Lip Velvety

Lip Velvets by Laura Mercier are my new favorite lipstick...wait lipgloss. It's actually both, perfectly balancing the feel of a gloss with the look of a lipstick. It comes in a tube like lipgloss would but it comes out with thick bold color of a matte lipstick. Lip Velvets come in five semi-matte shades.

I wore Scarlet Passion lip velvet over the weekend at work. I got lots of compliments and sold two in a 5 hour period! :) It's a super pigmented straight blue-violet classic red. Goes on super easily around the edges of the mouth. You know how those super reds can leave a super mess clean up around the lips. For me, this is such an easy application, the smaller applicator is easier to draw on the lips with when using those bold, deep painted on colors.


So, naturally when talking about drawing on a perfect set of pigmented lips. I would recommend the Flawless Fix Pencil! It's made for this exact purpose. Perfecting color on the lips. You can also use it for small touch ups on the face if you're in a crunch and that's all you have with you.


The lip velvets are amazing, with this lip on I ate lunch and drank coffee all day and it left a nice matte stain in place of what came off on my coffee cup. For long lasting color I would suggest them!!
<3Nicole

Skin with a Routine=Happy skin, etc.

Though I am an aesthetician, I'm still learning about all of the skin care lines Blush carries. And since they are all fabulous, I feel like a kid in a candy shop: I want to try everything! While that is the best way for me to experience first hand the products I am recommending, its not necessarily good for my skin. Not to mention the minute the weather dropped below 40 degrees, my skin instantly dried out. =( As a true combination skin type, this season makes it increasingly difficult to find a decent moisturizer that is rich enough to target the dry parts of my face, but not too rich where it will create mid-day shine in my T-zone. Thanks to Paulina's recent suggestions, I think we have found the perfect harmony of moisturizers for combination skin.

A.M. Moisturizer: B. Kamin's Day Lotion SPF 15, a lightweight oil-free lotion that leaves my skin silky smooth and hydrated all day long. It also has SPF 15, which as any aesthetician will tell you, is a necessity even during winter. If the sun is still in the sky (even if its cloudy), then you still need an SPF!!!! It also created a perfect primer for my makeup, giving me a healthy, luminescent glow.

P.M. Moisturizer: Duchess Marden Face Cream. Organic shea butter, apricot oil, cetyl babassuate, and hydrolyzed oat protein add soothing moisture to dry, damaged skin. The vitamins and minerals improve cellular metabolism, and mushroom extract helps to fade any discoloration or redness. Did I mention the rose oil used in all Duchess Marden products smells AMAZING? Rose oil has a calming, sedative effect, and is often used to ease nervous tension and stress. Its like a mini spa treatment right before bed! I also recommended this product to my sister's boyfriend who has extremely dry skin. He loved the way the product instantly smoothed and hydrated his skin, but he wasn't a fan of the way he smelled like roses afterwards. What can I say? Some men just don't appreciate the benefits of aromatherapy ;)

Last but not least, it wouldn't be a Kayti Blog if I didn't tell all you Blushies what lip product I've been craving all week. This week there is a definate tie between Laura Mercier's Hydratint Lipbalm in Crimson and DuWop's Pure Venom in Berry. Laura's hydratints are much more than your average tinted lip balm. They are packed full of lip conditioning ingredients like shea butter, grapeseed oil and green tea extract, perfect for my oh-so-chapped lips this time of year. They also contain SPF (*hint hint*) Crimson gives a very subtle red tint. This is the perfect red for those who are hesitant to go for the Scarlett Johansson ulta-red lips. I liked layering it with Hydratints in Berry too, to get a cooler toned red lip. DuWop's Pure Venom is a completley natural version of the original Lip Venom. They soothe and condition lips as they plump. Pure Berry is a deep cranberry color that is perfect for this season. Not to mention it smells like Christmas and looks like cranberry sauce....hmm I may have been a bit bias when judging the latter, but still love both products!

Until next week, Blushies!

