Japan Takes Another Artful Spin on Lashes via Customizable, Area-Targeted Length, Thickness, Volume, Color and even, Curl Angle…Glitters and Jewels are Optional

R's Eyelash Design (r-eyelash.com) New York, introduces a customized, high-design approach to eyelash extensions. The first and only salon dedicated to the artistry of designing eyelashes that best fits clients, R’s Eyelash Design technicians customize the following to make lashes the ultimate accessory to accent and enhance the daily look:

• Curl shape -- 3 types (J-curl/ C-curl/D-curl)
• Thickness & Volume – 4 types (0.1, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25,)
• Length – from 8mm-15mm
• Colors – 9 options (yellow, red, green, pink, blue, purple, wine red, dark brown, white)
• Glitter extensions – 5 color options
• Jewelry extensions – 5 stone options

Customization is based on the shape of face, shape and size of eyes, existing lash condition and shape, as well as the resulting look desired -- the countless options, tailored to meet each client’s need, is a far cry from traditional lash extensions offered throughout this city that adhere to a restrictive formula only based on quantity.

The weightless natural lashes last about 3-8 weeks and ranges from $90 to $200, making R’s Eyelash Design affordable and a major time-saving essential for all busy, style-conscious New Yorkers. The salon uses unique and highly selective products such as silk lashes, quick-drying yet gentle liquid glue, precision tweezers, special bejeweled lashes, all made and imported from Japan to maintain the superb quality and longevity of each masterpiece.

Specially trained professionals, mostly from Japan, service each customer with a traditional Japanese-sense of hospitality, in a clean, sleek yet cozy environment. The technicians adhere lashes one-by-one, 1-2 mm from the hair root, selecting from the various lengths, volumes, color and shapes to enhance, brighten and define the eyes. For example, the "SEXY" look results from accentuating almond-shaped eyes by using curly and long lashes on the edge of eyes, while the "CUTE" look is created by using long curly lashes over the center of the eyelids to accentuate the iris of the eye to make eyes look rounder and bigger. The process takes only 1 to 1.5 hours – depending on the quantity.

Perfect for weddings and parties, R's Eyelash Design is also the only salon in the U.S. to offer so many colors, glittering lashes, or lashes inlaid with exquisite jewel stones in various shades.

"We hope to revolutionize the culture of American eyelash extensions into a design form that is easy for every girl to incorporate into her monthly routine,” says Rika Uematsu, CEO of R’s Eyelash Design. “In addition to providing personalized eyelash design, our mission is to start educating other technicians in the U.S. and share our specialized Japanese products so that every woman in the country can start to have fun with their lashes.”

Eyelash extensions range from $90 for 80 pieces (40 pieces each) to $200 for 200 pieces (100 pieces each). Glittering extensions are $8 and jewelry extensions are $10 per piece. Color eyelashes and lower eyelashes are $1.50 per piece. Touch-ups and removal are also available.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a typical “average day” for an American includes 9 hours at their job, 8 hours sleeping and about 2 hours caring for others, eating and performing household chores. It comes to no surprise that a new trend has emerged where many people are using their lunch hour for appointments rather than eating.

Dr. Mitchell Chasin, Medical Director of Reflections gives us the run down of his own lunchtime bookings;

1. ACNE– Acne is not a teen condition; it actually affects 25% of adults in their 30s and 40s. Fortunately, acne is treatable and several powerful laser options are available. Combining the Vbeam Laser, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and neutralizes the acne forming bacteria, with Fraxel reduces the appearance acne scars.

2. WRINKLES – Dermal fillers and innovative treatments like Fraxel, ePRIME or eMatrix all have been clinically proven to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating the production of new collagen.

3. SUN SPOTS – Brown spots not only look unhealthy, they make many women feel older. Fraxel, eMatrix and Q-switch lasers reduces the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles caused by the summer sun

4. HAIRY SITUATION – Whereas shaving, tweezing, depilatories and waxing are all temporary; laser hair removal offers a permanent method to remove unwanted hair. The FDA has cleared Lasers for permanent reduction of unwanted hair and the results are excellent.

