Getting LA Hair with Kim Kimble Beauty

Kim Kimble, celebrity hair guru, has developed a line of hair care products to help keep hair looking fabulous. I decided to try  her Brazilian Nut & Acai Berry Conditioning Masque. My hair has been super parched lately, so this seemed to be an excellent choice. A very durable shower cap was included with the conditioning masque.

The Brazilian Nut & Acai Berry Conditioning Masque comes in an eight ounce squeeze tube. I think it can be used as a daily conditioner but I chose to try it out as a full on conditioning treatment.  The Kisses Shower Cap is very generous in size. It can even be used over rollers. The material is very thick and no water will get in, as the band keeps the cap snug without being tight.

The product is easy to use. Get in the shower and wash your hair as usual. Squeeze a bit onto your palms and work from the ends of the hair to the scalp. The product instructions say to massage from the bottom of the hair up to the scalp- the treatment is supposed to help with scalp health.

I found the product to have a slightly thicker consistency than the regular conditioner  I use for my color treated hair. The product’s fragrance is sweet but not overwhelming. I would say the scent is fruity with a dash of bubble gum.I started with a small amount- maybe about the size of a quarter, rubbed the masque between my palms  and worked it from the ends up. I then tucked the hair into the shower cap. You can use a clip to gather your hair before putting on the cap. Since the tube suggests to apply heat and I don’t own a hair dryer, I figured the steam from the shower would help the conditioner work its magic.  After about 10 minutes, I removed the shower cap and rinsed. I noticed my hair did not feel heavy or greasy. Sometimes when using a treatment, I feel like rinsing forever but not with this masque. It left my hair soft without making it weigh a ton.

Love the cap!

I styled as usual (the true test). What did I find? My hair is way better today since my last color treatment (I dyed it myself using a semi-permanent drugstore brand. Never again.) My hair feels soft to the touch and the curls are back to their original form.

Interested in trying Kim Kimble products? Click here for a link to her products. Use code hair10 for 10% off your purchase. I do not yet see the conditioner available on the website provided by BrandBacker but you can search for the product online.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Sponsored by BrandBacker. Product provided free for review. All opinions are my own.

I Have A Lot of Beauty Boxes to Recycle

There were more. Trust me.

And I only mean that after I have opened them and emptied the contents! I got FIVE beauty packages in the mail this week. In this post, we will take a gander at my GlossyBox and Birchbox deliveries. In the next post, we need to discuss the HauteLook Summer Beauty bag and a package all the way from someone Short (and Sweet) in Texas. I will give you a quick rundown of each box and then pick and choose the items I really think you need to know about in future posts.  Here we go!

First up is the July GlossyBox, le Grand Bleu, or the Big Blue, or the Grand Indigo (I made that up.) Very disappointing delivery- probably most disappointing of the lot and there was no magazine! Actually, that’s good news because that means things will be looking up from here. There were five products plus a “bonus.” At $21 a month, I deserve a bonus. Unfortunately, I will not use three of them and only one is a full size product and the cheapest in the box.

Okay, give to Cindy, give to my sister, okay, throw in travel bag, give to someone that needs it

The Brazilian Blowout Acai Deep Conditioning Mask will be used up when I need to deep condition. (Remind me to tell you my Rio acai story sometime. I was fun in my 20s!)  Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au the Blanc Shampoo & Shower Gel is the third product from the white tea fragrance line. Though I like the scent, enough alread, my friend Cindy likes the smell and just like I passed off the soap to her, she will get the shower gel. Nails Inc. Baker Street Nail Polish may look like a regular bottle but it is small and I know because I already own it. My sister is lucky. That girl ends up with everything. Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Tinted Balm Tube is full size and is $9 US. I thought it was an L’Occitane hand cream. Nope. I will use it since I like the way the tube looks. My “bonus” is Nicka K New York Absolute! Make-Up Cleansing towelettes. I have said it before and I will say it again- they sell this brand at my local beauty supply and the make-up runs around $3 US on average. Lastly is the Evologie Intensive Blemish Serum. I rarely get acne and I like my good old tea tree to handle that.  I am not impressed with this month’s selections- they are way too run of the mill and small!

