The Curative Power of Rose

Rose has been an effective ingredient in skincare for centuries. It is suitable for all skin types, but it is especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skins. It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface, which makes it useful in diminishing the redness caused by enlarged capillaries. Rosewater is a slightly less expensive way to provide skincare. It is very soothing to irritated skin. It is also a tonic and antiseptic.

The rose also offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional /psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It is increasingly used in treatments for conditions of stress: nervous tension, peptic ulcers, heart disease, among others.

My favorite skin care line, Duchess Marden, was created using all natural ingredients, and all products contain rose!

Duchess Marden Product Distinction:

-Deeply hydrates, brightens and smooths, leaving skin supple and radiant

-Evens skin tone and fades discoloration

-Free of petrochemicals, parabens, chemical preservatives, and artificial ingredients

-No artificial fragrances

-Highly concentrated, no added fillers

-Works well with all skin types

-No allergy provoking ingredients

--K

Hothouse Flowers

We're well into Spring now, Blushies; the birds are singing, the grass is growing and most importantly the flowers are in bloom! It's time to take inspiration from the beauty in nature to add to our beauty routines!

I'm loving the bright blooms outside, and am celebrating with brighter colors on my lips !
Lately I've been picking up saturated shades like BonBon (sheer cool pink) and Heat Wave (sheer bright orange) from Laura Mercier, Tulip (sheer true red) and Glamarama (sheer hot pink) from Lucy B

For the eyes, coordinated shades that create contrast with your eye colour is the quickest way to bring out a fresh look. DuWop's new Eyecatchers Shadow Duets complement your eye colour offering both a tone close to the shade of your eye, and a tone opposite. Work with a Blush artist to show you exactly how to apply these colours to bring out your best look!

Lucy B also creates inspired floral fragrances using organic ingredients native to the company's origin in Australia. Blush carries the fragrances in eau de toilette sprays as well as travel size roll-on perfume oils. Currently we have the Pink Frangipani, Wild Jasmine, and the newest addition, Tiare Coconut. The company describes the scent as "a tropical Australian beach scent that boosts the mood through the flower essences. Its Australia in a bottle". Tiare Coconut is an exotic floral fragrance with a warm oriental base. A top note is composed of tiare flowers and coconut, middle notes are combined of magnolia & champaca, with bottom notes of amber and vanilla blossom. Gorgeous - and just right for Spring!

It's time to stop and smell the flowers!

xoxo

Laurel

Wedding Season!

Blush's ultra busy Wedding season is upon us. Here's some fabulous services we offer to prep you for your picture perfect wedding day.

-- Spray Tanning --
Blush's custom spray tanning leaves you looking naturally sun kissed and absolutly NOT ORANGE! It's a one on one with a Blush artist using a spray gun - no booth. Which provides you with a flawless all over even tan.
$40 for one session Body Contouring can be added on $10
$35 for 6-9 sessions
$30 for 10 or more
Buy 5 tans, get 1 FREE touchup
Buy 10, get 1 Spa Prep & Exfoliation package FREE
Touch Up $25 (must be booked within 7 days of first tan)
Half Body $25 (upper or lower)
Custom Tanning starts at $10

Blush has customized facials every month as well, check our website for monthly updates. And speaking of facials, we have special wedding packages too that include an all in one price for services to get you ready for your day. (please check out our website www.blushmilwaukee.com)

We're booking in our Laura Mercier make-up applications on-location and in-store weddings quickly. Be sure to call us with your wedding date and ask about our rates. We specialize in glowy, natural, beautiful blushing brides.

You make me happy when skies are grey...

Happy Spring Blushies!

The season is officially upon us - ushered in with the hint of warmer breezes on the air, the beginnings of flowers poking through the soil, and SO MUCH MORE SUN!

That being said - now is the time to become religious about your use of sunscreen! Whether you are protecting your skin through a sunscreen in your moisturizer from BKamins or Laura Mercier,through your favorite foundation, or just in a phenomenal simple sunscreen like (a Blush favorite) the COOLA line, prevention is protection!