5. SKIN REJUVENATION – As you age, your skin’s collagen and elastin begin to break down faster than you can rebuild them, making your skin look tired and less radiant resulting in noticeable wrinkles and lines on the forehead as well as nasolabial folds. State of the art laser technologies, like Fraxel Re:pair, GentleYag or Photodynamic Therapy Rejuvenation have been clinically proven to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

We are very excited to announce that the BABOR Collection, including their Baborganics, HSR® de luxe and Face Design Make-up line have won our Best Spa Product of 2012! This ultra trendy and super sophisticated line has everything that is needed for a successful brand to win.

Since the creation of it's signature product HY-OL in 1956, BABOR has been a brand known for natural cosmetics. BABOR intends to place more emphasis on the natural aspect of it's products in the future philosophy, and is well-placed to excel in the current major organic trend.

In keeping with their green philosophy, BABOR introduces its most natural brand to date in the form of Baborganic - a line of organically-based face and body care products. Created completely free of dyes and scents, animal proteins, parabens, petroleum-based products, irradiated ingredients and genetically modified raw materials - baborganic is 100% organic.

The products contain ingredients such as natural extracts from certified bioproduce, plant-based emulsifiers and raw materials certified by Ecocert, one of the largest organic certification organizations in the world.

Face Care Products from the Baborganic Line

Crystal Face Scrub $32.00

A sugar and oil peeling. Contains exfoliant grains of extremely pure sugar crystals to remove dead, superficial skin cells. Valuable, natural meadowfoam seed oil conditions the skin, while white lentil extract revitalizes the skin, giving it a fresh and revitalized appearance. Active ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, edelweiss, exfoliant grains made of sugar, white lentil extract.

Calm & Relax Cream $75.00

A moisturizing face cream for sensitive skin. Calms and relaxes the skin. Makes irritations and redness subside and boosts the skin´s resilience to external influences. Active ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, edelweiss, glacier water, white lentil extract, milk proteins, allantoin, panthenol, bisabolol.

BABOR Body Care Products

Wake up Shower Gel $32.00

An invigorating shower gel. Refreshes and invigorates the skin. Active ingredients: glacier water.

Refining Body Salt Oil Peeling $35.00

A salt and oil peeling with mineral-rich rock salt. Contains selected oils that condition the skin even during exfoliation, leaving it soft and supple. Removes dead superficial skin cells. Active ingredients: edelweiss, white lentil extract.

Revitalizing Body Lotion $36.00

A revitalizing body lotion. Supplies intensive moisture and strengthens the skin´s resistance to external influences. Active ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, edelweiss, glacier water, white lentil extract, milk proteins.

Wellness Candle $65.00

A white fragrant candle. The wax can be used as a massage balm or as an intensive body moisturizer.

BABOR HSR® de luxe - A Cosmetic Masterpiece

The New Dimension in Anti-aging

You can’t discover something new without asking questions first. That’s why BABOR’s daily research consists of asking many questions and getting some convincing answers. BABOR research has been asking itself one particular question for the last 50 years: why does skin age? To find the answer the BABOR Research Team continued to question prevailing theories and combined results. The answer was finally found in the genes; in the chromosomes.

With this knowledge they created a cosmetic masterpiece that combines natural high performance active ingredients with the newest scientific findings; the anti-aging series HSR® de luxe.

HSR® de luxe ultimate anti-aging cream $155

This luxurious anti-aging cream with Aloe vera provides moisture and hyaluronic acid binds it to the skin. Natural oils like macadamia nut oil, almond oil and avocado oil as well as panthenol care for skin, making it supple and smooth. The effective “radical catcher” vitamin E completes the active ingredient crew. Contains HSR® Lifting Integral Complex, HSR® Telovitin and black pearl essence.

HSR® de luxe ultimate anti-aging cream rich $165

This rich anti-aging cream with shea butter for dry skin balances out the skin’s hydrolipid layer. Dry skin gets especially intense care and precious lipids from selected jojoba, almond and grape seed oils. Panthenol calms stressed out skin and vitamin E serves as an effective “radical catcher”. Contains HSR® Lifting Integral Complex; HSR® Telovitin and black pearl essence.

