An Invitation: Caudalie French Skin Care + Jason Wu Event in Venice Beach, California

An Invitation: Caudalie French Skin Care + Jason Wu in Venice Beach

As I was going through the mail following our summer travel, I discovered an invitation to an event for a brand of which I am a longtime fan. The event was to celebrate the collaboration between the french skin care line, Caudalie by Mathilde Thomas, and fashion designer, Jason Wu. My first thought was, "I can't fly to Venice Beach, I just got home from 3 weeks in Europe". Then I realized that Scott was already planning to be in LA for a class reunion that very weekend and had already reserved a hotel. The timing could not have been more perfect! We decided to drive the 8+ hours to Los Angeles and it was so convenient to have a car for all the stops we planned to make. We downloaded the intriguing podcast 'Serial' which made the drive absolutely fly by.

The next day I dropped Scott off at his luncheon and headed off to my old stomping grounds of LA, and the beach cities, on my own. Sometimes it's fun to have a few reflective hours to yourself in one of your favorite places. I drove by some favorite spots, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Playa Vista and the intriguing Venice Canals.

This swan captured my imagination. What fun to cruise the canals on a swan, right??

I enjoyed a light lunch at Salt Air, a new discovery on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, in Venice. It was just a block from the event at the Caudalie Boutique. I enjoyed a delicious beet salad and one perfectly chilled glass of rosé recommended to me. The wait staff at Salt Air was fantastic. I don't dine alone often at this time in life, but when I do, I appreciate a wait staff that is friendly and professional. I was also impressed with the fresh, tasty menu.

Next up... the event at Caudalie!

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I was warmly greeted at Caudalie and given the VIP treatment. My mini-facial, performed by Regine, a french woman who now lives in New York City and travels to do personalized facials at high-end events for the brand. Regine introduced me to some new products and reminded me of some long time favorites. For the last several years I have started just about every  morning with a spritz of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I find it's the best way to wake up my skin as well as tone and tighten.

Regine reintroduced me to Premier Cru The Eye Cream which did a number on my road trip weary dark circles and puffiness. I loved it! The Premier Cru Elixir is another brand favorite and now part of my morning and night-time routines. It firms, nourishes, brightens and adds radiance using patent technology and natural ingredients. This product blends an oil and a serum creating a double-duty product which makes it more likely I will use it.

Caudalie french skincare was founded in 1995 by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, college sweethearts, who discovered the antioxidant properties of the grape-vine while working at a vineyard. Their vinotherapy skin care line uses patented technologies, in luxurious, yet natural formulations to promote anti-aging and skin health.

“I believe in a greener planet and more committed cosmetics. I formulate my products for all women who, like me, don’t want to choose between effectiveness and naturalness, between glamor and ecology.”



”

— -Mathilde Thomas

Read more on the story and the ethics behind Caudalie.

For more on this cool collaboration of beauty and fashion with Jason Wu:

I purchased the Ultimate Anti-Aging Set in the travel size which I highly recommend if you are trying a new line of skin care products. I'm now using the Beauty Elixir, Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil, Premier Cru Eye Cream and the Premier Cru Elixir on a daily basis. I received a beauty elixir with my name beautifully engraved on it at the event. Such a stylish memento of my afternoon at Caudalie.

I've been using my new products for about 2 weeks and have been extremely pleased with the way my skin feels. This is a quick snap taken yesterday with my beautiful best friend since fourth grade, Deb. I feel like my skin tone and radiance has improved since I started using the extensive line of Caudalie skin care. I'm a big fan!

We also made time to see this beauty, my step-daughter Lauren, while visiting in LA. We had so much fun exploring some of her favorite spots.

If you are heading to Los Angeles I have some recommendations on where to stay on my travel recommendations page.

Have you tried Caudalie french skin care?

Would you ride a swan in the Venice Beach Canals (would a glass of rose' help make your decision easier? ;)

I received an invitation to attend the Caudalie Skin Care +Jason Wu launch event in Venice Beach. I was given a mini-facial, light lunch and personalized, engraved bottle of the beauty elixir. Other purchases were my own.

My DIY Beauty Elixir for Thirsty Skin

It's that time of year when my skin starts to feel more dried out than the Sahara desert. With summer temps above 100 degrees, lots of pool time here in California, as well as a sun-filled getaway to Riviera Maya, my skin is thirsty for a powerful moisturizer. It's also important to me that what I put on my skin is good for my skin and the rest of my body.

Earlier this summer I noticed a comment on a blog about using coconut oil as a skin moisturizer. I did some research and found some enthusiastic articles like this on Prevention Magazine. Soon after, I spotted organic coconut oil on the shelf at Target. I already had a collection of essential oils at home and had yet to find much use for them. I grabbed the organic coconut oil, and I knew my DIY beauty elixir was in the works.

These are a few of my favorite essential oils. I love the freshness of the citrus, herby infusion of lavender and the added layer of spicy floral blossoms with the bergamot. When I read about the benefits of using bergamot oil--treating skin conditions, as a natural insecticide, aromatherapy and stress reduction--I was impressed. I have uneven skin tone on my arms as I've gotten older, so I wanted to bathe in the stuff.

