Temple of Glam

OK, OK. The Sulwhasoo facial I had last week lasted for much longer than seven minutes. And yes, my only experience with the ever-popular "7 minutes in heaven" game was watching, "Highway to Heaven". I'm not being funny; there was an episode where these cruel teenagers tricked the unpopular girl to go into a closet with some cute guy just so he could run out in horror seconds later. Bastards.

Anywhoo...Sulwhasoo time. I did a little research beforehand and was like, "whoa mama...$100 for an eye cream?!".  When I came to, I found myself in the facial room at Bergdorf Goodman getting prepped for my experience. I was pretty impressed by the concept of incorporating traditional Korean medicine to promote skin balance and harmony, as well as within the body.

The facial consisted of seven steps (including cleanser, serum, toner, and customized treatments):

Cleansing foam ($36)

First Care Serum ($80)

Balancing Water ($55)

Overnight Vitalizing Treatment ($50)

After all seven steps were completed, I emerged relaxed, revived and glowy-glowy-glowy. And if you spend $150 at Bergdorf Goodman, you will get a free facial.

Style Coalition hosted The Royal Treatment, a super-fun Lierac & Phyto event for top beauty and fashion bloggers. As I walked into the impeccably decorated lounge, I noticed the scent of fresh gardenia wafting through the air. Kinda' perfect since I'd just watched "Lady Sings the Blues". And you know, Billie Holiday wore a gardenia in her hair...and...well, the scent was dope.

Plus, since it was the day of the royal wedding, the ceremony played in the background throughout the afternoon.

I enjoyed a brilliant massage, featuring the new jasmine and gardenia-infused Lierac Sensory Oil, which hydrates for 24 hours and can be used on face, body, and hair. It's a unique oil because when it's added to water, it doesn't just become a gross glob at the top of the water; it creates a milky-moisture paradise (try saying that six times).

With slicked-down bangs (this is exactly why I won't show you the pic of me) and utterly relaxed corps, I reached for my yummy jasmine-enhanced drink.

The other girls experienced the Phyto Scope (Since Phyto Scope and I were up close and way-too-personal with my scalp a week earlier, I sat that part out); they also got their "'dos, did" by hair stylist extraordinaire, Yves Durif. I walked away from Style Coalition calmer, more beauty informed, and royally treated. Take that, Kate.

Ron from Beauty Stat emailed me to attend the Philips Crystalize event. Ron is huge in the beauty world...kinda' like "The Godfather". He made me an offer I couldn't refuse: skin imaging with an in-depth consultation.

Honestly, I thought to myself, "C'mon, now. My skin is just about perfect...bring it.".

I parked my bumper into a seat as the Philips Crystalize consultant took pictures of my skin. As I prepared for a litany of compliments, she told me instead that out of a perfect 8 (perfectly balanced, well-hydrated skin) my joint was a 3.6. And then she pointed out my fine lines in the photo. Fine lines? Me...Babyface Brathwaite?

The system also tested my skin's redness (um...), texture, and pigmentation.

To assuage my dismay, she  gave me the products that would help my skin look its very best. So tonight you better believe I'll be trying out my new Vichy products. Here's the dealio: the skin imaging and consultation are free. I got mine done at Duane Reade; go here to see where you can get yours!

Image courtesy of austin360.com

A teenager, a dad, and a blogger walk into a bar.

OK fine, there were two teenagers. And... it wasn't a bar. It was a car. I've just always wanted to tell the "A priest, an imam, and a rabbi walk into a bar" kinda' joke. So sue me.

Anyways, I sat in the car listening to two super cute and super smart teenage girls being, well, teenage girls. There was a whole lot of giggling and talking and it was fantastic. The dad jokingly petitioned his daughter to pipe down, but she was totally unaltered (or *ahem* incorrigible). I think many of us older girls can take a note from that play book, verdad?!

All right I'm off my soap box (that reference will be funny in 2.3 seconds): Cor Silver Soap ($15 - $120) didn't impress me when I first saw it. In fact, I was like, "What the hell? Who still uses bar soap on her face?"

