blush (a beauty boutique)

The Curative Power of Rose

2010-04-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Rose has been an effective ingredient in skincare for centuries. It is suitable for all skin types, but it is especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skins. It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface, which makes it useful in diminishing the redness caused by enlarged capillaries. Rosewater is a slightly less expensive way to provide skincare. It is very soothing to irritated skin. It is also a tonic and antiseptic.

The rose also offers a soothing property to the nerves and emotional /psychological state of mind. It is regarded as a mild sedative and anti-depressant. It is increasingly used in treatments for conditions of stress: nervous tension, peptic ulcers, heart disease, among others.

My favorite skin care line, Duchess Marden, was created using all natural ingredients, and all products contain rose!

Duchess Marden Product Distinction:

-Deeply hydrates, brightens and smooths, leaving skin supple and radiant

-Evens skin tone and fades discoloration

-Free of petrochemicals, parabens, chemical preservatives, and artificial ingredients

-No artificial fragrances

-Highly concentrated, no added fillers

-Works well with all skin types

-No allergy provoking ingredients

--K

Hothouse Flowers

2010-04-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

We're well into Spring now, Blushies; the birds are singing, the grass is growing and most importantly the flowers are in bloom! It's time to take inspiration from the beauty in nature to add to our beauty routines!

I'm loving the bright blooms outside, and am celebrating with brighter colors on my lips !
Lately I've been picking up saturated shades like BonBon (sheer cool pink) and Heat Wave (sheer bright orange) from Laura Mercier, Tulip (sheer true red) and Glamarama (sheer hot pink) from Lucy B

For the eyes, coordinated shades that create contrast with your eye colour is the quickest way to bring out a fresh look. DuWop's new Eyecatchers Shadow Duets complement your eye colour offering both a tone close to the shade of your eye, and a tone opposite. Work with a Blush artist to show you exactly how to apply these colours to bring out your best look!

Lucy B also creates inspired floral fragrances using organic ingredients native to the company's origin in Australia. Blush carries the fragrances in eau de toilette sprays as well as travel size roll-on perfume oils. Currently we have the Pink Frangipani, Wild Jasmine, and the newest addition, Tiare Coconut. The company describes the scent as "a tropical Australian beach scent that boosts the mood through the flower essences. Its Australia in a bottle". Tiare Coconut is an exotic floral fragrance with a warm oriental base. A top note is composed of tiare flowers and coconut, middle notes are combined of magnolia & champaca, with bottom notes of amber and vanilla blossom. Gorgeous - and just right for Spring!

It's time to stop and smell the flowers!

xoxo

Laurel

Wedding Season!

2010-04-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Blush's ultra busy Wedding season is upon us. Here's some fabulous services we offer to prep you for your picture perfect wedding day.

-- Spray Tanning --
Blush's custom spray tanning leaves you looking naturally sun kissed and absolutly NOT ORANGE! It's a one on one with a Blush artist using a spray gun - no booth. Which provides you with a flawless all over even tan.
$40 for one session Body Contouring can be added on $10
$35 for 6-9 sessions
$30 for 10 or more
Buy 5 tans, get 1 FREE touchup
Buy 10, get 1 Spa Prep & Exfoliation package FREE
Touch Up $25 (must be booked within 7 days of first tan)
Half Body $25 (upper or lower)
Custom Tanning starts at $10

Blush has customized facials every month as well, check our website for monthly updates. And speaking of facials, we have special wedding packages too that include an all in one price for services to get you ready for your day. (please check out our website www.blushmilwaukee.com)

We're booking in our Laura Mercier make-up applications on-location and in-store weddings quickly. Be sure to call us with your wedding date and ask about our rates. We specialize in glowy, natural, beautiful blushing brides.

You make me happy when skies are grey...

2010-03-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring Blushies!

The season is officially upon us - ushered in with the hint of warmer breezes on the air, the beginnings of flowers poking through the soil, and SO MUCH MORE SUN!

That being said - now is the time to become religious about your use of sunscreen! Whether you are protecting your skin through a sunscreen in your moisturizer from BKamins or Laura Mercier,through your favorite foundation, or just in a phenomenal simple sunscreen like (a Blush favorite) the COOLA line, prevention is protection!

Maybe you've skipped sunscreen in years past, and are looking to erase the effects of sun damage? Look no further than Laura Mercier's newest moisturizer - Tone Perfecting Creme. This luxurious cream contains Quercetin Plus - a supplement 1000 times more effective than Vitamin C in erasing pigmentation and fine lines due to sun damage. This creme does NOT contain sunscreen, so you still need that ever-important barrier to protect that beautiful skin you're revealing! SNEAK PEEK: Laura is just about to release a VERY exciting sunscreen this May, with adaptogens that create ideal sun protection regardless if you are on the beach or skiing in the mountains - stay posted!!

Interested in faking that perfect glow? Book an appointment for an airbrush tan at Blush and have your friends and co-workers guessing where you took a mini-vacation! Always golden, never orange - our formula is organic, anti-aging, and designed to work with your skin's DHA levels, ensuring you get the perfect glow. Extend the life of your tan and protect your skin with DuWop's Revolotion - a bronzing body moisturizer with SPF 15 - gorgeous color AND essential sun protection!

So get out there and (safely) enjoy the start of Spring!

xoxo

Laurel

Happy Spring, Blushies!

2010-03-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here! Time to clean out your closets, your home, and of course, your makeup bag!

This Friday and Saturday Blush will be having our bi-annual Laura Mercier National Face-to-Face Event from 10-7. If you've never been to a makeup event, you definatley need to experience it! Laura's Chicago Team will be joining your favorite Blush Girls doing complementary makeovers. Learn what's hot for this Spring, what works for your skin, and most importantly, how to create the coveted Flawless Face. What could be more fun than gathering up your girlfriends and stopping down to the beautiful Third Ward for complimentary make overs?

Here's a little sneak peek at the super gorgeous Spring trends;)

Luminous Skin-As famed fashion guru Calvin Klein has said, "The best thing is to look natural, but it takes makeup to look natural.” Laura's Flawless Face techniques and products give every woman the ability to have flawless skin while still looking natural, and not over done.

Fresh Pastels- Find perfect harmony with beauty synonymous with nature, well-being and serenity. Washes of pastel hues on the eyes and a deep jade liner along the lash line.

Lush Lips & Peachy Cheeks-As your resident lip junkie, I'm loving shiny raspberry, peach, and berry chocolate tones for the lips and a pinky-peach flush on the cheeks.

.....Just to tempt you a bit....;)

Hope to see everyone's beautiful faces this weekend!

--K

Feels like forever already, in a good way. :)

2010-02-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

I realized I never updated anything about my wedding! That whole day was just a blur (a totally perfect one). My makeup was done by Blush's own Sarah Brucker. She did such a wonderful job, I had so many comments on the make-up and the hair too. Hair was done by Tracy Grundy at Yan Salon. (http://www.yanhair.com/)

I just wanted to post a picture from that day, and let you know everything is going as well as expected. :)

Also, totally different topic. But if you notice a few new flyers around blush with some artwork on them, it's me getting to use my Illustration BFA around the store.

Nicole

A Perfect Kiss

2010-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's the week before Valentine's Day, and whether or not you have big plans, it's not unreasonable to prepare for some perfect kisses! Here are a few suggestions to make sure you make some lasting memories!

1. Pucker Up! Smooth away dull winter lips with Sara Happ's Lip Scrub - I like her new flavor, Creme Brulee - always delicious for dessert, try this decadent scrub to perfect your pout. Apply, and scrub away dead skin before showering, and emerge with soft, smooth, perfectly kissable lips!

2. A Close Shave! Don't forget about your sweetie! If there's some scruff that needs attending to, Truefitt & Hill's phenomenal shave creme will moisturize his skin and prep that 5'o'clock shadow for the closest shave he's ever felt. T&H also makes amazing colognes & aftershave balms if you're feeling generous and wanting to treat him to the ultimate shaving experience!

3. Leave your mark! (But not on him) Don't want your guy wearing your lipstick? Try one of Lucy B's tinted lip balms! Sheer color and fantastic all-natural moisture (and featured in the March issue of Lucky magazine!) I'm particularly fond of Chocolate, and Nudie. (thematic, too, n'est pas?)

Now get in there and do some smooching!!!

xoxo
Laurel

Wedding Perfection

2010-02-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

On your wedding day, you should look like yourself at your most beautiful! Here are some basics about how to create a flawless look with your favorite Blush Girls ;)

Flash photography can bring out the pink tones in skin, so look for a yellow-based foundation to even out your complexion. To reduce shine in pictures and make your foundation and concealer last, we set with Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder.

Your everyday lipstick can look washed out in photos, so pick a shade that’s a little bit brighter than what you normally wear. I LOVE LOVE LOVE classic red lips, especially Laura's Scarlett Passion Lip Velvet.

For a healthy glow, dust a bright pink blush, like Laura Mercier's Pink Rose Quad, on the apples of the cheeks after applying a neutral blush. Tans are back in this season, but make sure to get bronzed the safe way: airbrush tanning! Make sure if your dress has an open neckline to warm up your neck and chest with a dusting of bronzing powder if necessary to even out skin tone. I like the look of Laura's Mineral Bronzer.

Your eyes should be defined, but not overdone. Keep in mind that dark or sparkly eye shadow shades can distracting. Long-wearing, waterproof formulas like Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara are a must for preventing makeup meltdowns and lasting through any teary moments. When it comes to false eyelashes, I recommend getting individuals verses strip lashes. They look more natural, and can be tailored to suit your ideal look. Even better are lash extensions. They last 6-8 weeks and look AMAZING in pictures AND in person.

--K

groundhog day!

2010-02-02T07:57:00.000-08:00

Did you ever see the movie about this day with Bill Murray & Andie McDowell? Totally hilarious - and the message is that in life, there are no do-overs. You get one chance to make your best effort, and if you fall short of your expectations, the chance you DO get is to learn from your mistakes and try harder the next time. Thankfully there are a few things that can help you learn life lessons the EASY way...

1. Start a change jar - today is a perfect day to start a little savings that by summertime will allow you to get a great pair of summer sandals, a splurge-worthy skin creme (*ahem* - Laura Mercier's Flawless Face Creme?), or throw a summer barbeque!

2. Go blister free - you don't have to hate your heels - try a little "Save my Feet", and it'll do just that. Apply wherever you predict pain and let it dry for 10 minutes; the combination of skin protectants (allantoin and dimethicone) prevent friction for eight hours, and won't stain your socks or stockings. It has a light and fresh scent, almost like suntan lotion, and is perfect for breaking in new shoes — boots, flip-flops and everything in between.

3. Never smudge again - Create "tubes" around your lashes with Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara. Goes on like regular mascara, dries to a water-resistant, smudge & flake-free finish. When you want to take it off, use a little friction & a lot of warm water, and the tubes slide right off! No mess! I even like to layer it over other mascaras to "seal" the formula in and create a little extra volume!

Isn't the easy life good? :)

xoxo
Laurel

Is Winter Over Yet?

2010-02-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

I love winter... But only for a short while. Winter in Wisconsin is so brutal. I think that the issue is that the sun never seems to make as many needed appearances. The cloud cover here lingers for days. I know that I'm not the only one affected by it! Many ladies I've talked with all stress the fact that taking a Vitamin D3 suppliment is an enormous mood booster. Vitamin D3 is produced naturally in the skin with UVB Ultraviolet light. 10-15 minutes of direct sun exposure to the face, hands, arms, or back produces enough vitamin D for your body to feel regular and get the nutrients it needs (Don't forget your sunscreen). But in these times, when we're all bundled up, and running from our cars to work with scarves pulled over our faces. That 5 minute walk doesn't do much.

