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Interview With Christophe Robin Remix

interview with Christophe Robin

My hair has been more than a bit unruly as of late. Seasonal transitions can throw our hair and skin completely out of whack. As luck would have it, I was sifting through a number of interviews that I have had the privilege of conducting, over the years, with some of the world’s most renowned beauty experts and came across this one with Christophe Robin. Some times all we have to do is go back to the basics.

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I have always had thick, curly hair. Growing up in New York City in the 90s when stick straight hair was en vogue, I always felt like the odd woman out. Make no mistake, when dealing with thick, curly hair, curating the right product selection is a process and finding a hair care expert that is intimately familiar with cutting curls and how they behave is an imperative.

Just as important is finding the right products which can be akin to a science experiment. You have to be patient and willing to try different combinations of products to see how they interact with each other and your hair. I have experimented with many different products in so many categories.

At 42, I have learned to appreciate my curly situation. Every day is a little different and even if you have the best products – you’ll always have a day where a little frizz infiltrates the system…until now.

Enter Christophe Robin, colorist of choice to the world’s most celebrated actresses and top models including Natalie Portman, Catherine Deneuve, Tilda Swinton, Kylie Minogue, Kristin Scott Thomas – you get the picture. While working with his clientele to transform their hair color for fashion shows and on the sets of film and television, he began to understand what hair needed to look and feel healthy and beautiful. Robin launched his own hair care line, designed to nourish, strengthen and protect color-treated and sensitive hair and scalps from root to tip.

All Christophe Robin products are formulated with powerful, rare ingredients and inspired by traditional recipes to address the needs of men and women with all hair types, textures and conditions. In addition to restoring hair health, these innovative products are free of parabens, silicone, harsh sulfates, oxidants and ammonia. Best of all, they make hair look outstanding! They are the best I have come across.

Until recently, I had to travel to France or St. Barths to purchase these hair care gems. Lucky for all of us, it can now be found in The US. I can’t say enough good things about these products. They keep my hair in line, even on the most humid of days. I have also seen it work wonders on friends with fine or even thinning hair. The Volumizing line is bar none, the best I have seen.

I sat down with Christophe to interview the man behind the line.

AW: How did you choose your current career path?

CR: Growing up in the French countryside, I remember spending weekends with my mother and her friends while they coiffed their hair. I started coloring hair when I was 14 years old as an apprentice. The lady who trained me told me that you can’t have a beautiful result if you don’t take good care of the hair. I was passionate about hair color and the craftsmanship that it involved. At the age of 17 I arrived in Paris to work on my first big shoot! Things started to snowball. Everything happened very quickly!

AW: What is your philosophy?

CR: Beautiful hair color cannot exist without good care! A healthy and balanced scalp leads to healthy and beautiful hair!

AW: What do you love most about what you do?

CR: I have always been passionate about enhancing a woman’s natural beauty through hair color. It’s usually very subtle changes, but I love how it can unveil her eye color and enhance her complexion. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I love and meet people along the way!

AW: What is the most important piece of hair care advice you give?

CR: Take great care of your hair! It’s the little things that count, brushing your hair before washing it with a gentle hairbrush, protecting your hair with a plant oil before washing it and, once a week, doing a deeply nourishing treatment for your hair (think Cleansing Mask with Lemon or Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil).

AW: What is your process for creating the very best in hair and scalp care?

CR: I listen to what people have to say! In my salon, on movie sets or photo shoots, I always listen to what people have to say, it’s incredibly valuable. My Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt was created for women who experience itchy scalp due to color residue buildup. It’s quite common, and sea salt is known to soothe the irritation!

The same is true for for my Cleansing Mask with Lemon and Moisturizing Hair Oil with Lavender. These were the first products I created. I used to work with models changing their color 4 to 5 times a week. Imagine the damage! I needed something to protect their hair and wash it gently.

AW: Has there been a single defining moment in your career?

CR: The day Catherine Deneuve called me in my salon to make her first appointment!

Pro tip for curly, dry or color damaged hair: Once a week apply, on dry hair, Hair Oil with Lavender through lengths and then apply Cleansing Mask with Lemon right over it. Leave it in for as long as possible. I leave it in all day or sleep with it in my hair overnight. An hour will do the trick as well but the longer the better. Results are astonishing! For more on this moisturizing treatment, see the how-to video below.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

SculpSure®: The Latest In Cutting-edge Body Contouring Technology

sculpsure aesthetic treatment

Earlier this year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that as new minimally invasive and cosmetic procedures have emerged, the demand for innovative ways to shape the body has exploded. In fact, body contouring is one of the fastest growing aesthetic treatments in the US. Fat freezing technologies like CoolSculpting®, non-surgical cellulite treatments like Cellfina® and laser skin tightening procedures like Thermage® and Ulthera® are the most sought after treatments. In contrast, liposuction, the once synonymous surgical treatment for liquidating fat, has seen a steep decline.

