Faithful Bostonistas-in-training know the quickest way to a new and improved look is a fresh-faced, rosy hue. And though a few of us differ on the best way to achieve said glow, this writer is sticking with her tried and true method. Namely, Kiehl’sSun-Free Self-Tanning Formula. I’ve been a faithful slatherer for years, and only ever gotten one “you look a little orange” comment. (He clearly had no appreciation for a November tan.)
And come to think of it, it’s not just the faux-glow we heart. Several Bostonstaffers, guys included, can list an assortment of Kiehl’s products among their daily toilette (the Facial Feul, the Silk Groom, the Creme de Corps). Which is why we’re pleased to announce we have a new reason to head to Burlington: To shop the brand new Kiehl’s store, the company’s second free-standing outpost in New England (the first is on Newbury).
As my coworkers can (and will) attest, my ankles—especially the back side of them along my Achilles tendon—take on an orange hue around this time each year. And, last year, our managing editor even stopped me in the hallway to alert me that “a seam” had appeared down the back of my calf. These things happen because I’m obsessed with self-tanning, but I’m not very patient. (Or so I thought.) So, last week, before I left for a bathing suit-filled weekend, I decided to leave the pigment enhancing to the pros.
I got on the books at Bella Sante’s Newbury Street locale for their signature Body Bronzing Treatment, which I’ve heard sun-kissed looking spa goers rave about since I moved to Boston. The base service goes for $90, but a $55 follow-up is recommended within three days. Totally worth it for Gisele-toned skin, right? (more…)
Until last week, we hadn’t set foot in Victoria’s Secret for quite some time. The whole “lack-of-restraint” concept embarrasses us (or, rather, makes us embarrassed for the brand’s creative people). Why do they persist in believing that females want to buy underwear in a pink boudoir-inspired store? Why do they think that females want to wear sweatpants that scream “PINK” across the rear? And why do they assume that females want to announce their slightly trashy purchases to the world at large via those pink-striped bags?
So, truth be told, we weren’t expecting much from the store’s makeup line. But we were intrigued when we found out that VS’ lead makeup artist, Linda Hay, was also Heidi Klum’s personal makeup artist. And then, when we met her, Linda blew us away: So smart! So down-to-earth! Such great jewelry! (and Ray Ban aviators!) Someone with flawless accessory taste, we reasoned, couldn’t possibly promote cheesy products.
Our unrelentingquestforselfimprovement took a hair raising turn this week when, after two years of trusty service, our ionic Vidal Sassoon short circuited mid-dry Monday morning. A mangled updo ensued, followed by many “late night?” comments at the office. Bostonista is all for tresses au naturale, but this half-winter, half-spring weather is playing havoc on our half-curly, half-straight hair. A quick lunchtime trip to Sephora was in order.
Turns out, the mega beauty emporium only stocks a couple of blowdryers, none for under $130. (Our aforementioned tool cost a mere $15.99.) As frequent beauty masochists, we’d read all about the pros of owning a “salon quality” dryer— faster job, fewer split ends, sleeker finish—though a poll oflocalpros revealed it’s all marketing hype. Nevertheless, after a lengthy consultation with a black-clad, well-coiffed Sephorite, we found ourselves handing over the Amex for a $200 T3 Bespoke Featherweight.
It’s been a rough week, but now that our taxes are finally filed, it’s time to spend that refund on a little relaxing, renewing, and rejuvenating! Take advantage of Spa Week from now until Sunday. For only $50, beauties on a budget can experience one of many ultra-luxurious treatments that normally cost more than a Ben Franklin.
Participating spas in town include Bella Sante, Daryl Christopher, Emerge, G Spa, G2O, MELT, Spa Bella, Spa Newbury, and many more. Even suburban spots get in on the deal, including 1 on 1 Self Indulgence in Concord, Ardan MedSpa + Salon in Wellesley, Pamper Me Skin Care in Wakefield, and others. Check out the full list here.
While most places are offering massages, facials, and body polishes, there are also some more unique treatments available. (more…)
I spent the weekend packing up my apartment, kicking up dust and pet hair that’s lived between books and behind furniture for three years, and assembling cardboard boxes, all of which has left me with a wheezy cough, papery palms, and a cat that I swear to god said “me-ove.”
Packing is not fun. Every few boxes or so, I’d stop to check email, watch an episode of Sex and the City, and test out some beauty product I’d uncovered in the rubble.
