Lotus blossoms and water lilys dancing in my shower

Since it's now officially spring, I'm all about anything that has to do with sunshine and flowers. I'm especially excited about Jo Malone's Kohdo Wood Collection of Lotus Blossom and Water Lily and Dark Amber and Ginger Lily. This is the perfect Mother's Day gift because now your mom can have some Pretty pampering time for herself at home. The two captivating fragrances were created as a modern interpretation of Kohdo, the ancient Japanese art of incense appreciation.

I've been using the Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Shower Gel that smells absolutely amazing. The fragrance is strong, but not overwhelming, it makes my shower smell incredible and is the perfect scent to wake up to every morning. The scent encourages energy, inspires confidence and focuses on the mind, hence why it's so useful in the AM. A little of the shower gel is all that's needed to get clean and the bottle is made of thick plastic so it's durable in the shower.

The Shower Gel's Fragrance Notes:

Top Notes: Aquatic Nuances, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Mandarin
Middle Notes: Sacred Lotus Blossom, Freesia, Honeysuckle, Water Lily, Jasmine
Base Notes: Temple Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Aloeswood, Guaiac Wood

The scents aren't just for bathing, Jo Malone offers an array of colognes, bath oils, and candles to liven your spirits.

Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Collection Shower Gel 8.5 fl oz; $50

Jo Malone products are available online and at select Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom locations.

water lily source

Lush to bomb our city with Pretty flowers

Not only is Lush one of my fave places to get some pampering products, this busy cosmetics company that's busy buffing up some backsides while advocating against cruel seal hunts is also planning a campaign to make your neighborhood more lovely in honor of Earth Day with their handmade Seed Bombs.

Yes, Lush is all about the bombs (my fave is the Sex Bomb) but these Seed Bombs aren't for you, but instead they're for Mother Earth. She could use some pampering too! It's a combination of soil, seeds, water and clay rolled into a small ball which can - and should! - be tossed anywhere that needs to be beautified with flowers native to North America. Hmm...there's a certain alleyway I always pass through that I believe could use a little "seed bombing!"

Stop by any Lush nationwide between April 13-26 and make a complementary Seed Bomb to Pretty up your city. Think of it as "taking back the pavement." And if you want to also nab yourself a Squeaky Green Shampoo Bar, that would be a little eco-Pretty of you too! Each Lush shampoo bar is equivalent to three 250 ml plastic bottles of shampoo. This means last year alone, Lush shoppers saves 3 million plastic bottles from landfills by using solid shampoo bottles (and their hair looked good too!).

So stop by Lush and get your hands dirty!

Lush Cosmetics, 312 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills.

Organic Pharmacy Opening!

As you know we attended the opening of The Organic Pharmacy's first US location in Beverly Hills the other evening. Upon first arriving we were in awe of the amazing smell of the place. We walked around and scoped out the scene - snacks were provided by the farm and bubbly was flowing.

There were a bunch of ladies gathered around a laptop in the back, so of course we had to find out what the fuss was about. The Organic Pharmacy has software which will scan your body for toxins; therefore they can tailor products and skin care treatments to your specific needs. We weren't able to try it out, but it's amazing none the less. In the back behind this small consultation office is their treatment room.

All the action was in the store's front. We took our time going through the various products. The Organic Glam cosmetics seemed to be a popular attraction, of course we had the scoop on those first.
We mingled with Rebecca who works for The Organic Pharmacy, she introduced us to their rose products, hence where the wonderful aroma was emerging. I really can't express how unbelievable all of their products smelled. We were really enthralled with the Antioxidant Face Firming Serum. You only use a few drops of this product in lieu of a night cream on damp skin. Seriously, for hours after I could smell the product which was tested on the outside of my hand. Simply fabulous!

Rebecca also filled us in more on the toxin scan. Apparently, when any of the staff is feeling a bit unwell, they scan themselves and find out where their body needs assistance. Hormone levels also attribute to outcome and can pick up on menstruation cycles and pregnancy. Even an unnamed celebrity was shocked when she got herself scanned and the results picked up on her pregnancy which she hadn't announced to anyone yet, not even her family. That just goes to show that The Organic Pharmacy means business if you're ready to purge your body of toxins and lather only the finest organic products on your face.

With all this talk of being healthy and detoxing we gladly chomped on tiramisu, cheesecake, and champagne along with the rest of the crowd.