Non-invasive fat reduction methods not only require significantly less down time, but also carry a substantially lower price tag, making body shaping much more accessible.

We wanted to learn more about the latest in innovative aesthetic procedures and turned to Mitchell A. Kline, MD, one of the top dermatologists in New York City, and a trusted Travel Beauty expert. Dr. Kline recently introduced a non-invasive fat-busting treatment at his practice called SculpSure®.

TB: What is SculpSure® and how does it work?

DK: SculpSure® is an FDA-approved, non-invasive body contouring treatment that reduces stubborn fat cells around the abdomen and surrounding area. It is ideal for the treatment of love handles. Using heat-based laser technology it permanently eliminates fat cells. Up to 24% of lipid deposits can be destroyed in a single treatment and most sessions last only 25 minutes. Most patients undergo several sessions during the course of treatment.

TB: Why is SculpSure® your contouring treatment of choice?

As of late, there has been a major cultural shift relating to the way in which we incorporate wellness into our daily lives. Many of my patients have made a serious commitment to maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle including eating healthier foods, incorporating more exercise into their daily routine as well as getting more sleep. In many cases, despite their best efforts, some areas of the body show no signs of improvement. Often this is a result of genetic programming and age. When your DNA refuses to get with the program, SculpSure® can effectively eradicate that last stubborn area of seemingly untouchable body fat. Patients report that their clothes fit better, and more importantly, they feel more comfortable in their own skin.

Time efficiency is also extremely attractive to patients who are busy and on the go – which is pretty much everyone. Additionally, compared to the alternatives, patients experience much less discomfort.

TB: What results are you seeing with SculpSure®?

On average SculpSure® can eliminate up to almost a quarter of fat cells that reside directly under the skin. Many patients start to see results in just six weeks. These are phenomenal results, particularly for individuals that have painstakingly tried everything to no avail.

That said, everyone is different. During the consultation, I discuss the procedure at length, with my patients. We agree upon realistic goals that are achievable. Generally, by the third or fourth treatment we see the most impressive outcomes. Some patients have dropped a full dress size (for the first time in decades!). One patient trimmed 1.5” off her waist in two months with only two treatments.

TB: Who is a good candidate for SculpSure®?

DK: Candidates considering this procedure must undergo a consultation in order for us to asses if SculpSure® is right for them. A common misconception with regard to body contouring devices is that they can be utilized to assist individuals seeking significant weight loss. This is not the case. The best candidates for SculpSure® are those who have isolated areas of excess fat that they wish to address.

TB: With so many innovative technologies, what will the future of body contouring will look like?

DK: I expect that technologies like SculpSure® will be combined with other treatments like non-invasive tightening and Radiofrequency Microneedling to achieve total body rejuvenation.

Dr. Mitchell Kline is a board-certified clinical dermatologist with a private practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that specializes in medical dermatology including melanoma surgery and staging, non-invasive melanoma detection as well as cutting-edge aesthetic procedures. Dr. Kline is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Cornell University – Weill New York Presbyterian Medical Center.  To learn more, please visit us online at: Kline Dermatology

By: Travel Beauty Editors

Best Beauty Products For Spring

best beauty products for spring

We are emerging from an exceptionally wacky winter. The weather has been so unpredictable. We’ve had exceedingly cold weeks with snow storms in, what is officially, Spring sprinkled with the odd 60 degree day here and there. These conditions not only drive us out of our minds but also leave our skin in a tizzy, stripping the hydrolipidic film from the surface. (This is a thin barrier that sits on top of the skin, ensuring suppleness and protection from bacteria.) This can leave skin sensitive, dry, dull, reactive and even a little spotty. Here are some of the Travel Beauty team’s favorite transitioning into Spring beauty boosters.

Put your best face forward

If your skin is feeling out of sorts, it probably needs a little extra tender loving care. Sapelo Skin Care Rejuvenating Cream is an all-natural, botanical moisturizer containing gardenia plant stem cells and a high concentration of colloidal platinum peptides (which have undergone phase III clinical testing – the gold standard of trials). Sapelo Skincare Rejuvenating CreamThese ingredients hydrate, reduce wrinkles and boost collagen production. In short, this light, airy, anti-aging moisturizer delivers on its promise. It truly turns back the hands of time — at least as far as your skin is concerned.

