Mischo Beauty Celebrates ONE YEAR!

It was actually yesterday- May 30th! I spent the day getting settled since my move, and the evening with four fabulous friends having dinner at Oya, watching the "Sex and the City" movie and having drinks at PURE- and it was fabulous!

A very, very, very special thanks- from the bottom of my heart - to all my readers for your support!

In the spirit of all things "Sex and the City" I leave you with my favorite quote:

Carrie: "Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."

Have you seen the movie yet? Did you love it?

Mischo Beauty: Beauty Blog Network Weekend Read

The faux tan has never been easier - The Daily Cookie finds a fool-proof self-tanner she loves!

Bionic Beauty found freebies just for you! Including Aveda skincare, Gillette body wash, and TiGi haircare.

A Touch of Blusher presents Lilting Lilac Part 2.

Beauty Anonymous is loving the Foot Relief Cream and Body Exfoliator from Belli!

Christine, from Beauty in Real Life, let's you in on the brilliance that is Max Factor's Colorgenius Pressed Powder...it's amazing.

The Muse gives you the lowdown on Stila Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash and Stila Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss!

Raging Rouge discovers an easy way to shiny hair, and it's chemical-free!

makeup loves me gives you the secrets behind sjp's look in this weekend's most anticipated release, sex & the city: the movie.

Beauty Blogging Junkie gives you the scoop on Denise Richard's fave makeup items she's been rocking on her new show, It's Complicated.

StyleBell shows how you can get fantastic super sexy summer hair . Get ready for the summer!

Makeup Moxie agonizes over her MAC Tendertone Lip Balm.

It's beauty on a budget at Girl Gloss, with skin swatches and a review of two great Sonia Kashuk sheer lipcolor and gloss duos!

Would you like those fine lines to disappear?The Makeup Divas tells you how you can wipe away the years with this new skincare line.

Sci-Fi goddess! Check out our newest member Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy as she does a gorgeous tutorial featuring the latest Neo Sci-Fi collection from M.A.C. that she has been raving about!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty shares a lesson on serums in her “Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101” post!

It's time to update your summer makeup and Beauty411 shares the details on the new Bobbi Brown Bronzed Pink Collection. You won't be able to resist!

Getting married and looking for your wedding day fragrance? Glossypink found one you'll adore!

How does Fergie keep her tresses in top form while on tour? Here’s a hint…it involves PAM Cooking Spray. Visit Spoiled Pretty for the answer!

Face Candy looks at the new beauty products from Korres.

Pursebuzz.com shows you how to create a super simple French Twist in 6 minutes. All you need are bobby pins and a mirror :P Perfect for everyday, weddings and those special events.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog shows you how to create a purple smokey eye using pigments from MAC Cosmetics.

Beauty Banter reveals the very best BRONZERS for summer face!

You could be one of THIRTY winners in the Estee Lauder Pearls of Light Giveaway.

Mischo Beauty: Total Beauty Weekend Read

The Muse gives you the lowdown on Stila Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash and Stila Kitten Silk Shimmer Gloss!

Beauty Anonymous is loving the Foot Relief Cream and Body Exfoliator from Belli!

Jennifer over at Beauty in Real Life shares her love for a multi-tasking moisturizer from Stila.

If you're looking for longer, fuller lashes, Monique at Beauty Girl Musings has the product for you!

Jeanne at Periodic Style needs your help and wants to know: how do you organize your beauty products?

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty shares a lesson on serums in her “Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101” post!

It's time to update your summer makeup and Beauty411 shares the details on the new Bobbi Brown Bronzed Pink Collection. You won't be able to resist!

A Mom in Red High Heels discovers the "Mother of Makeup". Find out the details!

Daily Dose of Coffee figures out what grownups wear to the beach.

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Kerastase Volumactive

Of all the "Sex and the City" premiere photos I've seen thus far of Sarah Jessica Parker, this is my favorite and I'm especially loving her hat! She's been traveling all over the world for premiere showings of the movie and her hair must be in need of TLC from all the styling. My recommendation for full body, volume and protection is Kerastase's Volumactive spray. It's a leave-in treatment, applied to the hair when wet, and formulated with the Vita-Ciment technology- which strengthens the hair from the inside (medulla, cortex, cuticle) out. The perfect protection for heat styling, when volume is needed.

