WELCOME TO DUPONT SILVER MIRROR FACIAL BAR!

So, not to use labels, but I think I officially moved from a "fashion" blogger to a "lifestyle" and "beauty" blogger.  I've recently had a lot of opportunities to try out beauty products and skincare services and have really enjoyed learning about everything and seeing how my skin has reacted to changes I've made and improved with the different services I tried.  I have a huge favorite products post coming soon.

This past weekend, I was lucky to try out the Silver Mirror Facial Bar in Dupont Circle.  This is their third location, with the first two located in New York.  They offer one-off facials, but their model is geared towards offering a monthly membership at very reasonable prices.   They have a few different 30-minute and 50-minute facials to choose from.  They also have a lot of add-ons which come at a discount with a membership.  In addition to their facials, they also sell skincare products including brands that I love:  SkinCeuticals, Revision and Supergoop!..and one of my new favorites, Sanitas.

The spa is super chic and clean and luckily for me is about a 5 minute walk from my office and my home.  Lucky or dangerous?

The spa doesn't have individual rooms, but spaces are divided by sheer curtains.  I was in an area by myself, but could imagine that you could probably hear the person / service next to you..so I wouldn't call it the most relaxing.  But relaxing isn't really their thing; it's good facials.

My esthetician was Melodie (the spa manager) and she choose to do the 50-minute Anti-Aging facial.  Y'all, it was amazing.  I had her list out the entire process afterwards because there was no way I could remember everything.  Look at this:

- Pre-skin analysis

- Customized double cleanse (customized cleansers for your skins specific needs)

- Steam therapy (opens the pores for better product penetration)

- Custom exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells)

- Extractions (deep cleanse the pores)

- High-frequency treatment (kills bacteria and calms inflammation after extractions)

- Ultra-Lift treatment (electronic muscle stimulation to prevent and help reverse the signs of aging)

- Vitamin therapy (custom blend of vitamins in oil form that best benefit your skins needs)

- LED Light therapy (customized light therapy that penetrates the skin to deliver healing benefits to the dermal layer of the skin.  The light also stimulates regeneration of stronger collagen and elastin in the skin)

- Oxygen Therapy (oxygen and a blend of 87 vitamin and minerals are infused into the skin for better hydration)

- Moisturizer and sunscreen (to finalize the treatment we hydrate the skin with a customized blend of either oil based on water based moisturizer with sunscreen for protection)

All of these treatments are included in the 50-minute Anti-Aging facial, but you can add on the Ultra-Lift to any of the services and a shorter version comes with the 30-minute Party Prep facial.

Here's a look into some of the treatments:

Right after extractions:

This is the high-frequency treatment:

Oxygen therapy:

After your facial, your esthetician provides a card with information about your service as well as recommendations for follow-up services and products that would be good for you to try.  I was also lucky enough to be sent home with a bag full of samples..samples are my fave :)

I highly recommend trying out Silver Mirror Facial Bar whether you're new to getting facials and want something affordable to try out a few things to see what works for you or if you're a seasoned skincare guru looking for something that works and allows you to get a monthly service done at a reasonable price-point.

Thank you so much Silver Mirror Facial Bar for having me!

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BOTOX UPDATE..AND WHY I WON'T STOP GETTING IT

Thank you to Allergan and Dr. Lily Talakoub at McLean Dermatology for partnering on this post!

First things first, hi!  I know I've probably lost a lot of you all in my recent hiatus, but any post featuring Botox usually gets a lot of action, so here we go :)

I recently had the opportunity to attend a breakfast with Allergan and Dr. Lily to discuss the Allergan brand and what products they own.  Their most popular:  Botox.  

I've been a huge fan of the product for the past year and have always loved the results, so when Allergan reached out to see if I would be up to partnering with one of their favorite doctors, Dr. Lily, I was super excited!  McLean Dermatology is located in..you guessed it..McLean.  When you arrive, the lobby is fresh, chic, and smells so good (I know, weird).  Someone kept commenting on it and the girls at the front desk said that the practice just released a candle..and I was super tempted to buy..but that's not why I was there. Just wait until you see the pics of their product walls.  The pictures don't do it justice, but let's just say I stayed a little longer than I planned going through all they sold..

