Arasys in the OC

Living in Orange County where fitness seems to be more a lifestyle than a trend, people are always looking for new and effective ways to stay fit and trim.
Understandably nothing beats good 'ol fashioned exercise; for example an intense 45 min. cardio-routine, on top of a strong half hour or more of weights and muscle conditioning, or maybe you have a regular sport or activity like running, swimming, volleyball, karate, etc.
Many have found, (admit it or not you feel this way too) that there is always that little problem area one can't quite tone, or smooth out excess cellulite.
Whether it's your lower abs, back of the arms, thighs, or glutes.
There's finally something that you can do for those trouble-areas and all you have to do is lie back and relax!
The Chocolate Day Spa in Costa Mesa is your personal lifestyle spa for Orange County, whom offers a unique yet effective body contouring treatment through Arasys.
Arasys is an "effortless workout". Through the use of this hand made electronic device created and manufactured by the co-inventor of the first pacemaker, Gerry Pollock. The high intensity inch loss treatment provides the equivalent of over 330 sit-ups in a 17-minute treatment reducing hips, thighs, buttocks and stomach.
Muscles seldom work individually but in groups. The Arasys system bypasses the signals normally coming from the brain that activate the muscles during exercise. This signal finds the nerves and provides an interrupted current that contracts the muscles and then relaxes them. The wave form unique to Arasys produces a slow "Ramp up", in other words a smooth contraction of the muscle making it a comfortable muscle building experience.The result is "Passive Exercise" which in a seventeen minute treatment to the abdomen is the equivalent of 330 sit ups. Because however the system has eight channels several areas of the body can be treated simultaneously. On a 12 treatment course a loss of 19 inches could be expected. In addition the treatment has a diuretic effect resulting in the removal of toxins.
Still skeptical? The Chocolate Day Spa invites you for a trial session at 50% off to experience this truly innovating inch loss treatment! Make your appointment today!

Live in Orange County and want to just get away for a few hours?
Want a little "you" time?
Take a moment for yourself where there are no clocks, deadlines, worries, or expectations?
There's a special place practically dead center of Orange County, that would take only moments to drive to (depending which end of the O.C. you're driving from).
The Chocolate Day Spa in Costa Mesa, down the street from South Coast Plaza, has got to be a simply delectable choice for you, or you and a few friends to enjoy some pampering and primping. With their many affordable yet luxurious services offered, this spa has recently expanded due to their continually growing and contented, clientele. They employ truly professional and experienced masseurs, retail as well as use quality skin care such as organic Farm House Fresh face and body goods. You're instantly greeted by a friendly and informative staff, and often times by the very owner and esthetician, Kim Arvdalen herself. For more information simply contact www.thchocolatedayspa.com, and make your appointment today, you won't be disappointed!

Summertime skin

Here in Orange County while it's count down to your child's last day of school, you may be already packing the house and car with all sorts of out door fun! Whether it be squirt guns, beach balls, picnic blankets, swim gear, buckets to sand toys! But one thing that should be well stocked, year round in fact, is the spf! Here is something to take a serious second look at, even if you're the faint of heart, because no matter who you are, protecting your skin from the suns damaging rays is this important. Having the basic knowledge about what skin cancer is, and what it looks like, can be one of the best insurance you won't forget your spf again.
It's as simple as A, B, C, and D. A is for asymmetry, growths with irregular shapes, and different-looking halves should be seen by a dermatologist right away. B is for border, moles with irregular, notched, or scalloped borders are a cause for concern. C is for color, notice if growths have uneven coloring or a variation of colors. And D is for diameter, if a growth even "beauty marks" have exceeded 5 millimeters, this is a sign to visit your dermatologist for a closer examination.
As an adult this becomes a great concern especially if you are one who rarely applied sunscreen as a child. But today there is little to no excuse why we can't prevent skin damage in the futures of our children, along with regular visits to the doctor ask for mole checks yearly, continue appropriate use of spf, avoid the heightened damaging rays of the sun between the times of 10 and 2, cover up when possible, reapply sunscreen after swimming and excessive sweating, are all positive ways to avoiding skin damage in your families future.

Tween cleaning

Every woman out there, and men you too, have had some kind of skin related question or concern. When someone wants to talk about their skin, it's usually in regards to improving it in some way or form. Whether it's clearing up acne, how to hydrate ultra dry skin, to smoothing out lines. But what if we are not talking about your mom, or even you for that matter? What if the skin in question is already at it's pH balanced-best? What if the skin we are talking about hasn't made it's way down the over active sebaceous glands, black heads, and pimple road just yet? What if you are twelve? Ten?, Even 9 years old? Well then you're probably not interested in the superficial jibber jabber of skincare quite yet, or even reading this article for that matter. But many of Orange County's moms out there who are extremely skin savvy about the importance of good skin care, the different types of skin products available, as well as the importance of preventative skin care are already thinking about the future of their childrens' skin. They want to prevent the agony of acneic skin, breaking out and the oil-slicks they once endured(or still are), due to the inevitable hormone changes their children are yet to experience within the next few years. Then some are concerned about the health factors of skincare not only for themselves but more importantly for their children. These parents of todays tweens are looking out for their kids health in more ways than one. Searching for safe, effective spf, moisturizers, lip balms, to face washes but just don't see themselves sharing their expensive creams, toners, and lotions just yet. Now that "No more Tears" or that watermelon bath gel doesn't cut it anymore, where can these parents find a product made for the already perfect skin but prepare them for the next stage? There are several ways to go. A fun and adorable organic skincare line called Good For You Girls, is 100% natural botanical ingredients that purely cleanses and protects youthful skin from the elements. Vegan approved, cruelty free, and extremely important, eco friendly packaging! www.goodforyougirls.com. Another fantastic company created right here in Orange County called Sparklehearts, is another natural bath and body line for girls. A simple line of five basic products, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, detangler and sparkly body lotion. Created by two O.C. moms, these products are always paraben, phthalate, sodium Lauryl/Laureth, and sulfate free. Vegetable and plant-based, they never use petroleum compounds or petroleum derived ingredients. "Ick! Not now. Not ever." And the best ever, "Rocking some serious style in 100% recycled packaging!"
Now we didn't forget about the boys. And this might be something that dad and son could really get into together. Man's best friend, Bull Dog Natural Skincare! The packaging is alluring for the boy and the boy within. These products are kept so simple and self explanatory. Made in the UK, their products are all natural, never containing parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or ingredients from animal sources. ~Our number one rule is hope for the best, plan for the worst. With your face it’s all in the planning.~
One more gender neutral skin care line your son nor husband will make an argument about it being too "girly", is Burt's Bees. This popular, natural skin care company is available most anywhere, from Target to Macy's, anyone can find natures best ingredients with Burt's Bees and feel safe using these organic products on baby to dad. This line has it covered too, whether it's a soothing aloe body lotion to a chamomile cleansing creme. Right down to the packaging, Burt's Bees does it's very best to better not only the health of our skin but the health of our environment!
Now no one can promise that your little guy or girl won't experience a pimple or two as the teen years begin to creep up on them, but as long as mom(and dad), are better prepared with some of these safe, natural, effective, not to mention fun loving products your child will certainly be better prepared when that day arrives.

