Style File: Sandal-Worthy Nail Colors

Posted on August 18, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Blue Me Away, by Bio Seawood Gel

The rainbow-filled sky is the limit for this season’s nail colors. Everything from bright, tropical-inspired shades to lustrous earth tones are in style this summer, just in time to dip your pretty, painted toes in the sand.

Some seasonal favorites, which incidentally have great names, as well as fun colors:

Blue Me Away, by Bio Seawood Gel

This all-in-one UNITY Polish gives you long lasting gel nails quickly and easily without the need for prep coats, finishing coats or even a UV dryer as it can “cure” (a.k.a. dry) in the sun!

Bright Fuchsia, by Opi

Bright Fuchsia, by Opi

A high-fashion bright shade for look-at-me nails that pop! Formaldehyde-free.

Cymbidium, by FABY Nature

Cymbidium, by FABY Nature

The ingredients in this polish, 87% of which are of natural origin, are derived from the manufacture of wood pulp, cotton, maize, cassava and other raw vegetable materials. They are not derived from petroleum, so it’s an eco-friendly choice as well as a fashionable one.

Drinks at Sunset, by Whim

In addition to great colors, Whim Nail Lacquers deliver an ultra-glossy, high shine manicure that wears like a gel and removes like a polish.

Drinks at Sunset, by Whim

I Woke Up Like This, by Trust Fund Beauty

I Woke Up Like This, by Trust Fund Beauty

A bright, fun, pink glitter polish with a touch of cheekiness, as evidenced by the company name.

Still can’t make up your mind? Check out the “summer nails” board on pinterest for even more fun and fancy pedicure options.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 17, 2015.

Style File: Beat the Heat With Summer Mists

Posted on August 12, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Years ago I visited Disney’s Epcot Center in Orlando, FL, and one of the most memorable things was the gentle misters they had strategically placed around the park to help beat the heat. I know we’re in drought here in Santa Barbara, but a spritz of mist is still a great way to cool down on a hot day.

Here are a few facial mists to try:

Here are just a few of the many facial sprays available on the market, courtesy photo.

Activearoma Facial Oil, based in Santa Barbara, has an assortment of face oils that blend pure organic argan oil with the best essential and absolute oils; to restore, nourish, hydrate, moisturize & rejuvenate all types of skin.

Amarte Aqua Mist Toner gives an instant complexion boost and can help set your makeup look. Plus, this hydrating spray has a brightening formula that uses botanical extracts to clarify and soften, all while toning and hydrating even the most sensitive skin.

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray Thirsty Skin Relief rapidly replenishes skin’s moisture level, restoring balance while softening and soothing in a flash, without a drop of oil.

Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray is the original facial spritzer and still one of the best. Evian’s neutral 7.2 pH is suitable for most skin types, even the most sensitive. Propelled under high pressure by nitrogen (80% of the air we breathe is nitrogen), the ultra-fine pure, natural mist allows the skin to absorb a unique balance of beneficial minerals along with the water.

G.M. Collin Oxygen Puractive + Treating Mist, this purifying and soothing spray is both lightweight and free of pore-clogging additives, making it well suited for oily skin types. Mist it on for a matte finish and softer complexion.

The Grapeseed Company Room and Body Mist, manufactured locally, is a light, refreshing mist formulated with grapeseed extract, certified organic aloe juice and hydrating rose distillate. Pick your favorite essential oil blend (I like the pink grapefruit ginger) to scent your spray.

Jane Iredale Balance Hydration Spray has ingredients like orange essential oil, orange peel extract, grapefruit peel extract and algae extract that work to calm and nourish the skin. Plus, it smells terrific. Also try Jane Iredale POMMISST Hydration Spray, a facial spritz with pomegranate extract, which is a powerful antioxidant and UV protector that calms, soothes and aids in hydration.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is made with flower extracts and antioxidants, so this rose-scented mist not only smells sweetly romantic, it also protects skin.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Perfecting Water Moisture Mist is a nutrient-rich tonic mist that’s refreshing, hydrating and preps skin for serums and moisturizers by helping the absorption of key ingredients.

