HBAExpo-New

Playful In Pink

2011-12-16T14:24:01Z

The hot new look in beauty is THE ATOMIC LOOK. On the TOPSHOP website watch beauty insider HANNAH MURRAY create a perfect pink pout. Tell me what you think!

Click Here to Get the Look!

Have An Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 MARY

Follow me on Twitter: @MaryJPalmieri

HAUTE COUTURE Honest Beauty DECEMBER Breakout Brand

2011-12-15T23:27:22Z

While vacationing in the French Riviera in the 1920s, Coco Chanel accidentally got sunburn. Since women all over the world were devoted to Chanel’s style and opinion, everyone began copying the tanned look that soon developed from Coco’s over exposure to the sun. Tanned skin instantly became a symbol of beauty and health, much like it still is today.

As we head into Resort Season, jetting off to warmer climates to beat the Wintry chill, be sure to get your healthy and beautiful glow, without the over exposure to the sun. One product that delivers a safe and effective sunless tan is HONEST BEAUTY’S DECEMBER BREAKOUT BRAND – COLOUR COUTURE.

COLOUR COUTURE, founded by celebrity tanning artist MONICA BLANCO, has the safest and most natural sunless tanning products on the market today. Known for her flawless airbrush tanning, BLANCO has developed a cult following in Hollywood and her new line of retail products bring Monica’s expertise to her customers at home.

The following trio of products gives an honest, natural tan without an unpleasant odor or harsh chemicals:

1. STARLET SCRUB: removes dead skin cells used when preparing for a sunless tan, or simply maintaining fresh, healthy skin. Infused with plum extract – a natural exfoliant – and made with a low amount of water, the STARLET SCRUB is extra thick and luxurious.

FRONT ROW GLOW: a foam tanning soufflé that dries instantly, gives a rich, magnificent color much better than any sprays or lotions I have sampled in the past.

3. SHIMMER IN THE LIMELIGHT: Applied alone or with FRONT ROW GLOW, containing Vitamin E and Shea Butter, this lotion moisturizes and maintains the skin, while reducing the look of stretch marks and wrinkles.

MONICA BLANCO is Hollywood’s “it” girl for sunless tanning. Specializing in shading to define a client’s natural assets and hide unwanted fat and cellulite, MONICA’s COLOUR COUTURE team is the most sought after airbrush tanners in Southern California. A teem mother turned entrepreneur, BLANCO prides herself on giving her team the opportunity to make money doing something they love.

So, this Resort/Holiday Season, give you and your loved ones something they love when you purchase the COLOUR COUTURE TRIO! Available online at http://colour-couture.com/ . Safe travels and happy tanning!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @MaryJPalmieri

BLOWOUT Amsterdam Style

2011-12-12T18:27:34Z

I am currently making my way through Europe on a three city tour. Packing for three weeks, prior to leaving, was such a challenge; I made the executive decision to forgo a blow dryer in order to lighten the load in my suitcase.

Stop 1: Paris. While in Paris, I gave myself daily, self-imposed blow outs with the hotel’s provided hair dryer. Let’s just say the end result was not your typical salon worthy blow dry.

Stop 2: Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, I have been staying in my own personal flat. While the property is amazing, my current residence, not being a hotel, lacks the luxury of an included hair dryer. Ideally, I had planned to go shopping for one, but between commuting to work and fighting off a nasty cold, locating a hair dryer for purchase became an impossible task during the work week.

So, over the weekend, before heading over to Stop 3: London, I decided to treat myself to an Amsterdam style blowout at the famed London originated salon – TONI&GUY.

TONI&GUY is an international icon founded over forty years ago at a single salon in London. Bruno Mascolo and his brothers under the guidance of three generations of creative talent and vision have built the TONI&GUY name into a powerful brand. The TONI&GUY Salons and TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy’s provide more than a hairstyle; they offer a complete fashion lifestyle. TONI&GUY’s worldwide presence has allowed the company to experience tremendous growth and continue the vision to consistently build the brand. TONI&GUY standard of quality is achieved by consistently updating their stylists and technicians with the latest trends and hairstyling techniques.

Because of TONI&GUY’s commitment to quality and reputation, I knew I was finally in good hands, when I walked through the doors of the TONI&GUY AMSTERDAM Salon, located in Magna Plaza in Amsterdam's Dam Square.

The salon was a warehouse style space, painted in black and white, with clean, open mirrored stations, leaving room to focus on creativity. Trendy, hip, good looking hairstylists, all dressed in black were ready to provide their most optimal service.

I started my appointment with a brief consult and cup of tea, followed by a deep conditioning treatment from TONI&GUY’s Label.m brand which treated my dried, split ends.

I was heading to a friends birthday party later in the evening so I told my stylist I wanted something voluminous and bouncy, that would last me dancing through the night. She did a nice job translating my vision!

My appointment was at 4. By 5pm I was out the door. Looking hot and ready to go!

My Amsterdam blowout is certainly NY approved. So, if you ever find yourself in Amsterdam, or any major city for that matter, be sure to make a reservation at TONI&GUY! For locations visit: http://toniguy.com/locations/default.aspx

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @MaryJPalmieri

Carve and Slice Your Hair

2011-11-22T16:43:54Z

As a girl with curly hair I now have a hairstyle to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Wanting a new look just in time for the holidays and the impending New Year, I decided to turn to The Curl Experts themselves – Ouidad.

Tired of having your thick curly hair looking too bulky and triangular in shape? Head into Ouidad and ask for their signature Carving and Slicing technique. The Carve and Slice method preserves and enhances the curl pattern, removing the bulkiness typically associated with curly hair.

