PopSugar New York City

Beauty Beat: Australia's Aesop Headed For Nolita This Summer

Marisa Tom — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:34:17 EDT

What exactly is parsley seed skin care? I'm not quite sure yet, but soon, we'll all find out. Australia's beauty brand obsession Aesop out of Melbourne is making its maiden standalone store voyage to our city shores this Summer. First, the plant-based skin care line will set up shop in Nolita and then - assuming New Yorkers fall in love with its "top seed" results - will gradually branch out to a kiosk location in Grand Central and open another shop in the West Village.

Here's what I do know by way of FabSugar's Aesop adoration. The brand has built a fail-proof collection of wholesome skin care, body, and hair products that pack a huge antioxidant and vitamin punch. And if you're in the market for an awesome hydrating face cream, the primrose facial hydrating cream is where it's at. With Summer only months away and a season worth of minimal makeup to tend to, it's perfect timing that we get another outlet for skin salvation.

Source: Aesop

Monday Detox: Save Face at Christine Valmy

Marisa Tom — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:05:00 EST

We're entering into the even more frigid February, so it's time for a skin checkup. How does your skin look and feel? It doesn't matter how many coats of Embryolisse's Lait-Crème Concentré I pack on, I can't seem to avoid the Winter skin ravage. And the dry, chafed feeling isn't a good look on me. If you're dealing with a similar skin SOS, listen up: Christine Valmy (437 Fifth Ave., 2nd Fl., 212-779-7800) is one of the city's best kept beauty secrets. The skin and cosmetic institute primarily acts as an aesthetician school, but just like a Vidal Sassoon academy operates, the enrolled students are always in need of a face to practice on. Trust me, it's not shady in the least.

The student, under the supervision of a professional teacher, will analyze your skin and discuss your desired results in order to determine which facial is best for you. Like any amazing facial, the Christine Valmy method doesn't skimp or disappoint. Your skin will be cleansed, exfoliated, hydrated, and nourished for 90 minutes - this facial combines the elements you've needed to detox since the temperatures dropped below freezing. But the sweetest part? It costs $27 if you get a daytime facial. I kid you not. If you go after work, it's $38. Either way, you're shelling out a fraction of the normal price and saving (a lot of) face. Happy Monday!

Source: Thinkstock

Fresh Pick: Kiehl's Brings In Brooklyn Farmarcy For Soda Pop and Skin Care

Marisa Tom — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:06:00 EST

Soda fountain facials? Close, but not quite. Over the weekend, the Kiehl's East Village flagship (109 Third Ave., 212-677-3171) quietly replaced its Milk & Cookies Bakery bar (and, before that, a Mud Coffee spot) with another in-house specialty. Carroll Gardens' 1920s style pharmacy-meets-soda fountain, Brooklyn Farmacy (513 Henry St., 718-522-6260), has found a second home inside the skin care mecca. Although I'll miss my midafternoon chocolate chip cookie "snack," I can't say I'm devastated at the prospect of grabbing a root beer float in its place. Now, you can pick up your trusty Kiehl's moisturizer and sit at the old-fashioned diner counter for your choice of egg creams, root beer, seltzers, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and coffee - all under $4 a (soda) pop.

Source: Kiehl's and Brooklyn Farmacy

Beauty Beat: A Week of Holiday Treats at Bloomingdale's

Marisa Tom — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:06:00 EST

Bloomingdale's (1000 Third Ave., 212-705-2000) beauty counters are rife with holiday cheer and complimentary services. If you're already out shopping, it only seems fair to treat yourself to a little cosmetic love. To ensure you get the face time you deserve, schedule an appointment before heading inside - I've included this week's best service spots and how to dial into each beauty special.

Today, Dec. 14 Lancome's holiday color makeup event kicks off today. The in-store pro artist team are at your one-on-one color consulting disposal. Using the Lancome holiday color palettes (at right), the artists will provide you with seasonal tips and tricks, and you'll leave with a dramatic, holiday look, designed to accentuate your best features. Use this resource before making the rounds on tonight's or Wednesday's holiday party circuit. Reserve your spot 212-705-2886, ends tomorrow.

Wednesday, Dec. 15 My skin has taken a beating, and we're only half way through December! Get a much-needed hydration overhaul at the Borghese Tranquility Dreams one-day only spa event. The complimentary facials are given in Bloomie's private spa room; what a treat to have some privacy instead of having your face massaged in the middle of a crowded department store. The event is open to everyone, but you must make an appointment, 212-705-2885.

Thursday, Dec. 16 Bumble & Bumble is holding holiday hair events every Thursday for the rest of the month. For a Thursday night holiday work party, the editorial stylists at the Bb Styling Bar will be your saviors. Tell them what coiffed masterpiece you want to create and walk out feeling freshly styled and beautiful, free of charge. Call 212-705-2899 to schedule your appointment.

Or head to the Clinique counter for Thursday's Winter skin event. The Clinique skin specialists will custom-fit a skin care regimen for you (time to fight wind tunnels and sub-zero temperatures!), with a focus on moisture. Additionally, the specialists are there to help create a holiday makeup look for you. Call 212-705-2879 for a skin care appointment.

Friday, Dec. 17 Chanel will be doling out free makeovers on Friday and Saturday, utilizing its new Les Perles de Chanel, a pearl-shade highlighting cream. When's the next time you can wear Chanel without a hefty price tag? Plus, you should take advantage of that complimentary pearly glow. It'll be an instant mood booster. Call 212-705-3440 to secure your spot.

Missed the Borghese spa event? Not to worry, the skin care goddesses at Clarins are taking over the private spa room until Saturday so that you can stop in for a luxurious Clarins facial. To top it off, the in-store makeup artists will be on hand to give makeup lessons for those that want an extra holiday color tutorial. Call 212-705-2891 to book your time.