But once I read about the glycerin-nano silver soap, I realized I needed to try the minor miracle maker. Work up a lather, apply it, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse away makeup (even 3 coats of mascara), oil, and whatever else has been on your face all day! After that, I promise your skin will be clean and glowing. I will say that it does clean pretty deeply, so if you have dry skin, you will definitely need intense hydration post-suds.

I hear my friend Cathy's voice when I apply blush or highlighter. Every morning I'd walk into our office, turn to tell her something, and she'd look at my face and chant, "blend...blend...blennnnnd." She'd even reach out to do it for me sometimes--possibly out of frustration or pity of my streaky morning commute.

When I left the company, I also left my blending cheerleader's daily encouragement. Since I don't have her to reach out and wipe away misplaced colors, I took a tip from Allure. No blending in the world can hide mismatched foundation! Wanna know if you're wearing the right shade? Simply place a a streak on your cheek and wait 10 minutes. If after 10 minutes, you can still see it, you're wearing the wrong shade. Boom...for real.

The Breezy Synopsis:
If you're in a department store, try a few shades and step outside in natural light. Artificial light is sorta like those tricky fitting room mirrors, strategically placed to make you look flawless.

This weekend I hung with my dad's side of the family. There were chips and crudités with a side of facebooking.  And of course, when the ladies met in the kitchen, beauty regimens were exposed and explored.

I noticed that every single member of my family -including my grandma celebrating her 82nd birthday- had the most incredible, youthful skin. That got me thinking about achieving gorgeous skin when you didn't get the genetics hookup.

I'm happy to introduce you to a brand new product to hit the market: Glo Minerals Sugar Body Polish in Honey Sugar Butter($24).  If thoughts of  frigid morning temps and trying traffic have you rolling around in bed, maybe this cocoa and Shea butter and jojoba oil-enriched body polish can give you some get-up-and-go (to the shower).

The Breezy Synopsis: 

Use your cleanser, apply this body polish, and then seal in moisture with baby oil while in the tub. I have to shout out my friend, Carmel, for hipping me to that shower trick!

Um, what does it mean when you dream you're "Turtle" from "Entourage"? Maybe it means I'm destined to drive Adrien Grenier around LA. Hey, as far as destiny goes, that ain't so bad! If you happen to interpret dreams, holler. Well, unless it means I have some kind of Shakespearean tragedy on the horizon. I'd rather not know.

Moving on...if you are anything like me, you just don't do festive outerwear. I do have a pair of Santa socks that I love to wear under my most chic outfits. It's like my dirty little secret: I kinda love Christmas. So much I'm considering taking my nudie makeup to the noel level with Bare Minerals Extreme Glimmers ($32).

The set includes an eye makeup primer that can mattify even the oiliest lids. In case you were wondering, my peepers get that prize. It also has a cute little brush. And the colors? Slices of shimmering heaven! There is a nice deposit of color complemented by a spunky glimmer.

This is one of those perfect treats for yourself; it also makes an adorable stocking stuffer if you're in the mood to share.

Where have you BEEN all my November? It feels like I haven't posted in forever (or a week)! I thought maybe we can kiss and makeup (heh, heh) with a glamaway. Let's be real. Even though we're in a little thing called a recession, this holiday season will most likely be just as insane as any other. Before the first toy store casualty hits the 11 o'clock news, take a moment to enjoy the calm before the storm. Oh, and score something that will keep you looking gorgeous and rejuvenated as you knock out that shopper trying to snag the last Snuggie™.

And Glam-AWAY We Go...
You Can Win: Lierac's NEW Crème Mésolift ($54 value)

If You Just: Email the answer to the question below to shaunequa@templeofglam.com to win! I'll randomly select and announce the winner on Thursday. Good Luck!

Here's the Question:
In an August post, "Funky Kohl Medina", I mentioned an iconic '90s supermodel featured in a music video. What's the name of the song and singer?

I haven't mentioned my unwavering love of Michael Jackson. Mainly because I've been more than a bit MJ-obsessed since I was 6 and often when speaking of him, I cry. Surprisingly that can make people kinda' uncomfortable. I was more than prepared to swan dive off the balcony on to the stage, if I ever had the good fortune to see him perform live again. Until that day came, my oh-so-vivid "Victory Tour" memories would feed my soul.

