a personal health assessment, a customized skin/health program can be devised for you. Everything is blended from herbs and homeopathic recipes and let me tell you, any cream or oil you try smells beyond, beyond, beyond.

I'm a fiend for natural, essential oil smelling products and this is the mother-ship in that dept.

They also have some exciting treatments available too such as the GREEN COFFEE BODY SCULPTING which is getting a lot of raves right now.

A duo massage treatment incorporating massage techniques designed to reduce bloating and stimulate the flow of lymph and micro circulation, Fat burning coffee and thermogenic (heat stimulating) chilli to target problem areas such as thighs, waist, tummy and bottom.
The treatment uses a salon strength body oil as the first massage which heats the body. Heating the body helps increase the fat burning effects of the other ingredients and helps stimulate blood flow which helps improve oxygenation of the skin. Result flatter tummy, smoother skin, reduced puffiness.
The second massage used our latest salon strength body sculpting gel which incorporates lipoytic agents and toning ingredients to continue the process but also contains cooling agents to cool the skin . The alternate heat /cool has an extra stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. It also contains a system on slow release.
 

453 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills 90210
Tel: +1 310 2727 275
9:30am-6:30pm (Monday- Saturday) 10:00am-6:00pm (Sunday)453 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills 90210
Tel: +1 310 2727 275
9:30am-6:30pm (Monday- Saturday) 10:00am-6:00pm (Sunday)

PRODUCT OBSESSION - CARGO'S BRONZERS - ALL OF THEM!

I'm hooked on CARGO'S BRONZERS.

My fave is the liquid MULTI MIX BRONZER.   I'm just now playing around with the powders too.  But this tube is now a can't leave the house without-er.

And everything is says about it true. I cannot put make-up on without it. Obsessed!

Multi-Mix Bronzer
Now you can be the mixologist with a liquid bronzer you can mix with your foundation, primer or tinted moisturizer to customize the extent of your bronze glow. Transform the products you’ve used all winter by simply adding a few drops of Multi-mix Bronzer; the result is a gorgeous golden glow that looks completely natural. Multi-mix Bronzer can also be used on it’s own to provide a sheer golden color payoff. The Multi-Mix bronzer is paraben-free and contains vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant, to help the skin fight environmental damage while providing moisture.

  

PRODUCT OBSESSION - CASSIS NOIR ROLL ON PERFUME

This CASSIS NOIR roll on perfume was in one of the infamous gift bags at a BUZZ GIRLS event last week - an amazing gathering to raise awareness for the wonderful JOYFUL HEART FOUNDATION*** founded by Mariska Hargitay (an absolute doll whom I worked with on "ER") at the MICHAEL STARS store on Montana.  The Buzz Girls always throw the most fab events and I've been lucky enough to have attended some of these soirees that celebrate the most exciting, movin and shakin women in Hollywood. It's also been a fantastic way for me to learn about new product lines and connect with reps from different beauty companies.  I'm always excited about the new goodies I discover in their coveted gift bags.  In fact I've been introduced to some of my now fave companies this way!  This little roll on was yet another one of those lovely little surprises. Being preggo, I can't bare the smell of, well, anything right now.  But this is so good, somehow it's not only making it through the pregnancy Get That Scent Out of Here ban, but I can't get enough of it! 

                                        

                                        

*** THE MISSISON OF THE JOYFUL HEART FOUNDATION IS TO HEAL, EDUCATE AND EMPOWER SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD ABUSE AND SHED LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS THAT SURROUNDS THESE ISSUES.

BEST BRAZILIAN BLOW OUT AND HAIR STYLIST IN L.A.!! LIZ DEVIN AT ANDY LeCOMPTE

H O L Y F'IN S H I T.

Ok, stay tuned for the full post, but I just have to get this down ASAP. There is a real, live hair goddess living in LA. And she just worked her fricken magic on my hair. I'll get into a full post about this later but I couldn't hold off gettin something down NOW.

LIZ DEVIN 

(click her name!)

Goddess of hair. 

Andy LeCompte Salon
616 N. Almont Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069
For driving directions, and a map, click here

Contact Liz:
For Appointments: (310) 273-4100
Email: liz@lizdevinhair.com

Originally from Chapel Hill, NC, Liz Devin began her career as a hairstylist in 2001 when she arrived in Los Angeles and enrolled at the Vidal Sasson Academy in Santa Monica, CA.

Upon completion of her training at the academy, Devin worked with Jonathan Antin before moving on to the Chris McMillan Salon in Beverly Hills. Currently, she is a cutter and stylist at powerhouse celebrity hairstylist Andy Lecompte’s salon in West Hollywood, CA.
Known for creating naturally beautiful, easy-to-maintain looks regardless of hair type, Devin believes every woman should have effortlessly chic hair that makes her feel stylish and confident. In addition to cutting and styling, Devin also specializes in state-of-the-art services like the Brazilian Blowout.

Over the course of her career, Devin has assembled an impressive roster of celebrity
clientele, including: Nicole Richie, Halle Berry, Rebecca Gayheart, Ashley Tisdale, Zooey Deschanel, Kidada Jones, Famke Janssen, Paula Patton, Jane Leeves, Rachel Hunter and Lindsay Lohan to name a few. Additionally, she has extensive television, music video and commercial experience styling projects on NBC, CBS, GSN.

“The first time I cut a client’s hair and she gave me a full, beautiful, authentic smile at the results, I knew this was the career for me,” said Devin. “It is my goal to give every man or woman that sits in my chair the exact same experience.”

Malie Organics’ Launches Anti-Aging Facial Collection Powered with HAWAIIAN COFFEE FRUIT EXTRACT

I LOVE MAILE ORGANICS and they just introduced a potent and effective, natural and organic anti-aging skincare collection featuring new plant technology exclusively from the State of Hawaii. The primary active ingredient, Hawaiian Coffee Fruit Extract from Kona, possesses more antioxidant power than any other plant source – and more than any other coffee derivatives used in skincare brands today. WOW! I am just starting to use it now and I'm loving the way it feels when I put it on. Looking forward to seeing how it goes over the next few weeks.

How it works:

The coffee fruit creates and stores unique antioxidants and nutrients to protect its seeds from the tropical sun and other environmental stress. The result: five superior antioxidants working synergistically to repair cell damage and neutralize the free radicals that cause aging. They also provide dynamic anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial action.

The “natural-by-nature” synergistic antioxidant action:

Hawaiian Coffee Fruit Extract contains five exceptional phenolic anti-oxidant acids developed by nature to work in combination:

• Chlorogenic Acid – with anti-inflammatory properties
• Caffeic Acid – also with anti-inflammatory properties
• Ferulic Acid – reacts against free radicals and repairs cell damage
• Quinic Acid – with anti-viral properties
• Trigonelline – with anti-bacterial properties to cleanse skin, minimize blemishes and even skin tone

All natural skincare with 70% certified organic ingredients. Free of parabens, petroleum, phosphates and fragrance.

Malie’s Anti-Aging Collection Powered with Hawaiian Coffee Fruit Extract retails at $56 and is available at www.malie.com.

HAIR GURU RODNEY CUTLER'S NEW CLEANSING CONDITIONER

I was invited to the Smashbox Studios Grammy Style Suite to meet Rodney Cutler of Cutler/Redkin Salons and I'm super excited about this new product debuting in April. It's basically a shampoo and conditioner in one deliciously clean smelling product. It smelled so yummy, I cannot wait to dive in once it's out. The idea of a two and one makes me very happy!!

Cutler Pure and Cleansing Conditioner is a natural approach to hair care. This sulfate-free, paraben-free formula will cleanse, condition and detangle your hair while adding shine and smoothness. It is detergent-free, and cleanses and moisturizes the hair without weighing it down.

Key Ingredients:
• Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil to nourish and repair the -air.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice -as moisturizing properties and leaves t-e -air soft, clean and shiny.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis conditions and strengthens the hair as well as an invigorating toner and astringent.
• Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil and Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil softens and smooths,and is an excellent moisturizer for the hair.
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein strengthens the hair and improves its elasticity.
• Panthenol is a penetrating moisturizer that imparts luster and conditions the hair. It helps to reduce split ends and seal in moisture.

UPCOMING REVIEWS FEBRUARY!

 THE ORGANIC PHARMACY FOR THE GREEN COFFEE BODY SCULPTING TREATMENT

ORGANIC AIRBRUSH TANNING AT LAVISH TAN IN VENICE 

TONYA CROOKS FOR EYEBROWS  

Forever Lily - Yummy perfume with a good cause, perfect for Valentine's Day gift

I've been holding on on writing about FOREVER LILY until the right time when it's double meaning will have the most impact.  It's more than just a perfume.  The story beyond this exotic, intoxicating scent is just as powerful and heartfelt as the depth of it's essence.  And Valentine's Day, that one little day of the year, where we think big about our loved ones and about giving and sharing all things heartfelt and LOVE-centric, well, it's is the perfect time to fill you in about it. 

Once you get beyond the gorgeous packaging (my 3 1/2 year old daughter is obsessed with the container and uses it to store all sorts of fun things.) you get to the glorious bottle...spray...and VOILA...!