Every year, the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) have the Insiders’ Beauty Awards. Birchbox curated two boxes of winners. They were recently on sale- $26 for both. I thought that was pretty good and had some points left, so I managed to score both for $23.31. I’ll start with the Prestige Headliners – Birchbox for CEW. Originally priced at $18 US, this little box had the stuff you could buy at Sephora or a department store.

Birchbox Prestige Headliners

Since there are so many, I’ll list:

-IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Brow Pencil (might be a full size- Sam over at Samandro22 got me into filling in my brows!)

-Living Proof Prime Style Extender (Decent sized tube. Eh.)

-Julep Nail Color in Teri (It’s a full bottle!)

-Julep Essential Cuticle Oil (Another biggie! For my dry cuticles, I need a miracle.)

-Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Triple Defense Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (“Deluxe”Sample)

-La Fresh Eco-Beauty Oil-Free Face Cleanser, Scented (2 wipes. I’m cool with that.)

Next is the Birchbox for CEW Mass Market Finalists. This box is a treasure trove of drugstore finds and I have only tried two out of the six! Five of the products are full size, making for a great value.

On the cheap.

-Olay Pro-X Spot Fading Treatment (Sample tube but it should last a bit because you only use a few drops at a time.)

-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (Love these!)

-L’Oreal Paris Infallible Eye Shadow in #557 Glistening Garnet (I hope it is way better than the Armani Eyes to Kill one I bought.)

-Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream (Full size tube- since I finished my most recent favorite, I will try this next.)

-Nivea A Kiss of Olive OIl & Lemon Moisture Rich Lip Care (Finally! My favorite balm is LaBello- it is Nivea in the States and this flavor is more European!)

-Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-On (I love eye rolls…)

What do you think? I have a lot of work ahead of me, huh?

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

–

Before You Dress… Caress (A Soiree & LaLa Anthony)

I always think of Product Hoochie as the little blog that could. I also know that without a lot of readers or some fancy format, it is really difficult to breakthrough in the blogging industry. That is why I was very pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation to a Caress launch event at the Gramercy Park Hotel.

Don’t take this lying down.

Gramercy Park (or Gramercy) is a neighborhood in NYC. The actual Gramercy Park is a private park and only those residing around the park that pay an annual fee get a key to enter. It is a district of bygone New York and The Gramercy Park Hotel sits right next to the park. It is a tapestry of the past, the present, and the future of the city that I call home. The Caress launch was up on the Gramercy Terrace, a beautiful space that channeled a vineyard.

Gramercy Park, New York, New York (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I stepped foot on the terrace, I was surrounded by a very seductive scent. At first, I was a little overwhelmed. (Social anxiety at its finest.) The sights, the smell, and people I did not know strolled the terrace and luckily, I was greeted by Jenn and her kind smile. She invited me to the event and was very gracious. After Jenn gave me the rundown (this was my first launch event after all), I met a few other popular bloggers and the festivities were soon underway.  LaLa Anthony, the  new Caress Fabulista,told us about her love for the latest Caress scent, Tempting Whisper. Created by Nicole Mancini of Givaudan, the latest Caress  shower gel uses  “fine fragrance elixirs”, a rarity in drugstore bath products.

The many fine fragrances of Caress.

Attendees soon were sent to activities. I feared bridal or baby shower games but no worries! We got to “shop” and do a perfume class. If you know me, you know these are probably my two favorite things in the world. I got to shop first and pick out a fabulous accessory that channeled my inner fabulista with a Rebecca Minkoff clutch.

The clutch for “My Junk” and a Tempting Whisper.