OC Fashion Week is Well Underway!

You don't want to miss this whether you live in L.A., Riverside, San Diego, or right here in Orange County! OC Fashion Week is well underway, and the hottest looks are walking your way! Right in your own back yard you have access to the next seasons top runway picks, illuminating fashions, and a front row seat to experience our future up and coming designers all from the Artist's Village of OC's Santa Ana. They have it all from men's wear to children's fashions, and of course young women's to classic elegance for any age. From head to toe, OC Fashionistas, and OC's ever growing population of metro men don't want to miss an opportunity to view, shop, and meet the latest creators and their creations contrived not from across the continent but right here in Orange County!

Friday, May 20

Event: “THE OC FASHION HOUSE” - Student Design Competition Fashion Show
Designer student participants:
· Rachel Anson- Art Institute OC
· Travis Villasenor- Art Institute OC
· Coral Castillo- Art Institute OC
· Crystalle Perez- Art Institute OC
· Karla Alvarado- Santa Ana College
· Monica Holdman- Long Beach City College
· Amber Hickman- Cal State University Long Beach
· Basil Malicsi- Cal State University Long Beach
· Dawn Roda- Cal State University Long Beach
· Kimberly Luu- Santa Ana College

Location: THE YOST THEATRE: 301 Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Time: Doors open 7pm. Show 8 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $12 GA
BUY TICKETS: http://ocfashionweek.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

FASHION EXHIBIT: “CORSETS IN MODERN FASHION” – Cheri Wilson
Location: THE YOST THEATRE: 301 Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Saturday, May 21

Event: Lecture Series - “STYLE PRO”
Guest Speakers:
· Style, Events & Promotions - Erin Bianchi (Bloomindales)
· OC Trend Forecasting - Caroline Lettieri (nudawgntown.com)

Location: GRAND CENTRAL ART CENTER:125 North Broadway Santa Ana,CA 92701
Time: Lecture 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 GA, $10 students, OCFA members FREE
BUY TICKETS: http://ocfashionweek.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

Event: “OC BORN” - 2011/12 Fall/Winter Collections Show
Designers/Brands:
· DUAL SOCIETY- Rey Aquino – Men’s
· ADOLFO SANCHEZ – Adolfo Sanchez – Women’s
· i.CTZN- Sheena Gao, Laura Krusemark – Women’s/Men’s
· MATTEBLACK – Paul & Matt Wignall – Women’s/Men’s

Location: OUTDOOR:2^nd Street Promenade, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Time: VIP arrival 6:30p. Show 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Admission: GA FREE, RSVP Required for VIP
VIP After-Party: FREE, RSVP Required for VIP
VIP/Media RSVP: ashley@theaceagency.com


Sunday, May 22

Event: “RAISED IN OC” - 2011/12 Fall/Winter Children’s Wear Collections Fashion Show
Designers/Brands:
· kangacoo DESIGNS- Katie Nguyen – Boys & Girls
· AUNTIE KERRIE– Kerrie Garcia – Boys & Girls
· FORE!! AXEL & HUDSON – Paul Nguyen -Boys

Event: “IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION” - 2011/12 Fall/Winter Designer Collection Fashion Show
Brands/Designers:
· 31 BITS– Accessories
· SIMPLY VINTAGE by SANTANA ROSE - Santana Rose – Accessories
· UPPER CLASS LABEL- Laura Mendrin – Women’s
· LOVE CLOTHING- Jill Lutrel - Women’s
· LOLA PAIGE- Jessica O'Hara, Thien Crisanto – Women’s

FASHION EXHIBIT: “CORSETS IN MODERN FASHION” – Cheri Wilson

Location: THE YOST THEATRE: 301 Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Doors open: 11:30a
Time: 12:00p – 2:00p
Admission: $10 (kids under the age of 5 enter FREE)
BUY TICKETS: http://ocfashionweek.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

