My ULTA first....

Hermanas!!!

Last week, I went for a lovely dinner with la suegra and one of Rojo's aunts (have I ever mentioned my mamma-in-law is an absolute sweetheart and one of my ultimate fans??? She is, so be jealous he he he). We "casually" ended up in a Seattle mall that has an ULTA so well, I just had to go in and check it out --- the sacrifices I do to report to you chicas...

I guess many of you have already been to ULTA time and again; but I am sure some of our divas in training might have not; so here is what I thought about ULTA:

What do they sell????

What makes ULTA different? The range of brands is the most impressive I have ever seen. Unlike Sephora (which I still love); ULTA carries all your favorite drugstore brands like CG, Revlon, Rimmel, and Prestige, which is perhaps my favorite drugstore find of the last couple of years.

They also carry pretty much the same high end brands that Sephora does (imagine Urban Decay, Smashbox, Benefit) and others that I believe Sephora does not carry at all (Harajuku, Estee Lauder, etc).

PLUS.... they carry a huge selection of hair care products and tools. And, after reading Roberto Vetica's book (check my review here, and get this jewel out of your public library today), I was in serious need of some new tools. I was in awe. I really was. running around the store in high heel boots like I had been given a thousand dollar shopping spree voucher... Ajúa!

Of course, they also hav e their own brand; which I am trying this week. So far, I am quite pleased. But won't say more about it, I will review once i am done with the experimenting!

How expensive is it?

Well, pretty much all cosmetics have a set price as we know; so you will not find much difference in pricing. However, with such a huge selection of brands from thrifty to spendy, your hardly earned dinero will stretch. Example: can't afford Two Faced Shadow Insurance? Cross the aisle and get Ulta Eye Primer (which I am wearing today, review to come).

The ranges in hair appliances are also quite wow-zah. I am on the lookout for a blow dryer for my really long mane; and I can tell you they have a range from $9.00 (travel sized baby dryer for short hair) all the way to $300 for the T3 Evolution. (My search continues, being coached by the savvy Hairnista from The Hairnista Chronicles, a must read blog).

How about the people?

The ladies at ULTA were quite nice to me; but I must say in this aspect, they are not nearly as experienced as the folks at Sephora (that and it was late, so probably the last thing they wanted was me having a psycho-shopper moment while they wanted to just close for the day).

Though, on a second thought; when you are so obsessed with makeup like yours truly, you need someone that knows even more than you do. I am not easily impressed. The ULTA chicas -me thinksss- are more of a retail background than a beauty one. But they will become my BFF's, I tell you that much. They were ZERO arrogant, and I am certain they love their jobs. So there. I'll take their simplicity over other peepz' smugness any day.

Last but not least.... turns out they also have a frequent shopper program; and they run a GWP (that's gift with purchase for my divas-in-training) each season. And the GWP was pretty darn good. I will review it later this week, mmmm'kay? They also have ongoing promotions that are quite good; specially when you need to stock up on something.

So hermanas: if you are a newbie that gets too self-conscious at other places; go to ULTA. If you are more experienced, go to ULTA . If you are done with the pretentious nature of other beauty stores, go to ULTA. And if you live in Seattle, take me with you! Like it, like it, like it.

Siempre, Bella.

Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple

Hermanas!!!

I have been busy reading, reading, reading beauty and hair publications. My latest public library shipment came in and I must review this book.

Good to Great Hair: Celebrity Hairstyling Techniques Made Simple was written by the amazing Robert Vetica, who does -ahem- Salma's hair. He just outdid himself in the last Golden Globes, where this fiery and talented hermana looked (no surprise there) like millones de pesos....




I know, I know, I know. I am Salma obsessed (so sue me). But it must be said that this hermana represents so many of us. She has more cojones than many people I know. And when Salma puts her face in the cover of a book and writes the foreword, I notice; read, and learn.

Robert's book is so not like most celebrity hair stylist publications (thank the Goddesses for that!!!). He has a way with words that does not make us feel like complete idiots; or leaves us wondering "what the blip did he mean by...?" He tells it with grace and little verbosity, and takes us by the hand all along.

Roberto does not -like many others- plaster his book with celebrity looks that are impossible to copy unless you have an arsenal of products+tools+time. Some famous women are portrayed of course (Hillary Swank, April Avigne = talk about different women and styles!), but they are not the center of the book. Roberto does not mention brands, either (with the itty bitty exception of his upcoming flat iron line, but that's ok I guess). He gives us all simple steps to not only make our manes look better; but doing so in a *gasp* affordable manner.