--K

With Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving readers :) Of course it seems obvious, but on this special day, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything other than things I am thankful for! And why fight the feeling when the feeling is right.
I am thankful for
* My profession! I make a living out of helping men & women feel and look amazing. The extra bonus- when I make someone else feel good, I feel good! So believe me, it is my goal to make you feel better about yourself. I'm sure you've noticed that when you spend too much time in the mirror you can pick yourself apart to the point of tears if you forget when to step away. (This is why I call magnifying mirrors the "scary side"). As a professional that sees a lot of skin, I love when I get the chance to offer a new perspective. Whether you think you have eyes that are "too small" a nose that is "too big" or a blemish that is taking over your face, I promise to change your perspective. Like it's been said, "A good lesson in keeping your perspective is: Take your job seriously but don't take yourself seriously." My case and point exactly. Stop in anytime and I'll be happy to offer you some new perspective.
In being thankful for my job I must give thanks to Sarah, Laurel, Paulina, Jodie, Kayti, Nicole, Jenni, Abby & Maggie; the whole blush team for being some of the most fun and inspiring people in my life. It is not an easy task to compile such a team with true integrity, consideration & talent...somehow we've done it. I'm so thankful every day.

*Master Classes @ Blush
...coming again in February! If you have never gotten in on a Master Class, you are missing out! This class is the perfect time to grab a friend or come to make new ones while mastering the art of looking your best at all times. So many women that we work with express that they want to take us home with them to get them ready every morning and evening....well now you can---in spirit anyway! A Master Class is your chance to work one-on-one with a Blush artist to gain the skills & master techniques to put your best face forward on any occasion. Stay tuned to get in, space is limited.

*Most importantly, I am thankful for you. Yes, YOU! You who supports our mission & our vision to make the world a more healthy, happy & beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your smiles & stories when you come in to Blush; thank you for trusting us to take care of you; thank you for telling your friends & sharing the beauty. Thank you for your support.

....Not to freak anyone out, but Christmas is in 4 weeks!! Don't worry, Blush has got you covered. Holiday gift giving guides coming soon....

xxo Rebecca

Limited Edition

Gotta make the most of the good things while they last!

1. I own multiples of a few of Laura Mercier's brushes, the smudge, the ponytail, the all-over eye colour, the dual-ended eye brush. What I love about this abbreviated collection is the ability of each brush to do its job so easily and effortlessly, giving me an elegantly shaded eye colour application in seconds. Specifically, I'm going to feature the dual-ended eye brush, as it's a limited edition beauty that Laura has just brought back with her latest collection, Club Couture. This brush enables both creme and powder applications due to a nice, just-big-enough, oval-tipped synthetic end (crucial for creme!) and a blend of rounded natural hairs and white synthetic hairs, better known as a "finishing" brush for its ability to buff and blend colour AS it's being applied! This brush coincides with the launch of her high-shine metallic Foiled eye colours, which can be used wet or dry - brilliant indeed!



2. Excited about the brush, but unsure quite how to use it? Blush offers makeup parties for you and your friends after-hours at the shop. Learn how to apply, where to apply, and have a great time getting ready before you head out on the town. $100 per person/redeemable in product, you really can't lose! Which brings me to our incredible freelance team - Jenny, Nicole,
Abby, Kayti, and Maggie. These girls embody everything you expect from Blush: talented artistry, personable attitude, and product and trend-knowledgeable. We are so lucky (I am so thankful!) to have them on our team. They have worked all over the country, are all Laura Mercier trained, and have work featured in prominent local and national publications! Blush has worked to bring you the best products in Milwaukee, and we're proud and pleased to offer premier artists as well.

3. Still looking for the perfect gift? Check out Art vs. Craft this Friday, (11/28 Black Friday!), a once-a-year show devoted to the most original objects d'art available for purchase and made by skilled local indie craftspeople! I always make sure to reserve a portion of my holiday shopping budget specifically for this event! www.artvscraftmke.com I have found one-of-a-kind treasures definitely not to be repeated and not to be missed!

Happy Thanksgiving Blushies!!

xoxo,
Laurel

So good you could eat it!

I'm obsessed with the Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache body creme. It smells like the yummiest pistachio ice cream there ever was. It reminds me of coming out from the blustry cold into a warm candy store during the holidays and smelling all the sweets combined. A little creme, some almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios all mixed in one. I love dabbing some on my hands and when I'm home later at night the smell is still there. :)

This lovely Creme de Pistache scent also comes in a polishing body scrub with fine-milled pistachio shells to gently give you softer more moisturized skin.