Murad’s Essential-C Toner gives you a surge of vitamin C, along with orange flower and cornflower extract mix to balance your PH levels and protect your skin.

Natura Culina Nourishing Facial Mist is a locally manufactured high quality Rose Water that is not only a fantastic toner for all skin types but also an excellent skin hydrating product, full of skin nourishing properties. It’s also made from 100% pure ingredients and certified organic without any additives.

Besides providing an instant surge of hydration, and cooling you down, these elixirs can also prime, protect and set makeup in place to keep you looking —and feeling— cool, calm and collected even when the heat is on!

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published on August 11, 2015 in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Style File: Nerium Skincare Products

Posted on March 12, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Nerium’s line age-defying skincare products. Courtesy photo.

So many people I know are raving about Nerium skincare products, not to mention signing up to sell them, the buzz is almost deafening. I’ve been testing them for a couple of months now and have been quite pleased with the results.

According to the experts, the secret ingredient in their popular NeriumAD night cream and day cream, and also in the NeriumFirm body contouring cream, is the exclusive, patented NAE-8 extract–a combination of antioxidants that have anti-aging properties and aloe, which hydrates, firms and soothes skin tissue.

What I know is this: my skin looks better. It’s not an inexpensive product, but if you apply it to wet skin then a little goes a long way. Plus, both the night and day creams address multiple skincare concerns at once, including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.

They also have another product called NeriumFirm, which works to improve the appearance of cellulite and dimpling on common “problem-areas” (like love handles, or your thighs, waist and upper arms).

If you’ve been on the fence about attending one of the events for this product, I’d say it’s worth checking out. For more information visit nerium.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 10, 2015.

Style File: The Scents of Love for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 11, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time for rose-scented fragrances. Photo courtesy fragrance.net.

As far as I’m concerned, nothing sets the mood for romance like the alluring scent of roses. Here are some rose-infused scents to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day.

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabbana (FragranceNet.com) is a contemporary feminine floral that’s a testament to the eternal romance of the rose. An intriguing combination of pink grapefruit, sandalwood, musk, vanilla, rose and mandarin, as well as several other notes, blend to create this elegant floral fragrance.

Very Irresistible by Givenchy (FragranceNet.com) is bursting with roses and infused with star anise, and verbena leaf, this is a youthful, fresh departure from the traditional floral fragrance.

Jo Malone Red Roses (www.jomalone.com) is a lush blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses. With crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon, it unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers.

Rose by Paul Smith (FragranceNet.com) is a sophisticated scent that opens with notes of violet, rose and green tea. The heart is composed of Turkish Rose and magnolia, while the base brings notes of cedar and musk.

Dolce &amp; Gabbana Rose the One. Photo courtesy fragrance.net.

Stella McCartney Stella (sephora.com) is a sophisticated scent focused on intense femininity. The fragrance is a contrast between the fresh, soft rose and the dark, sensual amber, with notes of mandarin and peony as well.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 10, 2015.

Style File: Winterizing Your Hair

Posted on January 9, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Aviva’s Hair Rescue Renewal Masque, courtesy photo

Colder weather can take a toll on your tresses. Luckily, there are loads of great products to “winterize” your hair—here are a few tips:

#1 Use a moisturizing deep conditioner.

“This will give your hair all the hydration it needs to sustain the cold winter weather. You should aim for a deep conditioning treatment once a week,” says board certified dermatologist, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. If you color or straighten or otherwise chemically treat your hair, Anna Urban, CEO of AVIVA, recommends “a hair mask like Aviva’s Hair Rescue Renewal Masque 1-2 times per week to repair damage and restore elastic, while protecting from the drying effects of UV rays.”

