A Day of Beauty Benefiting Breast Cancer Research

October 17, 2011

What could be more satisfying than a day of beauty to raise awareness for breast cancer? Some breast cancer survivors, television personalities and other guests took part in a special day at Gavert Atelier Salon inBeverly Hills for Joico’s Beauty For a Cure Campaign sponsored by Voli Light Vodka.

 

The salon was done up in pink decorations and guests could have their fill of the candy bar—and a spirits bar with specialty pink cocktails made with Voli Light, including the Pink Beauty.

 

Among those getting pampered with hair styling, nail services and makeup applications were Karina Smirnoff (DWTS), Kyle Richards (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), Lisa Vanderpump ( Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and Ziah Colon (Footloose).

 

Smirnoff and Richards both lost their grandmothers to breast cancer.

 

From October 2010 through July 2011, Joico has raised $1.2 million for the Beauty for a Cure campaign for City ofHope Breast Cancer Research. Beauty for a Cure is a way to help fund significant cancer research that could save millions of lives. City ofHopeis a bio-medical research treatment and education center dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer as well as other life threatening diseases.

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A One Stop Shop for Beautiful Skin–Next to a Nightclub

June 2, 2011

Everyone wants gorgeous, glowing skin – but sometimes you have to put yourself in the hands of an expert to get it.

Pamela Bunte is one of those experts, having worked on skin and perfected her technique for the past 20 years for top beauty companies including Chanel, Estee Lauder and Elizabeth Arden. Her cozy salon, Pamela’s Exclusive Skin Spa, is nestled between Hyde nightclub and Greenblatt’s deli on Sunset Boulevard, and has long been a secret hideaway for the many celebrities she counts as clients.

Once ensconced in her treatment room and under a skincare microscope, she’ll evaluate your skin and get right to work– with a multi-step cleansing, toning and masque treatment with concoctions that she’s tailored just for you. It’s a seriously results -driven facial, among the best we’ve ever had. It feels like a great workout for your face, and Pamela stays with you the entire session.

Pamela told us what we were doing wrong with our skin: putting too much stuff on it it night and therefore clogging it up– a common problem for people who feel that more is better. Her philosophy is that simpler and cleaner is better, and she will evaluate what you use and tell you how to do so more effectively.

Pamela also has her own skincare line, which she can guide you through and recommend what to get, but will not pressure you like so many places do to buy the products. We’ve already tried some of the serums and cleansers and have been very pleased with the results. (You can get her product line at the shop or online.)

With summer upon us, Pamela has some tips for healthy skin. “As the weather changes and becomes warmer, you want to use a higher SPF,” she says. “There are many good ones on the market. I like to use sunscreens that are made for babies and are a 70 SPF or higher. I always think the higher the better when you’re in the sun. I know there is a lot of controversy about this, but I always say: Why take that chance?”

She says summer is also a good time to clean out your old makeup, brushes and sponges. “Mascara should be thrown out and replaced. I do this four times a year to make sure I am always using clean make-up and product. You don’t want to chance the spreading of bacteria,” she says, noting also that when you check your makeup on a plane, it goes through temperature changes that may shorten its shelf life. Ideally, cosmetics should be kept at about 72.°

Pamela also advises that summer is not the time to get broken capillaries zapped, laser treatments, peels or photo facials, because skin does not recover as well after these treatments under the hot, beating sun.

She advocates treating any pesky, unwanted blemishes with a warm washcloth and a combination of alcohol and then hydrogen peroxide on the breakout.

She’s happy to share other tips and techniques to keep skin at its finest and healthiest. It’s her passion– and it will be your benefit.

