Get : Beauty

Green room: EmerginC

Stuff Boston — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:22:00 GMT

EmerginC — the decade-old line of high-grade,vitamin-packed cosmeceuticals — has cleaned up its act. The bevy of cleansers, toners, masks, and cult favorite Vitamin C serum is now more earth-friendly than ever — inside and out. The potent, free-radical-neutralizing products are free of parabens and lower in petrochemicals, plus they come packaged in earth-friendly paper printed with vegetable-based ink; so you can blast blemishes while saving literal and proverbial face. EmerginC products are available at La Dolce Vita Salon & Day Spa (569 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.266.0141) and Equilibrium Fitness and Spa (50 Congress Street, Boston, 617.228.5129).

Green Room: Plantlove

Stuff Boston — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:06:00 GMT

Global warming is affecting more than the climate; it’s also heating up makeup companies, which are cashing in on consumers’ growing desire to be ethical and earth-friendly. Now from the makers of Cargo Cosmetics comes its all-natural, paraben-, and synthetics-free sister, Plantlove. The packaging for this collection of foundation, bronzer, blush, lip, and eye products is a funky, brightly colored psychedelic nod to our flower-power ’60s counterparts — and even the compacts are made from plant-derived plastic, while the lipstick case is made of corn and packaged in a wildflower-seed-embedded box you can moisten and plant. The 100-percent-natural origin blush in rose ($28) is a stellar example of ingredients — karanja oil, argan oil, and grape seed oil — in a pink-tinged powder that softly blends into skin. Pick it up at Sephora (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.4200).

A Real (Re)Treat

Stuff Boston — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:53:00 GMT

We’ve always prided ourselves on staying awake during spa treatments. What’s the point of spending time and money on something only to wind up unconscious for its duration? But then we paid a visit to the newly opened Spa at Mandarin Oriental (776 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.535.8820) for their New England Retreat ($260/Monday through Thursday; $280/Friday through Sunday) and all bets were off. Arrive early to take advantage of the spa’s “thermal experiences,” including the Crystal Steam Room, Vitality Pool, ice fountain, and “Experience” shower with touch-screen capabilities. Then, once you’ve left real? world cares behind, head to your treatment room for the nearly two-hour New England Retreat, which features the Mandarin’s signature foot bath, a body scrub, a delectable massage on a heated table, and products that incorporate herbs native to our area. Just try not to snore too loud, wouldja?

Bad(ass) Hair Day

Stuff Boston — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 03:58:00 GMT

Sometimes you just need a little tough love. Like when your hair looks a mess and none of your friends have the heart to tell you that wearing a hat would’ve been a wise choice. For those days, there are Badass Hair products. Created by salon-owner-turned-product-developer Scott Fontana (formerly of Salon Fontana at the Sports Club/LA), the line of nearly 30 shampoos, conditioners, and finishers does everything from pumping up the volume and flattening flyaways to smoothing out-of-control tresses. Our favorites include Up All Night ($21.50), which keeps roots from going limp; Sophistication ($27), which adds polished shine to locks; and Switch ($25), which temporarily takes hair from coarse to smooth. Look for Badass products at the Beauty Mark (33 Charles Street, Boston, 617.720.1555) and www.badasshair.com.

Hot cut: The bob

webteam — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:51:00 GMT

Thanks to style icon Victoria Beckham, 1920s-inspired classic bobs made a major comeback this year (the Spice Girls might not be so lucky), and they’re staying short, layered, and modern for the summer. Bobs work well with most face shapes, but are particularly flattering on oval shapes and for straighter, weightier hair. Vidal Sassoon Salon (14 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.536.5496) is known for their signature short ’dos, and stylists at James Joseph Studio (168 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.266.6600; 16 Earhart Landing, Medford, 781.393.6800) are great at easing longhaired girls into the shorter, edgier look.

Hot mother earth: Green beauty

webteam — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:51:00 GMT

Even our faces have gone green with natural beauty products that are good for the planet and for our bodies. They’re made without harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, so you might think these products don’t pack the same punch as their mainstream counterparts. But natural ingredients such as organic jojoba and argan oil mean you don’t have to sacrifice good looks for good karma. Some local options include GRN, a new line of skin products from Exhale Spa and Salon (28 Arlington Street, Boston, 617.532.7000); the basic eco-friendly manicure ($17) at SalonCapri (31 Lincoln Street, Newton, 617.969.1970); and Massachusetts-based Suki Color Natural Makeup, available at Whole Foods (181 Cambridge Street, Boston, 617.723.0004) or at www.sukicolor.com.