And lastly, for one of my favorite activities for "me time" is taking a bath! This scent also comes in a Honey Bath. The Crème de Pistache Honey Bath is a decadent, foaming honey moisture bath with natural ingredients that leaves the skin feeling clean, fresh and supple. It conditions the skin leaves with a softly scented veil of fragrance after each use.

With the Holidays coming up this would be a great gift for any woman who loves to treat herself without the weight gain. :)

<3
Nicole

Things to be Thankful For =)

1.) Amazing and loyal clients! Pat yourselves on the back, blushies...without you, we would have never come this far! I think I speak for all of us Blush Girls when I say what a great feeling it is to be able to help someone feel better about themselves. Even the slightest change (tight eye line technique anyone?) can brighten up someone's look. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for being loyal, sharing the beauty with your besties, and most importantly, being the unique, amazing, beautiful individuals that you all are!

2.) A fabulous team of ladies that have given me confidence and kept me on my toes since day one. Each and every one of the blush girls is knowledgable, kind, and GORGEOUS! I cannot thank them enough for all the advice, techniques, and support they have not only given me, but each of their clients as well!

3.) Eye cream. Okay, this one is not as sentimental as the previous two, but without eye cream I would be lost. I am in love with B. Kamins' eye cream since it is gentle enough to use all over the eye, including the lid. I reapply it over make up probably around 2-3 times a day, depending on how dry the air is. For an extra comforting treatment, try filling a bowl with water and ice cubes and letting your eye cream chill for a few minutes. Its a refreshing and easy way to soothe tired, irritated eyes [and is way more chic than putting cold spoons or cucumbers under your eyes...what can I say, I've tried it all blushies ;)]

Wishing you and yours a happy turkey day,

--K

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

Hello Blushies!

This time of year is pre-season crunch time for holiday shopping, parties, and being thankful for the wonderful people we have in our lives! I just completed some major holiday shopping over the past weekend, and thought I'd share some great ideas for celebrating those you hold near and dear!

The Good:

Do you have a friend who is totally fabulous but doesn't take enough time for herself? Always on the go, helping friends and family, devoted to her work, but feels that perhaps her beauty routine suffers (only a little of course!) because of it? May I recommend the Laura Mercier Colour Wardrobe? This fantastic little package has the best of everything. 6 fantastic shadows (including a few of my absolute favorites, like African Violet and Celestial) 3 delicious blush shades, 6 lip colours in a range of finishes, and 2 limited-edition lip glazes. This collection of colours gives a girl everything she needs for travel, or to create a dozen different looks for the holiday party season! All for under $100! (retail: $98)

The Bad:

You know you've been guilty of it: staying out too late in smoky bars, not washing off the day's makeup, not moisturizing or masqueing enough, picking pimples when you know you should keep your paws off your face! So if you know you've committed such skincare offenses, chances are you've got a friend who's been just as bad... Treat her right this year with a customized facial from Face Couture! Our aestheticians personalize every facial for the client, giving them the right fit for their skin during any time of year. With such great skin care lines like BKamins, Laura Mercier, OSEA, and Duchess Marden, there's a blend that will pamper and delight even the worst skincare sinner.

The Beautiful:

The holiday season is a great time to create memories, and what better way than to sit for a portrait commemorating a nostalgic and celebratory time of year and your gorgeous face! Jessica Kaminski, is a local photographer who's captured the essence of countless weddings and events, and taken incredible photographs for M magazine, the Milwaukee Ballet and the Milwaukee Bucks among others. Her studio is located in the 3rd Ward just down the street from Blush on fabulous Water Street! If being behind the camera is more your style, she also offers classes and workshops to hone your photography skills! Visit her website and see more of her portfolio at http://jkaminskiphoto.com/

Wishing you well!

xoxo

Laurel

Flipping Through Magazines & Hunting out the Best Products

One of my favorite things to do when a new magazine comes to my house is page through and look for products that I use. I really enjoy seeing reinforcement behind what I carry in my arsenal. It's always amusing to see the combinations of things that makeup artists and celebrities put together in their own makeup kits as well.