Body booster

Just because temperatures are cold and crisp doesn’t mean you should ignore your body. Keep your eyes on the prize. The time you invest today will pay off in spades come swimsuit season. Now is the optimal time to indulge in a skin tightening, cellulite fighting body lotion, especially one that activates collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production in deep skin structures. Typically anti-aging ingredient can only be found in facial skin care – not in body products. EVENSWISS Refining Body Complex is a body wrap in a jar. It leverages a patented peptide complex, Dermatopoietin®, that increases skin’s elasticity and firmness, smooths the appearance of cellulite and helps slim down thighs and arms. This body-tightening booster has undergone clinical trials, is dermatologically proven and backed by 30 years of scientific research. In other words, it works!

The master multi-tasking mask

Seasonal transition periods are also a great time to treat yourself to a weekly mask. Deborah Mitchell, British aesthetician to stars and royalty alike (we’re talking Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry and the list goes on….) has formulated Heaven Skincare’s world-renowned Bee Venom Mask as a natural alternative to Botox injections. The active ingredient, ABEETOXIN™ (or “Beetox”), is based on bioactive bee venom compounds, with venom derived from inducing bees to sting (with no harm to the bee, of course). Skin is naturally stimulated to produce collagen and elastin as a defense. This reaction works to control the facial muscles for immediate lifting, tightening and firming. It also contains Manuka Honey, renowned for its soothing and healing properties.

Heaven Skincare Silver Bee Venom MasksIt can be used as a moisturizer for those that live in humid climates or have oily or combination skin, applied over moisturizer and left on all day for those with dry and/or mature skin, or as a 15 minute mask. Heaven Skincare Silver Bee Venom Mask can also be applied over eye cream for a little extra added wrinkle ironing action.

Eye opener

Whether you are stressed, tired, traveling or just had too much for dinner last night, banish under eye imperfections with Institut Esthederm Lift & Repair Eye Contour Lift Patches. This treatment contains caffeine, sodium hyaluronate (the same active ingredient found in injectables) and algae extract to wake up your eyes. Think of it as a mini microcurrent facial in a patch. You won’t believe the difference ten minutes makes. Under eye masks are the ally of choice for many celebrities during award season, and more importantly, for me!

Have seasonal beauty secrets of your own? Share them with us at info@travelbeauty.com

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Nail The No-makeup Look In Seven Minutes

Nail the no makeup look in 7 minutes

Ten months ago, at 40, I became a mother. As a marketing executive turned entrepreneur, I’ve always spent 80% of my time at work. The addition of a baby has been quite an adjustment. I’m still working like a machine but have had to tweak (OK maybe more than tweak) my routine in order to accommodate the even greater deficit of time that a baby brings to the mix. In short, the no makeup look has become an absolute must for me. My repertoire consists of seven steps (but can be cliff-noted a bit – just skip step 1A and 4A).

Ironically, makeup is the least important part of the no-makeup look. What separates the women from the girls is investing a handful of minutes, every day, to establish a consistent self care ritual. Not everyone is going to cleanse, apply two serums, a moisturizer, face oil and under eye cream…like I do – yes, two serums. That said, the secret behind an authentic no-makeup look is having beautiful, healthy skin to build-on. If you make the commitment to nurture your skin upfront, you’ll save a ton of time and energy in the long run. Five to six minutes (seven tops) is all you’ll need.

Don’t have a skin care regimen in place?

Start with a cleanser and moisturizer. These should be used in the morning and at night before bed – even if you’re exhausted and can’t be bothered. If you’re in your twenties or early thirties, you might not need more. Once you have your basic system down pat, especially if you are 35+, try adding a serum and under eye cream. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash your face!

