Photo Op Eye Palette ($42): Get a range of photo-ready day and night eye looks with these fail-safe palettes
-Softbox: Inspired by the Softbox, Smashbox Studios’ unique set that lets in a flood of natural light for beautifully dreamlike photos, these six ethereal shades create gorgeous daytime looks. Scan the tag or peel back shade label on palette for application tips.
-Smokebox: You don’t have to be a makeup expert to create camera-ready smoky eyes—this fool-proof palette makes it simple with six perfectly coordinated Photo Op Eye Shadows in dramatic shades. Scan the tag or peel back shade label on palette for application tips.
All I can say is we are fighting over who gets to use this in my house.
But for the real deal-e-o, read below.
Kit Includes
Opal Sonic Infuser
1.7 oz. bottle Anti-Aging Sea Serum
2 extra applicator tips
Universal charger
Limited-edition travel bag
See Opal in Action
Watch this video to see how the Opal works, and the amazing results. You won't believe your eyes!
Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System with Anti-Aging Sea Serum
A palm-sized sonic infusion device, the Opal is specially designed to help build skin's resilience over time and prevent future damage around the eyes. By gently tapping the skin around your eye at 125 sonic movements per second, the Opal dispenses our specially formulated Anti-Aging Sea Serum, maximizing absorption in a way that's not possible with your finger alone.
Benefits: Immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for younger looking skin
We've heard from Opal users that their skin appears brighter, looks younger, and feels refreshed and energized. And best of all, consumers are experiencing an immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Opal is perfect for the eye area and can also be used on the lip, brow, and forehead areas.
Anti-Aging Sea Serum
Dr. Robb Akridge optimized this serum for the dynamics of sonic infusion. Using his immunology expertise to promote skin health, he employed a multi-layered approach using marine extracts and botanicals that hydrate, firm, tighten and protect your skin from future damage. Our serum is gentle enough for daily use and paraben-free.
Dr. Tamara ZumMallen is an incredible acupuncturist who works at Healing Hands Wellness Center in Larchmont. She has worked on healing so many things with me over the years, from chronic hip and sciatica pain to lower back issues and nerve damage.
But recently, Tamara added something very exciting to the roster. She is one of the few acupuncturists in Los Angeles practicing MEI ZEN, COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE. Yup, how about acupuncture needles instead of Botox needles to reduce fine lines, release muscle tension not to mention lift the epidermis and up collagen production? I was intrigued and couldn't wait to start my ten sessions (required for results). I fell in love with it.
First of all, it is so relaxing - 90 needles in the face (not to mention she also treats whatever else is ailing at the time) helped me drift off into the most blissed out nap of my life. But the results - WOW. After every session, I immediately looked different. Glowing. Refreshed. Awake. And NO LINES. I immediately thought, how perfect this is for breast-feeding moms who want a little refresher but can't get back to Botox/Dysport yet. It's also perfect for anyone afraid to try freezers altogether. It's totally natural and my lord, I am obsessed with it now.
Patients are saying:
"Not only did my skin look amazing and my crows feet disappear, but it helped keep my stress levels down and I sleep really well after treatments."
"Tamara works holistically. The Mei Zen was powerful in relaxing my face, lessening my lines and I cannot believe the difference it made in jawline! What a nice break from chemicals. But I was also treated as a whole body, and my other ailments were treated at the same time. Overall, I got more than I could imagine out of a session, inner and outer beauty and healing!"
Here Dr. ZumMallen explains more about Mei Zen for us!
I have been helping thousands of patients meet their holistic health goals for the past ten years. What I’ve noticed is that when bodies are in proper yin/yang balance and qi is flowing, patients have a glow about their skin and a brightness in their eyes that is undeniable. This realization has led me to seek out the very best in cosmetic acupuncture, a technique called MEI ZEN. Mei Zen, meaning “beautiful person”, is a technique developed by Dr. Martha Lucas.
Dr. Lucas explains that by inserting acupuncture needles into specific points on the face, the body experiences a micro-trauma and sends collagen and elastin to repair the skin. Ten sessions are recommended. And just like all Chinese medicine treatments, some results are dramatic and fast and some results are a little more subtle.
