November 2023

Get Smooth for Summer

Who doesn’t want softer skin, especially during the summer? These amazing scrubs will leave your skin noticeably smoother, softer, and healthier. Each one of these favorites gently hydrate your skin ridding it of dirt and tired skin cells.

Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub, $28

This body skin polish has tiny circular scrubbing grains that help to gently exfoliate your skin. Perfect for sensitive skin, the lightly lemon-scented scrub will leave your skin feeling soothed and renewed after every scrub.

 

Ahava Softening Butter Scrub, $20

This body scrub first starts off as a thick creamy body butter. When you add water, it quickly turns into a moisturizing scrub. Exfoliate in a circular motion, making sure to focus on problem areas like elbows and knees. The soft buttery formula will moisturize your skin leaving it softer than ever before.

Moroccanoil Body Butter, $42

The best way to apply this body buff is to scrub on before getting in the shower. Letting the oil soak in will help skin soften, allowing the scrub to really soak deep into the skin. Concentrate on areas that are rough or dry. This scrub is super light and perfect for sensitive and dry skin types.

 

St. Tropez Tan Optimizer Body Polish, $50

This St. Tropez Tan Optimizer is a must have for summer, especially if you are using a self-tanner. Prepare your skin for the perfect summer tan using this light, sugary scrub. It easily removes dead skin cells to brighten and prepare your skin for the best self-tan possible (which can be achieved by using the St. Tropez self-tanning mousse)!

Dr. Dennis Gross Skin Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, $54

Using this daily face peel will quickly become your new best kept secret. It works quickly to even skin tone, visibly reduce pore size, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The added green tea extract helps to smooth, balance, and protect skin. This simple two step process will leave your skin feeling amazingly refreshed. Use it year-round!

Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Retexturizer Exfoliating Scrub, $30

This multi-action retexturizing scrub works wonders and contains moisturizers from sweet almond oils, apricot, mango, and Dragon’s Blood (an all natural plant based aid).  It feels great on the skin, minimizes pores, fine lines and wrinkles too. After a few uses, your skins texture will feel just like it was 10+ years ago.

St Ives Apricot Scrub, $5

This fabulous scrub will leave your skin extra smooth. The gentle exfoliating scrub will carefully remove dirt and oil, leaving your skin acne and blackhead free. It’s a great product for those who are breakout prone. I love the subtle apricot smell (and the price is right too)!

Insider Secrets from Tastemaker Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti

Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti, founder of Vivre, a luxury catalog with an undeniably strong editorial point of view has a distinctively chic and global sense of personal style! Honored as a “mail-order magnate” by Time Magazine and one of Vogue’s “ten most stylish women in fashion,” Eva is one of the original and authentic taste-makers of our time. She was also recently a designer mentor on Project Accessories, a spin-off of Project Runway. The former investment banker launched her fashionable publication in 2001, which has since grown exponentially- reaching more than two million customers each year. The overwhelming success of Vivre and launch of  Vivre.com has much to do with Eva’s emphasis on classic and timeless style. Eva offers her customers an insider look at a luxe lifestyle to go along with her chic finds. I am excited to share some of Eva’s best-kept secrets and her insider tips, tricks and stylish product picks!

MM: What was your inspiration for starting Vivre?
EJL: I believed that I could create a catalog that had a very different perspective towards luxury. I had a lot of passion and a lot of ignorance at the time. There are always 99 reasons not to do something- and always one overwhelming reason to do it; the experience is always worth the mistakes you make along the way. Experience is the word for the mistakes we survive.

MM: How would you describe your personal style?
EJL: Traditional, classic tailored with a twist. I love to wear architectural, well fitting clothing with accessories that tie it all together! When it comes to fashion I am not into the over dressed look.

MM: What are some of your favorite recent purchases?
EJL: I found this long necklace with beads and different things hanging off of it at (Beads of Paradise) an antique store downtown unexpectedly, and a great pair of blush suede shoes by Prada.

MM: What are some of your fashion rules?
EJL: Wear what fits you and not just what’s on the pages of a magazine. If something is the “it” thing, it’s only going to be “it” for a second so go for what suits you best.

MM: Fashion pet peeves?
EJL: A look that is over dressed and over accessorized, and mixing things that don’t work together, flip flops in the city.

MM: What is your go-to outfit for day? Cocktails?
EJL: For day, a great pair of black or grey pants, a well fitted shirt and a leather jacket or blazer with sling backs! For cocktail, an original skirt with an interesting top or a beautiful pair of slacks. I am not a cocktail dress girl-I actually wear more dresses during the day.