Sounds easy enough – right? But at night, after a long day, the thought of taking your clothes off before climbing into bed may be daunting enough, let alone dragging yourself into the bathroom to wash your face and remove your makeup. The good news is there are multi-tasking products out there and they save loads of time. Why use four products when you can use one? Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm is an award winning, quadruple-threat spa in a jar. This British import is a moisturizing, deep-cleansing, exfoliating, makeup-removing cleanser, mask and leave on overnight treatment (I also use it as a lip mask) that doesn’t strip the skin of its essential oils. The key ingredient, moringa, is a superfood that contains nine essential amino acids, Vitamins A & C, Iron and Calcium and is packed with protein and antioxidants. Medical research has revealed that it not only calms inflammation in many tissues of the body, including the skin, but also helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol. I also brew a tea, daily, made from ginger, moringa and lemongrass. This concoction is known as Bush Tea on many Caribbean Islands and is often the first remedy administered at the onset of a cold, flu, headache…well anything. I am a big believer in holistic beauty – take care of your insides and it will reflect on the outside.

Holistic-beauty-travel-beautyStep 1A: Serious Serum

If you are going to go for the gold and incorporate a treatment serum into your skin care ritual, Sapelo Skin Care Spring Tide Serum is an excellent choice. Truth be told, it can be used as a stand alone treatment product. It contains high concentrations of a potent cocktail of proteins, peptides, amino acids, active Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, as well as Selenium, Magnesium, Copper and Zinc. The magic ingredient is a 5% highly blenderized, unfertilized, organic Norwegian Salmon Roe Extract. This extract stimulates growth in the dermis boosting the skin’s ability to build collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. In other words, it works.

Step 2: Hydrate

I happened upon an exceptionally high-tech line of cosmeceuticals in Switzerland called EVENSWISS, which is backed by 30 years of scientific research. This revolutionary anti-aging (or pro-aging – I’m actually ok with calling a spade a spade) skin care line utilizes cutting-edge signaling technology along with pure concentrations of a unique patented complex to promote the skin’s elasticity by sending signals to cells in the deepest layers of the dermis. These signals stimulate cells to produce increased collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, literally regenerating new healthy skin cells. EVENSWISS Rich Regenerating Cream, the star product of the line, is an ultra light formulation ideal for sensitive, reactive and/or dry skin as well as pregnant women. Pregnancy can interfere with normal cellular activity and send skin into a tizzy. EVENSWISS’ moisturizer nurtures and repairs stressed skin.

Now for the NO-MAKEUP cakewalk

Step 3: Mascara application

The type of mascara you use is much less important than how you apply it. I happen to be using Le Volume De Chanel right now. I also like Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black. The trick is combing your lashes before and after you apply mascara with Tweezerman Folding ILashcomb. It separates and elongates lashes so you don’t wind up with what I call spider clump lashes. ILashcomb has metal spokes – so be careful! Finally, place your pinky finger right under your lower lash line, horizontally and blink your eyes a handful of times. This will remove the excess mascara so it doesn’t run or work its way into your under eye highlighter later on.

Step 4: Lashes and brows

If you have beautiful, thick, long lashes, they can never be voluminous enough and if you are in need of a lash and/or brow boost, you MUST try Jessica Johnson Classic Beauty Brow and Lash Conditioning Serum. Just apply a light coat above your upper lash line and/or on brows before bed. This is the real deal and it not only spurs hair growth but conditions as well. I have tried a number of reputable, over the counter lash serums only to have an allergic reaction. I had no sensitivity with this conditioning serum and it really works.

Step 4A: Under eye cream

You’ve now finished your mascara application. What’s next? Take a damp Q-tip and sweep it across your under eye area to ensure that no mischievous mascara flakes have set up house there. Sweep the area again with a dry Q-tip to soak up excess water. At this point, I apply an under eye cream. (Skipping this step? Go straight to step five.) If you prefer more of a serum-like texture I recommend EVENSWISS Rejuvenating Eye Complex. If you are partial to a creamier formula, try Emma Hardie Age Support Eye Cream. They are both fantastic and you will see results.

The no-makeup look travel beauty

Step 5: Under eye highlighter

Apply an under eye highlighter focusing on the area under the inner eye and then sweep out and dab to blend. It’s important to pick the right shade. Right now I’m using Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat in Luminous Vanilla. I am fair skinned and prefer less coverage. The Touche Éclat line has shades to fit every skin shade and coverage preference. If I develop a blemish I use a dab of Touche Éclat to camouflage it as well.

Step 6: Powder bronzer

For the finishing touch, sweep Institut Esthederm Sunshine Care Powder over the apples of your cheeks with a medium sized blush brush. It provides just enough color to give you a healthy, sun kissed glow and the small compact is wonderful for travel and gals on the go. It’s a handbag must have.

Step 7: Lip gloss

I almost forgot the lip gloss. Lancôme Juicy Tubes are my old stand-by. I know they’re old school but they keep my perpetually chapped lips moist and the colors are ultra shimmery – which I love. Marshmallow Electra is my favorite color.

