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FABULOUS FINDS
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Try Moisture Boost Combination!
When you’re an Esthetician, being a “product junkie” is a given. I literally have a drawer in my bathroom overflowing with different product samples. Although I favor green, clean skincare products, as any Esthetician; I try to keep an open mind. It’s OK to see what’s out there. What I love to do, is take these products on a “test drive” of sorts. I find the best test, is when I’m traveling! On a recent trip to Europe, I decided it was time to try my Le Mieux samples. I was not wholly unaware of this line, as I had seen them over the years at all the skin shows.
The company has garnered the reputation of The Serum Authority due to its diverse selection of serums. Which is how I knew the company, as I am a fan of their Hyaluronic acid serum. So it was definitely to my delight when I saw that my sample package included not only the Hyaluronic serum but a Bio Cell Rejuvenating cream and Bio Cell sheet mask.
My skin type is naturally DRY, we’re talking Mojave desert. Add in hours spent on a plane...Hello Dehydration! I thought while packed in coach, it would be the PERFECT time to try out this trio combination. I may have freaked out the people sitting next to me, as I looked like Michael Myers for about 45 minutes, but it's a small price to pay for beauty.
Le Mieux
Bio Cell Rejuvenating Cream
Moisturize & Smooth
Best for: lines & wrinkles
Skin Type: dry, normal, sensitive
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Luxurious formula features 3 potent peptides and 5 exotic oils
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Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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Smooths, firms, and hydrates dry, sagging skin.
Le Mieux
Hyaluronic Serum
Hydrate & Smooth
Best for: mild dryness
Skin type: all skin types
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Deeply hydrates without clogging pores
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Conditions soothe and soften skin
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Ideal for acne-prone skin
Le Mieux
Bio Cell + Mask
Brighten & Clarify
Best for: fine lines, wrinkles, dullness
Skin type: Dry, normal, combination oily
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Serum-saturated, freeze-dried marine collagen mask
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Reduces the appearance of wrinkles caused by facial contractions
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Features advanced microencapsulated delivery system and Vitamin C (MAP)
The skinny according to Neddy:
Overall, my skin felt so hydrated, soft and supple after this treatment trio! I started with the mask, I did leave it on for longer than usual. Primarily, because being on a plane, I wanted my skin to take in as much moisture as possible. The serum from the mask felt soothing, and my skin just absorbed it like it was dying of thirst! I followed it with a couple drops of the Hyaluronic serum (LOVE) and the bio-cell rejuvenating cream. If anything, this trio was definitely an indulgent humectant. Ingredients wise, this company is definitely not organic, or natural. Nor do they claim to be, so I can’t knock it. There are some ingredients I’m not a fan of. However, for what it is; a scientific, clinical approach to skin care, I found it to be pretty good! I have my own thoughts about the effectiveness of collagen when applied topically. Which we know to be more fluff than fact.
Why is this a Fabulous Find:
It delivers on HYDRATION! My skin was definitely moisturized. Which was a relief! My makeup looked great, and that was due in part to my skin increased moisture and radiance. The fine lines were less apparent, and that is definitely to be expected once moisture is increased with ingredients such as peptides. So, my final two cents: If you’re not a clean, green beauty addict; this is a FABULOUS FIND for you! To me, the real star product out of this trio is the Hyaluronic serum. However, the cream and moisturizer are solid complements.
*according to Le Mieux
Not Your Mama's Day Spa!
My favorite used to be in the basement of a 1920’s art deco department store. Just walking into the formidable lobby and being greeted by the friendly doorman would always make me feel like I was transitioning into another dimension. Where time moved slower and when people where a bit more gracious, both to each other and themselves. The ride down the bronze-doored elevator was just long and isolated enough to completely transport me both in altitude and attitude.
Abruptly, guiltlessly, and without panic, I was cut off from the online world when my cell phone would lose connection. Then, calming wafts of fragrant foreign herbs would fill the chamber as the lift descended into the belly of this time capsule that was promising to magically transport me to an unworldly sanctuary. A place where practices seeped with tradition and family bonding are at the core of bathing rituals that could easily appear, to an outsider, as fanaticism for superficial skincare.
