Beauty Tips

For those of you who like to shy away from the chemicals and the doctors, Barbara Close has a great DIY formula to help you zap that zit and clear up your skin. The following Rosemary Acne Serum is taken from her book: Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics.

1 ounce hazelnut oil
6 drops rosemary verbenone essential oil
5 drops of juniper essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lemon essential oil
1 ounce apricot kernel oil
2 ounce glass bottle

Pour hazelnut oil in bottle. Add essential oils, close bottle, and roll between palms to disperse the oils. Top off with apricot kernel oil, close bottle, and agitate a second time.

Cleanse and tone skin. Apply 3 or 4 drops to a cotton pad or finger-tips and wipe over entire face. To plump up the skin, use serum in conjunction with facial massage. Â

Let me know if any of you try this and your results!

Stylist Jamal Hamadi has built a solid reputation in the industry with his creative and glamorous styling, working with many Hollywood starlets and runway models. Jamal’s hair care product line, Hamadi Beauty, is entirely all-natural and made from organic ingredients. The line focuses on moisturizing and an uncompromising stance on using all-natural ingredients–as well as being strongly against animal testing. We were recently lucky enough to discuss hair care, styling, and the Hamadi Beauty line with none other than Jamal himself!

The Daily Obsession: What is the personal philosophy behind your styling and product line?
Jamal Hamadi: It’s all about a healthful, conscious approach to a chic lifestyle. Nature is a global concern. Style, architecture, and personal styles inspire me. It’s about promoting a healthy, modern, and intelligent sensibility that does not compromise quality with artificial ingredients. Our moisture-based formulations are custom-designed to be luxurious as well as nourishing. It’s about beauty with a conscience.

TDO: What persuaded you to make the jump from styling to creating your own product line?
JH: I have always wanted to do a hair line as long as I have wanted to do hair. I had such a hard time with my own hair growing up. But once I started doing hair in a salon, I realized I knew what was lacking in the industry and questioned why there weren’t any good organic hair styling products. Therefore, I started to create conditioning treatments for my salon clients who always complained about how dry their hair was after hair color and so on. And so I started mixing up shea butter with oils and making my own concoctions–this was in the early ’90s. At that time, there weren’t any really nice organic conditioning styling products; the textures I think work best are the creams and oils. (more…)

I can’t believe it’s been months since I’ve posted a quick fix! Well, here’s one that you can put you use now. With summer months, your feet may not smell so fabulous after a day of walking around the city. Here’s how to solve the problem in approximately 15 minutes. Fill a basin with cool water. Add the juice of freshly cut lemon, as well as slices of another. The juice from the lemons will get rid of odors and smooth feet, while the citrusy scent perks you up. Optional: if you want moisturization, simply add a splash of baby oil or a favorite essential oil. Soak and rinse.

Part 2 is all about hair and skincare! We have recommendations on everything that you need – compact, efficient and just perfect to take with you on your relaxing summer trip. (more…)

Summer is here and it’s time for vay-cays!!! But if you’re a beauty junkie, deciding what beauty products can take hours of debate — and even more difficult, is packing them into your bags! Well, this summer, we’re coming to your rescue with a guide of the must-have beauty products you should take on your trip – whether it’s a relaxing weekend getaway in the Hamptons, backpacking through Europe or a dedicated surf trip in Hawai’i. We’re breaking this into two parts, Makeup and Skincare/Hair.

Part 1 of our summer travel beauty essentials guide is all about makeup! Let’s get started! (more…)

How long has it been since your last mani/pedi session? Well, I know that it’s been too long since my last appointment. I’m just too busy – and I’m betting that there are many women who are the same boat! Well, to help your nails get into tip-top shape, we’ve put together a simple “How To” on how to give yourself an at-home mani/pedi. Get together with your girlfriends for a “girls-only day” and put the tips to use! (more…)

The warm summer months are just ahead and that means, it’s time to hit the beach! But is your skin ready for months of fun in the sun? Here’s our guide on how to get silky, perfectly bronzed skin all summer long:

Step 1: Exfoliation is the key to glowing skin year-round, but it’s especially important now. Slough off dead skin cells that have accumulated on your skin from the dry winter months. Massage an exfoliant over skin gently, paying special attention to particularly dry areas like elbows, knees and feet. Try a scrub like Repechage’s Pomegranate Cran-Apple All Over Body Scrub ($36), which is so incredibly yummy-smelling. For the face, try a gentle and oil-free scrub like Elemis’ Gentle Rose Exfoliator ($38). Just completing this step will make your skin look much more radiant than before, guaranteed!

Step 2: Moisturize! There’s no escaping this step. If you want your skin to look great, moisturization is the key to fighting off dry, dull-looking skin. It’ll also help retain pigment longer and more evenly, which is vital if you plan on using a self-tanner. Our suggestions? Olay Quench Therapy ($10), Jurlique Body Care Lotion ($23) or Tocca’s Crema da Sogna ($45) for an intensive fix. (more…)

CoverGirl Rihanna & makeup artist Molly Stern

The fabulous CoverGirl makeup artist, Molly Stern, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions for our TDO Interview series. Known for making her clients feel beautiful – inside and out, Molly is highly recognized for her light, natural touch, her sense of style, and her contagious, sparkling personality. Her client list includes A-list celebs, as well as in high profile advertising and fashion editorial. Find out about Molly’s must-have beauty products, her inspirations, tips & tricks and much more!

The Daily Obsession: What made you want to begin a career in the makeup industry? How did you get your start?
Molly Stern: I started doing makeup when I was 16; I am 35 now. I stumbled upon it. Seriously, stumbled upon a makeup store and asked them to hire me and they did.

TDO: Is there someone who inspired you when you first started out?
MS: Yes, Pat McGrath. Her vision and attention to color detail was and is always such a revelation. (more…)

As the temperature drops, hair can dry out – especially after a summer spent in the sun and surf or if you simply just have a sensitive scalp. So remember, don’t skimp on conditioning your hair! Start using a deep conditioner with ingredients such as jojoba oil or honey, which are fantastic emollients. Or go to the kitchen and make your own DIY conditioning mask! Just blend 1 tbsp of honey with a ½ cup of milk. Massage into hair and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Fall is just around the corner and the changing, cooler temperatures can dry out your skin. Try this at-home invigorating facial mask to rehydrate your skin. Mix 1⁄2 of an avocado and 1⁄4 cup of honey in a blender. Apply to your skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, rinse with a washcloth drenched in cool water.

Note: I apologize for the lack of response to emails, etc. We will respond as soon as possible. It’s been a crazy work week!