The Seattle Spring Skincare Guide

Spring has finally arrived and spas around Seattle are offering up a great mix of seasonal treatments and signature favorites. Treating yourself to a spa day is a true form of self-care in my book. Here’s a round-up of the 5 best treatments for spring available at spas around town, plus a bonus recommendation for those of you who are craving a mini road trip.

Peachy Keen Mangosteen Scrub, Yuan Spa

To celebrate spring, Yuan Spa is on a mission to help guests get the ultimate glow with their new "Peachy Keen Mangosteen Scrub" designed to slough away dead skin and boost circulation. Guests will then be treated to a generous application of 'Peachy Keen' whipped sugar scrub by Lalicious followed up a quick rinse and liberal application of Mangosteen moisturizer by Eminence Organics. Fun fact: Yuan Spa is open every day until 10 p.m. so if you're crazy busy and prefer a late night at the spa, you're in luck. 60 min./$140

Circadian Rhythm Detoxifying Facial, Still Spa

Still Spa at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland is now offering a luxurious and detoxifying facial that helps to rejuvenate skin and enhance the body's natural cellular repair system. The Circadian Rhythm Detoxifying Facial helps repair skin from free radical damage while adding antioxidant support with natural Kaolin Clay. The service is finished with a moisture boost from natural honey. 60 min./$150

Microneedling, Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa

Microneedling treatments have been a true game-changer for my skin. I used to suffer from terrible acne scarring on my cheeks but microneedling has offered me a natural approach to skin rejuvenation. The results have been amazing and my skin continues to get better with each treatment. The service is similar to a facial but involved using microscopic needles to create micro-injuries designed to trigger cellular turnover and repair skin from the inside out. Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa on Queen Anne offers a variety of microneedling packages that can be customized to fit your specific skincare concerns. Single treatment, $375

Botox, Skin Spirit

If last year's constant Zoom calls highlighted the frown lines on your face, you're not alone. The spring season is a great time of year to get a boost of Botox. I'm a big fan of this treatment and swear by it for relaxing frown lines and preventing new ones from forming in the first place. When getting Botox, it's important to find an experienced injector who can assess your specific needs and customize a treatment plan for you. I'm a regular at Skin Spirit and highly recommend their amazing team for a variety of services including Botox, and injectables (Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, etc.). If you end up booking a service, please tell them I sent you!

Thermogenic Mud Cocoon, Four Seasons Spa

One of the things I missed the most during the pandemic was visiting The Spa at the Four Seasons. As a mom of two, I take self-care seriously. "In the before", a.k.a. pre-pandemic, I used to sneak away at least once or twice a year for a massage at the spa and a visit to the Eucalyptus steam room. One of my favorite things about the Spa at the Four Seasons is that you can easily valet park and head straight up to the spa making the entire experience truly seamless. For a unique experience, try the Thermogenic Mud Cocoon service. It's a purifying wrap that deeply cleanses the skin and helps detoxify sore muscles and stiff joints. 80 min./$285

CBD massage, Glade Spring Spa at Suncadia

Located just 90-minutes East of Seattle, Glade Spring Spa at Suncadia is a great place to visit when you want to get out of the city and recharge at the spa. I recently experienced my first CBD massage and walked away feeling incredibly relaxed. In fact, I don't know how I'll ever enjoy another massage without the natural benefits of CBD oil. You can add CBD to any massage at Glade Spring Spa for an additional $35. I highly recommend it!

What spring skincare services are you excited about this season? I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email or leave me a comment below.

5 Must-Have Summer Beauty Products

Summer is my favorite season of the year but as a girl with combination skin, the heat and humidity can sometimes wreak havoc on my complexion. Luckily, I've found these 5 beauty products that have quickly reached "holy grail" status in my beauty bag.

At just $12 per tube, the Sephora Collection Rouge Lip Tint is perfect for summer. It gives just the right amount of color and lasts all day. When you're going for the no make-up look this lip tint instantly adds color to your face. My favorite shade is Magenta.

