My Top Picks for Hair, Body, and Face Products

Hair

Counter clockwise:

1. L'Oreal Total Repair Extreme Emergency Recovery Mask is probably one of the best hair masks I have ever tired. This very affordable option stumps even the big, expensive guns. For proof type this puppy into Google and watch how (practically) every website gives it five stars. 

2. Technically the Brazilian Blowout Acai Smoothing Serum is advertised to upkeep Brazilian blowouts, but did you know it can also be used on normal hair as a leave in conditioner. I was recommended this product by a high end hair salon stylist as a leave in cream for waves sans frizz, and it really works!

3. John Frieda Sheer Blonde Hair Spray is hands down my favorite hairspray. It leaves my hair shiny, smells amazing, and my hair doesn't feel like glue yet the hold is clearly evident! 

4. Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray is really good at concealing roots between hair coloring sessions. It's slightly more difficult to use when you have highlights, but it still gets the jobs done! Also feels and smells great!

5. Toni&Guy Smoothing Lotion was a purchase I made purely on accident-- it was on sale and I figured why not give it a try! I ended up loving it and it's now my go to product for creating subtle beach waves. Although there are countless beach waves sprays out there I have yet to find one which doesn't make your hair feel like straw. Just squeeze a dime size amount in your palm, rub between your hands, and scrunch the bottom of your hair ends; works like a charm! 

Face Skincare 

Counter clockwise: 

1. La Prairie 3 Minute Peel was previously a professional product which recently came on the market for personal use. By far the best exfoliator/mask/peel I have ever used. It leaves your skin incredibly clean and smooth! It is pricey, but unfortunately I have yet to find a less expensive alternative.

2. Mincer Retinol Night Cream is somewhat greasy and smells a little like grandma but works really well! Due to the consistency I only wear it at night (Retinol is suggested to be worn away from the sun regardless). I wake up feeling like a million bucks and this cream is only about $30! Quick skincare lesson-- retinol is the most powerful anti-aging ingredient by helping reduce wrinkles and boost collagen production. 

3. La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream smells delicious and is super light on the skin. When I give my face a break from wearing make-up this is my go-to face cream. 

4. Caudalie Vinexpert Firming Serum is very light so I consider this a perfect starter "firmer." I dab just a drop and rub onto the areas on the face which are susceptible to wrinkles. I follow up with my retinol cream. 

5 & 6. The La Prairie Swiss Ice Crystals Line is designed to target the first signs of aging. I use both the emulsion and eye cream as a duo on days I don't use the retinol cream and lifting serum; I switch off between the two routines.  

7. Royal Apothic Scrubbie Sugar Lip Scrub is amazing and makes your lips feel like you're channeling Rosie Huntington-Whiteley regardless of your lip size. 

8. Co Bigelow My Favorite Night Balm has the cutest packaging and is a savior for my lips! I wear it every night to hydrate my puckers. 

Body Skincare

Counter clockwise: 

1. The Somerset Toiletry Company Argan Oil Hydrating Salt Scrub leaves my skin super soft! I use it a couple of times a week with a bristle loofah and it really helps remove any oil or dead skin cells left on by lotion, perfume, sunscreen, etc. 

2. Thierry Mugler Angel Perfume is my absolute favorite, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Normally I wear it when I go out, as it is a little heavy for the daytime. 

3. Victoria's Secret Body Spray in "Beach" makes me feel like it's summer all year round. I get so many compliments on this scent and it's only $12! It's very fresh a citrus-y; perfect for the daytime! 

4. L'Occitane Lait Ultra Riche Cops is a great body lotion because it's hydrating and doesn't have a strong smell. Just a quality body cream which won't mask your perfume. 

5. Victoria's Secret Totally Flawless is an instant bronzing shimmer lotion. I put this on my legs and I see the difference right away! Some words of wisdom when using this cream: wait about 10 minutes before putting on clothes or sitting on furniture, or prepare to find beautiful brown streaks on your things.  

Make-up

Counter clockwise:

1. Physians Formula Bronze Booster in Medium/Dark leaves my skin shimmery and sun-kissed. Although I'm naturally fair skinned the lighter option is still too opaque for me, while the medium/dark gives a my skin a healthy glow but doesn't leave me orange. I also love that this bronzer has spf!

2 & 3. I switch off between the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light and the La Prairie foundation, depending on the occasion. The Estee Lauder is a little heavier so I normally use it for days I know I will not be able to reapply or fix my make-up. Although the La Prairie foundation stays on for most of the day the consistency is a little lighter on my skin. 

4. Nars Illuminator in Orgasm give my cheeks an instant glow and contour. Rub in the smallest amount on the highest point of your cheeks to avoid looking like a doll. I promise you will get at least one compliment a day!

5. Revlon Colorstay Skinny Liquid Eyeliner goes on smoothly, thinly, and so easy to apply! 

6. I came across MAC Zoom Lash after a long struggle for the perfect mascara. Granted there are better options out there for more lash drama but if you don't want to spend 20 minutes taking of your eye make-up this is your guy! Beautiful lashes and easily comes off with water!

7. Amen to La Prairie's Eyebrow Pencil! I dare you to find a better alternative. I speak as someone that decided to fix my own eyebrows in college with a disastrous result. After growing out just a bit, my brows still have not recovered 7 years later. After testing (close to) every product on the market I came across this gem which saved me! The applicator is just the right thickness to create a natural brow and the color is perfect for me (they have a total of three colors to choose from). 

