Articles about Beauty

Your Favorite Poolside Products

Poolside style at Ku De Ta over the weekend. (photography by William Neal)

I usually go to the pool looking like a bag lady with the flu (but not this bag lady): pale, oily-haired, and with duffel bags packed with enough activities to keep me busy for days.  Dallas girls go to the pool with hair coiffed and curled, spritzed into place with mega-hold hairspray, topped with designer sunglasses, and complimented with sparkly chandelier earrings. (Like this.) This year I’m going to take my poolside look back up a notch (or two). So, now, I’d like to now, what are your favorite poolside must-haves? Be it a product, garment, accessory, or floating device. Leave ‘em in the comments section.

posted by Raya Ramsey | May 15th, 2012 11:15am | filed under Beauty, Summer | 9 Comments »

Two Events to Add to Your Calendar: Cover Clothing at Five and Ten & Fashion Show at Sol Ben Salon

Chandra North, Dallas model and event co-chair, wears the Cover Clothing American Cancer Society tee.

Here are two super fun, incredibly chic events to add to your calendar. First, on Tuesday, May 15, Five and Ten is place to be to celebrate Dallas-based Cover Clothing’s partnership with The American Cancer Society. Each purchase of the long-sleeve white tee, right, sends $10 to the cancer awareness group. Check out all of the “sun conscious” clothing and grab hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in Highland Park Village from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Then, the same week, on Thursday, May 15, at 5 pm, you can treat yourself to a glam night at Sol Ben Hair Studio. Talk to the pros about how to look your best from head to toe and check out Kendra Scott bling paired with neighboring Flirt Boutique fashions during a runway show. Plus, if you are one of the first 50 guest to the party at 2404 McKinney Ave., you will take home a swag bag. You can RSVP by calling 214-871-7700 or emailing solbenhairstudio@gmail.com.

posted by Jessica Acklen | May 9th, 2012 12:40pm | filed under Beauty, Events, Fashion, hair | (0) Comments »

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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posted by Raya Ramsey | May 8th, 2012 10:06am | filed under Ask Raya, Beauty, Hair Removal | (0) Comments »

Seven Dallas-Based Beauty Products You Need To Try

photography: Pure Skin Therapy and Hard Night Good Morning by Matthew Shelley; all others courtesy of retailers

You know the Mary Kay brand is Dallas born and bred. You may also be aware that beloved guy line Jack Black, celeb-fav color collection Susan Posnick, and gift-worthy Niven Morgan were founded here, too. But there are dozens of local skincare collections still flying under the radar. Here are seven of my favorite locally created products to add to your beauty routine.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | May 7th, 2012 12:14pm | filed under Beauty, Local | 5 Comments »

ShopTalk Giveaway: Limited Edition Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

Kieh's Rare Earth Rosario Dawson Pore Cleansing Masque for Earth Day

Earth Day month may be over, but you can still get your hands on the limited edition, celeb-designed jars of Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque. The beauty brand has put out Earth Day editions of a favorite product every year for the last four years, and this year’s partners included Florence Welch, Mark Ruffalo, Rosario Dawson, and Spike Lee. For each jar in the label series, Kiehl’s sends 100 percent of its proceeds to Recycle Across America. The Rare Earth masque aims to purify, detoxify, and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. Amazonian White Clay is said to draw out oil, dirt, and toxins, and oatmeal and aloe vera are soothing, hydrating, and protective of sensitive skin. We’ve got a jar with Rosario Dawson’s label to give away.  Enter here to win. Even more exciting, Kiehl’s is opening up shop in NorthPark this month.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 30th, 2012 10:50am | filed under Beauty, Doing Good, giveaway | (0) Comments »

Book These Treatments Now: Natura Bissé Facial at Ritz-Carlton and Tan and Teeth Whitening at Facelogic

A South Seas tan. (photo courtesy of South Seas)

I’m not going to pretend life is hard as an editor  forced to review to facials and airbrush tans for the job, but I’ve been through my fair share of mediocre treatments and tan jobs ala Oompa-Loompa. But I love risking my body for the price of potential orange streaks so that I can tell you, dear readers, which treatments to try and which treatments aren’t worth the dough. Three services you must enjoy: Natura Bissé Aroma Awakening facial at The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton and the airbrush tan and Da Vinci one-hour teeth whitening at Facelogic.

Jump for details.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | April 26th, 2012 4:13pm | filed under Beauty, Skin care, Spas & salons, Sunless Tanning | 3 Comments »

Meet Aesthetician Kate Somerville This Week. Your Face Will Thank You.