#2 Avoid shampooing too often.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, courtesy photo

“Everybody loves the look and feel of freshly washed hair, but shampooing too often strips your hair of natural oils, drying it out faster,” warns Nussbaum. Products made with Argan Oil, like Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, are great styling tools for all hair types. It repairs and nourishes as it de-frizzes, with no residue and no color-fading. There are also some great new dry shampoo products on the market, such as Batiste Dry Shampoo, which is particularly good for brunettes, since it doesn’t leave any white residue behind.

Batiste Dry Shampoo, courtesy Facebook

Tip #3 Try air drying your hair.

“Put down your blow dryer or stick to one blow dry session a week. Too much heat will guarantee dry split ends in the winter,” says Nussbaum.

Tip #4 Take a hair supplement.

“Your body needs the correct amount of nutrients in order to maintain or achieve healthy hair. Aviva Advanced Hair Nutrition supplement contains biotin, and 18 other essential nutrients to keep your healthy and full of life,” says Nussbaum.

Tip #5 If all else fails, wear a hat.

Aviva Advanced Hair Nutrition, courtesy photo

Goorin Bros. Hat Shop (802 State St.) has some adorable options for winter, including a great selection of warm felt, wool, and cotton fedoras, beanies, flatcaps, newboy and wool ivy hats. These also make great gifts (hint, hint!).

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 7, 2015.

Style File: Think Pink to Help Fight Breast Cancer

Posted on October 13, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Smell the Roses by jane iredale

As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which not only helps build awareness about this terrible disease, it also brings a flurry of pink products, specially formulated to help the cause.

One of my favorites is Jane Iredale’s Smell the Roses. This hydrating facial spritz launched in September, and 100% of the profits (not just proceeds) from the sale of Smell the Roses will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national education and support organization whose mission is to connect people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support.

I actually got my hands on a sample early this summer and it’s been a lovely, sweet smelling way to spritz on a little and help beat the heat. Just one little spray moisturizes and cleanses the skin, calms irritation and reduces redness, not to mention it smells like heaven!

Another great pink for the cure product to look for is Sparkling ICE, the now ubiquitous flavored, zero-calorie sparkling mountain spring water is promoting the message “Imagine a World Without Breast Cancer” on its pink grapefruit flavor bottles. In conjunction with this, the company has committed to donating a minimum of $25,000 to research facilities nationwide to help find a cure, in addition to aiding local affiliates and communities with more than $100,000 in donations annually.

They’ve even developed a “Sip Pink for the Cure” Cocktail using the pink grapefruit Sparkling ICE flavor. Here’s the recipe:

Sparkling ICE Sip Pink for the Cure Cocktail

Sip Pink for the Cure Cocktail, courtesy Sparkling ICE

Ingredients

•3 oz. Grapefruit Sparkling ICE

•1 ½ oz. vodka

•1 oz. lime juice

•Lime wedge

•Sliced fresh jalapeño

•Chili salt for rim of glass (Kosher salt mixed with chili powder)

Directions

1. Use a lime wedge to rub the entire rim of a chilled martini glass, and dip into chili salt mixture.

2. Combine vodka and jalapeno slices with ice in a shaker.

3. Strain and pour into the chilled martini glass.

4. Top with Grapefruit Sparkling ICE.

5. Garnish with a few Jalapeno slices.

One of three chairs being auctioned to support breast cancer research. Courtesy Regency Shop.

While you’re sipping that cocktail, you could also be sitting pretty in a unique, one-of-a-kind stylish lounge chair that Regency Shop is auctioning off to support breast cancer research. For more information, click here.

Some additional promotions this month include:

• FragranceNet.com will donate 15% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation each time you purchase Vera Wang Truly Pink, Lacoste Love of Pink, Gap So Pink and Lacoste Joy of Pink.

• G.M. Collin skincare donates $2 of each sold product of Daily Ceramide Comfort Capsules to Pink Ribbons Inc.

