GROOMED L.A.

Mama Mio's O-Mega Body Buff

 

The days are getting shorter and a new crispness in the air is making me long for wool sweaters, hand-knit scarves and hot toddies. My skin  is also getting drier. Ugh. Thank  the grooming gods for O-Mega Body Buff ($33, 200  ml) from that fab foursome at Mama Mio.  This excellent exfoliating scrub left me soft, smooth and moisturized in less than three-minutes  flat. Plus it’s filled with all of the good stuff (micro-ground  pumice, sweet almond oil, aloe vera, chamomile and vitamin E) and none  of the bad (all of Mama Mio’s products are sans dyes, parabens,  petroleum, synthetic fragrances and sulfates), so I can use it often  with a clear (and smooth) conscience. It’s a great prep for self- tanners and works wonders on faces too.  

Me and my ridiculously soft  skin are officially ready for fall!

By Amelia Glynn
writer_editor
415.776.6676
ag@ameliaglynn.com
ameliaglynn.com

GROOMED LA GIVE-AWAY! Schick and Skintimate and super cute MARA HOFFMAN shower caddy.

is this the sexiest razor you have EVER seen??

 




This summer, I shaved. 

Yup, I dropped the wax and picked up the razor and became totally fascinated by these razors below.

 I'm talking, a two times a day shaving habit. I'm not gonna lie.  It's getting weird. 

The Schick® Quattro for Women® Disposable Razors in Limited Edition Colors, and Skintimate® Limited Edition cans created by New York Fashion Designer Mara Hoffman are FUN.  Yes, I said fun.

Limited Edition Schick® Intuition® in three fun designs, is my faveeee.  Choose the razor that fits your skin’s needs this summer: Renewing Moisture with Pomegranate extract, Naturals with all-natural aloe and the Moisturizing Care Pack with milk and honey and shea butter.
 
The Schick® Quattro for Women® TrimStyle™ with Acai and Jojoba is the first and only razor and bikini trimmer in one -  shave, trim and transform in one simple flip of the handle. Sweet.

And hey, wanna WIN this adorable caddy jam packed with enough shaving cream for a team of rugby players (that made no sense, but stay with me).

Just be the first to do this and it'll be sent to you. :)

(and email me!!)

All you have to do the win is:

1. SUBSCRIBE TO GROOMED L.A. 

IF YOU ARE ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER - GET THREE FRIENDS TO SUBSCRIBE!

2. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

  http://twitter.com/groomedla

3. AND FACEBOOK

http://www.facebook.com/pages/GROOMED-LA/371919009902?ref=ts

 

  xo
 
  

 

Argyle Spa at the Sunset Tower hotel. Old world Hollywood elegance meets up to the minute services. WOWZA!

Who knew the Sunset Tower's ARGYLE SPA was such a cool spot?!  (Not to mention the hotel! Seriously old world Hollywood glam. I am taking my hubby there on our next date night for cocktails on the roof.) 

The spa is actually the home of the Brazilian Blowout and they do everything here from full on med-spa services to Acupuncture to hair, to mani-pedi's, waxing, tanning, and the list goes on!

But what really made me ecstatic was that when you book a massage, along with it, you get an INSANE private session in their fabulous marble Turkish Hammam - literally the most amazing sensual experience I've had in...well...forever. Honestly, you just have to try it to believe it. Press a button and a waterfall runs over your body while you relax in a steam filled room, with water - everywhere. 

My therapist, Arianna, was fantastic. This was not your run of the mill homogenized hotel massage (the spa is not owned by the hotel, but a real spa's spa) but rather a deep and in-tuned session by a very educated and aware therapist. 

After the session, given in a glorious suite (and I mean classy, crisp stunning) you are offered more time to chill and take a bath in their humunggousss tub that fills up with so much water, it's like being in your own pool (compared to my apt tub, that is).  They wont rush you, so take your time and soak it up! 

This makes an amazing gift, if you're in need of a cool prezzie for someone, or even better, why not treat yourself to an end-of-summer detox/get ready-for-fall spa day? You're worth it!

