Mischo Beauty: September 2011

Getting Pouty with Bliss Fabulips

Fall is upon us, and along with the crisp air and gorgeously changing leaves, comes dry, chapped lips. Bliss Fabulips offers a four step at-home remedy for this problem. I have used the kit to prep before heading out with a vibrant pink lip and again before wearing a sock-it-to-them wine colored lipstick. In both cases, my lips provided a perfectly smooth, and surprisingly, extra pouty canvas.

The Foaming Lip Cleanser (Step 1) is designed to lift surface impurities and is followed by the Sugar Lip Scrub, made with almond and walnut shells (so nut allergic folks, be aware), that gently roughs away dead skin. Then comes my favorite, Step 3, the Instant Lip Plumper, infused with cork tree extract and a peptide-packed complex. Now, my lips are naturally at least midway along the fullness spectrum, and I am very satisfied with them.

I confess that this plumper really amazed me by giving my lips enough extra that I saw the difference and enjoyed it... and would plump them again! Step 4 is the Softening Lip Balm. Made with shea butter, jojoba and grapeseed oils, it is perfect at any time, though I have been using it primarily before going to bed, to moisturize my kisser while I sleep.

This is a pretty pricey ($45) kit whose contents are available separately. The only product that you might have a hard time replacing with a less expensive and just as effective alternative is the Instant Lip Plumper ($18). It is definitely the standout of the bunch, and I recommend giving it a try if you are looking to extra-sexify your pout! -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

In the Flow of Change with Georgia NY

All good things must come to an end, but absolutely fabulous things only get even better. After three years at their flagship location on The Bowery in New York City, the ladies of Georgia NY are bidding adieu to the retail world to focus on their global presence in wholesale and online. The doors will close at the end of September, so if you are in the area (89 East Houston) please stop on by for discounted goodies and warm conversation.

Those of you who, like me, are already hankering to relax in the eclectically charming and well-appointed boutique/salon as you have known it, can take heart. There are plans in the works for a new salon in NYC, and products from their private label, Georgia by G & Company will be available online as well as at select boutiques internationally. You cannot hold a good woman back from her dreams, let alone two!

All the very best to owners Jodie Patterson and Kiara Ellozy. You are visionaries and artisans par excellence. We are excited to behold the next iteration of Georgia NY! -Zee

Mischo Beauty School: Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions

If you take anything away from this blog, my hope is that it's properly caring for your skin! Education is key- and that's the reason I continue with the "Mischo Beauty School" posts (your "beauty education"!). According to the New York Times "a new beauty product is born every 2.5 seconds", so while there's always a new product to look forward to, the reality is that these products come and go! The foundation for achieving great skin is knowing your skin type, skin conditions and implementing a consistent skincare regimen.

Now with that said, let's address "Skin Types vs. Skin Conditions". Your skin type is genetically determined (you're born with it!) and most often can be controlled with a consistent skincare regimen. Skin types are as follows:

- Normal
- Dry
- Oily/Combination
- Acneic
- Sensitive

Skin conditions are most often caused by external factors such as the environment, stress, medication, etc. and may include the following:

- Dehydration
- Sensitivities
- Aging
- Pigmentation
- Breakouts

These conditions affect all skin types and may change daily. The great news is that these conditions can be corrected! So for example, you might have an oily skin type that suffers from breakouts and pigmentation issues. And so with all that said, knowing the difference between your skin type and skin conditions will only better help you in selecting the best products for your skincare regimen which will ultimately assist in achieving the goal of healthy skin!

Any questions? Love your skin.

I Spy Fabulous Eyes: Rimmel London’s Lash Accelerator

Ladies, a new mascara fave has entered the building - Rimmel London's Lash Accelerator! It easily performs on par with the other top drugstore picks and works as well as some of the more luxe brands, too. With little to no clumping and no flaking, my sensitive eyes were not irritated (woo hoo!).

A fresh, natural look was achieved with one coat, and two coats delivered a work-appropriate lusciousness that left me pleased as pie with my peepers. Mind you, my eyelashes are so legendarily sparse that they have a nickname: Stubs. They are the only thing that I inherited from my mother that I would like to give back, post-haste!