Tools, products, care, color, style.... it is all there. I did learn a few tricks; and did not end up feeling completely inadequate, or hopeless. Roberto does not go on the typical "I will make you look 20 years younger, and yada yada yada" tirades. He just shares with us how HE does it; and is quite aware that most of us will not and should not buy, say, 6 different curling irons.

The language is easy as everyday talk. No hidden meanings; no impossible to follow suggestions. It is simple... as simple as beautiful hair should be.

So chicas, you can either get this book for somewhere in between 15 and 25 USD; or you can be smart and get it from the library... saving those pennies to maybe buy some of what Roberto tells us we must have in our hair beauty kit (and no, you will not go broke).

I will say no more. Check this libro out. You will be hapy you did!!!


Siempre, Bella.

Café Review: Spa Nourish Shampoo + Conditioner

Hermanas!!!

Those who know me are pretty aware of how crazy I am about Trader Joe's. I usually walk there during my lunch hour and get goodies for the house. That is where I get our coffee (French Roast for Rojo and Colombian Supremo for Bella), and our salad fixings (and no A.J., it is not arugula), our hummus, etc.

But one thing I love even more about Trader Joe's is their line of haircare; with the notable exception of the Tea Tree Tingle that, honoring its name, tingles a bit too much; and no one wants to feel you have ants biting your scalp, right?

We have been using their Spa Nourish shampoo and conditioner for some time and luvz it. A lot. Some hermanas say it does not make enough foam, as if that had anything to do with how good a shampoo is!!! Actually, the more foam a shampoo makes, the more harsh chemicals it has, more foam = more soap.

Spa Nourish does not have laureth sulfates or any of the other public enemies for your mane. It doesn't smell like anything; and it is -oh si chicas- cheap as cheap comes. For an organic shampoo you might end up forking over more than 5 or 6 dollars. Not with SPA nourish. This duo costs $6.00 for both shampoo and conditioner. Surprised? I was too.

I have found that with having such long hair like mine, I need a cleaning routine that is not harsh and does not leave residue. This Spa Nourish is just what I need. Now, remember that it is a good idea to alternate between hair products. I usually switch between Spa Nourish, Aussie Sydney Smooth, and other brands.

I am reading a book called The Green BeautyGuide by Julie Gabriel; and I am educating myself on the kinds of things I most definitely do not want in my hair. I will keep you posted. You should drop by her site and see what's new with her. The lady knows her stuff!!!



Siempre, Bella.

Café Make-Me-Over: a new series!

Hermanas!!!

Just this past week I had a couple of chicas ask me about makeup techniques. I was so flattered! One actually asked me to do a whole makeup session for an art show she will participate in. WOW. Neither knew about Café Beautique! That must say I am doing something right with my face.

So this gave me an idea that might or might not fly. It is up to you, really. If you are up for it; you can send me a washed face pic of yourself to cafe.beautique at gmail dot com and I will come up with a quick beauty routine for everyday use. I will then email it to you and, if you send me a picture back and allow me to post in the blog; you will be perpetually entered in ALL Café Beautique giveaways.

Let me know important things (that might NOT sound important, but when it comes to makeup, believe me, they are) about you, like:

• What kind of work do you do?
• Are you an overworked stay-at-home mamma with little time to pretty up?
• Is there any dress code at work? Preferred fashion style?
• Where do you live? Weather has effects on makeup chicas, so this is important.
• Do you wear glasses?
• How about your hair? Like it as is? Want to change?
• Which celebrity looks like you (come on, you know it!)?
• Which woman is your role model for makeup and fashion?
• Which makeup items you already own? (I don't want anyone spending half their paycheck here)
  

So, the doors are open to the Café Make-Me-Over section. I loooooove to share the little I know with you hermanas. I gave my Canadian amiga Michelle a quick tip on how to bring out her green eyes... she did it, and loved it. So maybe we're onto something here! and .... you don't have to pay exorbitant prices, and might get some goodies in return (besides heart broken hermanos fainting at the sight of your renovated looks!!!!). If you are a makeup newbie; this is the Series for you!!!!

Siempre, Bella.

Treat me beautiful... or chop me down!!!

Hermanas!!!