HSR® de luxe ultimate anti-aging serum $175

This highly effective serum bestows a luxurious dose of precious HSR® on the skin and has an especially long lasting effect. The serum can be used as a sole treatment for sensitive combination skin or oily skin. The serum calms skin with aloe vera. Squalane strengthens protective skin barriers, while almond oil and panthenol care for skin, making it supple and smooth. Vitamin E, an effective “radical catcher” completes the composition of active ingredients. Contains HSR® Lifting Integral Complex; HSR® Telovitin and black pearl essence.

BABOR Face Design Collection

Two glamorous beauty professionals with more than 70 years of combined beauty expertise have united for one vision: make-up that is more than just color. World renowned make-up artist Peter Schmidinger has developed an exclusive new collection for BABOR Cosmetics called The BABOR Face Design Collection.

As one of the leading skin care brands worldwide, BABOR sought to create a collection that would not only make the skin of every woman look beautiful, but more importantly - care for it with ingredients found in some of BABOR’s most effective products. This new range offers protection, treatment, regeneration and color all in one thanks to the active “lifting” ingredient complex specially developed for the line. Samphire extracts help regenerate, Vitamin E effectively protects from free radicals, and Lupine Oil regenerates and protects the skin barrier. The amino acid complex L-PCA also gives additional moisture.

Foundation & Powder

Age Conceal Foundation $42

The Anti-Age Foundation fluid regenerates all skin types with live pumpkin and retinol cells. Light dispersing pigments visually conceal lines and give natural UVA protection.

Face Design Concept

Super Soft Duo Blush $35

Dual colored powder blush with a filler effect. With the two colors you can effectively brighten and add shadows. The different sized powder particles fill up lines giving the face an even complexion. It protects, treats and regener- ates thanks to its lifting complex. Does not contain methylbenzene or formaldehyde.

Maxi Definition Eye Brow Pencil $12

The eyebrow pencil for easy eyebrow tracing that does not smudge. Comes with a handy brush at the end of the pencil.

Eye Make-up

Advanced Eye Shadow Base $17

Eyelid foundation with a super soft cream- to-powder texture. It covers small blood vessels and redness, prolongs the wear of eye shadow and prevents build up in the crease of the lid.

Super Soft Eye Shadow  $22

Silky eye shadow made with plant oils, beeswax and wheat starch. Great cover- age, long lasting and makes the eyes shine. The lifting complex offers protection from environmental stress while treating and regenerating the skin.

Maxi Volume Mascara $26

Thanks to the innovative elastomer brush the MAXI VOLUME MASCARA provides more volume and guarantees perfect lash definition. For beautiful, expressive eyes.

Lip Make-up

Ultra Performance Lip Colour $25

An innovative new formula with a visible lifting effect. It creates a thin film without sticking or just lying on the surface. High gloss, long lasting and very true color. The lifting complex protects the sensitive skin of the lips from environmental stress while treating and regenerating it.

To learn more about our Best Spa Product of 2012 and all of the Babor Collections, visit BABOR.com.

Holly Douglas is a seasoned professional with a plastic surgery and med spa background. As a licensed esthetician, she has performed a spectrum of light based therapy skin care treatment using premium medical products. She has studied nutrition and detox treatments to build a comprehensive holistic skin care program. Plus a shrewd business eye to coordinate such touted start-up, including snaring the spa space.

Pithy charm...exposed brick in the historically preserved "Penny Furniture Building". Urban, yet urbane. Sophisticated coastal chic amid vintage furnishings, including an antique Japanese bar. This is a bodacious bohemian bottega.

Now some narrative about this supernal spa and state-of-art med spa services. Of course, the salon and spa will feature usual menu: facials, massage, waxings. Hair + make-up, and also men's services.