So there was no doubt that I'd be at the very first showing of "This Is It", which happened to be at midnight. Yup, I'm a total freak. All I'm going to say about the film (I use the word "film" when I'm feeling extra snooty) is, if you haven't already, you must see it. Seriously.

OK now some beauty. Winter is on its nasty little way. If you aren't exfoliating, well shame on you, Miss-Missies! Your skin is most likely begging for a little scrubbing and you're being plain ol' selfish right now. I demand that you grab a bottle of Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash ($22) pronto. It cleanses and exfoliates (without stripping the skin's oils) in one fabulously foamy step! Don't believe me? Give me your tired and your poor skin. After the last splash, you'll go en masse to the nearest department store to cop a bottle.

I'm not even going to try to beat around the (ahem) bush about this. I'm a hairy girl. It could be worse, but it could be much, much better. So I found myself reaching for my depilatory. My aunt left it in my apartment about 7 years ago. Yes, I said 7. It's probably expired, but I wouldn't know; all the words are in French. Now that I type that, I realize that could be the root of my problem. Anyway I applied the smelly depilatory to my upper lip (no judgments) and sorta lost track of time. I felt a tingle and decided it was time to remove it. I removed a layer of skin and the remaining stray hairs looked blacker and shinier (who knew depilatories had a hair conditioning effect?) than they did before I started. Lucky me! I hope this doesn't gross you out too much. I mean, if I don't tell you, who am I going to tell?

My upper lip is en fuego and the ice chips aren't cold enough to put out the flame that is my mouth area.  But at least I have this ultra-soothing, beauty panacea (also known as raw shea butter). I copped a jar from my girl Shirley who creates all-natural beauty products. Shea butter is dope because it is a great conditioner for your skin and hair plus it has a healing effect on burns, bruises, and cuts.

As I apply a dab on my wounded areas (oh yes, plural), I wonder if having a little extra hair is really worth all this. Something to think about...until I do it all again in a few weeks.

Remember Thursday nights at college? Just about everyone was whirling around - oft in the direction of the nearest party. There was not a thought of A.M. work study or auditorium-sized Geology classes. All right I'll be honest. That wasn't exactly my coed experience, but I sure wondered where folks were going as I headed to 7-11 for nachos!

Last night I kind of had one of those collegiate/not-a-care-in-the-world nights. It was a mix of taxis, a guy humping the floor during his Michael Jackson impersonation, and of course French fries. There was also a couple of drinks thrown in for good measure. In fact, one of my special someones took the ol' college days literally and had a little pre-party before the night began.

I'm sensing her skin will be in need of some hydration this morning so I sure hope she carries her purse-friendly Evian Spray Natural Mineral Water, Travel Trio ($16) to work today. The fine mist immediately gives your skin some pep. I'm thinking she can also use the cool spritz the way some discipline wayward cats. If she feels her forehead yearning to mate with her keyboard this afternoon, she can give herself a quick "warning" spray.

So my lovely friend, this one's dedicated to you. Keep your head up (literally).

I recently read an interesting post about a young woman's tales of skin bleaching. You guys who know me have heard my thoughts on brown people bleaching their skin in search of the Anglo- Saxon aesthetic. My estrogen was boiling. What has this lil' mama been doing? But I read it anyway and found that she had quite a few scars she was looking to erase. All at once I felt ashamed of my close-mindedness, proud of her bravery to tell her story, and happy that I took the time to understand another woman's plight. Ok so enough of the plight, let's walk toward the light!

It has been brought to my attention (read: I was asked "What about us oily skin girls?") that I focus a lot on normal and dry skin girls.  Because hell, I have normal skin! And because girls with oily skin have what I yearn for naturally, I just didn't get the problem and told her that. Big mistake. I got an ear full of sassy sebum woes.   

In the spirit of open-minded beauty hunting, I came across Origins Brighter by Nature™ ($39.50). It's a new skin correcting serum infused with Vitamin C, cucumber, and Japanese basil leaf, to fade discoloration (yup, it makes my skin look more alive, too!). I apply it before moisturizing, but oily girls can use it in place of your hydrator of choice.  Just remember your sun block in the a.m.!

Oh if you haven't already voted for Temple of Glam, please do!