I'll make space for any product that multi-tasks in my make-up bag. Any product that protects my skin from the sun and preserves my make-up is a game changer, especially in the summer months. Coola's Make-up Setting Spray is SPF 30 and provides UV and broad-spectrum protection from the sun. It helps keep my makeup matte and the green tea and aloe feel refreshing when I re-apply during the day.

I love the ritual of taking off my make-up at the end of the day. When I complained of my oily skin to a friend, who also happens to be a make-up artist, she suggested I check out Supercleanse by GlamGlow. From the first time I tried it, I was instantly hooked on the clean feeling it provided post-cleanse. It's a mud to foam cleanser and it's perfect for blemished and oily skin, which makes it the perfect cleanser for me during the summer months. It's gentle, yet effective, and works differently than other cleansers because you apply it to dry skin and then add water to lather.

A few years ago my friend Natasha worked as a PR manager for Seattle brand Julep. Every now and again she would show up to our coffee dates armed with new beauty products for me to try.  I vividly remember the day she casually handed me a dual-ended eyeliner and promised it would rock my world. "Seriously, you can use the black to line your waterline and in a pinch use the brown side to do your brows," she said. She was right. The Julep Kajal eyeliner is one of the best things that has ever happened to me and I panic every time I run out. Last time I placed an order I doubled it at check-out, just in case. This is the only eyeliner I've used that doesn't irritate my waterline and the rich pigment lasts all day. Note: This eyeliner isn't available at Julep nail parlors, you have to buy it online.

I strongly believe in using a good serum at night to treat and repair skin. Lately, I've been loving the isClinical Active Serum which helps smooth fine lines and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.  I've noticed a huge difference in the tone and texture of my cheeks since using it. isClinical makes several serums but the Active is my favorite because it has a slight cooling sensation that feels clean and refreshing, especially during the summer months. Available locally at Skin Spirit, University Village.

BONUS product!
During the summer months, I also like to exfoliate a few times a week to keep my pores clean and lately, I'm loving the Umbrian Clay FaceEexfoliant by Fresh. This product helps absorb excess oil and regulate sebum production, plus it's easy to use. After cleansing you rub a pea-sized amount all over your face for about 30 seconds and then rinse. It's super easy and works great for oily skin!
Sept. 2017 update- I'm STILL using this and love what it does for my skin. I ran out of the first tube and definitely noticed a difference in my skin when I wasn't using it. For maximum benefits, use this in tandem with a clay mask once a week. This is especially great for people with acne-prone skin.

Seattle summer skincare trifecta

Despite that fact that I'm a total beauty junkie when it comes to cosmetics, it turns out I'm somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to skincare. Sure I love serums and luxurious under eye creams, but when it comes to the holy grail products that I can't live without, there are only three. Add these to your summer beauty bag ASAP.

Tone 

If you live in the Pacific Northwest your chances of being vitamin D deficient are pretty much 100%. Supplement your daily dose topically with Tone Well by Seattle esthetician Susan Grace. A quick spritz after cleansing your face makes for an easy application, no cotton balls required. 

Product: Partly Sunny Skincare Tone Well Vitamin D toner

Cost: $29 

Uses: Tones, tightens and refreshes skin 

Use it: After cleansing your face and to refresh your make-up throughout the day 

Available locally: Susan Grace Skincare 5425 Ballard Ave. NW. Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98107

Treat 

The girls at Sugar Sugar on Greenlake turned me on to Serious Serum a few years ago and I've been hooked ever since. Originally developed by Portland-based Urban Waxx founder Shannon Conley to prevent and eliminate ingrown hairs after waxing, Serious Serum also works as a facial exfoliant to soften fine lines and make your skin glow. I like to use it banish blemishes and I've heard other girls use it to get rid of bumps on the backs of their arms. It's basically a miracle product and it's all natural. 

Product: Serious Serum

Cost: $25

Uses: blemishes, prevention of ingrown hairs, exfoliation, red bumps

Use it: Nightly as part of your skincare routine

Available locally: Sugar Sugar 510 NE 65th St. Seattle, WA 98115

Protect

I've used many makeup setting sprays to help control mid-day shine but this one is by far my favorite because it has hyaluronic acid, green tea, and broad spectrum SPF 30. It's certified organic and soothes skin with aloe vera and cucumber. Coola is the final step in my skincare routine and it really does help my makeup last all day long. Just shake the bottle and give yourself a spritz. 