Today I did go not to Sephora; but to Super Supplements to stock on vitamins for both Rojo and me, and coconut oil. This got me thinking of hair care and the different products I have used over the years. I have really long hair; and have come to the conclusion that there is nothing that turns me off more than an opaque, brittle, strawy appearance. Really. Healthy long hair is just sublime. Unhealthy long hair is disgusting. This applies to both hermanas and hermanos.

I usually wear my hair down; and therefore the need for haircare is a must. Now; once upon a time I would spend recklessly on hair treatments. I would actually go and get them "done" at the beauty parlor. Times change. Income changes, too. I am now more budget conscious and a bit more savvy about looking good without going broke.

Here are my favorite hair treatments.... in spendy to cheapo order (aprox. prices). There is a treatment for every budget.


Kerastase Masquintense ($50+)

This used to be my staple hair mask when I was young, restless, and non-thrifty. To this day, I sigh for its absence. During my years in Canada; it was impossible to get my hands on Kerastase, so I let go of it slowly.

I needed to use this only once a month or so; and it worked beautifully. Would I go back to buying it? Not really. I have found fantastic products that do the trick at a fraction of the price. Not that if someone gave me a pot I would say no to it.

But if you can afford it; don't second guess yourself and go for it. It is worth every penny.



LUSH Jasmine & Henna Fluff Eaze Hair Treatment ($20+)

I cannot say enough good things about LUSH's hair treatments. I have used all of them but the Marylin for Blondes and this is, by far, my all time fave. Another really good one is H'Suan Wen Hua (yes, that's the name), but I am set on this one.

For brunettes or redheads, this is the one you want hermanas. You really, really do. You can either follow the instructions and be done with it in 30 minutes, or you can be like yours truly and leave it overnight.

The shine I get from LUSH's Fluff Eaze is beyond WOW factor. Love it, love it, love it. But, like with a lot of LUSH goodies, some hermanas are put off by the smell (I know my internet hermana A cannot go into LUSH though she loves it!!) so make sure you check the smell before buying it.

This one is also highly recommended for all the hermanas who are fabulous and henna their hair. It is like a henna wash with a kick ladies!!! (btw, LUSH also has their Henna dye collection, in case you didn't already know...).




Virgin Coconut Oil ($10)

I just bought my latest pot at the vitamin store, so the price is accurate. Make sure the ONLY ingredient in it is -duh- coconut oil. Some cheaper versions, like the ones you find at the supermarket, have god knows how much "other stuff" (including -yikes!- mineral oil) in them.

Coconut oil has a long and ancient tradition as a hair dressing tool. It should have an almost transparent look to it; and be solid in the pot. When you apply it; rub a bit -a bit- in between your palms; and run it down your hair. I always pass a comb through so I can be sure it gets everywhere.

If you leave it overnight as I often do; get yourself one of those really cute satin bonnets to sleep in. And no, it does not look creepy. It looks cute. Morning after, make sure to rinse out with your fave shampoo.

You can also use jojoba oil as above. I find it that I like to use coconut oil as deep night treatment and jojoba oil in the mornings as a sun-barrier. Whatever works for you. Legally Smart uses only jojoba oil, and she has a lovely mane.





Infusium 23 Repairologie Leave-in Treatment ($6.99)

I must say this was one of my life savers during the Canadian winters and even before. The folks at INFUSIUM know what they are talking about.

Their whole line of products is something to look at; and they are quite affordable compared to some really overpriced supermarket/drugstore haircare brands.

What I loved about this treatment was its lightweight. The 3 treatments above are heavy. Infusium 23 is something you can't even feel it's there. It also works as a detangler, and leaves you ready for either heat styling or au-naturel drying. Love it.





Aussie 3-Minute Miracle ($4)

What can I say? The "put some roo to your do" works. It really does. I was much more of a 3-Min. fan back in the Canadian prairies where the water was hard and the weather was really harsh on my hair. But this little staple of beauty is always in my heart.

If you have seriously neglected your hair with too much heat, nasty winter weather, too much chemical processing; run and get yourself the 3MM. You will be glad you did.

The only drawback with Aussie's "Miracle" is the 3 minute wait in the bathroom. I don't know about you hermanas, but I have my time really measured for a quick morning routine; and 3 minutes are, well.... 3 more minutes with Rojo in the balcony. What more can I say????


So those are my pics for most memorable hair treatments of all times. Which are yours? Any home made magic you would care to share with us???


