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Articles about Ask Raya

Things You’ve Always Wanted to Ask Your Waxer

You might head to your waxer, plop your unshaven legs on the table unapologetically, and get back to your iPhone emailing without giving a second thought as to what she thinks of you. You are probably the one. Most of us spend the session worrying 99 percent of the time that we’re too hairy, too weird, too inconsiderate of the poor woman to has to deal with our exposed bodies. (During the other 1 percent, we’re mentally yelling ‘ouch’.) One reader wrote asking if I’d climb in the mind of a waxer for a bit, so while I had Lisa Lazarra, expert hair remover, lead aesthetician, and director of training at The Pretty Kitty waxing salon on the line, I asked for a few more questions pitched in by other friends and readers.

ShopTalk: How can I prepare to make it hurt less?

Lisa Lazarra: First, stop worrying. The number one thing we hear from customers at The Pretty Kitty is, “Wow, that’s it?” Second, avoid caffeine before your waxing appointment. I love those vanilla iced lattes like the next girl, but caffeine increases sensitivity at the follicle level.

Should I apologize that I haven’t shaved my legs?

We are in the hair removal business, so I assure you, your legs will not frighten us! If at the appropriate hair length, it may be a great opportunity for a leg wax.

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Looking to Go Under the Needle? Three Sure Bets for Botox in Dallas

photography courtesy of National Laser Institute

Now that we’ve addressed a little inner beauty, let’s get to this week’s outer beauty question:

“I just moved here from California and I need a recommendation for a place to go for Botox. Help!” –Calissa

Here’s a short list of local med spas personally approved by the lovely ladies (and their crows feet) of D Magazine. Rejoice, rhytiphobics.

Skintastic Medical & Surgical Rejuvenation
The D staffer says: “I’d never had any needles put into my face before, and Dr. Adelglass totally put me at ease. A nurse even humored me and held my hand. His technique is subtle but noticeable, so I walked away looking better, but no one could tell exactly what I had done. (Restalyn and Botox.)”

Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
The D staffer says: “Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery is who I use and love for BOTH Restalyn and Botox. Dr. Bassichis is helping me keep my youthful look as I get older!”

Regional Plastic Surgery Center
The D staffer says: “I’ve had Botox numerous times over the years with various physicians and most recently had it done in the fall with Dr. Watumull at Regional Plastic Surgery. Not only was it almost pain free, he did a great job of not “over doing it” and making the look very naturally improved. I’ve gotten lots of compliments and will be certain to return later in the spring when I need refreshing.”

posted by Raya Ramsey | January 31st, 2012 1:57pm | filed under Ask Raya, Beauty, Skin care, Spas & salons | (0) Comments »

A Day in Her Diet: Meals, Snacks, and Drinks with a Dallas Dietician

photography courtesy of vendors

Unsurprisingly, a few recent Ask Raya questions have included a plea for health counseling. Like this question below:

“It’s the new year, and I’m already ready to break my resolution to get healthy and shed a couple pounds! I can’t afford a nutritionist, but I need help with meal planning. I thought you might know an expert that can help with some healthy meal pointers!” –Elisa

I immediately contacted Cooper Clinic. From the brain of resident dietician Cynthanne Duryea, RD, LD, to your plate, here is a list of delicious healthy meal and snack suggestions worth their weight in chocolate, er, gold.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | January 24th, 2012 3:51pm | filed under Ask Raya, Edible Things, Fitness, Health & wellness | 2 Comments »

Into the Closet: Bring Your Wardrobe Back to Life with Amy Havins

We can't all have Nanette Lepore's closet (as documented by Elle Decor), BUT we can have much, much better.

I used to snub my nose at the idea of a personal stylist, shopper, or wardrobe consultant. Not because I’m the coolest girl around town (I’m not), but because I’m bossy and independent and I like to do everything myself. (Including shopping and selecting outfits.) Then one day I shocked myself. I took a peek in my closet, turned to my dog and said, “I have nothing to wear.” Oh the horror! What a cliche I’d become. A closet full of clothes and “nothing” to wear? How painfully uninspired I sounded. Then I met Dallas Wardrobe stylist Amy Havins and completely changed my tune.

Amy does a combo of things to make stepping into your closet exciting again, and although she’s fully capable of doing some damage with a Black Card, it doesn’t have to include maxing out your Mastercard at department stores around town. She can tackle family styling (like getting your 13-year-old to dress appropriately and stylishly), special occasion dressing (got a gala? no problem), wardrobe makeover (giving old garments a fresh start with new ideas), and closet design and organization (pull out the weeds and make your closet work for you). Jump to learn a little about Amy, why I’m a believer, and get her three biggest pointers fo’ free.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | November 8th, 2011 4:21pm | filed under Advice, Ask Raya, Shopping | (0) Comments »

Costume Help: Where to Find a Tiara?