Product: Coola SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray 

Cost: $36

Uses: set make-up, sun protection

Use it: Every morning 

Available locally: The Spa at Four Seasons 99 Union St. Seattle, WA 98101

Kari Gran partners with Jujubeet for radiant skin

Healthy skin comes from the inside out and in order to truly glow this summer, you must combine proper nutrition with powerful skin care. Join Jujubeet in-house dietician Elena Razmpoosh and beauty expert Kari Gran on June 9th for an educational discussion covering everything you need to know about achieving radiant skin. Is the food you eat making your skin break out? Could your beauty products be disrupting your hormones? Come find out what's really wreaking havoc on your skin and leave armed with all-natural beauty products that will make your skin glow. The ticket price includes a Kari Gran skin care starter kit plus a Radiant Lip Whip, and Jujubeet appetizers and smoothies. This is an evening of beauty you don't want to miss!

What: Kari Gran and Jujubeet Radiant Skin event
When: Thursday, June 9th, 2016
Where: Jujubeet (Seattle location, near University Village) 4915 25th Ave. NE Seattle, 98105
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50 via Eventbrite until June 1st, $60 after June 1st

Event guests who want to kick start their clear skin journey will receive 10% off a three-day signature juice cleanse. As a self-proclaimed Jujubeet juice cleanse veteran, I can tell you, they rock! Power packed with essential nutrients, each juice is thirst-quenching and delicious. You'll feel great and your skin will thank you. 

And while we're on the subject of good skin, you should also note that Kari Gran recently launched Three Sixty Five, an SPF 28 product that provides UVA and UVB protection. Made from locally sourced non-GMO raspberry seed oil and non-nano zinc oxide, Three Sixty Five is a great daily addition to your skin care routine. Don't let Seattle's cloudy days fool you, applying a daily SPF is an absolute must for protecting your skin from premature aging. Apply after moisturizing and before your foundation. 

How does your sunscreen measure up? Take a peek at this fabulous Kari Gran infographic below to find out! 

Photo credit: The Good Skin Co. 

Susan Grace Skincare at Swink Style Bar

Do you have "Seattle skin"? Seriously, it's a thing. 

After years of seeing clients battle signature skin conditions including redness, dryness, and congestion, Ballard-based esthetician Susan Grace knew that Seattle's partly sunny weather patterns were to blame for creating such a unique mix of skincare woes. There wasn't a skincare line on the market formulated for such specific conditions, so Susan decided to create one. Featuring a full range of products to treat and nourish skin, the Partly Sunny Skincare line is composed of native, nutrient-rich ingredients like seaweed, dandelion, and honey. Highlights include the anti-aging Illumination cream that firms delicate undereye skin and the newly released 1 oz. Vitamin D spray toner that instantly refreshes makeup on the go. 

Come and meet Susan Grace in person and learn more about the line this Thursday, June 2 at the University Village Swink Style Bar. Guests will receive deluxe samples, swag bags, sparkly refreshments and beauty/hair demonstrations. Admission is free. RSVP here. 

To celebrate the summer event we're giving away a Susan Grace Skincare starter pack (cleanser, toner, and moisturizer) plus a signature blowout at Swink Style Bar! Enter to win now. Prize pack valued at $145. A winner will be announced on June 2nd. 

Best of Beauty: Seattle

I could spend hours talking about anything beauty-related. My close friends can attest to this because they've been subjected to my endless monologues about everything from eyelash extensions to the importance of pubic hair etiquette. We could be anywhere, in the middle of any conversation, and I'll find a way to weave it in. Brunch? No problem, there's nothing we can't talk about over mimosas. In line while waiting for photos at an event? Even better. Someone standing nearby might just need to know where they can find the best hair stylist, spa or local beauty product in the city.