Some results a patient may experience with Mei Zen:
A reduction of fine lines
A “leveling” of deeper lines
The beginnings of jowls may disappear
An improvement in acne and rosacea
Skin gets softer and more vibrant
Cheeks get smoother
Overall skin tone becomes more consistent
Age spots have faded
Wrinkles on the décolleté may soften
Cosmetic Acupuncture is contraindicated in the following cases:
(see - you can HARDLY see it. note child, scratches on face from 10-month old and lovely new lashes by the beyond fabulous Juliana Landis - more on her next week! my lord, do i look like a muppet here or what?)
I had sent my trusty editor, Tara, to check out Long Time Liner Conture Make-Up in Beverly Hillsa few months back as I was way too scared to even consider a semi-permanent eye liner for myself. Are you kidding? A needle to my eye?! The thought of it gave me the heebie jeebies. And the look? Way too old lady for me. About as old lady as the expression heebie jeebies.
Tara went on to write a lovely piece informing us about what this semi-permanent eyeliner is all about. But she too chickened out and never had it done. It's a major commitment, what if it goes wrong?! Being that GROOMED L.A. only writes about what we've tried, first hand, I couldn't publish her piece. Sorry Tara!
A few weeks ago, I was walking on Bedford and decided to check it out for myself. Tara had raved about the uber-natural look on the two technicians (called Linergists, get it?) and I had to get a look at them. Wow, she wasn't kidding. The eye liner looked amazing. It was practically inside the lash line. The lips looks great, though not for me and the brows seemed natural, also not for me. But the liner! It looked outstanding so I decided to take the plunge myself.
Needless to say I was terrified as the (awesome) Jacqui drew liner on me to show me where she would be, basically, tattooing my eye line. How creepy does that sound? I made sure she knew, by drilling it into her at least 100 times that I don't want it noticeable! She assured me she would go super thin, light and deep in my lash-line so it wouldn't stand out. My eyes would simply pop from having them rimmed in a deep, dark lash line.
We started. Lots of wiping of teary eyes, lots of application and reapplication of numbing cream, and then, the electric needle part (oh man, the things I do for you). OY. OY. OY. But an hour later, I was done. Upper and lower lids, fintio.
It hurt in a way that I can't really explain. If you can get your mind off the fact that a needle with ink is being applied within millimeters of your eye - then the pain may not be that bad. But a lot if it is psychological. I did my best to think of other things. Like frozen yogurt. And massages. Didn't work so well. But, I made it through. I left with my eyes just slightly puffy and a bit raw, so to speak. I had a very dark black line under the bottom lashes and Jacqui assured me that it would fall off, like a scab, and a lighter more natural line would be revealed.
She was right. Within three days, the black line fell off and I had an ever so slight liner so close to my lash line it was practically in it. My hubby loved the look. Score. It took me a day or two to adjust, as I usually don't wear liner at all. I was told to come back in ten days for my second application to make sure it lasts the one to two years promised. I thought about bailing and sticking with what I had but decided to finish what I started. Not to mention, I started to LOVE IT.
The lower line is totally understated, a deep charcoal color, and the upper lid is deep in the lash line - it IS like having eyeliner on but really no one notices. I'm still a bit on the fence about the edges, or the 'wing' as the call it, but Jacqui said to come in and she can soften it. I've been asking my friends what they think, drawing them in to take a closer look because they don't even notice what I'm talking about until they get really close and the response has been: OH YAH, I didn't even notice it - it looks amazing - I want it!
Ok, so exactly what IS semi-permanent? Well, the color is pigmented only into the first layer of the skin, the epidermis, so unlike a regular tattoo, this one only lasts from one to three years. Over time the make-up can be touched up or left to fade. I think this and lash extensions are the perfect no make up, no hassle look that's perfect for a mom who is usually covered in slop but still wants to look like I've showered. Or give a shit. Or haven't given up yet. For me, it's all about simplicity, a time-saving routine and always looking as natural and un-made-up as possible.
Long time liner just made my day even better. I can pop out of the shower, throw on a tinted moisturizer, some highlighter or illuminator, pink cheeks and I'm good to go. Heaven!