Ouidad has flagship salons in New York and Santa Monica, as well as Ouidad certified salons nationwide.

So this Thanksgiving holiday, before you Carve and Slice the turkey, do the same to your hair, and you will undoubtedly be the hostess with the mostest!

Have an Honest Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary
TWITTER: @MaryJPalmieri

Birthday Done Jerseyliscious Style

2011-12-07T15:52:28Z

It is no secret Jersey knows how to party! As a reformed Jersey Girl myself, who has done my own fair share of partying, I must say on Sunday, November 13^th, Tracy DiMarco of the Style Network’s Jerseyliscious, and her reality TV star cohorts, brought out all the stops, at Tracy’s Birthday Benefit celebration which took place at The Loft in The Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange, NJ.

The event was to celebrate the Jerseyliscious star’s birthday. The kind hearted, high haired hairstylist, used her birthday as an opportunity to give back to children’s charities such as the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which works to save children benefiting from terminal illness.

Guests were spoiled with sweets from ALM Dessert Bar (www.almdessertber.com) specializing in cocktail flavoured cupcakes, and sampled gelato from Sotto Zero (www.sottozerousa.com).

After a live musical performance from fashion forward recording artist, Ceresia, famous for her “Stilettos” single, a fashion show highlighted the hottest, must have, Tracy DiMarco approved, Jersey Girl looks from Tracy’s very own stylist, Meital B, owner of Reve Botique (www.revebotique.com).

“I am so excited, I think this is a huge turnout”, Tracy said, surrounded by her family, boyfriend, and friends including: Drita D’Avanzo from Mob Wives, the infamous Angelina Pivarnick from Jersey Shore (seasons 1 & 2), and Jerseyliscious cast mates: Gigi Liscio, Briella Calafiore, and Anthony Roberts.

A good time was had by all, and all, in the name of a good cause! Events like these make me proud to be a Jersey girl. Hats off, and my highest hair goes to Tracy DiMarco of Jerseyliscious. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Be sure to check out www.JerseyFashionista.com for all things Jersey!

Have An Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Twitter: @MaryJPalmieri

Get MOTIVEated with The Honest Beauty NOVEMBER Breakout Brand

2011-11-15T21:59:40Z

"I don't stop when I'm tired; I stop when I'm done." This was one of the quotes displayed on Loren Ridinger’s (@lorenridinger) twitter feed recently, and let me tell you, that is a quote Loren lives by. Talk about AMBITION!

In addition to being a successful internet and fashion entrepreneur, as well as the Co-founder of Marketamerica.com, Loren is now on the fast track to conquering the world of mineral cosmetics, with her MOTIVES Mineral Cosmetics brand new line titled AMBITION.

I was fortunate enough to sample the entire MOTIVES AMBITION Mineral Cosmetics Line, and the fact that I just simply cannot get enough of any of the products in the entire collection, forced me to deem MOTIVES Mineral Cosmetics - the HONEST BEAUTY NOVEMBER BREAKOUT BRAND OF THE MONTH.

Some of you may recognize Loren from her appearances on some episodes of Keeping up with the Kardashians. In one episode, on a Kardashian trip to New York City, Chloe had her birthday party filmed on Loren’s, and her husband J.R’s, yacht. In one scene in this episode, Loren is seen dishing out some really “MOTIVE-ational” dating advice to Kim in the back of a taxi.

It is no wonder Loren’s mineral cosmetic line is titled AMBITION by MOTIVES. Just head over to her website - www.lorensworld.com - for all the motivation and inspiration a woman could need. Loren’s website is what really attracted me to her initially. She shares many of the same values of my Honest Beauty philosophy, and honestly motivates and inspires me everyday. Her new mineral cosmetics line does the same!

Geared specifically to successful, determined women trendsetters, who refuse to let others define what they are supposed to be, AMBITION by MOTIVES is comprised of pressed powders, blushes, eye shadows, and lipsticks in radiant colors with long-lasting skin benefits. “Beneficial, not just superficial”, as Loren describes. Made from micronized minerals, Motives Custom Mineral Powders contain pure pigments that feel light and natural on the skin. These products, when combined, benefit the skin and leave a silky smooth, flawless finish that gives the complexion a naturally radiant and healthy glow.

I keep all the MOTIVES products right beside me in my desk draw at work to freshen up before an important meeting, or before a night on the town. The bright and stunning colors of the MOTIVES Sparkle Pot Eye shadows are my Honest FAV. I also love the natural looking MOTIVES Mineral Pressed Blush – make sure you try them all!

“We all aspire to achieve greatness and, by believing in ourselves, we can make our dreams become a reality. My hope is when all women wear these products, they will feel empowered,” Loren has said. Mission accomplished!

AMBITION – the newest MOTIVES Mineral Cosmetics Line and MOTIVES Custom Mineral cosmetics, all favored by celebs and make-up artists, are available at www.motivescosmetics.com , as well as through certified Motives Consultants, also found online.

Have an Honestly Beautiful and MOTIVE-ational Day,

<33 Mary

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @MaryJPalmieri

Stages are IT

2011-09-30T20:54:20Z

The HBA Global and Spa social media communities have spoken and The 2^nd Annual Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the YEAR, by a landslide victory, went to Stages of Beauty.

STAGES OF BEAUTY is a new skincare company with a full line of products specifically formulated by age. Stages of Beauty’s mission is to fulfil all the diverse and changing needs of a woman’s skin throughout her life. More information? www.myStagesofBeauty.com

Thank-you so much for all who took the time to vote and congratulations to all the monthly nominees! It is such an honest pleasure to be among the first to get to discover and familiarize myself with such promising and authentic brands.

