February 22, 2014

AMBI® SKINCARE Announces its First-Ever Model Search

SHOW OFF YOUR FLAWLESS SKIN AND YOU COULD BE THE NEW FACE OF AMBI®!

Ambi Skincare

New York, NY – February 18, 2014 – AMBI® Skincare, a trusted name in cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color, is pleased to announce the open call for entries to their first-ever AMBI® Model Search. Women ages 18 and older can register online at www.ambimodelsearch.com. The Grand Prize Winner will be featured in a national print campaign, receiving a 3 day/2 night trip to New York City for a professional photo shoot plus $2,000 cash.

“We look forward to discovering the new face of AMBI,” commented Tricia Green, Senior Brand Manager at Valeant Pharmaceuticals. “We are looking for bold women who are confident, spirited and independent; someone who represents the AMBI brand and who is proud of her culture and history. Celebration is the heart of AMBI and we’re seeking someone who embodies just that.”

AMBI® is accepting online entries through April 15, 2014. To enter, two photos – a headshot and a full body shot – must be submitted online. Judges will select the top five finalists from the entries submitted based on appearance and how well they represent the AMBI® brand. After the finalists are selected and announced on April 25th, voting will immediately open up to the general public and will close on May 2nd. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected based on a combination of online votes and the judge’s score.

Weekly product giveaways will also be hosted on the site. Official Rules must be reviewed before entering the AMBI® Model Search. For more information on AMBI® and Valeant Pharmaceuticals, please visit: www.shopambi.com and www.valeant.com.

Abbreviated Rules: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Neither Valeant Employees and their families nor Healthcare professionals and their families may not participate. Void where prohibited or limited by law or regulation. Begins at 12:00am EST on 2/15/2014 and ends at 11:59pm EST on 4/15/2014.

For complete details, see Official Rules (by which all entrants are bound) at www.ambimodelsearch.com.

About AMBI® Skincare:
AMBI® Skincare is one of the brands under Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC. AMBI®, a trusted name in cleansers and moisturizers for skin of color, has a legacy of skin care designed to provide smooth, even-toned, flawless-looking skin. Introduced in 1966, the brand has been used by women with richer skin tones for decades and trusted to provide quality products that meet skin of color needs.  The AMBI® brand is best known for its fade creams, which help fade dark spots and skin discolorations to restore flawless, natural skin tone. The brand is part of the Valeant portfolio that also includes Kinerase, AcneFree, CeraVe and more. For more information about the AMBI® brand and to purchase products, please visit: www.shopambi.com.

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 20, 2014

Skin Care Tips for Your Ocean Adventures

Whether it’s on the chilly east coast or the temperate west coast, surfers, bodysurfers and handboarders alike are enjoying the swells this holiday season.  No matter what ocean you jump into, that dry, irritated skin seems to stick with you long after you dry off.  Use a few of these skin care products before and after your time out in the water, and your skin will feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for the rest of your day.

Pre-Surf Care: Sunscreen

Nothing is more important that protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.  While frolicking in the surf is an awesome way to spend your day, the UV rays will take a toll on your delicate skin.  Make sure you lather a health amount of quality sunscreen to your face, neck and ears before jumping into the water.  There are two sunscreen brands out there that will give your skin excellent coverage while keeping it healthy.

Raw Elements Eco Protection Sunscreen:  What makes Raw Elements one of the best sunscreens on the market is what it’s made of.  It is made up of only natural and certified organic ingredients.  Raw Elements protects against both UVA and UVB Rays, and it’s good for the environment too.  It’s biodegradable and never tested on animals.  The sunscreen won’t run, get in your eyes or sting while you’re out catching waves.  Plus, Raw Elements gives your skin a serious amount of certified organic moisturizers and antioxidants without clogging your pores.  You can use it on both your face and body, providing you with the ultimate organic sun protection.