Something Material About Thread

If you haven't already heard, The Thread Show came and went without a hitch, this past Sunday, from the back lots of The Lab shopping center in Costa Mesa, Orange County. The weather looked grim earlier on but the sun shined through bright and strong just in time, ensuring a day of shopping and mingling with the local designers who proudly shared their wares from lavish to down right organic jewelry and accessories, garments, furniture, art, eco-friendly hand bags to baby clothes. Many of the clothing vendors displayed their garments in a familiar "swap-meet" manner, so the digging through rolling racks and piles of "mix and match" on tables wasn't too enticing. Otherwise vendors such as Shaune' Young, owner of Exfolatte Body Scrub, who stood by an eloquent free standing sink along with a glass pitcher of water ready to share her luxurious coffee face and body scrub, to any and all passerby's was a real sweet treat. This impressive scrub literally acts as both an astringent as well as an exfoliate while the unique ingredients detoxifies and facilitates the breakdown of cellulite and reduction of varicose veins! Also if you were willing to wait a half hour or so you could have joined the long list of patrons who enjoyed getting their nails done by Atlas Studio pro nail techs. who were demonstrating their 3D nail art for only $5-$15 depending on what you desired. If you want to "bling"-up your nails, glam, animate, or just polish them up, make your appointment with Yoko Ono, nail and eye lash expert, or any of their talented crew at Atlas Studio in Costa mesa. This next mention may not be beauty related, but the fact that this up and coming company of hand made eco-friendly accessories, White Apple Threads, creates the most adorable and functional messenger, duffel, diaper bags, to totes was definitely a beautiful find! From exquisitely impressive soft locally sourced, recycled coffee sacks lined with a sundry of eye catching redeemed fabrics, anyone will enjoy toting around these totes.
Overall The Thread Show proved to be a shoppers delight, whether it was the music, the food, the art, or the wares you came for, all together the people and what they shared with Orange County that day was a purely pleasurable event.

THREAD Show Launches 8th Annual Independent Designer Shopping Tour

Hold on to your hats Orange County; oh and your Gucci sunglasses and your Prada hand bag too, because the Thread Show's Independent Designer Shopper Tour is coming to The LAB in Costa Mesa next week, Sunday May 15th!
Anyone and everyone who must have the latest or just be in the know, having everything to do with fashion and beauty will be there and there's no better place to host such an event than the "anti-mall". A place where art and innovation collide on a daily basis. If you haven't heard about Thread and all the talented designers they have brought to the surface, along with collaborating with the local artists, salons, and musicians, creating the epitome of a shoppers dream come true! Just to name a few, You will experience The Style Lounge; offering complimentary hair and makeup for show attendees hosted by local hair and makeup artists from various salons. The Nail Bar which is offering free manicures all day, hosted by Atlas Studio . THREAD Well is a complimentary massage lounge hosted by Balance in Motion. Be pampered by a whole new way in taking your coffee. Introducing a coffee-rich body scrub designed to shed dead skin cells, restore suppleness, and improve skin texture, exhibiting exclusively by ExfoLatte.
Read on for what is in store and if you think you can beat the next person, the first ten to e-mail me wins a free ticket to this fabulous one day affair!

THREAD Show, the multi-city shopping event promoting emerging designers and artists, is traveling to San Diego, San Francisco, Orange County, Los Angeles and Seattle on the 2011 tour. At each show, THREAD will showcase 100 of the top independent designers in each market, as well as complementary music, art, food and entertainment from locals. In 2011, attendees can expect new interactive spaces with the additions of a DIY Lounge, Nail Bar, Live Style Series, THREAD Well Lounge and a Man Cave complimentary with entrance to the event.

“By allowing shoppers to skip the third-party retailer, THREAD gives trend-setters an opportunity to meet the designers face-to-face, feed the local economy, be kind to the environment and ensure products are locally-made and ethically produced,” explains THREAD Show spokesperson, Danielle Gano. “This one-on-one connection also allows designers to get direct feedback from their consumers and lifts the veil for consumers to know exactly where their products come from.”

For eight years, THREAD Show has encouraged cities across the country to shop local by presenting a curated showcase of the most skilled and creative designers in each market. In addition to shopping prices lower than retail from the top independent designers, attendees will enjoy a Style Lounge, live music, seasonal trend showcases, a pop-up local art gallery, photo booths, live screen printing and giveaways all day. Additionally, 2011 will introduce a DIY Lounge with make-your-own fashion designs and accessories, a Nail Bar with complimentary manicures all day, a Live Style Series, a THREAD Wellness Lounge featuring massages and holistic living tips and products, and a Man Cave with beer, magazines, darts and entertainment for male shoppers.
In 2011, THREAD Show is also announcing a new Premium Ticket, available to the first 300 at the door. Serial shoppers will be granted entry one hour prior to general admission. The shopper who prefers wide open isles and plenty of room to browse will be able to enjoy first access to the collections. This limited availability ticket also comes with a gift bag packed with THREAD Show swag and a complimentary cocktail. The preview hour for each show will be from 11 a.m. to noon. Premium Tickets will be available for $25. Doors open to general admission from noon to 6 p.m. General admission tickets will be available for $5 if attendees pre-register up to 24 hours prior to the show at www.threadshow.com. $10 tickets will be available at the door.
THREAD Show’s 2011 line-up consists of:

* San Diego: Sunday, April 3, 2011 - Horton Event Space
* San Francisco: Sunday, April 10, 2011 - Metreon Shopping Center
* Costa Mesa: Sunday, May 15, 2011 – The Lab
* Los Angeles: Sunday, June 12, 2011 - The Cooper Design Space
* Costa Mesa: Sunday, October 9, 2011 – THE LAB
* Seattle: Sunday, October 23, 2011 - Fisher Pavilion Seattle Center
* Los Angeles: Sunday, November 13, 2011 - The Cooper Design Space
* San Francisco: Sunday, November 20, 2011 - Metreon Shopping Center
* San Diego: Sunday, December 4, 2011 - Horton Event Space


Each show is held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the 11 a.m. to noon hour reserved for Premium Ticket holders. General admission is open from noon to 6 p.m. Attendance is $10 in all cities – or $5 if you RSVP on the THREAD website or bring a bag of clothes to donate to a local charity in each city. Registration is now open for all cities and interested designers are invited to apply here. For regular updates, to visit the THREAD blog, RSVP to a show or subscribe to the email newsletter, please visit www.threadshow.com.