On the issue of sunlight exposure, by the way, it turns out that super antioxidants greatly boost your body's ability to handle sunlight without burning. Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful "internal sunscreens" and can allow you to stay under the sun twice as long without burning. Other powerful antioxidants with this ability include the superfruits like Acai, Pomegranates (POM Wonderful juice), blueberries, etc. So eat up!

So with my vitamin suppliments, and my super fruits in tow to fight my winter blues, I love to indulge. A bubble bath full of Laura Mercier's Creme Brulee Honey Bath... And I'll make myself hot chocolate with whipped creme. :) Helping youself feel better makes a big difference. Make time for yourselves this winter. Spring will be upon us soon!

How to Make Your Skin Happy:

2010-01-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

Wondering what you can do to make your skin happy in this harsh weather?

Here are ideas to think about:

1. Pay some attention to it.

Plain, simple, attention. The skin responds best to lots of TLC, but when your skin is looking or feeling lack luster, think of it as your body specifically asking you for some extra attention. Spend some extra time lathering up your face the next time you wash. Massage brings blood to the area, and blood brings vital life to your cells. Or stand on your head. Either way rushing blood will assist your complexion by giving it a boost of life from the inside out.

2. Treat your skin!

Just because funds get re-prioritized some times doesn't mean you have to give up your skin's health all together! Look for mini-treatments or upgrades that you may be able to do a la carte. They cut out the stress relieving massage, but the pure-results style treatments will keep your skin healthy and in check. ....you do only get one after all, and it has to last you a lifetime...

Try some of these options at Blush: ranging from $10-$45 they are all easy on the books and amazing on the skin:

Eye Zone Treatment:

· Revitalizes the eye area

Infuses hydration to plump and smooth lines

· Fades dark circles

· Reduces puffiness & Brightens eyes

Collagen Booster:

· Plumps lines from within

· Penetrates antioxidants & hydration to the live layer of skin to repair tissues

· Stimulates Collagen and Elastin growth

· Tightens skin & evens out skin tone

Anti-Aging Hand Treatment:

· Glycolic acid regenerates fresh skin & fades hyper-pigmentation

· Serums stimulate collagen and elastin growth

· Paraffin bath seals in intense hydration

Just to name a few!

Here are my other favorite pick-me ups for the winter blues:

Tocca Hand Cream (or as the Italians say it, Crema da Mano)

This cream has natural nutrients like Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil. Aloe, Chamomile and Shea Butter add the perfect moisturizing touch that absorbs quickly into the skin. The 2 oz. size is perfectly purse-sized.

Laura Mercier's Lip Treatment Kit

This 2-part kit offers a nice vitamin cocktail of antioxidant protection with anti-aging benefits for healthy, conditioned, winter lips.

Ready for your winter blues pick-me-up? Stop into Blush, our sun is always shining; or at least we're laughing enough to make you believe it is :)

See you soon.

xxo,

Rebecca

Spring Awakenings

2010-01-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

With the recent gentle rains, I'm dreaming of the Spring. I'm thinking about the first flowers, the smell of the earth as it begins to awaken, sunshine, sweet breezes - and these dreams are showing their influence in wonderful ways:

1. a new daffodil-yellow cashmere sweater

2. repositioning the houseplants for better light

3. a new search for a fresh Spring scent

From past blogs, we know of my immediate infatuation with Diptyque's spicy sandalwood Tam Dao, but I've also curiously found myself attracted to L'Ombre dans L'Eau. ($88) This scent begins with the softness of Bulgarian rose, and then tempered with Blackcurrant leaves which lend a cool green note. At the core (and this is what lingers) is smoky Amber. The company says that the scent conjurs a blooming garden at the river's edge, and with this heady mix, I imagine myself in the cool shade at the edge of the water, looking over the garden, just out of the sun, and enjoying the green luxury of the Springtime.

Though the long days of Spring and Summer languish ahead of us on the calendar, it's still imperative to protect your skin from harmful UV spectrum rays from the sun. Even on overcast days, UV radiation still penetrates the cloud layers and bounces around under the cloud cover causing damage to your skin!

COOLA's broad-spectrum SPF30, ultra-moisturizing certified-organic sunscreen ($32) for the face protects your delicate features all year-round. I love how lightweight it is, and the greaseless feel, and mattifiers means I can wear it under makeup all day without worry about shine. I'm particularly partial to the cucumber scent which is clean and crisp and never cloying.

As we await the arrival of the first crocus, the craving for color can be satisfied with one of Laura Mercier's Hydratints ($20) - a sheer-color, moisturizing balm+SPF15. I love Apricot, a juicy peachy-pink, Rose, a soft baby-pink, and Nude, a sheer hint of beige. Never waxy, these balms protect your lips, and deliver just the right amount of color. As simple as it gets.

When Spring comes, the grass grows by itself - Tao Te Ching

xoxo,

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!

2010-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

B. Kamins introduces it's latest addition to the Diamond Radiance Line: Diamond Eye Cream! We're all super pumped about it here at Blush, and in case you are unfamiliar with the rest of the Diamond line, here's the scoop:

Diamond Radiance Rejuvenating Cream SPF 15--A multi-action day cream that moisturizes and also helps provide firmness, elasticity and fullness to the skin for a healthy, youthful-looking complexion. Peptides and botanical extracts help to firm and smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and slackened skin. The sheer color-correcting formula instantly creates a luminous and radiant complexion, while light-reflecting diamond particles diffuse the shadows caused by wrinkles, optically diminishing their appearance. Apply in the morning after cleansing and toning.

Diamond Radiance Deep Wrinkle Concentrate--An unprecedented at-home alternative to invasive wrinkle treatments and in-office procedures, this highly concentrated wrinkle-fighting serum helps significantly lift, plump and tighten deep-set creases around the eyes, mouth and forehead. Radiant light-reflecting diamond particles diffuse the shadows caused by wrinkles, optically diminishing their appearance. Dramatic results you can see and feel without the use of needles! Using the applicator, release a very small quantity from the dropper onto clean fingertips. Do not touch dropper directly on finger. Using a tapping motion, apply to wrinkles and expression lines after cleansing and toning.

*NEW* Diamond Radiance Illuminating Eye Cream--A-MAZING!! This ultra-luxe hydrating cream helps stimulate skin around the eyes to markedly reduce the visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and dark circles. This formula contains a unique complex of the latest and most advanced anti-aging ingredients, vitamins and botanicals to deeply penetrate the layers of the skin to deliver a surge of moisture and hydration, help speed collagen production for firmer skin, strengthen blood vessels and capillaries to decrease dark undereye circles, and revitalizes skin to significantly reduce wrinkles. The pure diamond powder will not only help minimize the appearance of imperfections and soften skin but will also leave you with eyes that dazzle with renewed sparkle. An absolutely radiant result! When Paulina tried this and looked at her skin under a Wood's Lamp (an ultraviolet lamp used in esthetic practice to show dehydrating, congestion, and sun damage in skin), her skin was COMPLETLEY hydrated...no sign of dehydration to be found!

You owe it to yourself to try these products, blushies! Book an appointment for a Diamond Radiance Facial, a fabulous 90 minute facial for those seeking a more youthful complexion without surgical procedures. You can thank us later ;)

--K

Explore your neighborhood!

2010-01-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

When you actually sit down and think about it, how many of you have ever actually "toured" your neighborhood? Not having a car, living downtown, and owning a dog, I've been able to take many walking tours of Milwaukee. Its interesting, because you get to see things you usually ignore when your driving past, going to work or school, and then returning home.

Here are some of my favorite discoveries in Blush's neighborhood: Milwaukee's Third Ward

Soup's On! 221 N Water St (http://www.soupsonat221.com/)

Serving up homemade, delicious, and different soups Mon-Fri, this charming little soup cafe is only a few blocks south of Blush. They also serve breakfast food, hot dogs, sandwiches (definatley recommend the peanut butter club), beverages, ice cream, and baked goods.

Cuvee 181 N Broadway, Top Floor (http://www.cuveemke.com/)

A rustic, elegant champagne lounge. The perfect place to relax, sip on a glass of bubbly, and melt into the beautiful scenery.

Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design 208 N Water St (http://www.eisnermuseum.org/)

This interactive and educational center focuses on the impact advertising and design have had on our culture. It has a unique emphasis on the social, historical, and aesthetic implications of advertising and design. Right now, they have several interesting exhibits: "Unseen architechture of MKE", and "100 Years of Evinrude Motors".

Get out and explore, blushies!

--K

Theatre make-up that will knock your socks into the next county.

2010-01-11T11:40:00.001-08:00

So I have returned from surviving the chaos of planning a wedding... and I took a much needed Honeymoon. :) We went down to Florida and spent 6 days in Disney, which was such a blast because I got to show my new and only husband around. He'd never been there before which baffled my mind. Anyway, my most favorite thing to do there is go see the Cirque Du Soleil show that's in Downtown Disney called "La Nouba." If there's anything that a makeup artist could love and admire is the careful craftsmanship of each production of Cirque Du Soleil.

Since Cirque performers have to apply their own makeup, the head make-up designer Nathalie Gagne involves them in the actual creation of their onstage look. “Unlike actors, acrobats aren’t used to studying their own faces,” she says. “One of my goals is to get them to do just that, and help them find within themselves what I call ‘lines of force’ that will serve to build their characters.”

Nathalie is also responsible for ensuring the integrity of all makeup designs that bear her signature. Since the performers always apply their own makeup there are workshops in makeup techniques that is now part of the general training provided to Cirque du Soleil artists. Nathalie first teaches performers how to do their own makeup, and then writes a step-by-step application guide for each of them (Hmm... sounds kinda like what we do at Blush).

(Seriously, may I encourage you to go see a show and prepare to be enlightened and inspired. http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/)

That's about all really, just wanted to share how much I love the colorful make-up artistry (among other things) in these shows. Having my roots in theater it really plucks at my heartstrings.

Love,

Nicole

Get Polished!

2010-01-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

On January 19th, Blush will be hosting special guest artist Connie Griswald of Laura Mercier. Together with the Blush artists, Connie will be unveiling Laura's latest collection (and my lastest obsession!) : Polished.

The collection features soft, elegant colors with a touch of pearlized contrasts. Three new lip colors + a lip shine give lips a healthy, polished look. Matte colors on the eyes add contour with neutral browns, while cheeks are heightened with a hint of color and shimmer.

Speaking of polished, this time of year everyone experiences dry skin. Come get rid of dry, winter skin with a full body facial. This luxorious treatment includes cleanse, massage, exfoliation, and infusion treatment to leave your skin irrisitibly soft and silky smooth!

Another treatment I recommend that everyone get this time of year is a facial peel. Peels are a great way to start off the new year by refinishing, brightening, and hydrating your skin. Blush only performs "lunch time peels" (peels that won't require any downtime) which are used to improve and smooth the texture of the skin by removing its damaged outer layers. Add this service to the Deep Detox facial of the month for true renewal!

--K

2010-01-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

The weather is dry and cold. When you look outside, the only colors you see are white and grey. The holidays are over, everyone is closing up and staying in, bundling up in warm, albeit boring, clothes.....Where am I going with this? REBEL!!!!!!! Fight against the icky winter blues! How you may ask????Well, it just so happens I have a few ideas!!!!!

The Perfect Po

ut!