As a beauty addict, I've road-tested many of Seattle's best products and services in the name of "research". I've even been called a "beauty fairy godmother" a time or two. From micro-needling to injectables and everything in between, here's a look at my "best of beauty" picks, Seattle-style.

Best Seattle skin care line: Susan Grace Skin Care
The women with the best skin in the city regularly see Seattle esthetician Susan Grace to maintain a healthy glow. Susan specializes in Pacific Northwest skin conditions and works with clients to calm redness, soothe dry skin and reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. Enjoy the experience of great skin at home with the Partly Sunny Skincare line. For those looking for a serious anti-aging experience will want to check out The Tiffany, named after pro make-up artist Tiffany Lowry.
Susan Grace Skin Care
5424 Ballard Ave NW Suite #300
Seattle, WA 98107
// Beauty Notes // Located in the heart of Ballard. Easy street parking available.


Best place to go for injectables: The Stella Center
Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, you name it, the only place to go in the city for natural looking injectibles is The Stella Center. Dr. Stella Desyatnikova and RN Carolee Weaver are the best in the business and in addition to having years of experience, their "less is more" approach delivers beautiful results.
The Stella Center for Facial Plastic Surgery
509 Olive Way Suite 1430
Seattle, WA 98101
206.682.3223
// Beauty Notes // Located downtown. Easy parking available at Pacific Place. Sign up for the mailing list for monthly specials.

Best Organic Skin Care: Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa
At Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa on Queen Anne you'll find serious skin care coupled with innovative technology to achieve long-lasting results. Available services include Dermaroller, Naturopathic Facials, Body Contouring, Laser Hair Removal and more. All products used in treatments are organic and the spa also stocks additional organic lines including iSun and Kari Gran Skin Care. I highly recommend the Dermaroller treatment for acne scarring and fine lines. For a detox after the holidays, also check out the Urban Detox Retreat.
Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa
1629 Queen Anne Ave. N. #103
Seattle, WA 98109
// Beauty Notes // Located on Top of Queen Anne across from Umpqua Bank. Free street parking available.


Best Blow Dry Bar: O2 Blow Dry Bar
There's one one place to go for blow outs in Seattle, and actually, it's located in Bellevue. Obadiah's O2 Blow Dry Bar is the place to go for a beautiful blow out that lasts several days. The stylists are well-versed on blow dry styles and will get you in and out the door in under an hour (less time for shorter hair).
O2 Blow Dry Bar
10500 NE 8th St. #106
Bellevue, WA 98004
// Beauty Notes // O2 is located in the Hyatt on level one. Parking in the underground garage is validated with your service. Stock up on travel size Oribe products when you are there.

Best Seattle make-up line: Julep 
When Julep first introduced make-up I was skeptical. I mean come on, they specialize in nail polish. But when I tried the dual-ended eyeliner I was an instant convert. The Kajal Eye Glider is black on one side and shimmery brown on the other. It's a great product for women looking to streamline their make-up bags and the color lasts all day.
Julep
// Beauty Notes // Some of the Julep make-up line is available in Julep Parlors, but for the best select I recommend shopping online.


Best place for a mani + pedi: Frenchy's Day Spa
Located in Madison Park, a classic mani + pedi will run you about $60. Frenchy's is a Parisian-inspired day spa that has been around for more than 15 years. They are great about coordinating appointments so that you coordinate your service with a girlfriend (or two!)
Frenchy's Day Spa
3131 E. Madison St. Suite #103
Seattle, WA
// Beauty Notes // Parking is limited to small lot, but street parking is available nearby. Arrive early and stop by Belle Epicurean (a few doors down) for champagne cocktails and a quiche.


Best place for organic hair removal: Sugar, Sugar
An alternative to traditional waxing, sugaring is a method of hair removal that uses all-natural, organic sugar. It's environmentally-friendly because it doesn't require the strips used in regular waxing and in my opinion, it hurts less. After your initial appointment, expect to go in for maintenance every 4-5 weeks. Sugar, Sugar also stocks some great skin care products including the entire line of Eminence skincare and Portland-based Serious Serum.
Sugar Sugar
510 NE 65th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
// Beauty Notes // For the faint of heart, Sugar Sugar also stocks lidocaine numbing gel by Numb It. Call in advance to make sure it's in stock if you think you'll need it prior to your appointment.

