Father’s Day Gift Guide: Ideas Fit for Dad

Posted on June 14, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

I’ve been sharing my favorite Father’s Day present picks all week long! And today, I’ve got some great ones for you. Perfect for any budget, in any location for any aged dad.

A gift of Nostalgia & Luxury. Let’s start with a stroll down Memory Lane. For a gift with a little bit of luxury from yesterday, get Dad a professional shave. There are shaving salons everywhere these days, it seems. To make it easy on yourself, use Google or Yelp to find the most highly reviewed shaving salons in your dad’s city. No specially designated shaving salon in your town yet? Your dad’s barber probably does a great shave or knows someone who does.
Ask him/her for a referral. Then get your dad a gift certificate so he can get the shave whenever he wants – before an important meeting, a high school reunion or for a date nigth out with mom. Or if you would rather give him a shaving set he can use at home, check out The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave from The Art of Shaving ($115 at Sephora).

The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave by The Art of Shaving ($115) available at Sephora

Royal Softness. Treat your dad like royalty with the brand that’s the king of softness – Royal Highnies ($79.50). Their boxers and pajamas are loved by southern gentlemen and celebrities alike. Between their 400 count Pima cotton boxer shorts (which won’t shrink, run true to size and come two pairs to a package) and their lounge, pajama-style pants($79.50 for one pair), Dad will feel comforted day and night. And with the Rolex-style crown insignia stitched on their products, any man who loves luxury will love these luxurious personal linens.

Royal Highnies luxuriously soft boxers and pajamas ($79.50)

Cologne at a fraction of the cost. If you’re on a budget – and who isn’t – buy Dad his favorite cologne or help him discover a new one. These days, discount stores such as Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Loehman’s, Nordstrom Rack and more have a bevy of fragrances that Dad will love – at a deeply discounted price. Not only will he smell like the handsome man he is but he’ll feel good knowing that his wife and kids have good taste.

Happy Father’s Day to all of you dapper dads out there! Hope you’re spoiled silly on Sunday!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What are you getting Dad for Father’s Day?

In My Tub Tuesday with Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads – A BeautyFrosting-approved Hall of Fame product!

Posted on July 31, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads ($80)

These precious peel pads leave you aaaaannyything but gross! Quite the contrary. They are the #1 thing you can do today to see instant, and lasting, results in your skin tomorrow. Quite a statement, huh? It’s the truth, beauties.

Well, I should start by saying that I don’t actually use these guys in the tub.
I use them right after I get out, after patting my face dry.

I keep them where I keep all my nightly ritual products…right next to my bed.
That way, even if I’m in bed, half-asleep, I can just reach right over and feel responsible about my beauty routine.

Bedtime Beauty with Dr. Gross Peel Pads

Dr. Dennis Gross’s original Alpha Beta peel pads ($80) are one of my all-time favorite ways to efficiently exfoliate and ferociously fight aging.

Paraben/Sulfate/Phthalate-free, this “magical” peel pad product not only diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, but helps complexion problems, balances oil, tones skin, and increases clarity and radiance. Uniquely soothing, it also helps to calm redness, sensitivity and irritation. Plus, its gentle, regular approach can give superior results compared to harsher, less frequent treatments.

Leaving me with skin I am happy to live in:

How do we do it?

The two-step process is easy: simply wipe the face with a pad from Step 1, wait two minutes, then repeat with Step 2.

Peel pads can be used daily but I prefer to use them 2-3 times/week at night. You’ll know what’s right for you. But just remember, be gentle with your skin and try the less is best motto when it comes to highly potent products.

As we know, the secret to youth and beauty does not come from a single ingredient; and, beauties, this product contains over 40, combining five alpha and beta hydroxy acids with retinol, ubiquinone, resveratrol, and a host of antioxidant vitamins and soothing botanicals. Gentle enough for all skin types, it’s vegan, and cruelty-free. Yay!!

How do we know it works?

Because I have used it and loved it for over 6 years with instantly noticeable results! Oh, you need more?

The Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel provides significant and noticeable improvement in skin’s texture, tone, health, and clarity after just two weeks of use. Results of an independent study* show:

– 70% of women tested noticed a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

– 100% of women tested reported an improvement in skin texture and tone

– 100% of women tested noticed an improvement in skin radiance and glow

– 95% of women reported that they would recommend the products to a friend or family member

– 85% of women tested reported that they were likely to purchase more products from the line So, um, whatcha waitin’ for, beauty?