Our lips are often neglected. We moisturize our face, body, hands even hair on a daily, twice daily and as needed basis. Our lips have no oil glands, which means they have no way of naturally hydrating or protecting themselves. They can become dry,flakey, painful and unsightly. Help them function and feel right with the lip scrub by sara happ. It will leave your lips soft and supple. This cult favorite is available in different flavors, and are all amazing!
Right now, and I must admit, for the most part, I love 1940's and 1950's style and glamour. What does that mean? A perfectly shaped, strong brow and statement lips! I love the sophistication and elegance of pulling out a tube of Laura Mercier lipstick, and gracefully applying it to my lips! The color I love right now? Hydrangea! A strong, bold rasperry pink that brightens my face instantly! Come in and find your statement color.

Golden Skin

Yes, it's true. The long awaited custom airbrush tanning is now at Blush! Prices start at just $20, and the blend we use (a closely guarded secret) is anti oxidant rich, helps to firm skin and increase cellular rejuvenation. So look good, feel good, do good!
Want just a little honey-glow? Pick up some bronzer! Laura Mercier offers many options for adding warmth and glow to your face, from pressed to mineral to blush, one of our gorgeous Blush makeup artists can show you an easy way to give your face some color!

And finally.....

Don't neglect your skin or your stress! Come in and experience relaxation and rejuvenation for you and your skin! Blush offers great facials, from the quick pick me up Express Facial to the luxe and divine Diamond Radiance Facial. Your skin needs all the help it can get right now in some of the toughest weather around.

My two cen

ts!

This year I am determined to do two things, improve my outside and my inside! I am learning german, was ist das? das ist eine apfel!(heehee) and taking care of my outside. I started exfoliating my skin twice a week with Duchess Marden Enzyme Exfoliant, using Duchess Marden Hydrating Masque(amazing for your cuticles and lips as well, just remember NOT

to lick your lips when its on,yuck!) following up with B.Kamins Nutrient Replacement (vitamins for your face!) and alternating with B.Kamins Diamond Radiance Rejuventating SPF15(daytime)and Laura Mercier Flawless Face Creme(nighttime). For my body I am IN LOVE with Laura Mercier Body Soufle....se

riously a-mazing! I have French Vanilla and Pistachio that I alternate during the winter(my 6 year old couldn't stop sniffing me!) and for summer, or when I want to feel like it's summer, I use the Almond Coconut Milk, yumm! My skin is soft, hydrated and has a sexy sheen!

Tschüs!

Paulina

Just in time!

2010-01-07T14:25:00.001-08:00

This may be one of the most exciting days of my life, and I hope it is for you too once you hear this......

" Your Blush Beauty Experts are now offering Airbrush Tanning!! "

Honestly, what could be better then planning your mini bronzed-body escape to our comfy-cozy budouir setting tanning room in the middle of an all-out winter storm! I'm not kidding when I say that after just one session, you'll feel and look like you just walked off a tropical beach. We all know about the damaging effects of the sun but that doesn't mean we have to spend our winters feeling pasty-white! Our solution fights past damage and promotes healthy skin! If that's not reason enough to book your escape, read on.....

We offer the only Custom Blend Service in the city. That means that each and every application is customized to suit YOUR individual needs. Full body, half body, contouring for slimming results, just face & hands, whatever you are looking for our Body Couture experts deliver!

Our professional tanning formula is the best! It is loved and requested by A-list celebrities, beauty editors & TV shows around the world for its famous just-off-the-beach glow. It is a 100% natural and organic cosmeceutical formula that provides a honey-dipped glow with potent age fighting, skin firming & cell rejuvenation properties. Our formula contains hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients, botanical oils, aloe vera, anti-oxidants, and NO ALCOHOL >>which also means that this formula is 100% compatible with lash extensions!

Sessions start at only $20! We also offer body contouring for slimming effects that can be added on to your session. For you devoted tanners (we all are after this experience!)package discounts, preparation, and touch-up services for extending the life of your tan are also available.

Prior to the appointment, you'll be directed to our website for FAQs and how to best prepare. I.E.: NO guesswork = Awesome Experience!

Space is filling up fast and you don't want to miss this special: Between now and January 15th, 2010 book your first session and touch-up for only $50!

I'm looking forward to bronzing up your winter, you'll love us for it ;)

xxo- Rebecca

Resolution

2010-01-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

So it's the time of year to think about what we want the next year ahead to hold. There are small resolutions, like always remembering to wear your seatbelt in the car, or bringing reusable bags to the market for groceries or to Target for household items, and then there are big resolutions that encompass changing unhealthy habits or goal-setting for potential accomplishments. What's behind all of these self-promises is a commitment to bettering ourselves, and a definitive act of will. Here are a few things to think about as your year kicks off...

1. More Water = Better Skin: We all know that we need to drink 64 oz. of water a day to rid our body of toxins by flushing our muscles & our digestive systems, and these results also show up in the skin! (Did you just fill your glass of water? I did!) Having a hydrated body means clear, bright skin, free of congestion (zits), and a plump, healthy appearance (lessens wrinkles!). Hydration is ultimately important when old man Winter has come to stay, and even if you're getting your fill of water, sometimes a little extra help is in order, in the form of a hydrating gel masque! Two Blush favorites are the Duchess Marden Hydrating Masque, and Laura Mercier's Hydra-Soothing Gel Masque. Laura's masque contains chamomile and cucumber to reduce redness & puffiness, and the Duchess Marden Masque firms and tightens while it hydrates with aloe!

2. Reduce, Reuse, Restyle: A new year often calls for a fresh look. January is a great time to sort through your closet - dump items that have just been hanging around and cluttering up your space and organize your favorites and basics to make room for new Spring investments! I recommend donating your used items to Goodwill, http://www.goodwill.org/ (don't forget to get a receipt for your 2010 taxes!) and then going to their up-scale resale boutique Retique (and a Blush neighbor!), located in the 3rd Ward, to spice up your wardrobe with a few, fun, key pieces! I just recently scored a very gently used Coach handbag for $20!!!

3. Rebel Yell: Ok - so enough about doing things that are good for you! Before you start cleaning up your act - kick it off right with something totally awful (and also WONDERFUL)! I highly recommend champagne and nachos at Elsa's on the Park on Cathedral Square or the onion rings at Stack'd, right across the river from the 3rd ward on 1st & Pittsburgh. Go ahead - sometimes the right things feel so wrong! :)

xoxo
Laurel

Polished vintage chic

2010-01-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

This month, Laura Mercier released her newest collection, Polished. Featuring matte shades accented with hints of pearlized contrasts, this gorgeous collection of shadows, lip sticks, and hi-lighters will give you the very classic look ala Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn, and Sofia Loren. I cannot get over this collection! [Not to mention the muses for the look are my idols ;) ]

So, this week's blog theme is going to be all things vinatage-chic. I am a true lover of shift dresses, mary janes, etc. However, its a little diffucult to find decent pieces while trying to maintain a budget. I've recently stumbled upon some fabulous websites that features vintage and vintage-esque clothing, shoes, and accessories that are resonably priced. And, after having received very many compliments on my recent purchases, I've decided to share a few of my favorite places. Enjoy =)

1.) Mod Cloth- Anthropoligie's thrifty little sister, this online store has tons of dresses, tops, and shoes all around $25-75. They also have an authentic vintage section, but you'll have to act super quick, these pieces get snatched up within minutes of being posted!

2.) Bag, Borrow, or Steal- AMAZING site where you can rent vintage designer jewelry, bags, and watches. They also allow you to "steal" (aka buy) your rental piece if you cannot live without it!

3.) Boutiques in Milwaukee- There are several very nice vintage shops in Milwaukee. I absolutley love Starship (just got the cutest mustard-yellow shift dress for like $8!), Closet Classics on North and Humboldt, and of course Good Will. Not to mention occasionally hitting up estate sales.

++Lip addict--Right now, I'm in love with red lips...I reccomend using Laura's Lip Stain in Scarlet + Laura's True Red Lip Pencil to give your pout a seductive shape. Follow with Laura's Flawless Fix pencil around the outside parameter of your lips to prevent "kool-aid mouth". To top things off with extra staying power, use DuWop's Twilight Lip Venom.

--K

Year of the Tiger

2009-12-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

As we're about to begin a new decade, the year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac awaits us. This year is all about inward, contracting motion, about self-reliance, and self-awareness. The year will bring associations with the west, autumn, old age, the planet Venus and the color white, and the tiger usually depicted is the White Tiger. A few other interesting attributes are:

1. Silver & Gold: 2010 is officially the year of the Metal Tiger, and these precious metals hold special significance. What better way to ring in New Year's than with a glittering eye look featuring these shades? Blush still has a few of the fabulous foiled eye colours from Laura Mercier's afterhours collection, which create an incredible metallic eye applied either wet or dry. Apply dry for a soft burnished metallic look, or wet for a high-shine, bright metal lid.

2. Green and Purple: These lush colours look great with every eye colour and can be easily experimented with by using DuWop's Green Eyes or Violet Eyes palettes. These little palettes pack the best of these colors and with a range of shades, you'll find an application that brings out the best in your eye colour. If you're still feeling unsure venturing into the world of colour - book an Eye Lesson with any of the Blush artists for $25 and we'll show you how and where to apply your new look!

3. Diamonds: The signature gemstone of the Year of the Tiger, the Diamond Radiance Line from B Kamins features this stone as its key ingredient in fighting the look of old age. Blush offers a fantastic Diamond Radiance Facial, that infuses the products deep into the skin to combat the look of fine lines and wrinkles and to create a marked increase in clarity and tone of the skin. Blush also carries both of the Diamond Radiance products, the Cellular Matrix Fortifier, and the super-charged Deep Wrinkle Concentrate. The concentrate dramatically lifts, plumps and tightens deep-set creases around the eyes, mouth and forehead. Its deep firming and pore-tightening actions instantly tighten areas and deliver immediate results you can see and feel without the use of needles. The products and the facial feature radiant light-reflecting diamond particles that diffuse the shadows caused by wrinkles, optically diminishing their appearance. The concentrate contains collagen boosting ingredients help restore firmness and plumpness to the skin and powerful anti-oxidants help to fight ongoing damage from chronological and environmental aggressors.

Enjoy this time for new beginnings, Blushies!

xoxo

Laurel

Diptyque is back in Blush!

2009-12-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

A History: Diptyque was founded in Paris 1961 by three friends (painter Desmond Knox-Leet, set designer Yves Coueslant, and Christiane Gautrot, who was working in an architecture firm). Diptyque originally produced printed fabrics (this is made very obvious by their print work and design on the packaging!) but in 1963 they introduced a line of scented candles which eventually became the main focus of their business. There are now over 50 scented candles in the product line. In 1968 Diptyque produced their first scented water, L'Eau, which was later followed by a series of other scented waters, which are also available as home products such as soap.

The "famous nose" French Perfumer Olivia Giacobetti (Creator of Essence of John Galliano) created the Diptyque scents Philosykos (woody aromatic blend of fig tree leaves and white cedar) and Ofrésia (peppery white freesia on a woody note).

Try our Diptyque Scents at BLUSH:
L'Ombre dans L'Eau - Blend of blackcurrant leaf and Bulgarian rose ~ the scent of a green riverside garden.

Tam Dao - Oriental woody unisex scent made from the Oriental Goa sandalwood.

O'ye'do - (The ancient name for Tokyo) notes of Japanese yuzu fruit, grapefruit, lime, orange, mint, thyme and woods.

Tubereuse - Tuberose is the most expensive floral perfume ingredient in the world. It derives its sensuous, heady scent from a Mexican bulbous herb. The deep red frosted glass is the perfect color to exhibit this delicious scent.

Geranium Rosa - This scent evokes terraces along the Mediterranean where rose geraniums bloom. It is their leaves that give off a complex fragrance, both green and floral and slightly lemon-scented.

Roses - Smells like awakening Roses.

Santal - Sandalwood, a sultry blend of exotic woods and spices.

