Friday, September 18, 2009

How to get ridiculously perfect looking skin.....


Beauty Wonkette always picks up some great tips during Fashion Week!

Makeup artist Hung Vanngo has secret weapon: MAC Strobe Cream. It’s loaded with green tea and other antioxidants to perk up dull skin and contains all kinds of iridescent particles that reflect the light in a way that’s glowy—as opposed to Paris Hilton glittery (ugh)—and blinds anyone gazing upon your beautiful mug to any and all imperfections. In short, it’s the easiest way to fake perfect skin ever. Just use it as a primer, dab a bit of concealer around your nose and any problem areas, and you’re done. That’s it. Now get outta here. :D

Beauty Wonkette explores the world of yoga pants

LET'S HEAR IT FOR YOGA PANTS!!! We all have them, and we all wear them for a million things in addition to yoga, Pilates, and generally working out. But, if you want a really good pair of yoga pants that will actually work for, you know, yoga, there are a few things to look for.

Beauty Wonkette is a big fan of Lucy (capris and pants range around $60 to $90). They've recently come out with a new material called lucy powermaxTMv, which is used in their newest styles, the Vinyasa Pant and Vinyasa Capri. They offer: Compression to reduce muscle fatigue, moisture-wicking properties, anti-chafe flat locked seams, four-way stretch that retains its shape, plus, a flattering crossover waistband.

But don't just rely on Beauty Wonkette's favs. BW has scoured the 'net for the opinions of well-known yoga instructors about what brands and styles they like best, as well as how pricey is too pricey.

Jenny Gammello, the instructor leading NY Yoga's Yoga for Runners classes, prefers pants with less fabric. "This way there's nothing in the way and you (and your teacher) can see the placement of your knees and ankles in order to keep your joints safe," she explains. She avoids shorts as well, particularly when she's doing a sweaty class, to avoid slipping in arm balances.

Gammello has a few favorites, with her top pick being Shakti Activewear's pants and shorts (prices range from around $60 to $75), but she also likes Lululemon (approximate prices are $70 to $110), saying, "They've just come out with a pant with a soft waist that is a little more flattering and doesn't dig into the hips as much as their regular low rise pants do." Specifically, she leans toward her Wonder Under tights.

She recommends Be Present (prices go from about $70 to $80) pants for folks who shy away from form-fitting pants. The trademark slits in the calf offer plenty of movement, which Gammello finds to be a bit much, but has students "who swear by them."

Sage Rountree, yoga instructor, coach and author of "The Athlete's Guide to Yoga," is a little impartial, as she is sponsored by Athleta ($30 to $80). However, the woman knows what she likes.

"I live in yoga pants; I refuse to wear jeans anymore," she says. She especially loves her Athleta Inhale pants and Remedy pants, and says she gets tons of compliments on her Lotus capris. There are five things she looks for when it comes to yoga pants:

* smooth waistband,
* gusseted crotch (infinitely more comfortable, lies smoother and provides the option of going panty-less, which is nice for those of us used to bike shorts or compression running shorts),
* stretch, which is a big part of ...
* comfort (you don't want to be distracted and fussing with your pants during your practice) and
* durability, since they will be washed many times over.


Now, you're probably noticing that most of these options aren't super cheap. And I feel your pain -- it's hard to spend close to $100 on something you're planning to wear while you sweat! As Rountree says, "Here, you often get what you pay for. I think $80 isn't unreasonable if it means the pants' fabric is thick or opaque enough for you to be in downward-facing dog without showing off the print in your underwear."

Fortunately, Gammello knows a good bit about sniffing out a bargain. First of all, she recommends trying out the pants in the dressing room. After all, even if they're on sale, you're only getting a deal if you'll wear them. "Try out your favorite poses and if the pants don't enhance your practice, don't buy them!" she says.

Then, if you learn your favorite brands and know your size, shop Ebay. "You can find a really great 'with tags, never been worn' steal," she says, explaining that she just got a name brand yoga outfit for $20, "but only if you've tried them on somewhere!"

Additionally, you'll want to make them last, especially if you spend top dollar on them. Gammello warns against pants with too much cotton -- "They'll start to carry that lovely, sweaty mildew smell and then you might as well chuck 'em," -- and suggests washing your pants gently. "If you can get a away with it, soak them in the sink and wring them out to dry on a drying rack," says Gammello.

Finally, be sure to watch your favorite sites for deals. Once you know the styles and sizes you like, watch for colors to be discontinued. Some manufacturers, like Shakti Activewear, sometimes offer discounted "second quality" items that are a slightly darker dye or have a somewhat shorter inseam, but are still totally wearable.

Oh, yeah, before Beauty Wonkette forgets..... DO ACTUALLY WORKOUT ! ;-D

Get Orlando Pita’s “really cool girl walking down the street” hair





Over the past week, Beauty Wonkette has seen the top hairstylists from around the world create amazing looks for various designers’ fashion shows. At Doo.Ri, however, Beauty Wonkette fell in love. Orlando Pita’s “really cool girl walking down the street” hair, as he called it, was beautiful. Lucky for you and me, it’s super easy to replicate and truly perfect if you're growing out your bangs!

You see, Pita WANTED the models to look as though they had grown tired of their bangs and were in the midst of growing them out (even if they weren't). He described the style as “real people hair,” but not all of the models were growing out bangs, so extensions had to be added. “The look is natural and normal, but it takes time,” he told me. Beauty Wonkette, however, IS in the process of growing out her bangs (sorta), which means no extensions are required!

