Living Proof No Frizz...

We still have wedding on the brain (you know, that thing that happened last Friday) and the below products just happen to be a perfect marriage of science and beauty: Living Proof No Frizz is incredibly effective and created by some MIT brains along with their beauty industry counterparts!  Living Proof continues to expand their brand (with hairsprays as well as a volumizing category) and is now available for purchase inside Sephora stores as well as their own website.

The No Frizz formulas contain no oils and no silicones as they are outdated and ineffective ingredients found in most hair products.  The geniuses at Living Proof formulated modern and lightweight products to fight the battle against frizz...click here to watch their succinct and educational video.

Whether you wear your hair straight or curly, Living Proof has a super effective product for you!  NWS just cannot live without the No Frizz Wave, Curl Styling Cream...especially during these last few rainy, spring weeks!!!

store to adore: ulta...

Many women purchase their personal care products from a variety of sources including but not limited to drugstores, department stores, the internet, salons/spas and TV channels.  So it's no wonder a store like Ulta is so popular.  Unlike other retail outlets Ulta offers a huge selection of beauty brands from high end to low, from prestige to masstige.  You can find a multitude of options in any category under one roof.



The selection of hair accessories and tools is greater than in any one store NWS has shopped.  The sheer number of flat irons (GHD, Ultra Chi, Helen of Troy to name a few) to choose from is even a little daunting!  For clips, headbands, elastics and the like no one rivals Ulta's selection from Elle, Karina and Goody.  If you mess around with faux hair (we don't) the in store selection of the Ken Paves/Jessica Simpson collab is abundant.  There are brushes and combs galore - Marilyn brand are our absolute faves. 

Skincare ranges from lovely bath and body care to self tanning options and an insanely long list of cleansers, moisturizers and special care options for the face.  Ulta packs a punch in the self tanning department with what must be every product L'Oreal & Neutrogena have ever manufactured in the category as well as Tan Towel, Fake Bake, ModelCo, Jergen's and Australian Gold.

Skincare brands include Bliss (creators of many skin care solutions), Ahava, Cetaphil, Korres, Organix, Burt's Bees and Yes to Carrots/Cucumbers/Tomatoes.

As for cosmetics Ulta carries not only all the drugstore brands but many higher end lines such as Tarte, Sue Devitt and Stila and well as many mineral based brands.  One of the greatest surprises to be found is Dermablend - a brand that sets to tone (pun, not intended...really) for heavy duty concealing.  If you have varicose veins or birthmarks or scars Dermablend can cover them!


 

As for cosmetic tools you can find everything from cotton swabs and pads to sponges to brushes by EcoTools and Japonesque.

The nail department offers OPI, Essie, Nail Tek, Butter London, Revlon, China Glaze as well as a gigantic selection of Sally Hansen.

Fragrance options abound!  Most department and specialty store brands are handsomely represented in addition to smaller lines such as Demeter (a HUGE fave of NWS for interesting, single note fragrances) as well as candles and home diffusers.

Ulta also houses a salon in addition to this massive retail space so the hair care brands are abundant and range from Redken, Phyto, Fekkai and Ojon to TRESemme, L'Oreal and Garnier.  Cuts start at $45 and color at $40 and waxing services start at $20.  See the complete menu of services here.

The overall shopping experience in Ulta comes down to the selection and range of price options.  The stores are not immaculately clean (typically) and due to the large amount of inventory the shelves are not always perfectly stocked.

Shop Ulta's impressive selection online or locate a store nearest you!

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Note about using testers: No matter where you shop for cosmetics and beauty products the testers will be filthy.  They may not appear to be disgusting but TRUST that they are.  Use the materials the stores provide to safely use testers such as cotton swabs and rounds, tissues and without fail - alcohol (for anything cream based).  Do not double dip your applicator but be aware that the person before you probably did.

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!

homework...

Home hair color is a big DON'T...however, if you must, read below:

Instead of attempting foils or permanent color, go for an enhancement of your natural (or current) color by using a glaze.  Glazes are offered in clear or in basic tones.  Frederic Fekkai clear Salon Glaze gives locks softness and shine which enhances any color. 

As for application of any home color, consult all directions as well as any experienced professionals for advice and tips.  Another great resource is a beauty supply store whose employees can help you choose the color and formula appropriate for your texture, desired result and lifestyle. 

BE ADVISED: nothing takes the place of in salon formulas and applications.  NOTHING.