As I stepped out into the jimbaljang, my blood pressure and heart rate would drop, and I knew that I had been delivered to the mecca of self-care, the most-high of hygienic practices, and the ne plus ultra of sanitarium experiences. Welcome to the Korean Day Spa.
Spa Palace
Address: 620 S Union Ave
LA, CA 90017
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: 213.637.0000
Multi-level spa with large co-ed pool area and common room, in-spa restaurant. Pool level available for private parties.
Century Day & Night Spa
Address: 4120 W Olympic Blvd LA, CA 90019
Hours: 6am -2am
Phone: 323.954.1020
Co-ed common areas, indoor swimming pool, outdoor driving range.
Hugh Spa
Address: 1101 S Vermont Ave #206 LA, CA 90006
Hours: 8:45am -11pm
Phone: 213.365.1268
Women only, in-spa restaurant, infrared light room. Home of the famous V-Steam.
The skinny according to Tanis:
Natura Day Spa in the basement of the old I. Magnin has since closed, but Koreatown in the City of Angels is dotted with bathhouses, primarily along Olympic and Wilshire Boulevards. After entering any of a number of them, you can spend hours or an entire day (many are open 24/7) submerged in mugwort tea, freezing cold plunges (okay - maybe only seconds), and steamy boxes infused with eucalyptus. For a small entrance fee of about $20, you are issued a key on a wristband, a couple of towels and a robe. The key is for a locker where you will leave all of your belongings…yes, even your chonies and iPhone (I’ve seen people kicked to the curb for a lot less than taking a naked selfie). With only your tresses tucked in a towel turban, where else can you dive into hot clay balls, snooze in a salt cave, or get scrubbed down by attendants wearing black bras and panties?
Some, such as Spa Palace or Century Day and Night Spa, have giant pools perfect for packing in some laps before melting into a puddle in the multitude of hot tubs. After donning your issued robe or XXL shorts and t-shirt, you are permitted to enter any co-ed rooms or dining facility the spa may offer. Stretch out on a heated floor while sipping barley tea and watching Korean soap operas. Or sneak off into a maze of other rooms such as the clay room (to ground), the jade room (to inspire and elevate), the ice room (great for menopausal moments), or the gilded gold room (it is LA, afterall).
Decided you are a Koreanophile and want to go all the way? Step into the Hugh Spa Inspired by the Korean word ‘hyu-ga’, which means to ‘take a break and throw all your troubles out the door’ or as I attempt to do…leave them there upon entering. It is only here, adorned in traditional Korean garb, that you can experience the V-steam. Yup – we are talking about a personal sauna for your most private of private parts. The benefits of vaporizing your vagina with nine different Korean herbs seem endless and range from relieving menopausal symptoms, to alleviating yeast infections, to helping with constipation and hemorrhoids. All that and a bag of chips for only $30 (chips not included).
So grab yourself some snail trail sheet masks and initiate yourself into the Korean Day Spa experience! Exit blissful.
Why is this a Fabulous Find:
Experience LA's Great Spa Escape and transport yourself to an indulgent dimension for a mere $20. It's the true staycation with cultural cuisine, pampering and the inability to use your cell phone.
Come Fly With Me!
You know those late afternoons around 5pm. You're at your desk and you're itching to bolt so you spend the next 4 minutes daydreaming about what would happen if you just walked out, Ubered to the airport, and jetted off to somewhere... anywhere... You just need to get the hell out of Dodge. And then exactly 4 minutes and 1 second later...you know that ain't happening so you succumb to the fact that you're stuck in the rut for at least one more rotation of the earth. Or...are you?
If you are blessed to be dwelling in the basin - you can pull a Houdini and practice escapism at our beloved LAX. Now, I'm not suggesting that you actually go into the fourth busiest airport in the world, charge ('cuz you know you can't afford that last minute ticket) your way into coach, and tango with the friendly folks in TSA. It's waaaay easier and much more pleasant than all of that. Just tell WAZE you need the fastest route to The Proud Bird and you'll be ready for take-off in no time!