About THREAD Show // Good Style. Good Value. Good Karma.
THREAD Show is a traveling juried showcase of the best independent fashion and home designers on the West Coast, and the music and art that rock their world. This dynamic one-day retail environment has showcased more than 7,000 emerging designers since its inception in 2003. THREAD allows consumers a unique opportunity to support their local economy, reduce their carbon footprint and discover emerging designers while scoring deals and purchasing one-of-a-kind wares in a fun and unique setting. For more information, visit www.threadshow.com.

Albolene, making you clean or lean?

There is a very unique product out there Orange County, that seems to be more popular with the local athletes than what it was originally intended for. A facial cleansing product by the name of Albolene. This makeup remover found at your local CVS or Rite Aid, has been around for over five decades, but is mostly recognized by either your grandmother, or todays' pro. wrestlers and weight trainers. Such a diverse following. Well they both don't use this product for the same reasons. Albolene has been one of cosmetics original, affordable, makeup removers consisting of mineral oil, petrolatum paraffin, ceresin and beta-carotene. As for modern day cosmetics, especially with the advantages of organics, boasting the benefits of "mineral-oil free" and "Paraffin-free" as a positive and healthier alternative when it comes to their ingredients, there's no wonder today women are making better choices to what they put on their face. Just the facts that ceresin, which is commonly used in the production of semisolid lubricants; is also used as an anticorrosive coating for various mechanical devices and as an insulating material in electrical engineering, doesn't make one want to slather that on. In grandmas day people were convinced that this was an option to remove their makeup as well as hydrating their skin?
Well, now it's understandable why it's the number one choice for pro athletes who are competing in sports such as wrestling, boxing, MMA, to weight training. This product is so pore clogging, asphyxiating the epidermis to force the skin into excessive "sweat-mode", causing the body to excrete it's normal reserves of water weight, enabling an athlete to lose inches on top of pounds in just a few hours! This product is recommended by numerous health and weight loss sites as a perfect quick fix to dropping weight fast for any sport event to even losing enough to fit into your old jeans or better yet wedding dress! Albolene does not work all on it's own though, it's only effective, by slathered it on in thick layers, concentrating on your troubled areas, and then you go for a run, lift weights, or do some intense cardio. work out, so you sweat like no ones business, then watch the weight come off. It is understood that this is only a temporary solution, being that it's only water weight coming off, not fat. Once you return to your normal everyday routine, your body will replenish the previous water loss. It is noted on most these sites, thankfully, to continue drinking water as you work out to prevent dehydration, cleanse, and detox the body, while your body is coated in Albolene. It is also impressed to keep up a balanced diet, and continue with a daily exercise regime along with the periodic use of Albolene, and one can successfully see longer more effective weight loss results.

It's in the bag!

On the way out the door? Did you find time this morning to do your hair, apply deodorant? Put on your shoes? Like many women living in Orange County, you may be juggling multiple daily responsibilities. Whether you lead a household full of children, a husband, and a job on top of that, or just whirling your own personal life obstacles day in and day out, there may be days you lose track of yourself on the way out the door.

One simple strategy to ensure you have what you need by the time you turn the key in the ignition, adjust your rear view mirror, gasp in horror when you realize you still have your bath towel on your head, is to pack an emergency touch up kit and have it ready and waiting in your purse, handbag, tote, baby bag, computer bag, what have you.

This small zippered bag, shouldn't take up much space. Look for something about 5 by 7 in size and preferably translucent so that you can find an item more efficiently. This bag should hold the most important items that YOU find it hard to get through a day without.

On your way to the gym? Warm to blistering day ahead? First and foremost, pack your favorite deodorant in travel size. Hit your local pharmacy, Target, or Walmart and have a good time picking from all the fun miniature sized grooming products for .99 cents each. You most likely can find a travel bag there too. Mother's Market carries an amazing organic body/deodorant spray by Avalon Organics in Rosemary and Peppermint. Keep a pack of face wipes handy, alcohol free, preferably chamomile based to refresh and cleanse the face as well as body, when needed. For example Jason All-Natural fragrance free quick clean makeup remover/face wipes. When your favorite products come in bulk or large containers, down size to travel jars and spray bottles(even a simple ziplock sandwich bag), which are also available at your local pharmacies and grocery stores.

Protect that skin! Spf is imperative for not just your face but neck, decollete, arms, and hands, that all get their fair share of sun exposure when simply sitting in the car on a sunny day. Most sunscreens offer travel sizes of their product like Banana Boat, or to "kill two birds with one stone", find a tinted moisturizer with spf 15 to 30 and even out your skin as well as protect it from the suns damaging rays. Remede Translucent oil-free UV coat 30, offering four skin-blendable color tones.

Tweezers! How many get in the car and at some point, wished they had tweezers to pluck away that stubborn chin hair that miraculously appeared out of no where! OR, you haven't found the time to get your brows shaped but with a few tweaks you can make it through one more day. Rubis Switzerland precision tweezers (They sharpen them free, for life!).

If your'e a makeup wearer, and somehow this daily ritual got interrupted, at least have a tube of water proof mascara and lip gloss stored in your bag for this very emergency. MAC offers a reasonably priced high quality waterproof mascara, Opulash in Bad Bad Black $14, or run down the cosmetic isle at Target for Loreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara $8.95. Lip glosses come in so many shapes, sizes, textures, flavors, and of course colors. So for every gloss type out there, there is an individual who is partial to what resides on their lips. Whether it be just a clear lip balm, a hint of pink, a mauvey-bronze, to a sassy red. Just keep it in a squeeze tube or wand format, just in case you leave this bag in a hot car, you don't have to worry about it melting. Stila offers a unique lip and cheek stain with the added sheer gloss, in a convenient twist-tube and seven yummy flavors and colors.