After a short wait, I was greeted by a medical assistant and was taken back into one of the service rooms.  Very typical of most medical offices, but these rooms were sterile..in a good way.  Everything was super clean and tidy.

After going though the basics (why I was there, allergies, etc..), Dr. Lily came in to perform the injections.  I guess the medical assistant had told her my past history with Botox, so she just got down to business.  Total, it took about 45 seconds (check out my Instagram stories) and I was done.  I received 20 units and let me tell you..no pain.  It's weird..like I was thinking "is she actually doing anything??".  Well, yes..the results show up in about two weeks and I was told to come back in for a check-up at that point.  Honestly, if I like the results, it's no biggie not to go back, but any patient is welcome to.

To be honest, I don't think I really needed to start getting Botox, but now that I've started, I'm not going back.  I feel as if it makes me look more awake, alert and fresh.  It's also like a semi-permanent makeup primer.  And it doesn't hurt at all!  I highly recommend getting Botox if you've been thinking about it.  Start small, see a reputable doctor, ask questions..and you're good!  But be careful, you won't be able to go back ;)

Also, if you're a nerd like me and want to learn more about Allergan, their products and the industry as a whole, check out this interesting report their team worked on!

Thank you again to Allergan and Dr. Lily Talakoub!

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BOTOX WITH WEST END PLASTIC SURGERY || TAKE 2

So, really it's technically take three, but only my second post..

I had my third Botox appointment with West End Plastic Surgery about 2-3 weeks ago and this time saw Norah Gourlay, N.P. This was my third round and guys..I'm not going back.  And by "not going back", I mean I'm not going back to my old non-Botox self.

Botox in itself has been such a small, but hugely noticeable change for me and I'm obsessed.  Having it done at WEPS is a completely different thing altogether.  As I noted in this post, the staff is incredibly professional and friendly and no one there is trying to push you into anything you don't want to do.  Because it's an actual doctor's office, I feel totally comfortable because they're experts.  There is actual science behind the placement of Botox and how it will affect the muscles and if you're not getting it injected by doctors..well, you know what I'm getting at.

Norah was incredibly knowledgeable and made the slightest tweak to what I had done previously and I am in love with the results.  

Also, there is practically no down time.  I went in on my lunch break and was back to the office within an hour.  The redness you see in the third picture had already subsided by then.

I can't imagine going anywhere else..

Thanks again for having me, WEPS..see you in a few months!

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THE MAGIC CREAM

Hi!  I haven't done a beauty post in a minute, so here we go.  Charlotte Tilbury recently sent over a box of products and I was elated.  I've tried numerous samples of their skincare/makeup, but have never actually splurged and made a purchase.  When the box included their famous Magic Cream, I may have done a little jump..was a bit excited ;)

I've been using the cream regularly now for ~3 weeks and can say I'm in love..it's going to be an issue when I run out (groceries for the week or Magic Cream..).

The texture of the cream feels luxurious (if that isn't weird to say about a face cream).  It's extremely hydrating, but my skin stays well balanced after using (..no oil..).  I typically use it as a night cream, but I know it also can act wonderfully (combined with spf) as a day cream and can tell it work wonders as a primer.

I highly recommend trying it..maybe start like the samples like I did, then get hooked, then make the actual purchase.

A few of the other products they sent are below (tbh - I haven't tried out everything yet, but I've loved everything I have tried..):

Thank you Charlotte Tilbury for sending over the goodies; I am in love!

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MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH BOTOX

I have received so many questions on my first experience with Botox, so I wanted to dedicate a whole post to it..it's a long one, though, so sit tight.  Also..there's a video at the end :)

To preface, even just a few months ago I was pretty against the process.  I thought 'Why in the world would I have Botox? I barely have any wrinkles and the ones I have don't bother me..just seems unnecessary'.  I had also been to a Botox party before that completely turned me off - the doctor at that party came up to me and said "Oh honey..you really need to start getting Botox now" - let's just say that's not the way to sell me something.