MM: What do you wear on the weekends?
EJL:Lots of jeans-I love J Brand, and fun chords or twill pants. I also wear a lot of blazers and cool jackets with a variety of shirts to dress up the look.

Real Housewife Kyle Richards: Lifestyle Secrets and Tips from Her New Book!

Reality TV personality Kyle Richards of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is a mother of four, wife, actor, philanthropist and now author! How does she do it all? I personally caught up with Kyle to find out some of her best-kept lifestyle secrets, tips on how to look camera-ready and her favorite things. As you may know from watching the show, Kyle always has a point of view and loves to share it. She is one of my favorite Housewives!

MM: What inspired you to write Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All?
KR: I grew up in house of all women–my mom, grandmother and three sisters (I actually slept with my mom until I was 15 years old). I was always known as the dating guru–giving my friends and family tips on dating like how to get a guy to call you back. My real inspiration for writing the book is that I want to help women have the best marriage and relationships while looking and feeling their best. If I wanted to write a how-to manual to give to my daughters on having successful relationships, this would be it.

MM: What are three tips or take-aways from the book?
KR:
1. Beauty: I am a girls’ girl and love make-up. If I weren’t doing what I do now, I would be a make- up artist (I always like to do my own make-up). Using individual false lashes takes your make-up to a whole other level. In the book, I share my technique of how to put them on. My favorite brand for lashes is DuraLash.

2. Fashion: Mix and match your fashion with clothing at all price points. I think women should shop smart–if you buy the basics in solids from inexpensive stores, no one will know whether you are wearing Dolce & Gabbana or Zara. Stay away from prints in the less expensive stores. I recently wore leather leggings from H & M for $35.95 on the Wendy Williams show and received lots of compliments on them.

3. Relationships: I have a great marriage but it’s not by accident. It’s a big job and worth it to put in the effort. I enjoy giving people the tools on how to have a great relationship. For example, Mauricio and I have a designated date night. We also like to stay home more nights than out if possible. My daughters certainly have big shoes to fill.

MM: What advice can you give women who are trying to juggle a career and family?
KR: Make things in your life as convenient as possible. One of the things that is helpful for me is having my dog groomer come to my home which cuts down on time spent running around doing errands. I don’t have a chef, nanny or driver so I need to simplify my life and stay organized.

MM: You have the most gorgeous silky hair. What are some of your favorite hair products?
KR: For shampoo and conditioner I like Pantene, and for styling I use Moroccan hair oil to keep fly-aways in place.

MM: How would you describe your overall style?
KR: Relaxed glamour.

MM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
KR: For clothing: Haute Hippie, Parker and Chanel. For shoes: Fendi and YSL. Handbags: I am obsessed with them (and love to collect them). Favorite: Chanel.

MM: What is your “never leave home without” accessory?
KR: Lip Gloss.

MM: You always wear great jewelry. Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers?
KR: Jennifer Miller for costume jewelry. And Nicky Hilton too–I know she is my niece but she really has great things. Jacob & Co. and Loree Rodkin for fine jewelry.

MM: What’s in your make-up bag?
KR: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, eye brow gel (any brand), Bare Escentuals lip gloss, Dermablend cover-up, The Balm Blush in Hot Mama and black Urban Decay eyeliner.

MM: How you do to stay in shape?  Favorite workout?
KR: It’s very hard for me to workout with my schedule. When I have time, I like to go on a hike in the canyons of Beverly Hills or Bel Air after school drop off.

MM: What are your favorite restaurants or nightlife hot spots?
KR: Of course Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants SUR and Villa Blanca. Mr. Chow, La Scala, Il Pastaio, Shu in Bel Air for sushi. I like Frida in Beverly Hills for Mexican.

MM: Where do you and Mauricio like to go on vacation and where do you stay?
KR: I like to rent a house in Lake Tahoe with family and friends and get away from it all. Picnics on the boat, barbecuing, just hanging out with my family.

MM: What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
KR: Hand bags. I am having a hand bag shopping hangover this month. I hope Mauricio doesn’t read this!

For more insider tips from Kyle, order Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All.

