Classic : Saturday Luxury

It is early Saturday afternoon and I am sipping strong coffee, lounging around listening to some of my favorite tunes of all time, and compiling a storyboard of makeup ideas for a lady friend's wedding while I wait for a good friend to come over so I can continue doing nothing except drink champagne and get some sun at the pool. I am literally having one of the best Saturdays I have had in a while. And I got to thinking about the concept of treating oneself. You know, just completely indulging yourself in nothing but extravagance and guilty pleasures.

The idea of spending money or even just a little bit of time on ourselves these days sadly seems to be far and few between. I gave four facials this past Friday and three of the lovelies I pampered had never had a facial before. Picture me gasping dramatically. Why is we don't treat ourselves any more? Don't blame the economy! There are so many things you can do to treat yourself for very little money. I say it's time to carve out an afternoon or evening and just lounge. Glamorously. Because there ain't nothing with wrong looking your absolute best while you indulge your deepest, darkest, dirtiest... well, you get the idea.

I keep a bottle of Lollia's Relax Evening Bubble Bath in my bathroom for those times when you just need everything else around you to chill the freak out while you take a calm, long breath.

The scent is soft, not too flowery or sweet. And it makes your skin feel dewy and sexy. Fabulous. Also, a hint to all the ladies out there - wear ridiculously huge earrings whenever you lounge. Seriously. I wear these large gold hoops I got at Strut during the most inappropriate times. Think baths, poolside, doing laundry or just sweeping my kitchen floor. I promise you it makes you feel amazing. Hell, throw on a gaudy necklace while you're at it just for kicks.

Also, everyone should own a silk kimono robe. I want this one.

When indulging, your skin should be glowing and healthy. Get a boost from Vaseline Gel Cocoa Butter.

This stuff is not messing around, so apply it with caution. And never leave your face in the dust. It should be illuminated as well. Lately, I have been liking Josie Maran's Argan Illuminizer.

It is not too heavy or shiny so it's perfect for those days of luxurious excess. Another glamourous tip: highlight one body part you are totally digging at the moment and accentuate the hell out of it. Right now, I am liking the tan on my shoulders, so I am wearing off the shoulder tops like they are going out of style (if they haven't already). I do this because even when you are by yourself, you must feel sexy at all times. Come on, Teases! You know it's true. Plus, you never know who might knock on your front door for a visit.

If you need a little more inspiration on how to be glamorously lazy, take a cue from Feu D'Amour by Taschen. I mean, can it get any more sexy than this?

I think not. Enjoy your Saturday!

Fan Favorite : Clarisonic

There are a lot of amazing perks when one goes to beauty school - nerding out over the histology of skin, makeup kits (!), being surrounded by people just like you. But my favorite perk might just be the huge discounts I get on professional-grade equipment. I know, I know. Life is so hard. I received this week's FAN FAVORITE, my super girly pink Professional Clarisonic, in the mail a few weeks ago and use it twice a day. Once in the morning as an amazing wake-up call and once in the evening to scrub the day away. I swear I saw a difference in my skin after just one use.

The Clarisonic uses sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to wash away dirt, impurities and makeup, while minimizing pores and prepping the skin for your nourishing products (serum, moisturizer, etc.) My face has never looked more even-toned. Plus, the Clarisonic is awesome to use right before you wax or tweeze. It makes those wayward hairs stand on end, making it 10 times easier to pluck those suckers out. And don't forget the body brush! I use this one all over for touchable skin, which comes quite in handy as everyone knows I love to be touched. For realz. It is especially effective under the arms and on the legs for kick-ass exfoliation.

Right now, it looks like you can get your own Clarisonic at Sephora, Amazon or from their official website. Also, check in with your esthetician as they might retail it at their spa. I know I will definitely be using one in my practice to get my clients extra squeaky clean.

And for awesomeness on the go, check out the new travel sized Mia. Eek! How bad do I want this in Sapphire?

Oh. So. Bad.

Icon : Winona Ryder in Reality Bites

First of all, let me apologize to each and every one of you for neglecting our relationship these past couple of weeks. I have something to confess. I am having an affair - with beauty school. Specifically, this beauty school. But I will dedicate a whole other post to that later on. Let's get on to Winona. Don't mind if I do.

I have been Netflix'ing the shit out of some classic 90's movies. Think...

Empire Records and Renee's "Sugar High"
Chasing Amy and its awesome relationship advice
Swingers when Vince Vaughn was a smokin' hot drunk

And of course, the ultimate movie from my earlier years. Reality Bites. This film is just about perfect. But what I love most is watching Winona in all her grungy, waif-like awesomeness. She works those thrift store dresses and short, layered bob like she was born to play that role. I have never wanted to wear burgundy lips and smoke a cigarette more than after watching her with her best accessory, Ethan Hawke.  Why couldn't life be as simple as this?

Want to recreate her look? I know I do.

Next time I plan on heading to a coffee shop with a greasy, sexy guy on my arm, I will have a swipe of Shiseido Perfect Rouge in Mystery on my lips and clear, matte skin created by Laura Mercier's Laura's Secrets Volume 3 Flawless & Shine Free combo set.

I would finish it off with some lived-in smokey eyes, courtesy of lots of kohl eyeliner and a messy night's sleep. Oh, I would be listening to this while getting ready.

Now, don't think I have forgotten about the amazing coolness of Janeane Garofalo as Winona's best friend and confidante. Here's a refresher:

How badass is she? I could dedicate an entirely separate post to her beauty routine, but it is late and I need some rest. Promise me you will channel your inner 90's goddess this weekend. And boys, forget the shampoo, start chain-smoking, and throw on that thrift store shirt I know you still have. Then call me for some coffee.