Be sure you FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @MaryJPalmieri as I am now actively seeking next year’s batch of the people, places, and products, I can deem the next HONEST BEAUTY BREAKOUT BRAND.

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @MaryJPalmieri

Get Your Glow On With Honest Beauty JULY Breakout Brand

2011-08-09T20:27:58Z

I love the summer sun! Nothing is more enjoyable than basking in the sun’s shining rays, warming your face, calming your body, and tanning your skin for that nice summer glow.

However, as much as I enjoy those radiant rays, I cannot help but worry about the detrimental effects sun exposure can have on one’s complexion. In order to counteract spending time in the sun, I set out to find a product that would help me fight sun damage, as well as the signs of aging, sun damage can cause.

The product I found most capable of putting my sun damage woes at ease is Honest Beauty’s July Breakout Brand – GOLDFADEN SKINCARE.

Around since 1967, Goldfaden is hardly a Breakout Brand, but has recently become a favorite among celebs like Jennifer Lopez - famous for her glow. Goldfaden was developed by Florida-based Dermatologist, Dr. Gary Goldfaden, known for his natural approach and signature Organic Red Tea-based formulations.

Dr. Goldfaden is dedicated to exploring the newest ground-breaking developments in skincare, and discovers the latest trends including topical melatonin, Stem Cell, and DNA Technology. My favorite product from the line – Goldfaden Sleep Renewal Night Cream – offers a unique signature formulation including Melatonin – a natural compound that regulates the sleep process. Aiding the body in a more restful night’s sleep, skin cells are allowed to perform optimal rejuvenation during the night while the body is relaxed.

Using a unique, organic stem cell found in a rare Swiss apple, Dr. Goldfaden developed another honest favorite Goldfaden 3-in-1 Daily Moisturizer which keeps skin hydrated, moisturized, and nourished. Perfect for a gorgeous dewy and bronzed summer glow!

Now that August is fast approaching, stock up on as many Goldfaden products you can find, head outdoors, and enjoy the rest of your summer. Be confident knowing you are beautiful, and Goldfaden is on your side!

The Goldfaden skincare collection is available at select boutique druggists and beauty emporiums in the skincare and natural markets. For information on the complete Goldfaden product collection and distribution, please visit www.Goldfaden.com .

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Lather Up for the Honest Beauty June Breakout Brand

2011-07-18T20:36:16Z

Just in time for the official start of summer, I had the honest pleasure of having breakfast, and mingling at the uber-chic Mondrian SoHo’s Imperial No. 9, with my fellow Beauty Bloggers and the Founders of SUNBOW SUNSCREEN. Sunbow is the first ever sunscreen uniquely marketed to children vs. adults. This is one of the main reasons I have decided to name SUNBOW the HONEST BEAUTY JUNE BREAKOUT BRAND OF THE MONTH.

Innate and clever Marketers, hailing from the Music Industry, company founders Andy Gershon and Joel Menzin, cleverly linked up with kid crazy Nickelodeon to design Sunbow’s packaging. The packaging features some of Nickelodeon’s iconic character brands. With Dora the Explorer, Diego, AND SpongeBob gracing your sunscreen bottles and sticks, how can a kid resist?

Not only does Sunbow feature a kid favorite Nickelodeon character on each of their products, but the actual lotion goes onto the skin in super fun pink, blue, or yellow colors. The lotion goes on in color, yet dries clear, making application fun for kids, but not detrimental for parents.

What I honestly love most about Sunbow is the brand fosters education. Each product in the line features an almost hidden gem of a fun fact, on the back of each bottle or package. Parents can use this little tid-bit of information to engage their child, and teach them something new as they bond on the beach or near the pool.

Designed with the health and well being of children in mind, Andy decided to develop Sunbow all because of his young daughter, who hated the process of applying sun block. (Who can blame her, unless you have the hot tanning butler at the Ritz Carlton South Beach applying your lotion?) So, Andy partnered up with Joel and set out on a mission to develop a sun block that is easy plus fun to apply, and a lotion you should only need to apply ONCE.

Before they knew it Andy and Joel had a three product line: Sunbow Zinc Oxide Cream / Sunbow Sunscreen Spray / Sunbow Sun Stick. My honest favorite is the Dora the Explorer Pink, BUBBLE GUM SCENTED (that’s right – bubblegum – Mmmmm), Sunbow Sunscreen Spray offering maximum coverage with minimum application time. The Sunbow Sun Stick is an innovative way to apply, and perfect for face. Just drop the SpongeBob Sun Stick in your purse or beach bag and you have an adorable, conversation starting accessory all summer long.

Sunbow delivers a water resistant, all natural product, offering seven sku’s formulated with micronized Zinc Oxide formulas to provide a strong UVA/UVB barrier, without the chemical actives such as Oxybenzone or Octinoxate – found in many other brands.

This summer, log-on to www.sunbowsunscreen.com to pick up your child’s or your favorite Sunbow products, and as an added bonus use Sunbow’s website to educate your children on the importance of applying sunscreen, in a way that does not make it seem like a chore. For all your sunny days, use Sunbow! Products also available at www.drugstore.com .

***Special thank to: Kristen Somody Whalen/Courtesy of Sunbow, for the photos from the event!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

What Stage Are You

2011-05-27T18:03:52Z

Have you ever realized most skincare companies tend to market the same line to a 50 year old woman as well as a 20 year old? My mother and I use the same brand of moisturizer despite our difference in age! Don’t you find this odd?

One brand recently made the keen observation age was hardly taken into account when prescribing a skincare line. Making age the #1 variable when developing their products, this brand decided to build their company around the premise of age-specific skincare. The innovative concept of age-specific skincare is what lead me to name Stages of Beauty – Honest Beauty’s May Breakout Brand of the Month.

