L’Oreal Men's Expert Hydra-Energetic Turbo Recharger Instant Facial Skin Fuel

L’Oreal
Men's Expert Hydra-Energetic Turbo Recharger Instant Facial Skin Fuel



The name packs a mighty punch: Turbo Recharger Instant Facial Skin Fuel. And it almost sounds better suited as a product for your car. L’Oreal calls it “a medicine cabinet must have for all men” and at $10.49 retail, one cannot dispute its efficacy, even with a name that congers up auto racing. This is one of the most useful post shave products available on the market. It has a particularly light, non-greasy triple threat effect: it instantaneously calms razor burn, provides moisture through the entire day, and it jolts the complexion to life from fatigue – think double shot espresso for the face. This product contains caffeine, which acts as a stimulant; vitamin C imparts a slight fragrance and orange hue, and menthol that cools the skin. The only thing to watch for is that menthol can be an irritant to some skin types.

--Ashkan

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 7/21/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 and Self-Sun

Clinique
Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 and Self-Sun

Before the big eighth grade dance, I bought my first tube of tanning cream and applied it liberally. The effect was neither subtle nor human. However, it did match the globs of glittery gloss covering my orange lips. Needless to say, tanning technology has come a long way. Now you can confidently apply Clinique Self-Sun, a body lotion with just a touch of bronzing power, and not worry so much about streaking or looking like a golden chicken mcnugget on the dance floor. Whip out Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in front of the other girls in the bathroom and be prepared to share...except with you know who, who is the cold sore queen.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 7/14/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Keep The Skin Around Your Eyes Wrinkle Free

DermaLastyl-Ex



For all the wrinkling, crinkling, and lack of tightness that we all seem to have or will have under our eyes, DermaLastyl-Ex is the answer to all our prayers! I have tried every lotion and potion on the market, and I can honestly say, this has changed my life!

This New York based company also makes a formula for the face. The key ingredient is called Tropoelastin, which supplements elastin levels in the skin's surface, reduces the appearance of existing wrinkles, and helps to prevent the onset of new ones.

DermaLastyl provides a natural remedy for wrinkles without costly and time-consuming cosmetic surgery procedures, injections, or resurfacing. This natural, simple-to-use skin cream eliminates the discomfort, downtime, and risks typically involved with rejuvenation procedures, leaving one’s skin soft, supple and agelessly beautiful.

I usually give a product a few weeks to prove itself, but truthfully after two days I saw results. Now, going on three weeks, I can't imagine life before this wonderful product. Their website will answer all questions.

--Meryl Hartstein

Not just a beauty writer, Meryl Hartstein also runs Re-Vamp Cosmetic and Image Counseling. For more info see her website Re-Vamp Counseling

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 7/07/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Summertime Saviors

Smashbox has a cool product that’s especially handy when temperatures rise to ungodly numbers. Anti-Shine powder gel formula kills the oil slick that seems to surface on your t-zone, usually during an important interview, a hot date with Chip or 14 hour summer weddings. For the ultimate effect, apply Anti-Shine after moisturizing, then Smashbox Primer (what professionals swear by to virtually eliminate “imperfections”) then dab on a little Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 and you’re ready for Chip’s smooth moves over a shared milkshake at The Peach Pit.

For more summertime saviors check out the live online classes where experienced Completely Bare technicians give you the 411 on waxing, here, there and everywhere at their first At-Home Waxing Webinar. Go to Completely Bare and click on Ask Cindy. Imagine, bikini line bruises and 2nd degree upper lip burns, a memory of summer’s past?