What's your favorite Kerastase product?

Because You're Worth It!

A microscopic study of your hair, precise product prescription, private shampoo, scalp massage, conditioning treatment, and styling - and treat yourself to a facial, body treatment or waxing. Phyto Universe. New York City.

Mischo Beauty Closet

NARS Edelweiss + Dior's Extreme Cutout Sandal = CRAZY IN LOVE

Mischo Beauty Pick: Lancôme Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Face Gel

In my post, earlier today, I talked about how much I'm loving the Shade to Order self tanner by True Blue Spa. I failed to mention that I'm not using it on my face though. I read the manufacturer's directions like five times to make sure I hadn't misread them and it didn't mention use on the face. Now there's no way I can walk around with a bronzed body and pale face so I picked up Lancome's Flash Bronzer for the face and I love it! I've been using it every other day - I just want a natural-looking, bronzy glow- nothing too harsh and I'm loving the results. Because it contains 100% pure vitamin E, it gives me enough moisture so that I can skip using my regular moisturizer and just apply my sunblock on top of it. I love, love, love my natural glow and the scent agrees with me just fine!

(photo courtesy of lancome-usa.com)

Mischo Beauty Reader Vote: Noemie Lenoir and Laetitia Casta’s French Vogue June/July 2008 Covers

I promise to get back to all the reviews as soon as I'm finished packing and can sort out my products! But, in the meantime, I'd love to know which cover of the June/July 2008 issue of French Vogue you're loving the most! They've released two covers for the June/July issue and I think they're both beautifully executed!

(photos courtesy of vogue.fr)

Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite: True Blue Spa Shade to Order

I can't technically say that today's pick is a reader favorite, but my fellow beauty blogger "BeautyLogic" loves it and now I'm hooked! I love showing off my legs in the summer, but I'll admit that they're on the paler side- as my sisters would say. Granted, I have one sister the complexion of Tracee Ellis Ross and the other has the complexion of Nia Long- so as you can see, they never have any worries! Anyway, True Blue Spa's Shade to Order self-tanner is great because it has a dial that allows you to control the intensity of the self-tanner being dispensed. So in essence, you're selecting the shade that best fits you. I love that it's also a moisturizer and leaves my skin soft and smooth. But best of all- there is no funky self-tanner scent! It has a very soft coconut scent and I must tell you that I'm more than pleased with it! Are you using a self-tanner? If so, how it is working for you?

(photo courtesy of bathandbodyworks.com)

Mischo Beauty: Liya Kebede’s British Harper’s Bazaar May 2008 Cover

I can't believe I almost missed this! She's so beautiful.

Mischo Beauty Product Review: Caress Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash

Lately when I've traveled to Indianapolis to see my sister, she always seems to be stocked up on body wash by Caress, her favorite being Daily Silk. Since she's only a short flight from DC and I usually carry my luggage on, most times I leave my body wash at home (so as not to have to deal with finding the appropriate travel size container) and just use what she has- which I actually really like! When I was presented with an opportunity to try the new Brazilian Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash by Caress, I was excited. The body wash is a combination of a cream and oil (Passion Flower Cream and Acai Fruit Oil) and the scent, though very mild, reminded me of mangos- soft, sweet and definitely not overbearing. After using it my skin felt smooth, soft and thoroughly moisturized with absolutely no oily residue! Has anyone tried this? Any thoughts?

(photo courtesy of caressbrazilian.com)

Mischo Beauty: Rihanna's ELLE Magazine June 2008 Cover

Earlier this year I stated that it wasn't until Rihanna cut her hair that I really started to notice her. Since then I've completely fallen in love with her glam squad, though I have yet to find out who they officially are! If anyone knows, please share! Anyway, she's featured on the June 2008 cover of ELLE Magazine and the glam squad responsible for her fabulous looks are:

Hairstylist: Ursula Stephen for Epiphany Artist Group, Inc.
Makeup: Mylah Morales for the B. Lynn Group
Manicurist: Kimmie Kyees at Opusbeauty.com
Stylist: Joe Zee
Photographer: Gilles Bensimon

Love the looks?

