Organic Spa Magazine's 2013 Organic Beauty & Lifestyle Highlights

Organic bee hive with butter honey cream displayed by The Honey Bee Conservancy

Back in April I had attended Organic Spa Magazine's Organic Beauty & Lifestyle media event and finally had a chance to try out some of the beauty and skincare products. Here are some highlights from the event and some of my favorite products.

SheaMoisture has several organic bath, body and hair lines available at Target, Walgreen's, Duane Reade and cvs.com. These products are super moisturizing and hydrating and perfect for the winter season. My SheaMoisture favorites include Lavender & Wild Orchid Bath, Body & Massage Oil, Coconut & Hibiscus Body Scrub.

Dr. Scheller vegan skincare is made with pure plant ingredients, resulting in paraben-free, gluten-free BDIH certified natural products. The Pomegranate Facial Exfoliator and Organic Argan Oil & Amaranth Beauty Mask are two popular products to add to your at-home facial routine. The Organic Pomegranate line consisting of a day and night cream, eye cream and serum are recommended anti-wrinkle products recommended for ages 40-60.

Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace has partnered with Natura Bisse, offering an exclusive line of luxury hotel amenities and spa offerings. Some of the bath amenities guests can look forward to include Natura Bisse repairing shampoo, smooth conditioner, hydrating bath foam and detox body balm in a Rosemary and White Tea scent, created especially for the hotel. Guests will also  a good night's sleep with a Natura Bisse lavender-scented pillow mist.

A signature line of Nobu Spa treatments by Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace provides guests with facial treatments and customized body rituals using the Natura Bisse skincare line. Exclusive services using products from the C+C Vitamin and Dimond Collection lines include the signature Nagomi Ritual, O2 Awakening facial, Diamond Radiance facial, Diamond Magnetic Body Ritual and Scrub Bar.

Me & The Girls offers luxury organic facial and body moisturizers with strategies to fund organizations that support women and girls. Certified Organic Cupuacu Seed Butter is the key ingredient in all Me & The Girls organic waterless skincare products. One of my favorite products is the Bar Beleza Multi-Use Beauty Bar that acts as a non-foaming oil cleanser, light non-greasy moisturizer and primer.

I recently tried out COOLA suncare products, including Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish and Sport SPF Fresh Mango, which I both love because they don't smell like sunscreen. COOLA also has an Environmental Repair line, including a 3-piece travel kit consisting of a foam wash, face serum and eye gel.

ILA creates luxury organic skincare and spa products from natural plant and mineral ingredients. Products include body balms, creams, oils, scrubs, bath salts and candles.

Lotus Wei is known for their mists, serums, elixirs and perfumes with scents from real fruits, flowers and spices - Joy Juice, Inner Peace, Infinite Love, Quiet Mind, Inspired Action and Pure Energy. You can also download the free Lotus Wei app for an interesting flower reading and product recommendation.

Wei of Chocolate is made of organic dark chocolate in six different flavors - Wei Gratitude, Wei Love, Wei Joyful, Wei Inspired, Wei Pure, and Wei Relaxed. This dark chocolate is great for weight loss, radiant skin & healthy pregnancy, cuts risk of heart disease & stroke, and lowers blood pressure & cholesterol. 

If you are looking for a weekend spa getaway, check out The Lodge at Woodloch, an all-inclusive destination spa resort in Hawley, PA, which is about two and a half hours from Manhattan. During the media event, I got an amazing foot massage, which was just an introduction to their spa treatments and services. There are different options, from customizing your massage to day spa packages and special offers. 

- Kim Weling

Rue La La's Semiannual "Shoe La La" Sale

Rue La La's semiannual "Shoe La La" sale starts at 11am on July 31st. The sale includes over 20,000 pairs of shoes for women, men and kids and a special section of steals under $40. Rachel Roy and Badgley Mischka are among the top featured shoe designers. But be sure to hurry - this sale ends Saturday, August 3rd at midnight.

Rue La La's "Shoe La La" boutique will go live at ruelala.com.

PRIME TIME SMILE Active Blue Teeth Whitening Kit

Earlier this month I celebrated the launch of PRIME TIME SMILE Active Blue Teeth Whitening Kit with a Flywheel class at Flywheel Flatiron, at 39 W. 21st Street between 5th & 6th Ave. This was my first-ever spin class so it was quite the workout trying to pedal up to 100rpm. It's a tough workout but I did feel amazing afterwards, especially after burning a ton of calories. Thanks for the class PRIME TIME SMILE and Flywheel!

So tonight I completed my initial treatment of the Active Blue Teeth Whitening Kit tonight. I'm always hesitant to try out new whitening systems because I never know what effect they will have but this had no sensitivity on my teeth whatsoever and was so simple to use. This LED light system is the latest in whitening technology, leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile in less than 30 minutes!

This two-step system is much easier than using strips, messy trays or making costly trips to the dentist. After brushing your teeth, just twist the dial at the end of the Teeth Whitening Gel pen and brush on the clear gel. Then to activate and accelerate the whitening gel, apply and press the button on the Active Blue Whitening Light, to shine the LED light on your teeth. It's lightweight enough to use hands-free, and the light automatically turns off in 10 minutes. Then you just repeat the process a second time to complete the process. The mouthpiece on the light is also easy to clean since it is removable. 