A reader has written in asking for help finding a tiara (pageant style) to top off her Halloween costume. HELP! Who has ideas? Where to shop for a Miss Texas-worthy crown?

posted by Raya Ramsey | October 26th, 2011 2:59pm | filed under Advice, Ask Raya, Halloween | 5 Comments »

How to Wear Fall Fashion When it’s Freaking Hot

photos courtesy of retailer

A reader wrote this:
“What can I wear to transition into fall while it’s still too hot for full-on fall fashion?”

The goods news is this:
It actually is doable to look autumn-inspired and not sweat your clothes off when you step outside. Stephanie Quadri, former fashion editor for D Magazine and stylist at Sisterbrother Mgmt, answers this burning (get it?) question.

Says Stephanie, “There are some light-weight basics like sheer blouses or soft blazers you can add into your wardrobe now. Soon you can start to incorporate slightly heavier pieces, like thicker blazers and booties, which can be worn with shorts or dresses.” Jump to see her favorite pieces and how to wear them.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | August 30th, 2011 9:30am | filed under Ask Raya, Fashion | (0) Comments »

Chic, Black Ballet Flats at Lou Lou

photo courtesy of Molly Thayer

I cannot, for the life of me, find a pair of classic black flats that are stylish AND comfortable. I’ve bought countless pairs that always leave blisters on my heels or pinch my toes. I’ve spent way too much money on at-home fixes like inserts, moleskin, etc. trying to make my flats work. I just want a timeless, Audrey Hepburn-esque pair that works from the moment I buy them. Please help! –Caitlin

I checked with Molly Thayer, owner of Lou Lou, and she’s got a great pair in store now. Check out the Vince Camuto “Ellen” flats, $79, above. Black patent covers the classic look, and according to Molly, they’re “so comfy.”

posted by Raya Ramsey | August 4th, 2011 3:17pm | filed under Ask Raya, shoes | 2 Comments »

Got Sensitive, Red Skin?

A coworker of mine has seriously sensitive skin.On top occasional rosacea, she’s allergic to zinc. She’s tried a million and two products and can’t find a good cleanser to keep her skin from drying out. I thought this was a perfect problem to take to local resident skincare expert, Renee Rouleau. According to the guru:

“Based on the information given, it’s my assessment that she has a damaged moisture barrier in her skin which is causing increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.”

Continue reading to see Renee’s solution.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | June 14th, 2011 10:36am | filed under Ask Raya, Beauty, Skin care | (0) Comments »

Cream Blush is Scary. What’s the Trick?

I had the opportunity to ask Raychel Wade, La Prairie’s makeup expert, about the secret to making cream blush work. (Cream blush is one of La Prairie’s cosmetic specialities.) Here’s what she had to say:

-Smile big
-Stamp one finger (Raychel recommends the ring or middle finger) with the cream blush, and dot it onto the fattiest part of your cheek (the “apple”). To find this, imagine a vertical line running through your pupil and a horizontal line running across your face at the tip of your nose. Where these lines intersect, stamp away.
-Using a clean finger, blend outward, using up, out, and down motions. (Cat whiskers, if you will.)

I’ve avoided cream blush like the plague to avoid looking like a Nutcracker doll (or a cockatiel), but I tell you, very honestly, after getting this pointer, I went home with my sample and applied it to myself and my sister, and was pleased. Not only did it smooth out quite evenly, but it gave me and sis a natural flush that literally lasted all day. I’m now using La Prairie’s cream blush on a regular basis and I’m thrilled. The downfall is the price tag. La Prairie is one of the most expensive skincare and cosmetic lines I know. The upside is they’ve earned it. Sciencey stuff goes into each product, and results match the claim. Plus, with this $55 blush, it’ll last you until your 70 years old. Find it at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 24th, 2011 12:15pm | filed under Advice, Ask Raya, Beauty, makeup | 5 Comments »

Is There a Trick to Creating a Cat Eye? Le Metier Makeup Artist Ivan Castro Says Yes.

One of my very favorite beauty lines in the world has some Texas blood running through its veins: Le Métier de Beauté, whose president, Joanna Austin, is from Houston. Last week, Kristin and I met with her, CEO Richard Blanch, and head beauty artist for the line, Ivan Castro, to take a peek at the newest products at the counter. Unlike other cosmetic companies, rather than an emphasis on pumping out dozens of eye shadow quads in trendy palettes, Le Métier focuses on quality control. Ivan is actually hands on with the products before they’re even made, which means experts who really play with the stuff every day are putting in their two cents to make sure each and every piece, from the Kaleidoscope Eye Kit to the Precision liquid eyeliner, is constructed with real use, beautiful color, and lasting power in mind.

orange = eyeliner

That brings me to this week’s “Ask Raya” question. A reader wrote in, asking, “How do you get the perfect shaped cat eye? Is there a trick to getting the liner in the right place every time?”

