All Hail the Queen Beautyblender

Mar 25, 2019

In world filled with knock offs and a beauty world that’s obsessed with what’s new, sometimes it’s the OG’s, the tried and true, that we need to continue to give our attention to. The Original Beautyblender just launched in a new Limited Edition canister at Sephora, fit for a queen; because lets face it, she’s the queen of makeup tools!

The Original Beautyblended in limited edition Queen canister

Beautyblender’s unique, latex-free, super soft material is aqua-activated. Meaning, you add water to and squeeze until it grow 2x in size, creating a second-skin effect when bouncing and melting product into the skin. Plus, when damp, makeup sits atop the sponge (rather than soaking it in) eliminating product waste.

You can use your Beautyblender with just about any formula from liquids, creams, and powders. Fun tip, I recently used is you can use it for “baking” for precise and mess-free application in those hard to reach areas. PRO-TIP: Before baking, slightly dampen your already wet beautyblender to ensure easy and efficient powder pick up and placement!

Personally, I just use it for foundation but I need to broaden my horizons. Cheers the QUEEN, you’re perfect.

Check it out ($20) at Sephora.com

How to properly use a Gua Sha Tool

Mar 18, 2019

Gua sha is a technique used in traditional East Asian medicine to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and for lymphatic drainage. We’ve seen them in everything from Rose Quartz, Jade to and beyond. Dr Elizabeth Trattner sells ethically sourced tools on her site and shows us the proper way to Gua Sha (spoiler alert, you’ve probably been doing it wrong. And goes above and beyond in her demo below on how to tackle wrinkles and problematic areas like the jaw for a lot of us that grind our teeth! My friend, Dr. Nadia just launched a Bian Stone one that contains over 40 mineral and trace elements, and produces negative ions (which has an anti-aging effects).

Dr. Elizabeth Trattner is known for the Gemstone Acupuncture facial which includes gentle facial cupping, Gua Sha treatment, gemstones and acupuncture.

Learn more at elizabethtrattner.com

Hudson Yards NYC Opening

Mar 16, 2019

The Hudson Yards opening was completely next level! The area on the West Side Highway that’s between Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea first got a subway stop last year (the 7 train Hudson Yards stop) and now a shiny new mall featuring 100 shops, including NYC’s first Neiman Marcus, 20 restaurants from some of the world’s top chefs, and climbable bee hive structure that together cost $25 billion in development!

The whole affair was bougie, and massive. I need to actually go back and take it all back in, I was visually over-stimulated at the opening. Neiman Marcus stole the show for me, endless floors of luxury and displays. They also have a BLVD salon on the top floor of Neiman’s featuring an all in one beauty service from Valley Nails, DreamDry, Spruce and Bond and Pucker.

My friends at Sunday’s opened their second non-toxic, vegan and cruelty free nail salon on the 2nd floor.

Lastly, I got to meet Atelier Cologner co-founder Sylvie Ganter. I’m a longtime HUGE fan of the brand so it was lovely to meet the woman behind some of my favorite scents.

Admittedly I didn’t take as many pictures as I planned to, I was too busy having fun. But I have a “Hudson Yards” reel on my Instagram Highlights if you’d like to experience the party with me.

If you’re visiting NYC, definitely add this to your to do list. 20 Hudson Yards, NYC.

Do This! Travel Guide to Santa Barbara

Mar 12, 2019

In what felt like my millionth trips to LA, it seemed about time I visit Santa Barbara and do the coastal drive from Malibu. If you’re wondering what to do in Santa Barbara, the answer is EVERYTHING and most of it is doable in a weekend, but who doesn’t want a full week in paradise? Most of the action centers around State Street, which has the majority of the shops, bars and restaurants in the area. It also borders the pier and beach, as well as “funk zone” where you can do the Urban Wine Trail and sample local vineyards. If you need help planning your trip make sure to stop by the Visitor Center at 1 Garden Street (across from the beach). They are incredibly helpful in helping you find the best hotel deals, plan your wine tour and other activities. Our complete guide below!

What to do in Santa Barbara

Urban Wine Trail (most of the wineries are dog friendly)
Santa Barbara Winery

It’s a charming series of wineries and some breweries with tasting menus. It’s a very cool way to try local vineyards all in the comfort of downtown Santa Barbara. Make sure to start or at least make it to “the funk zone” and visit the Santa Barbara Winery (the oldest winery in the county), Santa Barbara Wine Collective, Corks n’ Crowns, and Paradise Springs. If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, Riverbench Winery is not to be missed. These are all within blocks of each other. For the sunset, head to Deep Sea Wine on the pier (about a 5 minute drive or 15min walk), sit outside and take in the view as you enjoy their exceptional wines. If you’re higher up on State Street, check out Jamie Sloan, Au Bon Climate and a few others in the area. Make sure to stop by the visitors center or website for a complete map.
Santa Barbara Courthouse
Santa Barbara Courthouse view from the roof of the courtyard

It’s free, right in town, and you can take the elevator to the top for the best 360 panoramic view of the city. It’s an active courthouse and equally as stunning on the inside as outside, make sure to take a moment on the rooftop and in the garden.
Walk/run/eat/drink/sunset cruise/eat ice cream/bike on the pier The boardwalk and pier is lovely and has several restaurants and tourist shops along the course to stop in. The walk/bike path goes along the water, and is a great way to start or end your day. For bike rentals of all sizes check out Wheel Fun Rentals. They have three convenient locations, and carry everything from electric to cruiser bikes (or our favorite the surreys).
Shopping From the pier (at the bottom of State Street), to the top the street has stores for miles. Everything you could ever want from contemporary chains to specialty boutiques, antique, to second hand shops, bars and restaurants.
Salt Cave Located right in town on State Street, it’s the largest underground crystal salt cave in North America. We’re talking floor to ceiling healing Himalayan salt to open your lungs! The air in the caves are infused with microparticles of the salt. Make sure to stop in for a “Walk in Session” which is a 45 minute relaxation in the cave. They also offer spa services, skincare products, yoga classes and other events (check out their website for more).
Whale/Dolphin Watching There are a few sailing options, we did the Double Dolphin sunset cruise and hopped aboard the 50-ft catamaran and drank wine while we cruised by sea lions and even a whale in the yonder.
Santa Barbara Trolley – See below under transportation options. This is one of the most fun and affordable ways to get around Santa Barbara and hit all the major attractions.