Baies - Fruity and floral scents which combines black currant leaves and Bulgarian rose essences. Baies is understandably Diptyque's best-selling candle and is also the twin fragrance of the famous L'Eau eau de toilette.

Figuier - From the crushed leaves of the fig tree, nutty scent.

Feuil de Lavende - A classic in every French home, lavender has long been way in front of the pack in terms of popularity and desirability in the home fragrance category, and we must say that this particular treatment of lavender is unparalleled in our experience.

Come try our testers and fall in love with Diptyque Candles, parfumes, lotions and shower gels.
-Nicole

New Year Hottness ;)

2009-12-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve=Hottest night of the year. Period. Here are some tips to looking your best:

Eyes: This Holiday season DuWop came out with a gorgeous palette of frosty shades to mix and match. The kit includes a jet black, water-resistant cream liner to create a dramatic counterpoint to the ethereal pastels. The set also includes a professional double-ended brush and a full size mirror for on the go touch ups. This kit is a must-have for NYE....not only are cream eye shadows easy to apply, but these irridescent shades will go perfect with any ensamble (especially a little black dress!) $22

Lips: Laura's newest collection features classic shades with modern shine. Lip Shine adds a touch of polish to lips with a lightweight, pearlescent gloss finish. Shea Butter and Vitamin E moisturize lips without being too heavy or greasy. The delicate colour blends easily leaving a polished finish. $22

Skin: The perfect glow is a must-have for NYE...this week only Rebecca is offering 30-minute Brightening Facials for only $40! Includes signature cleanse, exfoliation, and masque ($15 savings!)

Have a beautiful New Year's, blushies!

--K

Holiday Gift Sets from Laura Mercier

2009-12-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here's what we have in our store currently for the holidays from Laura Mercier! 20% Off Sale on all Laura gift sets before Christmas!

Laura Mercier Colour Wardrobe ($98.00)
Laura’s new Colour Wardrobe is the perfect accessory this holiday season. The two-tiered compact holds multiple Eye, Cheek and Lip Colours along with two finishing Lip Glazes and expert tools that will have you looking flawless in a flash.
Top Level Contents: Black Plum Eye Colour, Stellar Eye Colour, Café au lait Eye Colour, Sandstone Eye Colour, Celestial Eye Colour, Coffee Ground Eye Colour, Plum Cheek Colour, Rose Cheek Colour, Nude Cheek Colour, Eye Colour/Corner Eye Colour Double Ended Brush
Bottom Level Contents: Mocha Lip Colour, Scarlet Lip Colour, Melon Lip Colour, Mulberry Lip Colour, Nude Lip Colour, Rosette Lip Colour, Brown Lip Glaze, Pink Lip Glaze, Double Ended Lip Brush.

Black Ebony Eye Design Kit ($125.00)
Each collection contains:
*A three well compact containing a Black Ebony Eye Liner, Black Caviar Eye Liner and a Noir Matte Eye Colour.
*A full-size Black Thickening and Building Mascara.
*A Lash Curler.
*Four double-ended brushes - Flat Eye Liner Brush/Pointed Eye Liner Brush, Smoky Eye Liner Brush/Creme Eye Detail Brush, Eye Crease Brush/Smudge Brush and Eye Colour Brush/Corner Eye Colour Brush.

Laura Mercier Body and Bath Duos ($40.00)

* Includes a 6 oz. Honey Bath, with wooden honey dipper, and Soufflé Body Crème.

Honey Bath is a decadent foaming bath with natural ingredients to richly fragrance water leaving skin feeling fresh and clean. Soufflé Body Crème provides all-day moisture protection without being too heavy or greasy. Body Crème contains Vitamins A, C and E nourish the skin while shea butter moisturizes.

Laura Mercier Body and Bath Quads ($75.00)
*Includes an ultra decadent Soufflé Body Crème, Honey Bath (including honey dipper) Sugar Scrub and Candle.

Light the candle and slip into a foaming honey moisture bath. The lightly fragranced water leaves skin feeling clean, fresh and moisturized. Then, gently massage the Scrub over skin with its granules and exfoliating beads to gently slough dead skin cells leaving radiant, polished skin. Finally, massage the ultra-whipped scented Soufflé Body Crème on dried skin for luxurious all-day moisture protection.

Laura Mercier Signature Creme Lip Colour ($30.00)

* Cinnamon Creme Lip Colour in a special silver metal holiday tube with slip case.

Happy Shopping!

Nicole

HAVE YOU BEEN HITTING THE EGGNOG A LITTLE TOO HARD THIS YEAR??

2009-12-19T15:36:00.000-08:00

You may feel not-so-fabulous the morning after a holiday party, but you certainly don't have to look it! Try these tips to achieve a bright complexion after any event ;)

1.) Eye Cream- As you all know, I am a huge advocate of B.Kamin's Eye Cream. However, B.Kamin's also makes another eye cream that is formulated to help repair tissue, capillaries and bruising due to aging and surgical procedures. It has a combination of active pharmaceutical grade ingredients which help to strengthen fragile capillaries, cosmetically neutralize color differences in the orbital eye area and decrease the period required for healing bruises. This product is also gentle enough to be used on the eye lid.

2.) Laura Mercier Secret Concealer-Laura Mercier Secret Concealer is a moisture-rich concealer designed specifically for under and around the eye area to conceal discolorations and dark circles. It provides more "slip" to prevent tugging and glides on skin to cover any dark areas. Always apply concealer after foundation. Make sure you use a small amount, and then build on that if you need more coverage. Its always easier to add then to remove! Apply concealer on the inner corners of your eyes and extend out past where you have any darkness. [8 hours of sleep...in a jar! =) ]

3.) Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder-This is what you will use to set the concealer. A transparent white colour lightens and brightens with micronized pigments that will not settle in fine lines or accentuate shadows. It instantly creates the appearance of the most naturally perfected skin and maximizes wear and coverage.

Obviously, nothing is better for your appearance than a good night's sleep, but these tricks will at least help you fake it ;)

Lip Product of the Week= A trio of DuWop Venom glosses that our freelancer Maggie created for me (what a sweetheart!<3):>

Lantana+Pink Champagne+Berry Chill=Super hott lips!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

-K

The Naughty List

2009-12-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

This week I'm keeping it simple - the holidays can inspire a LOT of mischief! And not just because of the elves! Here's a few of my favorite ways to be bad while still staying on Santa's good side!

1. You Dirty Thing: Diptyque is back at Blush just in time for the holidays, and if

you just wanna be under the mistletoe with that someone special all season long, you better buy him Tam Dao, created with sandalwood from Goa, Rosewood, Cypress, Myrtle and Ambergris. Dry, spicy, woody...simply sensual.

2. A Lump of Kohl: To perfect that perfect smudgy, smoky "i've been up all night...wrapping presents..." eye, you'll definitely need Laura Mercier's Kohl pencils

to add drama along the lashline. This time of year, I'm particularly fond of Black Gold, Black Turquoise, Black Navy, and Black Violet. They're all dark enough to create emphasis, but have

a hint of color that can make the eyes seem electric! Perfect for making eyes across the room at your office crush during this year's holiday party!

3. Santa's Favorite Sugarplum: Milwaukee's very own

MISS CUPCAKE will be at our Holiday Shopping Party this evening from 5-9 p.m.!! She's bringing some of her sweet treats, which taste too good to be bad, right?

Here's to another round of Spiked Cider! Blush's favorite comes from our Neighbors at Water Buffalo! (Xante Pear infused Cognac and Hot apple cider $6.25) See you there?

Cheers Blushies!

xoxo

Laurel

Secret Santa & Wishlists!

2009-12-14T11:30:00.001-08:00

It's almost Christmas time, I'm so excited! I love Christmas, everything about it. We're doing our Secret Santa gift exchange here and I'm getting my wish list together for my fellow Blush ladies. (And to give to my family as well : ).

-Here's my list -
1. The ever popular Beauty Blender sponges. (Which gives you an flawless airbrush look).
2. Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation. (My favorite fuller coverage foundation).
3. MOR cosmetics lip gloss in Violet. (I like it because it feels so soft on your lips, and the smell is just so fantastic).
4. Laura Mercier's Lip Glace in Bon Bon. (What girl can live without multiple shades of pink in their lip gloss drawer... yes I said drawer).
5. DuWop's Twilight (yeah like the teen sensation books and movies) Lip Venom! (I want it because I love the lip venom & I jumped on the band wagon of course).

You also should make it a point to come in and check out our Holiday decorations if you have not yet! Blush looks so cute and ready for the festivities. Tomorrow (December 15th) is also our Holiday Shopping Party at 5-9PM! We have Diptique back in the store now, and we will be raffling off lots of prizes. Also... I heard there are going to be cupcakes!
nicole

HOLIDAY PARTY

2009-12-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Mark your calenders, blushies! This Tuesday (Dec. 15) Blush will be hosting our annual Holiday Shopping Party! Stop in from 5-9pm and enjoy delicious catering by Tutto, wine tasting, and scrumptious holiday cupcakes! We will also be officially unveiling the NEW blush...including new treatments and new products just in time for the holiday season! Plus, it wouldn't be a Blush party if we didn't raffle off thousands of dollars worth of goodies. Call the store to RSVP, and receive a free gift!! (414)272-1718

We will also be helping The Cinderella Project MKE, a foundation that collects and distributes donated prom dresses to local area youth in need in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. Ways to help the foundation at our party include: Sponsor a "Cinderella Ornament" at Blush and ALL Proceeds are donated to the Cinderella Project. Donate $10 to the foundation and receive a $10 gift card for January. We hope the teens reached through this project will gain knowledge through workshops with leaders in our communities. The Cinderella Project MKE is brought to you by the Gadzuric Foundation. A portion of Asea Couture sales this evening will also be donated to the Gadzuric Foundation.

I loved how Laurel shared a favorite Christmas cookie receipe in her blog last week, so I've decided to do the same! I LOVE baking, and I never, ever cook with eggs! (I'm not neccesarily vegan, because I still use dairy products, just no eggs). My favorite Christmas cookies are

Peanut Butter Kisses.

Ingredients:
48 Hershey's Kisses
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg (I substitute 2 tbsp. flour, 1/2 tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, and 2 tsp. water)
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. About 4 dozen cookies

Enjoy! =)

Please join us on Tuesday night....it will be an evening to remember!

Happy Shopping!

--K

What a Gift!

2009-12-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is true, carols are playing everywhere you go and even though it is the sunniest day I've seen in months here in Milwaukee, do not be fooled. The temperature is 5 degrees and Christmas is sneaking up!
If you're anything like me you have gone Christmas shopping (or at least thought about it) and have not had much luck. With all of the holiday events and parties to attend, let's face it, you're running out of time! Not to worry, Lovlies, I would never evoke anxiety and not offer a solution!
Give the gift that keeps on giving! Here at Blush you can do it in more ways than one. Through the entire month of December, when you spend $150 on products you will receive a gift certificate for a Makeup Application & Lesson (a $75 value) to gift to someone else or keep for yourself! Whether you’re stocking up on gifts for others or replenishing your own products, this is a promotion not to miss!
Looking to give back to your local and international communities? So are we! Which is why Blush has partnered up with ASEA Couture to offer one-of-a-kind couture with a cause. With the intention of spreading the gift of giving back, Michele Berman & Florida Perry Smith got together and created a mission of fashionable giving. Their “Chari-tees” are designed in-house by the women and their kids (ASEA stands for the first letter of their kids names) and a portion of all profits go to benefit a different charity every month. This month, every time you buy any ASEA couture or one of their imported (to die for) accessories, profits go to benefit the MACC fund; Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer. Not only can you feel good stuffing your loved one’s stockings with unique goodies that you cannot find anywhere else, you will feel even better knowing that you are contributing to a cause that is greater than oneself.
Happy Giving!
xxo Rebecca

The Little Things

2009-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

It really is the little things that make all the difference, whether a thoughtful gesture from a loved one, or the special touches that make a moment (or season!) memorable. So this installation of my blog features items that make perfect stocking-stuffers or just small tokens of appreciation!

