Category Archives: Beauty

The first thing I noticed about LaVie Organique’s cleanser was the delicious scent.  Its clean citrusy smell was so intoxicating that I felt like I was having a spa experience right in my bathroom. 

I’d decided to try the cleanser to see if it would address my dry skin that had recently been exacerbated by the amount of air travel I’ve been doing.  I really needed something gentle, yet powerful, and I was very pleased to discover that after only a few days of use, the dry flakiness had all but disappeared.  This natural cleanser throughly cleansed my skin and added moisture, without leaving it dry and tight. 

LaVie Organique’s cleanser is chock-full of organic ingredients and contains anti-oxidant properties and used with the toner and face cream (also filled with moisture-inducing anti-aging properties), my skin has been saved this winter.

 The woman behind LaVie Organique, Lavinia Borcau, has also created a DVD called From My Neck Up that features a series of facial exercises that will help maintain one’s youthful appearance; and we all want that.  Just as we spend time in the gym exercising our bodies, now we can also take care of our facial muscles as well  in a noninvasive way.  Thanks Lavinia!

One of the great things I love about talking beauty is discovering new products, so when the Chicago-based eco-luxury line La Bella Figura came to my attention, I took notice.

It’s not enough that I am from the Chicago area that I felt a kinship with this brand, it’s more that the line is chock-full of organic and natural ingredients and the products smell yummy.

I have dry skin so I tried the Bio Active Healing Mask for Dry/Mature skin.  The first thing I noticed was how the product didn’t dry on my face like a traditional clay mask, but instead allowed my skin to remain pliable and in a more natural state while it worked it’s magic.  This was a good thing as I’m sure while it was on my face I was multi-tasking in some way and needed my face to be movable enough so I could carry on a conversation.

La Bella Figura uses only certified organic products and doesn’t participate in animal testing.  They’re also good to the earth in that they use recyclable packaging materials and I’m looking forward to using more of their products.

You can now find LoveHue products on eBay.com.  Check back often for updated listings and contact us at info@lovehue.com if you want a single/specific item!

I was first introduced to the Icelandic serum BIOEFFECT last summer at an event for the brand at New York’s SoHo House and I will admit that initially I was skeptical.  By skeptical I mean my first thought was, does the market really need another serum?  I did not doubt the product’s claims or efficacy, I was more curious about what made it truly different.

I went home and tried the product and the second I applied it to my face my skin was like, whoa, where have you been all my life?!  I only used a trace amount–two drops, as recommended–but it managed to cover my entire face and absorb into my skin as if it were my second skin.  The moisture was instantaneous and there was no need to add a moisturizer on top, as you often do with other serums, which can be intended to give your moisturizer a boost.  BIOEFFECT was the boost and the moisturizer all in one.  It felt amazing and I quickly became a convert to the brand.

What makes BIOEFFECT so effective and unique is that it contains the cellular activator EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) that is a part of the body’s natural cellular renewal system. Derived from plants found in Iceland and created in barley seeds grown in volcanic pumice, EGF is the answer to faster cell renewal and fosters elasticity, firmness, and plumper skin.  I treat my body right and take care of my skin at all times, but BIOEFFECT seemed to help it along a bit faster as my skin’s rejuvenation process was accelerated.

After recently spending time in Iceland and seeing first-hand the beautiful skin of the Icelandic women, I completely understand and am glad that I am now in on their little secret.

I go through this every year.  I hem and haw, solicit the opinions of friends, and make myself miserable until I make a decision–which I almost always make suddenly and spontaneously–about what to do with my hair for the summer months.

I love my natural hair and wearing it in a ‘fro, but come spring when the rains set in followed by the humid summer, I am at a loss.  My ‘fro shrinks, becomes difficult to manipulate, and can be an all-around pain in the you-know-what.  So the other day as soon as I awoke I made a decision–that I would braid my hair.

Certainly, I’d considered this during my hemming and hawing stage but suddenly I felt sure about my decision.   Without overthinking this I headed to Brooklyn and a few hours later emerged with my new Senegalese Twists, which provide the style, flexibility, and function I was looking for along with a barrier to Mother Nature and her waterworks.

Time and money well spent.

The ‘do.