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 6/30/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Build Your Beauty with Pür Minerals 4-in-1 Foundation

Just Like Anything Else, True Beauty Starts With Great Foundation



Purminerals
4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation With SPF 15

Did you know that Egyptian commanders painted their nails and curled their hair before war? Historians claim their battle cry was, “Heey girl!” Our girl Cleopatra used Mother Nature to enhance her natural beauty; red ochre, kohl and lead ore were just a few of her divine secrets. Lately, there’s been a rebirth of ancient makeup practices. Purminerals is one of the companies doing mineral makeup well, so that you can have your makeup without the harsh, potentially damaging and allergenic chemicals. Their hot product is called 4-in-1 and is a foundation, concealor, SPF 15, and powder in a compact, along with a mirror and applicator sponge in one. It feels lighter on your face and appears more natural, because, well, it is...even in the harsh light off the Nile.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 6/23/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream For Men

Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Kiehl’s



Kiehl’s has been around long before the dawn of the metro sexual. In 1851, it was formulated for men whose faces were thickened and stained by coal, various manures, scratched by horse and mule hair, and pocked by burning embers from lunch. Their faces told stories, stories that even back then, nobody wanted to read! Ye olde timey men wanted to feel purdy too! Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream isn’t greasy and easily absorbs to combat wrinkles and environmental stresses of the modern man. Made with chestnut extract, soy and vitamins, it hydrates while making skin feel denser and strengthened. Open the jar and the minty coolness tempts you to submerge your snout and never come up for air. While you’re down there you may hear the distant voices of your forefathers reminding you to exfoliate.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 6/16/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

NanoWorks Shampoo and Conditioner

Pureology
NanoWorks Shampoo and Conditioner


Nano technology was first introduced to our planet by our favorite earth dwelling alien, Mork. He was trying to improve the luxor and shine of his human girlfriend, Mindy’s hair. Like everyone knows now, (thanks to Mork) tiny nano molecules can penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen, moisturize, brighten and protect earthling hair.

Pureology has taken nano technology, added some anti-age and anti-fade complex, a little shitake mushroom (seriously), guar gum, and other human advancements in technology, shaken it all up and made a superb shampoo and conditioner for humans.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 6/09/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Kiehl's UV Protective Everyday Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream

Kiehl’s
UV Protective Everyday Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream




My great Aunt Peggy lived by the sea all her life. Peggy was a devout Irish Catholic but spent most of her life secretly worshiping a Jewish fella named Sol. These ancient rituals required Johnson’s Baby Oil, cartons of cigarettes and tuna salad. By the end of her life, Peggy was still able to entertain the family by doing splits and somersaults in the den (yup, she was double-jointed) but spent her free time crafting folk art with her surgically removed melanomas. Kiehl’s UV Protective Everyday Facial Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream has UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection. It’s formulated with Mexoryl SX which is new (to the U.S.) and specifically designed to protect skin from the short UVA rays that were represented in Peggy’s popular “found art” period. Kiehl’s has a summer deal where if you order more than $50 on Friday’s they deliver for free. I think that Peggy would have liked that, don’t you?

Kiehl’s Summer Friday Delivery is available every Friday, from May 23 through Aug. 29 (Fridays, only.) Orders must be placed from 9 AM to 12 Noon on Friday. Orders are placed only through Kiehl's Since 1851 on the Upper West Side: 212-799-3438. Orders of $50 or more will receive free delivery to their office.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 6/02/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Redken’s 3rd Annual Cut-A-Thon

Ever spend over $200 for a haircut and walk away disappointed? Well, at this Redken event, you can spend $30 and walk away with a guaranteed gorgeous do courtesy of Redken’s 3rd Annual Cut-A-Thon at the Redken Exchange (565 5th Avenue, between 46th & 47th Sts.).

On Friday, June 6, 2008 from 8 AM to 4 PM, Redken’s top hairstylists will offer a cut and blow dry for $30. What’s the catch? All proceeds will go towards City of Hope, a research and treatment center dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure for cancer. To top it off, you’ll receive a free customized gift bag full of product goodies.

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 6/02/2008 08:20:00 AM 0 comments

Beauty Editor Secrets!

