Masterclass with j.f. lazartigue: Luxury Products for Hair and Scalp: Masks, Serums, Massage Gel

I recently attended a masterclass for j.f. lazartigue, led by Mary Pergola, National Sales Director.  The luxury French brand was founded in 1976 by Mr. Jean-Francois Lazartigue, one of the most renowned hair care specialists.  Their products are great for over processed and damaged hair caused by oxidation color, perms, straightening, ironing, or even daily blow-drying.  Mary, who has worked with Mr. Lazartigue for 18 years, is an expert on diagnosing hair and scalp.  I learned a lot in the class about maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

One of the interesting products I learned about was the Oily Scalp Treatment Pre-Shampoo Massage Gel for Deep Cleansing ($47).  Mary told us that since the scalp is just the extension of our facial skin, we should be treating it the same way.  The Massage Gel is an exfoliant that can be used weekly and is great for oily or dandruff prone scalps.

The Organic Pharmacy Cocktail Launch of Beauty Drops

I recently visited The Organic Pharmacy located at 353 Bleeker Street for their Organic Cocktail Launch. I was excited to learn about the London based company, which was founded by Margo Marrone, a pharmacist with a background specializing in herbal medicine and nutrition. Marrone was shocked about the level of toxins in our food and cosmetics and decided to start the brand with her husband Franco. I'm a big fan of organic and homeopathic products, and am happy to find that their products have no artificial preservatives, no artificial colorants, no artificial fragrances, are free of petrochemicals and preservatives, does no animal testing, and are organic and fair trade.

The first product I tried was their new Beauty Drops ($99), a supplement made with  ginseng, gotu kola, and blueberry.  The drops can be taken internally by adding 2-3 drops to a glass of water.  When sipped, Beauty Drops improves the energy of cells, gives the mind an energy boost and improves skin hydration.  I tasted the drops by itself; it had a pleasant flavor which was slightly sweet and herbal.  

Benefits of Beauty Drop Key Ingredients

Ginseng, Gotu Kola, and Blueberry:

I tried it in a cocktail as well and the flavor was hardly noticeable and blended well with the drink.  The beauty drops can also be added to an Organic Pharmacy cream, serum or mask, to give an instant energy boost for radiant and energized skin. 

I then tried the Carrot Butter Cleanser ($74) which smelled absolutely divine and had a lovely velvety texture. When massaged, it melted into my skin easily.  The cleanser is rich in antioxidants, is great for dissolving dirt, and gentle enough to use to remove eye make-up.  I was told that a little amount goes a long way.

Another product I tried the Honey & Jasmine Mask ($74), which also smelled fabulous and is enriched with Evening Primrose, Rose Hip and Jasmine to revitalize the skin.  The mask is also made with shea butter which Organic Pharmacy sources from a women's widow group cooperative in Ghana, and extracted using traditional methods.  Organic Pharmacy products are really reasonably priced and definitely should be on the radar for those who wish to purchase quality organic and sustainable beauty products.

Sothys Spa NYC Sensitive Skin Facial

I was recently invited to visit the NYC flagship of Parisian luxury Sothys Spa to try their new Sensitive Skin Facial.  Located in Midtown West just 2 blocks south of Central Park, Sothys has been setting the standard for the professional beauty care industry for more than 60 years and is represented in 20,000 spas in over 115 countries worldwide.

My skin was feeling very sensitive, especially with the changing seasons, and the area around my nose was dry and peeling after a recent cold. The 50 minute facial treatment was ultra calming and soothing and is perfect for the most sensitive and reactive skins.  The sensitive skin facial also included their unique decongesting facial massage with chilled porcelain spoons, which at first felt very cold, but also surprisingly calming.  Afterwards my skin was super soft and moisturized.  My face really glowed and looked dewy and clean.  Thanks to Sothy and my amazing facialist, Zina!  I'm excited to try the samples I received of the new sensitive skin line that was used in my facial. 

Sothys’ complete professional face and body treatments and high performance home care products provide both the spa industry and consumer with products that promote well-being while providing authentic, proven results.  It was also interesting to learn that Sothys uses SpaTM Thermal Water, which is a very pure natural spring water with a low mineral content and a pH similar to that of the skin.  The water comes from the Belgian Ardennes, and has been used by spas since the 16th century, and its balancing properties have now been scientifically proven. 

Boots Beauty Launch Event at Duane Reade with Marina and the Diamonds

I recently attended the launch of The Boots Beauty Experience Launch at Duane Reade with a special performance by British sensation Marina and the Diamonds.  The British brand now offers customers "The Beauty Experience", at Walgreens and Duane Reade shops in the NY metro area.   

Customers will receive complimentary access to incredible service and the opportunity discover and play with all the Boots beauty brands in one location: No7 Skincare & Cosmetics, Botanics Skincare & Cosmetics, Expert, Extracts, Mark Hill, Champneys, and Indeed Labs. 

 Boots Beauty Advisors were on-hand to offer advice, tips & trends, free samples, complimentary skincare consultations, makeovers, and quick touch-ups!  They also offer complimentary Match Made Service, which matches you to your perfect foundation shade in just minutes.  At the party we got to sample products, get makeup touchups and of course, take photos at the photobooth! 

With fellow fashionista TijanaStyle.

I was excited to learn about the Boots Botanics product line which is free of parabens, mineral oils, paraffin waxes, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), replacing man-made chemicals with natural ingredients where possible.  I also can't wait to try the popular Botanics Organic range that is rich in Organic Rosehip to nourish and boost skin’s radiance.  The Botanics Facial Oil is 100% organic and the first mass market facial oil to lock in moisture for up to eight hours.

We then headed to a The Bailey Pub for performance by popular British pop star, Marina and the Diamonds. She performed her songs "Primadonna Girl" and "Froot" which were super catchy and fun!  See the video below for her amazing performance!

NY Fashion Week Triumph Hotel’s PRIV Beauty Pop-Up

As you know, the glitz and glamour of New York Fashion Week is just around the corner! For those looking to rub shoulders with the industry’s finest, experience Triumph Hotel’s PRIV Beauty Pop-Up. 

PRIV, the innovative on-demand beauty service, will be setting up shop in all six Triumph hotels throughout Fashion Week to offer complimentary mini massages, dry hairstyling, make up consultations, and mini manicures. The nail polish will be Triumph Hotel’s custom created Pretty Please Nail Polish with seven different colors options.

Triumph is the exclusive hotel partner of PRIV this Fashion Week, and excited to offer complimentary beauty appointment to both hotel guests and the public. All services will be first come, first serve.  RSVP Here

The pop-ups will follow this schedule:

Thursday, February 12: Hotel Belleclaire (UWS), 10am - 2pm

Friday, February 13: Washington Jefferson (Midtown West), 10am - 2pm

Monday, February 16: The Iroquois (Midtown West), 10am - 2pm

Tuesday, February 17: The Evelyn (NOMAD), 10am - 2pm

Wednesday, February 18: The Cosmopolitan (Tribeca), 10 am - 2pm

Thursday, February 19: Hotel Chandler (Midtown East), 10am - 2pm

International Beauty Show

I stopped the International Beauty Show at the Javits Center and caught the last hour before the expo ended.  The expo was huge and I definitely would love to attend again next year.  There were so many interesting products and services to learn about and try out.  I had a chance to stop by Bling Strands and I had 2 feather extensions put into my hair and loved it!  I paid $5 per feather and they also put in 2 complimentary glitter strands.  I was told that the feather extensions should last 1 - 3 months.

My extensions

Glitter tattoo

Lash Extensions

Lots and lots of makeup to try!