For $120, why not make a day out of it?

 

MASSAGES

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ARGYLE CUSTOM MASSAGE

At the Argyle, we understand that every person has specific needs and preferences when it comes to receiving massage therapy. Thus, we offer this purely customized massage treatment personalized and tailored just for you. 

Our therapists will take a few minutes to discuss your previous experiences and explore the vast possibilities available to you in order to ensure every minute of your massage is poignant and specific to your needs and desires. Among the leaders in the industry of professional massage therapy, our therapists are adept in a multiple of styles and hand techniques. 
50, 80, 110 minutes - $120/$170/$230

ARGYLE AMBASSADOR MASSAGE

The Argyle Signature Massage is powerfully therapeutic and deeply relaxing. This treatment was masterfully devised to blend the most effective aspects of Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue and Shiatsu Technique. Throughout the treatment, heated towels, eye pillows, hot pads and warm stones are incorporated. Including reflexology and scalp massage this treatment has it all. Enjoy the offerings of a multitude of massage styles and treatments with this, our most luxurious and indulgent massage. Perfect for the first timer or the seasoned spa veteran. 
80 minutes - $180

FOUR HANDED MASSAGE

Our massage four-hands is the perfect blend of choreographed flow and focus on specific areas. Incorporating both mirrored and individual massage movements, two expert massage therapists combine their prowess and energy to create a bodywork experience unlike any other available. The result is a totally balanced massage that will render you speechless. 
50 minutes - $240 

PRE & POST NATAL MASSAGE

Please inquire about our Pre and Post-Natal Massages.

MASSAGE ENHANCEMENTS

Buddha Nose Therapeutic Balms, $25.00
Hot Stones, $40.00
Salt Scrub, $40.00
Sugar Scrub, $40.00
Seaweed Detox Crystal Bath, $40.00
Milk Bath, $40.00
Additional Suite Time, 20 minutes $40.00

HAMMAM & BATHS

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HAMMAN

Tucked away in our spa, resides a rarity in the western world: A true Turkish bath, referred to as Hammam. A Turkish Hammam is a low steam-heated room which exfoliates and detoxes the body while the mind relaxes. Our Hammam is loved by all who have experienced it, and has become a 'must have experience' for all our jet setter clients while visiting LA. The warmth of the Hammam opens your pores and allows for your body to relax and detoxify - the perfect way to start your spa treatments. 

Upon entering our Hammam, we supply you with our beloved Argyle Signature Sugar Scrub, cool towels and drinking water to rehydrate. This is the best way to start any of your spa treatments so you receive the deepest and full lasting results of the therapy, and leave the Argyle in a completely blissful, rejuvenated state. Your Hammam time is private and only for your personal use. 25 minutes
Single Person Hammam: $25.00, Couples Hammam: $40.00 


ARGYLE SIGNATURE BATHS
 
After your spa treatment, include one of our Signature Baths to your experience to further detoxify, relax, and refresh your body, mind, and spirit. Salt baths enjoyed immediately after a massage can increase your detoxification by over 60 percent.  

MILK BATH
 
Indulge in one of natures greatest beauty treatments, just like Cleopatra. Milk baths are full of Lactic Acid, a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid found in milk, which has an exfoliating effect on the skin - cleansing it down to it's deepest layers. Our Milk Bath is further enriched in almond oil and a soft vanilla scent. Leaving your skin clean, soft and irresistibly silky smooth. 20 minutes, $40.00 

SEAWEED DETOX CRYSTAL BATH

The ocean is the source of all life, and has powerful therapeutic effects on the mind, body, and spirit. OSEA’s Seaweed Detox Crystal Bath harnesses the healing power of the sea, to restore balance. Rich in sea trace minerals and exotic salts from around the world, this bath helps with detoxification, water retention, AND softens your skin to perfection. Bathe in the Sea of Life. 20 minutes, $40.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.argylela.com/

8358 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90069-1516 (310) 623-9000 Open Tue 9am-7pm; Wed-Sat 9am-9pm; Sun 10am-7pm Bus: Sunset / Kings

 

Directions - Is this accurate?