Best place for a juice cleanse: Jujubeet
In New York and LA, juicing is serious business. Here in Seattle, the juice scene is just ramping up as more people turn toward juicing as a way to support overall health and wellness. If you're on the hunt for an easy, organic juice cleanse to kick off the New Year, Jujubeet has you covered. They make it easy for Seattleites to supplement their diet with healthy fruits and vegetables and even have an on-staff dietician to help answer questions as they come up along your juicing journey. Cleanse prices start at $35, but select juices are also available a la carte.
Jujubeet
4915 25th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98105
// Beauty Notes // Pick up your cleanse in-store or schedule front porch delivery for $15/day. You'll also want to check out the delicious raw, vegan food made fresh each day at Jujubeet including raw almond energy balls sprinkled with cinnamon, millet balls and if you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the chocolate banana bites. 

Best nail polish line: butter LONDON
Founder Sasha Muir was on to something when she brought a little bit of her British roots to the Northwest with the launch of butter LONDON over a decade ago. The line is now available at mass retailers worldwide and its products have a very loyal following. Butter London nail lacquers come in yummy, long-lasting colors plus, they are free of toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.
Butter London
// Beauty Notes // Shop locally for Butter London at Queen Anne Dispatch (Queen Anne), Horsehoe (Ballard) and Nordstrom (various locations).


Best lash extensions: Noir Lash Lounge
Long lashes accentuate the eyes and perk up the entire face. They also make the morning "get ready" routine a whole lot faster. If you're addicted to long lashes you have to check out Noir Lash Lounge in Bellevue. They stock over 100 different sizes of lashes, which means the perfect lash combination is finally within reach. For lash addicts looking for insane volume, Noir Lash Lounge has a new service called the "Carte Blanche" which involves placing 5-10 synthetic mink lash extensions onto a single lash.
Noir Lash Lounge 
225 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
// Beauty Notes // Free parking. Expect to go in for fills every 3-4 weeks. Noir Lash Lounge also sells its own label of strip lashes that are perfect for a night on the town. If lash extensions are too much commitment, Noir also stocks a lash growth serum called LiLash that works wonders and sells out quickly every time it's in stock. You heard it here first.


Best Spa experience: Four Seasons
The spa at Four Seasons is award-winning for a reason, it's simply the best spa experience in Seattle. Not only do guests get whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city right into the lap of luxury, but the spa also offers sweeping views of the Puget Sound making it an epic place to unwind. During the holidays the spa offers seasonal spa treatments including the Shimmering Cranberry Pomegranate Body Scrub which is a hybrid between a body scrub and a massage. It's a 75-minute treatment that is as relaxing as it is indulgent. Let's face it, you deserve to be pampered.
The Spa at Four Seasons
99 Union St.
Seattle WA 98101
// Beauty Notes // Parking is validated for spa guests if you valet at the hotel. Allow for extra time before your spa appointment so that you can enjoy the relaxation room.

More beauty favorites are coming soon!

Tried It: Sugar, Sugar

In a new series on Seattle Boutique Blogspot called "Tried It",  I'll share my most intimate, Seattle-centric beauty adventures with you! Put your seatbelt on and get those ear muffs ready, because this is going to get personal. 

In this edition, we cover sugaring. It's one of my latest beauty obsessions because it's a total timesaver. Translation: I don't have to shave every day. As per usual, I didn't dip a toe into this new beauty adventure. I went all the way. In this case, that means full Brazilian at Sugar Sugar on Green Lake.

An alternative to traditional waxing, sugaring is a method of hair removal that uses all-natural and organic sugar. The sugaring paste is water-soluble and can be used over and over on different parts of your body. After the treatment, the entire ball of sugar is discarded. No more strips. No excess waste.

Rock the Detox

Do crave sugar? Do you have a glass of wine with dinner every night? Is it time for a detox?