Then my inner wanna-be perfumer took a class with Nicole Mancini. She taught us how she built Tempting Whisper. We then experienced the fragrance in different ways, starting with test strips and ending with wine glasses. I rarely think about the ways I live in fragrance and this was a new way to appreciate how to interpret scent.

The fabulous LaLa Anthony. I think I read somewhere she is a Brooklyn girl, too!

Caress is really revamping the line. It isn’t just that pink bar of soap anymore! I like the idea that they use exquisite ingredients. We all know beauty products can bust up your pocketbook and Caress makes finer fragrances really affordable. In our economy, it is important to be able to treat yourself without breaking the bank. If Tempting Whisper is what that smells like, I will be hopping on.

Luxury at home!

I plan on using Caress Tempting Whisper today. There will be a full on review  and some snippets of my chat with Nicole Mancini of Givaudan very soon. A special thanks to Jenn and all the members of Team Caress!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

*Pardon the not so great pictures. I wanted to capture so much and didn’t do it so well!

Sunday Funday and Brooklyn Make-Up Studio!

It is no secret that I love the local Brooklyn Make-Up Studio. It is a gem in the midst of commercialized beauty- the people that work in the store are not only make-up artists; they know every single product they sell. Every. Single. Product. Stacey Catapano, lead make-up artist, makes sure that her fellow MUAs are comfortable and patient with customers, while providing professional services.

At the end of April. Brooklyn Make-Up Studio hosted a fabulous event for Mother’s Day. I took a few quick snapshots of the event:

Brooklyn Make-Up Studio
447 Avenue P (Bet. East 2nd & 3rd Streets) Gravesend, Brooklyn

There were plenty of goods on hand. Among the Smashbox, Stila, and Too Faced, there were Sweet Treats by Christina, who not only makes beautiful desserts but also makes up beautiful faces.

Sweet Treats!

Someone also brought in these…

Chocolate mousse cones!

A dizzying array of colors greet you in every corner…

Decisions, decisions. (Photo by Shazzer)

Nailing it! (Photo by Shazzer)

Start Pouting! (Photo by Shazzer)

The studio bustled all day. Makeovers were doled out, along with friendly advice and gifts with purchase.

Looking Fab!

I didn’t have time to get made over but I did get a mini-facial with Caudalie products. I left looking refreshed and glowing. I also left with two Smashbox Be Legendary Lipsticks and Caudalie skincare. More on those another day…

Me in my Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Pink Petal. I also love Fuchsia Flash.

If you are ever in the neighborhood, you should pop on by! From lips to tips, the  make-up artists are so welcoming and knowledgeable. You won’t be disappointed!

For more information about Brooklyn Make-Up Studio, visit their website and their Facebook Page.

Cupcakes courtesy of Sweet Treats by Christina (Photo by Shazzer)

For Sweet Treats by Christina, check her out here.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Disclaimer: I receive a discount from the Brooklyn Make-Up Studio. The discount has no influence on my review. 

Gucci Goes West

Post #125 already? I can’t believe that I have managed to write 125 posts, 99% about cosmetics. I guess I need to get a hobby… Anyhow, I’ve been getting a lot of make-up mail lately- a free deluxe sample of Bobbi Brown mascara, three Catrice eyeshadows from the lovely Sonia at Sweet MakeUp Tempations, an ipsy bag, and two deliveries from BirchBox. Today, I received the Revlon Edition from totalbeauty collection. It was $15.00 US and in it are four full size Revlon products from the Pacific Coast Collection by Gucci Westman. Considering most Revlon products run anywhere from $7.49 US- $14.00 US, this seemed to be a good deal. My sister, that lucky girl, is getting one, too.

The dress is a little Rainbow Brite, no?

I’ll keep the post brief, as I am half watching “Hannibal” and half pretending to be an FBI agent typing some top secret documents. (I’m fortunate to have a fabulous imagination. Who needs Calgon?)

FBI agent in 1939 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love Emma Stone and am happy that she is the spokeswoman. Something about her just seems, I don’t know, familiar? She is attractive but I really don’t feel she follows the Hollywood standard of beauty. She could be my friend.