Courtesy photo

• For the 8th consecutive year, DECLÉOR will donate (10%) of net proceeds of the Sensorial Travel Collections sold during the month of October to Cancer and Careers, a program of CEW Foundation. Each exclusive skincare program includes five full and travel-sized DECLÉOR products, housed in a large zippered travel pouch, that provide unique benefits targeted to a specific skin-type.

Suki Ultra Protect Body Balm, courtesy photo

• The suki® ultra-protect™ body balm, a great moisturizing product, will donate 100% of proceeds from this month’s sales of this product will benefit Breast Cancer Action (www.bcaction.org), an organization whose mission is to achieve health justice for all women at risk of and living with breast cancer.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 9, 2014.

Style File: Five New Skin Care Habits for Fall

Posted on September 17, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Sebamed

Changing seasons call for a few change-ups in our beauty routine. Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends incorporating these five habits into your daily ritual for a smooth, soft transition into fall.

1. Switch Cleansers.

Start with the basics – If you’ve been using a shine control cleanser (or skating by with a bar of soap), make the switch to a more hydrating, soap-free cleanser. Coconut oil-based cleansers like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam are one of the most effective moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, and act as antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Another one to try is “Kate Middleton’s favorite cleanser,” Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing, a gentle cleansing gel and makeup remover in one.

2. Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen.

Don’t be fooled by lower temperatures. Cover exposed skin with sunscreen, just as you would in the summer. UV rays are just as strong when hitting the slopes or walking in the rain as they are on the beach. Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, and have a SPF of 30 or greater.

Editor’s Note: Check out this post on Double Duty Sunscreen Solutions.

3. Move to a Heavier Night Cream.

Recover and restore your skin after a long summer with a heavier night cream like Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream which works to protect, smooth, calm and regenerate the skin without clogging pores. The intensive and rich properties of this Night Cream stimulate the skin’s own renewal process overnight for fresher skin by morning. The pH value of 5.5 promotes the skin’s own acid protective barrier against dehydration and irritants. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Here’s a Total Beauty survey of the 16 Best Night Creams.

4. Exfoliate Flaky Skin.

In the summer, we don’t need to exfoliate often. As temperatures cool, practice exfoliating once a week to keep dry flaky skin from shedding around the nose and chin. Select a soft facial scrub (those made with rice bran are less rough) that also uses naturally hydrating ingredients like avocado, coconut or almond oils to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. Immediately following, moisturize with balancing night cream.

Editor’s Note: Exfoliation is key for so many skin issues. We recently tried, and really liked, the Suki Resurfacing Enzyme Peel. This resurfacing masque is effective from the inside out (it treats the source, not just the symptoms) and the outside in (it treats the surface signs like redness, acne, dryness, etc.). (sukiskincare.com)

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

5. Maximize Moisture in the Shower.

Our skin loses water to radiator heat and dry air all day long. Replenish and balance moisture content by using a hydrating body wash and lotion every time you shower, like Sebamed Anti-Dry Derma-Soft Wash Emulsion and Hydrating Body Lotion. To prevent dry, crackly, irritated skin, pat (don’t rub) skin dry after a hot shower and apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in hydration. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: We also like Uni K’s Ultimate Balm made with Green Tea and Cucumber to restore hydration to thirsty skin. It’s infused with cucumbers, a natural hydrator and green tea, chock full of antioxidants to ward off environmental toxins, as well as rice extracts to help retain the skin retain moisture. (UniKWax.com)

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 16, 2014.

Style File: Affordable Decadence With Gemstone Inspired Beauty for Fall

Posted on September 9, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Autumn is the season for freshening your look with updated beauty products. Some of the most exciting ingredients are gemstones and precious metals like diamonds, gold and pearls. Just as these indulgences set off skin’s glow when worn as jewelry, they also add just the right amount of shimmer when used in creams, eye shadows, nail polishes and highlight powders.