My can't-live-withouts: Quench Hydrating Face Serum, Deep Tissue Repair Cream with Peptide K8, and ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.

I have picked my can’t-live-without skincare products from brands all over the board. I’ve got my earth-friendly Hugo Naturals soap stock, luxurious Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Creme, beloved Revision Skincare Intellishade tinted moisturizer, etc. But if you asked me my two favorite skincare lines ever, it would come down to Renee Rouleau (whose purse we spilled yesterday) and Kate Somerville. These are lines that I love from wash to moisturizer and everything in between. My love affair with the Kate Somerville line began when I had the opportunity to sit down with Kate and talk product. Her understanding of skin from the inside out and passion for results is what drives this collection of lotions and magic potions. (Read up on her philosophy here.) The deal was sealed when I played with several products from the line. Each one had a glorious texture and an immediate effect on my face. You have an opportunity to meet Kate, too, in a Master Class at the Kate Somerville counter at Neiman Marcus Willowbend on Friday, and I highly recommend it if you’re in the market to see difference in your skin. Friday, April 27 at 11 am or 2 pm. Reservations can be made by calling Gina at 972-629-1700 ext. 1333.

If you can’t make this work, consider picking up the Glow Kit. You’ll be as head over heels as I am. I know it.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 24th, 2012 11:05am | filed under Beauty, Events, Products, Skin care | (0) Comments »

Friday Giveaway: Locks Love with Blaine’s Color Products

photography courtesy of Blaine's Color

Blaine Schlaudt, owner of Blaine’s Color salon, is offering up a basket of the salon’s brand hair care goodies to one lucky reader. Included: one bottle of sulfate free shampoo, a bottle of daily rinse conditioner, one bottle of argan oil, one bottle of argan styling cream, one bottle of aerosol shine spray, and a can of hairspray, all part of Blaine’s color protection system. Enter here to win.

The lucky lady whose name is drawn will pick up the products from Blaine’s Color in Park Cities and also receive a free consultation from the master himself.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 20th, 2012 1:36pm | filed under Beauty, giveaway, hair | (0) Comments »

Dallas Blondes, This Giveaway’s For You

These can be yours. (photography courtesy of my iPhone)

René Furterer has kindly bestowed upon the earth a new line of hair care products for “enhancing luminosity” and repairing highlighted, bleached hair. Welcome, Oakara Active Light. You’ll find open arms and polished fingernails awaiting you in Dallas. The collection contains a “light activating” shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in fluid, all aimed at preventing the fading of light tresses. Ingredients including Okara extract (from a soybean), Acacia Honey extract, vitamin E, claim to do a multitude of goodness like restoring protein to the hair, “halting oxidation” from sun, and providing a UV filter for protection. One lucky fair-headed gal will get these goods. Enter here to win. Winners are drawn at random.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 13th, 2012 10:12am | filed under Beauty, giveaway, hair | 1 Comment »

Eyes Burn After Removing Your Makeup? Not with This Stuff.

I hate using facial cleansers to scrub off stubborn eye makeup remover. I feel like I’m scrubbing off layers of my young eyelids with all the salicylic acid in my cleansers. I don’t always love eye makeup remover, either. It either does the job and is full of grease, does the job and burns like hot lava, or stays gentle on my skin but leaves mascara crunchies behind. Behold the power of Renee Rouleau’s new(ish) Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. It is both mighty and gentle with its pH balance of 7.2 (apparently similar to tears). It’s also oil free, fragrance free, and all that healthy jazz. Only $19.50 at Renee Rouleau spas and online.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 11th, 2012 9:17am | filed under Beauty, Products, Skin care | 3 Comments »

Salvatore Ferragamo’s “Signorina” It Girls Include Ceylon et Cie’s Nile Nussbaumer

Signorina perfume and Dallas' Nile Nussbaumer

In an effort to promote their new perfume, Signorina, Salvatore Ferragamo rounded up a handful of international “it” girls to be part of their “The Girls About Town” campaign. The bevy of ladies include Bianca Balti, Rachel Chandler Guinness, and other “influencers with a polished finger on the pulse of what is cool in her city.” The four newest ladies from LA, New York, and Paris, include Dallas’ own Nile Nussbaumer, publicist for Ceylon et Cie (and daughter of the owner). Check out her online inspiration diary on The Girls About Town Tumblr page. You can also apply to be part of the pack.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 9th, 2012 5:11pm | filed under Beauty, Local, News | (0) Comments »

Get a Glass of Wine and Toast Lure Salon’s New Organic Haircare Line

The Cleanse collection.