Now what about your hair? For long hair, simply keep a couple of hair ties/ rubber bands available to neatly or loosly tie the hair back. If your hair is short, layered possibly, with just a couple of twists using Scuncci No Slip Grip Mini Octo Jaw Clips or their No-Slip Grip Wide Hairband in just minutes, you can look like you spent all morning on your hair. If you forgot to wash your hair, and just need that oily look(and smell) to disappear. Keep Rene Furterer's Dry Shampoo on hand, for an instant boost and clean feel to your scalp and hair.

Last but not least, how's the breath? Did you forget your morning mouth care? Keep a pack of Wrigley's sugar-free Orbit Professional chewing gum on hand when a tooth brush and water isn't near by. This unique gum actually helps clean the teeth while you chew! Recommended by four out of five dentists, well at least by Professor Klaus Konig of Germany!

An important mention to all of the busy ladies (and men, you too) who try to do it all before that early morning meeting; never attempt these grooming tasks while behind a moving vehicle! All personal business, same goes for the cell phone, can wait until the car engine is off. Before or after your drive is the best time to pull out your bag of tricks and then and only then, work your magic

The air brush tan

Orange County is hip with the ever popular sunless tanning pastime, as far back as the 1960's, women and men have been fake n' baking, bronzing, spraying, and rubbing it on to achieve the ultimate tan without the time and agony it takes lying under the sun's UV rays. The sun's rays in moderation can be beneficial in helping the body produce vitamin D, but beyond this, avoiding prolonged exposure from it's damaging rays is pro active towards anti-aging as well as a skin cancer preventative. Tanning beds are found just as harmful to the skin considering they deliver concentrated doses of ultraviolet rays both UVA(actinic, cancer causing) and UVB(burning), and many end up burning the epidermis, causing severe adverse reactions. Air brush tanning has become a quick and easy way to achieve that healthy glow, it's long lasting, safer than ever, without wasting your time baking and burning your day away.
So many people are still hesitant on trying self tanners due to that age old fear of turning orange. Tanning products have come a long way baby! Consumers looking for a safer, quicker, realistic tan in just moments can find reliable tanning products right on shelves of their local grocery stores, such as Jergens Natural Glow, a highly effective easy to apply lotion for all over the body. Then there is the, ever growing in popularity, spray tanners, typically applied by an airbrush technician in a salon or even right in your own home. Self tanners not only provide the "melanin challenged" an opportunity to experience an exotic tan but make it easier to maintain your "healthy glow", longer, along with keeping the skin hydrated, bronzed, and silky soft. Depending on the product, the scent of self tanners have improved ten fold, many are scented with coconut, mint, to raspberry-almond, instead of that old stale potato smell that still haunts many to this day. Self tanning sprays are available in organic formulas, different tanning hues, and can last up to two weeks before needing a touch-up. So now that spring is here and the weather is warming, fashion is gearing it's head towards, shorts, minis, sandals, tanks, and of course bathing suits. So whether you want to get a head start on your summer tan, look amazing in that little black dress, or sculpt your new six pack that you've worked hard all winter for, make your appointment today for a body and mind altering experience with a professional organic airbrush technician from salons such as Sun Silhouette in San Clemente, to Surface Beauty mobile beauty tanning services who bring the spa to you!

Un "bridal" ing Beauty

Wedding season is upon us Orange County! From the Montage in Laguna to The Villa in San Juan, these venues are booked! The brides have it all covered, from tiara down to their toes! However, there is one thing brides most commonly neglect and that's their skin! How so many classically let their faces fall to the wayside by forgetting that stress and lack of sleep along with improper skin maintenance can truly turn "The blushing bride" more like, "The blemished bride".
Here are some simple beautiful ways to ensure the angelic skin every girl desires on the day of her wedding!
First and foremost if hiring an artist for makeup, finding the right one can take time. NEVER feel stuck with the first one you try, always interview two to three different artists(expect your trial costs to run from anywhere between $45 to $100 each sitting), and making sure you have done this at least three months in advance of the wedding date as to ensure the one you choose doesn't become booked as well as giving you ample time to find the right one.
You shouldn't rely entirely on the makeup artist for perfect skin though. Skincare is an important primer to ensuring the makeup will look and stay as flawless from the moment it's applied to the moment she takes it "all off!" So the next concern is maintenance before the magical day. Keeping a regular cleansing regime morning and night, avoiding soap based cleansers that only dry out the skin. Look to Yum (vegan) Gourmet Skincares Oatmeal Apricot Creme Cleanser if your'e on the dry side or Lemon Soy Cleansing Lotion if you lean more on the oily side. Toning with an alcohol free toner after every wash to balance skins PH, try, Yum's nourishing bio-complex Pomegranate Toner. Being a big believer in serums, find the right one for your skin type, high in skin nourishing anti- oxidants, and restorative ingredients.(Melvita's organic, Regenerating Serum).
Take good care of the windows to the soul, especially when the groom stares into those eyes, you don't want him noticing the rings of sleepless nights. Take time out for a soothing eye masque once or twice a week especially right before the day of, (Shiseido's Pure Retinol Instant treatment Eye Mask). Exfoliating is key, once a week removing the unwanted dry(corneum) layers of the skin and allowing fresher smoother skin to come forth. Avoid harsh scrubs involving nuts and seeds of any sort, smooth jojoba beads, and ultra fine sugar scrubs such as Farm House Fresh's One Fine Day Flawless Face Polish. (You will have to TRY not to lick it off). A truly delicious way to pampering and caring for your skin. Hydrate and protect the skin your'e in everyday and every night. Moisturizers seal in the nourishing ingredients you have layered on prior, as well as shield the skin from outside free radicals such as smog, dirt, oils, smoke, and sun as long as you remember the SPF!(Oil free, and avoid oxybenzone because it can trigger allergic reactions). Now, for dry skin, gently hydrate with a weightless effect try Yum's Avocado Whip Moisture Creme and if your'e on the oilier side try Yum's Lychee Balacing Gel. One more savory step towards blissfully beautiful skin, take 20 mins. once a week for a relaxing, regenerating facial masque, appropriate to your skin type. On the dry side? Look to a gel or creamy based masque nutrient-rich in vitamin C, seaweed extracts and ultra hydrating shea butters to condition and restore natural suppleness.(Yum Nori Mango Butter Masque). If more on the oily side lean towards something clay based along with natural salicylic acids preferrably naturally found from papaya and pineapple which clarifies, detoxifies,and mildly exfoliates simultaneously balancing oil production, combating bacteria, as well as current and future blemishes.(Yums Red Earth Mineral Masque).
Along with remembering to drink your eight glasses of water a day, eating right, getting plenty of rest, and learning to deligate to relieve stressfull situations, these helpful hints and products will provide any bride "unblemished wedlock!"

