October Beauty: 4 products you need right now

It's officially fall in Seattle which means the leaves are turning red, pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks, and the mornings inevitably have a crisp chill. If your skin tends to go crazy when the seasons change, you'll enjoy this post filled with must-have beauty products to get you through the transition.

If you're an 80's baby like me you probably played Sega as a kid, so you don't need me to explain why the new GLAMGLOW Gravity Mud Sonic Mask is so cool. It's literally metallic blue and instantly cools, firms, and brightens skin. Priced at $19, it also makes the perfect travel-sized gift.

Wait, wait, wait. Blotting papers packaged as rolling papers? Only someone as cool as Rihanna could think of this. The Fenty Invisimatte Blotting Papers are designed to gently lift shine while looking pretty damn cool in your makeup bag. $16

Speaking of oily skin, I'm still obsessed with the Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Face Exfoliant ,$33.  This product is a carryover from my summer beauty arsenal but it still works like a charm. If your skin tends to go haywire when the seasons change, this product is perfect for you. You use it after you wash your face to gently exfoliate dry skin and balance oily areas. The packaging suggests that you only use it twice a week, but I've used it more frequently than that and have not had any issues.

Last but not least, the one product you need right now is a pretty polish from Julep's Zodiac Collection. I'm a Virgo, but that doesn't mean I'm not totally in love with this shimmery blue Aquarius shade. It's the perfect way to embrace the onset of the season and let's face it, it will look pretty cool in your next coffee cup Instagram pic.

3 Beauty Products I'm loving and 3 I can't live without

It's safe to say that I'm a beauty product junkie. I love trying new things when they hit the market while also remaining fiercely loyal to the products in my beauty arsenal that are tried and true. Here's a look at my 3 new favorite beauty products for spring. 

Aura Cacia Peppermint Oil

I'm already a believer in the benefits of aromatherapy for the mind, body and soul, so when I saw Aura Cacia on sale at the drug store in my neighborhood I picked up a bottle and decided to find a way to incorporate it into my daily beauty routine. Peppermint oil is characteristically cooling and extremely refreshing, so I keep my bottle in the shower and pour out a few drops as part of my morning ritual. As the oil mixes with the steam of the shower I take a few deep breaths to fully experience it's effects. If I'm having a really hard time waking up in the morning I'll go a step further and put a few drops in my hands and breathe in several times. This helps me find the mental clarity and alertness I need to start my day. If you're not a "morning person" you'll definitely want to give this a try! 

Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil

Yes, cleansing my skin with oil sounded incredibly counterproductive when I first heard about it, but as a "try anything" beauty junkie, I was still intrigued. On a recent trip to London I kept hearing the beauty buzz about Dermalogica's Pre Cleanse Oil, which essentially claims to melt away layers of excess oil, sunscreen, make-up and environmental pollutants from the skin first, so that you can use your regular cleanser afterwards and have it actually do it's intended job. That part made sense to me, but the fact that I have oily skin to begin with made this whole oil cleansing method seem a little out of reach. When I got back to the states my friend Natasha sent over a bottle of Julep's new Bare Face Cleansing Oil and told me to give it a try. I kept it in my bathroom for at least a week before finally gathering the courage to open the box and try it out. To my surprise, I loved it and guess what? My normally oily, acne-prone skin is less oily and the blemishes are healing, revealing clear, healthy skin. Wow. Wasn't expecting that one! 

To be fair, I'm not using Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil as originally intended all the time. Sometimes I use it as a pre-cleanser to get rid of make-up, oil, and other build up, before using my normal cleanser for a deeper cleanse. I use white towels at home and would always end up with make-up stains on them after washing and drying my face. I'm happy to say that I don't have that problem any more and it's all because of Julep's Bare Face Cleansing Oil. It really works to get rid of dirt, oil and make-up for truly clean skin. If you're curious about oil cleansing you should definitely try it. I promise, it's not as scary as you think! Check out the Julep Bare Face Cleansing Oil video (above) for more info. 

Topshop Lipstick in "The Damned"

During the winter months when I'm at my most pale, I have to rely on a little lipstick to perk up my entire face. I'm a big fan of the entire Topshop lipstick line, but my favorite color is "The Damned" which is a gorgeous raspberry color. The lipsticks have a velvetly finish that can easily be intensified with a swipe of gloss for a night on the town. If you're looking for ways to incorporate more color into your life, adding a little lipstick is an easy place to start. 