Our cutting edge med spa will feature: anti-aging and wrinkle removal, skin tightening, light based hair removal, acne care and brown spot reduction. Also other spa esoterics as cellulite reduction and vein removal. Our team includes a board certified plastic surgeon that performs procedures such as botox, juverderm®, and radiesse® + consultations.

In this age of web-based interactive search tools, customers expect to be able to retrieve product data anytime and anywhere. Quick and direct access to in-formation is vital. To provide its clients with such online information Symrise has developed a comprehensive database – SymSelect®. At symselect.com, users can search for cosmetic ingredients. Information about the latest developments, product launches, current topics from the cosmetics world, and new emotive or concept presentations can also be accessed. As an interactive tool, SymSelect® offers various search possibilities. Besides the classical route of directly typing in the Symrise product or plant name re-quired, an advanced search tool allows additional search criteria such as INCI name, CAS number, or plant name to be entered, in different languages. Two unique visual search platforms provide users with an overview of the in-gredients market. One platform concentrates on naturals with categories such as fruits, flowers, woods, etc., dividing these into sub-categories such as ber-ries, stone fruits, nuts, etc. For each of these sub-categories, SymSelect® sug-gests the appropriate Symrise product. The second platform focuses on the search by marketing concept with a wide spectrum of categories such as anti-aging, sensitive skin, traditional medicines (e.g. ayurveda, TCM), targeted age groups (e.g. young and mature skin), and many more. Additional filter criteria can be utilized to narrow down the selection. These in-clude product properties, formula aspects, registration status, geographical origin, etc. Rounding off the search engine’s functions are detailed product summaries and presentations and the online ordering of samples. “Our customers benefit from SymSelect® in many ways,” says Manfred Axterer, Global Product Director Cosmetic Ingredients and Project Manager SymSelect® at Symrise. “They can find a wide variety of information on our products on the internet exactly when they need it. This significantly decreases the time from request to answer. The combination of technical, visual, and marketing-driven information and the ability to select personal search criteria make our tool really special.” “We have launched SymSelect® to give our customers modern, fast, and inter-active access to our Life Essentials product portfolio,” adds Dr. Klaus Stanzl, President Life Essentials at Symrise. “We had the idea to create a tool that pro-vides our customers with broad knowledge of our products and to enable them to select products according to their needs. With this tool, we have launched a state-of-the-art and highly customer-focused means of communication.”

There is exciting news that Syneron has just launched a new laser device and treatment protocol for comprehensive facial rejuvenation! It made it's worldwide debut at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Conference in Washington DC recently. And they have set a new facial rejuvenation standard with the unveiling of eTwo.

eTwo combines the unique Sublime™ and Sublative™ applications for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The eTwo is FDA cleared and CE marked for dermatological procedures requiring ablation, resurfacing and wrinkle treatment.

Sublime™ uses the elos™ combination of safe and effective levels of infrared light and bi-polar radio frequency energies to remodel the deep dermal layer of the skin by stimulating new collagen growth. At the same time, Syneron's revolutionary Sublative™ fractionated bi-polar radio frequency technology places heat energy in the upper layers of the dermis allowing for a significant increase in collagen and elastin production for a brighter and smoother complexion.

This Sublative breakthrough technology offers a high dermal impact with low epidermal disruption. Together, these two new applications, technologies as one device and as one treatment protocol are taking skin rejuvenation treatments leaps beyond anything currently on the market.

Today's society is filled with cosmetic and aesthetic procedures done everyday. With 13.1 million cosmetic procedures done in the United States alone, it's a jungle out there. We caught up with Dr. Mitchell Chasin - the Medical Director of Reflections in New Jersey, to have an insiders guide into the world of cosmetic surgery.

JacquelineLuxe: Dr.Chasin can you please share with us the latest trends in laser and aesthetic technology that are being practiced today?

Chasin: Technology is always advancing in the world of laser and aesthetic medicine, and right now skin rejuvenation and non-invasive body contouring are very hot. On the facial rejuvenation front, one of the newest technology is Syneron-Candela’s ePRIME.

ePRIME uses a set of micro-needles to deliver radiofrequency energy right into the layer of skin where it’s needed most. It helps to promote the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, providing smoother, fuller and tighter looking skin in one single treatment. On the non-invasive body contouring front, we’re seeing good results using Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting technology, and we’re expecting some other very exciting devices in 2012.