To that we answer, yes, and Ivan Castro gave us the key at our last week’s meeting:

To figure out where to put the winged tip, follow the shape of your lower lash line. (Notice in our illustration how the orange line is basically an extension of the natural curve of the lower lash line.) If you use this technique, not only should you be able to create the same shape on both eyes, but you should also be able to repeat this every time you’re in the mood for this sultry look. I like that this trick adds a dash of flirt, making the liner look like a lash extension. Go home and give it a shot. If you’re looking for a great liner, try Le Métier’s seriously smudge-proof formula.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 17th, 2011 4:43pm | filed under Advice, Ask Raya, Beauty | 3 Comments »

Vintage. Sigh. How Do I Shop for It?

There are those people who throw on their vintage finds without care and look effortlessly cool. (Looking at you, Charlotte.) Then there are the rest of us. So, when a reader recently wrote in, asking for advice on thrift store shopping, I knew I needed an expert and stat. I went to vintage reconstructor Bobette Cohn, who was in town at Nest for her trunk show last weekend, and our beloved Char from CharlotteWatch, who cleverly throws vintage pieces into her ensembles almost daily. Jump to see what they have to say.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | May 12th, 2011 1:57pm | filed under Advice, Ask Raya, Vintage Things | (0) Comments »

You Ask, We Answer: Suede for Spring?

Can I wear suede during spring? If so, does it depend on the color? –Sara

I turned to stylist Stephanie Quadri, who has dressed everyone from models to celebs, and here’s what she has to say:

“Suede can be worn any season. Just think of it like leather. You wouldn’t necessarily wear leather pants in the summer (way too hot in Texas), but leather and suede shorts are a big hit this summer. Just be sure to pair them with a lightweight t-shirt and sandals.

Jerome Dreyfuss "Billy" suede tote

I was just at Neiman’s doing a pull for a swimwear editorial and came across several suede shoes. My personal favorite and must-have for the season is the YSL cork wedge in mustard. If you aren’t comfortable wearing the material in dark shades, there are plenty of bright colored options out there that are well-suited for spring/summer wardrobes. Wear a pair of shoes or a bag in lilac, orange, green, or yellow to add a pop or color to neutral looks and you’ll be right on trend for the season.”

Thanks, as always for your genius, Steph. Got a question. Ask away!

More Expert Advice:
-Should you tip your makeup artist?
-Can I be any hair color I want?
- What’s the best tinted lip balm?

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 19th, 2011 2:58pm | filed under Advice, Ask Raya, Fashion | (0) Comments »

Should You Tip Your Makeup Artist? Yes. Yes You Should.

A friend called me during her friend’s wedding day two weeks ago. The bride wanted to know if she should tip the makeup artist. For those of you who know the answer, it may seem obvious, but the truth is, most women don’t know for sure. Even I didn’t have an answer that was so firm I could swear by it. So I turned to LaDonna Stein, veteran makeup doer and face magician behind Through the Looking Glass‘ pin-up girl photo shoots. You might worry she’s a bit partial, as she’s the on the receiving end of this deal, but the fact is, girl knows her stuff. See below.

Any makeup artist will always appreciate a tip, and it is definitely appropriate in most situations. Especially if you get your makeup done at the mall or a salon, where the makeup artist probably doesn’t make as much money as a freelance makeup artist. The one situation where it would not be neccesary is if you are a model doing a shoot for a catalogue or something like that.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 15th, 2011 8:48am | filed under Ask Raya, Beauty, makeup | 1 Comment »

Kristen Stewart’s Hair Stylist Talks Hair Color with ShopTalk

Marie Robinson is also behind the locks of Natalie Portman and Liv Tyler. Oh, and remember when Emma Stone walked the red carpet at the Golden Globes this year with a new blonde ‘do? (And that killer Calvin Klein dress.) Guess who made that happen? It’s all Marie Robinson, celebrity stylist, serious hair color expert, and owner of super exclusive NYC salon, Marie Robinson Salon. She’s chosen to pair up with Salon Lucien as the go-to salon in Dallas for hair color, and I had the chance to sit down with her yesterday during her recent visit to pitch a few reader questions.

Can I be any hair color I want? Or are there rules? –Bored Blondie

Marie says she’s part of the “anything goes” school of thought. According to her, anyone can be almost any color.

“There’s a way to make it work,” she says.

The requirements are dedication (commitment to caring for the hair and keeping up with the color touch-ups) and willingness to work with the new look (changing makeup and playing with clothing colors). Marie also suggests “going halfway.” Rather than diving head first into a head full of jet black hair, try going a little darker first. Want to be a redhead? Go redder first.

“You can always amp it up,” she points out.

MARIE’S TIPS:
- Listen to the professional. If your hair dresser is concerned about a color selection or style, pay attention. There’s a reason you’re in the chair and the stylist has the scissors.
-Bring a picture. You might say “auburn,” but that can mean different things to different people. A photo with the color in mind can help you and your stylist get on the same page.
-Don’t change your hair color more than twice a year. It’ll prevent too much damage and keep the hair healthy.

Head in to Salon Lucien to get a consultation with a Marie Robinson-trained hair colorist.

posted by Raya Ramsey | March 8th, 2011 1:38pm | filed under Ask Raya, Beauty, Spas & salons, hair | 3 Comments »