Give back with Kiehl's

One of our fave skin care lines is doing some serious giving back for Earth Day. Their new environmental fund raising celebrity partnership involves a limited collection of Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion that will raise funds for Waterkeeper Alliance. 100% of net Kiehl's proceeds from the series will go towards the organization. This project hits stores and the Kiehls.com on Earth Day, April 22. Waterkeeper Alliance aims to keep our water clean from pollutants - sounds excellent to us!

Kiehl's recently partnered with Adrien Grenier, Erykah Badu, Kelly Slater, and a team of students from Parsons The New School for Design to create the unique and collectible labels for their project. That means there are four unique labels for you to purchase up so you can lather up with that soothing body lotion.

Kiehl's online or visit 1516 Montana Ave Santa Monica

Mr. Right is here!

There are a zillion makeup primers out there and well I haven't tried them all, I've tried quite a few. Most of them ended up being Mr. Right Now. However, Givenchy's Mister Mat is my new Mr. Right. This primer is suitable for all skin types and only a small amount is needed. I wish the primer had SPF in it, but it's so light that when used with a sunscreen or moisturizer beforehand, it doesn't feel like you're wearing too much. After application I use loose powder mineral foundation with a touch of eye makeup and I'm ready to go.

Mister Right aka Mister Mat's secret to velvety smooth skin is that it hydrates with silicone gum extracts. Also, plant extracts work to control sebum production, which provides a long-lasting matte effect that remains light enough to let skin breath. I'm all about letting the skin breath; less really is more. The subtle light-blue pearlescent shimmers counteract a dull look and minimize the appearance of large pores, leaving skin looking bright and glowing with health.

Givenchy's Mister Mat can be used alone or under makeup. It really aids in controlling natural oil and sheen so all that's left is the skin looking pristine.

ParfumsGivenchy.com and available at Sephora

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

Want to have a looksie at My Pretty Pink Box?

Who doesn't? Although I'm talking about the Pretty Pink Box that came in the mail. Yes, yes, get your head of the gutter, My Pretty Pink Box is actually a genius new way to get fabulous new products in the hands of beauty junkies like you. The sampler box gives you a change to enjoy samples, products and special discounts from some wonderful companies. Beauty products are handpicked and include both well-known and up and coming brands.

March's box includes samples from companies like Adure, Body Patisserie, Mary Kay, Eyeko, and Sweet Beauty - a couple samples were full size - and only cost $12! (Though the prices vary from month to month, they are kept low, usually between $10-$15.) And thanks to My Pretty Pink Box, I've just discovered my new favorite mascara!


We already raved about how fabulously makeup artists Brett Freedman prettied up The Office's Jenna Fischer for The Golden Globes. And lo and behold, my Pretty Pink Box contained the one and only The Lash Mascara, deemed "the thickest, blackest mascara on Earth." It's the very same mascara that Freedman used that night! Plus, it was a FULL-SIZE sample of this mascara, something that usually costs $16, a lower price than what the entire sample box would set you back!

When creating this mascara, Freedman took the best parts of all his favorite mascaras and combined them. The mascara is the blackest black that ever blacked I swear, it's that black. Plus I love how fine the brush is so that each lash is coated without them clumping together. It dries easy, resists clumps, and dries to a shiny finish. So perfect!

I can't wait to find out what April's My Pretty Pink Box will have! They sell out quickly, so sign up here.

Invitation from The Organic Pharmacy

We're so excited to attend the official launch of The Organic Pharmacy in Beverly Hills next week. Don't be sad if you weren't invited because on April 2nd they're having a special event just for you. Well, it's really for them, but you're invited.
It's in honor of the new store and Margo Marrone's book, The Complete Guide to Natural Health and Beauty. This book is amazing, it gives you insights on living a greener lifestyle and putting the right foods in your body. For instance, she has unique Dextox Toolkit and an entire 10 Day Detox Plan. She writes, "A clean body will allow nutrients and oxygen to get to cells through an improved circulation, enabling hers and homeopathic remedies to act much more siftely and efficiently, to promote healthy and beauty"

She also goes into the science behind herbs and explains how different natural remedies are useful when it comes to treating common complaints. Marrone writes in a way that is clear and easy to understand. You don't have to be a total natural nut to understand how a few simple changes in diet can impact your life for the better.

Anways, you should go to check out this new beauty boutique and you'll probably leave with some new tips and tricks. We'll see you there Pretties!