Join skin care expert Kari Gran, Dr. Christine Schaffner of Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa, nutrition expert Heather Christo and Pure Barre's Sami Sweeney as they share their insight on how to create a healthy lifestyle through beauty and wellness. The Rock the Detox event on April 30th will also include a panel discussion, small bites + clean cocktails, free B-12 shots from Bella Fiore, and a fitness demo by Pure Barre. This is a complimentary event but space is limited so RSVP no later than April 24th if you plan to attend. If you've been thinking about doing a "spring clean" on your lifestyle this is the event for you. Guests will have fun while learning how to achieve a healthy lifestyle and walk away with tools and strategies on how to make it happen. See you there!

What: Rock the Detox

When: Thursday, April 30th from 5:45-9pm

Where: Distillery Lofts (South Lake Union) 1735 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA

RSVP: springclean@duopr.com

Beauty Calendar: Bella Fiore Holiday Party

Join Queen Anne's Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa for a special holiday party and open house this Friday, December 5th from 3-6 p.m. Guests are invited to sign up for complimentary mini facials and can enter to win generous raffle prizes including a laser hair removal package, reflexology session and a microcurrent facial. Shoppers will receive free deluxe samples with purchase and get an additional raffle ticket for every $100 spent. In addition to beauty and wellness services, Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa stocks a variety of great products that are perfect for the gift giving season including Kari Gran Skin Care, Gallipot, One Love Organics and more. Guests will also enjoy light snacks and refreshments while socializing and sipping on seasonal egg nog. Don't miss out on exclusive holiday pricing on select packages the night of the party only.

If you haven't stopped by to check out Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa this is a great opportunity to meet the staff, get a tour, check out the service offerings and learn more about their approach to skincare and overall wellness. Ashley from One Love Organics will also be on-site at the party to answer questions about the product line and meet guests. RSVP now at bellafioremedspa.com/bella-fiore-holiday-party.

Holiday Spa Specials
3 Kona Treatments for $475 

(regularly $225/each)

6 Microcurrent facials for $500 

(regularly $125/each)

6 Laser Hair Removal sessions (small area) $500 

(regularly $1050)

* * * 

Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa

1629 Queen Anne Ave. N. #103

Seattle, WA 98109

Calling all beauty junkies: Bluemercury opens University Village store

Tonight DUO PR hosted an amazing event to celebrate the grand opening of Bluemercury's first store in the Northwest at University Village! Founders Barry and Marla Beck welcomed a packed house of stylish guests and treated them to deluxe swag bags, champagne, make-up applications, product demos, and tours of the store which includes a dedicated room for beauty services like oxygen facials, brow tints and waxing. The store is the 49th location for the company and stocks brands like Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Dermalogica, Mario Badescu, Bliss, Oribe, Bumble & Bumble and M-61. 

5 beauty must-haves for fall

The weather has turned from constant sunshine to 24/7 rain in Seattle and my usual laid-back beauty routine will no longer cut it. The change in weather means that my hair is going a little haywire and my complexion looks washed out without a pop of color on my lips. Here are 5 beauty must-haves I can't live without this season.

1. Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner
After running out of my usual eyeliner I stumbled upon this great liquid eyeliner at Sephora. It's high-pigment and waterproof so one swipe will last all day. The pen applicator makes it surprisingly easy to apply and for $18, the price is right.

2. Revlon Gold Eyelash Curler
My lashes are crazy long right now because I have been faithfully using LiLash every night before bed. Unfortunately, despite the length they are still stick straight so I would be lost without a little lift from my lash curler. For under $5.00 you can pick up a Revlon eyelash curler from your local drug store. I've used many, many lash curlers and this is one of my favorites. The simple act of curling your eyelashes can really open up your entire eye area.

3. Topshop Nail Lacquer
Metallics are "in" for fall and it's easy to incorporate them into your wardrobe even if you're personal style is relatively low-key. My personal pick is the metallic gold lacquer from Topshop. One easy coat dresses up nails and takes your look from day to night (or all-nighter) instantly. It's even office appropriate!

4. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer 

If dark under eye circles are getting the best of you this season, get rid of them with a heavy-duty concealer that is easy to apply and won't crease or fade. Full disclosure: I spent time working for Benefit Cosmetics early in my career and I can tell you from experience this concealer is magic! It's great for hiding blemishes too!

5. Marc Jacobs Beauty Lip Vinyl

My husband recently spoiled me for my birthday with an array of beauty products from the new Marc Jacobs Beauty make-up collection (he's a keeper!). As a self-proclaimed "lip gloss junkie" it's no surprise that the lip vinyl was my favorite product from the line. The lip vinyl provides full-coverage color that is shiny without being sticky. Bonus points for the minty tingle that instantly refreshes your lips!

4 Steps to Clear Skin

After years of battling lackluster skin I finally decided to get serious about skincare. My problem? Recurring blemishes on my chin that wouldn't go away despite countless visits to the dermatologist who did little more than prescribe me with a cocktail of prescription drugs. I did laser treatments, regular facials (including peels) and used all kinds of lotions and potions, but the breakouts always came back. Finally an esthetician recommended that I see a Naturopath for allergy testing. I was skeptical and a little surprised that no one had suggested this to me before, but I had nothing to lose so I booked an appointment. The test results came back within a week and the Naturopath informed me that I was highly allergic to gluten and yeast. Little did I know that gluten was in just about everything I was eating on a regular basis and it was in the foundation I was using everyday (L'Oreal True Match). After a few dietary changes and the use of some really great skincare products my blemishes are fading and under control. Here are a few of the products I'm using to keep my skin in check.

Vitanica Skin Assist - These dietary supplements are formulated to support blemish-free skin and balance the hormonal effect on the sebaceous glands and physiological functions of the skin. I take 3 pills once a day (with a meal) and find that consistent use helps keep my skin clear. The capsules are vegetarian and contain a mix of vitamins and herbs including Rosemary leaf, Burdock root, Saw Palmetto and Horsetail.

Clinique Acne Solutions Face Wash - The power behind this cleanser is the 2% salicylic acid which works to effectively cleanse the skin and help prevent new breakouts. A drugstore brand like Neutrogena Oil-Free acne wash will also work, it contains the same amount of salicylic acid, but I picked up the Clinique brand from Sephora and really liked it. This face wash also has really great reviews on Sephora.com and no, you don't need to use all three steps to see results.

REN Resurfacing AHA Concentrate - I normally wouldn't have picked out this product on my own but my Naturopath recommended it for helping to gently exfoliate my skin. It contains a complex of Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric and Citric acids to promotes skin-cell turnover and help achieve brighter, smoother skin. After 2-3 uses my complexion was brighter and any existing blemishes were significantly reduced. Apply nightly for 7 days and then take 14 days off to achieve maximum exfoliation results. Another serum I really liked for helping with blemishes is the iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum.

Green Pastures Cod Liver Oil - This product is a lifesaver and super good for you! I read about it on the Canadian Beauty site The Beauty Editor and ordered it right away. It's a great source of vitamins and will really make your skin *glow*. I had friends notice right away after I started taking it on a regular basis and still continue to take it as a supplement even when my skin is clear.


If you're suffering from a blemishes, keep your head up and try out some of these suggestions! Cutting out (or reducing) the amount of gluten, sugar, and yeast in your diet can also help. I highly recommend getting a food allergy test to see what foods may be triggering your breakouts. I wish I had done that a long time ago. Good luck and cheers to good skin!

