I recently visited New York’s Crowne Plaza with a few other bloggers for an intimate introduction to LAMIK Beauty and its founder, Kim Roxie. As I sat and listened to Kim speak about what’s in a lot of the products in my makeup bag- especially my lip gloss (but not in LAMIK), I got tempted to overhaul most of my collection (until reality set in and I remembered a new makeup wardrobe isn’t in the budget). As a licensed aesthetician, she’s made it a point to learn about the ingredient lists for the products she’s used- and applied that knowledge to excluding harmful chemicals and comedogenic additives (parabens, talc, etc.) from LAMIK.

What interested me most about the presentation, though, was her explanation of the LAMIK way. Rule #1: Beauty is revealed, not applied. Alluding to the natural beauty we each possess, the belief system behind the brand indicates that you should work to accentuate the natural features rather than simply applying a bunch of product. Rule #2: No rubbing- always blot or pat. Whether you’re applying foundation, eye shadow or lipstick, do not rub the product in… simply blot or pat it on so that you can have full control of the amount you’re putting on. She put her words into action, and “revealed” my inner sex pot with an “Ostrich Green” smoky eye. (She even brought my non-existent brows to life using the LAMIK Celebrity Brow Kit.)

Oh… here’s another cool tidbit about LAMIK- If happen to drop and break an eye shadow, you no longer have to throw it away or put it into a mini plastic bag (to keep it from getting on EVERYTHING). Now, you can simply bring it into a store, and they’ll turn it into a loose powder shadow for you (and put it into their patented no-break packaging). Plus, if you have a lipstick or gloss shade that’s being discontinued… or simply want the color without the crummy ingredients, bring or ship it to them, and they’ll re-create it for you (and it’ll only cost you $21).

   

Er’body Jones! *Capo voice*

Jones Magazine’s recently released summer issue celebrates the hot (haute) season in living color (not just neon nails & bright clothes, but also multicultural models and designers). In addition to making a call for more diversity in the fashion industry, the mag’s editors also scoured various beauty counters to find the best products and consulted with Net-A-Porter’s fashion director, Holli Rogers to find this season’s style requirements. My favorite part, though, is Marquita Harris’ ode to icons of color (was a bit surprised to see Lisa Bonet amongst the ranks of Grace Jones, Diana Ross and Dorothy Dandridge, but…). I never believe any magazine can tell me how to have my “best summer” (or any season). However, I will say that I had a fun few minutes reading it and lusting over the shoes, etc. Now I’m all haute & bothered. Excuse me while I go check my fresh.

   

On My Om…

I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. I’m a freelancer/ self employed individual, and business has been a little slow. As any creative will tell you, such lulls can lead to all types of sour moods. That’s why it’s imperative to have a few guardian angels in your corner who will wrestle you out of your slump. My most recent relief came in the form of a treat to a week of Bikram Yoga. Last night was my first session; an hour and a half of smelly, strenuous, splendid self exploration. I survived! (Apparently, I did pretty darn good for a newbie, too.) Now that I’m feeling all triumphant, and centered, I think I need a memento to help me find my chi should it wander back into the abyss of financial/ social woes. This Luis Morais Small Locket Om Necklace makes the perfect such trinket, no? Open what looks like a simple little gold box on a chain to reveal an “Om” symbol (that calming, meditative sound that assists many in finding inner peace and harmony). You can even put a tiny picture in there of something else calming… like… shoes. The reason I don’t already have it: the $1,470 price tag. For many, that’s not much. For me, though, well just refer to the beginning of this post. However, I do have a birthday quickly approaching, and I’d be incredibly happy if some benevolent soul saw fit to hit Aloha Rag make this mine.