Lupita Nyong'o for Lancôme

Lupita Nyong'o makes her Lancôme debut looking as stunning as ever...

Wedding Day Beauty

Me at my 2006 wedding.

Summer’s here!  The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and love is in the air!  It is the perfect time for weddings.  June has consistently been the number one month to get married in, followed by September (the month I was married) and October.  So, in light of the unofficial start of wedding season, here are some beauty and skincare tips to get you from the vows to the last dance looking as beautiful as ever.

Doing my sister's hair and makeup for her 2011 wedding.

Enlist a glam squad for your big day – you will probably be a barrel of nerves that day, so making sure you look fabulous should be one less thing you have to worry about.  For my September 2006 nuptials, I got a professional manicure and pedicure and also had my hairstylist and makeup artist on hand.  It kept me free to relax and enjoy the process of getting ready to become a Mrs.

If you don’t want to shell out funds for a professional, enlist friends and family members who are handy with a curling iron and powder brush.  It really is calming to have someone pamper you on one of the most important days of your life.

Don’t alter your look too much – I wouldn’t recommend a drastic haircut or color, or trying out any crazy makeup shades on your wedding day.  A hair and makeup disaster is the last thing you need on your wedding day. 

Don’t go to heavy with the lipstick, powder, and paint – Let your natural beauty shine through, just make some enhancements.  Don’t hide behind a mask of heavy foundation, lashes, eyebrows, etc.  Trust me, he wants to see the woman he fell in love with meeting him at the altar, not a Japanese Kabuki performer.

Do a trial run with makeup and hair – The ceremony is not the only thing that should get a rehearsal.  Trying out a few wedding looks before the wedding will help you decide exactly how you want to look on your big day.  

Hit the spa, just don’t get a facial or chemical peel right before your nuptials – Facials can bring all the toxins in the skin to the surface, which may cause breakouts and chemical peels can cause redness and peeling.  You don’t want uninvited skin issues RSVP-ing to your day.  Not a good look for a bride.  Just say no to any facial treatments, but indulge in relaxing massages and non-invasive body treatments to your heart’s content.  My husband and I hit the spa together before our wedding day and walked away more calm than we had been in weeks, maybe months! 

Long wear makeup and a touch up kit are a must – Your wedding day can be long and exhausting. With all the kissing, hugging, crying, smiling, etc. that you will do that day, having makeup that can go the distance is very necessary.

Choose makeup that is long wear, waterproof, etc. and include a primer and setting spray or powder in your wedding day arsenal.  Also, be sure to keep your beauty essentials (blotting papers, powder,

 mascara, lip color, fragrance, etc.) close at hand for quick touch ups as necessary.

Speaking of long wear, make sure to choose a hairstyle that can keep up with your long, busy day, as well.  No droopy curls or unfurling topknots by the last dance.  Hold spray will be your bestie on your big day.

Have a signature fragrance – This is a completely frivolous one, but one I believe every bride should have – a wedding day fragrance that reminds them of their big day every time they spray it.  After nearly eight years of marriage, every time I spray my own wedding day fragrance, it reminds me of my ceremony and honeymoon…and the love of my life, of course.

Kiki

My Latest Fragrance Obsession: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

Peony & Blush Suede…even the name of this fragrance is intriguing, but after one whiff, I knew this romantic, lush scent would be the newest addition to my perfume collection. 

 Jo Malone calls the fragrance, “The essence of charm.  Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile.  Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower.  Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede.  Luxurious and seductive.”

And it is indeed, “luxurious and seductive.”

The fragrance is infused with some of my favorite notes – rose and jasmine.  The top note is red apple, at the center of the fragrance is peony, and blush suede serves as the base. 

What makes this fragrance so interesting is the addition of the blush suede, which adds an earthy, sensual, almost masculine element.  When I wear it, I am reminded of my husband’s favorite suede blazer. Anytime a fragrance can conjure thoughts of him, it’s alright with me!

The scent is strong, but delicate.  It starts as a vibrant floral bouquet and settles into something subtly sexy, but comfortable and familiar at the same time.  I find the blush suede is the strongest after I have worn it for a few hours.

Jo Malone is known for unique scent pairings and this fragrance is no different.  I loved it so much that I bought the candle in the same scent.  It is so perfect for a cozy evening in bed with the hubby and so fragrant that even when we don’t burn it, it wafts through the room.