Great Things Seen Recently: The Beauty Blender

The Beauty blender provides the most flawless finish to the face when applying a liquid foundation. It's JUST like airbrush. No streaks, no spots... Just a perfect flawless glow. Ergonomic design fits in hand and to the face for an absolutely easy glide on application around/on the nose and hugs the cotours of the face. Pairs perfectly with Laura Mercier's Silk Crème foundation.

Seen Recently: Laura Mercier's Flawless Face Products

"Before applying any colour, I always prepare the skin first. I create a fresh canvas with a flawless finish. Making your skin look perfect is the first and most important thing you can do to achieve a truly great look. The key is to enhance your natural beauty - whether you use all products together one day, or just a little Secret Camouflage and Setting Powder when you are on the go." - Laura Mercier

Flawless Face is: 1. Foundation Primer, 2. Foundation, 3. Concealer, 4. Setting Powder.

I'll keep you updated on new things I see in the magazines that we carry here at Blush!

Nicole

New Season=New Look

Fall is a great time to change your look, update colors, and refresh your spirit!

With the gloomy weather, we all need something a little fun to perk us up a bit. Laura's new Club Couture collection features super hot silver and gold foiled eyeshadows...perfect for accenting a subtle yet sexy look. My personal favorite of the line is the new gloss! I think I've been subconsciously counting down the days until the After Hours Glace arrived! Its sooo pretty-very light pink, not sticky, and super sexy.

Speaking of glosses I can't live without, we also just got in this great fall gloss balm from Lucy B. It glides on effortlessly and gives your lips a kiss of the perfect fall/winter red. (I'm a gloss junky, what can I say?)

I usually update my hair as well this time of year. It was much needed, after having gone without professional hair color for several months. After admiring Paulina's peacock-inspired locks for quite some time, I finally made my appointment to go see her colorist, Tami, at Erik of Norway downtown. Tami is ABSOLUTLEY FANTASTIC! She gets right down to business, and transformed my dull hair color (not sure what color[s] I even had anymore?) into a warm, medium chestnut brown. I also badly needed a hair cut, but was putting off since I'm trying to grow it out. Tami convinced me to let Shalin re-vamp my hair while I was there. Shalin has such incredible energy and made me fall in love with the bangs that she and Tami insisted I get. I recommend both girls by far, and hope that if any of you blushies have a hair emergency, you'll try the team at Erik of Norway! [And of course, bee-lining directly over to Blush afterwards for new colors to go with your new hair;) ]

*pssssttt!--we have referral cards for Shalin and Tami @ Blush...1/2 off your first service. Ask me or Paulina for details!

--K

As you all know, I am a firm believer in not doing anything to my clients that I would not do to myself, or have not extensivally studied. I was thinking this the other day as I was contorting myself to wax the back of my upper leg. Yes, that is a hilarious image, after all, we all need a laugh on these grey days! I realized I have not shaved ANY part of my body for over a year! I have saved time, energy and money by sticking to my guns and keeping up with waxing.

It all started last year at this time after the birth of my second daughter. I have a six year old, and now one year old. I did not have the time to take a quick rinse off, let alone an extra 20 minutes to shave my underarms and full leg. So I began the arduous journey/task of growing out my body hair. I folded after about two weeks, and waxed WAY too early to really benefit.(You should have atleast four weeks of outgrowth for the first wax.) I removed alot of hair, but still had the small hairs growing in. But I forged forth, feeling somewhat better that my insanely fast, thick growing hair ( my heritage is Croatian, and unlike my brother, I did not get the swarthy olive skin, I got the massive amount of body hair!) was somewhat tamed. Especially my underarms!

Now, I have to say, waxing your underarms(please, dont call them armpits, that word makes me giggle and think of sweaty men in gym shorts)is wonderful! No dark shadow, clean, smooth skin. And once you start, your hair grows back in lesser and finer, so waiting in between waxes is nothing like the initial grow out stage.

