Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

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.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Live in Color Spring 2011



Color 2011

"After three long years
dominated by a recession-muted
palette of neutrals,
color is
clocking back in with a
vengeance.
The Pantone
Research Institute
announced this month that
a reddish-pink
(think Pepto-Bismol)
hue that is
dubbed "honeysuckle"
was its pick for the top color of
2011. But based on
what we saw
when designers showed their
collections for spring-summer


2011
in New York and Europe this fall,
fashion is embracing vivid shades all
across the
rainbow and not just as accent colors, either.
Among the
noteworthy names giving the color wheel an enthusiastic
spin are Jil Sander,
Dries Van Noten, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton,
as well as Tommy Hilfiger,
who showed a brightly hued,
neo-preppie 25th anniversary collection during

New York Fashion Week in September."-L.A Times




Surface Beauty is so excited to share
what is up and coming
for the new year, Color! Yay 2011!


Fashion trends change per season as
so do our cosmetic trends.
Lipsticks,shadows,and even
foundation is regulated by the very
textures and colors of the fabrics
that walk down the runways during
fashion week. So just when you
thought we have escaped the repeated
influences of the eighties it looks like
we are going to taste the rainbow!
Eyes are strong and heavy with liner.
But not just black, look for the sleek accents
of purples, pinks, greens, even oranges!
Beautiful colors to brighten even the
darkest of eyes!

A tip about color and losing the fear of wearing it:
Pick no more than three tones,
don't be afraid of being playful on the lids,
cheeks can be played down during the day
but work the bold pinks and peaches
along with a little highlighter for a night out.

Lips are all in the personality,
if you are a little more reserved or a no fuss
type of gal, work the nude glazed lip;
line with a cool natural liner(Whirl) from MAC,
buff from outer lip line to center of lip.
Creme on a nude lipstick like Hug Me from MAC
or Lin from T.Le Clerc. Glaze the center of the
pout from a clear to a natural sheer gloss
like Starlet Pink from Vincent Longo. Otherwise if you
are just dying to glam up your lips and fall head
over heels over Springs bold pinks and reds
enjoy Vincent Longos indelible lip stains or MACs Pro Longwear
Passion Preserved.

Here's to a colorful new year!


Monday, December 27, 2010

Sign of the Times


Surface beauty took a good look around this past month.
This may have been a long and drawn out year of slow going business for many, but there is something people won't sacrifice and that is their health and beauty needs.
Stores were bustling this past month with consumers not only shopping for friends and family but they too didn't seem to hesitate taking part in a little well deserved splurging for themselves. Salons were booked for holiday blow outs to glittering nail appointments, updating cuts, to freshening up hair color. Face firming facials, slimming body wraps, to spray tanning, preparing themselves for that new years party dress and or sporting those new platform stilettos!
Surface Beauty is more than pleased to know both men and women will make the space and time for themselves whether it's to get away for a little while and relax or just basic upkeep that helps them feel better about themselves. A pedicure not only can help one feel more confident when slipping into those open-toed heels, you will have healthier looking skin and feet for the next few weeks and you won't mind flinging off your socks and walking around barefoot in any situation. A facial not only provides therapy for your skin but for your very spirit while it may help makeup apply more flawlessly one may love their skin so much they won't want to wear any at all. We commend you all and can't emphasize enough how important it is to take that moment for yourself.
2011 is just around the corner, as the new year approaches Surface Beauty sees this as a chance to make resolutions, better our future, improve situations, make effective decisions, achieve goals, and what better way to start the year with the best you you can be? It doesn't have to take a lot of time, OR maybe that's exactly what one needs is to take time for oneself, to know it is o.k.
You will be so glad you did it.
From Surface Beauty, we want you to experience the best treatments and highest quality service and talent every time. The most important detail about what we have to offer to our clients is the convenience of bringing it all to you!

Peace and Beauty always from all of us at Surface Beauty

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Polish to your delight!


Sat in on a little girls birthday party today. Watched them play makeup and have their nails painted. They dressed up and wore costume jewelery. Then I overheard the moms chime in how they would love to play beauty parlor and get their nails done too!
I offered to paint little pictures on the girls nails and glitter them up. What a sweet surprise to see them light up and get excited over the simple little things we can do.
So next time you want a little something to lift your spirits and your'e not sure what it might be, try anything from a clear gloss to a deep dark purple and add a little design from stripes to polka dots, glitter, to shimmer, on fingers and toes.