However, about a month or so ago, I was invited to attend an event at West End Plastic Surgery and was pleasantly surprised with how different the experience was.  Everyone there was so friendly and professional, and although it wasn't specifically a Botox party - more of an informational session with a Q&A portion with the doctors and staff - a lot of people ended up asking about Botox and the doctors answered a ton of questions about it.

A couple weeks after the event, I went into WEPS for a consultation with Dr. Ruff and again was so surprised with how helpful the meeting was and how at ease he made me feel about the process.  He answered all of my questions and I never felt any pressure to actually go through with the procedure.  However, after leaving the consultation, I knew I was going to go through with it and here's why:

1.  It's so safe.  I was thinking there were tons of things that could go wrong, but Dr. Ruff eased those fears.  Botox has been around for decades and is used for many other medical issues than just wrinkles.  Knowing that doctors have been using the product for ~40 years made me feel a lot better about it.

2.  It wasn't going to significantly change the way I look.  I've always thought it would raise my eyebrows a ton and I would look like a deer in headlights.  I also thought I wouldn't be able to show any expressions..I was totally wrong.  Dr. Ruff works with each patient individually on the look they want to achieve and for me he didn't want to do a ton of units..just wanted to "soften" my face.  I also decided to only have my "11's" and one small horizontal wrinkle above my nose done since the rest of my face didn't need anything.

3.  Your wrinkles aren't going to be deeper once the Botox wears off.  I had always heard that once the Botox wears off (average of 4 months), your muscles are stretched out and so your wrinkles will appear deeper.  That's a total rumor.

Basically, those were the three issues I was worried about and after my consultation I felt much better.  The one thing I didn't really think about until I actually went in for the injections was if it was going to hurt (see my nervous smile below - I was sweating I was so nervous).  Well, let me tell you..I literally couldn't feel a thing.  It was totally painless.  There is also practically no down time and you can easily go into work or meet friends out immediately afterwards.  The only thing is you don't want to rub the area or work out for ~4 hours following.

Dr. Ruff explained that the results fully appear in about a week or two and he was right.  For the first couple of days afterwards I was a little disappointed because my wrinkles were still there, especially when I squinted.  I'm now two weeks out and I can't see them anymore..the wrinkles are completely gone!  I still look the same, I'm just unable to furrow my brows.

So overall, I had a wonderful experience with WEPS and with Botox and 100% recommend trying it out if you've been thinking about it.  I also highly recommend going to WEPS as they'll make your experience really great..just like mine :)

Thank you for hosting all of us, WEPS..can't wait to come back!

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THE LOVE I HAVE FOR CLARINS

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HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT SKINSTORE.COM YET?

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WHOLE BODY || HELLO BEAUTY

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WHOLE BODY || HELLO BEAUTY

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FRIDAY FAVE || TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

I've been traveling a lot more than usual and from that I've learned a few things.  Besides drinking tons and tons of water,  I've made sure to follow a few other travel rituals.

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WHOLE BODY || HELLO BEAUTY

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MY FIRST FACIAL WITH CPS

Y'all..I know.  I had never gotten a facial before.  I've been told countless times that they're really important for your skin, you should get one once a month, etc.  Nope. I never listened.  But when The Center for Plastic Surgery asked me to come in to try out their signature Fire & Ice facial, I didn't hesitate.

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MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

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FRIDAY FAVE || R+Co

I'd like to introduce y'all to my new favorite haircare line, R+Co.  Not only is the packaging & branding amazing, the products work extremely well and smell amaze.

I have a lot of hair, but it's fine, so I need a little extra volume.  The Dallas shampoo/conditioner combo helps out tremendously and it smells fantastic.