The Makeup Show LA

The third annual Makeup Show LA, if you haven't heard, was held at the downtown California Market Center, just this past weekend. Pro makeup artists, working artists, up and coming, to wannabe artists, came from near and far to catch a glimpse of the latest in cosmetic and supply trends within the industry. There were several booths catering to special effects and film makeup such as Make Up Forever, Graftobian, Mehron, and Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics to name a few. A perpetual query throughout this venue and among the cosmetic booths seemed to be the concern about HD(high definition/digital) ready makeup. "Is this makeup HD approved, certified, ready, appropriate, etc?"
What!?
High definition makeup has made its way to the forefront of the cosmetic world not only catering to the film industry but for the everyday makeup wearing woman(and man, Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme Touche Eclat). Within the past ten years makeup artists have been well aware of the need for this "finer", more perfected coverage. Since the introduction of HD and the quality imagery it provides the viewer, it was inevitable this would force the cosmetic industry to change the quality of how and what is applied to the skin and hair. High definition means we as the viewers see our actors six times as sharp as the previous, softer grained images, exposing more details, such as lines, wrinkles, skin imperfections, where basically makeup mistakes are more easily seen!
Pro makeup artists spoke on panels explaining their personal adaptations to this higher expectation for the flawless, unreadable makeup. For the everyday makeup wearer this has been the sought after dream product for decades!
Pro artists such as Ve Neill currently working on The Amazing Spiderman, Eryn Krueger Mekash of Glee, and Debbie Zollar from Mad Men, continued to explain whether how much more they carefully need to apply to actors and then there were some explaining how much less to apply. What was also expressed was the honest understanding that a makeup should be applied accordingly to what the situation demands. For example actor A who let's say has perfect skin, needs a natural makeup for a 40's era piece; give her the appropriate, flawless, undetectable finish with the accurate period styling of liner, rouging, and lip shaping. Then we have actor B who has level one acne, maybe an unwanted blemish square in the center of their forehead, requires special effects for an alien character where in "Quadrant 9", acneic skin doesn't exist. Now, the special effects pro can either use the blemishes to their advantage, or if smooth skin is a must, apply color and effects accordingly, then look to CGI(computer generated imagery) for the texture fix-ups. This is a given across the board, CGI is there to save the day when HD gets in the way!
Now just because we have CGI doesn't allow the artistry to relax just yet. The experienced artist knows the importance of accurate detail to the face and hair of their actor, along with the help of quality product, checking and double checking how it all looks on camera, and with the DP's approval, they then, maybe, can sit back and finally "take five".
High Definition may have taken away the subtleties, smoke screens, the veils that otherwise film provided the makeup artist with to hide imperfections, but todays experienced makeup artist must prove they actually can match the actors skin tone to the foundation, blend away the lines, and contours, and concentrate on those details in the looks they were hired to create, as this is also true for bridal, print, and video because across the board, the HD camera truly doesn't lie.

Achieving Katys Grammy Glow

There's the Golden Globes, the Grammys, the Emmys, to the highly anticipated Academies, where the women, (and men too), of Orange County are eager to catch a glimpse of fashions hottest looks displayed upon their favorite celebrities, and of course bare witness to all the fashion failures just as well.

This past week the Grammys were buzzing with beautiful faces and designer frocks, hair, the long and short of it, bodies fit, slim, to voluptuous, down to their very toes. Youthful glowing skin is what was dominating the red carpet, no matter the age really. Which gives those over the age of thirty who search high and low to get back that youthful "glow" a fighting chance!

At this past weekends Grammy award ceremonies, Katy Perry shined for all to see in a colorful palette of pastels, daring to wear the vibrant complimentary colors of both violet and metallic green on the eyes and finishing her look with a springy bright pink lip, but above it all you couldn't deny her flawlessly smooth skin. Her skin was well secured with a great matte base but her cheeks were dazzling, atop a shimmering highlight that truly kept her skin appearing fresh and a glow.
To achieve this look, whether you're one of the lucky pore-less types to the slightly "furrowed", reach for Chanel's Double Perfection duo foundation, wear it wet or dry layering it to your hearts content. If your skin is on the drier side, hydrate properly prior to application, choose an emollient moisturizer/serum that doesn't just sit on top of the skin, ( Melvitas Organic Regenerating Serum), blush or contour with a soft peachy-pink blush, ( Sue Devitt Studios Koh Samui), and lastly highlight from lash line to tops of cheeks, and even the brow bone (the area just below brows), look for an ultra fine shimmer or cheek glaze ( By Terry Sheer Liquid blush and highlighters) to give that fabulous glow. Avoid chunky, cheaper blends of shimmer powders that will just end up sitting in creases and lines, making your skin look crepe and dry.
Remember, celebrities may make it look as though they wake up looking naturally flawless as we dream they do, but, a little help from their pro. makeup artists and stylists, as well as their trainers, dietitians, managers, and a bit of photo shop, don't hurt either.

Asking The Right Questions to Save Your Skin

Here are some common questions and concerns many women in Orange County face before they have entered a salon or cosmetic department. Yes, we all have been there at one time or another whether it's your "first time" or "about time", we find ourselves unsure of what we want, so here you can find some constructive answers to hopefully help alleviate these worries.

