Tag Archives: by Nancy Weinberg Simon

Exceptional Epsom Salt

When I was a child, we had a huge box of epsom salt under the bathroom sink. My mom said it was good for me and would pour some in the tub before my weekly (!) bath. Then I grew up, went off to college and didn’t think about Epsom Salt until now actually. Turns out my mom was right, it is good for you.

Magnesium, a naturally occurring mineral is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves. Epsom Salt, also known as Magnesium Sulfate, is easily absorbed through the skin when dissolved in water and can help you boost your magnesium levels. Here, some other uses:

  1. Soothe sore muscles by adding 2 cups of Epsom Salt to a tub of warm water. Soak for about 20 minutes.
  2. Polish skin by adding a tbs. of Epsom Salt to your usual face or body cleanser.
  3. Relieve a headache. Evidence suggests that soaking in a soothing epsom salt bath helps.
  4. To soften, deodorize and refresh tired feet add 1/2 cup Epsom Salt to a basin of warm water.
  5. Get textured, beachy-hair with a homemade sea-salt spray. Mix 1 cup hot water, 2 tbsp. Epsom Salt and a small squirt of hair conditioner in a spray bottle. Spritz hair and let air-dry.
  6. Draw out a splinter by soaking the affected area in an Epsom Salt bath.
  7. Easily clean tile and grout with a mixture of equal parts Epsom Salt and liquid dish detergent.
  8. Relieve itchy skin and bug bites by dissolving a tablespoon of Epsom Salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Allow to cool before applying to skin with a compress.
  9. Boost plant growth, by adding a tablespoon of Epsom Salts to the soil below them weekly.

for product information or locations, visit www.drteals.com.

OroGold Rush!

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I recently met Denise Richards, accomplished actress and new face of OroGold Cosmetics. We were at the Grand Opening of NYC’s OroGold  store for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Q&A session.

I have to admit, I’m a gossip junkie so I was more than excited to meet Denise and ask away…but then I found out I wasn’t allowed to ask any personal questions. What I was allowed to ask her about was beauty. And truth be told, this collaboration might help explain why she looks like she hasn’t aged a bit. Though she credits her looks with a clean, healthy lifestyle, eating lots of fruit, vegetables, olive oil and avocados she also uses OroGold’s skincare products containing pure 24K gold and cutting-edge ingredients. She absolutely raved about the Termica Energizing Mask, $598, which she says “you can actually feel working–you put it on and it heats up your skin and goes to work.” The heating action opens the pores allowing the active Vitamins A, C, E and Algae extract to really penetrate.  Another favorite is the 24K Vitamin C Booster Serum, $198, for instant illumination and anti-aging properties.

There’s no doubt about it, in person Denise is even more stunning than she is in photos…and that’s saying something. She has a glowing complexion and that “it” factor that can’t quite be quantified. The Denise I met seems smart, hard-working, down-to earth, relatable and clearly has very good taste in beauty products. For more information or to purchase, go to www.orogoldcosmetics.com.

 

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Party Starter!

Some days I have back to back events. Though they’re usually quite informative and lots of fun it can be stressful when one ends after the next one begins and I still have a third one to get to. Imagine my surprise (and joy!) when I opened the door to my final event of the day and saw a woman greeting me holding a martini glass with a scoop of ice cream! And not just any ice cream but booze-infused ice cream. If that’s not the best way to get a party started I don’t know what is!

Tipsy Scoop is an artisanal ice cream/cocktail hybrid, available in 18+ flavors like Kahlua Banana, Cake Batter Vodka Martini, Salted Caramel Apple Brandy, St. Germain & Tequila Mexican “Hot” Chocolate and Mango Margarita. Each serving contains about 5% alcohol so it will definitely do the trick and it’s delicious to boot!  Hmmmm….booze-infused ice cream…why didn’t I think of that!!!

Tipsy Scoop will cater your NYC event. Click here for more information.

Spritzes, Sprays & Mists, Oh My!

Need a facial fix? Want to boost your glow, re-hydrate your complexion or set your makeup? Look no further than a facial spray. They’re full of beneficial ingredients known to remedy whatever ails you.

Caudalie Beauty Elixer, $18 at sephora.com has been a favorite of mine since I first tried it almost fifteen years ago–one spritz instantly wakes up tired skin and leaves it tingling, tightened, refreshed, radiant…I can never have enough of this!

Evian Mineral Water Spray, $14 for 2 at beautybodybath.com is the ultimate multi-tasker. Spray this ultra-fine, pure mineral mist after your cleanser to further remove impurities, before you moisturize to better hydrate or after makeup as a setting spray.

Avene Thermal Spring Water, $18 at dermstore.com is the perfect facial spray for reactive skin. It contains silica and trace elements that soothe, soften and calm irritated, allergic, sensitive and even hyper-sensitive skin. Ideal for facial redness, post-procedure, dry/irritated skin and razor burn.

 

 

Better Skin…Starting Now!

New Product Review: Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, $78 for 60 pads.

If you’ve ever had a peel at an aesthetician or doctor’s office you know what an effective rejuvenating and brightening treatment it is, but the costly series of recommended sessions and flaking experienced for days afterwards might have you thinking twice about doing it again. Thanks to this breakthrough product that rivals in-office procedures you won’t have to.

