Pull Yourself Together:
On Soft Skin January 30th, 2012 By

Surprisingly, I have very soft skin. I don’t know how that is, since I drink enough wine & vodka to suck my skin dry like a cactus. And I never drink water. In fact, I hate water. Hate the taste of it. The only thing I can drink that is remotely similar to water is seltzer. So, my secret to soft skin is either genetics or bath products, and since I don’t like giving my parents too much credit for anything, why don’t we go with the latter. An ex-boyfriend once referred to my hands as being “as soft as his grandma’s.” Needless to say, we’re not together anymore. However, my relationship with the products/brands below has remained tried and true—after all, they’ve been much gentler on me than my ex.

clockwise, l-r:  SUPERBLY RESTORATIVE ARGAN BODY LOTION, $35.00, Kiehl’s; OLE HENRIKSEN RUB N’ BUFF SPA SALT SCRUB, $48.00, Beauty Bar; PERLIER WHITE ALMOND MOISTURIZING CREAM BATH, $16.50, Fragrance Net.,p/>

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Top 5 Summer Staples May 13th, 2010 By

I was a summer baby, born in July.  It must have been the alignment in the stars because I have an innate pull toward the summer months.  As the weather begins to warm and vacations are in the last stages of planning, I am beginning to feel my favorite time of year creeping up.  Here are my Top 5 Summer Staples:

1. I always wear SPF 30 on my face.  Mineral versions like this Peter Thomas Roth powder with SPF 30 are a great alternative to heavy sunblock creams that can cause breakouts.  I used to use these sunblock creams, but after applying makeup it proved too many layers for the summer heat.  Now, I just brush this on in the morning and throw it in my purse for touch-ups as necessary!

Peter Thomas Roth Mineral Powder SPF 30

2. Chlorine can damage your hair, skin, and bathing suit.  Kiehl’s makes the best product — Swimmer’s Cleansing Rinse for your hair and body.  It’s gentle enough to use on your swimsuit, too!  It neutralizes the chemical and keeps your hair from turning green, skin from drying out, and your favorite suit from deteriorating!  If you spend your summers in the swimming pool, this is a must have. 

All-Sport Swimmer's Cleansing Rinse for Hair and Body

3. Everyone is in search for the easiest way to get that tousled, beachy wave look without looking like a sloppy mess.  I use a 1 ½” barrel curling iron and wrap 2” sections (or larger if I am in a rush) to create big, loose waves. Then I flip my head over, shake it out, finger comb, and finish off with this a few sprays Frederic Fekkai’s amazing Beach Waves Spray. It has an amazing smell, seals/protects hair from the sun, and gives you that California surfer girl look all day.

Frederic Fekkai Beach Waves

4. I am dying to get a hot new bathing suit this summer.  I’m really want to get a plunging v-neck like this halter one-piece by Carmen Marc Valvo. While it’s still very sexy and on trend, no need to worry about getting a bunch of funky tan lines across my midsection.  This suit exudes confidence and personal style — I can already envision myself cocktailing by the pool!

Carmen Marc Valvo Halter One-Piece

5. Lastly, I love this silk coverup from Diane von Furstenberg. Maxi-coverups were hot this season on the runways, and make it easy to go straight from lounging to lunch or dinner. This resort piece is hot, and the lioness in me can’t resist the leopard-print and embellishments!  If you’re not as bold, try something more subdued (but still sultry) like this tunic from Calvin Klein.

Diane von Furstenberg Leopard-Print Silk Coverup

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Editor’s Picks: What I Can’t Live Without Right Now January 25th, 2010 By

Here are my top picks for products I can’t live without these days:

Mara's Top Picks, 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

Mara's Top Picks: 1. MARC by Marc Jacobs, 2. Hanky Panky, 3. Lola, 4. Revlon Sheer Pink, 5. Kiehl's Conditioner, 6. Ray-Ban Aviators, 7. Votivo Candles, 8. M.A.C. Lipglass

When thinking about this week’s post, I turned to my own current must-haves for inspiration.  Here’s what I’m loving right now:

1. MARC by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Benny Satchel
$398
“The grape color is fresh and flirty for spring, and I can’t get enough of the dove motif on his latest collection!  Plus, it has plenty of pockets that keep me organized when I’m on the go.”

2. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong
$18
“The only underwear I buy these days — I must own a pair in every color.  They’re so soft and comfortable, and they never show through my clothing.”

3. Marc Jacobs Lola Eau de Parfum, 3.4 oz.
$85
“One of the best-selling perfumes in the country right now, Lola has hints of fuscia peony, geranium, and ruby red grapefruit.” 

4. Revlon Sheer Pink Enamel
$4.79
“When I don’t have time for a manicure, Revlon’s Sheer Pink polish saves the day.  The smooth formula glides on evenly, and it’s sheer enough so that mistakes don’t show.  Just one coat makes my nails look pretty and even.”

5. Kiehl’s Extra Strength Conditioning Rinse
$21-$33
“I use this conditioning rinse in lieu of my daily conditioner once a week to soften and add shine to my long (somewhat damaged and dry) hair.  Added bonus: the delicious coconut smell!”

6. Ray-Ban Aviators
from $72
“Even on my worst days, the aviator style makes me feel tough and sexy.  I love how Ray-Ban is now offering different lens and frame shades.  My favorite, the classic large style with gold frame and black lenses.”

7. Votivo Candle — Red Current
$25
“Perhaps my favorite candle, it’s clean-burning with a delicious scent that appropriate year-round and not too girly.  Makes an excellent hostess gift!”

8. M.A.C. Cosmetics Clear Lipglass
$14
“The shiniest gloss I’ve ever tried.  This unique formula really does leave a glass-like finish that lasts for hours.  I love it alone or over my favorite lipstick.”

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Monthly Inspiration: December 2009 December 1st, 2009 By

Let the holiday shopping season begin!  This December, I know all of you are planning to beso giving — and to beso getting!  That’s why we’ve drawn up our Holiday Gift Guides for all of you shopaholics out there.  Check out our Stocking Stuffers, Gifts under $50, Gifts under $100, and Luxury Gift Guides.  We’ve compiled our top picks for 2009 and you won’t be left disappointed.

On my personal shopping list so far are Tory Burch cosmetic bags and rosette headbands for my two sisters, a Love Quotes scarf and the Laura Mercier Honey Bath for my mom, a new pair of men’s leather gloves for my dad, and plenty of tubes of Kiehl’s Hand Salve for stocking stuffers (it truly is the best hand cream).

Coming off of a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, I’ve also been thinking a lot about the importance of not only giving gifts to loved ones, but also to those less fortunate. I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at a local animal shelter with a few coworkers.  We showed up at the shelter not knowing what to expect, but soon found ourselves surrounded by the sweetest dogs just begging for attention and a nice long walk outside.  During this time we exercised not just our bodies, but our minds and hearts as well.  I can’t wait to go back and play with all of my newfound furry friends, and plan on bringing in some inexpensive towels and holiday dog toys next time.

This December, I hope all of you feel as inspired as I do to make a difference in someone else’s life.  Even the smallest gift can show you care.

How do you beso lucky?  With beso.com!

Happy shopping,

Mara

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