I was done with the initial treatment in no time, considering I was watching True Blood, and 20 minutes goes by too quickly when watching True Blood! I highly recommend using this whitening kit while watching your favorite tv show. 

The new PRIME TIME SMILE Active Blue Teeth Whitening Kit also comes with an extra gel pen, and retails for $46. It is available at Walmart.com, ulta.com, drugstore.com and Duane Reade. 

- Kim Weling

Sodacase Customizable iPhone 5 Cases

During CE Week, I had a chance to check out Sodacase designs and cases. I am really impressed with their unique printing technique in which their designs are printed directly onto the plastic case, creating a raised print and embossed feel. It's stylish and functional, as the embossed pattern makes the case easier to grip and prevent slipping and dropping, with resistance to fading and scratches. Each case also comes with a matching microfiber for cleaning your phone, iPad, or sunglasses. 

You can even customize your own case with one of Sodacase's patterns or by uploading your own pattern or image from facebook or instagram. I customized my own iPhone 5 case, by uploading a signature ink and watercolor print by my cousin, artist Jayson Atienza. You may recognize Jayson's designs from his most recent shoe collaboration with Bucketfeet, currently available at treasure & bond. My customized case also arrived with the matching microfiber cloth. 

You can shop available cases at sodacase.com, or customize your own here. If you decide to customize your own case, you can get $10.00 off by applying code SHOW2013 at checkout. I'm so happy with the quality of these cases, I'm sure I'll be getting another one soon, since I can never have enough iPhone cases. My favorite of Sodacase's featured designs is the Red Purple Hibiscus Case - Duchess Prescott Case.

- Kim Weling

SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER Relaunch

SEPHORA BEAUTY INSIDER beauty loyalty rewards program just got more exciting! The revamped BEAUTY INSIDER features these new program benefits:

• PREMIUM NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVEL - SEPHORA has added a new rewards level, VIB ROUGE®, for the most fervent product junkies. The ultimate in bragging rights, this level is reserved for those who spend $1,000+ in a calendar year and offers unparalleled insider access to one-of-a-kind experiences and rewards. The chic red VIB ROUGE card opens the door to private, limited-list events with brand founders and celebrities, advance access to new products, free shipping on Sephora.com and Sephora.ca, unlimited complimentary services at the SEPHORA Beauty Studio and your own beauty concierge hotline. For more information, visit: Sephora.com/Rouge.

• ULTIMATE DIGITAL BEAUTY HEADQUARTERS – View the latest rewards and exclusive offers, check point balances and get access to members-only products and events at the new BEAUTY INSIDER digital hub, Sephora.com/BeautyInsider. Plus, keep track of past purchases and products you love, with the digital makeup bag, My Beauty Bag. Access it all on-the-go via mobile web or by the new Sephora To Go App for iPhone and iPod Touch.

• REVAMPED REWARDS FOR ALL TIERS – BEAUTY INSIDER tiers and benefits have gotten a makeover. The program now features new ways to use your points, members-only beauty classes, first access to the most coveted new products in beauty and more, plus all the benefits members currently love – like the free birthday gift!

If you aren't a BEAUTY INSIDER member yet, now's the time to join, check in or upgrade your status with the program relaunch coming up on August 12th. I cannot wait to celebrate being a VIB ROUGE member! To celebrate the relaunch, from August 12th-18th, Sephora is rewarding double point purchases for BEAUTY INSIDERS, triple point purchases for VIBs and quadruple point purchases for VIB ROUGE members!* Transfer your newly acquired points to friends and family for access to rewards that money alone can't buy, like a chance to score a special 5K or 10K once in a lifetime reward, such as a trip for two to Paris with Make Up For Ever or the Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection tucked into a Marc Jacobs handbag. For more information, visit Sephora.com/CelebrateBI.

BEAUTY INSIDER perks


VIB ROUGE preview


- Kim Weling

Shopping Haul & Prices at the Helmut Lang Sample Sale

Usually I would wait for the last day of a sample sale to take advantage of even further discounts, but not when it comes to this Helmut Lang sale. There has been a few Helmut Lang spring/summer sample sales this year but this is the cheaper of the sales due to irregular and damaged pieces. I always hit this particular sale the first day, since there are swarms of shoppers grabbing armfuls of clothing (myself included). So after sifting through racks, trying on pieces and making sure there are no rips, holes or snags, I was ecstatic with my shopping haul: two tops, one skirt, one pair of coated crop jeans (aka normal length on me) and my favorite piece, a cobalt blue/black dress that everyone was waiting for me to put back (not a chance!) since I picked up the last one. 

I included the pricing list below, in case some of you Helmut Lang-aholics decide to check out the rest of the sale. I may even stop back on the last day of the sale, as it's not uncommon that I come across clothes that I didn't see the first time around. For sale information which also includes Theory merchandise, click here.