Siempre, Bella.

Inner Beauty --- Pop'em Pills

Hermanas!!!

No, I am not talking about silent meditation and achieving Zen through funky substances, no, no no. Nothing like that.

When I married Rojo, back in the Canadian prairies; I discovered he was a pillhead. Wait, not in that way. He is an Organic Chemist, and is all about balanced nutrition, etc. When he saw my anti-aging creams, he could not help but laugh hysterically -- which is not his style at all, so you can imagine my non-amusement. After acting offended and saying "well, I need these products to not look older than you", he continued laughing and said: "Bella, these things do not work because [insert 2 hour lecture in the chemistry of aging here]". WHAT?????????

Needless to say, I was broken hearted. "Then what works!?!" He said one word: VITAMINS. And so began my journey into dietary supplements, and my remembrances of when mi madre used to give me and hermano a handful of vitamins, algae, and suspicious emulsions everyday. Boy, I hated them. Specially the Fish Oil. Yucks.

But now, at my 37 very well lived years; I am happy to report I have become a pillhead as well. I try to take a nice melange every morning; and most of the colorful tablets have to do with -you guessed- beauty.

Here are my daily vitamin regime:

Multivitamin for Women

Yes hermanas; we already know we are quite different from los hombres (certainly more fabulous), and our bodies need different nutrition. I am currently taking a Women One Daily from NewChapter. It has pretty much all your body needs for one day of energy and happy fabulousness.

Some hermanas take pre-natal vitamins (even if they are not expecting babes), and my doctor says they are also a good investment -- they tend to be a bit pricier than regular multivitamins. I am happy with my multivitamins.

Vitamin D

When you live in sunny Florida or in Hawaii like my friends Krikit, trailmix and Mrs.Cat (whom I envy for that reason); your vitamin D intake comes from the Sun. If you live in Seattle like yours truly; life is not that sunny. Vitamin D is basic for energy and good skin.

During the winter, I am on a 4,000 units a day regimen; and less in the Summer. Then again; I have a severe vitamin D deficiency my doctor found. Your needs might be different.

Omega Fatty Acids

Turns out Oils are our friends. Omega acids are one of your weapons to prevent breast cancer. They help with cardiac conditions and arthritis. Also, they are great for skin, nails and hair. The most common one is Fish Oik; but I go with a all-in-one product that has Fish, Flax, and Borage seed oils. The one from Country Life is pretty good.

Other Goodies and Tips

I confess that, like with makeup; this vitamin business can get both spendy and addictive. Besides the aforementioned, I also ingest several of what I call "candy vitamins"; like the ones I find at Super Supplements that are specifically formulated for hair, nails, etc. Every now and then I crack open a gelcap of Vitamin E and use it as a facemask while doing dishes.

A trip to your Nutrition Store is worth it. Just make sure to ask as many questions as needed; and have them answered properly. You would not go back to Sephora as often if the folks there d id not know their biz, right??? Same applies to dietary supplements!

Now, of course that dietary supplements do not take the place of eating right at the right times.
Remember that funky looking food group pyramid??? It is, well, accurate.





I try ***emphasis on try*** to eat quite balanced. Rarely do I eat deep fried food; and am happy to say I do not get the munchies as often as I used to. Rojo has indeed converted me into a disciplined eater (most of graduate school I was famous for surviving on Cheetos and Dr. Pepper).


Disclaimer: Before beginning ANY vitamin regimen; always remember to check if you have any allergies. Ask your doctor. I asked mi madre after the fact, and spend 3 very painful weeks due to an allergy. So please consult your physician... or your mom. All supplements have side effects; and I do not want any hermanas collapsing because we thought vitamins are like popsicles, okay????

Siempre, Bella.

Café of the Week: Hail the French Press!!!

Hermanas!!!

Do not think for one beautique second that I have forsaken you. Oh no. I am in Ciudad de México enjoying the sun and my familia. As you can imagine, Rojo has grabbed more fans than Hugh Jackman (and more luvz than me). We have been doing the shopping thing a lot. And of course, now that I am with mi madre, I am showered with good coffee everyday (ok, not showered; but waking up to the smell of home).

Turns out my mom gave up on modern coffee gadgets to return to one of my all time faves for brewing the best ever java: the French Press.