This is also a life saver for women with Alopecia or recovering from hair loss due to chemo treatments. The "Linergists" are trained in:
Recovering Pigmentation
Lip contours for clients with smudged lip contours due to Herpes Simplex, Impetigo Contagiosa, Cleft Palate, etc.
Eyelash drawing for clients with hair loss due to burns, Alopecia Areata, Chemotherapy treatments
Reforming pigmentation
Eyebrows fine hair drawing for clients with hair loss due to Nuerodermitis, Alopecia Areata, Chemotherapy treatments
Watch out Thermage - there's a new way to take YEARS off your face (buzz in the industry says 10...that sounds a bit extreme...I'll be happy with 5) within an hour, that's making its way to a slacking forehead and 310 prefix near you.
Late 30's watch the out! ULTHERAPY's here to scare the Big 4-0 away.
It's been taking the media by storm. Maybe you've read about this "Lunchtime Lift" in Bazaar Magazine.Or Marie Claire. Saw it on The Doctors of Rachel Ray (see below to watch it in action.)
After devouring the Bazaar piece in a doctor's waiting room one day ( awaiting a mammogram, can you say, so not fun, but so happy I did it this year. WEAR A THYROID GUARD!) I put on my Groomed LA detective hat (chic, wide-brimmed, loaded with built in SPF of course), determined to discover the best person in town who has mastered this latest treatment. This led me to Dr. Carlo Honrado, a board certified facial and plastic reconstructive surgeon who is bad-ass-brilliant. And here I am to report back to you with my findings!
First, let me give you the --
WHAT :: Ultherapy is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment designed to tighten and lift the skin. Ultherapy™ achieves enhanced patient results by incorporating ultrasound energy to lift and tighten loose skin of the face and neck. There is no patient downtime associated with Ultherapy™ and it can be administered in as little as 30 minutes. Ultherapy™ is the first of its kind ultrasound energy. The treatment triggers the body's own regenerative response which in turn results in firming, tightening and actual lifting of the skin. The results take place naturally and gradually over time as collagen is rebuilt within the skin. There is no down time!
HOW :: The treatment is simple; an ultrasound wand is placed on top of your skin and sends sound waves below the surface, causing tissue to contract and new collagen to form over time. There is no downtime with Ultherapy™, and you can resume normal activities immediately.
Dr. Honrado asked me about my pain threshold before we started. I scoffed. Who me? I've had 5 hip replacement surgeries, a double hernia operation, 2 kids and 2 C-sections to top it off. If anyone can deal with pain, it's me. "Because you can take a Percoset before we start if you want." Percoset is pussies, I say. Bring on my new face and bring it on now!
That was a mistake. As the zapping begun, I started to liken it to being, well, tasered. Or more like, a lion being tasered to it's death. Make that a whale.
"Wow! This is no joke!" I said, doing my best to stay zen - yoga breathing, remote viewing, you name it, whatever I could do to get my mind off the zap-zap-zapping. Dr. Honrado was so fantastic though, counting down the zaps for me and making small talk about kindergarten schools. I breathed, deeply. He zapped. My legs twitched like road kill. I was happy I had said yes to the shot of Toradol (injected Advil, I think) in my arm before hand. I persevered, pulverizing those mushy squeeze balls and kept my eyes on the prize. I mean, what's a few minutes of discomfort (maybe 45 for my lower face and neck) for taking ten years off and staving off, even longer (I mean, that should happen when I'm like 55?! 60?), those words I dare not speaketh (facelift)??
NOTHING!
And besides, I had already braved my first Long Time Liner treatment that day, basically a fricken tattoo to my lash line (I know, can you believe this?! All in the name of beauty reporting for YOU!!) so how bad could anything really be?
NOT BAD!
Boom, it was over. I was slightly red. And probably a bit thinner from burning all those calories from freaking out (on the inside of course, I made-like-a champ for the Dr. and his nurse).
But, guess what... the results??
UNBELIEVABLYGREATAMAZINGHOLYSHITWOW!