JacquelineLuxe: It seems as though cosmetic procedures are ever more popular, with both women and men having more aesthetic works done. Dr. Chasin what would you say are the most popular treatments clients are receiving these days?

Chasin: BOTOX continues to be the most popular treatment, mostly because everyone has heard of it and it has such a great track record of success and safety. Once people come in and see all the other things we can do for them, they’re hooked! Facial rejuvenation technologies like Fraxel, eMatrix, Ulthera and ePRIME are very popular, and we also see many people who are interested in Laser Liposuction.

Also, we’ve pioneered a new technique for treating excessive underarm sweating called AxiLase, which is drawing people from all over the country. And it’s not just women – our practice is seeing more and more men who come in looking to stave off the signs of aging and gain a competitive edge in the dating world and at work.

JacquelineLuxe: There are always the 'Do's & Don'ts' with any aesthetic procedure. Dr. Chasin, can you share some tips with our audience as to the correct and safe approach with having a procedure done.

Chasin: First off, Google is your friend. Google the condition you want treated. Google the procedure you’re interested in. Google your doctor and read the reviews. A little research can save you a lot of time and trouble. You also want to call the office and ask how many devices your doctor owns. It is important to look for a doctor who is committed to aesthetic medicine, and the number of lasers she or he owns is an indication of their investment in the field.

Also, many doctors have a single do-all laser in the office that does many things, but does few of them well. Ask a few questions to make sure that you’re getting the best technology available to achieve your aesthetic goals.

During your consultation, be sure to ask about how many times the doctor has performed the treatment, ask to see before and after pictures of that doctor’s patients (and not ones supplied by the aesthetic companies) ask what the treatment feels like, ask how much downtime you can expect and any other questions that will help you make an informed decision.

Finally, trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel right, find a different doctor. Don’t be afraid to walk away.

JacquelineLuxe: Acne is not only a teenage skin disorder, but it still affects both women and men in their adult years. Is there a cure out there, besides the regularly endorsed benzoyl peroxide skin treatments? And how can we effectively take care of acne with one of your procedures?

Chasin: There are a variety of laser and light sources we use to treat acne. Treatment recommendations are based on type of acne, skin type and whether scars are present. A very powerful treatment option is combining the Vbeam Laser, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and neutralizes the acne forming bacteria, with Fraxel to reduce the appearance acne scars.

JacquelineLuxe: The holidays are upon us, and it's time to be looking our best! Dr. Chasin, what types of procedures would you recommend to perk up our skin and make us look fresher!

Chasin: For a quick fix, I recommend Botox and dermal fillers, which can dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles in short period of time. For even more profound results, I recommend a series of skin resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel or eMatrix, which will reduce the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles which were caused by the summer sun, especially when combined with Q-switched lasers.

But of course the best way to look great during the holidays is to smile and make merry with your friends and family. Nothing makes someone look better than happiness!

To learn more about Reflections medical procedures, visit reflectionscenter.com.

When beauty meets upmost perfection

The original 13 members of the Valmont Prestige SPA Club belong to the “Who’s Who” of leading luxury hotels of the world, including the “Dorchester Collection”, “The Leading Hotels of the World”, “Relais & Châteaux” and other 5-Star luxury hotels and resorts. These hotels feature their own spas with a peaceful and elegant ambiance. “With this Club we wanted to revive the tradition of the true Luxury Hotel” says Didier Guillon, President of the Valmont Group. “The Valmont-Clinic, the origin of the Valmont cosmetic brand treated such iconic personalities as Charlie Chaplin, Ingrid Bergmann, Coco Chanel as well as royalty, aristocracy and Presidents who came here to enjoy our treatments.

