Monthly Archives: September 2009

Ladies, meet Paul, 27, from Union, NJ. He’s completely immersed in the digital world as the SEO Marketing Manager at Lexis Nexis and the Founder of BeyondBeautyBasics.com.  My kind of guy… and yes, he’s single!

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Right now in my medicine cabinet you can find a bunch of products because my Editor-in-Chief of Beyond Beauty Basics, Jennifer Long, tells me to use them. However, I keep it simple: Garnier Fructis Style Surf Hair, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser (bc it smells good), Lancome Hydrix Moisturizing Gel, oh and floss. I think it’s important to look well-groomed whether you are on a date or meeting with a client, not to mention making sure there isn’t some piece of food in between your teeth from last night.

What product can’t you live without and why? 

I’m pretty sure I can live without any product but if I had to choose I guess hair product to ensure I don’t look like a crazy bum. That or maybe cologne. I think it’s a good thing when someone tells you you smell “heavenly” or “delicious” – as long as they don’t say you smell like their ex-boyfriend or husband. Now who would want that?

How would you describe your grooming habits?

My grooming habits would be that of any guy that makes sure he takes care of himself without going over the top. I shave most everyday, unless I’ve had a late night which turns into a rough morning. I manscape where guys should manscape to avoid looking like a caveman. I push my cuticles back when I remember after a shower because my third grade health teacher branded it into our minds. LOL Normally I get a haircut once every 2-3 weeks and have my eyebrows cleaned up (not all tweezed-up like some guys in my state), just enough not to spread too far from my actual brow. I moisturize my face, brush my teeth and carry gum with me, do my hair, a spritz of cologne, and I’m out the door.

Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?

I’ll admit it, my ex-girlfriend insisted I try getting both. The verdict? Well, all I kept thinking (while getting high off the strong smell of acrylic in that nail salon) was I could have cut my own nails for FREE , and it was weird having someone tend to my feet. I was told I had nice feet for a guy though. Thanks – I guess.

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why?  More importantly, what would you do?

I would have to say Anne Hathaway. I think she’s beautiful and tall, has a sweet personality, someone you can take home to meet mom, but probably a lioness in the bedroom. I prefer a stylish, confident, open-minded and classy woman who enjoys a little spontaneous adventure and romance. Hmm… that sounded like a Match.com personal. After dinner I’d take her somewhere we can have some drinks, laugh, and dance or listen to some live music or jazz. I’d end the night with some late night stimulating conversation against the city skyline at some quiet rooftop venue.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?   

The first thing I notice on a woman is her smile. A smiling woman is approachable and tells me that she has a positive spirit or in a delighted state of mind. The curving lips from a woman’s smile can be a bit mesmerizing sometimes. 

Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?  

I would say either way is fine, I’d prefer a woman feeling comfortable with herself may that be natural or made up. I find that women who feel pretty and comfortable with themselves make for a better day. However, it’s a turn-off if she wears way too much makeup and I mistake her face for a birthday cake or a tranny mannequin.

How about down there?  

I’d prefer bare but neatly groomed is okay too. Cleaning it up, in any level, heightens sensitivity, so it might be good for them to do so for themselves. (wink)  Changing it up once in a while is also a good idea for as long as it’s not a jungle down there. 

When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?

My sweet spot is a woman who is confident and modest about her beauty, follows good hygiene and grooming practices, and can carry herself in a stylish and classy way.

How many times have you bought a product because it promised you the world… extension-like lashes, no-chip polish, stronger strands… sound familiar? And how many times did you anxiously rush home to begin trying it only to find it tossed into your trash can a few days later?

Well, I’ve been putting a few of the newest drugstore products to the test to see if they really live up to their claims so you don’t have to waste a precious penny. Check out what I found:

Aveeno Noourish and Revitalize Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.99 ea.

The Claim:  Helps to repair damaged hair and keeps normal hair in check

My Opinion:  Since I’m trying to bring my color from blue black to a warmer, rich brunette shade, it’s been feeling a little dry.  After using this combination of shampoo and conditioner, I can honestly say my hair’s never felt softer.  I also choose my shower products based on the smell and these give off a subtly sweet scent that makes my bathroom smell heavenly. 

Softsoap Nutri Serums, $5.49

The Claim: Infused with nutrient rich softening serum pearls

My Opinion:  This is the first body wash I’ve ever used that left me feeling “moisturized” when I got out of the shower.  Many of them claim to do that, but after lathering with this wash, I feel like I’m left with a soft film on my skin that leaves it really silky.  Of course, I still put moisturizer on after I get out of the shower, but I like the feeling of having an extra coat of protection on my body.   