This sassy California native was born in Hollywood, California into an acting family. She landed her first role at age four in Disney’s “Escape to Witch Mountain,” where she played the younger version of her sister, child actress and fellow Housewife Kim Richards. Her other sister is Kathy Hilton, mother to Nicky and Paris Hilton. Kyle’s TV credits include “Little House on The Prairie,” “Carter Country,” “Down To Earth,” and “E.R.” Film credits include “Halloween,” and “The Watcher in the Woods.” Kyle is an avid advocate for the fight against cancer, even completing a 68-mile bike marathon last year to raise money to help fight the disease. Kyle is married to the love of her life Mauricio Umansky, one of the nation’s top realtors. Up next, Kyle is starring in the Lifetime original movie, “Deadly Sibling Rivalry,” and is also developing her own handbag line, working on her new lifestyle book, and creating her own skin care line with famed Beverly Hills spa Vera Bella. Her greatest passion, however, is being a mother to her four daughters: Farrah (22), Alexia (15), Sophia (11) and Portia (3). Kyle believes “If you obey all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun.”


Our Favorite Summer Hair Care Products

It’s no secret that getting your hair to look great in the summer can be a big challenge. Sun, sand, salt, chlorine, and humidity take a toll on our hair, and that can lead to a less-than-desirable look. In order to get those gorgeous summer locks, we put these (and so many more) products to the test and did the lathering, rinsing, and repeating for you. We might even have the cleanest hair in New York City!  Read on for our favorite picks for summer hair care, including the old stand-bys as well as the hottest new products available. Tip: It is important to switch off between at least two shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to get the best results.

Shampoo
Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions Shampoo
Pantene is known for being a great and affordable hair care brand. We love the classic clean scent, which is undeniably Pantene. This shampoo leaves you with silky soft and smooth hair.
Buy Now, Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Hair Solutions Shampoo, $4.07

Nexxus Aloe Rid Gentle Clarifying Shampoo
Spent too much time in the pool? Light-haired girls especially tend to suffer from the dreaded chlorine green.  Nothing works like Nexxus aloe rid to get out the green and restore your hair to its natural shine. This product has been around forever but does the job best!
Buy Now, Nexxus Aloe Rid Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, $12.99

Organic Surge Moisture Boost Shampoo for Dry or Frizzy Hair
It’s always nice to go organic and use all-natural products, especially during the summer. For those ladies who prefer to be eco-friendly AND look naturally gorgeous, this lightly scented product really gets your hair feeling clean. It has an incredible beachy almond scent we love!
Buy Now, Organic Surge Moisture Boost Shampoo for Dry or Frizzy Hair, $5.99

Conditioner
Serge Normant Meta Velour Conditioner
This is from Serge Normant’s new hair care collection. Hair feels well-conditioned without any residue.  A great new product to add to your regimen.
Buy Now, Serge Normant Meta Velour Conditioner, $24

Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Conditioner
Herbal Essences products always smell amazing, but this one blew us away with its fun floral scent. It creates the softest, lightest-feeling hair. You won’t believe this product came from a drugstore!
Buy Now, Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Conditioner, $7.49

Terax Hair Care Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner
A tried-and-true celebrity favorite. This daily conditioner deeply moisturizes without weighing down hair and works wonders for detangling.
Buy Now, Terax Hair Care Crema Ultra Moisturizing Daily Conditioner, $48

Styling Products
Living Proof No Frizz Straight Styling Spray
Living Proof is getting exceptional amounts of praise from everyone who tries this product. Spray it on before you blow dry to prevent frizz, repel humidity, dirt, and oil to prolong the life of your blowout. Apply more as a finishing spray without fear of product buildup. This amazing new product really works!
Buy Now, Living Proof No Frizz Straight Styling Spray, $19.99

Sebastian Shaper Professional Zero Gravity Hairspray
This is our go-to hairspray because it provides the perfect hold and sets your style without that crunchy, sticky feeling.  Hair still has lots of movement and you can still run your fingers through it!
Buy Now, Sebastian Shaper Professional Zero Gravity Hairspray, $10.51

Keratin Complex Products
We are obsessed with all the styling products from Keratin that we tried, including the hair spray, styling oil, mousse, root lift spray, and nourishing spray conditioner. This new line of keratin-enhanced products gives you the look of a professionally styled coif at home.
Buy Now, Keratin Complex Products

Dove Flexible Hold Aerosol Hairspray
It can be difficult to find inexpensive hair products at the drugstore that compare to the salon products, but Dove makes it easy. We love the flexible hold and the scent of this aerosol hairspray. A must for keeping hair in place whether it is worn down and polished or up and messy.
Buy Now, Dove Flexible Hold Aerosol Hairspray, $3.50

Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray
Blowouts can leave hair looking dull, especially in the summer. Try topping off your ‘do with one of the great products from the MOROCCANOIL line, like the Gold Glimmer Shine oil for sheen without the grease. Spray a little extra on the ends!
Buy Now, Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray, $25.80

Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is great to use between washes because it removes the oils that build up at the roots, especially during the summer. We also like to use it when styling for added texture (like when we create a fishtail braid).

Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray
This dry shampoo smells citrusy, which is perfect for refreshing “day-two” hair. Plus it goes on clear, not powdery.
Buy Now, Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray, $23

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Aerosol
This dry shampoo has been a favorite of ours for years!  Smells great, and does the job well.
Buy Now, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk Aerosol, $18

T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo
We love this formula because it matches your hair so you don’t have to worry about the telltale white powder on your roots.
Buy Now, T3 Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo, $25

Beach Hair
Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray
Spending a day at the beach is not always convenient when you want those fab-looking beach waves. Capture it at home with Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray  —this product creates those naturally sexy waves that mimic the combination of salt water, sand, and wind.
Buy Now, Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $22

Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves
Fekkai is synonymous with beautiful hair, so it’s no wonder his Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves really creates an authentic look. Spray on damp hair and scrunch for best results.
Buy Now, Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves, $24.48

John Frieda Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner
Everyone can use a little leave-in conditioner after a day at the beach. To nourish and treat your hair while still rocking that fresh-from-the-beach look, spritz this on after shampooing.
Buy Now, John Frieda Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner, $7.95

Thinking of changing your look? Check out our at-home coloring tips for hot and healthy hair, or try pairing these products with one of our favorite summer styles!

Best Beauty Products from Around the World

Many of the best skin and hair products use natural ingredients from around the globe.  Some of these magical ingredients have been used for centuries. Here are some amazing products to try:

Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar 7.8 oz
This looks like a bar of soap except it is made from 100% Umbrian clay! It can be used as s deep cleanser or to calm irritations like rosacea, blemishes and ingrown hairs.  It also absorbs toxins due to its high mineral content.  I like to use it in the t-zone area where oil builds up and find that it works extremely well (especially for spot-treating blemishes).  Umbrian Clay, found only in Nocera Umbra, Italy, also has anti-inflammatory properties.  The basis of therapeutic treatments for centuries dating back to the 6th century B.C., Umbrian Clay has been known to clear pores and brighten complexions.
Buy Now, $38


Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream
I love this styling cream because it contains argan oil and has all the benefits of the original MORROCCANOIL treatment for hair but is not greasy (and smells amazing).  Use about a dime size amount in wet hair each time before styling and it will protect it from the wrath of the harsh styling tools we all love to use.  It hydrates the hair perfectly and is my go-to styling product of choice.  Argan oil, found in Morocco is produced from the kernels of the argan tree that only grows wild in semi-desert soil.  The rare oil is renowned as a hair, skin and cuticle treatment for its hydrating properties and vitamin content.
Buy Now, $32.39


Desert Essence Tea Tree Replenishing Shampoo and Conditioner
This therapeutic formula heals and treats the scalp and preserves hair’s natural emollients.   I love how the shampoo and conditioner smells minty and fresh.  Plus, it leaves hair feeling super clean and shiny.  Tea tree oil, which hails from Australia, is taken from the leaves of a plant which is native to its northeast coast.  It has many beneficial medical properties and is commonly used in Australia as an antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-fungal.
Buy Now, Shampoo, $8.99 and Conditioner, $8.99


Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Face Cream
Kiehl’s recently introduced this anti-aging moisturizer formulated with the rare rosa artica or “Resurrection Flower,” as its main active ingredient.  This new product promises to repair cells, reduce lines and wrinkles, and protect skin from future damage.  I enjoy using it regularly because it makes my skin feel firm and hydrated. Rosa artica is a plant that grows in the mountains of Bulgaria and the secret lies in the flower’s ability to retain water within the cell which is why it can survive for approximately 30 months without any water.
Buy Now, $60


Ahava Purifying Mud Mask
This product is a deep cleansing mineral mud mask that contains purifying qualities and clears skin of excess oils and blackheads. Face masks are the ultimate in pampering the delicate skin on your face—this one dries in only two minutes so it’s easy to make time to treat yourself.  Most importantly, the mask contains many of the soothing ingredients found in the waters of the Dead Sea located in Israel. The Dead Sea provides one of the world’s highest concentrations of healthy minerals for the skin.
Buy Now, $30

Buy Moroccanoil Treatment, $40.80

moroccanoil-treatment-250

Buy Moroccanoil Treatment, $40.80, at Moroccanoil

  • Weightless styling product that adds shine and restores damaged, dry hair
  • Argan-oil infused formula with vitamins A, E, and F
  • Absorbs in seconds for softer touch