Stages of Beauty is a new skincare company with a full line of products specifically formulated by age. Stages of Beauty’s mission is to fulfill all the diverse and changing needs of a woman’s skin throughout her life.

Stages of Beauty founder – Jasmina Aganovic – is a MIT-trained Chemical & Biological Engineer who was increasingly frustrated with the skincare products she tried, and began researching the needs of skin throughout the aging process.

“Other skincare brands treat mothers, daughters, grandmothers like we are all the same”, observed Ms. Aganovic. “However, today we know that age is the most important determinant of skin’s needs”. Stages of Beauty is revolutionary because the ingredients used are specifically chosen to meet the challenges of the skin at a certain period of time.

Stages of Beauty introduces women nationwide to treatment creams, cleansers, and scrubs prepared to meet their skin’s needs in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s and beyond. Stages of Beauty products are divided into four targeted lines based on the age categories listed above:

1.    Women in their 20s use Radiance. Radiance contains antioxidants to repair and protect skin against future damage and premature wrinkles.

2.    Women in their 30s use Harmony. Harmony uses ingredients which address the fact skin regeneration now takes twice as long. This product will even out skin tone and help increase collagen and elastin production.

3.    Women in their 40s use Elegance. Now facing a new foe – thinning skin – skin in its 40s demands ingredients to improve elasticity, tone and firmness. Elegance targets the latter as well as signs of photo-aging and sun sensitivity.

4.    Women in their 50s and beyond use Grace. Grace’s skincare ingredients are hydrating and firming, battling the effects of the body’s changing hormones. This product will combat the rapid decline in surface immunity and the degrading moisture barrier.

Since I am in my 20s enjoying a hectic lifestyle of sun worshiping and working here in New York City, I found Stages of Beauty Radiance moisturizer particularly beneficial. Representing the other age demographics, we have different decades of women here in the office who each sampled their own age appropriate Stages of Beauty product line. Each commented on feeling fully moisturized all day long!

No matter what stage of beauty you may be in, you can try out Stages of Beauty sample creams for a FREE 14 days by claiming a sample online at www.myStagesofBeauty.com . Stages of Beauty also offers a no-hassles 30-day money back guarantee! How’s that for honest? Log online or call 877.869.3162

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

April Breakout Brand

2011-04-29T18:39:40Z

The eraclea launch party at The Standard Hotel in NYC was an affair to remember. Not only did I rub elbows with NY notables such as Standard hotel owner Andre Balazas, and Ford Models Founder Eileen Ford, but I also had the opportunity to be among the first to try eraclea’s début line. What impressed me more then the launch party, were the results I noticed almost immediately after using the eraclea product line. The nearly instant gratification eracleaprovided, led me to name eraclea the Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the Month.

What makes eraclea unique is the delivery system. Referred to as the HylaSpongeSystem, a revolutionary system that maximizes the benefits of hyaluronic acid, the system is the result of decades of hyaluronic acid research. The HylaSpongeSystem is a breakthrough complex composed of patented HylaSponges which are water-insoluble, water-filled microsponges composed of polymerized hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid). The HylaSponges act as a second skin, hydrating the surface layer, and delivering superior and lasting hydration toward the deeper layers of the skin. The moisture-intense “second skin” the HylaSponges create, protects, fills and smoothes the skin’s surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while hydrating your skin to the core.

Eraclea® was founded by industry vets Dr. Janet L. Denlinger and Morgan Hare. Dr. Janet has over two decades of experience in physiological, biological, biochemical and primate research. Denlinger is also a co-founder of Biomatrix Inc., a biotechnology research, development and manufacturing company she founded with her husdand, Dr. Endre A. Balazs. Janet and her husband had one of the first patents on hyaluronic acid, an ingredient they sold to a “little” cosmetics company called Estee Lauder back in the day, for their Estee Lauder’s famed wrinkle reducing serum, still presently on the market. Janet is currently chief scientific officer and cofounder of Hylaco LLC , an ingredient and product-development company specializing in marketing the HylaSpongeSystem.

Morgan Hare is president and co-founder of the Dallas-based Hylaco LLC, the parent company of eraclea. Hare brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the cosmetics and skin care industries, and has held executive marketing and product development positions at numerous national, blue-chip consumer product and retail companies such as Revlon, Avon, QVC, and HSN. Prior to her marketing career, Hare conducted research at Harvard Medical School and held senior sales positions in the biomedical industry for several companies, including Technicon Instruments Corporation and American Optical Corporation.

I have had the honest pleasure of trying all the products in eraclea’s line. I can whole heartedly assure you; every single item is absolutely fabulous and produces honest results. In my gym bag every morning, to hydrate my face when I get out of the steam room and shower, is my 4-step daily eraclearegimen which includes: EraClea Intensive Repair and Protect Serum/ Vitamin C, EraClea Pure Hydration Serum/Zinc, EraClea Eye Surround Cream, and EraClea Hydrating Day Lotion. Since using these products my skin has never looked so dewy and fresh! The moisture retention from eraclea’s products really does last all day.

For nighttime, EraClea 5 Night Perfecting Peel truly works in 5 days – a noticeable difference - honest! After 5 days, I use EraClea Restorative Hydrating Night Cream which leaves me looking fresh and unafraid of the mirror in the morning.

With the weather growing warmer and summer just around the corner, you know you want to put your best face forward. You can do just that with eraclea. Find more information online at - www.eracleaskincare.com - and start looking for eraclea in Spas and MedSpas near you!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Just When I Thought Wine Couldn't Get Better

2011-04-01T15:08:23Z

Just when I thought wine couldn't get any better, I discovered the same grapes used in my favorite Merlot, have tremendous healing properties when used on your skin. The same discovery led Wayne Beckley to make millions on his skincare line, Honest Beauty's March Breakout Brand of the Month - Merlot Skin Care.

