Monthly Archives : October 2016

With the change of season, we often modify daily rituals and routines. We swap out denim jackets in favour of wool coats and replace open toe shoes with chic ankle boots. Similarly, but perhaps a little less obvious, we change our beauty looks and regimen as well. It comes so naturally that it can be easy to miss.

We substitute a richer moisturizer or fortify our moisturizer with a nourishing face oil to protect our skin from the cold temperatures and dry winter air. We may also put our coral lip to rest in favour of something deep, dark and delicious. These are all things we each do every time the warmer months come to an end and we’re faced with layers upon layer (upon layers) once again.

It can actually be quite a bit of fun. This season, we’re encouraged by beauty experts all over the globe to push the boundaries of simple black liner and dark lips and try something new.

With that in mind, the cooler months are the time to have some fun with your makeup by creating some more dramatic looks – without worrying about the humidity melting it all away.

Here are the top 3 things you need to know about Fall ’16 beauty.

Bold, Smudgy Eyes

Get friendly with black eyeliner this season! Too much liner in the summer can look out of place but come winter, it fits right in. We all know that a good wing never goes out of style but what about an all over liner? Yes, we mean the top and bottom lids. If you’re really daring you’ll definitely want to give this look a try.

A smoky black lid is still chic but we can mix it up by creating it with a different colour palette. Browns for fall and golden hues for holiday parties? Don’t be afraid to add a touch of glitter for holiday soirees too – just keep it minimal. Remember, less is more.

Modern Goth

Although we just spoke about liner being a super hot item this season, we don’t always feel like putting on a full look. Cue: modern Goth. For this look, leave off eye makeup completely (or just apply a thin layer of mascara) and keep all eyes focused on your pout.

When it comes to your lipstick colour, darker is better. You don’t have to go as dark as Peter Philips did at Dior (he used black eyeliner as lipstick before layering a darker shade on top) but be open to all the burgundy, plum and oxblood lipsticks you can get your hands on.

Natural Brows

Has it ever really been in style to not have natural brows? Contrary to some belief, we’re here to tell you that natural is (and always will be) in style. That’s not to say that we can’t enhance our natural beauty.

When filling in brows with a pencil, Brenda Christian revolutionized this category of makeup, make sure that you’re using a brow gel and brush combo afterwards to get rid of any excess and lend the illusion of texture which will help them look more natural. Plus, do you know what looks amazing with a natural brow? A stained red lip. Choose something light and with a bit of gloss to pair well with the natural vibe.

Which look are you most looking forward to trying out?

For more from Melina Morry, please visit The Lady-like Leopard

When Michael Phelps prepared to dive into the pool this past summer at the Olympics, millions of spectators were stunned by the rows of large purplish circles that adorned his back. In an instant the ancient modality of cupping resurfaced on a global stage. The record breaking olympic gold medalist practices cupping therapy to heal and support his muscles, joints and immune system which are pushed to the limits all year long by his intense training and then days of competition during the games.

Save Michael Phelps, I knew nothing about cupping and wanted to learn more. I sought a master practitioner in New York City and was introduced to Anton Lee, a third generation licensed acupuncturist with extensive cupping training. Acupuncture is an integral part of cupping. Anton educated me on the basics.

What Is Cupping?

Born of a culture that considered surgery, the act of cutting the body, an affront to their ancestors, (I found this particularly interesting as Judaism forbids the practice of tattoo and most piercings precisely for this reason) until the introduction of antibiotics, cupping was the principal modality of healing not only muscular pain in the body but ailment of major internal organs as well. In fact, prior to the introduction of antibiotics boils were the leading cause of death. Cupping was partly developed as a method for removing the toxic fluids that were contained within the boil. With the introduction of antibiotics cupping began to fall by the wayside where it would become classified, at least in western medicine, as an alternative therapy.

Dispelling Myths

You will read almost everywhere that the practice originated in China. Not true! Anton insisted. It has been practiced all over the world for a few thousands years throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. Cups were made out of whatever natural resources were available in the region. In the middle east, cups were made of goat horns, while in China they were fashioned from Bamboo. The modern day versions are made of glass and silicone.

What Does This Have To Do With An Olympic Athlete?

Every time we move energy is created which makes blood and fluids circulate through the body. This in and of itself is a good thing. But like anything, too much of a good thing can turn bad. When muscles and tissue are over exerted, it creates a trauma. When there is a trauma to the body, typically blood and fluid flow to the affected area in an effort to repair it. If The body is functioning healthfully, it is extremely efficient and directs energy, blood and fluid to where it is needed to support and heal the area. When this excess fluid is not completely absorbed by the body it can get deposited onto the muscle. This fluid bonds like glue to the muscle and creates a blockage. This can be in the form of a knot that you might get in your neck, or back. This causes pain and is toxic to the body. Just as the person loses his or her typical range of movement, this blockage is stuck. If you’re not an olympic athlete, you may be be susceptible to extreme weather, which can also cause trauma to the body. When it’s cold we condense our bodies physically and this energy creates stagnation. This stagnation is perceived by us as pain.