(photos courtesy of elle.com)

Mischo Beauty Pick: Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum

So I finally finished moving over the weekend and when I looked at myself in the mirror last night all I saw was stressed and tired skin. So I immediately followed the steps of my Juice Beauty skincare regimen (which I will post more about later this week) and this morning I woke up to calm and refreshed skin! I'm giving most of the credit to the Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum which specifically treats stressed skin, and skin damaged by the environment, by working to regenerate and rehydrate skin cells. The serum is certified organic and contains vitamin A and E liposomes which fight free radicals along with certified organic oils which work to regenerate and nouris the skin. I love it and recommend it!

Has anyone else tried it?

Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum 2 oz

(photo courtesy of juicebeauty.com)

Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101

So today I'd like to share with you the benefits of serums. I believe in serums and am amazed at how the skin benefits from them! A serum is a highly concentrated treatment of active ingredients used to penetrate and treat various skin conditions such as dehydration, stress, environmental damage, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation issues or loss of elasticity. They're usually made up of vitamins, lipids or antioxidants and are usually the consistency of a thin liquid. To allow for maximum penetration into the skin, they're formulated with smaller molecules which make them extremely effective. They can be used both day and night and are usually applied under a moisturizer, but can be used alone. During a facial an esthetician might apply a serum under your mask or before the application of your moisturizer, depending on your specific skincare needs.

So, do you need a serum? Well, I would suggest following a skincare regimen first. Once you're consistent with your regimen, really begin to pay attention to your skin and make not- for example- of dehydrated areas, loss of elasticity and dullness. If your skincare regimen doesn't correct these issues, then I'd highly suggest investing in a serum!

Love your skin.

Any questions?

Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough Replenishing Serum 0.85 oz

Caudalie Lifting Serum 1 oz

REN Revivo-Lift H11 Intensive Night Serum 1.02 oz

Mischo Beauty: Beauty Blog Network Weekend Read

Raging Rouge gets tips and tricks for Spring makeup application from stylist Jenny Smith of NARS Cosmetics.

Need a new hair brush? Cybelesays is loving the new paddle one from Metropolis.

Makeup Moxie reviews Tarte 4 Day Stay Lash Stain mascara.

The Daily Cookie gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to get Madonna's Hard Candy album cover look with the help of Shu Uemura makeup artist Nicky Posley.

A Touch of Blusher gets the "false-eyelash treatment" from YSL.

Beauty Anonymous is very tempted by the Hair Spray from Anna Sui!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty discusses hair texture in her “Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101” post!

Want to win a whopping $824 in products? Then head to The Beauty of Life immediately for a supremely fantastic giveaway!

Joy from Makeup Junkie shares Prom beauty trends and tips!

The Muse checks up on jolly old England and brings you the latest news of Eyeko's Summer Collection 2008!

Beauty Banter tells YOU how to achieve your best brows... 7 easy tips!

Beauty411 opens her little black beauty book and reports on an incredible facial at the ARCONA Studio in Santa Monica.

Beauty Blogging Junkie reports on the Total Beauty Blogger Summit in L.A. last weekend and on a trip to Anastasia's Salon, one of the stops on the Total Beauty beauty tour of L.A.

StyleBell shows how you too can get The Hills inspired Side Ponytail as seen on Lauren Conrad and Nicole Ritchie.

makeup loves me wants to help you look hot this summer. but she knows you may be lazy like her. hence, she offers you a cheater's guide to a summer body.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic checks out the "New It Flat Iron"?

The Makeup Divas tells you about a Hot Lip Balm that Lauren Conrad of The Hills loves to use to keep her lips glossy.

Face Candy reviews Bobbi Brown's newest scent, Almost Bare.

Don't let humidity ruin your blow-out! Glossypink has found a serum that will help your blow-out stay sleek and fabulous!

All Lacquered Up reviews the OPI Mod About Brights collection and discovers a creepy resemblance to a victim from Showtime's Dexter.

Pursebuzz.com is having a HUGE contest. Be sure to stop by for a chance to win my top favorite brushes from Coastalscents.com. Gimme Gimme. Good Luck!!!

Toya's started a new series: "Bronzers for Brown Girls" where she'll be discussing the best bronzers for those of us who have deeper skintones. First up: Stila Sun Bronzer SPF 15 !

