the B. spot

Morning B. spot!

If you are in the North East region of the US then you know about the fab weather that we had yesterday.  I planned to spend the day outdoors with the fam since in the blink of an eye the weather will be back to intolerable.  The hubby also planned for us to be outdoors but somehow our signals got crossed and instead of spending the day in the dog park or something relaxing we ended up doing  yard work.  Now, I am not opposed to yard work when we are paying someone else to do it- raking and bagging the leaves getting hot, sweaty and dusty just isn’t my thing.

My baby girl was totally into whole jumping into the pile of leaves idea so I rolled up my sleeves and made the most of it.  In fact, I thought of it as a total body workout and then I started getting amped (ever hear of runner’s high?  I don’t run but I get the same effect when doing cardio workouts- I become a bit obnoxious but I can’t help myself…it hurts so good:) Anyway, the raking motion was great for my arms and waist while scooping up the leaves worked the lower body…for all of you turning up your nose at the idea of raking (I was in your shoes less than 24 hours ago) let’s look at the positives, shall we?

• It’s a workout that you can do with the family
• It’s a form of multitasking- you’re getting your workout in while cleaning up the yard
• You can make it as easy or intense as you want it
• You feel it at the end of the session

The downside to the Raking Workout is how dirty and dusty you feel- especially if you have a hubby who can’t wait to mow the lawn so you end up getting leaf dust all over- that’s when I called it quits.  I could actually feel the dust penetrating and settling into my pores- if I didn’t get detox fast, my face was going to look a hot mess so I went to my bag of tricks for a quick solution.

I noticed the Wonderbar had still gone unused; I thought to myself, “it’s now or never, let’s see what this bar can do.”     B. spotters, my skin felt so clean and refreshed after using this bar.  It was almost as if I could feel the dust and other gunk being pulled out of my skin.  Now keep in mind that I was filthy so just about and form of cleaning would probably be an orgasmic experience but right then and there, the Wonderbar was my tool of choice.  My face was clean and soft- I was tempted to wash my entire body with the bar until I remembered the cost and decided to stick with Zest!

Science Behind It:

The Wonderbar contains Heilmoor Clay which is a clay from Austria.  The detox factor of the clay is the high level of fumic acid, a natural chelator.  There has been ongoing research leading to metals in your body becoming part of the free radical cycle and damaging cells and other vital structures.  If these metals are bound by chelators then the become nonreactive and become less threatening to your insides.

Most serious detox regimens will have a minor glitch such as a breakout.  Think about it, you are causing all of the metals, gunk, grime and whatever else is lurking beneath the surface of your skin to come out of your skin all at once…Wonderbar warns of what they call “healing crisis” which means that you will experience some form of breakout, dryness, itchiness or peeling.

In my latest Beauty Has a Heart Post, I’m focusing on a subject that hits close to home (no pun intended, really).  I think it’s vital that manufacturers care enough to give back to the people who are supporting their companies by continually purchasing their products.  Out of all of my topics, this category is my favorite because it’s the kind of beauty goes well below the dermis, past the subcutaneous fat (ok, let me snap out of my nerd moment)- it’s beauty that matters:-)

The Gentle Treatment Beauty Center recently installed inside Family Rescue's Ridgeland Housing and Day Care Center located in Chicago.

“No Excuse! STOP the Abuse!” is an aggressive initiative established by Johnson Products Company to assist Family Rescue, an advocacy organization  in  Chicago that helps combat domestic violence against women. Family Rescue provides counseling, emergency shelter, safe housing, legal advocacy and comprehensive support services for victims of domestic abuse.

The centerpiece of the “No Excuse, STOP the Abuse!”  initiative is the creation of a Gentle Treatment Beauty Center inside Family Rescue’s Ridgeland Housing & Day Care facility.   In addition to the Gentle Treatment Beauty Center, the “No Excuse! STOP the ABUSE!” initiative is comprised of other components including:  a four-year $20,000 financial commitment to help fund Family Rescue programs and operations (Johnson Products Company will distribute the funds in annual installments of $5,000); an on-line donation portal and a month-long promotion currently running in select Sally Beauty Supply stores.