Same with waxing your legs. Even just waxing half your leg, upper or lower, your choice, minimizes time and money. If you choose to wax the upper half you can really stretch out the time in between waxes because it already grows in slower and finer then the lower half. It also helps to create a shiny, smooth finish to your legs. It helps exfoliate as well as remove hair! Looking at pics of my legs since I've started waxing, I've definitely noticed the difference.

It's also great if you are going on vacation. Who wants to shave everyday when they're supposed to be relaxing? It's great for weddings, anniversaries, you name it.

So why am I bringing this up now? This is the perfect time to start growing out! It's starting to be cold and icky, no shorts, skirts or dresses. Perfect cover-up time. Also, if you start waxing in December, you will be smooth and beautiful for New Year's Eve, and by summer next year, you will be good to go, being able to have smooth skin for weeks at a time! You can jump into a swimsuit without worry, and throw on a dress at a moments notice!

Alright ladies, start growing!

Paulina (waxing extraordinaire!)

Beautiful Things

Well, it's a beautiful sunny day in downtown Milwaukee! There are so many things you cannot count on in life...like the sun in Wisconsin, but there is one thing you can absolutely count on in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward; when you become a blush girl or boy (man or woman!) you get beautiful! You can shop for beautiful things; for yourself or to give as gifts. One example; Stephanie Johnson never ceases to amaze me with the fun and gorgeous designs she comes out with every season. Just when you think it can't get much better, wait until you check out this season's deep purples, oranges, browns & blues. From the light traveler to the over packer, Stephanie & Co. have got the accessory bag for you! Stop in now these beauties don't stay in stock for long.
Speaking of gifts, 'tis getting to be the season for giving! Blush is famous for featuring the works of local artists for jewelry, couture, paintings & prints and what is better than gifting something that is truly one of a kind or specially made just for you! Jennifer Espenscheid is distinguished as a custom artist offering portraits, prints, illustrations, custom art, tattoo designs and the list goes on! I have personally been more than thrilled with the attention, insight and creativity she put into designing personalized gifts for my loved ones. Check out her online gallery http://thesomagallery.com and of course her rotating works displayed in our boutique.
And of course when you shop Blush you can expect beautifully sculpted brows & lashes; speaking of: don't miss out on November's amazing lash extension specials! New clients receive $75 off a set of plush lashes plus $50 off when you re-book for a lash fill. I personally have had lash extensions on for a year now and I HIGHLY recommend Laurel's amazing expertise and attention to detail. You will not be disappointed and I warn you, you will never want to be with out them again.
Another beautiful thing I can personally guarantee is beautiful skin! If you know me, you know that skin health is my passion. Every month I formulate a new facial regime for the season and conditions we currently face...pun intended ;) This month's facial features the Maple treatment. Maple is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to restore the delicate cellular structure and sustain skin's moisture balance all winter long. The Facial of the Month is something you don't want to miss out on; the 60 minute service includes major benefits for the skin, much needed relaxation and a complimentary a la carte service of your choice all for only $75.
Speaking of smooth and gorgeous skin, if Paulina's reputation does not precede her, let me be the first to tell you that she has a near cult following for her specialized waxing services. Shapes, colors, or completely smooth, she is your woman.
Shop Blush, beauty guaranteed.

The Time of the Season

Hi Blushies,


As the seasons change and we see time marching on before our eyes in the form of waning sunlight, cascading leaves, and falling temperatures, our attitudes and routines change as well. I personally love the opportunity for fabulous fall and winter clothes, the chance to bring out beloved pairs of boots, and I inevitably start contemplating a potential hair color change! Will I end up a redhead in 2009 - time will tell! So I'll be taking this opportunity to tell you about a few things that are defining my Autumn:

1. Does your skin change along with the time difference? Mine does - I start moisturizing like crazy as the cooler weather makes my skin dry out - but usually with the added benefit of a lack of breakouts! Anyone who's talked with me about skincare knows how CRAZY I am about Laura Mercier's Flawless Skin Creme - "pot of gold" "lazy girl's skincare" "my favorite thing in the shop" are phrases I've used time and time again to describe this super-creme! It repairs, it moisturizes, it prevents future damage - I've got girls across the country hooked on the stuff! But this entry is NOT about the creme - but rather its demure little sister, and as of late, my saving grace: Flawless Skin Oil-Free Day Lotion w/ SPF 15.
When this little lotion debuted, I didn't give it a second glance, as devoted to the original as I am - but recently I've started using it in the mornings, and it gives me the same velvety glow, but NO SHINE by the end of the day, which can sometimes be an unfortunate by-product of a great ultra-moisturizing cream. It's the best of both worlds - I don't have to sacrifice my anti-aging routine, and I get SPF and a greaseless glow! Am I learning? I think I am!