The immediate effects were undeniable -- the slight lifting and toning of loose skin along cheeks, neck, mouth, under chin. Check! My skin was not as lax/loose. Check! Even the texture improved (!!??!!) Lines were plumped, the crepe paper texture of my skin was reduced and this is what I have to look forward to over the next 30 to 60 days as my collagen (that was massacred) rebuilds: better fitting skin, reduced pores, brighter skin, more even tone, more resilient, smoother skin, sleeker jawline, lifting of cheek tissue, more defined jaw, less sunken more voluminous cheeks...and then some.
A week later and it's just getting better. I'm a tiny bit sore but honestly, this is one of those things that makes a subtle change that IS NOT SO SUBTLE. I can say it took about 5 years off this point. When I look at my girlfriends who are 5 years younger and really study how their skin in sitting on their face, how the muscles and neck look, I can confidently say, I don't think I look any different. WOW.
I'm realllly looking forward to the next few months with this. And the great thing is, boom, I'm done. This is not one of those "series of 5" things. In fact, I think I'm over-riding Exilis with this. Thanks to Dr. Kris Pressman for introducing me to the awesome Dr. Honrado.
If you are like me -- in that phase of (mid) life when you look in the mirror and think, wow, this is really starting to happen, I still feel 12 on the inside even though I've hit 40, what the heck do I do? ULTHERAPY is a brilliant BRILLIANT treatment that will have people wondering what the heck you DID do. It's already been happening to me, in only one week.
And oh, TAKE THE FRICKEN PERCOSET!!
Here are some approximate prices (can slightly vary)
2,800-3,500 for a full face (brow, crow's feet, cheek region and neck) 2,000-2,500 for the face and neck 1,000-1500 for the brow 1,000-1500 for the neck alone (though Dr. Honrado highly recommends that if you are doing a neck, it is best to also do the face)
AND HERE'S THE COOL PART!
MENTION GROOMED LA WHEN YOU GET THERE AND GET 25% OFF!!!
DR. CARLO HONRADO
2080 Century Park East Suite 1700 Los Angeles, CA 90067
It’s no secret that I’m a lash extension junkie in the real sense of the word. And like junkies of another kind, I share many of the tell tale traits of an addict…it’s been a secret habit I simply can’t quit, it’s cost me thousands of dollars that I don’t have over the years and I’m always on the hunt for a better hit.
Which has brought me to the fabulous KELLY MATTSON.
Kelly’s cut her teeth at some of the top lash bars in town before launching her own site and totally mobile service.
She hooked me up on a Friday night in my home with one of the bests sets I’ve ever had. Unlike many of the lash experts out there, Kelly’s preferred look is uber-natural, wispy, thin and most of all not tacky, attention grabbing and over the top.
She uses super thin mink, varying the lengths for a look that doesn't scream - I'm wearing fake lashes! I didn’t want that thick lash and va-va-voomcurl where my lashes are touching my brows and fan out like Bambi. Or a drag queen. Unless it’s for a special occasion, on me that just looks…stupid. Not to mention, the heavy, thick lashes weigh on my eyes, itch, make me blinky and start to twist and curl after a week.
Of course Kelly can rock any look, and often that's exactly what most people want, thick, ultra-heavy and sexy. But if you're like me, and looking for the ultimate beyond natural, not over the top look Kelly is the perfect aesthetician for you. My new set is the lightest wispy-est that I've had in years. I'm in LOVE!
She also does permanent make-up (yup, tattoo eyeliner, brows, etc) and will give you a little brow or lip wax while she's there. She'll even throw on a collagen mask while she's making you lashy.
Mink set starts at $350. Touch ups in your home $150.
Honestly if the eyes are the seat of emotional communication then the skin framing them is pretty damn important, yet I estimate that 99.99% of all of my product contains the phrase “avoid direct contact with the eye area.” The problem -- this is the part of the face that is the first responder for showcasing stress, aging, um slight mental imbalances, fatigue, environmental irritation and any number of other issues. So, what’s a girl to do? We can’t exfoliate and pamper this area that needs it most. Of course, Mr. Henriksen, who takes a very philosophical approach to his skin care, understands that how you frame the art is as important as the art. TRUTH is revolutionary in that Mr. Henriksen has found a formulation of Glycolic Acid (AHA) and Lactic Acid that is gentle enough to use on the delicate tissue under the eye. Now you can gently exfoliate this skin and along with the Vitamin C clear the way for a brighter under eye appearance. TRUTH also contains micro algae that firms the skin and boosts collagen production and a rice bran protein that strengthens the tissue and improves circulation, which will help eliminate the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. There’s also a strong moisturizing component thanks to an ingredient called saccharide.