Give Your Skin the Shower of a Lifetime With the Satinjet

Beauty Editors know all the secrets of soft glowing skin and glistening hair but sometimes a product comes along that takes even us “cynical souls” by surprise. This one just happens to be a showerhead!

Equipped with a Vitamin C cartridge that eliminates chlorine before it touches your skin, the Methven Satinjet Maia is the low-flow equivalent to showering in pure water. Using twin-jet technology, each drop of water turns into thousands, resulting in a circulation-stimulating waterfall. With the chlorine removed, your skin and hair will no longer suffer the damaging effects of this chemical.

So how can you justify spending $395 on a showerhead? Think of it like this: By using less moisturizer, dandruff control shampoos will be a thing of the past. Most importantly, you will no longer be exposed to harmful chlorine fumes. Worth it? I think so!

Methven Satinjet Maia is available at Barney's New York. Look out for the Plant-Based Shower Infusion Collection for a sensory spa experience, launching in September 2008.

--Michelle McDermott

A former makeup artist for Christian Dior, Michelle McDermott writes about luxe resorts, spas, and hotels for print and web publications. Check out her website at OhSoBoutique

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 5/26/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Hair Colorist to the Stars: Tracey Cunningham

Colorist to Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan to name a few!



I had the privilege of meeting Tracey at the Park Avenue Hotel in NYC at an event held by Redken. She sat down for an interview to discuss the summer color trends and gave a sneak peek into the fall color trends.

“This summer, grown-in roots are hot,” Tracey said. “Consumers want to look natural and feel sexy with their haircolor.” Darker roots, with the rest of the hair one, two shades lighter, portray a natural, edgy look, and exude a beach-feel, perfect for summertime unwinding.”

When I spoke to Tracey about what we can all look forward to in the fall, she said "Blondes will feature low lights, soft shades, and natural looking blonde tones similar to Cameron Diaz. Brunettes will be after true brown earthy shades full of life and shine. Think Kate Beckensale. Redheads will depart from strawberry red tones and go towards deep red shades similar to Lindsay Lohan.
Tracey's favorite products are Redken. Her tip to keeping hair it's best is to use Shades EQ Crystal Clear Gloss in between your regular hair color treatments.

On a personal note, I spoke to Tracy about my hair and she was warm and honest. If only I lived in California, I would be seeing her every four weeks faithfully to have my hair colored!

--Meryl Hartstein

Not just a beauty writer, Meryl Hartstein also runs Re-Vamp Cosmetic and Image Counseling. For more info see her website Re-Vamp Counseling

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 5/19/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

NanoWorks Luxury Hair Masque

Pureology
NanoWorks Luxury Hair Masque



Take a couple handfuls of straw, soak it in bleach and let it sit in the sun for several years. Afterwards you will have something, which resembled the hair on top of my head. After many years of emotionally unstable hair processing, pouring money into what should have gone to therapy, my poor cheveux was fried, dyed, and laid to the side. After one 5-minute treatment, my hair felt and looked human again and after about five treatments I was ready to buy stock in the stuff. Pureology’s Luxury Hair Masque is formulated with loads of high tech stuff to strengthen and restore color-treated hair and make it shine like the top of the Chrysler building! Pureology’s 100% vegan and the jasmine and vanilla scent is allergen-free. So our dreadlocked, hippie sisters can feel good about their do’s too.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 5/12/2008 08:30:00 AM 0 comments

Roses and Cream

Revitalize Your Skin with Sensatia Botanicals Skincare Products


Every woman loves to receive a bouquet of flowers, so when Michael Lorenti, CEO of Sensatia Botanicals, decided to use the oil of 90 red roses in his Blossom Facial Dream Cream, he knew he had a winner!

Based in beautiful Bali, and using only pure wholesome ingredients you can pronounce, Sensatia's naturally aromatic skincare line is designed to nourish, hydrate, and revitalize your skin.

Scrub off city grime with a bar of Shea Butter and Red Roses soap. This buttery soap is most suited to dry, sensitive, and mature skin.