1. Need a little light in your life? Dani's itty-bitty travel candles pack a punch of scent in a small tin. Perfect for travel this holiday season to make any room feel a little more like home - my favorite is the Sweet Osmanthus, which has a delicate apricot blossom scent. Dani's candles are made with pure, non-toxic, food grade wax that is free of paraffin, petroleum, pesticides and herbicides. The 2 oz. travel tins last up to 13 hours!

2. As Blush's resident lash expert (did you know we did lash extensions? I'll be offering a kickass special in January!) I spend as much time on my lashes as any
other part of my makeup, and I'd be lost without a metal-tooth lash comb. Those flimsy plastic ones will not do, they get gunked up with mascara with only a couple uses! A good metal lash comb will pick out even the most painstaking of clumps, and give you great length and separation for your luscious lashes. Fast Lash, a brand beloved by professional makeup artists for years, makes a great one that we carry at Blush!

3. Do you have a favorite holiday cookie? Mine are Butter Muerbes, a basic butter cookie that can be extruded in many fun holiday shapes.
My favorites are the wreaths, decorated with a half of a maraschino cherry! These little cookies bring back years of happy holiday memories baking with my mother, preparing plates full of love to share with those near and dear. I can't share her recipe with you, but I can share a great alternative to make some of your own!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer (preferably fitted with paddle attachment) or 6 with a handheld. Beat in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and mix until just combined.

Form dough into a 12-inch log (2 inches in diameter) on a sheet of plastic wrap and roll up dough in plastic wrap. Chill dough on a baking sheet until firm, at least 4 hours.

Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 375°F.

Cut enough 1/8- to 1/4-inch-thick slices from log with a heavy knife to fill 2 ungreased large baking sheets, arranging slices about 1 inch apart (chill remainder of log, wrapped in plastic wrap). If garnishing with coarse sugar, sprinkle slices with it.

Bake cookies, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until edges are golden, 12 to 15 minutes total. Cool on sheets 3 minutes, then transfer with a metal spatula to racks to cool completely. Make more cookies with remaining dough on cooled baking sheets.

Happy Holidays Blushies!

xoxo
Laurel

Transformations

2009-12-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Make-up consultations at blush are always fun, today I had a very enjoyable and sweet client. She's a strong woman who knows what she wants, I always like it when someone has an idea of what they want to achieve. It's an enjoyable process for me as an artist to watch the transformation of someone's look to the next. Whether it's natural to dramatic, or just helping them with their concerns and making them happy for the final outcome.

One thing that I have realized is how great the Laura Mercier brush kit is! I've been in the industry for a little over 6 years and have worked with several different makeup lines... I have to say these totally take the cake. It's never been easier for me to create a dark-dark-dark smokey eye before effortlessly.

Angled Eye Colour Brush
This brush does a fantastic job of storing up lots of pigment in it on the flat end. It enables you to place the dark shadows in the crease of the eye very easily with little fall-out. This step can be repeated until the darkness you want is achieved. Then use the smaller pointed tip to blend the colors in with previously layered base shadows.

Fine Point Eye Liner
With my fine point eye liner brush, I will create a tight eye liner look just above the lash line. And in the corners I will create the line a little thicker to wing it just a bit.

Smudge Brush
This brush is very important to my over all look. I use it towards the end after I've applied dark shadow on with the angled colour brush and eye liner across and under the lash line. I load up the smudge brush with a dark shadow color that compliments the look. I tap my brush first and then smudge the colored shadow over the eye liner. It gives a nice smokey look in the corners of the eye and makes the blending look great.

Those are a few of my favorite brushes. There are more that I can't live without. But for now that's just a highlight.

Christmas is coming really soon! :) Buy a brush set. They're awesome.

<3Nicole

PERFECT STOCKING STUFFERS

2009-12-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

For the Domestic Goddess: DANI Grapefruit and Ginger Hand Wash-Dani's all natural hand wash protects and moisturizes while gently cleansing your skin. The grapefruit and ginger scent is refreshing and clean. I like to follow it with Dani's organic hand lotion in Lemongrass Lavender. Great for dry, cracked skin, the natural botanicals provide deep, long lasting hydration. I love putting this lotion on right before bed as lavender is a very calming scent, perfect for balancing mind, body, and spirit.

For the 'Stache Aficionado: Every facial hair sporting gentleman deserves a fantastic shave set. Truefitt & Hill has been the shaving source for over 200 years. Their classic style is eminent in each product, created to provide distinguished men with the best shave ever. Blush carries a variety of Truefitt & Hill brushes, shave creams, razors, and stands. My dad loves the 1805 shave cream, a rich, glycerin-based shaving cream that produces a rich, creamy lather, preparing the skin for a truly close shave. 1805 has a fresh, oceanic fragrance, with top notes of Bergamot, Mandarin and Cardamom combined with Lavender, Geranium and Clary Sage resting on a Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Musk base. All Truefitt & Hill shave creams do not contain alcohol, menthol, benzocaine or peppermint oil which can irritate and numb the skin. Guys have to shave every day...why not make it enjoyable for them?

For the Zen Guru: MOR candles! These beautiful candles are exquisitely wrapped and reminiscent of 17th Century ornamental decadence. We carry cucumber + casaba, Hibiscus Bloom, Indian Pomelo, and my personal favorite, Belladonna. Also perfect for this relaxation lover would be the MOR Gift Set. Inside, it contains a Marshmallow Hand and Nail Cream, Lychee Flower Lip Delight, and a Cucumber+Casaba Soap Bar. I can't get enough of MOR's super cute packaging and delictable scents! Che bello!

P.S. My lips have been super dry this week, so I've been using Laura Mercier's Lip Silk. I love it because it's a gentle way to exfoliate my lips without irritating them. It also immediatley hydrates, leaving soft and smooth lips. Lip Silk also protects your lips from further environmental damage by creating a barrier over your lips. This is a definate must-have for winter!

Happy St. Nick!

--K

The Luxe Life

2009-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Happy December!

I welcome December with an excitement for traditions! I love advent calendars, stockings, festive firesides, delicious warm seasonal beverages, the first snowfall, the joy of surprising loved ones and strangers alike with acts of kindness and compassion. What inspires you this season?

1. Blush just got in a sweet little order from MOR, the divine Australian cosmetics company, that you might have seen all over the latest magazines? Oprah is loving a fantastic holiday set ($44) that packages a bunch of MOR favorites, like the Marshmallow body creme, their gorgeous big milled soaps in scents like Cucumber Casava, and my personal favorite (and featured in Lucky this month!) the Lip Delight. I have to have a good lip balm this time of year, and this perfect pot pulls together a smooth balm in a pretty package! Sized well, Lip Delight will last you through the new year if someone special slips it in your stocking!

2. Enthralled by the idea of finding perfect scent for your honey?
Try Truefitt & Hill's colognes & shaving products. Treat him to a collection of a spicy classic like 1805 (their signature scent!) or clean, crisp, Tragalgar. My personal favorite (which my boyfriend already owns!) is Clubman: a slightly spicy, slightly woodsy, slight powdery mix that just inspires me to want to cuddle close!

3. Tis' the season for giving!
I already have my plan for charitable giving for this holiday season, but if you're still looking for ideas, I highly recommend visiting www.radiomilwaukee.org and checking out their current campaign, "Meet the Need". This campaign features 50 deserving organizations in 50 days, highlighting their efforts to assist and enrich the community we all share. Every bit helps, I find the act of giving helps me truly appreciate the good fortune I enjoy.

Cheers!
Laurel

Lip Velvety

2009-11-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Lip Velvets by Laura Mercier are my new favorite lipstick...wait lipgloss. It's actually both, perfectly balancing the feel of a gloss with the look of a lipstick. It comes in a tube like lipgloss would but it comes out with thick bold color of a matte lipstick. Lip Velvets come in five semi-matte shades.

I wore Scarlet Passion lip velvet over the weekend at work. I got lots of compliments and sold two in a 5 hour period! :) It's a super pigmented straight blue-violet classic red. Goes on super easily around the edges of the mouth. You know how those super reds can leave a super mess clean up around the lips. For me, this is such an easy application, the smaller applicator is easier to draw on the lips with when using those bold, deep painted on colors.

So, naturally when talking about drawing on a perfect set of pigmented lips. I would recommend the Flawless Fix Pencil! It's made for this exact purpose. Perfecting color on the lips. You can also use it for small touch ups on the face if you're in a crunch and that's all you have with you.

The lip velvets are amazing, with this lip on I ate lunch and drank coffee all day and it left a nice matte stain in place of what came off on my coffee cup. For long lasting color I would suggest them!!
<3Nicole

Skin with a Routine=Happy skin, etc.

2009-11-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

Though I am an aesthetician, I'm still learning about all of the skin care lines Blush carries. And since they are all fabulous, I feel like a kid in a candy shop: I want to try everything! While that is the best way for me to experience first hand the products I am recommending, its not necessarily good for my skin. Not to mention the minute the weather dropped below 40 degrees, my skin instantly dried out. =( As a true combination skin type, this season makes it increasingly difficult to find a decent moisturizer that is rich enough to target the dry parts of my face, but not too rich where it will create mid-day shine in my T-zone. Thanks to Paulina's recent suggestions, I think we have found the perfect harmony of moisturizers for combination skin.

A.M. Moisturizer: B. Kamin's Day Lotion SPF 15, a lightweight oil-free lotion that leaves my skin silky smooth and hydrated all day long. It also has SPF 15, which as any aesthetician will tell you, is a necessity even during winter. If the sun is still in the sky (even if its cloudy), then you still need an SPF!!!! It also created a perfect primer for my makeup, giving me a healthy, luminescent glow.

P.M. Moisturizer: Duchess Marden Face Cream. Organic shea butter, apricot oil, cetyl babassuate, and hydrolyzed oat protein add soothing moisture to dry, damaged skin. The vitamins and minerals improve cellular metabolism, and mushroom extract helps to fade any discoloration or redness. Did I mention the rose oil used in all Duchess Marden products smells AMAZING? Rose oil has a calming, sedative effect, and is often used to ease nervous tension and stress. Its like a mini spa treatment right before bed! I also recommended this product to my sister's boyfriend who has extremely dry skin. He loved the way the product instantly smoothed and hydrated his skin, but he wasn't a fan of the way he smelled like roses afterwards. What can I say? Some men just don't appreciate the benefits of aromatherapy ;)

Last but not least, it wouldn't be a Kayti Blog if I didn't tell all you Blushies what lip product I've been craving all week. This week there is a definate tie between Laura Mercier's Hydratint Lipbalm in Crimson and DuWop's Pure Venom in Berry. Laura's hydratints are much more than your average tinted lip balm. They are packed full of lip conditioning ingredients like shea butter, grapeseed oil and green tea extract, perfect for my oh-so-chapped lips this time of year. They also contain SPF (*hint hint*) Crimson gives a very subtle red tint. This is the perfect red for those who are hesitant to go for the Scarlett Johansson ulta-red lips. I liked layering it with Hydratints in Berry too, to get a cooler toned red lip. DuWop's Pure Venom is a completley natural version of the original Lip Venom. They soothe and condition lips as they plump. Pure Berry is a deep cranberry color that is perfect for this season. Not to mention it smells like Christmas and looks like cranberry sauce....hmm I may have been a bit bias when judging the latter, but still love both products!