Anti-Aging Advice and Tips with Celebrity Esthetician Luba Shapiro!

Top by Timing. Skirt by Forever 21. Shoes by Zara. Bag by Aldo. 

As a 20 year veteran in the skincare industry, Luba Shapiro knows a thing or two about beautiful skin or at least how to get it there. Featured in numerous publications, she has treated celebrities as well as educated many young women and men on the importance and basics of healthy skin. With expertise in skincare treatment and technique, she is also a product knowledge expert. Here is some of her skincare advice to young women and men.

ATR: What is your advice for anti-aging care in your 20's vs. your 30's? 

Luba: In your 20's I would be more concerned with keeping your skin clean and fresh. You can use a little eye cream, but I wouldn't develop a rigorous routine just yet. In your 30's it is important to incorporate an anti-aging moisturizer and a potent eye cream. As for the strong treatments such as Botox and fillers, I would hold off until your 40's and 50's. Most importantly for both age groups, try and get regular facials and do not forget to take care of your skin at home. A healthy lifestyle and no smoking are also important rules to follow! 

ATR: What is a good age to start anti-aging and how do you start?

Luba: Late 20's is a good time to start. If you have dry skin then mid 20's are a good time to invest in a rich moisturizer. For oily skin, you could wait a little longer. Eye cream you can use at any age-- it wouldn't hurt. 

ATR: Do you have any favorite brands? 

Luba: There are a lot of products on the market right now. You can always ask for samples and see what works best for your skin type. 

ATR: What are some of the new and popular skincare treatments currently on the market?

Luba: People are trying a lot more dermatological treatments. It is not a bad idea to try these things in your 40's, but for young women and men I would not recommend this.  

ATR: What is your advice for young women and men who want to have beautiful skin like celebrities but cannot afford the same products? 

Luba: I always tell my clients it is very important to maintain and upkeep at home. If possible get regular facials, but if not try and do weekly exfoliation, daily cleansing, and keep up a healthy lifestyle at home. Speak to an esthetician or skincare expert regarding the best products for your skin and create a routine for yourself. 

ATR: What is your advice for people who live in California and Arizona and like to be in the sun? 

Luba: You have to be careful about how much time you spend in the sun. First, it causes wrinkles but most importantly too much sun is bad for the skin. However, I am one of those people that believes 10-15 minutes a day of sun is not a bad idea. A daily stroll outside gives you a nice glow and a dose of Vitamin D. Excessive sun is never good, and always put sunscreen on when on vacation or planning to spend a long period of time outside. Moderation is important to remember with sun exposure regardless of how much sunscreen you apply. 

ATR: How did you decided to become an esthetician? 

Luba: When I was 18 I had some problems with my skin-- mainly little bumps. Like many young women I always wanted to have healthy, glowing skin. This was many years ago in Ukraine, but I was able to find an esthetician who saved my skin! She did a lot of peels for me to be able to get rid of any breakouts, and she taught me what I have to do at home to be able to take care of it. Because of her, I now have beautiful skin. This was basically my inspiration. Her knowledge and the opportunity to help other people made me want to become an esthetician. 

ATR: What is your favorite part about your job? 

Luba: To help women look good and be happy about themselves and their skin. 

ATR: What is your least favorite part about your job?

Luba: I am lucky because I enjoy every aspect of my job. I love meeting people and educating them on skincare. My only advice to others is to find a work life balance, this is what helps me appreciate my job and stay enthusiastic about it. 

Luba currently works at "Ma Maison de Beaute," a fabulous skincare salon on the corner of Robertson Blvd. and Rosewood Ave. For those who are unfamiliar with Robertson Ave., it is a trendy street full of shops and restaurants in the heart of West Hollywood. A mecca of style and beauty, it is a popular hangout for celebrities and trendsetters as well their arch nemesis-- the paparazzi. 

Tucked away on Rosewood Ave. the salon appears to be a chic cottage one could find as inspiration on Pinterest. On the inside, it is filled with understated luxury and serenity likewise Pinterest worthy. It offers both skincare salon services as well cosmetic dermatology. Although I love all the ladies who work here, I can't thank Luba enough for keeping my skin absolutely flawless, and because she's my mom! 

Hotel Bel-Air Spa by La Prairie

(The last photo is from genlux.com. View of the Enclave private patio). 

Last week I was lucky enough to experience the Diamond Perfection Body Treatment at the exquisite Hotel Bel Air Spa by La Prairie. Just the name of this service oozes luxury. Needless to say the treatment itself was absolutely divine. Beginning with an invogarating body scrub and polish, the service is completed with a caviar cream massage. The tranquility of the spa helps completely soothe the mind, and you leave feeling as a new person even if you just came for a quick mani.

A few of my other favorite treatments include the La Prairie Signature Facial with added CACI micro current (this facial is only offered at La Prairie spas and a some European spas and the results are unprecedented), and the Healthy Habits Package (a 60 minute massage and facial followed by tea service and vegan and gluten free snacks on a private patio).

The hotel itself was renovated a few years ago, and in my opinion evolved into the most prestigious and innovative hotel in Los Angeles. Tucked away in the upscale area of Bel Air, this resort-like property is beyond beautiful and private. It also serves as a perfect location for a staycation, because it literally feels like you're no longer in LA. Or you can just spend the whole day at the spa, which happens to be the only Five Star Spa in Los Angeles.