I've also discovered that my hair does much better only being washed every two to three days.  During the in-between days, I'll use a little of the dry shampoo paste.  Yes, paste.  It's so cool, y'all.  Starts as, well, a paste..and as you work it into your hands, it dries up into a powdery substance.  I just use a little on my crown as it's a tad too heavy to use on the front pieces.

Once I've styled my hair, it's usually pretty frizzy, so I'll use the Foil spray to keep everything in order.  This stuff is pretty much Static Guard that smells good. Best invention ever.

Lucky for me, my hair salon, PR Partners at K Street, started carrying and selling the products.  Even if you don't go to a PR Partners salon..although you should..specifically to Nadine..you can buy all the products there.   I've also heard the regular dry shampoo is amazing, so that might be the next product I try..

photography by Lauren Joseph

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FRIDAY FAVE || HONEST HAZEL

buy them here || all images via honesthazel.com

I finally found my favorite under eye treatment.  I've been searching high and low for an affordable (only $12 for a "Try Me" pack) and effective one and this is it.  Honest Hazel eye gels are made with cactus collagen, aloe vera, vitamins C & E, and arbutin.  All of these ingredients combined help with dark circles, puffiness, hydration and fine lines & wrinkles.  Yes, please.  After removing the gels from the fridge (awesome tip they gave me), I leave them on for about 20 minutes on the mornings I need them most.  You can immediately see the results.  My under eyes were brighter, less puffy, and the dark circles were gone.  You can buy them by clicking here..and I advise you do so immediately ;)

Thanks to Honest Hazel for letting me try these amazing eye gels!

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HALLOWEEN WITH NEUTROGENA

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HallowCleanFaceOff #CollectiveBias

Let's be honest, Halloween isn't my favorite holiday in the world (duh, Christmas), but it can be really fun when you come up with a cute and unique costume.  None of those French maid, sexy cat types.  I try to do something regarding pop culture (I've been Snooki, Kate Middleton, Sarah Palin, etc.), so this year I've decided to "dress up" as the Rainbow Snapchat Filter.  It's super funny and really easy to do and I'll show y'all just how to do it.

Walmart is a great place to get everything you need for Halloween.  There's an aisle specifically dedicated to the holiday as well as to skin care and makeup for all the extras.

Don't mind the candle holder; what you're searching for is the "Skin Care" aisle.

On to the fun!  Follow these steps to get your filter face:

1.  Start with a face paint set.  This one from Walmart is perfect and it is less than $3.00.

2.  Take a light lip liner or eyebrow pencil to stencil in 8 lines about 2 centimeters apart.  The lines should start on your lower lip and make their way down your neck.  No worries if they aren't perfectly straight.

3.  Now it's time for ROYGBIV..y'all remember that?  Color in the lines using the brush provided in your set.

4.  Once you've filled in all the lines, take a bright pink blush to create the rosy cheeks.  My favorite bright pink is "Flushed" from Neutrogena.  It truly gives you those perfect, rosy cheeks.

5.  You're done!

It's really that simple and either people will be very confused or they'll laugh really hard.

Now, for the end of the night.  This is when the face paint stuff is scary.  It's face paint, so it's supposed to be easy to remove right?  Well, it definitely will be if you make sure to use a Neurtrogena makeup remover cleansing towelette.

As effective as they are, the wipes are also really gentle on your skin.  I actually use them every day and even as a contact lens wearer, I can use them over the eye area without any irritation.  Fact: they're clinically proven to remove 99.3% of your most stubborn makeup, even waterproof mascara.

Now, I've also tried Neutrogena's new ultra-light cleansing oil and that stuff works wonders.  Just apply 3-4 pumps onto dry hands and smooth all over your face.  Massage the oil into your skin and it will dissolve the makeup.  It's a great addition or substitute to the wipes especially in the winter when your skin needs more hydration.

See how amazing that is?  They're seriously the only makeup removing products I use and the reason is right there to see.

What ideas do y'all have for Halloween?  Any fun plans?  I plan to sit on my tush and pass out candy to the kids in my building.  Hopefully their parents will understand my costume :)

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