This mascara both thickened and lengthened poor Stubs, and piled on well after work for glamorous nighttime drama. Yes! Lash Accelerator is definitely on my hot list and will be in regular rotation.

Have any of you given Lash Accelerator a try? Where does it stand in comparison to your other lash favorites? -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

Mischo Beauty Challenge Update: "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2011"

So as you all know by now I kinda, well sort of, fell off of the "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2011" challenge. I had the very best intentions, but circumstances out of my control dictated otherwise. You see, a few months ago, I found out I was blessed with a little bundle of joy (as you can see in the photo above of my friend Shalon and myself) and I realized that I was no longer in control of my eating habits (no morning sickness - thank God!) and energy levels (experienced extreme fatigue) for the first few months.

And yes, it's the reason for the break away from blogging.

So to quickly update you - my eating habits have returned to almost normal, my energy levels are pretty much back on track (given the circumstances) and thank God for prenatal yoga (a life saver) classes twice a week! I'm still using my pedometer (just walking) and trying to get in as many steps as I can daily - and believe it or not, drinking 96 oz of water (has to be ice cold!) daily is a breeze - I pretty much crave it!

Now that you're all caught up with me - it's your turn! Have you been keeping up with the challenge?

Mischo Beauty in the News!

While we were away I was informed by my Spelman sister Spring, and my beauty blogging friend Joi, that I'd been quoted in the September issue of Ebony Magazine. I was included in "The Ebony Beauty & Grooming Awards" feature on page 69! A few months earlier, I'd been asked to share my thoughts on my favorite at-home relaxer (which happens to be the Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Relaxer) and had no idea my feedback would be shared with the world!

While I don't really advocate self-relaxing (hey, I'm a licensed cosmetologist!) for many reasons I've discussed on the blog many times before, I will relax my own hair every blue moon. This at-home relaxer is my go-to for the reasons I mentioned in the article:

"I've used this relaxer repeatedly, and I've never had an issue with application, over-processing, breakage or dryness."

It's the truth! And it's such an honor to be included in this issue. I'd like to send a special "THANK YOU" to the beauty editorial team at Ebony Magazine!

Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from my beauty editor-at-large, Zee's sister, who asked the following:

"What is the best regimen and product recommendations to recover from stress induced hair breakage?"

Well, first and foremost, I'd recommend seeing a dermatologist. While I do believe in self-diagnosis, hair loss of any type can be a serious matter. Seeing a doctor might insure that the breakage isn't being caused by any medically treatable factors. So, rule the medical factors out first!

Now stress does play a part in your health and is reflected in the health and ultimately the appearance of your hair, skin and nails. My next suggestion is that you evaluate your lifestyle and determine what you can do to combat the stress. Are you lacking sleep? Dehydrated often? Following an improper diet? Lacking exercise? If so, make changes as soon as possible, and enlist help if needed. And if opportunities to relax present themselves - take advantage of them!

Lastly, evaluate the products you're using for your hair and make sure they're appropriate for your hair type. Your hair is going to need lots of TLC to get it back to it's optimal health. So, if you aren't following a home haircare regimen- start one today! Also, add to that regimen a protein conditioner which is used to strengthen the hair. Protein conditioners should only be used according to the manufacturer's directions because improper use may result in breakage.

I really hope this helps!

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

Mischo Beautyliciousness...

And just like that - we're back! The break away wasn't planned, but it was much needed! I'd planned a blog redesign, but that's been put on hold for now - and then the most AMAZING life changing blessing occurred (I'll tell you more about that later this week), so the break ended up being right on time. I needed it! What's that saying - "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans" - well I'm sure he's had a great laugh all while blessing me!

And speaking of blessings, I had to mention Beyonce's pregnancy (which I know is old news for most of you) -she's glows in the photo above. You know I'm a "Beyonce stan" and am so excited about the upcoming arrival of her little bundle of joy! So the obvious next question is- what do you think she's having? Let me know...