She looks snazzier than usual here.

The pamphlet has instructions for four looks. I photographed two. I rarely ever use these but I think I should try one. We’ll see how inspired I feel this week.

I have always wanted to look like a surfer girl.

The Revlon Colorstay palette in #585 Sea Mist has four shades: a light shimmery peach, dark amethyst, a blue shimmer shadow that errs on gray, and the green, a sparkling emerald.

The polish is Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in #320 Trade Winds. I happen to like this polish, as it does last. I just threw out the base coat, too, because it was old. Le sigh.

I will be beach ready. Not that I wear make-up to the beach.

I also received two Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters in #047 Pink Lemonade, a light pink and #053 in Sorbet, a bright pink. People love the Lip Butters, as do I, and the colors are sheer yet can be layered for more pigmented glossy goodness.

Like Lip Buttah!

That’s all I got for now. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY as the PRODUCT HOOCHIE.

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

The R29 GlossyBox and WOWZA! Another Award!

Sunday night I let you know that I got two GlossyBox deliveries over the weekend. I did a post on the November box. This evening I bring you…

Refinery 29 with Glossybox Limited Edition Hit Kit!

Oh, the treats are in there!

Refinery 29 curated this GlossyBox. The products were selected by their Senior Beauty Editor, Megan McIntyre. Megan has excellent taste, as this box is pretty fabulous. Refinery 29 is my favorite lifestyle website. I love that they bring readers tips and tricks for major US cities. The only downside- the chick that does the hair and make-up video tutorials (Taylor?). I get the feeling she can care less. This is not to say she isn’t talented or attractive- she just seems uninterested. Moving along, I want to share what was in this delicious GlossyBox. Shall we?

My not personalized note- not that it bothers me. Give me the goods!

Every GlossyBox comes with a postcard with product descriptions and prices. This comes in quite handy. I try not to read what the products are before I look in the box. I enjoy the element of surprise! Sorry to spoil it for you here, but I think the picture is really too small, unless you click on it. Don’t bother. I have better descriptions and pictures on their way…

PHYTO Phytonectar Oil & O.P.I. Polish in GoldenEye

1) PHYTO Phytonectar Oil: This is a pre-shampoo oil that has nourishing qualities. The directions say to rinse it before you actually shampoo. PHYTO products are usually excellent but this seems a little weird, as I won’t shampoo it out. It reminds me of a hot oil treatment without the heat!

2) O.P.I. GoldenEye Nail Polish: We all know O.P.I. makes cutting edge colors and are great quality. GoldenEye is a homage to Bond 007– 50 years young! I think this is a fantastic tribute for a Golden Jubilee. I love gold polish and it errs on the darker side. It reminds me of another golden polish by O.P.I. that I think is discontinued. Yay for me!

3) Lierac Creme Mesolift Moisturizer: First off, I love this friggin jar. Love it. I love the color. I love how kick a$$ this will look on my nightstand. The creme is a light peach and I just applied it- right now. It absorbed quickly but it feels a bit greasy. Uh-oh. Maybe it isn’t for me but it has AHA’s B5, 6, A, C, and E. I need more radiance as I feel since I hit my 30s, that is a department in which my skin is lacking. (After about an hour, it really absorbed and though I feel a bit oily, it’s not too bad!)

4) vBeaute Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator: In case you didn’t know, the rose is very good for controlling oil. This exfoliator has a few of my favorite things, like rosemary, coconut, and Alpine Rose Botanical Technology. I love to exfoliate, as my skin gets a lot of blackheads. Other than my usual Clarisonic and weekly face masks, I like to throw a scrub in. I will give this a go. It’s gentle and I need scrub that won’t rip my skin off.

Lierac Creme Mesolift Moisturizer and vBeaute Rub Off Gentle Facial Exfoliator- lifting and sanding. My kind of party.