Next, apply the Sandalwood Facial Masque: French white clay, ground rice, and East Indian Sandalwood combine to slough off dead skin cells, leaving a glowing and nourished complexion. Then, mist with the Neroli Facial Toner - a refreshing facial mist that aids the skin's Ph in returning to normal. Finally, treat your skin to the luxuriously soft Blossom Facial Dream Cream. Thicker than you would normally expect, this nourishing moisturizer contains the essential oils of 200 tiny Neroli Blossoms, rose oil and pure aloe vera juice.

Sensatia Botanicals plan to launch in the States in the near future. Right now you can purchase from their website Sensatia Botanicals. Use coupon code: GIFT15 to get 15% off.

--Michelle McDermott

Michelle, a former makeup artist for Christian Dior, writes about luxe resorts, spas and hotels for print and web publications. Check out her website at OhSoBoutique

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 5/05/2008 09:30:00 AM 0 comments

High Mountain Beauty

Drink Oolong Tea for Your Health and to Stay Beautiful



On a recent trip to the Pacific Island of Taiwan, I was astounded by the 'ageless beauty' of the local women, who look, on average, 10 years younger than they should.

Determined to find out their 'secret,' I engaged in conversation with a local storeowner in the mountainous region of Alishan. Here, over the daily Taiwanese tea drinking ritual, she unveiled the mystery of their beauty - Oolong Tea!

Produced from the camellia sinensis plant, the tea is hand picked and hand processed. It contains large amounts of polyphenols, which in turn, fight free radicals responsible for age spots and wrinkles. By drinking only two cups a day, the skin will clarify and glow and the signs of aging diminish. Now, you're going to love this - the tea also activates the enzyme responsible for dissolving triglycerides [fat deposits.] In fact, Oolong burns over 157% more fat than green tea!* Drink up girls!

*source: www.oolongtea.org

Great Tea Salons in NYC to purchase Oolong: The Tea Box, Ito En, and Cha-An

--Michelle McDermott

Michelle, a former makeup artist for Christian Dior, writes about luxe resorts, spas and hotels for print and web publications. Check out her website at OhSoBoutique

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 4/28/2008 09:30:00 AM 0 comments

RELAX: Ohm Spa

Be Treated Like a Queen at Ohm Spa

Ohm Spa
260 5th Ave, 7th Floor
New York, NY, 10001
(Btwn 28th & 29th Streets)
Tel: (212) 481-7892

The folks at Ohm Spa are particularly friendly (they ask for your shoe size when you book your appointment and have a proper slipper awaiting, upon your highness’s arrival) and anticipate your need to nosh by providing delicious snacks prior to your treatment. The mani/pedi room is large enough to accommodate your friends and the pedicure chairs offer state of the art massage. Facials and massages are custom fit for your needs and include options like cranio-sacral and a four handed massage where two therapists work in tandem on your body...ahhhhh. Ohm Spa is high quality along with its therapists, so the treatments are priced accordingly. You can expect to pay at least $130 for a facial or massage and sure, you might have to wait a month to get an appointment, but isn’t it nice to have something to look forward to?

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 3/31/2008 09:30:00 AM 1 comments

RELAX: Great Jones Spa

Great Jones Spa
Greenwich Village
29 Great Jones St
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 505-3185

Save your Starbucks dollars for a month and book a day at Great Jones Spa. While the prices are high, you’ll get a lot of oohhs and aahhs for your buck with a three story rock wall waterfall, a water lounge, thermal hot tub and cold plunge pool, chakra-light steam room, juice bar, complimentary snacks, and even disposable bathing suits in case you forget your own. The most affordable package is about $350 (includes tax and tip) and gets you a 60 minute Lavender Aromatherapy Massage and a 60 minute Lavender Naturopathica Facial and Lavender Foot Scrub, or book a single treatment, like a massage or facial for about $130. The variety of massages available, detoxifying and cleansing treatments and the energy work offered make Great Jones Spa well worth a Starbucks detox.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 3/24/2008 09:30:00 AM 0 comments

