My Latest Obsession - Gel Manicures

I love going to the Townhouse Spa in NYC because every time I'm there I'm introduced to new treatments, the latest spa trends and some of the most outrageous new technologies.  Last time I visited I discovered the "Baby Face Facial" made with spermine.  

This week, I was going in for a manicure and it was a life changing experience. No exaggeration.  The owner, Jamie Ahn, informed me of a new gel manicure they were doing that promises not to chip for two to three weeks. I was skeptical at first because it reminded me of when I was young and I used to have my manicurist put so-called gel over my real nails because they were so brittle and had flash backs to the pain of her digging and clipping the it off a week later and the damage it left behind.

Jamie convinced me that this gel manicure was nothing like what I had over ten years ago.  That's when I met one of the most brilliant creations: OPI's Axxium Gel Manicure.

My manicurist first performed a regular manicure and then dipped her tiny brush into a jar of gel and applied two very light base coats to make sure the surface of my nails were even.  In between coats I held my hand under a UV light to help harden the gel.  The polish choices are all of OPI's normal colors in a gel form, and I went with my go-to, Lincoln Park After Dark.  After two coats of carefully painting on the gel polish and sealing it with a gel top coat, the manicurist cleaned up around the edges of my nails with oil and I was set to go.

The result, a perfected manicure with harder nails that are chip resistant for two to three weeks.  Who can argue with that?  So far it's only been five days, but due to all of the typing that I do, my nails normally chip after two days and I end up taking all of the polish off by the third day.  Even though I'm very impressed so far, I'm anxious to see how long it will really last.  

Next time I go in for a gel manicure (hopefully three weeks from now) the manicurist would remove all of the gel that's currently on my nails by soaking it off with regular nail polish remover on a cotton pad and start over.  The whole manicure took about 35 minutes.  

I feel that no matter what, neat, clean hands always look professional and are very important to keep up. Therefore, this kind of manicure is the type that delivers confidence with every handshake.  

 

Backstage: Vassilios Kostetsos

This week I was introduced to a famous Greek designer, Vassilios Kostetsos.   It was a special show because it was the first time Kostetsos was partaking in New York Fashion Week.  

Mehron, a makeup line that normally dominates Broadway, created the look using the inspiration of the bronzed goddess.  Raedawn Johnson lead the Mehron team in making up 20 models, using brown and gold eye shadows, bronzer, a pop of pink on the cheek and clear glossy lip.  

All of the concentration was on the eye. "When doing a heavy eye, it's easiest if you start with the eyes first. This way you can easily clean up whatever gets all over your skin," remarks Johnson.  Mehron Aura Bronzing Gel was mixed with moisturizer and used on the models who were wearing bathing suits.

"Since the collection is so structured, we knew we had to put all of the hair up to show off the strong pieces," commented lead Mizo stylist, Angela Soto.  Using Oribe Gel Serum, the stylists slicked back the hair into a side parted front pouf and then twisted the back up into a classic bun.  

One of my favorite spas in the city, Townhouse Spa, brought their team in to take care of nails.  Jamie Ahn, President of the spa, lead her manicurists to create a clean look using an oldie but goodie, Essie's Prima Ballerina on the hands and feet.

The Official Launch Party

Last night was BeautySweetSpot's official launch party at the Townhouse Spa in NYC.  It was a complete success thanks to everyone who contributed and who came out to support.  Lit with tea light candles and elegant candles from Vie Luxe, the spa was decorated with champagne flutes and wine glasses filled with spa rocks and BeautySweetSpot's signature, cherries. 

Filled with guests and I have to admit, some gorgeous men, the Townhouse Spa offered mini-manicures, back massages, foot rubs, and their latest, spermine facials.  The DEX New York makeup artists and stylists provided glowing two-minute touch ups, sizzling summer hair styles and hair extensions.  Celebrity stylist, Sarah Shirley, was also there to share her fashion advice and raffled off a four hour closet clean out session valued at $600. 

