Beauty Bargain Award: BeautyFix

I've been getting my beauty fix ever since I first stumbled upon Rainbow Green Clay in Whole Foods when I was 15. I've been getting BeautyFix for about a year now and I can safely say both fixes have changed my life. Beautyfix has introduced me to several ingenious products that no woman should go without. I'll list them below, not necassarily in order of OMG-I-can't-live-without factor:

DERMAdoctor KP Duty: The sweet scent of this scrub is deceptive as it's tactically speaking, it's a tough love provided by this chemical and physical exfoliant. Backne and winter skin are a thing of the past dear friends.

Canyon Ranch Protect UVA/UVB SPF 30 Moisturizer: As airy as the southwestern desert where it was created, this fantastically light SPF 30 will protect and soothe.

This cleanser smells like desatine which gives me flash backs to diaper rash and make me want to puke. So you know I must LOVE the effect it has on my face which to date is: quicker healing of blemishes, smaller blackheads, and smother younger looking skin. It's called "perfect" for a reason.

Lisa Hoffman Spa Shower Body Oil

iQDerma Firmaceuticals Firming Body Gel


Sign up for Beautyfix to get 7-10 products quarterly for only $49.99 a quarter. Amazing!

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I'm Dating Jo Malone

Our first date was the stuff of classic films. After meeting through a mutual acquaintance, I agreed to attend his event on Fashion's Night Out back in September. After walking a half-Manhattan sized route because every reccesionista had splurged on a cab to transform into a fashionista for New York's Chic-est night out, I finally reached the upper east side event. Greeted with scents too delicious to even fathom, unless you are in the presence of the brilliant Jo Malone himself, Jo proceed to make me a personalized bouquet.

If you don't know by now, I'll let you in on a little secret. Jo is in fact a brand. Sadly it's true that while a man has never made me a personalized bouquet, a brand has. Come to think of it beauty brands do lots of things for me that men, to date, have not. This, I suppose, is why I'm a 28 year old beauty blogger and not a housewife.

Tonight on what may have been one of this year's worst days I finally broke out my "worst day ever" stash. I have now slathered myself from head to toe in Jo's orange blossom body creme and am happily avoiding all thoughts of today be reliving my one night with Jo back in September. The scent instantly lifted my bad mood and delivered thoughts of cheerier times like returning to my hotel room in times square with the most beautiful bouquet I'd ever seen.

I'm hoping he'll show up for Christmas with this, the most beautiful Candle set I've ever seen.

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One Night in Proximity: The Greenest Hotel In America

Last month I had the extravagant pleasure of spending one night at America's only LEED Platinum Certified Hotel, The Proximity in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was a bit surprised to find it, to date, to be the nicest hotel I have ever patronized. Perhaps it was the eco-friendliness or the sublime design of everything from the locally made furniture to the most amazing bathroom door (think barn door meets Restoration Hardware) that charmed me. Though It could have also been the checkered cab or the Greenway. One night at The Proximity and I felt like a new woman. Emerging triumphantly into the world after the most restful sleep I have ever known, I did in fact have the best weekend of 2009.

Happily the French extravagance that wafted into my room (love a hotel room with windows that open) from Print Work's Bistro in the form of Carla Bruni's classic tunes was balanced by my neighbors, Da Swag City Tour, who apparently like to rest their bling in eco-friendly haunts just as much a Greensboro Orchestra going set who were also in town for a special concert. Apparently, everyone is going green and doing so together in the lobby of The Proximity. Enjoy!

My Room!


Da Swag's room?


Check out this video which was taken before their certification was approved.



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The First Ritz-Carlton Reserve Opens December 22 at Phulay Bay in Krabi, Southern Thailand

Having been born and raised in the Baltimore -D.C. area, I only truly realized the power of the Ritz Carlton brand when my visit to their Georgetown Boutique location powerfully altered the way I perceived my home town and provided me with a new creative center. Now, as a former ex-pat (East Java and Bali) and Southeast Asia Studies major, the new "Reserve" line of Ritz Carlton Locations is very much having the same effect on the way I see Southeast Asia.

On December 22, 2009 (a mere 8 days before my birthday) The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will open the doors to the first of it's "Reserve" properties in Phulay Bay in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

The world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay will embody the attributes, philosophy and unique style and design of the Reserve brand extension. Appealing to affluent and discerning travellers seeking more from their leisure time, Ritz-Carlton Reserve will offer exquisite resorts in secluded and naturally beautiful locations around the world.

Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea , Phulay Bay is a hideaway 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel with unspoilt views of the towering limestone karsts which make up the beautiful landscape of this part of southern Thailand. Coupled with sandy beaches, a coastline flecked with more than 200 islands, surrounded by a national forest with rugged rock formations and hidden waterfalls, Phulay Bay is a natural wonder.

“Ritz-Carlton Reserve will feature signature, one-of-a-kind boutique resorts positioned in unique settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place reflecting its history and culture,” said Simon F. Cooper, president. “A refuge from the expected, Reserve is for travellers seeking to discover a singular location and peerless resort that will offer guests’ exotic, hand-selected ‘hideaway’ destinations in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. Phulay Bay in Thailand is a natural choice for the first Reserve,” said Cooper.

The essence of Phulay Bay will be about enlivening the senses. Guests will subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, beautiful and stunning scenery both inside the suites and in the environment of the resort, as well as by the sounds of traditional Thai music coupled with the gentle lapping of the sea on the shores of Phulay Bay . This will be coupled with the environment of tactile natural Thai silk soft furnishings and coverings to help guest’s truly relax in this unique and special environment.

Nestled on the shore of the Andaman Sea , the exclusive resort is the vision of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag and features modern styling and architecture with accents of Thai culture and design to create a harmonious synergy of luxury and tradition to compliment its secluded location. Bunnag draws strongly from Thai traditions and cultural heritage to create an environment where relaxation and enjoyment are the bedrock of guests' experience.

The architecture, landscape, interiors and accessories fuse to create a marriage of style and design that is completely in keeping with and tied to the natural environment of the location. Oversized beds, pillows, chairs, baths and doorways create a sense of comfort and welcoming that sets guests at ease.

The use of traditional Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and design, as well as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of the villas, further create a contemporary setting extracted from the area's deep cultural traditions.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty in this part of the country in a setting of relaxation and rejuvenation. So we have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment of the hotel and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling. We see the resort as an ambassador for the local environment and for the tradition of the land here in Phulay Bay.”

With an emphasis on bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ their visit to suit their needs and desires. A light BBQ lunch in your favourite area of the resort? A meditation class with local monks? Elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot? A sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery? No problem. The resort will tailor-make your visit to make it a truly unique visit.

Upon arrival guests will immediately know they are somewhere special and unique. High aubergine walls and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

The ESPA at Phulay Bay promises to be a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay . The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites.

The opening rates for Phulay Bay , A Ritz-Carlton Reserve are as follows: Resort Pavilion THB19,550; Ocean Pavilion THB21,250; Beach Villa THB 27,200; Reserve Villa THB44,200 and Royal Beach Villa THB68,000. All rates are subject to 18.7% service charges and taxes. Enjoy!

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Ultimate Red by Estée Lauder

I'm fairly most 28 year women don't shower, brush their teeth, tuck themselves into bed for a good night's sleep - then pop out of bed because the new Estee Lauder Limited Edition Lip Gloss is calling their name. That, I suppose, is why I'm a beauty blogger and why, at 11:30 p.m, I'm pajamas from the neck down and Christmas Ball from the neck up.

Estee's new Ultimate Red collection launches on the cusp of this, the most sensuous of seasons and the entire collection is to die for. Though, being a lip gloss fanatic, these thick, smooth, perfectly-tinted twin tubes of red and glistening gold are really a more bountifully beautiful gift than a girl can calmly handle. They are a-MAY-zing and are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

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You're Invited to Origins for a FREE Caffeine Fix!

Almost one more week to go until we “fall back” to Standard Time! Although we gain an hour, this seasonal time change impacts our bodies and daily routines. To help you make this transition as smoothly as possible, Origins has partnered with illy caffé to provide an energizing pick-me-up!

Origins invites you to stop by the below Origins retail stores, where you can receive FREE illy espresso, a FREE sample of Origins GinZing™ Refreshing eye cream, a FREE “Eye-Opening” Mini-Facial, a FREE Makeup Application and a FREE Origins and illy gift bag!

If you aren't in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boca Raton and Dallas you can still take advantage of this brilliant beauty & bean brotherhood by entering the Wake Up & Win Sweepstakes from November 2nd until November 30th.