Relax: Cure Beauty Bar

Cure Beauty Bar
921 Fulton Street
(btwn Clinton and Waverly)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
Tel: (718) 622-7100

Sitting in a window seat inside Cure Beauty Bar on a soon to be spring day and watching all the people buzz around on Fulton Street makes me think how nice it is to be connected to humanity...while getting my nails did. Cure is welcoming and cool, with 70's R&B playing, soaps, and fun stuff made by locals and a display of jewelry that you would actually want to buy. Cure offers manicures, pedicures, facials (Evan Healy essential oil based skin care line) and massages at competitive prices (you can get a $20 manicure and an $85 facial) geared toward the au natural gal (or guy...they do a good amount of back waxing here). Located on street level, Cure welcomes walk-ins and spa parties (which are growing in popularity everywhere) and weekly discounts on manicures and pedicures.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 3/17/2008 09:35:00 AM 0 comments

Relax: Sabon

Sabon
93 Spring Street
(btwn Broadway and Mercer Street)
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 925-0742

Like a singing ice cream shop or a one eyed, clairvoyant witch, Sabon has their thing that sets them apart from the competition. Sabon is a suds shop on Spring Street that sells all natural, animal free, handmade products from Israel (yeah, don’t pretend like you knew it from the name of the place). They slice up delicious smelling soap loaves and sell it to you by the morsel. You can get a 3.5 oz piece for about $6.00. With choices like Jasmine, Clove, Lemon Grass Olive Oil or Dulce de Leche, body salts, body creams, room sprays and candles, you’ll want to bring your competitive, long distance, sniffing skills. Also, you might want to bring dirty, unwashed, stinking hands because they will be washed, scrubbed and moisturized in public bathing ritual after which your hands will be vibrating from the power of the Dead Sea. That’s their thing.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 3/03/2008 02:21:00 PM 0 comments

Relax: Pure Spa and Salon

Pure Spa and Salon
40-15 Queens Boulevard
Sunnyside, NY 11104
Tel: (718) 784-6400

Like other European owned and operated spa’s, Pure seems to adhere to a higher standard. You’re greeted with an authentic smile and a warm cup of tea. The reception area leads to a separate and spacious manicure and pedicure area (no awkward elbow touching) then through a long, candle lit hallway, off of which are generously sized treatment rooms, locker rooms for men and women and the first of two relaxation areas with complimentary snacks and more tea...score. Walk downstairs and the exposed brick and dimly lit relaxation area creates a cozy, urban shelter before you enter a treatment room and fall into a drooling abyss. No issues with pushy sales, overly chatty therapists or scary burning flesh, just an effective variety of relaxing, quality facials (using tried and true Dermologica products) and massages (shiatsu too) from therapists and technicians who know what they’re doing.

--Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 2/25/2008 10:00:00 AM 0 comments

Relax: Priti Organic Spa

Get Beautified at Priti Organic Spa

Priti Organic Spa
35 East First Street
NY, NY 10003
Tel: (212) 254 3628

Lot’s of salons smell more like a mortuary than a sanctuary. That’s courtesy of all the chemicals wafting through the air. Priti Organic Spa doesn’t compromise your health for your outer beauty. Have your feet soaked in mint and rosemary while your fingers are scrubbed with lavender and polished with 100% organic products. Bamboo flooring and an earthy design make this Lower East Side hideaway feel like a little slice o’ Thailand. Priti also provides organic facials using Stella McCartney’s Care and Dr. Alkaidis product lines as well as massages; both are very popular with mommies to be. After you’ve been beautified, walk across the street and get your brunch on at Prune. You may have to wait in line for a while but you’ll have the time considering how you just helped save the earth and got cuter at the same time. -- Sheehan McGuirk

Posted by Short and Sweet NYC at 2/04/2008 01:00:00 PM 0 comments