Get yours by clicking here today:

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Pads – here

*Results based on an independent study of 20 women, including our regimen of an AM/PM serum and eye care.

xoxo,

BF Asks: What is your favorite exfoliant?

*Originally published on March 27th, 2012

Dear Dawn: Dry & Red Skin & Another Birthday on the Horizon – Help!

Posted on July 30, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Dear Dawn,

I am about to turn another year older and I am tired of my skin care regimen. I have lots of red in my skin and it seems to be so dry. Any suggestions, BF?

Shelby P & her little beauty

Dear Shelby P,

Yes! Well, judging from the precious pic above, it looks like you have your hands full with that little beauty of yours! Which, I imagine, makes your own beauty routine take a backseat many a night.

DD to the rescue! Maybe that’s a little dramatic. I’m no superhero but I think, in this case, I can be of some help. The first thing you need to know, and have faith in, is that there is a solution. We just have to find the perfect recipe that works for your skin.

I have both clients and friends who have had this EXACT concern. They are affected by weather changes, climate changes, foods, wines, stress – by a lot.

My first suggestion is a biggie: try sleeping with your head elevated on 2 pillows. This is a must for skin conditions such as redness, rosacea and puffiness.

My second suggestion is to limit alcohol, excessive caffeine, highly acidic fruits and chocolate.

My third suggestion is to take supplements. Many people, including yours truly find them super helpful. I would suggest Krill oil and an mega-acidophilus supplement, such as Natren Healthy Trinity. Many times taking these produce almost immediate results!

Now that that’s out of the way, on to the fun stuff. THE PRODUCTS!!!!

Many people have found relief with Clinique Redness Solutions. If you haven’t tried that yet, start there. You can get a Clinique Redness Solutions kit, to try it all in one fell swoop (the soothing cleanser, relief cream and SPF 15 protective base), for only $39.50 at Sephora. Click this link to buy: Clinique Redness Solutions Kit.

Clinique Redness Solutions Kit $39.50

Clinique still reigns supreme as head redness fighter in the beauty world simply because it works for so many people and sells for such a reasonable price point.

If you have already tried that, here are some ingredients that I would use to bake up your perfect skincare recipe:

Skincare Recipe for Shelby P:

Morning:
Do not wash face.
If you shower, splash with lukewarm or cool water. No scrubbing. Pat dry.

Apply oil ( try Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil – buy it for $10.34 by clicking on this link).

Sibu Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil

Apply serum (Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum – buy for $55 by clicking on this link). Bonus? This doubles as a beautiful slip of a makeup/sunscreen primer!

Wexler MMPI.20 Skin Regenerating Serum

Apply SPF cream (Clinique Protective Base SPF 15 or Avene Redness SPF 25 $33)

Night:

Wash face with gentle cleanser like Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser, Eucerin Soothing Cleanser Redness Relief (which is $7.55 on this Amazon link) or Avene Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin (buy it for $22 and receive samples by clicking on this link to Beauty Collection).

Avene Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin at Beauty Collection

Apply oil (again, Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil)

Apply anti-aging serum (like Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi.20 Skin Regenerating Serum) which is amazing for sensitive skin like yours and mine. And it feels deeeeeluxe and deeeeelish!

Apply eye cream of choice (if you don’t have one, ask me!).

Apply rich moisturizer like: Clinique Repair Cream, Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream ($11.94 on this Amazon link) or Avene Cream for Intolerant Skin.

*Note:

I’ve also been a big fan of Creme de La Mer for 16 years. So if you are needing a solution, try a sample and see if it’s an option for your skin type.

DDF Redness Relief is another treatment clients have loved.

DDF Redness Relief

Think of the oil and serum as your anti-aging ingredients and the moisturizers and cleansers as your soothing treatments for redness.

In terms of concealing the redness, this is my philosophy: don’t try to cover up all the time. Leave your skin plenty of time to breathe, be treated with the above ingredients and heal.
So while you’re trying this new skincare recipe, I would recommend using concealing makeup only when totally necessary. When you do, try the Allure 2011 Best of Beauty Winner, Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder $32.50.