The fragrance is romantic enough to serve as a wedding fragrance to brides-to-be, as well.

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede ($60 for 30 ML, $115 for 100ML) is available at jomalone.com, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and other fine retailers.  The candle ($65 for 200 G) is also available at the same retailers.

K

What’s That? Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal

During a recent shopping session at Sephora.com, I came across Boscia’s Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal ($18).  Naturally, I was like ‘What’s a konjac sponge?’ and ‘Why must I have it?’  Into the cart it went.

Konjac sponges are made from the root of the konjac plant, a plant native to Asia.  Konjac is 97 percent water, rich in minerals, and naturally alkaline, making it perfect for keeping skin balanced. Highly prized for its health giving properties, the konjac sponge was originally created for delicate baby skin.

Boscia’s Konjac Sponge is infused with Bamboo Charcoal and intended to get deep into pores for clean, smooth skin.

According to Sephora.com, the Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal cleanses and exfoliates to deliver smoother, softer, brighter-looking skin while minimizing the appearance of pores and eradicating blemish-causing bacteria. Formulated for combination to oily skin, the konjac root absorbs debris and impurities, while the bamboo charcoal acts as a natural anit-bacterial agent, to cleanse deeply and detoxify pores without irritation. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin types, it can be used over the face, neck, and even the delicate under-eye area. When used regularly, it helps draw out impurities, minimize the appearance of pores, and reduce blemish-causing bacteria.

The sponge comes in a shrink-wrapped package and is on a string, making it easy to hang dry. 

When it is wet, it expands and gets rather squishy and soft, so it is a very gentle method of cleansing.

I used it with my Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser, which I have already discussed here.  This cleanser has grown on me and I love using it in the shower or with my Clarisonic brush.  Sephora recommended using this cleanser with the konjac sponge.

Once the cleanser is on the sponge, it lathers really well, so you don’t need a lot of product.  On my wet face and neck, I massaged the sponge in circular motions all over.  I did have to add a little more cleanser as the sponge began absorbing what I already put on it.

It feels good and relaxing as you massage it into skin.

After cleansing, I rinsed my face and thoroughly rinsed the sponge (which takes some time to squeeze all of the cleanser out) and sat it on the counter to dry. 

My initial thought, after one use, is ‘meh.’  I don’t feel like this sponge does anything that I cannot accomplish with my fingers or my Clarisonic brush.  Actually, my Clarisonic delivers a better clean than the konjac sponge because makeup residue was evident on the cotton disc when I used toner after using the sponge.  My face didn’t feel as thoroughly clean as when I use my hands or the brush.  The Clarisonic may be more expensive, but as you are supposed to discard your sponge every month to avoid bacteria and mold build up, the Clarisonic brush is actually a better investment.

I do like that it is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates and that it is preservative-, artificial fragrance-, color-, gluten-, and ethanol alcohol-free. It has also been dermatologist tested, which is another plus.

Kiki

Peter Thomas Roth 3 % Glycolic Acid Facial Wash and My Love for Glycolic Acid

The first time I used Peter Thomas Roth 3 % Glycolic Acid Wash was in 2002.  I was going through an incredibly stressful time, which showed in my skin.  It was at turns pale and dull, blotchy and uneven and I was experiencing horrendous breakouts and hyperpigmentation.

I knew I had to see someone about my skin, STAT! 

I went to a local esthetician and she recommended a treatment of glycolic acid, specifically Peter Thomas Roth glycolic acid products.  Back then I was still a skincare newbie.  I didn’t know what glycolic acid was.  She quickly schooled me on the Alpha Hydroxy Acids game, including glycolic acid.  I dutifully followed the regimen she prescribed for me and in a few weeks experienced skincare nirvana!  From that moment I was hooked on glycolic acid products, especially those by Peter Thomas Roth.

Peter Thomas Roth 3 % Glycolic Facial Wash ($32 for 8 oz.) is an oil-free wash that offers a gentle form of glycolic acid, plus pro vitamin B5 and allantoin, all working together to clarify and improve the texture of the skin, brighten dark spots, and fight fine lines and wrinkles. 

This facial wash is now firmly entrenched in my coterie of skincare staples.  I am never without a bottle of this in the beauty closet.

I use it mostly in the shower, allowing the steam open my pores so the cleanser can penetrate better.  I leave it on for the duration of the shower and then rinse it off.  I use a gentle antioxidant cream whenever I use this facial wash, as putting on another glycolic acid or other acidic moisturizer could cause skin redness and irritation.  I also use plenty of sunscreen when treating my skin with glycolic acid, since it will make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

So, why do I love glycolic acid…

Glycolic acid is the smallest of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids and thus better able to penetrate the skin than lactic, citric or mandelic acids.  This makes it the most effective acid to treat acne, blackheads, dullness, oiliness, fine lines, wrinkles, etc.  It is a great exfoliator and brightener for the skin.

It works by dissolving dead skin cells, which unclogs blocked pores and blackheads, as well as making pores appear smaller over time.  It works to restore the pH balance of skin.

Low concentrations of 5 to 10 percent glycolic acid are typically found in over-the-counter products.  The Peter Thomas Roth facial wash only contains 3 percent glycolic acid, making it more than safe to use daily.

The best glycolic acid products are the ones in moisturizers as they stay on your skin longer, giving the acid more time to work.  It is safe for daily use at these lower concentrations, but remember to always apply sunscreen when using glycolic acids.

Some of my other favorite glycolic acid products I am currently using include:

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser ($15) This wash is a more affordable alternative to the Peter Thomas Roth facial wash.  It is just as effective at exfoliating skin, tackling discoloration and brightening skin.

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner ($18-56) I love to use this gentle 2 percent glycolic acid toner in the mornings.  It is very refreshing and wakes up my skin when it is dull and lackluster.

PETER THOMAS ROTH Glycolic Acid 10 percent Hydrating Gel ($48) I use this in the evenings as an overnight peel and brightening treatment.  I’ve been using it as long as I’ve been using the 3 % facial wash.

Lust Worthy: Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette

Source:  Sephora.com

Is it summer yet?  Because the new Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette ($49) is sizzling…and making me long for hot summer nights!

Source:  Sephora.com

This bright collection of 10 pressed-pigment shadows is absolutely lust worthy, with its array of vibrant colors that are perfect for summer.  Like all Urban Decay shadows, the colors in this palette are velvety smooth, highly pigmented, long wearing, and easily blendable.

Source:  Sephora.com

Even the packaging is super cute and would look perfect among my other palettes.  This is definitely one to add to the collection. 

On their BEAUTY TALK blog, Sephora swatches the shadows on three different skin tones, showing that the colors would look great on just about anyone.  

Source:  Sephora.com

While I am disappointed that they didn’t think to swatch them on a darker, chocolate skin tone, I am confident that these brilliant shades will absolutely POP on brown girls, as Lupita Nyong’o has proven here in Essence’s March 2014 issue (not using the Urban Decay palette).

Source:  Essence

Source:  Essence

The Urban Decay Electric Pressed Pigment Palette ($49) is available at Sephora.com.

Lush's Sex Bomb Ravishes the Senses

I love a long, luxurious bath.  In the evenings, it is how I wind down…close the bathroom door, light some candles, grab a novel, and draw me a decadent bath.  I have a large stash of bath goodies and I always add a little treat from my arsenal to the experience.  Last night it was Lush’s Sex Bomb bath bomb.

I am in LOVE with Lush’s bath products, whenever I am in a city that has a Lush store, I have to duck inside and fill a basket to the brim with bombs, bars and melts.  They are sooooo delicious!!!!

The naughtily named  Sex Bomb is infused with jasmine absolute, clary sage, ylang ylang, and soya milk, which puts you in a sensual mood while softening you skin.  Not only that, it turns your water a pretty pink!  I also love that the two-toned bomb is quite huge and can be cut in half, if you choose to (and know how to).

After my bath I was calm, relaxed, and ready to snuggle in bed with my hubby… 

This bath bomb is one of my absolute favorites from the brand, one that I will always stock up on.  It relaxes me, warms my senses, and leaves my skin softly scented.  Not only that, the fragrance from the bomb fills up my bathroom even while it sits on the shelf.  

The only complaint I have is the little flower in the middle, which kinda turns to goo once the bath bomb dissolves.  While it’s not a huge bother, I always have to scoop it out of the tub after my bath.  The bomb is so pretty and smells so good that I don’t mind at all…

Sex Bomb ($6.65) can be found at lushusa.com.

Kiki