The Organic Pharmacy

Thibiant offers up Complex Organics

Switching over to Organic products is far from complex. Luckily, Thibiant Beverly Hills is offering up a new line of Complex Organic products. These high end products are made from the finest organic ingredients, eco-friendly glass bottle packaging, and provide top notch results. The products are safe for all skin types and are free of obnoxious fragrances and unnecessary dyes or colors.
I can't stress how much I heart Thibiant. Seriously, the moisturizer and eye cream will absorb quickly into the skin. My skin feels so awakened and fresh, after all natural ingredients are very Eco-Pretty. I've also been using the face wash and find that incredibly gentle, yet effective when removing dirt and makeup from my face. Also, don't mess with the almond honey face scrub either, because it means serious business! The earthy scrub will attack icky dead skin and dirt leaving nothing but pure radiance behind. It's also one of their best sellers!

These products can be considered a bit costly. On the contrary, let's remember sometimes you can skimp on the spa and splurge on the products. After all, Thibiant is the oldest and most famous European style spa in LA. Nothing but the best for us Pretties.

Thibiant Beverly Hills 449 North Cannon Drive Beverly Hills, 90210
(310) - 278 - 7565

I massage my ass with diamonds

Being based in LA means it takes a lot to wow us. But of course leave it to the infamous La Mer to make sure we get our daily dosage of diamond dust - literally. Their newest product, The Body Refiner is packed with 1.75 carats of pure diamond dust to deliver a cushiony resurfacing treatment that both polishes and softens the skin. You're probably thinking, "WTF? What a waste of diamonds, those rocks should be around my neck." Maybe, or you could have the sexiest skin ever for bikini season.

The Body Refiner really is the best way to smooth out skin. We prefer to rub it on our ass or areas that have imperfections or cellulite. You don't need a whole glob of it either, a little rub goes a long way. Besides, what's better than getting naked and rubbing diamonds all over yourself?

"To create the most effective exfoliator on earth, we incorporated the hardest material on earth - diamonds. When diamonds are crushed and polished they provide an extremely thorough yet gentle exfoliation," says Loretta Miraglia, Senior VP of Product Development and Innovation.

All I do is massage it in circular motions until the larger particles have completely dissolved into my skin. As the refiner goes into your skin, La Mer's piezoelectirc (electronically-charged) minerals - tourmaline and sea quartz - convert the massage action into energy, helping to stimulate circulation and awaken skin. I suggest using this product right before a shower because you will need to rinse off after using it.

The Body Refiner only needs to be used once or twice a week for results of a radiant surface. I love getting intimately close with La Mer's diamond dust.

La Mer $110 for 6.7 oz. Purchase online or at select Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus stores.

Protect face from LA sun with this fabulous new cream

Remember DIY Pretty's fabulous orange jello shot recipe? Well thanks to this magical fruit, Pretty headquarters has a new favorite face cream! Since our bathroom shelves are overcrowded with every cream under the sun - it's hard work testing out new skin care products, but we do it all for you, dear readers! - we have many, many to choose from. But neither of us can stop reaching for a new one from Grassroots. It's called: Vitamin C Power Brightening Cream SPF 25 with Vitamins E and B5. Hefty title! We mostly call it "Orange Cream" or, more simply,"The Good One."

Let's start off with the most important part: it's got SPF 25 in it. "Perfect, wonderful, but is it thick and sticky like most other face creams that contain SPF?" you may ask. No! "Orange Cream" is super light, clean, and absorbs well into the skin. This is so not something you should take for granted, I tell you. After use, skin will be hydrated and soft. Loves it!

And let's get to the orange part. This potent cream contains 10% of a 4-fruit blend containing mandarin orange, bitter orange, grapefruit and lemon. Sounds yummy, right? Applying the Vitamin C from all these wonderful citrus topically to the skin can help reduce the appearance sun damage to the skin like discolorations, visible aging and uneven skin tone. Plus the inclusion of Vitamins E and B5, are also there to protect your skin against the effects of free radicals.

Clinical studies have shown that after four weeks of use, skin's brightness is improved, the appearance of discolorations and age spots were diminished, and skin was more hydrated.

It's exclusively available at Kohl's or online at Kohls.com. Right now, the online shop is sold out - apparently it's not just us Pretties that are all over this cream! - so check back in a little while, or stop by your nearest neighborhood Kohl's!