 

Give your skin the gift of Serenity with Zorica of Malibu

After just one week of curling up fireside in my oversized Twelfth Street blanket sweater, my body could use a little polish before hitting Zuma beach this weekend. (Crazy, right? I mean, it’s Novemeber, people!!) I need a little glow, but with the holidays quickly approaching, who has time for a trip to the spa?

Enter Serenity Sugar Body Scrub, by Zorica of Malibu. This body scrub ($25) has a relaxing, fragrant mixture of Lavender, Rose and Geranium essential oils. The organic sugar crystals are gentle enough to use on my body and face and are surprisingly clean, leaving no slippery bathtub residue. Best of all, my skin feels smooth and nourished.

All of Zorica of Malibu’s products are made with natural and organic ingredients and are chemical and alcohol free. It’s a simple, clean, fragrant line, ideal those of us with ultra-sensitive skin.

This winter give your skin healthy glow. In this heat, we could all use a little Serenity.

xx Tara

Get your favorite Zorica of Malibu products at Planet Blue in Malibu or visit their web site http://www.zoricaofmalibu.com/cart/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRODUCT OBSESSION - INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS - CERTIFIED ORGANIC HEALTH AND BEAUTY

How excited am I about this line? 

INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS is right up my alley!

First of all, check out the latest PRESS.  Their ANTI AGING SERUM made ALLURE MAGAZINE'S beauty editor top pick.  I can see why... 

Everything is certified organic, created by the founder of Aveda (WHO IS INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS?) and the products all that ultra-pure-essential-oil-of the earth chemical free smell. I especially love going to sleep with this exact kind of product on my face.  

And you know I go nuts over a great packaging.  And the bottles are - hark! - real glass!

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ANTI-AGING MIST

Antioxidant spray prepares skin feeds, protects and restores with Intellimune® Seed Meal Complex. Made with nutritious food ingredients. Free of silicone, parabens, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances.

Intelligent Ingredients: Aqueous Extracts of Certified Organic Intellimune® Seed Meal Complex (Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape, Cranberry), Certified Organic Alcohol Denatured with Certified Organic Bergamot Essential Oil, Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex (Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape, Cranberry), Certified Organic Orange Oil, Certified Organic Everlasting Oil, Certified Organic Carrot Oil, Certified Organic Ylang Ylang Oil, Certified Organic Bergamot Oil, Certified Organic Geranium Oil, Certified Organic Matricaria Oil, Vitamin E.

.  

CERTIFIED ORGANIC ANTI-AGING SERUM

Antioxidant restorative blend feeds all skin types with anti-aging Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex Multi-functional, works synergistically with Anti-Aging Mist to prevent and correct signs of aging, feeds, protects and restores with Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex. Instantly improves skin appearance and luminosity. Made with nutritious food ingredients. Free of silicone, parabens, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances. 

Intelligent Ingredients: Certified Organic Safflower Seed Oil, Certified Organic Argan Oil, Certified Organic Intellimune® Seed Oil Complex (Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Raspberry, Red Grape, Cranberry), Certified Organic Acai Oil, Certified Organic Orange Flower Oil, Certified Organic Everlasting Oil, Certified Organic Carrot Seed Oil, Certified Organic Ylang Ylang Oil, Certified Organic Rose Extract, Certified Organic Geranium Oil, Certified Organic Matricaria Oil, Certified Organic Chamomile Oil, Certified Organic Cistus Oil, Certified Organic Beeswax Honeycomb Extract, Vitamin E.

  

They are soon launching an ANTI-AGING TOTAL BODY ELIXIR. It's phenomenal and compliments each of the 7 Mulitfunctional Aromas. It's retailing for $30. Should be avail on their website soon! 

