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Favorite Find Friday: Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask

March 15, 2013 at 3:11 pm
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After spending a few days in the heat during a work trip in Palm Beach followed by a few days in the freezing temps in NYC, my skin was confused to say the least, going from oily to dry. But my facial skin wasn’t the only place that suffered from the quick climate change. During my weekly blowout, I noticed my scalp (yes, it’s skin, too) was freaking out (and by freaking out, I mean flaking—gross, I know), too. So I reached for Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask ($6, drugstore.com) in hopes of nipping the flakes in the bud. I also called up the brand’s celebrity dermatologist, Francesca Fusco, for tips on fighting and preventing flakes. She said that when applying shampoo and conditioner, to lightly massage the product in with my fingertips—not nails, a mistake some women and stylists make. She also said that instead of skipping conditioner at my roots to increase volume (a trick I always do!), to slather it on my roots directly, assuring me that my scalp was craving moisture and that the conditioners were light enough that they wouldn’t weigh down my blowout. Guess what? A few days after taking the advice, my flakes were gone (such a relief) and my hair was bouncy despite applying the mask from roots to ends.

Karolina Kurkova Discusses her Role on The Face and as a Health-Conscious Mom On-the-Go

March 12, 2013 at 3:37 pm
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Czech-born supermodel, Karolina Kurkova is more than just a pretty (OK, insanely gorgous!) face. As a fashion and beauty icon, she’s lending what she’s learned throughout years in the fashion industry to the hopeful contestants on Oxygen Network’s The Face. Hosted by Nigel Barker, Kurkova joins supermodels Coco Rocha and Naomi Campbell as coaches of aspiring models as they compete to become the new face of ULTA beauty. Here, she talks about her role on the show, how she squeezes in workouts around her 3-year-old son, and how she keeps her family healthy.

What interested you in becoming a coach for The Face? 
“What I liked about The Face is that it was a real mentoring show where we really get to work with these girls. We had four girls on a team, so there was a lot of personal attention. We were able to give our time to them and work with them more intimately, which I think is great.”

How would you describe yourself as a mentor? 
“I am who I am. I’m very real; very natural. I think being a mom has made me very nurturing. I take my role of being a coach very seriously. These girls put their lives on hold. Some of them have kids and families and work five jobs, so I really felt a huge responsibility to make sure they had an incredible experience throughout the show no matter what happened. Then I’ll give the best and be the best and do whatever I need to do to get them to always feel good about what they’re doing. And win, of course, because if I don’t win, I could lose a girl, which is very sad when you get to know these girls, you don’t want them to go home. So, I’m more like a nurturing coach.”

How do you find ways to stay fit as a mom with a busy work schedule? 
“It’s hard! I don’t have the luxury to exercise as much as I use to. Growing up, I was a ballerina; I played basketball; I grew up with loads of sports so that’s very important in my lifestyle. Not just the physical part for how it makes you look but also mentally. When I feel strong physically, I feel strong mentally. I think both of those things really affect each other. So I really have to be very creative. Sometimes I may have half an hour or ten minutes. I have to really improvise and get it in whenever I can. Having a three-year-old definitely keeps me very busy. He’s a boy and super energetic. I’m running a lot with him and he’s very active. He keeps me very active.”

You’re always on the go, do you have any favorite snacks to have on hand?
“Whether I’m traveling or on the go, snacks are very important for my son and for my family. If I’m on the go, sometimes I don’t have the time to have a sit down meal and so I try to have things that I love like these Chia Bars from Health Warrior, which are great. They have a lot of protein but they are also great for fiber. Or nuts like almonds and cashews or apples. Anything that’s raw, sprouted and healthy that is going to hold you over. That’s important.”

Any other great healthy eating tips?
“One green juice a day keeps the doctor away.  For me that’s something that I really try to have everyday or make everyday. Now you can even buy some at Whole Foods. Stores are opening up little juice cafes. So I think for me that is something that is huge when I travel a lot or when I’m tired. That’s a fast way to get some vegetables and some nutrients in my system.”

Do you also have any favorite beauty products you like to travel with?
“I like a water spritzer, like a thermal water. I have my bag here, I can tell you exactly. I like a face cream for when my skin feels dry. And a hand cream, the one I actually have in my bag right now is called Weleda.”

Tune in to The Face on Tuesday nights at 9 PM ET/PT on Oxygen Network.

 

photo credit: Laspata DeCaro:Oxygen Media

Jenny McCarthy Reveals How She Battles PMS, Extra Pounds and Unwanted Hair

March 11, 2013 at 3:16 pm
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Spitfire hottie Jenny McCarthy wears a bunch of hats: mom, author, model, comedian, cover girl, environmental and autism activist and most recently, spokesperson for Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X ($449, triabeauty.com). Check out page 48 in our March issue for more info about the handheld device, which is the first FDA-cleared at-home laser to use the same diode laser derms do. But despite her many roles, the blonde bombshell is as candid as celebrities come. Immediately following her appearance on the Rachel Ray show, McCarthy and I chatted in the green room about how after 20 years in Hollywood, she looks better than ever. When the first words out of McCarthy’s mouth were, “Sorry, I’m PMS-ing,” I knew it would be a good interview.

How do you cope with PMS?
“Bikram Yoga! It makes me feel better, it helps me stay in shape and it’s an all natural way to keep my face firm. You know how when you get a facial and they steam your skin for 90 minutes? That’s how Bikram leaves my skin—it tightens it.” [Later, McCarthy proudly acknowledges that she’s been getting Botox injections for the past eight years.]

Are you wearing Spanx right now?
“No—Spanx would just push everything up. This dress is tight. My diet’s horrific right now—I’m up 14 pounds since moving to Chicago. I go up and down, so when I’m up, I pick a date [to lose the weight by] and I have ‘no fat Tuesdays.’ I talk about it on my blog splash.suntimes.com. I find losing weight in a group is better. I tell women to text a ‘chubby buddy’ what they eat so they’re held accountable. I just texted my friend that I had three potatoes.”

What’s your go-to healthy snack?
“Watermelon. It’s my little secret. It helps me with not retaining water and it balances my blood sugar levels.”

If you could splurge on any food, what would it be?
“Pizza, cheeseburgers, milkshakes and onion rings, all of which I’m allergic to.” [McCarthy is allergic to gluten and dairy.]

Is it harder to look hot now than it was during your Singled Out days?
“Back then, I played against it. I didn’t think about it. Now, being 40, I want to present myself in the best way.”

How do you stay in shape?
“I do Bikram a few times a week and light weights three times a week.”

What’s behind your partnership with Tria?
“I like doing stuff in the privacy of my own home. And I like that there are different levels [on the device] so you can use what’s comfortable. They’ve found a way to remove hair as good as they do in the doctor’s office in your own home. While I’m single and doing photo-shoots, it’s great for maintaining [a hair-free look]. 20 years ago, I did laser hair removal, but I stopped because I couldn’t stand the embarrassment, then I waxed and shaved. You don’t want to look like Fred Flintstone’s beard down there!”

What are some of your other favorite beauty products?
“I put these eye masks on when I fly. I stopped getting acrylic nails because I don’t have time so now I use Kiss press on nails —they’re convenient and inexpensive. When I do TV, I always wear fake lashes. I don’t wear perfume because I’m sensitive to it. I get spray tans once a week at Brown Buns in L.A. [McCarthy’s sister’s company]. I always feel slimmer; it gives the illusion I’m leaner and it hides stretch marks.”

How has your beauty routine changed since becoming a mom?
“I do everything that I can at home—facials, hair removal, spray tanning, Insanity DVDs, weights, treadmill.”

What’s your favorite music to workout to?
“I’m a Pandora Pink Radio kind of girl.”

Maria Menounos Talks Inexpensive Spring Trends, Keeping Her Workouts Fun and Her Best Kept Hair Secret

March 8, 2013 at 1:24 pm
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Extra co-host Maria Menounos is tearing up New York City promoting her new film, Adventures of Serial Buddies, a comedy out this week and her latest fashion project with Marshalls. In between her Better TV and Today Show segments, Menounos and I caught up on fashion, fitness and, of course, beauty.

 What are you working on with Marshalls?
“I’ve been shopping at Marshalls for years thanks to my mom. I love that you can go there and get on-trend pieces for prices that won’t break the bank. Marshalls has these amazing buyers who make deals with companies so you get what’s in department stores, like bags from Italy, for less. You can buy three dresses instead of one, and saving money is really important. My savings has helped me own a property and make a movie! Plus each store offers something a little different.”

What are some of your favorite spring finds from Marshalls?
“This mustard dress that I’m wearing is one of them. They have tons of great wedges—black and nude, white bags, printed and lace tops and chambray blouses, which I love with white shorts and wedges.”

I know you’ve done DWTS and even WWE wrestling. What’s your favorite workout?
“I do this all day [running from one gig to the next]! Sometimes I play basketball with a bunch of guys. I recently took a Spin class, which I loved but thought was really hard. And once, I took this drum class, where we were doing squats the whole time. I like to make my workouts fun so I don’t feel like it’s work. And speaking of WWE, it was one of the coolest experiences of my life. I got a trainer and learned how to wrestle. They were shocked.”

What’s your go-to healthy snack?
“Rickland Orchards granola bars—they’re really yummy and easy to eat on the go.” (Menounos is a spokeswoman for the company.)

Your hair and makeup look gorgeous. Any tips to share?
“I take off my makeup off every night, even when I’m working late and I’m on my computer answering emails in bed until 1 in the morning. The Neutrogena face wipes are my favorite. And before bed, I use the Alterna Caviar Overnight Hair Rescue to keep my hair soft and looking healthy.”

Molly Sims Spills her Secrets for Luminous Skin and Looking Amazing in Pictures

March 7, 2013 at 10:41 am
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With years of modeling and acting experience under her belt, Molly Sims wants to spread the wealth by helping women look and feel their best. This month, she’s teaming up with the beauty company Pond’s to help women experience the “luminous effect” that comes with having great skin. The duo is launching the Pond’s 30-Day Luminous Photo Challenge to inspire women to share photos of moments when they felt radiant and beautiful. Now through April 2nd, you can upload your favorite photos to Pond’s Facebook Page to enter or tag pics on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #LuminousEffect. There will be thirty prizes awarded. Here, Sims shares her secrets for looking and feeling great on and off camera:

Scrub Up to Wind Down

March 4, 2013 at 9:43 am
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The shower is my escape after a long, busy week. There’s nothing better than coming home on a Friday night, running a hot shower, and washing away the day with a handful of my favorite scrub. The steam and the fragrance create my own little spa-like experience. Here are a few of my new faves:

Exotic Scent

Soap & Glory Scrub ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Body Exfoliator ($20, soapandglory.com)

This scrub hits all the right notes: magnolia, sandalwood and mandarin. It has an oriental fragrance, and it caught the attention of my friends and even scored me a few compliments.

Worth The Money
Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin ($36, clarinsusa.com)

So this one’s a bit of a splurge but this scrub’s results make it worth it. The bamboo powders slough away dry, rough skin while the hydrating shea butter moisturizes my arms and legs so they look glowy and polished. Plus a little goes a long way so it lasts a long time.

Sweet Steal
Bath & Body Works Golden Sugar Scrub in Forever Red ($17, bathandbodyworks.com)

One whiff of this mouth-watering fragrance and you’ll do a double-take at the price tag. The spicy vanilla rum scent feels sultry (like some pricier options) and the sugar crystals mixed with sweet apricot and almond oils make it a real treat for your skin.

 

—Jessica Carter, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: Dial 7-Day Moisturizing Lotion for Extra Dry Skin

March 1, 2013 at 1:16 pm
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I’m one of those people who just dreads slathering on body lotion. I know, I know…it’s basically a sin in the beauty world but I hate feeling cold and sticky before getting dressed, especially in the winter. But when I first tried Dial 7-Day Moisturizing Skin Therapy Lotion for Extra Dry Skin ($5, drugstores) on my hands, it absorbed so quickly and didn’t leave behind an icky greasy feel, I decided it might just be exactly what I needed to add to my after-shower routine. Well, I was right! I quenched my flaky arms and legs with this lotion packed with super-hydrating shea butter and was ready to get dressed in just a few seconds. Plus, it moisturizes for up to seven days so even if I get a little lazy and skip a day, I don’t feel that bad.

Kitchen Beautician: Spruce Up Your Beauty Routine with Baking Soda

February 25, 2013 at 12:09 pm
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That little orange box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda ($3, drugstore.com) isn’t just for your favorite cookie recipe or absorbing funky smells in your fridge anymore. It’s actually a super-convenient (and inexpensive) way to give your beauty routine a boost. Here are some new ways to use it.

Exfoliating manicure & pedicure:
The next time you go to change your polish, try this: make a paste with three parts baking soda to one part water. Apply it to your hands and nails or feet and legs and gently rub in a circular motion to exfoliate and smooth. Rinse clean with warm water and paint away.

Hair detoxifier:
Nix product buildup in your hair by sprinkling in a quarter-size amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly.

Natural deodorant:
Dust Arm & Hammer (the handy shaker version works best for this) under your arms or in your shoes as needed to feel fresh all day.  The baking soda neutralizes acids and bases to remove odors rather than just covering them up.

Soothing bath soak:
Ease tired muscles after a long day at the office or a tough workout by adding a ½ cup of baking soda to your bath—when combined with water, it’ll soften your skin and sooth mild irritation like a sunburn or bug bite.

Brightening mouthwash:
Make your pearly whites sparkle by adding one teaspoon of baking soda to a ½ glass of water and swish the solution around in your mouth (being careful not to swallow) and rinse.

 

Favorite Find Friday: BeautyRx Skincare by Dr. Schultz Daily Exfoliating Therapy Serum

February 22, 2013 at 12:04 pm
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Newsflash: Not all beauty editors have perfect skin. You can trust me when I tell you I actually have problematic skin. Some people brush this off to me being dramatic or exaggeratory, but really, I have a pretty serious case of cystic acne and some serious skills when it comes to covering it all up (even my derm was fooled when I walked in for acne treatment). I’ve tried everything under the sun, and I mean everything, from spot treatments, to 3-step systems, even kitchen remedies—you name it, I’ve tried it. Topically, nothing has really worked that well for me until I started using BeautyRx Skincare by Dr. Schultz.  I’ve only been using the products for two weeks and am already seeing a major improvement. My blemishes are cleared (and no new ones are threatening to pop up), my pores are smaller and my complexion has a new-found glow thanks to the Daily Exfoliating Serum ($65, beautyrx.com). It’s an 8% glycolic exfoliant that helps unclog pores and brighten dull looking skin. I apply three drops all over my face before bed and wake up to a fresher and clearer complexion (and one step closer to finally having my dream skin).

Yogi Elena Brower Launches New Givescent Fragrance That, You Guessed It, Gives Back

February 20, 2013 at 3:04 pm
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Whether you’ve been to one yoga class or one hundred, the importance of breathing is always a vital component—inhaling and exhaling drives the practice and helps you move from posture to posture. Recently, we grabbed our mats and headed to practice with Elena Brower, founder of Virayoga in Manhattan. Yes, we focused on breathing in the good and exhaling the bad, but we couldn’t stop ourselves from sniffing in Givescent, Brower’s recently-launched fragrance, over and over again.
With notes of vanilla, sage, grapefruit and bergamot, this scent “smells like Italy,” says Brower, who called the country home for two years. Sicily’s signature smells—think citrus lemon trees, rich olive oil and the city’s vanilla and butter pastries—served as her inspiration. “It’s a deliciously feminine scent; it has a grounding musk to it that balances the sweetness and makes it completely irresistible.”

So irresistible, in fact, that people would stop both Brower and Alexandra Lyon Perelman, her partner in the creation of this new fragrance, on the city streets to ask about this unique perfume.  So the two decided to sell the scent, under one condition: “Inherent in our business model was a giving component. That was the only way starting a business made sense to us—it had to have giving as part of the plan.”

Since both worked with Women for Women International—a nonprofit that provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from poverty to stability and self-sufficiency—choosing a charity was as simple as slipping into downward-facing dog. In fact, Givescent sales sponsor two sisters and five percent of its proceeds will go to this organization.

Yogis and non-yogis alike have another fragrance to look forward to: Givescent Orange plans to launch in June, perfect for lighter, carefree days.  “[It] maintains the essence of our signature scent, but is supercharged with sun-ripened citrus,” says Brower. Plus, a portion of its proceeds will benefit Every Mother Counts, which aims to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all moms-to-be.

—Carrie Stevens, editorial intern

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