Last week I attended a beauty event at Space NK, where NY-based renowned dermatologist and dermatopathologist Dr. Craig Austin introduced his Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, a medical grade product for the masses. This pre-treated perfecting pad contains the highest level of buffered Glycolic Acid that you can buy over the counter (20%), antioxidants A, C, E in a phospholipid based liposome, Coenzyme Q10 and Witch Hazel. In layman’s terms this means deeper penetration, maximum exfoliation without irritation, tighter, glowier skin and anti-aging protection from further damage. Simply swipe it over your complexion and within days it will diminish fine lines, lighten pigmentation, decrease pore size, rebuild collagen and increase radiance. Recommended use is morning and night but I highly suggest you build up to that to avoid irritation.

I started using it once every other day and the first few times I noticed a stinging sensation (completely normal). After a few days I switched to once a day and was surprised to see my complexion was already more taut and had found its inner glow again! That was fast…next week I’ll swipe it on twice a day, morning and night.

I know you’ll love Cane + Austin Miracle Pad, available in October, 2013, but if you can’t wait until then to get started try Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pad, $60 for 60. With a similar formula and 10% Glycolic Acid it’s still very, very effective.

 

Hot Body!

On those days when my To Do List is a mile long and I have no time to exercise a 15-minute tone-up is better than nothing. And who better to go to than fitness guru Tracy Anderson, credited with keeping Gwyneth in top form.

This workout designed specifically for goop readers gets the job done. You will feel this!

Click here to go to video.

(video courtesy of goop.com)

 

Trend to Try: Braids

Braided styles feel fresh for fall, especially when worn in an up-do. This pretty style (courtesy of Aveda) works for all hair types, from fine and straight to thick and curly.

  1. Prep hair with a texturizer and blow dry hair smooth. Try Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep, $24 at aveda.com.
  2. Use a tail comb to make a straight center part from forehead to nape of neck.
  3. Make an inverted fishtail braid on each side of the head, beginning at the crown and working to the back of the ear. Secure the end of each braid with an elastic band.
  4. Use hairspray to tame flyaways. You’ll like  Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, $24 at aveda.com.
  5. Add some fullness by gently massaging braids.
  6. Fold the braids over one another across the back of the head, just above the nape, in a crisscross fashion. Tuck ends under and secure with bobby pins.
  7. Finish with a light mist of hair spray for staying power.

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(photography and style how-to courtesy of Aveda)

Change the World…One Smile at a Time!

I know how fortunate I am. I have two smart, thoughtful, talented, beautiful children and when they smile–which is very often–they light up a room!  Unfortunately, for many children around the world a smile isn’t a common occurrence. Those born with a cleft lip (a split in the skin of the upper lip) and/or a cleft palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth) can’t thrive because they might have great difficulty eating, speaking and often suffer social challenges as well. Luckily, there are people who care.

This Fall, top-ranked New York City Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Andrew Jacono, M.D, F.A.C.S., will lead a group of facial plastic surgeons working with HEALING THE CHILDREN NORTHEAST for a mission to Santa Marta, Colombia to perform surgeries on children with cleft lip and palate deformities, as well as microtia, a congenital condition in which a baby is born without one or both external ears or with an ear deformity. They’ll screen and operate on numerous children giving them new faces and smiles. You can make a difference! Every dollar counts. To donate, please click here.

Dr. Jacono is committed to helping those who don’t have the medical or financial resources to correct their facial deformities. He performs pro-bono surgery on victims of birth defects, domestic violence, traumatic events, war and cancer. For more information on Dr. Jacono’s philanthropy and charitable works, click here.

 

The Animal Print: Fall’s Newest Neutral

Leopard print is having a huge moment this Fall–you’ll see it on everything from sweaters to dresses, skirts and accessories. My favorite pick is these animal print shoes that absolutely “make” any outfit they’re paired with! Try them with a pantsuit for a modern look, skirts and dresses for retro appeal or skinny jeans and a schoolboy blazer for instant cool.

Sixties Slingbacks in LEO, $148 at bodenusa.com.

Gorgeous Hair in 3 Easy Steps

I’m LOVING Keri Russell’s look at the NYC premiere of her latest film, Austenland…so much in fact that I’ll definitely be wearing my hair this way quite often come fall! If your hair is shoulder-length or longer you’ll want to give it a go.

Celebrity hairstylist Brian Magallones gave Russell her super-shiny glam waves using René Furterer styling products. Here’s how you can do it too:

  1. Beginning with clean, dry hair, part hair deeply on the side.
  2. Wrap 2-inch-wide sections around the barrel of a 1 ¼-inch curling iron.
  3. Flat iron sections along the bottom few inches of hair to make it modern.

Rub a little René Furterer MODELING PASTE between your fingers and smooth out flyaways around the hairline. Follow up with a quick hit of  René Furterer VEGETAL FINISHING SPRAY for natural control with just enough movement. Finish with a light misting of René Furterer GLOSSING SPRAY for mega shine. Gorgeous!

All products available at www.dermstore.com.

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