Maybe you've skipped sunscreen in years past, and are looking to erase the effects of sun damage? Look no further than Laura Mercier's newest moisturizer - Tone Perfecting Creme. This luxurious cream contains Quercetin Plus - a supplement 1000 times more effective than Vitamin C in erasing pigmentation and fine lines due to sun damage. This creme does NOT contain sunscreen, so you still need that ever-important barrier to protect that beautiful skin you're revealing! SNEAK PEEK: Laura is just about to release a VERY exciting sunscreen this May, with adaptogens that create ideal sun protection regardless if you are on the beach or skiing in the mountains - stay posted!!

Interested in faking that perfect glow? Book an appointment for an airbrush tan at Blush and have your friends and co-workers guessing where you took a mini-vacation! Always golden, never orange - our formula is organic, anti-aging, and designed to work with your skin's DHA levels, ensuring you get the perfect glow. Extend the life of your tan and protect your skin with DuWop's Revolotion - a bronzing body moisturizer with SPF 15 - gorgeous color AND essential sun protection!

So get out there and (safely) enjoy the start of Spring!

xoxo

Laurel

Happy Spring, Blushies!

Spring is finally here! Time to clean out your closets, your home, and of course, your makeup bag!


This Friday and Saturday Blush will be having our bi-annual Laura Mercier National Face-to-Face Event from 10-7. If you've never been to a makeup event, you definatley need to experience it! Laura's Chicago Team will be joining your favorite Blush Girls doing complementary makeovers. Learn what's hot for this Spring, what works for your skin, and most importantly, how to create the coveted Flawless Face. What could be more fun than gathering up your girlfriends and stopping down to the beautiful Third Ward for complimentary make overs?


Here's a little sneak peek at the super gorgeous Spring trends;)


Luminous Skin-As famed fashion guru Calvin Klein has said, "The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.” Laura's Flawless Face techniques and products give every woman the ability to have flawless skin while still looking natural, and not over done.


Fresh Pastels- Find perfect harmony with beauty synonymous with nature, well-being and serenity. Washes of pastel hues on the eyes and a deep jade liner along the lash line.



Lush Lips & Peachy Cheeks-As your resident lip junkie, I'm loving shiny raspberry, peach, and berry chocolate tones for the lips and a pinky-peach flush on the cheeks.







.....Just to tempt you a bit....;)

Hope to see everyone's beautiful faces this weekend!

--K

Feels like forever already, in a good way. :)

I realized I never updated anything about my wedding! That whole day was just a blur (a totally perfect one). My makeup was done by Blush's own Sarah Brucker. She did such a wonderful job, I had so many comments on the make-up and the hair too. Hair was done by Tracy Grundy at Yan Salon. (http://www.yanhair.com/)

I just wanted to post a picture from that day, and let you know everything is going as well as expected. :)

Also, totally different topic. But if you notice a few new flyers around blush with some artwork on them, it's me getting to use my Illustration BFA around the store.

Nicole

A Perfect Kiss

It's the week before Valentine's Day, and whether or not you have big plans, it's not unreasonable to prepare for some perfect kisses! Here are a few suggestions to make sure you make some lasting memories!

1. Pucker Up! Smooth away dull winter lips with Sara Happ's Lip Scrub - I like her new flavor, Creme Brulee - always delicious for dessert, try this decadent scrub to perfect your pout. Apply, and scrub away dead skin before showering, and emerge with soft, smooth, perfectly kissable lips!

2. A Close Shave! Don't forget about your sweetie! If there's some scruff that needs attending to, Truefitt & Hill's phenomenal shave creme will moisturize his skin and prep that 5'o'clock shadow for the closest shave he's ever felt. T&H also makes amazing colognes & aftershave balms if you're feeling generous and wanting to treat him to the ultimate shaving experience!

3. Leave your mark! (But not on him) Don't want your guy wearing your lipstick? Try one of Lucy B's tinted lip balms! Sheer color and fantastic all-natural moisture (and featured in the March issue of Lucky magazine!) I'm particularly fond of Chocolate, and Nudie. (thematic, too, n'est pas?)