Such as:


"I don't have a lot of money and time to spend on things that don't work."

-Before ever entering any store or salon, analyze your own skin concerns at home first. Do you find your skin more on the oily side, combination, dry, or even sensitive? Do you have five/ten/or 15 minutes at night and in the morning to apply these new products to your skin? Are you looking for organic products, fragrance free, lifting, firming, and or smoothing effects? Taking some or all of these into consideration will better prepare you when you find yourself bombarded by the sales people standing around throughout the department stores insisting that their products are perfect for you.

"I don't know where to begin when picking the right skin care for myself so how will I know if the sales girl knows what's best for me?"

-Ask them a questions first. Armor yourself with one or all of these questions that can give you a better idea if they truly know their stuff. "How long has this line been around?", "Who is the creator of the line?", "What is their philosophy behind it?", "What are the prime ingredients in your best selling product?" You will know right away if they can educate you or that they need to go back to the home office for a better education.

"Is it normal to break out after my facial or did they use the wrong products on me?"

-Most of the time when the skin specialist uses proper procedures and appropriate product for your skin type you should leave feeling and looking fresh, clear and clean with few or if any after effects. If your skin had quite a bit of extracting done and your therapist couldn't get to all your areas of concern, you may experience some "purging" in the next day or two. If you leave the salon with irritated skin, break out in more than two to three areas, or just don't feel your skin is as "rejuvenated" as expected, you should find out what the therapist used precisely on you, and let the management know as soon as possible.

"What do I do if I think they are not answering my questions?"

-To begin with, always enter the establishment well prepared with your questions and concerns. If you still feel like the sales person is eluding your concerns and more interested in pushing the line and it's products on you. Never feel pressured, you have every right to request another associates assistance who may better provide you with the information you need and/or ask for the managers help.

"Do I have to pay more for quality?"

-This is not all together true. But, you do need to do a little research. This day and age we have the luxury of the internet and most any service as well as product available, will have a review, articles, editorials, write ups, and testimonials to help weed out the not-so-goods. You can compare and contrast on the internet before you even step foot into a store or salon. When it comes to skin care there are so many levels of creams, lotions, gels, serums, moisturizers, nutraceuticals, etc. What's best for one skin type may not be best for another. But, if a certain eye cream or lift serum is difficult to keep in stock year after year, it must be doing something right. Always ask for samples for at least a weeks worth of trial. No skin care line should expect you to jump right on the bandwagon before you have even tested the product on your own skin. Know something about the ingredients and whether they are efficacious to your needs.

"Do I really need to layer on five different things on my face twice a day, everyday?!"

-Not necessarily so. If washing, toning, applying serum, eye cream, and moisturizer, are just too much work for one person, there are ways to simplify and still enjoy healthy nourished skin. You can use a soap-free,(non-foaming) face wash, to avoid the stripping of the skins natural PH balance where now toner wouldn't be as necessary. Finding a combined hydrating as well as vitamin enriched serum can take the place of a daily moisturizer, unless your main concern is overly dry skin, a medium to full moisturizer can be more beneficial for your skin than a serum. An eye cream unfortunately is a totally different entity to your face moisturizer. The skin and pores around your eyes and your lips is a lot more delicate and sensitive where heavy creams can clog and possibly cause milia. Eye creams are beneficial for both preventative as well as corrective purposes and specifically cater to these areas of concern.

By asking the right questions you not only prevent yourself from going home with all the wrong things, they can empower your position as a consumer, as well as help the skin care and make up specialists stay attentive and better directed!

Truly Uplifting News

O.k. Orange County, there is hope for all you organic aficionados. To actually find a bio cosmetic that performs as well as feels great on the skin? It's finally here.
Melvita(Meaning "honey and life" in Latin) has just moved in to Fashion Island less than nine months ago. An organic skin and hair care company from France, created by beekeeper and biologist Bernard Chevilliat has found the right combination of organic farming and modern day natural science.
Melvita products are created to exceed the high standards set by ECOCERT, France's leading organic certification organization, meaning 95% of of the total ingredients are natural(including water) and at least 95% of the total plant-based ingredients are organic.
They have so far created 24 unique certified, undiluted, organic plant oils pressed from selected seeds, fruits, nuts, and roots, which are natural anti-oxidants, anti-aging, moisturizing, truly nourishing and soothing to the skin.
What's worth the "buzz", more than ever is their Naturalift Anti-aging Creme. The word has been out for a few years now on the wonderful effects of Argan oil, well they use the Argan nut which provides an immediate tightening and firming effect while wild beech buds, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, energize the skin. The oligopeptides from Hibiscus seed, reduce the appearance of expression lines and Alpine buddleia works as a powerful anti free-radical agent. Now who doesn't need more of that? This simply beautiful product fights against aging organically and naturally and leaves the skin soft, supple, and ultra smooth.
SO put down the syringe, take a stroll to O.C.'s favorite shopping mecca, and visit Melvita for the best organic experience you've had in a long time!