The Organic Pharmacy 453 N Beverly Dr. Beverly Hills, 90210

Get Parisian Pretty with Sothys

Planning a trip to Paris soon? Me neither, but oh, it would be ever so nice. Luckily I have all the French luxury I need right in my own shower because of a couple new products from Sothys. With spas in both Paris and New York, L'Institut Sothys offers "the quintessential French spa experince." Sounds wonderful, but not in this economy!

So I'm so happy that they've begun a collection called Aroma Sothys and are offering it to all of us who can't afford a trip to Paris and would never step a single foot in that cold, mean place called New York. The line includes both a scrub and a shower gel for a full body treatment. Both products contain 100% natural active ingredients and essential oils knows for their exceptional affects on both your body and spirit.

Just like John Frieda's Root Awakening, the Energizing Shower Gel relies on eucalyptus oil - we're sensing a beauty trend! - along with cardamom, nutmeg and neroli essential oils. And their Delicious Scrub is simply yummy. It includes spices, ginger, nutmeg, orange, and mandarin which soften and delicately perfume the skin. Ohh la la!

Four Seasons Resport & Spa, 300 South Doheny, Los Angeles.

Lush helping to Save Our Seals

Sorry to manipulate your emotions with the dangerously cute picture above, but we had to talk about Canadian Commercial Seal Hunt, the largest mass slaughter of marine animals in the world. More than 275, 000 seals will be killed this year, most of which are only a couple of weeks old and with no means to defend themselves or escape. Although 69% of Canadians and 80% of Americans disapprove, the "hunt" continues, and Lush is doing what it can to stop it with their Save Our Seals Campaign.

Their new bubble bar in the shape of a baby seal, created especially for the campaign, was named "First Swim" because many of the seals that are killed are so young that they have yet to go into the water. A full 100% of the proceeds from the bar are going to Sea Shepherd, an organization that directly intervenes on the high seas to stop sealers from killing baby harp seals. Furthermore, you can stop into any Lush and sign a postcard declaring that you're against the seal hunt - Lush will be sending them directly to Canadian Prime Minster Stephen Harper. You can even add your name to the online petition here.

Lush Cosmetics, 312 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills.

Get naked Metropolitan style

The recently launched Metropolis Body is selling some super sweet soaps, body scrubs, and shower gels. The big city beauty site only provides customers with hand made products containing natural ingredients. That means you can actually read and understand what your putting on your body.

I recently tried out the Cafe Cannelle which literally smells just like fresh cinnamon buns. The 8 oz jar will last for awhile if you only use a little bit per bath. The ingredients are: raw sugar, ground pumice, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and fragrance. The pumice and raw sugar do an excellent job of exfoliating the skin, while the oils make it silky smooth.
The vegan soaps also look really delightful too and at $4.50 a bar are a soaping good deal.

Order online and in honor of the launch the first 25 orders will receive goodie bags with their purchase!

Pamper Me Fabulous event

We have just the place for you to pamper yourself Pretty. Pamper Me Fabulous has all the qualities of one of those celebrity gifting lounges you see on the pages of US Magazine, but this time you're the A-lister.

On Saturday, March 7th, the Vibinana in Downtown LA will have over 15 top-notch spas and salons to the stars offering guests mini spa treatments and dishing beauty advice. From lash extensions from Makeup Mandy, to thai massage from El Leon to makeovers from celeb makeup artist Korie Swan, the event's a fabulous opportunity to try out different beauty treatments that you've never experienced before. And did we mention there's also a swanky gift bag?!

LAist went to a previous event and they said the goody bag (theirs was filled with products from OPI, philosophy, Lumene , etc.) was worth the ticket price alone. Check out their review for cool pics!

Use code lapretty for a 10% discount when purchasing event tickets. Purchase here.

Perfect pores that won't leave you poor

With all of us being in a 'not in this economy' kind of mood, and wanting to save that dollar without letting our appearances dry up, comes a new solution. Introducing Lifebooker, the preeminent marketplace where spas and salons advertise discounted appointments. The site, which is free for clients, allows you to browse through uniquely good deals and book appointments instantly online. In order to ensure users get the best Lifebooker has to offer, they’ve made it possible to filter or sort services by appointment availability, discount amount, total price, by neighborhood, duration of service, individual service rating. You can also book for multiple guests at once.

Say for example 50% off the post Oliver Ifergan Atelier in Beverly Hills?

This way your pores can be Pretty, your locks full of luster, and best of all you'll save yourself more than just a Pretty penny.