New York Stores:
Flatiron: 175 Fifth Avenue
Soho: 402 West Broadway
Upper West Side: 2327 Broadway
Grand Central: 62 Grand Central Terminal

Los Angeles Store: South Coast Plaza: 3333 Bristol Street

San Francisco Stores:
Embarcadero Center: One Embarcadero Center
San Francisco Centre: 865 Market Street

Boca Raton Store: Town Center at Boca Raton: 6000 Glades Road

Dallas Store: Southlake Town Square: 1426 Civic Place

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The Same Questions I Ask Everyone....With Juara Skincare's Yoshiko Roth

Yoshiko loves her job. In August while very pregnant, she took a train from New York to D.C. so that she might present Juara's newest launches to the area's hottest beauty bloggers. Skincare seems to be more than the domain where she performs her adept entrepreneurship. Juara is, indeed (especially when that deed is getting on a train while pregnant) her calling.

As Juara's Co-founder she is the nose behind the brand's cult favorite Tiare Jasmine Rollerball Perfume Oil and personally tests and optimizes each new product released by the much buzzed about botanical brand. After her co-founder, Metta Murdaya, revealed the Indonesian geniousity behind their brand in our inaugural "The Same Questions..." we couldn't wait to reveal the equally brilliant Japanese half of this Indonesian skincare powerhouse.

What is your first memory of beauty products?
Believe it or not, my first memory of beauty products is that of toners. I would watch my mother and my Japanese relatives spending the biggest chunk of their daily skincare routine patting a toner-soaked cotton pad on their skin. I was completely mesmerized by that meticulous ritual.

At what age did you start wearing makeup?
At age 15. I bought my first red lipstick and even face powder!

If you could apply only one product for the next month what would it be?
It’s now getting colder and drier in New York City, so I would have to opt for a good, hydrating moisturizer with natural antioxidants. I like our Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer because even though it’s very hydrating, it’s not heavy and absorbs very quickly. And it’s a great base for make-up.

If you could give one product to all women in the world what would it be?
Our Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner. It’s my secret weapon for healthy, radiant skin, man or woman. When we developed this product, I had the Japanese-style toners in mind and my mother and aunts who so meticulously applied toner to their skin. To them, these hydrating toners are key to achieving skin that’s brimming with water and vitality… like a fresh peach!

If you could ban one harmful ingredient from all beauty products what would it be?

Phthalates. They are truly toxic.

What is your favorite skincare ingredient?
Hyaluronic Acid. It pretty much makes every single product work better and it makes your skin look better.

What is the last product you created?
Our Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Mattefying Moisturizer. It combines the natural anti-aging properties of Fermented Sweet Black Tea (a.k.a. Kombucha) with the oil-control and purifying benefits of Ginger and Cinnamon. Plus it contains hyaluronic acid for oil-free hydration. It’s great for anybody who is interested in age-prevention but has oily skin or break-out prone skin.

Who is the business woman you most admire?
Anita Roddick. A true revolutionary and visionary who changed the face of the cosmetics industry. I saw her speak once at NYU. She had an amazing presence.

Whose beauty do you most admire?
All women that age gracefully and embrace how life, experience, age changes them, physically and mentally.

What was your best Spa experience?
I LOVE going to Japanese onsen (hot spring resorts). Once my parents took me to an Onsen by Lake Suwa, about 2 hours from Tokyo. It was in the middle of winter, super cold and we would bathe in these amazingly relaxing naturally hot springs outside with view of the lake. It was divine.

Besides your own, what is your favorite brand?
Eau Thermale Avene. I used to be the product manager for Avene before I started JUARA. I always thought the products are excellent, especially the thermal spring water, but when I travelled to France to visit the Avene Hydrotherapy Center, I realized how much tradition, wisdom and integrity was behind the products, the brand, the whole company.

Read more on why Beauty's SPOT can't live without Juara Skincare...

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Healthy Hair = Hot Hair: EO

In March of '08 when I walked into my very first celeb stylist appointment (where they invited me to come rather than me begging for their next available in like 2012) the shampoo girl was floored at the vibrant health of my hair. "I've only used EO's organic shampoo for two years," I truthfully told her. Little was I to know, that was the last sulfate-free breath these locks would take for 18 months. In the name of beauty editor duty I happily began testing all kinds of delightful, effective (but not organic) shampoo. Sometime last year my little neighborhood Whole Foods stopped carrying my EO conditioner, thus extinguishing any final attempts at organic hair care.

Meantime, my locks have been unruly and (except for when I visit my new hair boyfriend Neven) unsightly. Alas, my hair nightmare is over. EO has (finally!) redesigned and relaunched their entire look and my hair is building its way back to optimal organic health. After two paraben-free shampoos - no frizz, just happy healthy curls. Even my most oblivious male office mates today inquired "Are you going somewhere after work? You look different." EO. Love.

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