Oh, and I can't forget to mention, some of my guilty pleasures that were showcased through out the spa besides beauty treatments... a huge chocolate fountain was flowing in the front window with fruit and cookies to dip into it, chocolate covered cherries were passed, and a BeautySweetSpot special cocktail,  with V2 vodka, was served by gorgeous models all wearing BeautySweetSpot tight, white t-shirts.  Hot.

Thank you to the Townhouse Spa, DEX New York, Sarah Shirley and V2 Vodka for bringing BeautySweetSpot to life and of course, everyone who contributed and came to support me and my sponsors!  xoxo

Photos will be up soon!

Sperm... Good for Your Skin

Yes, you read it right.  Sperm is good for your skin, well spermine that is.  I was sitting at the Townhouse Spa with President, Jamie Ahn and almost spit out my tea when she told me about this new facial the spa was offering cleverly called the "Babyface Facial."  

I came to find that spermine is a natural antioxidant that protects against free radicals and is found in places like the liver, and of course, in seminal fluid. Back in 2001, a bio-tech company called Bioforskning in Norway obtained the patent on spermine after it's benefits on the skin were discovered by Norwegian scientists at the University of Tromso. (I wonder how this discovery came about... hmmm...)

Like anyone, I wasn't so sure having spermine on my face would be very pleasurable, but Jamie convinced me otherwise.  It turns out spermine is 30 times stronger than Vitamin E, delays aging of the cells by 25%, protects the skin against UV damage, renders free radicals and stimulates the production of collagen.  I'm in!

Exclusive in the US to the Townhouse Spa and Acqua Beauty Bar in NYC, "The Babyface Facial" lasts 75 minutes and costs $250.  

Achieve A Flawless Self Tan

I have to admit, whether pale or sun kissed complexions are in season, I always feel better with a nice glow and used to go to extremes to achieve a tan, yes, even in February. Before my days in the beauty industry, I would lay in a tanning bed daily and bake my skin so it was crisp and leather like. Now when I look at the crows feet that have already begun to appear around my eyes and think of the damage I've done to my skin, I shutter, but am proud to announce that I am now a reformed tanorexic.

Ever since I weaned off of my addiction I jumped onto a new one to satisfy my craving... spray tan. Although I was skeptical at first I find if you take the appropriate steps to prepare and care for your healthy spray tan, it's a win win situation all around.  Jamie Ahn, President of Townhouse Spa and Acqua Beauty Bar in NYC gave me the 411 on how to maximize your spray or self tan experience.  

The key to a long lasting spray or self tan is smooth, even skin so exfoliation is a must.  Use an exfoliating cloth that can air dry or a gel based product on a mit. Product alone isn't enough for a deep exfoliation. Pay special attention to your ankles, knees, elbows and wrists.  If you're preparing for an event, get a manicure and pedicure prior to your tan.  It will help to keep things even.

After exfoliation, dry off and don't put your regular moisturizer on.  Professionals use gloves when applying tanner at the salon.  You can pick up a vinyl pair at your local drugstore.  For even distribution, start with a dollop the size of a quarter in your palm and apply to larger areas first.  Jamie suggests using Xen-Tan for a very natural color.  Keep applying product with measurement.  Do the tops of your thighs down to your ankles and the top of your shoulders down to your wrists.  This way you're left with little tanner at the end.  Squeeze just a dime size into your hand for your entire face and treat it the same way as your body.  For your hands and feet use a self tanner that has a spray applicator and lightly go over them at the end.

Make sure you wait at least six hours after a spray or self tan until you take a shower.  Jamie recommends doing it before bed, getting eight hours of sleep, and showering in the morning. To prolong your glowing results, use a moisturizer that acts as a tan extender daily.  They have DHA in them that helps make the tan last and keep it from fading unevenly.  Normally your tan will last three to five days but this can make it last over a week.  

Thanks to Acqua Beauty Bar, I stay glowing all year round sans premature aging and the risk of skin cancer!