LiLash Eyelash Growth Serum

Let me just start off by saying that at one point in time I was a huge fan of eyelash extensions. I loved how pretty they made my eyes look and how they helped streamline my morning beauty routine. I loved waking up every day and knowing that my eyes were already "done", but the truth is that eyelash extensions are time consuming and can be incredibly expensive to keep up. The first application takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, followed by bi-weekly appointments for fills that can take 30-45 minutes. Most lash bars will tell you that you can go 3 or maybe even 4 weeks in between fills depending on how fast your natural lashes grow, but I've seen women go that long in between appointments and it's not pretty. That's when lashes tend to go a little crazy, clump together and look...well, fake.

The secret to keeping lashes in "just applied" condition for more than two weeks was finally bestowed upon me by the eyelash tech after I had been in the lash routine for a few months. You have to wear goggles in the shower. Yep. That's right. Swim goggles in the shower. This helps keep the lashes from getting weighed down by moisture and for those of you with stick straight lashes (like me!) this will keep your natural lashes from releasing their bond to the false lash. I hated wearing goggles in the shower. They would leave marks around my eyes from being so tight, but they worked so I didn't really mind. A few months later I was on vacation in Florida when one of the lenses on my goggles popped out while I was in the shower. I took it as a sign that my high maintenance beauty routine was getting a little out of hand. I mean come on, I was on vacation somewhere warm and sunny with a really nice pool and I wasn't even taking advantage of it because I was terrified of getting my face wet.

When I got home from my trip I had my eyelash extensions removed and my natural lashes were short, brittle and sad. That's when I decided to give LiLash a try. The product comes in a silver tube and has a brush similar to a liquid eyeliner brush. Every night you just apply a swipe at the lash line and over time your natural lashes grow longer and fuller. It took about 3 months of regular use for me to see noticeable results, but trust me, stick with this product and you'll never go back to the lash bar again. I definitely notice a difference in my lashes when I don't use the product. The best part is that there are no side effects. No redness at the lash line, no eye irritation, nothing but beautiful lashes. I still have friends and colleagues who don't believe me when I tell them that my lashes are real. They are just as long (if not longer) than when I had my extensions and the best part is, no more goggles in the shower. 

Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation (My secret weapon for oily skin)
Finding a good foundation can be like trying to find the holy grail. You have to try multiple brands and formulas until you find the best fit for your skin with regard to color, texture and specific skin concerns. Last year I discovered that the foundation I had been using was not gluten-free and could potentially be causing some of my skin sensitivity. So, ater spending excessive amounts of time and money at Sephora, I finally stumbled upon the Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation and have been happily using it ever since.

This is hands down the best foundation I've ever used because it's oil-free, humidity-proof, long wearing and water-resistant. It's also free of phthalates, gluten, synthetic dyes, animal products, nanoparticles and fragrances. Coverage is medium to full, but on days when I just need light coverage I mix a few drops of foundation with my moisturizer and that does the trick. This foundation is available in 16 shades so have the girls at Sephora color match you and send you home with samples so that you can wear the foundation around before buying the full bottle.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
When I first started using this product my immediate thought was, where has this been my entire life? This product has really helped get a few of my most stubborn blemishes along my jaw line moving so that the healing process could begin. Formulated with a rice-based powder that activates upon contact with water, Dermalogica's Microfoliant helps balance uneven skin tone to reveal smoother, brighter skin. It's gentle enough to use every day and has colloidal oatmeal to help calm skin. I'm a believer in this product and I think you will be too! Beauty tip: For girls looking for extra cleansing power, use Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant with your Clarisonic brush!

What are the beauty products you can't live without? I would love to hear from you! Please leave questions and comments below. 

A golden glow just in time for Halloween

If you're planning to show a little skin on Halloween (or even if you're not), a golden glow can go a long way this time of year. Providing clients with an eco-friendly alternative to traditional tanning beds, Seattle-based Divine Sunless Tanning offers clients mobile service for a quick and easy airbrush tan that won't harm skin. The company was recently featured in the October issue of Allure magazine and works with clients year-round to maintain a gorgeous glow. Divine Sunless Tanning offers a variety of services to suit every need from a 2-hour express glow for girls who "gotta have it now" to the "Beautiful Assets" package which uses an artists airbrush to define jawbones, highlight cheekbones and contour cleavage. Owner Wendy Smith also offers bridal packages and tanning parties for groups of 3 or more. It's time to get your glow on!