The pale yellow powder neutralizes the redness rather than just covering it up. I am not a big fan of mineral makeup all the time – quite the contrary, actually- but when it comes to dependable concealing, it is hard to beat.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder $32.50

Shelby P, please let me know what ingredients work as we try these products to find your perfect skincare recipe! I can’t wait to hear back in a week or so!

Cheers to beautiful, younger-looking, less pink skin and a more PINK LIFE!!

xoxo,
Dawn/BF

BF Asks: What is your skincare concern?

*Originally published 3/19/12

High-Low 5

Posted on July 2, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Summer just isn’t stopping for me!

As much as I’d love to sit back and relax by the pool (or by the ocean) with a book, it just isn’t going to happen because I seem to keep getting busier and busier.

But that’s a good thing!!! No complaints here! I. AM. THANKFUL!!!

Here’s my High-Low this week for your enjoyment.

HIGHS

Well, I may not be reading poolside or oceanside. But there’s always bathside! My new bedtime book, Why You’re Not Married Yet provides needed inspiration (& laughter) during my bedtime baths. I know how the title sounds. I do. But whatever you’re thinking, it’s not. I swear. I looooooove Tracy McMillan! When I read her books, it’s like a wiser, enlightened, big sister-version-of-me is talking to myself. Sign of a brilliant, provocative and moving author. She always gives my pink highlighter quite a workout. And I’m proud to know, and read, her.

: My Bedtime Read: Why You’re Not Married Yet

Farmers Market Brunch with friends. My first few years in L.A., a group of us would gather at the Farmers Market at the Grove every Sunday. They were so much fun I call these times lost days – just eating, drinking and catching up with friends. Such a luxury of youth!
With my brother in town, I decided to resurrect those luxurious, lost days and invited some of my favorite people. I think we just may have started a new, repurposed tradition!

A New Old Tradition: Farmers Market Sunday Brunch with Friends

Getting to have a Girls Night Out at “A Night of Beauty” at The Viceroy Santa Monica with my favorite photographer – and – one of my favorite people, Amy Opoka.

We were treated to mini massages from Burke Williams - aaaaaaahhhhh

Poolside Shoe-Shoppin' at The Viceroy "A Night of Beauty"

Coming up with a new recipe: Oreo Surprise Cupcakes

A new discovery for the Recipe Box: Oreo Surprise Cupcakes

Surprise! The surprise inside my Oreo Surprise Cupcakes

This new giftwrapping collection I spotted at Target.

Spotted: Giftbag Collection at Target

This reminds me of someone!!

This reminds me a little of someone - hmmm...

A fun summer ‘do: Cascading Half-Up

A Fun Summer 'Do: Cascading Half UpDo

Getting some poolside cocktails with precious friends from my years with Barbra. Sweet summer memories!

Poolside Cocktails with Friends from my days with Barbra

A friend’s Texas-themed party in beautiful Topanga Canyon. Between the band and the views, it was sheer bliss!

A fun band called The Wind & The Rain & an amazing view

And, lastly, I spotted this at Sephora last week. I can hardly wait to get it! It smells just like camp & summer romance. Coveting this right now.

Coveting: Clinique Happy Summer Spray at Sephora ($60)

LOWS

There’s just one but it’s a big one.

Nora Ephron

I’m a big Nora Ephron fan. Have been ever since I saw Heartburn. Man, talk about a good, empowering breakup movie! And then, I read the book the movie was based on.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Wow. I fell in love with Nora – like so many did. Her honesty, humor and belief in the power of women was palpable. And her passing simply cannot be taken lightly. Heaven may have gained a sweet, sassy angel but we have lost a dear heart and a once-in-a-lifetime talent.

xoxo,

BF Asks: What was your favorite Nora Ephron work?

WILD!!! I feel like a 70s Glamour Puss in Summer

Posted on June 28, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

So, as you beauties know, I get to try A LOT of products. With Lorac, I usually end up loving them! And this WILD FOR TANTALIZER was no exception.

Lorac Wild For Tantalizer ($39)

When Lorac sent me this collection, I thought I’d give it a try for a beauty event I went to on Tuesday night. And I wished that it would make me channel Jaclyn Smith while I prayed it’d look “okay” on me.