These are my simple steps for creating your DIY Beauty Elixir

*Purchase organic coconut oil (for more on the benefits of coconut oil read Health Effects of Coconut Oil)

*Select your favorite essential oil fragrances

*Add your essential oils--drop by drop--into the coconut oil

*Mix with a fork and sniff the elixir with each new addition to find the right balance of scent

*When you've found your favorite scent, give your elixir a final stir and seal the jar with a lid

I've always enjoyed the idea of blending my own perfumes, as I did in San Francisco at Le Labo. Creating the unique fragrance in such a luxurious coconut oil base just adds to the allure of my DIY beauty elixir for me.

I recycled a simple lidded jar and now my DIY beauty elixir lives proudly next to my Clarins, Nuxe, and Antica Farmacista products on my dressing table.

Along with being incredibly cost-effective, the best benefit of the elixir is soft, silky skin with a touch of sheen to it. I even applied some to my husband's arm today. He actually liked the subtle unisex fragrance, and he was impressed with how his skin looked and felt. The jury is out on whether he is an elixir fan but, I'm guessing I could create an irresistible scent for him.

How to Color Your Hair at Home with L'Oreal Paris

I have planned to write a post on 'how to' color your hair at home for ages. When L'Oreal Paris contacted me about reviewing their new Excellence Age Perfect Layered-Tone Flattering Color hair color line, I knew the timing was perfect.  I've colored my hair at home since my early 20's. When I think of the time I've saved, from appointments at the salon, and the cost (roughly $40 touch up cost x 12 months x 25 years =$12,000), coloring your hair at home is definitely a smart, savvy idea. My problem with my frequent root touch-ups at home was the regrowth; if my shade was on the darker side, the re-growth was very obvious. If my shade was too light, my color may last longer but the tone would wash me out. Finding the balance in shades is always the tricky part.

Those grays....I usually like a little mixed metal (silver and gold) but it's definitely prettier in jewelry than in hair.

When I agreed to write a review, L'Oreal requested the typical shades I would use to color my hair. Several days later the sample arrived at my house. The hair color experts at L'Oreal chose 8N (medium natural blonde) which was a good match to my caramel, golden blonde base. I was looking forward to trying the new multi-dimensional formula pioneered by L'Oreal. A flat, one-dimensional hair color does no favors for anyone, but 'shimmering, radiant, harmoniously blended roots', all sound like a great hair day to me!

Coloring your hair at home is very simple.

These are my steps:

1 - Read, and re-read directions to be certain you understand the steps.

2 - Lay out your tools--color tubes, gloves, comb/brush tool, timer and directions--before you start. I add a towel, or scarf, and facial oil.

3 - If you have never used a hair color before, a strand test is essential to work out timing and sensitivity level for your unique hair type.

4 - Wrap a towel or scarf around your shoulders to catch any drips.

5 - Rub facial oil on the skin along your hairline so that color does not dye your skin.

6 - L'Oreal designed a handy new tool for easy application. Once I got the hang of using this brush/comb, I found it to be genius (practice a trial run before you load it with color)!

7 - Mix colors according to directions, shake well, & work quickly to load the brush with color.

Shake it!

8 - Apply color to your roots, starting with the hairline and natural part, and work backwards. I use the point of the comb to part hair into straight rows (the best way to get perfect overage). Starting at the front hairline and part, allows extra time for color to develop on the areas that show the most.

9 - When you've covered all roots, set the timer to 25 minutes, and allow L'Oreal Excellence Age Perfect color to work its magic.

10 - When the timer beeps, use the brush to pull color through to your ends, for the final 5 minutes of color time.

11 - 5 minutes later hop in the shower, lather up color with water, and rinse thoroughly.

12 - Apply the luxurious Restorative Conditioning Treatment, for the final 2 minutes in the shower, and rinse until water runs clear.

(*Full Disclosure: I learned a lesson by asking my husband to take a few 'head-shots only' in the shower! ;) #crop #crop #crop

I was one of those dark hair, blue-eyed girls that went gray early. I've found that dark blonde shades are much easier to maintain, than dark hair with a frequently reappearing skunk stripe. Being a veteran of 25+ years of hair color at home, I was extremely pleased with my experience using L'Oreal Excellence Age Perfect.The directions are clear and easy to follow. The innovative brush/comb eased the awkward application process, even at the nape of my neck. The scent was actually pleasant, rather than the harsh chemical smell of some hair color products. My husband even noticed the gentle fragrance as he photographed my 'shower scene'. L'Oreal seems more gentle than other brands I've used and it did not irritate my scalp in the least. The conditioner was extremely luxurious and left my hair feeling silky smooth and full.

The best thing is truly the radiant color. I was very happy with the level of shine and shimmer my hair had after coloring. The multi-dimensional properties allow for your roots to grow out and blend, with less of the dreaded 'skunk stripe', which equals more time between touch-ups. That's a big plus in my busy calendar.

I want to thank L'Oreal Paris for the opportunity to give their new hair color a test drive. My hair feels soft, silky and looks shimmery, loaded with multi-dimensional highlights.  I'm very pleased with my results and will most definitely be using L'Oreal Excellence Age Perfect Hair Color again and again.