Hot secret: Bodyscapes

webteam — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:38:00 GMT

If your excuse for not going to the gym is that you hate fighting the sweaty masses for your turn with the free weights, hate waiting in line for the elliptical machine, and hate bumping into three other people when you’re trying to perfect your downward-facing dog in yoga class, well, now you’re out of excuses. Bodyscapes Fitness (1285 Beacon Street, Brookline, 617.232.1010), which opened in the spring, is still in that glorious, never-too-many-people-working-out-at-once phase. What does that mean for you? Think wide-open expanses of clean, idle cardio machines (most with personal TVs); quiet, orderly locker rooms; and, on some lucky occasions, even a private yoga class. Need a kick-start to your fitness program? Work out with a personal trainer in the gym’s private training room. Bodyscapes’ beautiful 13,000-square-foot facility surely won’t be empty for long, so take advantage of our little secret while you can.

Hot work out: Wii Fit

webteam — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:34:00 GMT

It’s way too hot to go running along the Esplanade, and in this humidity we don’t even want to walk to the air-conditioned gym. But we’re perfectly fine turning on the TV and playing with our new Wii Fit, an exercise game that uses a balance board to help you measure weight and find your center of gravity. The board also calculates your body mass index (scary!). Wii Fit is a yoga class, boot camp, and, when you compare your fitness with other users on the Wii network, a competition. Pick one up at Best Buy (various locations), crank up the A/C, and turn your videogame habit into a better body.

Hot wrinkle-free tan: Talk to the Tan

webteam — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:43:00 GMT

There’s nothing like a Botox commercial to turn you off from the sun’s rays. We love that all-natural beauty is all the rage, but a little faux glow never hurt anyone. For a tan without the crow’s feet, slather on Benefit Talk to the Tan, a sheer, sunless facial tint. The streak-free color washes off easily with a gentle cleanser. You can’t say that about leathery, wrinkled skin, can you? Pick up a 1.7ounce tube-of-tan at Macy’s (450 Washington Street, Boston, 617.357.3000) for $26.

Hot hair: Marc Harris

webteam — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:06:00 GMT

He dropped the “Salon” from his company’s title, developed a new product line, and added a fifth salon location to his repertoire. And Marc Harris doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon. Hair Jamm ($29) is one part volumizing paste, two parts non-greasy shine enhancer, and the first of five Marc Harris styling products available exclusively at his salons. Pick up a jar at the newest Marc Harris location (4 Avery Street, Boston, 617.375.8200) in the former home of Salon Fontana at the Sports Club/LA.

The eyes have it

webteam — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:53:00 GMT

We’ve weathered our fair share of beauty storms: frosted white eyeshadow, powderblue toenails, bangs. But our infatuation with flirty lashes is one we’ll never get over. A good development, then: LuxLash will be opening another location this month at Nordstrom (Natick Collection, 290 Speen Street, Natick, 508.318.2600). The move marks the early stages of the company’s plans for national expansion: a LuxLash Beverly Hills boutique is expected to open by the end of ’08. In other lash news, Shu Uemura (130 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.3500) is honoring the 25th anniversary of the company’s first boutique with complimentary lashes and lash application at the store’s Tokyo Lash Bar. The service is available every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. through July 31; be sure to book ahead.

Style spy

Erica Corsano — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:45:00 GMT

Keeping an eye on: Kathleen Breen Combes

Kathleen Combes is the living, breathing embodiment of every young girl’s fairy-tale fantasy. She’s beautiful, kind, and gracious, has killer style, and happens to be a ballerina with a hunky, fellow-dancer boyfriend.

I recently met Combes at a friend’s birthday bash at Mantra. Struck by her funky outfit, edgy hair, and adorable demeanor, I wondered: What does this girl do? Where does she come from? And why have we not met before? As your local style spy, I felt it my duty to find out more. So I did, and immediately asked Combes if I could feature her in this column. The dancing, world-traveling fashionista graciously and excitedly accepted.

Not all performers are fascinating off stage as well as on, but in chatting with Combes about style, shopping, sore feet, and a shared obsession for pumps, I found her to be one of the special few that are.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Classic with a twist. Whether it’s a great piece of jewelry or a bag, I like to add at least one thing that’s interesting.

Q: Is there anything about your style that might surprise us?
A: Comfort ALWAYS wins!

Q: Does being a dancer ever influence your style outside of the theater?
A: I dress up for a living and have people put me in costumes all the time. You learn what looks good on you and what doesn’t. It also gives you a chance to try things that maybe you wouldn’t normally try, and then you integrate it into your everyday wear.