How Can We Break Up The Blockage?

By hand. A needle is inserted at the point of pain (Acupuncture is an integral part of cupping) to create the movement of energy, fluid and blood, within the tissue – to break up the proverbial “glue”, then a cup is put over and suction is applied to draw it out into the skin. The skin is not only the largest organ of the body, but the largest filtration organ of the body. Just like the liver filters blood, the lungs filter air and the stomach filters food, similarly the skin filters excess fluid. Skin contains millions of micro vessels – this is why, when we get cut, we heal so quickly. Using the skin’s filtration system the body disposes of what it does not need and recycles what it can use.

The Basics

The more toxic your body is the darker the cup marks will be. In general men tend to present with darker marks as women’s bodies are cleaner due to the menstrual cycle which circulates and cleans out blood and tissue from the body regularly.

My Mini Consultation

Anton is the real deal. Towards the end of our almost two hour meeting, Anton turned to me and asked if he could take my pulse. He told me that I am a worrier. Worry and stress cause the digestive system to slow down. The stomach is considered the mother organ as it filters food that is then distributed to the other organs of the body in order to nourish them. The odd thing is that I have colitis. It turns out that cupping can be used as part of a regimen to heal colitis and other digestive ailments. He also told me to keep an eye on my posture as bad posture wreaks havoc on the body – yes, causing trauma. The odd thing is, as soon as I walked into Anton’s office, I became acutely aware of my posture. It almost felt as if he was communicating telepathically to me nudging me to sit up straight.

Just Scratching The Surface

Cupping is a practice that is tailored specifically for each individual depending on his or her needs and there are many more tools involved in the modality that I did not delve into here. Above I have merely scratched the cupping surface. To schedule a consultation or appointment with Anton, please call Yasmine Djerradine Institut de Beauté at 212-588-1771.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

Biafine, otherwise known as Trolamine, is one of the most basic staples that can be found in any French, German or Israeli pharmacy. Yasmine Djerradine, skin care authority and Travel Beauty expert recommended it to me to help prevent scarring when I had surgery 16 years ago. It is a multi-tasking wonder ointment that soothes redness, irritation, inflammation and sunburns.

In Europe Biafine is mostly used to prevent and soothe diaper rash in infants, but this topical wonder offers so much more. Over the years I have incorporated Biafine into my daily regimen.

Cure for Chapped Lips

I have excruciatingly dry lips. My husband often scolds me for biting them. The truth is I don’t, my lips are just so chapped that it appears as though I do. The Fall is the worst, as the cold, dry air starts to creep in pulling a double shift. I layer Biafine under my lip gloss or lipstick for an extra boost of moisture. It coats, smoothes and soothes lips sealing in a barrier between the lips and the outside world. In my experience products like Eucerin, Vaseline and Blistex seem to suck the moisture right out of my lips.

Apply Biafine before bed too. Skin repairs itself overnight when we are sleeping; the same is true for the skin on our lips. Biafine gives your lips the extra lift they need.

Body Care

Body oil is my body care product of choice, especially in colder months. Right now I’m using Mio Skincare The Activist Firming Active Body Oil. It’s rich and smells divine (and I am not a fan of scents.) Even if you apply body oil to damp skin, mixing body oil with a creamy agent helps it to penetrate the skin more deeply and dilute the oily texture of many rich body oils. Biafine comes in handy as I am usually in a rush and don’t have time to wait for body oil to dry before pulling on a pair of trousers or jeans. Biafine cuts just enough of the oily texture without being too creamy and because it’s scent free, it won’t interfere with the scent of your favorite body oil.

Soothing Rosacea

I am not a dermatologist, doctor or skin care expert by way of formal education and there is currently no cure for rosacea. That said, in many cases, Biafine has been able to help lessen the symptoms of this skin condition. Though food intake and stress are some of the factors that contribute to rosacea, the bottom line is that it causes red, reactive and in some cases inflamed skin. While using gentle skin care for sensitive, reactive skin, like Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 or Sapelo Skin Care Rejuvenating Cream, that soothe and cool is essential, layering a thin layer of Biafine under these types of moisturizers adds an extra cool and calming layer of care that, much like in the case of chapped lips, provides a buffer between irritated skin and your moisturizer. On more severe days when skin is particularly reactive, Biafine can be used alone. Please note that everyone is different so before applying Biafine on your entire face, conduct a small patch test.