Think of it as affordable decadence. Here a few new products to try when you want to feel like a gem :

Diamond Dust, in Golden Shimmer Face & Body Lotion

Diamond Dust is a unique pigment derived from mica that delivers shimmer to the skin. As your summer glow starts to fade, this versatile lotion will warm and smooth the skin for an irresistible golden glow. (janeiredale.com)

Sparkling Nail Powders Set

This limited-edition, numbered set from Dior, sold exclusively at Nordstrom, features two sparkling powders—in black and luminous gold—and a special adhesive base coat. Create a jewel-like manicure, whether applied to one nail as an accent or as a complete manicure. (shop.nordstrom.com)

Courtesy Nordstrom

Gold Leaf, in 24 Karat Gold Dust

For just the right amount of shimmer, Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust uses 24 Karat gold leaf to lend a delicate highlight to eyelids, cheeks, lips, nails, hair and body in every shade from gold to silver, bronze and rose gold. (janeiredale.com)

Platinum Pigment

Metallic makeup was all over the fashion runways this season. To recreate that look, Mac Cosmetics has a platinum pigment you can use to create a subtle wash of color or a more intense effect for a night on the town. (maccosmetics.com)

Mary Kay Emerald Noir Eye Color Palette

Inspired by the world’s most precious jewels, each palette includes five easy-to-apply buildable shades, from matte to high-shimmer. (marykay.com)

Courtesy Jane Iredale

Pearl, in Limited Edition Celebrate Eye Shadow Trio

For a minimal yet illuminating look, the Jane Iredale Limited Edition Celebrate Eye Trio features mist, a matte pearl shade perfect for a subtle base color. The other colors are port, a shimmery port wine color and toast, a toasted caramel for a complete eye look in one palette. (janeiredale.com)

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 8, 2014.

Style File: Sweet Summer Scents

Posted on July 18, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Burberry Summer, FragranceNet.com.

Summer is in full swing and a spritz of a light, fresh scent can feel just as cool and refreshing against your skin as a fabulous blast of air conditioning. Whether your summer dreams include fresh picked fruit, fresh-cut flowers, a day at the beach or a night under the stars, there’s a fragrance for that. Here are a few ideas:

One of the go-to summer scents we’re loving right now is the aptly named Burberry Summer Perfume (FragranceNet.com), which combines fruity notes of citrus and green apple with light florals like rose, water lilly and freesia.

Ralph Lauren Romance Summer Blossom (nordstorm.com) is a lovely, fresh and fruity scent for all of those summer wedding celebrations.

CK One Summer, Macys.com.

Another nice choice for the warm weather season is Gucci Flora Gracious Tuberose (FragranceNet.com), a lovely eau de parfum that combines peach, tuberose, rose, and violet leaf with exotic base notes of African orange flower and French labdanum.

Bobbi’s Brown’s ocean-inspired Beach Fragrance (sephora.com)is almost as refreshing as a dip in the Pacific. This light, happy, nostalgic scent blends jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin.

For those of us who require fruity umbrella drinks to really make it feel like summertime, CK One Summer (macys.com) is just the ticket, blended with tangerine and lemon to make you feel like you’re sipping a fruity cocktail, seaside.

Santa Barbara’s own Grapeseed Company’s (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub has a refreshing lime and mint scent that’s great for summer shaving.

Santa Barbara’s own Grapeseed Company’s (thegrapeseedcompany.com) Mojito Man Shaving Prep Scrub

We’ve also been loving the cooling refreshing feeling—and scents—of Jane Iredale’s ECOCERT Hydration Sprays (janeiredale.com), which can be used as moisturizers under makeup or as a quick pick-me-up during the day. We particularly like the smell of the Balance Hydration Spray, made with orange essential oil, orange peel extract, grapefruit peel extract and algae.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on July 17, 2014.

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Tag Archives: Style File

Style File: Sandal-Worthy Nail Colors

Style File: Beat the Heat With Summer Mists

Style File: Nerium Skincare Products

Style File: The Scents of Love for Valentine’s Day