10 reasons you need a Divine Sunless Tan

#10- You're going somewhere sunny on vacation.

# 9- You just got back from a tropical vacation and need a easy to maintain your glow.

# 8- You have a friend's wedding to attend.

# 7- You have your own wedding to attend.

# 6- It's your birthday.

# 5- You're having photos taken soon.

# 4- Your best friend is getting married and the bachelorette party is in Vegas. (This means a little black dress is on the agenda and you'll need a faux glow to perk up your skin.)

# 3- Because tanning beds are SOOOOO out.

# 2- Because you're not so great with bronzer and an overall golden glow might make your "get ready" routine a little bit easier.

# 1- Because you live in the Northwest and chances are you're a little bit pasty this time of year......or possibly, year-round.



If you're new to sunless tanning you'll want to check out Divine Sunless Tan's preparation tips to get the best results. Book an appointment online at DivineTan.com or call (206) 240-7883. Save on your next session by liking Divine Sunless Tan on Facebook and leaving a comment with the word "Ghoul" to receive a 20% discount on the tan of your choice.

The Spa at Four Seasons Introduces Intraceuticals Oxygen Facials

Sure, you could travel all over the world in search of serious skincare, but if you live in Seattle you're lucky enough to have The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel in your own backyard. In addition to being the only spa in the Northwest that offers the Ultra Facial, a treatment that uses micro-current technology and high frequency to non-surgically tone and tighten the skin, the 6,000 square foot spa is now unveiling a new treatment that carefully combines beauty and science in order to achieve amazing anti-aging results. There's a reason celebrities like J.Lo and Madonna love this stuff! Even Victoria Beckham and Rachel Zoe give Intraceuticals facials "glowing" endorsements.

Intraceuticals+ Boosters, a skincare collection designed to completely customize the results of the hyaluronic acid packed Pure Oxygen Facial treatment, made its debut at the Four Seasons Spa last week. The system uses oxygen under pressure to calm the skin and help increase product absorption for maximum results. In just one treatment clients in search of instant gratification can achieve plump, hydrated skin that is red-carpet ready. That alone is precisely why celebrity make-up artists like Gina Brooke, who had done treatments for stars like Madonna and Katy Perry, fell in love with it. She calls it her "cut to the chase" technique when she needs serious results super quickly. She uses the treatment when her celeb clients are getting ready for a photoshoot or special appearance. The results are cumulative and build over time, so clients often see the best results when doing the treatments in a series of 6, spaced one week apart.

If you're into skincare treatments that can help turn back the hands of time, or simply want to delay the gradual signs of aging, this treatment is definitely for you. There are 4 Intraceuticals+ Booster formulations available to address specific skincare concerns including Antioxidant+ to help neutralize free radicals, Collagen+ to visibly lift and tone, Vitamin C+3 to help improve hyperpigmentation, and Vitamin A+ which is great for blemish-prone skin. Unlike typical topicals, these concentrated formulations are delivered to the skin with Intraceuticals’ proprietary hyaluronic technology for instant results you can see and feel. Hyaluronic acid, which occurs naturally in the human body, keeps the skin hydrated, but it decreases with age which is why these treatments are so great, they can provide the skin with a boost of hyaluronic acid to replenish the skin and provide immediate results.

Guests who experience the Oxygen Facial continue to achieve results at home by using the Intraceuticals product line including the Daily Serum formulated with aloe vera to revive the skin, the Hydration Gel to replenish the skin, followed by the Moisture Binding Cream which acts as a final layer to help protect the skin. The products were designed to be used in a specific order determined by each product’s molecular weight in order to truly transform the skin. Without getting too science-y, the technology is pretty unique and there’s a reason it works. In the week or so that I’ve been using the product series I have definitely noticed a difference in my skin’s hydration level. I also love that I can mix a Booster of my choice into the Daily Serum depending on my specific skincare concerns. In the morning, I like to use the Antioxidant booster and in the evening I like the Vitamin A booster so that it can work its magic overnight.

 Packages start at $1500 for a series of 6 treatments. It’s not cheap, but neither is a facelift. So if you’ve got anti-aging on your mind, if a special event is in your future, or if you just want to pamper yourself, the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial at The Spa at Four Seasons just might be for you.

Beauty Review: Perricone Blue Plasma