The final two…

5) MISSHA M Perfect BB Cream SPF 42 in No. 23: This is a repeat offender but a smaller version. I received this BB Cream in my first GlossyBox. I actually like the Missha BB Cream the best. It doesn’t make me very oily and now that winter is on its way, I will use it more. This tube will probably end up in someone’s stocking.

6) ROSEBUD Mocha Rose Lip Balm with Vanilla: I almost bought this over the summer. I love Rosebud Salve. There is just something so luxurious when I pull the little tin out of my bag. This lip balm has essential oils, shea butter, vitamin E, and beeswax. The mocha, vanilla, and chocolate flavors don’t hurt either. It really is great for dry and chapped lips.

Get prepped for winter! Missha BB Cream and Rosebud Mocha Rose Lip Balm

That’s it for the HIt Kit! As for my WOWZA! news, Zunaira over at Twenty Something Girls, nominated me for another Liebster award! I just did my post yesterday, BUT I missed a few blogs that I would like to nominate. I’ll answer Zunaira’s questions tomorrow and nominate some more blogs. Small bloggers are on the move! Keep it up!

Keep Calm & Primp On! XOXO

Really BirchBox?!

I am obsessed with beauty boxes. I have already sang my praises about GlossyBox and am waiting for my box from ipsy. I’m a member of Influenster, too. I have one more invite if anyone is interested. Today, though, today I am going to write about BirchBox. Let’s start with the basics- it’s $10 a month for a box of “deluxe” samples depending on your beauty profile. They are the first beauty subscription I heard of and the first that I ordered.

When I got my first box last year, I was excited. I can’t remember what was in it but I was happy just to have a surprise every month. The first few months were pretty great. Then something weird happened. I started getting crappy boxes- I mean, for $10 I would think they could do better. I got a few really great boxes- Teen Vogue was pretty good and I liked the extra box of Vichy products. Recently, they sent a goop box. Blech., C’mon, Gwyneth Paltrow, I expect more from you!

Anyway, I got my November box today and I am disappointed once again. There are four beauty products and one “lifestyle extra” (gee, thanks.) Here is what I got:

1) Oscar Blandi Pronto Texture and Volume Spray- Seems to be a texturizer that gives volume. If the peeps at BirchBox read my beauty profile, they would know I don’t need a volumizer. My hair is curly. Why would I need volume if I already look like a CH-CH-CH-CHia Pet?

2) Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer- This is a small tube and though I like highlighters, the one they sent me is a bit dark for my skin. I can probably use it  but again, why do I have a beauty profile? AND I just bought a set of three from Sephora for $10.

3) Miracle Skin Transformer Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector- Okay, this is a primer with built in serum and   “optical diffusers.” I use primer so I will eventually get to this. Too bad the tube is tiny and I’ll only get 1-3 uses.

4) Atelier Cologne Rose Nonyme Cologne Absolue- I haven’t smelled the miniature vial and I just bought a set of these from Sephora. This was not included and since I like a few of the colognes in the set I purchased, I will use this.

5) Chuao Chocolatier ChocoPod (Lifestyle Extra)- A very tasty chocolate covered potato chip that was eaten in two bites.

6) BirchBox Holiday Catalogue- Product peddling magazine that was a little pretentious. I do not need to buy a $58 box for the home. No one needs an expensive deck of cards.

The one most excellent thing that BirchBox did was mention their support of The Art of Elysium, a non-profit that encourages those in the arts and performing arts to dedicate time and talent to children who are battling various medical conditions.

I apologize for my whining but after getting two excellent boxes from GlossyBox, I had to say something.

My box.

BirchBox is not Product Hoochie approved. I will not renew my subscription when it is up.