2. There was a study done about what scents attract a man when worn on a woman; the men were blindfolded and asked to identify which scents were considered the most "attractive" for a woman to smell like, and hands-down, the scent that won was DOUGHNUTS. We can debate intellectually that we humans are inherently attracted to things that make us feel safe and comfortable, and the combination of sugar and fat produces lots of positive reactions - especially this time of year where we plan elaborate meals chock-full of comfort food! So - logic stands that men react to smells that are indulgent, delectable and utterly pleasurable, all things I'm sure we'd be okay being described as!
Case in point - Laura Mercier's Creme de Pistache Milk Scrub: described as the essence of creamy pistachio nuts, almond, praline and hazelnut nuances and freshly whipped cream are combined for a rich, luscious experience. What I know is that whenever I step out of the shower after a very necessary autumn exfoliation, all my boyfriend says is, "YUMMY".

3. If you're shopping for your 2010 calendar - may I suggest the work of Amy Soczka? She is a fantastic local artist who has exhibited at Blush in the past, and can currently be found online at her blog http://amymarcella.blogspot.com or her Etsy page http://www.etsy.com/shop/amymarcella She has beautiful images, stellar craftsmanship, and is just pretty damn creative - her calendar also can double as a shopping or to-do list when you're done with the current month!

Wishing you a splendid Autumn!
Laurel xoxo

Wedding Bliss (with madness involved)

My wedding is coming up in 51 days, New Years Eve! I've been thinking about all the things that we have to finish still. I have my dress (SO LOVE IT!) and our wedding rings as of this weekend! I was a little concerned about the timing and things running a little close. As I get closer to the date, I'm thinking about my wedding makeup. As a makeup artist, I figured I could do it myself. I do it every day. But a few friends told me that going about it that way would probably make me crazy to have to do one more thing on that day. So who do you think popped into my head?? The Blush girls! I've seen them do so many fabulous wedding makeup jobs. I would be fully confident that they'd make me as pretty as possible.


To prepare my skin for my big day I've been extra careful with my skincare regimen. I've been wanting to experience some of our Wedding Day Prep Packages. Which to try?

The Purist - Brow tweeze, uplifting rose facial + bright eyes treatment and organic body polish for $150.00

The Realist Brow wax, bikini wax, 60 minute facial + bright eyes treatment,and organic body polish for $225.00

The Goddess Brow & lip wax, brazilian or deep bikini wax, 90 minute luxe facial + bright eyes treatment & perfect pout, organic body polish with infusion. $320.00

I could customize something too... decisions, decisions.
Hmm...Happy Wedding planning. :)
<3 Nicole

Get Beautiful, Give Back!

Well Blushies, the season of giving is upon us.

In the spirit of giving, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to invest in your community! This week Wednesday and Thursday is our annual Get Beautiful, Give Back event. Every year, Blush offers clients a complementary make up application/consultation for a $30 donation to a local charity. This year, we're taking donations for the Koss Foundation. Founded by the Koss family, the foundation provides charitable gifts to organizations that focus on personal responsibility, health, education, and the arts. You are also encouraged to bring in your make up bags so we can help you sift through and find out whats not working for you. All gently used or unused make up will be donated to the Meta House, an organization that helps women get back on their feet after substance abuse. Appointments can be made anytime between 1 and 6pm.

Does everyone know about our referral program? If you refer someone to us, they'll get either $5, $10, or $15 off their first service (of $20+, $50+, and $75+, respectivly). Then we'll send you a $5, $10, or $15 gift certificate to use on YOUR next service! So get beautiful and give beautiful this year, blushies!