The result is an enveloping Oriental blend with a top note dominated by clove and sweet accents of lemon and fresh lychee. The fresh green crispness of fig and the feminine presence of stargazer lily are equally balanced in the middle note. The base note is comprised of cedarwood, vanilla, amber and sandalwood.

It's deep and rich and being a Fracas fanatic and floral-freak as of late (pregnancy has made my nose very very finicky) I wasn't sure how I'd feel about something this deep and exotic but I got it!  It's powerful, almost reminded me of the days when I rocked out to Angel by Thierry Mugler.  It's a great match for the colder months we're in right now.  But what's also amazing about Forever Lily is the back story about the woman who created it, Beth Nonte-Russell, who accompanied a friend to China to adopt a baby girl and when the friend couldn't go through with it, Beth ended up adopting the girl, who became her precious daughter Lily. Ten percent of the profits from the perfume go to Beth and her husband's fervent cause to support a foundation they started called Golden Phoenix Foundation whose mission is to end child abandonment and improve living conditions for orphaned children worldwide. Wow. What cosmetics can boast that??

If you are looking for a great gift with even greater meaning, try Forever Lily.  Or tell your loved one about it and they can buy it for you!

 

Babies need quality skincare too! BURT'S BEES for baby and mommy.

Yes, yes, I know I'm all things baby and mommy-stretch-mark prevention at the moment. The yummy yummy BURT'S BEES make a line of earth friendly products, phthalate and paraben-free for baby and mommy that all have that divine honey smell which makes me...just so...HAPPY.

Loving the MAMA BEE NOURISHING BODY OIL. 

Sweet almond and lemon oils in this natural formula hydrate dry, itchy skin, while vitamin E moisturizes and aloe vera comforts and soothes for healthy, baby-soft skin throughout your pregnancy. Phthalate- and paraben-free.

The BABY BEE APRICOT BABY OIL.  Even though baby's not here yet, I'm pouring this stuff on.  In fact, I've been using it for years as an all over body drencher cuz it smells so beyond delicious.

This soothing baby oil is made with apricot (derived from the Latin word for precious) not mineral oil. Apricot oil is infused with grape seed, olive and avocado oils to create a rich, natural treat for precious skin. We've also added vitamin E and lanolin to help keep baby's skin fresh, soft and smooth. Phthalate- and paraben-free. 

 

Also, the BABY BEE BUTTER MILK LOTION feels amazing. Gonna save this one for little one once he's born. 

Treat your baby's precious skin to the deep moisturizing of this creamy natural baby lotion with soothing, natural ingredients like real buttermilk, aloe vera and sunflower oil. This rich formula also includes botanicals like sunflower and coconut oil to seal in moisture and shield baby's sensitive skin. Phthalate- and paraben-free. 

And then there's the BABY BEE BUTTERMILK BATH PINT which i promised I'd save for baby, but opps, used the whole bottle for myself. It's just that good.  Made my bath so soft and skin smelled incredible afterward.

This gentle baby bath is made with real buttermilk, not harsh chemicals that can irritate infants' sensitive, delicate skin. Buttermilk, which is rich in fats and emollients, is also a great cleanser that is safe for precious skin of all ages. SLS-, phthalate- and paraben-free.

   
 
 
 
 

Awesome nail salon BELLACURES opens in Brentwood!

The amazing BELLACURES just opened an outpost is Brentwood!  I LOVE this salon.  See my earlier post about Bellacures here and run to the new spot if you're in the hood for an extra lovely mani-pedi experience. 

11712 Barrington Court
Los Angeles CA 90049
310.295.0016
Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 11am - 7pm

Call to make your appointment 310.295.0016 or just stop in! 

Check it out on Facebook

 

EL LEON SPA

I have been dying to try the EL LEON SPA  for a Long time.  Sandi, my lash guru's  studio is in the courtyard behind it and every time I go there I take a peek in, as well a deep breath as it smells amazing from all the exotic oils, and I remind myself to book a massage.   They had a great little set up at a Golden Globes gifting suite at the SLS Hotel where I sampled the phenomenal hands of one of their massage therapists and viola- I booked an appointment that day.  