Now get in there and do some smooching!!!

xoxo
Laurel

Wedding Perfection

On your wedding day, you should look like yourself at your most beautiful! Here are some basics about how to create a flawless look with your favorite Blush Girls ;)

Flash photography can bring out the pink tones in skin, so look for a yellow-based foundation to even out your complexion. To reduce shine in pictures and make your foundation and concealer last, we set with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder.

Your everyday lipstick can look washed out in photos, so pick a shade that’s a little bit brighter than what you normally wear. I LOVE LOVE LOVE classic red lips, especially Laura's Scarlett Passion Lip Velvet.

For a healthy glow, dust a bright pink blush, like Laura Mercier's Pink Rose Quad, on the apples of the cheeks after applying a neutral blush. Tans are back in this season, but make sure to get bronzed the safe way: airbrush tanning! Make sure if your dress has an open neckline to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of bronzing powder if necessary to even out skin tone. I like the look of Laura's Mineral Bronzer.

Your eyes should be defined, but not overdone. Keep in mind that dark or sparkly eye shadow shades can distracting. Long-wearing, waterproof formulas like Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara are a must for preventing makeup meltdowns and lasting through any teary moments. When it comes to false eyelashes, I recommend getting individuals verses strip lashes. They look more natural, and can be tailored to suit your ideal look. Even better are lash extensions. They last 6-8 weeks and look AMAZING in pictures AND in person.


--K

groundhog day!

Did you ever see the movie about this day with Bill Murray & Andie McDowell? Totally hilarious - and the message is that in life, there are no do-overs. You get one chance to make your best effort, and if you fall short of your expectations, the chance you DO get is to learn from your mistakes and try harder the next time. Thankfully there are a few things that can help you learn life lessons the EASY way...


1. Start a change jar - today is a perfect day to start a little savings that by summertime will allow you to get a great pair of summer sandals, a splurge-worthy skin creme (*ahem* - Laura Mercier's Flawless Face Creme?), or throw a summer barbeque!


2. Go blister free - you don't have to hate your heels - try a little "Save my Feet", and it'll do just that. Apply wherever you predict pain and let it dry for 10 minutes; the combination of skin protectants (allantoin and dimethicone) prevent friction for eight hours, and won't stain your socks or stockings. It has a light and fresh scent, almost like suntan lotion, and is perfect for breaking in new shoes — boots, flip-flops and everything in between.


3. Never smudge again - Create "tubes" around your lashes with Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara. Goes on like regular mascara, dries to a water-resistant, smudge & flake-free finish. When you want to take it off, use a little friction & a lot of warm water, and the tubes slide right off! No mess! I even like to layer it over other mascaras to "seal" the formula in and create a little extra volume!

Isn't the easy life good? :)


xoxo
Laurel

Is Winter Over Yet?

I love winter... But only for a short while. Winter in Wisconsin is so brutal. I think that the issue is that the sun never seems to make as many needed appearances. The cloud cover here lingers for days. I know that I'm not the only one affected by it! Many ladies I've talked with all stress the fact that taking a Vitamin D3 suppliment is an enormous mood booster. Vitamin D3 is produced naturally in the skin with UVB Ultraviolet light. 10-15 minutes of direct sun exposure to the face, hands, arms, or back produces enough vitamin D for your body to feel regular and get the nutrients it needs (Don't forget your sunscreen). But in these times, when we're all bundled up, and running from our cars to work with scarves pulled over our faces. That 5 minute walk doesn't do much.

On the issue of sunlight exposure, by the way, it turns out that super antioxidants greatly boost your body's ability to handle sunlight without burning. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful "internal sunscreens" and can allow you to stay under the sun twice as long without burning. Other powerful antioxidants with this ability include the superfruits like Acai, Pomegranates (POM Wonderful juice), blueberries, etc. So eat up!