Well, it SURPASSED my WILDEST expectations!!

I put it on quickly before going out for the evening to The Viceroy in Santa Monica.

I applied the lightest shadow (Fierce) on my brow bone, Panthera on the lid, Saber right above the crease (on the eye socket) and Tigris right in the crease as well as on the lower lash line.

Lorac Wild For Tantalizer: Eyes *Photo by Amy Opoka

After applying my winged eyeliner, under-eye concealer and tinted moisturizer, I applied a pop of peach blush to the apples of my cheeks and then applied the Animal Print Face Bronzer.

Lorac Wild For Tantalizer: Bronzer *Photo by Amy Opoka

How to apply? I like to start on the cheekbones and work it up in an upside down heart shape on my nose up to my temples. Then I do a regular heart by starting at the nose, carrying on it across the underside of the cheekbones down to my chinny-chin-chin.

Lorac Wild For Tantalizer: Bronzer *Photo by Amy Opoka

Lastly, I lightly applied a Nude lip liner and buttered up my lips with the Creme Brulee-scented TANtalizer Lips with Benefits Gloss in Raoul. This shade SCREAMS beach-time beauty! It’s a super-sexy, shimmering peachy bronze.

I was also lucky enough to have my have photographer, Amy Opoka, with me to snap some poolside shots before the evening was in full swing.

Beach-Ready Beauty: Lorac Wild For Tantalizer *Photo by Amy Opoka

Lorac Wild For Tantalizer: Lips *Photo by Amy Opoka

I have to say it is the PERFECT Beach Beauty collection for this July 4th week!

Beach-Ready Beauty: Lorac Wild For Tantalizer*Photo by Amy Opoka

xoxo,
Dawn

BF Asks: What is your go-to Beach-Ready Beauty tip?

Whatcha’ Wearin’ Wednesday, Alana?

Posted on June 6, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

I looooove a good birthday celebration. Don’t you?
Last week, I was honored to attend my friend, Alana’s birthday at Villain’s Tavern in downtown Los Angeles. What a cool place with this floor-to-ceiling wall of medicinal bottles:

Villain's Tavern in downtown Los Angeles

She had the fabulous idea to base the night’s festivities and wardrobe on the year 1927 since she was turning 27 this year.

The birthday girl, Alana, on her 27th birthday channeling 1927!

But when I saw her, I was wowed by her old-school, classic glamour… especially this lipcolor!

Our WWW girl Alana's Roaring red lips

So you know I had to ask…

BF: Alana, darling, Happy Birthday! I love that lipstick! How perfect for tonight’s festivities! Whatcha’ wearin’?

WWW Alana: Oooh, I can’t remember. Can I send it to you later?

BF: Of course! But let me get a pic now! Need a drink, birthday girl?

Later, Alana sent me a message thanking me for coming to the soiree along with this little morsel for today’s post:

WWW Alana: So glad you came out and I love my nude gloss you gave me! My lip color combo last night was Maybelline Super Stay 24 color in Endless Ruby mixed with Sephora cream lip stain 01 by the by. xo

And there you have it, beauties!
A classic 1927-influenced evening concluded with a 1927-appropriate lipcolor.

Try it for yourself and see!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What did you do for your 27th birthday? Oh, haven’t had it yet? Well, what do you think you’ll be doing?

BeautyFrosting Deal: 10% off Sephora by clicking on this link!

Posted on June 5, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Save 10% off Sephora starting today only by clicking on this link:

10% off Sephora starting today!

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

Posted on May 15, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Oh, how I love tubtime!
Have I said that enough, yet?

What bathtub beautifier am I featuring today on BF In-My-Tub-Tuesday?

The perfect pre-party treat:

Bliss’s Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($54)

p.s. I have the old packaging! That’s how long this has lasted me!!

In-My-Tub-Tuesday: Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($54) - p.s. this is their old packaging. This has lasted me a looooong while

Here’s the new packaging you’ll be looking for:

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($54)

What is it?
A frothy, foaming, oxygenated mask that plumps skin by releasing oxygen into the skin and leaves your beautiful face looking younger, brighter, firmer and well-rested! Yes, please. Plus, it won In Style “Best Beauty Buy” 2009 & 2010

How does it work?
By instantly delivering a shot of oxygen, a powerhouse form of vitamin C, time-released antioxidants, and a mighty dose of moisture, through beyond-me, Fluid02 technology.