Eric Brown, far right, cheif executive officer, Johnson Products Company and Renee Cottrell-Brown, second right, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Johnson Products Company present a check totalling $40,000 to Family Rescue executives in Chicago. The check represents the value of Johnson Products Company's five-year commitment to support the programs and expenditures of Family Resue's Ridgeland Transition Housing & Day Care Center for women and children of domestic violence. Accepting the check are, left-right, Tara Dabney, director of communications and development, Family Rescue, Denise Akapo, director of transitional housing, Family Rescue and Joyce Coffee, executive director, Family Resuce.

“Family Rescue works diligently on empowering women to move from a state of crisis to one of sustainable independence by focusing on areas like trauma recovery, safe, affordable housing, and financial literacy,” said Joyce Coffee, Executive Director. “The Gentle Treatment Beauty Center is a poignant reminder that a survivor’s self-esteem can be greatly enhanced by providing a means to improve her outer beauty.  We are so grateful to Johnson Products and Sally Beauty for giving Family Rescue a unique way to focus holistically on the healing of the women we serve.”

The Gentle Treatment Beauty Center features a wood-crafted contemporary styling station, black and chrome salon chairs, a state-of-the-art wet station, wood trim cabinetry, beautiful ceramic tile flooring and black furnishings. The decor reflects soft and bold shades of purple that are symbolic of the domestic violence movement.  The Center will be stocked with assorted hair care products, and Gentle Treatment care packages (night gowns, person care items, Fashion Fair cosmetics and Essence magazines) as well as supplies provided by Johnson Products and Sally Beauty.

“Following a four year absence from the community, it is most appropriate that we return here, to Chicago to help elevate awareness of domestic violence against women—particularly African American women,” said Brown.  “This is the city where the Johnson Products’ legacy began more than 50 years ago and where it built a loyal and supportive consumer base.  One of our company’s key objectives is to recycle dollars back into the heart of our communities and rebuild roots as a company that genuinely cares about this issue.”  He challenged other community leaders, corporations and organizations to join JPC in the initiative because Family Rescue cannot fight against the rising tide of domestic abuse alone.

This first phase represents the beginning of Johnson Products Company’s commitment to the domestic violence issue.  The company plans to launch “No Excuse! STOP the ABUSE!” in Dallas later this year and in eight additional cities over the next five years.

TTYL,

Ni’Kita

I love to be able to post about the great things that my wonderful industry is doing besides beautifying the world. The beauty industry goes beyond the surface and has a hand in everything from increasing HIV/AIDS awareness, breast cancer awareness to helping women in remote areas of the world make a better life for her and her loved ones.

In this Beauty Has a Heart post, we are highlighting Purple Lab who is participating in “Spa with for a Cure” benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  If you are going to spend $150 to get pampered at the spa, why not let the proceeds go toward a good cause- a cause that will at some point affect everyone reading this post in one way shape or form.  Here are the details…

The Vanier Spa Event Benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Saturday, November 7^th, 2009, 3pm

The Boucarou Lounge

64 East 1^st Street

New York, NY 10003

“Spa for a Cure” – Arrive at 3 pm for a warm welcome, slip into comfortable robes and soft slippers, and embark on a luxurious experience benefiting the cure for breast cancer. Receive top of the line spa treatments (including massage, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures), have your makeup done by exclusive MAC artists, and have your hair styled by world renowned, top notch New York City salons. More details below:

• The Spa for A Cure will be hosted by award winning author Geralyn Lucas, author of “Why I Wore Lipstick To My Mastectomy.”

• Decadent Catering and fabulous treats

• Live beauty blogging in our “Web Lounge”

• Exclusive tables and product boutiques, where all purchase proceeds will go directly to the charity. Enjoy Think Pink Boutiques from jewelry designer Stella & Dot, lip gloss lounge from Purple Lab, purse design by Military Wives, Le Baby products; among other beauty, lifestyle & fashion sponsors.