So with my vitamin suppliments, and my super fruits in tow to fight my winter blues, I love to indulge. A bubble bath full of Laura Mercier's Creme Brulee Honey Bath... And I'll make myself hot chocolate with whipped creme. :) Helping youself feel better makes a big difference. Make time for yourselves this winter. Spring will be upon us soon!

How to Make Your Skin Happy:

Wondering what you can do to make your skin happy in this harsh weather?

Here are ideas to think about:

1. Pay some attention to it.

Plain, simple, attention. The skin responds best to lots of TLC, but when your skin is looking or feeling lack luster, think of it as your body specifically asking you for some extra attention. Spend some extra time lathering up your face the next time you wash. Massage brings blood to the area, and blood brings vital life to your cells. Or stand on your head. Either way rushing blood will assist your complexion by giving it a boost of life from the inside out.

2. Treat your skin!

Just because funds get re-prioritized some times doesn't mean you have to give up your skin's health all together! Look for mini-treatments or upgrades that you may be able to do a la carte. They cut out the stress relieving massage, but the pure-results style treatments will keep your skin healthy and in check. ....you do only get one after all, and it has to last you a lifetime...

Try some of these options at Blush: ranging from $10-$45 they are all easy on the books and amazing on the skin:

Eye Zone Treatment:

· Revitalizes the eye area

Infuses hydration to plump and smooth lines

· Fades dark circles

· Reduces puffiness & Brightens eyes

Collagen Booster:

· Plumps lines from within

· Penetrates antioxidants & hydration to the live layer of skin to repair tissues

· Stimulates Collagen and Elastin growth

· Tightens skin & evens out skin tone

Anti-Aging Hand Treatment:

· Glycolic acid regenerates fresh skin & fades hyper-pigmentation

· Serums stimulate collagen and elastin growth

· Paraffin bath seals in intense hydration

Just to name a few!

Here are my other favorite pick-me ups for the winter blues:

Tocca Hand Cream (or as the Italians say it, Crema da Mano)

This cream has natural nutrients like Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil. Aloe, Chamomile and Shea Butter add the perfect moisturizing touch that absorbs quickly into the skin. The 2 oz. size is perfectly purse-sized.

Laura Mercier's Lip Treatment Kit

This 2-part kit offers a nice vitamin cocktail of antioxidant protection with anti-aging benefits for healthy, conditioned, winter lips.

Ready for your winter blues pick-me-up? Stop into Blush, our sun is always shining; or at least we're laughing enough to make you believe it is :)

See you soon.

xxo,

Rebecca

Spring Awakenings

With the recent gentle rains, I'm dreaming of the Spring. I'm thinking about the first flowers, the smell of the earth as it begins to awaken, sunshine, sweet breezes - and these dreams are showing their influence in wonderful ways:

1. a new daffodil-yellow cashmere sweater

2. repositioning the houseplants for better light

3. a new search for a fresh Spring scent

From past blogs, we know of my immediate infatuation with Diptyque's spicy sandalwood Tam Dao, but I've also curiously found myself attracted to L'Ombre dans L'Eau. ($88) This scent begins with the softness of Bulgarian rose, and then tempered with Blackcurrant leaves which lend a cool green note. At the core (and this is what lingers) is smoky Amber. The company says that the scent conjurs a blooming garden at the river's edge, and with this heady mix, I imagine myself in the cool shade at the edge of the water, looking over the garden, just out of the sun, and enjoying the green luxury of the Springtime.

Though the long days of Spring and Summer languish ahead of us on the calendar, it's still imperative to protect your skin from harmful UV spectrum rays from the sun. Even on overcast days, UV radiation still penetrates the cloud layers and bounces around under the cloud cover causing damage to your skin!

COOLA's broad-spectrum SPF30, ultra-moisturizing certified-organic sunscreen ($32) for the face protects your delicate features all year-round. I love how lightweight it is, and the greaseless feel, and mattifiers means I can wear it under makeup all day without worry about shine. I'm particularly partial to the cucumber scent which is clean and crisp and never cloying.

