Audrey Magazine

Beauty Oil

Anna — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:01:03 +0000

Oils have long gotten a bad rap. Oil on the T-zone, oil in the Gulf, partially hydrogenated oil on any ingredient list — all these no-no oils have made us a society terrified of oil.

And yes, while an oil slick on the face or in natural habitats are to be avoided at all costs, there are good oils, just like there are good fats. (Recent studies show certain types of good fat actually help you burn more fat — who knew?!) And a diet high in olive oil and other good oils also helps one keep the weight off.

So oil can’t be all bad. Even on the face.

Hair stylist Ada Garcia used MoroccanOil to smooth out cover model Annie Maki's strands on our summer cover.

We’ve been hearing a lot about MoroccanOil and every hair stylists’ and beauty editors’ obsession with the antioxidant-rich, argan oil-based product. In our Summer 2010 issue, hair stylist Ada Garcia recommended MorocconOil to get the smooth strands featured on our cover model Annie Maki.

Padma Lakshmi.

Padma Lakshmi, the Indian American model, award-winning cookbook author and Emmy-nominated host of the popular Bravo TV series Top Chef, is such a big fan of oils she put out a press release recently in connection with Dial NutriSkin‘s new line of fruit oil-based body washes, spilling her oil-based beauty secrets. (Apparently, she keeps blemishes at bay with a face steam of boiling water and a few drops of pure tea tree oil, then slathers her face with pure honey to suck out impurities from pores.)

After years of avoiding oil-based products on my T-zone like the plague, I’ve become a recent convert, thanks to Marie Louise’s Cleansing Clear Gel. Never have I enjoyed removing my makeup so much — even the stubborn, expensive waterproof mascara that, until now, wouldn’t completely come off unless I pulled it off with my fingertips.

I also recently discovered the joy of oil with Boske Oil-dissolving Cleansing Oil. I know — how ironic. Sometimes it takes oil to get rid of oil, and this little gem not only removes makeup and sunscreen, but it dissolves blackheads with its lipid-soluble solution.

Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel.

My ultimate little oil luxury, though, is Juara’s Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel. Made with candlenut oil, a traditional Indonesian beauty oil known for its hydrating and skin-healing power and velvety feel, the gel is sulfate- and paraben-free and uses active botanicals for gentle cleansing. And like all their products, the scent of the shower gel is amazing — their signature candlenut scent infused with lush greens, delicate freesia, jasmine, bergamot, rose and a hint of coconut. Mmmm.

Metta Murdaya, one of the four Asian American women behind the beauty and skincare line Juara.

AudreyShops Daily Deal: Isabel Lu Black Jumper

Janice — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:00:17 +0000

When I go clubbing, I like to be stylish yet comfortable. You ain’t gonna see my suffer while I’m out having fun! My clothes have to flow with the wind yet be a little edgy so that it fits the night. (Let’s just say, I ain’t going to look like I’m going to a picnic when I go out to a bar or lounge). Enter this lapeled black zippered jumper by Isabel Lu. It’s silky and breezy, with an elastic waist that will give you room to move and dance, shake and shimmy. It’s black so it matches everything and you can totally accessorize it to the maximus, especially your big ol’ grin because you’re just so dang comfy for the night.

Return of the Brick and Mortar

Anna — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:01:55 +0000

For a while, it seemed everything was gonna go cyber — newspapers, magazines, even your favorite stores. No more browsing cute little streets for knick-knacks and precious finds. All browsing was being done in front of monitor, alone and in bad fluorescent lighting.

But recession be damned. A whole slew of cute little boutiques are popping up all over, many by names familiar to Audrey. It gives this editor hope that we won’t all meld into a faceless world of tweeters and status updaters. Check out the newest additions to the brick and mortar crowd.

Leanna Lin’s Wonderland

Billed as a “playful jewelry studio/shop/art gallery,” hand-beaded jewelry designer Leanna Lin‘s new boutique in Los Angeles is just that — a Wonderland.

With cheerful pops of color and a candy shoppe feel of beads and baubles galore, Leanna Lin’s Wonderland is a place where you can peruse, drool or just get plain crafty.

For a little jewelry making inspiration, the boutique also features art exhibits, like “The Lucky Show” presented by Spicy Brown, featuring the works of Kazuko Shinoka and Sachiho Hino. Check it out this weekend, Saturday, September 11, from 6 to 10 pm. The event is in conjunction with NELAart walk, and Spicy Brown will be handing out “Lucky” goody bags! (Not that you need another incentive, but food trucks will be converging on the spot as well — Don Chow Tacos (where “Chino meets Latino”) and Lake Street Creamery.

If you can’t make it this weekend, go the next for their official grand opening. Goody bags, drinks, treats and White Rabbit Filipino fusion truck will be there from 12 to 3 pm on Saturday, September 18.

Leanna Lin’s Wonderland, 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

TeeTee Bar and Fighting Eel

If you’re going to be designing clothes in “the land of perpetual sunshine” (Hawaii), it’s likely your pieces are going to be infused with a lot of that laid back aloha spirit. In fact, Asian American designers Rona Bennett and Lan Chung specifically created their line Fighting Eel to express their love of not just fashion but vacation.

Rona Barrett and Lan Chung of Fighting Eel.

“On vacation” is exactly how one feels in one of Fighting Eel’s jersey dresses — a feeling of carefree ease and seductive languor profuse in any sun-soaked holiday. Specializing in a substantial, extra drapey jersey, Fighting Eel’s dresses are simple and easy to wear, yet constructed just enough for some serious sex appeal.

Now Barrett and Chung have opened a store in “paradise” called TeeTee Bar, which prominently features Fighting Eel designs as well. With an array of kids, women and men’s tees (really, if you live in Hawaii, do you want to wear anything more than tees and slinky jersey dresses?), the boutique brings a little bit of chic to an island locale where uncomplicated and unfussy style rules.

TeeTee Bar, 1131 Bethel Street, Honolulu, HI

Carol Young

Now, Carol Young’s Los Feliz boutique is not new, but it’s still going strong after four years.

Young has stayed true to her aesthetic of wearability, durability, and environmental and global consciousness. She may not be roaming the world anymore (her travels to India and Japan inspired her line of “undesigned” clothing for the urban nomad), but with two toddlers now in tow, she is likely in even more need of her functional yet beautiful pieces.

Ever the champion of cutting edge accessory lines that wonderfully complement her aesthetic, like Cydwoq shoes and (Audrey favorite) Prismera Designs jewelry, Young is also partaking in Fashion’s Night Out on September 10 with a special trunk show of Nikki Montoya Jewelry.

Carol Young, 1953 1/2 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA

AudreyShops Daily Deal: Beth Springer Vegetable Dyed Leather Messenger Bag

Janice — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:00:28 +0000

As a writer, I pretty much lug my laptop everywhere. I lug it to the coffee shops and to the libraries. I lug it to my car and to my work. It’s like I’m back in college holding overweight books again. But I would be oh so cool if I had this “over-sized” leather messenger bag by Beth Springer. It’s strong enough for a laptop yet lightweight and is a great travel companion whether you are going across town or half way across the world. Plus, it’s also made out of vegetable dyed leather so you know it’s strong. I think my favorite thing about this bag is its color though. I’m a sucker for colors commonly found on vegetables and this spinach green is just bold enough to be striking without being too over the top. I can’t eat it but carrying it would be the next best thing!