Vaseline Sheer Infusion, $6.25

The Claim:  Infuses and suspends moisture across all layers of the skin

My Opinion: After applying all over my body after I get out of the shower, my skin feels soft and supple, but not greasy.  A huge bonus for me is that I don’t have to reapply it throughout the day.  Once is enough.

Scope Outlast Mouthwash, 5.99

The Claim:  Outlasts anything with a fresh breath feeling that lasts up to 5x longer versus brushing alone

My Opinion:  I think any kind of mouthwash would keep a fresh breath feeling for longer than brushing alone, but I don’t know about 5x longer.  I find it hard to measure that, but I will say that this peppermint mouthwash is very refreshing and does leave me with fresh breath until my next meal.  I also like that it’s not as harsh as other mouth washes I’ve used in the past.

Sally Hansen Hi-Definition Nail Color, $3.59

The Claim:  Multi-dimensional, vivid color

My Opinion:  They weren’t lying.  I’ve been wearing Opulent Cloud (a greyish silver), the same color worn on the models at the Fall 2009 Tracy Reese Fashion Show, but also tested out the shade Zip, which is a sunset red.  All of the colors in the collection are intensely pigmented and the high-shine gives them great dimension.

Did you know you can officially make your blowout last up to four days? Yes, it’s true.  No matter what your hair type is, you can do it, as long as you follow these rules from stylist to the stars, Ted Gibson.  He just opened a brand new salon in Washington DC, and gave me the scoop on how to get the most out of your blowout.  

Day 1

Believe it or not, it starts right in the shower with your shampoo and conditioner. Make sure you use a regular, every day shampoo and conditioner or even better, a volumizing one.  Whatever you do, stay far away from the moisturizing type because they tend to leave heavy emollients on the hair, which will weigh it down. Also, since your scalp tends to get oilier, make sure to only condition your ends.

“Creating volume is crucial when it comes to making a blowout last,” remarks Ted.  Start rough-drying your hair until it’s 80% dry, before adding in your round brush.  Try spritzing Aveda Volumizing Tonic to help create added volume.  Then, grab the hair in 1 1/2″ to 2″ sections and blow dry them up at a 45 to 80 degree angle of height off of the base.  

Now that you have a full blowout, you can rock it for the day, but in order to make it last, put your hair up in a top knot before going to bed, securing it with a few hair pins.  Repeat each night.

Day 2

Let your hair fall loose of the top knot and shake it out.  Just apply added heat with your blow dryer and go over your strands with your round brush.  You won’t need any extra product.

Day 3

Refresh and revitalize your locks by using one of Ted’s own Hair Styling Sheets.  I personally swear by these.  Just rub one concentrating on the ends of your hair. Stay away from your roots because they’ll take away the volume you need to get through the next two days.  Next, go over your ends with your blow dryer and round brush to put them back into place.

Day 4

Spray 2″ sections of your hair with dry shampoo (Ted recommends Psst) and reblow-dry your hair to make sure it’s evenly dispersed.  

Are you ready to take the blow out challenge?  My good friend is going to attempt the challenge later this week.  We’ll hear how her four day experience went when she reports back and sends photos of her hair.  

Now that fall has officially begun, it’s time to prep your skin for colder weather and fix any sun damage that may have occurred over the past couple of months.  Hopefully you don’t have any, but if you do, correcting it is key to keeping a youthful appearance.

Kinerase came out with a simple kit called the PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System, which helps to improve your skins tone and texture. I’m not normally a big fan of kits, but this one is only a two-step regimen and it’s a very streamlined system with very beneficial products.

It includes an exfoliating cleanser with very fine exfoliating beads, a day moisturizer with an SPF of 50 and a nighttime moisturizer.  The daytime moisturizer includes hydroquinone, which target discoloration and the nighttime moisturizer includes a gentle retinol to improve the skins texture and fine lines.

Since it’s time to switch from your summer moisturizer to a heavier one for fall, these are great options because not only do they moisturize, but they are loaded with benefits your skin needs.  The Kinerase PhotoFacials Sun Damage Reversal System is available here for $100.

It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to beauty products, but backstage at Baby Phat during New York Fashion Week, I was introduced to a hair oil that changed my life: Moroccanoil Oil Treatment.  

It’s made with argan oil that’s grown only in the South West of Morocco and has vitamins that strengthen the hair and increase the elasticity. After I shampoo and condition, I take a penny sized dollop of the oil and run it through my damp strands.  

After I blow dry, I’m left with the softest, frizz free, touchable hair. I’ve tried other hair oils before, and have to admit I was skeptical to try this one, because in the past they’ve always left my freshly shampooed hair looking a little greasy. What I really like is that Moroccanoil absorbs into the hairs cuticle quickly so I don’t feel like it’s just sitting on top.

Get the juice at Folica.com for $35.