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

Theatre make-up that will knock your socks into the next county.

So I have returned from surviving the chaos of planning a wedding... and I took a much needed Honeymoon. :) We went down to Florida and spent 6 days in Disney, which was such a blast because I got to show my new and only husband around. He'd never been there before which baffled my mind. Anyway, my most favorite thing to do there is go see the Cirque Du Soleil show that's in Downtown Disney called "La Nouba." If there's anything that a makeup artist could love and admire is the careful craftsmanship of each production of Cirque Du Soleil.

Since Cirque performers have to apply their own makeup, the head make-up designer Nathalie Gagne involves them in the actual creation of their onstage look. “Unlike actors, acrobats aren’t used to studying their own faces,” she says. “One of my goals is to get them to do just that, and help them find within themselves what I call ‘lines of force’ that will serve to build their characters.”

Nathalie is also responsible for ensuring the integrity of all makeup designs that bear her signature. Since the performers always apply their own makeup there are workshops in makeup techniques that is now part of the general training provided to Cirque du Soleil artists. Nathalie first teaches performers how to do their own makeup, and then writes a step-by-step application guide for each of them (Hmm... sounds kinda like what we do at Blush).

(Seriously, may I encourage you to go see a show and prepare to be enlightened and inspired. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/)

That's about all really, just wanted to share how much I love the colorful make-up artistry (among other things) in these shows. Having my roots in theater it really plucks at my heartstrings.

Love,

Nicole

Get Polished!

On January 19th, Blush will be hosting special guest artist Connie Griswald of Laura Mercier. Together with the Blush artists, Connie will be unveiling Laura's latest collection (and my lastest obsession!) : Polished.

The collection features soft, elegant colors with a touch of pearlized contrasts. Three new lip colors + a lip shine give lips a healthy, polished look. Matte colors on the eyes add contour with neutral browns, while cheeks are heightened with a hint of color and shimmer.

Speaking of polished, this time of year everyone experiences dry skin. Come get rid of dry, winter skin with a full body facial. This luxorious treatment includes cleanse, massage, exfoliation, and infusion treatment to leave your skin irrisitibly soft and silky smooth!

Another treatment I recommend that everyone get this time of year is a facial peel. Peels are a great way to start off the new year by refinishing, brightening, and hydrating your skin. Blush only performs "lunch time peels" (peels that won't require any downtime) which are used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Add this service to the Deep Detox facial of the month for true renewal!

--K

The weather is dry and cold. When you look outside, the only colors you see are white and grey. The holidays are over, everyone is closing up and staying in, bundling up in warm, albeit boring, clothes.....Where am I going with this? REBEL!!!!!!! Fight against the icky winter blues! How you may ask????Well, it just so happens I have a few ideas!!!!!

The Perfect Po

ut!

• Our lips are often neglected. We moisturize our face, body, hands even hair on a daily, twice daily and as needed basis. Our lips have no oil glands, which means they have no way of naturally hydrating or protecting themselves. They can become dry,flakey, painful and unsightly. Help them function and feel right with the lip scrub by sara happ. It will leave your lips soft and supple. This cult favorite is available in different flavors, and are all amazing!
• Right now, and I must admit, for the most part, I love 1940's and 1950's style and glamour. What does that mean? A perfectly shaped, strong brow and statement lips! I love the sophistication and elegance of pulling out a tube of Laura Mercier lipstick, and gracefully applying it to my lips! The color I love right now? Hydrangea! A strong, bold rasperry pink that brightens my face instantly! Come in and find your statement color.

Golden Skin

• Yes, it's true. The long awaited custom airbrush tanning is now at Blush! Prices start at just $20, and the blend we use (a closely guarded secret) is anti oxidant rich, helps to firm skin and increase cellular rejuvenation. So look good, feel good, do good!
• Want just a little honey-glow? Pick up some bronzer! Laura Mercier offers many options for adding warmth and glow to your face, from pressed to mineral to blush, one of our gorgeous Blush makeup artists can show you an easy way to give your face some color!

And finally.....

Don't neglect your skin or your stress! Come in and experience relaxation and rejuvenation for you and your skin! Blush offers great facials, from the quick pick me up Express Facial to the luxe and divine Diamond Radiance Facial. Your skin needs all the help it can get right now in some of the toughest weather around.

My two cen

ts!

This year I am determined to do two things, improve my outside and my inside! I am learning german, was ist das? das ist eine apfel!(heehee) and taking care of my outside. I started exfoliating my skin twice a week with Duchess Marden Enzyme Exfoliant, using Duchess Marden Hydrating Masque(amazing for your cuticles and lips as well, just remember NOT

to lick your lips when its on,yuck!) following up with B.Kamins Nutrient Replacement (vitamins for your face!) and alternating with B.Kamins Diamond Radiance Rejuventating SPF15(daytime)and Laura Mercier Flawless Face Creme(nighttime). For my body I am IN LOVE with Laura Mercier Body Soufle....se

riously a-mazing! I have French Vanilla and Pistachio that I alternate during the winter(my 6 year old couldn't stop sniffing me!) and for summer, or when I want to feel like it's summer, I use the Almond Coconut Milk, yumm! My skin is soft, hydrated and has a sexy sheen!

Tschüs!

Paulina

Just in time!

This may be one of the most exciting days of my life, and I hope it is for you too once you hear this......