Waste not, want not with Sacred Glo

From highlighters that can be used on face AND body to a pomade for your hair and skin, multi-tasking products are a great way to save some bucks in a "Not in this economy!" type of climate. So hooray for Sacred Glo candle/lotion/glass because their products are all three at once.

First it's a paraffin-free candle infused with all natural shea and soy butter. (The completely natural candles emit no harmful toxins or black sooty residue.) Then it's a warm body oil or lotion - it can even be rubbed in it's solid form on the body and is a great moisturizer.

"Sounds like some kind of S&M thing," you may be thinking. We'll no, the unique property of the soy bean oil causes it to heat to just 2 degrees about body temperature. While the oil will be comfortably warm, it will never be hot or painful. So rub away (but blow out the candle first!).

And because the oil easily pours out, when you're all done, you have a nice glass. No waste! Our swollen landfills will love you for that. Sacred Glo candles are available in four varieties, get them here.

Spa & Resort Expo this weekend!

All of us at Pretty Headquarters are so excited about this weekend! Forget about the Oscars, we're all about the Spa & Resort Expo at the LA Convention Center. With oodles of exhibitors (more than 100 of them new to the expo!) there's plenty of ways to find out what's hot in the world of beauty, spa, and aesthetics. Exhibitors will showcase new products, treatments, and innovations in anti-aging, aromatherapy, detoxification, mind-body therapies, natural products, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Plus the Dr. Murad (founder of the famous Murad skincare line) will be giving a presentation with life-changing recommendations for healthier, happier and more youthful living.

But this isn't just for spa pros - there will be lots of fun things for all you Pretties to explore! Some things we're definitely going to check out:


Teavalize, a new system for drinking high quality, loose leaf teas. Their new "patent pending" stystem is a modern take on this 3000 year old tradition for the modern Pretty. Plust they offer all sorts of yummy and healthy teas!



Equifit's AgSilver CleanMat: a yoga and Pilate mad with a built-in antimicrobial protection. It encapsulates ionic silver into the mat's fibers to provice a barrier to bacteria and fungus growth. Genuis!





Rain Organics Vodka. Yeah, that's right - organic vodka. Distilled exclusively from organic white corn, this vodka is said to have a superior taste. We can't wait to try it for ourselves!

Plus, many exhibitors will be offering uber discounts on top products, and may even be offering samples! There's no better way to find out what's new in the world of Pretty. And did we also mention that it's FREE to attend the exhibit hall floor? Register here.

Spa & Resort Expo at Los Angeles Convention Center; 1201 S. Figueroa St. West Building, Hall A.

Have a little luxury with Beau Bain Bath Bombs

Because we're in a Not in the Economy kind of mood when it comes to pricey spa treatments, I wanted to introduce you a luxury that you can enjoy right at home. Beau Bain is French for "Beautiful Bath, and their wonderful products will give you just that.

We had the pleasure of testing some of their famous hand-made bath bombs (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it) and we can see why these decadent bombs can be found in fine spas, hotels and private baths throughout the world. First off, as the picture of their Lavender Collection proves, they're absolutely gorgeous to look at. All are in perfect spheres, and are such little pieces of artwork that you kind of feel bad ruining them by using them.

That is, until you realize how beautiful your bathroom (or your entire one-bedroom apartment, if you're me) smells. The fragrance is like a refined, luxury spa, and I love that even after my bath, I can still be surrounded in the soothing aroma.

Plus, post-bath you'll find that your skin is smooth and moisturized. Oh, and your bathtub also isn't stained. Love that part.

A collection of Beau Bain Bath Bombs, is also a great gift idea. With floral, lavender, ice cream and fruit to choose from, each woman will have a favorite. Get them here.

Crate & Barrel's V-day treats

Not in this economy do you want to be spending a lot of money on Valentine's Day gifts. So, our friends at Crate & Barrel showed us a few fancy items that are very affordable, yet will make you look like you went all out. Also, when you go in the store, make sure to opt for their packaging for that extra special touch. We picked out a few of our faves from their Valentine's Day page.


Just started that new relationship and not ready to lay out the big bucks on a Valentine's Day gift? Lights up her heart, literally, with the Heart Candleholder (left). Set a romantic scene with flicker of the candle flame, and the flame of your relationship is sure to burn eternally.

Heart Candleholder, $1.95




Treat your sweet to the adorably romantic Valentine Plate (right) that is all heart. Pink and red hearts create a fun & flirty rim around this white porcelain plate and offer the perfect backdrop for delicious Valentine's Day desserts!