Have questions?

Email us at concierge@travelbeauty.com or call 1.888.717.8790

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

 

Interview With Emma Hardie

Interview with Emma Hardie

We are infatuated with beauty experts, entrepreneurs and products that empower women to take care of their skin holistically. Women in the U.S. are beginning to understand that the hunt for a miracle in a bottle is akin to the search for the holy grail – it simply doesn’t exist. Instead we may need to learn more about ourselves and our skin and develop habits that will take care of it over time. The move to what I call holistic preventative skin care has finally landed on the shores of the U.S. and is starting to take root.

A significant part of this movement is not so much about putting a band aid on skin problems once they occur but taking proactive steps to nurture and protect the dermis so imperfections never have a chance to emerge. Instead of using harsh products and procedures that break the skin down to build it up, the idea is to use ingredients that work with the skin’s natural functions to boost its health and luminosity.

Emma Hardie is considered to be a leading pioneer in natural healing and skin rejuvenation and is the most accomplished holistic aesthetician in the UK today. She is known for treating the skin from the bone up.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Emma to discuss her approach to skin care.

How did you land in the skin care industry?

EH: I started out as an interior designer and fell on ill health, which made it not only necessary for me to change my career, but to heal myself. I began researching the details of the human body and discovered that with the right catalyst, our bodies have the wherewithal to heal themselves. Part of the healing process, for me, involved facial acupuncture and exercises, which boosted my body’s ability to heal itself. I noticed that it did the same for my skin. Working optimally, my skin began to rebalance itself and started to look great. I was inspired to show women how to feel and look great by empowering them to heal their bodies naturally

What is your philosophy?

EH: I developed a facial and skin care range based on the research I had done. Skin is living. I discovered it is possible to optimize the skin’s natural functions by working with it, using hi-tech, plant based ingredients to build it up instead of using harsh ingredients and treatments to fight against it.

What do you love most about what you do?

EH: So much! I love immersing myself in the research – the R & D piece of the work is fascinating. Understanding the human body and ingredients at the atomic level and how they interact with each other is fascinating. I also love educating people on the process  - empowering women to heal themselves naturally and see results.

What is the most important piece of skin care advice you give your clients?

EH: Use a nourishing cleanser, moisturizer and SPF product regularly. The emphasis should be on the massaging technique. All must be applied in downward or cross hatch strokes, working with the grain of facial tissue and lymphatics. It brings up the water levels in the skin, allowing products to penetrate deeper into the layers of the dermis and promoting lymphatic drainage. This process optimizes the skin’s ability to carry out its activities at the cellular level. Using a microfiber wash cloth boosts the efficacy of the process. staying out of the sun and drinking water are incredibly important as well. If you are dehydrated the organs of the body can’t work optimally – this includes the skin.

If you had to recommend a single product that you would encourage people to splurge on, what would it be?

EH: neck product. Beauty does not end at the chin. The neck supports the face and creates a complete structure. It should all be beautiful. The neck and chest area are the loveliest part of a woman, not to mention one of the most erogenous zones. A graceful neck makes one look elegant like a swan and more importantly makes a woman feel elegant. A neck serum enables the skin to absorb creams more readily and together correct issues that may be present. I just love serums.

facial-massage-Emma-HardieWhat is your process for creating products in your range?

EH: It takes passion and loads of work. First and foremost, it’s about the face. Breaking it down and determining what bits deserve the most attention and Emma Hardie love. Teamwork is crucial. The best results come from working in an environment where you have the freedom to be creative and have fun. We also do a great deal of product testing, market research and trials. We are creating products for people we don’t know and that’s hard – everyone has her own preferences for product texture and smell – I want to make effective skincare that makes women feel comfortable. Products that sit seamlessly under foundation, smell pleasant and stimulate the olfactory senses.

There has been a shift in attitudes surrounding the term anti-aging as it relates to skin care. What are your thoughts?

EH: Age has many positives. We become more mature, wiser and more at peace with our surroundings and ourselves. We also begin to embrace change, investing more time in taking better care of ourselves as we get older. We need to work with our bodies to enable them to change gracefully. If we are always fighting against the changes that begin to occur in our skin as we age, we will not look natural. Instead, we can use ingredients that help our skin look and feel great at any age. Fighting age with abrasive products and treatments cause irritation, damage the skin and in many cases accomplish the opposite of what we are trying to achieve.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie