right now we're loving...

A few things (tangible goodies) NWS is grateful for in 2011, thus far:

* Apple TV - the device we never knew we needed...amazing

* eos lip balm - of the Sweet Mint variety, thank you!

* monogrammed sleep shirt - a lightweight yet cozy menswear inspired nightie...zzzzz

* any and all Ray-Ban sunnies

* the Twitter necklace by Survival of the Hippest - it's dope!

* CoverGirl Lash Blast Length - the yellow tube is a cinch to spot in an overcrowded makeup case and the formula does what the commercials claim...tip: take your time with the brush and really load on the coats

* circle scarves - certainly makes bundling up in this brutal weather a bit more stylish...really digging the lightweight knits from echo, available at Lord & Taylor or online...and more than likely on sale at this point (read: stock up for next year as we don't see this trend fading)

* Kerastase Elixir Ultime - nourishing hair oil that conditions, tames frizz and makes strands shimmer... the price might be a bit of a turnoff BUT just a half a pump is really all you need...


posted on the move!

day off beauty rituals...

Got a snow day or a lazy Sunday on your hands? Marinate in your favorite conditioner, body creams and oils, face masks and moisturizers:

HAIR
* give your tresses extra attention with a deep conditioning mask left in for hours...bonus points for wrapping your hair in a warm towel to give it a boost....double bonus points if you start with an in home glossing treatment prior to the mask.


BODY
* before soaking in a warm (not hot) tub of aromatic salts slather your heels, elbows, knees and any other craggy area with a super moisturizing balm or salve. Rub the product in a bit more during your bath.


* scrub your skin with a loofah and shower gel or body scrub to ensure your follow up moisturizing treatments penetrate deeply. Use deep, circular strokes all over the body for a mini massage effect.


* post bath/shower apply a pure oil such as sesame or jojoba to your skin, paying attention to dry cuticles on fingers and toes. Then follow up with a cream, especially for chronically dry areas.


FACE
* use an appropriate mask for your particular skin issue: moisturizing cream mask for dry or aging skin, clay based mask for clogged pores, papaya or pumpkin mask for dull skin...bonus points for applying a collagen eye mask to any of the above for extra anti aging benefits.


* post mask apply an eye cream and a nickel sized amount of a chemical free face oil, such as argan oil. You'll be a bit shiny but what do you care if you're just chilling at home? Follow up with a thin layer of your face cream to keep the hydration going.


We don't often have time to take these extra steps (especially all at once) so really savor the experience by sipping herbal tea, playing relaxing music, burning your favorite candle...you get the idea...


posted on the move!

annoint yourself with oils...

Teenage girls shudder at the mere mention of applying an oil to the face but as a woman advances in age beauty oils become much more valuable.  How lucky NWS feels to have discovered Rodin Olio Lusso face oil, body oil, lip balm and luxury hair oil!




The oils are a blend of the most gorgeous essential oils known to impart a glowing, soft and soothed complexion.  Olio Lusso beautifully moisturizes and scents the skin naturally.  Apply the face oil morning and night.  The body oil should be applied to damp skin just out of the bath or shower.  The lip balm is great for the vanity as well as handbags for all day applications.  The hair oil is best used on wet or damp hair - apply from the mid shaft down to the ends, avoiding the roots.

The oils range in price from $60 - $140 but a little goes a long way!  The lip balm is competitively priced at $28.

NWS is in love...

darphin...

Darphin skincare is one of the finest brands around. Known for gorgeous textures, effective ingredients, boutique packaging and stunning aromatic fragrances. Darphin strives to offer the latest technology in harmony with nature.

The fall launches include additions to the Predermine line which addresses those dreaded wrinkles - a hydrating fluid and corresponding serum.







Visit http://www.darphin.com/ to learn more about the brand and to discover the most appropriate products for your skin.  The My 3D Beauty Expert Program is an interactive feature meant to guide you through the Darphin line to determine your needs.  You have the option of turning off the accompanying music in the bottom right hand corner, which we did without delay!  The feature was enjoyable if not a little brief and suggested a few key products rather than an entire regime, start to finish.  It's a great tool but we suggest working with an experienced Darphin salesperson or esthetician to nail down your exact prescription for the most effective and targeted results.

- posted on the move!

skin systems...

Skin systems tend to get a bad rap.  Some think they are gimmicky or cheap but NWS believes skin systems are the most effective regime for problematic skin.  Acne being the most common concern.

By using a system the skin gets the most appropriate dosage of the active ingredient in each step of the regime.  When mixing and matching products from different lines there is a risk of getting too much or not enough of the problem solving element.  Results may then be nil or could cause additional problems in its wake such as dry, flaky or inflamed skin.

The two best acne fighting regimes by our standards are Proactiv and Clinique Acne Solutions.  Proactiv boasts proven results and a celebrity clientele with its basic, 3 step system.  Use all three products in the range twice daily. 


Clinique Acne Solutions offers a bit more flexibility than Proactiv so consumers can build their own system within the range.  The Cleansing Foam is a standout as is the Post Blemish Formula which helps to fade the lasting marks of pimples.



The best advice when starting any new skin care routine is consistency.  Stick with the new products for at least two weeks, barring an allergic reaction.  If results are marginal, say "Aww hell with the system" and switch out only one product at a time until desired results are seen to isolate the effective from the ineffective element(s).