Neutrogena Face Sunscreen:  Neutrogena dry-touch sunblock has the power to protect you from the elements while being ridiculously light on your skin.  The sheer, ultra dry protection has an SPF of 45 and protects with Parsol 1789, which is advanced protection that covers both UVA and UVB Rays.  Special dry-touch technology was used to make this stuff, which means your face won’t be shiny when you’re done applying, and you won’t slip on your board when you’re out in the lineup.  Neutrogena sunscreen is sweat-proof and waterproof, but it won’t clog your pores.  The sunscreen’s bounty of A, C & E vitamins will help your skin stay nourished and protected against environmental damage, including sun and salt.

Post-Surf Skin Care

That dry, chapped, itching sensation you get after playing in the ocean means that the wind, sun and sea have gotten the best of your skin.  There are many excellent products out there to help alleviate your skin after a long day in the water.

The absolute best thing you can do for your skin right when you get home from a day at the beach is to jump in the shower and rinse your body with fresh water.  The water will help get rid of any extra dirt and salt that’s still on your skin.  You can also exfoliate with a scrub of your choosing to help remove those pesky dead skin cells that can end up blocking your pores.  Just don’t try to exfoliate if you’re sunburned!  Ouch!  Salt scrubs are usually recommended for those with oily skin, while sugar scrubs are great for those with dry, sensitive skin.

After your rinse and exfoliating, it’s time to replenish your skin with some essential vitamins and moisture!

Shea Butter:  Shea Butter lotion will hydrate and renew dry, depleted skin.  It’s extracted from the nuts of the African Sea Tree, and can soothe sunburn-plagued skin.  Shea Butter contains revitalizing A and E vitamins, and doesn’t leave oily or greasy residue after you apply it.

Aloe Vera:  The Aloe Vera plant is part of the lily family, and does wonders for your skin.  This super plant contains vitamins, including Vitamins A, C and E, folic acid and Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6.  It also contains a number of beneficial minerals, like iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium.  It’s known as a vulnerary, which means it helps to heal wounds such as burns or scrapes, not to mention it soothes while it works!  Jason Aloe Vera Gel is a good example of something you can buy at the store and have ready and waiting for your dry, irritated skin as soon as you get home from your day at the beach.

Therapeutic Balm:  Balms like Surfer’s Salve help to heal any cuts, rashes and stings your get, whether they are from reefs, jellyfish, bugs or anything else you may encounter at the beach.  It will also soothe chapped lips and help refresh those serious patches of dry skin you can get from the sun’s harsh rays.

unnamed-12Guest Blogger Sarah grew up in Santa Barbara, California and started swimming competitively when she was eight years old.  She attended the University of Southern California where she was on the women’s swim team and earned a Bachelor’s degree in journalism.  Sarah currently writes for Venice-based, emerging surf brand Slyde Handboards  slydehandboards.com, where she focuses on topics such as surf-related “how-tos”, current surf events and the “best-ofs” of the wave-riding world.

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 17, 2014

Two Thumbs up for Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil

Organic Doctor

Organic Doctor

For years, my mom has been moisturizing her skin with olive oil that you actually cook with. At the age of 79, she looks fabulous. Her skin is soft, smooth, and tight.  The drawback to using this cooking ingredients is the smell.  I just can’t get pass that Mediterranean olive smell ready to be fried, grilled, broiled or tossed onto a salad. I want the results but not the gourmet smell. I researched and found Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil products with organic and natural bioactive ingredients. Free from Parabens, SLS, Artificial Colors, Phthalates, Harsh Preservatives.

Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil Face Scrub is a deep cleaning exfoliant which will remove impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells which will leave your skin healthier, smoother, clearer, and even-toned.  It has super hydrating fruit oil rich in Oleic acid, an antioxidant.  A blend of natural moisturizing ingredients formulated the skin to give it a radiant, youthful appearance.  Face scrubs have many benefits for all ages: prevents acne, reduces pores, wrinkle reduction, and glowing looking skin.  Organic doctor Virgin Olive Oil Face Scrub has just the roughness to get the job done without being uncomfortable or ruining my skin, leaving your skin incredibly soft and silky smooth.