So happy I did!  First of all the place is really unique - design wise.  Not your typical antiseptic, cool modern day spa. It's an open loft-like space and the decor is Thai inspired and Moroccan flavored, all warm and dark woodsy and well...mystical.  You feel like you're stepping into another universe altogether.  It's so fully successful in being exotic at every turn, even the bathrooms are aligned with the aesthetic, I was immediately transported to another world, one that was filled with the wafting essential oils and a bunch of furniture I wish I had in my house.   The massage 'rooms' are very much like in a Thai massage house, large futons on the floor with giant flowing curtains to section off the different treatment areas.   My therapist Angela was phenomenal - just perfect.  Even though I'm pregnant and she knew exactly how to work on me, I told her not to be afraid to dig into my legs and glutes and neck, etc.  And she did so beautifully. And deeply!  I highly recommend El Leon when you need a true escape and you're looking for something less predictable than the average spa escape.  When you crave something more special - this is the place. Great for a pre-Valentines Day dinner. I'm thinking a gift certificate from here is a PERFECT gift. It's also a very romantic couples massage place.  And the spa menu is exotic too.  Yes, they have facials, even waxing and divine hot bath soak things going on (love, love the bathrooms) and the facial area is just as cool, warm, dark and relaxing.  I'm definitely going to go back and try one.  And next time I'm going to hang out for a while after my treatment and just chill with their offerings of tea, fruit and dried dates in my robe and pretend I'm somewhere far far away...

It's no wonder it's received rave reviews in ALLURE, IN STYLE, LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE, YOGI TIMES AND DAILY CANDY.

Check out their services and pictures and press here: 

EL LEON WEBSITE

8217 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048-4530 (323) 782-9582

   

RIC PIPINO'S NEW HAIR CARE LINE: REVOLUTION IN CUT

Hair care is ready for a change…Women are ready for a Revolution

So super excited! I've been obsessed with Ric ever since he gave me the world's best haircut that I FLEW TO NYC FOR this year. He told me he was coming out with his own line of hair products and viola - it's here! What's so cool about it is that the products are formulated specifically to your cut. So far, so good, and I'm diggin' the styling products big time. THe shampoo and conditioner are super yummy. OH! And they smell amazing! Here's a bit about the stuff below:

Pipino’s new line revolutionizes the concept of hair care with products designed to address the haircut rather than hair type. Recognizing a void in the hair care market, Pipino designed Revolution In Cut to re-energize and support the haircut and help bring out its personality, shape and style – a simple maintenance plan that helps hair respond to its new shape.

Ric Pipino’s groundbreaking approach to hair care serves haircut functionality, helping to maintain the integrity of the haircut day in and day out. Using an innovative haircut-specific approach, Pipino designed a line of products that stand up to his high level of standards and keep his clients’ hair looking both healthy and beautiful, all while maximizing the cuts’ shape and style between salon visits. Each product reinforces the signature cutting techniques used to create the haircut. Revolution In Cut is comprised of a shampoo, conditioners, primers and styling products customized to the six essential haircut techniques: bob, layered bob, crop, short layer, long layer, blunt. Inspired by Pipino’s personal memories of trips to Italy with his father, each product is lightly infused with the scent of Neroli (orange blossom), reinforcing Pipino’s belief that hair should be a multi-sensorial experience – not just about the way hair looks and feels, but how it smells. All products in the Revolution In Cut line are free of sulfates, parabens and gluten.

CARE FOR my cut
Revolution In Cut’s customized shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner are suitable for all hair types and haircuts, designed to complement the unique primers. The daily conditioner provides UV protection and contains Keratin and protein to prevent breakage. The deep conditioner acts as a weekly hair mask using amino acids and botanicals to nourish and repair dryness and damage.

PRIME my cut
The six primers or pre-styling products are in essence an extension of the hairdresser’s scissors, helping to support and maintain the performance of the haircut in between salon appointments. These first-to-market primers are formulated with the specific levels of hold, volume, texture and shine to improve the condition of the hair, in turn extending the life of the cut. Containing a proprietary blend of amino acids, proteins and vitamins in conjunction with unique nanosphere technology, Revolution In Cut primers increase the strength, hydration and elasticity of the hair.

STYLE my cut
Pipino puts the final touches on Revolution In Cut with a wide range of styling products that allow the haircut to take on new personalities. The categories include Toussle Me, Curl Me, Smooth Me and Lift Me. Thermal protectants found in the Toussle, Smooth and Lift products prevent color from fading and protect against damage from heat styling tools. Rich antioxidants found in the Toussle product work to repair damage and provide movement without build-up.

With a focus on delivering personal attention to each hair type’s needs, Revolution In Cut is a direct reflection of Pipino’s approach to styling – it’s personal.

Revolution In Cut launches January 2010 and will be sold exclusively through the month of March 2010 at Beauty 360 (www.beauty360.com)  locations nationwide and online at as well as Pipino’s salons and online at www.pipino.com. Beauty 360 offers prestige and niche beauty products from around the world, and as an extension of CVS/pharmacy, provides customers nationwide with access to upscale, professional products. Revolution In Cut is the latest addition to their roster of luxury brands.