This little beauty is your best option if you only brew one or two cuppas. Get yourself a good bean bag (don't you always) and have it ground relatively coarse. Put a couple of spoonfuls in the bottom; add almost boiling water (hermanas, if it is boiling it will burn your java and that is just not cool), push the plunger and listo!!!! Best coffee ever.

Now now, the other great use of the French Press way to coffee is that once you drank your coffee; you add a bit more water and plung again. Let it cool down, and lather your mane with it. Oh yes hermanas.... leave it for say 15 minutes while you are drinking your cuppa, reading the newspaper, the gossip mag, having the morning ciggie, etc. Shower, and voila. Shine for the price of a lovely morning...

Time to go get pretty. More, if possible. Behave yourselves -a bit, don't overdo the goddie two shoes thing!!!

Reporting from Mexico City with luvz and coffee.

Siempre, Bella.

Aussie: long live the Roo!

Hermanas!!!

Rojo et moi decided to toss away our old conditioner + shampoo because we hated it, and we opened a new duo of the Aussie line. Can you say g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s. ???? Aussie products are never disappointing. Never. And when it comes on sale, I stock up.

We are using Moist shampoo and it is a delight. Absolutely. It rinses so fast and easily, unlike other shampoos that it takes forever to rinse properly. Their promotional material claims that:

Accented with Australian Aloe and Jojoba Oil, Moist Shampoo cleans and quenches thirsty hair, leaving it moisturized and healthy.

It is, it does. The Moist line also has a conditioner of course; which has mysteriously disappeared from the bathroom (I suspect Rojo is using it to clean his artiste brushes); but we are using the Soften + Protect from Aussie's Opposites Attract collection. This is the first time ever I use this line; and I must say I am not as crazy as I am about Moist or Sydney Smooth.

Granted, my hair is soft today; but it usually is. No huge change, and I miss the shine I get from Moist. Though I must give them credit for the idea; and I asume this would be the perfect collection for those hermanas who subject their manes to daily product+heat torture; we shall stick with Moist.

Another reason I love that line is because Rojo's hair just dazzles with it. He has beautiful red hair. Yum, yum, yum. And the Moist collection just makes it even more bright and soft. Mind you, his fave shampoo line is one that Trader Joe's used to carry some while back; but has not been on the shelves since we moved to C-@-TL. I promise that when it comes in the store again; I will review it here.

Now go shower. All of you!



Siempre, Bella.

Oily little secrets...

I was just replying to my hermana Brittany @ CoM and remembered to post one of my latest discoveries (cut me some slack, I am slow) for deep hair conditioning.

First. My hair is long. As in really, really long. Say 3 more months and I could be the Lady Godiva of C-@-TL. I rarely use product, and only occasionally do I blow dry or straighten the mane. As you might know or guess; keeping hair this long shinny and healthy is not easy-peasy. Unless you have always wanted to look like Janis Joplin on a bad-bad hair day (imagine that!). I refuse to pay bucks and more bucks for so called deep conditioners (except for Aussie 3 Minute Miracle). So I use oils. Yup, oils.

Coconut oil is my personal fave. Rojo does not mind the smell so I sleep with my hair oiled in. A tiny bit goes a long way. It looks like white wax, dissolves in your hands and then on the hair it goes. I pass a comb all over to make sure it gets all the strands. Mi madre (who turns out knew about this coconut gift from heaven all along.... kthx mom) says one should be careful not to get too close to the scalp or it will get greasy in the morning. Advice confirmed hermanas.

Coconut oil should be the only ingredient in the label hermanas, because others have mineral oils and other stuff we do not want in our cabezas.


Jojoba oil is my BFF Legally Smart's weapon of choice. She also has long locks that are always shiny and soft. She dabs a tiny bit of jojoba oil after showering and looks like a million bucks. I sometimes use it on the weekends; but mostly I use jojoba oil to take my eye make up off at night, and it works like a charm, you need about 2 drops of it -I'm serious-; and it is the perfect base for my next oily little secret.....

Castor Oil. Yup, and don't begin a freak out session because you have heard it is poisonous. Mi madre used to smother our eyelashes with it every night. For years. She also used Talika, which I luv but it cracks at 30USD. The result is I have fab eyelashes. No need to curl them or anything of the sort. My brother is the guy whose eyelashes you love to hate. So, do it. I do it still every night after the cleanup routine (which I admit to hate) - a bit on the eyelashes, some on the eyebrows.

NOTE: DO NOT use castor oil if you are pregnant. NEVER.

Now go home and oil away!!