More than 10 years ago, while watching 60 Minutes, Wayne Beckley first learned about the "French Paradox" - a report on the people of France who consumed diets rich in saturated fat, but who suffer virtually no heart disease. The report linked findings to the drinking of red wine. Intrigued by this Paradox, Wayne chronicled over 70 studies each indicating a glass of red wine each day could be beneficial to one's health, warding off cancers and lowering cholesterol. Through the studies, Wayne eventually discovered the grapes true power is their seeds. Grape seed antioxidants are 50x more powerful than Vitamin E and 25x more powerful then Vitamin C. So, in 2001 Mr. Beckley launched Merlot Skin Care utilizing the power of the grape seed.

Merlot Skin Care products work to fight free radicals and protect skin against the signs of aging. Known for high quality formulations and tremendous value, all Merlot Skin Care Products are made in the USA and are never tested on animals.

Since 2011 marks the 10 year anniversary for Merlot, the brand is celebrating with brand new packaging and three new product launches:

1. 3-in-1 Blemish/Acne Treatment

2. Merlot Body Butter

3. Chin Up Neck Firming Cream.

My honest favorite happens to be Merlot's debut product from 10 years ago - Merlot Natural Grape Seed Moisturizer. Never have I used a moisturizer more cooling and immediately effective! This product will be ideal for the summer months. You can keep in your fridge for extra facial soothing and firming, particularly when you experience sunburn.

Whether ingesting Merlot or putting Merlot on my skin, grapes and their seeds clearly have their benefits. Now Merlot not only has a permanent place in my wine cellar, but Merlot Skincare now has a permanent place in my beauty line up - and should hold a place in beauty line up too! Merlot Skin Care products are available at Walgreens and Ulta, and online at www.merlotskincare.com .

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Show More Skin

2011-03-11T19:31:56Z

We are all just counting down the days for springtime to arrive, bringing with the season, longer days and higher temperatures. Warmer weather typically means dressing in fashions that may show more skin.

So, start preparing your skin now, all you males and females, for the Spring and Summer months ahead! In order to make our dry winter skin springtime ready, we are going to need a hand and body moisturizer that is honestly capable of reviving flaky, dehydrated skin.

If you are looking for a product to do the trick, replenishing moisture and suppleness to your skin, I strongly suggest you run to the store and by yourself a tube of Columbia Healing Cream. Tested by dermatologists, Columbia Healing Cream is a restorative formula rich in vitamins, minerals, and botanicals guaranteed to pull your skin out of the arid winter doldrums.

So, lets all think spring as we hydrate our skin and pick up a tube of Columbia Healing Cream!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Just the Remedy - February's Breakout Brand

2011-03-11T19:35:40Z

I can think of no better accessory then nail polish. It is so simple to pick a hue to brighten up your day, or reflect your mood. That is why this past February, the month of love, I made it a point to get flirty with a nail polish brand that was not only fun, but functional as well. Honest Beauty’s February Breakout Brand of the Month – Dr.’s REMEDY.

Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish is a line of doctor inspired cosmetics that is dedicated to using clean, hypo-allergenic ingredients to promote healthier, stronger nails.

The birth of Dr.’s REMEDY began when New York podiatrist Dr. Adam Cirlincione’s wife was pregnant and advised against being exposed to certain harmful chemicals. Dr. Cirlincione began researching the ingredient list on his wife’s favorite cosmetics and found that her nail polish - made with harsh DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde - appeared problematic.

So, in 2006, Dr. Cirlincione partnered with fellow New York podiatrist Dr. William Spielfogel to develop an enriched nail polish that was void of harmful, harsh chemicals, and contained amazing, gorgeous pigment.

Next, Dr.’s REMEDY began selling directly to foot doctors before signing on with BLISS Spa’s Catalog. Currently, Dr.’s REMEDY supplies more than 800 doctors and proves quintessentially perfect for any person looking to better the condition of her skin and nails.

The first product in the line, and my honest favorite, is the Enriched Nail Polish. Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish contains naturally-occurring antifungal ingredients, as well as vitamins and protein – know to help with nail discoloration. This polish is perfect if you have brittle or discolored nails, or if you are pregnant.

What makes the brand unique is the fact Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish is the first ever nail polish on the market approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association - APMA. Also approved by APMA, Dr.’s REMEDY Remover is a non-acetone nail polish remover enriched with naturally occurring anti fungal ingredients, vitamins, and wheat protein. An honestly important compliment to the Enriched Nail Polish!

With 11 on-trend colors in the Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish line, you’ll have no problem accessorizing for that hot date or girls night out. The added bonus is you can be certain your nails are benefiting from all the hue healthy vitamins. Accessorizing while beautifying is just the REMEDY any lady needs…

Dr.’s REMEDY is available online at www.remedynails.com or by calling 877.323.NAIL

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Start the New Year with Lily B - January Breakout Brand

2011-03-02T15:33:22Z

If you fall into the category of women whose skin type has moved beyond the acne prone years, but are not quite ready for a reparative anti-aging remedy, then I have found a brand for you! Honest Beauty’s January Breakout Brand of the Month – Lily B.

Lily B. is a new, all-natural skincare line developed for young women. Lily B., the first collection from Lily Blue, LLC, launched at an exclusive yacht party on the French Rivera during the Cannes File Festival. Formulated with natural botanicals and sea sourced ingredients, the line features five all-natural skin care products designed for women ages 22 to 38.

