Buzz Word: Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is an anti- oxidant from the micro-algae, Haematococcus. When applied topically, it is 1000 times stronger than vitamin E for lipid peroxidation, 550 times stronger than vitamin E, and 40 times stronger than beta- carotene for singlet oxygen quenching. What does that mean? It means it helps improve skin naturally without harsh chemicals and helps to fight the effects of the aging process by fighting free radicals. It protects the skin from sun damage with anti- inflammatory properties that reduce burn levels after UVB exposure. It contributes to the reduction of hyper-pigmentation and fine lines/wrinkles. Astaxanthin also maintains moisture in the skin, without being comedogenic.
For years, EVE PEARL Cosmetics has been using this powerful anti-oxidant in her cosmetics. Astaxanthin is the micro-algae that Salmon eat to give them the energy and stamina to swim upstream, it also gives them their pinkish color. This is the basis of EVE PEARL's famous 'Salmon Concealer' (which contains Astaxanthin) and has a pinkish/orange color to counteract blue under-eye circles. You can find Astaxanthin in her foundations and moisturizing primer, too.
It now seems that major Skincare labels are now realizing the potential of Astaxanthin for beautiful skin, too. Recently, both Dr. Perricone and Dr. Brandt have jumped on the Astaxanthin band wagon by incorporating it into some of their latest products!
It is also worth mentioning that Astaxanthin can also be taken internally to help keep skin youthful, while also providing the body with increased energy/stamina and reduces pain in joints and muscles.

Miracle Product!

Dr. Brandt's Dark Circles Away has already been featured in the media as his latest miracle product. Dark Circles Away is an instant brightening eye serum that boosts collagen levels and stimulates microcirculation to decrease the look of: dark circles, tired, puffy & hollow eyes, lines & wrinkles, and under-eye bags. I bought it, used it, and it worked INSTANTLY! I was totally blown away! My under-eye area is brighter and I look healthier. I love it!

BEDFORD STREET LAUNDRY

Founder and designer, Jessica Yuen is a Queens-raised native New Yorker. She studied at Stuyvesant High School before pursuing fashion design at Parsons School of Design. She interned extensively at Donna Karan, Teen Vogue, and Mischen; and spent her junior year abroad at Parsons Paris. However, it was the internship at CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Ohne Titel that she credits for giving her a real glimpse at building a brand where originality and craftsmanship comes first.
After Parsons, Jessica began to explore the world of styling at New York Times T Magazine and Albright Fashion Library as well as interning for stylist Alistair McKimm. Within a year, she began producing custom pieces for several musicians including Sean “Diddy” Combs.
In 2009, Jessica’s family sold BEDFORD STREET LAUNDRY; the West Village landmark that funded her design education. It became the brand’s namesake and a lasting tribute to the company’s modest beginnings. The Fall 2010 capsule collection marked the launch of a brand that not only focuses on fresh shapes and unexpected details but also honesty and a good dose of humor.
Jessica is a genius fashion designer! I love ALL her pieces. They are creative, intricate, and beautiful. Talent like Jessica's doesn't come very often.
www.bedfordstreetlaundry 


Become a fan of the BEDFORD STREET LAUNDRY page! 


Once you see her work you will know why I am OBSESSED WITH HER PIECES! 

Neuma Haircare

Hey all!
I am totally in love with Neuma. A new line of professional hair care products! Before I started using it I couldn't even run my fingers through my coarse hair! The best part? Neuma is all renewable, beneficial plant-based ingredients, and certified organic extracts. FREE OF synthetic fragrance, sulfates, parabens, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, glutens, neurotoxins, aluminum compounds, glycols, formaldehyde donors, ureas, carcinogens, environmental pollutants - a truly sustainable brand. And, it REALLY works! You will LOVE it!

I love Angelrox's THE WRAP!

My new obsession is Angelrox's THE WRAP! I first came across this genius wrap at StyleFixx NYC, a shopping event, where I met the owner of Angerox who introduced me to her wraps (and other cool clothing). I HAD to have one. The owner could not have been any kinder, and with THE WRAP she proves to be insanely inventive! Do you want a skirt, dress, vest, top, or shawl? Do you want it long, short, or somewhere in between? Sleeveless or short sleeve? You decide with this wrap! Crafted in Brooklyn, NY. and made of Eco-friendly fabric, you can make a million different outfits out of one piece! I have already bought two for the summer. They are great for traveling because they never wrinkle and are simple to pack. Plus, with all the variations you can wear it more than once and nobody will know you're wearing the same thing! Get yours now at www.thewrap.info! You can also become a 'fan' by visiting the Angelrox Facebook page! Things like this make me so happy. <3 Love, Ash xo

Dream On!

I like Steven Tyler on American Idol. But, more than that I love his style. He has always worn cool jewelry. But now, his accessorizing has reached his head. Literally. When the season first started, I turned to my friend and I said, "Is that a feather in his hair?" and he said, "Yeah. Why does he have that?" and I said, "Because he's Steven Tyler." LOL. Obviously, I am not the only one who picked up on this, because the request for feather hair extensions and earrings has become very popular. I am really liking this trend. What about you guys? 

Simple Tips For Healthy Skin

Hey Everyone!

Here are some simple (but VERY important tips for healthy, beautiful skin), Other than the obvious wash and tone!

1. Don't smoke. Not only does it give you cancer, but your skin will turn wrinkly and saggy. You can always tell who a smoker is by the old leather look. So, unless you want your face to look like an old Gucci bag don't smoke and limit your exposure to smoke.

2. NO TANNING. It's worse for your skin than smoking! It gives you cancer and makes your face ugly. You will have hyperpigmentation, sun spots, deep wrinkles, and unrepairable damage. It's the number one thing that ages you. Prevention is the best medicine. Wear sunscreen everyday. It's so worth it!

3. Make your dermatologist and facialist your best friends. They can do things you never dreamed of. Just make sure your Derm and skin specialist are top-notch.

4. Use a Retinol product every night. I'm a big fan of Retin-A. Retinol is Vitamin A derivative that speeds cell turn over. It helps with acne, pigmentation, and wrinkles. It's a win-win. The earlier you start the better!

5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Even only skin needs a good moisturizer. Day and night... No exceptions. Look for Hyaluronic Acid, peptides (like Copper and Matrixol) and
essential fatty acids (Omega 3 & 6), collagen, and so on.

6. Every morning use an anti-oxidant serum. Serums penetrate better than creams. Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Aplha-lipoic acid, grape seed, green tea, Vitamin A, Ferulic, Astaxanthin, and so on.

7. Use a good eye cream! This is the most delicate part of the face and first to show signs of aging. Don't forget to moisturize your lips, too!

8. I can't mention this enough: sunscreen everyday, at least SPF 30! Don't forget your neck, chest, and hands.

9. Exfoliate: Enzymes, beads, Alpha-Hydroxy acids, and peels are the way to go. Skip if using a Retinol product.

10. Take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally. Stress and an unhealthy
lifestyle show up on your face. Get plenty of sleep, eat well, exercise, spend time with the people you love, and take the the time to do the things you enjoy! Learning to manage stress helps too!

11. Last, but not least, we cannot forget hydration. Dehydrated skin is a prominent problem among many people. You have to hydrate from the inside as well as the outside. So, along with your moisturizer, drink lots of water, limit caffeine/alcohol, and eat foods with high water contents (like veggies and fruits).

Hope that's useful! Remember, your skin is the canvas for your makeup!

xox
Ashley