Unknown-101
Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil Eye Serum hydrates and nourishes delicate skin around the eyes with Vitamin B5.  Combination with a select blend of bioactive and natural ingredients to moisturize and stimulate the area around the eyes making the skin firmer and tighter.  A healthy aging formula which helps with the appearance of fine lines, helps with cell hydration, and protects the area outside the eyes.  After using Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil Eye Serum for a couple of weeks, I noticed a remarkable diminish of my dark circles and bags under my eyes resulted from stress and not sleeping.  Using again all organic and natural bioactive ingredients including Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Leaf Extract.

Organic Doctor

Organic Doctor

Organic Doctor Virgin Olive Oil Cleansing Bar has all natural ingredients (Virgin Oil, Vine Leaf Extract and Thyme Extract just to name a few) which work in synergy to moisture and hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling clean, fresh and nourished.   The unique ingredient, Oleic Acid, combined with infusion of select bioactive ingredients balances the skin looking clear and healthy-looking, never leaving residue to clog your pores.  Gentle to use daily, never dries out the skin or strips its essential oil.  This is the only soap that doesn’t aggravate my delicate skin.  It is ideal for all skin types.  It leaves my skin soft and clean.
I love all the Organic Doctor Organic Virgin Olive Oil products!  I use the line daily and my skin has never looked so healthy and fresh!  I feel confident using Organic Doctor products because they do not contain Parabens, SLS, Artificial Colors, Phthalates, or Harsh Preservatives.  They only use the finest natural and organic raw materials in all their products. You will give it two thumbs up!

http://www.vitaminworld.com

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 15, 2014

5 Ways To Make Eyes POP

Boom Bom Brow Bar

Boom Bom Brow Bar

 

 

Think modes and celebrities show up for photo shoots looking rested and refreshed?  Most of the time a professional is whipping out their best tips and tricks to make them look presentable, and it usually starts with the eyes. Boom Boom, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar, shares her top 5 Ways to Make Eyes POP:

  1. Brush brow hair up and out to frame eyes and then fill in with a brow powder to define and set with a brow gel
  1. Use a flesh colored liner on the lower lid of eyes to make them look bigger and brighter, applying white eye shadow can also make eyes look wider and more open
  1. Apply a shimmery nude color on the inner corners of eyes to animate
  1. Use a highlighting pencil on the brow bone to enhance bone structure and boost eyes
  1. Thin brows look dated and make eyes look tired, use a brow growth serum to promote fuller, bolder brows to compliment eyes

Boom Boom retail products – Boostiers brow powder, Brow-ssiere brow gel, Push-Up brow highlighting pencil and Brow Job growth serum are now available on www.amazon.com!

Malynda Vigliotti (aka Boom Boom) really is the flashiest waxer in NYC.  She’s obsessed with brows, did over 20,000 in 2012 at Boom Boom Brow Bar in NYC, and sees no reason why everyone shouldn’t have thick, gorgeous eyebrows in 2014! Website: www.boomboombrowbar.com

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 10, 2014

Gentlemen take notice – Vince Camuto Femme

Unknown-95

Recognize the name….. Vince Camuto.  He is an American women’s footwear designer who co-founded the women’s fashion brand Nine West.  Still very active in the footwear business, though Vince Camuto is no stranger to perfume. Vince Camuto Femme is his third fragrance.  Sparkling, elegant florals and spicy citruses describes the warm, sensual scent.  Vince Camuto Femme was inspired by the designer’s favorite flower, the delphinium, the flower’s blue lavender hue is even played up in the bottle design and in the advertising model’s eye color.  Notes of pink pepper, jasmine, rose, iris, and vanilla take your breath away.  With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, nothing puts one in the mood for love like a sexy, feminine scent.  Vince Camuto Femme delivers a confidence in the women who struts this fragrance.  I love this perfume because it deepened over time into something mysterious and modern.  It is very versatile…. you can wear it during the day because it is classic, and into the night because it is elegant.  The scent is long lasting. Spritz this fragrance before your Valentine’s Day date, Vince Camuto Femme will always be about romance!  Your men will be wanting more!  Vince Camuto Femme is unique and impressive!  So Gentlemen Take Notice….. I just leaked the secret to the perfect, seductive gift ever, even if we are prancing the scent on this special Valentine’s Day Date, we can always use an extra bottle or two!

316582_1509945246407_1407569992_nLaurie Carcieri

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 5, 2014

JOIN L’OCCITANE AND RICHART CHOCOLATES FOR A MOST DELCIOUS VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION

L'Occitane

L’Occitane

 

Richart

Join L’OCCITANE and RICHART to kick off Valentine’s Day weekend and the launch of the L’OCCITANE’s Red Cherry Fragrance. Guests who shop at L’OCCITANE’s 86th Street flagship boutique on Thursday, February 13th can indulge in RICHART confections as well as cherry-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Also, guests are invited to get a little pampering with complimentary signature L’OCCITANE beauty rituals such as hand massages, mini-facials and fragrance layering.  Throughout the day, L’OCCITANE will be offering two exclusive gifts with purchase for all customers:

  • ·         My Little Delights Gift Pouch: Featuring favorites like Almond Shower Oil, Almond Supple Skin Oil, and Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette with any $49 purchase. (image below)
  • ·         RICHART Mini-Macaroons: with any $75 purchase. (image below)

Can’t make it to L’OCCITANE 86TH street? Visit any of the L’OCCITANE NYC boutiques on Thursday, February 13th to pick up either exclusive gift with purchase while supplies last!

So stop by L’OCCITANE and celebrate Valentine’s Day the Provençal way!

WHERE: L’OCCITANE, 180 East 86th Street (between 3rd Avenue and Lexington), New York, NY

WHY: Shop for the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift; and enjoy some RICHART confections, cherry-inspired cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and pampering!

WHEN: Thursday, February 13th  – 5:30PM-8:30PM

 

 

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 5, 2014

Feel Morning Fresh with Shower to Shower

Shower to Shower

It has been a long time since I have even thought about “bath powder” as they used to call it.  “Shower to Shower” is a new name for a product that used to be found in just about every woman’s bathroom.  Big differences now accompany this product though as it used to be quite messy and I even remember the gift powders often had a glove or large puff included for applying.  Today’s version offered by Johnson & Johnson is so much easier to apply and NO MESS!  The container is built so that after turning the top, you can squeeze and just a small dusting escapes wherever you direct it. If you want a little more, it is as simple as giving it another little squeeze.  Result: The powder goes where you directed it and not everywhere that you don’t want it.  Great container Johnson & Johnson!  The fragrance I tried was “Morning Fresh”.  “Morning Fresh” has a soft, light lavender fragrance that is just enough.  I found it to be long lasting throughout the day with just a hint of fragrance present.  “Shower to Shower” is a great everyday product for women on the go, but I also believe it would make a wonderful gift for those special ladies in your life that you just want to remember in some small special way.  They will love it and love you for introducing them to a great product!

Find more information on Shower to Shower at http://www.showertoshower.com/. Shower to Shower can be found in most drug stores nationwide.

P1060375 (2)Sharon Hatcher

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 4, 2014

Fun and Flirty Bella Pilar Designs for Joico Voting Sweeps

image002-27image001-43

Last month, Joico announced that it has partnered with effervescent artist Bella Pilar to create stylish, sassy, feminine designs for a stunning new collection of Joico gift sets rolling out later this and Joico wants its fans in on all the fun!

Starting January 31st through February 28th, Joico fans on Facebook can vote on which of these gorgeous designs by Bella will be incorporated into a host of Joico products, including everyone’s favorite K-PAK line! U.S. residents who vote will automatically be entered to win a sweepstakes full of amazing prizes*, including Joico Bella Pilar Edition Special Occasion K-PAK Sets, Joico Bella Pilar Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Duo Sets, Joico Bella Pilar Edition Holiday Gift Sets, and exquisite jewelry!

Simply visit Joico.com or Joico’s Facebook page for more details. Voting is opened internationally, but only U.S. residents are eligible to enter the sweepstakes. You can only vote once, but if you share your favorite design choice on Facebook, your chance to win increases!

These limited-edition Joico product promotions with exclusive Bella Pilar illustrations will be available for purchase later in the year.

More exciting news from Joico:

Fashion, femininity, and color collide when world-renowned hair care brand, Joico, embarks on a year-long partnership with effervescent artist Bella Pilar beginning in January 2014. Throughout the partnership, Bella will create a series of captivating illustrations that ignite creativity through a series of lively characters that will be found on select hair care products and accessories. The limited-edition illustrations will roll out through the year as part of a multi-tiered marketing and public relations campaign.

An artist with a rich imagination, Bella pushes her talent to a new level by depicting whimsical women who evoke a fashion-forward and inspirational ethos.  Bella’s characters are widely known for their style, joie de vivre and refinement – a perfect fit for a hair care brand known for their head turning artistic skills. Her artwork has wide appeal to today’s beauty aficionados, which is what makes this partnership a natural fit for the brand.

“At Joico, we eat, sleep and breathe beauty. We are continuously exploring innovative ways to inform and inspire, and one way we do that is by surrounding ourselves with the most gifted artists and educators in the industry, like Bella,” said Damien Carney, International Artistic Director of Joico. “Bella’s work is exquisite, exotic, sassy, coy, fun, and fresh all in one. She has a magnetic energy that pulls people in through her signature designs. She will play an integral role in making this campaign memorable and wildly successful.”

Throughout 2014, Bella will create original artwork for a number of Joico milestone occasions, where she will apply her spirited vision to the brand’s image. The illustrations will inspire the online fan base through the website, banners, PR, and social media –bringing the partnership full circle. Illustrations will be woven into:

  • ·         Joico’s breast cancer awareness initiatives
  • ·         Joico holiday collections and other special occasions
  • ·         Marketing collateral including tote bags, iPhone cases, special edition product packaging, sunglass and make up cases, fine art gifts, in-store POS signage and other items

“I knew that creating art would be a part of my life forever, but I feel honored that it has led me down such an amazing path to opportunities like this collaboration,” commented Bella Pilar. “Joico empowers its artists to transform hair visions into reality, which is exactly what I do as an artist. I look forward to finding new inspiration and taking artistic cues from the brand throughout this partnership.”

Bella Pilar’s love of fashion combined with an imaginative aesthetic makes her the go-to girl for the fashionista and girl-next-door alike, and her illustrations for Joico will bring this to life to consumers.

For additional information on Joico products, brand news and offerings visit www.Joico.com.

Joico, a division of Zotos, Inc., a Shiseido company, has been pioneering revolutionary hair-science and artfully blending it with the latest innovations in hair care creating beautiful, healthy hair that Turns Heads since 1975. All Joico hair care, styling, haircolor and texture products fuse the latest breakthroughs in hair care science with inspirations from the worlds of art and fashion, to offer exceptional quality, unparalleled performance and lasting beauty from the inside out.

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
February 1, 2014

“Karma Cleanse” before Valentine’s Day with CIRCA Jewels!

full-img

In an effort to “karma cleanse” before Valentine’s Day – take the opportunity to break up with your jewelry.  Although a break up may be final, there are probably reminders of the relationship in terms of jewelry.  CIRCA, the leading international buyer of jewelry, diamonds and watches experts, believe that if you have not worn a piece in the past year, you probably won’t wear it again.  So instead of hiding old gifts at the bottom of your jewelry box, get cash and buy yourself something you would actually wear, go on a vacation or save a little.  According to CIRCA, almost all fine jewelry and watches have resale value – anything from a simple gold watch or half-carat diamond to an entire estate of rare jewels.

Circa

Circa

Headquartered in New York with offices across the country, CIRCA is the ultimate companion to the modern shopper. CIRCA offers complete anonymity and private one-on-one consultations to clients, as well as immediate payment at the best value (www.circajewels.com)

 

 

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By
January 30, 2014

Style Week Northeast 2014 Melted the Snow in Providence

www.pini.co
photo credit Anibal Melo

 

From Sunday to Saturday, Style Week Northeast 2014 melted the snow in Providence with many sizzling designs from local, talented fashion artists. This week long fashion show is one of the most inspiring and exciting events of the city held at The Providence Biltmore, a landmark hotel.  Throughout the week, the runway located on the 17th. floor, glowing under two big beautiful chandeliers brought fashionable New Englanders together to sight the fall 2014 collection.  I had the opportunity to witness a glimpse of surrender from these designers as they released their work to the little state of Rhode Island.  Colorful fabrics, modern shapes, big bows, street wear energy, sheer patterns, sparkles, and even a children’s clothing line rocked each night of the week!  Before the models embark on the runway, people gathered to mingling, chat and take selfies.  As the room darken, people headed to their seats and then there was silent.  The attitude of the crowd was anxious and curious.  Music started to echo with excitement and creativity was in the air!  All attention was shifted to the runway to embrace the collections of the designers who have spent months in preparation for their show.  I deeply respect and admire the passion, hard work, and creativity that goes into constructing each collection piece.  Each and every designer was simply amazing but one artist made me gasp!  Nick Pini designer of Pini, a rising star, originally from Norfolk, Massachusetts!  I absorbed his style, creativity, and elegance of each piece that walked down that runway and it reminded me of why I love fashion so much!  His clothes showcased a common theme of lightness, grace, strength, and simplistic.  Nick Pini has always been fascinated with art and femininity.  He started out drawing at a very young age but was not interested in fashion until he attended college.  His inspiration for his latest collection was tropical storms and palm trees blowing in the wind and the rain.  Nick explained, “In the conceptualizing process, I was influenced by the 90’s, my former obsession with the spice girls and the digital age and throughout the development of the pieces.”   “I really kept my color palette simple.”  As I interviewed Nick, I retained his sense of self that seemed crucial to his color palette collection.  “I kept things simplistic, I think it is relaxing to look at something beautiful and not be overwhelmed.” One model pranced a black dress with gold embellishments, the front was the shape of a shift dress but the back was truly a gold frame unveiling the beauty of the women’s curved back. “I design for women who love authentically handmade and unique pieces,” said Nick.  A classic, tasteful design gave one model a peek-a-boo effect with flared, lace pants.  The modern top was a relaxed and easy look, draping layers of fabric along the back to one side.  A look that could be worn during the day and simply slips into the night.   It was a spectacular, wearable collection.  Every model wearing Pini’s design showcased a piece of artwork.  Samples can be purchased at Flaunt Boutique in Smithfield.  Of course, I needed to ask Nick, what was his plans for the future….  He thanked me for all my fun questions and said, “I plan to open my own Pini stores one day!”  As I look into the crystal ball…..  I see a steady stream of shoppers waiting in a long line wrapped around the block to get into Pini’s store and then I see myself, first in line!

Another glamorous year of style, creativity, and elegance via fashion with the collaboration of local businesses and designers. www.pini.co

1623660_645437512168479_2087178143_n

www.pini.co
photo credit Anibal Melo

1654396_10152189810359036_1161990518_n

1016553_618619718186737_1432215608_n

IMG_4871

Laurie Carcieri

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
Posted By