Phase to face

There may come a time when you look in the mirror and wonder, "Where did those little brown spots come from?" Don't be alarmed when you are driving down the road and notice several new spots on the back of your hand or forearms.(Especially the left arm due to driving with this arm closest to the window). This phase in your life, typically begins by the age of 30, where both women and men alike will experience their first "age spot". What is an age spot a.k.a. liver spot? They appear as light brown spots, hyperpigmentation, or patches, usually found atop the cheeks, nose ,forehead, chest, as well as the back of the hands. These unsightly blemishes are results of over exposure to UV rays from the sun, also known as "photo damage". Some may experience the opposite reaction to sun damage known as, hypopigmentation where the skin loses it's pigment in result causing the loss of melanin and the skin appears white. There are ways to prevent future age spotting and thankfully for the miracles of modern science and technology we have many options to the removal of age spots. There are several grades of treatment offered to the public all depending on ones determination on the removal of their hyperpigmentation. The most mild, easy to use, accessible to most anyone as well as affordable, is a pigment lightening cream or gel. Most commonly used in these over the counter products is hydroquinone. This effective ingredient when used properly can dramatically lighten and brighten skin within one month of daily use.( PCA Pigment Gel). For those who are concerned of the controversies surrounding this ingredient or may be allergic, PCA has come out with HQ Free Pigment Gel that is a wonderfully nonabrasive topical product that by the unique formulation of kojic and azelaic acids, plus citric and lactic acids can lighten various types of hyperpigmentation and is ideal for sensitive skin. If one is looking for a more active approach to the removal of age spots and just evening out skin tone they may find what they want in microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non- invasive mechanical exfoliation by the use of either crystals, diamond or a bristle tipped brush along with the adjustable vacuum pressure, removes the outermost layer of the skin. With only a few visits(4 to 6 is recommended) one will experience softer, smoother, and more even toned skin for face, neck, chest, and hands. Then there is chemical peeling. As intimidating as this may sound there are some amazingly natural and effective treatments available that offer almost immediate satisfaction. There are alpha hydroxy(AHA) peels, TCA trichloroacetic acid, retinol, salicylic, Jessner peels, and then there's phenol the strongest and severe of peels. Through the professional guidance of your dermatologist along with finding an experienced/ licensed esthetician you can be well directed in choosing the appropriate treatment. Depending on the strength of the peel an the severity of the age spots one will see positive results by their second or third treatment.(4-6 visits or until desired result, is recommended). Expect peeling within two days that will last for another day or two. Avoid picking away the skin, your dermatologist or esthetician can provide you with protective and soothing after care while the "new skin" comes forth. Using an AHA face wash(PCA Facial Wash) along with a hydrating serum and protective moisturizer (PCA Protecting Hydrator SPF 30), especially with SPF during the day, you can minimize the dry, flaky after effects. Lastly there is the option of laser resurfacing. Performed only by dermatologists, there are several variations and levels of severity in terms of "down time" by the effects of these treatments. There are several versions performed by skin professionals such as Fraxel(R)/ photothermolysis skin resurfacing, photorejuvenation by the use of intense pulse light. These treatments can be costly and as long as you've done your research and find a reputable dermatologist, expect positive results.
Just as unique and distinctive each person is from another, so are the needs for caring for the body and skin. No matter what phase one must face, with the right guidance there are many positive and effective choices on the improvement and care for present as well as future health of the skin.

Wax On Wax Off!

Wax On, Wax Off Surface Beauty Offer!

You don't have to be as "fuzzy as a bear" to have waxing needs.

From brow shaping to under arms, bikini, legs, arms or face, Surface Beauty wax pros. are there for you!

We don't use bees wax,(That can burn, irritate, and tear tender skin).
We use a synthetic Ultaflexxx wax by Mancine http://www.mancinecosmetics.com/ from Australia,
that grips only hair, virtually painless, leaving no sticky residue, and no allergic reactions!

We've heard it all before: "I had my brows done once and they burned my lids", "After they did my upper lip I broke out", "It's just too painful".

We use the most modern of wax and technology to ensure a comfortable and noninvasive experience!

From January 1st to February 28th 2011,
Surface Beauty wants you to have the
best waxing experience ever so we are
offering it to you 50% off!
Don't forget, WE come to YOU!

Wax menu
Brows: $45/ now $22.5
Lip: $25/ now $12.5
Bikini: $55/ now $27.5
Underarms: $40/ now $20
Back: $40/ now $20
Legs: lower $35/ now $17.5
Legs: full $45/ now $22.5

To make an appointment, call (310)801-2818 or email mikimakeup@hotmail.com. *Tell a friend and don't forget to mention this offer!*
*($20.00 drive/gas fee outside of Orange County.)

Peace and Beauty always,

Miki at Surface Beauty
Mobile spa & beauty services
phone: 310/801-2818
www.surfacebeauty.com

Outlets. Beauty tip Tuesday 2011

I'm not talking about the malls you drive a long distance to, for a discount on last seasons jeans and sweaters. I'm talking about a way to release your inner angst. A way to drop a few pounds and feel better about yourself inside and out.

Some find it with food, some with exercise, maybe it's sleep, or shopping, etc.
My beauty tip for this Tuesday is finding the positive "outlet" for todays stresses and pressures. I had a deep conversation with a close friend about this subject and we compared and contrasted peoples options in stress release. When someone feels out of control with a current situation they almost by nature feel the need to create a feeling of control in something else they think they "can" control. Eating and drinking are the quickest and easiest areas to appease ourselves with. "Treating" yourself or your friends to lunch or a cocktail gives a person a false sense of control and self worth.

BUT,what if you instead took a friend out for a hike around the lake, or to try out a new exercise program to work out your mind and body tensions?

Two years ago, I didn't notice my weight increase twenty five pounds over a good six to eight months of over indulging and taking friends out for wine and cheese tastings. I regularly went to the gym and kept fairly active with my two kids but the month before I was to go on vacation I pulled out the scale and just flipped in disbelief when I saw the numbers!

With the combination of counting calories and finding no more excuses in starting up kickboxing again (my favorite sport), I had no problems dropping that twenty five and another five on top of that in less than four months. My good friend has found walking in the mornings the most effective way to relax and drop her weight and she feels proud to talk about it.

Nothing makes someone feel more rewarded when they successfully accomplish a goal, nothing makes you feel more attractive when you lose weight, you worked so hard to lose, and no pair of shoes or dripping-fudge chocolate cake can make me feel as great as I do after I kick the crud out of my kick bag and sweat out my stresses during a vigorous hour of kickboxing! (Check out OCKickfit or Reign).
So find your sport, your "outlet". Get yourself moving for at least an hour, three to four times a week doing something you love and even better, do it with a friend!