Have you ever colored your hair at home?

If you are considering at home hair color, try this helpful online tool L'Oreal Paris.

Do you have any tips you would like to share?

I am participating in a Vibrant Influencer network campaign for L'Oreal Excellence Age Perfect. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with L'Oreal Excellence Age Perfect and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

How to Create Resort Wear Out of a Bra & Belt (when your luggage is delayed)

Having no luggage for the first 4 days of our Caribbean vacation was a good reminder to always be prepared with well stocked carry on luggage. If you followed our trip to the Dominican Republic in July you will know that our journey took some unexpected turns.

Cancelled flights in San Francisco following a plane crash, and an unscheduled red eye to New York City, were just the beginning. The afternoon and evening of Day 2 were spent with a quick trip into Noho and a little slice of heaven at Piccola Cucina in a major heatwave.

Darn those men-they still look good after the red eye--day 2. #boyfriend #luckyduck

This was me-day 3 of our trip same clothes/no luggage, at the airport in Newark. With a hot shower, good night of sleep and my 'survivor' makeup essentials* I was feeling okay (a hat will hide a multitude of issues). #blessthehat

Another flight, tropical humidity through customs, a long drive with a cranky driver, finally arriving sopping wet at the resort and I made a decision.  It may have been more like a declaration...... I told my husband, Scott, "We are going in to the gift shop and not coming out until we are dressed in something else. Period."

There were itty bitty titty bikinis (no thanks!), a moo-moo that was road weary and one little flowy mini number that made my husband laugh. I felt a bit like a pinata.

That's where my fabulous DKNY bra comes in. In desperation (and a desire not to spend $200 on a moo-moo), I searched the rack of sarongs. Haven't I always praised the sarong as it 'rights' what is so wrong'?

How to create resort wear out of a bra and belt?

Thanks to my rather fashionable DKNY black bra (with gold detail), my black 'take me everywhere' belt, an extra necklace in my purse and gold sandals (Scott had put in his carry on last minute due to weight restrictions at the airport), I fashioned a new outfit that could take me to the beach and out to dinner at the resort.

Finally-something Fresh!!!

Next time my carry on bag will most definitely include:

• Toothbrush/paste
• Medications if needed #holyhotflash
• Swimsuit (if beachy vacation)
• A small size anti-frizz  hair serum or cream
•  scarf/sarong
• *The makeup essentials in my purse created my 'look' for 4 days.

Here's what I learned:

Lip color can add a touch of color and definition to cheeks and shimmer for the eyelids A touch up stick can hide a multitude of skin flaws and under eye 'baggage' Pressed powder smooths the look and adds some 'texture' to puffy hair.  An eye pencil adds definition to the eyes-even without mascara I was lucky to find a sample pack of Chanel Vitalumiere in my purse (I had meant to take it out but was so thankful it was there-and in nearly my shade!) Body Lotion can serve as day and night moisturizer and even lip balm at night Hotels generally stock toothbrushes and sample paste at front desk.

I'll admit, Day 3 I broke down and bought a bronzer at the pharmacy.

I was in the Caribbean after all.

Finally, our luggage arrived!!

Let's head to that gorgeous pool.....

And the only lounge chair at the pool had 'caution' tape since they were building a pathway.

It was non-stop adventure on this first leg of our journey.

We decided to head to the beach.......... #makeitwork!

Wishing you smooth travels and always having just the right bra-just in case.

xx, Heather

Tips for Creating a Home Spa Experience

My home spa

There are some weeks when there is nothing like a little time to yourself to help rejuvenate and restore. Taking an hour or so of quiet time, paired with a soothing at-home spa experience, is one of my favorite ways to refresh.

I have a few 'home spa' musts~

*Luxurious, plush white cotton towels

*A comfy, absorbent robe like this from Barefoot Dreams

*A cozy wrap for staying cozy between treatments

*A fragrant candle (like my Dayna Decker here)

*Soothing, calming music (Spa channel on Satellite or anything 'Chill' on spotify)

*Facial Masque-Caudalie is a favorite that I picked up in Paris

*Clean scented soap that lathers like this from Peter Thomas Roth

*Body sugar scrub and body wash (MOR is my current favorite)

*Richly moisturizing body cream from Peter Thomas Roth

*Dry oil for body from Nuxe

*Mia by Clairsonic for face-it's changed my skin!

Kai Glow body oil spray-like a mini vacation on a tropical island

A favorite scent such as Kai.

To find the perfect Day Spa, yoga or pilates spa I use Spa Finder:

Spafinder Gift Cards

It's the perfect way to send the most luxurious and nurturing gift card to someone you love.

Another must have for spa time is a splash of spa water. I slice lemons and cucumbers and place in a pitcher with cool water. It's refreshing and has detoxifying and diuretic properties.

I've had these for 10 years and I am still enchanted by these vintage perfume bottle prints.

Now if you'll excuse me, there is somewhere I need to be.........

creating-home-spa-experience

Are you like me? A little soak and a little spa therapy makes a new woman out of me.

Ambient, candlelit  and luxurious............