My under eyes have been looking very grim due to some health issues and a fair amount of tears but after 3 weeks of using TRUTH I’m very happy to report that my under eye skin is noticeably brighter. When a product actually works, I fantasize about spreading it over my entire body, which with treatments is an expensive fantasy as my body is large and treatments come in small containers. I compromised and gave myself a little piece of my fantasy and put TRUTH on my nose as well as under my eyes. I figured they were connected. And yes, my nose is looking very fine thank you. Old red pimple mark from last outbreak – gone. Enjoy.
For years I could never find the right eye cream. I get bored easily and when I see something new out there I can't wait to try it. Especially if it has the word "lift" and "tighten" and "technology" in it.
More words I like that are behind the science of this duo cream/gel: SKIN GROWTH FACTORS,HUMAN FIRBOLAST CONDITIONED MEDIA,ESSENTIAL SKIN PROTIENS TO STIMULATE COLLAGEN, INHIBIT CELLULAR BREAKDOWN, PROMOTE NEW COLLAGEN AND HYALURONIC ACID FORMATION, INCREASE THICKENING OF THE EPIDERMIS, HELPS FACILITATE INTER-CELL COMMUNICATION, INFUSED WITH ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS,TRANSFORMS DEPLETED, DAMAGED CELLS TO A RESTORED VIBRANT, YOUTHFUL STATE....AND SO ON!
AND CHECK IT OUT!
JUST FOR GROOMED L.A. READERS/SUBSCRIBERS!
You'll receive an exclusive $25 OFF the Eye Lift DUO, if you order from THIS post.
Simply enter Coupon Code GROOMEDLAEYES at Check-Out or the code is automatically linked with this URL:
Here are the terms: Only one per customer. Cannot be combined with any other offers, plans, or special discount. Offer good online at Skin Authority only Expires 5/31/2010.
EYE LIFT DUO
Dramatic Eye Lift and Moisturizing Lift Cream.
Dramatic Eye Lift, 0.3 fl oz. This highly concentrated formula is designed to lift and tighten the delicate skin around the eyes.
Moisturizing Lift Cream, 1.0 fl oz. This ultra luxurious formula is designed to hydrate and firm dry, depleted, and sagging skin.
Both products incorporate specialized ingredients to address the specialized skin areas of the face. Both products are boosted by our exclusive SGF-4 Technology™, harnessing the power of four natural skin nourishing proteins called Skin Growth Factors to immediately transform depleted, damaged cells to a restored, vibrantly youthful state.
One of the first sunscreens to achieve SPF 30 and the FDA recommended 4-Star rating, this daily moisturizer protects against both UVA & UVB damage to help slow down the signs of aging and help control hyperpigmentation and skin cancer development. Powerful protection in a lightweight formula perfect as a daily, all-over moisturizer and ideal under make-up. Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 3%, Oxybenzone 6%, pH 5.50.
If you don't already know now then you need to know now that SANDI SCHROEDER is the go-to-girl for lash extensions in town. I've been going to her since 2007 when what I thought was a one-time-job for some head shots, turned into a monthly habit I will not, cannot and refuse to give up now matter what the economy. They pay off of gorgeous, thick black lashes the moment you wake up, a no-smudge, no eye-make-up scenario is just too worth it for me. I've always had those eyes that even if I wear waterproof mascara, I am a raccoon with minutes and constantly wiping and smearing and futzing with my eyes all day. Extensions leave me care-free and with my big eyes, and naturally unimpressive lashes, it just makes such a huge difference on my face. Huge!
So when Sandi mentioned she was now working with mink, I initially balked. The thought of any little minkies being harmed for my lash habit made me shudder at the thought of just how far peeps will go to look good (killing little animals? oh no!) So Sandi informed me they are totally cruelty-free, the minks are not killed but gently brushed and there is absolutely no animal harm endured. Well ok then, I'd give it a shot and see what the diff is!