Until next week, Blushies!

--K

With Thanks

2009-11-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving readers :) Of course it seems obvious, but on this special day, I'm having a hard time thinking of anything other than things I am thankful for! And why fight the feeling when the feeling is right.
I am thankful for
* My profession! I make a living out of helping men & women feel and look amazing. The extra bonus- when I make someone else feel good, I feel good! So believe me, it is my goal to make you feel better about yourself. I'm sure you've noticed that when you spend too much time in the mirror you can pick yourself apart to the point of tears if you forget when to step away. (This is why I call magnifying mirrors the "scary side"). As a professional that sees a lot of skin, I love when I get the chance to offer a new perspective. Whether you think you have eyes that are "too small" a nose that is "too big" or a blemish that is taking over your face, I promise to change your perspective. Like it's been said, "A good lesson in keeping your perspective is: Take your job seriously but don't take yourself seriously." My case and point exactly. Stop in anytime and I'll be happy to offer you some new perspective.
In being thankful for my job I must give thanks to Sarah, Laurel, Paulina, Jodie, Kayti, Nicole, Jenni, Abby & Maggie; the whole blush team for being some of the most fun and inspiring people in my life. It is not an easy task to compile such a team with true integrity, consideration & talent...somehow we've done it. I'm so thankful every day.

*Master Classes @ Blush
...coming again in February! If you have never gotten in on a Master Class, you are missing out! This class is the perfect time to grab a friend or come to make new ones while mastering the art of looking your best at all times. So many women that we work with express that they want to take us home with them to get them ready every morning and evening....well now you can---in spirit anyway! A Master Class is your chance to work one-on-one with a Blush artist to gain the skills & master techniques to put your best face forward on any occasion. Stay tuned to get in, space is limited.

*Most importantly, I am thankful for you. Yes, YOU! You who supports our mission & our vision to make the world a more healthy, happy & beautiful place. Thank you for sharing your smiles & stories when you come in to Blush; thank you for trusting us to take care of you; thank you for telling your friends & sharing the beauty. Thank you for your support.

....Not to freak anyone out, but Christmas is in 4 weeks!! Don't worry, Blush has got you covered. Holiday gift giving guides coming soon....

xxo Rebecca

Limited Edition

2009-11-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

Gotta make the most of the good things while they last!

1. I own multiples of a few of Laura Mercier's brushes, the smudge, the ponytail, the all-over eye colour, the dual-ended eye brush. What I love about this abbreviated collection is the ability of each brush to do its job so easily and effortlessly, giving me an elegantly shaded eye colour application in seconds. Specifically, I'm going to feature the dual-ended eye brush, as it's a limited edition beauty that Laura has just brought back with her latest collection, Club Couture. This brush enables both creme and powder applications due to a nice, just-big-enough, oval-tipped synthetic end (crucial for creme!) and a blend of rounded natural hairs and white synthetic hairs, better known as a "finishing" brush for its ability to buff and blend colour AS it's being applied! This brush coincides with the launch of her high-shine metallic Foiled eye colours, which can be used wet or dry - brilliant indeed!

2. Excited about the brush, but unsure quite how to use it? Blush offers makeup parties for you and your friends after-hours at the shop. Learn how to apply, where to apply, and have a great time getting ready before you head out on the town. $100 per person/redeemable in product, you really can't lose! Which brings me to our incredible freelance team - Jenny, Nicole,
Abby, Kayti, and Maggie. These girls embody everything you expect from Blush: talented artistry, personable attitude, and product and trend-knowledgeable. We are so lucky (I am so thankful!) to have them on our team. They have worked all over the country, are all Laura Mercier trained, and have work featured in prominent local and national publications! Blush has worked to bring you the best products in Milwaukee, and we're proud and pleased to offer premier artists as well.

3. Still looking for the perfect gift? Check out Art vs. Craft this Friday, (11/28 Black Friday!), a once-a-year show devoted to the most original objects d'art available for purchase and made by skilled local indie craftspeople! I always make sure to reserve a portion of my holiday shopping budget specifically for this event! www.artvscraftmke.com I have found one-of-a-kind treasures definitely not to be repeated and not to be missed!

Happy Thanksgiving Blushies!!

xoxo,
Laurel

So good you could eat it!

2009-11-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

I'm obsessed with the Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache body creme. It smells like the yummiest pistachio ice cream there ever was. It reminds me of coming out from the blustry cold into a warm candy store during the holidays and smelling all the sweets combined. A little creme, some almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios all mixed in one. I love dabbing some on my hands and when I'm home later at night the smell is still there. :)

This lovely Creme de Pistache scent also comes in a polishing body scrub with fine-milled pistachio shells to gently give you softer more moisturized skin.

And lastly, for one of my favorite activities for "me time" is taking a bath! This scent also comes in a Honey Bath. The Crème de Pistache Honey Bath is a decadent, foaming honey moisture bath with natural ingredients that leaves the skin feeling clean, fresh and supple. It conditions the skin leaves with a softly scented veil of fragrance after each use.

With the Holidays coming up this would be a great gift for any woman who loves to treat herself without the weight gain. :)

<3
Nicole

Things to be Thankful For =)

2009-11-22T10:25:00.001-08:00

1.) Amazing and loyal clients! Pat yourselves on the back, blushies...without you, we would have never come this far! I think I speak for all of us Blush Girls when I say what a great feeling it is to be able to help someone feel better about themselves. Even the slightest change (tight eye line technique anyone?) can brighten up someone's look. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for being loyal, sharing the beauty with your besties, and most importantly, being the unique, amazing, beautiful individuals that you all are!

2.) A fabulous team of ladies that have given me confidence and kept me on my toes since day one. Each and every one of the blush girls is knowledgable, kind, and GORGEOUS! I cannot thank them enough for all the advice, techniques, and support they have not only given me, but each of their clients as well!

3.) Eye cream. Okay, this one is not as sentimental as the previous two, but without eye cream I would be lost. I am in love with B. Kamins' eye cream since it is gentle enough to use all over the eye, including the lid. I reapply it over make up probably around 2-3 times a day, depending on how dry the air is. For an extra comforting treatment, try filling a bowl with water and ice cubes and letting your eye cream chill for a few minutes. Its a refreshing and easy way to soothe tired, irritated eyes [and is way more chic than putting cold spoons or cucumbers under your eyes...what can I say, I've tried it all blushies ;)]

Wishing you and yours a happy turkey day,

--K

The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful

2009-11-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Blushies!

This time of year is pre-season crunch time for holiday shopping, parties, and being thankful for the wonderful people we have in our lives! I just completed some major holiday shopping over the past weekend, and thought I'd share some great ideas for celebrating those you hold near and dear!

The Good:

Do you have a friend who is totally fabulous but doesn't take enough time for herself? Always on the go, helping friends and family, devoted to her work, but feels that perhaps her beauty routine suffers (only a little of course!) because of it? May I recommend the Laura Mercier Colour Wardrobe? This fantastic little package has the best of everything. 6 fantastic shadows (including a few of my absolute favorites, like African Violet and Celestial) 3 delicious blush shades, 6 lip colours in a range of finishes, and 2 limited-edition lip glazes. This collection of colours gives a girl everything she needs for travel, or to create a dozen different looks for the holiday party season! All for under $100! (retail: $98)

The Bad:

You know you've been guilty of it: staying out too late in smoky bars, not washing off the day's makeup, not moisturizing or masqueing enough, picking pimples when you know you should keep your paws off your face! So if you know you've committed such skincare offenses, chances are you've got a friend who's been just as bad... Treat her right this year with a customized facial from Face Couture! Our aestheticians personalize every facial for the client, giving them the right fit for their skin during any time of year. With such great skin care lines like BKamins, Laura Mercier, OSEA, and Duchess Marden, there's a blend that will pamper and delight even the worst skincare sinner.

The Beautiful:

The holiday season is a great time to create memories, and what better way than to sit for a portrait commemorating a nostalgic and celebratory time of year and your gorgeous face! Jessica Kaminski, is a local photographer who's captured the essence of countless weddings and events, and taken incredible photographs for M magazine, the Milwaukee Ballet and the Milwaukee Bucks among others. Her studio is located in the 3rd Ward just down the street from Blush on fabulous Water Street! If being behind the camera is more your style, she also offers classes and workshops to hone your photography skills! Visit her website and see more of her portfolio at http://jkaminskiphoto.com/

Wishing you well!

xoxo

Laurel

Flipping Through Magazines & Hunting out the Best Products

2009-11-16T10:33:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite things to do when a new magazine comes to my house is page through and look for products that I use. I really enjoy seeing reinforcement behind what I carry in my arsenal. It's always amusing to see the combinations of things that makeup artists and celebrities put together in their own makeup kits as well.

Great Things Seen Recently: The Beauty Blender

The Beauty blender provides the most flawless finish to the face when applying a liquid foundation. It's JUST like airbrush. No streaks, no spots... Just a perfect flawless glow. Ergonomic design fits in hand and to the face for an absolutely easy glide on application around/on the nose and hugs the cotours of the face. Pairs perfectly with Laura Mercier's Silk Crème foundation.

Seen Recently: Laura Mercier's Flawless Face Products

"Before applying any colour, I always prepare the skin first. I create a fresh canvas with a flawless finish. Making your skin look perfect is the first and most important thing you can do to achieve a truly great look. The key is to enhance your natural beauty - whether you use all products together one day, or just a little Secret Camouflage and Setting Powder when you are on the go." - Laura Mercier

Flawless Face is: 1. Foundation Primer, 2. Foundation, 3. Concealer, 4. Setting Powder.

I'll keep you updated on new things I see in the magazines that we carry here at Blush!

Nicole

New Season=New Look

2009-11-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Fall is a great time to change your look, update colors, and refresh your spirit!

With the gloomy weather, we all need something a little fun to perk us up a bit. Laura's new Club Couture collection features super hot silver and gold foiled eyeshadows...perfect for accenting a subtle yet sexy look. My personal favorite of the line is the new gloss! I think I've been subconsciously counting down the days until the After Hours Glace arrived! Its sooo pretty-very light pink, not sticky, and super sexy.

Speaking of glosses I can't live without, we also just got in this great fall gloss balm from Lucy B. It glides on effortlessly and gives your lips a kiss of the perfect fall/winter red. (I'm a gloss junky, what can I say?)

I usually update my hair as well this time of year. It was much needed, after having gone without professional hair color for several months. After admiring Paulina's peacock-inspired locks for quite some time, I finally made my appointment to go see her colorist, Tami, at Erik of Norway downtown. Tami is ABSOLUTLEY FANTASTIC! She gets right down to business, and transformed my dull hair color (not sure what color[s] I even had anymore?) into a warm, medium chestnut brown. I also badly needed a hair cut, but was putting off since I'm trying to grow it out. Tami convinced me to let Shalin re-vamp my hair while I was there. Shalin has such incredible energy and made me fall in love with the bangs that she and Tami insisted I get. I recommend both girls by far, and hope that if any of you blushies have a hair emergency, you'll try the team at Erik of Norway! [And of course, bee-lining directly over to Blush afterwards for new colors to go with your new hair;) ]

*pssssttt!--we have referral cards for Shalin and Tami @ Blush...1/2 off your first service. Ask me or Paulina for details!

--K

2009-11-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

As you all know, I am a firm believer in not doing anything to my clients that I would not do to myself, or have not extensivally studied. I was thinking this the other day as I was contorting myself to wax the back of my upper leg. Yes, that is a hilarious image, after all, we all need a laugh on these grey days! I realized I have not shaved ANY part of my body for over a year! I have saved time, energy and money by sticking to my guns and keeping up with waxing.