To start, Pita flat-ironed the bangs and hair, applying Moroccanoil Treatment since the models’ hair was fried from all the styling that’s been done to it during Fashion Week. Then, after pushing the bangs off to the side, Pita pulled the rest of the hair into a low ponytail. Finally, he twisted the hair under and off to the side and pinned it into place.

The result is a casual ‘do that reminds BW of a chic, Eurogal; you know what I mean - someone who has great personal style but doesn’t look overly put-together. It’s gotten major compliments around the office, and I love having a new way to pull my hair back that’s a little more dressed-up looking than a regular ole ponytail.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

buzzworthy........ buzzzzzzzzzz


You know by now that wherever there is beauty buzz, there is also likely to be Beauty Wonkette, oui?

Well, as a follow up to last year’s skin product sensation “h” Serum, comes 3LAB’s new Super “h” Serum. This new serum is causing quite a stir amongst Hollywood celebs, as well as being sold out and wait-listed in Selfridges in London. Erica Chung, co-founder of 3LAB, and adds some meat to all the buzz…

Question: What’s the difference between ‘h’ Serium and Super ‘h’ Serum”?

Erica Chung: Super “h” Serum contains Nano-Claire GY (our bio-engineered growth hormone), plant stem cell technology from a rare Swiss Apple and EUK-134, a powerful antioxidant. It is a super powered anti-aging booster that gives an immediate and long-term effect. “h” Serum is wonderful for prevention and Super “h” Serum contains the most technologically advanced ingredients. It utilizes the newest technology to fight the signs of aging. When I use it, my skin glows! “h” Serum is hydrating and anti-aging but the Super “h” Serum is firming, anti-aging and preventative aging.

We sell both formulas. “h” formula is for younger skin seeking preventative solutions, while Super “h” Serum targets wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and repairs UV damage,

Question: We know of another company that uses the green apple from Switzerland in their products. Is this a skin care trend of an ingredient that is newly discovered?

Erica Chung: Actually, people have been studying stem cells in cosmetics for a while but up until now, it has been too new to use. Through our third party clinical trials, we’ve found that the results are really significant...

Hmmm... Interesting, eh?

Currently available at: Barneys, Bliss and http://www.blissworld.com

HAIR TRAVELS: Amazon Beauty secrets


YES, YES, YES !!! Beauty Wonkette vacationed in Brazil. But, alas, she didn't make it to the rain forest. Now, apparently, in the Amazon rainforest, you may not have the luxury of an everyday shampoo session. But no matter - bringing the Amazon to use is easier than bringing us to it. With Amazon Beauty Rahua, your shampoo and conditioner will transport you there instantly by way of the unique Rahua nut ingredient that fortifies hair. It's 100 percent natural and will definitely help you channel the beauty of tribal Amazonian women.

WAIT !!! There's more! The Brazilian wonderland has another native hair product for dry hair sufferers: Amazonia Preciosa Brazil Nut Nutritive Hair Mask from Surya Brasil. Named after the Preciosa tree, the products have essential oils that emit an exotic and ohhhhh so seductive fragrance. Beauty Wonkette doesn't have dry hair, but this stuff smells so incredibly good that she had to try it. Only you're a truly oily haired girl, this WILL work for you. And that fragrance - OMG OMG OMG - this stuff will stimulate your senses as well as your hair follicles.

HAIR TRAVELS: go east young Beauty Wonkette...


Beauty Wonkette has had her eye on this for QUITE some time! While the Japanese surely have a hold on sushi and eyelash curlers (Shu Uemura, of course), they also have a few hair tricks up their sleeve that - fortunately - they are sharing with the rest of us. New Japanese hair care system OOKISA incorporates natural botanicals like white peony tea and lily as well as Japanese lime and camellia oil. The Nighttime Follicle Renewing Serum is Beauty Wonkette's favorite product in the line. It contains a blend of bioflavonoids, vitamins, and patented Procapil, proven to nourish the hair shaft and thicken hair. It is LOVELY stuff.....

check out the line at http://www.ookisa.com

HAIR TRAVELS: calling Casablanca...


Next up in the Beauty Wonkette travelogue...

Yes, Beauty Wonkette has sung the praises of the line before. With a well deserved cult following, Moroccanoil products have become a must for any exotic-ingredient-loving wonkette. The products use Argan oil harvested under a free trade program to strengthen and recondition each individual strand. If you can't get to Casablanca, slap some of this on your hair, grab the popcorn, and watch Bogie navigate the city...

HAIR TRAVELS: reinvigorate in the Caribbean


Beauty Wonkette is back from her international travels.... 'Twas great and although I love the good ole USA, the fact that the only traveling Beauty Wonkette is going to be doing for the next few months is INSIDE the United States, she's a little bit bummed atm. In any case, to help escape the doldrums of a mundane schedule with little or no time for exotic escapes, Beauty Wonkette has decided to bring you some bringing globally-inspired hair products. Cleanse, condition, treat and style your hair with these and both of us may feel just a teensy bit better about not traveling any exotic locales for a little while. Just wait till next year though...

Okay - first up!

Launched last year, and inspired by Caribbean notes of zesty citrus, clean florals and warms spices, Hair Rules is a line of products developed for all textured hair, designed to be easy to use and effective. The line's Wavy Mouse bares the brand's wavy logo that will remind you of your college spring break ;-)

LEGENDARY! The best dupe for SkinMedica's recently discontinued TNS Advanced+ Serum

  Recently SkinMedica discontinued the TNS Essential Serum and their TNS Advanced+ Serum is seen as the upgraded version.  But Beauty Wonket...