Valentine Plate, $5.95



Taking your relationship to the next level? Treat your Valentine to Crate and Barrel's Edge Flutes (left) -- stemware that will stylishly provide you with a dose of liquid courage as you embark on the next stage of your lives together.

Edge Flute, $11.95





Crate & Barrel inside The Grove, 189 Grove Drive Los Angeles, 90036

xx,
A

Scavenger hunt for cute massage thereapists!

The fabulous Chill Out LA is on the hunt for hot male massage therapists. Why, you ask? Why not?!! we reply.

So while you're looking for nudity at the Getty, you can also keep an eye out for some kneading Pretties. Be careful though as googling "cute male massage therapists" will bring up a lot of NSFW sites. But this shouldn't be too difficult a quest since, this is Los Angeles and there must be a ton of actors and models here who do massage on the side. (Real massage people, the kind you have to go to school for.) Chill Out LA is on a mission to track them down and feature some in their newsletter.

Here's the criteria:

1. Male.

2. Objectively good-looking.

3. Lives and works in Los Angeles.

4. Licensed and experienced massage therapist.

5. Currently working as a massage therapist, either independently or at a spa.

6. Purely professional conduct. No funny business, y’all!

Oh, and they obviously need to be okay with being featured in such a superficial kind of story! Email erin@chilloutla.com with your nominations!

V-Day deals at LA Spas

Looking for great ways that you and your honey can get pampered this Valentine's Day? Look no further than the fabulous Chill Out LA.

Check out some romantic offerings (at special prices) from such spas as El Leon, Raven, Relax Spa and Beauty Lounge and Euphoria Face and Body from Chill Out LA's blog .

"A very courteous Japanese man began touching me" - My hairway to heaven experience

Recently, my Partner in Pretty and I visited the magic that is the Gavert Atelier Hair Salon and Nagomi Hair Spa. This recently renovated joint venture is literally hair heaven. Your hair and head experience the finest service and pampering.

Upon entering we were greeted by the friendly staff and given robes to change into. This made me extra comfy for the Anma Shiatsu head massage that was awaiting me upstairs. But first it became clear that my long hair needed a quick trim. Sadly, I've been neglecting my locks and then ends were dry. I entrusted my tresses to Mika, the salon's Style Director. This Japanese beauty is an expert in the art of the dry cutting. I've never had a dry cut before and was eager to experience it from such a reputable professional. She assured me that she was going to keep the length and just trim my hair to liven up my current do. After brushing it out she went to work. The dry cut was absolutely phenomenal and doesn't take as long as a wet cut. Mika informed me that with a dry cut the stylist and customer are able to control the end result of the hair's length accurately. When cutting it wet, many times hair ends up shorter than expected or wanted. This cut is perfect for hair of all lengths, but especially long hair. I couldn't have been happier. The cut kept my length and livened up my sad hair. Now I was ready for some shiatsu action!

The fresh addition of Gavert Atelier's Nagomi Hair Spa's Anma Shiatsu head massage technique has made the hair destination even more desirable. Located above the actual salon, the mmassage area has two large separate beds. The head of each one moves down into a sink where shampoo and hot deep conditioning occur. I was so excited to experience this and wasn't sure what to expect. Upon entering the room, I was instructed to remove my shoes and sit on a chair. A very courteous Japanese man began touching me. I liked it. He was applying shiatsu pressure to my head awaking my nervous system. He used gentle but firm pressure gliding from the scalp. Because 70% of the nervous system is in the head, a relaxing scalp massage activates neural pathways to the brain, stimulating unused brain cells, and awakening cellular intelligence. All that from a massage? It gets better, this causes the release of tension in the micro muscles surrounding each hair follicle, restoring pliability to the scalp, and causing relaxation throughout the body.

If this wasn't enough I was instructed to get up from my chair and move onto the large bed-like seat. My masseuse lowered me down and gently placed my head into the hair sink. This is where things really heated up. He wet my hair and continued the massage. I wasn't exactly sure what was going on during this period, but again, I liked it. My hair went through several washes due to shampoo and conditioning. My favorite part was the warm deep conditioning treatment that went on; it had an incredibly exotic scent. My head was continuously massaged during this whole period and occasionally hot towels were wrapped around it. The treatment keep going like it was never going to end (I didn't want it to either). Steam was also coming from the sink which put me into deeper relaxation. And alas towards the end, each of my arms and experienced a warm massage and hot towel treatment.