It all started last year at this time after the birth of my second daughter. I have a six year old, and now one year old. I did not have the time to take a quick rinse off, let alone an extra 20 minutes to shave my underarms and full leg. So I began the arduous journey/task of growing out my body hair. I folded after about two weeks, and waxed WAY too early to really benefit.(You should have atleast four weeks of outgrowth for the first wax.) I removed alot of hair, but still had the small hairs growing in. But I forged forth, feeling somewhat better that my insanely fast, thick growing hair ( my heritage is Croatian, and unlike my brother, I did not get the swarthy olive skin, I got the massive amount of body hair!) was somewhat tamed. Especially my underarms!

Now, I have to say, waxing your underarms(please, dont call them armpits, that word makes me giggle and think of sweaty men in gym shorts)is wonderful! No dark shadow, clean, smooth skin. And once you start, your hair grows back in lesser and finer, so waiting in between waxes is nothing like the initial grow out stage.

Same with waxing your legs. Even just waxing half your leg, upper or lower, your choice, minimizes time and money. If you choose to wax the upper half you can really stretch out the time in between waxes because it already grows in slower and finer then the lower half. It also helps to create a shiny, smooth finish to your legs. It helps exfoliate as well as remove hair! Looking at pics of my legs since I've started waxing, I've definitely noticed the difference.

It's also great if you are going on vacation. Who wants to shave everyday when they're supposed to be relaxing? It's great for weddings, anniversaries, you name it.

So why am I bringing this up now? This is the perfect time to start growing out! It's starting to be cold and icky, no shorts, skirts or dresses. Perfect cover-up time. Also, if you start waxing in December, you will be smooth and beautiful for New Year's Eve, and by summer next year, you will be good to go, being able to have smooth skin for weeks at a time! You can jump into a swimsuit without worry, and throw on a dress at a moments notice!

Alright ladies, start growing!

Paulina (waxing extraordinaire!)

Beautiful Things

2009-11-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a beautiful sunny day in downtown Milwaukee! There are so many things you cannot count on in life...like the sun in Wisconsin, but there is one thing you can absolutely count on in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward; when you become a blush girl or boy (man or woman!) you get beautiful! You can shop for beautiful things; for yourself or to give as gifts. One example; Stephanie Johnson never ceases to amaze me with the fun and gorgeous designs she comes out with every season. Just when you think it can't get much better, wait until you check out this season's deep purples, oranges, browns & blues. From the light traveler to the over packer, Stephanie & Co. have got the accessory bag for you! Stop in now these beauties don't stay in stock for long.
Speaking of gifts, 'tis getting to be the season for giving! Blush is famous for featuring the works of local artists for jewelry, couture, paintings & prints and what is better than gifting something that is truly one of a kind or specially made just for you! Jennifer Espenscheid is distinguished as a custom artist offering portraits, prints, illustrations, custom art, tattoo designs and the list goes on! I have personally been more than thrilled with the attention, insight and creativity she put into designing personalized gifts for my loved ones. Check out her online gallery http://thesomagallery.com and of course her rotating works displayed in our boutique.
And of course when you shop Blush you can expect beautifully sculpted brows & lashes; speaking of: don't miss out on November's amazing lash extension specials! New clients receive $75 off a set of plush lashes plus $50 off when you re-book for a lash fill. I personally have had lash extensions on for a year now and I HIGHLY recommend Laurel's amazing expertise and attention to detail. You will not be disappointed and I warn you, you will never want to be with out them again.
Another beautiful thing I can personally guarantee is beautiful skin! If you know me, you know that skin health is my passion. Every month I formulate a new facial regime for the season and conditions we currently face...pun intended ;) This month's facial features the Maple treatment. Maple is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid, which helps to restore the delicate cellular structure and sustain skin's moisture balance all winter long. The Facial of the Month is something you don't want to miss out on; the 60 minute service includes major benefits for the skin, much needed relaxation and a complimentary a la carte service of your choice all for only $75.
Speaking of smooth and gorgeous skin, if Paulina's reputation does not precede her, let me be the first to tell you that she has a near cult following for her specialized waxing services. Shapes, colors, or completely smooth, she is your woman.
Shop Blush, beauty guaranteed.

The Time of the Season

2009-11-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hi Blushies,

As the seasons change and we see time marching on before our eyes in the form of waning sunlight, cascading leaves, and falling temperatures, our attitudes and routines change as well. I personally love the opportunity for fabulous fall and winter clothes, the chance to bring out beloved pairs of boots, and I inevitably start contemplating a potential hair color change! Will I end up a redhead in 2009 - time will tell! So I'll be taking this opportunity to tell you about a few things that are defining my Autumn:

1. Does your skin change along with the time difference? Mine does - I start moisturizing like crazy as the cooler weather makes my skin dry out - but usually with the added benefit of a lack of breakouts! Anyone who's talked with me about skincare knows how CRAZY I am about Laura Mercier's Flawless Skin Creme - "pot of gold" "lazy girl's skincare" "my favorite thing in the shop" are phrases I've used time and time again to describe this super-creme! It repairs, it moisturizes, it prevents future damage - I've got girls across the country hooked on the stuff! But this entry is NOT about the creme - but rather its demure little sister, and as of late, my saving grace: Flawless Skin Oil-Free Day Lotion w/ SPF 15.
When this little lotion debuted, I didn't give it a second glance, as devoted to the original as I am - but recently I've started using it in the mornings, and it gives me the same velvety glow, but NO SHINE by the end of the day, which can sometimes be an unfortunate by-product of a great ultra-moisturizing cream. It's the best of both worlds - I don't have to sacrifice my anti-aging routine, and I get SPF and a greaseless glow! Am I learning? I think I am!

2. There was a study done about what scents attract a man when worn on a woman; the men were blindfolded and asked to identify which scents were considered the most "attractive" for a woman to smell like, and hands-down, the scent that won was DOUGHNUTS. We can debate intellectually that we humans are inherently attracted to things that make us feel safe and comfortable, and the combination of sugar and fat produces lots of positive reactions - especially this time of year where we plan elaborate meals chock-full of comfort food! So - logic stands that men react to smells that are indulgent, delectable and utterly pleasurable, all things I'm sure we'd be okay being described as!
Case in point - Laura Mercier's Creme de Pistache Milk Scrub: described as the essence of creamy pistachio nuts, almond, praline and hazelnut nuances and freshly whipped cream are combined for a rich, luscious experience. What I know is that whenever I step out of the shower after a very necessary autumn exfoliation, all my boyfriend says is, "YUMMY".

3. If you're shopping for your 2010 calendar - may I suggest the work of Amy Soczka? She is a fantastic local artist who has exhibited at Blush in the past, and can currently be found online at her blog http://amymarcella.blogspot.com or her Etsy page http://www.etsy.com/shop/amymarcella She has beautiful images, stellar craftsmanship, and is just pretty damn creative - her calendar also can double as a shopping or to-do list when you're done with the current month!

Wishing you a splendid Autumn!
Laurel xoxo

Wedding Bliss (with madness involved)

2009-11-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

My wedding is coming up in 51 days, New Years Eve! I've been thinking about all the things that we have to finish still. I have my dress (SO LOVE IT!) and our wedding rings as of this weekend! I was a little concerned about the timing and things running a little close. As I get closer to the date, I'm thinking about my wedding makeup. As a makeup artist, I figured I could do it myself. I do it every day. But a few friends told me that going about it that way would probably make me crazy to have to do one more thing on that day. So who do you think popped into my head?? The Blush girls! I've seen them do so many fabulous wedding makeup jobs. I would be fully confident that they'd make me as pretty as possible.

To prepare my skin for my big day I've been extra careful with my skincare regimen. I've been wanting to experience some of our Wedding Day Prep Packages. Which to try?

The Purist - Brow tweeze, uplifting rose facial + bright eyes treatment and organic body polish for $150.00

The Realist Brow wax, bikini wax, 60 minute facial + bright eyes treatment,and organic body polish for $225.00

The Goddess Brow & lip wax, brazilian or deep bikini wax, 90 minute luxe facial + bright eyes treatment & perfect pout, organic body polish with infusion. $320.00

I could customize something too... decisions, decisions.
Hmm...Happy Wedding planning. :)
<3 Nicole

Get Beautiful, Give Back!

2009-11-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well Blushies, the season of giving is upon us.

In the spirit of giving, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to invest in your community! This week Wednesday and Thursday is our annual Get Beautiful, Give Back event. Every year, Blush offers clients a complementary make up application/consultation for a $30 donation to a local charity. This year, we're taking donations for the Koss Foundation. Founded by the Koss family, the foundation provides charitable gifts to organizations that focus on personal responsibility, health, education, and the arts. You are also encouraged to bring in your make up bags so we can help you sift through and find out whats not working for you. All gently used or unused make up will be donated to the Meta House, an organization that helps women get back on their feet after substance abuse. Appointments can be made anytime between 1 and 6pm.

Does everyone know about our referral program? If you refer someone to us, they'll get either $5, $10, or $15 off their first service (of $20+, $50+, and $75+, respectivly). Then we'll send you a $5, $10, or $15 gift certificate to use on YOUR next service! So get beautiful and give beautiful this year, blushies!

--K

Graceful Living

2009-11-05T20:19:00.000-08:00

I was literally so busy today that it wasn't until 7:00 p.m. when I finally realized that I had had one glass of water all day.... ONE all day long. As a skin care professional, I know and preach how important it is to take care of yourself...and especially now, in this changing season.
I say it every day; when stress creeps in and you start to take yourself too seriously…Snap out of it and remind yourself what to do! To stop the spiral make time for yourself! Life can gain on you, and I know that if I don't schedule my time; my time will never happen.
I share this because I know I'm not alone. And I'm not asking for a radical change...today it starts with tea.
Yes, Tea! Just try this next time you get ahead of yourself and need to recharge...sit down and savor a cup of warm tea. The key word is savor it! Force yourself to feel better and do nothing!
For at least one moment...
Tea has its deep-rooted traditions for good reason. Tea contains minerals, antioxidants, vitamins and amino acids, which not only help to prevent cancer; they reduce oxidative stress in the body and delay aging!
….This is a smart beverage!
“Have fun and delay aging” are definitely two ideas competing to be my headline…
But maybe they don't have to compete at all because one absolutely leads to the other. More fun = Less stress = Graceful aging.

One of my facial clients recently turned 50 and made a pact with herself to do one thing for herself everyday.
I love it!
ONE THING.
How can that be too much to ask?....We're talking about YOU. One tiny thing. What a great idea, and all of my studies of health and wellness concur, she will have the best year of her life!

The most effective way to prolong the tally mark tolls of your years is to protect yourself from stresses; the internal ones in ways of worry and anxiety (a.k.a. oxidative stress) and the external ones like sunrays and pollution (free radicals)….let me repeat, “Have fun and delay aging!”

I also know that when you refresh yourself, you not only feel refreshed, you look your best! So when you come into Blush to get refreshed, know that when we offer you a glass of warm tea, our thoughts are all about you! When we get the opportunity to make you feel and look more refreshed and beautiful, we gain the same feeling, and that is one fun way to start chipping away at your anti-aging goals... Come relax with us and we'll share some other tricks up our sleeves ;)

You’re happy, healthy, wise & beautiful, Blushies!
xo, Rebecca

5 Years In The Making, and Still Going Strong!

2009-11-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

Ever since this whole blogging thing became popular, I have wanted to write one...But time, Blush, having 2 kiddies and getting married~ all fabulously entered my life.