After Dermatological Peels and Treatments

Though I am not a proponent of chemical peels (many are purported to cause harmful chemicals to seep into the bloodstream and dehydrate skin, stripping it of many essential nutrients) many people swear them. Biafine aids in soothing the dry, seemingly sunburned shape that you will find your skin in immediately following these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Radio Dermatitis

Biafine is often prescribed to cancer patients or others receiving radiation treatment. The anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of Biafine help bring down the inflammation and treat burned and painful irritation that can be caused by these treatments.

Biafine to Treat Cuts and Sunburn

Biafine can also be used as a wound dressing to heal minor cuts. It provides moisture to aid the skin in the healing process while protecting it from bacterial contamination. Biafine can also be applied directly to sunburns to soothe and lessen inflammation. As opposed to aloe-based sunburn ointments and gels, Biafine seeps into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a wet gelatinous texture sitting on the surface of the skin.

By: Alyssa Barrie Weiss, Twitter: @AlyssaBarrie

“But you don’t know MY hair!” many of you are saying right now as you read that headline. You’re right, we don’t know your hair. But whether it’s long or short, curly or straight or in between, dry or oily, color-treated or natural, there are certain principles that apply to everyone (everyone, who has hair, that is). Here are our top 10 universal guidelines for helping your locks look their best.

Let It Be

That is, let your hair be itself, let it live as it wants to live. Embrace your natural texture, growth patterns, and color. You can beat your mane into submission with heat, chemicals and brute strength, and you may get the look you’re aiming for. Hair strands can be shaped, to an extent. But if the manipulation is too severe, over time you’ll create damage and your tresses will eventually rebel. Accepting what you have is freeing, encourages you to work with your best features, and will result in healthier, better looking hair.

Shampoo Less Often

No more than twice per week, once a week if you can do it. Simply rinse your hair and scalp when you shower. You can always condition, just don’t use shampoo every time.

Add Moisture

Conditioners and treatments give moisture back, which is critical for healthy hair. Think of your fingernails and cuticles. In the winter you may apply lotion or oil to your fingernails several times a day because you can readily see the dryness. Hair strands have a cuticle also. Dryness leads to cracked cuticles which leads to frizziness and breakage. Caretrico Privy Treatment Slim Though is a deep conditioning treatment that can be used as a hair mask twice per week as well as a daily conditioner. Ideal for thick, course and/or curly hair. Caretrico Privy Treatment Moist Sleek  is a moisturizing treatment for those with finer or wavy hair.

Deep Condition With a Professional

Good salons have thorough conditioning treatments that include several steps using rebuilding products and heat and/or mist processes that help deliver the products into the hair. Do a bit of research in your area to find the salons with the best recommendations. Doing this on a regular basis will make a big difference in your hair. At Salon Ishi we have a number of deep conditioning treatments including our exclusive Sherpa Treatment.

Use Protection

On your hair, we mean. After shampooing and conditioning, or anytime you style, give your hair some protection from the strong heat of your styling tools and from dehydrating environmental elements by using products specifically designed to give your hair a bit of armor for defense. Caretrico After Treatment Enrich Milk is a leave in conditioner and styling treatment that not only infuses the hair with moisture but protects it from pollution, the elements and heat damage from styling tools.

Take Care Of Your Scalp

Healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp. Keep your scalp clean. If you have a problem with dryness, oiliness or fungus, treat it. While you may need to see a dermatologist, there are steps you can take on your own. S-Heart-S Scalp Brush Mini is a great tool for massaging and cleaning the scalp, removing dry flaky skin and product buildup from the scalp and hair cuticle. For a flaky or oily scalp, you may also want to try a scalp toner.  The skin on your head requires care too.

Get Your Hair Cut Regularly

There is no “treatment” that will fix split ends. They will keep on splitting, higher and higher. Weak ends result in breakage and unhealthy looking hair. Regular cuts get rid of weak ends and give a fresh appearance.

Take Your Vitamins

Yes, they help. Hair and nails are made of protein and a healthy diet that includes vitamins created to promote the growth of hair and nails is helpful. Vitamin A, Omega 3s and B-complex vitamins like folic acid and biotin all promote cell turnover.

Have a Personal Consultation With Your Hair Care Professional

Okay, we agree, your hair is special. Therefore, talk with your hairdresser to get personalized recommendations for products, treatments, regimens, schedules, and processes that will help you have the healthiest, most beautiful hair possible

Use Color and Chemical Treatments Sparingly, and Have It Done Professionally

Sometimes we just gotta have that color, cover that gray, or get those curls. If that’s you, go to a reputable salon and work with a professional who knows how to use the products while maintaining the integrity of your hair. It is undeniably more expensive than doing it yourself. But your hair will be much healthier in the hands of a professional and you’ll end up with much better looking hair.

The good news is that with a little effort you CAN have healthier, better looking hair. Here’s to you and your best hair!