The 80’s is back in a big way, inspiring new trends in fashion and beauty. So how do you embrace this trend without looking like a Dynasty reject? Three Custom Color Specialists has the perfect product and Spoiled Pretty is giving it away. Enter the giveaway today!

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Korres Yucca Soft Shine Wax

I've always been one to love a great styling product that I can count on to put the finishing touches on a freshly styled client. The Yucca Soft Shine Wax by Korres is perfect for taming flyaways and adding shine. You need very little- because a little does go a long way! I'd totally recommend it for Salma Hayek's red carpet look due to it's flexibility and the fact that it will allow for many, many touch-ups as she continues to make appearances throughout the evening. I love the fact that it contains sunflower extract which provides protection against free radicals in the environment.

Has anyone tried it? What's your favorite Korres product?

Korres Yucca Soft Shine Wax 1.69 oz

(photos courtesy of instyle.com & korres.com)

Because You're Worth It: "Manolos and Mimosas" at The Ritz-Carlton

You all know by now that my weekly "Because You're Worth It!" posts always focus on fabulous spa treatments from spas all over the world! So while searching for a spa getaway for this week's post, I found this amazing "Manolos and Mimosas" package at The Ritz Carlton, Naples. I've got "Carrie Fever" and am too excited to see the movie, so I had to pass this along to those of you who are still making plans! Click here to check out the details and let me know what you think!

P.S. I'm loving the "Bebek" Manolo Blahniks on SJP! So beautiful...

Mischo Beauty Closet: OPI's "I'm india Mood for Love" + DSQUARED's Satin Sandals

OPI's "I'm india Mood for Love" + DSQUARED's Satin Sandals = UPGRADE U

Mischo Beauty Product Review: SPINLASH

I'm in the process of moving and most of my products for review are packed away, but I kept this Spinlash out because I couldn't wait to try it! Spinlash comes in two parts- the mascara wand with a battery operated rotating brush and the mascara cartridge. Once you open it, just insert the wand into the mascara cartridge and apply the mascara! For some reason I had imagined a fast, rotating brush causing an unsteady hand and lots of blinking- but I was wrong! I found that when applying the mascara, the brush rotation was very gentle- resulting in a steady hand and no flinching! I love the concept, but my preference is to apply my favorite mascara and use the cleaned, Spinlash brush to separate, lengthen and define my lashes. Click here for more information. Has anyone else tried this?

Mischo Beauty is on Twitter!

It's official- I've just joined! You can follow me here...

Mischo Beauty: Madonna's ELLE Magazine Covers

Ok I promise - no more posts on Madonna (smile)! But I couldn't help it- I love these covers of her! Which is your favorite?

Mischo Beauty Alert: TotalBeauty.com Totally Green Sweepstakes

I couldn't let you miss out on this contest because it's just too easy! Here's all you have to do:

1. Search for your favorite (or not-so-favorite) beauty products on TotalBeauty.com

2. Write and submit a review and see if you're an instant winner! Prizes include Earth Day inspired daily prizes, conflict-free diamond jewelry, and eco-spa trips.

3. Each time you write a review you will be entered to win a 2008 Saturn Vue Hybrid filled with beauty products from Origins, Suki, Sephora and RAW Natural Beauty.

Easy, right! Please let me know if you win!

Mischo Beauty Loves: Madonna for Versace Spring/Summer 2005 Ad Campaign

You all know that I'm a lover of a beautifully executed ad campaign and this is one of my favorites! I know there were many people (creative director, art director, photographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, fashion stylist, manicurist, etc.) who worked together to make this a success. I will say though that I think Madonna's hair was retouched too much- it doesn't look natural like it should- I can't tell if it's her natural hair, a wig or weave! At any rate I still love the ad campaign and I love the fact that at almost 50, she's more fabulous than ever!

Madonna is everywhere these days- especially since the release of her new album "Hard Candy"! She's a lover of shu uemura products and my friend Julia of "All About the Pretty" tells you, step-by-step, how Madonna's look from the album cover was created.

Any shu uemura lovers out there?

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Texture 101

So let's discuss hair texture. Hair texture is often a point of confusion, but simply means the diameter of each individual hair. The texture of hair generally falls into one of the following five categories:

A. Very Coarse
B. Coarse
C. Average
D. Fine
E. Very Fine

The coarser the hair, the thicker the cuticle and larger the cortex (the middle layer of the hair). Stronger, coarser hair textures will be able to withstand stronger chemicals and rougher treatments than fine hair. For example, I have coarse to very coarse hair and I'm surprised that I have hair today after allowing stylist after stylist to overprocess my hair (unknowingly!) during my college years. But due to my hair's strength it's been able to withstand the damage!

Hair textures have nothing to do with the quantity of individual hairs on the head so it is possible to have a thick head of fine hair and on the other hand a thin distribution of coarse hair. Make sense? Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

Love your hair.

Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Sunshine Shield Spray 3.4 oz
Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Wash & Wear 4.2 oz
Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control 5 oz

Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I'm sure by now you all know I'm a huge Kerry Washington fan! She'd been wearing a bob haircut, until this most recent photo of her with extensions. My guess is that her stylist used a two inch barrel curling iron to create the soft, flowing curls. My recommendation to seal the hair's cuticle and ensure that her curls are smooth and full of shine would be to use Elasta QP's Elucent Power Drops. The drops are formulated with squalane (oil derived from olives) and vitamin E which work together to provide maximum moisture. A few drops are all you need and your hair is infused with a great conditioning treatment, as well as shine!

Do you have a favorite gloss for your hair?

(photos courtesy of instyle.com & elastaqp.com)

Because You're Worth It!

Urban Renewal Facial + Therapeutic Stone Massage + Signature Pedicure at Cornelia Day Resort. New York City.

(photos courtesy of cornelia.com)

Mischo Beauty Closet

Lippman Collection Nail Color in "Night & Day" (Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor free!) + Delphina Metallic Platform Sandal by Sergio Rossi = LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!

Mischo Beauty Product Review: SOMME INSTITUTE Skincare with MDT5 Technology

I was given the opportunity to try the Somme Institute Skincare line a month ago, but because I'd just switched my skincare from Dermalogica to REN (and I'm really loving REN), I decided to send it to my reader "Curly Gurl" to try. She quite often leaves questions for me with regards to skincare issues she's having and desperately wants to start a skincare regimen that works for her. So I sent her the Nourishing Cleanser, Transport (exfoliant), Serum, A-Bomb (face cream), Double Defense Day Moisture SPF30 and the Eye Cream.

Ok, so the scientist in me was excited to learn that these products are formulated with a Molecular Dispersion Technology 5 (MDT5) which is a molecular antioxidant compound of 5 highly engineered vitamins (A, C, E, D, B3 and B5) that penetrate deep within the skin, at high concentrations, to repair and rejuvenate skin cells. They're formulated to treat all skin types and conditions such as sun damage, fine lines & wrinkles, acne and discoloration, as well as improve tone and texture. Woooooow! So here's what "Curly Gurl" had to say after using the products for 3 weeks:

Nourishing Cleanser: "It's a non-soap cleansing lotion that gently cleans skin without irritating it. I like it even though it is not a necessary part of the regimen. I would elect to use it anyway since it cleaned the skin before I swiped with the Transport pad, which meant the pad wasn't as filled with dirt as it could have been and I only had to use one for the face, neck and upper chest."

Transport: "It exfoliates with alpha acids; can sting a bit (my skin is sensitive, but I did not do as they advised and squeeze out the pad for sensitive skin). I liked it, which is good since it is one of the three core/integral products in the regimen. My skin felt as if it had been to a Moroccan bath house - a little stingy but hella clean!"

Serum: "Another of the three core elements of the regimen. I don't know if I can judge it as a stand-alone product, but the results have been amazing so if it is an integral part of getting to the results I've seen after only 16 days, then bring it on! I would say be careful with it around the eyes (which Somme Institute also says)."

A-Bomb: "A luscious moisturizing cream. I love it! My skin is actually soft like a baby's bottom! I think there is some sort of collagen in this product- it is so effective. I used all items, except the Double Defense, morning and night. I have sensitive skin and this gave me no problems at all. I am very happy with the increased suppleness of my skin and it's healthy, fresh look (dare I say, dewy even???!!!)."

New Eye Cream: "I am ambivalent about the eye cream. I don't think I've used it long enough to see marked results. Even the manufacturer