--K

Graceful Living

I was literally so busy today that it wasn't until 7:00 p.m. when I finally realized that I had had one glass of water all day.... ONE all day long. As a skin care professional, I know and preach how important it is to take care of yourself...and especially now, in this changing season.
I say it every day; when stress creeps in and you start to take yourself too seriously…Snap out of it and remind yourself what to do! To stop the spiral make time for yourself! Life can gain on you, and I know that if I don't schedule my time; my time will never happen.
I share this because I know I'm not alone. And I'm not asking for a radical change...today it starts with tea.
Yes, Tea! Just try this next time you get ahead of yourself and need to recharge...sit down and savor a cup of warm tea. The key word is savor it! Force yourself to feel better and do nothing!
For at least one moment...
Tea has its deep-rooted traditions for good reason. Tea contains minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids, which not only help to prevent cancer; they reduce oxidative stress in the body and delay aging!
….This is a smart beverage!
“Have fun and delay aging” are definitely two ideas competing to be my headline…
But maybe they don't have to compete at all because one absolutely leads to the other. More fun = Less stress = Graceful aging.

One of my facial clients recently turned 50 and made a pact with herself to do one thing for herself everyday.
I love it!
ONE THING.
How can that be too much to ask?....We're talking about YOU. One tiny thing. What a great idea, and all of my studies of health and wellness concur, she will have the best year of her life!


The most effective way to prolong the tally mark tolls of your years is to protect yourself from stresses; the internal ones in ways of worry and anxiety (a.k.a. oxidative stress) and the external ones like sunrays and pollution (free radicals)….let me repeat, “Have fun and delay aging!”

I also know that when you refresh yourself, you not only feel refreshed, you look your best! So when you come into Blush to get refreshed, know that when we offer you a glass of warm tea, our thoughts are all about you! When we get the opportunity to make you feel and look more refreshed and beautiful, we gain the same feeling, and that is one fun way to start chipping away at your anti-aging goals... Come relax with us and we'll share some other tricks up our sleeves ;)

You’re happy, healthy, wise & beautiful, Blushies!
xo, Rebecca

5 Years In The Making, and Still Going Strong!

Ever since this whole blogging thing became popular, I have wanted to write one...But time, Blush, having 2 kiddies and getting married~ all fabulously entered my life.

Excuses? No way- not a day went by that I didn't have an entry to a well thought out excerpt, enter my head (my own personal blog). I can only imagine the hilarious faces and head tilts I've made, when these imaginary postings popped into my head~ what a fake "space bar or exclamation point" looks like or even worse...a, "Yeah That's Right I Said It"...Long story short? I feel like I've been writing this for years.

I've thought about Blush, how I got started, what brought me back to Milwaukee, opening the boutique, realizing and running my dream- and now the present, the reality and our 5 years in business ~ So with that? I'd like to make a toast:

To all of our amazing clients, who have supported our dream by continuing to trust in and believe in our beauty mantra- to the ones who scrapped every last dime for a brazilian, waited a month for a lip stick, and referred 20 of their closest friends...We love you!

To my fabulous team, who have helped me turn Blush into what it has always meant to be, a gorgeous beauty haven-- where beauty, creativity, inspiration, and trust will shelter you from any storm

Lastly, to my homies that have moved on from blush, you are certainly not forgotten~ you helped Blush go from a stack of papers...to fabulous reality!

So that's it, I did it, I wrote it and I meant it! And now I am off to wash my face (with Laura Mercier of course) and catch some beauty sleep~ Next week I promise to gush about my favorite fall products...But for this week, I owed it to myself and to you to show my gratitude and count my blessings for an amazing 5 years and many more to come...

This, my friends, is just the beginning~ kisses, sarah

Damned if I do, Dallas if I don't...

I just recently returned from a photoshoot down in Dallas which meant lots of time in cramped airplanes, shuffling my kit from location to location, and long days getting the models camera-ready. I learned a few things though while on the road that I wanted to share with all Blushies.

1. Schlepping your makeup essentials from place to place means that not only do you HAVE to HAVE what matters, but you need to keep it safe! I was thanking Stephanie Johnson every day in my head for her well-constructed and totally fabulous makeup bags. Every bag is lined with heavy-duty plastic which means that even if something explodes, the rest of your packed items stay clean! She also includes smaller pouches in her larger makeup bags that totally help keep smaller items sorted and protected. Blush just received a large order of hot new bags from Stephanie for the fall - and I have and took with me the train case in Bora Bora - which I have pictured, but am currently obsessing over the deep-purple patent-leather snakeskin print that we have in stock...get it before I do!!