- Kim Weling

Jack Wills Summer 2013

The summer sales are heating up, especially at Jack Wills, with up to 60% off! Here's a look at the summer collection I had previewed at The Nantucket Lightship back in May. It was a great way to spend a sunny afternoon, with lobster rolls and refreshments, and a full tour of each room styled with Jack Wills apparel, swimwear, towels and totes. 

Some of my favorite products include the Hemsley Dress, Meerbrooke Dress, Penbury Satchel, super-skinny Fernham Jeans, Fairhaven Make-up Bag and the Radford Nail Varnish that is now marked down to $2.25! Jack Wills also has some great tech accessories and homewares. 

 

 

- Kim Weling

JACHS Sample Sale - Everything $39

WHAT:  J.A.C.H.S Sample Sale

WHERE: Chelsea Market

75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

WHEN: Monday, July 29 – Sunday, August 4

10AM – 8PM

Join us for JACHS Spring/Summer 2013 sample sale. Effortless, American clothing for everyday wear including  women’s shirts, dresses, tunics, bottoms, denim vests and jackets and men’s shirts, non-denim pants, knits, polos, varsity jackets. Everything at $39!

Check out the Spring/Summer 2013 lookbooks here.

Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale

clothingline sample sales

261 W 36th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
(between 7th & 8th Ave.)

Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, debit & cash accepted. 

Entrance and selling floor closes 10 minutes prio to closing time. Fitting room is open and closes 30 minutes prior to closing time. 

French Garment Cleaners Co. Sample Sale

Favorite Sunscreens for Summer 2013

It's been a tough week battling a heatwave in NYC, but whether you are laying on the beach or out and about in the city, sunscreen is a must! There are a lot of things to factor in finding the right sunscreen. I love these because of the non-greasy and non-sticky formulas, SPF levels, and the fact that they don't have that sunscreen smell. 

1. Vichy Laboratoires Capital Soleil SPF 50 Lightweight Foaming Lotion, $28 - lightweight, air mousse sunscreen with multi-layer protection from UVA/UVB rays and freee radical damage. White Grape Polyphenols + Vitamin E for antioxidant protection. Leaves skin soft and smooth. 

2. COOLA Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish,$36 - antioxidant-infused, mineral matte sunscreen with a natural cucumber scent. Acts as the perfect primer under foundation, with a moisturizing, smooth, silky finish. Made with Vitamin C, Zinc and organic ingredients including Rose Hip and Evening Primrose Oils. COOLA Sport SPF Fresh Mango Moisturizer, $32 - 80 minutes of water resistance made with 70% organic inactive ingredients including Evening Primrose and Linseed and Coconut Oils. Love the mango scent!

3. Algenist Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50, $38 - oil-free, sheer formula has a silky texture, and weightless feel. Alguronic Acid combines with antioxidant-rich botanicals and UVA/UVB protecting actives to help delay signs of aging caused by the sun and environmental stressors. Can be used alone, applied over skincare products or under makeup for a soft, matte finish. 

4. Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protective Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 for Face/Body, $30 - Cream sunscreen that shields the skin against environmental aggressors.  Utilizes advanced sun care technology to protect against dryness, oxidative pollutants and UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging, spots and wrinkles. 

- Kim Weling

RABEANCO + BaubleBar DIY Event - July 17th

RABEANCO and BaubleBar invite you to a DIY event, hosted by Jenni Radosevich, author of I Spy DIY. Join us for shopping, cocktails provided by Godiva Spirits and a bag chain DIY at BaubleBar SoHo!

Guests will receive a complimentary Cambria leather pouch for attending (while supplies last). Popular blow dry salon, DreamDry will also be on-site offering complimentary styling for guests!

Please RSVP to: RSVP@rmo-wetherly.com

BaubleBar SoHo
131 Greene Street
July 17th
6:30 - 8:30pm

Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Peel

On Friday, I experienced an amazing Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Peel and skincare consultation at Space.NK Soho at 99 Greene Street. This medical grade resurfacing treatment helps repair, prevent and protect against sun damage, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pore size, oily or dry skin types, acne, scarring, textured epidermis, as well as wrinkles and elasticity. 

The half hour peel process consisted of first applying the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid Retinol Brightening Solution, Hydra-Pure Firming Serum (since I am more focused anti-aging) and Alpha Beta Peel two-step anti-aging treatment. I felt slight tingling and stinging during the peel, which is normal, yet it didn't leave my skin red or irritated. Immediately after the peel my skin felt incredibly radiant, healthy and revived. This peel is recommended ever 4-6 weeks, avoiding exfoliation for the next 72 hours following the peel. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Extra Strength Alpha Beta Peel is recommended for daily, at-home treatments.

The Pro Peel benefits all ages and skin types. The Pro Peel treatment is available at Dr. Dennis Gross at 900 5th Avenue, between E. 71st and E. 72nd Streets. The cost of the treatment ranges from $250-$600. You can learn more about Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare here. 

Many thanks to Sal for an amazing treatment and to Space.NK for inviting me in for this special treatment!

- Kim Weling