After my hairway to heaven experience was completed, my wet relaxed head and I went downstairs to dry off. I was happily greeted by my new hair BF, Mika. She and her assistant promptly began blow drying my hair. With two dryers going at once on my long locks, I felt like a star. Considering having having long hair can be a pain to work with, I was so excited to see my hair after it had been cut, pampered, and styled. I looked HOT and everyone else thought so too!

The staff did an amazing job and they make everyone feel special, not just obnoxious celeb clients. Everyone was so friendly and genuine (something that's rare in LA); I want to be friends with them all and buy them a round of cocktails!

Gavert Atelier; 9666 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 858-7898.

xx,
Amy

I think I'm turning Japanese

Yesterday I mentioned how it was incredibly important to me to protect my perfect hair because I just had it done at the wonderful Gavert Atelier. If you've never been, then you really are missing out on some Pretty Pampering.

The salon has a strong Japanese influence that you can see not only in its interior aesthetic, but in how you're treated like an honored guest from the moment you arrive, when they offer you specialty teas from Mariage Freres (the "haute-couture" of tea), until you leave with beautiful hair and an Omamori, a Japanese amulet and symbol of good fortune.

Recently renovated to make the salon space more open airy, they've also added in a second-level "hairway to heaven" aka, Nagomi Hair Spa. My Partner in Pretty was lucky enough to experience it first hand, and she'll give the rundown herself.

Meanwhile, I was introduced to Color Director Kazumi Morton, the superhero of hair color. A native of Japan, Morton has worked at Gavert Atelier since it opened in 1998 and also specializes in extensions and thermal straightening. By offering dimensional color and natural-looking highlights, Morton offers simply fabulous color.

And while getting a color treatment at other salons can be so time consuming (and boring!) that I tended to think of it as a chore, at Gavert, they really know how keep you happy while you're waiting for your color to process. You're given a massage chair to relax in, and then they park you in front of a oversized flat-screen TV which plays the girl-version of ESPN: edited footage of fashion shows that shows all the new runway looks - something I'd be happy to watch for hours. And as if that's not enough, an expert shiatsu masseuse who know his way around a tired foot comes by and has his way with you. I mean, does it really get any better than this?

Oh, yes it does, because then I meet Style Director Mika Fowler: dry-cutting superstar and all around cool chick.

With cutting, styling, and thermal straightening as her specialties, I really wanted to take Mika home with me so that she can do blow dry my hair every morning. I didn't know my bangs could look that perfect.

Also a native from Japan, Mika and Kazumi frequently travel back and forth so that they can bring back the latest in fashion and style from their uber-hip homeland. But even though everyone at Gavert Atelier is in the know on high style, the one thing that they're all missing is attitude.

I'm so coming here with my mom the next time she comes to LA for a visit!

xx,
Nicole

Gavert Atelier; 9666 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 858-7898.

Have a Lush-filled Valentine's Day

Wanting to get your special someone some luxury this Valentine's Day? Look no further than Lush. It's really the perfect place to go to pick up something that will make your honey swoon, and it doesn't get better than the True Love Gift. The picture above doesn't do it justice. It's a giant, sparkly red heart-shaped box that will make even the most cynical, "so not into lovey dovey crap," kind of girl let out a high-octave squeal. It is so Pretty!!!

It contains 6 Lush best-sellers: two bath bombs (Sex Bomb and Vanilla Fountain), a massage bar, Honey I Washed the Kids Soap, a white chocolate Honey Trap lip balm and a Melting Marshmallow bath melt: all perfect for a romantic night for two. Or, if you're this Pretty, you'll squeal and then say "I'm going to have some ME time" and luxuriate all on your lonesome. I know, I know, not very romantic, but well "me time" is important.
But if you are a true romantic, than Lush's Happy Valentine's Gift trio is also just what you need. This gift is made to be shared: start off with their soul mate soap pair called You Wash My Back, then soak in a tub together with the Melting Marshmallow Moment bath melt. Afterwards, share a sensual massage with the honey-chocolate Soft Coer solid oil.
And let's not forget the option of buying the BF something too! I have my eye on this awesome Shave the Planet Gift for him. It's perfect as the BF likes pampering products, but doesn't want anything too girly. It's got Shave the Planet shaving cream, Cosmetic Lad moisturizer to soothe his sensitive face, Bamboo soap to tone and give his skin a fresh aroma, and a Business Time massage bar to "get him in the mood to get busy." So cute!