“I Will Survive” Runway Show, Auction and After Party:

• The “I Will Survive” fashion show:  Watch real breast cancer survivors as well as real life models show off the hottest fashions including Jones of New York, Chandra Wilson, Stella & Dot, Military Wives, Dress Barn, and more. The music will be performed live by up-and-coming musical artists including The Eriam Sisters (Semi-Finalists on NBC’s Americas Got Talent)

• The “I Will Survive” Auction: Enjoy bidding on all of the fashion, jewels and products used and seen on the runway. All of the proceeds will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Some of the sponsors include beautyticket.com, Purple Lab, Nick Chavez salon, Makeover Momma.com, and more.

• The “I Will Survive” After Party: Enjoy live music, dancing, and an open bar! Fabulous gift bags from our great event sponsors including Mai Couture, Skin MD Lotions, 10 Step Makeup Guide, and more.

It’s going to be a great event to benefit brave women around the world who are survivors or currently battling breast cancer.  I will be tweeting live from the event but I really hope to see some B. spotters there!  If you can’t make it to the Spa but would still like to support the cause, Purple Lab launched SWAC, a pale pink and mildly sparkling gloss that supports the work of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.  Follow the link for more info on the inspiration behind swac.

TTYL!

Ni’Kita

A great panel of ladies gathered at a great salon in NY to discuss the documentary “Good Hair” and our hair struggles/acceptance.  Take a look!  www.thegrio.com- Black women ask, “What exactly is Good Hair”

Good Morning B-spot!

I am wide awake and full of energy this morning!  Ok so you guys know that I receive products all of the time- some I use right away while others sit on my shelf taking up space.  Well yesterday I was in desperate need of moisture as my face has been peeling like crazy (thanks to an exfoliating cleanser that I spiked with my favorite chemical peel for a stronger microdermabrasion effect- please, please, please, please, please do not try this at home- I use heavy duty products after this treatment to keep my skin from becoming too inflamed- without it you run a very high risk of totally destroying your skin)

Anyway, I took a power nap during my lunch hour yesterday and woke up to what I can only describe as a large thin whitish flakes hanging from the side of face (gross but accurate)- I couldn’t let anyone see me like that so I couldn’t go into the lab and get the moisturizing cream so I needed to resort to “the shelf”.  Out of everything on my shelf, I opted for the Neutrogena Face Lotion, SPF 20 with Active Copper- it went on light, wasn’t too tacky, wasn’t whitening, didn’t have a strong fragrance and handled the flakes.  I was pleasantly surprised!  Why didn’t I try this product sooner- because the part of the name that I left off was “Visibly Firm”- this is such a turn off to me as I don’t give a darn about firmness, wrinkles, tightening or anything relating to anti-aging.  But this…this is now on my favorites list!

Science Behind It:

Part of the reason why this product goes on so light and absorbs quickly is the high level of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, a powder commonly used in skin care products to absorb quickly into the skin, reduce the sticky feeling during application and impart a velvety end feel to the formulation.  Since my skin is peeling like it is, UV protection is extremely important- I would prefer a 30 or higher but I needed something in a pinch so this  SPF 20 had to do (fyi, my daily SPF product is a 45- gasp).  Even though they use zinc oxide, it is not whitening on my skin so I didn’t look like a ghost- very important…

So just in case you do care about firming your skin, it’s only fair that I discuss the “active copper” in the formulation.  As you may or may not know, copper is already present in our bodies and is pivotal in certain biological processes such as tissue repair and collagen deposition and improving tensile strength (fancy talk for increasing elasticity).  So the question is does this copper really get into your skin and if it does is it ready to be used by your skin?  Copper Tripeptide-1 is being used in this formulation- the theory is that the copper will be transported into your skin courtesy of the peptide shuttle which has an affinity for your skin because of the amino acids making up the peptide.  Once it gets “dropped off” its goes to work.  I happened to have worked for Johnson & Johnson so I know the amount of research and testing (especially clinical testing—people testing) that goes into a product before it’s launched so I have to believe that they saw some efficacy otherwise it would not have been released.  Just be reasonable with your expectations and you shouldn’t be disappointed!