Pamela’s Exclusive Skin Spa, 8027 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles (323) 650-3567 (by appointment only) http://www.pamelasexclusiveskin.com/

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Emmy Beautifying, Prepping and Gifting

August 30, 2010

Emmy Week pampering got off to a hot start on Tuesday with the Endless Summer Primetime Emmy Suite at Gonpachi of Beverly Hills. (If you haven’t been, check out the cool vibe and Asian cuisine at 134 N. La Cienega). It was an indoor/outdoor party with guests including Ali Fedotosky, Roberto Martinez, Eva La Rue, Chelsie Hightower, Mark Ballas, Eric

Roberts and Kevin Eubanks. They made the rounds of the premium vendors like CellCeuticals Biomedial Skincare, a highly effective treatment line developed by a plastic surgeon, cool silver jewelry make from old spoons by Twisted, Playboy brand jeans (yeah, show off that booty with a bunny on the pocket) and energy drinks, Obvious clothing and the addictive Antonia’s Nuts, pecans coated with dark or milk chocolate and toasted to perfection). Many guests carted away their goodies in eye-catching neon-bright Coleman polycarbonate luggage, a fashionable, functional alternative to all those boring black pieces you see spinning on airport carousels.

StyleLab had the necessary tight security around its suite at the Four Seasons, because millions of dollars trend-setting, red-carpet ready jewels were on display for loaning for Emmy’s glitziest parties, and the big night itself. All were curated by style expert Michael O’Connor, who says color is the big trend on the carpet this season. By that, he means colored diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones, in stunning statement pieces designed by the likes of Erica Courtney, Neil Lane and Farah Khan. Some of the most dazzling pieces walked away on The Office’s Phyllis Smith and Glee’s Jennifer Aspen. But like Cinderella at midnight, the jewels turned into a pumpkin and had to be back in the vault after the show.

GBK took over part of the SLS Hotel for its celebratory two-day event, which brought out the likes of Adrien Brody, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Neil Patrick Harris, Blair Underwood, Alan Cumming—and a swarm of uninvited guests. Tic-Tac, the topline sponsor of the annual luxury gifting lounge, had erected a wall make of the mini-breath mints, and that attracted a swarm of bees that had to be dispersed so everyone could get on with the business at hand….checking out Invicta watches, the ever-popular lash growth product Revitalash, new hair potions from Peter Lamas, fun and funky jewelry from Manu and Elana Sigal, shapewear from TC Intimates and cosmetics and fragrances from Giorgio Armani.

Hair—long, shiny, beautiful hair was the centerpiece of the Byron & Tracey Beauty Bar in Beverly Hills. Sponsored by Redken, (along with Calvin Klein Euphoria, Café Bustelo and FRS Healthy Energy) beauties prepping their tresses for TV’s big night included Hilary Duff, who raved about new hubbie Mike Comrie as locks were taken to a darker shade by Redken colorist Tracey Cunningham and Anne Heche, with boyfriend James Tupper. TV hosts Kat Sadler, Maria Menounos and Guiliana Rancic also got hair and nails ready for the red carpet at the bright and airy salon. Outside, guests got to sample products from Redken, Koolaburra sheepskin boots, Euphoria and Charlotte Ronson clothing.

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Hair Today

July 20, 2009

What a great idea for a hair salon — a cross between a Supercuts or Fantastic Sam’s and your typical pricey hair haven where the stylists are “artistes.” But this one, called drybar (because “blow” was taken) only does shampoo and blow dries.  No cuts, no color, no fuss, no muss — and only $35. Business has been booming since drybar opened its doors in February at its storefront BrentwoodGardens location. It’s the brainchild of Alli Webb, who formerly ran a mobile hair care service.  She’s decorated it in sleek, airy style with sunny yellow accents. Clients literally sit at a bar with mirrors behind them for “the big reveal” at the end of their styling session. Unlike most salons, it’s open seven days a week.