BASQ SKIN CARE- HEAVENLY 'STRETCH MARKS STAY AWAY FROM ME' CREAMS/OILS

We all know I'm on a mission. I will not get stretch marks while pregnant. I will not get stretch marks while pregnant. And so on and so on... Next up on my mission the conquer this lurking fear:

BASQ 

Every pregnancy magazine I've opened has their ads glaring out at me. They mean bizzness...So I went for it and got every single on of their magic potions...

RESILIENT BODY OIL : diivinnee....My only issue with oil is that I cannot get enough.  It's really hard for me to ration myself.  Espesh when they feel this good.  So, I'm saving this one for nighttime only! 

Rosehip Oil, Grapeseed oil, Hazelnut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Sunflower Oil, Sesame Oil

Hazelnut, Sunflower and Sweet Almond Oil provide intense skin cell nourishment with Essential Fatty Acids and naturally occurring Vitamins that protect skin from damage. Sweet Almond oil also has natural antimicrobial properties which help prevent local bacterial infections in healing wounds, thereby minimizing the chances of scarring and ugly marks. This oil also has the natural property of tightening sagging skin.Rosehip Oil has a high content of essential fatty acids known specifically to heals scars and restore normal skin color. Grapeseed is plentiful in antioxidants and fatty acids to moisturize deeply to restructure of damaged and stressed skin tissue. Due to its nourishing and detoxifying effects, Sesame Oil reinforces the body for skin regeneration and smoothes the skin.

ILLIPE BODY BUTTER: another yummy mummy cream. Super rich. 

Ilipe Butter, Shea butter, Jojoba Butter, Borage seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, Grapeseed Oil

Shea Butter is particularly high in essential fatty acids Vitamin A, E and F and widely used for moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin to prevent premature aging and to cure damaged skin. Jojoba butter is an excellent moisturizer that supports skin regeneration. Borage Seed Oil has the highest concentration of gamma linolenic acid an Omega-6 essential fatty acid for skin nourishment and strengthening. Rosehip Oil has a high content of essential fatty acids known specifically to heals scars and restore normal skin color. Grape seed oil is abundant in fatty acid linoleic acid, that critically helps maintain the health of cell membranes, supports regeneration and restructuring of damaged, stressed skin tissue. 

 CITRUS SUGAR BODY POLISH: Haven't cracked this one open yet, but I'm a scrub-freak, so I'm sure to go ga-ga over it. 

Sugar, Shea Butter, Jojoba Buter, Hazelnut Oil, Grapeseed oil, Rosehip Oil, Wheatgerm Oil

Sugar exfoliation keeps skin in a constant state of renewal and rejuvenation, sloughing away dull layers that leaves skin dry and dull. Rosehip Oil has great skin rejuvenating properties due trans-retinoic acid, the component responsible for its remarkable cell healing and fortification capabilities. It also contains essential fatty acids Oomega-6 and Omega 3 which renew damaged skin. Grapeseed Oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid, which nourishes skin to keep it smooth and hydrated. The nutrients in Grapeseed Oil absorb deeply to fight free radicals and stop some of the enzymes that destroy skin functioning which leads to drying. Hazelnut oil is rich in essential fatty acids that deeply hydrate and repair. Wheatgerm Oil has a high content of linoleic acid, oleic palmitic and stearic fatty acids that help in healthy cell regeneration for skin repair. Shea Butter is particularly high in essential fatty acids plus Vitamins A, E and F skin nourishment and moisturizing.

 
 

PRODUCT OBSESSION - PHYTOMER BUTTOCKS-THIGH SCULPTOR

Phyotmer is one of those top of the line, natural, marine based, organic cosmetics companies where you can simply FEEL the luxury of the product ingredients the moment you lay hands on it.  So when I heard about this BUTTOCKS-THIGH SCULPTOR - DRAINAGE ENHANCING SHAPING EMULSION, I couldn't wait to dive in!

