WONDERFUL THING! So save the date! Starting August 30, American Express Cardmembers will be able to register their cards online at www.americanexpress.com/entertainment to receive a $100 statement credit when they spend $500 or more at participating retailers, including Tory Burch, DVF, Intermix, Theory, Helmut Lang, and Domenico Vacca during Fashion’s Night Out and get their shop on in style! What a great offer! Thanks FNO for your love of my shopping addiction that you negotiated a deal with my favorite plastic card! I HEART FNO!

The recent Earth Day, brought a star-studded event that glittered for every reason other than what the stars were wearing.  It was their words that caught our attention, and their efforts put forth in everyday life to conserve and maintain the Planet we live on. During this festive event I got a chance to speak candidly with many artists of all genres who came forth to show their respects and pay tribute to our “Mother Earth”, along the “Green Carpet” as well as some who took the stage. Juliette Lewis (starring in Whip it, Directed by Drew Barrymore) who was hosting the show, conversed about how much this event really meant to her and how “Going Green” effects her personally.  She tells me how she favors wearing natural scents and soaps along with how she has been an avid user of the Origins line for years. Her list of favorite products, include Origin’s “A Perfect World” which has been kind to Juliette’s fatigued skin working late hours, lack of sleep and endless travel.

The unparalleled voice of singer, Macy Gray, gave us insight into her conservation of energy that she like’s to practice in her home. She truly portrayed a vision of what “Mother Earth” may be perceived to look like; her dress was made of all natural and creamy white organice fibers. As she sweetly walked the “Green Carpet”, she answered most questions in a whisper; humbled and honored to perform for The Origins Rocks Earth concert.

I caught a glimpse of the charismatic Ryan Star vibrantly lighting up the carpet even more than all the flashing bulbs. He is no rookie when it comes to “Being Green” raised in an Eco-friendly environment and taught at a young age about the importance of recycling and conserving energy.  Throughout his musical set, he was very vocal on his position as one of many Earth’s Soldier’s that is lending an every day hand in “Saving our Planet”.

I tried not to blush, as I spoke to AJ Crimson, MUA (make up artist) of celebrities such as Fergie, Missy Elliot, Pershia White, to Amerie and Christina Milian, as well as entrepreneur’ of Kissable Couture. With an aura as bright as his, I see how he not only has the skill to make people look radiant physically, but AJ Crimson projects radiance that gives his client that extra glow.  He works with every color of the rainbow in his pallet; ironically his last name is Crimson, as he rocked a pair of Red, Nike high tops and his favorite Marc Jacobs Jacket.

There were messages throughout the show, how WE the people can make a difference for ourselves, our children, and our world. Awareness is key, and I think that everyone that participated in coordinating the Origins Show shared their knowledge, talent, and passion to Save the Earth.

Taking a shower is always relaxing but when you include the new Suave® Naturals, Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash into your routine, you are immediately transported into tropical bliss! The perfect match of infused mango and mandarin extracts, as well as Vitamin E, generates a luscious scent that is sure to make you feel like you’ve landed in some tropical destination!

Suave truly had me thinking I was on a mini-vacation at the Mango Mandarin Bliss event launching the new Suave® Naturals, Mango Mandarin Refreshing Body Wash. For someone like me who is originally from the tropical Philippines and has mangoes and citrus running through my veins, I was in ultimate heaven as soon as I arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s MoBar in NYC. I was treated to a hand massage using their new indulgent body wash and the experience was invigorating. It was clear to  me that Suave has successfully formulated a product that can completely awaken my senses while leaving my skin soft and smooth.

Beyond Beauty Basics visited the International Beauty Show earlier this month to check out the latest trends in all things beauty. I saw some instant winners, some instant losers, and even had a few WTF moments. All and all this years’ show did not disappoint – here are a few highlights.

A Little Dab’ll Do Ya

Hair oils were big this year; especially Argan hair oils. They were EVERYWHERE! It’s as if every company sat down together and decided everyone has to have a product that either contains Argan or is simply pure Argan oil. With so many products available, which one do you choose? Here’s my suggestion: Macadamia Natural Oil. I instantly fell in love with this product for a few of reasons. First off its’ got my Top 3 musts down: Great scent? CHECK. Light weight? CHECK. Non-greasy? CHECK. Besides all that, the macadamia oil used is PACKED with essential fatty acids and Omega 7 which replicates the natural oils our scalp produces for protection & replenishing. SU-WEET! Here’s the best part ladies and gents, I have an oily scalp and super long hair (great combo right?) and after using their products JUST ONCE my hair was soft, bouncy, and shiny. You can purchase these products online here, average product is about $25.

My WTF Moment

Paris Hilton Hair Extensions: Maybe I’m late to the game, but I don’t remember hearing anything about this product ever coming out which is why I was dumbfounded when I came across this booth (literally stopped in my tracks and spilt some coffee on my shoes). For some reason Dreamcatchers – a global beauty company specializing in new hair technologies, hair-care and personal care products – thought it would be an awesome idea to have Paris Hilton be the focus of their product. Is her image suppose to make me want to buy hair extensions (as oppose to vomit like it currently does)? Can someone please show me the market research on this? Am I alone? They were also selling “Paris Hilton Celebrity Styler” curling irons at the booth; which I tried in order to be fair to the product. It worked, but didn’t work better than any other regular curling iron. If you feel the need to have Paris Hiltons name on all your hair care accessories, you can buy the curling iron for $65 at http://celebritystyler.com/

A Sexy Good Time

Pino Natural Spa Therapy Massage Candles: This product blew me away at the show. The candles are made with high-quality natural waxes and soothing coconut oil; which is great for improving the skin’s elasticity. If you haven’t heard of a massage candle before, they’re a 3 in 1 product that serves as a candle, massage oil, and moisturizing lotion. I know your first thought, how hot are they? I have sensitive skin and even I thought they were mild. The melting temperature for the candle wax lies between 120 -140 °F, making it possible to apply the liquid wax composition directly on the skin for a gentle and warm massage. So go ahead and safely fulfill that semi-fantasy you’ve always had involving hot candle wax and hours of massages. Currently, Pino only sells to professionals but the sales rep told me the massage candle should be available in smaller sizes to the public soon. Can’t wait!

Mama Mia, Thats a Spicy…Shampoo?

Alter Ego was the outrageous Italy based company I was hoping to come across at the show. Their demos were filled with loud dance music, outlandish hair styles, and a throng of people by their booth (mostly due to the shampoo samples being thrown into the crowd by what looked like an Italian ShamWow guy). Their main sample was the Alter Ego Nourishing Shampoo which is fortified with – wait for it – tomatoes. Apparently, the yeast and bio-enzymes derived from tomatoes can be used to moisturize, reinforce hair at it’s roots, and faciliate detangling. I swear, I learn something new everyday. They also have a garlic hair cream treatment that supposedly leaves your hair super soft with rich peptides and mineral salts. You can purchase the shampoo/hair cream on the Alter Ego website for about $25 each.