5 Beauty Mistakes You Are Making In The Shower

When you get home after a 12 hour plus day on set and your back and shoulders are aching (makeup artist syndrome) almost nothing feels better than standing in a scalding hot shower and letting that torrent of water just beat down on you.
Multiply that by 100 when its freezing cold outside!

But did you know that taking hot showers is bad for you?
Chances are there are several mistakes you are making in the shower, here are 5 of them:

5 Beauty Mistakes Your Are Making In The Shower

1. The Water Is Too Hot

As much as super hot showers feel totally amazing, they are terrible for your skin. Hot showers dry your skin out (which makes your tan disappear extra fast), can make your scalp flake, and make your hair color dull quickly! 

2. Using A Loofah

You may love buffing away your dead skin with a loofah each day, but guess what? Loofahs really are not hygienic. All that dead skin, dirt, grime and bacteria that you have scrubbed away gets trapped inside the loofah, so each time you use it you are re-distributing germs and heaven-only-knows-what-else back all over your body.
Technically,  the bad stuff could make its way into any nicks or cracks in the skin and at some point set off a nasty infection.
If you need extra buffing try a good body exfoliator instead.
Try Ren's Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

available on line at Space NK (they have some major online sales happening right now!)

3. Shaving Your Legs First

Shaving anywhere when you first get in the shower is not a good idea. Ideally wash everywhere first, then shave. This way the warm water and steam have time to soften the skin and the hairs so that you can get a smoother shave with less irritation and fewer ingrown hairs.

4. Conditioning Your Hair Last

Conditioner and hair masks need to be in your hair for several minutes before rinsing out.
Ideally shampoo when you first get in the shower, load your hair up with conditioner or deep treatment, and let it do it's thing while you wash and shave, then rinse it out last.
For silky smooth, glossy hair try R and Co Bel Air Conditioner

Beware - it smells heavenly!

5. Using Bubbly Products

We are trained to think that shampoos and soaps that suds up and get all foamy are the way to go when in fact they are stripping our skin and hair. The more bubbles there are, and the more product you are using, the more you are drying out your skin.
Stick to soaps that have moisturizers in them and that have a low lather factor.
Pamper yourself with Diptyque 34 Blvd Saint Germaine Soap

also available online at Space NK

The Modern Girls Guide To Hostess Gifts ~ 14 Great Hostess Gifts For The Holidays

It's that time of the year again - the endless swirl of chic soirées, holiday parties, cocktail parties, dinner parties and events that make up the holiday season.

Your hostess has taken the time to plan, put together and now be the ringmaster of the evening (or whatever time the event is happening). Your job is to be the perfect guest, and to show up with an appropriate hostess gift.

What should you not take? 
Don't show up with flowers - she already has her decor for the event planned, and when you are at the door with a bouquet she now has to stop what she was doing and go find a vase, deal with the flowers and find a place for them. 
Flowers make a lovely thank you gift after the event.

Don't show up with wine. (unless asked to) Your hostess has probably planned wine pairings to go with the foods she is serving. A bottle of wine can be awkward too - are you expecting her to serve it at the event or save it for later? It can be easily lost or confused, so opt for something that at least looks like it has been well thought out.

Make sure your gift is wrapped and has a hand written card attached as she may not open it until the next day and will probably forget who gave it.

Here are 15 great hostess gift ideas for this holiday season:

Diptyque Candles

Whether you are gifting a single candle or a set of minis,  a Diptyque Candle is always a win. The fragrances are glorious, and the quality is exceptional. Diptyque is synonymous with chic, classic and luxe. For the holiday season try the Diptyque candle in Feu De Bois for a woodsy, wintery scent.

Macarons

A little touch of Paris goes a long way. Decadent, glamorous and delicious, macarons are lovely to receive. Order online from Laduree

Bath Soaps

Sets of bath soaps or bath gels are always welcomed.

Where possible try to match the fragrance to the girl. If she is a floral girl a woodsy scent might not thrill her. If she is sleek and modern, get her something sleek and modern. If you aren't sure try Aqua di Parma, their products are always chic and luxe.
A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything lavender - it smells like grandma.

A Coffee Table Book

Find a statement piece that matches her interests. A fashionista may love the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

A girl who loves home decor may enjoy Ellen De Generes' Home

A Leather Notebook

In a world that has gone impossibly digital it is still lovely to write notes by hand in a beautiful leather notebook.

A Bottle Stopper.

Lovely wine bottle stoppers make a great gift. I found this Michael Aram Botanical Leaf Stopper 
at Nordstrom

A Picture Frame.

If you don't know her taste get something simple.

A Reed Diffuser From Jo Malone

A Jo Malone Diffuser is a super chic looking gift, and her fragrances are so beautiful - you will win every time.

Coasters

I found these Ben's Garden coasters at Nordstrom

An Interesting Or Exotic Tray.

She can use it to serve food, as a decor accent, to store her perfumes on - the list is endless but the gift is both lovely and original. I love this Rosanna Golden Alphabet Tray

A Throw 

Especially during the winter months a throw blanket is fabulous to curl up with, and they make wonderful gifts. Check out these Barefoot Dreams Cozy Chic Throws

A Tin Of Holiday Flavored Tea

Holiday flavored teas in interesting packaging make great gifts. Teavana has tea gift sets, and their White Chocolate Peppermint tea tastes like the holidays.

Drawer Fragrances

Everyone loves fragrances for their closets and drawers. These Diptyque Scented Ovals can freshen up any space, and make your clothes smell fresh and lovely.

A Himilayan Salt BBQ Plank.

Completely random, but what a great gift! I found this one on uncommon goods.com

Coveted List October 2015

What are you coveting right now? I always of have lists of things I want. Here are some of the goodies I'm lusting after now that fall is here. Most of them are available at my favorite store, Nordstrom, or on their website, which I have been scrolling around on all day!

Hermes Collier de Chien Silver Bracelet $4300

Prada Platform Sport Oxfords $970. I want them in black but I've also seen them in pink. (I want the pink ones too!) Available at Nordstrom

Lisa Eldridge Face Paint. I can't get enough coffee table books, and clearly I have a mad love of makeup!

Michael Kors Bradshaw Oversized Chronograph Watch in steel blue makes a nice alternative to black. I love his oversized, chunky watches. Available at Nordstrom

Lagos Stacking Rings $200 available at Nordstrom

Temptu Color True Lipstick in Jet Rouge. This season oxblood lips are huge. This isn't necessarily oxblood, but it has that amazing depth and resonance, paired with the magnificent saturated color pay-off that comes with the Temptu Color True lipsticks. Wear it with a sculpted brow, glowy cheek and tons of mascara.

 Chloe medium Gala Calfskin Bucket Bag in Sienna Red $2150 available at Nordstrom. Chloe bags are timeless. I love this sienna red, and the bucket bag shape is super versatile.

Crate And Barrel Camille Wine Glasses, so that I can channel my girl-crush Olivia Pope. 

Caravaggio, A Life Sacred And Profane, by one of my absolute favorite art historians, Andrew Graham-Dixon. 

Diptyque Candle in Figuier ~ I love the woodsy fig perfume for fall, and there is always something a little luxe about Diptyque candles. Stock up on all the different flavors at Nordstrom - they're great for your home and they make fabulous gifts too!