The Deets
Address: 11022 Aviation Blvd
LA, CA 90045
Hours: Lunch
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm
Saturday 11am-3pm
Dinner
Sunday-Thursday 5pm-8pm
Friday & Saturday 5pm-9pm
Mile High Club
Monday-Thursday 11:30am-9pm
Friday 11:30am-11pm
Saturday 11am-11pm
Sunday 11am-9pm
Phone: 310.670.3093
Website: ProudBird@srcmail.com
Food Bazaar & Mile High Club
BLUDSO’S BBQ & PROUD BIRD ROTISSERIE
CHICKEN & WAFFLES
FARMER’S MARKET
GRILL BURGERS & HANDHELDS
ASIAN WOK
ITALIAN PIZZA
Craft Draft Beer, Wine, Mixed Cocktails.
Aviation Museum & Event Center
Dedicated to showcasing the past, present and future of aviation, The Proud Bird features memorabilia, interactive aviation exhibits, and an airplane park.
The Event Center features rooms with glorious views.
• Corporate Events
• Weddings
• Socials
• Birthday Bashes
• Celebrations of Life
• Themed Events
• Private Parties
The skinny according to Tanis:
The Proud Bird Food Bazaar and Events Center is a mess hall of sorts, located right next to the runway of the Los Angeles International Airport. It consists of 6 culinary kitchens opened for lunch and dinner. One of which, Bludso's BBQ, you can smell within a 3 mile radius of the place. Chicken & waffles, salads, asian, Italian...the bases are covered. Just walk up to the food counter(s) of your choice and order away. This gem also has the most high flyin' Happy Hour this side of the 110. The Mile High Bar features special drink prices every night but Saturday from 4pm to 8pm. $3 Bud Light Drafts, $4.50 craft draft beers, $6 wines on tap and $7 aviation cocktails. I ate the fried pickles. The addiction is real and will not be denied.
But wait...there's more. The establishment opened in 1967 as the brainchild of David Tallichet (1922–2007). David served in World War II as a pilot, flying over 20 combat missions during his service. Tallichet paid homage to his passion for aviation by including this theme at the The Proud Bird. The property houses an aviation museum and a multitude of IG worthy historical planes. Bring the kids and let them run free...aircrafts for the munchkins and craft beers for the big kids.
But the real reason to visit The Proud Bird is for the stretch of windows and outdoor seating with a front row view of the runways. Cozy up to the fire pit, sip on Cab, and make bets with your friends on which airline will be arriving next. Or sit inside and gawk at the Departure and Arrival monitors while watching the flights come and go in real time. That's why you're here. Go ahead. Fantasize. We all need a head trip now and then.
Why is this a Fabulous Find:
Have you ever seen a live air traffic monitor? You can at The Proud Bird and totally geek out with an app that let's you listen to the action in the LAX control tower all while sipping a Frequent Flyer Old Fashioned. There's food to satisfy everyone's cravings and planes so close you can wave to the people inside. A good place for a third date so you can banter about your travel bucket lists. A great value, rare, and fun. Happy Landings!
Summer Skin Bliss!
It's a "hot girl summer" Chicas! Sunny sizzling days are upon us, which means there's more skin on display and long days beachside. The last thing we want to do is layer up, especially when it comes to our beauty routines. I, for one, am wearing less and less makeup during the daylight hours, instead opting to embrace my skin, freckles and all! Moreover, my skin is LOVING me for it. So I had to share what's keeping my skin happy these days. These fabulous finds are not only keeping my skin nourished and moisturized but refreshed and healthy. I'm embracing my summer skin goddess, and I invite you to do the same!
So, here are the details of my summer skincare routine. Keep in mind that my skin type is dry, and the condition is somewhat dehydrated. However, some of these products are for all skin types.
PREP
1. Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleanser
by Skin Script
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A cream-based cleanser that soothes irritated skin.
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Calms and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Assists in boosting hydration levels.
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Enhances cell turnover.
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Infused with antioxidants, nutritional elements, and oils to restore and protect the skin.