Hmm…what else?
This mask was inspired by Bliss Spa’s most-famous facial, which gives skin the energy it needs for everyday metabolism, collagen synthesis, and detoxifying action. This fabulous foaming delight transforms dull, sallow, lackluster, tired skin into energized, firm, plump, party-ready skin in no time!

How do I apply?

Good question! Massage a generous layer onto damp skin. Wait 5 minutes until a full froth forms (or until it looks like you slathered your face in Cool Whip – love that!).

Call me Cool Whip Face.

Rinse well. Follow with your regular skin care routine (serum, moisturizer, etc.).No need to leave it on longer. The technology, mentioned above, delivers the needed results in that small window of time.

Fresh, post-Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask (Cool Whip-free) skin

It’s a beauty miracle!

Try it yourself for a pre-party treat at home!

xoxo,

BF asks: What’s your favorite thing to do while waiting on a mask to set?

Today’s the LAST DAY for 15% off at Sephora online by clicking the link below:

Posted on April 6, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

One last chance! Sephora Sale ends today!
Click link below to save 15% simply for becoming a Beauty VIB through BeautyFrosting:

BeautyFrosting Invites YOU to Sephora’s VIB Chic Week!

Hi Beauty,

Are you a Sephora VIB?
If not, you really, really should be.
Why, you ask?

BF Asks: WHY NOT?

You get free gifts, ridiculous discounts throughout the year and get to feel like the Sephora princess you are.

Don’t know where to start?
How about here:

From MArch 29th – April 6th, Sephora VIBs get 15% off just by clicking on this link:

So what have you been putting off buying?

What fabulous skincare essential have you been living without? What magnificent makeup product have you been braving through this world without? And what beauty product would make you feel just the tiniest bit more beautiful if you bought it?

(Well, you don’t need any of those because you are BEAUTIFUL AS IS!! But it sure is fun, isn’t it?)

Take this moment and take 15% off. That’s right. Now. As L’Oreal always says, “Because we’re worth it.”

Whatcha Wearin’ Wednesday (WWW): Desiree

Posted on April 4, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

I love a good birthday party. I have been a big fan of birthdays for as long as I can remember (which means age 2, believe it or not).

So when a friend celebrates a birthday, I will do anything in my power to be there to celebrate. Especially when it’s their 30th birthday AND it’s a new friend who’s just enchanting. Even if it’s raining. And I don’t have an umbrella.

So, now you know what I did on Saturday night!

I walked into Bodega Wine Bar on Sunset, gave the birthday girl, Desiree, a big hug and then…I was amazed by how gorgeous she looked.

The glowing, magnetic Desiree on her 30th birthday

She looked her absolute beautiful best and her makeup was beautiful and flawless. And, well, you know what comes next:

BF: Hey Desiree!

Desiree: I’m so happy you could come!!

BF: Me too. You look soooo gorgeous! You’re just aglow! Can I please get a pic for BeautyFrosting?

Desiree: Sure! Be sure to get my good side! (kidding – she is an actress, after all)

BF (snaps pic): Honey, you couldn’t take a bad picture if you tried! Whatcha’ wearin’?

Desiree's Birthday Makeup Magic

Desiree: HD foundation by Sephora, Mac EyeShadow Sketch and Trax in the the crease, Mac vanilla pigment in the inner eye/lid. Mac Black Track eye liner. Some cheapie fake lashes (I honestly don’t even remember the brand, they were on sale at CVS for $3!) with Lash Grip waterproof adhesive. Origins Gilded Rose blush, and the lipgloss you gave me at YOUR birthday!! Laura Mercier “Bare Beige“. That’s it!

BF: Thanks for the rundown! Wow, you’re an ideal WWW girl! And, see, lip gloss really IS the gift that keeps on giving. Have a beautiful birthday!

Right now, YOU can get 15% off any product above in purple at Sephora and Sephora.com. Here’s your personal BeautyFrosting Beauty Insider link: VIB 15% off at Sephora!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What products are you going to splurge on with 15% off at Sephora?