As we await the arrival of the first crocus, the craving for color can be satisfied with one of Laura Mercier's Hydratints ($20) - a sheer-color, moisturizing balm+SPF15. I love Apricot, a juicy peachy-pink, Rose, a soft baby-pink, and Nude, a sheer hint of beige. Never waxy, these balms protect your lips, and deliver just the right amount of color. As simple as it gets.

When Spring comes, the grass grows by itself - Tao Te Ching

xoxo,

L

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!

B. Kamins introduces it's latest addition to the Diamond Radiance Line: Diamond Eye Cream! We're all super pumped about it here at Blush, and in case you are unfamiliar with the rest of the Diamond line, here's the scoop:

Diamond Radiance Rejuvenating Cream SPF 15--A multi-action day cream that moisturizes and also helps provide firmness, elasticity and fullness to the skin for a healthy, youthful-looking complexion. Peptides and botanical extracts help to firm and smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and slackened skin. The sheer color-correcting formula instantly creates a luminous and radiant complexion, while light-reflecting diamond particles diffuse the shadows caused by wrinkles, optically diminishing their appearance. Apply in the morning after cleansing and toning.

Diamond Radiance Deep Wrinkle Concentrate--An unprecedented at-home alternative to invasive wrinkle treatments and in-office procedures, this highly concentrated wrinkle-fighting serum helps significantly lift, plump and tighten deep-set creases around the eyes, mouth and forehead. Radiant light-reflecting diamond particles diffuse the shadows caused by wrinkles, optically diminishing their appearance. Dramatic results you can see and feel without the use of needles! Using the applicator, release a very small quantity from the dropper onto clean fingertips. Do not touch dropper directly on finger. Using a tapping motion, apply to wrinkles and expression lines after cleansing and toning.

*NEW* Diamond Radiance Illuminating Eye Cream--A-MAZING!! This ultra-luxe hydrating cream helps stimulate skin around the eyes to markedly reduce the visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and dark circles. This formula contains a unique complex of the latest and most advanced anti-aging ingredients, vitamins and botanicals to deeply penetrate the layers of the skin to deliver a surge of moisture and hydration, help speed collagen production for firmer skin, strengthen blood vessels and capillaries to decrease dark undereye circles, and revitalizes skin to significantly reduce wrinkles. The pure diamond powder will not only help minimize the appearance of imperfections and soften skin but will also leave you with eyes that dazzle with renewed sparkle. An absolutely radiant result! When Paulina tried this and looked at her skin under a Wood's Lamp (an ultraviolet lamp used in esthetic practice to show dehydrating, congestion, and sun damage in skin), her skin was COMPLETLEY hydrated...no sign of dehydration to be found!

You owe it to yourself to try these products, blushies! Book an appointment for a Diamond Radiance Facial, a fabulous 90 minute facial for those seeking a more youthful complexion without surgical procedures. You can thank us later ;)

--K

Explore your neighborhood!

When you actually sit down and think about it, how many of you have ever actually "toured" your neighborhood? Not having a car, living downtown, and owning a dog, I've been able to take many walking tours of Milwaukee. Its interesting, because you get to see things you usually ignore when your driving past, going to work or school, and then returning home.

Here are some of my favorite discoveries in Blush's neighborhood: Milwaukee's Third Ward

Soup's On! 221 N Water St (http://www.soupsonat221.com/)

Serving up homemade, delicious, and different soups Mon-Fri, this charming little soup cafe is only a few blocks south of Blush. They also serve breakfast food, hot dogs, sandwiches (definatley recommend the peanut butter club), beverages, ice cream, and baked goods.

Cuvee 181 N Broadway, Top Floor (http://www.cuveemke.com/)

A rustic, elegant champagne lounge. The perfect place to relax, sip on a glass of bubbly, and melt into the beautiful scenery.

Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design 208 N Water St (http://www.eisnermuseum.org/)

This interactive and educational center focuses on the impact advertising and design have had on our culture. It has a unique emphasis on the social, historical, and aesthetic implications of advertising and design. Right now, they have several interesting exhibits: "Unseen architechture of MKE", and "100 Years of Evinrude Motors".

Get out and explore, blushies!

--K