Because of this experience, today we can offer our international clients the excellent service they expect.” All Valmont Prestige SPAs offer the exclusive body and hair treatments with Valmont’s cellular anti-aging ingredients. Valmont also develops the SPA concept and oversees the training of personnel to embrace the Valmont philosophy and implement the unique services of the brand.

New Club Member: Hotel “Pan Deï Palais,” Saint Tropez Valmont has developed a unique intensive “Sun-Repair” treatment exclusively for its new member: A complete body and face care program that combines the restorative effects of the Valmont and Nature by Valmont products, to help repair sun damage and regenerate the skin. The peaceful and scenic setting of “Pan Deï Palais” in the heart of Saint-Tropez is one the best kept secrets. Inspired by the wonderful love affair between the Indian princess Bannu Pan Deï and the French General Jean-François Allard, “Pan Deï Palais” is as exquisite as it is private. The Valmont treatment can be enjoyed either in the luxurious cabins, in the private rooms or on board the Pan-Dei- yacht.

You’ll find a different world on the other side of the golden doors

On Sunday, January 4, 1959, a group of 12 women arrived at a converted, Spanish adobe-style motel, stepped through a pair of jeweled ‘golden’ doors, and into history. They paid approximately $250 - $300 for a weeklong spa experience and were the first guests to visit what is known today as the acclaimed Golden Door. Tens of thousands of guests would follow these women, eager to experience the first week-long spa program to combine fitness and beauty. The vision of Deborah Szekely – now widely acknowledged as the founder of the modern spa movement – the Golden Door was originally conceived as an intimate and luxurious sister spa to the Rancho La Puerto fitness resort in Mexico (founded by Szekely with her late husband, Professor Edmond Szekely in 1940).

Early Golden Door guests included Hollywood stars such as Debby Reynolds, Gloria Swanson, Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor, movie director Stanley Kramer, author and philosopher Alduous Huxley and fashion designer Bill Blass. In 1975 the Golden Door moved to its current location just one mile west of the original site; about 40 minutes north of San Diego. Built in the style of traditional Japanese honjin inns - designed to offer welcome and relaxation - the new facility was the first-ever purpose-built destination spa. Now welcoming up to 40 guests per week, the spa is dedicated to fostering a balance of mind, body and spirit through a complete, personalized well-being program that incorporates the latest therapies and technologies with proven techniques and concepts.

The sun rises over the koi pond

The spa’s 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio ensures an incomparable level of service and attention to detail, encouraging most guests – more than 60 percent – to return time-and-time again; any guests have visited 10, 20, even 50 times. Each day of the week-long stay is customized to meet each guests specific goals; hiking, fitness classes, mind/body pursuits, educational lectures, a healthy sprinkling of fun, and soothing and reviving spa therapies are carefully scheduled to ensure each individual the perfect spa visit; enabling them to attain balance within their own lives that is at the heart of the Golden Door’s philosophy.

A guest delights in the bliss of an Island Paradise Seashell massage

Golden Door Signature Citrus Blend Sea Salt Scrub with Avocado
An ambrosial treatment using the scrub, bath gel and shea butter from the Signature Citrus blend collection and a final application of Botanical Body Oil.

Golden Door Pineapple Scrub
A tropical sensation, using a combination of Golden Door’s Pineapple Collection and Botanical Body Oil and Moisturizer

Golden Door Botanical Body Scrub
Lavish application of the Botanical Collection: Bath & Shower Gel, Body Oil and Body Moisturizer - the “essential trio” – follow exfoliation with the Botanical Enzyme Scrub.

Golden Door Vitamin K and Ginkgo Biloba Protein Eye Masque
Golden Door’s Eye Gel with Vitamin K is applied around the eyes which are then covered with eye pads made from Ginkgo Biloba. While these go to work a pressure point facial and scalp massage lulls you to deep relaxation.

Golden Door Tranquility Facial
Depending on skin type, our Active Herbal or Green Tea masques are used as part of this stress-release facial.

Golden Door Signature Facial
Gentle exfoliation using Daily, Weekly Foaming Scrub (if appropriate for skin type) is followed by an oxygen facial masque and finished with a treatment of Golden Door’s Golden C serum.