2. With late nights, early mornings and never enough sleep - your eyes can pay the price. I took down my tired-looking eyes with this one-two punch: BKamins Therapeutic eye cream at night before bed - for darkness under the eye and fine lines, and Laura Mercier's Eyedration in the morning first thing after putting in my contacts - for puffiness - seriously, this cream smoothed me out before I went to breakfast at 6:30!










3. Every woman is concerned at some level about looking good and maintaining those good looks - and models are obviously intensely affected by these concerns. They all ask for tips and techniques, insider info on the best products and where to get them - and while most of us would give our right arm to get paid for looking good - we would take that arm back knowing the pressure they're under! Case in point: I was working with a gorgeous woman who has had 4 (yes, 4!!) kids and was lamenting having gone up to a size 8. Normally we would smack our best friend upside the head for being concerned about looking so great - but this woman's livelihood is at stake, and acknowledging her legitimate concerns and assuaging them is also part of a good makeup artist's job. I realized through talking with her that the main thing she was missing wasn't a beautiful face, or a way to take care of it, but showing herself the same love she shows her family, her friends, and her co-workers. She agreed that she would never say the things she was saying about herself to her sister or her best friend. We agreed that an essential part of every beauty routine is appreciating all the things that make us beautiful: our strength, our kindness, our generosity, our sense of humour! So take the time to look in the mirror and smile at how beautiful you are, Blushies!




xoxo,
Laurel

My Life Needs More Drama!

Eyelash extensions are huge at Blush! Book yourself an appointment for the month of November and receive $75.00 off your service. (Offer only on Plush sets - 60 lashes per eye, and Full sets - 40 lashes per eye). Book with Laurel today for a fabulous deal and a dramatic new look.

OR -- For the gals on a budget. Here's another way to stay sassy and steal the spotlight.

Celebs and models are suddenly sprouting lashes long enough to knock their Ray-Bans off. The FAST LASH system is a new clump-free lash-fattening product brushed on between coats of mascara to build up length. It works by coating lashes with fuzzy white fibers that cling to wet mascara. Result is kind of like false eyelashes, only much more natural-looking. It's the false lash without having to apply a full strip of them! Gotta give this a try.

More Moisturizing Maple, Please!

The theme for November is going to be preparing the skin to make it through another chilly winter, and that means making sure your skin receives plenty of moisture!

Maple trees retain enough moisture to stay vibrant and strong even in the harshest of winters, their sweet sap sustains the tree, and replenishes its cellular structure. *Try our Maple Facial this month: $75 for 60 minutes.

To keep up the results of your facial, try using B. Kamin's skin care. Every product contains their patented Bio-Maple Compound, a complex physiological humectant which contains mono and polysaccharides, amino peptides, vegetable hormones, anti-oxidant and anti-aging phenolic compounds and minerals. It physiologically counters the process of moisture loss due to the stratum corneum (protective barrier of the skin) being damaged from both environmental and chronological aging. It rehydrates skin by (1) absorbing and storing moisture from the environment (hygroscopic action) and (2) lifting water from the inner layers of the epidermis to the top layers. Pure AHAs (exfoliating) and anti-oxidants (anti-aging) are infused into the stratum corneum to help speed up the rate at which old, tired skin cells are shed and thus combats the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also protects the skin, due to its natural pH being similar to that of skin itself. By maintaining the skin’s natural pH, it safeguards against germs (micro organisms) which constantly battle to invade and cause skin blemishes and irritations. My absolute must-have products by B. Kamins are the Moisturizing Toner and the Eye Cream.



After you cleanse your face, mist the Moisturizing Toner over your skin. Do not blot, instead apply your moisturizer on top. This will increase the effectiveness of your moisturizer because when your skin is wet, it can absorb more.

Use the Eye Cream day and night. Gently tap cream around the orbital bone. It is also mild enough to be used on the eyelid and can be reapplied over make up without smudging.