Get them at Lush (312 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills)

xx
Nicole

Get your spa on

Obviously recessionistas can't go without some pampering. Today's Daily Candy brought us some savvy spa finds at unbelievably cheap prices.

What: Score $15 haircuts from high-end stylists and assistants on Academy Training Nights at Neil George Salon.
Why: Ninety percent off ain’t bad.
When: Every other Tues., by appointment only.
Where: 9320 Civic Center Dr., b/t Santa Monica & Beverly Blvds., Beverly Hills (310-385-9332).

*We actually told you about this back in early January.

What: Stop by Sky Sport & Spa and work out for a ten-spot.
Why: Drop and give them $10.
When: Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 8500 Wilshire Blvd., b/t La Cienega Blvd. & Le Doux Rd., Beverly Hills (310-652-7721).

What: Relax — an hour-long massage will set you back $30 at the Tao Healing Arts Center/Shiatsu Massage School of California.
Why: That’s the rub.
When: Schedule varies. Call for appointment.
Where: 2309 Main St., b/t Strand St. & Hollister Ave., Santa Monica (310-581-0097).

What: Guinea pigs get free (yes! free!) manicures, pedicures, and skin care services at Burke Williams training center.
Why: Ten-fingered discount.
When: Every so often. Call to volunteer.
Where: 8659 Hayden Pl., off Higuera St., Culver City (310-839-5895).

What: Book Marinello Spa Academy for facials starting at $11, waxing at $7, and a V-Day minifacial and makeup sesh for $16.
Why: Hits the spa-t.
When: Tues.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 567 S. Fairfax Ave., b/t Lindenhurst Ave. & W. Sixth St. (323-931-1183).

My lips are experiencing a La Mer-icale!

My Partner in Pretty already filled you in on the magic that is La Mer's Body Creme. So now I'm here to let you know that their lip balm is also pure magic! After all, lip skin is far more delicate than facial or body skin, plus it turns over at four times the rate of skin on your face. This leaves our Pretty pouts susceptible to the dangers of cold, wind, pollutants, the sun, bad kissers, and anything else that can cause chapped rough lips - Not Pretty!

Luckily, La Mer's Lip Balm is full of the same nutrient-rich broth that's found in its famous Creme de la Mer. What makes The Lip Balm so unique is that they mix their broth with a Lip Lipid Complex that helps strengthen the minimal moisture barrier. This aids in lips retaining their natural moisture.

If this isn't enough for you La Mer also added in Marine Anti-Freeze Proteins (MAP). I know, you're thinking WTF is that? Well, it's basically AMAZING - this is an essential protein found in arctic marine life (think fish) that helps keep them from freezing. MAP enhances the lip skin barrier and helps protect lips from the most extreme conditions.

I couldn't wait to put this to the test! The Lip Balm comes in a glass tub and you must use your fingers to apply. A small amount goes a long way and leaves lasting results. When I first used this product it as applied at 10:24 am, and my lips felt cool and smooth. Thirty minutes later they were still perfectly kissable. An hour later, the product completely absorbed into my lips leaving them uber soft and smooth. Approximately an hour and a half after initial application I got the urge to reapply, not because I needed it, but because I enjoy obsessively apply things to my lips.

This being said, La Mer's Lip Balm is perfect for use in the am and before your beauty rest at night. The $45.00 price tag is reasonable considering it's like a daily spa treatment for your lips. And hey we're in a recession, so cut the spa and go straight for the quality products. That way next time you get stuck in the cold your lips will be able to tackle any situation, however you must guard against bad kissers on your own.




Purchase online or at select Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus stores.



image source.

OPI Concept Salon in Studio City

I loved OPI's gray on my nails, and now I'm just kicking myself because I could have had the son of OPI's founder paint it on my toesies for me! Robbie Schaeffer, son of OPI founder George Schaeffer, and his college frat brother Dan Schilleci have opened up ROB|B Salon, an OPI concept salon, in Studio City. I wonder if they had mani/pedi nights during late-night toga parties?

It has a nail bar, six manicure stations, two pedicure stations, three VIP rooms and a room for facials and massages. Who says frat bros don't know how to pamper the ladies?

But get ready to shell out the bucks. There's no description on their website, but they offer something called the "Ultimate Manicure." Hopefully it includes a glass of wine (or maybe a lapdance) because this will set you back a whopping $65! But I'm extremely curious about their "Nail Biter" program - anyone ever try it?

ROB|B Salon; 12246 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 980-7622.