I used it for a few weeks and loved how things looked in my ripply thigh dept.  A definite smoothness!  When I found out I was pregnant I got too scared to study my thighs anymore so I'm saving the rest of the tube for post bebe when I'll really need it!  In fact, I'll probably buy a whole box of it... :)

Here's a bit more about this super-duper magic sculptor: 

BUTTOCKS-THIGHS SCULPTOR

DRAINAGE ENHANCING SHAPING EMULSION

The PHYTOMER Laboratories offer an unprecedented formula to help regain a more beautiful buttocks and combat fat storage on the thighs. Specific marine ingredients, including a unique plant extract (Suaeda maritima), help “dissolve” excess localized fat, while smoothing and toning skin. Feel confident to show off your legs!

-Directions for use: apply morning and evening to target areas. Massage in with fingers, using firm circular movements. Finish with a rolling technique over the upper thigh area..

WE LIKE

- The 1^st cosmetic product with an ingredient capable of first BREAKING UP fat droplets to ELIMINATE their appearance.

 - Suaeda maritima: action that is 4 times more powerful than caffeine on fat in the thigh area.

RESULTS

Reduced areas of concern on the thighs: 82% satisfaction

Reduced and reshaped the buttocks: 75% satisfaction

 (Consumer test carried out on 114 volunteers aged 25 to 45 with concern areas on the thighs, not caused by problems of menopause.)

(BTW...PHYTOMER FACTS)

• Products tested under dermatological supervision, and ophthalmological supervision when necessary (products for the eye contour area). In addition to these tests, carried out by an independent laboratory - the guarantee of complete transparency - we also have perception tests carried out. These help us to understand volunteers' opinions on the texture, color, and fragrance of a product before it is released on the market.
• No animal testing. Phytomer is committed to never performing any tests on animals, whether for raw materials or finished products.
• Respect for the environment when collecting raw materials. We are in constant contact with the natural environment and must protect it. Our seaweed is collected from natural seaweed forests, respecting periods of reproduction and following local regulations, and we work in close cooperation with the harvesters. We adapt our methods for each type of seaweed so as to ensure the preservation of the marine ecosystem.

PRODUCT OBSESSION - MALIE ORGANICS

YUM YUM GIMME SOME...MALIE ORGANICS

Malie Organics ingredients range from cultivated organic harvests to the rare wild-crafted plants of our rainforests. All of our ingredients are sustainable grown, ensuring constant renewal. We draw on the talent and time-honored traditions of local artisans to create our products. Malie Organicsi is dedicated to strengthening our Hawaiian way of life, so we can continue to share the gifts of paradise with you.

There a few scents I go nuts over:

Plumeria, lemongrass, ginger, coconut and vanilla (I'll never out grow them, sorry!) and Fracas perfume.

When I heard about the delicious, fresh, organic line MALIE from Hawaii, I knew I had to sample some stuff.  And sample I have.  I keep the ORGANIC PLUMERIA MIST  on my desk, next to my laptop and spray it on me, and into the air all day. I'm like a crazy spritzer. It makes me feel so CLEAN, it's like taking a shower, ten times a day.

Infuse the essence of paradise in your life with Malie's all in one Organic Aroma Mist. As a perfume these Hawaiian Hydrosol infused distillations are unique, subtle and fresh. Use on linens or in the air to transcend to the islands. Malie's Organic ingredients help save our environment one spray at a time.

The other product I'm ga-ga for is this ridiculous LEMONGRASS ORGANIC BODY POLISH. It feels like someone whipped it up in their kitchen just for me. The only problem with these scrubs is I have to ration my use of them cuz I would use it all in like...two showers if I could.  Note to self: order three bottles next time...

Here's a bit about them...Check out other divine organics from their line...

Organic Hawaiian wildcrafted lilikoi and organic lemongrass... therapeutic botanicals rescue skin from fatigue and daily stress by reducing swelling and puffiness and stimulating blood flow. Pure Lilikoi Hydrosol and Lemongrass Essential Oil work together to uplift the spirit and balance, firm and refine skin.  Lilikoi, the bright yellow sister to the purple passion fruit, creates balance and promotes well being. Delicately fragrant lilikoi hydrosols reduce stress and calm the mind and emotions.  Famous for its therapeutic power, lemongrass firms, cleanses and refines skin as it reduces toxins and fluid retention. It’s bright citrus scent is a staple of aromatherapy, used to balance and strengthen the nervous system and help the body recover from stress.