Lure Salon is throwing a little fete with Good Morning Texas‘ Amy Vanderoef in celebration of the a new haircare collection the ec0-friendly beauty parlor will carry. Meet Intelligent Nutrients, a natural beauty line that aims to take some chemical exposure out of your daily routine by using food-grade ingredients, plant stem cells, aromatherapy, and no pesticides, pthalates, or other toxic additions. Bottles of goodness are packed with ingredients with purpose: seeds for nutrients, a patented oil blend for its antioxidant properties, flower extracts for their hydrating properties, and more. Head in this Wednesday, April 11, from 6 pm to 8 pm for wine, light bites, music, and giveaways. Anyone can attend, but it’ll help if you give them a heads up and email info@luresalondallas.com as a quick RSVP. A part of the evening’s proceeds (perhaps you’ll stock up on shampoo or schedule a cut and color?) will go to Earth Day Dallas.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 9th, 2012 1:11pm | filed under Beauty, Events, Green, Spas & salons, drinking and shopping, hair | (0) Comments »

Good Friday Giveaway: Bronze Goddess “Capri” Perfume by Estee Lauder

photography courtesy of Estee Lauder

Yes. It is good because we’ve got the delicious, limited edition Bronze Goddess Capri perfume from Estee Lauder available for one lucky winner. Inspired by the Isle of Capri, you’ll catch a whiff of cassis, mandarin, and lemon on top; jasmine, lily of the valley, and peony in the middle; and vanilla, wood, patchouli, and musk at the base. It truly smells like sweet vacation in a bottle. (Or perhaps I’m just so desperate for a vacay that I can smell it in my Waldorf salad.) Enter here to win.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 6th, 2012 10:30am | filed under Beauty, giveaway | (0) Comments »

New Love for Your Locks: “The Do” in Preston Center

photography by me

I told you last week about Southlake’s new blowout-only Hair Bar. But I haven’t yet told you about The Do in Preston Center. It’s in the old Salon Madrid space, but it’s a completely new interior. Industrial chic with vintage Chicago brick walls, repurposed concrete countertops, and bright pops of color: pink, orange, and purple bottles of Wella haircare and cherry red blowdryers. My color faded since my last dye job over Christmastime, and although I wasn’t satisfied with its lackluster hue, I couldn’t define the color I was looking for. Owner Betty Payne seemed to know exactly how to freshen things up, and her colorist gave me a fresh, espresso tint. Doors were wide open, ladies were gossiping, and coffee, lemonade, and fresh oranges were on tap. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a salon where the vibe was so friendly and unintimidating. “We’re doing something different over here,” Betty says, and you can feel it when you walk in. (She even says dogs are invited to come hang out on the benches in front.) The space is only 1,000 square feet or so, so you get to know your neighbors. Mine included local celebrities Jenna Owens from Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, getting a 70s-inspired ‘do for a party, and legendary Ron Chapman receiving a quick trim. No one flinches when you walk in with waist-length hair, either. Even Betty has Barbie long, blonde locks. (“Teenager hair,” she calls it.) Melissa, one of the salon’s crowning jewels, took my limp hair and gave it some life with easy-to-manage layers and on-trend waves that actually lasted through the following afternoon. Moral of this story: I highly recommend this new spot. Give them a call and experience it for yourself. Grab an orange; you won’t be sorry.

posted by Raya Ramsey | April 5th, 2012 1:11pm | filed under Beauty, Spas & salons, Store openings, hair | 2 Comments »

Bottling History: Arquiste Perfumes at Barneys New York

photography courtesy of Arquiste

One of the highlights of my life is the day I got to eat lunch with Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl, The Virgin’s Lover, and dozens of other historical fiction books I’ve devoured. I love history. I’ll take down a lengthy Antonia Fraser or Alison Weir biography, but I relish the drama that extra storytelling adds. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in royal ladies (my favorites include Anne Boleyn and Marie Antoinette) I’m actually disappointed when I pull my head out of my book and find myself in the 2000s. It’s occasionally unbearable to think that the closest I’ll get to knowing the characters that haunt me is by imagining them or watching a movie of someone else’s imagining.

Carlos Huber, perfumer behind Arquiste, understands this longing. His career in restoration architecture and love for art and travel led him to create six fragrances that aim to capture six evocative moments in history through scent. (He’s also very good looking, which is neither here nor there.) Included: a 1600 Spanish-French royal wedding, a 1775 Mediterranean harvest, and a 1400 Aztec festival in Tenochtitlan, Mexico, and more.

Jump for more details of this enchanting unisex fragrance line.

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posted by Raya Ramsey | April 4th, 2012 11:37am | filed under Beauty, I'm Obsessed | 2 Comments »

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