*** Side Note ***
Many only rely on SPF in their makeup to give them sun protection. FALSE! You don't, and shouldn't, cake on your makeup, and that would be the only way you'd have adequate protection from the sun by just using makeup. Please, Pretties, take it from me: always wear an SPF cream on your face underneath your makeup.

Happy Caffeine Month!

Happy National Caffeine Awareness Month!

If you voted yes on that non-diet soda the other day or are still recovering from a gay dance party and needed an extra shot in your latte, don't feel bad! It's all in honor of National Caffeine Awareness Month! OK OK...so they're more advocating that you be aware of caffeine and it's potential harmful effects, but whatever if you need a wake me up, then go for it! That's what my furry friend Coffee Cat told me.

In honor of the month DermaQuest hit me with their best shot literally, two of their top products have caffeine in them to wake up boring skin. I tried out the DermaFirm which is supposed to reduce the appearance of cellulite and firm the skin. When testing it out I noticed that it provides a cooling and calming sensation to the skin so you can feel it working. While primping for a night out I glazed on the C-Lipolic Lip Enhancer. The clear gloss makes my lips naturally brighter, although I didn't see as significant a change as the model lips pictured.

So go on and Caffeine it up!

DermaQuest products available at Pure Med Spa 8500 Beverly Blvd., Suite 798 Los Angeles, 90048

No needles for your Pretty skin, thanks to Avon

Avon's going all high-tech on us which is awesome because who can afford high-end, anti-aging skin care products anymore? Not in this economy! I've been seeing this gorgeous bottle in all the major mags and was so thrilled to see that the Pretty blue helix is courtesy of Avon, the brand that you can always count on to be money well spent (especially since my big 3-0 is coming up and I'm this close to freaking out).

Recently debuted (and perfectly timed for the current economic slump), Avon's ANEW Clinical Derma-Full X3 Facial Filling Serum has a formula that contains the same injectible-grade hyaluronic acid facial filler that dermatologists inject into the wrinkles of rich old ladies. Hyaluronic acid is a key component of healthy skin and a proven wrinkle filler, and Avon's serum is designed to stimulate your skin's own filling fibers and build their natural reserve of hyaluronic acid.

We Pretties don't get older, we just get better, so we need to keep our skin in fighting shape! Yes, yes, it's $54 price tag is steep, but only by Avon's standards. How much do you think Nicole pays for that waxen forehead? Yes, put away the needles, Pretties, and head on over to Avon.

Go ahead and sleep with Dr. Weil

Don't worry, the BF won't mind. Even though Dr. Weil has quite a lovely beard, we only mean to go to bed with the wonderful new additions to his line for Origins called Night Health. Sleep is important and, as sleep deprivation affects one in four adults, lots of us simply aren't getting enough of it. Not only is sleep vital to our physical and emotional health, our Pretty skin suffers when we don't get enough zzzs. Integrating mind, body, beauty. . . paging Dr. Weil!!

The world-renowned authority on integrative health, Dr. Weil consulted with Sleep Dream Specialist and author Dr. Rubin Naiman (who also founded the formal sleep center at the famous Canyon Ranch spa) when creating this new line. Check out some video of Dr. Naiman speaking about the importance of sleep for Prettying up your skin and your health as a whole here.

I don't know who I owe my last night's rest to, whether it be Dr. Weil or Dr. Naiman, but I want to give both a both a big shout out as I had the loveliest little bedtime ritual thanks to them! With a soothing blend to 100% natural Chamomile, Lavender, and Mandarin essential oils, one whiff of any of the Night Health products will make you so calm and, well, sleepy. In fact, of those who've sniffed the Night Health Bedtime Face Cream, %66 said they were more relaxed. Plus the cream uses extracts of Buckbean and St. Paul's Wort to relax tense-looking skin and visible lines.

Check out the rest of the line including a bath oil, bedtime balm and mood spray here.

In case of emergencies, Pretties use Blemish-B-Gone

So on Monday I woke up to a couple of surprises in the form of two red zits on my face. We've all been there and it's so Not Pretty. I wanted them gone, and fast. Who wouldn't? Luckily I've just discovered the best spot-remover I've ever tried and I'll let you Pretties all in on the secret.