2. Stone Crop Hydrating Mist
by Eminence Organics
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Stone Crop Juice: hydrating, healing and nourishing for uneven skin tones
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Lavender: promotes restoration of the skin and calms irritated skin
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Jasmine: supplies the skin with carotenoids and Vitamins C and P and nourishes the skin
PROTECT
1. Ageless Hydrating Serum
by Skin Script
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Lightweight serum
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Improves hydration
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Balances surface lipids
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Lessens the appearance of wrinkles
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Improves the health of cell membrane
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Plumps the skin
2. Acai Berry Moisturizer
by Skin Script
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Protects the skin from environmental damage.
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Improves skin hydration to limit visible lines
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Encourages proper moisture levels
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Normalizes water/oil balance
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Soothes and calms
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Improves skin appearance
3. Sun Minerals #0
by Eminence Organics
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Vitamin content provides nutrition and antioxidant protection for the skin
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Complexion appears even, flawless and smooth
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Provides a silky matte finish to the skin
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Long wearing, even coverage
PRIMP
1. Multi-Stick by ILIA Beauty
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Seamlessly blends into lips and cheeks thanks to a soft, buttery texture that instantly melts upon contact.
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Multi-Sticks warm up and flatter a range of skin tones, adding a lovely, fresh finish to the complexion.
2. It's A Long Story Mascara
By Arbonne
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High-performance lengthening mascara helps create the look of ultra-dramatic lashes with major longitude.
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Clinically tested and formulated to be water-resistant and long-wearing.
3. Eyebrow Gel by Arbonne
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Clear, lightweight gel keeps flyaway hairs in place and helps shape and define brows.
The skinny, according to Neddy:
Dehydration is REAL, friends. Especially in the extreme months, whether it be extreme cold, or in this case, heat. Tailoring a daily regimen to restore and protect the skin is crucial. Using a creamy cleanser as opposed to a gel or foam cleanser will not only clean your skin but assist in maintaining hydration. Your skin gets an environmental beating every day you go outside about your business. Smog, sun, and humidity (or lack thereof) are the trifecta of skin brutality. Leading to irritated, dried, wrinkled, and dare, I say for some of us hyperpigmented skin. Which is why I choose to use products that are going to calm, nourish, and replenish with healing ingredients such as Lavender, Jasmine, and Stone Crop; which has brightening benefits as well. When it comes to protecting your skin, it's essential to use products that are going to attract and maintain moisture. Remember, we are trying to keep your skin cells looking like juicy grapes and not withered raisins...mmmkkkaaay?
That's where serum comes in. There is this misconception that serums can feel somewhat cumbersome, especially the ones that are supposed to be adding moisture. Well, times have changed, and these aren't your grandma's lotions and potions! Serums can be incredibly lightweight and still pack a nourishing punch. I am currently an Ageless Hydrating Serum by Skin Script addict! Featuring my favorite ingredient; Hyaluronic acid, this serum does the trick and feels so light! Top that off with a moisturizer that balances and protects your skin from environmental stress like the Acai Berry Moisturizer, and you're sure to buff up the armor. Lastly, you can't walk out the door without proper SPF. It's no secret that traditional sunscreen and I have been at odds for years. I genuinely despise the feeling of stickiness on my face. However, I have had the LONGEST love affair with Sun Minerals by Eminence Organics! I adore this product. It is a mineral-based physical sunscreen that comes in powder form. Not only is it easy to reapply, but it provides such a silky finish. You can get it with pigment. Nonetheless, I love the translucent. At this point, you can head out the door at peace, knowing your skin, is suited and booted against the harmful elements.
If you need just a little gussying up before walking out the door, I've been digging multi-use cosmetics for a natural primp. ILIA is a great clean beauty brand, and I am a longtime fan of their Multi-stick. Add in other cosmetic basics from pure brand Arbonne, and I'm ready to start the day!
Why is this routine is a Fabulous Find:
This routine is a Fabulous Find because it has helped me to maintain glowing, healthy skin despite the harmful impact beautiful summer days can have on my skin. Of course, this routine is not alone to be credited. Drinking water, masking in my downtime and following through with a night routine helps. Also, those once a month trips to the Korean spa to sweat and scrub my body adds to my overall summer skin.
What really makes this a Fabulous Find ultimately, is the principle behind it. Which is KNOW your skin, KNOW the season and ADJUST accordingly. Remember if you LOVE on your skin, it'll LOVE you back.