" Your Blush Beauty Experts are now offering Airbrush Tanning!! "

Honestly, what could be better then planning your mini bronzed-body escape to our comfy-cozy budouir setting tanning room in the middle of an all-out winter storm! I'm not kidding when I say that after just one session, you'll feel and look like you just walked off a tropical beach. We all know about the damaging effects of the sun but that doesn't mean we have to spend our winters feeling pasty-white! Our solution fights past damage and promotes healthy skin! If that's not reason enough to book your escape, read on.....

• We offer the only Custom Blend Service in the city. That means that each and every application is customized to suit YOUR individual needs. Full body, half body, contouring for slimming results, just face & hands, whatever you are looking for our Body Couture experts deliver!
  



• Our professional tanning formula is the best! It is loved and requested by A-list celebrities, beauty editors & TV shows around the world for its famous just-off-the-beach glow. It is a 100% natural and organic cosmeceutical formula that provides a honey-dipped glow with potent age fighting, skin firming & cell rejuvenation properties. Our formula contains hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients, botanical oils, aloe vera, anti-oxidants, and NO ALCOHOL >>which also means that this formula is 100% compatible with lash extensions!
  



• Sessions start at only $20! We also offer body contouring for slimming effects that can be added on to your session. For you devoted tanners (we all are after this experience!)package discounts, preparation, and touch-up services for extending the life of your tan are also available.
  



• Prior to the appointment, you'll be directed to our website for FAQs and how to best prepare. I.E.: NO guesswork = Awesome Experience!

Space is filling up fast and you don't want to miss this special: Between now and January 15th, 2010 book your first session and touch-up for only $50!

I'm looking forward to bronzing up your winter, you'll love us for it ;)

xxo- Rebecca

Resolution

So it's the time of year to think about what we want the next year ahead to hold. There are small resolutions, like always remembering to wear your seatbelt in the car, or bringing reusable bags to the market for groceries or to Target for household items, and then there are big resolutions that encompass changing unhealthy habits or goal-setting for potential accomplishments. What's behind all of these self-promises is a commitment to bettering ourselves, and a definitive act of will. Here are a few things to think about as your year kicks off...

1. More Water = Better Skin: We all know that we need to drink 64 oz. of water a day to rid our body of toxins by flushing our muscles & our digestive systems, and these results also show up in the skin! (Did you just fill your glass of water? I did!) Having a hydrated body means clear, bright skin, free of congestion (zits), and a plump, healthy appearance (lessens wrinkles!). Hydration is ultimately important when old man Winter has come to stay, and even if you're getting your fill of water, sometimes a little extra help is in order, in the form of a hydrating gel masque! Two Blush favorites are the Duchess Marden Hydrating Masque, and Laura Mercier's Hydra-Soothing Gel Masque. Laura's masque contains chamomile and cucumber to reduce redness & puffiness, and the Duchess Marden Masque firms and tightens while it hydrates with aloe!

2. Reduce, Reuse, Restyle: A new year often calls for a fresh look. January is a great time to sort through your closet - dump items that have just been hanging around and cluttering up your space and organize your favorites and basics to make room for new Spring investments! I recommend donating your used items to Goodwill, http://www.goodwill.org/ (don't forget to get a receipt for your 2010 taxes!) and then going to their up-scale resale boutique Retique (and a Blush neighbor!), located in the 3rd Ward, to spice up your wardrobe with a few, fun, key pieces! I just recently scored a very gently used Coach handbag for $20!!!

3. Rebel Yell: Ok - so enough about doing things that are good for you! Before you start cleaning up your act - kick it off right with something totally awful (and also WONDERFUL)! I highly recommend champagne and nachos at Elsa's on the Park on Cathedral Square or the onion rings at Stack'd, right across the river from the 3rd ward on 1st & Pittsburgh. Go ahead - sometimes the right things feel so wrong! :)

xoxo
Laurel

Polished vintage chic

This month, Laura Mercier released her newest collection, Polished. Featuring matte shades accented with hints of pearlized contrasts, this gorgeous collection of shadows, lip sticks, and hi-lighters will give you the very classic look ala Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and Sofia Loren. I cannot get over this collection! [Not to mention the muses for the look are my idols ;) ]

So, this week's blog theme is going to be all things vinatage-chic. I am a true lover of shift dresses, mary janes, etc. However, its a little diffucult to find decent pieces while trying to maintain a budget. I've recently stumbled upon some fabulous websites that features vintage and vintage-esque clothing, shoes, and accessories that are resonably priced. And, after having received very many compliments on my recent purchases, I've decided to share a few of my favorite places. Enjoy =)

1.) Mod Cloth- Anthropoligie's thrifty little sister, this online store has tons of dresses, tops, and shoes all around $25-75. They also have an authentic vintage section, but you'll have to act super quick, these pieces get snatched up within minutes of being posted!

2.) Bag, Borrow, or Steal- AMAZING site where you can rent vintage designer jewelry, bags, and watches. They also allow you to "steal" (aka buy) your rental piece if you cannot live without it!

3.) Boutiques in Milwaukee- There are several very nice vintage shops in Milwaukee. I absolutley love Starship (just got the cutest mustard-yellow shift dress for like $8!), Closet Classics on North and Humboldt, and of course Good Will. Not to mention occasionally hitting up estate sales.

++Lip addict--Right now, I'm in love with red lips...I reccomend using Laura's Lip Stain in Scarlet + Laura's True Red Lip Pencil to give your pout a seductive shape. Follow with Laura's Flawless Fix pencil around the outside parameter of your lips to prevent "kool-aid mouth". To top things off with extra staying power, use DuWop's Twilight Lip Venom.

--K