Q: I’ve seen you in dancing action and was quite impressed — but it must do a number on your feet! Does your career affect your shoeshopping? Do you opt for comfort over style, or have you found lines that offer both?
A: I have so many shoes I hardly wear because my feet are sore. My feet are an important part of my job, but I love heels! Aldo makes great inserts for heels. It makes them feel like sneakers!

Q: Do you have any guilty pleasures?
A: La Mer face cream and Godiva chocolate.

Q: What has been your biggest splurge? Biggest save?
A: I have a pair of Prada heels that I’ve been eyeing; I might just have to splurge on them. And I bought this fantastic bracelet on the street in Spain for three Euros and I get compliments on it all the time. Best save!

Q: Do your fellow dancers consider you to be the stylish one?
A: I think as dancers, we are creative people and we wear things that represent us as artists. We all have completely different styles, but definitely share a love for fashion!

Q: Do you have any style icons, past or present, who inspire you?
A: Audrey Hepburn and Edie Sedgwick.

Q: What are your favorite movies about dancers? Did any of the fashion inspire you?
A: Fame — the ’80s are back!

Q: You have a bold and edgy new hair cut. Who cut it? Is it difficult to have bangs when you have to wear your hair back for shows? Was the ballet okay with the cut?
A: I did get in a bit of trouble. Rogue at Salon Marc Harris gave me this fun new cut. Apparently dancers are supposed to have long hair! Nothing a bottle of hairspray and some fake hair can’t fix!

Q: What are your favorite places to shop?
A: I love Stil, Stel’s, and Reiss on Newbury. H&M and Zara for fun steals, and Barneys Coop. I love Chicago for their fabulous little boutiques and Europe because it’s all fabulous.

Q: What is the best accessory to any outfit?
A: Confidence and a great bag.

Q: Have you always been into fashion?
A: I wanted to be a fashion designer as a child. I spent hours designing gowns. I dance much better than I draw.

Q: What is the one thing in your wardrobe you really can’t live without?
A: My Mike & Chris Bailey hoodie. It is super comfy and goes with everything!

Glossed over

webteam — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:21:00 GMT

Ever since the illadvised orange streak incident of 1999, we’ve been a bit wary of coloring our hair. But now there’s a new service at James Joseph Salon (30 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.266.7222) that’s forcing us to reconsider. Sebastian Professional Cellophanes, dubbed “the ultimate lip gloss — for your hair,” provide a semipermanent, highgloss conditioning treatment that’s available in shades from Pearl Blonde to Deep Brunette. The Cellophanes, which take only 25 minutes to apply and fade naturally in four to six weeks, are fortified with a UV protectant, soy and wheat proteins, and heatactivated Color Shine Acid Complex. Plus, they enhance color without damaging ammonia or peroxide. Whether you’re a hairdye virgin or simply between appointments with your colorist, you’ll emerge from the chair radiant and revitalized. The cost is a mere $35.

Picture this

webteam — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:15:00 GMT

You know that buttoned up, prim and proper friend of yours, the one who has everything? Including, now, a freaking fiancé (not that you’re bitter or anything). She’s got every piece of Crate & Barrel flatware known to man and enough 600 thread count sheet sets to make all the beds in the Back Bay, so what can you possibly get her for that upcoming wedding of hers? How about an opportunity to let loose for a change? Local photography and videography company A Dream Picture offers brides the chance to trash their wedding dress (after the wedding, of course) with their new “anti-wedding photography.” She’s never going to wear all that silk shantung again anyway. Why not send her into a lake with it, or onto an abandoned railroad track, and let the ADP photographers work their magic? The resulting pictures are a hell of a lot more interesting than yet another stemless wine glass. Packages start at $500 for a two hour shoot; call 781.830.9988 for information.

Writing the book on beauty

webteam — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:56:00 GMT

We find ourselves getting absolutely giddy when we enter any bright, lightly perfumed Sephora store. And we know it’s not just us: in a mere 10 years, the cosmetics emporium has developed an intensely devoted following. In honor of its first decade, Sephora has put together a commemorative coffeetable tome, Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority (Collins, 2008; $27.95). Written by Melissa Schweiger, the book reads at times like an extended catalog — but for the beauty-obsessed like us, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The industry’s boldfaced names sound off on topics including “What is beauty?” and the future of cosmetics; Schweiger outlines howtos like faking long legs and getting a good night’s sleep; and the book wraps up with an A-to-Z guide to the “secret ingredients” of cosmetics that you never quite understood. Pick up a copy on your next mascara run to — where else? — Sephora (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.4200).