Why try? First of all they are hypo-allergenic and totally natural. So if you are super sensitive this option might appeal to you. Because they are so softie, they're beyond comfy, totally weightless - you don't feel then AT ALL - and they don't have that poky feeling the synthetics can have when they get a little wonky over time. They last longer than the regular synthetic extensions and take on the body of your own natural lashes. They also come in curly or regular curl.
I gotta say, wow, they are really niiiceee....I can definitely feel the difference in weight. I feel absolutely nothing and I do sense the synthetics from time to time. I think I'll continue with these for a while, unless the price becomes an issue but I can already sense, a new addiction coming on. Oh no!
ALERT! SANDI JUST INFORMED ME THAT IF YOU MENTION YOU HEARD ABOUT HER ON GROOMED LA YOU WILL GET A WHOPPIN 10% OFF YOUR FIRST TIME SESSION!! THIS IS GOOD FOLKS, VERY, VERY GOOD. THANKS SANDI!!
Ah...lashes. Can you ever really have enough of them? I didn't think so.
Nothing looks better and makes life easier then a furry, thick coat of lashes. Seriously, it takes the whole looking-decent routine down to like, two steps. And one, is brushing your teeth.
So here's the deal: Last year a friend of mine, who I will call LouLou, as you will be hearing her name a lot as she, like me, loves to groom with the best of them, told me about this LASH PERSON. What the heck is a lash person? Well, it's a Lash Extensionist (of course), someone who extends your lashes, with semi-permanent fake ones, to add luxurious length and thickness to your icky, skimpy, yicky lashes. As someone with very big eyes, who for some reason always has raccoon eyes when I wear mascara, even if it's waterproof, this seemed like a great idea to try before some upcoming new headshots. The price, at the time , was beyond right, only $150 for a full set to start and $65 for maintenance. This sounded totally do-able, especially when I did a little research and found out that lashes at some of the top salons start at $350! So LouLou introduced me to my current pusher, my dealer, the woman whom a year and a half later, I cannot get out of my life. No matter how hard I try.
Her name is Sandi Shroeder. Not only is she the cuttest little hottie ever, but she gives great lash. What was supposed to be a ONE TIME gig for has turned into an 18 month run. And counting. I have watched her biz grow and grow. She now does all those super fancy people you read about on New York Social Diary. Ya know, the ones who have their hair and make-up done every single morning.
Ok fine, so her prices have gone up. I don't care. Every lash is worth it. I'm totally hooked! And now she has added metallic, blue and purple to the mix which sounds totally crazy. I recently added the purple, just a few on the ends, and you can barely see them except in certain light. Totally subtle and cool.
There are several ways to go: thick, thin, thicker in the middle, more Bambi-extending out on the ends and I have tried them all. I now go for a thinner lash and thicker in the middle so I don't look too glam and just natural. God knows, I have my sweatpants to keep up with. Also the thicker ones feel a bit heavy. These are super light. You wont even know you are wearing them. And keep your face out of the friggen shower stream for crying out loud. This will extend their long, luxurious life!
Touch ups can wait for three weeks if you are super careful and not a total perfectionist.
Sandi Lash Guru:
323.687.4374
Full Set: $275
Touch-ups: $80 to $100
Wings:$80 to $100
Mink, Metallic, Colors price available upon request.
She works out of:
Tracey Ross 8595 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069 Telephone: (310) 854-1996
Sandi Schroder's attention to detail and custom lashes has made her one of the most sought after lash stylist's in the industry. A true artesian, Schroder determines what styles, colors and extensions work best for the individual to create a natural yet debonair look. At the age of five, Schroder knew she was going to have something to do with eyelashes. Drawing stick figures with huge eyelashes was in the works and making her art into reality was inevitable. Growing up outside of Manhattan, she played with different fake lashes and practiced on her mom and sister perfecting her steady hand.
Schroder looks at eyelash extensions as an art, always being interested in the creative side of ones' face and eye area. Whether it is to use color for highlighting, silk, mink, metallic, thick, long or short lashes, she has become one of the most sought after up and comers in Hollywood. Sandi can be found at one of Los Angeles' most exclusive retailers Tracey Ross. As one of Schroder's client has claimed, " Without my lashes, I am nothing."