We've told you about professional skin care line Pevonia before (remember that scary hand picture??) and luckily I was given a sample of their new Blemish-B-Gone from their SpaTeen line. Yeah, yeah, I'm far from a teenager, but man does this stuff work. It's does exactly what it title says, it makes those zits take the fast train to nowhere-land. Using high quality organic ingredients including organic Benzoyl Peroxide and organic Salicylic Acid to make sure that the formula is gentle and non-irritating (plus Pevonia Botanica traditionally utilizes ingredients derived from natural and organic sources in its products), Blemish-B-Gone delivers a potent dose of "zit, go AWAY" medicine to your target problem areas. It's powerful antiseptic properties unclog pores, prevent new breakouts, and destroy acne-causing bacteria. It's gentle and alcohol free so that there's no awful sting after applying it like a lot of other spot treatments I've tried in the past.

But the part about this stuff is that it works. After a couple of days, those little blemishes were just a distant memory. Thank you Pevonia!

Get it at DermStore.com or at The Spa at Le Merigot (1740 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica).

SPF 30 + Smart Seaweed = La Mer creation

I'm no mathematician, but I don't need a calculator to know that the geniuses over at Max Huber Research Labs have done it again with their new formulation for the SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid. Since we live in Pretty CA, protecting our faces from the sun's UV rays are priority one. Besides, we don't want to end up looking like Lauren Conrad.

The SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid keeps skin comfortable, hydrated and soothed with a new Smart Seaweed Ferment. Max Huber Research Labs created this special ferment from robust red and brown algae that posses the unique natural ability to thrive in extreme and diverse climates. Bio-fermented with green tea and rosemary, these algae help protect skin against pH, temperature and humidity changes. The Smart Seaweed Ferment also attracts moisture to the skin to create a protective, emollient barrier, helping to prevent dehydration.

This technological formulation is no joke; I've been using this product for the past few weeks and absolutely love it. Every morning I apply some to my fingertips and spread all over my face. It glides on so smoothly and is quickly absorbed into my skin. The UV Protecting Fluid does have a light floral-like fragrance, but it's not obnoxious and wears off. I notice that the product makes my skin feel significantly smoother and lasts all day no matter what I'm doing outside. It also doubles has a magnificent makeup primer because it leaves a flawless finish. This is a must have in your beauty cabinet for California Pretties!

The UV Protecting Fluid 1.7oz Retail $65 Available online or at select Saks Fith Avenue and Neiman Marcus locations

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!

Get your glow on

One thing we Pretties learned at the recent Spa Expo is that "eating" yourself beautiful is hugely popular in the industry. Based on the idea that it's just as effective (if not more so) to feed your skin nutrients from the inside out rather than solely by relying on what you slather on your skin, companies such as Glowelle are introducing dietary supplements that will give you the nutrients you need to Pretty up your skin.

Glowelle's delicious "beauty drinks" are packed with tons of skin-saving ingredients. We've mentioned how the antioxidents in pomegranates are super healthy for the skin, well Glowelle is onto it and has both a Natural Pomegranate Lychee and Natural Raspberry Jasmine variety of their antioxidants packed drinks. But antioxidants are only some of the awesome nutrients included in Glowelle's drinks. Lycopene, Vitamin C, Green Tea, Grape Seed, Beta Carotene, Lutein...the list goes on and on! Don't know what these ingredients do? Well download Glowelle's handbook, or their website explanation on all the nutrients that will get your glow on.

They even have powdered versions of their drink mixes with a super cute carrying case for your daily dose of Glowelle (I love mixing mine in with some sparkling water).

Don't expect overnight results however, you'll need to take your daily Glowelle consistently for a couple weeks or more before you really see some glowing changes. One study found that after 30 days, 87% of women who used Glowelle said that their skin was more radiant, and 92% said they felt healthier. Not bad results!

Get it online and get glowing!
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Glowelle will also be part of tomorrow's Pamper Me Fabulous event! Remember, use code lapretty and get 10% off your admission ticket!

3LAB co-founder will loan her expertise to LA Pretties

Even Milla Jovovich agrees, you should never scrimp on skin care. But what kind of products should you buy? What's good for your skin? Well, lucky for you Erica Chung, the co-founder of the very reputable 3LAB skin care line that's sold at Saks and Barneys, will be making her first personal appearance at the Beverly Hills Barneys. It's a fabulous way for all you LA Pretties to learn about how to care for your skin and find out what's new from 3LAB.