My favorite find is a spray cream by Italian skincare brand Terme di Fontecchio, a light moisturizer that goes on in a mist. Sort of like how you can never really eat orange tic-tacs one at a time, I started spritzing it a la OCD, every half hour, then every time I filled a box, then every time Joanie scratched the couch. (more…)
Our new dark Jil Sander suit has met its nemesis. No, it’s not static. Or even sweat stains. Much worse: Dandruff.
Giving fashion-conscious Bostonians the hair-pulling task of figuring out what to wear each morning since time began, the weather here shouldn’t surprise us anymore. And yet, it does every time we look over our shoulder when wearing a dark top and and find our own personal snowstorm has fallen. Plus, the accompanying itch can be quite a you-know-what.
It’s the changes in weather patterns from brutal wintry gusts to pleasant spring breezes that can leave skin screaming for relief. And though you don’t lotion it up every day, your scalp is skin too. Recommends Michael Albor of The Loft Salon, “Treat your dandruff problem just like you would dry skin on your body—use an astringent, then exfoliate, and then moisturize.”
To soothe your scalp and combat those pesky white flakes, we tracked down three products dry-headed gals and guys should try. If anything, your new suit (or LBD) will thank you. (more…)
During an otherwise slow news day (death, pestilence, bank buyouts) I was completely charmed by a brand new fragrance that promises to “wash away the sins of the night before” while serving as a “tribute to tomorrow’s glorious possibilities.” Man, get me some of that!
While fragrance copy is pretty much a parody of itself (I actually spent a good 45 minutes on a transatlantic flight amusing my companion with in-flight perfume pitches), the real hook on this product is its mentor: Tom of Finland.
You might not know the name of this now-deceased Finnish homoerotic artist, but you definitely know the look: Some say he single-handedly invented the late ‘70s gay policeman—the mustache, the hat, the boots (read: the Village People police guy).(more…)
As a Bostonista intern, one never knows what a day at work will hold. Wrangling puppies for one photo shoot? Outfitting sweaty rock stars for another? It’s all in a day’s work.
Typically, fellow intern Raj and I squeal with delight when asked to try out beauty services in the name of research. But last week’s assignment to brave Blaine Beauty School was hardly the Newbury Street spa day experience we were hoping to brag to our engineering major pals about. (more…)
If responses to our annoyance at blowout ambiguity are any indication, most well-coiffed Newbury salon patrons believe extra blow-dry charges are criminal. Case closed.
But since we’re on the topic, let’s tackle another area of salon uncertainty: gratuities. Specifically, are we supposed leave something when the salon owner styles our hair? (We’ve occasionally been handed envelopes for the owner, which we thought defied conventional etiquette.) And what percentage of our services’ total cost are we supposed to be tipping?
Faithful Bostonistas-in-training know the quickest way to a new and improved look is a fresh-faced, rosy hue. And though a few of us differ on the best way to achieve said glow, this writer is sticking with her tried and true method. Namely, Kiehl’s Sun-Free Self-Tanning Formula. I’ve been a faithful slatherer for years, and only ever gotten one “you look a little orange” comment. (He clearly had no appreciation for a November tan.)
As my coworkers can (and will) attest, my ankles—especially the back side of them along my Achilles tendon—take on an orange hue around this time each year. And, last year, our managing editor even stopped me in the hallway to alert me that “a seam” had appeared down the back of my calf. These things happen because I’m 
Until last week, we hadn’t set foot in Victoria’s Secret for quite some time. The whole “lack-of-restraint” concept embarrasses us (or, rather, makes us embarrassed for the brand’s creative people). Why do they persist in believing that females want to buy underwear in a pink boudoir-inspired store? Why do they think that females want to wear sweatpants that scream “PINK” across the rear? And why do they assume that females want to announce their slightly trashy purchases to the world at large via those pink-striped bags?
Our 
It’s been a rough week, but now that our taxes are finally filed, it’s time to spend that refund on a little relaxing, renewing, and rejuvenating! Take advantage of 
I spent the weekend packing up my apartment, kicking up dust and pet hair that’s lived between books and behind furniture for three years, and assembling cardboard boxes, all of which has left me with a wheezy cough, papery palms, and a cat that I swear to god said “me-ove.”
Our new dark Jil Sander suit has met its nemesis. No, it’s not static. Or even sweat stains. Much worse: Dandruff.
As a Bostonista intern, one never knows what a day at work will hold. Wrangling puppies for one photo shoot? Outfitting 
If responses to