Lily B. Founder – Liz Bishop – says the philosophy behind Lily B. is to provide natural, effective products designed to balance, nourish and protect your skin, while ensuring your skin looks and feels it’s very best.

I first tried all five products in the Lily B. line when I was vacationing in London over the New Year. I can honestly assure you, despite the harsh and chilly London weather, my skin stayed hydrated and looked supple the entire trip! The Rose Hip Infused Cleanse Facial Wash, Red Tea Defense Booster Hydrating Serum, Multi-Action Rescue Ultra Eye Cream, 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer, and Botanical Rich Protection SPF 30 Ultra Defense sun block – all work best when used together.

If you can only afford just one or two items from the Lily B. line, my picks would be the Rose Hip Infused Cleanse Facial Wash and the 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer. The Rose Hip Infused Cleanse Facial Wash has moisturizing properties, perfect for harsh weather conditions, like London in the winter. The best part is the cleanse doubles as an honestly efficient make-up remover! The 24/7 Defense Daily Moisturizer is the ideal follow up to the foaming cleanse.

With over 20 years of cosmetic and pharmaceutical sales, marketing, and product development experience, Ms. Bishop is uniquely qualified to bring Lily B. to today’s younger skin care consumer. Liz Bishop founded Lily Blue, LLC and began developing Lily B. in 2009, dedicating research and production to the new line in order to offer skincare products to younger woman with “in between” skin.

All in all, I honestly loved Lily B.’s line so much, I have adopted the Lily B. skincare system into my New Year’s beauty routine and, if this product applies to you, I feel you should too!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

Pretty Is, as Pretty Does - December Breakout Brand

2011-03-02T15:33:23Z

When I think of the holidays I think of being with my favorite folks, all loving and toasty by the fire.
When I think about Love & Toast, I think about an honestly effective natural, and super cute bath and body line I just had to deem Honest Beauty’s December Breakout Brand of the Month.

Brainchild of Margot Elena, Love & Toast joins the family of impossibly stylish fragrance brands Lollia and TokyoMilk. Love & Toast is an adorably whimsical, colorfully packaged, to die for brand that should be on everyone’s wish list. Developed with the belief natural formulas should function and not fail, Love & Toast’s hand cream is created to quench thirsty skin with moisture-rich natural ingredients, that absorb quickly and form invisible protection.

Love & Toast believes that science and nature are not only compatible, but are inextricably intertwined. It is Love & Toast’s goal to utilize the best of both worlds to create eco-logical hand creams, fragrances, and balms, healthiest to our bodies. I carry a tube of the Love & Toast hand cream around with me wherever I go. The Love & Toast fragrances are also honestly divine, made from thoughtfully selected essential oils and botanical blends.

Love & Toast creator Margot Elena opened her first bath and body boutique in Lawrence, Kansas in 1993. At her boutique Margot Elena created custom blended perfumes, handmade soaps, and natural facial products. As her business grew, new identities were created. Beginning with Bloom and Lollia, brands were sold nationwide to retailers. As demand increased, it became difficult to supply the batches made by hand. The transition to serve wider demand required intense research and development, and here began Margot’s long term commitment.

Margot has spent the last several years developing Love & Toast’s natural formulas that meet her exceedingly high standards. It is a brand well worth the wait! A return to her roots as well as love of bath and beauty, Love & Toast is Margot Elena’s current brand showcasing her signature style.

For Love & Toast, pretty is as pretty does. Since it is far more important to do good then to look good, a portion of every Love & Toast sale goes directly to Regional Chapters of Girls Inc. – providing vital education and services to millions of American girls, particularly girls in high-risk, underserved areas. Along with Girls Inc., Love & Toast encourages girls everywhere to be “Strong, smart, and bold”.

Have an Honestly Beautiful Holiday,

<33 Mary

Brains and Beauty - November Breakout Brand

2011-03-02T15:33:23Z

Whenever I am indecisive about which Breakout Brand to choose for the month, suddenly – poof! – Out of no where, an indisputable talent falls right in front of my face. The talent I am referring to is a make-up artist who literally was right in front of my face, helping conceal my dark under eye circles, and tired complexion. This artist and his line are Honest Beauty’s November Breakout Brand of the Month – Christopher Drummond Beauty.

Tired and fatigued from my travels to a recent Spa convention, I decided to pay a visit to the resort salon. After getting my hair done, I needed my face to match. I turned to leave the salon, and there was Christopher Drummond, like a God send, performing free make-up consults to lucky guests in the salon. After five minutes in Chris’ chair, I went from drab to fab using his shimmery and vivacious products.

Christopher Drummond has brains and beauty. In his early days he was a model who managed to earn a Bachelors Degree from the University of Michigan as well as an Esthetician’s License. After experiencing make-up for 15 years both in front of and behind the camera, Chris developed quite an aptitude for the color palette. After working as head make-up artist of Sephora assisting Beauty Icons such as Bobbi Brown, Chris is now venturing into product development himself. New additions to his self titled line – Christopher Drummond Beauty – are getting ready to launch this December – just in time for the holidays!

What is unique about Christopher Drummond Beauty is it is a premium line of natural, organic based, vegan cosmetics following Chris’ basic philosophy to create a company that would both develop products that are revolutionary in texture, ingredients, and application. As he did in my consult, Chris supports his line of cosmetics with practical advice and instruction.

When I sat in Chris’ chair pleading for help on my dark circled and tried eyes, he used some of the following honestly effective flagship products from the Christopher Drummond Beauty line:

	- Saúde Pele Radiance Booster – perfect for any skin tone and made to liven up the look of the skin. Saúde Pele is a versatile product that will give all skin types a luminous glow.
	- Veludo Velvet Foundation – perfect for sensitive skin types, this hydrating powdered foundation conceals imperfections and offers a healthy finish.
	- Finale Finishing Powder– a skin balancing powder that gives you a beautiful airbrushed HD look while moisturizing skin, without setting into fine lines.