And these folks are serious about what's new. For example, their famous "h" Serum is an age-delay serum that uses the word's first bioengineered growth hormone (called Nano-Claire GY). Not to mention, their recently launch "M" Cream uses stem cells from the rare Swiss Uttweiler Spatläuber apple. And when they say rare, they mean it, only 3 three trees remain in existence!! And lest we forget about hands (I've already emphasized that hands need TLC!) 3LAB's Perfect Hand Cream contains minerals from the Dead Sea, legendary for its healing properties, plus lactic acid to smooth and hydrate rough, dry skin. As a special bonus, you can get a full-size of this hand cream for free (a $55 value!) if you spend $150 on 3LAB products.

So make an appointment to see Erica Chung and let her tell you all about how to take care of your skin - the lady knows her stuff!

March 10 from 12-4 pm at Barneys Beverly Hills (9570 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills). Call (310) 276-4400 for an appointment.

Keep yourself Pretty with Dr. Patricia Wexler

Even though it was pouring rain this morning, I still put on my sunscreen. Obsessive you may say, but I'm a freckler and I can't be too careful. I'm obsessed with making sure I'm covered and I'm so happy to find Dr. Patricia Wexler's Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer.

All of us Pretties (even the famous ones) are trying to scrimp and save in this Not in this Economy! climate, so it's a great product to have because you get a lotion, a foundation, an SPF and an anti-oxidant protector all in one pop! I love the light coverage that it gives me so I'm finding that I often use it in place of foundation. And the fact that this is also an SPF 30 protector and includes anti-oxidants to fight free radicals that can cause Not So Pretty wrinkles makes this moisturizer a must have.

This of this moisturizer as a highly-trained bodyguard to protect your beautiful skin from LA's terrible smog, pollution, and sun that are all desperately trying to damage, dull, and wrinkle your skin. It's formulated with a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 plus it includes a free radical-fighting super anti-oxidant compound to neutralize and prevent signs of aging by reducing cell damage.

It will also put back some Pretty into your skin by repairing signs of past damage!

Get it at Bath & Body Works at the Westside Pavilion (10800 Pico Blvd, Los Angeles).

How the Pretties are doing in this economy

We always keep out eyes out for what the Pretties are into, and The Beauty Counter Blog went right to the source asking the Prettiest of the Pretties how they're dealing with keeping up their beauty regimen in a Not in this Economy! type of climate:

Milla Jovovich (model/mom/Joan of Arc/designer/Target Fan):

Your big investment must always be on skincare. It's just something I believe you can't skimp on. I swear by the Swiss brand Cellcosmet.

Chanel Iman, the hottest model to come out of Fairfax High:

Hands down value for your money is Rosebud Lip Balm at Sephora. It’s just this one product that softens your cuticles, cures baby rash, and glosses up your lips. Cheap mascaras like Maybelline work better for me. The ones that charge more seem to clot. It’s crazy but true!

Freida Pinto, IT girl of the moment

Times are hard but I believe less is more. Concealer is the essential element. I swear by Vichy’s Dermablend. It’s very skin friendly. If I want to add to this I use mascara (Chanel) and lip gloss. My favorite color is Tangerine Jet by Dior.



Scrimping with Dior and Chanel? Something tells me Frieda didn't understand the question.


Info via Beauty Counter Blog.

Clinique to give skin some R&R

If living in a fast-paced metropolis like Los Angeles is stressing you out, just think about what it's doing to your skin! Pollution, climate, stress, products, tons of things can cause facial redness that's difficult conceal, so Not Pretty! There's a big difference between a sexy flush and what appears to be an allergic reaction -- plus irritated, itchy skin can really damper your mood.

Released this month, Clinique's Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder is the newest product in their Redness Solution collection designed to give some R&R to stressed out skin. This unique mineral treatment is a loose powder containing a formula rich in natural anti-irritants to keep redness at bay. Yeah, it's yellow, but don't let that bother you. The powder blends right into you skin and will neutralize any redness and provide an even skin tone; it's especially perfect for those who struggle with Rosacea. The powder contains caffeine and extracts of magnolia bark, poria cocos (mushroom) and citrus grandis peel (grapefruit) which all work to visibly calm redness.

You can use it alone, under, or over your makeup. Try it out at the counter first if you're unsure. Ask one of those lab-coat wearing Pretties at the Clinique counter to put the powder on only one side of your face, that'll convince you! Available for $32.50 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.