Keep Calm and Primp On! XOXO

October GlossyBox: Spa Luxe 2012

Since I am already awake (ugh), I figured I would do post on the GlossyBox I received yesterday. Though I love GlossyBox, the shipping is less than desirable. I had to email them- they just send them out so late! Anyway, my box arrived and as usual, I tore that thing open. Here is what I got:

October Glossy Box: Spa Luxe 2012

Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist: Every cosmetics company seems to be using the word “luminous” lately. I happen to like the Bamboo line and was happy to see this “deluxe sample” (another set of words used a lot lately. I don’t understand this concept- I need to use a product a few times to decide if I like it. Those silly packets don’t let you do that. We should get deluxe samples all of the time. Just sayin’.) This sample is .85 FL.OZ./25 ml.  It smells a little alcohol-y but that doesn’t usually bother me, except that means it might be drying. I’m not one for shine mist but it’s good to keep around. A full sized bottle (4 OZ) is $22.00. I’ll let you know when I try it.

http://www.sephora.com/bamboo-luminous-shine-mist-P285154?skuId=1333517

Nastassaja Skin Enzyme Facial Peel: I love peels. I really do and since I can now do enzyme peels at home, I am happy. I find they really do make a difference. I can’t wait to  try this one. I got a .25 OZ sample (Boo!!!) but this one has papain (papaya enzyme). I think it also has scrubbing action and I love that because it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something. A 2 OZ jar is $40. Here is the link:

http://www.nastassjaskin.com/products-page/peel

Kryolan Blusher, Alterna Bamboo Luminous Shine Mist, and Nastassaja Skin Enzyme Facial Peel

Kryolan for GlossyBox Blusher in Glossy Rosewood: Kryolan is a professional cosmetics company used in theater, film, and television. I have heard of them but they aren’t very mainstream yet. Their site is fun to explore because they have a lot of pigmented stuff! This color is exclusively for Glossy Box and is full sized. It is a cream powder. I’ll give it a try and keep you posted. Kryolan Blusher is $9.00 for 2.5g. (Picture is above)

http://www.kryolan.com/en/index.php?mnu=1

Heartland Fragrances Exfoliating Loofa Soap: There was an overwhelming smell of peppermint when I ripped opened my box. I was slightly disappointed because I hate getting mints in a box that is supposed to be cosmetics but was excited when I saw this soap. Hand poured, the bright green is reminiscent of lime hard candy. The loofa is in the soap and though I’ve seen this before, it just makes it look like a summery and fun slice of fruit. A 6 OZ. bar is $8.00. This link will take you to the peppermint bar, but there are a lot of different soaps on the site! Check it out!

http://www.heartlandfragrance.com/product/peppermint-exfoliating-loofa-soap/

MODELCO Lip Duo Lipstick & Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Dusk and Striptease (GlossyBox Exclusive): This is another full sized product. The lipstick is a dark nude and the gloss is a shimmery light peach. I love two-in-one products- more room in my bag! You can wear these together or apart. A bonus is the lip-sized mirror that is on the tube connector. Retail is $39.00

Heartland Fragrance Soap above and below. ModelCo LipDuo in the middle.

Here is a referral link to GlossyBox. http://www.glossybox.com/referal?CI=MTkwNjk=

Eventual reviews in the works. I need to get on the tutorial train, too!

Primp On! XOXO

Refinery 29 & Coterie

I love Refinery29.com. They are a great blog site with up to the minute fashion, beauty, living, etc information. (The only one that gets me is the woman who does the make-up tutorials. Watch one and tell me what you think. Maybe I’m missing something!) Anyway, I am posting a link so you can sign up to Refinery 29’s Shops. They have some cool stuff and this week there is a deal to Coterie.com. Coterie is a members only site (I’m sure you wanted a jacket at some point in your life) that has a selective collection of the newest beauty products. I will admit, the pickings are small but the prices are reasonable. Sign up through my link (it’s free) and check it out…

https://www.coterie.com/refer?code=q569oJDta

If you like what you see, head on over to Refinery29.com and click on this link…

https://www.refinery29.com/shops/referafriend/?bl=bnlzZWd1cmxAYW9sLmNvbQ%3D%3D

It’s free to sign up. The deal to Coterie is $40 for $80. Buy it, head over to Coterie, fill your bag, go to check out and put in your promotion code. Shipping was $4.99 and you cannot use this deal towards shipping (bummer).