Drybar, 11677 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood (310) 442·6084 www.thedrybar.com

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On the Wings of the Doves

June 2, 2009

Tired of the whole Beverly Hills hair scene? Here’s the perfect antidote: a salon owned and operated by the talented creative directors of Wella, Sonya and Christopher Dove. The two Brits staked their claim on a developing part of Main Street, and no architectural detail went unnoticed as their shop was built from the ground up. The atmosphere: an eclectic mix of rich textured metals, strong colors and earthy woods that create an inviting environment. Sit yourself at the ultra-modern color bar for your hair color “prescription.” With their slogan Hair. Art. Team., you will be assured of expertise from the shampoo bowl to the roomy styling stations. “Our vision is to have a workspace and atmosphere where European influenced education is at the heart of our culture but at the same time we will be treating our team and clients just as we would family,” says Sonya, who along with Christopher, has 30 years experience in the hair care industry, starting in England before coming to the US as the creative directors of Elizabeth Arden Red Door salons. The Doves, 2000 Main St., Santa Monica 310. 399-7654

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Chem and Fume-Free Silky Shiny Hair

May 8, 2009

Colorist Susan Henry had a problem. Actually, several serious ones. She was getting physically ill from the effects of ammonia used in hair color, laid out by many symptoms which will not be detailed here. But she loved her work and her clients at salons including Privé, José Eber and Umberto, so she set out to create a non-toxic, all natural hair color. Her daughter was studying botany at Humboldt State, and Susan was inspired by their walks through a nearby redwood forest. What resulted—after several years of trial and error– is a patented, eco-friendly formula made from plants, fruit kernels, wheat germ and natural oils. But unlike other hair colors or henna billed as natural, Susan’s formula lasts as long or longer than the typical chemical color concoction, which is what makes it so amazing.

The next step: recently opening her own salon with long-time colleague Aitch, a blow dryer-wielding artiste. Step into their little gem of a place on Doheny and you will NEVER smell any chemical fumes, but you will notice many happy clients of Susan’s “Natural Color Process,” and the ace team of stylists including Aitch and Kiki who can do you up for a night on the town or speed you back to work, tresses looking fab.

Shades, 144 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, 310..275-4882

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From 818 to 310: Arcona Arrives in Santa Monica

April 27, 2009

Long known to Vals as THE place for a results-driven facial, Arcona is now primping and priming Westside punims. Chanel Jenae and Kevin Anderson oversee the legacy of Arcona, who was ahead of her time as a pioneer of holistic skin care. The fab product line uses only all-natural ingredients with high concentrations of antioxidants, plant and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins and minerals and includes the popular Magic White Ice hydration serum and refreshing cranberry toner. Chanel or one of the salon’s estheticians will advise you on a five-product regimen best for your skin type. Trust them.

The Arcona Studio, 425 Broadway, Santa Monica, 310.458-3800

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Hair Apparent

April 18, 2009

Celebrity hairdressers are a dime a dozen, but when you find one as cool, grounded and talented as Steve Lococo, you’ve hit the jackpot. In business for 20 years with partner Albert Borelli (and now with Kim Vo), Lococo works his hair magic by doing it all: coloring, cutting and styling. He’s also created a line of Borelli products and the newly-launchedTahitian Noni hair care line. “Using great products makes people feel they are doing something good for themselves,” says Lococo, who oversees more than 30 stylists, aestheticians, and manicurists in a three-salon “cottage industry” within a two-mile radius (Borrelli Beverly Hills, on Burton Way and B2V/Borrelli Vo, two side-by-side cottages on North Doheny.)

Doheny Dr. Salon: B2V/Borelli Vo, 648 N. Doheny Dr., WeHo, 310.777-7648

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Sweet Spot: Warren-Tricomi

February 9, 2009

If you haven’t yet discovered Warren-Tricomi’s LA salon, awards season is the perfect time. It’s been less than a year since Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren set up shop on Melrose, their fifth outpost. They come in once a month from the East Coast, while partner and esteemed colorist Kaz Amor runs the shop. Aside from private and semi-private rooms, the salon features a Redken Color Lab that walks clients through a series of questions with their colorist to help determine what shades might be appropriate for them.  Then, the hair color product is selected and mixed right at the lab for the client to see.

Warren-Tricomi, 8327 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 323.651-4545

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