Excuses? No way- not a day went by that I didn't have an entry to a well thought out excerpt, enter my head (my own personal blog). I can only imagine the hilarious faces and head tilts I've made, when these imaginary postings popped into my head~ what a fake "space bar or exclamation point" looks like or even worse...a, "Yeah That's Right I Said It"...Long story short? I feel like I've been writing this for years.

I've thought about Blush, how I got started, what brought me back to Milwaukee, opening the boutique, realizing and running my dream- and now the present, the reality and our 5 years in business ~ So with that? I'd like to make a toast:

To all of our amazing clients, who have supported our dream by continuing to trust in and believe in our beauty mantra- to the ones who scrapped every last dime for a brazilian, waited a month for a lip stick, and referred 20 of their closest friends...We love you!

To my fabulous team, who have helped me turn Blush into what it has always meant to be, a gorgeous beauty haven-- where beauty, creativity, inspiration, and trust will shelter you from any storm

Lastly, to my homies that have moved on from blush, you are certainly not forgotten~ you helped Blush go from a stack of papers...to fabulous reality!

So that's it, I did it, I wrote it and I meant it! And now I am off to wash my face (with Laura Mercier of course) and catch some beauty sleep~ Next week I promise to gush about my favorite fall products...But for this week, I owed it to myself and to you to show my gratitude and count my blessings for an amazing 5 years and many more to come...

This, my friends, is just the beginning~ kisses, sarah

Damned if I do, Dallas if I don't...

2009-11-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

I just recently returned from a photoshoot down in Dallas which meant lots of time in cramped airplanes, shuffling my kit from location to location, and long days getting the models camera-ready. I learned a few things though while on the road that I wanted to share with all Blushies.

1. Schlepping your makeup essentials from place to place means that not only do you HAVE to HAVE what matters, but you need to keep it safe! I was thanking Stephanie Johnson every day in my head for her well-constructed and totally fabulous makeup bags. Every bag is lined with heavy-duty plastic which means that even if something explodes, the rest of your packed items stay clean! She also includes smaller pouches in her larger makeup bags that totally help keep smaller items sorted and protected. Blush just received a large order of hot new bags from Stephanie for the fall - and I have and took with me the train case in Bora Bora - which I have pictured, but am currently obsessing over the deep-purple patent-leather snakeskin print that we have in stock...get it before I do!!

2. With late nights, early mornings and never enough sleep - your eyes can pay the price. I took down my tired-looking eyes with this one-two punch: BKamins Therapeutic eye cream at night before bed - for darkness under the eye and fine lines, and Laura Mercier's Eyedration in the morning first thing after putting in my contacts - for puffiness - seriously, this cream smoothed me out before I went to breakfast at 6:30!

3. Every woman is concerned at some level about looking good and maintaining those good looks - and models are obviously intensely affected by these concerns. They all ask for tips and techniques, insider info on the best products and where to get them - and while most of us would give our right arm to get paid for looking good - we would take that arm back knowing the pressure they're under! Case in point: I was working with a gorgeous woman who has had 4 (yes, 4!!) kids and was lamenting having gone up to a size 8. Normally we would smack our best friend upside the head for being concerned about looking so great - but this woman's livelihood is at stake, and acknowledging her legitimate concerns and assuaging them is also part of a good makeup artist's job. I realized through talking with her that the main thing she was missing wasn't a beautiful face, or a way to take care of it, but showing herself the same love she shows her family, her friends, and her co-workers. She agreed that she would never say the things she was saying about herself to her sister or her best friend. We agreed that an essential part of every beauty routine is appreciating all the things that make us beautiful: our strength, our kindness, our generosity, our sense of humour! So take the time to look in the mirror and smile at how beautiful you are, Blushies!

xoxo,
Laurel

My Life Needs More Drama!

2009-11-02T10:24:00.001-08:00

Eyelash extensions are huge at Blush! Book yourself an appointment for the month of November and receive $75.00 off your service. (Offer only on Plush sets - 60 lashes per eye, and Full sets - 40 lashes per eye). Book with Laurel today for a fabulous deal and a dramatic new look.

OR -- For the gals on a budget. Here's another way to stay sassy and steal the spotlight.

Celebs and models are suddenly sprouting lashes long enough to knock their Ray-Bans off. The FAST LASH system is a new clump-free lash-fattening product brushed on between coats of mascara to build up length. It works by coating lashes with fuzzy white fibers that cling to wet mascara. Result is kind of like false eyelashes, only much more natural-looking. It's the false lash without having to apply a full strip of them! Gotta give this a try.

More Moisturizing Maple, Please!

2009-11-01T10:17:00.001-08:00

The theme for November is going to be preparing the skin to make it through another chilly winter, and that means making sure your skin receives plenty of moisture!

Maple trees retain enough moisture to stay vibrant and strong even in the harshest of winters, their sweet sap sustains the tree, and replenishes its cellular structure. *Try our Maple Facial this month: $75 for 60 minutes.

To keep up the results of your facial, try using B. Kamin's skin care. Every product contains their patented Bio-Maple Compound, a complex physiological humectant which contains mono and polysaccharides, amino peptides, vegetable hormones, anti-oxidant and anti-aging phenolic compounds and minerals. It physiologically counters the process of moisture loss due to the stratum corneum (protective barrier of the skin) being damaged from both environmental and chronological aging. It rehydrates skin by (1) absorbing and storing moisture from the environment (hygroscopic action) and (2) lifting water from the inner layers of the epidermis to the top layers. Pure AHAs (exfoliating) and anti-oxidants (anti-aging) are infused into the stratum corneum to help speed up the rate at which old, tired skin cells are shed and thus combats the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also protects the skin, due to its natural pH being similar to that of skin itself. By maintaining the skin’s natural pH, it safeguards against germs (micro organisms) which constantly battle to invade and cause skin blemishes and irritations. My absolute must-have products by B. Kamins are the Moisturizing Toner and the Eye Cream.

After you cleanse your face, mist the Moisturizing Toner over your skin. Do not blot, instead apply your moisturizer on top. This will increase the effectiveness of your moisturizer because when your skin is wet, it can absorb more.

Use the Eye Cream day and night. Gently tap cream around the orbital bone. It is also mild enough to be used on the eyelid and can be reapplied over make up without smudging.

Winter-Wonderful Skin Tips

2009-10-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Like it or not, the seasons are a-changing! That first sign of that change is almost infallibly apparent in our skin. For me, it starts with my (now flaking) lips, and the rest of my skin quickly follows suit. As temperatures drop, the air becomes drier, resulting in a dry and dehydrated body. As we Wisconsinites know, winter is a sure thing, so for this season here are some tips to make it a beautiful one for your skin!
1. Beautiful skin starts from within; so keep yourself warm with hot teas that are rich in antioxidants, and hydrated with fruits and vegetables and of course good old H2O.
2. Every skin type will benefit from adding more moisture to their regimen. Look for products that contain humectants, which will bind moisture to the skin. I love B. Kamins moisturizers, which contain Bio-Maple™ compound technology to help fight wrinkles, protect, and enhance radiance throughout the day.
The World Health Organization’s August 2002 Fact Sheet indicated that the snow reflects about 80% of the sun rays, so remember to protect yourself all through the winter with some SPF as well.
3. To keep your complexion fresh and radiant, exfoliate 1-3 times per week (dependent on your skin type and texture) then add a masque to infuse hydration and pull impurities. Duchess Marden’s Damascena Hydrating Masque intensely hydrates tightens, brightens and purifies. Extracts from the ayurvedic senna plant also improves skin’s own ability to retain water.
4. Since your skin’s natural renewal cycle is every 28 days, it is extremely beneficial to assist the process by getting a professional facial every 4-6 weeks. This is will also save you some hard earned cash. When you have a professional consultation, you can start using products appropriate for your skin type; thus eliminating the urge to try everything new on the market.
*Get the most out of your time and money: sign up for the Facial Of The Month at Blush save $10 off a regular 60 minute facial, sign up for a year & also receive a complimentary a la carte service of your choice with every treatment!
5. Take care of all of your skin to avoid that uncomfortable itch and irritation of cracked skin. Avoid showers that are too hot, as they will dry your skin further. Keep your skin conditioned and smooth by adding a polish 1-2 times a week along with an emollient moisturizer after every shower. If you can, opt to take the time to regenerate and refresh your body and senses with an in-spa body polish, which includes massage and essential hydration.
*Try a Body Polish Infusion: $100 for 65 minutes only at Blush.
6. Don’t forget about your poor lips! Switch to lipsticks or lip balms that pull double duty; such as Laura Mercier’s stick gloss which combines a lip balm, lipstick, and gloss to keep you moisturized. For Men & Women my favorite is Lip Balm Spf 20 by B.Kamins Chemist. It repairs, protects & keeps lips smooth.

Another Thought on Hair and the Rain

2009-10-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

For days when it's misting out and there's humidity, wearing hair curly sees like a good plan. Think about how awesome hair looks when you're out on the beach by the ocean, and you come out after with the best beach hair look.

To achieve this look, try Kusco - Murphy. They are an Australian based organic and vegetarian hair care company. 'Beach Hair' brings the beach to your hair. This unique product gives hair texture and body while filling the hair with exotic essences of tropical bliss. A product to recreate the sexy and sensuous ‘just been to the beach’ look, any day of the year. This product incorporates crushed bamboo, bergamot and coconut to form and separate hair to give lasting body to modern styles.

Halloween Hottness this week!

2009-10-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Halloween is less than a week away...is your costume ready? This Saturday, stop into Blush and get totally transformed! Make up applications are only $35 AND they include false lashes! Have another party to attend before the 31st? No worries! Book an application or lesson any day this week and the false lash application fee is waived! Halloween couldn't get any hotter! ;)

This is also the last week to book your appointment for the tantilizing Pumpkin facial.Pumpkin is enzyme-rich, and includes beta-carotene which replenishes your skin’s moisture levels and evens out the overall tone and texture. The perfect way to start preparing your skin for the winter months ahead.

Speaking of moisture, are your lips starting to get dried out? We have the solution! Sara Happ's Lip Scrub + Lip Slip= Super sexy, moisturized lips!
The Lip Scrub gently exfoliates, eliminating dry, flaky skin to leave lips rediculously soft and supple AND comes in three delicious flavors: Cocoa, Almond Creme, and Peppermint. The Lip Slip is a luxurious balm which leaves no color, just the richest, glossiest hydration imaginable. It hugs your lips while conditioning with sweet almond, jojoba, and macadamia nut oils. Wear it all day. Wear it overnight. Let the hydration begin! Stop in to experience Sara Happ...just ask a Blush girl to save your lips!.

Is the Rain Making Your Hair Sad?

2009-10-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it's coming to be that time again, the rainy fall in Wisconsin. Does anyone feel like their hair is a frizzy mess when they emerge from travels to work? Let us recommend a product to brighten up your day. Terax is a hair product line that we carry in our store here at Blush. May we recommend Terax Gloss.

It's an Anti-Frizz gloss that will tame flyaways with it's oil free silicone concentrated serum. It gives supreme shine and does not weigh down hair. You can use it on damp OR dry hair. Which provides you the options of a quick fix during the day. Come in and try some out! Beat those fall hair blues.

Blush Milwaukee Has a Blog Now!

2009-10-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

This marks the very first blog post from Milwaukee's very own Blush(a beauty boutique). We are extending our Internet circle of friends and trying to keep savvy with these "Need for Speed" times! We are excited to be bringing all the hottest tips and trends to you- ripe for your reading pleasure!

Our updates from here on out will be written by each of us here at Blush. A different day of the week = a different Blush cutie. So that way you will get a taste of different opinions, tips, secrets, events, and maybe some super awesome personal events that are just so great we have to share them with our wonderful clientele!

From The Ladies at Blush, we hope you enjoy our blog!