OH! As you know I only write about TOP GRADE STUFF, companies committed to making the best stuff possible, so... read this:

Malie Organics is dedicated to using certified organic ingredients or organically grown ingredients whenever possible. Our own Malie farm uses all organic and sustainable methods – without pesticides – moving us forward to qualify for certification in the near future. Organic, sustainable farming prevents pesticides from polluting our air and water supply and stops the leeching of valuable minerals from our fertile Hawaiian soil. Our organic ingredients and products are not only safer for your skin and the air you breathe, they also work in harmony with the body for more deeply therapeutic results. We encourage the understanding and direct experience of the benefits of organic ingredients firsthand through our signature Malie Hawaiian Organic Spa Rituals featuring our nurturing Organic Facial and Massage Tonics and luxurious Organic Body Polishes. Malie Organics’s emphasis on natural, organic and wild-crafted tropical ingredients allows us to create exquisite products that offer the most transformative aromatherapy spa experiences available in the world.

The Bronze That Made Mrs. Butterworth Jealous

'Aight look. We all know it. Nothing looks better on a naked body than a bad-ass tan. Ok, and maybe a Elsa Paretti vintage silver cuff. And I know this fact intimately, as the amazing, gorgeous waffle and maple syrup colored tan I had for about 48 toasty colored hours essentially washed down the drain this morning. Tears!

Because it was good. Real good. Not cheap good. But almost-free-good as I actually used one of those promotional cards that you find stuck in your car door. This was was stuck in the front door of my apartment, I think.

It was for a new swanky, uber, meta mecca of a tanning salon on Robertson called SUNSTYLE. This place is crazy. I can't imagine what the rent it. It's huge and 'futuristic'.  Blade Runner for tanners. Now I don't do this a lot...The only people that can afford it are:

CELEB ALERT: LANCE BASS AND LACEY SCWIMMER WHO I JUST SAW WALKING OUT OF HERE!!

Like ONCE a year on those god forsaken times when I have to be near naked. Like say, a bathing suit in Palm Springs. And I've always gone to UVA SUN on West 3rd street for this and done the ol Mystic Spray Tan. But last time I did it, before my best friends wedding, NOTHING HAPPENED. It sucked ass. And at $50 a pop or more (I've blocked it out) it was a total waste-o-rama.

So I was excited when, by chance the opportunity came up for me to get really naked (I'll keep those details to myself) and I got to use my free tan card at Sunstyle. I dug it out from a messy, deep drawer from where it was brilliantly stashed for a rainy day and made an appointment.

Turned out I could get the Mystic Tan only with this freebie and not to new super duper spray tan of the future whose name I don't remember and can't seem to find on the website. That one was $75 and my card was only good for $40. I sprung for the extra $35 and went for the gold. 

And gold it was. There were computerized voices telling me when to shift, when to turn, and what was happening as there were many things going on: like drying and prepping and conditioning. Bottom line, I walked outta there looking like I just got off the plane from Cabo. And it only got better. By that night I was looking like Ms. Butterworth.

For a day or two I could almost smell the ocean whose shores I had pretend sat upon on my pretend vacation at Las Ventanas. The tan made me skinny and sexy and I had to go out immediately and spend $250 at Vicky Secret to give it the lingerie it was worthy of and so deserved! 

And then it all washed away down the shower drown in an invisible creamy peanut butter wave not 72 hours later. 

As they say, it's good while it lasts. It's a cancer free tan so what do you expect. If you need to look rip roaring hot for a few hours. This is the spray tan for you. Now if only I could remember the name of the machine...?

I got it!! It's the VERSA SPA like 8 step process or something.

and...you can join for $200 and then get unlimited tans for $125/month.

There is also a girl there named JADE who I hear does amazing custom spray tanning and I cannot wait to try that next!

SUNSTYLE   

http://sunstyle.la/ 

627 N Robertson Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 289-9200