Oh! Coterie does not ship internationally (yet) so if you live across the pond or in U.S. Territories such as Puerto Rico, do not buy this! Luckily, this excludes Canada, so if you’re in Toronto or Vancouver, give it a try.

You can still sign up and view the site.

Happy Shopping!

Primp On! XOXO

Feel Good in Your… Skin! An Interview with Dilcia Enid

Dilcia preparing her face.

I went to an arts high school and the best part about it was meeting like-minded people. It was for the most part a judgment free zone and people generally got along quite well. That is why I enjoy finding out what my classmates are up to now. Dilcia and I haven’t seen each other in over 10 (close to 15!) years BUT thanks to the information age, we keep up on Facebook and email. It is kind of ridiculous that we live in the same city and never run into each other but as usual, life gets in the way.

Dilcia has been working in Esthetics for some time but that was not her first foray into helping others. She actually comes from a social work background,  with a BA in English Education and a TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Language). After teaching abroad and returning to the States to do social work, Dilcia wanted to find a way to help others without the emotional toll,  ” I left that career in search of a different way to connect with people without the heaviness and the bureaucratic nonsense I was frustrated over.”  Dilcia decided then that Esthetics was for her. I think helping people look at themselves in a positive light is important and I think Dilcia aids in the process.

Dilcia answered a few questions for me about skincare and how to feel pretty inside and out.

Product Hoochie: Let’s start off with the basics. When your give a facial, do you use products for sensitive skin?

Dilcia:  Yes. Some ingredients to look for are Ginger, Evening Primrose Oil, Oat Kernel, Licorice, and Aloe.  An exfoliation method that is not aggressive and always wear SPF.  Your facial treatments are aimed at soothing and calming the skin.

PH: Post-facial, do you provide a daily skincare regimen? What would it consist of?

D: Yes, every client is responsible for home care to get the full benefits of monthly facial treatments. Everyone’s skin has a specific type and condition. Overall, skin must be cleansed, exfoliated, treated, hydrated, and protected-all according to type and condition. 

PH: What are some products that everyone should have?

D: For oily skin, mild gel cleanser, an oil-free hydrator are a must! Dry skin will benefit from weekly hydrating masks. Skin with blemishes on certain areas can be treated with a spot treatment overnight.

PH: I myself am a “greasy beast”. What would you suggest for me?

D: You will want to cleanse with a gel cleanser. Products that are mattifying as well as treating (look for Sulfur, Camphor, Horse Chestnut Extract, Sarcosine) will help absorb oil (aka shine) and balance sebum production.  A weekly clay mask would help regulate sebaceous glands as well as monthly peels by your Esthetician. 

PH: What are your favorite products? What do you swear by?

D: I swear by Salicylic Acid and sulfur for exfoliation and spot treatments. I use a calming serum and a thick, rich hydrator at night for my dry skin type.  I have just started using a new line. Dermalogica is carried at the spa I now work at and I’ve purchased a cleanser and spot treatment so far. In the past Dr. Alkalis has worked great for me.

PH: Every Product Hoochie wants to know- Do you wear make-up?

D: YES! Okay… I am a junkie.  I like Lorac, Urban Decay, NARS, Bloom, Sue Devitt… 

A woman after my own heart, Dilcia is currently working her magic at Pilo Arts in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. As a certified Dermalogica Skincare Expert, Dilcia will make your skin look its absolute best. Make an appointment with her today!

Primp On! XOXO

Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon

Pilo Arts Day Spa & Salon is located at 8412 Third Avenue, Brooklyn

Easily accessible via the R train to 86th Street and the B70 Bus.

(718) 748-7411

http://www.piloarts.com