Christopher Drummond is a Beauty/Fashion Industry veteran who is obviously a force to be reckoned with, and his Christopher Drummond Beauty line certainly follows suite. Get your Christopher Drummond Beauty fix at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel or the Relàche Spa at the Gaylord National .To scout out all his fabulous products such as his titanium dioxide free blush, eye creams and lip stains visit – www.christopherdrummond.com .

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

October Breakout Brand of the Month

2011-03-02T15:33:23Z

We are back in action in year 2 for the Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the Month nominees! Dr. Christine Rodgers was our 1^st Annual 2010 Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the Year winner and a former October nominee for her brand - En Pointe Skin Solutions. Now let’s see the first monthly brand to be in the running for 2011 as we do it all over again…

Have you been hearing all the rage over satin pillow cases?

Satin pillow cases not only offer extreme comfort allowing you to sleep like royalty, but satin pillow cases are proven to hydrate skin while you sleep, fighting off those dreadful fine lines and wrinkles.

Satin pillow cases are giving a whole new meaning to the term “beauty sleep”, and I would like to introduce to you to the brand that is giving a whole new meaning to the satin pillow case. Ladies and gentleman, without further ado, Honest Beauty’s 2^nd Annual October Breakout Brand of the Month – Neero & Ana.

Neero & Ana is the brand behind what is, in my opinion, one of the best satin pillow cases currently on the market. The Neero, of Neero & Ana, is actually Doreen spelled backwards – without the D – after company founder, Doreen Motten. Doreen is a single mother with a 19 year-old-son named Dana, who comprises the Ana, of Neero & Ana (Dana spelled backwards without the D = Ana)

Doreen and I crossed paths at a Pretty City event. Shortly after the event, Doreen called me so filled with passion about the Neero & Ana brand and their lingerie and satin pillowcases.

Already aware of the satin pillow case buzz, I was instantly intrigued with Neero & Ana’s product, but was sold on the product the moment Doreen told me the pillow cases would protect and revive the keratin treatment I had in my hair. Satin pillow cases have been proven to revive Keratin treatments and fight frizzy hair. The satin pillow cases are also beneficial and gentle on processed and color treated hair.

Shortly after our phones conversation, Doreen and I met in person at the NY Spa & Resort Medical Aesthetics Expo. Doreen was gracious enough to bring me one of Neero & Ana’s satin pillow cases to try. I have not stopped using that satin pillow case since!

In addition to excelling at producing satin pillow cases and intimates, Neero & Ana excels at giving back. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, 15% of your Neero & Ana purchases will be donated to cancer research, education, and awareness.

If you will be near the W Hotel in Hoboken on Saturday, October 30^th, Neero & Ana will be at the Bliss Spa from 11am – 5pm participating in a “FunDRaiser” which benefits Gilda's Club - a network of affiliate clubhouses where men, women and children living with cancer, as well as their friends and families, meet to learn how to live with cancer, whatever the outcome.

The American Cancer Society recommends cancer patients sleep on satin pillow cases to soothe sensitive scalps, keep hair from coming out in clumps, and ease discomfort from chemotherapy. So, this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, fight for a cause by purchasing Neero & Ana’s satin pillow cases for you or someone you love. Available at www.neero-ana.com .

Hats off to Neero & Ana – The Honest Beauty October Breakout Brand of the Month!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

An Honestly Brilliant Affair

2011-03-02T15:33:23Z

From Christie Brinkley to the 1^st Annual Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the Year, HBA was chock full of action and an Honestly Brilliant Affair for exhibitors and attendees alike.

While putting together an event the magnitude of the HBA Global Expo can at times be stressful, through solid efforts and genuine teamwork, it is truly rewarding to see how everything pulls together so beautifully in the end. In the shows 18^th year, HBA 2010 was full of energy, color, and action – all the things a beauty event should be.

Kudos to the entire HBA Global / Spa / UBM Beauty and Wellness teams, who all worked so hard giving their best to produce a fabulous, high energy, highly attended Beauty Week of events.

In HBA Global’s continued efforts to develop a Beauty Week here in NYC, United Business Media (UBM) and HBA introduced the newest addition to the family - The NY Spa & Resort Medical Aesthetics Expo. Adjacent to HBA, on the main floor of the Javits Center, The NY Spa & Resort Medical Aesthetics Event was added to the UBM Beauty & Wellness portfolio in January of this year, and is already making some serious waves with celebrity exhibitors, quality attendees, and showcases on the latest innovations in the Spa and MedSpa communities.

Both HBA and the Spa & Resort Med Aesthetics shows were kicked off with a star studded keynote address Tuesday, the morning of Sep-28th. Pamela Baxter kicked off the ceremony proving a true inspiration, working her way from humble beginnings behind the beauty service counter, all the way to her current role of President and CEO of LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics North America. For those of you who were wondering, LVMH = Louis Vouitton Moet Hennesy. An international group with over 50 luxury brands : Moet & Chandon, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Christian Dior Perfumes,etc…

After Ms. Baxter delivered her Keynote, I had the pleasure of escorting Pamela to her car. As we were walking “behind the scenes” of the Javits Center, I felt like I was escorting a rock star backstage, and took the opportunity to ask Pamela questions about her career. I asked Ms. Baxter if a women in her position and level in the business world, was always so intentional with her career choices. Pamela emphatically responded “No. I was hardly intentional at all with my career choices… you have no idea where life will take you…” and she went on to reinforce the following 3 pieces of advice she touched upon in her keynote. In order to be successful in the business world one must be:

1. Passionate – in order to rise to the top, you need to be passionate about what you do and always give it your all.

2. A Risk Taker – Pamela has learned a lot more from her mistakes then her successes. You never know unless you try, so do not be afraid to take risks.