My Journey to Clear Skin with Calidora

I recently came across a statistic that suggested more than 32% of women have cried over a breakout. I can totally relate. I’ve shed my share of tears too….probably more than most, or at least that’s how it felt at the time. I’ve dealt with everything from the lone blemish that stands out on the face and commands attention, to small bumps at the jawline, and persistent breakouts on the sides of the chin. And I did cry. All the time. I hated agreeing to social engagements weeks ahead of time for fear that another breakout might be around the corner. I hated meeting with new clients at work because I didn’t feel that people could take me seriously with my bad skin. And mostly I hated breaking out because it took such a toll on my self-esteem, even if I did a good job pretending that my breakouts didn’t bother me. I rarely took my make-up off, even when I was at home, because I couldn’t bear looking in the mirror and seeing the blemishes on my skin. I spent thousands of dollars buying makeup and skincare products to try and cover up the flaws, but nothing worked. The breakouts kept coming back and in some ways, they got worse. I cried myself to sleep on many nights and there were days when I didn’t even want to leave the house. When I was dealing with acne I saw numerous dermatologists, tried so many medications that my medicine cabinet looked like a narcotics lab, and tried nearly every skincare system in an effort to find something (anything) that worked. I bought the Zeno, the Marvel-Blue Mini (a hand held device that employs light therapy technology), the Pro-Activ system, and numerous over the counter acne medications. Even on “good” days my skin was relatively bad and over the years I learned how to become a magician with makeup.
When my now-husband proposed to me last September one thing became blatantly clear to me: I wanted flawless skin on my wedding day and I was willing to do anything to make it happen. Every dermatologist I saw continued to prescribe me higher doses of antibiotics in an effort to clear up my skin and still, nothing worked. I was finally ready to try Accutane when I heard about Calidora Skin Clinic. They promised to create a customized skincare plan for me and work with me to achieve the results I wanted.
My journey started with a complimentary 60-minute photo imaging complexion analysis followed by a detailed skincare plan that outlined the suggested treatments to help clear up my skin. In my case, the recommendation for treatment included a series of laser treatments in conjunction with customized chemical peels. When I weighed out the dangers of using Accutane with the price tag of pursuing the treatments at Calidora it was easy to see that Accutane was truly not an option. It was too risky and had the potential to cause birth defects and liver failure. So, I signed on for a treatment package at Calidora and took the plunge.
My first laser treatment at Calidora required patience because it actually made me break out worse. It’s sort of like when you get a good facial and it brings imperfections to the surface, the laser treatment had that same effect but the healing that followed was amazing. Once the blemishes started to heal my skin was smoother, calmer and the number of blemishes reduced. After a few laser treatments I could tell that my skin was headed in the right direction and the acne scars I had on my cheeks from previous breakouts were also beginning to diminish. The chemical peels were another story. I was so scared the first time I tried the peel because all I kept hearing from people was that it made your skin peel off in sheets. (Literally). Immediately after the peel is applied the skin is taut and smooth. Blemishes that were on the skin prior to the peel are significantly reduced and overall skin feels tingly and fresh. Peeling generally occurs within 1-3 days of the initial peel. My skin started peeling the next morning after the treatment and continued for at least two to three days afterward. Each day I slathered on a heavy moisturizer to help smooth the flakes and once the peeling was complete my skin unveiled a healthy glow I had never seen before.
My skin treatment plan continued and on a bi-weekly basis I alternated between laser treatments and chemical peels. It was a long process but by the time I was ready to say “I Do” my skin was ready too. In fact, it was glowing. Calidora helped me achieve the flawless skin I had always dreamed about and they did it without the use of harsh medications or prescription drugs.

Today my skin continues to remain clear and I’m so thankful to the amazing staff at Calidora Skin Clinic who supported me and helped me achieve my skincare goals. Having clear skin has changed my whole life and although at one point in time I was part of the 32% of women who have cried over a breakout I’m happy to report that thanks to Calidora I’m not part of that statistic anymore.

L'Oreal Buys Redmond-based Pacific Bioscience

Just in time for the holidays, beauty giant L'Oreal has closed a deal to buy Redmond-based Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc., maker of the popular Clarisonic Cleansing Brush. President of the Luxe Division of L'Oreal USA Carol Hamilton hopes to continue to expand distribution of Clarisonic products and make it a household brand used by men and women all over the world. Pacific Bioscience will continue to operate out of it's Redmond headquarters under the direction of chief executive officer David Giuliani. Seattle beauty fans will no doubt be looking forward to the new opportunities that may be available at Pacific Bioscience in the months to come following the merger.