3. Flexibile – with society and technology moving at the speed of light theses days, it is more important now then ever to be flexible and willing to just roll with whatever situation may come your way.

After Pamela was safely as picked up, I returned backstage where I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to keep Christie Brinkley company before accepted HBA’s 2^nd Annual Positively Beautiful Award for all her work with the Smile Train organization.

While chatting it up backstage with one of the world’s most beautiful women, clad in a grey Ralph Lauren frock and super glamorous grey Louboutin pumps; I just had to ask Christie for some honest beauty tips for all you Honest Beauty readers out there. The two key tips the glamorous and glowing supermodel offered us all to keep beautiful are:

1. Smile – there is nothing more beautiful then a woman who is happy and secure and just smiling all the time. When you smile you exude positive energy and people are naturally drawn to your good vibes. We all know Christie is very good at practicing what she preached!

2. SPF – If there is anything Christie has learned from being a California girl and living in the sun it is we all need to get some UV protection and use sunscreen. This is something Christie is now instilling with her own children and would encourage us all to do the same.

Christie also offers, “Sometimes lotion that provides a little shimmer or glow, as well as SPF, is best like Jergens Natural Glow which offers some subtle shimmer and enhances the skin’s natural color and glow without being streaky.”

For those of you who watch Access Hollywood or Extra, you may have caught a glimpse of Christie receiving HBA’s 2^nd Annual Positively Beautiful Award LIVE because many press and TV crews were there covering the action!

Later that day I was fortunate enough to moderate the 20 Tips on the Beauty Blogosphere Panel with 3 other fabulous beauty blogging ladies. I hope all those who attended the sessin found the information provided useful, if anyone has any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

After the Beauty Blogger panel, it was upstairs to the Social Spot on the HBA show floor, where the 1^st Annual Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the Year was announced. The winner? Dr. Christine Rogers of EnPoine Skin Solutions.

Dr. Christine Rodges EnPointe Skin Solutions was inspired by Dr. Rogers’ love affair with dance and battle with breast cancer, and is formulated with natural botanicals, active extracts and a special anti-aging complex to nurture and rejuvenate stressed skin. The result: beautiful, balanced skin with a natural, healthy glow.

Congratulations to all the fabulous Breakout Brands who were nominated. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know your brands!

I want to encourage all of you to start sending me your products, people, and places who wish to be considered for this season’s Honest Beauty Breakout Brand 2^nd Annual Series. Who knows? Maybe your brand will have what it takes to be considered the Honest Beauty Breakout Brand of the Year for 2011, voted on by the HBA/Spa communities.

New for 2011? Both HBA Global and the NY Spa & Resort Medical Expo will be moving to June. June 28-30 for HBA. June 28 & 29 for Spa. So make sure to mark you calendars and send me info those Breakout Brands soon!

Congratulations once more and a big heartfelt thank-you to all who exhibited and attended, contributing to both HBA’s and SPA’s successes. I hope all of you had as much fun as I did, and I look forward to your return as UBMLive outdoes ourselves once more for 2011!

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary

August Breakout Brand of the Month

2011-03-02T15:33:23Z

My biggest vice, aside from excessive shopping, is excessive junk food eating. As I am sure many of you can relate, if a group existed for Over-Eaters Anonymous or Junk-Food Addicts, I’d be the first to sign up. My addiction to all things sweet, salty and bad for you is my main motivation for cleansing. If I did not take the time to revitalize my insides and cleanse, I would most likely still be harboring candy, gum, and pasta from well prior to my fifth grade adolescence.

I have tried a slew of cleanses in my lifetime, but only one has proven effective enough to be deemed Honest Beauty’s August Breakout Brand of the Month. The Honest Beauty August Breakout Brand of the Month is The Clean Program.

What I love about The Clean Program is it is designed for the person on the move. Just because you are cleansing, you should not have to give up life all together. Being able to fully function, and have the energy to do so, is one of the unique attributes I enjoy about The Clean Program.

The Clean Program is a 21-day detox program specifically designed for the person on the move. Everyday, you will have a set of supplements coinciding with one solid meal and two drinks or liquid meals. Typically, you should plan to have the liquid meals for breakfast and dinner, allowing for a twelve hour “fast” to occur overnight, freeing up the most energy and time for detoxification while you sleep.

The Clean Program was developed by Dr. Alejandro Junger. Dr. Junger graduated from Medical School in Uruguay. After graduating, he moved to New York City for his post-graduate training. The lifestyle shift, particularly in diet, Dr. Junger experienced from his move to NYC, left him depressed, out of shape, and suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Junger’s health quickly resembled that of his Cardiovascular Disease patients he treated, and he decided it was time for a change.

Searching for an alternative solution to his health problems, Dr. Junger authored Clean – a manual for readers to learn how to turn our detoxification systems on full speed, while supporting our bodies to maximize their effectiveness. Clean is the manual of which The Clean Program was born.

While I myself am still in the beginning stages of The 21-day Clean Program, models and celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as an entire social community found here - http://my.cleanprogram.com/ - can attest to The Clean Program’s results.

Be sure to check out my video blogging coming soon to track my personal progress on the program!

Also coming soon: the chance for all of you to vote on Honest Beauty’s Breakout Brand of the YEAR! Look for more details in the next HBA E-news…

Have an Honestly Beautiful Day,

<33 Mary